ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islam the Religion of Mankind The Tidings of the Prophets Regarding Muhammad In the previous chapters we discussed that the grand messages of the prophets invited mankind towards the Universal Religion called Islam; which means submission and surrender to the commands of the Creator, Allah. Islam, which guided humanity in its stages of development and promises salvation in the hereafter.

Islam which was preached by such great prophets as Abraham, Moses, Jesus (peace be upon them) and several others, scattered across the face of the earth, reached its climax with its final and most scientific message, the Holy Qur'an, which was revealed to its greatest Prophet, Muhammad (s.a.w.).

This last final call or set of legislations was to supersede all previous messages, since it is the most advanced version, equipped to serve mankind and its scientific and technological progress till Doomsday. In other words the previous messages were preparatory steps and paving measures to groom mankind intellectually for the great task of shouldering this perfect message, and believing sincerely in it.

Therefore it was natural for the carriers of previous messages, Moses and Jesus (a.s.), to direct their followers to await this great revelation, and whole-heartedly accept its invitation by believing in the Seal Of the prophets, Muhammad (s.a.w). as after him neither there will be a messenger nor a message.

The sacred scriptures which contained many passages, indicating the coming of this great Prophet, exhorted their followers to await the auspicious event and gather under Muhammad's (s.a.w.) banner when he appears. Despite the havoc wrought on the Torah and the Gospel by the rabbis and the priests, fragments remained in these very books, heralding the great Reformer. The Jews eagerly awaited the coming of a prophet promised by God to deliver and guide mankind.

They even wrote books describing the signs of his appearance. Jews living in 'Yathreb' and other parts of Arabia and constantly embroiled with the idol worshipping pagan Arab tribes of Aws and the Khazraj, 3 used to declare that as soon as the promised one will appear in this very land, he will put an end to the evil practices of these Arabs.