Prophets and their common characteristics

"And who believe in the Revelation sent to you (Muhammad), and sent down before you, and they believe with certainty in the Resurrection." (Qur'an, 2:4)

God created and ordered the Universe in perfect harmony with his infinite Knowledge and Power. The mind-boggling detail and delicate interconnectedness-of all parts of creation and the grand scale of all existence shows that the one who created all this has infinite knowledge. It is natural that anyone who has knowledge speaks when issues in which the speaker has expertise are raised. Since God Almighty is concerned with the whole creation and he has infinite knowledge He will surely speak. When God speaks, He will surely speak to conscious beings that are also able to speak. God will speak to mankind, as man has the most complete and balanced composition, capacity and faculties among conscious creation. Within mankind, he will surely speak to the one most worthy of the Divine conversation and the one who has the most perfect composition and capacity to represent the Divine message. He will surely select those who belong to the golden generations of Prophets.

Muslims believe in all prophets sent to humanity since first prophet Adam to last prophet, Muhammad. In human history, thousands of prophets were sent to all nations at appropriate time intervals. Prophet Muhammad said that more than one hundred thousand prophets were sent to humanity. Among the 25 mentioned in the Qur'an, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad are among the most notable. However, Prophet Muhammad never saw himself to be above other prophets. He said, "do not see me above my brother Jonah".

No Muslim can stay a Muslim if he rejects any one of the Prophets. And no Muslim is a Muslim if he rejects Jesus. The Qur'an talks about Jesus in exultant language, "Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, was an apostle of God, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him. So believe in God and His apostles..." (4:171)

The Qur'an states that the primary message of all prophets was belief in one God and His sole worship. This is indicated in the verse, "We sent Noah to his people. He said: "O my people! Worship God. Have no other god but Him..." (7:59). Another important role for prophets was as role models for humanity to emulate. They showed in their own selves what was humanly possible in faith, submission and spiritual development. As Muslims know the life of Muhammad in more detail than any other previous prophets and since essentially the general character of all true prophets is the same, Muslims naturally follow the example of Prophet Muhammad. The Qur'an encourages Muslims to follow his example (33:21). Respecting Muhammad as an example covers the complete set of behaviours (ethics) a person could require in life. Muhammad also said that he was sent "to perfect the best of morality and character (ethics)". There are volumes of authentic reports in regards to Muhammad's words, actions and approvals, which sincere Muslims try to emulate today. Because Islam is seen as a way of life, guidance is sought in every aspect of a Muslim's life.

Carrying out the job of a prophet is perhaps the most difficult job there is. The Qur'an describes the following characteristics of prophethood:

• The prophets depended on Revelation and submitted themselves wholly to God. Although they were highly intelligent, they did not invent or fabricate anything. They did not fear anyone or any other power other than God.
• The prophets were truthful and trustworthy. Prophets were inviting people to believe in a radically different yet simple metaphysical reality and asked people to forsake their old, invalid belief systems that were complicated by human interpretation and innovation. For this reason, they had to be absolutely truthful and trustworthy so that people would believe their word and testimony.
• Prophets asked for no wages for their work inviting people to the way of God. If they did ask any reward or wage of any sort, people would have doubted their motives and intentions.
• The prophets always communicated the message of God without distortion. Error-free transmission of God's message to the masses is of paramount importance. Prophets were meticulous in this respect and under Divine protection and warning.
• The prophets were sincere in every action. Prophets did their duty for God alone. Some prophets did not even have two followers, but they still carried out their duty regardless. When they had thousands of followers, they did not spoil their submission to God.
• Prophets called people with wisdom and kindness. Prophets never forced people into belief. Their approach was to invite people to faith with persuasive reasoning and evidence and leave it up to individual's freedom of choice to make the final decision.
• All prophets called humanity to the existence and unity of God as a primary message. Although application of religious practice changed according to the time period, the primary message of prophets to call people into monotheism has never changed.
• The prophets are infallible and highly intellectual. Prophets had to be on the pinnacle of moral conduct and free from sin so that people could fully trust them and accept them as role models. The job of a prophet is the hardest job of all. Hence, a prophet has to be highly intelligent to manage the intricate affairs of the office of prophethood and find the best ways to pass on God's message to the masses.
• Being the appointed officers of God on earth, all prophets were supported by Divine miracles¹⁰. All prophets performed miracles according to the dominant issue of the time period and nation that they lived in. For example, Jesus mostly showed miracles to do with healing the sick as deadly epidemics were the common issue of his times.

[10] A miracle is defined as paranormal events, which were exhibited by God temporarily altering His laws of creation (known as natural laws) upon the need and plea of a prophet. Miracles help break the stubbornness of nonbelievers and strengthen the faith of believers. For the immediate audience of the prophet, they are also powerful signs of authentic authority legitimising the messenger to be true prophet of God.