THE AMBIYAA (Alayhimus Salaam)

An article of Imaan is belief in the Ambiyaa (AS). Allah has raised numerous Ambiyaa and Rasools (Messengers) for our guidance. The exact number of Nabi who came to this earth is known to only Allah

. Their number consists of many thousands. It is obligatory to believe in the truth of all Messengers of Allah , in those who are known to us as well as those who are unknown.

Belief in all the Ambiyaa (AS) does not mean practising in accordance with their respective Shariats. All Shariats of previous Ambiyaa (AS) have been cancelled by the Shariat of Nabi Muhammad (SAW).

Among the Ambiyaa (AS) are gradations. They all are not equal in rank. The highest in rank is Muhammad (SAW).

All Ambiyaa (AS) are ma'soom (sinless). They have been divinely protected against sin. Certain acts of the Ambiyaa (AS), which superficially seemed to e acts of disobedience, were not sin in actual fact. Divine Wisdom underlies such acts, which were rendered by the Ambiyaa (AS) in states of total forgetfulness. Such isolated acts of superficial disobedience do not negate the ismat (sinless state) of the Ambiyaa (AS).

The attribute of ismat is exclusive to the Ambiyaa (AS) Ismat (i.e. being divinely protected against sin) is a necessary corollary of only Nubuwaat. No person besides a Nabi enjoys this attribute. The Shiahs assert the attribute of ismat for their Imaams as well. But this is manifestly baatil (false).

The first among the Ambiyaa (AS) was Nabi Aadam (AS) and the last was Muhammad (SAW). Nubuwwat (the office of being a Nabi) has ended with Muhammad (SAW). No other Nabi will there be after Muhammad (SAW). The finality of Nubuwwat in the person of Muhammad (SAW) is a fundamental article of Imaan . The rejector of this finality is a kaafir.

All Ambiyaa (AS) were human beings. They possessed all human qualities. Nabi Aadam (AS) was created by Allah in Jannat without the agency of human parents. Aadam (AS) was the first man. He had no mother and no father.