The Promised Messiah and Mahdi — Page 37
THE PROMISED MESSIAH AND MAHDI. THE QUESTION OF FINALTY OF. PROPHETHOOD. One major doctrinal difference was about the meaning of finality of Prophethood of the Holy Prophet Mohammad, peace be on him. The bulk of orthodox Muslims believe today that there can be no prophet of any kind after the Holy Prophet Mohammad. The members of the Ahmadiyya Movement, following the teachings and claims of. Hadhrat Ahmad, maintain that after the Holy Prophet Mohammad, peace be on him, there can be a non law giving prophet who is a perfect follower of the Holy Prophet and not independent of him. . Hadhrat Ahmad the Promised Messiah, claimed to be such a follower and subordinate prophet. (Ummati Nabi) This subject is a matter of fierce controversy which still rages on. -w. The central issue in this controversy is the interpretation of a verse in the Holy Quran in which the Holy Prophet Mohammad, peace be on him, has been called 'Khataman Nabiyyeen' meaning Seal of Prophets. The verse is: "Muhammad is not the father of any of your males, but he is the messenger of Allah and Kataman Nabiyyeen (Seal of Prophets);. Allah has full knowledge of all things". (33:41). This is the literal translation of the verse. Before we directly discuss the explanation of this verse, it is worthwhile to understand the context of the verse which is well explained in Sura Kausar of the. Holy Quran, (ch. 108), which was revealed in Mecca. When all sons. of the Holy Prophet from his first wife died in infancy, his opponents taunted him that his mission would die and fail after his death as he had no sons to succeed him. At this time Sura Kausar was revealed to the Holy Prophet with the verses: "Surly we have bestowed upon thee abundance of every kind of good. So supplicate thy Lord in gratitude and offer him sacrifice. . Surely it is thine enemy whose line will be cut off". (108:2-4 Quran) 37