The Line of Prophets A Continuation of the Message

 Muhammad (The Final Messenger) – The Seal of the Prophets

According to Islamic belief, the line of prophets culminates with Muhammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh ﷺ, the Final Messenger and the "Seal of the Prophets" (خاتم النبيين). He is not only the last in the line but also the one through whom God completed His final and universal revelation for all humanity: the Qur’an.

Birth and Early Life

Muhammad ﷺ was born in 570 CE in Mecca, into the Quraysh tribe and the Banu Hāshim clan. Orphaned early, he was raised by his grandfather and then his uncle. Known among his people as al-Amīn ("the Trustworthy") (Sahih al-Bukhari 6203).

  • Qur’an reference (general):

    “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
    (Qur’an 68:4)

  • Hadith:

    “I have never seen anyone more truthful, trustworthy, or generous than the Messenger of Allah.”
    (Sahih Muslim 2301)

The First Revelation

At age 40, Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation in the cave of Ḥirā’ through Angel Jibrīl:

  • Qur’an (first revealed words):

    “Read in the name of your Lord who created.”
    (Qur’an 96:1)

  • Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari 3):
    Describes the event of first revelation and the Prophet’s initial fear.

Khadijah and Waraqah ibn Nawfal affirmed the authenticity of this experience.

The Mission in Mecca

He preached the oneness of God (tawḥīd), rejected idolatry, and called for justice. Early followers included Khadijah, ʿAlī, Abū Bakr, and Zayd ibn Ḥārithah.

  • Qur’an:

    “And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.”
    (Qur’an 21:107)

  • Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari 3645):
    About the early converts and their steadfastness despite persecution.

The Quraysh opposed him strongly (Qur’an 6:34, 15:94).

The Hijrah and the Islamic State in Madinah

In 622 CE, Muhammad ﷺ and followers migrated to Madinah, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.

  • Qur’an:

    “And [due] to Allah from the believers is a migration to the Messenger...”
    (Qur’an 8:72)

  • Hadith (Sahih Muslim 1825):
    Details on the Hijrah and the community formed in Madinah.

Muhammad ﷺ established a constitution granting rights to Muslims and non-Muslims.

Victory, Mercy, and the Final Pilgrimage

In 630 CE, Muhammad ﷺ peacefully conquered Mecca and purified the Kaʿbah.

  • Qur’an:

    “Indeed, Allah has turned to His Messenger in mercy... and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
    (Qur’an 48:27)

His Farewell Pilgrimage sermon reaffirmed equality and completion of religion:

  • Qur’an:

    “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”
    (Qur’an 5:3)

  • Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari 1622):
    The Farewell Sermon emphasizing rights, justice, and brotherhood.

He passed away in 632 CE in Madinah.

The Seal of Prophethood

Muhammad ﷺ is the final prophet, closing the line of prophecy:

  • Qur’an:

    “Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and Seal of the Prophets.”
    (Qur’an 33:40)

  • Hadith (Sunan Abu Dawood 3642):
    Affirming no prophet will come after Muhammad ﷺ.

📘 In Summary

Muhammad ﷺ is the final messenger, chosen by God to bring the last and universal message, the Qur’an, as a mercy and guidance for all.

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.”

(Qur’an 33:21) 

For a critical examination of this narrative, see the companion piece: “A Critical Response to the Islamic Narrative on Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.”

Note to Readers:
If you believe that the representation of Islam in this post does not accurately reflect its teachings or core beliefs, we encourage you to share your perspective. Please reference specific Islamic sources—whether from the Qur’an, Hadith, or scholarly interpretations—to clarify where our representation may differ. The aim is to engage in a respectful, informed, and evidence-based discussion to better understand Islam’s true narrative. Your input is valuable in promoting accurate dialogue.

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