The Meaning of 'Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen'

The Dogma of 'Khatme Nabuwwat'

On Saturday 26 March 2016 after Salat-ul-Zuhr, a non-Ahmadi Muslim friend gave me a Muslim newspaper (STAR ​​No. 1625) dated 21 to 27 February 2016 wherein was written an article at page 30 on the Seal of Prophethood (part 4). An Imam spoke of the agreement by all the Ulema of the Ummah on the issue. When we look at this clause, we see that from the first century until today, in each successive generation, in the entire Muslim world, in every country, theologians are unanimous on this point that after the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) no one can be a prophet, and if someone claim the right to this post/ status or one who believes in such claimant, is a Kafir (infidel) and out of the pale of Islam. 

Then, the Imam in question reproduced the following evidence, namely the views of these theologians:

1.   Hazrat Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa (ra) [80-150 AH] said (like I told you last Friday): “La Nabi Ba’adi” (No prophet after me). [Manaqib-ul-Imamul Azam Abu-Hanifa, Labin-e-Ahmedul-Makki, Vol.1, Pg. 161].

2.     Allama Ibn Jarir-Tabri (ra) [224-310 AH] commented on the verse of the Holy Quran “Walakir-Rasulullah, wa Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen” and explained that he is one who had shut the door of prophecy and has applied thereon a seal. [Tafsir Ibn Jarir, Vol.22, p. 12].

3.      Allama Ibn Hazam (ra) Andalusi [384-456 AH] wrote: “Without a doubt, the continuation of revelation ceased after the death of Rasulullah (pbuh). The proof is that the revelation is bestowed to a prophet and (he is) the last of the prophets.” [Al-Muhalla, Vol.1 p. 26].

4.    Hazrat Imam Ghazali (ra) [450-505 AH] wrote in his book ‘Iqtisaad’: “No doubt the Ummah has reached a consensus that through the words’ Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen’ ‘the Nabiya Badi’, there will be no Messenger and no Prophet until eternity.”

And then the Imam quoted others also and pronounced that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is the last prophet and said that those who pretend to receive a divine revelation or claim to be a prophet, will be declared infidel (Kafir) and has mentioned that in every Muslim country, the great scholars, ‘Fuqaha’, the ‘Muhadditheen’ and ‘Mufassireen’ have all expressed the same opinion about “Khatme Nabuwwat”.

The meaning of “Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen”

Now I make a small comment on the meaning of “Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen” and also put forward the writings of prominent Muslim scholars.

As you know, the term Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen appears in the Quran in Surah Al-Ahzab. This verse says:

“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah, and the Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen (Seal of the Prophets); and Allah has full knowledge of all things.” (33: 41)

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “I was the Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen before the birth of Prophet Adam.” (Tafsir ibn Kathir, on the authority of Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal).

When his son died, he (pbuh) said: “Had Ibrahim lived he would have become a prophet.” (Ibn Majah, Vol.1 Kitabul-Janaiz).

These very significant words agree with the text of the Holy Quran. They mean that the word Khatam does not mean ‘the last’ in respect to the time factor.

The Concept of 'Nabi' in Our Claims

Divine Revelations Today

Given the debate between the Ahmadi Muslims and Salafi Muslims as well as the other Muslim groups, I have decided today to devote my Friday Sermon on the subject of Nabuwwah (prophethood) and status of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the “Khatam-an-Nabiyyine”.

Just like for the Promised Messiah of the past century, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), the revelations I have been bestowed upon as a divine grace contain the words Nabi and Rassool, not once but several times. Messenger can also mean prophet. I have been addressed as Rassool by my Beloved Creator several times. 

A "Nabi" after Prophet Muhammad ?

However, if we agree on the fact that the Holy Prophet Muhammad is the seal of the prophets, and that no other prophet could come after him in the world, I would say that of course, any old or new prophet cannot come in the sense that my opponents as well as those of the Promised Messiah (as) seem to believe; for verily while slandering and accusing the Muhammadan prophets of Kufr (disbelief/ infidelity), but ironically at the same time they expect a prophet of an ancient Ummah (Community) to revive the perfect Ummah of Muhammad (pbuh).

They await the return of Jesus Christ – Isa (as); that is to say, in other words, they believe in the continuity of the latter’s prophethood of the latter and in the divine revelations received by him for a period of forty years, a period longer than that enjoyed by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself, and so such a belief is clearly wrong as it is disavowed by the verse of the Holy Quran:

“... He is the Messenger of God and the Seal of the Prophets.” (Al-Ahzab, 33: 41)

And also by the following tradition: “... La Nabi Ba’adi” (No prophet after me). 

And I totally agree with the Holy Quran. This Quranic verse of the Holy Quran contains a great prophecy that has escaped the attention of my opponents. It means that after the death of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) no member of any religion other than Islam will receive the gift of prophethood and no man, be him Hindu, Jewish, Christian or so-called Muslim (Muslim in name only) cannot justifiably be called Nabi.

Blessings of "Nubuwwah" within the Ummah

The only approach to accede to this high position is the path of the Siddiqeen (Truthful) or those who lose themselves in the love of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Whoever takes this path may get the privilege as a “Zill” to wear coat of prophethood, that is to say, by being a perfect reproduction of the spiritual image of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and loving the latter (pbuh) out of a sincere love, he is given to wear the mantle of prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself. A claimant of prophethood of this nature cannot be a rival of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) because he gets all his strengths and favours through him; and therefore the spiritual position that he reaches is only for the glorification of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

Moreover he is known in heaven as Muhammad and Ahmad at the same time. Thus the greatness of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is not reached by any other person (even not his Zill), while his Zill (spiritual double/ reflection) still owes him a debt of gratitude.

Remembering Asad Shah Sahib

MURDER OF ASAD SHAH SAHIB IN SCOTLAND

On Thursday 24 March 2016, the 40 years old Ahmadi Muslim Asad Shah, originally from Pakistan, from the town of Rabwah and who lived in Glasgow, Scotland, was murdered in the evening about nine o’clock, local time. He was found with a knife in the head outside his newsagent and convenience store/ shop. For reasons beyond the perception and understanding of the authorities, he was brutally stabbed (nearly 30 knife wounds) and had his head stabbed and trampled upon by an individual who attacked him. One of his brothers, who worked nearby, alerted by the noise outside rushed to stop the attacker but in vain. He was also injured while trying to save his brother. Asad Shah Sahib was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

The case is still ongoing and the alleged murderer, a Muslim, who later was identified as Tanveer Ahmad, 32 years old is believed to have travelled from Bradford (in northern England) to Glasgow for the only purpose to kill Asad Shah Sahib and was arrested by the Scottish authorities. He will go on trial this 5^th of April.

Few years ago, Asad Shah Sahib was regularly in contact with me. He sent me his writings and revelations by mail and on top of that, we had two or three telephone conversations for more than an hour and we were also in regular contact via Internet (electronic mail), and he was even sorry that he had not met me during my visit to the United Kingdom in 2014, and he told me that had he known, he would have come to meet me, and he wanted to work with me. In that year, he told me that Allah (swt) had also raised him as His chosen servant with several titles and he was ready to join me (and my Jamaat) so that we work together for this noble work. That was his last conversation with me. After that, I too have been busy, but we stayed in touch by email.

The Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam and I, we condemn this atrocious act and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. Innal-lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Rajii-uun (To Allah we belong and to Him we shall (all) return). May Allah always keep him under His shadow and forgive him and grant patience to his family in this terrible moment and generously reward them in these (hard) times. Ameen.

---Extracts from the Friday Sermon of 01 April 2016 ~(22 Jamad’ul Aakhir 1437 Hijri) delivered by Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius.  

Zikr-e-Ilaahi: The Soul- Divine Connect

The Remembrance of Allah

“O you who believe! Let not your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. If any act thus, the loss is their own.” (Al-Munafiqun, 63: 10).

“So veer away from those who turn back from Our Remembrance and desire nothing but the life of this world. 

That is what they could reach of knowledge. Surely your Lord is He Who knows best the ones who have erred away from His way, and He knows best the ones who are guided.” (An-Najm, 53: 30-31).

The Remembrance (Zikr) of Allah is certainly food for our soul. The soul is such an entity that is associated with his Creator and thus to preserve the relationship between the soul and the Creator, man must strive to praise Allah (God Almighty) and remember Him, His Omnipotence and His Love and Mercy upon him in all aspects of his life so that he remains connected with Him (Allah).

Abu Musa Ash’ari (ra) narrated that the Prophet of Allah Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “He/ She who does Zikr of Allah (practice the remembrance of Allah) and he/ she who doesn’t, their example is of like an alive and a dead.” (Bukhari)

A Salafi- Ahmadi Debate in Mauritius

Revelations from Allah (swt)

By the grace of Allah, on Tuesday 08 March 2016, after the Esha prayer, I received several times a verse of the Quran as revelation. This revelation came with such force on my tongue/ my lips and this made me ponder a lot over it. That Quranic verse/ revelation is as follows:

Jaaa-al Haqqu wa Zahaqal-Baatil Innal Baatila kaana Zahuuqa.

The truth has come and falsehood has vanished; surely falsehood is bound to vanish.

The next day, 09 March 2016, I received several calls from an Ahmadi who informed me that on Youtube, Mubarak Boodhun labelled me as an “insane person/ mentally sick”. Before proceeding further with the matter, like the Quran and Hadiths teach us, I made the necessary to contact a member of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam to research on whether the news about the stupid remark is true or not. I was at that time in the midst of an important work, and after giving this instruction, I received a revelation from my Rab, my Allah (swt) who informed me (and thus confirming me the news): 

Unzur Kayfa zarabun lakal amsaala fa-zallun. 
See the kind of examples they invent for you. They have gone astray.

Debate between the Salafiyya and Ahmadiyya

When I returned home at night, I had the opportunity to see it for myself on Youtube. All this happened through a meeting which was held between the Salafiyya and Ahmadiyya, and it was the Salafiyya who posted all those Questions & Answers and subsequently the debates on their Youtube Channel. 

Shame on the Jamaat Ahmadiyya! In the year 2011, just before Ramadan, they had three meetings and debates with the Salafiyya, in Port-Louis (Plaine Verte) and afterwards in Quatre-Bornes, at the Pavillon. The Salafiyya was represented by Shabbir Chowtee and Jamaat Ahmadiyya was represented by Mubarak Boodhun.

The first question of Mubarak Boodhun was on: Who was a Muslim according to the Quran and Hadiths, especially according to the Quran and as defined by Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh)? 

The second question – from Mr. Shabbir to Mubarak Boodhun – after Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) till Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), how many prophets there were? And a series of Questions & Answers ensued whereby each of them presented his arguments – but unfortunately the arguments were not presented in the best ways – till they reached a point before the conclusion of their session when Mr. Shabbir put before Mubarak Boodhun about the fact that after Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), Muhyiuddin Munir Ahmad Azim was proclaiming to be prophet, therefore he wanted to have the opinion of Mubarak Boodhun on this issue. 

With every fiber of arrogance and boastfulness, Mubarak Boodhun said, concerning me: “He has nothing to do with the Jamaat (Jamaat Ahmadiyya); he has been expelled from the Jamaat.” And therefore Mr. Shabbir insisted on his question, to make that arrogant and boastful man confess if whether a prophet can really come after Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) or not?

Upon the insistence of Mr. Shabbir, Mubarak Boodhun did not know what to say; he was put in a fix and did not know whether to say yes or no! Therefore, in a confused state, he began saying that no prophet shall come (after Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as)) and afterwards he retracts his words and confess that the POSSIBILITY exists that prophets shall come after Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). He said: “No, no one will come… (Pause, then he said)… The possibility exists but I have not witness (the advent of) any (such prophet/s).” 

Then Mr. Shabbir said: “If he (that prophet) comes and you people don’t have faith (believe) in him, then this means that you are a Kafir?” He gave precision to his words and told Mubarak: “If Muhyiuddin Munir Ahmad Azim (I have seen his photo on the internet) is a TRUE prophet, this means you are a Kafir?” Mubarak replied: “Not only me, but every one of us!” 

The Right to Self-Defence against Aggression

Islam forbids aggression, but orders us to fight if the limits of decency and freedom of conscience are exceeded and that truth and peace are in danger. In this case, the Muslim is called to fight and should not shrink from the fight to protect the religion approved by Allah, that is to say, Islam and the Muslims. 

This is the teaching on the basis of which the Holy Prophet (pbuh) set his own line of conduct. He continued to suffer in Mecca and did not fight the aggression of which he was the innocent victim. Even after his flight to Medina, the enemy went there to extirpate Islam; he had to fight for truth and freedom of conscience, but the fights he had subsequently directed were ordained by Allah, especially on self-defence basis and to save the worship of God and His sincere adherents/ servants.

“Permission (to fight) has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory. Those who have been driven from their homes unjustly only because they said: Our Lord is Allah - For had it not been for Allah's repelling some men by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. 

And Allah will surely support those who support Him – Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might – Those who, if We give them power in the land, establish worship and pay the Zakat and enjoin kindness and forbid iniquity. And with Allah rests the end of (all) matters.” (22: 40-42).

Disasters and the Renewal of Faith

Disasters, or Divine Wrath?

What are natural disasters, according to human terms? These are on one hand repressible calamities and on the other uncontrollable disasters varying according to the intensity of the calamities in question, for example: earthquakes, storms, droughts, floods etc. They are classified into two parts: (1) those which manifest as the consequences of what the hands of men have brought forth. For e.g. Global warming by the greenhouse effect, pollution, etc. (2) those which manifest by the nature itself of how the earth and the heavens function, sometimes predictable, sometimes unpredictable.

In themselves, by their nature they are form an integral part in the overall scheme of things in which all life is created. Their roles in this scheme are determinants and are not at all nonsense. So in the interest of a great number of lives, some small individual interests are often sacrificed. This is the accepted principle. Because of the important role that these disasters play in the planning of things and in the journey of life and progress, they cannot then be taken as meaningless just because some individuals are victims are them.

Ethics of Creative Destruction

The general philosophy behind these disasters could be understood if you study the phenomenon of life and death – the fight of one in the face of the other. Every step forward in the evolution of life brings in its wake millions and millions of victims. Each step causes the destruction of countless potential life. Even when we see in the universe millions of species and a number, which cannot be counted, of creatures in various forms of life – then what is their ultimate goal? If you understand how things are patterned you will discover that they are made to serve man and their roles are ultimately to serve the ecology of which man needs. All this is only part of the process. Thus the number is sacrificed for the profit of quality. This is the essence of this whole plan. If billions of lives are sacrificed for the benefit of man – the superior creature/ being – in order to increase his qualities and this after taking the test/ trial – then some sacrifices are justified for this great planning of things.

Faith, Freedom and Public Order

"ISLAMIC STATE" spreads Terror

In the context of the besiegement by the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) of some Muslim states by proclaiming a caliphate which has not been mandated neither by Allah, nor the truly pious people, both the Islamic and non-Islamic worlds now see themselves facing a real danger. 

After Al-Qaeda and other terrorist cells, the ISIS is doing havoc in Iraq and Syria and is trying by force and terror to make people succumb to their command. According to them, the first objective of the Ummah must be the seizure of secular power so as to be able to reign in supremacy. And so, without referring themselves specifically to the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), these people spread terror in both Muslim and non-Muslim camps. 

The world is facing a real crisis. That is why in this century, the Caliph of Allah, the Reviver of Faith of this century has been raised by Allah to thwart the purpose of any other false caliphate which is just like a flame blazing and burning further the fragile state of Islam.

We are in a state of emergency. 

Muslims must refer themselves first of all to the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of our beloved prophet (pbuh). What these so-called Muslims and defenders of the Ummah are doing has nothing to do with the practice of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). The latter (pbuh) had established the Quran first; long before he even gained political power. The teachings (of the Quran) were observed/ put into practice even if the political powers of the time opposed them. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) remains verily our only source of light. His ascension to political supremacy was primarily free of all injustice and coercion.

Pursuit of Pleasure: At What Cost ?

AN UNSECURE FUTURE

Man’s future, our future rests in our Creator, in our pure relationship (between Him and us) which existed long before our existence on this ephemeral earth. So why is there this distance, now that we exist on this earth? Certainly the pursuit of pleasure associated with uncontrolled freedom has made the society as it is today. We profess to be free, but free from what? (Sadly) We have liberated ourselves from the bonds that bind us to our Creator! It is what we now observe worldwide on the concept of freedom; to be free of anything related to the nobility of the soul, to be free of the magnanimity of the heart that creates in man his sense of responsibility and limiting his unbridled pursuit of pleasure. It’s that kind of freedom that the Muslim world and the world in general now continue to pursue – a mad pursuit of this pleasure – anywhere he can find it and forgetting limits that must not be exceeded.

Man is born with capabilities, resources and a limited imagination; and thus should his pursuit of pleasure be limited, for if unchecked, shall lead him to a dead end. Numerous side effects then stand in his way and society becomes increasingly nervous and turbulent. The Muslim world is unfortunately not spared today.

Finding God: Five Steps for the Seeker

Make God Almighty your Ultimate Goal:

People who are rather short-sighted and lack discernment define different reasons for their lives and are limited to worldly objectives and ambitions. But the purpose decided for man by God Almighty is according to His own holy words:

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (51: 57)

The real aim of God is to make the man understand the main purpose of his existence on earth, that is to say, to be completely devoted to Him. It is obvious that man cannot set a goal to his own life because he neither comes into this world on his own nor does he leave this world on his own, according to his will. He is a creature and the One who has created him and invested in him better faculties which are superior to animals has also identified a goal for his life. We understand it or not, the fact remain that the purpose of the creation of man is undoubtedly worship and understanding of God and a complete devotion to Him. Elsewhere in the Holy Quran, God Almighty has said:

“Surely the true religion in the sight of Allah is Islam...” (3: 20)

“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth (as one devoted to God). It is the nature made by Allah, the nature according to which He has created men. There can be no change in Allah’s creation. This is the true religion. But most people do not know.” (30: 31).

The religion that gives us a real appreciation of God and prescribes His true worship is Islam. Islam is inherent in human nature and man was created in accord with ISLAM - submission to the One God - and such is the eternal and true faith. This is to say that God wanted man to be fully devoted to His worship, that he loves and obeys Him with all his faculties. So He (Allah) has blessed man with all appropriate faculties to achieve ISLAM (to submit to Him, that being the real target for the creation of mankind).

Despite the fact that man is taken up by the various projects of his life, he can find true happiness only in God Almighty (Allah). After having accumulated enormous wealth, after having held high office, after having become a great trader, and ruled over a vast kingdom, and after having been recognized as a great philosopher, at the end he leaves all these commitments with great regret. His heart constantly reproaches himself for his total concern for worldly affairs and his conscience never accepts his illicit activities full of trickery and artifice.

An intelligent person can better understand that problem. We cannot assign a higher purpose to something beyond its/ his capacity, beyond which it/ he can no longer function. For example, the highest work of a bull is the ploughing of fields or irrigation or transportation. Its faculties are not adapted to anything else. Thus the aim of the life of a bull comes down to these three functions. It has no ability to do anything else. 

But by examining the faculties of man and trying to find their limits, we find him in search of God the Exalted. He wishes to become so devote to God that he devotes everything he owns/possesses to God. He shares with other animals his natural survival instinct. However, in the field of manufacturing certain animals surpass him. Indeed the bees extract the essence of different varieties of flowers to produce a honey so excellent that it surpasses the understanding of man up till now. It is therefore obvious that the summits of human faculties are to meet God the Exalted. So the real purpose of his life is that the window of his heart should open to God.

Islam on Slavery and Prisoners of War

Prophets and other messengers of God come to liberate humans from their chains. Divine teachings, in their pristine essence, are designed to emancipate them from their slavish bondages.

Compared to all other religions of the past, Islam provides far more evolved teachings that are mindful of the predicament of slaves. Its teachings are designed to abolish and root out this abominable practice through radical transformation of the social order, even as it provides teachings for fair treatment of all, including in times of war to the Prisoners of War. Islam permits defensive war against the enemies of the State when it is faced with aggression by other nations and peoples. In the course of such inter-State conflicts, Muslims can capture and retain prisoners of War till the end of hostilities and thereafter, release them as a grace or for ransom.

In the history of the world, rise and fall of nations is a reality. Likewise, profound teachings get blurred in the distance of time. People forget the true traditions and invent new customs of religions, and thereby alter and reshape original teachings. Hence, though Prophets in the past never took slaves, their followers have abused that legacy of freedom and fairness.  Hence, slavery had been perpetrated also by the so called men of religion. Despite Islam’s clearest exposition on the dignity and equality and equal rights of all human beings, like Jews and Christians and the Hindus among them in society, even Muslims cannot fully absolve themselves from the stigma of practicing slavery. 

In a religious and international context, where the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) practices slavery against its enemies in the name of Islam, and also many other world nations permitting working/labour/social/political conditions amounting to modern forms slavery that infringes upon elementary considerations of humanity, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius warns the world community on the need for returning to the just teachings of Islam that seek to abolish slavery and ensure fair treatment of all, including even to prisoners of war in times of hostilities.  

Reproduced below are extracts from the Friday Sermon of 05 February 2016 ~(25 Rabi’ul Aakhir 1437 Hijri):

Why A Divinely-Elected Imam Now?

The Advent of Divine Elects

The main reason for the arrival of new non-Law-bearing prophets in the Muhammadan Ummah (pbuh) is that Islam came for the whole world and must be propagated. And for this important work two arrangements are necessary: first the internal reform among Muslims (i.e., the strengthening of their faith in Islam), and second, the spread of Islam around the world. These two needs cannot be achieved without strict discipline, a leader, an Imam.

In the Quran, Allah (swt) talks about this discipline in these terms:

“Allah would not leave the believers in that (state) you are in (presently) until He separates the evil from the good. Nor would Allah reveal to you the unseen. But (instead), Allah chooses of His messengers whom He wills, so believe in Allah and His messengers. And if you believe and fear Him, then for you is a great reward.” (3:180).

Here it is said to the believers: Oh you who claim to have faith, as long as there shall be no difference between the good and the bad you will remain mixed up with the result that Islam will be weakened. Allah does not like such a situation. Surely He will send a prophet to separate the bad from the good. Since only God knows who is good and who is not, and He alone knows how to separate, He will choose a pious Muslim to operate that separation of/ distinction between (the good and evil/ bad ones). O you who believe! “So believe in Allah and His messengers.”

On the other hand, if there should not come a prophet, why did Allah (swt) say to those who believe in Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) that a time will come when there will be no difference between good and evil and that He shall then send a prophet? Why did He give the command to believe in the Prophet and to fear (i.e., to reform)? There is in all this food for thought.

Divine Favours on Abraham's Family

“The religion of your father Abraham; He (Allah) named you Muslims.”---(Al-Hajj 22: 79).

Favours: Temporal and Spiritual

O Muslims! Remember that we are the promised children of Abraham (as). There are great promises of God concerning us. God has made us the best of all (Khairi Uman). He gave us until the end of days the development of temporal favours in the form of royalty and also the development of spiritual favours in the form of prophethood, for we are the seed of Abraham (Ibrahim).

God had kept His promise to Abraham’s posterity from the branch of Israel (Jacob / Yaqub) as long as they did not become evil, and thus the system of royalty and that of prophethood were reserved for him. 

Divine Favours change Trajectory

But when they became wicked, God changed the trajectory of His Light and (while still holding firm to His promise to Abraham) gave that favour to the posterity of Ismail where we had the Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen (blessing for the entire universe) to bless all nations and whose coming was promised as a manifestation of God. This awaited perfect messenger was indeed the seal of the prophets, the founder of Islam, our beloved prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who came with a perfect divine book, i.e. the Holy Quran.

Divine Elects and the Light of Revelation

« Wa immin Ummati illaa khalaa fihaa Naziir. »

There is no nation but has had its Warner. 

(Fatir 35: 25)

As Allah (swt) is the Lord of all mankind, He has equipped all humans with the power to think for themselves. And thus, He could not deprive any nation of His guidance. Like the verse of the Holy Quran which I have recited before you, in which it is said: “There is no nation but has had its Warner”.

Allah (swt) has sent His messengers among all nations and in all ages, and like the sun lights up the whole world, the light of revelations has ever lit up the darkest corners of the earth. If today we cannot discover the light of revelation among a particular people, it does not mean that no prophets have appeared among them, but the truth is that these people have allowed their national traditions and faith to die out.

Over time, most people believed that (divine) revelation was limited to the founders of their respective religions, and even those who believed that divine revelation was given to those who profess other religions did that, more like a kind of personal tribute to the founders of these religions because of the services they had rendered to the cause of humanity than the result of the acceptance of the doctrine of the universal providence of God. For example, today we see that Christmas has become a national and international festival where even the adherents of other religions like the Hindus celebrate it with fanfare. Why? Is it because of their belief in Jesus just like the Christians have in him? Or is it simply because of the attraction of this festive celebration and as a tribute to the Christian beliefs about Jesus’ birth? They are fully engaged in this feast while in reality they do not believe in the authenticity of Jesus as a prophet, or even (may Allah forbid) as son of God, a belief that the majority of Christians espouse.

The services rendered to humanity by the righteous servants of God have certainly been preserved in history, but God’s attributes and words also reflect the fact that each nation, whether its traditions have been preserved or not, had its prophet and to receive guidance through prophets is the right of humanity that God never ignores. This doctrine has opened for all nations the doors of God’s love to the point that it has put the internal relations of humanity on a consistent and friendly basis and preserved the founders and righteous men of all religions from all kinds of insults.

The world has seen the greatest universal prophet for all humanity, for all nations, for all peoples of the world. This greatest prophet is indeed our beloved prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). He was raised among the Arabs as the universal prophet for the entire human race. Although he was the last prophet bearer of divine laws, with the last code of revealed laws, i.e., the Quran, the complete Holy Book, which contains the necessary lessons for the needs of all times, the doors of revelation and spiritual advancement are, however, still open and will continue to be forever.

God Speaks Today: 10 Reasons

A GOD WHO SPEAKS AND GUIDES

If God spoke to His servants in the past, why does He not talk to them now? If He used to send His guidance in times of trouble, doubt and bewilderment, why does He not open for men the door to His guidance today? Does this mean that all religions are corrupted and cannot find any truth, and thus we cannot get any results by following any one of them; or is it possible that the true religion exists on earth, but men do not follow its teachings and therefore cannot make any progress in the spiritual realm?

Whatever opinion we espouse, the following question shall always be asked: why did God not reveal a new religion if He thought that the world needed one; and if He had already given His guidance to be followed and that people have not heeded it, why did He not raise a reformer to guide them on the right path so that they can enjoy His proximity and thus achieve the purpose of their creation?

It’s unbelievable that a Merciful and Loving God remains unmoved at the sight of humanity struggling in error and worldliness and does nothing to indicate to it the direction and right path to take. God must be kinder and more merciful than a father or a mother, for a mother and a father are only the instruments of procreation of children, but God is not only the creator but also the ultimate goal of human existence.

The relationship between a child and his parents is temporary, but the one between man and God lasts forever. The faculties and resources of parents are finite and perishable, but God’s power is boundless and His treasures are inexhaustible. He who has such a relationship with His creatures and Who is the Master of such powers cannot forget His creatures and remain indifferent to their suffering. He Who asks His weak creatures to be lenient to others cannot be inclement so much so, that He leaves mankind without any means of direction and spiritual progress and He leaves them to wander haphazardly in darkness and lose sight while seeking light.

If there is a God, He cannot permit that! If He sympathizes with His servants in their trials and yet does not provide means of protection, we must conclude that either He has no power to guide humanity towards the truth, or that it is not the purpose of human existence to be in communion with God, and that man was created only to eat, drink, and live a purely material and animalistic existence. But these alternatives are without any support (they are baseless). 

It is absurd to imagine that the One Who created the universe has no power to provide the means for the spiritual guidance of humanity. We cannot also imagine that man was only created for a purely material existence, because in that case we would have to admit that an All-Wise and All-Knowing Creator manifested the existence of this great universe without purpose. There is no machine invented simply to let it run by itself; any machine has a precise/ designated purpose.