To Be God’s Witnesses

Prophets also were sent so that people cannot plead ignorance in the Hereafter. Regarding this, the Qur’an says: Messengers bearing good tidings and warning, so that humanity might have no argument against God (4:165).

Humanity, who has followed many so-called guides or leaders only to be led astray, has received true guidance through the Prophets. These servants of God were created for a special mission. Already Prophets in their mothers’ wombs, their births were extraordinary. Their lives resembled a beautiful symphony, perfectly harmonious and balanced. Their words were like sweet melodies that penetrated souls.

All of existence, animate or inanimate, hearkened to them. Trees and rocks would greet Prophet Muhammad, and he would answer them. In his well-known Qasidat al-Bur’a, Busiri says: “Trees answered his call, prostrating.” When he called them, trees came to him. Both living beings and inanimate objects acquired meaning through his advent, existence became a “cosmos” out of “chaos,” and each thing became a tongue glorifying God with praise: There is not a thing that does not glorify Him with praise, but you do not understand their glorification (17:44). The extraordinary harmony in the universe displays God’s Existence and Unity. Nothing is created in vain and without purpose: Does humanity think it will be left aimless? (75:36).

If the Prophets had not been sent, we might have had an argument against being punished in the Hereafter. But, as the Qur’an states: We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (17:15), God must send Prophets so that people can distinguish good from evil. Thus, people cannot plead ignorance when they must defend their actions on the Day of Judgment.

 

Gulen, Muhammed Fethullah. “The Messenger of God” Tughra Books Press, Inc. May 2005.