Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 130
130 The advent of messengers and prophets from among mankind was announced. They would be the bearers of Divine guidance and would seek to establish and strengthen faith in God through rehearsal of His Signs. These Signs should be pondered and reflected over. They are the means of sustaining and enriching spiritual life, which ultimately expresses itself and finds fulfilment in communion with God (7:36). There has been a whole succession of prophets and messengers who have been sent at various times among different peoples so that no section of mankind has been left unprovided with Divine guidance corresponding to its needs. The Quran is explicit that every people has had its messenger, guide, or warner (10:48; 13:8; 35:25). God’s Providence in the spiritual sphere is as comprehensive as it is in the material one. Through the messengers and prophets, God has revealed His guidance for the benefit of the people. This guidance is often referred to in the Quran as “the Book,” and to emphasize that the guidance was in each case adequate for, and appropriate to, the needs of the people, it is stated that it was sent down “in accordance with the requirements of truth and wisdom” (17:106). Attention is also drawn to a particular aspect of Divine guidance which is apt to be overlooked: that it provides a balance, or a standard of values, which should enable people to make