We have discussed this at length elsewhere and explained that the religion of all the prophets, from Noah to the Messiah, was Islam. Thus, when Islam began as something strange, no other religion was acceptable. Indeed, in the authentic hadith narrated by ‘Iyād ibn Himār, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“Allah looked upon the people of the earth and detested them—Arabs and non-Arabs alike—except for some remaining followers of the Scripture.”

The hadith continues. Nor does this imply that, when Islam becomes strange, those who hold fast to it will fare badly. Rather, such a person is the most fortunate of people, as the Prophet said at the end of the hadith:

“So glad tidings to the strangers.”

Tūbā (“glad tidings”) is derived from the word for goodness. Allah Most High says:

“Bliss shall be theirs, and a beautiful place of return.”

For such a person will be like the earliest forerunners who followed Islam when it was strange. They are the most fortunate of people. In the Hereafter, they hold the highest ranks after the prophets, peace be upon them. As for this world, Allah Most High says:

“O Prophet, Allah is sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you.”

That is, Allah is sufficient for you and sufficient for your followers. Allah Most High also says:

“Indeed, my Protector is Allah, who sent down the Book, and He protects the righteous.”

And Allah Most High says:

“Is not