The Concept of Khatm-e-Nubuwwah: Its Need and Significance in the Light of the Qur’ān and Sunnah – A Research Analysis

قرآن و سنت کی روشنی میں ختم نبوت کی ضرورت و اہمیت :تحقیقی مطالعہ

Abstract

Every religious legislation or system of jurisprudence (Sharī‘ah) imposes certain restrictions upon human beings, regulating their actions, moral choices, and social conduct. These divine restrictions guide individuals towards good deeds, prevent them from evil acts, and establish security and respect within society. Allah Almighty, in His infinite wisdom, chose to impose the final and ultimate restriction upon humankind after the completion of their intellectual and moral maturity. This final restriction came in the form of everlasting, durable, and permanent divine principles. With the completion of human intellectual evolution and the perfection of divine guidance, the logical and practical need for further prophethood ended. Allah Almighty conveyed this eternal and unchanging message regarding the finality of prophethood in Sūrah Al-Aḥzāb, highlighting its importance and significance. Allah declared that Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) is His last Prophet and Messenger, sent with the final message to all of mankind. With the perfection of religion, humanity had reached the peak of its intellectual and moral evolution, and the responsibility to convey divine guidance and enjoin good while forbidding evil was entrusted to the final Ummah – the Muslim Ummah – which was declared the best of nations to continue the mission of the Messengers. Thus, Allah Almighty bestowed upon mankind the everlasting and permanent principles of the end of prophethood. The status of prophethood and messengership conclusively ended with Muḥammad (ﷺ), the Seal of the Prophets. Therefore, there remains no need for any new messenger or prophet, openly or secretly, partially or fully, practically or theoretically, because the Qur’ān has declared the teachings, actions, and guidance of Muḥammad (ﷺ) as permanent, everlasting, unconditional, and unchangeable – just as the teachings of the Qur’ān itself remain obligatory and practicable upon Muslims forever.