those destined for bliss are those who affirm Allah’s oneness, while the polytheists are those destined for misery. He also makes clear that those who do not believe in the messengers are polytheists. Thus, affirming Allah’s oneness and believing in the messengers are inseparable, as is belief in the Last Day: all three are inseparable. This is why they are mentioned together in such statements as:

“Do not follow the desires of those who deny Our signs, who do not believe in the Hereafter, and who set up equals to their Lord.”

In several passages, He tells us that the divine message has extended to all the children of Adam. These three foundations—affirming Allah’s oneness, believing in His messengers, and believing in the Last Day—are therefore inseparable. This is why He, glorified be He, says:

“Thus We have appointed for every prophet enemies—devils from humankind and jinn”—through to His words: “and so that they may commit whatever they commit.”

He tells us that all the prophets have enemies: devils from humankind and jinn who inspire one another with embellished speech—that is, speech made attractive and appealing—with which they deceive. Deception means disguising and misrepresenting the truth. Such is the nature of every statement and deed that opposes what the messengers brought, whether from speculative theologians or others, in earlier or later generations. Then He says:

“And so that the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter may incline towards it.”

Thus, opposing the messengers and failing to believe in the Hereafter are inseparable. Whoever does not believe in the Hereafter lends an ear to the embellished speech of their enemies and consequently opposes the messengers. This can be seen among the various kinds of disbelievers and hypocrites within this community and elsewhere. This is why He Most High says:

“We have certainly brought them a Book which We have explained in detail with knowledge”—through to His words: “Are they waiting for anything but its fulfillment? On the Day