ibn al-Tayyib, al-Qādī Abū Ya'lā, the scholar Abū al-Ma'ālī al-Juwaynī, and others. Likewise, His words, exalted is He:

“Muhammad is no more than a messenger; messengers had passed away before him.”

This means that he will not remain in this world forever, immune to death or being killed. Rather, he may die or be killed, just as his fellow messengers could:

“If he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heels?”

This verse was revealed on the day of Uhud, when it was said that Muhammad had been killed. Al-Siddīq recited it on the day the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, died. He said: “Whoever worshipped Muhammad, Muhammad has died. But whoever worshipped Allah, Allah is Ever-Living and never dies.” He then recited this verse. It was as though the people had never heard it until Abū Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, recited it; thereafter, everyone could be heard reciting it.

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As for His words, exalted is He:

“The believers are only those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned,”

and the rest of the verse, Allah affirms faith for these people and denies it to others, just as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, denied it to those mentioned in the hadiths, such as his saying:

“The adulterer is not a believer while committing adultery; the thief is not a believer while stealing; and one who drinks wine is not a believer while drinking it. So beware—beware!”

Likewise, his saying:

“There is no faith in one who cannot be trusted, and no religion in one who does not keep his covenant.”

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