Naboovat

Nabuwwat - Prophethood

The third basic belief in Islam is prophethood.

It means that Allah Subhanahu taala has sent His messengers to teach mankind about the

purpose of their creation.

The Divine scheme of sending the prophets was that no one should be left out without

Divine teachings. For this reason the first man on the ear th i.e. Hazrat Adam himself was a

prophet. Then Allah Subhanahu taala sent prophets to all nations and all communities to

preach.

Definition of Prophethood

Prophethood has been defined by a great Alim, Allama Hilli, as the Prophet is the person

who reports from Allah Taala without any human mediation.”

ALLAH âž¥ PROPHET âž¥ PEOPLE

What is the meaning of Nabi and Rasul ?

In Islamic terminology two different words are used for messenger of Allah Taala.

1 - Prophet [Nabi]

2 - Apostle [Rasul]

A Messenger of Allah can be a Nabi [Prophet] or a Rasul [Apostle] or both Nabi and Rasul

at a time.

Nabi [Prophet]

Nabi is an Arabic word, which has been derived from the word, Naba, meaning, True News

of great importance.

In Arabic language, the word naba is not used for ordinary news (Khabar), but is applied to

a news which is absolutely true (confirmed truth) and a news of great value. Thus, the word

Naba refers to a great and true news.

Now we can easily explain the meaning of Nabi which is as follows;

The Nabi [Prophet] is a truth-speaking person who receives the truthful news of high value

from Allah Taala and conveys it to people.

Thus, we can say that the Nabi is an exalted and high-ranking person who has an assignment

from Allah Subhanahu taala to communicate with His servants on His behalf.

Rasul [Apostle]

Rasul is also an Arabic word which is derived from the word, Risalat, meaning, to send.

Thus, the meaning of Rasul is, one who is sent from Allah.

In Islamic terminology, both Nabi and Rasul are the most high-ranking people chosen by

Allah Subhanahu taala to guide the mankind.

What is the difference between Rasool and Nabi ?

After knowing the terminological meanings of Rasul and Nabi, it is also impor tant to

understand the difference of these two great positions.

The Quran has used both the words, Nabi and Rasul, which shows that there were two kinds

of messengers.

1 - Some of the messengers were Nabi only.

2 - Some messengers were both Nabi and Rasool.

The difference between Rasul and Nabi is that,

1- A Rasul was a messenger of Allah who was given a new Shariat (codes of law) from Him.

And a Nabi was also the messenger of Allah, but he was not given any new Shariat and

followed the shariat of earlier Rasul.

Sheikh Mufid, a great scholar of Islam writes in his book, Awa’il al-Maqalat, every

messenger is a prophet [Nabi], but not every Prophet is a Rasul [Apostle].

All Rasules were Nabi but all Nabis were not Rasuls.

2- A Prophet is always a Nabi by birth, but a prophet become Rasul when he officially

receives the post and declares it. For example, our Prophet Muhammad (sws) was Nabi

by birth, but became Rasul when he officially got and delivered the message of Risalat at

the age of 40.

3- The Rasul [Apostle] receives the message from Allah Taala in many different manners such

as, vision during sleep, direct communication with angels when he is awake. i.e., he can

see and speak to the angels during communication of Divine message.

But the Nabi [prophet] differs from the Rasul in that he does not see the angels when

awake but sees during sleep.

4- The Rasul is higher in rank than a Nabi.

Out of 25 Prophets mentioned in the Holy Quran, or among 124000 Nabis, Five were Rasul, and

are called Ulu l-azm prophets, meaning those who possess a quality of determination and firmness.

The five Rasuls and Ulul-azm Prophets are:

1 - Hazrat Nooh (as)

2 - Hazrat Ibrahim (as)

3 - Hazrat Musa (as)

4 - Hazrat Isa (as)

5 - Hazrat Muhammad (sws)

Prophet Nooh(as) was given a Shari’ah which was followed by other prophets up to the

time of Hazrat Ibrahim(as).

Prophet Ibrahim(as) was given a Shari’ah which remained in force up to the time of Hazrat

Musa. i.e., Hazrat Yaqub, Hazrat Lut, Hazrat Yousuf (as) etc. followed the Shariat of

Ibrahim.

Prophet Musa(as) was given a new Shari’ah which was followed by all the prophets of Bani

Israel until the time of Hazrat Isa (as).

Prophet Isa (as) was given a new Shariat which remained in force upto the time of the Holy

Prophet.

Prophet Muhammad (sws) was given the last and the most perfect Shariat which will

remain in force up to the last working day of the world.

The Shariat -e- Muhammadi can never be changed as Prophet Muhammed (sws) is the last

prophet and no prophet will come after him.

Our Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (sws) has the highest position and rank among all the

Prophets.

What was the special work of Prophets ?

The Holy Quran precisely tells the responsibility of the Prophet towards his nation.

It is He Who sent forth among the unlettered an apostle of their own to recite to them

His revelations, to purify them, and to instruct them in the scriptures and wisdom, - (62:2)

From this verse of the Holy Quran, we arrive at a conclusion that there were four main

assignments of the prophet. No other person except a Divine agent is capable to do these

works.

1 - To guide the mankind to the right path.

2 - To inform the people about the unseen and hidden realities which they can never know

or perceive by themselves.

3 - To purify their souls and to develop their morals of Divine standard.

4 - To certify the actions of people on the day of judgment.

1st assignment of the Prophet - to guide the people.

This was the first and the main duty of all the prophets.

To do this work efficiently and adequately, Allah Taala gave the prophets, both theoretical

book [core concepts] and Practical book [ Shariah - complete codes of ideal life].

All actions and activities of the Prophets were totally according to the Divine Will. In this way

the life of the Prophet itself was an open book.

All Prophets taught their respective nations all essential things that are necessary for a

meaningful life in this world and for the ultimate success of the eternal world.

2nd assignment - To inform the people about the hidden and unseen

realities.

This was the second important work of the Prophets.

There are many facts and truths which are totally beyond the human reach. Man can never

know them unless a reliable person from God tells and explains these facts.

3rd assignment - to purify the souls and to develop high morals.

This is the third important duty of the Prophets.

Quran declares the prophethood as a great favor of Allah Taala to mankind and a source of

His unlimited mercy.

O mankind: there has come to you a direction from your Lord for the (to cure disease)

heart - and for those who believe, a guidance and a mercy.” (10:57)

4th assignment - to certify the actions of the people on the Day of

Judgment.

Quran informs us that on the day of Judgment, the Prophets and their true successors, Imam,

will be asked to give full reports of their nation.

One day We shall call together all human beings with their (respective) Imams: those

who are given their record in their right hand will read it (with pleasure), and they will

not be dealt with unjustly in the least.” (17:71)

Characteristic features of Prophets.

Apart from many other characteristic features, all prophets have five things in common.

1 - All prophets were appointed by Allah Subhanahu taala and none of them was selfappointed or appointed by the public.

2 - All prophets were infallible and perfect human beings. No angel was sent as Nabi or

Rasul. All prophets were males. No woman was appointed by Allah as a Nabi or Rasul.

3 - All Prophets were endowed with some kinds of distinct signs.

4 - All prophets taught the basic beliefs of Islam, i.e., There is no god but Allah who has no

partner (Tawhid ) and that there is a day of Judgment when each person will get reward

according to his/her deeds.

5 - All prophets successfully completed their task.

Let’s discuss the characteristics of the Prophets in the light of the Holy Quran.

Appointment of the Prophet.

All prophets were appointed by the Allah Subhanahu Taala, and none out of the 124000

messengers, was a self-appointed or public’s nominee.

Why Allah should appoint the Prophet is a self-explanatory fact. The nature of Prophet’s

work clearly demands that he should be appointed by Allah and not by the public or by

himself. This rule will also apply on the successor of the Prophet.

The Prophets are the chosen people who are capable of receiving Divine guidance from the

invisible world and communicating it to the people living in the physical world. They are the

most trustworthy, selfless and unchanging people. It is Allah alone who can judge who is fit

to do this job and, hence, fit to be a Prophet.

Quran attests this rule;

Allah knows best whom to entrust with His message.” (6:124)

He is taught by one who is mighty in power, and vigorous.” (53:5)

Thus, no ordinary person, be he a very intelligent and knowledgeable, can qualify this

criterion except the one who is appointed by Allah, Who is Almighty.

The infallibility of the Prophets - [Ismat ul-anmbiya]

Another distinguishing feature of the Prophets of Allah is that they were all infallible and

perfect human beings.

The Arabic word to express this unique quality is, Ismat, meaning, immunity from committing

a sin or making a mistake.

Thus, every action of the Prophet is always accurately correct and can not be questioned

for verification.

Quran has ascertained that prophets never do anything out of their own desire or under any

pressure. They always strictly follow Allah’s Commandments, whether they do anything in

private or in public.

He does not speak out of his own desire.” (53:3)

Another strong proof of infallibility of the Prophet is that Allah Taala has asked all mankind to

follow the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (sws) without any reservation. This Divine

command in itself is a valid proof that His prophets always do the right things, and there is

no chance of any kind of error.

Say: if you do love Allah, follow me. Allah will love you.” (3:31)

Thus, from the Quran and also by common sense, the Prophet is totally free from all kinds

of indecencies and human errors.

What is a difference between Prophet and a common man.

In physical appearance, all prophets (Nabis, Rasuls and Imams) were like common human

beings. They all have the same body as we have, same needs as we have, i.e., they used to

eat food, they used to drink water, they used to sleep and rest, they married, they had

children, they died after certain age etc.

But despite these many common characteristics, all Prophets were highly elevated souls with

special signs and extraordinary characters.

Quran has described this unique combination of similarity and difference of the Prophet’s

personality.

Say: I am only a man like you, (but) it is revealed unto me that your God is but one

God.” (18:110)

From this verse of the Holy Quran, we can infer two impor tant facts of their personality.

that in general physical appearance, Prophet is not different from common human beings,

but he is wholly like them.

but with all this bodily resemblance, he also receives Divine revelations.

This additional and exceptional quality of the Prophet, i.e., capability of communicating with

God (there is no god but Allah Taala), which no ordinary human being can do, makes him

indescribably higher than all human beings. This difference is beyond any imagination.

This exceptional quality of the prophet, i.e., prominently like a common man but remarkably

different from man, is not a mystery or unusual. We can explain it rationally and scientifically

with the following few examples.

Similarity and dissimilarity of diamond and charcoal.

Every student of chemistry knows this fact very well that pure carbon occurs in nature in four

entirely different forms - diamond, graphite, carbon black (amorphous carbon) and fullerenes.

This means that as far as the chemical composition of carbon black (charcoal) and diamond

is concerned, they both are utterly the same. Diamond is made up of almost entirely of

carbon. And black charcoal (common wood charcoal) consist of mainly carbon.

So, there is no dispute or argument when we say that diamond and wood charcoal are

basically the same (pure carbon), but remarkably different in value and wor th.

This is a scientific fact which no one can deny. But, can we exchange diamond with coal ?

Can we present a wedding ring made up of black charcoals to our newly married wife

telling her that basically it is the same as diamond?

Despite the basic similarity of origin (i.e., both are basically carbon), diamond and charcoal

are totally different.

Diamond is extremely costly and charcoal is petty cheap. Diamond is the hardest and most

lasting substance while charcoal is easily breakable and powdery.

Exactly in the same way, we can understand the similarity and difference of the prophets,

Imams, and common people. They all are basically the same - humans, but remarkably

different in character and values.

If anyone quotes the above verse of the Quran and say that Prophets and Imams are just like

us, than they are not acting sensibly and lacking the knowledge about the facts on the

prophets and Imams.

Apart from this pure scientific argument, we can also show great differences among the

people living around us. Some are highly educated, intelligent and extremely rich while

others are uneducated, dull, and badly poor. Basically, they all are the same, but in actuality,

there is a world of difference.

Why Prophets were human beings and not the angels?

This question was asked by the people of many Prophets. Quran has given a very rational

explanation to this argument.

Nothing prevents men from having faith when guidance is revealed to them but the

excuse : Why Allah has sent human being as an apostle ?

Say : Had the earth been safe place for angels to dwell in, We would have sent forth to

them an angel from heaven as an apostle.” (17:94)

The answer is very simple and clear.

A beautiful explanation of this queston has been given by M.J. Chirri in his monumentle book

‘Inquiries about Islam’, which says;

A prophet is an example to mankind. He should share with them the same nature, the same

ability, and the same limitation. An attractive example to the prophet must be obtainable. It

must have the capability of including the people to follow it. Should the prophet be from a

different nature, people will not attempt to follow his example. A relative perfection shown

by a prophet should be possible for his followers. Should a human being show me a high

degree of virtuous life, I may be tempted to try to attain that degree. He and I are humans.

What is possible for him is possible for me. But if an angel shows me a high degree of

morality, I may not attempt to follow his example. What is possible for him may be

impossible foe me; he is not from the same nature.

There is another reason to believe that mankind should receive human prophets: We have

advanced that a prophet is expected to substantiate his truthfulness by showing people

unusual performance. By doing so, people would know that he is empowered by God

because what he does is beyond his natural ability. This will not work if the prophet is not

human, let us say an Angel. A human prophet may, for example, show his truthfulness by

taking an unaided flight. Should an angel do the same, it will not demonstrate his natural

ability, since he may not be affected naturally by gravitation.

Indeed (there) is for you in the Apostle of Allah (Muhammad sws) an excellent pattern

(of conduct).

Miracles - visible sign of prophethood.

When a person makes a claim, it is his duty to give a satisfactory proof in support of his

claim. For example, when the ambassador, who is the nation’s highest-ranking diplomat in

the country, arrives to take charge of his office, he first delivers authentic papers cer tifying

his position. The government of that country will never entertain any person in that capacity

unless he shows valid credentials as an evidence of his candidacy for that position.

The same rule applies for prophethood.

Thus, if a person claims that he is the Prophet of God, it is his religious duty to show

satisfactory evidence in support of his statement.

In Islamic terminology, such an evidence is known as miracle or Ayat, meaning sign of

prophethood.

Quran confirms that, every Prophet sent by Allah Taala was endowed with some kind of

supernatural power by means of which he was able to demonstrate one or more miracles

to prove his prophethood.

What is the difference between Prophet and a scientist

There is a sharp difference between a scientist and the Prophet. In fact, there is no

comparison. However, for the sake of understanding the unparalleled position of the

Prophet, few basic differences are being mentioned here.

1- A Prophet demonstrates miracles to prove his prophethood. A miracle is a cer tain act

which can puzzle the people and that act can not be done by anyone else.

A scientist can also demonstrate something which  can puzzle the people, but that act

can be performed by many other scientists of his caliber. No scientist has ever shown

anything which was impossible by other scientist to perform.

2- The Prophet tells about the future or about the unseen which has never been proved

wrong.

Scientists also tell many things about future on the basis of cer tain knowledge and

experiments, but many of their repor ts have been proved wrong by other scientists.

3- Scientists have extraordinary talent, sharp memory, and incredible thinking faculties.

They have designed Electron microscope of tremendous magnifying power to see an

object as small as 1/ 250,000,000 inch. They have also designed high power telescope

to see extremely distant objects.Scientists can see with these powerful tools of

penetrating eyes, inside the invisible atom and the outermost galaxy.

But despite these powerful instruments at their disposal, they can not see what happens

inside the grave, and what will happen after the death.

Whereas, the Prophets have a quite different power - that is of receiving the absolutely

accurate news from a totally invisible world — a world which will always remain outside

the range of highly sophisticated telescope or microscope.

All great prophets were given some kind of miracle to establish their authority over the

people of their nation. These miracle were in accordance with the specialization of their

time. For example, Hazrat Musa was given the miracle of serpent to beat the magician who

were specialist in camouflaging the ropes as snakes. Hazrat Isa was bestowed with a miracle

of giving life to the dead people, and curing the born blinds. In his time, the Greek medicine

was at its peak.

The miracle of the Holy Prophet (sws) - The Quran - is a miracle for all nations that will

emerge from time to time until the Doomsday. Thus, Quran will remain a challenge in every

field of study and every sphere of specialization.

Thus, the scientists can do a lot of useful work if they wholehear tedly recognize the

Prophets as their teachers.

Basic message of all Prophets -Tawhid and Day of Judgment.

Quran has confirmed that the basic message of all the Prophets was the same. This shows

that there has been only one single religion, Islam, from the beginning.

Those to whom We have given the Book rejoice at what hath been revealed unto thee:

but there are among the clans those who reject a part thereof. Say: I am commanded

to worship Allah, and not to join partners with Him. Unto Him do I call, and unto Him is

my return. (13:36)

Hazrat Nooh(as) taught his nation about Tawhid and the Day of Judgment.

We sent Nooh to his people(with a mission), I have come to you with a warning : that

you serve none but Allah. Verily I do fear for you the penalty of a grievous day.” (11:26)

Prophet Ibrahim (as) conveyed the message of Tauhid to his people.

And Ibrahim said to his people: serve Allah and fear Him: that will be best for you if

you understand.” (29:16)

Prophet Hud gave the same message to his nation.

To the Ad people (we sent) Hud, one of their brethren, He said: O my people!

worship Allah! you have no other god but Him”. (11:50)

Hazrat Saleh reminded the same message of Tawhid to his people.

To the Thamud People (We sent) Salih, one of their own brethren. He said: O my

people! Worship Allah: ye have no other god but Him. It is He Who hath produced you

from the earth and settled you therein: then ask forgiveness of Him, and turn to Him (in

repentance): for my Lord is (always) near, ready to answer.” (11:61)

Hazrat Shu’ayb revised the same lesson of Tawhid during his time.

To the Madyan people (we sent) Shu’ayb, one of their brethen: he said: O my people!

worship Allah: You have no other god but Him.”(11:84)

Hazrat Yusuf reminded the same message of Tawhid.

I don’t follow the ways of people who don’t believe in Allah and deny the Day of

Judgment. I follow the ways of my fathers - Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Yaqoob. We must never

serve any beside Allah.” (12:37,38)

The command is for none but Allah: He has commanded that you worship none but Him:

that is the right religion, but most men don’t understand” (13:40)

Hazrat Musa was given the same message to deliver to his nation.

We gave Musa the Book, and made it a guide to the children of Israel (commanding)”

Take not other than Me as your Lord”

Hazrat Sulaiman said:

Allah! there is no god but He - Lord of the throne supreme” (27:26)

Thus, the core content and the basic message of all Prophets was one and the same - Tawhid

and the Day of Judgment. This is also the fundamental message of the Holy Prophet (sws)

and the basic teaching of Islam.

All Prophets have successfully completed their mission of conveying this great message and

no one from the nation of any prophet can give any excuse of committing any kind of Shirk.

Blasphemy

Any acts, utterances, and writings showing slightests disrespect of the Holy Prophet or

Imams.

Total Number of The Messengers.

The exact number and names of all prophets is not known, but according to one famous

hadith, there were 124,000 prophets. Out of all these prophets, the names of 25 prophets

have been mentioned in the Holy Quran. They are as follows.

1 - Hazrat Adam

2 - Hazrat Idris (Enoch)

3 - Hazrat Nuh (Noah)

4 - Hazrat Hud

5 - Hazrat Saleh

6 - Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham)

7 - Hazrat Ismail (Ishmael)

8 - Hazrat Ishaq (Isaac)

9 - Hazrat Lut (Lot)

10-Hazrat Yaqub (Jacob)

11- Hazrat Yusuf (Joseph)

12- Hazrat Shuaib

13- Hazrat Ayub (Job)

14- Hazrat Musa (Moses)

15- Hazrat Harun (Aaron)

16- Hazrat Dhul-Kifl (Ezekiel)

17-Hazrat Dawud (David)

18- Hazrat Suleiman (Solmon)

19- Hazrat Ilyas (Elias)

20- Hazrat Al-Yasa (Elisha)

21- Hazrat Yunus (Jonah)

22- Hazrat Zakariya (Zachariah)

23- Hazrat Yahya (John the Baptist)

24- Hazrat Isa (Jesus)

25- Hazrat Muhammad (s.a.w)

There are names of 13 prophets in one verse of the Quran.

We gave him Ishaq (Isaac) and Yaqub (Jacob): all We guided. And before him We

guided Nuh, and among his progeny, Dawood (David), Sulaiman (Solomon), Ayoub

(Job), Yousuf (Joseph) Musa (Moses), and Haroon (Aaron). Thus do We reward those

who do good. And Zakariya and Yayha (John), and Isa (Jesus), and Elias: all in the ranks

of the righteous.” (6:84)