Comparative Insights from the Bible and Torah
The concept of prophecy and divinely guided leaders holds significance in the Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. However, the Quran, Bible, and Torah each approach the idea of prophecy, its finality, and its eschatological role differently. By comparing the role of prophets, eschatological figures, and leaders in the Bible and Torah with the doctrine of the finality of prophethood in Islam, we gain valuable insights into the foundations and boundaries of leadership in these traditions. This section explores how Islamic teachings on the finality of prophethood contrast with interpretations of prophecy in the Bible and Torah, and how these distinctions impact the claims of the "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" (ARPL) concerning Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem.
A. The Concept of Prophethood in the Torah
The Role of Prophets in the Jewish Tradition
In Judaism, prophets are seen as chosen individuals who communicate God's will to the people of Israel. The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) includes several prophets, such as Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, each playing distinct roles in guiding the Israelites, warning them of God's judgment, and calling them to repentance. However, the Torah also implies a limitation on the prophetic institution.
ننَنَّاً اللّهُ يَقِيمًي نَّبِّيَاتةة دِينكوك بينِّ فَّّّّاحُبُك فَُة احّّكامُّ بمةسّدبهنّبة ائلأّبِنك
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.”
📔 Deuteronomy 18:15This lack of a continuous line of prophets beyond the Tanakh implies that prophecy is not an ongoing phenomenon in Jewish tradition, contrasting with ARPL's claim of a new leader with unique divine guidance.
B. Prophethood and Messianic Expectations in Christianity
Prophets and the Role of Jesus in Christian Theology
In Christianity, prophecy and eschatology are fulfilled through Jesus Christ, viewed as both the final prophet and the Messiah. Christians generally do not expect another prophet after Jesus, as his role is seen as the fulfillment of prior prophecies.
لافهاكولَاامفههزفهمنة
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
📔 Matthew 5:17This statement reinforces the belief that Jesus' mission is the culmination of previous prophetic messages. The ARPL's claims regarding Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem do not align with this Christian view of final prophecy and fulfillment.
C. Islamic Perspective: Finality of Prophethood and Unity of Message
The Quranic Seal of Prophethood and Its Protective Function
The Quran affirms the finality of prophethood with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Surah Al-Ahzab:
مُحَمًدًا مَا كَانَ أَبَائِكُمُ مُنِ رَجُلاً وَلَكَنَ رَسُولًا لَكُمُ وَخِاتَّمًا النُبُيَنُ
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”
📔 Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40)This "Seal of the Prophets" signifies that no prophet will come after Muhammad (PBUH), ensuring all future guidance comes solely through the Quran and Sunnah.
D. Conclusion: The Finality of Prophethood as a Unifying Doctrine in Abrahamic Faiths
The doctrine of finality in prophethood, while distinct in each Abrahamic tradition, serves as a unifying theme that emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of each faith's teachings. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam prevent the emergence of self-proclaimed prophets or figures who might claim authority over the faithful.
The "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" (ARPL), by elevating Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem to a unique role, diverges from this Abrahamic norm. Their claims not only contradict the Islamic doctrine of finality but also depart from the shared understanding of prophecy within the Bible and Torah.