A Critical Analysis of the Theory of Evolution in Light of Khatm-e-Nubuwwah (Finality of Prophethood)
Linking Prophethood to Societal Evolution
Some thinkers have attempted to interpret the sending of prophets as a response to the evolving needs of human society. According to this view, divine guidance was progressively revealed to match the intellectual and civilizational development of humankind.
However, such an assumption lacks clear evidence from the Qur'an. While human needs do vary over time, the concept of prophethood in Islam is rooted not in social development but in divine wisdom and command.
Human Evolution and the Concept of Final Prophethood
According to the evolutionary view:
As human civilization advanced, its needs changed, and hence, different prophets with varying laws were sent to guide each stage of development.
But this line of reasoning creates a conflict with the doctrine of Khatm-e-Nubuwwah (Finality of Prophethood), because if human evolution is a continuous process until the Day of Judgment, then why would the sending of prophets cease?
To resolve this, a new hypothesis was introduced:
At the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, humanity had progressed from a stage of infancy to maturity, entering the "age of reason." Therefore, one final message was sufficient for all future generations.
The Reality of This Hypothesis: An Unfounded Claim
This interpretation is based on assumptions, not on any authentic Islamic texts. It represents a philosophical theory, not a shar‘i principle.
Inconsistencies in the Evolution-Based Interpretation
① Marriage of Two Sisters:
Islam forbids having two sisters in marriage simultaneously, which was allowed in previous laws. But how does this relate to social evolution? There is no logical connection between a civilizational phase and this legal ruling.
② Laws of Halal and Haram:
In the Shari‘ah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, certain animals were made lawful which had been prohibited to previous nations.
Does this imply that human digestion evolved? Or that such animals were previously unknown?
Such reasoning does not align with the concept of biological or social evolution.
Changes in Rulings According to the Qur'an
✦ Leniency in the Law of Qisās (Retribution):
In earlier laws (e.g., for Bani Isra'il), blood money was not allowed in cases of intentional murder. However, the Shari‘ah of Islam permits it as a mercy:
ذَٰلِكَ تَخْفِيفٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ
(Al-Baqarah: 178)
“This is a relief and a mercy from your Lord.”
This shows two key points:
◈ Changes in rulings are based on divine will, not on social circumstances.
◈ These changes are a manifestation of divine mercy, not social evolution.
✦ Harsh Laws on Bani Isra'il:
Some strict commands were enforced upon Bani Isra'il as a punishment for their disobedience, which were removed under the final Shari‘ah. Again, this was not due to any evolutionary progress, but rather the result of Allah’s mercy.
Major Flaws in the Evolutionary Interpretation
❖ “Adolescence of Mankind” Hypothesis:
The claim that humankind reached intellectual maturity at the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is philosophically problematic. Western thinkers argue that true intellectual progress came in the 17th and 18th centuries during the Enlightenment, whereas before that, human societies were still steeped in myths and superstition.
❖ “Adolescence of Mankind” Hypothesis:
Since the Industrial Revolution, human social and economic conditions have drastically changed. If the evolution theory were true in religious context, numerous rulings of Islamic Shari‘ah would have been abrogated or replaced by new ones.
However, the Shari‘ah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provides guidance until the Day of Judgment, showing that this divine law is complete and final, and not subject to the tides of human evolution.
Conclusion
❖ The evolutionary interpretation of prophethood lacks both scriptural basis and logical consistency.
❖ Changes in divine law occurred by the will of Allah, not by social progression.
❖ The Finality of Prophethood is a complete and final arrangement of divine guidance, unaffected by human development.
❖ Any attempt to link prophethood with evolutionary theory undermines the eternal relevance and universality of the final message of Islam.
وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
And Allah knows best what is correct.
