❖ Introduction
Many individuals wonder why most of the Prophets were sent to the Arab region or nearby areas. Why were they not sent to far-off lands such as America, Europe, Africa, or India? And if they were, why is there no mention of them?
This article explores and answers these important questions in detail.
❖ First: The Cradle of Early Human Civilization
◈ Historical Centrality
The earliest centers of human civilization were primarily located in Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and the Arabian Peninsula. Due to the density of population and the flourishing of culture and society, most of the Prophets were sent to these areas.
Reference: Research by Dr. Fathullah and Dr. Hamidullah رحمهما الله
◈ Archaeological Discoveries
Excavations conducted during the 19th and 20th centuries have shown that the Arab nations and their neighbors played a major role in the development of early civilization.
◈ Quran and Historical Nations
The Qur’an mentions ancient nations like ‘Ād, Thamūd, and Pharaoh, whose historical identities were later confirmed through archaeological research.
Reference: Al-Taḥrīr wa al-Tanwīr (35/6), Dr. Mahmoud Mustafa
◈ Arab Language and Civilization
The Arabic race and language had an early influence over nations in Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Egypt. Civilizations such as Assyrian, Syriac, Aramaic, and Phoenician were all part of a broad cultural family.
❖ Second: The Qur’an and the Wisdom of Allah
◈ Mention of Prophets in the Qur’an
The Qur’an affirms that a messenger was sent to every nation:
﴿وَ لَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِیْ کُلِّ اُمَّۃٍ رَّسُوْلًا اَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللّٰہَ وَ اجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوْتَ﴾
(Surah Al-Nahl, Ayah 36)
"And We certainly sent into every nation a Messenger, [proclaiming], 'Worship Allah and avoid Ṭāghūt (false deities).'"
◈ Limited Mention of Prophets
﴿وَرُسُلًا قَدْ قَصَصْنَاہُمْ عَلَیْکَ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَرُسُلًا لَّمْ نَقْصُصْہُمْ عَلَیْکَ﴾
(Surah Al-Nisa, Ayah 164)
"And [We sent] Messengers We have already told you about, and Messengers We have not told you about."
◈ Wisdom Behind Not Mentioning All Prophets
Imam al-Ṭāhir Ibn ‘Āshūr states that Allah only mentioned those Prophets whose stories contain lessons and guidance for humanity.
Reference: Al-Taḥrīr wa al-Tanwīr (35/6)
❖ Third: Non-Arab Nations and Prophets
◈ Prophets Were Sent to Every Nation
Allah sent His Prophets to all regions, but in some cases, the traces of their names or teachings were lost over time:
﴿وَلِکُلِّ أُمَّۃٍ رَّسُولٌ﴾
(Surah Yunus, Ayah 47)
"And for every nation is a Messenger."
◈ Examples of Non-Arab Nations with Traces of Prophethood
✔ African Tribes
Tribes like "Mau Mau" and "Nyam Nyam" possess elements of monotheism in their beliefs, which could be remnants of prophetic teachings.
Reference: Dr. Mahmoud Mustafa
✔ Native Americans (Red Indians)
Among Native American tribes, traces of belief in one Supreme Being have been documented.
Reference: Professor Adil Zainal
✔ Zoroastrians and Hinduism
There is a possibility that Zoroaster (Zarathustra) was a Prophet, as the Qur’an mentions the "Majūs".
Indian scriptures such as the Puranas and Vedas contain indications that may reflect prophetic teachings.
Reference: Khuṭbāt Bahawalpur, Dr. Hamidullah
❖ Fourth: Corruption of Human History and Religions
◈ Process of Distortion
Most existing religions today are distorted versions of originally revealed faiths. Examples include:
✔ Christianity
The original message of Prophet ‘Īsā عليه السلام was altered and Trinity was introduced.
“If the Qur’an had not revealed the true identity of ‘Īsā عليه السلام, the Church rituals would have left us ignorant of his real message.”
Reference: Dr. Fathullah
✔ Distortion in Other Religions
✿ The beliefs of Greek mythology
✿ The philosophies of Mahatma Buddha and Brahma in India
❖ Conclusion
Allah sent Prophets to every region of the world, but over time, their messages were distorted or erased from historical records.
In His divine wisdom, Allah only preserved the stories of those Prophets in the Qur’an whose lives contain lessons for humanity.
