Mahzarnama (The Memorandum) — Page 89
Mahzarnama 89 should have been, since there is a culmination and an end for everything that has a beginning. In grace and efficacy, the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa is not in any way less than or inferior to any other prophethood. In fact, it possesses more usefulness and efficacy than any other prophethood. Obedience to this teaching takes one to God by a very simple and easy path making it possible for man to win a greater and higher prize than was available before. Only its perfect follower cannot be called a Nabi (prophet) alone, for that would imply a slight to the perfect Prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa. But to be a prophet, he also has to be an ummati (follower) and a prophet at the same time. For if a follower of the Holy Prophet sa becomes a Nabi while he remains a follower of the Holy Prophet sa all the time, such a prophethood does not in any way detract from the exalted station of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa. In fact, where a follower of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa attains, through obedience to him, the rank of prophet, it would bring added lustre to the Master. And when communion with God reaches a state of perfection in point of its quality, and when there is no impurity left in it, nor any defect, and when it clearly comprises matters concerning the Unknwn, only then is it rightly called prophethood. This is the view on which all the Prophets agree. It is inconceivable that a whole lot of people, of whom it had been said in the Holy Quran: 20 and who had been taught to pray: 21 Viz , if all the faithful were to fall short of attaining this exalted rank, and not even one among them was to size up to this station, not only would the Ummah remain imperfect and incomplete, as 20 You are the best people raised for the good of mankind. (3:111) 21 Guide us in the right path – the path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings. (1:6)