Finality of Prophethood, Khatm an-Nubuwwah (Part 1)
(A) Continuity of Religious Leadership
God, in His grace, never left mankind without a religious guide. That guide may be a prophet; a 'Rasul' or an Imam. The first man, Prophet Adam (A.S), was made a vicegerent of Allah on this earth, so that he might lead his children on the right path.
Since then, prophets and messengers were sent to all the regions and all the peoples. Allah says in the Qur'an: "And there never were a people without a warner having lived among them". (Qur'an, 35:24)
In all, there came 124,000 prophets from God. Many of the prophets were sent to one or two villages, some even to one family or one man. Others were sent to a bigger area; still others to a whole tribe. But none of them, before our Holy Prophet, was sent to the whole mankind.
Our Holy Prophet was sent to the whole mankind for up to the end of the world. No other prophet is to come after him. He was, and is, the Last Prophet.
(B) Evolution of Religious Guidance
It appears from the history of divine religions that God sent from time to time many 'Shari'ahs' (Divine Laws) which were suitable to that particular era. Prophet Noah (A.S) brought a Shari'ah which was simple to a great extent. And that Shari'ah was followed by other prophets up to the advent of Prophet Abraham (A.S). Prophet Abraham (A.S) was given a Shari'ah which was more elaborate and more comprehensive than the previous one.
The Shari'ah of Prophet Abraham remained in force for the children of Israel up to the time of Prophet Moses (A.s). When Prophet Moses (A.S) was given Torah (Law), it was a really comprehensive and fully detailed Shari'ah, which was followed by all the prophets of Bani Israel till Prophet Jesus (A.S) came. Prophet Jesus (A.S) perfected the Shari'ah of Prophet Moses (A.S) and made adjustments according to the time. The, Shari'ah of Prophet Jesus (A.S) remained valid till the arrival of the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH).
Coming to the other branch of the family of Prophet Abraham (A.S) we find that the children of Ismael were expected to follow the Shari'ah of Prophet Abraham (A.S) up to the time of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad Al-Mustafa (PBUH). When he came, he abrogated and cancelled all the previous Shari'ahs, and brought the final, most comprehensive and most suitable and moderate Shari'ah of all, which can meet the challenge of the changing trines without any difficulty up to the Day of 'Qiyamah (the Day of Resurrection).
By: Allamah Sayyid Sa’eed Akhtar Rizvi
Source: Imam Reza Network
Other links:
Foretelling the Advent of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (Part 1)
Foretelling the Advent of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (Part 2)
The Predisposition of the People of Madina towards Islam
The Declaration of Prophethood
