1. http://www.kalamullah.com/Books/Stories%20Of%20The%20Prophets%20By%20Ibn%20Kathir.pdf
2. http://islambase.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=536&Itemid=181
Friday, January 1, 2010
Good Deed #85- Believe in the Messengers/Prophets
http://1000gooddeeds.com/2009/12/04/good-deed85-believe-in-the-messengersprophets/
1. 2:177 (Y. Ali) It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers;
2. 2:136 (Y. Ali) Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).”
3. 3:84 (Y. Ali) Say: “We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam).”
4. 3:146 (Y. Ali) How many of the prophets fought (in Allah’s way), and with them (fought) large bands of godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast.
5. 4:69 (Y. Ali) All who obey Allah and the apostle are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah,- of the prophets (who teach), the sincere (lovers of Truth), the witnesses (who testify), and the Righteous (who do good): Ah! what a beautiful fellowship!
6. 6:85-87 (Y. Ali) And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the righteous: And Isma’il and Elisha, and Jonas, and Lot: and to all We gave favor above the nations: (To them) and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and we guided them to a straight way.
7. 6:89-90 (Y. Ali) These were the men to whom We gave the Book, and authority, and prophethood: if these (their descendants) reject them, Behold! We shall entrust their charge to a new people who reject them not. Those were the (prophets) who received Allah’s guidance: Copy the guidance they received; Say: “No reward for this do I ask of you: This is no less than a message for the nations.”
8. 19:51 (Y. Ali) Also mention in the Book (the story of) Moses: for he was specially chosen, and he was an apostle (and) a prophet.
9. 19:58 (Y. Ali) Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace,- of the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of (Allah) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.
10. 22:42-44(Y. Ali) If they treat thy (mission) as false, so did the peoples before them (with their prophets),- the people of Noah, and ‘Ad and Thamud; Those of Abraham and Lut; and the Companions of the Madyan people; and Moses was rejected (in the same way). But I granted respite to the Unbelievers, and (only) after that did I punish them: but how (terrible) was my rejection (of them)!
11. 9:69 (Y. Ali) And the Earth will shine with the Glory of its Lord: the record (of deeds) will be placed (open); the prophets and the witnesses will be brought forward and a just decision pronounced between them; and they will not be wronged (in the least)
12. Narrated Abu Said: Allah’s Apostle said, “Noah and his nation will come (on the Day of Resurrection and Allah will ask (Noah), “Did you convey (the Message)?’ He will reply, ‘Yes, O my Lord!’ Then Allah will ask Noah’s nation, ‘Did Noah convey My Message to you?’ They will reply, ‘No, no prophet came to us.’ Then Allah will ask Noah, ‘Who will stand a witness for you?’ He will reply, ‘Muhammad and his followers (will stand witness for me).’ So, I and my followers will stand as witnesses for him (that he conveyed Allah’s Message).” Bukhari 4:55:555
13. Narrated Abu Huraira: The people said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Who is the most honorable amongst the people (in Allah’s sight)?” He said, “The most righteous amongst them.” They said, “We do not ask you, about this.” He said, “Then Joseph, Allah’s prophet, the son of Allah’s prophet, the son of Allah’s prophet the son of Allah’s Khalil (i.e. Abraham).” They said, “We do not want to ask about this,” He said’ “Then you want to ask about the descent of the Arabs. Those who were the best in the pre-Islamic period of ignorance will be the best in Islam provided they comprehend the religious knowledge.” Bukhari 4:55:572
14. Narrated Abu Huraira: One day some meat was given to the Prophet and he said, “On the Day of Resurrection Allah will gather all the first and the last (people) in one plain, and the voice of the announcer will reach all of them, and one will be able to see them all, and the sun will come closer to them.” (The narrator then mentioned the narration of intercession): “The people will go to Abraham and say: ‘You are Allah’s Prophet and His Khalil on the earth. Will you intercede for us with your Lord?’ Abraham will then remember his lies and say: ‘Myself! Myself! Go to Moses.” (Bukhari- 4:55:581)
15. Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “I am the nearest of all the people to the son of Mary, and all the prophets are paternal brothers, and there has been no prophet between me and him (i.e. Jesus).” Bukhari 4:55:651
Action Plan
Believe:
1. That Allah’s Messengers (Rasuls) are human beings, and Allah’s servants.
2. Allah appointed them to convey His messages to other human beings.
3. They were truthful; never lied, and did not commit sin.
4. They showed miracles on Allah’s commands; conveyed His messages in full, without adding, or leaving out anything from the orders of Allah. Nor did they withhold any of His messages.
5. The Prophets (Nabi) were also human beings, and Allah’s servants.
6. They conveyed the commands of Allah to His beings; were truthful and never told a lie, nor committed any sins.
7. They did not subtract or add anything in the commands of Allah, nor did they hide any Divine orders.
8. There is a minor difference between a Messenger (Rasul), and a Prophet (Nabi). A Rasul is that Messenger, who is given a new Shariat (Divine Law) and a new Book.
9. All Messengers are also known as Prophets, whether or not they are given a new Shariat (Divine Law).
10. Thus, a Nabi may followed the previous Shariat and the Book.
11. The prophets were appointed only by Allah’s choice; meaning that there were no role for human effort, or intentions in this regard. This bestow, solely, depends on Allah’s will.
12. Many Messengers and Prophets came to this world and only Allah knows their exact number.
13. A Muslim should believe and testify that all of them were true and right Messengers of Allah.
14. The first Prophet was Prophet Adam (peace be on him). The last Prophet was the holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him).
15. The Muslims believe that the appointment of the Prophets and Messengers ended with the holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him).
16. No new Prophet will come until the Day of Judgment.
17. After Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), whosoever claims to be a prophet, is a liar.
18. Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) is the most exalted and glorious of all the Messengers and Prophets. He, too, is Allah’s servant and obedient to Him. He is the most exalted after Allah, the Almighty.
1. 2:177 (Y. Ali) It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers;
2. 2:136 (Y. Ali) Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).”
3. 3:84 (Y. Ali) Say: “We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam).”
4. 3:146 (Y. Ali) How many of the prophets fought (in Allah’s way), and with them (fought) large bands of godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast.
5. 4:69 (Y. Ali) All who obey Allah and the apostle are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah,- of the prophets (who teach), the sincere (lovers of Truth), the witnesses (who testify), and the Righteous (who do good): Ah! what a beautiful fellowship!
6. 6:85-87 (Y. Ali) And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the righteous: And Isma’il and Elisha, and Jonas, and Lot: and to all We gave favor above the nations: (To them) and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and we guided them to a straight way.
7. 6:89-90 (Y. Ali) These were the men to whom We gave the Book, and authority, and prophethood: if these (their descendants) reject them, Behold! We shall entrust their charge to a new people who reject them not. Those were the (prophets) who received Allah’s guidance: Copy the guidance they received; Say: “No reward for this do I ask of you: This is no less than a message for the nations.”
8. 19:51 (Y. Ali) Also mention in the Book (the story of) Moses: for he was specially chosen, and he was an apostle (and) a prophet.
9. 19:58 (Y. Ali) Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace,- of the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of (Allah) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.
10. 22:42-44(Y. Ali) If they treat thy (mission) as false, so did the peoples before them (with their prophets),- the people of Noah, and ‘Ad and Thamud; Those of Abraham and Lut; and the Companions of the Madyan people; and Moses was rejected (in the same way). But I granted respite to the Unbelievers, and (only) after that did I punish them: but how (terrible) was my rejection (of them)!
11. 9:69 (Y. Ali) And the Earth will shine with the Glory of its Lord: the record (of deeds) will be placed (open); the prophets and the witnesses will be brought forward and a just decision pronounced between them; and they will not be wronged (in the least)
12. Narrated Abu Said: Allah’s Apostle said, “Noah and his nation will come (on the Day of Resurrection and Allah will ask (Noah), “Did you convey (the Message)?’ He will reply, ‘Yes, O my Lord!’ Then Allah will ask Noah’s nation, ‘Did Noah convey My Message to you?’ They will reply, ‘No, no prophet came to us.’ Then Allah will ask Noah, ‘Who will stand a witness for you?’ He will reply, ‘Muhammad and his followers (will stand witness for me).’ So, I and my followers will stand as witnesses for him (that he conveyed Allah’s Message).” Bukhari 4:55:555
13. Narrated Abu Huraira: The people said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Who is the most honorable amongst the people (in Allah’s sight)?” He said, “The most righteous amongst them.” They said, “We do not ask you, about this.” He said, “Then Joseph, Allah’s prophet, the son of Allah’s prophet, the son of Allah’s prophet the son of Allah’s Khalil (i.e. Abraham).” They said, “We do not want to ask about this,” He said’ “Then you want to ask about the descent of the Arabs. Those who were the best in the pre-Islamic period of ignorance will be the best in Islam provided they comprehend the religious knowledge.” Bukhari 4:55:572
14. Narrated Abu Huraira: One day some meat was given to the Prophet and he said, “On the Day of Resurrection Allah will gather all the first and the last (people) in one plain, and the voice of the announcer will reach all of them, and one will be able to see them all, and the sun will come closer to them.” (The narrator then mentioned the narration of intercession): “The people will go to Abraham and say: ‘You are Allah’s Prophet and His Khalil on the earth. Will you intercede for us with your Lord?’ Abraham will then remember his lies and say: ‘Myself! Myself! Go to Moses.” (Bukhari- 4:55:581)
15. Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “I am the nearest of all the people to the son of Mary, and all the prophets are paternal brothers, and there has been no prophet between me and him (i.e. Jesus).” Bukhari 4:55:651
Action Plan
Believe:
1. That Allah’s Messengers (Rasuls) are human beings, and Allah’s servants.
2. Allah appointed them to convey His messages to other human beings.
3. They were truthful; never lied, and did not commit sin.
4. They showed miracles on Allah’s commands; conveyed His messages in full, without adding, or leaving out anything from the orders of Allah. Nor did they withhold any of His messages.
5. The Prophets (Nabi) were also human beings, and Allah’s servants.
6. They conveyed the commands of Allah to His beings; were truthful and never told a lie, nor committed any sins.
7. They did not subtract or add anything in the commands of Allah, nor did they hide any Divine orders.
8. There is a minor difference between a Messenger (Rasul), and a Prophet (Nabi). A Rasul is that Messenger, who is given a new Shariat (Divine Law) and a new Book.
9. All Messengers are also known as Prophets, whether or not they are given a new Shariat (Divine Law).
10. Thus, a Nabi may followed the previous Shariat and the Book.
11. The prophets were appointed only by Allah’s choice; meaning that there were no role for human effort, or intentions in this regard. This bestow, solely, depends on Allah’s will.
12. Many Messengers and Prophets came to this world and only Allah knows their exact number.
13. A Muslim should believe and testify that all of them were true and right Messengers of Allah.
14. The first Prophet was Prophet Adam (peace be on him). The last Prophet was the holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him).
15. The Muslims believe that the appointment of the Prophets and Messengers ended with the holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him).
16. No new Prophet will come until the Day of Judgment.
17. After Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), whosoever claims to be a prophet, is a liar.
18. Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) is the most exalted and glorious of all the Messengers and Prophets. He, too, is Allah’s servant and obedient to Him. He is the most exalted after Allah, the Almighty.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Belief in the Messengers of Allah (S.W.T)
http://islambase.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72&Itemid=185
He (the inquirer) said: Inform me about Iman (faith). He (the Prophet) replied: That you affirm your faith in Allah, in His angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Day of Judgment, and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil. [Sahih Muslim]
Belief in the Messengers of Allah (s.w.t) is known as the fourth pillar of Iman. To understand this topic correctly the following must be known.
The main aspects constituting this pillar
1. To believe in all the Prophets and Messengers mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah
2. To believe they carry the truth
3. To believe the Prophets and Messengers are free from distorting the message
4. To believe we must obey them by the Will of Allah (bi-idhnillah)
1. Belief in all of those Prophets and Messengers mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah
Terminology
1. Nabi means Prophet from the Arabic verb Naba (bump or elevated)
2. Nabuwa means Prophethood and is defined as “A report from Allah (s.w.t) to whomever he chooses as a Prophet”
3. Anbiya/Ambiya means Prophets
4. Rasul means Messenger
5. Risalah means Message in this case “What Allah (s.w.t) reveals to His Messenger from amongst His servants, whether written or not written to convey to the people”
6. Rusul/Mursaleen means Messengers
7. The definition of a Prophet: A Prophet is a person chosen by Allah (s.w.t) to reveal to, and to convey to the people whilst referring back to the to the Shariah (Laws) of the previous Messenger.
8. The definition of a Messenger: A Messenger is a person chosen by Allah (swt) to reveal a message, which must be conveyed to the people. This may contain a new Shariah.
The list of Prophets mentioned in the Qur'an in the chronological order as sent to mankind:
1. Aadam (Adam)
2. Idrees (Enoch)
3. Nuh (Noah)
4. Houd (Heber)
5. Saaleh (Shelah)
6. Ibraaheem (Abraham)
7. Lout (Lot)
8. Ismaa’eel (Ishmael)
9. Ishaaq (Isaac)
10. Ya’qoub (Jacob)
11. Yousuf (Joseph)
12. Shu’aib (Jethro)
13. Mousa (Moses)
14. Haroun (Aaron)
15. Daawoud (David)
16. Sulaymaan (Solomon)
17. Ayoub (Job)
18. Ilyaas (Elijah)
19. Dhulkifl (Ezekiel)
20. Al-Yasa (Elisha)
21. Younus (Jonah)
22. Zakariyaa (Zechariah)
23. Yahya (John)
24. Eesa (Jesus)
25. Muhammad
An example of a verse whereby Allah (s.w.t) mentions the prophets is, Say (O Muhammad S.A.W): "We believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya'qub (Jacob)] and what was given to Musa (Moses), 'Isa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam)." [Surah Aali Imran 3:84]
Although only 25 prophets are mentioned by name in the Qur'an, a Hadith in the Musnad of Imam Ahmed mentions that there were 124,000 of them in total throughout history, also Allah (s.w.t) says,
And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger. [Surah An-Nahl 16:36]
And, indeed We have sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad S.A.W); of some of them We have related to you their story and of some We have not related to you their story. [Surah Ghafir 40:78]
2. To believe the Messengers carry the truth
O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger (Muhammad S.A.W) with the truth from your Lord, so believe in him, it is better for you. [Surah An-Nisa 4:170]
This verse (ayah) means, Muhammad (s.a.w) has come to you with guidance, the religion of truth and clear proof from Allah (s.w.t), so believe in him.
Verily! We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings, and a Warner. And there never was a nation but a Warner had passed among them. [Surah Fatir 35:24]
This ayah means a bearer of glad tidings to the believers and a Warner to the disbelievers; all is in truth from Allah (s.w.t).
3. To believe that the Prophets and Messengers are free from distorting the message
This means to believe that Allah (s.w.t) protects the Prophets from making any mistakes or error in transmitting what Allah (s.w.t) intends via His revelation. The Prophets are infallible (Ma’soum) when it comes to this role. Allah (s.w.t) says, Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. [Surah An-Najm 53:3]
Asserting that nothing the Prophet utters is from his own desire or wish.
It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. [Surah An-Najm 53:4]
Meaning he the Prophet (s.a.w) only conveys to the people that which he is commanded, in its entirety without additions or deletions.
Imam Ahmad recorded that `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al Aas (r.a) said, "I used to record everything I heard from the Messenger of Allah so it would be preserved. The Quraysh discouraged me from this, saying, `You record everything you hear from the Messenger of Allah, even though he is human and sometimes speaks when he is angry' I stopped recording the Hadiths for a while, but later mentioned what they said to the Messenger of Allah, who said,
(Write! By He in whose hand is my soul, every word that comes out of me is the truth.)'' Abu Dawud also collected this Hadith.
Allah (s.w.t) says, "Say (O Muhammad S.A.W): "It is not for me to change it on my own accord; I only follow that which is revealed unto me. Verily, I fear if I were to disobey my Lord, the torment of the Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)." [Surah Yunus 10:15]
Meaning the Prophet (s.a.w) has no authority to change the revelation in anyway, rather he is a servant who receives commands from his Lord.
4. To believe we must obey the Messengers by the Will of Allah (bi-idhnillah)
We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah’s leave. [Surah An-Nisa 4:64]
Meaning, that obeying the Prophets and Messengers was ordained for those people to whom they were sent. Allah's statement, (By Allah's leave)
Means, "None shall obey, except by My leave,'' according to Mujahid, and this Ayah indicates that the Prophets are only obeyed in direct obedience to Allah (s.w.t). Allah (s.w.t) says,
And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad S.A.W) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it), [Surah Al-Hashr 59:7]
But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad S.A.W) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission. [Surah An-Nisa 4:65]
Other aspects to believing in the messengers
(i) Belief in their covenant with Allah (s.w.t)
And (remember) when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, saying: "Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah (understanding of the Laws of Allah, etc.), and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger (Muhammad S.A.W) confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him." Allah said: "Do you agree (to it) and will you take up My covenant (which I conclude with you)?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses (for this)." [Surah Aali Imran 3:81]
`Ali bin Abi Talib and his cousin `Abdullah bin `Abbas said, "Allah never sent a Prophet but after taking his pledge that if Muhammad were sent in his lifetime, he would believe in and support him.'' [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
(ii) The Prophets came with a universal message
And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghout [Surah An-Nahl 16:36]
Allah (s.w.t) continued sending Messengers to mankind with this Message, from the first incidence of Shirk that appeared among the Children of Adam (a.s), in the people to whom Nuh (a.s) was sent - the first Messenger sent by Allah (s.w.t) to the people of this earth - until He sent the final Messenger, Muhammad (s.a.w), whose call was addressed to both men and Jinn, in the East and in the West. All of the Messengers brought the same Message, as Allah (s.w.t) says, And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We revealed to him (saying): None has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (alone and none else).'' [Surah Al-Anbiya 21:25]
(iii) They spoke in the tongue of their people
And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people, in order that he might make (the Message) clear for them. [Surah Ibrahim 14:4]
(iv) They came as Warners
Verily! We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings, and a Warner. And there never was a nation but a Warner had passed among them. [Surah Fatir 35:24]
(v) Every prophet had an enemy
And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies - Shayateen (devils) among mankind and jinns. [Surah Al-An’am 6:112]
(vi) Allah (s.w.t) favored some Messengers over others
Those Messengers! We preferred some to others; to some of them Allah spoke (directly); others He raised to degrees (of honor); and to 'Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), We gave clear proofs and evidences, and supported him with Ruh-ul-Qudus [Jibril (Gabriel)]. [Surah Baqarah 2:253]
(vii) We do not differentiate between them
The Messenger (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say, "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers" - and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all)." [Surah Baqarah 2:285]
(viii) The Prophets are witness over their people
Thus We have made you leading nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you. [Surah Baqarah 2:143]
(ix) They don’t ask for reward from the people for their conveyance
Say: "No reward I ask of you for this (the Qur’an). It is only a reminder for the Alamin [Surah Al-An’am 6:90]
He (the inquirer) said: Inform me about Iman (faith). He (the Prophet) replied: That you affirm your faith in Allah, in His angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Day of Judgment, and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil. [Sahih Muslim]
Belief in the Messengers of Allah (s.w.t) is known as the fourth pillar of Iman. To understand this topic correctly the following must be known.
The main aspects constituting this pillar
1. To believe in all the Prophets and Messengers mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah
2. To believe they carry the truth
3. To believe the Prophets and Messengers are free from distorting the message
4. To believe we must obey them by the Will of Allah (bi-idhnillah)
1. Belief in all of those Prophets and Messengers mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah
Terminology
1. Nabi means Prophet from the Arabic verb Naba (bump or elevated)
2. Nabuwa means Prophethood and is defined as “A report from Allah (s.w.t) to whomever he chooses as a Prophet”
3. Anbiya/Ambiya means Prophets
4. Rasul means Messenger
5. Risalah means Message in this case “What Allah (s.w.t) reveals to His Messenger from amongst His servants, whether written or not written to convey to the people”
6. Rusul/Mursaleen means Messengers
7. The definition of a Prophet: A Prophet is a person chosen by Allah (s.w.t) to reveal to, and to convey to the people whilst referring back to the to the Shariah (Laws) of the previous Messenger.
8. The definition of a Messenger: A Messenger is a person chosen by Allah (swt) to reveal a message, which must be conveyed to the people. This may contain a new Shariah.
The list of Prophets mentioned in the Qur'an in the chronological order as sent to mankind:
1. Aadam (Adam)
2. Idrees (Enoch)
3. Nuh (Noah)
4. Houd (Heber)
5. Saaleh (Shelah)
6. Ibraaheem (Abraham)
7. Lout (Lot)
8. Ismaa’eel (Ishmael)
9. Ishaaq (Isaac)
10. Ya’qoub (Jacob)
11. Yousuf (Joseph)
12. Shu’aib (Jethro)
13. Mousa (Moses)
14. Haroun (Aaron)
15. Daawoud (David)
16. Sulaymaan (Solomon)
17. Ayoub (Job)
18. Ilyaas (Elijah)
19. Dhulkifl (Ezekiel)
20. Al-Yasa (Elisha)
21. Younus (Jonah)
22. Zakariyaa (Zechariah)
23. Yahya (John)
24. Eesa (Jesus)
25. Muhammad
An example of a verse whereby Allah (s.w.t) mentions the prophets is, Say (O Muhammad S.A.W): "We believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya'qub (Jacob)] and what was given to Musa (Moses), 'Isa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam)." [Surah Aali Imran 3:84]
Although only 25 prophets are mentioned by name in the Qur'an, a Hadith in the Musnad of Imam Ahmed mentions that there were 124,000 of them in total throughout history, also Allah (s.w.t) says,
And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger. [Surah An-Nahl 16:36]
And, indeed We have sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad S.A.W); of some of them We have related to you their story and of some We have not related to you their story. [Surah Ghafir 40:78]
2. To believe the Messengers carry the truth
O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger (Muhammad S.A.W) with the truth from your Lord, so believe in him, it is better for you. [Surah An-Nisa 4:170]
This verse (ayah) means, Muhammad (s.a.w) has come to you with guidance, the religion of truth and clear proof from Allah (s.w.t), so believe in him.
Verily! We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings, and a Warner. And there never was a nation but a Warner had passed among them. [Surah Fatir 35:24]
This ayah means a bearer of glad tidings to the believers and a Warner to the disbelievers; all is in truth from Allah (s.w.t).
3. To believe that the Prophets and Messengers are free from distorting the message
This means to believe that Allah (s.w.t) protects the Prophets from making any mistakes or error in transmitting what Allah (s.w.t) intends via His revelation. The Prophets are infallible (Ma’soum) when it comes to this role. Allah (s.w.t) says, Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. [Surah An-Najm 53:3]
Asserting that nothing the Prophet utters is from his own desire or wish.
It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. [Surah An-Najm 53:4]
Meaning he the Prophet (s.a.w) only conveys to the people that which he is commanded, in its entirety without additions or deletions.
Imam Ahmad recorded that `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al Aas (r.a) said, "I used to record everything I heard from the Messenger of Allah so it would be preserved. The Quraysh discouraged me from this, saying, `You record everything you hear from the Messenger of Allah, even though he is human and sometimes speaks when he is angry' I stopped recording the Hadiths for a while, but later mentioned what they said to the Messenger of Allah, who said,
(Write! By He in whose hand is my soul, every word that comes out of me is the truth.)'' Abu Dawud also collected this Hadith.
Allah (s.w.t) says, "Say (O Muhammad S.A.W): "It is not for me to change it on my own accord; I only follow that which is revealed unto me. Verily, I fear if I were to disobey my Lord, the torment of the Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)." [Surah Yunus 10:15]
Meaning the Prophet (s.a.w) has no authority to change the revelation in anyway, rather he is a servant who receives commands from his Lord.
4. To believe we must obey the Messengers by the Will of Allah (bi-idhnillah)
We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah’s leave. [Surah An-Nisa 4:64]
Meaning, that obeying the Prophets and Messengers was ordained for those people to whom they were sent. Allah's statement, (By Allah's leave)
Means, "None shall obey, except by My leave,'' according to Mujahid, and this Ayah indicates that the Prophets are only obeyed in direct obedience to Allah (s.w.t). Allah (s.w.t) says,
And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad S.A.W) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it), [Surah Al-Hashr 59:7]
But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad S.A.W) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission. [Surah An-Nisa 4:65]
Other aspects to believing in the messengers
(i) Belief in their covenant with Allah (s.w.t)
And (remember) when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, saying: "Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah (understanding of the Laws of Allah, etc.), and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger (Muhammad S.A.W) confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him." Allah said: "Do you agree (to it) and will you take up My covenant (which I conclude with you)?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses (for this)." [Surah Aali Imran 3:81]
`Ali bin Abi Talib and his cousin `Abdullah bin `Abbas said, "Allah never sent a Prophet but after taking his pledge that if Muhammad were sent in his lifetime, he would believe in and support him.'' [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
(ii) The Prophets came with a universal message
And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghout [Surah An-Nahl 16:36]
Allah (s.w.t) continued sending Messengers to mankind with this Message, from the first incidence of Shirk that appeared among the Children of Adam (a.s), in the people to whom Nuh (a.s) was sent - the first Messenger sent by Allah (s.w.t) to the people of this earth - until He sent the final Messenger, Muhammad (s.a.w), whose call was addressed to both men and Jinn, in the East and in the West. All of the Messengers brought the same Message, as Allah (s.w.t) says, And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We revealed to him (saying): None has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (alone and none else).'' [Surah Al-Anbiya 21:25]
(iii) They spoke in the tongue of their people
And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people, in order that he might make (the Message) clear for them. [Surah Ibrahim 14:4]
(iv) They came as Warners
Verily! We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings, and a Warner. And there never was a nation but a Warner had passed among them. [Surah Fatir 35:24]
(v) Every prophet had an enemy
And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies - Shayateen (devils) among mankind and jinns. [Surah Al-An’am 6:112]
(vi) Allah (s.w.t) favored some Messengers over others
Those Messengers! We preferred some to others; to some of them Allah spoke (directly); others He raised to degrees (of honor); and to 'Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), We gave clear proofs and evidences, and supported him with Ruh-ul-Qudus [Jibril (Gabriel)]. [Surah Baqarah 2:253]
(vii) We do not differentiate between them
The Messenger (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say, "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers" - and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all)." [Surah Baqarah 2:285]
(viii) The Prophets are witness over their people
Thus We have made you leading nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you. [Surah Baqarah 2:143]
(ix) They don’t ask for reward from the people for their conveyance
Say: "No reward I ask of you for this (the Qur’an). It is only a reminder for the Alamin [Surah Al-An’am 6:90]
Belief in the Prophets
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/37/
Belief in certain prophets who God chose to relay His message to humans is a required article of Islamic faith.
“The Prophet (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in God, His Angels, His Books, and His Prophets. (They say,) ‘We make no distinction between one another of His prophets...’” (Quran 2:285)
God conveys His message and relates His will through human prophets. They form a link between the earthly beings and the heavens, in the sense that God has picked them to deliver His message to human beings. There are no other channels to receive divine communications. It is the system of communication between the Creator and the created. God does not send angels to every single individual, nor does He open the skies so people can climb up to receive the message. His way of communication is through human prophets who receive the message through angels.
To have faith in the prophets (or messengers) is to firmly believe that God chose morally upright men to bear His message and pass it to humanity. Blessed were those who followed them, and wretched were those who refused to obey. They faithfully delivered the message, without hiding, altering, or corrupting it. Rejecting a prophet is rejecting the One who sent him, and disobeying a prophet is disobeying the One who commanded to obey him.
God sent to every nation a prophet, mostly from amongst them, to call them to worship God alone and to shun false gods.
“And ask (O Muhammad) those of Our prophets whom We sent before you: ‘Did We ever appoint gods to be worshipped besides the Most Merciful (God)?’” (Quran 43:45)
Muslims believe in those prophets mentioned by name in Islamic sources, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, David, Solomon, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, to name a few. A general belief is held in those not mentioned by name, as God says: “And, indeed We have sent prophets before you (O Muhammad), of some of them We have related to you their story, and of some We have not related to you their story...” (Quran 40:78)
Muslims firmly believe the final prophet was the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, and there will be no prophet or messenger after him.
To appreciate this fact, one must understand that the teachings of the last prophet are preserved in original language in their primary sources. There is no need for another prophet. In the case of earlier prophets, their scriptures were lost or their message was corrupted to the point that truth was hardly distinguishable from falsehood. The message of the Prophet Muhammad is clear and preserved and will remain so till the end of time.
The Purpose for Sending Prophets
We can identify the following main reasons for sending prophets:
(1) Guiding humanity from the worship of created beings to the worship of their Creator, from being in a state of servitude to the creation to the freedom of worshipping their Lord.
(2) Clarifying to humanity the purpose of creation: worshipping God and obeying His commands, as well as clarifying that this life is a test for each individual, a test of which its results will decide the type of life one will lead after death; a life of eternal misery or eternal bliss. There is no other definite way to find the true purpose of creation.
(3) Showing humanity the right path that will lead them to Paradise and to salvation from Hellfire.
(4) Establishing proof against humanity by sending prophets, so people will not have an excuse when they will be questioned on the Day of Judgment. They will not be able to claim ignorance to the purpose of their creation and life after death.
(5) Uncovering the unseen ‘world’ which exists beyond the normal senses and the physical universe, such as the knowledge of God, existence of angels, and the reality of the Day of Judgment.
(6) Providing human beings practical examples to lead moral, righteous, purpose-driven lives free of doubts and confusion. Innately, human beings admire fellow human beings, so the best examples of righteousness for humans to imitate are those of God’s prophets.
(7) Purifying the soul from materialism, sin, and heedlessness.
(8) Conveying to humanity the teachings of God, which is for their own benefit in this life and in the Hereafter.
Their Message
The single most important message of all prophets to their people was to worship God alone and none else and to follow His teachings. All of them, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Jesus, Muhammad and others, in addition to those we do not know - invited people to worship God and shun false gods.
Moses declared: “Hear, O Israel The Lord our God is one Lord.” (Deuteronomy 6:4).
This was repeated 1500 years later by Jesus, when he said: “The first of all the commandments is, ‘Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord.’” (Mark 12:29).
Finally, the call of Muhammad some 600 years later reverberated across the hills of Mecca: “And your God is One God: there is no god but He...” (Quran 2:163)
The Holy Quran states this fact clearly: “And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We revealed to him (saying): ‘none has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me.’” (Quran 21:25)
The Message Bearers
God chose the best among humanity to deliver His message. Prophethood is not earned or acquired like higher education. God chooses whom He pleases for this purpose.
They were the best in morals and they were mentally and physically fit, protected by God from falling into cardinal, major sins. They did not err or commit mistakes in delivering the message. There were over one hundred thousand prophets sent to all mankind, to all nations and races, in all corners of the world. Some prophets were superior to others. The best among them were Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.
People went to extremes with the prophets. They were rejected and accused of being sorcerers, madmen, and liars. Others turned them into gods by giving them divine powers, or declared them to be His children, like what happened to Jesus.
In truth, they were fully human with no divine attributes or power. They were God’s worshipping slaves. They ate, drank, slept, and lived normal human lives. They did not have the power to make anyone accept their message or to forgive sins. Their knowledge of future was limited to what God revealed to them. They had no part in running the affairs of the universe.
Out of the Infinite Mercy and Love of God, He sent to humanity prophets, guiding them to that which is the best. He sent them as an example for humanity to follow, and if one does follow their example, they would live a life in accordance to the Will of God, earning His Love and Pleasure.
Belief in certain prophets who God chose to relay His message to humans is a required article of Islamic faith.
“The Prophet (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in God, His Angels, His Books, and His Prophets. (They say,) ‘We make no distinction between one another of His prophets...’” (Quran 2:285)
God conveys His message and relates His will through human prophets. They form a link between the earthly beings and the heavens, in the sense that God has picked them to deliver His message to human beings. There are no other channels to receive divine communications. It is the system of communication between the Creator and the created. God does not send angels to every single individual, nor does He open the skies so people can climb up to receive the message. His way of communication is through human prophets who receive the message through angels.
To have faith in the prophets (or messengers) is to firmly believe that God chose morally upright men to bear His message and pass it to humanity. Blessed were those who followed them, and wretched were those who refused to obey. They faithfully delivered the message, without hiding, altering, or corrupting it. Rejecting a prophet is rejecting the One who sent him, and disobeying a prophet is disobeying the One who commanded to obey him.
God sent to every nation a prophet, mostly from amongst them, to call them to worship God alone and to shun false gods.
“And ask (O Muhammad) those of Our prophets whom We sent before you: ‘Did We ever appoint gods to be worshipped besides the Most Merciful (God)?’” (Quran 43:45)
Muslims believe in those prophets mentioned by name in Islamic sources, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, David, Solomon, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, to name a few. A general belief is held in those not mentioned by name, as God says: “And, indeed We have sent prophets before you (O Muhammad), of some of them We have related to you their story, and of some We have not related to you their story...” (Quran 40:78)
Muslims firmly believe the final prophet was the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, and there will be no prophet or messenger after him.
To appreciate this fact, one must understand that the teachings of the last prophet are preserved in original language in their primary sources. There is no need for another prophet. In the case of earlier prophets, their scriptures were lost or their message was corrupted to the point that truth was hardly distinguishable from falsehood. The message of the Prophet Muhammad is clear and preserved and will remain so till the end of time.
The Purpose for Sending Prophets
We can identify the following main reasons for sending prophets:
(1) Guiding humanity from the worship of created beings to the worship of their Creator, from being in a state of servitude to the creation to the freedom of worshipping their Lord.
(2) Clarifying to humanity the purpose of creation: worshipping God and obeying His commands, as well as clarifying that this life is a test for each individual, a test of which its results will decide the type of life one will lead after death; a life of eternal misery or eternal bliss. There is no other definite way to find the true purpose of creation.
(3) Showing humanity the right path that will lead them to Paradise and to salvation from Hellfire.
(4) Establishing proof against humanity by sending prophets, so people will not have an excuse when they will be questioned on the Day of Judgment. They will not be able to claim ignorance to the purpose of their creation and life after death.
(5) Uncovering the unseen ‘world’ which exists beyond the normal senses and the physical universe, such as the knowledge of God, existence of angels, and the reality of the Day of Judgment.
(6) Providing human beings practical examples to lead moral, righteous, purpose-driven lives free of doubts and confusion. Innately, human beings admire fellow human beings, so the best examples of righteousness for humans to imitate are those of God’s prophets.
(7) Purifying the soul from materialism, sin, and heedlessness.
(8) Conveying to humanity the teachings of God, which is for their own benefit in this life and in the Hereafter.
Their Message
The single most important message of all prophets to their people was to worship God alone and none else and to follow His teachings. All of them, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Jesus, Muhammad and others, in addition to those we do not know - invited people to worship God and shun false gods.
Moses declared: “Hear, O Israel The Lord our God is one Lord.” (Deuteronomy 6:4).
This was repeated 1500 years later by Jesus, when he said: “The first of all the commandments is, ‘Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord.’” (Mark 12:29).
Finally, the call of Muhammad some 600 years later reverberated across the hills of Mecca: “And your God is One God: there is no god but He...” (Quran 2:163)
The Holy Quran states this fact clearly: “And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We revealed to him (saying): ‘none has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me.’” (Quran 21:25)
The Message Bearers
God chose the best among humanity to deliver His message. Prophethood is not earned or acquired like higher education. God chooses whom He pleases for this purpose.
They were the best in morals and they were mentally and physically fit, protected by God from falling into cardinal, major sins. They did not err or commit mistakes in delivering the message. There were over one hundred thousand prophets sent to all mankind, to all nations and races, in all corners of the world. Some prophets were superior to others. The best among them were Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.
People went to extremes with the prophets. They were rejected and accused of being sorcerers, madmen, and liars. Others turned them into gods by giving them divine powers, or declared them to be His children, like what happened to Jesus.
In truth, they were fully human with no divine attributes or power. They were God’s worshipping slaves. They ate, drank, slept, and lived normal human lives. They did not have the power to make anyone accept their message or to forgive sins. Their knowledge of future was limited to what God revealed to them. They had no part in running the affairs of the universe.
Out of the Infinite Mercy and Love of God, He sent to humanity prophets, guiding them to that which is the best. He sent them as an example for humanity to follow, and if one does follow their example, they would live a life in accordance to the Will of God, earning His Love and Pleasure.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Belief in ar Rasul (the Messengers)
Ar-Rusul is the plural of Rasool which means Mursal: The one dispatched to proclaim something. What is intended (according to the Judicial meaning) is that ar-Rusul is the man who receives a Shar’a (a Divine code of law) and is commanded by Allaah to convey it. The first of ar-Rusul (the Messengers) is Nooh (alayhis-Salaam) and the last one is Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam). Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: “Verily, We have inspired you (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) as We have inspired to Nooh and the Prophets after him.” [Qur’aan 4:136]
In Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree it is narrated on the authority of Anas bin Maalik (radhi-Allaahu anhu) in the hadeeth of ash-Shafaa’ah (the Intercession), the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) mentioned that (on the Day of Resurrection) people will go to Adam asking him to intercede for them with Allaah [1], he apologizes and says: “Go to Nooh, the first of Allaah’s Messengers to the people of the earth.”
Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: “Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allaah and the Last (end) of the Prophets.” [Qur’aan 33:40]
And there never was a nation without a Messenger whom Allaah (Ta’aalaa) sends with a particular Sharee’ah to his people, or without a Prophet receiving the revelation of the Sharee’ah of his predecessor in order to revive it. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: “And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): ‘Worship Allaah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taaghoot.’ [2]” [Qur’aan 16:36]
He also said:
“There was no Ummah but a Warner had passed among them.” [Qur’aan 35:24]
“Verily, We did send down the Torah (to Moosaa), therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets who submitted to Allaah’s Will, judged the Jews.” [Qur’aan 5:44]
The Messengers are created human beings who don’t have any of the characteristics of Ruboobiyyah or Uloohiyyah. Allaah spoke about his Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) who is the most noble of the Messengers and the highest amongst them in honor before Allaah: “Say (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam to the disbelievers): ‘I possess no power of benefit or hurt to myself except as Allaah Wills. If I had knowledge of the Ghayb, I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me. I am but a Warner and a bringer of glad tidings to those who believe.’ ” [Qur’aan 7:188]
He (Ta’aalaa) also said (about the Prophet sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam): “Say (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam): ‘It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the Right Path.’ Say: ‘None can protect me from Allaah’s Punishment (if I were to disobey Him), nor should I find refuge except in Him.’ ” [Qur’aan 72:21-22]
Human qualities like illness, death, the need for food and drink, and so forth, affect them. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said about Prophet Ibraaheem (alayhi-salaam) describing his ‘abd (Allaah): “It is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink. And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me; And Who will cause me to die.” [Qur’aan 26:79]
The Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said: “I am but a human being like you, and liable to forget like you. So, if I forget remind me.” [3]
In the context of praising the Messengers, Allaah described them as having Uloohiyyah [4] to Him in their highest ranks of standing, saying about Nooh: “Verily he (Nooh) was a grateful ‘abd” (slave-worshipper of Allaah Alone). [Qur’aan 17:3]
Allaah said about Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam): “Blessed be He who sent down the criterion (the Qur’aan) to His ‘abd (Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) that he may be a Warner to the ‘Aalameen (mankind and jinns).” [Qur’aan 25:1]
He said about Ibraaheem, Ishaaq and Ya’qoob (may Allaah’s Salaat and Salaam be upon them): “And remember ‘Ibaadana (Our slaves) Ibraaheem, Ishaaq, and Ya’qoob (Jacob), (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding. Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing, - i.e.) the remembrance of the Daar.” [5] [Qur’aan 38:45-46]
Allaah spoke about ‘Eesaa bin Maryam (alayhi-salaam) that: “He (‘Eesaa) was not more than a slave (who worships Allaah alone). We granted Our Favor to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel (i.e. his creation without a father).” [Qur’aan 43:59]
The Belief in the Messengers Comprises of 4 Matters:
First: To believe that their Message is a true one from Allaah (Ta’aalaa). Therefore, whoever disbelieves in the Message of anyone of them then He disbelieves in all of them, as Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: “The people of Nooh belied the Messengers.” [Qur’aan 26:105]
Allaah made them belie all the Messengers although there was not any Messenger besides Nooh when they belied him. Accordingly, the Christians who belied Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) and didn’t follow him, themselves belied the Messiah bin Maryam and consequently are not his followers, especially when he brought them the good news about Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam). The glad tiding would not mean anything unless He (Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) is a Messenger to them wherewith Allaah will save them from going astray and guide them to the Straight Path.
Second: To believe in those of them whose names we know, each according to his name: Example, Muhammad, Ibraaheem, Moosaa, ‘Eesaa, and Nooh, the Salaat and Salaam of Allaah be upon them. These five are the ‘Ulul ‘Azm mina ar-Rasul (the Messengers of strong will and steadfastness).
Allaah mentioned them in two places in the Qur’aan, in His saying (in Soorah Al-Ahzaab): “And (remember) when we took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam), and from Nooh, Ibraaheem, Moosaa, and ‘Eesaa Ibn Maryam.” [Qur’aan 33:7]
and in His saying in Soorah Ash-Shoora: “He (Allaah) has ordained for you from the same Deen (Islaam) which He ordained for Nooh, and that which We have Inspired in you (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) and that which We ordained for Ibraaheem, Moosaa, and ‘Eesaa saying you should establish the Deen and make no divisions in it.” [Qur’aan 42:13]
As regard to those of them whose names we don’t know, we believe in them on the whole (as true Messengers from Allaah). He (Ta’aalaa) said: “Indeed We have sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam): of them there are some whose story We have told you, and some whose story We have not told you.” [Qur’aan 40:78]
Third: To believe in what is authentically reported from their news.
Fourth: To act upon the Sharee’ah of the Messenger who is sent to us from amongst them, and he is Muhammad, the last (end) of the Messengers (and Prophets) who is sent to mankind. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: “But no, by your ‘abd, they can have no faith until they take you (Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) as a judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” [Qur’aan 4:65]
The Belief in the Messengers Yields Great Benefits, Including:
First: Acknowledging Allaah’s Mercy and concern towards His creation whereby He sent them the Messengers to guide them to His Straight Path and to clearly explain to them how to worship Him, because the human mind is independently unable to realize (how to worship Allaah).
Second: Giving thanks to Allaah (Ta’aalaa) on this great Favor (of sending His Messengers).
Third: Loving, magnifying and praising the Messengers in the manner that befits them since they are Allaah’s Messengers and because they worshipped Him, proclaimed His Message, and gave advice to His creation.
The obstinate belied their Messengers claiming that Allaah’s Messengers cannot be human in nature. Allaah mentioned this claim and invalidated it in His saying: “And nothing prevented men from believing when the guidance came to them, except that they said: ‘Has Allaah sent a man as (His) Messenger?’ Say: ‘If there were on earth, angels walking in peace and security, We should certainly have sent down for them from the heaven an angel as a Messenger.’” [Qur’aan 17:94:95]
Allaah thwarted their claim by asserting that a Messenger must be a man because he is being sent to the people of the earth who are humans. If the people of the earth were angels, Allaah would have sent them from the heaven an angel for a Messenger to be like them. Thus, Allaah told about those who belied the Messengers to have said: “You are no more than human beings like us! You wish to turn away from what our fathers used to worship. Then bring us a clear authority (i.e. a clear proof of what you say).” Their Messengers said to them: “We are no more than human beings like you, but Allaah bestows His Grace to whom He wills of His slaves. It is not for us to bring you an authority (proof) except by the Permission of Allaah.” [Qur’aan 14:10-11]
Footnotes:
[1] In the hadeeth, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) describes the distress people will go through on the Day of Resurrection. They will go to Adam then to Nooh, Ibraaheem, ‘Eesaa, and then to Moosaa (alayhimus-salaam). They will decline, each according to his own reason. Moosaa (alayhis-salaam) will direct them to go to Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) and Allaah will permit him to intercede. See Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V.6, Hadeeth no. 236.
[2] Taaghoot: All forms of false deities. [TN]
[3] Reported by Bukhaaree and Muslim. See Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V.1, Hadeeth no. 394.
[4] As slaves of Allaah who submit, surrender, and devote worship to Him Alone. [TN]
[5] The home in the Hereafter. They used to make the people remember the Daar (home) in the Hereafter. They invited the people to obey Allaah and to do good deeds for the Hereafter.
Taken from Explaining The Fundamentals of Faith by Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen translated by Dr. Saalih as-Saalih
In Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree it is narrated on the authority of Anas bin Maalik (radhi-Allaahu anhu) in the hadeeth of ash-Shafaa’ah (the Intercession), the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) mentioned that (on the Day of Resurrection) people will go to Adam asking him to intercede for them with Allaah [1], he apologizes and says: “Go to Nooh, the first of Allaah’s Messengers to the people of the earth.”
Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: “Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allaah and the Last (end) of the Prophets.” [Qur’aan 33:40]
And there never was a nation without a Messenger whom Allaah (Ta’aalaa) sends with a particular Sharee’ah to his people, or without a Prophet receiving the revelation of the Sharee’ah of his predecessor in order to revive it. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: “And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): ‘Worship Allaah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taaghoot.’ [2]” [Qur’aan 16:36]
He also said:
“There was no Ummah but a Warner had passed among them.” [Qur’aan 35:24]
“Verily, We did send down the Torah (to Moosaa), therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets who submitted to Allaah’s Will, judged the Jews.” [Qur’aan 5:44]
The Messengers are created human beings who don’t have any of the characteristics of Ruboobiyyah or Uloohiyyah. Allaah spoke about his Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) who is the most noble of the Messengers and the highest amongst them in honor before Allaah: “Say (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam to the disbelievers): ‘I possess no power of benefit or hurt to myself except as Allaah Wills. If I had knowledge of the Ghayb, I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me. I am but a Warner and a bringer of glad tidings to those who believe.’ ” [Qur’aan 7:188]
He (Ta’aalaa) also said (about the Prophet sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam): “Say (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam): ‘It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the Right Path.’ Say: ‘None can protect me from Allaah’s Punishment (if I were to disobey Him), nor should I find refuge except in Him.’ ” [Qur’aan 72:21-22]
Human qualities like illness, death, the need for food and drink, and so forth, affect them. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said about Prophet Ibraaheem (alayhi-salaam) describing his ‘abd (Allaah): “It is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink. And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me; And Who will cause me to die.” [Qur’aan 26:79]
The Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said: “I am but a human being like you, and liable to forget like you. So, if I forget remind me.” [3]
In the context of praising the Messengers, Allaah described them as having Uloohiyyah [4] to Him in their highest ranks of standing, saying about Nooh: “Verily he (Nooh) was a grateful ‘abd” (slave-worshipper of Allaah Alone). [Qur’aan 17:3]
Allaah said about Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam): “Blessed be He who sent down the criterion (the Qur’aan) to His ‘abd (Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) that he may be a Warner to the ‘Aalameen (mankind and jinns).” [Qur’aan 25:1]
He said about Ibraaheem, Ishaaq and Ya’qoob (may Allaah’s Salaat and Salaam be upon them): “And remember ‘Ibaadana (Our slaves) Ibraaheem, Ishaaq, and Ya’qoob (Jacob), (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding. Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing, - i.e.) the remembrance of the Daar.” [5] [Qur’aan 38:45-46]
Allaah spoke about ‘Eesaa bin Maryam (alayhi-salaam) that: “He (‘Eesaa) was not more than a slave (who worships Allaah alone). We granted Our Favor to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel (i.e. his creation without a father).” [Qur’aan 43:59]
The Belief in the Messengers Comprises of 4 Matters:
First: To believe that their Message is a true one from Allaah (Ta’aalaa). Therefore, whoever disbelieves in the Message of anyone of them then He disbelieves in all of them, as Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: “The people of Nooh belied the Messengers.” [Qur’aan 26:105]
Allaah made them belie all the Messengers although there was not any Messenger besides Nooh when they belied him. Accordingly, the Christians who belied Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) and didn’t follow him, themselves belied the Messiah bin Maryam and consequently are not his followers, especially when he brought them the good news about Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam). The glad tiding would not mean anything unless He (Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) is a Messenger to them wherewith Allaah will save them from going astray and guide them to the Straight Path.
Second: To believe in those of them whose names we know, each according to his name: Example, Muhammad, Ibraaheem, Moosaa, ‘Eesaa, and Nooh, the Salaat and Salaam of Allaah be upon them. These five are the ‘Ulul ‘Azm mina ar-Rasul (the Messengers of strong will and steadfastness).
Allaah mentioned them in two places in the Qur’aan, in His saying (in Soorah Al-Ahzaab): “And (remember) when we took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam), and from Nooh, Ibraaheem, Moosaa, and ‘Eesaa Ibn Maryam.” [Qur’aan 33:7]
and in His saying in Soorah Ash-Shoora: “He (Allaah) has ordained for you from the same Deen (Islaam) which He ordained for Nooh, and that which We have Inspired in you (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) and that which We ordained for Ibraaheem, Moosaa, and ‘Eesaa saying you should establish the Deen and make no divisions in it.” [Qur’aan 42:13]
As regard to those of them whose names we don’t know, we believe in them on the whole (as true Messengers from Allaah). He (Ta’aalaa) said: “Indeed We have sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam): of them there are some whose story We have told you, and some whose story We have not told you.” [Qur’aan 40:78]
Third: To believe in what is authentically reported from their news.
Fourth: To act upon the Sharee’ah of the Messenger who is sent to us from amongst them, and he is Muhammad, the last (end) of the Messengers (and Prophets) who is sent to mankind. Allaah (Ta’aalaa) said: “But no, by your ‘abd, they can have no faith until they take you (Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) as a judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” [Qur’aan 4:65]
The Belief in the Messengers Yields Great Benefits, Including:
First: Acknowledging Allaah’s Mercy and concern towards His creation whereby He sent them the Messengers to guide them to His Straight Path and to clearly explain to them how to worship Him, because the human mind is independently unable to realize (how to worship Allaah).
Second: Giving thanks to Allaah (Ta’aalaa) on this great Favor (of sending His Messengers).
Third: Loving, magnifying and praising the Messengers in the manner that befits them since they are Allaah’s Messengers and because they worshipped Him, proclaimed His Message, and gave advice to His creation.
The obstinate belied their Messengers claiming that Allaah’s Messengers cannot be human in nature. Allaah mentioned this claim and invalidated it in His saying: “And nothing prevented men from believing when the guidance came to them, except that they said: ‘Has Allaah sent a man as (His) Messenger?’ Say: ‘If there were on earth, angels walking in peace and security, We should certainly have sent down for them from the heaven an angel as a Messenger.’” [Qur’aan 17:94:95]
Allaah thwarted their claim by asserting that a Messenger must be a man because he is being sent to the people of the earth who are humans. If the people of the earth were angels, Allaah would have sent them from the heaven an angel for a Messenger to be like them. Thus, Allaah told about those who belied the Messengers to have said: “You are no more than human beings like us! You wish to turn away from what our fathers used to worship. Then bring us a clear authority (i.e. a clear proof of what you say).” Their Messengers said to them: “We are no more than human beings like you, but Allaah bestows His Grace to whom He wills of His slaves. It is not for us to bring you an authority (proof) except by the Permission of Allaah.” [Qur’aan 14:10-11]
Footnotes:
[1] In the hadeeth, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) describes the distress people will go through on the Day of Resurrection. They will go to Adam then to Nooh, Ibraaheem, ‘Eesaa, and then to Moosaa (alayhimus-salaam). They will decline, each according to his own reason. Moosaa (alayhis-salaam) will direct them to go to Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) and Allaah will permit him to intercede. See Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V.6, Hadeeth no. 236.
[2] Taaghoot: All forms of false deities. [TN]
[3] Reported by Bukhaaree and Muslim. See Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, V.1, Hadeeth no. 394.
[4] As slaves of Allaah who submit, surrender, and devote worship to Him Alone. [TN]
[5] The home in the Hereafter. They used to make the people remember the Daar (home) in the Hereafter. They invited the people to obey Allaah and to do good deeds for the Hereafter.
Taken from Explaining The Fundamentals of Faith by Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen translated by Dr. Saalih as-Saalih
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