and no one was left behind (1) in Medina—apart from women and children—except one who had a valid excuse or was disobedient.

The statement (2) of one who says, “This is in the same position as that, and this is like that,” amounts to likening one thing to another. Such a comparison applies according to what the context indicates and does not entail equality in every respect. Consider what is established in the two Sahih collections from the Prophet’s words—peace and blessings be upon him—in the hadith concerning the captives: when he consulted Abū Bakr, he advised ransom, and when he consulted Umar, he advised that they be put to death.

He said: “I shall tell you about your two companions (3). Your case, Abū Bakr, is like that of Abraham when he said, ‘Whoever follows me is of me, and whoever disobeys me—You are indeed All-Forgiving, Most Merciful’ (Surah Abraham: 36); and like that of Jesus when he said, ‘If You punish them, they are Your servants; and if You forgive them, You are indeed the Almighty, the All-Wise’ (Surah al-Mā’idah: 118). Your case, Umar, is like that of Noah when he said, ‘My Lord, leave not one of the disbelievers dwelling upon the earth’ (Surah Noah: 26); and like (4) that of Moses when he said, ‘Our Lord, obliterate their wealth and harden their hearts so that they will not believe until they see the painful punishment.’” (Surah Jonah: 88) (5).

Thus, his saying to Abū Bakr, “Your case is like that (6) of Abraham and Jesus,” and to Umar, “like that of Noah and Moses,” is greater than his saying, “You are to me as Aaron was to Moses”; for Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus are greater than Aaron. He likened these two to them, yet he did not