A Simple Guide to ISLAM
Risalah – Prophethood
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RISALAH – PROPHETHOOD
Man has been placed on this earth by God in order that his
obedience to his Maker may be put to the test. For this purpose he
has been given complete freedom to tread the paths of both good
and evil. He has his choice. But to follow the path desired for him
by God, man is in need of guiding principles. The true source of
guidance, according to Islam, is to be found in prophethood.
Throughout human history, God in His infinite Mercy, has selected
certain individuals to communicate His message to mankind, so
that all human beings might be enabled to follow the right path.
These chosen people were called prophets or messengers. They
received God’s message through His angel and then conveyed it to
their people.
All the prophets, according to Islam, brought the same basic truth:
that there is only one God and that all human beings are
accountable to God for their actions: when Doomsday finally
comes, they will be judged by Him according to their good and
bad deeds. Those who believe in Allah and His Prophet shall be
rewarded by God in the next world. While those who disbelieve
shall be punished by God in the next world according to the deeds
they have performed on earth.
“Allah chooses to Himself whom He will, and guides to
Himself those that repent.” (42:13)
God’s messengers came in every age and to every region.
According to a
hadith
, starting with Adam and ending with the
