Prophethood (Risalat)

Prophethood(Risalat)

Prophethood(Risalat)

Objectives:After the completion of this lecture students will be able to:Describe the meaning of ProphethoodState the qualities of ProphetsExplain the status of ProphetsDescribe the faith in the finality of Prophethood.

Prophethood (Risalat):The word Risalat means to be an apostle.In Islamic terminology it means the transmitting or reaching the commands of Allah revealed to a chosen person by Him, to the creature of God (man).

Qualities of the Prophets:Humanity: The Prophets were above all mankind in their times in nature and significance but inspite of this they remained human beings, they were not angels or jinns so that nobody think that Prophets in their natures were different from us and therefore it is not possible to follow in them. Our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said that, I am a man like you.

2.Bounty of God:It means that a man cant achieve prophethood by his efforts, but that is a bounty of God (Allah).In Quran Allah says: Allah knows best on whom to bestow Prophethood.

3. Knowledge bestowed by Allah:The Prophets speak and act according to the commands of Allah. The personal wishes of the Messengers nor their personal will interferes with these messages. In Holy Quran Allah says: He does not speak according to personal desires but says only what is revealed to him.

Infallibility:Prophets soul, feelings, thoughts and conducts are pure and safe from evil temptations.This does not mean that they were immune from such evils , although they possessed of natural desire but Allah protected them . It is very necessary for the purpose that the prophethood was created.

The Status of Prophethood:Worthy of obedience: The Holy Quran explained clearly: Who obeys the Messengers, obeys Allah.It means complete obedience of the Prophet is a condition of faith.

Exegete of the book of God: The explanation, interpretations and application has been made the responsibility of the Prophets. In the Holy Quran Allah said, We have revealed our words to you so that you may make clear to the people the guidance sent down to for them.

Teacher and Guide:This responsibility has been stated in the following verses of Quran: Verily it is our favour to the faithful that we sent to them a Prophet amongst them, A Prophet who recites verses and purifies their souls, and teaches them the Book and its wisdom.

Leadership and a Model:Prophets guide people, prevent them from straying and reach them to their destination.In Surah Ahzab Allah says: Verily for you is the best example in the Messenger of Allah for those who looked into Allah and last day, and remember Allah much.

Faith in the Finality of Prophethood:The belief in the finality of Prophet is very important because without verbal acceptance and inner conviction of this, no one can enter the fold of Islam.

Prayer (Salah)

Prayer (Salah):In the Holy Quran and Hadith the word SALATis used for prayer which means To Pray.Namaz is such a prayer and imperative which was taught to every nation by Prophet.After accepting the faith the first obligation to be imposed was Namaz.

Though in the beginning it was to be performed twice a day, but after the ascension to heavens of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) it was made compulsory for five times a day.

Individual Benefits of Namaz:1. To Remind us of purpose of life: It is necessary to underline that man is the creature of Allah and for constant remembrance of this fact, prayers have been prescribed. Allah says in Quran: Prayers safeguard you from sins and lewdness.

2. Sence of Obligation:By praying regularly a person become responsible, disciplined and punctual.Since prayers are a measure of man and differentiate between the good and evil, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H): Between the virtous slaves of Allah and infidelity stand discarding of prayers.

3. Character building:The third benefit is that the character of a person is developed along certain well defined lines.

Purification of Heart:Prayers are the means of purifying the heart and developing the soul.It brings the person nearer to God.

Collective benefits of Namaz:In communial prayers in the Mosque , equality has its greatest demonstration . Meet each other in the Mosque as if you are travelers towards the same destination.

Thank You