An Example of Noble Character

was provided through prophets. This process began with the very first human being, Adam, and continued without interruption through the ages. The Quran refers to this in these words: “Then We sent Our messengers in succession.” (Quran, 23:44) Regarding Muhammad, the Quran declares in verse 40 of the same chapter that he is the last of the messengers. No prophet will come after him. This declaration was not merely an announcement that the list of prophets had come to an end. It also meant that although the institution of prophethood would no longer exist, something would take its place and fulfill its role. The completion of religion—meaning the establishment and stabilization of religion—is in fact the manifestation of this divine decision. After the finality of prophethood, God made His religion itself the successor to prophethood. In earlier times, religion often remained unstable. Therefore, it could not serve as a substitute for prophethood. But after the last Prophet, through divine support, the religion of Islam was firmly established. As a result, after the end of prophethood, religion itself became its replacement. This state will continue until the end of time. Therefore, the prophethood of Muhammad remains effective until the Day of Judgment. There is no longer any need for a new prophet. This concept is referred to in the Quran as the perfection or completion of religion. That is, the religion was made so firmly established that no danger now remains to it until the end of time. The Quran declares in Surah 5: