The Essence of Prophethood and the Distinctiveness of Islam

The Prophet Rasul (pbuh) serves as the Divine Messenger who was sent by God to establish a spiritual connection between a people who had lost their way in the vast realms of ignorance and their Creator. Prophethood extends beyond the mere transmission of a message; it encompasses a profound awakening. Islam, unlike any other faith, firmly takes root in the collective consciousness through the practice of worship, which embodies the perfect monotheism of the human heart. These fundamental truths should be examined in conjunction with the accolades bestowed upon them by non-Muslim intellectuals, such as Thomas Carlyle’s recognition of the Prophet as a heroic figure and Michael Hart’s inclusion of him among the 100 most influential historical figures in the world. Furthermore, it is crucial to consider other aspects that may appear insignificant to intellectuals but hold significant value and appeal to the common people. No other religious tradition is as frequently referred to as “obedience to the Creator,” a name that carries profound significance. In contrast, most other religions are commonly identified by the name of their founder or tribe, such as Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Islam, on the other hand, designates religion as Deen or a way of life, with Deen-ul-Islam specifically denoting a way of life dedicated to the Creator. Islam encompasses all aspects of human existence, fostering a deepened faith and constant remembrance of God. In addition to the obligatory prayers, every action and posture of a Muslim serves as a reminder of their Creator and Sustainer. This remembrance and gratitude extend even to mundane activities like using the restroom or interacting with one’s spouse, as well as to broader matters ranging from personal affairs to international governance and relations. Nowhere in the Holy Qur’an or the hadiths is the statement “to God belongs to God and to Caesar what belongs to Caesar” found, highlighting the unparalleled connection between man and his Creator within Islam. By establishing this profound bond, Islam sets itself apart from other spiritual movements that may detach individuals from worldly affairs. Michael Hart’s rationale for selecting the Prophet as the leader among the 100 Most Influential Men in History lies in the Prophet’s unparalleled success in both the religious and material realms, a feat unmatched by any other figure in history.! The occurrence of the greatest event in nature is not a constant phenomenon. Scientists are highly regarded for their discoveries in the physical realm. There is no greater service than bringing living beings closer to their Creator. The most extraordinary things happen rarely, only in times of necessity. What are the circumstances that necessitate the presence of prophets? It is when the creation forgets about its Creator. This occurs when we are completely detached from the correct understanding of the Creator’s unity. This was the situation during the time of the Prophet. Let us refer to Gibbon’s words. There are two aspects to consider. Firstly, Gibbon, as many believe, spared no effort in attacking Islam and the Prophet, ruthlessly. However, his criticism was not as intense and fervent as that of his predecessors. Secondly, he is widely recognized as one of the greatest historians of all time. Therefore, his pro-Islamic statements undoubtedly hold some truth, as praise from an adversary carries significant weight. What does he say about that era? “…the children of Israel had ceased to exist as a nation. The religions of the world were greatly mistaken in attributing offspring and companions to the Highest God. In the primitive Arabian idolatry, this offense was blatant and shameless. The Sabians, in their celestial hierarchy, gave prominence to the first planet, or supreme intelligence. The imperfections of the Magian conqueror were revealed in the perpetual conflict between two opposing natures. The Christians of the 7th century had foolishly fallen into an apostasy that resembled paganism. Their worship, both private and public, revolved around figures and images. The throne of the Almighty was obscured by the presence of martyrs, saints, and angels. The Coleridian heretics, who emerged in the fertile lands of Arabia, bestowed upon the Virgin Mary the status of a deity and attributed to her the mystery of the Trinity and Incarnation. This seemed to contradict the concept of God’s oneness, as it introduced multiple personalities and declared Jesus as the Son of God. It was an insatiable curiosity.” One argument presented by atheists against belief in religion is the existence of numerous religions worldwide, leading to confusion about which one to believe in. Bertrand Russell, in his book “Why I Am Not a Christian,” makes this argument. However, this argument holds merit only if there are multiple universal religions with identical creeds. In reality, there is no such confusion as all world religions possess distinct and unique creeds. As Gibbon affirms, Islam stands out as the only religion that promotes pure monotheism without any confusion. It serves as an exemplification of theism itself. If there are numerous movements disseminating ideas globally, why does unmixed monotheism remain unaccompanied by other universal religions? This fact demonstrates that a prophet appointed by God can establish a universal religion without making any errors in conveying God’s instructions. This absolute objective truth transcends mere belief and can be verified by examining the history of the past 1400 years. The Prophet of Islam prophesied that no other prophet would emerge, and this prophecy has indeed come to pass. Anand, a writer in Malayalam, is known for his severe criticism of the Prophet, yet even he acknowledges the historical fact that “…even after fifteen centuries have passed after Islam, there has not appeared a religion that can come close to these organized religions…”. Furthermore, history reveals individuals who attempted to create religions but ultimately failed, even when powerful figures like the Mughal emperors such as Akbar wielded sovereign power and enlisted the services of renowned scholars.