Nubuwwah (Arabic: نبوّة), meaning prophethood, is a central concept in Islam that refers to the divine institution through which Allah communicates His guidance to humanity. Prophethood is one of the Six Articles of Faith in Islam, and belief in the prophets is a fundamental part of a Muslim’s creed.
Definition and Purpose of Nubuwwah
Nubuwwah refers to the office of the prophets (anbiya), who are chosen by Allah to deliver His messages, guide humanity toward righteousness, and warn them against straying from His path. Prophets are exemplars of morality and serve as intermediaries between Allah and His creation.
The primary purposes of prophethood include:
- Conveying Divine Revelation: Prophets deliver Allah’s messages, laws, and instructions.
- Guiding Humanity: They provide guidance on how to live in accordance with Allah’s will.
- Establishing Justice: Prophets uphold justice and address societal corruption.
- Demonstrating Perfect Character: Prophets serve as role models, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical standards.
Characteristics of Prophets in Islam
- Human Beings:
- Prophets are humans chosen by Allah, not divine beings. They share the human experience to relate to people while maintaining exemplary conduct.
- Truthfulness (Sidq):
- Prophets are truthful in their words and actions, earning the trust of their communities.
- Revelation (Wahy):
- Prophets receive direct communication from Allah, often through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), dreams, or divine inspiration.
The Lineage of Prophets
In Islam, it is believed that Allah sent prophets to every nation throughout history to guide people. The Quran mentions 25 prophets by name, including:
- Adam: The first prophet and human being.
- Nuh (Noah): Warned his people of a great flood.
- Ibrahim (Abraham): Known as the “Friend of Allah” and the patriarch of monotheism.
- Musa (Moses): Delivered the Torah and led the Israelites out of Egypt.
- Isa (Jesus): A messenger who performed miracles and conveyed the Injil (Gospel).
- Muhammad (peace be upon him): The final prophet, sent with the Quran as the ultimate and unaltered guidance for humanity.
Prophet Muhammad: The Seal of the Prophets
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) holds a unique position in Islam as the Seal of the Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin), meaning no prophet will come after him. His mission was universal, and the Quran is regarded as the final and complete revelation, applicable to all of humanity for all time.
Key distinctions of Prophet Muhammad:
- Universal Message: Unlike previous prophets, whose messages were specific to their communities, Muhammad’s prophethood is for all mankind.
- Final Scripture: The Quran, revealed to Muhammad, is considered the ultimate source of guidance.
- Perfect Role Model: He is regarded as the ideal example for Muslims in every aspect of life.
The Role of Prophets in Islamic Belief
- Bearers of Tawhid:
- All prophets emphasized the belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and rejected polytheism.
- Reminders of Accountability:
- Prophets remind people of the Day of Judgment and the consequences of their deeds.
- Moral and Social Reformers:
- They address societal injustices, eradicate ignorance, and establish moral principles.
Miracles
Miracles (mu’jizat) are extraordinary events granted by Allah to prophets as a sign of their authenticity. Examples include:
- Prophet Musa’s staff turning into a serpent.
- Prophet Isa healing the blind and raising the dead by Allah’s permission.
- The Quran itself, regarded as the everlasting miracle of Prophet Muhammad, due to its unmatched eloquence, depth, and guidance.
Conclusion
Nubuwwah in Islam is a divine system of guidance where prophets serve as Allah’s messengers to lead humanity toward truth and righteousness. They are the epitome of moral character and are entrusted with delivering Allah’s commands. While many prophets were sent throughout history, Prophet Muhammad’s mission as the final prophet completes this chain, establishing Islam as the enduring way of life for all mankind.
Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.