QM Forum
The Quran => Prophets and Messengers => Topic started by: IjazAhmad on November 24, 2014, 08:00:35 PM
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Salamun alaikum Br. Joseph & Co
I was contemplating the verses and information provided by you in your article End of Prophethood. I found a wikipedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophets_in_Islam) about the Prophets and Messengers. This website mentions Noah, Lot (pbut) etc. as Prophets, but does the Qur'an confirm that Noah and Lot were Prophets?
Many are mentioned in this list, but some can't be confirmed as Prophets. In your article you wrote that Prophets are given a book (kitab), but can God also send more Prophets in order to help the first one?
19:41 And recall in the Book, Abraham; he was a man of truth, a prophet.
19:42 When he said to his father: "O father, why do you serve what does not hear or see, nor help you in anything?"
19:43 "My father, knowledge has come to me which did not come to you. So follow me that I will guide you to a level path."
19:44 "My father, do not serve the devil. For the devil was ever disobedient to the Almighty."
19:45 "My father, I fear that a retribution will inflict you from the Almighty and that you will become an ally to the devil."
19:46 He said: "Have you abandoned my gods O Abraham? If you do not stop this, I will stone you; and let me be."
19:47 He said: "Peace be upon you, I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. He has been most kind to me."
19:48 "And I will abandon you and what you call on besides God. And I will implore my Lord, hoping that I will not be mischievous in imploring my Lord."
19:49 So when he abandoned them and what they served besides God, We granted him Isaac and Jacob, and each of them We made a prophet.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were Prophets, does it mean that each one received a scripture or was it just one? - The suhuf of Abraham (pbuh) - 87:19
In your article, you said that Prophets are given a scripture, right? So why did not every Prophet receive a scripture? - Maybe it is not necessary? - What do you think?
How many Prophets exist in Islam and which of these were given a book?
Wa'salaam!
Ijaz, A.
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Selam brother Ijaz,
I'm very excited you asked this question, and I can't wait for brother Joseph's response :) It's a subject I'm studing lately in my personal studies of the Quran. I still need to study more on this topic, but here is portion of the Quran I think might help:
"And We gave to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - all [of them] We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and among his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good. And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias - and all were of the righteous. And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot - and all [of them] We preferred over the worlds." (Al-'An'am, 84-86).
There is also another verse (I can't recall the surah and verse), where Allah says that there were many prophets sent before Muhammad, some of them will be mentioned in the Quran, some of them won't. My guess is that the ones that aren't mentioned in the Quran are only found in Bible. From what I've read, the Quran deals only with those prophets whose life-story or message was corrupted from people. As the rest of them, their stories and messages are in the Bible. Here's an example:
"Have you not considered the assembly of the Children of Israel after [the time of] Moses when they said to a prophet of theirs, "Send to us a king, and we will fight in the way of Allah "? He said, "Would you perhaps refrain from fighting if fighting was prescribed for you?" They said, "And why should we not fight in the cause of Allah when we have been driven out from our homes and from our children?" But when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, except for a few of them. And Allah is Knowing of the wrongdoers.
And their prophet said to them, "Indeed, Allah has sent to you Saul as a king." They said, "How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?" He said, "Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing." (Al Baqarah, 246-247). The unnamed prophet here is Samuel, whose story is found in the Old Testament part of Bible. Allah wants us not to make distinction between messengers, and the fact that some of them are not named in the Quran doesn't make them inferior to those that were.
Anyways, can't wait for brother Joseph's reply.
God bless you all, selam :)
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Greetings IjazAhmad.
This verse defines "prophets":
[Qoran 2:213] The people used to be one community when God sent the prophets as bearers of good news, as well as warners. He sent down with them the Scripture, bearing the truth, to judge among the people in their disputes"
Here are the prophets mentioned in Qoran?:
Noah ( 33:7) ,Abraham ( 19:41, 33:7), Isaac ( 19:49 , 37:112) , Jacob (19:49) David ( 17:55) Solomon , Job Joseph (surah 6) Moses (l 19:51 , 33:7) Aaron ( 19:53) Zachariah , John ( 3:39) , Jesus ( 19:30 , 33:7) ,Elias , Ismail (19:54) . Elisha ,Jonah , Lot . Idris (19:56) , Muhammad (Last of the prophets, 33:40).
All of them are mentioned in surah "AAnbiyaa"-The prophets.
GOD bless you.
Peace.
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Greetings Good logic,
Your post drew my attention because I noticed you mention nowhere Adam, Hud, Saleh, Shuhaib, Dhulkifli, Yunus pbut. They are also mentioned as prophets in the Quran, maybe not in surah Anbiya, but in other surahs.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's nothing in Quran to suggest that only those prophets mentioned in surah Anbiya were prophets. There are other prophets mentioned in other Quranic surahs. Remember: "we hear we obey - we make no distinction between messengers" :)
God bless you, selam.
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Greetings Seraphina.
Thank you for your reply.
I gave verse {2:213} as definition of prophets? So according to that definition ,the names you mentioned are spoken of in the Quran, but not as prophets, nor as deliverers of Scripture, :
Adam ( 3:33)
Hud, Saleh, and Shu 'aib (named as messengers in 26:125, 26:143, 26:178 respectively)
Zal-Kifl (described as steadfast, patient and righteous 21:85 and 38:48)
Luqman (described as one endowed with wisdom 31:12)
None of them delivered a Scripture? Thus according to the definition of 2:213 they are not prophets.
Of course if verse/s from Qoran are provided to state otherwise ,I will stand corrected.
GOD bless you.
Peace.
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Alaikum selam brother Good Logic,
You're welcome, it's a pleasure to discuss with you :)
Ahaaaaa, so you were referring only to the messengers who delivered scriptures - I seem to have missed this detail. But in your post you mention Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Job, etc. who didn't deliver scripture neither. So, your point is still unclear to me.
Anyways, I'm waiting for my brother Joseph to clarify this matter,
God bless you brother, selam :)
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Greetings Seraphina.
You said in your last post:
. But in your post you mention Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Job, etc. who didn't deliver scripture neither. So, your point is still unclear to me.
Here is what Qoran says about Noah:
33:7
Recall that we took from the prophets their covenant, including you (O Muhammad), Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary. We took from them a solemn pledge.*
وَإِذ أَخَذنا مِنَ النَّبِيّـۧنَ ميثٰقَهُم وَمِنكَ وَمِن نوحٍ وَإِبرٰهيمَ وَموسىٰ وَعيسَى ابنِ مَريَمَ وَأَخَذنا مِنهُم ميثٰقًا غَليظًا
i.e Noah was a prophet.
Here is what Qoran says about Isaac and Jacob:
19:49
Because he abandoned them and the gods they worshiped beside God, we granted him Isaac and Jacob, and we made each of them a prophet.
فَلَمَّا اعتَزَلَهُم وَما يَعبُدونَ مِن دونِ اللَّهِ وَهَبنا لَهُ إِسحٰقَ وَيَعقوبَ وَكُلًّا جَعَلنا نَبِيًّا
i.e Isaac and Jacob were prophets.
Just thought I clarify these. But I will also look forward to what others have to say in this subject.
I hope you find your answers . I also think we have Qoran which confirms all the other scriptures before it, so that is the main and important message. How many prophets and when before Qoran is not important.
Thank you sister,
GOD bless you.
Peace.
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Selam Good Logic,
In your post you share (regarding Hud, Saleh, Shuaib, etc): "None of them delivered a Scripture? Thus according to the definition of 2:213 they are not prophets.". So you're saying that 'a prophet' is 'a messenger who delivered a scripture'.
Yet, in the next post you mention Noah, Isaac and Jacob as 'prophets'. If so, then what scripture did they deliver?
Because to my knowledge the only known scriptures are: The scrolls (from Abraham), Tewrat (from Moses), Zabur (from David) Injeel (from Jesus) and Quran (from Muhammad) - peace be upon them all.
Looking forward to brother Joseph's answer if my posts on this subject are correct or not.
God bless you too brother,
Selam
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Peace Seraphina.
Qoran says they brought a scripture? Check surah 6!!!verses 83-86 of Sura 6 we read 18 names, starting with Abraham and ending with Lot, they includeNoah, . Verse 89 confirms that all these 18 were prophets of God:
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Continued ...
Sorry ,posted by mistake!
I was saying verses 83-86 of Sura 6 we read 18 names, starting with Abraham and ending with Lot,which include Noah, Isaac and Jacob. Verse 89 confirms that all these 18 were prophets of God:
6:89
Those were the ones to whom we have given the scripture, wisdom, and prophethood. If these people disbelieve, we will substitute others in their place, and the new people will not be disbelievers.
أُولٰئِكَ الَّذينَ ءاتَينٰهُمُ الكِتٰبَ وَالحُكمَ وَالنُّبُوَّةَ فَإِن يَكفُر بِها هٰؤُلاءِ فَقَد وَكَّلنا بِها قَومًا لَيسوا بِها بِكٰفِرينَ
GOD bless you.
Peace.
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Shalom / peace goodlogic ...>>>can you please answer this very part of Seraphina's question please? you didn't answer it in your post as I would really like to know as well.
If so, then what scripture did they deliver?
Because to my knowledge the only known scriptures are: The scrolls (from Abraham), Tewrat (from Moses), Zabur (from David) Injeel (from Jesus) and Quran (from Muhammad) - peace be upon them all.
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Shalom/peace to you too dear brother/sister Duster,
I'm glad you asked, because I'm waiting for that response too, for a firm, Quran-based response :)
God bless you and brother Good logic as well.
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Shalom / peace seraphina, thank you for replying>>> I asked goodlogic for the time being as he is the one that said what he did about prophets receiving scriptures so I will like him to reply>>>So what scriptures did prophet Noah, Aaron, Lot, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael bring??? I know bro Joseph is very busy so I don't want to keep disturbing him and I'm sure he will respond as well when he feels it is right or has time.
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Greetings Duster.
I can only only answer what is in Qoran:
[Qoran 2:213] The people used to be one community when God sent the prophets as bearers of good news, as well as warners. He sent down with them the book/ Scripture, bearing the truth, to judge among the people in their disputes"
Qoran -Surah 6:83-86- also gives us the names of the prophets and verse 89 clarifies the following:
6:89
Those were the ones to whom we have given the scripture, wisdom, and prophethood. If these people disbelieve, we will substitute others in their place, and the new people will not be disbelievers.
أُولٰئِكَ الَّذينَ ءاتَينٰهُمُ الكِتٰبَ وَالحُكمَ وَالنُّبُوَّةَ فَإِن يَكفُر بِها هٰؤُلاءِ فَقَد وَكَّلنا بِها قَومًا لَيسوا بِها بِكٰفِرينَ
Now if Qoran has not mentioned some of the scriptures , I cannot speculate?
For example was Noah s scripture oral or written? When was the first books published?...etc
So ,if Qoran is saying it is confirming all previous scriptures, then that means it is not important to know who received what scripture?
If Qoran has given what Abraham,David,Soloman,Moses and Jesus were sent with,it does not mean the others did not bring a scripture?
However ,I believe what Qoran says, that these prophets received the book, wisdom and prophethood.
What would the "book" they received mean?
Interesting to hear other views.
GOD bless you and thank you for the question.
Peace.
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Shalom / peace goodlogic.....Sorry, I sometimes get confused with your responses....Why do you put a question mark after your sentence? >>....It becomes confusing as I can't tell if you are asking me the question or making a statement>>>??? So as i understand this.. you are saying that by the Quranic definition - they would have brought some sort of a scripture, but the Quran doesn't mention the names of them...right? If so ...Why then, does it mention some names such as prophet Abraham's scrolls and not others? What scriptures did prophet Abraham's sons Isaac and Ishmel bring?
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Shalom Duster,
Yeah, I am aware of brother Joseph's busy schedule, and that's why I have a deep respect and consideration for him - may God Almighty reward him for finding time to answer us whenever possible for him :)
As regarding the subject, I recall an article I once read in a religious magazine, (but I don't remember the name of the author, sorry, Arabic names and their spellings have always been tough for me), but anyways, the scholar there wrote that The first scripture - )a book with a law to be established - different from Abraham's scrolls) was Torah, and it was given to Moses. Moses had the authority to proclaim the Torah and its laws to people. The prophets that came from Moses until David didn't bring any other scripture, they simply re-brought the Torah to people who went astray from it. So, the Torah was re-given to them to be re-proclaimed to the people. That's what Allah meant when he revealed that We sent Noah, Isaac, Jacob... and to each of them We gave the scripture. They were given the authority to re-proclaim the Torah that people had forsaken. The same happened when David was given the Zabur (Psalms), and when Jesus was given the Injeel (if we accept it as a written book). So, Allah sent prophets in different nations and different times everytime they needed a commander/leader, or went astray from (existing) laws of God. They either re-proclaimed the existing laws or brought a new law that fitted better the circumstances they were in".
Now, I don't know if this view is correct, I don't know if it makes sense (brother Joseph needed to help us on this), but whatever be the truth regarding previous scriptures, I have the Quran that is a confirmer and a continuation of previous laws. The God's laws are still the same ones we find in the Torah, Zabur, Injeel, but Allah made some adjustments that would make it proper for all times until the last day of this world, in difference from previous scriptures that were only for a specific time and circumstance :)
God bless you,
Shalom :)
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Greetings Duster.
I will put a summary here. There will be no question marks.
Qoran says the prophets received the "book", "Wisdom" and prophethood.
Qoran has confirmed names for us that were prophets.
Qoran did not name every scripture that each prophet received.
Qoran gave some examples of scriptures like Abraham the founder of "Islam" ...Moses,Aaron,David ,Solomon... Jesus followers of Abraham s religion"Islam" ,,Mohammed also a follower of Abraham s religion "Islam".
I believe the reason Qoran mentions these scriptures is to clarify that there was only one religion ever sent by GOD "Islam". Time ,places,rules and people may change ,but GOD s religion never changes. One true system for all humanity- Total loyalty and submission to GOD Alone.
Because Qoran confirms all previous scripture. i,e Qoran is sufficient on its own, we do not need to know every other scripture sent before..
GOD bless you.
Peace.
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Shalom / peace goodlogic... thanks for replying.
Qoran did not name every scripture that each prophet received.
Qoran gave some examples of scriptures like Abraham the founder of "Islam" ...Moses,Aaron,David ,Solomon... Jesus followers of Abraham s religion"Islam" ,,Mohammed also a follower of Abraham s religion "Islam".
I believe the reason Qoran mentions these scriptures is to clarify that there was only one religion ever sent by GOD "Islam". Time ,places,rules and people may change ,but GOD s religion never changes.
I can't seem to think that your reasoning is strong enough. I mean ...what separate scripture did prophet Aaron receive???? Are you suggesting that prophet Aaron would have received a separate scripture from prophet Moses according to your understanding? ....and yet>>> the Jews didn't know about this and also the Quran didn't say so? Do you see what I am saying to you? surely if someone is making a claim, they must be able to back it up with evidence and not just give verses...please let me know what you think.thanks>>>
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Shalom/peace brother/sister Duster,
I agree with your last post. I'd like to know (I'm very curious) if you saw my last post, where I mentioned something I once read, but that honestly never knew whether to agree with it or not. I'd like to see if it makes any sense to you. God bless you,
Your sister,
Seraphina
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Greetings Duster.
You said:
I mean ...what separate scripture did prophet Aaron receive???? Are you suggesting that prophet Aaron would have received a separate scripture from prophet Moses according to your understanding?
I have not claimed in any of my posts that Aaron received a separate scripture from Moses? Especially when Qoran says they both received the same scripture. GOD sent them both to Pharoah and "Beni Israeel".
Moses and Aaron received the same Scripture. The Statute book-Furquaan- was given to both Moses and Aaron (37:117 and 21:48).
Qoran says they were both prophets, sent together at the same time and place.
GOD bless you.
Peace.
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Shalom / peace good logic....In that case, Lot was also a prophet. Are you suggesting that prophet Lot was given the suhuf with Prophet Abraham? Why does the Quran only mention the suhuf of Abraham and call him a prophet but does not mention any scripture for Lot?....>>If your definition from the Quran is prophet= someone who brought scripture, then what scripture did Lot bring? From what i remember from the Quran, Lot and Abraham lived in the same time period and were both prophets...>>
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Greetings Duster.
You said:
Are you suggesting that prophet Lot was given the suhuf with Prophet Abraham? Why does the Quran only mention the suhuf of Abraham and call him a prophet but does not mention any scripture for Lot?....>>If your definition from the Quran is prophet= someone who brought scripture, then what scripture did Lot bring? From what i remember from the Quran, Lot and Abraham lived in the same time period and were both prophets...>>
Again, I am not suggesting what you said, neither do I speculate on what Lot has received.
I will clarify for you and others what I said, so that there will be no suggestions, misunderstandings ...!
"Qoran gave us the names of some prophets in surah 6 :83-86- Verse 89 clarifies that they were given a "book", Wisdom" and prophethood, they include Lot. There are also names of other prophets given in other verses - see my posts in this thread-".
Qoran , not me, said they received a "book". If Qoran has not told us which book , I certainly would not be able to tell you or speculate.
Yes Lot ,like the others, received a "book", Qoran has not said which ,so I will not speculate.
What I said is ,since we have Qoran and it confirms the scriptures and is fully detailed... We do not need to know.
I believe Qoran I accept what Qoran says. That is my position on prophets.
GOD bless you.
Peace.
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Dear brother IjazAhmad and the respected readers who have solicited my person opinion,
As-salamu alaykum
In the article that brother Ijaz referenced and shared as reference [1] below, I discussed the aspects of a prophetic ministry. However, please find below a brief elucidation.
(1) A Brief Theological Survey of the Term 'Prophet':
The Quran mentions many prophets by name, that were also known to the followers of the previous scriptures who spoke Arabic, and with whom the Quran also conversed with as part of Prophet Muhammad's ministry.
The Quran would arguably not have invented a new meaning of a word or ‘title’, but presented facts that would have been clearly discernible to that particular audience.
After all, prophets such as Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon would have been clearly recognisable to the Children of Israel. In this regard, not only is the Hebrew 'Nabi' remarkably similar to the Arabic word 'Nabiy' (prophet), the Quran mentions these prophets with narratives which assumes complete familiarity, at least to the Arab speaking Jews and Christians.
For example, it refers to prophets that were slain (2:61; 2:91; 3:21; 3:112; 3:181; 3:183; 4:155; 5:70) which also finds support in the Bible (Matthew 23:37; Luke 11:47-49) and may also be known through their traditions and knowledge at the time. The Quran provides detailed narratives of many Hebrew prophets which equally find support in both the Old and New Testaments.
Therefore, the Arabic word 'Nabiy' and the meaning of such a title would not have been a new concept, but one that those of the previous scriptures readily related to as a reference to their noble patriarchs regardless of whether they agreed with the Quran's claims or not.
(2) As mentioned in the article, the Quran refers to prophets as those who:
- Were given a Book (kitab - 6:89)
- Were given judgment and authority (hukm 6:89; 3:79)
- Were given / granted wisdom (hikma 3:81)
It is important to remember that a Book can consist of inspired writings, thoughts, judgments and wisdom. The Hebrew Tanakh is replete with such writings of the prophets.
Therefore, these aspects of prophethood do not necessarily always need to be seen as distinct but its interrelationship bears considering, at least from a Quran's perspective. For example, Prophet Jesus was given / granted the 'Injeel' which can be argued as 'wisdom' [2] which was later taken down by the testimonies of other writers. However, Prophet Jesus would also have been familiar with the Torah laws and could have quite reasonably been expected to offer his judgment based on these scriptures, which could also find its way into the Injeel as wisdom.
The fact that scriptures have been used by prophets to provide judgment is emphasised in the following verse:
002.213 (part)
"Mankind were one community, and God sent (to them) Prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and revealed with them the Scripture (Arabic: Kitaba) in truth that it might judge between mankind concerning that wherein they differed..."
Therefore, a Book, Judgment and Wisdom can be interlinked and these characteristics should be viewed holistically when referring to prophets. For example, Prophets David and Solomon gave judgement regarding the field (21:78-79). Prophets Moses and Aaron were sent to Pharaoh and the Children of Israel and in one narrative at least, Prophet Aaron was expected to show judgment and authority over his people (20:92-94).
(3) They have the ability to provide prophecy (as part of the wisdom bestowed on them):
The ability to provide prophecies by God's will (a prediction of what will happen in the future), is certainly alluded to by many passages of the Quran. For example, a prophet to the Children of Israel was able provide signs when the Ark would come to them (2:248). Prophet Joseph was able to interpret dreams as indicators of future events. Prophet Jacob similarly was aware of knowledge from God which was not available to others (12:86). Other prophets, including prophet Muhammad were able to provide knowledge of future events in the form of Divine inspirations whether dealing with eschatology or future events within a relatively short period of time (30:3-4). This certainly appears to broaden the remit of 'wisdom' (hikmah) that prophets were granted.
(4) They have Divinely appointed authority over their followers and arguably, greater responsibility than messengers:
As intimated above, prophets are given clear authority and often (if not always) assume leadership roles over their communities. As shared in the article, this can be attested by numerous verses, not least the one below:
008.067
“It is not fitting for a prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he has thoroughly subdued the land. You look for the temporal goods of this world; but God looks to the Hereafter: And God is Exalted in might, Wise”
Such commanding authority can also be seen in many verses where the prophet is urged to fight and strive against wanton transgression (8:65-67), deal with matters of jurisprudence (65:1; 5:42), and even in his own marital relationships, when spoken with authority, Muhammad is referred to as a prophet (33:28). Prophet Muhammad was even given authority to pass judgment over the Children of Israel if he so desired (5:42).
Even God took a covenant 'through' the prophets (3:81) and with their respective people and communities who ratified the covenant. Therefore, each prophet took a covenant with his community, that if a messenger (or messengers) (the singular can be used to denote a generic 'messenger(s)') came to them confirming what was with them, then they would be expected to render him / them help. [3]
Such command and authority is unmistakable when understanding the ambit of a prophetic ministry.
(5) They are bearers of good news / warners:
002:213
"Mankind were one community, and God raised up (unto them) prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and revealed with them the Book with the truth that it might judge between mankind concerning that in what they differed..."
The bearing of 'news' also finds support in the lexical meaning of the word 'Naba' which primarily means a tiding, news or a piece of information, intelligence or announcement (naba) (3:44; 5:27; 6:34)
(6) Prophets are in the main, divinely trained for the office of Prophethood:
Albeit, some prophets were granted wisdom at a very young age (Prophets John -19:12 and Jesus - 19:30), others were trained under God's watchful eye to make them fit for the role of prophethood.
Prophet Moses was given shelter in the house of none other than Pharaoh and was fashioned / formed / reared / trained (Arabic: sana'a) under God's watchful eye (20:39). He endured much hardship and was taught in various ways so that he may grow to understand the Lord's guidance and ways. The teaching imparted by God's servant to Prophet Moses exquisitely captures this in the narratives of verses 18:60-18:82. Prophet Joseph endured much hardship and endured with patience even though he was incarcerated for a crime he did not commit (12:33). Prophet Jonah was tried and even though he fell short of what was required of him when he sought to flee from his people (37:141-143), he was nevertheless restored to another community which believed in him (37:147-148). Prophet David was given might and showed courage when he slew Goliath. God gave him the kingdom and taught him His ways (2:251). At times he was taught powerful lessons as was the case with the litigants that entered his royal chambers (38:21-25). Prophet Abraham pondered deeply over the heavens (6:75-79) and was taught by God to understand his signs (6:75). He endured hardship from his people which strengthened his resolve (21:68-69). Prophet Muhammad arguably, was similarly trained and only achieved prophethood in his later years (10:16).
Therefore, the office of prophethood seems to require God's chosen agents to be prepared for such a mighty task. As mentioned in section (4) above, prophets assume great responsibilities with the authority they are granted.
(7) Inherited scriptures, inspired writings, new scripture and law:
From a Quran's perspective, it can be argued that it is not always necessary that each 'prophet' be given a separate distinguishable / new scripture or that he brings a scripture with new law. This may appear as an unwarranted restriction on the interpretation of 'Being granted / given the Book' and such beliefs are often asserted, but not always demonstrated. At times scriptures can be inherited (waritha) or placed amongst the seed of a community (7:169-170; 5:20; 57:26) and furthermore, judgment, wisdom and authority can become the source of further inspired writings / scriptures.
For example, the Book (2:87) and command (28:44) were given to Prophet Moses on the mount (7:142-145) and not to Prophet Aaron (who remained amongst his people), but they are both considered as prophets by the Quran as Prophet Aaron would have also received the Scripture and Law by proxy from Prophet Moses. However, (more importantly) they both (collectively) exercised authority and judgment by Divine command. They also made use of the Book as a criterion (to judge) (21:48). Hence they are referred to as 'prophets'.
Prophet Zachariah and John would have also inherited the many scriptures that preceded them including the Torah given to Prophets Moses and Aaron. Prophets Ishmael and Isaac would have arguably inherited the scriptures (suhuf) from their father Abraham (87:18) and in Prophet Isaac's case, one would reasonably expect his father’s teachings / suhuf to have passed down to Prophet Jacob. However, even though Prophet Jacob would have been reasonably expected to pass wisdom and the teachings of the scripture to his sons, only Joseph is referred to as a prophet. Here once again, the element of authority and judgment is what possibly distinguishes Joseph from his other brothers and not simply him having received a separate scripture. Such 'inheritance' or passing down of scriptures (waritha) is not unknown to the Quran. This can be attested from verses such as 7:169-170 and 57:26. The Psalms of David as inspired writings (zabur) (4:163; 17:55) include hymns as songs of praise for God (34:10), lamentations both communal and personal, and matters dealing with specific incidents as a reminder (54:52). It would be inconceivable that Prophet David's Psalms would not have passed to Prophet Solomon, his son.
It is also not necessary that the prophets write Scripture with their own hands. Certainly from a Quran's perspective, human scribes fulfilled this noble task (80.13-16), but the inspiration was directly communicated by the prophet under his watchful eye. [4].
As noted above as in the case of Prophet Jesus, such inspired prophetic wisdom can also be taken down by later writers as in the case of the Gospels which is later read as Scriptures by its adherents. Certainly the Gospels that were being read by the Christian communities or the Torah being read by the Jewish communities at the time of Prophet Muhammad's ministry and with whom he came in contact, were not reading Books written by Prophet Jesus's own hands or Prophet Moses' (5:68).
However, it is the aspect of 'judgment' and 'authority' along with wisdom, which is often overlooked when understanding the term 'prophet' (Nabiy) from a Quran's perspective.
Finally, the Quran alludes to many prophets having been sent (e.g. 3:146; 4:163-164), but does not provide a particular number or names of all the prophets. This is not deemed as important from a Quranic perspective.
I hope this clarifies, God willing
Joseph
REFERENCES:
[1] END OF PROPHETHOOD - CONTINUATION OF MESSENGERS?
http://quransmessage.com/articles/end%20of%20prophethood%20FM3.htm
[2] WHAT IS THE INJEEL?
http://quransmessage.com/articles/injeel%20FM3.htm
[3] IS VERSE 3:81 A REFERENCE TO ANY PARTICULAR MESSENGER?
http://quransmessage.com/articles/3-81%20FM3.htm
[4] THE COMPILATION OF THE QURAN
http://quransmessage.com/articles/the%20compilation%20of%20the%20quran%20FM3.htm
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Shalom / peace brother Joseph ...>>> Thanks so much for such a detailed explanation!! really is insightful.
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Peace be with you dear br. Joseph!
Thank you so much for a detailed explanation :) - Thank you everyone for giving me an answer! :)
Regards,
Ijaz, A.
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Peace be with you all, especially brother Joseph,
Thank you so much for taking time to give us this beautifully explained answer! I'm so glad especially regarding the section 7 of your answer, (where you explain that not every prophet received a scripture of his own). The conclusions you share there are nearly the same ones I had reached, and your answer helped me to define them. I'm so happy I'm learning so many things so fast. May God bless you along with brothers Good logic and Duster :)
Your sister,
Seraphina
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Salamun Alaykum,
Br. Joseph,
Mashallah, yet again very thoroughly researched piece of work. Simply amazing!
Just one thing that caught me by little surprise when you said (emphasis mine):
Other prophets, including prophet Muhammad were able to provide knowledge of future events in the form of Divine inspirations whether dealing with eschatology or future events within a relatively short period of time (30:3-4)
Isn't the entire Quran a reminder for a dreadful Day to come eons after the departure of the ProphetSAS? If I'm not wrong your stand on "Splitting of the Moon" is also a future event which hasn't happened yet (1400+ years and counting after the prophecy was made) - how do you then reconcile when you restrict the prophecy to within few years only? Just curious if I miss something or misread your assertion completely?
Thanks for your valuable time!
May Allah swt bless your Imaan to perfection!
~ Student
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Salamun Alaykum,
Br. Joseph,
Mashallah, yet again very thoroughly researched piece of work. Simply amazing!
Just one thing that caught me by little surprise when you said (emphasis mine):
Other prophets, including prophet Muhammad were able to provide knowledge of future events in the form of Divine inspirations whether dealing with eschatology or future events within a relatively short period of time (30:3-4)
Isn't the entire Quran a reminder for a dreadful Day to come eons after the departure of the ProphetSAS? If I'm not wrong your stand on "Splitting of the Moon" is also a future event which hasn't happened yet (1400+ years and counting after the prophecy was made) - how do you then reconcile when you restrict the prophecy to within few years only? Just curious if I miss something or misread your assertion completely?
Thanks for your valuable time!
May Allah swt bless your Imaan to perfection!
~ Student
Dear Student,
As-salamu alaykum
I dealt with that in the same sentence when I mentioned 'eschatology'.
I trust that clarifies, God willing.
Regards
Joseph