The Finality of Prophethood

administrative leadership of the Prophet, declared that the affairs of each religious group would be decided according to its own religious and tribal traditions. This gives us the principle that a multi-religious society should be organized in a way that the central administration rests largely in the hands of the majority community, while each religious cultural group will enjoy the right to organize its internal matters according to its own beliefs and traditions. Again, the problem of producing a peaceful atmosphere in a multi-religious society is not a religious issue in itself. It is a different matter altogether. It is not true that if each religious group considered that other religious groups possessed the truth, the desired peace would ensue. The most important factor in bringing about a peaceful society is rather the feeling of tolerance. A society which nurtures tolerance will be one in which tranquility reigns, whereas a society without this quality will be split by dissension. History tells us that an atmosphere of conflict exists equally in uni-religious and multi-religious societies. For instance, the battle of the Mahabharat took place between two groups of Hindus. The Second World War took place between Christian countries. In Afghanistan, a bloody war is taking place between two groups of Muslims, and so on. To put it briefly, the secret of social peace lies in mutual respect and not in mutual recognition. Thus, this problem is not one of common belief but rather of common respect-respecting the adherents of all religions. This is the solution we have been given to this problem in Islam. Of the many verses in the Quran which relate to this issue of the finality of prophethood, the following is of particular significance: And during the night wake up and pray, as an additional prayer: it may well be that your Lord will raise you to a station of praise and glory. (The Quran, 17:79) (A ‘position of praise and glory’ is translated in Arabic as Maqam-e-Mahmood). One aspect of this exalted station pertains to this world and another to the Hereafter. This is called by the commentators, The Great Recommendation (shafa’at). As we find from the traditions, on the Day of Judgement all the prophets will testify to the sincerity of faith of their followers, then they will be ushered into heaven – for they are, indeed, the ones whom God wants to be sent to heaven. The believers thus vouched for by the Prophet of Islam will be the largest in number. The other, worldly aspect of his high station is that such historical glory has gathered around him that he has earned universal acclaim in the eyes of all the nations of the world. This was the plan of God, which was completely fulfilled in his favour. Today the people of the world are compelled to acknowledge his greatness. His prophethood has become established, no longer being controversial as it was in the early years. Exalted prophethood, from the worldly point of view is another name for established prophethood. In the case of Prophet Muhammad, so many historical proofs exist that there is no room for any doubt as regards his personality and his teachings. Man by his own accepted academic standards is compelled to acknowledge his position. The ultimate form of recognition