What is Prophethood in Islam?

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What is Prophethood in Islam?


Who is Muhammad?


What is Sunnah?


What does Islam say about Torah and Bible?


How Islam views Judaism and Christianity?


What does Islam say about Original Sin?


What does Islam say about Jesus?

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What is Prophethood in Islam?

The Merciful and Loving God not only created human beings, but also arranged for their guidance through appointing Prophets throughout the ages from among the human beings. God revealed His will to the Prophets, peace be upon them all, and commissioned them to deliver that Message. In every known nation one or more Prophets were appointed. All the prophets of God were men of good character and high honor. Their honesty and truthfulness, their intelligence and integrity were beyond doubt.
The appointment of these Prophets from God is a clear manifestation of a strong link between Heaven and Earth, between God and man. The purpose of Prophethood is to confirm what mankind already knows or can know, and to teach them what they do not or cannot know by their own means. Such as: why we are created? What will happen to us after death? Is there any life after death? Are we accountable for our actions? Similarly questions about God, Angels, paradise, and hell cannot be answered without revelations from the Creator and Knower of the unseen. It is also to help man to find the Right Path, and to do what is right and shun what is wrong. Prophethood is an eloquent expression of God's love for human beings and His will to guide them to the right way of belief and behavior. He provides true guidance to mankind, and then holds them responsible for their deeds. He gave them warnings through His prophets about the consequences of their wrongful deeds, and the good news of rewards for their good deeds.
The Source of Prophethood and the appointment of all the prophets is One and the Same: it is the One and Only God (Allah). The Prophet's aim is to serve God, to acquaint human beings with God and His Divine teachings, to establish truth and goodness, to help mankind realize the true purpose of their existence and to help them in living their lives in a purposeful way. It is on this basis that the Muslims make no distinction among any of the Prophets and accept their teachings as consistent and complementary to each other.

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Who is Muhammad?

Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the last Prophet of God appointed for the guidance of the whole of mankind. He is answer to the prayer of Prophets Abraham and Ishmael, peace be upon them:

"Our Lord, appoint from among them (residents of Makkah) a Messenger who shall recite to them Your Revelations and teach them the Book and the Wisdom, and purify them; surely, You are the All-Mighty, the Wise."
(Al-Qur'an 2:129)

His appointment is foretold by the Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him:

"And remember when Isa (Jesus) the son of Mary said: "O children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah towards you, confirming the Torah which came before me, and giving you good news of a Messenger that will come after me whose name shall be Ahmad (another name of the Prophet Muhammad)."
(Al-Qur'an 61:6)

He was born in 570 AD in Makkah, Arabia. As he grew up he became known for his honesty and truthfulness and people used to call him Al-Ameen (the trustworthy) and Al-Sadiq (the truthful). He was very calm and meditative. He had no ambition for becoming a leader. He used to go away from the city crowd and meditate in a cave called Hira on a nearby barren mountain.
It was in this secluded place where God sent him the first revelation through Angel Gabriel when he was forty years old. It is important to note that he could neither read nor write.
Muhammad, peace be upon him, is a human being who was chosen by God and assigned the mission of leading humanity to righteousness, and serving as a model of moral conduct. In this role, Muhammad peace be upon him, did experience the difficulties and trials which all Prophets before him experienced.
As soon as he began to recite the revelations he received from God, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution. Finally in the year 622 A.D. (after 13 years of preaching), God gave him permission to immigrate from Makkah to a city over 200 miles away called Yathrib which is now known as Al-Madinah. This migration, called the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Of all the Prophets of Allah, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the only one whose life is well documented in the historical records. Although Jesus, peace be upon him, lived only 2,000 years ago in an important part of the Roman Empire, the Empire was at its prime and had many eminent historians and writers recording every development, but no early historian mentioned the birth, the mission and the crucifixion of Jesus, peace be upon him. Only one Jewish historian, Josephus, made a casual reference, which is considered to be a later addition.
It is part of human nature to look to someone higher and nobler for guidance to make him one's role model. Muhammad, peace be upon him, is an exemplar. The life of Muhammad is like an open book from cover to cover; from his posthumous birth to his childhood, to his youth, to his Prophethood, to his being the ruler of Arabia and finally right up to his death.
One non-Muslim scholar, Lamartine, writes the following words about him:

"If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad. The most famous men created arms, laws and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislations, empires, people and dynasties but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and souls. On the basis of a Book, every letter of which has become law, he created a spiritual nationality, which blended together people of every tongue and of every race. He has left for us as the indelible characteristic of this Muslim nationality, the hatred of false gods and the passion for the one and immaterial God. Philosopher, Orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images, the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured we may well ask, is there any man greater than he is?"
(Historledela Turquie, Paris. Vol.11, pp.276-277)

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What is Sunnah?

Sunnah is the sayings, actions and tacit approval of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It is another source of Islamic Laws, rules and regulations, and ranks second after the Qur'an. Sunnah is recorded in books of Hadith (narrations) and is important in understanding the meaning of the Qur'anic text, exploring the principles outlined in the Qur'an and showing how to understand and practice them.
Examples of Prophet's sayings:

No one can be a believer until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.

It is not befitting for a believer to sever his relationship (not be on speaking terms) with his brother for more than three days.

The one who is ungrateful to others is ungrateful to God.

When the leader of a Community comes to you, receive him with due respect.

Actions (and deeds) are judged (by God) based on one's intentions.

The best approach in even/thing is moderation.

This world is a prison for the believer and paradise for the unbeliever.

In forgiveness of a king lies the survival of his kingdom.

The upper hand (giving) is better than the lower hand (receiving).

True Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands other Muslims are safe.

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What does Islam say about Torah and Bible?

Islam requires the Muslims to believe in all the prior scriptures including Taurat (Torah) and Injeel (Gospel/ Bible) that they were the true revelations from Allah. Because of not preserving in original languages in written form and translating them in various languages from oral narrations through centuries, human words were mingled with Divine Words, therefore, they lost their pure forms. Relating to this fact the Holy Qur'an states:

Then in the footsteps of those Prophets (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Moses and others), We sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming whatever remained intact from the Torah in his time, and gave him the Injeel (Gospel/Bible) wherein was guidance and light, confirming what was revealed in the Torah; a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah. Tlierefore, let the people who follow the Injeel (Gospel/Bible), judge by the Law which Allah has revealed therein; those who do not judge by the Law which Allah has revealed, are indeed the transgressors. To you (O Muhammad), We have revealed this Book (Al-Qur'an) with the truth. It confirms whatever has remained intact from the Book which came before it (Gospel/ Bible) and also to safeguard it. Therefore, judge between them according to Allah's revelations and do not yield to their vain desires, diverging from the truth which has come to you. We have ordained a law and a Way of life for each of you. If Allah wanted, He could have made all of you a single nation. But He willed otherwise in order to test you in what He has given you; therefore, try to excel one another in good deeds. (Ultimately) you all shall return to Allah; then He will tell you the truth of those matters in which you dispute.
(Al-Qur'an 5:46-48)

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How Islam views Judaism and Christianity?

Islam calls Jews and Christians as 'the People of the Book' to whom came the great Prophets including Moses (Musa) and Jesus (Isa). Islam invites them to cooperate in what is common between them and Islam. In the respective Prophets' time they were also called Muslims as God Almighty said in the Holy Qur'an about Prophet Abraham, the forefather of Moses and Jesus, peace be upon them, in the following words:

Say: "O people of the Book! Let us get together on what is common between us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah (the One and only True God); that we shall not associate any partners with Him; that we shall not take from among ourselves any lords beside Allah." If they reject your invitation then tell them: "Bear witness that we are Muslims (who have surrendered to Allah)." O people of the Book! Why do you argue with us about Abraham as to whether he was a Jew or a Christian? You know that the Torah and the Gospel were revealed long after him? Have you no sense at all? So far, you have been arguing about things of which you had some knowledge! Must you now argue about that of which you know nothing at all? Allah knows while you do not. Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian but he was a Muslim, true in faith. He was not one of the Mushrikeen (who set up partners with Allah)."
(Al-Qur'an 3: 64-67)

Muslims are required to believe in all the Holy Scriptures revealed to various Prophets in the following words:

Say: "We believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants, and that which was given to Moses, Jesus and other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him (Allah) we have surrendered ourselves (in Islam)." So, if they believe (accept Islam) like you have believed, they shall be rightly guided; if they reject it, they will surely fall into dissension (divide into differing factions); Allah will be your sufficient defender against them, and He hears and knows everything.
Baptism is the baptism of Allah; and who is better than Allah in baptizing? Him do we worship.
Say (O Muhammad): "Would you dispute with us concerning Allah, who is our Lord and your Lord as well? We shall be accountable to Him for our deeds and you for yours; to Him Alone we are devoted. Do you claim that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants were all Jews or Christians? Say: Are you more knowledgeable than Allah?" Who is more unjust than the one who hides the testimony received from Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do.
(Al-Qur'an 2:136-140)

Muslims are allowed to eat the food and marry chaste women from the People of the Book. What can be more intimate relationship than husband and wife - basic unit of future generations. God says in the Holy Qur'an:

Today all good clean things have been made lawful for you; and the food of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) is also made lawful for you and your food is made lawful for them. Likewise, marriage with chaste free believing women and also chaste women among the People who were given the Book before you is made lawful for you, provided that you give them their dowries and desire chastity, neither committing fornication nor taking them as mistresses. Anyone who commits Kufr with Iman (rejects faith), all his good deeds will become void (zero) and in the hereafter, he will be among the losers.
(Al-Qur'an 5:5)

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What does Islam say about Original Sin?

Islam says that every soul is born sin free. When a child grows up and is able to distinguish between right and wrong, sin and virtue and intentionally does something wrong or commits a sinful act then he/she commits the first sin. Regarding this the Holy Qur'an states:

By the soul and He (God) Who perfected it and inspired it with knowledge of what is wrong for it and what is right for it: indeed successful will be the one who purifies it, and indeed unsuccessful will be the one who corrupts it!
(Al-Qur'an 91:7-10)

Everyone will bear the burden of one's own sin and no one will be held for the sin of another:

Say: "Should I seek another Lord besides Allah when He is the Lord of every thing? " Every soul will reap the fruits of its own deeds; no bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another. Ultimately you will return to your Lord, and He will resolve for you your disputes.
(Al-Qur'an 6:164)

He that seeks guidance, that guidance shall be for his own soul, but he that goes astray does so to his own loss. No bearer shall bear the burden of another (on the Day of Judgment), We do not inflict punishment until We send forth a Messenger (to make truth distinct from falsehood).
(Al-Qur'an 17:15)

Following is the prayer of Adam and Eve, peace be upon them, which they made, after they were sent down on earth, seeking forgiveness for their sin of disobedience to God:
When they repented, God forgave their sin of disobedience. The Holy Qur'an states:

But Satan (tempted them to disobey Allah's commandment) and caused them to slip therefrom (paradise), and get them expelled from where they were. We said: "Get down from here, some of you being enemies to others, and there is for you in the earth an abode and provisions for a specified period." Then Adam received appropriate words from his Lord and repented, and (Allah) accepted his repentance. Surely, He is the Acceptor of Repentance, the Merciful.
(Al-Qur'an 2:36-37)

Islam says that all children that die before the age they could distinguish between right and wrong shall enter Paradise. This is where Islam differs with Christianity:

The church holds that all unbaptised people, including new born babies who died, would go to hell. This was because original sin - the punishment that God inflicted on humanity because of Adam and Eve's disobedience - had not been cleansed by baptism. Father Brian Harrison, a theologian, argues that the clear "doctrine of the Catholic Church for two millennia has been that wherever the souls of such infants do go, they definitely don't go to heaven."
(BBC's Religion and Ethics Website)

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What does Islam say about Jesus?

In Islam Jesus, peace be upon him, was a Prophet of God the same as Noah, Abraham, David, Moses and Muhammad, peace be upon them all. He was a human being, son of Mary and born miraculously without a father. His example is like that of Adam born without a mother or father and so was Jesus, peace be upon him, born without a father. These examples are from the signs of God to show mankind that He, the Almighty, does not need parents to create if He so Wills. Muslims believe in Jesus, peace be upon him, as a Prophet of God; they respect and revere him to the extent that they never mention him simply as Jesus but add the words 'peace be upon him.' There is a full chapter in the Holy Qur'an called "Mary" (Chapter 19).
Mary, may Allah be pleased with her, is considered among the purest women in the whole world. As for Jesus, peace be upon him, God says in the Qur'an:

These are the Messengers (which We have sent for the guidance of mankind). We have exalted some above others. To some Allah spoke directly; others He raised in ranks; to Isa (Jesus) the son of Mary, We gave Clear Signs and supported him with the Holy Spirit.
(Al-Qur'an 2:253)

The Qur'an describes the birth of Jesus, peace be upon him, and the miracles given to him as follows:

Behold! When the angels said "O Mary! God gives you the good news with a Word from Him that you will be given a son: his name will be Messiah, Isa (Jesus) the son of Mary. He will be noble in this world and the Hereafter, and he will be from those who are very close to God. He will speak to the people in the cradle and in his old age and he will be among the righteous." Hearing this, Mary said, "O my Lord! How can I have a son when no man has ever touched me?" He replied, "Even so, Allah creates however He wants; whenever He decides to do anything, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is! God will teach your son the Book, the Wisdom, the Torah, and the Injeel (Gospel) and send him forth as a Prophet to the Children of Israel with this message: 7 have brought you signs of my appointment from your Lord. I will make for you the likeness of a bird from clay; I will breathe into it and, with God's leave, it will become a living bird. I will heal the blind and the lepers, and raise the dead to life, by God's leave. Furthermore, I will tell you what you have eaten and what you have stored in your houses. Surely these are the signs to convince you if you are believers.
(Al-Qur'an 3:45-49)

About the status of Jesus, peace be upon him, God says:

O People of the Book! Do not transgress the limits of your religion. Speak nothing but the Truth about God. The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary was no more than a Prophet of God and His Word (Be) which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit from Him (which took the shape of a child in her womb). So, believe in God and His Prophet and do not say: "Trinity"." Stop saying that, it is better for you. God is only One Deity. He is far above from the need of having a son! To Him belong all that is in the Heavens and in the Earth. God alone is sufficient for their protection.
(Al-Qur'an 4:171)

While pointing out the innovations and changes made by the Jews and Christians in their religions and their claim about the divinity and crucifixion of Jesus, peace be upon him, the Holy Qur'an has stated the following facts:

They (Jews) went in their unbelief to such an extent that they uttered terrible slander against Mary. They even say: "We have killed the Messiah, Isa (Jesus), son of Mary, the Prophet of God." Whereas in fact, neither did they kill him nor did they crucify him but they thought they did (because the matter was made dubious for them). Those who differ therein are only in doubt. They know nothing about it but follow mere conjectures, for they were not sure that they did actually succeeded in killing Jesus. Nay! The fact is that God raised him up to Himself. God is Mighty, Wise. There are none of the People of the Book but will believe in this before his death; and on the Day of Resurrection Jesus will bear witness against them.
(Al-Qur'an 4:156-159)

On the Day of Judgment God will ask Jesus, peace be upon him, to testify about his own statements and the misunderstandings attributed to him by the Christians; this dialogue is documented in the Holy Qur'an in the following words:

(On the Day of Judgment) God will ask: "O Isa (Jesus) son of Mary, Did you ever say to the people, "worship me and my mother as gods beside Allah (God)?" He will answer: "Glory to You! How could I say what I had no right to say? If I had ever said so, you would have certainly known it. You know what is in my heart, but I know not what is in Yours; for You have full knowledge of all the unseen. I never said anything other than what You commanded me to say, that is to worship Allah (God), Who is my Lord and your Lord. I was a witness over them as long as I remained among them; but when You recalled me, You were the Watcher over them and You are a Witness to everything. If You punish them they surely are Your servants; and if You forgive them, You are Mighty, Wise."
(Al-Qur'an 5:116-118)

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