Belief in Prophethood (Nubuwwah) in Islam
Nubuwwah (Prophethood) is one of the core beliefs in Islam
and a key aspect of the Six Articles of Faith (Iman). It refers to the belief
that Allah sent prophets and messengers to guide humanity to the right path.
Without belief in prophethood, a person cannot be considered a Muslim.
1. Meaning of Nubuwwah
(Prophethood)
The term Nubuwwah (نبوّة) comes from the Arabic root word "naba", meaning
"news" or "information." A Nabi (Prophet) is someone who
receives divine guidance or news from Allah to convey it to people.
A Prophet (Nabi) receives guidance for himself and others
but may not be given a new set of laws.
A Messenger (Rasul) is sent with a specific mission and may
receive a new divine book or law.
While all messengers are prophets, not all prophets are
messengers.
2. Role of Prophets in Islam
Prophets serve as spiritual leaders, role models, and guides
for their people. Their role includes:
1. Delivering
the Message of Allah: Conveying Allah's commandments, teachings, and moral
guidance.
2. Teaching
Monotheism (Tawhid): Calling people to the worship of one God (Allah) and
rejecting idolatry, polytheism, and false beliefs.
3. Providing
Role Models for Humanity: Prophets demonstrate how to live righteously
according to divine law.
4. Warning
Against Sin and Disobedience: They warn people of the consequences of sin and
disbelief.
5. Giving
Glad Tidings of Paradise: They encourage people to follow Allah's guidance for
success in the Hereafter.
3. Characteristics of Prophets
Prophets possess several essential qualities, which
distinguish them from ordinary people:
Truthfulness (Sidq): Prophets never lie; they are always
honest in their words and actions.
Trustworthiness (Amanah): Prophets are reliable and
trustworthy, ensuring they fulfill Allah’s commands.
Intelligence (Fatanah): Prophets have sharp intellects to
guide and communicate effectively with their people.
Infallibility (Ismah): Prophets are free from major sins,
though they may make minor mistakes, which Allah corrects.
Delivering the Message (Tabligh): Prophets deliver Allah's
message fully and do not hide or alter it.
4. Major Prophets and Messengers
in Islam
Islam acknowledges the prophethood of many individuals, but 25
prophets are explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an. Among them, some of the most
well-known prophets are:
1. Adam
(AS) – The first prophet and the first human being.
2. Nuh
(Noah, AS) – Warned his people of a great flood.
3. Ibrahim
(Abraham, AS) – Known as the "Friend of Allah" and a key figure in
monotheism.
4. Musa
(Moses, AS) – Received the Torah and led his people from Egypt.
5. Dawud
(David, AS) – A prophet and king who received the Psalms (Zabur).
6. Isa
(Jesus, AS) – Born miraculously and performed many miracles. He received the
Injeel (Gospel).
7. Muhammad
(PBUH) – The final prophet and "Seal of the Prophets." He received
the Qur'an as the final revelation.
These prophets were chosen by Allah to lead humanity back to
the path of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) and righteousness.
5. The Final Prophet: Muhammad
(PBUH)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last and final
prophet, and his message is universal for all of humanity.
He received the Qur'an, which serves as a complete and
unaltered source of guidance for all people.
Unlike previous prophets, Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as a "Mercy
to all the worlds" (Qur'an 21:107) and not just to a specific nation or
tribe.
Since he is the "Seal of the Prophets," no prophet
will come after him.
6. Belief in All Prophets
Muslims are required to believe in all prophets mentioned in
the Qur'an and Sunnah. It is a mandatory part of Iman (faith).
"The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him
from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah
and His angels and His books and His messengers." (Qur'an 2:285)
Rejecting even one prophet is considered disbelief. For
instance, if someone accepts Muhammad (PBUH) but denies Jesus (AS) or Moses
(AS), they are not considered a Muslim.
7. The Importance of Belief in
Prophethood
Believing in prophethood has profound implications for a
Muslim's life:
1. Affirmation
of Faith: Recognizing Allah's mercy in sending prophets to guide humanity.
2. Moral
and Ethical Guidance: Prophets serve as perfect role models for how to live a
righteous life.
3. Submission
to Allah's Will: Accepting the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah as divine
guidance.
4. Unity
of Message: Prophets came with a unified message — worship Allah alone and
avoid false gods.
8. Qur'anic Evidence for Belief in
Prophethood
The Qur'an repeatedly emphasizes the role of prophets and
the obligation to believe in them:
1. Indeed,
We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who
submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews." (Qur'an 5:44)
2. And
We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], 'Worship Allah and
avoid Taghut (false gods).'" (Qur'an 16:36)
3. Muhammad
is not the father of any of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and
the Seal of the Prophets." (Qur'an 33:40)
9. Violations of Belief in
Prophethood
The following are some acts that contradict belief in
prophethood:
Rejecting a Prophet: Denying the prophethood of any prophet,
such as denying the prophethood of Isa (Jesus) or Musa (Moses).
Claiming New Prophets: Believing that there are prophets
after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Distorting the Teachings of Prophets: Altering or
disregarding the message and guidance brought by the prophets.
Conclusion
Belief in prophethood (Nubuwwah) is a vital part of being a
Muslim. It acknowledges that Allah, in His mercy, sent prophets as guides and
role models to help humanity worship Allah alone and avoid misguidance. While
all prophets preached the message of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) is considered the final prophet with a universal message for
all of humanity. Believing in all prophets and following the teachings of
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is essential for salvation and success in this life and
the Hereafter.
No comments:
Post a Comment