The Termination of Prophethood

THE TERMINATION OF PROPHETHOOD I n the early years of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission, a man who had come to Makkah on a pilgrimage was asked on his return to his country what was new in Makkah. “Muhammad has claimed prophethood,” he answered, but the only person of any distinction who has become his follower is the son of Abu Qahafah (Abu Bakr). From this answer, one can tell what people thought of the Prophet in A.D. 6I0 when he commenced his mission. In those days, his opponents used to refer to him as a village lad, calling him Ibn Abi Kabshah, i.e. the son of his village foster parents, to deride him. But, on the other hand, those who preferred to be more polite would call him “a youth from the Quraysh.” This was how the Prophet was referred to in his lifetime. Now, centuries later, things have changed. The prophethood of Muhammad is no longer a controversial matter; it has become a fact. When one thinks of the Prophet Muhammad, a great historical personality springs to mind, one who has been a subject of discussion for generations over the last 1500 years. If this history were to be taken away from the Prophet of Islam, he would return to being “Ibn Abi Kabshah” in the eyes of men. Were this