Finality of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qadianies
Question:
Qadiyanis argue that the verse we refer to as the verse of finality of the prophethood after our prophet (pbuh) does not mean that no prophet can come after him. How else can we argue with them that based on the Qur'an there cannot be any more prophets coming?
Answer:
I think the verse 33:40 is clear about the Prophet (sws) being the seal of prophets and therefore the last prophet of God. I have not yet seen any argument that convinces me that how with verse 33:40 there can still be any prophet after prophet Muhammad (pbuh). If you have come across any argument that seems to be satisfying or strong to you please do let me know and I will study it and comment on it.
However, I would like to bring your kind attention to the fact that, apart from the above, the main problem with those who believe in a prophet after the Prophet Muhammad (sws) is that the Qur’ān (which is the ultimate book of guidance) does not inform Muslims of any future coming prophets for the Abrahamic nations.
To appreciate this point, we can study the Qur’ān to see on what basis ahl al-kitab of Arabia at the time were expected to accept the Prophet (pbuh). Reading the Qur’ān we can see that the main argument of the Qur’ān against ahl al-kitab was that they knew (based on their holy books) that a prophet was about to come, yet once this prophet came they started to reject him and show enmity towards him. In the words of God:
“Those whom We have given the Book recognize him (the Prophet - pbuh) as they recognize their sons” (6:20)
This obvious recognition was due to the information that was given to ahl al-kitab about the future prophet.
As far as I can see, in the entire Qur’ān, there is not even a remote reference to any forthcoming prophet after Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). If there is a verse that I seem to be ignoring then I will appreciatiate it if it is brought to my attention for further study.
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March 2014
Revised: July 2016
Qadiyanis argue that the verse we refer to as the verse of finality of the prophethood after our prophet (pbuh) does not mean that no prophet can come after him. How else can we argue with them that based on the Qur'an there cannot be any more prophets coming?
Answer:
I think the verse 33:40 is clear about the Prophet (sws) being the seal of prophets and therefore the last prophet of God. I have not yet seen any argument that convinces me that how with verse 33:40 there can still be any prophet after prophet Muhammad (pbuh). If you have come across any argument that seems to be satisfying or strong to you please do let me know and I will study it and comment on it.
However, I would like to bring your kind attention to the fact that, apart from the above, the main problem with those who believe in a prophet after the Prophet Muhammad (sws) is that the Qur’ān (which is the ultimate book of guidance) does not inform Muslims of any future coming prophets for the Abrahamic nations.
To appreciate this point, we can study the Qur’ān to see on what basis ahl al-kitab of Arabia at the time were expected to accept the Prophet (pbuh). Reading the Qur’ān we can see that the main argument of the Qur’ān against ahl al-kitab was that they knew (based on their holy books) that a prophet was about to come, yet once this prophet came they started to reject him and show enmity towards him. In the words of God:
“Those whom We have given the Book recognize him (the Prophet - pbuh) as they recognize their sons” (6:20)
This obvious recognition was due to the information that was given to ahl al-kitab about the future prophet.
As far as I can see, in the entire Qur’ān, there is not even a remote reference to any forthcoming prophet after Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). If there is a verse that I seem to be ignoring then I will appreciatiate it if it is brought to my attention for further study.
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March 2014
Revised: July 2016