Risalah
Prophethood and the chain of Allah's messengers
Section B · Early Muslim Community
Risalah refers to the concept of prophethood, Allah's method of communicating His will to humanity through chosen messengers. Islam teaches that Allah sent over 124,000 prophets throughout history, from Adam to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), the last and greatest. This topic examines the nature and purpose of prophethood, and the lives and missions of key prophets including Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Dawud and Isa.
Key Points
- 1Risalah means 'prophethood' or 'messengership', the belief that Allah communicates His will to humanity through specially chosen messengers
- 2Islam distinguishes between Nabi (a prophet who receives revelation) and Rasul (a messenger who brings a new scripture or law); all Rasuls are Nabis but not vice versa
- 3The Qur'an names 25 prophets, Islam teaches there were over 124,000 in total throughout human history
- 4Key prophets include: Adam (first prophet), Ibrahim (friend of Allah, father of monotheism), Isma'il (helped build the Ka'bah), Musa (received the Torah), Dawud (received the Psalms), Isa (Jesus, received the Gospel)
- 5Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is the Khatam an-Nabiyyin, the Seal of the Prophets, the final and greatest messenger, whose revelation (the Qur'an) is the complete and perfect word of Allah
- 6Qur'an 9:128-129 presents the Prophet as compassionate and merciful to believers, fully reliant on Allah, a model of what a prophet should be
- 7All prophets shared the same core message: worship Allah alone (Tawhid), live justly, and prepare for the Day of Judgment
- 8Belief in all of Allah's prophets is one of the six articles of faith (Iman); rejecting any prophet is considered a rejection of Islam
Key Terms
Risalah
Prophethood or messengership, the concept that Allah communicates His will to humanity through chosen messengers. It is one of the five roots of Usul ad-Din (foundations of faith) in Shi'a Islam.
Nabi
A prophet who receives revelation from Allah, usually to guide an existing community of believers. All Rasuls are also Nabis.
Rasul
A messenger of Allah who brings a new divine scripture or law. More specific than Nabi. Examples include Musa (Torah), Dawud (Psalms), Isa (Gospel) and Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) (Qur'an).
Khatam an-Nabiyyin
The Seal of the Prophets, the title given to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) in Qur'an 33:40, meaning he is the last and final prophet. No prophet will come after him.
Ibrahim
Abraham, one of the greatest prophets, called the 'friend of Allah' (Khalilullah). He smashed the idols of his people, was willing to sacrifice his son Isma'il, and rebuilt the Ka'bah. Father of both the Jewish and Arab nations.
Isa
Jesus, a prophet of Allah in Islamic teaching, born miraculously to the Virgin Maryam, who performed miracles and brought the Injil (Gospel). Muslims believe he was not crucified and did not die on the cross.
Uswa Hasana
The beautiful example, the Prophet Muhammad's (صلى الله عليه وسلم) life as the perfect model for Muslims to follow. Linked to the Sunnah (topic 1.5).
Exam Passage
Qur'an 9:128-129
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. But if they turn away, [O Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم)], say, "Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except Him. On Him I have relied, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne."
This passage is used in the (d) assess question for this topic. Learn it carefully.
Exam Tips
Explain · 6 marks
For 'explain why prophethood is important for Muslims', THREE developed points linking prophethood to its purpose. E.g.: (1) prophets provide guidance on how to live; (2) prophets show that Allah cares about humanity; (3) Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as the final prophet means the Qur'an is the complete, perfect guide. Each point: fact (AO1) + explanation of importance (AO2).
Assess · 12 marks
For 12-mark questions use Qur'an 9:128-129 (the assigned passage). The passage shows the Prophet's compassion and reliance on Allah, use this to support arguments about prophethood's importance. Argue both sides: prophets are essential (they guide humanity to Allah) vs. some might argue the Qur'an alone is sufficient today since Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was the final prophet.
How confident do you feel about this topic?
Related Topics
The holy books of Islam
Each prophet received a holy book, the Books of Islam are direct products of Risalah
The Prophethood of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم)
Topic 1.3 covers Muhammad's (صلى الله عليه وسلم) specific prophethood; Risalah provides the wider theological context
The nature of belief in Allah
The purpose of all prophets was to affirm Tawhid (the oneness of Allah)