What are the functions of Prophethood? Importance and necessity of Prophets?

 Q. No. 5. Explain the doctrine of Prophethood and its importance in human life.

سوال نمبر 5:  عقیدہ رسالت سے کیا مراد ہے؟ انسانی زندگی میں رسالت کی ضرورت و اہمیت پر بحث کریں۔

     Prophets are appointed by Allah Almighty with a divine mission.

 A Prophet has three main functions:

·        Announcer of Allah Almighty’s message.

·        An exemplar of virtue to be initiated by the faithful.

·        A leader of his own community which he will also represent on the Day of Judgment.

                             In order to carry out their mission, all Prophets are endowed with the gift of exemption from error or sin. They are also given the power to perform miracles.

 The necessity of Prophethood:

·        Allah Almighty sent Prophets to announce guidance, to warn, to give witness and to exercise authority.

·        Guidance for mankind is transmitted through wahi (revelation), but by the instrumentality of the Prophet.

·        Man is a thinking, searching and reasoning being who is conscious of his needs and abilities: his thoughts and desires reach beyond the present being physical existence and into life after death; however, when inquiring about life after death; however, when inquiring about the nature of life after death, man finds himself rather perplexed and helpless on his own; therefore, he needs someone greater and wiser than himself to direct him to his happy destiny.

·        Only supernatural teaching and guidance has the power to influence people’s lives and make them practice justice and morality in society.