In the Qur'an (33:40), Muhammad is referred to as the "seal of the prophets," a phrase that has traditionally been interpreted to imply that Muhammad is the last and final prophet to be selected by God to deliver the message of judgment and life after death to humankind. According to the Qur'an, many prophets had been sent at various times in the past to diverse populations to proclaim God's message. Some of these prophets are well known through the scripture of the Jews and Christians, and others are less well known or no longer known at all.
Looking more closely at the meaning the word seal, it is clear throughout the Qur'an that the message delivered to Muhammad is presented as being totally consistent with what had been previously revealed to other prophets. Thus, in one respect, the notion of seal is synonymous with the idea of confirmation.
Similarly, by emphasizing the clarity of the message of the Qur'an, in terms of its linguistic expression, its ageless content, and its completeness as a guide for human action and response to God, the notion of seal can be likened to the idea of a stamp of approval, or certification of completion.
Perhaps more metaphorically, the sealing of prophecy can be compared to the closing up of the gates of revelation. In some sense, after the Qur'an, there is nothing more to be said, and thus there is no need for another prophet to be selected.
However, an important question emerges, particularly with reference to this last point. The message might be complete, but how do we know that people will heed the messenger and faithfully follow the guidance of the Qur'an? At several places in the Qur'an, we are reminded that in the past people have turned away from God's message, distorted its content, and even on occasion killed the messengers.
In my next post, I will discuss how the idea of the perfection of religion is related to the idea of the seal of the prophets.
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ReplyDeleteIt is pretty clear that the phrase "Khatamun Nabiyeen," or "Seal of the Prophets" does not mean "the last prophet." Had this been the case, translators would have easily translated it as such.
ReplyDeleteThis is an idiomatic phrase and it has had a hard time being directly translated as: "last of the prophets." It is in the interpretation of this phrase that Muslims have concluded Hadhrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last prophet.
Why is that so, should be the first question? The second question should be the fact that if the Holy Quran claims that all of its verses are intertwined and are supported by other verses, should this notion not be supported in other places in the Holy Quran?
Taking that into consideration, what other verse refers to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) as being the last prophet or him ending prophethood, or for that matter prophethood coming to an end with his coming?