What Is Belief In Prophets?

Short and straightforward, understanding the foundations of belief in prophets is possible. This belief is one of the fundamental principles of Islam. Through the example of prophets, our lives gain meaning, they guide us and bring peace to our hearts.

The Meaning Of Belief In Prophets

Belief in prophets means accepting the truth of the messengers appointed by Almighty Allah. This concept, one of the pillars of faith, occupies a central position in Islamic belief. Every Muslim considers it an obligation to believe in all the prophets chosen and commissioned by Allah.

To believe in the prophets is also to wholeheartedly embrace their message, morality, and example. Especially in the Qur’an, the existence of the prophets mentioned by name, and the teachings they conveyed, is part and parcel of being a sincere believer.

The Importance Of Belief In Prophets

Belief in prophets is not just a theoretical acceptance; it is an emotional and practical orientation. People learn the divine message through the prophets and cling to their guidance to find the right path. This helps maintain a balance of fear and hope in a Muslim’s heart. The prophets provide critical guidance in establishing balance between worldly life and the hereafter.

A Muslim knows that the prophets were sent as a light and mercy to humankind. Their example is a guide for Muslims. In the belief system, any doubt or denial concerning the prophets damages one’s faith, for belief in the prophets is one of the pillars that upholds the principles of Islam.

Belief In Prophets In The Qur’an

The Qur’an often mentions how the prophets were sent as guides to people through revelation. These messengers, sent to different communities, in different languages, and in different periods, directed people to the truth, calling them away from polytheism and oppression. The Qur’an makes it clear that those who believe in the messengers of Allah will attain salvation, while those who oppose them remain in misguidance.

For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:285, it states:

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ

“Amana al-rasoolu bima onzila ilayhi min rabbihi wal-mu’minoona kullun amana billahi wa mala’ikatihi wa kutubihi wa rusulih.”

“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and so have the believers. All of them have believed in Allah, and His angels, and His Books, and His messengers.” (Translation)

This verse briefly summarizes the essentials of faith, highlighting how indispensable belief in the prophets is.

Belief In Prophets In Hadith

When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained faith, he listed six principles: belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and destiny. Among these principles is belief in the prophets, which is also emphasized in the hadith.

In a hadith reported by Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Faith is that you believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and that you believe in destiny, the good of it and the bad of it.” This hadith is known to be narrated by Muslim.

This narration is significant in that it allows Muslims to learn the principles of faith directly from the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) words. Belief in the prophets is among these six pillars and occupies a central place in true faith.

Ways To Know The Prophets

To grasp the existence and teachings of the prophets, one must first turn to the Qur’an. Hadiths and the authentic sources of Islamic scholars then guide in understanding the lives and morality of these blessed messengers. The following methods provide more effective ways to learn about the prophets:

1. Qur’anic Readings: Regularly reading and pondering upon the prophet stories mentioned in the Qur’an.
2. Hadith and Sirah Sources: Studying authentic narrations about the prophets, primarily focusing on Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
3. Scholarly Research: Consulting works and exegeses of Islamic scholars about the prophets.
4. Spiritual Closeness: Feeling and internalizing the path of the prophets more deeply through supplication and reflection.

Accepting the messages of the prophets as a whole helps us understand the continuity of the Islamic faith. Every prophet carried out the mission of the same Allah on earth. Their messages unite around the belief in the Oneness of Allah and the establishment of justice.

The Duties And Responsibilities Of Prophets

Every prophet’s primary mission is to invite society to the true religion. Along with this, they have many tasks such as establishing justice, fighting oppression, and guiding people to moral virtues. For instance, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) called an idolatrous society to monotheism. Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) sought to save a denying people from darkness. Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) liberated the Children of Israel, while Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) spread a message of love and compassion.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as the final prophet, invited humanity to the merciful and truth-filled message of the Qur’an. His life is filled with examples for any situation a Muslim may face. Hence, when believing in the prophets, one must also wholeheartedly adhere to the sunnah and morality of the final prophet.

Authentic Information About Prophets

Because prophets were sent to different communities throughout history, various narrations have circulated among people. However, the authenticity of these narrations is crucial. Some stories and accounts can obscure the true image of the prophets. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to refer to the authentic hadith books, reliable exegeses, and sources of Sirah (the biography of the Prophet) by Islamic scholars.

For example, accounts about Prophet Nuh’s (Noah) ark, Prophet Musa’s (Moses) crossing of the Red Sea, and the preaching of Prophet Isa (Jesus) are mentioned in both the Qur’an and credible Islamic sources. Evaluating legendary or incorrect narrations through accurate Islamic texts helps believers maintain sound faith.

The Contribution Of Belief In Prophets To Life

Believing in the prophets brings important changes in a person’s life. This belief instills a profound sense of submission and respect in the heart of a believer. Embracing the example of the prophets provides solid support in the following matters:

1. Moral Excellence: The prophets are prime examples of virtues like honesty, compassion, and generosity. Those who believe in them strive to embody these virtues.
2. Social Harmony: The messages of the prophets emphasize social justice and solidarity. This belief contributes to building unity and peace in society.
3. Awareness Of Servitude: The ultimate goal of the prophets was to invite people to serve Allah. Those who believe in them remember their Creator at all times and gain consciousness of worship.
4. Patience And Perseverance: Despite the hardships they endured, prophets never abandoned their cause. Their example instills patience and resilience in believers.

All these points show how believing in the prophets positively develops an individual’s inner world and social relationships. Moreover, faith is not only an acceptance; it aims to transform one’s entire life.

Considerations In Belief In Prophets

When believing in the prophets, it is crucial to remember that this belief encompasses all of them. Accepting only certain prophets while rejecting others contradicts the Islamic faith. This is because Islam teaches that all the prophets continued the same divine call, i.e., to worship the One God.

Another important point is not attributing superhuman qualities to the prophets. They are not above human nature, but they are chosen servants of Allah, protected from mistakes. Going to extremes in elevating them or in negating them undermines genuine faith. Embracing the messages of the prophets completely is essential on this journey of faith.

Final Word

Belief in prophets settles in a person’s heart as an unshakable pillar of faith. This belief is the key to true peace and salvation. In Islam, all the prophets are recognized as different chapters of the same messengerhood, emphasizing loving and respecting them all. For a Muslim, the prophets are guides for both worldly life and the hereafter. Following their path elevates a person to unique moral and spiritual refinement.

This profound belief mends not only one’s relationship with oneself but also with society. The prophets soften hearts that have become rigid, nurturing seeds of compassion and mercy with their incomparable messages. A believer who trusts in them displays loyalty to the divine message. Thus, faith crowns both spiritual tranquility and societal balance.

References

1. Bukhari, “Iman”
2. Muslim, “Iman”
3. Tirmidhi, “Iman”
4. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Azim
5. Abu Dawud, “Sunnah”
6. Imam Nawawi, Riyad as-Salihin

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