Ahmadiyyat or Qadianism! Islam or Apostasy? — Page 289
Sufi Hazrat Abu Abdullah's view to the effect that the interpretation of. Khataman Nabiyeen as the last of Allah's prophets is an interpretation of the foolish and the ignorant was also shared by the 19th century CE scholar, Maulana Muhammed Qasim of Nanauta who stated: 'According to the layman, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings on him, being Khatam is supposeed to have appeared after all the other prophets. But men of understanding and the wise know it very well that being the first or the last, chronologically, does not carry any weight. How could, therefore, the words of the Holy Quran "But he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets (33. 41)" mean to glorify him? But I know very well that none from among the. Muslims would be prepared to agree with the common men. '24. This revered scholar, on another occasion, explained the true meaning of the expression Khataman Nabiyeen and stated: 'Prophets, as they are message bearers of God, are His viceregents. It would therefore, be necessary that they are endowed with Divine authority. From among the subordinate posts, the post of the governor or the minister is the highest and all other posts are subordinate to them and they can over-rule the decisions and rulings of their subordinates; similarly there is no position higher than Khatam of the prophets. Every other prophet is undoubtedly subordinate to him. ' '25. In relation to the status of our beloved Prophet, upon whom be peace, as the Khataman Nabiyeen, the Maulana stated: 'If finality of the prophethood of the Holy Prophet be considered in the light of his excellent atributes and of his having reached the apex of excellence, as I have already stated, but not chronologically, and which heights no one can reach, the point of his superiority over all other persons becomes established over those who have passed away and also those who come after him. If we accept this view it shall not at all contravene his finality, even though someone in the future may rise to the high status of prophethood. '26 24. Tahzeerun Nas: pg 3 25. Mubahitha: pg 24/25 26. Tahezeerun Nas: pg 28 290