Risalah (prophethood) (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
Risalah (prophethood)
What is Risalah?
Risalah refers to the Islamic concept of prophethood or divine messengers. In Islamic belief, these special individuals serve as messengers of Allah, acting as the vital communication link between the divine and humanity. Through the prophets, Allah conveys His guidance, laws, and messages to people on Earth.
The word 'Risalah' comes from the Arabic root meaning 'to send' or 'message', emphasising the prophets' role as those who are sent by Allah to deliver His revelations to mankind.
The role of prophets in Islam
According to Islamic teaching, prophets play a crucial role in enabling Allah to communicate with humankind. They serve as intermediaries who receive divine revelation and pass it on to their communities. This communication system involves several key elements:
- Allah - the source of all divine messages
- Angels (particularly Jibril/Gabriel) - who deliver the messages
- Prophets - who receive and convey the messages to people
- Humans - who are the intended recipients of divine guidance
- Sacred texts - some prophets received written revelations
Numbers and significance
Islam teaches that throughout history, Allah has sent approximately 124,000 prophets to guide humanity. However, only 25 of these prophets are specifically named in the Qur'an.
Those prophets whose messages were recorded in written form are known as 'Rasuls' (messengers with written revelations). This distinction is important in understanding the different types of divine messengers in Islamic theology.
Key prophets mentioned in the Qur'an
Adam
Adam holds the distinction of being the first prophet and the first human being created by Allah. His primary role was to establish the foundation for humanity's relationship with Allah after he and Hawwa (Eve) left Paradise. Adam's story teaches Muslims about human nature, repentance, and Allah's mercy.
Ibrahim (Abraham)
Ibrahim is highly revered in Islam and is considered the friend of Allah. Islamic tradition teaches that he was tested by Allah through various trials, including being willing to sacrifice his son Isma'il. Ibrahim is praised for his unwavering faith and is seen as a model believer who established many religious practices still followed today.
Isma'il
As the son of Ibrahim, Isma'il plays an important role in Islamic history. He is associated with the rebuilding of the Ka'ba in Makkah alongside his father. Muslims believe that both Ibrahim and Isma'il developed many of the rituals that form part of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Muhammad
Muhammad is recognised by Muslims as the final prophet, often referred to as the 'Seal of the Prophets'. He received the last revelation from Allah - the Qur'an - through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). The Hadith provides a detailed record of his teachings and behaviour, serving as a guide for Muslims in how they should conduct themselves.
Musa (Moses)
The Qur'an describes how Musa was chosen by Allah to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and guide them away from Pharaoh's oppression. He received the Torah and is recognised as one of the most important prophets, with his story demonstrating Allah's power and the importance of following divine guidance.
Dawud (David)
Dawud is remembered in Islam as both a prophet and a king of Israel. He is particularly known for receiving the Zabur (Psalms) and for his defeat of Jalut (Goliath). His story emphasises the combination of spiritual leadership with earthly responsibility.
Isa (Jesus)
In Islamic belief, Isa is recognised as a significant messenger of Allah who received the Injil (Gospel). However, Muslims do not accept his crucifixion or resurrection, believing instead that Allah raised him to heaven.
While Christians view Isa (Jesus) as divine, Muslims honour him as one of the most important prophets. This represents a key theological difference between Christianity and Islam while maintaining respect for Isa as a messenger of Allah.
Qur'anic teaching on prophets
The Qur'an emphasises the continuity and unity of the prophetic message. This fundamental principle is clearly expressed in the following verse:
Surah 2:136: "Say (O Muslims): 'We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Ibrahim, and Isma'il and Ishaque and Yaqoob, and the tribes and that which Musa and Christ received and that which the Prophets received from their Lord.'"
This verse demonstrates that Muslims are required to believe in all the prophets and their messages, recognising them as part of one continuous divine revelation.
The importance of belief in prophets
Believing in the prophets is fundamental to Islamic faith. Muslims accept that these chosen individuals were given special qualities and protection by Allah to ensure they could deliver His messages accurately. The prophets serve as perfect examples of how to live according to Allah's will, providing practical guidance for believers in their daily lives.
The concept of Risalah also emphasises Allah's mercy and care for humanity - He did not leave people to find their own way but continuously sent guidance through His chosen messengers throughout history.
Key Points to Remember:
- Risalah means prophethood - the system by which Allah communicates with humanity through chosen messengers
- Islam teaches there have been approximately 124,000 prophets throughout history, with 25 specifically named in the Qur'an
- Key prophets include Adam (first human and prophet), Ibrahim (friend of Allah), Muhammad (final prophet), Musa, Isa, and Dawud
- The Qur'an teaches Muslims to believe in all prophets as part of one continuous divine message (Surah 2:136)
- Prophets serve as perfect examples of how to live according to Allah's guidance and demonstrate His ongoing care for humanity