Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
In Islam, belief in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final Messenger is a non-negotiable part of faith. He is not viewed as merely a wise teacher or reformer, but as a prophet who received direct revelation from God. Denying his prophethood contradicts the core declaration of faith in Islam — the Shahadah — which affirms both the oneness of God and the messengership of Muhammad. Therefore, one cannot be considered a Muslim without this belief.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
Why Belief in Prophet Muhammad Is Central to Islam
I commend you for your interest in exploring Islam. It’s terrific that you’re openly sharing your thoughts as you do. You are wondering if you can view Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a great teacher or reformer, but not necessarily as a prophet who spoke directly to God.
From an Islamic viewpoint, this is a crucial distinction: it’s essential to believe Prophet Muhammad was indeed a prophet and God’s Messenger. You can’t truly be a Muslim without this belief.
Why Prophethood Matters in Islam
- A Messenger Directly Chosen by God
In Islam, a prophet isn’t just a wise leader. Rather, prophets are chosen by God to receive and deliver His direct messages. Think of it like a divine messenger service. The Quran, Islam’s holy book, repeatedly tells us to believe in Allah and His Messenger. The very first declaration to become a Muslim, the Shahadah, says: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.” It’s a fundamental command from God.
- The Final and Universal Message
Muslims believe Muhammad was the “Seal of the Prophets,” meaning the last one in a long line (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, etc.). He brought God’s final, complete, and perfectly preserved message for all people – the Quran.
- Beyond Human Wisdom
As scholars, like Ibn Khaldun, pointed out, while reason is great, believing in prophethood goes beyond just human logic. It’s about accepting divine revelation. The authority of Muhammad’s teachings comes from God, not just his own brilliant mind.
It’s natural to have questions, and your interest in Islam is fantastic! The “strictness” you feel might make more sense when you see these teachings as direct commands from God, delivered through His chosen prophet.
So, while Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was indeed the greatest teacher and reformer, his unique role as God’s Prophet and Messenger is what gives his message its ultimate power and makes it binding for Muslims.
I hope understanding this distinction helps clarify why this belief is so central in Islam.
For more, see these fatwas:
- What Are the Proofs of Muhammad’s Prophethood?
- Simple Life of Prophet Muhammad
- Are There Any Female Prophets in Islam?
- The Character of Prophet Muhammad (Complete Guide)
- Did Prophet Muhammad Copy Prayer from Judaism and Zoroastrianism?
- Date of Prophet Muhammad’s Birth and Death: When?
- Can You Take Shahadah Without Wudu or Ghusl?
- Do You Need Witnesses to Take Shahadah?
- Is Shahadah Enough for Entering Paradise?
- Should You Delay Shahadah Due to Parents Objection?
- Do New Muslims Have to Say Shahadah in Public?
Almighty Allah knows best.