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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islam the Religion of Mankind Evaluation of the Divine Messages Where do the Messages Meet ".... and it is not in (the power of) an apostle to bring a portent save by Allah's leave; for everything there is a time prescribed.

Allah effaces and establishes what He pleases, and with Him is the source of the Book." Sura Ra'd (13:38&39) It is quite clear from the above verses of the Qur'an that Allah has the power and authority to efface, abrogate and change the divine laws according to what He thinks is best suited for a particular period and era as also the stage of human development.

However these changes are only legislative in nature, and are firmly based on the unwavering fundamental principles, which are quite remarkably the same in all messages preached by all the prophets.

In other words the messages and laws advocated by the prophets and apostles throughout the course of history were based on the same principles, foundations and aims, though they differed in certain secondary points concerning certain legislations and duties, which were time-bound, depending upon the particular period of human history.

In order to clearly distinguish between the points where these messages and laws part and meet along the line of this unified religion - Islam - whose principles and foundations never change and are constant, it is necessary to trace back the aims of the divine messages, and to recognize the core of their call and the content of their structure, as related in the glorious Qur'an, and examplified by the lives and teachings of the prophets.

Principles Common in All Messages All the messages have a common belief which is the major basis on which the entire structure of religion, as well as man's concepts and general thoughts about the universe and life are built.

The concept of the Oneness of Allah - monotheism - and the belief in His messengers, angels, scriptures, and the hereafter, is the meeting point around which the messages preached by the prophets gather - there was no prophet who had not called for believing in Allah, in worshipping Him and accepting His Oneness; and who had not announced reward and forewarned punishment.

The glorious Qur'an confirms this fact and relates several examples of the actual words and calls of the prophets addressed to their peoples, some of which are cited below: "... and the Messiah said: O Children of Israel! serve Allah, my Lord and your Lord ...