Man in a State of Turmoil

Throughout the course of history, mankind has witnessed a number of tests and trials.  Some of these have been the result of natural events and others due to the deeds of individuals who may have lead society under self appointed leadership, though this may have been tyrannical or a outright dictatorship, yet more ironically of late those we have democratically elected. Often we have found such individuals to be unmindful of their obligations and duties to the people they lead, the position they gain being turned into a vehicle to serve their ulterior motives and sensual desires. The crimes and misdeeds of such bastions of society go unnoticed for many years, only to be discovered by generations to come well after them who lack the opportunity to put such errors right.

With the gift of intellect and thus the ability to innovate, Mankind enjoys benefits in various forms which has lead to a more convenient and comfortable existence. However, we do not attribute this bounty to Allah I but we claim that the apparent progress that we see today is a result of our own initiative and is a reflection and proof of our self existence rather than the favour of the Lord of the worlds Allah I.

It is commonly observed in an ever-increasing materialistic society, man worships his carnal desires and is more concerned regarding his own personal advancement. More often than not we will take our inspiration from those individuals or institutions that best resemble our aim and purpose in life. Hence, we find our aspirations influenced and directed by individuals who are themselves in a state of turmoil, mental confusion, waywardness, and in most cases border on the boundaries of atheism.

This has resulted in the failure to understand the true significance of Prophethood that Allah I had chosen to be the pure and pristine reflection of the guidance that He has sent to mankind at different stages of humanity. Hence, this guidance would protect mankind from self-destruction and darkness that it would be plunging itself towards as a result of it detaching itself of from the Creator and the Prophetic teachings of His Messengers. The Messengers of Allah I were self-denying, trustworthy, and not devoured by their greed or passion; they did not base their decisions upon their own imperfect knowledge but were guided by the light of Divine guidance.

Knowledge of the Prophets u

The knowledge and hence the mission of the Prophets u unlike normal leaders are not based upon their own intelligence and wisdom or as result of the circumstances and times that they live in. The preaching of the Prophets u are based upon the divine revelations that are conveyed to them by Allah I.

The fundamental aim and purpose of the Prophets u is described in the Quran, Allah I asks the Prophet e to tell the people that:

"Say: If Allah had so willed I should not have recited it to you nor would He have made it known to you. I dwell among you a whole lifetime before it (came to me). Have you then no sense?" (Q:10:16)

Their Mission

The Prophets u all invited mankind to accept the Oneness of Allah I. We learn from the Holy Qur’an that the fundamental aim of Prophethood has always been to fight against idol worship that creates in Man the tendency to worship gods he creates himself. An example of this was Pharaoh who as a result of his vast kingdom and worldly rule led him to believe that he should be solely worshipped. Hence, the Prophets u invite man away from the tyranny and slavery of man to the justice of the Creator.

"Say: The Truth hath come, and falsehood showeth not its face and will not return," (Q. 34:49)

"And unto (the tribe of) A’ad (We sent) their brother, Hud. He said, O my people! Serve Allah! Ye have no other God save Him. Lo! Ye do not but invent." (Q 11: 50)

Quranic Dictum

The Quran lays great emphasis on following the way of the Prophet u, and reminds mankind to adopt their lives and conduct.

"Verily in the Messengers of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the last Day, and remembereth Allah much." (Q33: 21)

Furthermore, in Surah al Fatihah, which is recited by Muslims in their daily five times prayer, Muslims beseech Allah I to show them the right path.

"Show us the right path,

The path of those whom Thou hast favoured;

Not (the path) of those whom earn thine anger

Nor those who go astray." (Q. 1:6-7)

This prayer teaches man to follow the way of the Prophets u and to seek the companionship of those rightly guided souls that adopt their way.

Sublime Character of the Prophets u

The Qur’an being the last of the revealed books provides a beautiful description of the sublime characters and personalities of the Prophets e that Allah I chose to be the leaders of Mankind.

"Allah knoweth best with whom to place His Message" Q6: 124

Regarding Ibrahim u Allah praises him:

Lo! Abraham was mild, imploring, penitent" (Q37: 108-11)

Allah I declares regarding Musa u:

"And I have attached thee to Myself." (Q. 20:41)

And also:

"And I endued thee with love from Me that thou mightest be trained according to My Will." (Q.20: 39)

Referring to Dawud u

"And remember Our Bondsman Dawud, Lord of might. Lo! He was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah)."

Soloman u, the son of Dawud u:

"How excellent a slave! Lo! He was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah)." (Q 38:30)

Further regarding other Prophets u:

"And make mention of our bondmen, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, men of parts and vision Lo! We purified them with a pure thought, remembrance of the Home (of the Hereafter). Lo! In our sight they are verily of the elect, the excellent" (Q 38: 45-47)

Denial of Prophets u leads to Destruction

The life stories of the Prophets u as related in many parts of the Quran, time and again, briefly and in detail all draw to the same conclusion that is neither ambiguous or inconsistent; and that is that they always emerge victorious despite the obstacles that are placed before them. The mission of prophethood is concluded in one of two ways. Firstly, either their opponents are converted from their disbelief into the faithful followers of the Prophets u or secondly they are punished for their disbelief.

"And, (we have sent down) some Messengers we have already told you about, and some other Messengers that We did not tell you about and Allah has spoken to Musa u verbally." (Q 4: 164)

"Messengers giving good tidings and warning so that people may have no plea against Allah after the Messengers (have come). And Allah is Almighty, all Wise." (Q. 4: 165)

The lives of the Prophet u – Challenge to Materialism

The life-stories of all the Prophet u are full of examples of how these divine souls undertook to spread the message of Tawhid amongst their people. The accounts of the lives of Nuh u, Ibrahim u Musa u, and Isa u are full of their struggle against the stalwarts of society who often combined and concentrated all their worldly power to annihilate and silence the message of God that sought to redeem their erroneous ways.

The Prophet Muhammad e The Final Messenger and the seal of the Prophets u

Allah I had pre-determined for the Prophet Muhammad e to be the last and the seal of Prophethood and the Holy Qur’an to be the final word of God. Islam confirms that which came before and provides many accounts of the lives of the Prophets u that preceded the Prophet Muhammad e upon the earth.

"Say (O’ Muhammad, to mankind): Who is an enemy to Jibraeel! For he it is who hath revealed (this Scripture) to thy heart by Allah’s leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers." (Q. 2:97)

Characteristics Befitting only the Last Prophet e

There are many verses of the holy Qur’an that refer to the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad e that indicate him to be the model for all times. The following being one of many;

"Verily in the Messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last-Day, and remembereth Allah much." (Q.33: 21)

Perfection of Islam

The message of Islam bought by the Last Prophet e is perfect and made to meet the needs of human society to the end of time.

"This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favour unto you, and have chosen Islam as religion for you."(Q.5: 3)

Universal Nature of Islam

"Muhammad e is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the Prophets; and Allah is ever Aware of all things." (Q33: 40)

Unlike previous scriptures the holy Qur’an was not revealed for a specific nation, hence the last Prophet e was sent as a Messenger for the whole of mankind.

"And We have not sent thee (O Muhammad) save as a bringer of good tidings and a warner unto all mankind; but most of mankind know not." (Q.34: 28)

Rise of a New World

Prophet e bought into the world a way of life full of vitality that provides for mans spiritual, intellectual well being on an individual as well as on a collective basis. The holy Qur’an provides endless Divine Wisdom, the salah (daily prayer), the fast, and the charity one gives, and other acts of worship, all contribute to a person’s salvation and closeness to Allah I. The Prophetic traditions that have been uniquely preserved also provide endless insight into that personality that Allah I had chosen to be the beacon of light for humanity to the end of time. His e blessed example reinvigorates society guiding mankind towards virtue and submission to the their greatest benefactor Allah I.

"And strive in the path of Allah with the endeavour which is His right. He hath chosen you and hath not laid upon you in religion any hardship; the faith of your father Abraham (is yours). He hath named you Muslims of old time and in this (Scripture), that the Messenger may be a witness against you, and that ye may be witnesses against mankind. So establish worship, pay the poor-due, and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protecting Friend. A Blessed Patron and a Blessed Helper." (Q.22: 78)