The concept of
Prophets has often been misunderstood by both religious people and atheists but
in opposite directions. One set tends to deify them and the other rejects them
as people prone to hallucination, despite the fact that they do not show the
disabilities and maladjustment which this implies, but on the contrary display
extraordinary perception and ability.
Humanity is
dominated and led by a small number of extraordinary people, and its
civilization and development is dependent on them. These people can be placed
into three groups which correspond to the three levels of man, the physical,
mental and spiritual:-
(a) Empire
builders such Kings, Emperors, Conquerors and other leaders. Many of these were
psychopaths who were looking for personal glory, power and wealth. They did a
great amount of plundering, raping, murder, enslaving and destruction. But they
also brought administration and law and order to territories making them safe
for trade and exchange of ideas. They created a set of rich and powerful people
who could patronise the arts, crafts and sciences. The development of these
might not have been possible without such patronage because people might have
remained uniformly poor, especially when population increase was not curbed
through war. They also encouraged the development of courage, endurance and
hardiness, but discouraged compassion and reason.
(b) Creators of
Culture and Civilization such scientists, artists, writers, philosophers,
engineers, inventors, architects, city builders, statesmen, industrialists,
entrepreneurs and such like. These are the ones who develop the intellectual
and physical skills and the sensitivity and refinement of feelings. The
cultural and educational conditions that arise from the activity of these
people also cause the transformation of people at the previous level.
(c) Those who
bring about the spiritual progress of man such as the Messengers, Prophets and
Saints. They provide a certain spirit to the age, increase consciousness,
conscience and will, give people a self-image and a set of values and goals, a
sense of purpose and direction. They channel and harness psychological energy.
Real human progress depends on them. It is people transformed directly or
indirectly by these who become the achievers at the previous level.
It will be
recalled from previous articles that Allah is the name given to the ultimate
and fundamental self-existing Reality, that the Spirit is by the Command of
Allah (17:85), that it is something created by, and carries the Command of
Allah, the cause of all creation (2:117). The Spirit has also been breathed
into man (32:9) where it produces consciousness, conscience and will. But Human
beings owing to the fact that they have lost touch with the spirit within themselves
have lost touch with Allah and His Guidance (59:19). Therefore, it is necessary
that guidance should come through those who have not lost touch with the spirit
within them. Such people are called Messengers or Prophets because they are
still in contact with Reality - they are inspired by the Spirit. (95:4-6,
16:102, 42:52-53). The Spirit within keeps them aware of Allah.
"And we said: O Adam dwell, thou and thy
wife, in Paradise, and eat there from amply as
you wish; but do not draw near this tree or ye will be of the transgressors.
But Satan made them backslide there from and drove them out from what they were
in, and We said: Go down, one of you the enemy of the other, and in the earth
there is an abode and a provision for a time. And Adam obtained certain words
(revelations) from his Lord, and He relented towards him, for He is the
Relenting, the Compassionate. We said: Go down there from altogether and haply
there may come from Me a guidance, and whoso follows my guidance, no fear is
theirs, nor shall they grieve." 2:35-38
"Surely, We have created man in the best
of moulds. Then we reduced him to the lowest of the low; save those who believe
and act right; for theirs is a reward unfailing." 95:4-6
"Have they not travelled in the land, and
have they hearts wherewith to feel and ears wherewith to hear? For indeed, it
is not the eyes that grow blind; but it is the hearts which are within their
bosoms that grow blind." 22:46
A genuine
religion is, therefore, based on the transcendental experience which Prophets
have - that is, experiences coming through Higher Consciousness. In so far as
their behaviour is guided entirely by these experiences - i.e. they have
surrendered to Allah - then the Prophet is above criticism. However, all
Prophets are human and, therefore, liable to sin (12:109), but Allah guides
them (53:2-5). They could not, of course, be an example to human beings if they
were not human, and people could not follow them. They, therefore, constitute
the hope for the rest of mankind that they too may develop.
Jesus, too,
rejected the idea that he was good.
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me
good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into
life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:17
Most of the
followers of the Prophets, unless they have been transformed through the
teachings of the Prophet, are persons who have not had transcendental
experiences. The Prophet, then remains far above the criticisms and judgments
of ordinary people. They do not have the wisdom, and such judgments are only a
matter of ignorance or arrogance and valueless (See Quran 18:61-83). The
Prophet, however, has to stoop to the level of those whom he wants to
influence. Although Prophets have a charisma or other qualities that attract
people (3:159), there also appears to have been something about the major
Prophets which was repelling to others. Moses, for instance, killed an
Egyptian, David coveted someone else's wife, Jesus appears to have been born
out of wedlock, and Muhammad had many wives and slaves. It seems that these
things were a test to differentiate the superficial from those who had better
discernment. This may be necessary to focus attention on the message rather
than the messenger.
It is also
possible that Prophets make what appear to be errors deliberately in order to
teach by demonstration and real consequences rather than words. For instance,
the Prophet Muhammad, against his own better judgment, yielded to the opinions
of his companions regarding strategy at the battle of Uhud and this led to a
defeat and to several lessons recorded in the Quran.
In order to be
understood and be a leader of a people, the Prophet cannot remain too high
above them, but has to descend partly to their level. The nature of the
material he works with determines what is achieved. His real inner state cannot
be known by his outer actions in the community, nor by the interpretations of
his behaviour by others. In order to be effective, he has to speak to the
people according to their understanding and act according to what they can
tolerate and accept. It is the action of something higher on something lowe,
which brings the latter to an intermediate higher state.
A strict
distinction is made between what was revealed to the Prophet, the Quran and
what he had to say from himself, Hadith. The Prophet himself is rebuked in the
Quran (80:1-12). Obviously, the intention was to prevent the tendency to deify
the Prophet himself. To do this detracts from the message, leads to unrealistic
fantasies and exaggerations, and it is not possible to follow a god as an
example, but only to beg for gifts and miracles. Man was made to take
responsibility as an agent of Allah. Therefore, we read in the Quran:-
"Say: I am only a mortal like you. My Lord
inspires in me that your God is only One God." 18:110
"Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers
the like of which have passed away before him. Will it be that when he dies or
is slain, you will turn back on your heels? He who turns back does no hurt to
Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful." 3:144
"We have not sent thee as a warder over
them. Thy duty is only to convey the message." 42:48
"The guiding of them is not thy duty (O
Muhammad), but Allah guides whom He will." 2:272
"The Prophet is closer to the believers
than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers." 33:6
"Verily in the messenger of Allah you have
a good example for him who looks unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembers
Allah much." 33:21
This does not
require that his followers should imitate the Messenger in all he did, but only
in so far as he is an example of surrender to Allah.
Since the ideas
of Prophet and Allah are connected, then one is the proof of the other.
Ultimately the acceptance of both also depends upon the spirit within the
believer (16:2, 32:9), his capacity for consciousness, conscience and will. A
religion is, therefore, proved by these three - Allah, the Spirit and the
Messenger. This may have given rise to the notion of Trinity mistakenly
attributed to God.
The Islamic
position is that everyone is born with the knowledge of God, but that this
knowledge is eroded out of them by the society and life in the world as they
grow up. Human attention is narrowed down and disintegrated by attachment to
things - they lose the perception of the forest because they see only the
trees, the parts rather than the over all pattern. But some people still retain
an inkling of the ultimate unity underlying all experience. The perception of
the underlying Unity behind diversity is a property of consciousness (con = together
sciousness = awareness). A rudimentary awareness allows people to recognize the
validity of the message of the Prophet. This awareness can be strengthened by
suitable exercises contained in the religious discipline that the Prophet
brings. On the other hand those who reject the Prophet and do not exercise this
faculty will lose it all together - it will atrophy like all human faculties
which are not used. To argue with such people would, then, be quite futile.
"Verily, those who misbelieve, it is the
same to them if ye warn them or if ye warn them not, they will not believe.
Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and on their hearing; and on their eyes
is dimness, and for them is grievous woe." 2:6-7
This woe can be
understood easily if we consider that in order to live well we must be well
adjusted to Reality (as created by Allah), and this requires that we have
sufficient and correct knowledge, abilities and motives. These in turn depend
on the power of our faculties for awareness. Therefore: -
"Say: I exhort you only to one thing that
ye awake for Allah's sake in twos or singly, then ponder." 34:46
There is a
connection between the notion of "God" in the Universe and the notion
of a "Self" in man. When we say "I", we speak of a centre
of consciousness, conscience and will, and we do possess creativity, initiative
and responsibility. It is common experience that outwardly we see ourselves as
material and inwardly as something subtle. There is no justification for
supposing that the two are wholly separable. The fact is that we are part of
the Universe and a product of its laws, forces, energy, order, and information.
But the world we experience certainly exists in our conscious minds, and we
construct it through our sciences as well as technologies. Remove consciousness
and there is nothing for us, neither the universe nor ourselves. But
consciousness can leave us as in sleep or return when we wake. It can also be
expanded. It is not, therefore, the same thing as the material world, but it
certainly exists and gives us the criterion for existence. But human beings
exist in communities and produce a culture. They are psychologically,
themselves a product of the communal culture and contribute to it. Most
cultures are produced and formed by the predominant religion to various
degrees. Compare the cultures of China,
India,
the Middle Eat and the Western World. The Prophet who is the founder of that
religion may, therefore, be regarded as the "self" of that community,
a representative of Allah. This was originally the view in ancient Egypt
where the Pharaoh was "God-on-earth" or the "son of Osiris"
where Osiris was regarded as God-in-Heaven. This idea gradually underwent
distortion and became incorporated in Christianity.
At first the
Universe underwent physical evolution, followed by biological evolution. With
the coming of man a third stage began, that of psychological and spiritual
development. This, as in previous cases, requires appropriate forces and
processes, and these are introduced by Prophets and the disciplines they bring.
Many Prophets have been sent throughout the world, and people will be judged by
the teaching that they brought. Not all are mentioned in the Quran:-
"And for every nation there is a
messenger. And when their messenger comes (on the Day of Judgment), it will be
judged between them fairly, and they will not be wronged." 10:48 Also
39:69
"And verily We have raised in every nation
a messenger proclaiming: serve Allah and shun false gods. Then some of them
there were whom Allah guided, and some of them there were upon whom error had
just hold." 16:36
"And messengers We have mentioned unto
thee before and messengers We have not mentioned unto thee.." 4:164 and
40:78
There are,
however, various levels of Prophets:-
"And We preferred some of the Prophets
above others." 17:55
"Of those messengers, some of whom We have
caused to excel over others, and of whom there are some unto whom Allah spoke,
while some of them He exalted above others in degree..." 2:253
There is a
distinction is between Prophets (Nabi) and Messengers (Rasul) in 33:40 and
3:80-81. According to some people there is no distinction and the two words
refer to the same thing. But this does not appear to be correct. Though a
person, like Muhammad (saw) is both, some are one and not the other.
“When Allah made the covenant with the
prophets, (He said): Behold, what I have given you of the Book and Wisdom. Then
shall come to you a Messenger confirming that which you possess. Ye shall
believe in him and help him. And He said: Are ye resolved and do you take this
covenant as binding on you? They said: We are resolved. And He said, Then bear
witness, for I am witness with you. But they who turns back after this, these
are the miscreants. “ 3:81-82
“Mankind were one nation once, and Allah sent
them prophets with good tidings and with warnings, and sent down with them the
Book in truth, to judge between men in that wherein they disagreed; but only
those unto whom the scripture was given disagreed therein after manifest signs
had come to them, through selfishness and stubborn pride (or hatred) amongst
themselves; and Allah guided by His Will the believers to the truth concerning
that wherein they disagreed, for Allah guides whom He will unto the straight
path.” 2:213
“We have not sent before thee any Messenger nor
prophet, but that when he formed a desire (or recited the message), Satan
introduced not something (evil or vain) into it; but Allah annuls what Satan
proposes; then does Allah confirm (establish) His Signs (revelations) and Allah
is Knower, Wise.” 22:52
Here we see that
the Prophets (Nabi) are those who have been given the Scriptures and the Wisdom
to interpret and apply it. But the Messengers (Rasul) are those that confirm
what the Prophets deliver. The word "Messenger" refers to one who has
the mission of carrying a message from Allah to people. It could apply to a
saint or teacher of religion. But the Prophet is one who is inspired, has
deeper insight and people might listen to what he says. See also 3:79, 6:89,
29:27, 45:16 and 57:26. But the term "Messenger" can also apply to
angels and the Spirit, usually Gabriel, as sent to Lut, Abraham and Mary, and
to jinn.
"Allah chooses from the angels messengers,
and also from mankind; verily, Allah is Hearer and Seer." 22:75 Also 35:1
"O ye assembly of jinn and humankind! Came
there not unto you messengers of your own who recounted unto you My
tokens..." 6:131
Prophets cannot
be other than human beings. Messengers are of many kinds. Some like Jonah were
sent to townships to warn of disaster if they did not mend their ways; others
such as Moses (saw) led a people and brought a new Law, and Jesus (saw) who
brought a reforming teaching, and there was Muhammad (saw) who created a
complete way of life and civilization. Each has a different mission depending
on the conditions of life and the stage in history. Prophets only work within a
dispensation of Religion.
But we are to
make no distinction in faith between the messengers or between the messengers
and Allah, since they have all been sent by Allah: -
"Lo! Those who disbelieve in Allah and His
messengers, and seek to make a distinction between Allah and His messengers,
and say: We believe in some and disbelieve in others, and seek to choose a way
between, such are disbelievers in truth; and for disbelievers We prepare a
shameful doom. But those who believe in Allah and His messengers and make no
distinction between any of them, unto them Allah will give their wages; and
Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful." 4:150-152. Also see 2:136,285 and
3:84-85
A person can be
a messenger and a Prophet at the same time: -
"And make mention in the Scripture of
Ishmael. Lo! he was a keeper of his promise, and he was a messenger and a
prophet." 19:54 and 33:40
Prophets sent to
humanity are human beings: -
"We sent not before thee any messenger
save men whom We inspired from among the folk of the townships." 12:109
"Their messengers said unto them: we are
but mortals like you, but Allah gives grace unto whom He will of His servants.
it is not ours to bring you warrants unless by the permission of Allah, In
Allah let believers put their trust." 14:11 See also 16:43, 21:7, 25:20
But a third
spiritual category also exists, the saint. A person can be a saint and a
Prophet :-
"And make mention in the Scripture of
Idris (Enoch). Lo! He was a saint, a Prophet. And We raised him to high
station." 19:56-57
The companions
or followers of the Prophets may be saints. They are also known as the
Foremost. They are the maintainers of the religion after the death of the Prophet
or Reformers. They can be regarded as the Spiritual children of the Prophets or
Reformers. Their status is given thus: -
"Whoso obeys Allah and the Messenger,
these are in the company of those unto whom Allah has shown favour, of the
prophets and saints and martyrs and the righteous - the fairest company are
they." 4:69
The purpose of the messengers is to raise the
spiritual level of a people. But because they are at a lower level than the one
they are to be raised to, the majority does not understand him and tend to
deny, mock and persecute the Prophet. Though the religion taught by the Prophet
does gradually spread it also gradually degenerates as all things in the world
do. But nevertheless something has been added to the world, it has brought changes
and raised the general level. Those who do not accept or ignore the guidance of
the Prophet are left behind and eventually suffer and are destroyed. This is
why a succession of messengers have to be sent. Each confirms the message of
the previous one and removes the misinterpretations and distortions that have
arisen. But each has to bring a new formulation. The message has to be given in
terms that the age and the people can understand. Because of their mental
conditioning to the old system the majority of people always oppose the new
system. The arrival of the new system tends to be traumatic which leads to
controversy, persecution and conflict.
"O you who believe! Obey Allah and the
Messenger when He calls you to that which quickens you (brings you alive), and
know that Allah comes in between the man and his own heart, and that He it is
unto Whom ye will be gathered." 8:24
Jesus put this
as follows: -
"Verily, verily, I say unto you; except a
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God...Verily, verily, I say unto
you; except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is
flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said
unto thee: ye must be born again." John 3:3-7
Note that
nothing is said here about physical resurrection. Thus the idea that the
physical death and resurrection of Jesus is required for salvation seems to be
based on a misunderstanding.
"Even as We have sent unto you a messenger
from among you, who recites unto you Our revelations and causes you to grow,
and teaches you the Scripture and Wisdom, and teaches you that which ye knew
not." 2:151
"This is a Scripture which We have
revealed unto thee that thereby thou mayest bring forth mankind from darkness
unto light by the permission of their Lord, unto paths of the Mighty, the owner
of Praise, Allah unto Whom belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever
is in the earth." 14:1
"And We never sent a messenger save with
the language of his folk, that he might make the message clear for them."
14:4
"Mankind were one community, and Allah
sent unto them Prophets as bearers of good tidings and as Warners, and revealed
through them the Scripture with the truth that it might judge between mankind
concerning that wherein they differ. And only those unto whom the Scripture was
given differed concerning it, after clear proofs had come to them, through
hatred of one another. And Allah by His will guided those who believe unto the
truth of that concerning which they differ. Allah guides whom He will unto a
straight path." 2:213
"Lo! We did reveal the Torah wherein is
guidance and a light by which the Prophets who surrendered judged the Jews, and
the rabbis and the priests judged by such of Allah's Scripture as they were
bidden to observe...Whoso judges not by that which Allah has revealed, such are
disbelievers...And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps,
confirming that which was revealed before him, and We bestowed on him the
Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was revealed
before it in the Torah...Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah
has revealed therein. Whoso judges not by that which Allah has revealed, such
are evil livers. And unto thee (Muhammad) have We revealed the Scripture with
truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So
judge between them by that which Allah has revealed, and follow not their
desires away from truth which has come unto thee, For each We have appointed a
divine law and a traced out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one
community. But that He may try you by that which He has given you (He has made
you diverse). So vie with one another in good works. Unto Allah you will all
return and He will then inform you of that wherein you differ." 5:44-48
Thus we see that
uniformity is not required. It is not necessary that the spiritual laws or
practices of a people should be replaced as some sects insist.
"And verily We sent messengers to mankind
before thee (Muhammad) and We appointed for them wives and offspring, and it
was not given to any messenger that he should bring a sign save by Allah's
leave. For everything there is a time prescribed. Allah effaces what He will and
establishes what he will, and with Him is the source of ordinance."
13:38-39
Prophets are
always opposed: -
"And those who disbelieved said unto their
messengers: Verily we will drive you out from our land unless you return to our
religion." 14:13
"...Is it ever so, that when there comes
unto you a messenger with that which you yourselves desire not, you grow
arrogant, and some you believe and some you slay." 2:87
"Messengers, indeed, have been denied
before thee, and they were patient under the denial and the persecution till
Our help reached them. There is none to alter the decision of Allah. Already
there has reached thee tidings of the messengers We sent before. And if
aversion is grievous unto thee, then, if thou canst, seek a way down into the
earth or a ladder unto the sky that thou mayest bring unto them a sign. If
Allah willed, He could have brought them all together to the guidance - so be
not thou among the foolish ones. Only those can accept who hear. As for the
(spiritually) dead, Allah will raise them up; then unto Him will they
return." 6:34-36
"Our messengers came unto them with clear
proofs, but afterward, Lo! Many of them became prodigal in the earth."
5:32
"Say unto them (O Muhammad): Messengers
came unto you before me with miracles, and with that very miracle which ye
describe. Why then did ye slay them. Answer if ye are truthful." 3:183
(Thus miracles
do not provide proof for those who refuse to see.)
Because the
Messenger comes with a warning to change, refusal to do so means that the thing
about which the warning was given will come to pass.
"Systems have passed away before you . Do
but travel in the land and see the nature of the consequences for those who did
deny the messengers." 3:137 Also 16:36
"Every announcement (or message, prophecy)
has a term, and ye will soon know it." 6:67
"If He will, He can remove you, O people
and produce others in your stead. Allah is Able to do that. Whoso desires the
reward of the world, let him now that with Allah is the reward of the world and
the Hereafter. Allah is ever Hearer, Seer." 4:133
But even more:-
"If He will He can be rid of you and bring
in your stead some new CREATURE." 35:16
The plans of
Allah cannot be flouted:-
"But nay! I call to witness the Lord of
the rising-places and the setting-places of the planets that We are able to
replace them by others better than them. And we are not to be flouted."
70:40-41
"Have ye seen that which ye emit? Do you
create it or are We the Creator? We mete out death among you, and We are not to
be outrun that We may transform you and make you what you know not."
56:58-61
The function of
the Messenger is, therefore, given as follows:-
"Whoso obeys the messenger obeys
Allah." 4:80
"And obey Allah AND the messenger, that ye
may find mercy." 3:132. Also 5:92, 4:59-61
"The Prophet is closer to the believers
than their selves, and his wives are as their mothers. And the owners of
kinship are closer one to another in the ordinance of Allah than other
believers and the fugitives, except that ye should do kindness to your friends.
This is written in the book of nature." 33:7
"Verily, in the Messenger of Allah you
have a good example for him who looks unto Allah and the Last Day, and
remembers Allah much." 33:21
Because the
function of the Prophet is to bring spiritual regeneration to people, the Day
of Resurrection and Judgment is connected with Prophets. The law and scripture
that he brings is the criterion by which they will be judged.
"And the trumpet is blown and all who are
in the heavens and the earth swoon away, save him whom Allah wills. Then it is
blown a second time, and behold them standing waiting! And the earth shines
with the light of her Lord and the Book is set up and the Prophets and the
witnesses are brought, and it is judged between them with truth and they are
not wronged. And each soul is paid in full for what it did. And He is aware of
what they do." 39:68-7
No one has seen
Allah, and most people have not experienced His presence. The Prophet may be
called "God on earth" not because he is God but because he represents
Allah on earth. He is "a manifestation of God" in that Allah reveals
Himself by sending Prophets and his Prophethood is a manifestation of Allah.
The qualities he displays are attributes of Allah since the divine spirit is
active in him (32:9, 16:102, 26:192-194, 58:22). In him the vicegerency is
vested. The Prophet is a human being but he has surrendered wholly to Allah.
Therefore, there is little of himself left. He does as Allah commands. To obey
him is to obey Allah. The Prophet is to be obeyed only because he is guided by
the Spirit of God and conveys the Word of God.
Since
Prophethood is the result of the guidance of Allah through the Spirit, then all
prophets are one, being informed by the same spirit. Thus we can speak of the Prophet
(or the Avatar as Hindus call him) returning again and again. Moses or one like
him returns as Jesus, or one like Jesus returns as Muhammad, and all these
return as the Next expected Prophet. This could be regarded as the
reincarnation of the spirit and refers to the function. But they have different
souls because these differences are the result of the times, place and
circumstances in which they lived. This also determines their mission that must
vary according to the needs that exist there and the stage reached in the over
all Plan. The Prophets may be regarded as working in cooperation.
"And He commanded you not that ye should
take the angels and the Prophets for Lords. Would He command you to disbelieve
after ye had surrendered? When Allah made His covenant with the Prophets, he
said: Behold that which I have given you of the Scripture and knowledge. And
afterward there will come unto you a messenger, confirming that which ye
possess. Ye shall believe in him and ye shall help him. He said: Do ye agree,
and will ye take up My burden in this matter? They said: We agree. He said:
Then bear ye witness. I will be witness with you." 3:80-81
It should be
noted that the covenant is made with Prophets that they should help a Messenger
who comes after them. Indeed, the Old and New Testaments do tell us about
Prophets to come (Deuteronomy 18;15,18, Daniel 2:44, John 16:12-14). Hinduism
and Buddhism also have teachings regarding the coming of a World Religious
Teacher in the future. The Quran affirms these predictions and this is regarded
as culminating in the coming of Muhammad (saw).
"Muhammad is not the father of any of your
men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the prophets; and Allah
is Aware of all things." 33:40
"And say: Truth has come, and falsehood
has vanished! Verily, falsehood is ever bound to vanish." 17:81
There has been
controversy in some quarters as to what "Seal of the Prophets" means.
It could mean the confirmation of the mission of past Prophets or the end of
the line of Prophets, particularly those that informed the Hebrew religion as
mentioned in the Bible. However, according to the Hadith Muhammad (saw)
confirms that he was the last of the Prophets. Note that the verse does not say
that there would be no further Messengers, but these would not be Prophets. The
Message from God can certainly be transmitted through other teachers. In fact,
Muhammad (saw) predicted that a series of teachers would come to remove
misinterpretations, reformulate and renew the teaching.
Although the
religions as originally taught by all genuine Prophets are Islam (Surrender to
Allah), it is completed and perfected in the religion brought by Muhammad (saw)
(5:3) - Jesus and his disciples were also Muslims (5:111, John 5:30, 17:12).
Nothing less than Surrender is acceptable as religion. (3:19-20,85, 39:3,
98:5). No further Messengers would come or are needed. The guidance is complete
and it is now up to mankind to apply it. The implication is that humanity, like
the developing child, has reached adulthood, no longer requires parents, and
must stand on its own feet and learn from its own mistakes. The hankering after
a future Prophet to solve human problems is a sign of immaturity and
inadequacy, a relinquishing of personal responsibility and is quite futile.
This is probably also why Muhammad (saw) appointed no successor to himself. The
next time the Messengers came would be on the Day of Judgment as indicated in
10:48. That would be to judge people. It would then be too late to reform.
But there are
numerous Hadith, which imply that Islam would degenerate and that Jesus would
return and re-establish Islam. The Quran also tells us: -
"He (Jesus) was no more than a servant: We
granted Our favour to him, and We made him an example to the Children of
Israel...And (Jesus) shall be a sign of the coming of the Hour (of Resurrection
and Judgment), therefore have no doubt about it and follow Me: this is the
Straight Way." 43:59,61
"Behold! Allah said: O Jesus! I will take
thee and raise thee up to Myself, and will cleanse thee (of the falsehoods) of
those who disbelieve, and will set those who follow thee above the faithless
until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me is your return, and I will judge
between you concerning that wherein ye used to disagree." 3:55
"So peace upon him (Jesus) the day he was
born, and the day he died, and the day he shall be raised up to life
again." 19:15 and see 19:33
The death and
resurrection of Jesus is certainly taken as a sign of the Day of Resurrection
by Christians and they also expected him to return on the Day of Resurrection.
Yet the death of Jesus on the Cross is denied by the Quran (4:157-158).
This may simply
mean that it was not the Jews who crucify him. It was the Romans who did so for
purposes of their own and not because the Jews wanted him crucified. Or that it
was he who sacrificed himself (John 10:17-18). Or that he merely seemed to die
on the Cross, but actually died some later time and would return on the Day of
Resurrection. According to Luke 24:36-43 Jesus was certainly alive and ate food
after his apparent death, whereas we are told that in the resurrection people
are like angels. (Matthew 22:30 and 1Corinthians 15:40-45). The account of the
Crucifixion in the accepted Gospels looks like conjecture. If we look into
Apocryphal Gospels (left out of the canonical Bible because they did not suit
official policies or opinions), such as that of Thomas, we find that there is a
different account of the crucifixion. Jesus himself was elsewhere while people
were looking at a crucifixion. Some people think that a substitute was
crucified. But this, too, is speculation. It could have been a mass
hallucination. The significance lies in this that there is a difference between
appearances and the underlying reality, between the sign and what it stands
for. The Christian doctrine of salvation is based on the appearance, and on the
messenger rather than the message. The Reality is that the Word of God can not
be killed, but may have been withdrawn from corruption.
According to the
interpretation of some people, the above covenant with the prophets (3:80-81)
is also mentioned in: -
"When We exacted a covenant from the
Prophets, and from thee (O Muhammad) and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and
Jesus son of Mary. We took from them a solemn covenant that He may ask the
loyal of their loyalty." 33:7-8.
This cannot be
about service to Muhammad or Jesus since they were among those who agreed to
it. The "Seal" would then imply that Muhammad (saw) was the last of
the Prophets, but not of the Messengers. It could imply that he was the
"Seal of Authority" which confirmed the mission of the Prophets. The
covenant refers to the loyalty to the prophets of those who are loyal to Allah.
It implies that all of mankind are required to be loyal to all the Prophets. In
fact, it is the Quran, which mentions that Prophets have been sent worldwide
and asks us not to make a distinction between the Prophets (2:136,285,
3:84-85). It is the Prophet Muhammad who confirmed the mission of all past
Prophets:- 2:89,91,101, 4:47, 6:93, 35:31.
According to
some people, e.g. Baha’i and Ahmadiyas etc., Jesus has already returned and the
Day of Resurrection is already here because this refers to the spiritual
regeneration brought by the coming of a Prophet. They interpret the verses
dealing with resurrection symbolically and point to the following verses to
show that Islam, too is merely a stage.
"For every Announcement (Message,
prophecy) there is a set term, and ye will soon know it." 6:67
"Every nation (or community) has its
appointed term, and when their appointed term is completed they cannot delay it
an hour, nor can they advance it." 7:34 Also 15:4-5, 18:59
This does not,
however, appear to refer to the religious doctrine but to the warning.
Certainly, Quran 22:5-7 is an allegory about spiritual regeneration. But had
the Quran meant that the Day of Resurrection is the Day on which a Prophet
comes and brings spiritual regeneration on earth then this would certainly have
applied to the time of Jesus (saw) and Muhammad (saw) also. No such thing is
mentioned in the Quran. We are told that:-
"Every soul must taste of death; and ye
shall only be paid what ye have earned on the Day of Resurrection." 3:185
“Until when death comes to any one of them he
says: My Lord! Send me back, that I may do right in that which I have left
behind. Nay! It is but a mere word he speaks; behind them is a barrier until
the Day they shall be raised.” 23:99-100
Thus
resurrection does not seem to mean reincarnation. (Unless it means a ban on
time travel, going back to the previous life. But this is unlikely.) The Day of
Resurrection refers to the end of time. But death can also mean death of the
lower aspect of the soul, that which is involved in worldly desires.
Resurrection would then be the arising of the soul out of the lower worldly
soul, which is a kind of grave.
Some people
believe that the Day of Judgment is the period over which a Messenger presides
- e.g. the Law of Moses was valid until Jesus brought a new Law. This Law was
valid until the coming of Muhammad, and the Muslim law will be valid until the
next Messenger brings another law. It is true that a Day of God might equal
1000 years of man (22:47) or even 50,000 (70:4). Day does, therefore, refer to
a period or duration of things. It is also true that Judgment is something
taking place all the time because every action has consequences. People may
also be spiritually awakened during this period by the application of the
religious discipline. But if this was the Hereafter then this would also
require that people of the past are reincarnated during this period.
The Day of
Resurrection is called the Last Day (2:8) in which Muslims are required to
believe.
"Lo! Those who believe (in that which was
revealed unto Muhammad), and those who are Jews and Christians and Sabaeans -
whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does right - surely their reward
is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they
grieve." 2:62 See also 2:8,126,177,228-232,264, 3:114, 4:38-39,136 and
many more.
This indicates
that the Day of Judgment is something that is to take place in the future when
the consequences of past actions become manifest. Does it mean at the end of a
dispensation? The period of a Messenger, like a wave, has a rise and a fall.
There is little doubt that all religions have degenerated. The decline of
Christianity was predicted by Jesus (saw) and the decline of Islam was
predicted by Muhammad (saw). Jesus (saw) also indicated that he (or a Prophet
like him) would return and so did Muhammad (saw). Does the renewal of the earth
and heaven (14:48) refer to this event? Is it a purely historical or social
event in this world, the coming of a new dispensation of religion?
"Coin for them a similitude of the life of
the world as water which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the
earth mingles with it and then becomes dry twigs that the wind scatters, Allah
is Able to do all things." 18:46
"On the Day when the earth will be changed
to other than the earth and the heavens also, and they will come forth unto
Allah, the One the Almighty." 14:48
"Have they not seen that Allah Who created
the heavens and the earth is Able to create the like of them, and hath
appointed for them an end whereof there is no doubt?" 17:99
"Lo! We inherit the earth and all who are
thereon, and unto Us they are returned." 19:40
"My righteous slaves will inherit the
earth." 21:105
"O mankind! If ye are in doubt concerning
the Resurrection, then consider this....And thou seest the earth barren, but
when We send down water thereon, it does thrill and swell and put forth every
lovely kind. That is because Allah, He is truth. Lo! He quickens the dead, and
Lo! He is Able to do all things; and because the Hour will come, there is no
doubt, thereof; and because Allah will raise those who are in the graves."
22:5-7 Also 16:65
It seems,
therefore, that it is certainly connected with the coming of a dispensation of
religion. But it is a spiritual event, an awakening and does not only mean the
substitution of one form of institution, teaching, law or behaviour by another.
The grave or the earth refers to the mundane or worldly mind, which has to be
vitalized by the spiritual rain coming down from heaven, the spiritual or
universal realm. It also refers to the Hereafter, life after death, which
Muslims are also required to believe in: -
"....And who believe in that which is
revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee, and are
certain of the Hereafter." 2:4 Also 2:86,94,102,114,130,197 and many more.
"Naught is the life of the world save a
pastime and a sport. Better far is the abode of the Hereafter for those who
keep their duty to Allah. Have ye then no sense?" 6:32 Also 12:57, 13:26,
16:41 etc.
"Those who love the life of the world more
than the Hereafter, and debar men from the way of Allah and would have it
crooked, such are far astray." 14:3
"And those who deny Our revelations and
the meeting of the Hereafter, their work is fruitless.." 7:147
"And verily, the doom of the Hereafter
will be sterner and more lasting." 20:127
"Ye desire the lure of this world and
Allah desires for you the Hereafter, and Allah is mighty, Wise." 8:67
"Lo! Herein verily there is a sign for
those who fear the doom of the Hereafter. That is a day unto which mankind will
be gathered, and that is a day that will be witnessed." 11:103
The Quran
divides the life of the individual into three parts:- (a) that before present
life, (b) the present life beginning with birth in this world and ending in
death, (c) Resurrection to another life. The Hereafter refers to this. Death
does not transfer the soul to heaven, but Resurrection is a re-creation.
Behaviour in the present life determines ones place in the Hereafter, either Paradise or Hell of which there are many degrees. But
Hell is not necessarily a permanent state. It may be regarded as a process of
education, reform or transformation. That is, behaviour in that life can lead
to still another. And man may go through several stages. Since Allah is
Eternal, then those who surrender to Allah and identify themselves with the
spirit within become immortal. Obviously, this becomes possible through the
guidance brought by the Prophets who is himself in surrender to Allah. This
spiritual resurrection must take place here on earth, because after death there
is no possibility of change:-
"The likeness of those who disbelieve is
as the likeness of one who calls unto that which hears naught except a shout
and cry. Deaf, dumb, blind, therefore they have no sense." 2:171 See also
11:28, 13:16, 40:58, 41:44
"Whoso is blind here will be blind in the
Hereafter, and yet further from the road." 17:72 See also 17:97, 20:124
Paradise may be understood as Joy and self-fulfilment due to spiritual nearness
to Allah, to greater inner unity, to the activation and freedom of the spirit
within. Hell may be understood as suffering due to being spiritually far from
Allah, the imprisonment of the spirit within, a state of disintegration, inner
conflict, self-contradiction and disability. Those in Hell are neither dead nor
alive. 8:37, 20:74
But note the
present tense in:-
"Lo! Hell is verily all around the
disbelievers." 9:49
A person
constructs himself by his behaviour. Judgment and Resurrection involve a
transformation depending upon what a person himself has cultivated: -
"Have ye seen that which ye emit? Do ye
create it or are We the Creator? We mete out death among you, and We are not to
be outrun, that We may transfigure you and make you what ye know not. And
verily ye know the first creation. Why then, do ye not reflect? Have ye seen
that which ye cultivate? Is it ye who foster it or are We the
Fosterer?..." 56:58-64
"Ye did not hide yourselves lest your ears
and your eyes and your skins should testify against you, but ye deemed that
Allah knew not much of what ye did, that your thoughts which ye did think about
your Lord, hath ruined you; and ye find yourselves this day among the
lost." 41:22-23
Hence the
importance of the religious discipline brought by the Prophets :-
"O ye who believe! If ye keep your duty to
Allah, He will give you discrimination and will rid you of your evil thoughts
and deeds, and will forgive you. Allah is of infinite Bounty." 8:29
The religious or
heavenly message does get corrupted and misinterpreted on earth by getting
mixed up with worldly affairs and does have to be purified from time to time by
the coming of a Messenger. The religion itself brings transformations to the
world such that it ceases to be understood or to be relevant to the new
conditions. Adaptation requires that changes have to be made. These have to
come through a Prophet unless the religion itself incorporates suitable,
objective and effective processes of adaptation. In nature, this is done,
though the replacement of the old generation by the new. But it is also the
purpose of the spiritual message to raise the spiritual level of the people
(their consciousness, conscience and will - the specifically human
characteristics). It can be regarded as part and parcel of the evolutional
process. This means that there are stages of development.
"Ye shall travel on from plane to
plane." 84:19
Stages of
development are also indicated in 22:5-7 - the physical development of the
individual is taken as a symbol for the process of spiritual development of
humanity. Apart from the spiritual development that may take place within a
person, and may continue after physical death, there is also an evolution of
humanity connected with a progression of religion. Each stage has its limits,
but it leads or ought to lead to the next. Thus Jesus (saw) told his disciples
that there was much they could not yet understand, but someone would come with
the Spirit of Truth to take them into all truth. (John 16:12-14). Note that
this person would not speak of himself but as he heard and would confirm the
teachings of Jesus. This obviously applies to Muhammad (saw).
Adam, according
to the Quran was the first Prophet. This may refer to a religion practiced by a
prehistoric civilization that was destroyed by the Great Flood - this may itself
symbolize some major global disaster, which also led to the "drowning of
consciousness". Some elements of this civilization appear to have been
rescued by Noah. It could be that his three sons and their descendants
represent three centres of civilization, which were set up after the disaster.
One of these could be Ancient Egypt, that of the Pharaohs. Not much is known
about the higher aspects of the religion practiced there because it seems to
have been jealously guarded by a class of Priests and in the city of Heliopolis. But attempts
were made to put on earth the order they saw in heaven.
However, the
religion and the civilization deteriorated and its secrets were rescued by
Abraham (saw) and transmitted through his descendants through two branches, the
Ishmaelites and Israelites. When these declined, the Israelites were given a
new religion with a scripture, and taken out of Egypt
by Moses (saw) and another Theocratic system was built in ancient Palestine where
civilization again flourished. The task of Moses, it seems, was to create a
vessel in which the main principles of Monotheism could be placed, preserved
and transmitted down the ages to influence the rest of the world. But this
nation declined and the Hebrews were conquered and dispersed. But the purpose
of the religion appears to have remained in tact and was even aided by the
dispersal. Its doctrines influenced ancient philosophies such as those of Persia and Greece and probably even more
remote areas.
The main
limitation of the Hebrew religion, though appropriate for the times, was: -
(1) It was
confined to a tribe. There were originally twelve tribes but 10 of the them
were lost and Jews consist mainly of the remaining two.
(2) The
responsibility, doctrine and practice of the religion was concentrated in the
hands of a specialist class of priests, the Levites. This tended to divide the
people into two classes. The Temple
itself was divided into an outer and an inner more secret part.
(3) The religion
concerned itself mainly with ritual, law and hope of reward and return to the
Promised land in Palestine.
Religion was
renewed by Jesus (saw) and another spiritual dimension was added. Motivation
rather than action, love rather than ritual and formal law, was emphasized.
This religion was called Christianity, but this is a misnomer. The name should
be Nazarene which has the same significance as Islam and probably also as Israel. Jesus
is said to be in the Fourth Heaven. This may imply that Christianity is the
fourth stage.
The limitations
of the Christian dispensation, though appropriate for the times, are:-
(1) That Jesus
was sent to the Jews, though after his death the message was taken to the
gentiles. But even here salvation was regarded as being exclusive to the
followers of Jesus.
(2) Although the
Levitical priesthood was abolished, Christianity also created an organized
Church with a Priesthood, which appropriated all power and responsibility for
itself. It also introduced monasticism, thereby taking religion even further
out of ordinary life.
(3) Though Jesus
said he had come not to abolish but to fulfil the Hebrew Law, the Christians
abandoned it and adopted Roman Law instead.
(4) Although
Jesus did say that the truth would set the people free (John 8:32), truth would
come later (John 16:13). Christianity emphasized Love. There are three stages
or levels Law, Love, Truth, all of which are necessary. Without knowledge and
awareness people are inclined to attribute good motives to themselves and their
actions could lead to much harm instead. Without law morality tends to drift
and atrophy.
(5) Christianity
came when Rome
was dominant and Greek modes of thought, influenced by ancient Egyptian myths
and ideas dominated the intellectual life. Therefore, the Gospels adopted Greek
and Egyptian mythology, specially the Father-Son symbolism - The Pharaohs and
Caesars, for instance, were regarded as gods on earth, the sons of God in
heaven.
(6) The purpose
of Christianity appears to be salvation from destruction or suffering in Hell
whereas Jesus also taught "Be ye, therefore perfect, even as your Father,
which is in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48
There are, of
course, other religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism etc. An
examination of the teachings of these religions show that their essentials can
be found in Islam though formulated in a different way, but in actual practice
they have degenerated and though records of the inspired teachings exist
written records were made long after the original teachings. Much may have been
lost, things may not be correctly understood, the language having changed, and
much has been added. The limitations of Buddhism and other systems seem to be
as follows:-
(1) The purpose
of Buddhism, like that of Christianity, appears to be escape from suffering.
(2) Buddhism,
like Hinduism also seems to be an escape from this world. When the
intelligentsia devotes itself to the spiritual life, it separates itself from
the rest of the community leaving it to its own devices. This creates a
separation between the spiritual and the secular and prevents the development
of secular systems - sciences, technologies, economic and political systems.
(3) Buddhism
takes a more intellectual approach that appears to ignore feelings and action.
But man is a unity in which these aspects interact and cooperate. Hinduism
appears to cater for all these other faculties through Karma Maraga (the Way of
Works), Bhakti Marga (the way of Devotion and Jnana Marga (the Way of intellect
or Knowledge) and the various associated Yoga systems, these remain separate.
Whereas great Will might be created by systems such as those practiced by
fakirs, this would be useless without appropriate motives and knowledge. Strong
motives might develop through the way of devotion, but without equivalent
knowledge and perception and inadequate will nothing is achieved. The way of
knowledge leaves motivation and will undeveloped. Indeed, in so far as these
faculties are inter-dependent, each system limits its own development. The
human being becomes unbalanced and ineffective unless he goes through the other
systems also.
(4) In so far as
it is concerned with personal salvation, this could well strengthen the
obstructing and limiting ego, instead of removing it. Devotion to God does not
have this defect.
(5) There
appears to be a contradiction in Buddhism in that desires are regarded as the
cause of suffering which should be removed. But this is itself a desire.
Nothing can, in fact, be achieved without motivation and they have been created
for a purpose.
(6) Not much is said
in Buddhism, as in Christianity, about the rest of the Universe, the objective
world. There does not, therefore, appear to be any objective justification for
the desire to escape suffering.
The task of
Muhammad (saw) appears to have been as follows: -
(1) To purify
and regenerate religion, by means of a new spiritual impulse; in particular to
restore or perfect pure Monotheism.
(2) De-mythologizing
religion to a large extent. The Father-Son symbolism was abolished.
(3) To provide a
form, vessel or container for religion which is more permanent. This was done
by (a) restoring the Law; (b) providing a permanent record through a written
book, the Quran, (c) which also contains many levels of meaning to keep up with
changing circumstances and human development; (d) changing the focus of
attention from man to ideas, from the messenger to the Message; (e) from that
to the Cosmos the Real Objective World and (f) finally to the author of the
Message and the creator, Allah, the unity behind multiplicity, the unchanging
behind the changing.
(4) To break the
prison of exclusiveness and sectarianism, to universalize - the same religion
though in different forms was sent through prophets throughout the world to all
peoples.
(5) To remove
the priesthood altogether and make religion available to all people. Each was
to be his own priest responsible for his own studies and practices.
(6) To add a
third dimension to Justice and Love, namely an emphasis on Truth, and then to
emphasize the Surrender to Allah, to sow the seeds of an end of human rebellion
and restore harmony.
(7) To complete
religion by providing a cosmology and an objective purpose of life with respect
to it. The purpose of life was not just salvation from suffering and hell, but
spiritual development, social integration, and as an agent of God for the
maintenance and development of the cosmos.
(8) To create a
Unitary system in which all aspects of life can be fitted in a self-consistent
manner so as to reinforce each other without contradiction and facilitate inner
psychological integration, social unity and harmony with the world. Muslims
were not to withdraw from the world but to use the resources, facilities,
opportunities and problems of the world for spiritual purposes.
(9) To try and
create a nation based on religious principles - a Theocracy or a Kingdom of God on earth. Though this failed on the
large scale because the people were not yet ready, there are still groups here
and there where the system remains in tact, from which a new development can take
place. Due to influences from Islam, partial application of its principles has
also taken place in the West and in other parts of the world.
(10) To
introduce certain forces into human affairs that will continue to develop like
the ripples on a pond when a stone is thrown into it. This one man with one
book has and will continue to have worldwide effects in a great many subtle and
unexpected ways. Ideas and attitudes flowing from Islam have influenced other
religions causing reforms in them. The impact of Islam on the West through the
crusades and the migration of ideas via Spain created a Renaissance,
Enlightenment and Reformation there which led to the development of the
Sciences. Muslim merchants brought trade from the Far East to Europe giving
them an appetite for it, but Muslim conquests closed the over land routes to Asia. Therefore, the Age of exploration by sea began,
leading to the discovery of America
and Australia.
This brought about the Industrial Revolution and the encouragement of the Sciences
and Technology.
There is,
however, no doubt that Islam too has degenerated as predicted, or rather,
Muslims have degenerated. The Prophet, however, also predicted that Reformers
would periodically come.
"The best of my people are in my
generation, then their immediate followers, then their immediate followers.
After them will be people who give testimony without being asked, who will be
treacherous and not to be trusted, who will make vows which they do not fulfil;
among whom fatness will appear."
"A time is soon coming to mankind when
nothing of Islam but its name will remain and only the written form of the
Quran will remain. Their mosques will be in fine condition but will be devoid
of guidance; their learned men will be the worst of people under heaven;
corruption coming forth from them and returning among them."
"This religion began with a few in number
and will return to the state in which it began. Blessed are the few, for they
will set right the corruption caused in my sunna by the people after my
death."
"The Bani Israel divided into 72 sects,
but my people will divide into 73 sects, all of which but one will go to
hell....And folk will come forth from among my people in whom passions will run
as does hydrophobia in one who suffers from it, permeating every vein and
joint."
"No people have gone astray after
following right guidance unless they have been led into disputation."
"When the sword is used among my people it
will not be withdrawn from them till the day of resurrection; and the Last Hour
will not come before the tribes of my people attach themselves to the
polytheists and the tribes of my people worship idols. There will be among my
people thirty Great Liars each of them asserting that he is God's Prophet,
whereas I am the Seal of the Prophets after whom there will be no prophets. But
a section of my people will continue to hold the truth till God's Command comes
and will prevail and will not be injured by those who oppose them."
"In the times in which you are living
anyone who abandons a tenth of what he is commanded will perish; but a time is
coming when anyone who does a tenth of what he is commanded will be safe."
"In every successive century those who are
reliable authorities will preserve this knowledge, rejecting the changes made by
extremists, the plagiarism of those who make false claims for themselves, and
the interpretations of the ignorant."
"A section of my people will not cease to
fight for the Truth and prevail until the day of resurrection."
It could be
asserted that the coming of another Messenger is predicted in 19:15,33 or 3:81
can be taken as general prediction of the coming of a succeeding Prophet or
Prophethood. The New Testament and the Hadith do predict the return of Jesus.
But this may not be the original Jesus. One could take the return of Jesus in a
metaphorical sense - the return of a Messenger like Jesus, one who would
perhaps bring reformation to Islam as the former brought it to Hebrewism. That
the idea of return or reincarnation is one of function rather than substance
can be seen in John 1:21-23. Here John the Baptist denies that he was Elias
returned, but does admit that he has the function of "one crying in the
wilderness to make straight the way of the Lord" as predicted in Isaiah
40:3 and Malachi 4:5 and Jesus confirmed that John was Elias "if you will
receive it".
What, we may
ask, can be the particular feature of the new religion brought by the new
Prophet? What can there be which lies beyond "Surrender to Allah"?
The answer might be that the result of surrender is the reactivation of the
divine spirit within and the development of the attributes of Allah in man, the
fulfilment of the human purpose and destiny, the restoration of true
vicegerency. Mankind were one soul (4:1) and one community (2:213) and must
become one again, and also one with Allah as the Prophets are. An examination
of the Islamic prayer specially the part of it in the sitting position is an
indication of this aim.
However, we must
remember that Islam is the name of the universal true religion, not just that
which was brought by Muhammad (saw). The new religion brought by the next
Messenger or Reformer will, therefore, also be Islam if it is genuine. Certainly,
the return of a Messenger or Avatar is expected in Buddhism as well as Hinduism.
This return comes when the world is in spiritual darkness and in great social
and environmental upheaval. This appears to be the case today. There are and
have been many claimants to this position, but the proliferation of false
prophets has also been predicted. It is necessary, therefore, to be cautious.
The safest course is that Muslims return to pure Islam. Surrender leads to its
intended effects. They might do this by seeking out true saintly Teachers.
"Lo, Religion with Allah is The Surrender.
Those who formerly received the Scriptures differed only after knowledge came
unto them, through transgression among themselves... and if they argue with
thee (O Muhammad), say: I have surrendered my purpose to Allah and so have
those who follow me. And say unto those who have received the scripture and
those who read not: Have ye, too, surrendered? If they surrender, then truly
they are rightly guided; and if they turn away, then it is thy duty only to
convey the message." 3:19-20
"And whoso seeks a religion other than The
Surrender (unto Allah) it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser
in the hereafter." 3:85