Stories of the Prophets
Introduction
(August 14, 2020)
الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على سيد المرسلين وعلى آله وأصحابه أجمعين
InshaAllah, we’ll be starting a weekly series on the topic: ‘Stories of the Prophets.’ Since tonight’s session is the first one in this series, it appears proper to give a brief introduction about the concept of prophethood in Islam. From the next session inshaAllah, we’ll go to the actual stories of the prophets beginning with the story of Adam AS.
Muslims are generally aware of the ‘five pillars of Islam’ and the ‘six articles of faith.’ The five pillars of Islam are: the shahadah, salah, sawm, zakah, and hajj. The six articles of are: Faith in Oneness of God, Faith in God’s Angels, Faith in God’s Books (Scriptures), Faith in God’s Prophets, Faith in Life after Death, and Divine Decree (Qadr).
What is the Concept of Prophethood in Islam?
Allah (SWT), the Creator of the universe and everything in it, created humans for a noble purpose: to worship Him alone and lead a virtuous life based on His teachings and guidance. However, one cannot fulfill this purpose without receiving clear guidelines from Allah. He did not leave us to wander the earth aimlessly. In order to inform us of our purpose, Allah appointed certain individuals to communicate and demonstrate His message to all of mankind. These individuals are known as Prophets and Messengers.
Difference between a Prophet and a Messenger
A Messenger (Rasool) has a higher degree than a Prophet (Nabi). Every Rasool is also a Nabi, but every Nabi is not a Rasool. We can understand this by saying that every ‘general’ in the army is a soldier, but every soldier is not a general. A Rasool is honored by Allah with a new Shariah or Law. A Nabi confirms, follows, and guides mankind to follow the Shariah brought by the Rasool before him. In common usage, however, the use of the word Prophet is also used for a Messenger.
The Characteristics of Prophets and Messengers
All Prophets and Messengers have common characteristics which make them exceptional human beings.
- They received revelation.
- They were of noble character.
- They were the best examples amongst their people in character and righteousness. They lived in obedience to Allah, with excellent morals and were always truthful in speech and conduct. For this reason, Muslims reject totally the false attribution of major sins to the Prophets, as appears in some Scriptures of other religions.
- They performed miracles. Many Prophets performed miracles, usually in a field which their people excelled. For example, the people of Musa AS excelled in magic; therefore, Musa AS was able to perform miraculous acts which even magicians could not perform. The people of ‘Isa AS excelled in matters of medicine; therefore, ‘Isa AS was able to perform acts of healing beyond the skill of his own people. The people of Muhammad AS excelled in poetry; therefore, Muhammad AS delivered the Qur’an, containing such eloquent words which no poet could ever compete with. Such miracles were performed only with the permission and assistance of Allah. In addition, many Prophets conveyed truthful prophecies of future events.
- They were not divine. While Prophets are chosen by Allah, they were in no way divine and should not be worshipped. Prophet Muhammad (S) was commanded to say,
قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰ إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ
“I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your Allah is One Allah.” (al-Kahf, 18:110)
All Prophets and Messengers of Allah had certain outstanding qualities. Allah gave them certain characteristics in order for them to successfully fulfill their mission, such as persistence, courage, leadership, patience, and wisdom. Some examples include the persistence of Nuh AS in calling his people to Allah, even though very few accepted; the courage of Ibrahim AS to single-handedly confront his entire community regarding their false beliefs, while he was still very young; the leadership of Musa AS in directing the escape of his people from the most oppressive tyrant of his time – Pharaoh; the patience of ‘Isa AS in enduring the hardships and persecution imposed upon him by his people, and the wisdom of Muhammad (S) in uniting the many rival tribes of Arabia, who had a long history of conflict, into one peaceful community.
The Message of the Prophets
Allah says:
وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ
“And certainly We sent to every nation a Messenger (saying): ‘Worship Allah and avoid false gods.” (an-Nahl, 16:36).
Since all Prophets were sent by the One True Allah, they all conveyed the same message and had the same mission – to remind and educate their people the purpose of life. Their message was to: (1) Clarify the true concept of Allah and reject false beliefs; (2) Teach the true purpose of life; (3) Demonstrate how Allah should be worshipped; (4) Convey Allah’s definition of righteous and sinful conduct, and advise people accordingly; (5) Give the glad tidings of obedience and warning of the consequences of disobedience, and (6) Explain commonly misunderstood issues pertaining to the scriptures, soul, angels, afterlife and fate.
The Prophets and Messengers conveyed the divine message in the language of their people.
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِهِ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمْ
“And We sent not a messenger except with the language of his people, so that he might make (the message) clear for them…” (Ibrahim, 14:4)
The main focus of all the Prophets and Messengers was to clarify the concept of God (Allah): that He has no partners or equals, and that all worship should be directed exclusively toward Him. A few examples of their proclaiming this message as mentioned in the Qur’an are:
Nuh AS said, “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other gods besides Him.” (Qur’an 7:59). Ibrahim AS said, “Do you worship besides Allah, things that can neither bring you benefit nor cause you harm?” (Qur’an 21:66). Musa AS said, ” “Shall I seek for you a god other than Allah, when He has favored you over all other people?” (Qur’an 7:140). ‘Isa AS said, “Indeed Allah is my Lord and your Lord: so worship Him (alone): this is the Straight Way.” (Qur’an 3:51). Muhammad (S) said, “It has been revealed to me that your god is One God. So whoever expects to meet his Lord then let him do good deeds and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” (Qur’an 18:110). This message was consistent throughout the generations, and highlights the importance of having the correct belief in Allah.
Every Nation was Sent a Prophet
وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولٌ
“And for every nation there is a messenger.” (Yunus, 10:47)
Their exact number is not known, but in some traditions their number is mentioned as 124000. The Qur’an mentions twenty-five of them by name. In certain circumstances, the message of the Prophets was lost, corrupted, forgotten, neglected, or denied by the people. These were some of the reasons why a new Prophet would be sent to re-convey Allah’s message. Muslims believe in and respect every Prophet sent by Allah. Muslims also believe in all of the divine books which were revealed to the Prophets, mindful of the fact that none of these books exist today in their original form, aside from the Qur’an.
Why Doesn’t Everyone Receive Direct Revelation?
Allah created life and gave humans free will and intellect, as a test to see who will willingly follow His path and who will deviate. If every person received direct revelation, life would not be a true test of faith. The real test of one’s faith is in using one’s intellect and reason to contemplate and recognize Allah’s signs, rather than being spoken to directly by Allah, which would not require any effort, and would render belief meaningless. Although Prophets received direct revelation, this did not exempt them from life’s tests, as Prophethood brings with it many difficulties, challenges, and trials.
The Final Prophet
Prophets were sent to specific groups of people, and over time, the messages with which they came were lost or corrupted. However, Prophet Muhammad (S) was not sent to a specific people, but to mankind as a whole, and his message has been preserved both in the form of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Since the Qur’an and Sunnah are preserved and easily accessible, there is no need for another Prophet.
The Qur’an is the spoken word of Allah, and is free of any corruption, errors or contradictions. It is a book of guidance for mankind. The Sunnah is a collection of the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (S), as recorded by his companions and their students. The fact that they are recorded and rigorously authenticated makes it easy for anyone to follow Prophet Muhammad (S) correctly. The message of Prophet Muhammad (S) is in complete harmony with the teachings of the previous Prophets, and reaffirms their message.
Prophet Muhammad (S) is the final Prophet for all mankind from his time up until the end of time, including current and future generations. He was a perfect example of an honest, just, merciful, compassionate, truthful and brave human being. He, like other Prophets before him, did not have any evil characteristics and strove solely for the sake of Allah.
Prophets were sent as a mercy by Allah, to convey His message and to teach people how to live a righteous life. They have the best of characteristics and are to be followed and obeyed. Following a Prophet is obedience to Allah and rejecting a Prophet is disobedience to Allah. Prophet Muhammad (S) is the last of the Prophets, so Allah’s guidance was complete with his coming, and our salvation is complete with the obedience to Allah and His final Prophet.
The Firm among the Messengers (Ulul azmi min ar-Rusul)
They are said to be five in number: Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, ‘Isa, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). Out of all the Prophets and Messengers, five of them were Arabs: Hud, Salih, Shu’ayb, Isma’il, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). Four of them were sent to the Arabs, whereas Muhammad (S) was sent to all human beings.
Why should we study the stories of Prophets?
The Creator Himself answers this question for us and says:
لَقَدْ كَانَ فِي قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِّأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ
“Indeed in their stories there are lessons for those who have intellect.”(Yusuf, 12:111)
There are lessons for us in these stories. When the people of Nuh AS transgressed and disobeyed, what was their outcome? They were punished and drowned. We too, need to take a lesson that if we forsake the Scripture that has come to us, then we can await a similar fate.
Also, we must know that in the battle between what is right and what is not, believers will be tested. Ultimately, the forces of evil will lose and the truth will triumph and prevail. Allah reminds us in the Surat Al Baqarah:
“Do you think you will enter paradise when you have not been tested like those before you. Trials and tribulations overcame them and they were shaken until the Prophet and those with him said: ‘Where is the help of Allah?’ Behold the Help of Allah is near!” (al-Baqarah, 2:114)
Imagine for the Prophet to say “Where is the help of Allah?” To what extent the believers must have they been tested. Life is full of tests. We are tried and tested throughout our lives, we are told to follow and oblige to certain rules and commands. Every test we pass we gain higher stages in the hereafter. Once we leave the testing ground of this world having put in our best efforts, and go to the hereafter we can reap our rewards in Paradise, where it will be said: “Enter therein with peace!” May Allah make us among them! Ameen.
Allah tells Muhammad (S) in the Qur’an:
فَاقْصُصِ الْقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
“Narrate the stories so that they may ponder” (al-A’raf, 7:176)
Muhammad (S) knew nothing about these stories it was Allah who informed him about them as Allah says:
وَمَا كُنْتَ بِجَانِبِ الطُّورِ إِذْ نَادَيْنَا
“Nor were you (O Muhammad) by the side of the Mount when We called…” (al-Qasas, 28:46)
So it is Allah who informed the Prophet (S) about these stories through the Qur’an. If it was not for revelation he would have not known about it. Also, we have this verse:
نَحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ أَحْسَنَ الْقَصَصِ
“We relate to you the best of stories….” (Yusuf, 12:3)
So that is why the word ‘stories’ is commonly used as Allah has chosen to use it in His Book. Also, another reason why these stories were revealed apart from serving as a reminder and point of reflection is that they were revealed as a source of comfort and consolation to the Prophet (S). Allah says:
وَكَذَلِكَ جَعَلْنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِيٍّ عَدُوًّا
“And likewise we have assigned for every Prophet an enemy…” (al-An’am, 6:112)
Allah is telling Muhammad (S) not to despair and not to be saddened. The other Prophets were tested as well and confronted by enemies just as he was. So each story was a form of strength and consolation to the Prophet (S).
