The doctrine of Khatam an-Nabiyyin (Seal of the Prophets) is a cornerstone of Islamic belief, firmly established through the Quran, Sunnah, and the consensus (ijma) of the Muslim Ummah. This belief, upheld by both Sunni and Shia schools of thought, states unequivocally that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last and final prophet, and no prophet will come after him. This article explores this cardinal doctrine as understood by the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence and the Shia tradition, highlighting their unanimous agreement on this matter.
Sunni Schools of Thought on Finality of Prophethood
- Hanafi Jurisprudence
Imam Abu Hanifa declared belief in the finality of prophethood as a fundamental tenet of faith. In his work Fiqh al-Akbar, he states:
“The prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophethood. Anyone who claims otherwise is an unbeliever.”
This clear assertion is echoed in the broader Hanafi legal tradition. Ibn Abidin, a prominent Hanafi scholar, states in Radd al-Muhtar:
“Anyone who claims prophethood after Muhammad (peace be upon him) or believes in such a claim is outside the fold of Islam.”
- Maliki Jurisprudence
Imam Malik ibn Anas also categorically affirmed the finality of prophethood. He declared:
“Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Seal of the Prophets, and anyone who denies this or suggests the possibility of another prophet is a disbeliever.”
Imam Malik’s Muwatta records numerous Ahadith emphasizing the finality of prophethood, including the saying of the Prophet:
“There will be no prophet after me.”
(Muwatta Imam Malik, Book 45, Hadith 1)
- Shafi’i Jurisprudence
Imam Shafi’i, known for his balanced and methodical reasoning, wrote in Kitab al-Umm:
“The Quran and Hadith have closed the door of prophethood. Anyone who denies the finality of Muhammad’s prophethood is an unbeliever.”
Imam Nawawi, a leading Shafi’i scholar, reinforced this position, stating:
“The consensus of the Ummah is that anyone who denies the finality of Muhammad’s prophethood is a disbeliever.”
(Sharh Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman)
- Hanbali Jurisprudence
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal emphasized the necessity of belief in the finality of prophethood, stating:
“Belief in the finality of Muhammad’s prophethood is obligatory upon every Muslim. Denying this is disbelief.”
The Musnad Ahmad (compilation of Ahadith) contains numerous narrations where the Prophet clearly stated:
“There will be no prophet after me.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 21239)
Ibn Qudamah, a Hanbali jurist, writes in Al-Mughni:
“The door of prophethood is forever closed. There is unanimous agreement on this among Muslims.”
Shia School of Thought on Finality of Prophethood
The Shia tradition is equally steadfast in affirming the finality of prophethood. They consider Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to be the last prophet, with no possibility of another prophet arising after him. This belief is central to their understanding of Islamic theology.
Quranic Evidence
Shia scholars consistently cite the same Quranic verse as their Sunni counterparts to substantiate this belief:
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab: 40)
Imamate and Finality
Shia theology distinguishes between nubuwwah (prophethood) and imamah (leadership). While prophethood concluded with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the system of imamah ensures spiritual and temporal leadership within the Muslim community. This leadership does not equate to prophethood but serves as a means of preserving the faith and guiding the Ummah.
Statements of Shia Scholars
Prominent Shia scholars like Allama Tabatabai, in his Tafsir al-Mizan, explain:
“The title Seal of the Prophets signifies the completion of prophethood with Muhammad (peace be upon him), leaving no need or possibility for another prophet to follow.”
The teachings of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), as recorded in Shia traditions, reiterate this belief. He said:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is the last prophet, and after him, only the Quran and Sunnah will remain as guidance for the Ummah.”
Rejection of False Prophets
Shia jurists, including Sheikh Saduq and Allama Hilli, categorically state:
“Belief in any prophet after Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a deviation from Islam and renders one an unbeliever.”
Consensus of Sunni and Shia Schools
- Theological Unity
Both Sunni and Shia scholars agree that the finality of prophethood is a definitive and indisputable tenet of Islam. This consensus underscores the universality of this belief, which transcends sectarian divisions.
- Response to False Prophets
Throughout Islamic history, Sunni and Shia communities have united in rejecting false claimants to prophethood, such as Musaylimah al-Kadhdhab. Both traditions affirm that such claims undermine the core tenets of Islam and must be decisively refuted.
- Preservation of Islamic Unity
The doctrine of finality serves as a unifying principle for Muslims worldwide. By adhering to this belief, the Ummah maintains its cohesiveness and guards against the divisions that false prophets and their followers often sow.
Quran, Hadith, and Ijma on Finality
Quranic Evidence
The Quran’s declaration in Surah Al-Ahzab unequivocally affirms the finality of prophethood:
“Muhammad is the Seal of the Prophets.”
Prophetic Traditions
Numerous Hadith from the Sihah Sitta (the six authentic books of Hadith) corroborate this doctrine. For example:
“The chain of messengers and prophets has ended. There will be no prophet after me.”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Fada’il)
Ijma (Consensus)
The consensus of the Ummah, as recorded by scholars like Imam Ghazali and Ibn Hajar, solidifies the doctrine as a foundational article of Islamic faith.
Conclusion
The belief in the finality of prophethood is a cornerstone of Islam, upheld by both Sunni and Shia schools of thought. This doctrine safeguards the purity of Islamic teachings, fosters unity among Muslims, and protects the Ummah from the chaos that false prophets inevitably bring. By studying the Quran, Hadith, and the scholarly verdicts of both Sunni and Shia traditions, it becomes clear that the finality of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) prophethood is a matter of consensus and an integral part of Islamic theology.
May Allah guide us all to remain steadfast in our faith and protect the Ummah from deviation and discord.
