Written by: Hamid Kamaluddin
In this discipline, the names of narrators, their titles, eras, beliefs, religious conditions, and other details were meticulously preserved. The critical aspects of their lives were recorded, and any shortcomings were noted without partiality. This is a monumental achievement that stands unparalleled even among the world's greatest historical endeavors.
② Science of Narrators (ʿIlm al-Rijāl): A robust system for verifying and scrutinizing the narrators of Hadith was established.
These two accomplishments are powerful signs of the Finality of Prophethood and irrefutable proof that the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ was entrusted with a tremendous responsibility.
❖ Allegations of the Orientalists and Critics
Orientalists and other adversaries have propagated the notion that the perceptible miracles of the Prophet ﷺ are only documented within Muslim traditions and are not corroborated by any non-Muslim or non-Arab sources. In response to this objection, a question may be posed: those who believe in the Bible should themselves state—which prophet's miracles are attested in sources independent of their own followers centuries later?❖ Miracles of Other Prophets and Their Narratives
◈ The Miracles of Prophet Musa (علیہ السلام)
The miracles that Prophet Musa (علیہ السلام) performed in Egypt by the command of Allah were transmitted through the traditions of Bani Israel for over 1,500 years, until the time of Prophet Isa (علیہ السلام). These miracles were narrated within the authentic traditions of Bani Israel and there was no reason to deny them. However, no evidence of these miracles exists in the sources of Pharaoh’s people or any other Egyptian records.◈ The Miracles of Prophet Isa (علیہ السلام)
The miracles of Prophet Isa (علیہ السلام) were preserved within the traditions of his followers and are still presented today as evidence of his divinity. However, these miracles are not found in the records of the Jews or any other nation.❖ The Uniqueness of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Miracles
The matter of the life and miracles of the Prophet ﷺ is distinct. The entire population of the Arabian Peninsula bore witness to the truthfulness of the Prophet ﷺ, and the whole of Arabia embraced faith. In this context, one must ask: if the people of Arabia are not considered valid witnesses to these miracles, then who else would be? Just as the miracles of Prophet Isa (علیہ السلام) were witnessed in Palestine, it is not necessary to find their testimony from America.❖ National Testimony as Proof of Miracles
If the collective testimony of an entire nation is not sufficient as evidence of perceptible miracles, then what historical event could ever be accepted as credible? Rather than rejecting miracles outright, it should be accepted that the power of Allah has manifested through His prophets throughout history.❖ ʿIlm al-Isnād wa al-Riwāyah: A Distinctive Feature of the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ
To preserve the Hadiths and traditions of the Prophet ﷺ, the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ was granted a unique science known as ʿIlm al-Isnād wa al-Riwāyah (The Science of Transmission and Narration). This science is a part of the miraculous teachings of the Prophet ﷺ and is recognized globally as a remarkable proof of Muslim intellectual excellence.In this discipline, the names of narrators, their titles, eras, beliefs, religious conditions, and other details were meticulously preserved. The critical aspects of their lives were recorded, and any shortcomings were noted without partiality. This is a monumental achievement that stands unparalleled even among the world's greatest historical endeavors.
❖ ʿIlm al-Rijāl: The Astonishing Achievement of Muslim Hadith Scholars
Muslim Hadith scholars compiled a phenomenal document in the form of ʿIlm al-Rijāl (The Science of Narrators) and ʿIlm al-Takhrīj (The Science of Hadith Referencing), the like of which cannot be found among any other nation. Through this science, the authenticity of Hadiths was assessed—even weak narrations include a chain of transmission, enabling the determination of their validity.❖ Two Monumental Achievements of the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ
① Preservation of the Qur'an: The Noble Qur'an was preserved both orally and in written form.② Science of Narrators (ʿIlm al-Rijāl): A robust system for verifying and scrutinizing the narrators of Hadith was established.
These two accomplishments are powerful signs of the Finality of Prophethood and irrefutable proof that the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ was entrusted with a tremendous responsibility.
