اصل مراسلہ منجانب : پیاسا

I present here for interested readers my brief series of articles on modern day (non-Ahmadi) Muslims'
erroneous concept of the finality of prophethood -- that Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him, the Prophet of Islam is chronologically the last Prophet and that one who does not
accept this idea is automatically kicked out of the pale of Islam. Importantly, all the quotations that I
have presented are of non-Ahmadi scholars and divines who made these statements largely before the
advent of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be upon him, who founded the Ahmadiyya Movement
in Islam, claimed by him to be in compliance with God's command in revelations received by him. It is
also noteworthy that these views represent a wide time span, since the demise of Hadhrat Muhammad,
peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to the time of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be upon
him. All the views indicate that Prophethood was not abolished with the advent of Hadhrat Muhammad,
peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and that the notion that Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and
blessings of allah be upon him, is the last prophet in order of time was concocted later on. The purpose
of these articles is to clarify doubts created in the minds of many readers by some less informed
Muslims on the network, the nobility of whose intentions I do not doubt at all, however.
The arrangement of the subject in the articles is as follows:
1. Evidence in the Holy Quran.
2. Evidence in the Ahadith.
3. Use of Khatam in Arabic and Forty examples of the use of the word "Khatam" where it does
not mean "last", rather it means "greatest" or "best".
4. Opinions of Islamic scholars.
Evidence in the Holy Quran
This is the first in a series of articles dealing with the question of the finality of prophethood. In this
article, I give evidence based on verses of the Holy Quran, the divine book of Muslims. Many non-
Ahmadi Muslims strongly believe that no prophet can come to the world now, since the Holy Prophet
Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has appeared. Ahmadi Muslims believe, based
on several points of evidence, that prophets can still appear after Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him, among his followers, the restriction of no more prophets being for one
who abrogates the existing Islamic Shariah or code of law, and brings a new one.
The verse non-Ahmadi Muslims most often present, is the following:
"MAA KAANA MUHAMMADUN ABAA AHADIN MIRRIJAALIKUM WALAAKIN RASOOLALLAHI WA
KHATAMAN NABIYYEEN..."
(The Holy Quran, Chapter 33; verse 41 including Bismillah .. as a verse)
Meaning:
Muhammad is not the father of any of your males but is a messenger of Allah and is the seal of the
prophets...
This verse was revealed to Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, when his
adversaries jeered at him for his being issue-less, when God comforted him with this verse among
others, indicating his greatness and superiori ty. The word "walaakin" ("but") in the verse indicates that
his being issue-less is of little or no significance when one looks at his great qualities mentioned in the
next part of the verse. Nowhere in the verse is there mention of his being the "last" prophet. If "seal" is
taken to mean "last" in the context, it does not make any logical sense, as that would have further
aggravated the mockery -- what good is there in coming last of all anyway? It does not signify greatness.
The "seal" should be taken to mean the seal of authority, under attestation of which one can attain
prophethood and in no other way. This seems to make more sense as shown by subsequent verses in
the article:
In the very first chapter of the Holy Quran (Al Fatehah), God says:
"IHDINASSIRAATAL MUSTAQEEM. SIRAAT ALLAZEENA AN'AMTA ALAIHIM" (Al Quran 1:6-7)
Guide us in the right path, the path of those on whom thou hast bestowed thy blessings
The chapter containing the above verse is supposed to be recited by every Muslim 30 or so, times in 24
hours, in which they ask for these blessings. As to who the recipients of these blessings are is defined in
another verse of the Holy Quran:
"WA MAN YUTI'ILLAAHA WARRASOOLA FA ULAAIKA MA'ALLAZEENA AN'AMALLAAHU 'ALAIHIM
MINAL NABIYYEENA WASSIDDEEQEENA WASHSHUHADAAI WASSAALIHEENA, WAHASUNA ULAAIKA
RAFEEQAA".
(Al Quran 4:70)
And whoso obeys Allah and his Messenger shall be among those on whom Allah has bestowed his
blessings, viz: the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs and the Righteous, and excellent companions
are these.
So it is clear that by obeying Allah and Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,
one can be included in the above categories, prophethood being the highest, of course. An objection is
made to the (4:70) verse's translation that I presented above, that the word "Ma'a" in the verse does
not mean "among", but "with", so one who fulfils obedience to Allah and this messenger would not
himself/herself attain these ranks, but will simply be "with" those who have done so in the past. True; it
does mean "with" in the literal sense, but this is very weak reasoning. We do not always have to take the
literal meaning of words, for else, we would have to accept, for one pertinent instance, that Hadhrat
Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was just a "seal" and not a human being -- quite
gross! Taking a look at another verse of the Holy Quran, we pray to God:
"WATAWAFFANA MA'AL ABRAAR"
(Al Quran, 3:194)
And cause us to die with the righteous
If we take literal meaning of "with" in this verse, it should follow from the verse, based on non-Ahmadi
insistence in favor of literal vs. figurative meaning, that:
It is like praying to God: O God, please, please, whenever some righteous person is about to die, cause
us to somehow stop breathing, put some embolus into our coronary arteries, or do something to
somehow cause us to die EXACTLY AT THE SAME TIME when some righteous person in our
neighborhood is about to die, for we want to "die with the righteous". I'm sure even non-Ahmadi
Muslims do not have this in mind when they say this prayer. What good would it do to a person to "die
with" a righteous person. Several thieves, murderers, rapists, drug smugglers, "Jeffrey Dahmers", etc.,
may die synchronously with righteous people, but this does not make them good or do any good to
them. The fact is, we pray to God to "MAKE US RIGHTEOUS" on the same pattern as other righteous
people before us.
Another verse of the Holy Quran clearly points to the fact that Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and blessings
of Allah be upon him, was not the last of Prophets and that the door to prophethood is still open:
"YAA BANEE AADAMA IMMAA YA'TIYANNAKUM RUSULUN MINKUM YAQUSSOONA ALAIKUM
AAYAATEE FAMANITTAQAA WA ASLAHA FA LAA KHAUFUN ALAIHIM WA LAA HUM YAHZANOON"
(Al Quran, 7:36)
O CHILDREN OF ADAM! IF MESSENGERS COME TO YOU FROM AMONG YOURSELVES, REHEARSING MY
SIGNS UNTO YOU, FEAR GOD AND DO GOOD DEEDS AS THEN, NO FEAR OR GRIEF SHALL TOUCH YOU
This week, I spoke on the phone with an Ahmadi author, Mr. Muhammad Isa Jaan, who is from Iraq. He
told me that he joined the Ahmadiyya Movement by reading this verse. The verse was revealed to
Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and it makes no sense to give an
instruction in the verse regarding how to behave when a prophet appears, if Hadhrat Muhammad,
peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, were the last.
Again, in the Holy Quran is a verse that points not only to the door of prophethood being open, but to
Hadhrat Muhammad's , peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, return to the world (in a figurative
sense):
"HUWALLAZEE BA'ATHA FIL UMMIYYEENA RASOOLAN MINHUM YATLOO ALAIHIM AAYAATIHI
WAYUZAKKEEHIM WAYU'ALLIMUHUMUL KITAABA WAL HIKMAH; WA INN KAANOO MIN QABLU
LAFEE DALAALIN MUBEEN; WA AAKHAREENA MINHUM LAMMAA YALHAQOO BIHIM, WA HUWAL
AZEEZUL HAKEEM"
(The Holy Quran Al Jum'ah, 62:3-4)
HE IT IS WHO HAS RAISED AMONG THE UNLETTERED A MESSENGER FROM AMONG THEMSELVES
WHO RECITES UNTO THEM HIS SIGNS, AND PURIFIES THEM, AND TEACHES THEM THE BOOK AND
WISDOM, ALTHOUGH THEY HAD BEEN, BEFORE, IN MANIFEST MISGUIDANCE. AND AMONG OTHERS
FROM AMONG THEM WHO HAVE NOT YET JOINED THEM. HE IS THE MIGHTY, THE WISE
This verse relates to the advent of the Messiah and Mehdi from amongst Hadhrat Muhammad's, peace
and blessings of Allah be upon him, followers. The mention of his advent "among others from among
them who have not yet joined them" refers to a, community which had not yet come into existence
then, but was sure to appear in the future, to "join" the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad,
peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. It is important to note that the companions of the Holy
Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who were listening to the verse were intrigued and
one of them even asked him as to who those lucky ones of the future would be. The Holy Prophet,
peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, placed his hand on a companion's shoulder who was sitting by
his side, Hadhrat Salman of Persia (may God be pleased with him) and stated:
"LAU KAANAL IMAANU MU'ALLAQAN BITHTHURAYYA LANAALUHU RAJULUN MIN HAA'ULAAI"
EVEN IF FAITH DISAPPEARED FROM THE EARTH AND MOVED UP TO THE ZENITH, A MAN FROM THESE
WILL BRING IT BACK TO THE EARTH
Is it a mere coincidence, then, that Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be upon him, was of Persian
descent? He claimed to be the fulfillment of this prophecy.
Now let me give you another verse of the Holy Quran, portending the philosophy of these "last prophet"
people in history. Declaring Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the last of
prophets in time is not a new phenomenon in human behavior. God says in the Holy Quran:
"WA LAQAD JAA'AKUM YOOSUFU MIN QABLU BILBAYYINAATI FAMAA ZILTUM FEE SHAKKIM
MIMMAA JAA'AKUM BEHEE, HATTAA IZAA HALAKA QULTUM LAN YAB'ATH ALLAHU MIN BA'DIHEE
RASOOLAN. KAZAALIKA YUDILLULLAAHU MAN HUWA MUSRIFUM MARTAABU; NILLAZEENA
YUJAADILOONA FEE AAYAATILLAHI BIGHAIRI SULTAANIN AATAAHUM. KABURA MAKTAN
'INDALLAAHI WA 'INDALLAZEENA AAMANOO KAZAALIKA YATBA'ULLAHU 'ALAA KULLI QALBI
MUTAKABBIRIN JABBAAR".
(Al Quran: 40:35)
And Joseph did come to you before with clear proofs, but you ceased not to be in doubt concerning
that with which he came to you till, when he died, you said: 'Allah will never raise up a Messenger
after him.' Thus does Allah adjudge as lost those who transgress, (and) are doubters.
These people are described by God in the verse that follows the one above, like this:
"Those who dispute concerning the Signs of Allah without any authori ty having come to them.
Grievously hateful is this in the sight of Allah and in the sight of those who believe. Thus does Allah seal
up the heart of everyone (who is) arrogant, haughty".
Now, these are not my words or the words of the Ahmadi Muslims, but the words of God from the
Quran that Muslims believe.
It is interesting that in spite of no strong (or even weak) evidence from the Holy Quran in support of the
present non-Ahmadi Muslim view that Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,
was the last of Prophets, they still stick to it, and go to the extent of declaring it of pivotal importance to
belief -- that one who does not accept him as the last prophet is a non-Muslim.
Evidence in the Ahadith
Here, I present evidence in support of the idea from the "Ahadeeth", sayings of the Prophet himself,
recorded by his companions in writing. Ahadeeth are the second most authentic and authoritative
source of information and guidance for Muslims next to the Holy Quran.
At the demise of the Prophet's (pbuh) son, Hazrat Ibrahim, he made an important statement which
remains on record to this day:
"AN IBNI 'ABBAASIN QAALA LAMMAA MAATA IBRAAHEEM UBNU RASOOLILLAHI SALLA ALLAHU
ALAIHI WASALLAMA SALLAA RASOOLULLAHI SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAMA WA QAALA INNA
LAHU MURZI'AN FIL JANNATI WA LAU 'AASHALA KAANA SIDDEEQAN NABIYYAA"
(Ibne Maja vol. 1, Kitaabal Janaiz, p. 237)
IT IS NARRATED BY HAZRAT IBNE ABBAAS (R.A.) THAT WHEN IBRAHIM, SON OF THE MESSENGER OF
ALLAH PASSED AWAY, THE PROPHET (PBUH) SAID HIS FUNERAL PRAYER AND SAID THAT THERE IS A
NURSE FOR HIM IN PARADISE AND IF HE HAD LIVED HE WOULD HAVE BEEN A TRUE PROPHET
Ibne Maja is one of the Siha Sitta, the most authentic books of Hadeeth. It is interesting to note that
Ibrahim passed away a number of years after the verse about "Khatam-an-Nabiyyeen" was revealed. He
died in the year 9 A.H. and the verse was revealed in 5 AH. About four years after he knew through
revelation that he was "Khataman Nabiyyeen", his saying about his son: had he lived, he would certainly
have been a prophet, clearly implies that he himself did not interpret the meaning of "Khatam-an-
Nabiyyeen" literally, as "Last of the Prophets".
Regarding the authenticity of this Hadeeth, Shahaab Ali Baidaawi writes:
AMMAA SEHAT AL-HADEETHE FALAA SHUB-HATA FEEHI LI-ANNAHU RAWAAH-UBNU MAAJATA
WAGHAIRUHU
There is no doubt about the authenticity of the Hadeeth because it was reported by Ibne Maja etc.
(Shahab Ali Baidaawi vol. 7, pg 175)
Similarly, Hazrat Mulla Ali bin Muhammad Sultan Al Qari, a renowned divine of the Hanafi school of
thought wrote:
"If Ibrahim had lived and became a prophet and likewise if Hazrat Umar became a prophet, then both
of them would have remained his (the Prophet Muhammad's, pbuh) followers". (Mauzoo'aati Kabeer,
p. 5
Then he went on to write:
"...their becoming prophets would not have gone against the Almighty God's saying Khatam-al-
Nabiyyeen, since Khatam-al-Nabiyyeen simply implies that after the Prophet (pbuh) there cannot be
any prophet who abrogates his Shariat and is not of his Umaah(is not his follower)" (Mauzoo'aati
Kabeer, p. 59)
Another Hadith is narrated slightly differently, and is even more interesting and decisive, narrated by
Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (R.A)
"QAALA LAMMAA TUWAFFIYA IBRAAHEEMU ARSALANNABIYYU SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAMA
ILAA UMMIHEE MAARIYYATA FAJAA'AT-HU WA GHASALATHU WA KAFFANATHU WA KHARAJA BIHEE
WA KHARAJANNASU MA'AHU FA DAFANAHU WA ADKHALAN NABIYYU YADAHU FEE QABRIHEE FA
QAALA 'AMAA WALLAAHI INNAHU LA NABIYYUBNA NABIYYIN'"
"Said (Ali): When The Holy Prophet's (pbuh) son, Ibraheem, passed away, he sent a message to his
mother, Mariya, to prepare for the funeral. So she came and bathed him and put a coffin over him; He
(the prophet, pbuh) brought the funeral out along with his companions and buried him, and putting
his hand in the grave, said: I SWEAR BY ALLAH, HE IS A PROPHET, SON OF A PROPHET".
(Tareekhul Kabeer Al Ibne Asaakar, p. 295; Al Fatawil Hadeethiyya Al Ibnul Hajr Al Haithmi, p. 125)
In another Hadith, the Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said:
ABU BAKRIN AFDALU HAAZIHIL UMMATI ILLAA AN YAKOONA NABIYYUN.
(Kanoozul Haqaaiq Fee Hadeeth Khairul Khalaiq)
Abu Bakr is the most exalted person in THIS "Ummah" except if there happens to be a prophet
This leaves open the possibility of advent of prophet(s). The following similar Hadith has also been
reported:
ABU BAKRIN KHAIRUN NAASE BA'DEE ILLAA AN YAKOONA NABIYYUN.
Abu Bakr is the most exalted person AFTER me except if there happens to be a prophet.
(Kanzul A'maal, vol. 9, p138; Tabraani & Ibne Hadee Fil Kamil
reference Jamiah Sagheer Al Siyotee, p. 5)
Now, it is clear from the mention of the word "after" in the Hadith, that the possibility of prophets'
coming remains existent even "after" the Prophet (pbuh). Furthermore, the use of the word "except"
makes matters pretty clear, meaning that if a prophet DOES appear, then his status would be higher
than Abu Bakr (RA). The Prophet of God (pbuh) graphically portrays a vivid picture of the future
conditions of his group of followers:
"O YE MUSLIMS THE PRESENT PROPHETHOOD PERIOD AMONGST YOU WILL LAST AS LONG AS ALLAH
WILLS. ON ITS CONCLUSION THERE WILL BE A PERIOD OF 'KHILAAFAT 'ALAA MINHAAJIN NABUWWAT'
(KHILAAFAT ON THE DESIGN, PATTERN AND SUCCESSION OF PROPHETHOOD; I.E. IN CONTINUATION
OF THE PROPHET'S MISSION). THIS KHILAAFAT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SUCCESSION OF KINGSHIP,
WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY DICTATORIAL REGIMES OF TYRRANY AND OPPRESSION, WHICH WILL
BE FOLLOWED BY NON-DEMOCRATIC REGIMES. ON ITS CONCLUSION THERE WILL THEN BEGIN A
SECOND SPELL OF REAL KHILAFAT ON THE PATTERN OF THE INITIAL ISLAMIC PERIOD."
(Masnad Ahmad, vol. 5, p. 404)
One cannot help remaining flabbergasted at the precise nature of the descriptions that the Prophet
(pbuh) gave about future events, as if he were in our midst today, seeing what is going on with his
Ummah. The prediction that after a long break during which will appear the kings, dictators and other
non-democratic "regimes", there will resume a Khilafat on the patte rn of the first "Khilaafat 'alaa
Minhaajin Nabuwwat" clearly indicates that the Prophet (pbuh) not only left open the door for other
prophets to come in the future, but knew for certain that this would happen. The fourteen centuries
after the Prophet (pbuh) have evinced the fulfilment of all the above conditions, including resumption of
Khilafat on the pattern of prophethood (I leave you to decide whether this resumption was genuine or
not, based on references). A Hadith of "Mishqaat" includes an insertion in Hadith indicating or clarifying
that the reference of the second "prophet-based" Khilafat was indeed to the future advent of the
Messiah.
Similarly, Hazrat Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (pbuh) referred to the fact that there would be
no prophet between him and the Messiah: LAISA BAINEE WA BAINAHU NABIYYUN, that there is no
prophet between me and him.
This does not in any way exclude the Messiah himself from prophethood, nor does it close the channel
for further prophets after the Messiah. Intere sting, isn't it?
Hitherto, it appears that I have been avoiding the meaning in which the Holy Prophet would be believed
"last of messengers or prophets". This is not so. Let me write here plainly -- open your eyes wide and
read:
Hazrat Muhammad (saw) was, indeed the last of prophets, but in what sense?
In the figurative sense, and in no other sense, as we see in the following Ahadeeth, in which even
though the word "Akhar" -- last or end, is used as such, it is clear that it does NOT mean "chronologically
last".
"I AM THE LAST OF THE PROPHETS AND YOU ARE THE LAST OF THE PEOPLES"
(Sahih Muslim)
It is true that the word used is "last", but in the same sentence is also mentioned that "you are the last
of peoples". Have there not been people (chronologically) after the people who were addressed by the
Prophet (pbuh)?
"INNEE AAKHIRUL ANBIYAAI WA INNA MASJIDEE AAKHIRUL MASAAJID"
I AM THE LAST OF THE PROPHETS AND MY MOSQUE IS THE LAST MOSQUE.
(Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Haj Fazlis Salaat, p. 531)
It is crystal clear that even though the Holy Prophet called himself the "last of the prophets", it should
not be taken in its literal meaning, for then one would have to believe that the Prophet (pbuh) also
implied that there would not be any mosque after his. Any one who has seen a mosque has probably
seen one that was constructed after the Holy Prophet's. I have not yet had the chance to see his
mosque, but have seen hundreds that were built after his. The real meaning implied by the Prophet
(pbuh) is clearly "of the greatest rank", or "highest in rank" rather than "last" in order of time.
There are other examples in support of the continuity verdict, but (for the sake of brevity) I am not
including them here.
The Use of Khatam in Arabic
According to non-Ahmadi Muslims, the Prophet of Islam, Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him, was the last of Prophets, based on the verse of the Holy Quran elevating his status to
"KHATAM AL NABIYYEEN"
(The Holy Quran, 33:41)
which means
SEAL OF THE PROPHETS
Ahmadi Muslims believe that the word "seal" is used to imply his being the greatest of all Prophets
rather than "last". I present here forty references from Islamic/Arabic literature where the word
"khatam" has been used to imply "
the best" or "the greatest" and not "the last". "Last" in any of these cases makes no sense at all. It is a
long list intended to quench the thirst of "hair splitters" on the net. Other (normal) people may want to
read a few and then skip to the end, or to my next article in which I shall present evidence from the
Sayings of the Prophet (pbuh) in favor of my thesis of the continuity of Prophethood. Some people were
not satisfied with the four examples I gave earlier.
A poet well composed (in the Urdu language):
SAAF DIL KO KASRATE EJAAZ KEE HAAJAT NAHEEN
IK NISHAAn KAAFEE HAI GAR DIL MAIN HO KHAUFI KIRDIGAAR
One with a pure heart needs not abundance of miracles One sign is enough if there is in the heart, a fear
of God.
So I am giving ten times more examples with references.
1. KHATAM-USH-SHU'ARAA (seal of poets) was used for the poet Abu Tamam
(Wafiyatul A'yan, vol. 1, p. 123, Cairo)
2. KHATAM-USH-SHU'ARAA again, used for Abul Tayyeb.
(Muqaddama Deewanul Mutanabbi, Egyptian p. 4)
3. KHATAM-USH-SHU'ARAA again, used for Abul 'Ala Alme'ry.
(ibid, p.4, footnote)
4. KHATAM-USH-SHU'ARAA used for Shaikh Ali Huzain in India.
(Hayati Sa'di, p. 117)
5. KHATAM-USH-SHU'ARAA used for Habeeb Shairaazi in Iran.
(Hayati Sa'di, p. 87)
Note here that all five people have been given the above title. How could it be interpreted as "last".
They did not come and go at the exact same time.
6. KHATAM-AL-AULIYAA (seal of saints) for Hazrat Ali (May God be pleased with him).
(Tafsir Safi, Chapter AlAhzab)
Can no other person now attain wilaayat, if "seal" meant last?
7. KHATAM-AL-AULIYAA used for Imam Shaf'ee.
(Al Tuhfatus Sunniyya, p. 45)
8. KHATAM-AL-AULIYAA used for Shaikh Ibnul 'Arabee.
(Fatoohati Makkiyyah, on title page)
9. KHATAM-AL-KARAAM (seal of remedies) used for camphor.
(Sharah Deewanul Mutanabbee, p. 304)
Has no medicine been found or used after camphor, if "seal" means "last"?
10. KHATAM-AL-A'IMMAH (seal of religious leaders) used for Imam Muhammad 'Abdah of Egypt.
(Tafseer Alfatehah, p. 14
Don't we have leaders today?
11. KHATAM-ATUL-MUJAHIDEEN (seal of crusaders) for Al-Sayyad Ahmad Sanosi.
(Akhbar AlJami'atul Islamiyyah, Palestine, 27 Muharram, 1352 A.H.)
12. KHATAM-ATUL-ULAMAA-ALMUHAQQIQEEN (seal of research scholars) used for Ahmad Bin
Idrees.
(Al'Aqadun Nafees)
13. KHATAM-ATUL-MUHAQQIQEEN (seal of researchers) for Abul Fazl Aloosi.
(on the title page of the Commentary Roohul Ma'aanee)
14. KHATAM-AL-MUHAQQIQEEN used for Shaikh AlAzhar Saleem Al Bashree.
(Al Haraab, p. 372)
15. KHATAM-ATUL-MUHAQQIQEEN used for Imam Siyotee.
(Title page of Tafseerul Taqaan)
16. KHATAM-AL-MUHADDITHEEN (seal of narrators) for Hazrat Shah Waliyyullah of Delhi.
('Ijaalah Naafi'ah, vol. 1)
17. KHATAMAT-AL-HUFFAAZ (seal of custodians) for AlShaikh Shamsuddin.
(AlTajreedul Sareeh Muqaddimah, p. 4)
A "hafiz" is one who has memorised the full arabic text of the Holy Quran. Two of my cousins happen to
belong to this category and more people will memorize it.
18. KHATAM-AL-AULIA (seal of saints) used for the greatest saint.
(Tazkiratul Auliyaa', p. 422)
19. KHATAM-AL-AULIA used for a saint who completes stages of progress.
(Fatoohul Ghaib, p. 43)
20. KHATAM-ATUL-FUQAHAA (seal of jurists) used for Al Shaikh Najeet.
(Akhbaar Siraatal Mustaqeem Yaafaa, 27 Rajab, 1354 A.H.)
21. KHATAM-AL-MUFASSIREEN (seal of commentators or exegetes) for Shaikh Rasheed Raza.
(Al Jaami'atul Islamia, 9 Jamadiy thaani, 1354 A.H.)
22. KHATAM-ATUL-FUQAHAA used for Shaikh Abdul Haque.
(Tafseerul Akleel, title page)
23. KHATAM-ATUL-MUHAQQIQEEN (seal of researchers) for Al Shaikh Muhammad Najeet.
(Al Islam Asr Shi'baan, 1354 A.H.)
24. KHATAM-AL-WALAAYAT (seal of sainthood) for best saint.
(Muqaddimah Ibne Khuldoon, p. 271)
25. KHATAM-AL-MUHADDITHEEN WAL MUFASSIREEN (seal of narrators and commentators) used
for Shah 'Abdul 'Azeez.
(Hadiyyatul Shi'ah, p. 4)
26. KHATAM-AL-MAKHLOOQAAT AL-JISMAANIYYAH (seal of bodily creatures) used for the human
being.
(Tafseer Kabeer, vol. 2, p. 22, published in Egypt)
27. KHATAM-ATUL-HUFFAAZ used for Shaikh Muhammad Abdullah.
(Al Rasaail Naadirah, p. 30)
28. KHATAM-ATUL-MUHAQQIQEEN used for Allaama Sa'duddeen Taftaazaani.
(Shara' Hadeethul Arba'een, p. 1)
29. KHATAM-ATUL-HUFFAAZ used for Ibn Hajrul 'Asqalaani.
(Tabqaatul Madlaseen, title page)
30. KHATAM-AL-MUFASSIREEN (seal of commentators) used for Maulvi Muhammad Qaasim.
(Israare Quraani, title page)
31. KHATAM-AL-MUHADDITHEEN (seal of narrators) used for Imam Siyotee.
(Hadiyyatul Shee'ah, p. 210)
32. KHATAM-AL-HUKKAAM (seal of rulers) used for kings.
(Hujjatul Islam, p. 35)
33. KHATAM-AL-KAAMILEEN (seal of the perfect) used for the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
(Hujjatul Islam, p. 35)
34. KHATAM-AL-MARAATAB (seal of statuses) for status of humanity.
('Ilmul Kitaab, p. 140)
We have the "highest, not "last" status.
35. KHATAM-AL-KAMAALAAT (seal of miracles) for the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
(ibid, p. 140)
36. KHATAM-AL-ASFIYAA AL A'IMMAH (seal of mystics of the nation) for Jesus (peace be on him).
(Baqiyyatul Mutaqaddimeen, p. 184)
37. KHATAM-AL-AUSIYAA (seal of advisers) for Hazrat Ali (R.A.A.).
(Minar Al Hudaa, p. 106)
38. KHATAM-AL-MU'ALLIMEEN (seal of teachers/scholars) used for the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
(Alsiraatul Sawee by Allama Muhammad Sabtain)
Now, I am a teacher myself, and you know that I still exist, AFTER the Holy Prophet (pbuh), but I am
nowhere close to being able to teach as PERFECTLY as he could or did. How then could he be "last" of
teachers? Seal means "best" here and not "last".
39. KHATAM-AL-MUHADDITHEEN (seal of narrators) for Al Shaikhul Sadooq.
(Kitaab Man Laa Yahdarahul Faqeeh)
40. KHATAM-AL-MUHADDITHEEN used for Maulvi Anwar Shah of Kashmir.
(Kitaab Raeesul Ahrar, p. 99)
Please note that none of these books were written by Ahmadis. This list is by no means exhaustive, since
I know there are many more instances where the arabic word "Khatam" has been used to commonly
refer to the highest status in a quality. I have more references but forty is a decent round figure. The
word has also been mentioned in books of Hadeeth (sayings of the Prophet, pbuh), but I may get into
that at some other ti me.
Opinions of Islamic Scholars
Here I present the verdicts and views on the issue of over a dozen celebrities of Islam, who represent all
time periods starting from contemporaries of Hadhrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be
upon him, to the time of Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, peace be upon him, founder of the Ahmadiyya
Movement in Islam. None of these people belonged to the said movement, since the latter did not even
exist then. Yet, the opinions they held, are contrary to present non-Ahmadiyya views. Take a look at the
following names, and see if any bells ring in your minds -- regarding their status in the Muslim world in
their being great scholars of authority and also, note their respective time periods:
1. Ummul Mo'mineen, Hazrat Ayesha Siddeeqa R.A., (death year 58 A.H.) (the Prophet
Muhammad's (pbuh) blessed consort)
2. Imam Raaghib Al Isfahani (RA) (died 502 A.H.)
3. Hazrat Syyed Abdul Qaadir Jilaani, AR (died 562 A.H.)
(This scholar was also Mujaddid of the 6th century)
4. Hazrat Mohiyyuddin Ibni 'Arabi, AR (died 638 A.H.)
5. Hazrat Maulana Jalaaluddin Roomi (died 672 A.H.)
6. Hazrat Syed Abdul Karim Jilaani, AR (died 767 A.H.)
7. Imam Abdul Wahhab She'raani AR (died 976 A.H.)
8. Imam Muhammad Tahir, AR (died 986 A.H.)
9. Al Imam Ali Qaari AR (died 1014 A.H.)
10. Hazrat Shah Waliyullah Muhaddith of Delhi, AR (died 1176 A.H.)
11. Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Haye of Lakhnow, AR (died 1304 A.H.)
12. Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Qaasim of Nanauta, AR (died 1307 A.H.)
(founder of the Deoband school)
13. Nawab Siddeeq Hasan of Bhopal, AR (died 1307 A.H.)
These towering figures in Islam have given their verdict about how Muslims should interpret "Khataman-
Nabiyyeen" (Seal of the Prophets). All of them believed in the continuation of prophethood.
Hazrat Ayesha Al Siddeeqah (ra)
First of all, Hazrat Ayesha Al Siddeeqah's verdict:
"QOOLOO INNAHU KHATAMUL ANBIYAA'I WA LAA TAQOOLOO LAA NABIYYA BA'DAHU"
(Takmilah Majma'ul Bihaar, p. 85)
"Say he is 'seal of prophets' but do NOT say 'there is no prophet after him'"
It appears that she knew that the statement could easily be misconstrued, and to the effect, presented
her valued clarification.
Imam Raaghib Al Isfahaani
Our second hero, the saint Imam Raaghib Al Isfahaani, Rehmatullah Alaih wrote:
"Prophethood is of two kinds, general and special. The special prophethood, viz: the law-bearing
prophethood is now unattainable; but the general prophethood continues to be attainable."
(Bahr al Muheet, vol. 3, p. 2
The "general" kind of prophethood is also the one that Ahmadi Muslims believe continues, and not the
law-bearing one.
Hazrat Sayyed Abdul Qaadir Jilaani
The founder of the "Qadiriyya" school, Hazrat Sayyed Abdul Qaadir Jilaani (R.A.) wrote:
"These attributes are found in the Holy Prophet in the highest abundance, peace and blessings of Allah
be upon him. That is the reason why he is called Khataman Nabiyyeen."
(Tuhfa Mursala Shareef: p. 5)
This, indeed is the exact same view that Ahmadi Muslims hold, about the expression of Khataman
Nabiyyeen, yet, they are singled out by a lot of modern day Muslims as non-Muslims. Why not expel
Hazrat Jilaani from Islam first, since he held this view first?
Hazrat Mohiyyuddin Ibni Arabi
Hazrat Mohiyyuddin Ibni Arabi (Rehmatullah Alaihi) wrote:
“'ISAA ALIHIS SALAAMU YANZILU FEENA HAKAMAN MIN GHAIRI TASHREE'IN WA HUWA NABIYYUN
BILAA SHAKKIN”
(Fatoohati Makkiyyah, vol. 1, p. 570)
“Jesus, may peace be upon him, will descend upon us as a Hakam, without a law and will be a prophet
without any doubt.”
Then he writes:
“That prophethood which ended with the advent of the Prophet (pbuh), is only law-bearing
prophethood and not the status of prophethood. Thus now there will be no law that cancels the law of
the Prophet (pbuh) or that adds to its commandments”
(Fatoohaati Makkiyyah, vol. 2, p. 3)
Then he writes:
“FAMARTAFA'ATIL NUBUWWATU BIL KULLIYYATI LIHAAZA QULNAA INNA MA-ARTAFA'TU
NUBUWWATAT TASHREE'I FA HAAZA MA'ANI 'LAA NABIYYA BA'DAHU”
“Thus prophethood has not been totally abolished. This is why we have said that only law-bearing
prophethood has been abolished and this is what is the meaning of (the Hadith) 'there is no prophet
after him' “
Hazrat Maulana Room
The great saint, Hazrat Maulana Room (Rehmatullah Alaihi) writes:
“Make such plans to perform righteousness in the way of God that you attain prophethood within the
Ummat (religious community)”
Hazrat Sayyed Abdul Kareem Jilani
Hazrat Sayyed Abdul Kareem Jilani, the renowned mystic of the 8th century of Hijra wrote:
“Hazrat Muhammad, peace and blessings on him, is the Khataman Nabiyyeen because he attained the
highest perfection which no prophet ever did”
(Al Insaanul Kaamil: vol. 1, Ch 36. Pg 69)
Clearly, the controversial expression "khataman nabiyyeen" according to him, was not based on the
Prophet's (pbuh) being last.
Hazrat Imam Abdul Wahhab She'raani
Hazrat Imam Abdul Wahhab She'raani (Alaihir Rehmah) wrote:
“FA INNA MUTLAQAN NUBUWWATI LAM TARTAFI' WA INNAMARTAFA'AT NUBUWWATUL TASHREE'I”
(Al Yawaaqeetu Wal Jawaahir: pg 27, argument # 3)
“Thus, without doubt, ...... prophethood has not been abolished and it is only law-bearing prophethood
that is abolished”
Hazrat Imam Muhammad Tahir
Hazrat Imam Muhammad Tahir, commenting on Hadhrat Ayesha's (ra) statement: say he is Khataman
Nabiyyeen but do not say there is not prophet after him:
"HAZA NAAZIRUN ILAA NUZOOLI 'ISAA WA HAZA AIZAN LAA YUNAA FEE HADEETH LA NABIYYA
BA'DEE LI ANNAHU ARAADA LAA NABIYYA YANSAKHU SHAR'AHU"
(Takmilah Majma'ul Bihaar, pg 85)
“This saying is based on the fact that Jesus is going to descend (as prophet) and it is not against the
Hadith 'there is no prophet after me' because the Prophet (pbuh) meant 'there will not be any prophet
who would cancel his law.”
Hazrat Imam Ali Qaari
Hazrat Imam Ali Qaari (Alaihir Rahmah), an Imam of the Hanafi school and a renowned interpreter of
Hadeeth, wrote:
“That there is no revelation after the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is false; there is no truth in it. Yes! in the
Hadith are the words 'La Nabiyya Ba'di' which, according to scholars, means that there will not be such a
prophet in the future who brings such a law that abrogates that of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).”
(Al Ishaa'at Fil Sharaatis Saa'ah, pg 226)
Hazrat Shah Waliullah
Hazrat Shah Waliullah Muhaddith of Delhi (Alaihir Rahmah), the Mujaddid of the 12th century and given
the title of "Khatamal Muhadditheen" by some writers was of the following view:
“KHUTIMA BIHIN NABIYYOONA AI LAA YURJADU MAN YA'MURUHULLAHU SUBHAANAHU
BITTASHREE'I 'ALANNAASI”
(Tafheemati Ilaahiyyah, Tafheem # 53)
“The ending of prophets at the advent of the Holy Prophet means that after him, there can be no such
person as would be given a law by the Almighty Allah and sent to the people.”
Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Haye
Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Haye of Lacknow writes:
“After the Holy Prophet (pbuh) or during his time, for a prophet to appear is not improbable”
(Daafi'ul Wasaawis Fee Athar Ibn Abbaas, New Edition, pg 16)
Maulvi Muhammad Qaasim
Maulvi Muhammad Qaasim of Nanauta (Rehmatullah Alaih) who was the founder of the Deoband
Seminary, an organization now viewed with respect by anti-Ahmadiyya organizations, also believed in
the views such as the ones I am presenting here. He stated:
“According to the layman, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings on him, being Khatam is
supposed to have appeared after all the other prophets. But men of understanding and the wise know it
very well that being the first or the last, chronologically, does not carry any weight. How could,
therefore, the words of the Holy Quran 'But he is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of Prophets
(33.41)' mean to glorify him? But I know very well that none from among the Muslims would be
prepared to agree with the common men”
(Tahzeer-ul-Naas: pg 3)
Nawab Siddique Hasan Khan
Also, among recent scholars, Nawab Siddique Hasan Khan of Bhopal, who was the leader of the Ahle
Hadith in India wrote:
“The Hadith 'La Wahya Ba'da Mautee' is baseless, although 'La Nabiyya Ba'adee' is quite correct, which,
according to people with knowledge, means that 'there shall be no prophet after me who shall be raised
with a new code of Law which shall abrogate my law'.”
(Iqtarabus Saa'at: pg 162)
This list is by no means exhaustive but representative and even so, partially. I shall leave you with a joint
statement agreed upon by two scholars, Hazrat Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Baqee and Ibni 'Asakar,
which has impressed me so much with the beauty of their words that I present it to you as a closing
statment, and I think what they said could not have been said better. As background knowledge, let me
mention that one meaning of "Khatam" is finger-ring:
“The meanings of KHATAMAN NABIYYEEN are that the Holy Prophet, in his physical and spiritual build, is
the most charming and lovable personality, peace be upon him. This is because the glory and the
spiritual magnitude of all the prophets is manifested through him and he can be likened to the beautiful
ring worn for adornment.”
(Zarqani Sharah Mwahabul Luddunia: vol. 3, pg 163 and Sehlul Huda wal Irshad: pg 55)
I have seen a lot of the actual books of these scholars with my own eyes -- where? -- in the office of a
friend of my father, Dost Muhammad Shahid, who is the official historian of the Ahmadiyya Movement
in Islam. I wonder if I shall ever see him again because I heard that he is imprisoned in Pakistan, in
offense of having written verses of the Holy Quran. If an Ahmadi Muslim does this in Pakistan, or just
"poses as a Muslim", he/she is liable to imprisonment.
I think I have made my case pretty fairly. I have written this series of articles not with the intention to
"show off" that my understanding of the subject is better than any one else's; it could be worse. I have
tried to restrict myself to brief comments, giving most of the length to quotations. The treasure of
knowledge given to us by these great scholars is our common heritage. At the time they made their
invaluable contributions to knowledge, there was no Ahmadi or non-Ahmadi Muslim. I expect that
readers will try to keep all hatred, malices, dislikes, prejudices and veils on hearts aside while doing the
reading. Clearly, there is a wealth of information on the subject of finality or continuity of prophethood,
which ever is the case. The purposes of this series has been to advance scholarship, uncover some less
talked-about issues, reduce distance between people opposed to each others' views and begin a new
round of discussion which, I hope, would be free of flames, like these articles of mine have been.
Peace be upon one who follows guidance.

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل مراسلہ دیکھیں اللھم صلی علٰی محمد وعلٰی آل محمد کما صلیت علٰی ابراھیم وعلٰی آل ابراھیم انک حمید مجید۔

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل اللھم بارک علٰی محمد وعلٰی آل محمد کما بارکت علٰی ابراھیم وعلٰی آل ابراھیم انک حمید مجید۔

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل اللھم صل وسلم وبارک علٰی محمد بعدد کل معلم لک دائما ابدا۔

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل جزاللہ عنا سیدنا ومولانا محمد صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ما ھو اہلہ۔۔

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل اللھم صل علی محمدن النبی الامی وعلٰی آلہ وسلم تسلیما۔۔

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل الصلوۃ والسلام علیک یا سیدی یارسول اللہ

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل وعلٰی آلک واصحابک یا سیدی یا حبیب اللہ

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل الصلوۃ والسلام علیک یا سیدی یا نور من نور اللہ

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل وعلیٰ الک واصحابک یا سیدی یا خیر خلق اللہ

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل الصلوۃ والسلام علیک یا سیدی یا شفیع المذنبین وعلیٰ الک واصحابک یا سیدی رحمۃ اللعٰلمین

اصل مراسلہ منجانب : طارق راحیل جشن عید میلاد النبی مبارک