57.25

[chadiga]

Salamu Aleikum
 
ihave a Question on the verse 57.25
According to the article by Joseph are all prophets are messengers,  but not all messengers are prophets, since the latter have received a written scripture, but the former only confirm it.
But how does this verse fit into this picture?

57.25 We have sent our messengers with clear proofs, and we sent down with them the book and the balance, that the people may uphold justice. we sent down the iron Wherein there is great strength, and many benefits for the people. So that God would distinguish those who would support him and his messengers on acknowledgement. God is Powerful, Noble.
Here it seems clear that God sends His Messengers with proofs, Books and Hukma.This would say, that messengers get a script.
 
Salam

[Joseph Islam]

Salamun Alikum sister Chadiga,

6:89 is clear what Prophets are given.

57:25 is clearly referencing those messengers that were given scripture. (i.e. Prophet-messengers not 'messengers') This is also clear by context. If one reads 57:27, the context of the type of 'messengers' is elaborated by the example given of Prophet Jesus (pbuh) who was also a Prophet-messenger. This context clearly informs the reader that the reference in 57:25 is messengers who were prophets. Also, the very next verse 57:26, elaborates the context by mentioning prophethood being established through the offspring (dhurriyati) of Prophet's Noah and Abraham (pbut).

So all Prophets by default are messengers and this would not stand in contradiction to verse 57:25. 

Now if we take the traditional position, we have not one, not two but a plethora of issues. How is the traditional position going to answer the following contentions as clear 'bayyin'?

• The correlation of Prophethood and Scripture - 6:89, 2:213, 3:79 and 3:81
• That 7:35 clearly talks about the continuation of messengers. Whenever 'Bani Adam' is addressed in this manner in the Quran, the message is generic and not time bound.
• The continuation of guidance is mentioned in 2:38, 20:123
• No nation is left without a messenger (10:47) and for every people there will be a guide (13:7, 39:71). It would incredulous to assert that no new nation has ever arisen anywhere in the world since the death of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
• The role of a messenger is clearly elucidated in 6:48 - ""We send the messengers only / except (Arabic: illa) to give good news and to warn: so those who believe and mend (their lives), upon them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve". This would be the perfect place to expect the inclusion of scripture or to establish shariah laws.
• Who were the messengers (plural) during the ministry of Prophet Muhammad - 23:51-52?
• How will the traditional position reconcile Gods decree for the present and the future with regards messengers prevailing - 58:21?
• That prophets have greater responsibility and not just to deliver a message - 8:67?
• Saleh and Hud are mentioned as messengers in the Quran and never as 'Nabi'. Even in the long list provided by Surah Anaam (Chapter 6) where a number of 'Nabi's' are mentioned, the names 'Saleh' and 'Hud' are absent. If the traditional position is to be accepted by way of the definition of 'rasul', what scriptures did both Saleh and Hud (pbut) bring with them and if so, why are they not mentioned?

In my humble opinion, 57:25 is a lot simpler to reconcile with the Quran than the contentions raised above which would clash with the traditional understanding.

I hope that helps, God willing.

Regards,
Joseph.

[chadiga]

Salamu Aleikum brother


I did not want to say with my post that I disagree with your definition of Rasul and Nabi. I just could not explain the whole verse and wanted to hear your opinion and explanation.
However, I have on this subject questions and things not clear, but I must arrange and put them in a logical readable form.Maschi?
 

[Joseph Islam]

Salamun Alaikum Chadiga,

No problem, I understand