The concept of prophethood is central to Islam. Throughout history, Allah has sent numerous prophets to guide humanity.
But who was the final prophet? Muslims firmly believe that the last prophet sent by Allah was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This article explores this belief in depth, referencing the Holy Quran and authentic Hadith while maintaining a conversational and engaging tone.
Understanding Prophethood in Islam
Islam teaches that Allah has sent prophets to every nation, guiding them towards the truth. The Quran states:
إِنَّآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ بَشِيرًۭا وَنَذِيرًۭا ۚ وَإِن مِّنْ أُمَّةٍ إِلَّا خَلَا فِيهَا نَذِيرٌۭ
"And there was no nation but that there had passed within it a warner." (Quran 35:24)
Prophets were chosen individuals who received divine revelations.
Some of the most well-known prophets include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all).
However, Islam teaches that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the final messenger.
In the context of Islam, both prophets (Nabi) and messengers (Rasul) are chosen by ALLAH to guide people, but there are key differences between them.
1. Definition of a Prophet (Nabi)
A prophet (Nabi) is someone chosen by ALLAH to receive divine guidance and preach it to his people.
However, a prophet does not necessarily bring a new law or scripture; instead, he follows and upholds the teachings of previous messengers.
Example:
- Prophet Harun (Aaron) (AS) was a prophet but followed the law given to Musa (Moses) (AS).
- Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (AS) guided people with the teachings of his forefathers but did not bring a new scripture.
2. Definition of a Messenger (Rasul)
A messenger (Rasul) is a prophet who is given a new divine message, scripture, or law to deliver to his people.
Messengers are sent to reform and guide their communities, sometimes calling people away from disbelief or corruption.
Example:
- Prophet Musa (AS) was a messenger because he was given the Torah (Tawrah).
- Prophet Isa (AS) was a messenger because he was given the Gospel (Injeel).
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the final messenger because he was given the Quran, the last and complete revelation.
3. Key Differences Between a Prophet and a Messenger
| Feature | Prophet (Nabi) | Messenger (Rasul) |
| Receives Revelation? | Yes | Yes |
| Given a New Book or Law? | No | Yes |
| Follows a Previous Messenger’s Law? | Yes | No |
| Sent to a Specific Nation or All Humanity? | Specific Nation | Can be for a specific nation or all humanity |
| Finality in Islam | Many prophets existed | Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the final messenger and prophet |
4. All Messengers Are Prophets, but Not All Prophets Are Messengers
Every messenger (Rasul) is a prophet (Nabi), but not every prophet is a messenger.
This means that while all messengers receive revelation, only those with a new scripture or law are considered messengers.
Final Messenger – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is both a prophet and a messenger, and he is the last of both.
ALLAH confirms this in the Quran:
مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَآ أَحَدٍۢ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن رَّسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمًۭا
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:40)This means no prophet or messenger will come after him.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the Last Messenger
One of the fundamental beliefs in Islam is that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the Seal of the Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin).
The Quran explicitly mentions:
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.” (Quran 33:40)
This verse serves as undeniable proof that no prophet will come after Muhammad (PBUH).
His message is considered complete and universal.
The Finality of Prophethood in Hadith
The sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further affirm his status as the last prophet.
In one famous Hadith, he said:
"The chain of Messengers and Prophets has come to an end. There shall be no Messenger nor Prophet after me." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2219)
Another narration states:
“My example and the example of the previous prophets is like that of a man who built a house, completed it, and left a space for just one last brick. I am that last brick, and I am the seal of the prophets.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3535, Sahih Muslim 2286)
Why Is Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the Last Prophet?
1. Completion of the Message
Islam is considered the final and complete religion for all of humanity. Allah says:
ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًۭا ۚ
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3)
Since the message is perfect, there is no need for another prophet.
2. Universal Guidance
Unlike previous prophets who were sent to specific nations, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to all of humanity:
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةًۭ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Quran 21:107)
His teachings are applicable to all times and places.
3. Preservation of the Quran
Unlike past scriptures that were altered over time, the Quran remains unchanged. Allah has promised to protect it:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Quran 15:9)
Since the divine message is preserved, no new prophet is needed.
Misconceptions About the Finality of Prophethood
Despite clear evidence, some groups claim that new prophets have come after Muhammad (PBUH). However, this contradicts the Quran and authentic Hadith.
Any claim of prophethood after Muhammad (PBUH) is false and goes against Islamic teachings.
The Role of Scholars After the Last Prophet
With no new prophets, Islamic scholars play a vital role in interpreting and spreading Islamic teachings. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets.” (Sunan Abu Dawood 3641)
This means that while there will be no new prophets, knowledgeable scholars help guide Muslims by explaining the Quran and Hadith.
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last and final messenger of Allah, a belief that is firmly rooted in the Quran and Hadith.
His message is universal, complete, and preserved until the end of time.
No prophet will come after him, and Islam will remain as the final guidance for humanity.
Understanding this concept strengthens our faith and reinforces the truth of Islam.
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