AFFIRMATION OF PROPHETHOOD

Affirmation of Prophethood ~ 260 ~ hypothesis, observation, verification. First of all, an idea, or hypothesis, takes shape in the mind, then it is subjected to observation and when observation testifies to it, the hypothesis comes to be recognised as an established fact. According to this system, the claim of prophethood by Muhammad is now before us as a ‘hypothesis’, and we have to see whether observation confirms it or not. If observation speaks in its favour, this hypothesis will acquire the status of a verified fact and we shall have, perforce, to accept it. Let us see what observations are required in order to testify to the ‘hypothetical’ claims of the Prophet. In other words, what are the external manifestations in the light of which it may be determined that he really was a messenger of God? What are those qualities which come together in the personality of such a messenger, the presence of which cannot be explained except in terms of his being a prophet of God? One who claims to be such must, of necessity, be in possession of two special qualities. Firstly, he must be an absolutely ideal man. One who is selected from all mankind to have a special