ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Theological Instructions LESSON THIRTY-FOUR: ISLAM IS UNIVERSAL AND ETERNAL Introduction So far it has been clearly understood that the belief in all prophets and acceptance of their message is a necessity and the rejection of a Prophet or of a message from a Prophet is paramount to rejecting the Divine legislative lordship.

On this basis, once the prophecy of the Prophet of Islam (s) has been proven, it is necessary to believe in him and in the revelation he brought, and to accept the messages and rules delivered by him, from God the Supreme. However the belief in all prophets (a) and their books does not imply that one has to comply with all their sacred laws. Although we may believe in the previous prophets and their messages, this does not obligate the implementation of all their laws.

It is the responsibility of every nation to follow and apply the laws ordained to them by the Prophet of their time. Hence the application of the sacred law of Islam for all of men would only be established when the prophecy of the Prophet of Islam (s) was not particularised to the Arabs. In addition to this, it is necessary the no Prophet appears after the Prophet of Islam (s) who could bring abrogating laws. In other words Islam has to be universal and eternal.

It is here necessary to discuss as to whether the Prophet of Islam (s) was particularly assigned to the Arabs and for a limited time, or whether he is indeed a universal Prophet for all time. It is quite clear that this issue cannot be investigated by pure intellect (‘aql), however one has to consider the techniques used for the establishment of history and narration sciences (al-‘ulūm al-naqliyyah), meaning that one must refer to documents, facts and evidence.

Moreover one who has arrived with certainty upon the legitimacy of the Noble Qur’an and the infallibility of the Prophet of Islam (s) will without doubt find the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet (s) the most reliable source. The universality of Islam The universality of the religion of Islam is the most essential element of this Divine religion. Even those who do not believe in Islam are aware that the faith is perpetual and not limited to any geographical location or race.