The Need for Messengers

Through historical evidence, we know that all of humankind began as one nation, living in one area. But as our numbers increased, we began spreading into different areas. God, the Exalted, says: “And mankind was not but one community [united in religion], but [then] they differed. And if not for a word that preceded from your Rubb, it would have been judged between them [immediately] concerning that over which they differ.” (Qur’an 10:19)

The result of moving to different regions of the world led to the formation of traditions and languages that differentiate us from one another today. As creation spread out, God sent to each group of people a prophet to remind them of the message of the belief in the Oneness of God.

Indeed, God is merciful. He would never punish a people, except after sending a prophet to clarify the message to them. The Prophets and Messengers warned their people from going astray. No nation of the past was ever left without a warner. God, the Exalted, says: “Indeed, We have sent you with the truth as a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And there was no nation but that there had passed within it a warner.” (Qur’an 35:24)

Allah would send Prophets and Messengers to bring people back to the message of Tawheed. God, the Exalted, says: “And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship Allah and avoid Taghut. " And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers.” (Qur’an 16:36)

Allah sent these Prophets and Messengers so that no nation would have any plea against what God ordains on them in the Hereafter. God, the Exalted, says: “[We sent] messengers as bringers of good tidings and warners so that mankind will have no argument against Allah after the messengers. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Qur’an 4:165)

All Prophets and Messengers were human beings. They did not hold any god-like characteristics or superhuman abilities. God aided them with miracles. God, the Exalted, says: “And We did not send before you, [O Muhammad], any of the messengers except that they ate food and walked in the markets. And We have made some of you [people] as trial for others - will you have patience? And ever is your Lord, Seeing.” (Qur’an 25:20)

Allah clarifies this to ensure that no one would have a doubt about their nature. God, the Almighty, says: “And We have already sent messengers before you and assigned to them wives and descendants. And it was not for a messenger to come with a sign except by permission of Allah. For every term is a decree.” (Qur’an 13:38)

The Prophets and Messengers had no power to control the affairs of the universe. They had no power over their own protection. God, the Exalted, says, regarding the Prophets and Messengers: “Say, "I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allah has willed. And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me. I am not except a warner and a bringer of good tidings to a people who believe."” (Qur’an 7:188)

The Wisdom of God in Choosing His Prophets and Messengers

The Message and prophethood is a divine gift, which God gives to whomever He pleases. It is not given to one on account of their lineage, authority or position in society. God, the Exalted, says: Allah chooses from the angels messengers and from the people. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing.(Qur’an 22:75)