Authored by: Sheikh Al-Islam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab (رحمه الله)
Translated by: Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadwi (Hafizahullah)
"Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so from their guidance take an example. Say, 'I do not ask you for it any payment. It is not but a reminder for the worlds.' But they did not appraise Allah with true appraisal when they said, 'Allah did not reveal to a human being anything.' Say, 'Who revealed the Scripture that Moses brought as light and guidance to the people? You make it into pages, disclosing [some of] it and concealing much. And you were taught that which you knew not—neither you nor your fathers.' Say, 'Allah [revealed it].' Then leave them in their [empty] discourse, amusing themselves."
(Surah Al-An‘am: 90–91)
May Allah guide us to affirm and uphold the truth of Prophethood and divine guidance.
Translated by: Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadwi (Hafizahullah)
Introduction
The people of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance) also denied the Prophethood of Allah’s messengers, as Allah has mentioned their statements in the Quran:"Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so from their guidance take an example. Say, 'I do not ask you for it any payment. It is not but a reminder for the worlds.' But they did not appraise Allah with true appraisal when they said, 'Allah did not reveal to a human being anything.' Say, 'Who revealed the Scripture that Moses brought as light and guidance to the people? You make it into pages, disclosing [some of] it and concealing much. And you were taught that which you knew not—neither you nor your fathers.' Say, 'Allah [revealed it].' Then leave them in their [empty] discourse, amusing themselves."
(Surah Al-An‘am: 90–91)
Analysis of the Verses
- Guidance of Previous Prophets:
Allah first mentions the guidance granted to Prophets like Ibrahim (AS), highlighting their role in affirming Tawhid and refuting shirk. - Denial of Divine Revelation:
The disbelievers claimed, "Allah has not revealed anything to any human being." This statement reflects their denial of both Prophethood and the divine scriptures. - Rebuttal to Their Claim:
Allah challenges their claim by asking, "Who revealed the Scripture that Moses brought?" The Torah, which they could not deny, was a divine revelation. This rhetorical question exposed their inconsistency and hypocrisy.
Historical Context of the Denial
- Targets of Their Denial:
- The disbelievers specifically targeted the Prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ).
- By denying divine revelation altogether, they attempted to undermine the truth of the Quran.
- Conflicting Beliefs Among Critics:
- Mujahid’s View: These statements were made by the Quraysh polytheists.
- Majority of Mufassirun: The deniers were the Jews, who rejected the Quran and Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Prophethood while affirming the Torah’s divine origin.
- Ingratitude for Divine Blessings:
The denial of Prophethood and divine scriptures reflects their failure to recognize and appreciate Allah’s great blessings.
Old and Ongoing Practice
- Ancient Practice:
The denial of Prophethood was not new. Historically, communities often rejected their Prophets out of arrogance and disbelief. - Modern Denial:
Even today, many individuals openly deny Prophethood and continue to follow the path of ignorance, rejecting divine guidance and messengers.
Conclusion
The rejection of Prophethood is an age-old practice rooted in ignorance, arrogance, and ingratitude. Such denial disregards the blessings of Allah, including the revelation of divine scriptures and the guidance of His messengers. Those who persist in this path align themselves with the practices of the people of Jahiliyyah, whose actions Allah has refuted and condemned.May Allah guide us to affirm and uphold the truth of Prophethood and divine guidance.