Finality of Prophethood: Wisdom, Guidance, and Human Responsibility
Written by: Muhammad Saleem
The first part of the question — “Why did the chain of prophethood end?” — is not as critical. The real importance lies in the second part, which addresses the very purpose for which prophets were sent.
The beginning and end of prophethood occurred in accordance with Divine wisdom. Just as every creation has a beginning and an end, prophethood too had a divine purpose, and once that purpose was fulfilled, it came to an end.
A simple example can help clarify this concept:
◈ A factory owner instructs his workers to produce a particular component.
◈ Initially, the workers are unskilled, so the owner sends in experts to train them.
◈ Over different phases, various specialists arrive to teach new techniques.
◈ Eventually, a final expert trains the workers completely and supervises the successful production of the component.
◈ Once the owner is satisfied that the workers can now manage on their own, he stops sending experts.
The system of prophethood followed a similar pattern.
◈ Allah sent prophets to teach and guide mankind.
◈ Once the complete system of divine guidance was delivered, the chain of prophethood was concluded.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in his Farewell Sermon, said:
“O people! Have I conveyed the message of Allah to you?”
The people replied: “Yes, you have conveyed it.”
The Prophet ﷺ repeated this question three times, and then said:
“O Allah! Bear witness that I have conveyed Your religion.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-‘Ilm, Hadith 5292)
Yes — mankind still needs guidance today just as it did in the past. However, there is no longer any need for new prophethood.
◈ The answers to today’s questions are found in the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ and the guidance of his followers.
◈ Whoever sincerely seeks guidance, Allah grants them guidance.
◈ If the intention is sincere, guidance is obtained.
◈ If the intention is corrupt, even living in the time of a prophet cannot benefit — just as was the case with Abu Jahl.
The Qur’an has clearly declared the completion of religion:
“Today, We have perfected for you your religion and completed Our favor upon you and chosen Islam as your religion.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 3)
◈ Allah perfected the religion upon the last Prophet ﷺ.
◈ No new prophet or divine law will be sent after him.
◈ Allah took the responsibility of preserving the Qur’an, because it is the complete and final version of divine guidance.
◈ Previous scriptures were incomplete, and their preservation was entrusted to humans — who failed in that task.
◈ The Qur’an, however, was preserved directly by Allah.
◈ The end of prophethood means that no new revelation or guidance will descend.
◈ Mankind is to follow the same religion revealed to the Prophet ﷺ until the Day of Judgment.
This is, in fact, a mercy from Allah:
◈ He saved humanity from the constant test of adjusting to changing revelations.
◈ Recognizing a prophet and believing in him is a trial.
◈ Those who question “Why doesn’t a new prophet come?” should be grateful, not skeptical — for Allah spared them from that test.
Despite the challenges Muslims face today, Islam remains the fastest-growing religion in the world.
◈ One reason for hardship is that Islam has become a common target of those with opposing beliefs.
◈ Whenever Islam is challenged, people of different ideologies unite against it.
◈ The religion is complete.
◈ The Qur’an is preserved.
◈ The Sunnah is clear.
It is now the responsibility of humankind to seek and follow the guidance that has already been delivered — rather than wait for something new.
Written by: Muhammad Saleem
❖ The Importance of the Question
The first part of the question — “Why did the chain of prophethood end?” — is not as critical. The real importance lies in the second part, which addresses the very purpose for which prophets were sent.
❖ End of Prophethood: A Simple Explanation
The beginning and end of prophethood occurred in accordance with Divine wisdom. Just as every creation has a beginning and an end, prophethood too had a divine purpose, and once that purpose was fulfilled, it came to an end.
A simple example can help clarify this concept:
◈ A factory owner instructs his workers to produce a particular component.
◈ Initially, the workers are unskilled, so the owner sends in experts to train them.
◈ Over different phases, various specialists arrive to teach new techniques.
◈ Eventually, a final expert trains the workers completely and supervises the successful production of the component.
◈ Once the owner is satisfied that the workers can now manage on their own, he stops sending experts.
The system of prophethood followed a similar pattern.
◈ Allah sent prophets to teach and guide mankind.
◈ Once the complete system of divine guidance was delivered, the chain of prophethood was concluded.
❖ The Completion of the Prophet ﷺ’s Teachings
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in his Farewell Sermon, said:
“O people! Have I conveyed the message of Allah to you?”
The people replied: “Yes, you have conveyed it.”
The Prophet ﷺ repeated this question three times, and then said:
“O Allah! Bear witness that I have conveyed Your religion.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-‘Ilm, Hadith 5292)
❖ Does Humanity Still Need Guidance?
Yes — mankind still needs guidance today just as it did in the past. However, there is no longer any need for new prophethood.
◈ The answers to today’s questions are found in the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ and the guidance of his followers.
◈ Whoever sincerely seeks guidance, Allah grants them guidance.
◈ If the intention is sincere, guidance is obtained.
◈ If the intention is corrupt, even living in the time of a prophet cannot benefit — just as was the case with Abu Jahl.
❖ Completion of Religion and End of Prophethood
The Qur’an has clearly declared the completion of religion:
“Today, We have perfected for you your religion and completed Our favor upon you and chosen Islam as your religion.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 3)
◈ Allah perfected the religion upon the last Prophet ﷺ.
◈ No new prophet or divine law will be sent after him.
❖ Protection of the Qur’an vs. Previous Scriptures
◈ Allah took the responsibility of preserving the Qur’an, because it is the complete and final version of divine guidance.
◈ Previous scriptures were incomplete, and their preservation was entrusted to humans — who failed in that task.
◈ The Qur’an, however, was preserved directly by Allah.
❖ Finality of Prophethood and Allah’s Mercy
◈ The end of prophethood means that no new revelation or guidance will descend.
◈ Mankind is to follow the same religion revealed to the Prophet ﷺ until the Day of Judgment.
This is, in fact, a mercy from Allah:
◈ He saved humanity from the constant test of adjusting to changing revelations.
◈ Recognizing a prophet and believing in him is a trial.
◈ Those who question “Why doesn’t a new prophet come?” should be grateful, not skeptical — for Allah spared them from that test.
❖ Current State of the Muslim Ummah
Despite the challenges Muslims face today, Islam remains the fastest-growing religion in the world.
◈ One reason for hardship is that Islam has become a common target of those with opposing beliefs.
◈ Whenever Islam is challenged, people of different ideologies unite against it.
✔ Conclusion
The end of prophethood is a sign of Divine wisdom and a completed guidance system for all of humanity.◈ The religion is complete.
◈ The Qur’an is preserved.
◈ The Sunnah is clear.
It is now the responsibility of humankind to seek and follow the guidance that has already been delivered — rather than wait for something new.
