Belief in the Messengers of Allah (The Fourth Pillar of Iman)

The fourth pillar of Iman (faith) in Islam is the belief in the messengers of Allah (Iman bil-Rusul). This belief emphasizes that Allah, out of His infinite mercy, sent prophets and messengers to guide humanity towards His worship and obedience. The concept of prophethood is foundational in Islam, as it explains how divine guidance reached humanity and shaped moral and ethical values across different civilizations.

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of belief in the messengers, the role of prophets in Islam, the qualities that distinguished them, and the finality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the last messenger. We will also reflect on relevant Quranic verses to deepen our understanding of this essential aspect of faith.

Understanding Belief in the Messengers

Belief in the messengers of Allah means acknowledging that they were chosen individuals who received revelations to convey His message to humanity. Prophets were sent throughout history to different communities to remind people of monotheism, guide them to righteousness, and teach them about the Day of Judgment.

"Say, [O believers], 'We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:136)

This verse emphasizes the unity of the divine message conveyed by all prophets, highlighting the continuity of Allah's guidance throughout history.

The Role of Prophets in Islam

The role of prophets in Islam is multi-faceted, encompassing spiritual, moral, and societal responsibilities. Their main roles include:

1. Conveying Allah’s Message

The primary duty of every prophet was to convey the message of Allah to their respective communities. This included teaching monotheism, reminding people of the oneness of Allah, and warning against idolatry and disobedience.

"And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, 'There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.'" (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:25)

This verse illustrates the core message of every prophet: the call to worship Allah alone.

2. Teaching and Guiding

Prophets were also tasked with teaching their communities about divine laws, ethics, and the proper way to live. They provided guidance on issues related to personal conduct, family life, social justice, and spirituality.

"He it is who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom, although they were before in clear error." (Surah Al-Jumu'ah, 62:2)

This verse highlights the role of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in educating and purifying his people through the teachings of the Qur'an.

3. Serving as Role Models

Prophets were exemplary individuals who embodied the highest moral and ethical standards. Their actions and behavior served as a practical example for their communities, showing how to live according to divine guidance.

"There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:21)

This verse highlights the importance of following the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is a model of piety, patience, and righteousness for all Muslims.

4. Warning and Delivering Glad Tidings

Prophets were sent as warners and bearers of good news. They warned their people about the consequences of disobedience and disbelief while delivering glad tidings of paradise to those who obeyed Allah and followed His guidance.

"Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind might have no plea against Allah after the messengers. And Allah is Ever-Powerful, All-Wise." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:165)

This verse emphasizes that the purpose of sending prophets was to guide people clearly, leaving no excuse for disbelief or disobedience.

The Qualities of the Messengers

Prophets were chosen for their exceptional qualities, which made them suitable for their divine missions. Some of these qualities include:

1. Truthfulness (Siddiq)

Prophets were known for their unwavering honesty and integrity. They never lied, cheated, or deceived others, even before they received divine revelation.

"And mention in the Book, Abraham. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet." (Surah Maryam, 19:41)

This verse highlights the truthfulness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), a key quality of all prophets.

2. Trustworthiness (Amanah)

Prophets were trusted by their communities, even by those who did not believe in their message. Their trustworthiness made them effective messengers who could deliver the divine message without any doubt about their intentions.

"I am to you a trustworthy messenger." (Surah Ash-Shu'ara, 26:107)

Prophet Nuh (Noah) declared his trustworthiness to his people, a quality that all prophets possessed.

3. Patience (Sabr)

Prophets faced immense challenges, including rejection, persecution, and ridicule. Despite these hardships, they remained patient and steadfast in conveying Allah’s message.

"So be patient, [O Muhammad], as were those of determination among the messengers." (Surah Al-Ahqaf, 46:35)

This verse instructs Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to remain patient, just as other determined prophets did.

4. Compassion and Mercy

Prophets were compassionate and merciful towards their people. They deeply cared about the well-being and guidance of their communities, even for those who opposed them.

"There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful." (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:128)

This verse reflects the deep compassion Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had for his followers.

The Finality of Prophethood: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last and final messenger sent by Allah. His prophethood marks the completion of the chain of messengers, and no new prophet will come after him.

"Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:40)

This verse affirms the finality of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) prophethood, establishing that he is the seal of all prophets.

Conclusion

Belief in the messengers is a cornerstone of Islamic faith, signifying the acceptance of divine guidance sent through chosen individuals. These prophets conveyed Allah's message, guided their communities towards righteousness, and provided a living example of how to follow the divine law.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as the final messenger, delivered the comprehensive and complete message of the Qur'an, which serves as the ultimate guidance for all humanity. By understanding and believing in the role of the messengers, Muslims strengthen their faith, learn valuable lessons from the lives of the prophets, and strive to follow their teachings in daily life.