The belief in Khatm-e-Nubuwwat (Finality of Prophethood) is among the most essential doctrines in Islam. It asserts that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the Final Prophet sent by Allah, and no new Prophet can come after Him, in any form or capacity. Sadly, in today’s world, this vital belief is often undermined or distorted, particularly among the younger generation, by presenting half-truths under the guise of unity and tolerance.
Some self-proclaimed scholars even claim that Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) is the only fundamental belief required for salvation, and that a person can attain Heaven even without believing in the Finality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Such views are not only misleading but also backed by certain controversial religious opinions and pose a serious threat to the unity and authenticity of the Muslim Ummah.
The Theological Foundation of Finality of Prophethood
To deny the Finality of Prophethood implies that the door of prophethood remains open, and theoretically, a new prophet could appear in any era. If accepted, this would mean that the obedience and spiritual authority of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is restricted to a limited timeframe, after which a new prophet could supersede Him. This would directly contradict the universal and eternal role given to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Allah Himself.
Historically, Prophets came in succession. Prophet Musa (Moses) (A.S) was followed by many Prophets, and eventually by Prophet Isa (Jesus) (A.S). However, with the advent of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the obedience to all previous Prophets came to an end, and obedience to Him (PBUH) became obligatory until the Day of Judgment.
Finality of Prophethood: A Divine Decree, Not a Juristic Opinion
This doctrine is not a matter of scholarly interpretation or juristic debate. It is a divinely ordained reality, as explicitly mentioned in the Quran:
“Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but He is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:40)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has been designated as “Khatam-un-Nabiyyin”, the Seal of the Prophets. Denying this is equivalent to undermining the truth of Allah’s revelation, and such denial is not a trivial matter, but a fundamental rejection of Islam’s core. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to Hazrat Umar (R.A)
“If Moses (peace be upon him) were alive, he would have had no choice but to follow me.”
Reference:
This statement is narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA) and recorded in Musnad Ahmad (Hadith no. 14631). It is also found in other collections such as Sunan al-Darimi.
This hadith is a clear and profound affirmation of the Finality of Prophethood, emphasizing that even a former prophet like Musa (A.S), if alive during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would be bound to follow the Shariah of the Final Messenger (PBUH).
The Example of Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A)
The seriousness of this belief can be observed in the decisive action of Caliph Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A) against Musaylimah Kadhdhab (the Liar), who falsely claimed prophethood. Abu Bakr (R.A) mobilized an army to combat this claim, considering it a rebellion against the very foundation of Islam. Supporting a false prophet was equivalent to rejecting the status of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a crime that the earliest companions would never tolerate.
The Qadiani Controversy: A Modern-Day Denial
Today, the Ahmadiyya (Qadiani) movement, which emerged under the leadership of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani, poses a similar challenge. Although they claim to be Muslims, their belief in the continued arrival of prophets and the prophethood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani directly contradicts the Finality of Prophethood.
One glaring example of their deviance is this: If a non-Muslim embraces Islam by accepting the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), but does not accept Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani as a prophet, he is still considered a Muslim by mainstream Islam. However, the Qadianis consider him an infidel, revealing that their primary allegiance is to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, not Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This effectively places Mirza above the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and is a direct violation of the central Islamic creed.
Consequences of Compromising the Finality of Prophethood
If this belief is diluted, the unity of the Muslim Ummah will be shattered, and the Shariah will lose its finality and universality. Islam will become susceptible to constant alteration, as each new claimant to prophethood may introduce changes. That is why the Finality of Prophethood safeguards the authenticity of Islam.
When Allah Himself has declared the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH) as final, no one else has the right to alter this divine decree.
Is Tawheed Alone Enough?
Some argue that believing only in Tawheed (Oneness of God) is enough for salvation. But the Quran is clear that faith in all the Prophets of Allah is equally essential:
“Indeed, those who disbelieve in Allah and His messengers and wish to make a distinction between Allah and His messengers, saying, ‘We believe in some and disbelieve in others,’ and wish to adopt a way in between those are the disbelievers, truly.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:150-151)
Thus, belief in Allah is incomplete without belief in all of His Prophets, especially the Final one, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Selective belief in Prophets is a form of spiritual hypocrisy and is explicitly condemned by the Quran.
Conclusion: A Belief That Defines Islam
The belief in the (Khatm-e-Nabuwwat) Finality of Prophethood is the cornerstone of Islamic faith. Without it, there is no completeness in religion, no protection of belief, and no unity in the Ummah. Any individual or movement that denies this belief, whether through open rejection or subtle reinterpretation, stands outside the fold of Islam.
Whether it’s the Qadiani fitnah or any future heretical claim, the Muslim Ummah must remain vigilant and consider the preservation of this belief a collective religious and moral responsibility. Let us stand firm on this foundational truth and educate the next generation about its unmatched significance.
