Belief & Creed (Aqeedah)

Roles of Messengers in Islam

The Roles of Messengers in Islam

Why Send Human Messengers?

Imagine you've created an entire universe, designed beautifully with purpose, harmony, and balance. You've filled it with humans, beings who can think, reason, and choose their own paths. Now, how do you guide them? How do you communicate your instructions clearly while preserving their freedom to believe or reject your message?

If Allah were to reveal Himself directly, humans would lose the very thing that makes their faith valuable: free will. Belief would become inevitable rather than meaningful. Indeed, the Quran explains that humans cannot even bear seeing Allah; when Prophet Moses asked to see Him, he fell unconscious from the overwhelming power of the divine presence.

What about angels? While angels are pure, obedient beings, they don't share human struggles, emotions, or limitations. Imagine trying to learn about patience, compassion, or perseverance from someone who never experiences frustration or pain. Angels simply can't demonstrate how to navigate the complexities of human life.

Therefore, the wisest and most logical choice is clear: sending human messengers from among the people themselves. They speak the same language, share the same culture, and understand human nature firsthand. People can observe their behavior, ask questions, relate to their struggles, and follow their example practically. This method beautifully combines clarity with free will—allowing everyone to reflect, choose, and truly grow in faith.

“We have not sent a messenger except in the language of his people to clarify the message for them.”
(Quran 14:4)

Allah also highlights a logical point: if the Earth were full of angels, then an angel would have been sent as a messenger. But since the audience is human, the messenger was human . An angelic messenger would not fit our daily life or serve as a role model because angels don’t eat, sleep, or face human struggles. Prophets, being human, lived among their people as examples to follow. They felt hunger and thirst, they married and worked, and they demonstrated how to live the divine guidance in real life. This human touch made the message more approachable and practical. As one classical scholar, Imam Al-Mawardi, noted, there was “no alternative to sending messengers in order to explain the truth” – only a relatable human teacher could effectively convey God’s instructions.

One Universal Message, Delivered by Many Prophets

Islam teaches that throughout history God sent many prophets, but their core message was always the same. They all called people to worship the One God (Allah) alone and to live righteously. The Quran says:

“We never sent a messenger before you, O Prophet, without revealing to him: ‘There is no god except Me, so worship Me alone.’”
(Quran 21:25)

This means every prophet—whether it was Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, or Muhammad (peace be upon them all)—brought the message of pure monotheism (belief in One God) and submission to Him. Their specific laws or practices might have varied based on the needs of their people and time, but the fundamental creed did not change . The Quran also tells us that a messenger was sent to every nation on earth, speaking that nation’s language and addressing its context . So, for example, Prophet Noah was sent to his people in ancient times, Prophet Abraham to his people in Mesopotamia, Prophet Moses to the Israelites in Egypt, and so on. Each people received guidance suitable for them.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this unity of message with a beautiful analogy: he said that all prophets are like paternal brothers – they have different mothers but one father . This means their backgrounds and eras differed, but their religion (the belief in One God and obedience to Him) is one and the same. In a hadith (recorded saying), the Prophet ﷺ stated: “Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.” . Here, he emphasized that he and Prophet Jesus – and by extension all prophets – are like brothers in faith, even if they came at different times. They all brought the same essential call: to recognize God’s oneness, do good, and shun evil.

Because prophets came at different periods, they addressed the particular problems of their communities. Their stories, as told in Islamic tradition, show a chain of guidance: when people forgot or altered the original message, Allah sent another prophet to bring them back on track. For instance, after Moses’s time, people eventually went astray and God sent Jesus to refresh the message of Tawhid (oneness of God). After Jesus’s followers later deviated, the final prophet, Muhammad, was sent to restore and complete the message one last time for all humanity. The Prophet Muhammad is unique in that he was not just sent to one group, but to all peoples; he is called “a mercy to the worlds” in the Quran and the “Seal of the Prophets” (the last prophet) . His message confirms the core teachings of previous prophets and is meant to remain until the end of time.

Prophets Faced Rejection and Opposition

One might think that people would eagerly accept God’s messengers, but history shows that many communities rejected their prophets at first. The Quran repeatedly highlights this sad reality. It says that whenever a messenger came to people, they often ridiculed him . In fact, the disbelievers of many nations found various excuses to deny the prophets. Some mocked the prophets as liars or made fun of them. Others accused them of sorcery or madness. The Quran describes this pattern clearly:

“Similarly, there came not to those before them any messenger except that they said, ‘A magician or a madman.’”
(Quran 51:52)

This means earlier communities would label the prophet as a “sorcerer” or “crazy person” to dismiss his message. For example, Noah’s people waved him off as a madman; Pharaoh called Moses a sorcerer; and some of Jesus’s contemporaries rejected him despite his miracles. Even Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced such insults from his own tribe in Mecca – they called him a poet, a madman, or a magician, rather than listen to the Quran he brought .

The Quran gives more instances of this unfortunate response. It mentions: “Never did a messenger come to them without being mocked.” And it says that when prophets came to towns, the wealthy and proud leaders often refused to follow. They would say, “We totally disbelieve in what you have been sent with.” In Surah Saba’ 34:34, Allah says no warner came to a city except the affluent people of that city rejected him . Often, the common folk or the oppressed were more open to prophets, whereas the elites felt their power or traditions threatened and thus opposed the prophets.

Despite this rejection, the prophets remained patient and steadfast. They did not give up or retaliate harshly. Instead, they persisted in preaching, reasoning with their people, and showing good character. Prophet Noah, for instance, preached for 950 years to a stubborn audience. Prophet Moses kept urging Pharaoh to humble himself. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, despite years of being mocked and even physically harmed by his people, continued to invite them to Islam with patience and mercy. The Quran tells Muhammad ﷺ regarding the disbelievers: “So be patient, as were the messengers of strong will” (46:35), indicating he should endure as past prophets did.

This recurring rejection also had consequences. Typically, those who rejected out of arrogance eventually faced God’s punishment or misfortune, while the believers were saved. For example, Noah’s flood drowned the deniers, and Pharaoh who rejected Moses was swallowed by the sea. These stories serve as lessons: rejecting truth out of pride is an ancient error, and believers today should not be discouraged if they face mockery for their faith. It’s part of a pattern, and the prophets showed how to handle it—with patience, perseverance, and trust in Allah.

Messengers, Not Divine Beings or Demi-Gods

An important Islamic teaching is that prophets and messengers, while highly respected and honored, are not divine. They are not gods, sons of God, or objects of worship. They are humans chosen by Allah to convey His message. Muslims must love and respect the prophets, especially Prophet Muhammad, but never worship them or raise them above their human status. The Quran makes this clear by reminding us that the messenger’s role is only to deliver the message, not to be a lord over people:

“Obey Allah and obey His Messenger. But if you turn away, then Our Messenger’s responsibility is nothing but to convey the message plainly.”
(Quran 64:12)

This verse shows that even though Muslims are told to obey the Prophet (as he speaks for God), the Prophet’s job was only to communicate Allah’s instructions clearly. Guidance ultimately comes from Allah. The prophets do not control people’s hearts, nor can they force anyone to believe. Another verse has the prophets saying to their people: “Our duty is only to deliver the clear message.” . They were messengers, pure and simple.

Unfortunately, some communities in history began to exaggerate the status of their prophets. The clearest example is how some of Jesus’s followers started worshiping him as the “son of God,” elevating a noble prophet to a divine status, which Muslims believe is a mistake. Even in the Prophet Muhammad’s time, there was a risk that people, out of extreme love, might praise him in a way that is not appropriate. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ firmly prevented this. He said in an authentic hadith:

“Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising the son of Mary. For I am only a servant. So call me the servant of Allah and His Messenger.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

In this hadith, the Prophet ﷺ warns people not to over-praise him or attribute divine qualities to him. He chose the words “slave/servant of Allah and His Messenger” as his correct titles. This means that no matter how great a prophet is, he is still only a servant of God delivering God’s message. Prophet Muhammad emphasized he had no share in divinity – all power and knowledge of the unseen belong only to Allah. He even said, “I am but a man like yourselves. I am prone to forget just as you are,” highlighting his human nature . The Quran also tells the Prophet to declare that he has no power to benefit or harm except by God’s will, and that he does not know the unseen except what God revealed to him .

Both the Quran and Hadith repeatedly clarify this boundary: we love the prophets and take them as role models, but we do not pray to them or consider them part of God. They themselves directed people only to Allah. For instance, when someone bowed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in respect, he forbade it, saying that bowing is for Allah alone. When people asked Jesus for miracles, he said it was by Allah’s permission, not his own power . When Prophet Muhammad’s name is mentioned in prayers (the Shahadah), it is always “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,” not something like “Muhammad is Allah” or a partner to Allah.

Classical and modern scholars stress this point. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah wrote that calling people to worship Allah alone was the crux of every prophet’s mission . No prophet ever asked people to worship him. Any group that turned a prophet or saint into a focus of worship went against that prophet’s actual teachings . The duty of the messenger was to deliver God’s words, and the success of a messenger is measured by that delivery, not by possessing any divine trait. As the Quran quotes the Prophet Muhammad: “It has only been revealed to me that I am a clear warner.” In other words, his revelation’s purpose was simply to warn and guide people, nothing more exalted than that.

Understanding this protects Muslims from falling into shirk (associating partners with God). While we hold the prophets in the highest human regard and follow their sunnah (example), we remember they were mortals. They ate food, walked in the markets, felt pain, and died. For example, when Prophet Muhammad died, one companion, Umar, was in such shock he threatened anyone who said the Prophet was dead. But the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, reminded everyone: “Whoever worshiped Muhammad, know that Muhammad has passed away. But whoever worships Allah, know that Allah is Ever-Living.” This brought people back to the reality that the Prophet was a human messenger.

Thus, Islam strikes a balance: extreme love but within the limits of Tawhid (God’s oneness). We don’t diminish the status of prophets (as just random people – they are the best of people), but we don’t raise them to godhood either. This keeps the focus on Allah, the source of the message, exactly as the prophets themselves insisted.

Miracles as Signs of Prophethood

One might ask: how did people know someone claiming to be a messenger was truly sent by God? The answer is that Allah supported His messengers with miracles – extraordinary signs – as proof of their prophethood . These miracles were things only God could do, and they were often directly relevant to the culture and time of that prophet. Classic Islamic scholarship notes that “Allah supported His Prophets with miracles, which are extraordinary events usually of the same nature that the people of that particular prophet excelled at.” In other words, the miracle would resonate with what those people understood as impressive.

For example, Moses (Musa) was sent to a people in Egypt who excelled at magic and sorcery. So, Moses’s miracles challenged that. By God’s power, Moses’s staff turned into a real snake that outdid the illusions of Pharaoh’s magicians . He also struck the sea with his staff to part the Red Sea, allowing his followers to escape and drowning Pharaoh’s army . These acts were far beyond any magic trick – they were clear signs from Allah. Seeing them, many of Pharaoh’s magicians realized Moses was the real messenger and believed in his Lord on the spot.

Similarly, Jesus (Isa) was sent to a people who excelled in medicine and healing. His miracles, by Allah’s leave, directly spoke to that expertise. Jesus healed those born blind and cured lepers, diseases no doctor of his time could remedy . He even brought dead people back to life by Allah’s permission . These miracles showed the people that his power was from a divine source. The Quran quotes Jesus saying: “I cure the blind and the leper and I give life to the dead - by permission of Allah.” . The phrase “by permission of Allah” is key – it reminds us that the miracle is from God, not the prophet alone, again underscoring that prophets are not acting on their own divinity.

The Arabs in Prophet Muhammad’s time prided themselves on eloquence and poetry. As a result, the main miracle given to Muhammad ﷺ is the Quran itself – a literary masterpiece of divine origin that left the master poets of Arabia stunned. The Quran’s language, message, and prophecies were inimitable; the Arabs, despite their skills, could not produce even a chapter like it . The Quran challenged them: “If you doubt it, then produce a chapter like it” (2:23), and they failed. To this day, the Quran remains the living miracle of Islam, accessible for all to examine.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was also given other miracles. One famous example is the splitting of the moon. The people of Mecca once challenged him to show a sign, so by Allah’s power he split the moon into two halves in the sky, astonishing everyone . The Quran records this event: “The Hour has drawn near and the moon has split. Yet whenever they see a sign, they turn away and say, ‘Same old magic.’” . Despite witnessing this with their own eyes, many disbelievers still called it magic – which shows that miracles only benefit those willing to have faith. Another miracle was the Night Journey (Isra’ and Mi’raj), where Muhammad ﷺ in one night traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascended through the heavens and back. Although this was a miraculous journey, its evidence came through the detailed descriptions he gave (for example, of a caravan he passed on the way) that were later confirmed. Some believers whose faith was weak left Islam when told of this journey, thinking it impossible, while true believers like Abu Bakr said, “If he said it, it’s true,” knowing that God is capable of anything.

In the case of past prophets, many of their miracles were witnessed only by their direct audiences and are known today through scriptures and reports. Since Prophet Muhammad is the final messenger, his biggest miracle needed to be one that lasts. That’s why the Quran is such a central miracle – it’s a timeless guide and proof. It isn’t locked in history; people can still read and experience its power firsthand. Muslim scholars also view the rapid spread of Islam and the profound transformation of the Arabian Peninsula under Muhammad’s leadership as a kind of miracle. How within 23 years a previously divided, tribal society became united in monotheism, morally uplifted, and carried forth a scripture unchanged – this is seen as miraculous success granted by Allah.

Another point to note is that miracles alone didn’t produce faith in everyone – they were signs for those whose hearts were open. Many saw miracles and still rejected (as with the moon splitting, where pagans said “It’s just magic” ). Faith isn’t forced; miracles support the truth, but acceptance depends on the person’s sincerity. The Quran actually mentions that some people kept demanding miracles out of stubbornness, and Allah says He does not send miracles on demand or for entertainment. They have a purpose: to support a true prophet, not to satisfy the curiosity of deniers. When people asked Prophet Muhammad for more signs, the Quran’s answer was that the Quran itself is the great sign, and also that many earlier communities saw miracles and still disbelieved (so sending more would not help those who are obstinate) .

In summary, miracles are a common thread in the stories of the messengers. They are God’s way of underscoring the legitimacy of His messengers. From the parting of the sea, to the fire that did not burn Abraham, to the camel that emerged from solid rock for Salih’s people , to Prophet Muhammad’s Quran and other signs – each miracle was suited to its people and its time . These wonders draw our attention and inspire us, but they always direct us back to listening to the prophet’s message itself, which is the true purpose. For Muslims, reading about these miracles strengthens their belief and appreciation for Allah’s power and mercy. It also shows that while the prophets were human, they were backed by the Creator of the heavens and earth.

The Wisdom and Rationality of Islam’s Perspective on Messengers

Islam’s concept of prophethood is not just a set of stories; it is a logically and theologically coherent system that addresses human needs. Why is this perspective the most rational and effective? Consider the alternatives: If Allah had not sent messengers, how would people know their purpose or the right way to live? Human reason alone, while powerful, has limits. We might figure out basic morals, but we cannot by ourselves know details of worship, the unseen realities of the afterlife, or exactly what God wants from us. Through prophets, Allah communicated those truths and laws clearly. This is far more effective than leaving humans to wander in speculation about divine matters. As a modern scholar put it, mankind’s need for messengers is like our need for the light of the sun – without revelation, we’d be spiritually lost. We need guidance on how to attain salvation, and that guidance can only come authentically from the Creator.

Islam teaches that prophets were sent as a mercy. Allah didn’t leave humanity without direction. The messengers brought scriptures and teachings that give us a moral framework (what is right and wrong), spiritual practices (like prayer and charity), and understanding of reality (like why we are here, what happens after death). Philosophically, this makes sense: an All-Wise God would not create humans and abandon them without guidance. It is rational that He would educate us through chosen individuals. Those individuals needed to be trustworthy and exemplary – hence the prophets were the best of people in character. They demonstrated the teachings in practice, which is an effective way to lead. People could see the religion lived out and thus believe it and follow it.

From a logical standpoint, having multiple prophets over time is also wise and effective. Humanity grew and spread into different nations, and over centuries, messages were forgotten or altered. By sending messengers periodically, Allah renewed the truth among different people. This prevented the original monotheistic message from being completely lost. When the time came for the final messenger, the world was ready for a universal message that could be preserved (through writing and memorization) and shared globally. Thus, the chain of messengers ensured continuity of the divine message up to the point it could be safeguarded in a complete form (the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad). This is more logical than the idea that God would send one messenger with one book and then allow it to be corrupted without clarification, or that He would randomly choose a nation and ignore others. In Islam, every people received guidance – which is just and wise. And the final guidance is kept intact, which is merciful and effective for all future generations.

Theologically, Islam’s view avoids the extremes found in other perspectives. It avoids polytheism (worshiping multiple gods) by emphasizing that prophets are not gods, only messengers. It avoids the confusion of God becoming a man (as in some interpretations of Christianity), which raises complex questions (How can God, who is immortal, die? How can the Creator be a creation?). Instead, Islam says God remained God, and He chose men to deliver His word. This keeps the concept of God clear and exalted, and the role of the prophet clear and humble. As a result, worship in Islam is directed purely to God, which is the most rational form of worship for a monotheist. There is no paradox of a divine-human hybrid in Islam’s theology of prophethood – prophets are fully human, yet chosen and guided by God. This straightforward approach appeals to both the mind and heart: the mind finds it logically consistent, and the heart finds it relatable and loving (because we can love the prophets as fellow humans and mentors without confusion about their identity).

Moreover, the lives of the messengers show the effectiveness of this approach in real-world terms. Each prophet reformed society in remarkable ways. For example, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ transformed the Arabian Peninsula from idol-worship, tribal revenge, and oppression of the weak to the worship of One God, rule of law, and rights for women and orphans. The fact that one man, by God’s message, could achieve this in a little over 20 years is a strong evidence that the model of sending a messenger works. It was not done by force or wealth – rather, the persuasive truth of the message and the excellent character of the messenger won hearts. The prophets inspired people to be their better selves. They unified diverse peoples, often former enemies, under the banner of faith and morality. This effectiveness is hard to match. Secular philosophies or self-help gurus might inspire here or there, but the prophets changed entire civilizations. Renowned historian Arnold Toynbee noted the upliftment brought by prophets in moral terms, and even critics of religion often admire figures like Muhammad or Jesus for their leadership and ethical impact.

Scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah have argued that prophethood is essential for human welfare in both this life and the next. Ibn Taymiyyah wrote, “Messengership is essential to guide mankind to that which is best for them in this world and in the Hereafter. Man cannot be guided to what is truly beneficial or harmful for him except through the message.” . This underlines a rational point: we might achieve material progress with our intellect, but without divine guidance, we wouldn’t know the path to spiritual success and God’s pleasure. Philosophically, humans have debated ethics and purpose for ages; the coming of messengers settles those debates with divine authority. It’s efficient and effective — rather than every generation philosophizing anew about life’s meaning, the prophets delivered answers and guidelines.

Another argument for the rationality of Islamic prophethood is consistency. Across time and place, the message remained fundamentally one, as we discussed. This consistency suggests a single source (the one true God) behind all revelations, versus the idea of multiple conflicting truths. It makes sense that the same God would send a coherent message, adjusted in practice for each era but uniform in core. When we compare the teachings of prophets, we indeed find a golden thread: belief in one God, ethics like honesty, charity, patience, and the concept of accountability in an afterlife. This coherence is a hallmark of truth. Even in the preserved words of past scriptures (like the Bible), we find echoes of Islamic monotheism and morals, indicating they had the same origin before being partially changed over time.

From a philosophical perspective, Islam’s idea of prophethood also addresses the human existential need. People naturally search for meaning and guidance. If God did not communicate, we’d either end up creating our own imaginary answers or falling into despair. Through messengers, God personally engages with His creation, giving humanity a sense of direction and a feeling of being cared for. It’s like a father educating his children rather than abandoning them. This concept resonates deeply with the human psyche – knowing that our Creator spoke to us through humans like ourselves, guiding us gently but clearly.

Finally, Islam’s perspective is effective because it produces a balanced outlook in its followers. We neither dismiss reason (Islam encourages using one’s mind to recognize the truth of the prophets and the signs of God) nor do we dismiss revelation (we recognize that reason alone can’t tell us everything). Instead, we integrate the two: reason leads us to acknowledge the need for revelation, and revelation then guides reason to finer truths. The messengers embody this harmony – they reasoned with their people and presented evidence (both logical arguments and miracles). The Quran itself often invites people to think and ponder, even as it conveys revelation. This partnership of faith and intellect is a hallmark of Islam and stems from its approach to prophethood.

In conclusion, Islam’s concept of messengers is rational because it aligns with our understanding of a wise God reaching out to guide us, and it’s effective because it has demonstrably uplifted humanity in waves over history. As the renowned classical scholar Ibn Kathir and modern scholars like Dr. Umar al-Ashqar have shown in their works, the evidence of history, scripture, and reason all point to the vital role of prophets in God’s plan for humanity. Truly, as the Quran says, following the messenger is the path to success: “Whoever obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah” (4:80). This is because the messenger speaks not from himself, but from divine guidance, which is the surest compass for our lives.

Conclusion: Relevance in Modern Life and Lessons to Apply

The topic of prophets and messengers might seem historical, but it is deeply relevant to Muslims today. Understanding the roles of the messengers helps us appreciate the guidance we have and how to carry it forward. In our modern lives, we can draw many lessons from the lives of the prophets:

Recommended Books on the Topic (Prophets and Messengers)

For those interested in learning more, there are many excellent resources about the lives and roles of the prophets in Islam. Here are a few widely recognized books by reputable scholars (traditionally admired in the Muslim world) that delve into this topic: