Principles of Islam
40. Prophethood
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40. PROPHETHOOD
Human destiny, by Islamic lights, is a matter of man
having been placed on this earth by God, so that he
may be put to the test – the test being 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 answer, according to Islam, is in
prophethood. 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 concept of prophethood is totally different from
that of incarnation. According to the latter concept,
God Himself is re-born in human shape on earth in
order to give succour to humanity Propehthood,
according to Islam, is of quite another order of
