God's Prophets
Introduction to the Concept of Prophethood:
Prophethood is a crucial concept. Prophets are chosen by The God Almighty (الله) to guide humanity. They are messengers who convey God’s teachings to people. Prophets play a significant role in helping humans understand how to live rightly and follow God’s path. Their guidance helps people stay on the right track and avoid wrongdoing.
The Qur’an says… “We sent not a messenger, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the will of Allah.” (Quran 4:64)
The Qur’an says… “Messengers who gave good news as well as warning, that mankind, after (the coming) of the messengers, should have no plea against Allah.” (Quran 4:165)
Major Prophets of God Almighty:
God has sent many prophets, but some are especially significant. Adam (peace be upon him) (آدَم) is considered the first prophet and the first human. Noah (peace be upon him) (نُوح) is known for building the ark and saving his followers from the great flood. Abraham (peace be upon him) (إِبْرَاهِيم) is a key figure, honored for his unwavering faith in God. Moses (peace be upon him) (مُوسَى) led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah. Jesus (peace be upon him) (عِيسَى) is revered as a prophet who performed miracles and preached God’s word. Muhammad (peace be upon him) (مُحَمَّد) is the last prophet, bringing the final revelation, the Quran.
The Qur’an says… “Say: ‘We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.'” (Quran 2:136)
The Qur’an says… “And remember We took from the Prophets their covenant: As (We did) from you: from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn covenant.” (Quran 33:7)
The Final Prophet: Muhammad (مُحَمَّد):
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last and final prophet of God. He was born in Mecca and received the Quran over 23 years. His mission was to guide people to the truth and bring them closer to eternal success. Muhammad received God’s revelation the Quran. He taught and explained the Divine Message in his words and deeds which are recorded in his traditions (احاديث). He is the central teacher, guide and role model for entire humanity.
The Qur’an says… “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.” (Quran 33:40)
The Qur’an says… “We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of good news, and a warner.” (Quran 48:8)
Common Message of the Prophets:
All prophets conveyed similar core message. They emphasized Monotheism (التَّوْحِيْد), the belief in one God. They taught about justice, urging people to treat others fairly. Prophets also stressed the importance of moral conduct, encouraging honesty, kindness, and compassion. Their teachings aimed to improve individual behavior and create a just and harmonious society.
The Qur’an says… “And We sent not before you any messenger but We inspired him (saying): There is no God except Me (Allah), so worship Me.” (Quran 21:25)
The Qur’an says… “For We assuredly sent amongst every People a messenger, (with the Command), ‘Serve Allah, and eschew Evil’: of the people were some whom Allah guided, and some on whom error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth).” (Quran 16:36)
Miracles and Signs:
Prophets performed miracles as signs of their divine mission. These miracles helped people believe in their prophethood. For example, Moses (مُوسَى) parted the Red Sea, and his staff turned into a serpent. He also showed his hand, which turned white as a sign. Jesus (عِيسَى) healed the sick and raised the dead. Muhammad (مُحَمَّد) performed hundreds of miracles and his greatest miracle is the Quran itself, which remains unchanged and in its original form. These miracles demonstrate God’s power and support for His prophets.
The Qur’an says… “Then We told Moses by inspiration: ‘Strike the sea with your rod.’ So it divided, and each separate part became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain.” (Quran 26:63)
The Qur’an says… “And (الله will appoint Jesus) a messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): ‘I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave: and I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah’s leave; and I declare to you what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if you did believe.'” (Quran 3:49)
Respecting All Prophets:
Respecting all prophets is essential. Even though, all the Prophets before Prophet Muhammad, were sent for a limited geographical area and for a limited time period, all of them are to be respected and are worthy role models for Muslims. Muslims believe in all prophets without making distinctions. The Quran instructs believers to respect and honor all of God’s messengers. This respect fosters unity and helps Muslims appreciate the continuous guidance provided by God through various prophets across different times and places.
The Qur’an says… “Say: ‘We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam).'” (Quran 3:84)
The Qur’an says… “Those who believe in Allah and His messengers and make no distinction between any of the messengers, We shall give them their rewards: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran 4:152)
Conclusion:
Prophets play a vital role. They teach to the humanity, impart essential values, and demonstrate how to live in accordance with God’s will. From Adam to Muhammad (مُحَمَّد), each prophet contributed to spreading God’s message. Prophet Muhammad is the final and the most successful of them all. By respecting and following the teachings of all prophets which are narrated in the Qur’an and the Prophet’s Traditions ( احاديث), we can lead lives that are pleasing to God so that we can be blessed by Allah with success in this world and in the hereafter. The legacy of the prophets continues to inspire and guide Muslims around the world through the authentic narrations in the Qur’an and احاديث.