The Messenger believes in what was revealed to him from his Lord and the believers; each one believes in God and His angels and in His Books and His messengers “we make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say “We hear and obey; Your forgiveness our Lord; to You is the homecoming.” This is the testimony of faith shahāda of the Real سبحانه on behalf of His Prophet ﷺ and that is more perfect for him than his speaking for himself. It is said that all created beings believe through demonstrative proof burhān while the Messenger عليه السلام believes through eyewitnessing ʿiyān. It is said that created beings believe through intermediaries while Muḥammad ﷺ believes without any intermediary. It is said that this was the address of the Real with him on the night of the ascension miʿrāj and indicates respect for [his] rank: He said “The Messenger believes” not “You [Muḥammad] believe” just as one says to an important person “the Shaykh said...” rather than “you said....” It is said that both the Messenger and the believers believe in God His angels His books and His messengers but what a difference between one faith and another! All [believers] believe by being shown the way but you O Muḥammad believe through arrival.
