بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
Prophethood (Nubuwwah) is a central concept in Islam and is one of the six articles of faith. It refers to the belief in prophets and messengers (anbiya and rusul) chosen by Allah (God) to convey His divine message to humanity. These prophets, including the final Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), are honored and revered for their role in guiding people toward worship of Allah and living righteous lives.
The importance of the prophets (peace be upon them all) in Islam cannot be overstated, as they are considered the finest examples of human conduct and moral character. They serve as intermediaries between Allah and humanity, ensuring that no community is left without guidance.
Definition of a Prophet in Islam
In Islam, a prophet (nabi) is a human being chosen by Allah to deliver His message and serve as a role model for their community. Prophets are distinguished by their impeccable moral character, truthfulness, and piety. A messenger (rasul) is a prophet who is given a specific revelation or scripture to deliver. While all messengers are prophets, not all prophets are messengers.
The Qur’an makes it clear that prophets are human beings, chosen from among their people, sent to relate to them in their language and context:
“And We did not send before you [O Muhammad] except men to whom We revealed [Our message]… “
(Qur’an 21:7)
This verse reminds us that prophets are human and relatable figures, chosen by Allah to exemplify faith and righteousness in their communities.
The Purpose of Prophethood
The primary role of a prophet in Islam is to guide people towards the worship of Allah and to help them live lives aligned with divine will. Prophets have several key responsibilities:
- Calling to Monotheism (Tawhid): The core message of every prophet was the call to Tawhid, the belief in the absolute oneness of Allah. Prophets came to remind people of their duty to worship Allah alone, rejecting idolatry and polytheism. The Qur’an tells us:
“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false gods).'”
(Qur’an 16:36) - Delivering Divine Revelation: Prophets were entrusted with receiving and conveying the divine message to their communities. Some prophets, such as Moses (Musa, عليه السلام), David (Dawud, عليه السلام), and Jesus (Isa, عليه السلام), were given scriptures like the Torah, Psalms, and the Gospel, while Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was given the final and complete revelation, the Qur’an.
“It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom…”
(Qur’an 62:2) - Being Role Models of Righteousness: Prophets exemplified righteous living, demonstrating how to live according to divine guidance. They were known for their patience, justice, humility, and deep devotion to Allah. Their lives serve as a template for Muslims on how to embody faith in everyday life.
- Warning Against Sin and Offering Glad Tidings: Prophets warned their communities about the consequences of rejecting faith and indulging in sin, while also offering the promise of paradise for those who believed and did righteous deeds.
“We sent the messengers only as bringers of good tidings and warners…”
(Qur’an 18:56)
The Chain of Prophethood
Islam teaches that Allah sent prophets to all nations throughout history so that no community would be left without guidance. The Qur’an says:
“And for every community is a messenger…”
(Qur’an 10:47)
Twenty-five prophets are mentioned by name in the Qur’an, beginning with Adam (عليه السلام), the first prophet, and ending with Muhammad (ﷺ), the final prophet. Some of the key prophets include:
- Adam (عليه السلام): The first human being and prophet, created by Allah and entrusted with the responsibility of guiding his descendants.
- Noah (Nuh, عليه السلام): Sent to warn his people against idolatry and immorality, he preached for centuries with great patience.
- Abraham (Ibrahim, عليه السلام): Known as the “Father of Prophets,” his unwavering faith in Allah made him a central figure in Islamic belief.
- Moses (Musa, عليه السلام): The prophet of the Israelites, tasked with delivering them from Pharaoh’s oppression and receiving the Torah.
- Jesus (Isa, عليه السلام): A revered prophet in Islam, born of the Virgin Mary (Maryam), he was given the Gospel and performed many miracles by the permission of Allah.
- Muhammad (ﷺ): The final prophet and messenger, who brought the complete and final revelation, the Qur’an, for all of humanity.
The Qur’an emphasizes the unity of the prophetic message:
“Say, [O believers], ‘We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'”
(Qur’an 2:136)
This verse highlights that the essential message of all prophets is the same—worship Allah alone and live a righteous life. Muslims honor all the prophets without distinction, though they recognize that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) holds a unique position as the final prophet.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ): The Seal of the Prophets
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), known as the Seal of the Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin), holds a special place in Islam. His mission was to bring the final and complete guidance for humanity, and his prophethood marked the end of the prophetic tradition. The Qur’an states:
“Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets…”
(Qur’an 33:40)
Unlike earlier prophets who were sent to specific nations or peoples, Muhammad’s (ﷺ) mission was universal. He was sent as a mercy to all of humanity, as the Qur’an affirms:
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.”
(Qur’an 21:107)
His life, known through the Sunnah (his sayings, actions, and approvals), provides a comprehensive example of how to live in accordance with Allah’s will. The Qur’an that was revealed to him is considered the final and perfect revelation, meant for all times and places, until the Day of Judgment.
The Infallibility of Prophets (Alaihim al-Salam)
In Islamic theology, prophets (peace be upon them) are considered to be ma’sum, meaning they are protected from sin and error, particularly in matters of delivering Allah’s message. While they are human and may face trials, they are safeguarded from actions that would compromise their integrity or divine mission. This infallibility ensures that their guidance remains trustworthy and pure.
The Role of Prophethood in Muslim Life
Belief in the prophets (عليهم السلام) is a key element of a Muslim’s faith, and it shapes various aspects of spiritual practice and daily living:
- Emulation of Prophetic Example: Muslims strive to emulate the lives of the prophets, especially Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), whose life is seen as the best example of how to live a life of devotion, humility, and justice.
- Reinforcement of Faith in God’s Mercy: The concept of prophethood highlights Allah’s continuous care for humanity, as He consistently sent prophets to guide people away from error and towards truth.
- Unity of the Prophetic Message: Muslims recognize that the essential teachings of all prophets are the same, which fosters a sense of unity and continuity in the divine message throughout human history.
Conclusion: The Significance of Prophethood in Islam
Prophethood is a vital concept in Islam, representing the link between Allah and humanity. Through the prophets (peace be upon them), Allah provided clear guidance on how to worship Him and live ethically. The prophets are revered for their roles as models of virtue and for their unwavering commitment to delivering Allah’s message, often in the face of great opposition and hardship.
From Adam (عليه السلام) to Muhammad (ﷺ), the prophets remind Muslims of the mercy and justice of Allah, and the importance of living a life in submission to His will. Their message is timeless and universal, calling all people to recognize the oneness of Allah, to worship Him alone, and to live in harmony with His guidance.