Symposium 36
More on Attributes of the Prophets (PBUT)
Anwar:May Allah accept your prayers.
Hasan:Yours too, Inshallah.
Anwar:Let’s go back to the third attribute, now.
Hasan:Yes. A prophet has to have a comprehensive knowledge of not only the Pillars of Islam (Osul Al-Din) and their divisions (Foru’ Al-Din), but also of anything that brings happiness to mankind in this life and the next life. Having this knowledge is very important in serving the purpose for which the prophet was sent.
A prophet has to have the upper hand when it comes to knowledge so that no one could be superior to him and consequently he would be followed and obeyed. In order to have such knowledge, he has to have a Divine
bond with the Most Wise; these Holy Verses emphasize this fact:
(Nor doth he speak of his own desire۞It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired)53;3-4.
(…and whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain from it. And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.)59;7.
Anwar:All right. I think it is time now to talk about the fourth attribute or characteristic of the prophets, namely ‘competence in leadership’.
Hasan:People need a unique leader with capability to make decisions, guide the society and manage people’s daily life. This also includes spiritual leadership to obey the Most Exalted Allah. This point is well presented in this Verse from the Noble Quran:
(So they routed them by Allah’s leave and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him of that which He willeth. And if Allah had not repelled some men by others the earth would have been corrupted. But Allah is a Lord of Kindness to His creatures.)2;251.
This form of leadership is only possible through a well-equipped and a highly qualified person in decision making, guidance and management.
Anwar:Will you please delight our ears with some words from Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and his Ahl Al-Bait (PBUT)?
Hasan:Sure. It is reported from the Prophet (PBUH) that“Leadership is only appropriate for a man with three characteristics: a pious person who restrains from disobeying Allah, a forbearing person who contains his anger, a good manager who is merciful like a father”.
Moreover, Amir Al-Mu’menin (PBUH) addresses people in this matter by saying“O people! The person who is more entitled to this is the straighter one and the one having more knowledge of Allah among them, as when a rioter disturbs the peace, he is to blame and when he refuses, he is to fight against”.
Anwar:Well said. I deeply enjoyed it.
Hasan:God bless you. We are now done with the issue of general prophecy.
Anwar:Does this mean there is also special prophecy?
Hasan:Yes. We will talk about it soon, Inshallah.
Anwar:Inshallah.
Symposium 37
Words on Special Prophecy
Anwar:Salam ‘Alaykom, Akhi Hasan!
Hasan:‘Alaykom As-Salam! How are you doing?
Anwar:I am fine, thanks God! You promised to tell me about the special prophecy and the Islamic Call (Da’wa).
Hasan:This call emerged in a time full of paganism, polytheism, tyranny, oppressors, suffering and aggression. To cleanse the world from all the wrongdoings and offenses, there had to be a man with a celestial bond able to guide people, to educate people and to get them out of darkness to light.
Anwar:Does such a man have to rise to carry all this burden necessarily after injustice and corruption prevail?
Hasan:At the time of prophets and messengers, they are responsible for such burdens; after them, this responsibility is passed to their trustees. This is because the Almighty Allah always has someone representing the reason. It is part of His Divine Wisdom to send a prophet or a messenger when the world needs one. That is why Mohammad Bin Abdullah (PBUH) came with his sealing call to guide people and spread justice.
Anwar:Can we specify the date when the Islamic Call started according to Gregorian calendar?
Hasan:The Honorable Messenger (PBUH) began his call in early seventh century – in 610 A.D. – with his family and his tribe so they support his cause. Then, he spread his message to others, Arabs and non-Arabs. During this period, the prophet, his companions and his followers engaged in wars and conquests in order to exalt the name of Allah against the disbelievers. As a result, he successfully delivered his Divine message and spread his celestial call; this was around 633 A.D. His disciples
followed his path to expand his call all around the world.
Anwar:What are the features that distinguish this call?
Hasan:If we look closely, we can find many Verses from the Noble Quran clearly describing this call:
(Say: O mankind! Lo! I am the Messenger of Allah to you all)7;158.
This Holy Verse refers to the universality of this call; it is not limited to a certain place or a certain race at a certain time. This call is also a grace to humanity as it is evidently stated in this following Holy Verse:
(We sent thee not save as mercy for the people)21;107.
If we take this Holy Verse, for instance:
(Mohammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is Aware of all things)33;40.
We can clearly see that this Message is the Seal of all Messages, that the Prophet (PBUH) is the Seal of all Prophets and that his Book is the Seal of all Books.
Anwar:Did this call appeared unexpectedly or was the
way paved for it first?
Hasan:Of course, the way first was paved for this call through the news delivered by the preceding Prophets such as Prophet Moses (PBUH) and Jesus Christ (PBUH). This is well presented in these two Holy Verses from the Noble Quran:
(Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel…)7;157.
(And when Jesus son of Mary said; O Children of Isreal! Lo! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you, confirming that which was revealed before me in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a messenger who cometh after me, whose name is the Praise One. Yet when be hath come unto them with clear proofs, they say: This is mere magic)61;6.
Anwar:Are there any more features to this call?
Hasan:Yes, it does have more distinguishing features:
First of all, it is a complementary call to all the previous celestial calls and laws as it is evident in these words of the Most Gracious Allah:
(And when there cometh unto them a Scripture from Allah, confirming that in their possession though before that they were asking for a signal triumph over those who disbelieved and when there cometh unto them that which they know to be the Truth they disbelieve therein. The curse of Allah is on disbelievers)2;89.
Second of all, it is a call that guarantees happiness in this world and the afterworld for those who embrace it as it is obvious in this Holy Verse:
(Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel which are with them. He will enjoin in them that which is right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honor him and help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are the successful)7;157.
Here, we conclude that this is a complete and