Answer
Short Answer:
- Prophet Muhammad is the last messenger whom God chose to be the carrier of the last clear, comprehensive, complete message to mankind.
- The message of Prophet Muhammad doesn’t negate, but rather completes and seals the message that was sent with all previous Prophets.
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Peace be upon you dear reader,
Thank you so much for asking your question.
What’s Prophet Muhammad’s Role Per The Quran?
The Quran indeed responds to your query and highlights the role of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) in several places. For example:
{Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing. […] O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp. And give good tidings to the believers that they will have from Allah great bounty. And do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites but do not harm them, and rely upon Allah. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.} (Qur’an 33:40-48)
In these verses, God gives a brief description of the role of the Prophet Muhammad.
All Messengers Honored
It is essential to affirm that the Quran recognizes, values, and honors all messengers of God who came to inform, guide, and deliver the message of God.
Adam, Nuh, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad- peace and blessings upon them all- are all part of God’s guiding plan for mankind. They’re milestones in the history of mankind.
Muhammad is the last messenger whom God chose to be the carrier of the last clear, comprehensive, complete message to mankind.
Prophet Muhammad: A Model to be followed
In addition to carrying the last message to humanity–the Quran–, Prophet Muhammad set a model to be followed. He didn’t only deliver The Book; his character was the implementation of the teachings of this Book.
God said in the Qur’an:
{Indeed, in the Messenger of God, Muhammad, you have a good example to follow […]} (Qur’an 33:21)
{And indeed you [Muhammad] are of the highest noble character.} (Qur’an 68:4)
{Say, [O Muhammad to mankind], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.} (Qur’an 3:31)
Not only did Muhammad deliver the revelation of the Qur’an from the Creator to mankind, he was also instructed to help people purify themselves, their hearts, actions, and to learn wisdom:
{Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is exalting Allah, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom – although they were before in clear error -And [to] others of them who have not yet joined them. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. That is the bounty of Allah, which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.} (Qur’an 62:1-4)
Purification of the self
So, purification of the self is an important aspect. God explained in the Quran that He created human beings out of clay and He blew or breathed in them from His Soul.
So, each human being has the potential to elevate in spirituality or to debase themselves in an obsession with physicality and materialism. The process of purification of the self here means to reach the balance, lead a healthy life and elevate spiritually above the base desires and inclinations.
So, guiding people to refine their character is also a major role of the Prophet (PBUH). It is something that is possible through following the plan of action that accompanies faith that was prescribed in the Qur’an and implemented and taught by Prophet Muhammad.
Muhammad Ranked 1st in The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History
In the book, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, Muhammad is ranked first as the most influential person in history.
The list appeared in 1978 and the second edition appeared in 1992. In both editions, Muhammad tops the list; the book’s author, Michael H. Hart, cites the Prophet’s supreme success on both the secular and religious levels as the reason for his success and merit for leading the list.
In his book, The Genuine Islam, writer George Bernard Shaw described Muhammad, saying:
He must be called the Savior of humanity I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it much-needed peace and happiness.
This reflects another aspect the Qur’an highlights about Muhammad (PBUH):
{And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.} (Qur’an 21:107)
Seal of Prophethood
The message of Muhammad doesn’t negate, but rather completes and seals the message that was sent with all previous Prophets. This is summarized in this hadith of the Prophet:
The similitude of mine and that of the Apostles is like that of a person who built a house and he completed it and made it perfect but for the space of a brick. People entered therein and they were surprised at it and said: Had there been a brick (it would have been complete in all respects). Allah’s Messenger said: I am that place where the brick (completing the building is to be placed), and I have come to finalize the chain of Apostles. (Sahih Muslim)
Magnificent Verses
Allah says in the Quran:
{Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him – it is those who will be the successful. Say, [O Muhammad], “O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death.” So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.} (Qur’an 7:157-158)
Hope this answers your question. Please keep in touch. Salam.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
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