A Letter to a Dear One — Page 59
Muhammad Zafrulla Khan 59 The biggest objection the Muslims raise to the claim of the Promised Messiah (‘alaihissal ā m) is that no prophet can come after the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and the Promised Messiah (‘alaihissal ā m) indeed claimed Prophethood. This is a long-drawn argument, but a short fact should be noted that the Holy Qur’ ā n is a perfect guidance encompassing the final Divine Law. There is no need for another set of Divine Law after it, as indeed there is no possibility for the coming of another law-bearing prophet, who can cancel or amend the perfect guidance. Indeed, the rank of Prophethood cannot be granted if one is not in obedience to the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam). Without paying obedience to the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and compliance to the commands of the Holy Qur’ ā n one cannot be a true believer, let alone be a recipient of the highest spiritual favor, namely, Prophethood. However, a prophet of God can still come in total compliance of the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam). Allah can indeed grant such a person the honor of being spoken to and appoint him to revive Islam. Such a Prophethood is in fact in the image and part of the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam)—it is not separate from the Holy Prophet’s ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) Prophethood. It is a blessing for the people of Muhammad ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and is in no way contradictory to the finality of Prophethood. It distinguishes the Muslims from people of other faiths for their teachings and their laws are canceled and there is no special arrangement for their revival. However, the Qur’ ā n is living and can never be canceled. It is essential for its intrinsic protection and to have an established model according to its teachings that Allah arranges its revival. It is, therefore, that kind of a Prophethood that has prevailed in Islam. Islam in a Fragile State Before the Promised Messiah Before the Promised Messiah’s (‘alaihissal ā m) Divine mission Islam had reached a most feeble state. The Muslims had forgotten the love of their faith. The knowledge of the Qur’ ā n was all but lost. Superstitions and customs, etc. , were an established part of the society. Muslims were gradually falling into an abyss of ignominy. The Promised Messiah (‘alaihissal ā m) took the gauntlet to protect Islam, with Allah’s help and His guidance; he instituted Islam anew and thus