What was Muhammad’s role as the last prophet? 17
Islam teaches that Muhammad's role as the final prophet of God was to confirm the authentic teachings of previous prophets and to rectify mistakes or innovations that followers of previous monotheistic faith traditions had introduced into the original religion of humankind. Muhammad is also viewed as the conduit for the completion of God's guidance to humanity; the scope of his mission is seen as encompassing all people, rather than a specific region, group or community. Furthermore, his life serves as a perfect model of how to practice Islam fully.
"We have sent you forth to all humankind, so that you may give them good news and warn them." (Qur'an, 34:28)
Muslims believe that the original revelations or scriptures given by God to prophets such as Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus had been lost or modified over time. Moreover, the ethno-religious concept of a "chosen people" found in Judaism and the doctrines of Trinity and Original Sin found in Christianity are believed to be later developments that grew away from the original practices and scriptures of previous prophets.
Essentially, Muslims view Islam not as a "new" religion, since it embodies the same message and guidance that God revealed to all His messengers, but rather a reestablishment of the "primordial" religion of humankind, centered around recognizing God's Oneness and adhering to His commands. The view of Islam as having achieved its final form through the scripture given to Muhammad and his own teachings is an important aspect of faith. Consequently, Muhammad is considered the final messenger of God, the "Seal" of the Prophets. Any claimants to prophethood after Muhammad, who died in 632 C.E., are not accepted by Muslims.
"Muhammad is the father of no man among you. He is the Apostle of Allah and the seal of the Prophets. Allah has knowledge of all things." (Qur'an, 33:40)
"We have sent you forth to all humankind, so that you may give them good news and warn them." (Qur'an, 34:28)
Muslims believe that the original revelations or scriptures given by God to prophets such as Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus had been lost or modified over time. Moreover, the ethno-religious concept of a "chosen people" found in Judaism and the doctrines of Trinity and Original Sin found in Christianity are believed to be later developments that grew away from the original practices and scriptures of previous prophets.
Essentially, Muslims view Islam not as a "new" religion, since it embodies the same message and guidance that God revealed to all His messengers, but rather a reestablishment of the "primordial" religion of humankind, centered around recognizing God's Oneness and adhering to His commands. The view of Islam as having achieved its final form through the scripture given to Muhammad and his own teachings is an important aspect of faith. Consequently, Muhammad is considered the final messenger of God, the "Seal" of the Prophets. Any claimants to prophethood after Muhammad, who died in 632 C.E., are not accepted by Muslims.
"Muhammad is the father of no man among you. He is the Apostle of Allah and the seal of the Prophets. Allah has knowledge of all things." (Qur'an, 33:40)
