Thus some people receive guidance (faith) by Allah’s tawfiq...

Thus some people receive guidance (faith) by Allah’s tawfiq (guidance) and some do not achieve guidance.” It is narrated in an authentic report that Ibn al-Sikkit asked Imam al-Ridha or Imam ‘Ali al-Naqi why Allah sent Musa[^1] (Prophet Moses) with a luminous arm, the Staff and other things to counter magic, ‘Isa (Prophet Jesus) with a miracle resembling medical cure and Muhammad al-Mustafa (the Chosen) with an eloquent speech and learned dialogue.

Imam replied: “Magic was the prevailing science during the time of Musa. Musa brought miracles resembling magic but much more powerful. Musa nullified their magic with his miracles and exhausted the arguments on them. During the time of ‘Isa, there were widespread diseases and epidemics. ‘Isa brought the miracle that the doctors of his time could not match and performed feats that astounded his contemporaries like bringing the dead to life and curing lepers.

Through these miracles, ‘Isa completed the proof. The people, in spite of their expertise in medical science, failed to fathom the secret of ‘Isa’s miracles. Muhammad al-Mustafa was sent in an age of literary advancement and eloquent poetry. People of this age prided themselves upon their speech and poetry. The Holy Prophet brought the book of Allah, teachings and the religious law. Through these, he nullified the words of those people.

The people were unable to counter the miracle of the Holy Prophet. The argument was exhausted for them in this manner.” Ibn al-Sikkit says that I had never heard such beneficial words before. Then he asked, “Who is the hujjah (proof) on the creatures during the present time.” Imam told him: “Allah has provided you with intellect and you can distinguish between one who is truthful with regard to Allah and those who ascribe lies to Him.” Ibn al-Sikkit says, “By Allah!

This is correct.” Number of Prophets and their (Awsiya’), Meaning of Nabi (Prophet) and Rasul (Messenger) and Number of Divinely Revealed Books. Authentic chains of reporters mention from Imam al-Ridha and Imam Zayn al-‘abidin that the Messenger of Allah said: “The Almighty Allah created 124000 Prophets and I am the most honored one before Allah. However, I do not pride myself upon it.

And He created 124000 , among whom ‘Ali is the most exalted.” A reliable tradition of Imam Ja‘far as-Sadiq states that Abu-Dharr asked the Holy Prophet the number of Prophets sent by the Almighty.