PROPHETHOOD Divine Guidance

PROPHETHOOD Divine Guidance H UMAN destiny, by Islamic teachings, is a matter of man having been placed on this earth by God, so that he may be put to the test—the test of his capacity to make correct moral choices. It is for this purpose that man has been given complete freedom, for without such freedom, the divine test would have no meaning, no validity. It is required of man that he should lead his life on earth following a regimen of strict self-discipline. Wherein should he find the guiding principles for such a course? The true source of guidance, according to Islam, is to be found in prophethood. God has endowed man with a thinking mind so that he may understand. But this mind can only grasp things that are apparent. It cannot go beyond the perceivable, and there are many things to be apprehended, for which a superficial knowledge is insufficient. The higher realities of this world are beyond the scope of the human mind, and as far as God and the next world are concerned, they must remain forever invisible— beyond the reach of human perception. The true source of guidance, according to Islam is to be found in prophethood. What the Prophet does is to enlighten people so that they may overcome the human inadequacy of not knowing things beyond the scope of human mind. He tells of the reality of things here and now, and also gives tidings of the next world. He thereby enables the individual to formulate a plan for his entire existence in the full light of knowledge and awareness so that he may carve out a successful life for himself. Throughout the history of mankind, God appointed certain human beings—prophets—who would be the recipients and conveyors of His guidance as sent through His angels. The last in the series was the Prophet Muhammad. The Islamic concept of prophethood is totally different from that of incarnation. According to the concept of incarnation God Himself is re-born in human shape on earth in order to give succour to humanity. Prophethood, according to Islam, is of quite another order. A prophet