Muhammad The Great Exemplar — Page 23
23 show that through these words, the prophet Abraham as excellently describes the essential duties of a prophet of God. They are tasked with i) relating the signs of Allah the Exalted, ii) teaching people the divine book, iii) imparting a teaching of wisdom, iv) and purifying the souls of the people. One cannot better describe the functions of a prophet in such a brief and comprehensive manner other than this. Let us now look at how the Holy Prophet sa fulfilled these tasks. THE FIRST TASK OF A PROPHET The first task of a prophet is to recite divine signs. In Arabic the word ayah (sign) means a warning sign or proof. Anything which guides towards something else can be referred to as an ayah. To recite the signs [of God] means to reveal things which draw people to belief in the unseen, for such matters are beyond human comprehension. God transcends all beings; the one true living presence. Yet He is so subtle, it is beyond human reach to comprehend Him. One can only attain His nearness through [divine] proofs, forceful signs and by the knowledge and observation of divine attributes. In this way, doubts about His being are removed from the hearts of the people. The same is true of the laws of nature, the angels, messengership, divine discourse and life after death—one cannot understand any of these