Islamic beliefs and teachings Study Guide

Prophethood (Nubuwwah) and Risalah (Messengership) are fundamental concepts in Islam, crucial for understanding God's relationship with humanity. Islam teaches that Allah communicates His guidance to humankind through prophets. These individuals are specially chosen by Allah to deliver His messages, laws, and teachings to people. They serve as exemplars, demonstrating how to live a life in accordance with divine will.

Risalah specifically refers to the message itself, or the mission of a prophet to convey that message. Every prophet receives a form of revelation from Allah, which can be in various forms, such as direct inspiration, visions, or through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). The purpose of Risalah is to remind humanity of their Creator, guide them to righteous living, establish justice, and teach them about the afterlife. Prophets are not divine themselves but are human beings endowed with exceptional moral character and wisdom, immune from major sins.

Muslims believe that there have been a vast number of prophets throughout history, with some sources suggesting up to 124,000. While many are unmentioned, 25 specific prophets are named in the Qur'an. Of these, six are considered 'Messengers' (Rasul), who brought new holy books or laws: Adam, Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is regarded as the Seal of the Prophets, meaning he is the last in this long line, and no prophet will come after him. His Risalah, the Qur'an, is considered the final and complete revelation for all time.

Understanding Prophethood and Risalah helps Muslims comprehend the continuity of divine guidance, the importance of submitting to Allah's will, and the role models provided by these divinely appointed individuals. It highlights the belief that Allah does not abandon humanity but consistently provides guidance through His chosen messengers.

In many religious traditions, angels (or Malaikah in Islam) are spiritual beings created by a divine being to act as messengers, guardians, and servants. They are typically depicted as being purely spiritual, lacking physical bodies, though they can sometimes manifest in human form. Their primary role often involves carrying out the will of God, delivering messages to humanity, and interceding on behalf of believers. In some religions, angels are organised into hierarchies, with different ranks and responsibilities. They are generally believed to be morally pure, obedient, and without free will in the human sense, always fulfilling their divine purpose. Understanding angels is crucial for comprehending the concept of divine communication, intervention, and the spiritual realm in various faiths, highlighting the relationship between the divine and the mortal world. Their existence serves to affirm the transcendent nature of God and His active involvement in creation.