Does a Perfect Religious Law Necessitate The End Of Prophethood?
A common misconception spread by non-Ahmadi Muslim scholars is that, as Islamic Law is complete and the Holy Qur’an is the last Divine Book, therefore there is no more need for a Prophet to come. As if Prophethood and Sharia are two closely intertwined elements, and Islamic Law being complete, therefore there is no more need for a Prophet. However, having a complete law is in no way a barrier for the coming of Prophets. The Torah was sent by Allāh as a complete guidance for the Children for Israel. Despite this fact many prophets were sent to them after it.
Moreover, We gave Moses the Book – completing the favour upon him who did good, and an explanation of all necessary things, and a guidance and a mercy – that they might believe in the meeting with their Lord.– (Quran 6: 155)
Does Every Prophet Bring A Law?
The scholars who reject the idea of coming of a prophet, while a complete and perfect law is present, themselves also hold the view that Jesusas will return and will be a follower of Islamic Sharia. They also know full well that it is not necessary for every prophet to bring a new law.
These scholars have deliberately spread this notion among the Muslims in order to prevent them from accepting the claim of The Promised Messiahas. The Holy Qur’an states very clearly that some Prophets were sent by Allāh with Laws, some without and many of them were followers of previous Shariahs.
These messengers have We exalted some of them above others; among them there are those to whom Allah spoke; and some of them He exalted in degrees of rank. – (Quran 2:254)
Surely, We sent down the Torah wherein was guidance and light. By it did the Prophets, who were obedient to US, judge for the Jews, – (Quran 5:54)
The Word Khātam Used To Mean Ring and Seal In Ahadīth
In Bukhari, Book of Clothing, the narrations which speak of the rings and seals of the Holy Prophet sa refers to them using the Arabic word “Khātam.”
Bara` ibn ‘Azib narrates that the Holy Prophet sa forbade us from wearing rings (Khātam) made of gold.
“Āmīn, is the Seal (Khatam) of the Lord of all the worlds placed on the tongues of believing men.”
Anas abn Malik relates that the Holy Prophetsa desired to send a letter to the leaders of foreign nations. Someone said to him that these people do not accept any letter unless it bears a seal (Khatam). Thereupon the Holy Prophetsa had a signet ring (Khatam) made of silver, bearing the words “Muhammad Messenger of Allah.”
Discussion of the Holy Prophet sa with Musailmah and Ibn Sayyad
When these two claimants of Prophethood inquired of the Holy Prophet sa whether or not he believed in them as true Prophets, he did not respond by saying that he is the last Prophet, how can they be prophets? Rather he said, “I believe in all Prophets of Allah.”
“If He Lived He Would Have Been A Prophet”
At the death of the Ibrahīm ra, son of the Holy Prophet sa, he said, “If he had lived he would have been a prophet.” If the Holy Prophet sa was the last prophet in every sense of the word, and considered himself as such then he could never have uttered these words.