The Universal Aspect of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Mission and Its Wisdom
Taken from: Fatawa Rashidiyyah, p. 223
❖ Question:
When Allah sent every Prophet in the language of his people, why was Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sent for the entire world, while his language was Arabic? Wouldn’t it be logical for every nation to have its own Prophet?
Qur’anic Clarification
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِهِۦ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمْ﴾
(Surah Ibrahim: 4)
“We did not send any messenger except in the language of his people, so that he may make things clear to them.”
﴿وَلِكُلِّ قَوْمٍ هَادٍ﴾
(Surah al-Ra‘d: 7)
“For every nation there has been a guide.”
﴿وَإِن مِّنْ أُمَّةٍ إِلَّا خَلَا فِيهَا نَذِيرٌۭ﴾
(Surah Fatir: 24)
“There has never been a nation without a warner having passed among them.”
Thus, Prophets were indeed sent to different peoples in their own tongues. But nowhere in the Qur’an does it state that every era or nation will continue to receive its own Prophet forever.
The Unique Mission of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Allah chose to send one Prophet who was perfect in all virtues, carrying a complete and universal Shari‘ah, sufficient for all times and all peoples.
- Previous scriptures were limited to specific nations and times.
- The Qur’an is eternal, comprehensive, and divinely protected from alteration.
Hence, the Prophet ﷺ was sent as a universal Messenger, and the Qur’an became an everlasting guidance for all humanity.
Why a Global Messenger at That Time?
At the time of the Prophet’s mission:
- Trade and travel had already linked various regions.
- Nations were no longer isolated; a form of global connection was developing.
When the world was moving towards unity, it was wise and necessary for one universal Prophet, one law, and one message to unite humanity.
A Message of Human Brotherhood
The Prophet ﷺ abolished all false distinctions in his Farewell Sermon:
“No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; no white over black, nor black over white — except through piety.”
This universal equality could never be achieved if every nation had its own separate Prophet.
Hajj: A Practical Example
At Hajj, people of every nation, language, and color gather in one dress, performing the same rites, before one God. This unity of mankind is unmatched by any other religion.
Why Arabia? Why Arabic?
- Makkah’s Geography: Situated at the center of three continents — Asia, Africa, and Europe — a perfect hub for spreading the universal message.
- The Prophet’s ﷺ Qualities: Truthfulness, trustworthiness, and unmatched character — only he was fit for this role.
- The Arabic Language: Rich, precise, eloquent, and vast in meanings. The only language capable of carrying a timeless, universal, and comprehensive law.
The Qur’an as an Eternal Miracle
- It challenges mankind to produce anything like it — a challenge unmet for 14 centuries.
- It has been translated into all major world languages, allowing the message to reach every corner of the earth.
From Local Prophets to a Universal Messenger
In earlier times, every nation had its own Prophet because human civilization was still divided and underdeveloped.
Once mankind matured and global connections strengthened, the need arose for one universal Prophet and one eternal message.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: Seal of the Prophets
Through him, Allah:
- United humanity under one divine system.
- Provided a complete way of life covering spiritual, social, political, economic, and moral dimensions.
- Gave mankind a message of peace, justice, and brotherhood until the Day of Judgment.
Summary
- Earlier Prophets were sent to their own peoples only.
- The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent as a universal Messenger with a complete and eternal Shari‘ah.
- Makkah’s central location, the Arabic language, and the Prophet’s ﷺ unmatched character were chosen with divine wisdom.
- His mission united humanity, fulfilled global needs, and provided eternal guidance for all times and all nations.
Thus, the universality of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ mission is an act of perfect wisdom from Allah.
