for they do not befit a prophet, nor even an intelligent human being, let alone the prophets—peace be upon them all.
In summary, what appears in their books falls into two principal categories. First: whatever God has related to us in the Quran or the Messenger of God—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—has conveyed to us; this is sound and fully acceptable. Second: whatever they themselves have transmitted. This latter category can take one of three forms:
- Our law testifies to its falsehood—then we must declare it false and reject it.
- Our law testifies to its truth—then we affirm and accept it on account of that testimony.
- Our law neither confirms nor denies it—then we must withhold judgment, for they are not trustworthy and their reports are prone to lies, distortion, addition, and omission.
His phrase, “and His messengers,” represents the fourth pillar. Messengers are human beings whom Allah sent to His creation, appointing them as intermediaries between Himself and His servants for the conveyance of His revealed laws. They are born of father and mother, save Jesus son of Mary—peace be upon him—whom Allah created from a mother without a father. Allah sent them as a mercy to His slaves and to establish the proof against them, as He says: “Indeed, We have revealed to you just as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him … messengers bringing good news and warning so that people may have no argument against Allah after the messengers” (Quran 4:163–165).
They are many in number: the first of them is Noah and the last of them is Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The evidence is Allah’s statement: “Indeed, We have revealed to you just as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him” (Quran 4:163). It has also been authentically reported