The Termination of Prophethood

The trials the Prophet and his companions underwent during this period reached a height of intensity called in the Quran “a tremendous shaking.”168 The Prophet was given the arduous directive not to compromise with his oppressors.169 However difficult the circumstances, he and his companions were given no leave to “stay behind”170 in the face of the call of God. Were the Prophet’s wives to demand as much as two meals a day, they were given the notice to choose between “this life and all its finery” on the one hand or God and His Messenger on the other.171 Establishing the prophethood, which would become a subject of “praise and glory”, was the most hazardous project in the entire annals of human history. Even the Prophet was forced to admit that he had been persecuted “as no other Prophet” had been. In the words of his wife ‘Aisha, he was “shattered” by the treatment meted out to him despite him and his companions having denied themselves the comforts, even the necessities of life, to make the prophethood of Muhammad “a mercy for all nations.” This is the great favour the Prophet Muhammad bestowed upon the human race. Because of it, his followers have been called upon to invoke peace and blessings upon him until the end of time. His family and companions are also included in this invocation, for they stood by the Prophet through thick and thin, remaining with him throughout the most gruelling afflictions. It is only natural that those who acknowledge the favour of the Prophet of Islam should