The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 165
Prophethood in Islam 165 'O Allah, guide us along the straight path, the path of those servants upon whom Thou has bestowed Thy favours. . . . ". Not only has He taught this prayer, but has also promised in another verse: وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا 138 'Those who strive in Our path-which is the right pathWe will surely guide them along Our ways. '. It is clear that the ways of God Almighty are those that have been disclosed to the Prophets. [Shahadat-ul-Qur'ān, Rūḥānī Khazā'in, vol. 6, pp. 339-352]. Divine Promise of Khilafat. There are other verses which also indicate that it is God's design that spiritual teachers, who are the heirs of the. Prophets, should always continue to be available. For instance: وعد الله الّذينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّلِحْتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ في الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ 139 ولا يزالُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا تُصِيبُهُمْ بِمَا صَنَعُوا قَارِعَةً أَوْتَحُلُّ قَرِيبًا مِنْ دَارِهِمْ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَ وَعْدُ اللوء إنَّ اللهَ لا يُخْلِفُ الميعاد ) وَمَا كُنَّا مُعَذِّبِينَ حَتَّى نَبْعَثَ رَسُولاً 141 140. Meaning: 'O True believers among the followers of. Muḥammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him),. Allah has promised those among you who believe and act 137. Al-Fatihah, 1:6-7 [Publisher] 138 Al-'Ankabūt, 29:70 [Publisher]. Al-Nur, 24:56 [Publisher] 139 140 141. Bani Isrā'il, 17:16 [Publisher]. Al-Ra'd, 13:32 [Publisher]