Risalah

• There are as many as 124000 prophets, 25 of which have been named in the Quran such as, Muhammed, Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
• Risalah- communication between God and hummanity
• God has sent guidance in 3 key forms - books, angels and prophets
• "Every community is sent a messenger" Surah 10
• Why are prophets important?

  • Communication between God and hummanity
  • Brought import messages from God
  • Brought Holy Books
  • Show Muslims how to live their lives
  • Confirm the nature of God through their messages
  • Source of wisdom and inspiration
• Muhammed - Seal of the Prophets (card 1)

  • the FINAL prophet
  • Born in Mecca where polytheism was widespread
  • Muslims follow the Prophet's example today
  • The Hadith gives Muslims guidance
  • On the Night of Power (610 CE), Angel Jibril appeared to 40yr old Muhammed whilst he was meditating in a cave on Mount Hira. Jibril commanded Muhammed to recite the Quran and revealed it to him over 23yrs
• Muhammed - Seal of the Prophets (card 2)

  • First went to Mecca to preach
  • Was rejected and his life was in danger
  • Went to escape to Medina
  • He was welcomed and became the political and religious leader
  • He set up a belief system with the 5 pillars and community rules
  • This was the first Muslim community
  • He returned to Mecca and circled the Kaba 7 times destroying all the idols
  • Now the Kaba could be used to worship Allah alone
• The importance of Muhammed

  • God chose to reveal the Quran to him
  • He is the founder of the Islamic religion
  • The perfect example for Muslims
  • Rejected immorality, showed duty and community
  • His words made him a great teacher and he lived the life he preached
  • He rededicated the Kaba
• The fact that God has sent all communities a chance to learn of him and how to go to heaven shows his benevolence.
• Adam - Examplar of Stewardship

  • The first prophet and human to be created
  • The Father of human kind, a prophet until his death
  • He built the Kaba and taught the next life is eternal
  • He was to be the steward and caretaker of the world (kalifah)
  • Teaches Muslims they should also look after and care for God's creation
  • He did wrong (disobey God) but repented and taught people about God
• Ibrahim - Exemplar of Faith

  • Rejected polytheism
  • Preached this message but was rejected
  • People tried to burn him for these beliefs
  • "Father of monothiesm"
  • God tested him by asking him sacrifice his son Ismail. Ibrahim was willing so God was pleased and sent a ram to sacrifice instead.
  • Ibrahims obedience makes him a role model to Muslims
  • We still celebrate Ibrahim today in Id-ul-Adha