Prophethood (Risalah / Messengers)

Prophethood in Islam (Risalah)

The Role of Messengers in Guiding Mankind

Introduction

Allah, in His mercy and wisdom, sent Prophets and Messengers to guide humanity, establish proof, and deliver revelation. Without them, people would remain in confusion and injustice. Prophethood lights the way to Allah, warns against evil, and calls mankind to peace and justice.

Why Mankind Needs Messengers

Guidance to Allah

Humanity often strayed into idolatry and superstition. Messengers were sent to redirect people to worship the Creator alone.

“Indeed, We sent Noah to his people, and he said, ‘O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.’” Qur’an 7:59

Guidance Regarding the Hereafter

Without belief in the Last Day, life becomes empty and morality collapses. Messengers reminded people of resurrection, accountability, and divine justice.

“Say, ‘Allah gives you life, then causes you to die; then He will assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt. But most of the people do not know.’” Qur’an 45:26

Meeting Man’s Need for Religion

Humans recognize a Creator, but revelation shows how to worship Him. Prophets clarified Allah’s commands and explained His religion.

“So set your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created all people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.” Qur’an 30:30

“Every child is born upon the fitrah, then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian.” Sahih al-Bukhari 1296, Sahih Muslim 2658a

Guidance on Human Relations

Humans are social beings who need laws for justice and cooperation. Prophets taught divine law to protect rights and prevent oppression.

“We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance that the people may maintain justice.” Qur’an 57:25

Guidance Towards Morals

Without moral guidance, desires can lead to oppression. Prophets brought ethics rooted in faith in Allah and accountability in the Hereafter.

“And We shall set up balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be wronged at all. And if it be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as Reckoners.” Qur’an 21:47

Establishing Justice and Proof

Allah’s justice requires that no one is punished without guidance. Messengers were sent so that no one has an excuse before Allah.

“And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger.” Qur’an 17:15

“Messengers as bringers of good tidings and warners so that mankind will have no argument against Allah after the messengers.” Qur’an 4:165

Addressing Misconceptions

• Prophets were only human: Some argued they should have been angels. The Qur’an clarifies prophets were human so they could be relatable examples.
• All religions are the same: While prophets shared the call to Tawhid, each brought laws suited to their people until Islam was perfected with Muhammad ﷺ.
• Prophethood continues: Islam confirms Muhammad ﷺ as the final Messenger, sealing all prophethood.

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 7:59 : Nuh (Noah) calling his people to worship Allah.
• Qur’an 45:26 : Resurrection and accountability.
• Qur’an 30:30 : Fitrah of mankind.
• Qur’an 57:25 : Messengers sent with scripture and justice.
• Qur’an 21:47 : Balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection.
• Qur’an 17:15 : No punishment without sending a Messenger.
• Qur’an 4:165 : Messengers remove excuses against Allah.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 1296, Sahih Muslim 2658a : Every child born upon fitrah.

Secondary Sources

• Imam al-Tahawi, al-‘Aqeedah al-Tahawiyyah : Creed affirming necessity of messengers.
• Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo‘ al-Fatawa : On prophecy, justice, and accountability.
• Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan : Contemporary commentary on Prophethood.