Muhammad The Great Exemplar — Page 2
Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad 2 its effects and able to manifest, in the best manner, the finest human qualities to their highest order. A PERFECT PROPHET IS A PERFECT HUMAN BEING Let us qualify this further. Islam does not say human nature is inherently flawed and dependent on prophet- hood for its reformation. Instead, it posits the creed that the seeds of all merit and virtue are deeply embedded within the human condition, and are thus obtainable by all people. That being said, they stand in need of external agencies, just as the eye depends on light to see and soil requires rain. Prophethood comes not to subdue certain human traits but to properly nurture them. The perfect prophet must also be the perfect man. No one can attain prophethood until they develop all of the finest human excellences within themselves. And unless they respectively elevate these qualities to their highest degree, they cannot be referred to as a prophet. EXCELLENCE IN CERTAIN FIELDS Experience shows there are people who, within certain fields, possess extraordinary abilities; [so much so] the world is awed by their talents. However, it is seen that some among them perish in delinquency, meaning the attainment of a specific virtue does not equate to