| ANGEL and MAN
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| THE PROPHETS |
....The mind acts like a floodlight. It lightens that on which it is focused. For example, terrorists can plan an attack, they might even achieve their aim by using reason and logic. However, the security forces prevent terrorists and arrest them by also using their minds. Reason and logic can be used for negative things or positive things. ....There are 28 prophets whose names and stories are mentioned in the Qur'an. Of these 28, it is not clear whether Dhu 'l-qarnain, Luqman and 'Uzair are prophets or awliya (saints). ....But, according to the verse and hadith quoted above, the number of prophets cannot be limited to 28. The prophets were not only sent to the Middle East, either. ....Allah Almighty says: ...."And for every nation there is a messenger." (Yunus, 47) ....The prophets were divinely chosen and had distinct qualities that made them different form other human beings. Some of these are as follows: ....The prophets were very clever. They were aware of the sciences of their age. ....They were free from committing sins. Since their spiritual state was dominant over their nafs, they never committed a sin and they could not rebel against the commandments of Allah Almighty. ....The prophets were very honest. They were straightforward in their social dealings. They never told a lie. Even at the expense of their lives, they were always sincere and frank. ....The prophets were trustworthy and reliable. They were the most trusted people in their communities and they never betrayed a trust in their lives, even before the time of their prophecy. The fact that Prophet Muhammad was known as Al-Ameen signifies this reality.The prophets called their people to the righteous path dependably and never asked for any reward. Allah Almighty says: ...."I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust: So fear Allah, and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds." (Shuara, 107-109) ....The prophets were just and fair. As they worked for justice in the time before their prophecy, they also treated everyone equally and justly and never discriminated against anyone based on kinship or enmity. ....Allah Almighty says: ...."To every people (was sent) a messenger: when their messenger comes (before them), the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged." (Yunus, 47) ....The duty of the prophets was to call their people to the righteous path and to explain the divine decrees that had been revealed to them in detail. ....Some prophets were entrusted with calling their people to the path without thinking or worrying about the fact that merciless dictators had called for their deaths; some were to call to their people without worrying about the reaction of their communities and they were to continue to invite them in a gentle and calm manner. ....Could the prophets perform miracles, supernatural events, and wonderful phenomenon as they wished? ....No, they could not. ....Allah Almighty says: ...."It was not meet for a messenger that he should bring a sign except with Allah's permission." (Mumen, 78) . |