Protest in New York!

Dear readers,

I was filling up Pak Passport Renewal form for someone the other day and I came accross the following declaration:

DECLARATION IN CASE OF MUSLIMS

I, (name) s/o (father`s name) Aged (age) hereby solemnly declare that:

i. I am Muslim and beleive in the absolute and unqualified finality of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the last of the prophets.

ii. I do not recognise any person who claims to be a prophet in any sense of the word or of any description whatsoever after Muhammad (peace be upon him) or recognise such a claimant as prophet or religious reformer as a Muslim.

iii. I consider Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani to be an imposter nabi and also consider his followers, whether belonging to the Lahori or Qadiani group, to be non-Muslim

Signature
Thumb Impression
Date.

I happen to know at least one case when a Muslim Human Rights Activist (forgot his name and gender) did not complete the Declaration and he was stamped ``Non-Muslim`` in the religion column of the Passport.

So it is safe to assume that filling this coulumn is mandatory; failure to do so will result in the stamping of ``Non-Muslim``. (There are no specifics in the instructions though).

I was once shocked to see its parallel in case of a Russian Passports where Jews and Muslims have to declare their faith and they are marked as Jew or Muslim (I only saw a Jew`s Passport)and not ``non-Christians``.

If by any chance this declaration (on Pak Passports) is made voluntary and religion column is stamped as ``un-declared`` would we be able to draw parallels with ``Dont ask dont tell policy`` of the US. Would it be acceptable to Ahmadis.

I am also under the assumption that this declaration on passports were made mandatory under the pressure of Saudi Government because Ahmadiat is considered to be mainly a Pakistani phenomenon.

Any thougts on the above?

Re Temporal (#145):

Here are some comments according to my understanding of prophethood and Ahmadiyyat.

A prophet is someone who is recipient of revelations from God Almighty. These revelations can be in several forms, some of which are: infusion of a divine idea in the mind, revelations through the faculty of hearing, in the form of dreams, through the agency of an angel (say Angel Gabriel). I understand that revelations through Angel Gabriel are reserved exclusively for law-bearing prophets, and since the Law has been completed (i.e. Quran), the door to this mode of revelations has been closed forever. However the possibility of other modes of revelations is still open, and non-law bearing prophets to come will continue to receive revelations through these modes.

This definition is fine and dandy for someone who claims to be a prophet. But as I understand it, the issue you are raising is how do the others decide if a claimant of prophethood is true or not.

The answer lies in common Muslim belief that a false claimant of prophethood does not flourish in his goal and does not escape divine punishment. This principle is explained in the Quran, where referring to Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him), is stated: “If he had fabricated any saying and attributed it to Us, We would surely have seized him by the right hand and then surely We would have severed his life artery, and not one of you could have held Us from it” (69:39-48). Here Lord Almighty has promised that He’d square off the account with anyone who fabricates lies against Him.

Another important point is regarding the life-style and character of the claimant of prophethood. Prophets lead a spotless and righteous life, and are known for it, even before they claim to be prophets. I understand that in Quran is stated something to the effect that prophets have been raised from among you. This message, among other implications, seems to hint that if you have known a person to be righteous, and swear by his honesty, then his claim to prophethood deserves serious consideration and further inquiry. This seems to explain why Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) asked the people of Quraish if they believed in his truthfulness. When people responded in affirmation, Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) proceeded to give them the message from Allah.

But it does not end here. Arrival of a prophet is, at least in some cases, foretold in earlier scriptures etc. Prophets enjoy divine support throughout their lifetimes. They are gifted with signs that support their truthfulness (these signs may be called “miracles”, although it is important to understand that miracles do not violate laws of nature). Based on divine revelations prophets are able to make grand prophecies, which are fulfilled either during their lives, or later. Their prayers have a very high acceptance rate. Their initial followers are typically deprived from a material standpoint, are persecuted, but eventually overcome the opposition and establish rules for running a society that are based upon truth, compassion, and utmost belief in Oneness of God. Prophets make bold statements in support of truth, enjoy success in their lifetimes, their mission is never frustrated, and they set stellar examples for their followers.

Reflection, pondering over, combined with prayer, pleading Allah Almighty for guidance will always resolve the issue whether a person is a true prophet or not. Although none of this would be needed and things would be “easier”, if say, the true claimant of prophethood grew orange horns on his head overnight. But for whatever reasons, this does not happen. When Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was mocked by people and was asked to go to heaven and bring them some proof, he (peace and blessings be upon him) replied that glory be to my Lord. This reply implies that providing such proofs is not consistent with Majesty and Grandeur of the Lord. One has to exercise intellect and prayers to understand the divine message.

Speaking of signs in support of prophets, I think that one of the signs mentioned in the Bible about the Second Coming of the Messiah is about the sun and the moon becoming dark. Quran also hints at this by stating in Sureh-e-Qiamah “And the moon is eclipsed. And the sun and the moon are brought together”. A hadith quoted of Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) hints at the lunar eclipse on the first night in the month of Ramadan, and solar eclipse on the middle day in the month of Ramadan, signs that have not appeared since the beginning, as a show of divine support for the Mahdi. Mirza Ghulam Sahib (peace be upon him) claimed to be the Mahdi and Messiah in the year 1891 AD and the aforementioned eclipses occurred in the month of Ramadan in the year 1894 AD. This is but one of many divine signs attesting to the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah.

Accepting or rejecting a prophet is up to each individual. Islam does not profess coercion in these matters. People sometimes expect “miracles” (beyond the limits of physical laws) from prophets. Stories get spun. Stories about Adam and Eve being first humans living in paradise, Moses parting the Red Sea, Essa physically ascending to the skies and on and on. At the time of Prophet Jesus, people were expecting the 2nd coming of Prophet Elijah, who had supposedly ascended to the skies in his physical form earlier, as a forerunner to the Messiah. When Jesus (peace be upon him) was asked about Elijah, he mentioned that John the Baptist had come in the spirit of Elijah. Some people accepted Issa-ibne-Marriam (peace be upon him) as the Messiah, while others kept waiting for the physical descent of Prophet Elijah from the sky to mark the arrival of the Messiah. To this day, the Jewish clergy awaits the Messiah - the first one. Sad part is that when the Messiah came to them, two thousand years ago, he was rejected and crucified.

As for someone else from outside the Ahmadi faith claiming prophethood and declaring Ahmadiyyat to be false is concerned, I believe that such a person will not be able to live up to his claims. Islam does not profess coercion in religious matters. In its true sense it accepts prophethood of Prophets Ram, Krishna, Buddha, Zaratushtra, Confucius and more (peace be upon them). It is not up to the people to take matters in their own hands and to act like the army of god out to punish the non-believers. Islam teaches patience, mutual respect, and perseverance. If someone attributes lies towards Allah, I firmly believe that he will be frustrated in his plans in ways obvious to others. Time will attest to it.

As for explanation of the terms … “Ahmadi” and “Qadiani” are somewhat interchangeable terms. Ahmadiyyat is the faith that accepts Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, India, as a prophet of God, as the 2nd coming of the Prophet Issa (i.e. the long-awaited Promised Messiah) and as the Imam Mahdi for this age. After the death of the Promised Messiah, “Khilafat” was started, with the chosen Caliph as the supreme head of the Ahmadiyya community. Some of the Ahmadis (mainly from the city of Lahore in Pakistan) were at odds with Khilafat and wanted the governing body of the Ahmadiyya community with its president to be the in charge of running the community. This group is referred to as the Lahori group. As I understand it, the Lahori group has dwindled in size over the years and now consists of less then a few thousand members.

I’ll pause here for now. I am yet to respond to other issues raised in several other posts. And I will, at the earliest opportunity. I now have to wrap up this reply, head home, and pick up some bread and milk on the way. It’s late at night, and I am still sitting in my office. The janitor came by, hoping to find me gone, so that he can vacuum the place and empty the trash bin.

I hope my response helps. I hope my comments about Jewish faith do not offend anyone. I also hope that my belief about finality of prophethood makes sense to others. If not now, then maybe later.

Best regards,

Asad Sattar

Re: fairdinkum, Urstruly, Kant Patel

The way I read sattar2`s post, I think he was saying that there`s nothing in the Quran that says Muhammad was the last prophet.

This doesn`t seem like a faith-based/unprovable hypothesis to me. Either there are claims in the Quran that Muhammad is the last Prophet or not. (okay, if there are statements that are interpreted variously... that would again make it faith based... but let us see what those statements are.)

He states that Ahmedis accept that the Quran is final/complete/unchangeable word of God but dispute that Muhammad was the last prophet... but since the Quran in no way implies that Muhammad is the Last Prophet, objections to their (Ahmedis`) ``muslimhood`` are ``extra-quranic``.

It seems fair to me that Ahmedis can claim that the majority is indulging in unfair ``bundling`` and that they(Ahmedis) can demand to see proof that the Muhammad is indeed stated to be the final prophet in the Quran.

Excerpt from M.A Jinnah`s Speech to Constituent Assembly, August 11 1947

If you change your past and work together in a spirit that everyone of you, no matter to what community he belongs, no matter what relations he had with you in the past, no matter what is his colour, caste or creed, is first, second and last a citizen of this State with equal rights, privileges, and obligations, there will be on end to the progress you will make.

I cannot emphasize it too much. We should begin to work in that spirit and in course of time all these angularities of the majority and minority communities, the Hindu community and the Muslim community, because even as regards Muslims you have Pathans, Punjabis, Shias, Sunnis and so on, and among the Hindus you have Brahmins, Vashnavas, Khtaris, also Bengalis, Madrasis and so on, will vanish. Indeed if you ask me, this has been the biggest hindrance in the way of India to attain the freedom and independence and but for this we would have been free people long long ago. No power can hold another nation, and specially a nation of 400 million souls in subjection; nobody could have conquered you, and even if it had happened, nobody could have continued its hold on you for any length of time, but for this. Therefore, we must learn a lesson from this. You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place or worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State. As you know, history shows that in England conditions, some time ago, were much worse than those prevailing in India today. The Roman Catholics and the Protestants persecuted each other. Even now there are some States in existence where there are discriminations made and bars imposed against a particular class. thank God, we are not starting in those days. We are starting in the days where there is no discrimination, no distinction between one community and another, no discrimination between one caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one State. the people of England in course of time had to face the realities The people of England in course of time had to face the realities of the situation and had to discharge the responsibilities and burdens placed upon them by the government of their country and they went through that fire step by step. Today, you might say with justice that Roman Catholics and Protestants do not exist; what exists now is that every man is a citizen, an equal citizen of Great Britain and they are all members of the Nation.

Now I think we should keep that in front of us as our ideal and you will find that in course of time Hindus would cease to be Hindus and Muslims would cease to be Muslims, not in the religious sense, because that is the personal faith of each individual, but in the political sense as citizens of the State.

Re: OMAR1947 et al

Omar, and to the rest of the Pakistanis, please stop quoting Jinnah`s speech of September 11, 1947. Those words are about as meaningless, given the present political-social-cultural context of Pakistan, as the words of our consititution protecting our phantom civil rights.

That speech will not change an iota of reality in Pakistan and what Pakistan, as a nation, needs is deeds and not words!

The fact that Jinnah died one later, on September 11, 1948, should tell you something about the importance of that speech!

Ciao!

Khokan #155

In religious matter Pakistan and India has no comparision constitutionally. If Pakistan can be compared, it should be with other Muslim countries. Many of them has Islam as a state religion.

It includes pragmatic country like Malaysia and orthodox like Saudi Arabia.

Can you make Hinduism the religion of India? Although you can elect RSS/BJP, but cannot make Hinduism the religion of India. Apart from the beaten slogan of Democracy and Secularism, can you tell me any other reason why it cannot be done? If you cannot give, I can give you.

Re: fairdinkum

``Shias openly declare some of the sahaabas to be hypocrites who converted to Islam after the fall of Mecca. There are some big names included in the list of sahaabas who are directly or indirectly drawn in, by shias, in the category of hypocrites – Hazrat Ameer Moaviah is one such name. They also dispute the righteousness/spiritual position of first three Caliphs of Islam. They consider them political leaders of Islamic empire rather than successors of Prophet Mohammad (S) in the spiritual sense.``

Shahji I don`t know what Shias believe, but I would consider Ameer Muawyiah`s revolt against Ali as a counter-revolution to Islam. The decline of Islam in the spritual sense started with the murder of Usman & Muawyiah openly accusing Ali responsible for it. Muawyiah`s father was Abu Sufyan who along with Abu Jahal were the worst enemies of Muhammad & Islam. He was one of the planners of Muhammad`s assasination before Hijrat to Mecca and the leader of Kuffar at Uhad. Abu Sufyan and his family converted to Islam on the day before the conquest of Mecca. And at Siffin many sahabas (shian-i-Ali/companions of Ali) openly taunted him on this fact. We all know about the illustrious son of Muawiyah-Yazid. Muawyiah is also accused of poisoning Hassan and conspiring to murder Ali. The battles of Jamal & Siffin (the first civil wars) were the turning point.

Regarding Hamidm`s posts.

There are many people at chowk who belong to one class or another, but Hamidm is a class by himself. Somebody mentioned his posts should be collected and posted as a separate column, that will be a great idea. He posseses a great skill where irony of the subcontinent is blended with his wit, and his dotted style. As Dost-Mittar mentions, he does not need any defense. But Hamdim, if Pakistanis are mad at you, you can write more about we the monkey-worshippers across the border. We really do not mind (here taking the liberty of the hardliners); But do not stop:)

janjua,

I am not worthy of the title you used to address me.
Ok, perhaps Muawyiah was a bad example :)

re: fairdinkum

Worthy or not, where I come from its customary to address the descendants of Banu Hashim as Shahjis :-).

How`s our hockey team doing?

Sorry for taking up this space, but this is important:

ATTENTION PAKISTANI PROFESSIONALS:

Dastak - Network of Pakistani Professionals would like to invite you to their monthly ``Networking Night.``

Thursday, September 28th

Time Hotel

224 W 49th St.

(between 8th and Broadway)

New York City

(212) 246 - 5252

Doors open at 6:30pm sharp

COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION TO ALL

Age 21 and over: Please bring your business card

Professional/Business attire recommended

RSVP via email by 9/26 at rsvp@dastak.org

for more information, visit Dastak online at:

www.dastak.org

Rajanjua!

Although I don`t want to open this discussion. But put in a proper perspective.

But first to Faridinkum, if you are a descendent of Prophet PBUH. I respect you just because of this whether this is Islamic or not.

All the Muslims were Kafir before Prophet PBUH announced prophethood. Hazrat Umar went to kill prophet PBUH and converted. The villian of Muslims from Kuffar side in Ghazwa Uhad was Khalid Bin Waleed later known as Saif-ullah.

Abu Sufyan although an enemy till conquest of Meccah converted into Islam. His family was very influential in Meccah. When prophet PBUH entered Meccah apart from announcing general clemency he said that whoever takes refuge at the house of AbuSufyan is safe. Later he send Abu-Sufyan to the court of Khusrau.

After the death of Prophet PBUH, the struggle between different people was the political struggle. But not by compromizing Islam. Hazrat Ali did not do ``Bayah`` to Abu-Bakr for six months. The same Abu-Bakr has great contribution for Islamic cause.

Hazrat Umar RZAH was husband of daughter of Ali RZAH. And Fadak matter for which the Bayah was not taken by Ali RZAH was returned to Banu-Hashim family. (This Fadak matter itself has background).

When Hazrat Usman was martyred, Ali RZAH transferred his capital from Medina to Kufa for political reasons. And for the same political reasons Amir Muawiya captured Syria. It is a long list.

It was all political struggle and nothing more.

Why would Ayesha RZAH, with Az-Zubair fight Ali RZAH.

Why would Marwan (or Hajjaj) put A`rab on Koran. Why would Hajjaj send expedition on Sind.

We try to create them in our own image. Hypocrite, money grabber and whatnot.

fairdinkum and Urstruly:

As I understand it, Muslim scholars had historically agreed upon the arrival of the Messiah and the Mahdi sometime in the 13-14th century (Islamic calendar; which translates into approx. 1800s-1900s AD). This is apparently based upon hadiths quoted of Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him). One such reference that I can dig up is a hadith quoted in An-Najmus Saqib, Vol. 2, page 209 where Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have stated that approx. 1300 years will pass when God will raise a Mahdi.

From what I recall, my discussions with non-Ahamdi friends and “e”-correspondence with a “web-site” cleric seemed to have confirmed this. Also, 1300-1400 year time interval between Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and the Promised Messiah is consistent with the approx. 1300 years that elapsed between Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and the First Messiah, Prophet Issa (peace be upon him). Prophet Issa (peace be upon him) was a non-Law bearing prophet whose mission was to bring people back to the previously revealed law (Law of Torah, revealed to Prophet Moses, pbuh). Similarly mission of the Promised Messiah was to bring people back to the previously revealed law (Law of Quran, revealed to Prophet Mohammed, pbuh).

I agree that only Allah has knowledge of the future, but He does reveal some of this knowledge to his chosen messengers. This principle is stated in Quran as “He is the Knower of the unseen; and he reveals not the hidden to anyone, except to him whom He chooses from among His Messengers”. There are other hadith in which Prophet Mohammd (peace be upon him) is reported have stated several other aspects of the arrival of the Messiah, and other events in the days to come. Deutronomy, the Fourth Book of the Torah contains a prophecy that fits the arrival of Prophets Issa (peace be upon him) and Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) in the later days. Also, now that I think about it, it seems that the downfall of the Pharaoh of Egypt at the hands of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) was also prophesied. This prompted the Pharaoh to have all the newborn boys killed for a certain period of time. This also fits the model of future events revealed by earlier scriptures.

As far as “number of people in agreement as a test of truth” and “opposition of prophets by mullahs” is concerned, my posting was in response to an earlier comment which had stated that majority of Muslim scholars are in agreement about finality of Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and therefore Ahmadis are appropriately deemed as non-Muslims. Anyway, it seems that we are in agreement that the test of truth does not “necessarily” lie in numbers or in opposition by the clergy.

In one of your responses you discussed the democratic mechanism by which the Muslim clerics check the validity of a particular faith. It is again worth mentioning that the arrival of a prophet threatens the existing religious hierarchy. Ahmadis believe in the arrival of a Prophet and also have a Khalifa as a supreme leader of the community. Acceptance of Ahmadiyyat as a valid faith by the Muslim clerics would by default undermine their own (clerics’) validity as spiritual leaders. It is not surprising that they unanimously agreed to invalidate Ahmadiyyat! Also, as far as I know the government has not yet released to the public the transcripts of these hearings. Only the decision has been made public. I wonder why! In connection with these hearings, it is also worth noting that there is a hadith of Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stating that there will come a time when 72 of my sects will be against one of the sects, and that this one sect will be the one saved. In the light of the so-called “logical, democratic mechanism”, try guessing which one sect may be the one hinted at in this hadith. If you’d like, I can dig up the reference for this one. And to add to it, the proceedings that eventually resulted in crucifixion of Prophet Issa (peace be upon him) were also equally “logical and democratic”. Ask any Roman from that time period, especially the clergy (rhetoric). Strangely enough, Prophet Issa (peace be upon him) was crucified on the charges of blasphemy by the Romans! This is similar to the charge brought against the Ahmaddiya community. “Democracy behind closed doors by the enlightened mullahs” …. If you believe in it, I have some land in Nawabshah that I would like to sell to you.

I think we are discussing two issues in parallel: first issue is about discrimination against Ahmadis, esp. in Pakistan. We are in agreement that this discrimination is unfair, and should be discontinued, regardless of truthfulness of the Ahmadi set of beliefs. Approval of one’s beliefs by the govt. or the clergy should not be a pre-requisite to religious freedom.

The second issue is about truthfulness of claims of Ahmadiyyat. Yes, one (I, in this case) does not need to go around seeking approval from others regarding one’s religious beliefs. My intention is to view things from a non-Ahmadi point of view, so that I can test my own assumptions and see if my understanding is sound enough to withstand criticism. Settling matters by debating, references to Quran etc. are difficult when people perceive faith as a blind set of beliefs. For example it is futile to reason with someone if he rigidly believes that Issa-ibne-Marriam physically ascended to the skies where he still exists, even after two thousand years. Faith devoid of reasoning turns religion into a fairy-tale. Quran encourages readers to reflect and ponder, and challenges them to find any incongruity in the universe. Reasoning and reflection combined with prayer only serves to enhance one’s understanding of the world.

Moving on to other issues, here is one reference from Quran hinting at arrival of more prophets in the days to come. Muslims recite Surah-e-Fathia several times in daily prayers. A few of the verses from this surah state “… Guide us along the right path; the path of those on whom Thou has bestowed Thy favors …” Explaining these “favors”, Quran states in Surah-e-Nisa, “Who so obeys Allah and the Messenger, shall be among whom Allah has bestowed His favors – the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs, and the Righteous; and excellent companions these are. This is Allah’s grace and Allah is all comprehending” (chapter 4, verses 70-71).

We Ahmadis believe that these verses give the glad tidings that Allah Almighty will continue to raise prophets among the followers of Allah and His Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Counter arguments to this will be much appreciated.

Kant Patel,

I think you are misunderstanding the point that I was making. I was stating my own beliefs without hinting disrespect to any other set of beliefs. I would like to be accepted as a practicing Muslim, although being a Muslim in the eyes of the God is more critical and provides much solace. But my intention is not to deny the same to anyone else who too desires it. This applies not only to Muslims, but also to people of other faiths, agnostics, or atheists. Islam teaches patience, forbearance, and perseverance. In its true sense, Islam accepts prophetehood of Prophets Ram, Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, Zaratushtra and more (peace be upon them), and gathers people of all religions under one banner. However if one chooses to stick with whatever belief system he has, that is his choice. Islam does not profess coercion is these matters. It encourages religious freedom for all.

Such are my thoughts. Comments from anyone will be much appreciated.

Best regards,

Asad Sattar

(San Jose, CA)

sattar2 #162 You are entitled to your faith in the ``spotless lives``, in their ability to perform miracles (albeit, as you take care to note, without violating ``the laws of nature`` whatever those are) and so forth. I happen to believe that prophets are ordinary human beings (complete with less than perfect lives) who serve as messengers of God, nothing for nor less. I also happen to believe that the prophet Mohammed emphasized the same thing and for good reason: the important thing is the message, not the messenger.

RE: Mithuna # 163
A. Sattar


The Finality of Prophet i.e Khatmay-Nabuwat in Quran

Verse 40 of Surah Al-Ahzab (33) points out this concept in the Holy Quran.

Two translations of this Ayah follow:

O people! Muhammad has no sons among ye men, but verily, he is the Apostle of God and the last in the line of Prophets. And God is Aware of everything.

Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.
(The Holy Quran, Al-Ahzab 33:40)

{In an attempt to give their claim an appearance of validity, the Qadiani leadership has shamelessly tampered with the meaning of the Holy Quran and is advancing forged and questionable hadith attributed to the Prophet Muhammad(SAW). Although this hypocrisy may misguide a few uninformed individuals, every moderately knowledgeable Muslim can readily see the fallacies of Qadianis rejecting the Finality of Prophethood, belying the signs and Mission of the promised Mehdi and Messiah(pbut), opposing Jihad against oppressors, calling Muslims kafirs, and trying to set up a new holy land to divide and weaken the Muslims.

Indeed, anyone with a working knowledge of the Arabic language or the foresight of heeding the instructions of the Holy Quran can readily see that Qadiani leaders are merely playing with the translation of the holy text in an attempt to guide naive people astray.}


Qadianis dispute the meaning of the term Kahtam al Nabiyyin in the above quoted verse. Following is an excerpt from Syed Abou-al-aala Moudoudis attempt to explain the meaning of the term:


The Dictionary Meaning of the Word `Khatam-al-Nabiyyin`

It is evident that the text can bear one meaning and it is that Khatam-al-Nabiyyin stands for the Finality of Prophethood with a clear implication that the prophethood has been culminated and finalized in Muhammad (PBUH). It is not only the context that supports this interpretation but also the lexicography.

According to Arabic lexicon and the linguistic usage Khatam means to affix seal; to close, to come to an end; and to carry something to its ultimate end.

Khatama al-`Amala is equivalent to `Faragha min al-`Almali` which means `to get over with the task.` `Khatama al-Ina` bears the meaning `The vessel has been closed and sealed so that nothing can go into it, nor can its contents spill out.`

`Khatam-al-kitab` conveys the meaning `The letter has been enclosed and sealed so that it is finally secured.`

`Khatama-`Ala-al-Qalb` means `The heart has been sealed so that it cannot perceive anything new nor can it forswear what it has already imbibed.`

`Khitamu-Kulli-Mashrubin` implies `the final taste that is left in the mouth when the drink is over.`

Katimatu Kulli Shaiinn `Aqibatuhu wa Akhiratuhu means ``The end in the case of everything denotes its doom and ultimate finish.`` Khatm-ul-Shaii Balagha Akhirahu conveys the sense, ``To end a thing means to carry it to its ultimate limit.``
The term Khatam-i-Qur`an is used in the similar sense and the closing verses of Qur`anic Surahs are referred to as Khawatim. Khatim-ul-Qaum Akhirhuum means ``The last man in the tribe.`` (Refer to Lisan-ul-`Arab; Qamus and Aqrab-ul- Muwarid). (see footnote 2, below.)

For this reason all linguists and commentators agree that Khatam-ul-Nabiyyin means `The Last in the line of Prophets.` The word Khatam in its dictionary meaning and linguistic usage does not refer to the post office stamp which is affixed on the outgoing mail. Its literal meaning is the `seal` which is but on the envelope to secure its contents.
________________

footnote 2.
We have referred to three lexicons here, yet the elucidation of this point is not confined to these works alone. All authoritative dictionaries of the Arabic language interpret the word Khatam in the sense that we have given to it. But the deniers of the Finality of Prophethood in their endeavor to make a sneaky assault on the religion of God argue that if we refer to someone as `Last of the Poets` or `Last of the Legists` or `Last of the Commentators`, we do not necessarily mean that no poet, legist or commentator will come after them; rather we only mean to say that all excellence of their act has been concentrated in such men. The actual position, however, is that when we do use these exaggerated epithets for someone we do not thereby replace or remove the original meaning of the word `Last`. It is preposterous to assume that by its metaphorical use to refer to the excellence or perfection of a man, the word `Last` loses its original or real significance which is `Final`. Such an assumption can only be accepted by a person who lacks elementary knowledge of the rules of grammar. There is no grammatical principle in any language by which the metaphorical meaning of a word may be taken as its real or original meaning. Besides, the metaphorical meaning in no case replaces or obliterates the real and basic meaning of the word.

When you tell an Arab `Ja Khatam ul-Qaum`, he will certainly not take it to mean that `the perfect or the most excellent man of the tribe has come.` He will, on the other hand, take it to mean that `the whole tribe, even to the last man, has come.`

There is another point to be considered. Such terms as the `Last Poet`, the Last Legist` or the `Last Narrator of hadith` are eulogies used by men for other human beings whom they deem to be perfect and excellent. Those who use these hyperboles for other men certainly can not say, nor do they know, that people of such excellence will come in later times or not. So in human language these appellations are hyperboles, but when God uses for a person that such and such quality has been culminated in him, there is no reason to take it in the metaphorical sense in the strain of human expression. If Allah had pronounced someone as `Last Poet`, he would have been last poet in the literal sense of the word. If Allah appoints someone as His `Last Prophet`, there is absolutely no possibility of any other person attaining to that dignity after that.
God is Omniscient. Man has but limited knowledge. This being so, how can one construe the human praise of a person as `Last Poet` or the last of the jurists in the same sense as God`s pronouncement of a person as the `Last Prophet`?

The Observations (Hadith) of the Holy Prophet(PBUH) About the Finality of Prophethood

Though Verse 40 of Surah Al-Ahzab (33) as quoted in the earlier post leaves no room for further discussion yet the question is who else besides the Holy Prophet (PBUH), to whom the Qur`an was revealed, is better qualified to comprehend its meaning and to explain its contents to us? And he who advances an alternative explanation, shall we regard his claims as worthy of our consideration let alone our acquiescence?

The meaning of the word Khatam that emerges out of the context of the Holy Qur`an and which is the same as given in all lexicons of the Arabic language is also affirmed by the observations (Hadith) of the Holy Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him).

The following quotes are taken from the Sehah–e-Sitta i.e. six most authentic books of Hadith:

· The Holy Prophet (PBUH) observed: ``The tribe of Israel was guided by prophets. When a prophet passed away, another prophet succeeded him. But no prophet will come after me; only caliphs will succeed me.`` (Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Manaqib).


· The Prophet of God (PBUH) affirmed: ``My position in relation to the prophets who came before me can be explained by the following example:
A man erected a building and adorned this edifice with great beauty, but he left an empty niche, in the corner where just one brick was missing. People looked around the building and marvelled at its beauty, but wondered why a brick was missing from that niche? I am like unto that one missing brick and I am the last in the line of the Prophets.`` (Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Manaqib).
(In other words, with the advent of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the edifice of Prophethood has been completed and there is no empty niche in this edifice to provide room for another prophet.)

Four traditions relating to this subject are recorded, in Muslim, Kitab-ul-Fada`il, Babu Khatimin-Nabiyyin. The latter tradition contains the following additional sentence. ``So I came and in me the line of Prophets has ended.``
The very same tradition in similar words has been reported in Tirmidhi, Kitab-ul-Manaqib, Bab-Fadlin Nabi and Kitab-Adab, Bab-ul-Amthal. In Musnad Abu Dawud Tayalisi this tradition has been incorporated among other traditions reported by Jabir bin Abdullah; and its last sentence reads, ``It is in me that line of Prophets came to its final end.``

Musnad Ahmad contains traditions reported by Hadrat Ubayyi bin Ka`b, Hadrat Abu Sa`id Khudri and Hadrat Abu Huraira(may Allah be pleased with them) on the same subject with a slight variation of words here and there.

· The Holy Prophet (PBUH) observed: ``God has bestowed upon me six favors which the former Prophets did not enjoy:

- I have been endowed with the gift of pithy and perfect speech.
- I was granted victory owing to my awe.
- The spoils of war were made lawful unto me.
- The whole earth has been made the place of worship for me and it has become the means of purification for me also. In other words in my religion, offering of prayers is not confined to certain specified places of worship. Prayers can be offered at any place over the earth. And in case water is not available it is lawful for my people to perform ablutions with earth(Tayammum) and to cleanse themselves with the soil if water for bathing is scarce.
- I have been sent by Allah to carry His Divine message to the whole world.
- And the line of prophets has come to its final end in me.
(Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

. The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) affirmed: ``The chain of Messengers and Prophets has come to an end. There shall be no Messenger nor Prophet after me.`` (Tirmidhi, Kitab-ur-Rouya Babu Zahab-un- Nubuwwa, Musnad Ahmad, Marwiyat-Anas bin Malik)

· The Holy Prophet (PBUH) observed: ``I am Muhammad, I am Ahmad, I am the effacer and infidelity shall be erased through me; I am the assembler. People shall be assembled on Doomsday after my time. (In other words Doom is my only successor.) And I am the last in the sense that no prophet shall succeed me.`` (Bukhari and Muslim, Kitab-ul-Fada`il, Bab: Asmaun-Nabi; Tirmidhi, Kitab-ul- Adab, Bab: Asma-un-Nabi; Muatta`, Kitab-u-Asma in-Nabi, Al- Mustadrak Hakim, Kitab-ut-Tarikh, Bab: Asma-un-Nabi.)

· The Prophet of God (PBUH) observed: ``God Almighty hath sent unto the world no apostle who did not warn his people about the appearance of Dajjal( Anti-Christ, but Dajjal did not appear in their time). I am the last in the line of Prophets and ye are the last community of believers. Without doubt,then, Dajjal shall appear from amongst ye``. (Ibn Majah, Kitabul-fitan, bab:Dajjal).
· `Abdur Rahman bin Jubair reported: ``I heard Abdullah bin `Amr ibn-`As narrating that one day the Holy Prophet (PBUH) came out of his house and joined our company. His manner gave us the impression as if he were leaving us.` He said, `I am Muhammad, the unlettered prophet of Allah` and repeated this statement three times. Then he affirmed: ``There will be no prophet after me`.``(Musnad Ahmad, Marwiyat`Abdullah bin Amr ibn`-As.)

· The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ``Allah will send no Apostle after me, but only Mubashshirat. It was said: what is meant by al-Mubashshirat. He said : Good vision or pious vision``. (Musnad Ahmad, Marwiyat Abu Tufail, Nasa`i, Abu Dawud) (In other words there is no possibility of Divine revelation in future. At the most if some one receives an inspiration from Allah he will receive it in the form of ``pious dream.``

· The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: ``If an Apostle were to succeed me, it would have been `Umar bin Khattab.`` (Tirmidhi,Kitab-ul- Manaqib)
· The Holy Prophet (PBUH) told Hadrat `Ali, ``You are related to me as Aaron was related to Moses(peace be upon him). But no Apostle will come after me.`` (Bukhari and Muslim, Kitab Fada`il as-Sahaba)

This tradition is recorded in Bukhari and Muslim in the account of the Battle of Tabuk also. Musnad records two traditions narrated by Hadrat Sa`d bin Abi Waqqas ( may Allah be pleased with him) on this subject. The last sentence in one of these traditions runs as follows : ``Behold there is no prophethood after me.``

Detailed accounts of the traditions incorporated in Abu Dawud Tayalisi, Imam Ahmad and Muhammad bin Ishaque report that on the eve of his departure for the battle of Tabuk, the holy Prophet (PBUH) had resolved to leave Hadrat `Ali behind him in order to look after the defense and supervise the affairs of Medina. The hypocrites thereupon began to spread insinuations and rumours about Hadrat `Ali. Hadrat `Ali went to the Prophet and submitted : `O Prophet of Allah, are you leaving me behind among women and children?` On this occasion in order to set his mind at peace the Holy Prophet (PBUH) observed: ``You are related to me as was Aaron with Moses.`` In other words ``as Hadrat Moses on the Mount Tur had left Hadrat Aaron behind to look after the tribe of Israel, so I (Muhammad) leave you behind to look after the defense of Medina.`` At the same time apprehending that this comparative allusion to Hadrat Aaron might later on give rise to heresies, the holy Prophet (PBUH) immediately made it clear that ``There will be no Prophet after me.``

. Thauban reports: ``The Holy Prophet (PBUH) observed: And there will arise Thirty imposters in my Ummah and each one of them will pronounce to the world that he is a prophet, but I am the last in the line of the Prophets of God and no Apostle will come after me.`` (Abu Dawud, Kitab-ul-Fitan)

Abu Dawud in `Kitab-ul-Malahim` has recorded another tradition reported by Abu Huraira in the same subject. Tirmidhi has also recorded these two traditions as reported by Hadrat Thauban and Hadrat Abu Huraira. The text of the second tradition runs thus: ``It will come to this that thirty imposters will arise and each one of them will put forth his claim to be the Apostle of God.``

· The Holy Prophet (PBUH) observed: ``Among the tribe of Israel who went before you there indeed were such people who held communion with God, even though they were not his Prophets. If ever there arose a person from among my people who would hold communion with God, it would be none else but `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him).`` (Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Manaqib)

A version of this same tradition in `Muslim` contains Muhaddithuna instead of Yukallimuna. But then Mukalima and Muhaddith bear identical meaning i.e., a man enjoys the privilege of holding direct communion with God or a person who is addressed by the Almighty from the unseen. Thus we conclude that if there had been any person among the followers of Muhammad who could hold communion with God without being raised to the dignity of prophethood, it would have been `Umar.

· The Prophet of God (PBUH) said: ``No Prophet will come after me and there will, therefore, be no other community of followers of any new prophet.`` (Baihaqi,Kitab-ul Rouya; Tabarani)

· The Holy Prophet (PBUH) observed: ``I am the last in line of the prophets of God and my Masjid is the last Masjid (referring the holy Masjid of the Prophet).`` (see footnote 3) (Muslim, Kitab-ul-Hajj; Bab:Fadl-us-Salat bi Masjidi Mecca wal Medina)

A large number of such traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) have been reported by the companions and a great many compilers have recorded them from authoritative sources. A study of these traditions shows that the Holy Prophet on several occasions, and in various ways and in different words made it explicitly clear that he was the last Prophet of God; That no prophet would follow him and that the line of prophets had ended in him. Furthermore, those would claim to be Prophets and Messengers of God after his time would be imposters and liars. (see footnote 4).
There can be no authentic, creditable and conclusive interpretation of the words of the Holy Qur`an, Khatam-un- Nabiyyin, than that given by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) for the credentials of the Holy prophet (PBUH) need no proof and the authority of his words is unassailable. His words are authentic and a proof in itself. When the Prophet is explaining a Nass of the Holy Quran, his explanation is the most authentic and a proof positive.