and the righteous as well, for if the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) could not ward off harm from himself and possessed no share in deciding matters, then others are, a fortiori, even less able.

Lessons derived from the ḥadīth:

1. The invalidity of associating partners with Allah by venerating saints and righteous people; if the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) controls nothing of the affair, others most certainly do not.
2. Bodily ailments and trials befall the prophets, peace be upon them.
3. Worship must be devoted exclusively to Allah, for He alone has authority over all matters.
4. Patience and the endurance of harm and hardship for the sake of calling people to Allah are prescribed.
5. It is forbidden to despair of Allah’s mercy, even if one has committed every sin short of shirk.