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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Rationality of Islam Guides of Humanity It is obvious that traversing this path requires guides who with their extra-ordinary knowledge and piety may guide all and may set an example for them to follow. Human knowledge and intelligence being limited, it is quite likely that we may make a mistake in determining what is in our interest and what way leads to our eternal happiness.

Hence there must be some persons, who, because of their communion with the metaphysical world. are in position to find the right path and show that to others. That is why, we say that it is not conceivable that the All wise and Rational Allah would leave us in darkness. His limitless benevolence demands that He, through His chosen prophets, themselves human beings, puts necessary laws and programs at the disposal of mankind.

Prophets are the chosen and distinguished person who get in contact with Allah, find out the truth and communicate it to the people. This contact is called revelation. It is a special kind of contact between a prophet and Allah. A Prophet with his inner eyes sees the mysteries of the universe, and with the ears of his heart listens to divine calls and conveys them to the people.

Prophets are Infallible Prophets must not commit any sins, errors or mistakes; otherwise they cannot be fully relied upon in the performance of their mission. They should be rendered by Allah immune from sins and mistakes, so that people may repose cent percent confidence in them. If they be liable to commit sins and mistakes, they cannot be a mode and example for others, nor can their acts, sayings and ideas become a source of a code of conduct to be followed.

This immunity from sins and mistakes is called Ismat (infallibility), and those who possess it are called Ma'asum (infallible). Number of Prophets Traditions tell us that for the guidance of people Allah has sent about 1,24,000 prophets, first of them being Adam and the last Muhammad (S) son of Abdullah. Prophets are divided into two groups. Some received revelation, but were not charged with the mission of propagation. Others had such a mission.

Some of the latter group did not have a distinct code of laws of their own, but spread the laws of another prophet. It has also happened that at the same time there were several prophets, carrying out their functions in different countries or different cities and towns. The most outstanding prophets who brought independent codes of law were five.