Chapter 3

Prophets

Muslim Perspective

Next in importance only to the fundamental belief in the existence and unity of God, and the angels as God's creation, is the third essential principle in Islam—belief in divinely-appointed Prophets. In Islam, Muslims are required to believe and hence accept that all Prophets are appointed by God to deliver essentially the same message to humanity. That is, Islam posits that the one universal message of God is conveyed to one humanity by one single successive chain of Prophets. The chain of prophecy that started with Adam ended with the Prophet Muhammad.

The Need for Prophets and their Message

"And who believe in the Revelation sent to you (Muhammad), and sent down before you, and they believe with certainty in the resurrection."
(Qur'an 2:4)1

God created and ordered the universe in perfect harmony with His infinite Knowledge and Power. The mind-boggling detail, delicate inter-connectedness of all the infinite parts of creation and sheer enormity of existence as a whole shows that the One who created all this must have infinite knowledge.

It is natural that anyone who has knowledge and expertise speaks when issues, which fall within that particular area of expertise are raised. Since God Almighty possesses infinite knowledge as the Creator and Divine Architect of the entire creation, He will surely speak. When God speaks, He will without doubt speak to conscious beings that are also able to speak. Further, God will speak to mankind, as man has the most complete and balanced composition, capacities and faculties among conscious creation. Within mankind, he will surely speak to the one most worthy of the Divine conversation and the one who has the most perfect composition and capacity to represent the Divine message. He will surely select the golden generations of Prophets.

The Qur'an states that the primary message conveyed by all prophets was their call to believe in and worship one single, Supreme Being, God. This is indicated in many verses of the Qur'an, including, "We sent Noah to his people. He said: 'O my people! Worship God. Have no other god but Him...' "(Qur'an, 7:59). In Islam, our ability to worship is the prime human function that distinguishes humans from the rest of creation.

In Islam, all prophets are considered to have submitted themselves to God and therefore are truly regarded as Muslim: that is, they have surrendered themselves to God. This is reflected in the following Qur'anic verse:

"Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to God, does good, and follows the way of Abraham, the true in Faith? For God did take Abraham for a friend."
(Qur'an, 4:125)

In fact, Abraham's mission distinctly emphasised the use of the title Muslim as someone who has surrendered themselves to God, for:

"It is He who has named you—in bygone times as well as in this [divine writ]—'those who have surrendered themselves to God' [that is, Muslim] so that the Apostle might bear witness to the truth before you, and that you might bear witness to it before all mankind."
(Qur'an 22:78)

The Qur'an also distinguishes between two types of God's emissaries. Firstly, the term Nabi is used to denote a "prophet" who was not the recipient of revelation in book form, and who was not charged to make major changes to God's laws. Prophets usually augment the message of the second type of God's emissary—rasul—which means a "messenger", that is, someone entrusted by God with a major book of revelation:

"We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of prophet..."
(Qur'an, 2:87)

Together with the historical development of humanity over time, it was necessary that God's laws evolve to meet the needs of believers in new geographical and temporal circumstances. Moreover, human interpretation has so corrupted the original message of God that its true meaning had to be restored. This is achieved through God's appointment of rasuls or messengers. The Qur'an says, for example:

"When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: 'Now have I come to you with wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute: therefore fear God and obey me."
(Qur'an, 43:63)

Muslims believe in all prophets sent to humanity from the first man and prophet, Adam, down to the last prophet, Muhammad. Throughout human history, thousands of prophets have been sent to all nations at appropriate time intervals. Prophet Muhammad said that God sent more than 100,000 prophets at regular intervals to people of all nations. Among the 25 mentioned in the Qur'an, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad are the most exceptional (ulu-l azm), who had the greatest of challenges. All of the prophets were fully human and had no divine status.

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All Prophets were from the Same Order of Brotherhood

"Both in this world and in the Hereafter I am the nearest of all the people to Iesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary). The prophets are paternal brothers. Their mothers are different, but their religion is one."
The Prophet Muhammad (Al-Bukhari, 14:37)

Perhaps to counteract the human tendency to glorify and exalt one's spiritual leader, Muslims are enjoined not differentiate between the various prophets of God. The Qur'an says:

"Say you: 'We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and given to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them...'"
(Qur'an 2:136)

The Prophet Muhammad also said: "do not elevate me above my brother Jonah".

We should note that this equality exists only in the way humans should view the Prophets. In connection with the relationship between God and the Prophets, the Qur'an tells us that God has endowed unique gifts to each. The Qur'an says:

"Those prophets We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of them God spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs), and strengthened him with the holy spirit...'"
(Qur'an, 2:253)

While Moses is distinguished as the one to whom "God spoke" directly without an intermediary, Abraham was designated as the "friend of God". In the Holy Qur'an, verse 2:253, Jesus is singled out as the one given clear signs and strengthened with the Holy Spirit. These two aspects have undoubtedly shaped Jesus' character and mission. Prophet Muhammad was the Prophet foretold by the previous prophets. While all the prophet's messages were confined both geographically and temporally, that is, were addressed solely to their people for a specific time, the mission of the Prophet Muhammad was universal and for all times and all people. The Qur'an also says that the Prophet Muhammad was the "seal of prophets" (Qur'an 33:40)2. The Prophet Muhammad himself said:

"My example and the example of the other prophets is that of a man who has built a house completely and excellently except for a place of one brick in a corner. When people entered the house, they wondered at its beauty and said '(all is perfect and beautiful) except for the place of this (missing) brick?' So I am that brick and I am the seal of the Prophets."
(Al-Bukhari, 1475)

All prophets mentioned in the Qur'an were male prophets. This was a necessity as most ancient societies were of a patriarchal nature. That is, no doubt males were chosen as prophets as it was males who were generally able to socially, culturally and politically empowered to potentially enact social, religious, and political change. Prophets had to face intense opposition, together with psychological and physical torture. They were in danger of attack and had to lead their followers in wars. It is interesting to note that non-believing men almost always led the opposition against the various prophets. Macho characteristics in these men were very much in the forefront. They were extremely unlikely to follow the spiritual leadership of women. This is not to say that women are considered unworthy of prophethood, rather that men were better positioned socially and culturally for success in the face of strong male opposition the prophets faced.

Although women could not be prophets, the Qur'an mentions two women receiving revelation from God. Moses' mother received a number of revelations, while Archangel Gabriel visited Jesus' mother, Mary, and relayed some instructions and revelation from God. The Qur'an also mentions some other men (Luqman, Khidir, Zul-Qarnayn) who also received some revelation but were not prophets. Islam therefore recognises that men and women other than prophets received some form of revelation from God.

Muslims neither fully accept nor reject other important religious figures in other religious traditions due to the possibility that they may have been true prophets of God (Qur'an 4:163-165). This view—of considering all prophets of existing world religions as equally venerable and potentially being of divine origin—gives Muslims a very tolerant view of other religions and their followers.

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Prophetic Characteristics and the Role of Prophets

It is natural that people might be doubtful and agnostic when someone claims to be a prophet from God. How does one ascertain a true prophet from a false prophet? The following list is distilled from the Qur'an and details a prophet's essential qualities.

  1. All prophets called humanity to accept the existence and unity of God as their primary message. Although religious practice and rituals changed throughout history according to the temperament and requirements of a particular age, the essential and primary message of all prophets to exhort people to accept monotheism has remained the same.
  2. The prophets depended on Revelation and submitted themselves wholly to God. Although they were highly intelligent, the prophets did not whimsically invent anything. They did not fear anyone or any other power, other than God.
  3. The prophets always communicated the message of God without distortion. Error-free transmission of God's message to the masses is of paramount importance to ensure the communication of the pure truth. Prophets were meticulous in this respect and under Divine protection. They were also warned about the dangerous consequences of the wilful or accidental distortion of the message(s) of God.
  4. The prophets were truthful and trustworthy. Prophets were inviting people to believe in a matter of the highest importance and asked people to change their old (and invalid) belief systems. For this reason, they had to be absolutely truthful and trustworthy so that people would believe their word and testimony.
  5. Prophets asked for no wages in their invitation to the way of God. If they had asked for reward or wages of any sort, people would have surely doubted the selflessness of their motives and intentions.
  6. The prophets were sincere in all of their actions. Prophets did their duty for God alone. Some prophets did not even have two followers, but they still carried out their duty regardless. Even when they had thousands of followers, they did not allow this to spoil and corrupt their submission to God.
  7. Prophets called people to God with wisdom and kindness. Prophets never forced people into accepting a belief system. Their approach was to invite people to faith using persuasive reasoning and evidence and left it up to the individual's freedom of choice to make the final decision.
  8. The prophets are infallible and highly intellectual. Prophets had to be at he height moral perfection and free from sin, so that people would have full trust in them and accept them as role models to emulate. A prophet's job is the hardest job of all. Hence, a prophet must be highly intelligent in order to manage the intricate affairs associated with the office of prophethood, and find the best ways to pass on God's message of God to the masses.
  9. Being the appointed officers of God on earth, all prophets were supported by divine miracles. All prophets performed miracles that primarily dealt with the dominant issues of the time period and nation within which they lived. For example, Jesus primarily performed miracles curing the sick and diseased, as deadly epidemics were common in the age in which he lived.

A miracle may be defined as a paranormal event performed by God through the temporary suspension of His laws of creation (also known as natural laws). Miracles occur whenever the need arises through the intervention of a prophet. Miracles help break the stubbornness of non-believers and strengthen the faith of believers. For the immediate audience of the prophet, miracles are also powerful signs of authentic authority, which prove the messenger to be a true prophet of God. The mere demonstration of a miracle does not prove that a prophet is divine. Rather, it illustrates that the prophet is in receipt of divine support. There are more than 300 reported miracles performed by the Prophet Muhammad in historically validated narratives. The Prophet Muhammad said that his greatest miracle was the Qur'an for it was, and continues to be, freely available to everyone and is eternally the clearest proof of the authenticity of his prophethood.

Prophets have arguably the most difficult job in the world and do not receive a tangible salary. The purpose of their mission is to relay a message from the Creator to humans who are usually not a very eager audience. Often prophets are subjected to great hardship with no apparent earthly reward. According to Islam, the job description of a prophet comprises a diverse set of roles and responsibilities as follows:

  • Whenever from time-to-time humanity lapsed into (atheistic) disbelief, the prophets were sent to guide humanity so that people might regain and subsequently sustain their belief in the one true God.
  • The prophets were sent to remind people of the purpose of their existence, which is to believe in, and worship, the one true God.
  • The prophets taught people God's laws so that they might live happily in this world and the hereafter.
  • Humanity needed leadership in human development as well as being shown how to lead a life balanced between worldly concerns and spiritual needs. Prophets provided much-needed leadership through courageously enacting societal change.
  • The prophets were God's witnesses on earth and thus provided irrefutable evidence which so that people could not shelter behind excuses when God questions them in the hereafter.

In addition to the roles and responsibilities listed above, prophets also provided humanity with practical role models illustrating that which God desires in a human being. Prophets have proved to be perfect human role models for all of us to emulate. All one needs to appreciate this is to objectively examine the exemplary lives of some of the prophets such as Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.

As one might expect Muslims are naturally more familiar with the details of the life of Muhammad in comparison with any other previous prophet; and since essentially the general characters of all true prophets are similar, Muslims naturally follow the example of Prophet Muhammad. The Qur'an encourages Muslims to follow his example in the verse:

"Verily, in the Apostle of God you have a good example for everyone who looks forward [with hope and awe] to God and the Last Day, and remembers God unceasingly."
(Qur'an, 33:21).

The Prophet Muhammad has also said that he was sent "to perfect the best of morality and character (ethics)". Because of the fact that Islam is seen as a complete way of life, emulating the Prophet in one's conduct covers the complete set of behaviours (ethics) a person could display in life. There are volumes of authentic reports pertaining to the Prophet Muhammad's words, actions and behaviours that he approved, which sincere Muslims try to simulate in their daily lives today. For Muslims, who could be a better example than a prophet and in particular Prophet Muhammad? Both friend and foe equally acknowledged the high standards of his moral conduct. The Qur'an covers passages from the lives of many prophets to provide its reader with some of the fundamental human and social principles working in society today.

Being human, we will often falter and sin. How can we follow prophets if they are so perfect? God in Islam does not expect people to die sinless. Prophets with their high standards show us what is humanly possible in terms of human spiritual development. In this way, Muslims know they can improve their current spiritual state they strive to achieve higher levels of being. If prophets could commit sins they cannot be guides and good models to emulate. Although prophets do not sin, they can sometimes make errors of judgment or mistakes. This is called zalla in Islamic terminology. Due to their closeness to God, in their eyes these are major errors and they consequently turn to God in repentance. In this way, they show us what to do when we also slip-up.

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Special place of Jesus in Islam

Jesus' name is mentioned 25 times in the Holy Qur'an in spite of the fact that the name Muhammad is only mentioned five times. The creed of Islam accepts Jesus as an honoured prophet of God, one of the highest in rank. Therefore, no Muslim would ever dare to reject Jesus outright. The Qur'an praises Jesus:

"...Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, was an apostle of God, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him. So believe in God and His apostles..."
(Qur'an 4:171).

The Qur'an tell us that Jesus (pbuh) is held in honour and will be one of those closest to God in the Hereafter:

"Behold! The angels said: "O Mary! God gave you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to God."
(Qur'an, 3:45).

Jesus was strengthened with the Holy Spirit while he performed miracles such as speaking in his infancy, giving life to a dead bird, raising the dead, giving sight to the blind, and curing lepers with the permission and power of God. (Qur'an, 5:110). Muslims also accept that Jesus was raised into Heaven:

"(And remember) when God said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering you and causing you to ascend unto Me."
(Qur'an, 3:55).

The Qur'an speaks highly of Mary, mother of Jesus:

"Behold! The angels said: "O Mary! God has chosen you and purified you; chosen you above the women of all nations."
(Qur'an, 3:42).

Not only she is one of very few people in the Qur'an mentioned by name, but her name also appears 31 times in the Qur'an. The statement 'God has...chosen you above the women of all nations' is rather interesting considering the fact that the first audience of the Qur'an was a highly tribal, patriarchal and nationalistic society in Arabia.

According to Islam, Jesus was born miraculously without a human father and his mother Mary was a pure virgin:

"She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man had touched me?' He said: 'Even so: God creates what He wills. When He had decreed a plan, He but said to it, 'Be' and it is!'"
(Qur'an, 3:47).

The command "be" is believed to be the "Word" that brought Jesus into existence in his mother's womb. Muslims love and genuinely revere Jesus. In Islam though, Jesus is considered fully human with no divinity yet a Prophet of God of the highest order.

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Brief Life of the Prophet Muhammad

"Indeed God conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves, reciting unto them His verses (the Qur'an), and purifying them, and instructing them the Book and the Wisdom, while before that they had been in manifest error."
(Qur'an 3:164)

Muhammad was born in 570 CE. His father died before he was born and his mother died when he was 6 years old. He was raised by his grandfather and then his Uncle Abu Talib took custody of the young child. Throughout his youth and his adult life, he was famous for his fidelity, integrity and trustworthiness. It wasn't long before he had earned the nick name al-amin, the trustworthy. In his teenage years he worked as a shepherd and spent a lot of time in the open desert away from the vices of contemporary society. In his twenties he worked as a trader. He met Khadijah and married her when he was 25 upon her proposal. She was a 40-year-old widow.

Muhammad led an ethical but ordinary adult life. He never worshipped idols when idol worship was rife in Mecca and always believed in the one true God. He practised the religion of Abraham, as he knew it to be. Every year, in his thirties, he started to retreat to a cave at Mt Hira for individual worship and reflection. At the age of 40 (in the year 610 CE), he was appointed as a prophet of God through Archangel Gabriel at Mt Hira. Muhammad's mission thereafter may be characterised as having three distinctive phases.

  1. The Meccan Period: Muhammad started to convey the message of God's unity to a polytheistic society. The first people to accept Islam were, in general, slaves, poor people and youth. People were struck by Muhammad's perfect character and the eloquence of the Qur'an and the profound realities it articulated. When Islam started to gather a noticeable following, Meccan leaders started to persecute and torture Muslims and Prophet Muhammad. Some Muslims migrated to a neighbouring Christian country—Abyssinia. modern-day Ethiopia. In the last three years of his struggle in Mecca, all Muslims and the tribe of the Prophet were subjected to an economic embargo. The Meccan period lasted 13 years and only about 200 people converted.
  2. Muhammad's Migration to Medina—Treaty of Hudaybiyah with Meccans: A breakthrough came when six people from Medina, a city about 450 km to the north of Mecca, accepted Islam. A year later, 73 people became Muslim. Muslims from Medina saw Muhammad as an arbitrator for a city, which had been plagued by tribal infighting. All Muslims from Mecca migrated to Medina in 622. Muhammad put together the first 52 article constitution in human history. A new Muslim society and polity was established in Medina. Muhammad signed peace treaties with all the major tribes to show that he desired only peace and the protection of the fledging Muslim community. Three major battles were fought between Mecca and Medina upon the aggression of Meccans. Muslims won decisively in the first, though they lost the second. The third was a successful defence of Medina, which was besieged by a major coalition of Meccan and Arabian tribes. Eventually, a 10-year treaty was signed between Mecca and Medina in 628CE. Muslims at that time numbered about 3000.
  3. The Treaty of Hudaybiyah—Death of Muhammad (pbuh): This treaty was a turning point for Muslims. In the peaceful atmosphere brought about by the signing of this treaty, many had willingly converted to Islam. When Mecca broke the treaty, the Muslim army conquered Mecca in 630 CE without any resistance. Mass conversions followed the conquest. After 23 years of struggle, all of the Arabian Peninsula was Muslim. At no point in the process people were forced into accepting Islam. At the Farewell Pilgrimage Muhammad gave a speech that could be considered to be the first human rights declaration in history to a crowed estimated to be about 130,000 strong. Muhammad passed away on 632 CE at the age of 63.

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Footnotes

  1. This verse highlights Islam's conception of the historical continuity of divine revelation.
  2. The Prophet has also said that there will not be any more prophets coming after him but God will send a mujaddid (renewer) (Abu Dawood, Malahim, 1). The role of the mujaddid is to express the pristine message of Islam in a way comprehensible to his contemporary world and solve the major challenge facing the believers at the time. He is expected to make significant contribution to religion and Islam.