what came before it, a detailed explanation of all things, and guidance and mercy for people who believe.”
Allah Most High said:
“And We have sent down to you the Book as a clarification of all things, and as guidance, mercy, and good tidings for the Muslims.”
Allah Most High said:
“Mankind was one community. Then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of good tidings and warnings, and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between people concerning their differences.”
Allah Most High said:
“By Allah, We certainly sent messengers to nations before you, but Satan made their deeds seem fair to them. He is their ally today, and they will have a painful punishment.”
“We have sent down the Book to you only so that you may clarify for them what they differed over, and as guidance and mercy for people who believe.”
Thus, He—glorified be He—has explained that He sent down the Book to him only so that he might clarify for them what they differed over. Likewise, He has explained that He sent down Scripture with the prophets to judge between people concerning their differences.
Allah Most High said:
“Whatever you differ over, its judgment rests with Allah. Such is Allah, my Lord; in Him I put my trust, and to Him I turn.”
Allah Most High said:
“Allah would not cause a people to go astray after guiding them until He has made clear to them what they must avoid.”
He has therefore made clear to the Muslims everything they must avoid, as He said:
“He has already explained to you in detail what He has forbidden you, except that which you are compelled to eat.”
Allah Most High said:
“If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger.”
This means referring it to the Book of Allah or to the Messenger’s Sunnah after his death. His words, “If you disagree,” express a condition, and the verb is indefinite within a conditional construction. Thus, whatever they disagree over, they must refer it to Allah and the Messenger. And if the clarification from Allah were not