Approaching the West — Page 39
A pproaching the West—39 digressed from following the precept of Prophethood. The Arabic words showing the relationship between Khil ā fat and Prophethood are “Khil ā fat ‘al ā minh ā jun-nabuwwah”, that is, Khil ā fat on the lines of Prophethood. This means that a Prophet’s true Successors (khulaf ā ’) would continue to follow the example of the Prophet and lead the believers in the same way as the Prophet guided them. This elucidates the principle that Khil ā fat in its essence is a continuation of the mission of the Prophet. The objectives of Khil ā fat and Prophethood remain the same. The Holy Qur’ ā n makes it clear that the main objective of Prophethood is the moral and spiritual development of mankind. With regards to the Holy Prophet Mu ḥ ammad (may peace and blessings of All ā h be on him), the Holy Qur’ ā n declares: “We have sent to you a Messenger from among you, who recites Our verses/signs ( ā y ā t) to you, and purifies you, and teaches you the Book and wisdom, and teaches you that which you knew not” (2:152). This verse enumerates four functions of the Prophet: 1. Recital of God’s verses/signs ( ā y ā t) to establish firmness of faith in the existence of One God, and to worship Him alone. 2. Purification of souls by bringing a moral change in human conduct through mutual love, sympathy and unity among the believers, and by eradicating sinful inclination from the hearts of the believers. 3. Teaching the Book, namely the Holy Qur’ ā n, that contains Laws and Commandments of God to establish a just and benevolent society.