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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Theological Instructions LESSON TWENTY-SEVEN: MIRACLES Ways of proving prophecy The third fundamental point in the section about prophecy is to establish how the honesty of the true prophets (a) and the dishonesty of the false prophets are verified.

If a person is a wrong doer, or commits sins whose disgracefulness can be distinguished by wisdom, he cannot then be trusted, and his honesty can be falsified by referring to the requisites of the prophets’ chastity. Such false claims can also be rejected if they are against wisdom or man’s intrinsic nature, or if there are contradictions in them.

Nevertheless, it is possible that a persons clean record of life maybe so, that impartial people trust his claim, especially if his claims are in agreement with wisdom. Moreover, it is also possible that a person’s prophecy maybe approved through the predictions made by previous prophets. In such cases those who search for the truth will have no doubt in accepting him as a Prophet.

However, if the people are left with no trustworthy indications, and there have been no predictions or approvals by previous prophets, there would be a need for additional proof before first accepting a person as a legitimate Prophet. Almighty God on the basis of His absolute wisdom, has provided the evidence by giving His prophets the miracles, which are signs to their true claims. God refers to these as ‘evidences’ (āyāt).

The term ‘evidence,’ has other implications as well; for instance it may refer to God’s Knowledge, Power, and Wisdom presented in all the usual and unusual aspects of creation. To summarise, the veracity of the claims of the prophets can be verified in three ways: Through reliable signs, such as honesty and truth, and by having no deviation from the path of God and justice during their life.

However, this way of distinguishing the prophets is applicable to those who have lived among people for several years and their way of life is known to the society. Whereas if for example, a Prophet is appointed by God in his early youth or the people know very little about his personality or way of life, such clues cannot be helpful in recognising the person’s honesty in his claim. Through introduction by the previous or contemporary prophets.

This is relevant to the people who have distinguished the previous Prophet and are aware of his prediction. This however is obviously not applicable to the first Prophet.