Almost every prophet has faced two kinds of misconceptions regarding their status. The first misconception is when people refuse to believe by saying, “You are just a human like us” (See Quran 14:10, 21:3, 23:24, 33) or questioning, “What kind of messenger is this who eats food and walks in the markets? Why wasn’t an angel sent down to be with him, giving warnings, or at least some treasure or a garden for sustenance?” (Quran 25:7) And people ask, “Will this man guide us?” (Quran 64:6). Although Allah clarifies that if angels were sent for guidance, people would still raise objections, claiming supernatural powers.
The second misconception arises after the departure of the prophets from this world, where the belief sets in that prophets, after leaving the world, become more than human. Prophets cannot be just like ordinary humans; there must be something supernatural about them. This misconception elevated the status of prophets even further.
The second misconception has proven to be more destructive than the first. While Allah clearly states in the Quran that all prophets were mere humans who ate food and walked among people (Quran 25:20), people have chosen to believe otherwise.
The question then arises: What is the true meaning of the majesty of the Prophet?
The true extent of a prophet’s majesty can only be known by Allah, as humans will always fall prey to exaggeration and distortion. However, human recognition of another human’s majesty is based on their deeds. The higher the deeds, the higher the recognition.
The majesty of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not based on miraculous displays or supernatural acts but on the fact that, with Allah’s help, he accomplished the greatest transformation in society. In this regard, several aspects of the Prophet’s majesty come into view.
Firstly, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) transformed the people of Arabia, known for their ignorance and darkness, into a society that stood in the light of truth within a short span of 23 years. He not only changed their practices but also established the glory of Allah. His majesty lies not only in being great himself but in creating a nursery of greatness, producing individuals like Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them), who not only continued his mission but also enriched the garden of society with colorful and beautiful flowers.
Secondly, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not just a religious leader; he was a political leader who, with profound wisdom, established principles of governance and politics. His principles were not theoretical but practical, and he applied them to show how governance and politics should be conducted. The world has not witnessed an individual with such a high rank of majesty who not only presented theories but also practically implemented them.
Furthermore, the majesty of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is evident in the fact that Allah granted him a miraculous book, the Quran, which serves as a guide for all of humanity until the Day of Judgment. His miracles were not confined to his own time but extended to a book that continues to guide people for all eternity. This sets Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) apart from other prophets, whose miracles were limited to their own times.
To truly understand and appreciate the majesty of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it is the duty of those who believe and love him to remember his deeds, follow in his footsteps, and strive on the same path he left behind. By doing so, they contribute to the mission he initiated, ensuring that the world experiences peace and security within the framework he established.
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