The Nation of the Second Message: The Muslims
The discussion of Muhammad’s two messages has been extensive. It was stated that he delivered both [messages] in the sense that he delivered the Qur'an and lived his life, but he elaborated the first message in detail while summarizing the second. This is highlighted in the verse: “And We have sent down to you the Reminder so that you may clarify to the people what has been revealed to them, and so that they may reflect” (16: 44)
And we have said that both messages are contained and conveyed in "And We have sent down to you the Reminder", but the first message was commanded to be explained in detail in "so that you may clarify to the people what has been revealed to them."
For example, part of what was “sent down” (more relevant to the second message) is the verse: “They ask you what they should spend. Say, ‘The excess [that beyond your immediate needs].’” (2: 219)
This forms the basis for the encouragement of charity in the first message.
Part of what was “revealed” (more relevant to the first message) is the verse: “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (9: 103)
This forms the basis for the institution of zakat (charity) in the first message.
Another example of what was “sent down” (more relevant to the second message) is: “O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].” (3: 102)
This reflects the rank of Muslims. When they [the Belivers] were unable to attain this level, the following was “revealed” to them: “So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in the way of Allah]; it is better for yourselves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is they who will be successful.” (64: 16)
This pertains to the first message and reflects the rank of Believers, as previously mentioned.
There are many verses that could be cited. For instance, part of what was “sent down” is: “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong.” (2: 256)
And the part that was “revealed” was: “Then kill the polytheists wherever you find them.” (9: 5)
I wish to remind the reader always to note the distinction between the words “sent down” (unzila) and “revealed” (nuzzila), as frequently used here, derived from the verse: “And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.” (16: 44)
