Al-Risala (English), Jan-Feb 2002

Prophetic Vision (Continued from previous issue) His words determine the course of history How extraordinary was the Prophet’s declaration recorded as follows in books of hadith: “The chain of prophethood and messengership has been terminated and after me neither a prophet nor a messenger will be sent by God” (Sahih Muslim). In addition to his having said that there would be no prophet after him, this was also clearly stated in the Quran. (33:40) Such a declaration had never been made before him, nor was it ever made after him. It is all the more astonishing that these words have become a matter of history. No one has so far dared to claim to be a prophet of God. Certain personalities have been named in connection with the prophethood, but this is certainly not right. These spiritual personalities have never made a claim in clear terms such as the Prophet Muhammad did: “No doubt, I am a Prophet of God.” (Seerat Ibn Hisham) The first instance in this connection is that of Musailama of Yamama (Arabia), a contemporary of the Prophet, who died in 633 AD. It is said that he claimed prophethood. But the fact is that his claim was not that of being an independent Prophet but rather of being a co-sharer in the Prophethood of Muhammad. He sent to the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, in Madinah a two member delegation who brought with them a letter from him in which it was clearly stated: “I have been made a partner in this matter of prophethood with him (Muhammad).” (Seerat ibn Hisham, p. 244)