“His companion said to him while conversing with him, ‘Do you disbelieve in Him who created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop?’” [Surah al-Kahf: 37]—and the rest of the verse.

The reply is as follows:

It is well known that, in ordinary language, the word “companion” applies to anyone who keeps another’s company. The word alone does not indicate whether he is that person’s friend or enemy, a believer or a disbeliever; that depends on the accompanying context.

Allah Most High said:

“And the companion at your side and the traveller.” [Surah al-Nisā’: 36]

This includes a travelling companion and a wife, and does not indicate either faith or disbelief (1).

Likewise, Allah Most High said:

“By the star when it descends, your companion has neither strayed nor erred.” [Surah al-Najm: 1, 2]

And He said:

“And your companion is not mad.” [Surah al-Takwīr: 22]

The one meant here is Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—because he has kept company with human beings. For if he has kept their company, he shares enough with them to enable them to transmit from him the revelation he has received, to hear his words, and to understand their meanings. This is unlike an angel who has not kept their company, from whom they cannot receive instruction.

This also implies that he is a human being of their own kind (2). More specifically, he is an Arab who speaks their language, as Allah Most High said:

“There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves; grievous to him” [Surah al-Tawbah: 128].

And He said:

“We have not sent any messenger except in the language of his people.” [Surah Ibrāhīm: 4]

For if he has kept their company, he has learned their language and is able