THE PURPOSE OF THE MISSION OF THE PROPHETS (AS)

[Taqavi]

What is the Purpose of the Mission of the Prophets (AS)?

 

The mission of the prophets (AS) encompasses various objectives and aspects, each of great importance. Below, we mention some of the most significant ones:

 

Monotheism (Tawhid)

The prophets were sent to invite people to worship the One God and to abandon polytheism and idolatry. The call to monotheism is the foundation of all divine religions. The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes this principle. For example, Allah the Almighty says in Surah An-Nahl:

"And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false deities).'"[1]

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

"And among them, We sent prophets as bearers of glad tidings and warners, so that those who perish may do so with clear evidence, and those who live may do so with clear evidence. And so that the servants may understand about their Lord what they did not know, recognize His Lordship after having denied it, and affirm His Oneness in divinity after having opposed it." [2]

 

The Hereafter (Ma'ad)

The prophets inform people of the existence of another world called the Hereafter. They emphasized that humans must behave in this world in a way that leads them to divine reward and saves them from punishment. Indeed, the concept of the Hereafter and the Day of Judgment serves as a constant reminder for people to act with greater care and mindfulness.

The Quran states in this regard:

"And fear a Day when you will be returned to Allah." [3]

 

Justice

Another crucial objective of the prophets was to establish justice in society and combat oppression and corruption. For instance, Prophet Salih (AS) fought against extravagance and wastefulness, Prophet Lut (AS) against sexual immorality, and Prophet Shu'ayb (AS) against short-selling. These struggles highlight the importance of justice in divine teachings.

The importance of this issue can also be clearly seen in the Holy Quran, where it clearly states:

"We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice." [4]

 

Education and Moral Training

The prophets engage in the education and training of mankind to guide them towards moral and spiritual virtues. They teach humanity how to live righteously and attain perfection.

Allah the Almighty says in Surah Al-Baqarah:

"Just as We have sent among you a messenger from yourselves reciting to you Our verses and purifying you and teaching you the Book and wisdom and teaching you that which you did not know." [5]

 

Purification and Piety

The prophets strive to purify people from impurities and guide them toward piety and righteousness. This spiritual and moral purification is a crucial step in the path to perfection and closeness to Allah.

The Quran states:

"It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom." [6]

 

Freedom

Through their teachings, the prophets sought to liberate people from various shackles, such as superstitions, ignorance, and oppression. They helped humanity attain a correct understanding of the world and religion.

Allah says in the Quran regarding those who follow the Prophet (SAW):

"And He will relieve them of their burdens and the shackles which were upon them." [7]

 

Conclusion

In summary, the prophets came to awaken humanity from heedlessness, guide them toward Allah the Almighty, and establish a healthy and just society.

 

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[1] . Nahl: 36.

[2] . Bihar al-Anwar, Al-Allamah al-Majlisi, vol: 11, p: 38.

[3] . Baqarah: 281.

[4] . Hadeed: 25.

[5] . Baqarah: 151.

[6] . Jumu'ah: 2.

[7] . A'raf: 157.