Khatemiyat – Finality of the Prophethood

Whoever denies the finality of the last prophet, Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.a.) exits the domain of Islam and ventures into the domain of Kufr, the result of which is the Hell Fire.

To understand this concept of Khatemiyat we need to refer a few Quranic verses and traditions from Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Infact, it is better to examine the dictionary meaning of the word خاتم  or ختم  before read the relevant verse and traditions.

The Dictionary meaning of the word خاتم  or ختم

As per Arabic language the word خاتم  or ختم is used in the below meanings:-

·       To affix seal

·       To close

·       To come to an end

·       To carry something to its ultimate end

Let us also consider a few examples

·       ختم العمل  - to get over with the task

·       ختم الكتاب  - the letter has been enclosed and sealed

From the above mentioned dictionary meanings and the examples one can safely conclude that the word خاتم  or ختم is used when one intends to convey the meaning of ‘coming to an end’ or ‘seal’ or ‘close’ or ‘end’.

Similarly the word خاتم النبين  can be interpreted in the below meanings:-

·       Coming to end of Prophethood

·       Seal of Prophethood

·       Finality of Prophethood

Finality of Prophethood in the light of Holy Quran

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Quran with regards to Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.a.) in Surah Ahzaab verse 40,

مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَكِن رَّسُولَ اللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ النَّبِيِّينَ

And Mohammed (s.a.w.a.) is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Last of the Prophets.

This is one of the most frequently repeated verses in the discussion of finality of Prophethood, probably because it conveys the message in the most direct, simple and straight forward manner as possible.

The above verse of Holy Quran clearly while discussing about the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) says that he is خاتم النبين  meaning the seal to the chain of Prophethood, the last of the Prophets from the side of Allah.

When the Holy Quran announces that Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.a.) is the last prophet it invariably means that there cannot be another prophet or messenger from Allah who will either continue the message which Allah has revealed earlier or come with a new message and since the Holy Quran is the Book of Allah till the Day of Judgement it means that there cannot be any other messenger from the side of Allah till the Day of Judgement.

Finality of Prophethood in the light of traditions from Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)

Continuing the discussion of Finality of Prophethood let us look at the traditions which we have received in this aspect.

1.     Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) says – The tribe of Bani Israel were guided by Prophets. When a prophet passed away, another prophet succeeded him. But no prophet will come after me; only caliphs will succeed me.

2.     Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) says – The chain of Messengers and Prophets has come to an end. There shall be no Messenger nor Prophet after me.

3.     In the famous tradition of Holy Prophet where he said to Ameerul Momineen (as) – You are related to me Haroon was to Musa. Except that there will no Prophet after me.

4.     Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) says – I am the last in the line of Prophets of God and my mosque is the last mosque.

There are numerous other traditions from Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) wherein he clearly establishes in his own words that he is the last prophet and there will not be and never be another prophet after him.

This leaves no scope for anyone who recognizes the Prophethood of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) to believe that there is or was any messenger or prophet from the side of Allah after him. If anyone maintains such a belief then indeed he has disbelieved and belittled the words of the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.)

To conclude this discussion in the light of traditions of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) we bring one last narration from the Prophet of Islam himself, wherein he explains the concept of Finality of Prophethood in the most beautiful manner.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, “My position in relation to the prophets who came before me can be explained by the following example: A man erected a building and adorned this structure with great beauty, but he left an empty place, in the corner where just one brick was missing. People looked around the building and marvelled at its beauty, but wondered why a brick was missing from that niche?  I am like that one missing brick and I am the last in the line of the Prophets.”