Classes on Theology Sheikh Jaffer H. Jaffer Masumeen Islamic Centre May 8 th, 2012 Week Twelve

Prophethood Last week: –Proved the need for Prophets to be immune from mistakes/sins/forgetfulness…etc. Intentionally and unintentionally This week: –Three ways of identifying the claims made by Prophets: Conduct and morals Introduction by previous Prophets Through Miracles

Prophethood Miracle: –A miracle is an extraordinary act performed by a person who claims to be a Prophet. Miracles are rooted in God’s will and used as a sign for a Prophet’s true claim –Extraordinary Acts: Acts which cannot be answered or explained through science and experiments –Divine Extraordinary Acts: Only take place by the permission of God –and an apostle may not bring a sign except by Allah's leave (Ar- Ra’ad 38) They cannot be taught or learnt They cannot be affected by another stronger power nor can they be defeated by it –Miracles are signs of the Prophets true claim

Prophethood Answering some doubts: –Do Extraordinary Acts Indicate Changes in Divine Customs? We cannot limit unchangeable Divine customs to only include ordinary causes that we are aware of –Why did the Prophet of Islam SAW refuse to present miracles to the Public? The requests made above were rooted in enmity The Prophet SAW had already proved his Prophecy –His character and conduct –Predictions made by previous Prophets –Miracles

Prophethood The Miraculous Nature of the Qur’an: –Its eloquence and rhetoric Effective choice of words Rhythmical composition Powerful message –The unlettered (never taught) Messenger who brought the Qur’an You did not use to recite any scripture before it, nor did you write it with your right hand, for then the impugners would have been skeptical (al-Ankaboot 29:48) –Its harmony and lack of contradiction

Prophethood The Immunity of the Qur’an from Alteration: –The most important way proving that nothing has been added or deleted from the Qur’an is the guarantee of God Indeed We have sent down the Reminder, and indeed We will preserve it (al-Hijr 15:9) –If something was added: It would mean that someone can produce something similar to it –If something was deleted: It would mean that God could not preserve His Book

Prophethood The Universality of Islam: –O mankind! Worship your Lord, who created you and those who were before you, so that you may be God wary (2:21) The Eternality of Islam: –It is He who has sent His Apostle with the guidance and the religion of truth that He may make it prevail over all religions though the polytheists should be averse (61:9; 9:33) The Seal of Prophecy: –Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Apostle of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets, and Allah has knowledge of all things (al-Ahzab 33:40)

Questions?