Understand the concept of risalah (prophethood) in Islam, the role and significance of key prophets including Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad, and why Muhammad is known as the Seal of the Prophets (Surah 33:40).
Last lesson you explored Muslim beliefs about akhirah. Let's check what you remember before we move on to prophethood.
Risalah means 'prophethood' or 'messengership' in Islam. It is the belief that Allah has communicated with humanity throughout history by sending prophets (nabis) and messengers (rasuls) to guide people to the straight path.
Belief in the prophets is one of the Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam and is also central to Shi'a belief. Muslims believe that Allah sent approximately 124,000 prophets to every nation and community, though only 25 are named in the Qur'an.
The role of prophets:
Key point: Prophets are human, not divine. They eat, sleep, and have families. However, they are protected from major sin (ismah) — this means Allah preserves them from committing serious wrongdoing so their message stays trustworthy.
While all prophets carry the same core message — worship Allah alone — certain prophets hold special significance:
Adam: The first human and the first prophet. Allah taught Adam the names of all things and commanded the angels to bow before him. Adam's story teaches that all humanity shares a common origin.
Ibrahim (Abraham): Known as the 'father of monotheism' and 'Khalilullah' (Friend of God). Ibrahim smashed the idols of his people, was willing to sacrifice his son Isma'il when Allah commanded it (commemorated in Eid ul-Adha), and built the Ka'bah in Makkah with Isma'il.
Musa (Moses): Received the Torah (Tawrat) from Allah. Led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. One of the most frequently mentioned prophets in the Qur'an — his story teaches courage, faith, and obedience to Allah against oppression.
Dawud (David): Received the Psalms (Zabur). Known for his wisdom and justice as a ruler. The Qur'an describes him as a righteous king who judged fairly between people.
Isa (Jesus): A major prophet in Islam — but not the Son of God. Muslims believe Isa was born of the Virgin Maryam through a miracle, received the Injil (Gospel), performed miracles by Allah's permission, and was not crucified but was raised to heaven. He will return before the Day of Judgement.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) holds a unique position in Islam as the final prophet — the 'Seal of the Prophets' (Khatam an-Nabiyyin).
"Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets." (Qur'an, Surah 33:40)
Why is Muhammad so important?
The Shahadah connection: The Islamic declaration of faith — "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger" — shows how central Muhammad's prophethood is to Muslim identity. Every Muslim affirms this belief daily.
Both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims agree on the importance of prophethood and accept all the prophets mentioned in the Qur'an. However, there are some differences in emphasis:
Sunni perspective: Sunnis emphasise that all prophets are equal in their role as messengers of Tawhid. After Muhammad's death, leadership passed to the four Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali) chosen by the community. The prophetic line ended with Muhammad.
Shi'a perspective: Shi'a Muslims give special importance to the Ahl al-Bayt — the Prophet's family, especially his cousin and son-in-law Ali and his descendants. They believe that spiritual authority passed through the Imams (descendants of Ali), not the elected caliphs. While prophethood ended with Muhammad, divine guidance continues through the Imams.
What both agree on: Muhammad is the final prophet. The Qur'an is the word of Allah. All prophets taught Tawhid. The prophets are sinless in their prophetic mission (ismah).
Belief in the prophets isn't just a historical fact for Muslims — it shapes daily life and practice:
1. Following the Sunnah: Muslims look to Muhammad's example for guidance on everything from prayer rituals to business ethics, marriage, and conflict resolution. The Hadith collections provide detailed guidance.
2. Respect for all prophets: Muslims say "peace be upon him" (PBUH) after mentioning any prophet's name. This shows reverence and acknowledgement that all prophets came from the same God with the same core message.
3. Moral examples: Each prophet's story teaches specific virtues — Ibrahim's courage and obedience, Musa's perseverance against injustice, Isa's compassion, Muhammad's mercy and justice. Muslims draw on these stories for moral guidance.
4. Unity of faith: Believing in all prophets connects Islam to the Abrahamic tradition. Muslims see Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as part of one continuous revelation from Allah, with each prophet building on the message of the last.
5. The Qur'an as final authority: Because Muhammad is the Seal of the Prophets, the Qur'an is the final, uncorrupted word of God. This gives Muslims confidence that their scripture is complete and authoritative.
Sort each statement into the correct category based on what you have learned about prophethood in Islam.
Consider different Muslim perspectives. Refer to Islamic teachings and scripture in your answer. Write approximately 200–300 words.
AQA 12-mark structure: