Nubuwwat (prophethood)

The conception of Prophethood follows from the premise that it is the will of Allah that every human being should pursue a defined code of life and follow certain principles of conduct. Allah swt, therefore, had to send Prophets to acquaint humanity with these principles and the code of life. The Qur’an says:

(17:15) “We never chastise until We send forth a Messenger (to give warning).”

The third Usool, "Nubuwwat", calls for belief in all the Prophets sent by Allah from time to time for the guidance of humanity. According to Islam, Allah sent 1,24,000 Prophets in all. Adam was the first of them. Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus) were other prominent Prophets (peace be upon them all). Our Prophet, Muhammad al-Mustafa (S.A.W.W.) was the last.

Some Prophets came with a Shari'ah (code of life), while others merely propagated the Shari'ah of their forerunners. Since the words of a Prophet are to be obeyed and his actions are to serve as a guide, it follows that every Prophet should be Infallible in his thoughts, words, and deeds. The Prophets never disagreed in fundamentals. Generally, the Prophets were deputed for specified communities, regions, or periods. Muhammad, the last of the Divine Messengers, was sent to express the will of Allah for the entire humanity, and for all times to come. To quote, the Quran says:

(21:107) “We have not sent thee but as a mercy unto all the worlds”.

(34:28) “And We did not send you except as a bearer of good news and warner to all mankind, but most people do not know”.

(7:158) “Say (unto them): ‘O mankind! I am Allah’s messenger to you all; Whose is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth! There is no God but He! He gives life and brings death! Therefore believe in Allah and His Messenger - the Makkan Prophet – who has faith in Allah and His words; and follow him so that you may be guided”.

Islam therefore, is a perfect code of life for the entire humanity without distinction of classes, climes, and countries. It lays firm emphasis on the purification of the 'self’ of an individual based on the fundamental principles - belief in the Oneness of Allah and in the life hereafter. This ultimately would lead to international brotherhood and the creation of a peaceful society.