بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
Allah’s Name to commence with, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Discover the profound Islamic beliefs related to prophets, from the creation of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) to the unparalleled legacy of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). This article explores their divine missions, miraculous journeys etc.
Welcome to Part 6 of our “Foundational Islamic Beliefs” series, where we explore the essence of Islamic faith and its timeless teachings. In this part, we will explore: the creation of the Father of Mankind i.e., Prophet Adam (Peace Be Upon Him), and the rankings and status of prophets and their life after death also some of their unique attributes, these insights shed light on the profound Islamic beliefs.
The Creation and Rank of Prophet Adam: Humanity’s Beginning
Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), created by Allah from clay without parents and was appointed as His Caliph. Allah granted him knowledge of all names and commanded the angels to prostrate (do Sajdah) before him. All obeyed except Iblis (Satan), a jinn who, despite his piety, refused and became eternally accursed.
Before Prophet Adam, no human existed. All humans are his descendants, which is why humanity is called “Adam’s progeny.” He is also known as “Abu al-Bashar” (Father of Mankind).
Prophet Nuh: The First Messenger and the Great Flood
While Prophet Adam was the first prophet, Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) was the first messenger sent to disbelievers. He preached for 950 years despite facing persecution.
When the disbelievers persisted in their defiance, a flood engulfed them, sparing only believers and pairs of animals aboard his ark.
Belief in Prophets: Foundations of Islamic Faith
The exact number of prophets is unknown, and fixing it is impermissible. Believers must have faith in every prophet sent by Allah without denial or misattribution, as believing Non-Prophet a Prophet, and a Prophet Non-Prophet both lead to disbelief (Kufr).
Prophetic Ranks: The Exalted Status of Prophet Muhammad
Prophets hold varying ranks, with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) being the most exalted. He is followed by Prophet Ibrahim, Prophet Musa, Prophet Isa, and Prophet Nuh (peace be upon them all). These Prophet are the most exalted upon all other creations after Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him).
Respect for Prophets: Prophets are honored and dignified in Allah’s sight. Disrespecting them or equating them with ignoble beings is blatant disrespect and open disbelief (Kufr).
Prophetic Miracles: A Testament of Truth and Divine Authority
A prophet’s truthfulness is evident when he openly claims prophethood and demonstrates extraordinary miracles defying natural norms. These miracles, called mu’jizat, are acts enabled by Allah that leave disbelievers helpless. Examples include:
- Prophet Salih’s she-camel.
- Prophet Musa’s staff turning into a serpent and his radiant hand (Yad-e-Bayda).
- Prophet Isa’s revival of the dead and healing the blind and leprous.
- And numerous miracles of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Claimant of Prophethood: A false claimant of prophethood cannot produce such miracles, ensuring a clear distinction between truth and falsehood.
Note: When an extraordinary event occurs through a prophet before their prophethood, it is called Irhaas. If a similar event occurs through a saint, it is termed Karamat. When it happens through ordinary believers, it is referred to as Ma’unat. If such occurrences happen in through bold sinners or disbelievers in their favor, it is known as Istidraj, but if contrary events occur to them, it is called Ihanat (humiliation).
The Unique Life of Prophets in Their Graves
Belief: The prophets (peace be upon them) are alive in their graves with the same true life as they had in the world. They eat, drink, and can go wherever they wish. For the confirmation of the divine promise, death momentarily touched them, after which they were restored to life as before.
Their life is far superior to that of martyrs. Hence, the inheritance of a martyr will be distributed, and his wife can remarry after the waiting period (Iddat). However, this is not permissible for the prophets, as their status is distinct.
The beliefs mentioned until now related to Prophets in any part of “Foundational Islamic Beliefs” series are common to all prophets (peace be upon them). Now, some unique attributes specific to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are explained:
The prophets were sent to specific nations, but the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent to all of creation: humans, jinn, angels, animals, and even inanimate objects. Just as humans are obligated to obey the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), so too is all of creation bound to follow him.
Prophet Muhammad: Mercy for All Creation
Belief: The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is a mercy for all worlds, including:
- Angels
- Humans
- Jinn
- Heavenly Maidens(Hur)
- Servants of Paradise (Ghilman)
- Animals
- & even inanimate objects.
For Muslims, his mercy is especially profound and exceptional.
Seal of Prophethood: The Finality of Prophet Muhammad
Belief: The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Seal of the Prophets (Khatam-un-Nabiyeen) مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَآ أَحَدٍۢ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن رَّسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ (The Beloved Prophet Muhammad, is not the father of any man amongst you. Yes, He is the Messenger of Allah and the Final amongst all the Prophets)1, meaning that Allah Almighty ended the chain of prophethood with him. During his time or afterward, no new prophet can be sent.
Whoever believes or considers it permissible for someone to become a prophet during or after the Holy Prophet’s time is a disbeliever (Kafir).
The Unparalleled Perfection of Prophet Muhammad
Belief: The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the best of all of Allah’s creation. All the individual perfections bestowed upon others have been collectively granted to him. Furthermore, he has been endowed with unique qualities that no one else possesses.
Whatever others have received was granted to them by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), whether directly or indirectly. Indeed, perfection itself is considered perfect because it is an attribute of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He is intrinsically perfect and complete by the grace of His Lord, and his perfection is not dependent on any attribute; rather, it is the attribute that becomes perfect by being associated with him.
Belief: It is impossible for anyone to be like the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Anyone who claims equality with him in any specific attribute is a misguided and/or a disbeliever.
Belief: Allah Almighty has honored the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) with the highest rank of Divine Love. While all creation seeks the pleasure of Allah, Allah Himself seeks the pleasure of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Mi’raj: The Journey Beyond the Divine Throne
Belief: The Ascension (Mi’raj) is one of the unique attributes of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). During this miraculous event, he was physically taken in a brief portion of the night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِۦ لَيْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْأَقْصَا (Glory be to Him Who took His bondsman by the night from the Sacred Mosque (the Ka’bah) to Al-Aqsa Mosque)2, and from there to the seven heavens, the Kursi, and the Arsh, even beyond the Arsh.
In this journey, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) attained a closeness to Allah that no human or angel has ever achieved or will ever achieve. He beheld the Divine Beauty with his physical eyes, heard the Divine Speech without any intermediary, and observed every detail of the dominion of the heavens and the earth.
Belief: All creation, from the first to the last, is dependent on the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), including Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
Grand Intercession: Prophet Muhammad’s Role on the Day of Judgment
Belief: On the Day of Judgment, the station of Grand Intercession (Shafa’ah al-Kubra) is a unique attribute of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Without his initiation, no one will have the ability to intercede. In reality, all intercessors will present their intercession before him, and he alone will intercede with Allah on behalf of the entire creation. This Grand Intercession will benefit all — believers, disbelievers, obedient, and sinful alike.
For instance, the terrifying wait for the reckoning, which will be so excruciating that people will wish to be thrown into Hell to escape it, will end for everyone, including disbelievers, through the intercession of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). At this moment, all of creation — the first and the last, friends and foes, believers and disbelievers — will collectively praise him. This is the Maqam-e-Mahmood (the Praised Station).
Other forms of intercession include:
- Admitting many directly into Paradise without any reckoning, a number of 4.9 billion people is known, with many more known only to Allah and His Messenger.
- Saving those whose reckoning has already taken place and who are deserving of Hell, rescuing them from Hellfire.
- Elevating the ranks of individuals in Paradise.
- Reducing the intensity of the punishment for some.
Belief: All forms of intercession are affirmed for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), including intercession through status (Shafa’at bil-Wajah), love (Shafa’at bil-Mahabbat), and permission (Shafa’at bil-Idhn). Denying any of these is an act of misguidance.
Belief: The position of intercession has already been granted to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He said:
“I have been granted intercession.”
Allah Almighty commands in the Quran:
“And seek forgiveness for the sins of your special and common believing men and believing women.(Quran)”3
What is intercession if not this?
“O Allah! Grant us the intercession of Your Noble Beloved on the Day when neither wealth nor children will benefit except one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.”
The various states of intercession and other unique attributes that will manifest on the Day of Judgment shall be discussed later.
The Love of Prophet Muhammad: Essence of Faith
Belief: Loving the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the foundation of faith. In fact, faith itself is love for Him. A person cannot be a true Muslim until the love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) surpasses love for their parents, children, and all of creation.
As Allah states in Quran: قُلْ إِن كَانَ ءَابَآؤُكُمْ وَأَبْنَآؤُكُمْ وَإِخْوَٰنُكُمْ وَأَزْوَٰجُكُمْ وَعَشِيرَتُكُمْ وَأَمْوَٰلٌ ٱقْتَرَفْتُمُوهَا وَتِجَـٰرَةٌۭ تَخْشَوْنَ كَسَادَهَا وَمَسَـٰكِنُ تَرْضَوْنَهَآ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَجِهَادٍۢ فِى سَبِيلِهِۦ فَتَرَبَّصُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَمْرِهِۦ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلْفَـٰسِقِينَ (Say You (O Beloved), ‘If your fathers, and your sons, and your brothers, and your wives, and your family, and your acquired wealth, and the trade in which you fear loss, and the houses of your liking; (all) these things are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and fighting in His path, then wait until Allah sends His command (i.e., punisment); and Allah does not guide the transgressors).4
Obedience to Prophet Muhammad: Obedience to Allah
Belief: Obedience to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is synonymous with obedience to Allah. It is impossible to obey Allah without obeying the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
For instance, if someone is performing a Fardh Salah (obligatory prayer) and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) calls upon them, they must immediately respond and present themselves before him. Even if they speak with the Prophet for an extended time, their prayer will remain valid, and no deficiency will occur in their Salah.
FAQs Section
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first prophet and the first messenger in Islam?
Prophet Adam (AS) was the first prophet, created as the father of humanity. Prophet Nuh (Noah, AS) was the first messenger, sent to guide disbelievers.
What is the significance of miracles performed by prophets?
Miracles, called Mu’jizat, are extraordinary acts given by Allah to validate a prophet’s truthfulness, like Prophet Musa’s staff turning into a serpent or Prophet Muhammad’s splitting of the moon.
How many prophets did Allah send?
The exact number of prophets is unknown and should not be fixed. Believers must have faith in all prophets sent by Allah without denial or misattribution.
What are prophetic miracles (Mu’jizat)?
Prophetic miracles are extraordinary events performed by prophets to prove their truthfulness. These include Prophet Musa’s staff turning into a serpent and Prophet Muhammad’s countless miracles.
What is the significance of Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon Him) universal mission?
Unlike other prophets who were sent to specific nations, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as a mercy to all creation—humans, jinn, animals, and even inanimate objects.
What is the meaning of the Seal of Prophethood (Khatam-un-Nabiyeen)?
It means the chain of prophethood ended with him. No new prophet will appear during or after his time. Believing otherwise constitutes disbelief.
Are prophets alive in their graves?
Yes, prophets are alive with a superior, true life in their graves. They eat, drink, and can move as they wish, distinct from martyrs or ordinary humans.
How is Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) superior to other prophets?
He embodies all the virtues and attributes granted to other prophets, alongside unique perfections unmatched by anyone else.
What is the significance of the Mi’raj (Ascension)?
The Mi’raj was a miraculous journey where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ascended beyond the seven heavens and witnessed Allah’s divine presence, achieving unparalleled closeness.
What is the Grand Intercession (Shafa’at al-Kubra)?
On the Day of Judgment, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will intercede for all creation, easing their suffering and paving the way for Paradise for many.
Why is loving Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) essential to faith?
Loving him is the foundation of faith. A person cannot be a true believer unless their love for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) surpasses their love for all creation including parents and dear ones.
What is the relationship between obeying Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and obeying Allah?
Obeying the Prophet is equivalent to obeying Allah. As Allah Almighty states in the Quran: “Whosoever has obeyed the Messenger, he has indeed obeyed Allah”.5
I’ve shared some key foundational beliefs in Islam, with more insights coming soon. Stay connected to deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith. Missed Foundational Islamic Beliefs: Part 5? Click here!
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