Prophets and the Message

The Prophets in the Quran

Prophet Noah/Nuh Peace Be Upon Him and His Message

Prophet Nuh mentioned in the Quran, Allah says,

71.And recite to them the news of Nuh. When he said to his people: “O my people, if my stay (with you), and my reminding (you) of the signs of Allah is hard on you, then I put my trust in Allah.So devise your plot, you and your partners, and let not your plot be in doubt for you. Then pass your sentence on me and give me no respite.

72. “But if you turn away, then no reward have I asked of you, my reward is only from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of the Muslims.” 73. They denied him, but We (Allah) delivered him, and those with him in the ship, and We made them generations, replacing one after another, while We drowned those who belied Our (Allah’s) Signs. Then see what was the end of those who were warned. (Chapter 10,Surah Yunus, verse 71-73 Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

And indeed We sent Nuh to his people, and he stayed among them a thousand years less fifty years; and the deluge overtook them while they were wrongdoers. 15.Then We( Allah) saved him(Nuh) and those with him in the ship and made it a sign to the worlds. (Chapter 29,Surah Alankabut, verse 14-15 Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

Ibn Jareer reported on the authority of Muhammad Ibn Qays who said: “There were some of the pious people who lived during the period between Prophet Adam and Prophet Nuh, peace be upon them. They had quite a few followers, when they died their followers said:if we construct their status, it will be more pleasing to us in our worship and will remind us of them.So, they constructed the statues.However, when they died, and other generations came after them, Satan(iblis) approached them saying:your forefathers used to worship them, and because of that worship they were blessed with rain.Why don’t you worship them also?this is how they came to worship them(idols).”

Earlier, people made statues to remember the pious people but did not worship them but worshiped only the one and only Almighty, Allah. As time passed and other generations came, Satan approached people disguised as men and asked them why they didn’t worship these statues or idols as your forefathers did, and then people started worshipping those idols and statues and keeping them at their houses.

Umme Salamah and Umme Habiba (RadiAllah Talah Anha) narrated that they mentioned to the  last Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) the name of the church called “Mariyah” in Abyssinna which they had seen, they had also mentioned to him its beauty and  images therein. On that the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) said: Those images were of pious people.When they died,the people built on their graves a place of worship. Then they drew those images therein.Those people are the worst creation in front of Allah.( Sayings of the holy Prophet Muhammad,authentic hadith mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim).

25. And, verily, We have indeed sent a Messenger to every Ummah (community, nation) (saying): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid all false deities”. (Chapter 16,Surah Al Nahl, verse 36, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).
26. And We did not send any Messenger before you( O Muhammad) but We revealed to him (saying): ” none has the right to be worshipped but I, worship Me(Allah) alone.”(Chapter 21,Surah Al Anbiyaa, verse 25, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham (A.S) and His Message

66. He said to his people(nation): “Do you then worship besides Allah, things (idols) that can neither profit you nor harm you” “Fie upon you, and upon that which you worship besides Allah! Have you then no sense”(Chapter 21,Surah Al Anbiyaa, verse 66, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

Prophet Moosa/Moses (A.S) and His Message

When Moses had completed the term of 10 years , he departed with his family towards Egypt, he was keen to see his family (relatives). As it happened the journey occurred in a dark cold night they lost their way and it became too dark to manoeuvre. Suddenly, Moses (A.S) saw a fire at a distance in the direction of Mount Toor.

11. And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: “O Musa!” “Verily, I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.” 13.“And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you)” 14. “Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me, so worship Me, and perform Salah for My remembrance.” 15. “Verily, the Hour is coming — and I am almost hiding it — that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.” 16. “Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein, but follows his own lusts, divert you therefrom, lest you perish.”

(Chapter 20,Surah Tahaa, verse 11-16, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

29. Then, when Musa had fulfilled the term, and was traveling with his family, he saw a fire in the direction of At-Tur. He said to his family: “Wait, I have seen a fire; perhaps I may bring to you from there some information, or a burning firebrand that you may warm yourselves.” 30. So when he reached it, he was called from the right side of the valley, in the blessed place, from the tree: “O Musa! Verily, I am Allah, the Lord of all that exists!” 31. “And throw your stick!” But when he saw it moving as if it were a snake, he turned in flight, and looked not back. (It was said:) “O Musa! Draw near, and fear not. Verily, you are of those who are secure.” 32. “Put your hand into the opening of your garment, it will come forth white without a disease; and draw your hand close to your side to be free from the fear. These are two proofs from your Lord to Fir`awn and his chiefs. Verily, they are the people who are rebellious.”

(Chapter 28,Surah AlQasas, verse 29-32, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

138. And We brought the Children of Israel (with safety) across the sea, and they came upon a people devoted to some of their idols (in worship). They said: “O Musa! Make for us a god as they have gods.” He said: “Verily, you are an ignorant people.” ﴿Musa added:﴾ “Verily, these people will be destroyed for that which they are engaged in (idols’ worship). And all that they are doing is in vain.”(Chapter 7,Surah Al Araaf, verse 138-139, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

Maryam the mother of Prophet Eesa/Jesus (A.S) and Her Message

33. Allah chose Adam, Nuh (Noah), the family of Ibrahim and the family of `Imran above the nations. Offspring, one of the other, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.35. (Remember) when the wife of `Imran said: “O my Lord! I have vowed to You what is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services, so accept this from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing.” 36. Then when she gave birth to her, she said: “O my Lord! I have given birth to a female child, ـ and Allah knew better what she bore, ـ “And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam, and I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from Shaytan, the outcast.”

(Chapter 3,Surah Al-e-Imran, verse 33-37, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

Story of Maryam the mother of Jesus/Eesa (A.S)

The Story of Maryam’s Birth

The wife of `Imran mentioned here is the mother of Maryam, and her name is Hannah bint Faqudh. Muhammad bin Ishaq mentioned that Hannah could not have children and that one day, she saw a bird feeding its baby. She also desired to have one of her own she vowed to Allah that if she conceived, She would put her son in Allah’s service, this meant he would work for the mosque Bayt  Al-Maqdis (the Mosque in Jerusalem).Earlier there was a practice to put sons in Allah’s service in the mosque so the mother of Maryam was hoping for a male child.

It was reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.W) said :Everybaby that is born is touched by Satan(iblis) at the time of his birth, and thus it comes out screaming and crying, except Maryam and her son Eesa(Jesus). Then Abu Hurairah said: Read (if you want) the saying of Maryam, as quoted by Allah: I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from Satan, the outcast”( Ahmad vol 2 page 274)

Every newborn from the children of Adam is touched  by Satan with his finger except  Maryam (daughter of Imran A.S) and her son Eesa/Jesus”( Ahmad vol 2 page 288 also reported by Muslim)

In other hadith, also reported by Imam Ahmad on the authority of abu Hurairah(RA), The Prophet Muhammad( S.A.W.W) said;”Every person who is given birth by his mother is kicked by Satan on both sides,except Maryam and her son (Eesa/Jesus). Do you not see how a new born baby cries when it is delivered? The companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah.He said:That happens when Satan kicks him on both sides ( Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad by Ahmad vol 2, page 368).

The people who disputed regarding the custody of Maryam agreed to cast lots when they were unable to come to an agreement. They decided to draw lots using pens. Each person had a pen that was known to belong to him.All pens were collected  and put in a place , then a boy were requested to withdraw one pen from the lot.When the boy did so the pen of Zachariah (A.S) came out.The people disagreed and draw be repeated three times and each time the name of Zachariah (A.S) came out.Hence, Zachariah became Maryam’s guardian,and he was more deserving according to the Sharia ( Tafseer al Tabari Vol 3 page 162).

37. So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariyya. Every time he entered the Mihrab to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: “O Maryam! From where have you gotten this” She said, “This is from Allah.” Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit.”(Chapter 3,Surah Al e Imran verse 37, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

Birth of Jesus/Eesa (A.S) and His Message 

45. (Remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word from Him, his name will be Al-Masih, `Isa, the son of Maryam, held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter, and he will be one of those who are near to Allah.” “He will speak to the people, in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous.” 47.She said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.” He said: “So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: `Be! ـ and it is.”(Chapter 3,Surah Al e Imran verse 45-47, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).
46. And He (Allah) will teach him the Book and Al-Hikmah, and the Tawrah and the Injil. And will make him a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave; and I heal the blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allah’s leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe.” 50.“(And I have come) confirming that which was before me of the Tawrah, and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So have Taqwa of Allah and obey me.” 51. “Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight path.”.”(Chapter 3,Surah Al e Imran verse 48-51, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).
47. And mention in the Book, Maryam, when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to place facing east. 17.She placed a screen before them; then We sent to her Our Ruh, and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. 18. She said: “Verily, I seek refuge with the Most Gracious (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.” 19. (The angel) said: “I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.” 20. She said: “How can I have a son when no man has touched me, nor am I Baghiyya” 21. He said: “Thus says your Lord: `That is easy for Me (Allah). And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed (by Allah)
48. So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date palm. She said: “Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!”24.Then a voice cried unto her from below her, saying: “Grieve not: your Lord has provided a water stream under you.” 25. “And shake the trunk of date palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon you.” 26. “So eat and drink and rejoice. And if you see any human being, say: `Verily, I have vowed a fast for the Most Gracious so I shall not speak to any human being today.,”27. Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said: “O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing unheard of.” 28. “O sister of Harun! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman.” 29. Then she pointed to him. They said: “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle” 30. He (Jesus/Eesa) said: “Verily, I am a servant of Allah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet;” 31. “And He has made me blessed wherever I be, and has enjoined on me Prayer and Charity, as long as I live.” 32. “And to be dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblessed.” 33. “And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!”34. Such is `Isa, son of Maryam .it is a statement of truth﴾ about which they doubt (or dispute). 35. It befits not (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glorified be He. When He decrees a thing, He only says to it: “Be!” — and it is. 36. ﴿`Isa said﴾: “And verily, Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him (alone). That is the straight path.” 37. Then the sects differed, so woe unto the disbelievers from the meeting of a great Day. (Chapter 19,Surah Maryam verse 16-37, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).
49. Say: “He is Allah” “One”. 3.“He begets not, nor was He begotten”. 4. “And there is non comparable to Him.”(Chapter 112,Surah Alikhlaas 1-4, Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

 

30. And the Jews say: “Uzayr (Ezra) is the son of Allah,” and the Christians say: “The Messiah is the son of Allah.” That is their saying with their mouths, resembling the saying of those who disbelieved aforetime. May Allah fight them, how they are deluded away from the truth! They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah, and (they also took as their Lord) the Messiah, son of Maryam, while they were commanded to worship none but One God, none has the right to be worshipped but He. Praise and hallowed be He above what they associate (with Him).”(Chapter 09,Surah Al Tauba 30-31 Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).171.O People of the Scripture! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah except the truth. Al-Masih `Isa, son of Maryam, was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, which He bestowed on Maryam and a spirit from ﴿created by﴾ Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: “Three!” Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One God, hallowed be He above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.172.Al-Masih will never be too proud to be a servant of Allah, nor the angels who are the near (to Allah). And whosoever rejects His worship and is proud, then He will gather them all together unto Himself. 173.So, as for those who believed and did deeds of righteousness, He will give them their (due) rewards and more out of His bounty. But as for those who refused His worship and were proud, He will punish them with a painful torment. And they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or helper.(Chapter 04,Surah Al An Nisa 171-173 Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).
31. And they say: “The Most Gracious has begotten a son.” Glory to Him! They are but honored slaves. 27.They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His command. 28. He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased. And they stand in awe for fear of Him. 29. And if any of them should say: “Verily, I am a god besides Him,” such a one, We (Allah), should recompense with Hell. Thus We recompense the wrongdoers.

(Chapter 21,Surah Al Anbiaa verse 26-29 Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir)

72. Surely, they have disbelieved who say: “Allah is the Messiah ﴿`Isa﴾, son of Maryam.” But the Messiah said: “O Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the wrongdoers there are no helpers. Surely, they have disbelieved who say: “Allah is the third of three.” And there is no god but One God (Allah). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall on the disbelievers among them. 74.Will they not repent to Allah and ask His forgiveness For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 75. The Messiah ﴿`Isa﴾, son of Maryam, was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother ﴿Maryam﴾ was a Siddiqah( She believed in Allah’s words and books). They both used to eat food. Look how We make the Ayat clear to them; yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth).

(Chapter 5,Surah Al Maida verse 72-75 Quran translation Tafseer Ibn Kathir).

116. And (remember) when Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection): “O `Isa, son of Maryam! Did you say unto men: `Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allah”’ He will say: “Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner self though I do not know what is in Yours, truly, You, only You, are the Knower of all that is hidden and unseen.” “Never did I say to them ought except what You (Allah) did command me to say: `Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.’ And I was a witness over them while I dwelled amongst them, but when You took me ﴿up﴾, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things.” 118.“If You punish them, they are Your servants, and if You forgive them, verily You, only You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.”(Chapter 5,Surah Al Maida verse 116-118 Quran translation Tafseer I-bn Kathir).

`Isa Rejects Shirk associating partners with ALLah and Affirms Tawhid Oneness of God

Allah will also speak to His servant and Messenger, `Isa son of Maryam, peace be upon him, saying to him on the Day of Resurrection in the presence of those who worshipped `Isa and his mother as gods besides Allah, and affirms the oneness of God to worship Him alone.

Last Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) and His Message

The Last Sermon of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAWW

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Al-Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib shall henceforth be waived…
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the means.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; [none have superiority over another] except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves. Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and it may be that the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”

39. Those who convey the Message of Allah and fear Him, and fear none save Allah. And sufficient is Allah as a Reckoner. Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All-Aware of everything. (Chapter 33,Surah Al Ahzab verse 39-40 Quran translation Tafseer I-bn Kathir). 107.And We have sent you (O Muhammad ) not but as a mercy for the `Alamin (all the worlds).(Chapter 21,Surah Al Anbiaa verse 107 Quran translation Tafseer I-bn Kathir).