for this to be sent down (1) upon the companion without the one he accompanied, or upon the one he accompanied without his constant companion (2). Since this could not happen to either without the other sharing in it, He used a singular pronoun and made it refer to the Messenger, for he is the principal person intended, while his companion follows him.

Had He said, “Then He sent down tranquility upon them both and supported them both,” this would have suggested that Abū Bakr shared in prophethood, as Aaron did with Moses, concerning whom He said:

“We will strengthen you through your brother and grant you both authority,” to the end of the verse. [Surah al-Qasas: 35]

And He said:

“Indeed, We bestowed Our favor upon Moses and Aaron; and We delivered them and their people from great distress; and We helped them, so they were victorious; and We gave them both the clear Scripture; and We guided them both to the straight path.” [Surah al-Sāffāt: 114–118]

He first mentioned the two of them together with their people regarding what their people shared with them (3), just as He said:

“Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers.” [Surah al-Fath: 26]

For nothing in the wording implies that their people would receive deliverance and victory if the two of them were granted victory and delivered. Then, regarding what was exclusive to the two of them, He referred to them using the dual form. When they shared in prophethood, He did not single out Moses as the Lord singled Himself out in His words:

“But Allah and His Messenger are more worthy that they should please Him.” [Surah al-Tawbah: 62]

And His words:

“More beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His cause.” [Surah al-Tawbah: 24]

Thus, had He said, “Allah sent down His tranquility upon them both and supported them both,” this would have suggested a partnership. Rather, the pronoun referred to the Messenger, whom his companion followed; supporting him necessarily meant supporting his companion, who followed him and remained constantly by his side.