1. Key definitions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Messengers of Allah | Those given the task of conveying Allah's guidance to the world |
| Risalah (رسالة) – the divine message | The guidance and teachings that Allah gave to His messengers |
| Hidayah (هداية) – guidance | The readiness of the heart to accept the message and follow it. Only those whom Allah wills receive it |
The simple difference:
- Risalah = the guidance Allah sent (it is conveyed to everyone).
- Hidayah = the blessing of accepting and following that guidance (given to those whom Allah wills).
Risalah is essential for people to walk on the right path.
2. Four reasons why risalah is needed
Reason 1: Human reason alone is not enough
- Human reason achieves great things in technology and scientific discovery.
- But on its own it cannot give firm guidance on moral values.
- Divine guidance is also needed to know about the unseen (ghayb).
(3:101) – meaning: "Whoever holds firmly to Allah has certainly been guided to a straight path." (31:21) – meaning: When they are told to follow what Allah has sent down, they say, "We will follow the way of our forefathers." Even if Satan was calling their forefathers to the punishment of Hell?
Reason 2: To know the purpose of creation
- People must be told clearly why they were created.
- Otherwise they become slaves to their desires, waste their life in this world and are disgraced in the Hereafter.
- Allah is just; He does not punish anyone without first guiding them. So He sent messengers to explain this purpose.
(20:134) – meaning: If We had destroyed them before the messenger came, they would have said, "Our Lord! Why did You not send us a messenger, so that we could have followed Your verses?"
Reward or punishment is given only after divine guidance has been given.
Reason 3: A practical example is needed
- A practical example has a far greater effect than preaching alone.
- The messengers of Allah were such examples.
(6:90) – meaning: (O Prophet!) These are the ones whom Allah guided; so follow their guidance.
Reason 4: The unity of human society
- If only human reason had the right to guide, society would split into thousands of groups, and unity would be impossible.
- Risalah shows people the points on which they must unite, and so unites society.
| Reason | In one line | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reason alone is not enough for morals and the unseen | 3:101, 31:21 |
| 2 | To know the purpose of creation; a just judgement | 20:134 |
| 3 | A practical example | 6:90 |
| 4 | Unity of society | — |
3. Believing in all the Books
- From the very beginning, Allah sent messengers and sent down suhuf and Books.
- A Muslim must accept all the Books that were revealed.
(2:285) – meaning: "They all believe in Allah, His angels, His Books and His messengers."
4. The suhuf (scrolls) – 110 in total
| Prophet | Suhuf |
|---|---|
| Adam (AS) | 10 |
| Shith (AS) | 50 |
| Idris (AS) | 30 |
| Ibrahim (AS) | 10 |
| Musa (AS) | 10 |
| Total | 110 |
Of these, the Quran mentions only the suhuf given to Ibrahim (AS) and Musa (AS).
Memory tip: Adam–Shith–Idris–Ibrahim–Musa = 10–50–30–10–10 (Shith (AS) received the most – 50).
5. The four Books
| Prophet | Book |
|---|---|
| Musa (AS) | Tawrah (التوراة – the Torah) |
| Dawud (AS) | Zabur (الزبور – the Psalms) |
| Isa (AS) | Injil (الإنجيل – the Gospel) |
| Muhammad ﷺ | Furqan (the Quran) |
Musa (AS) was given both suhuf (10) and the Tawrah.
- We must believe that all these Books were revealed by Allah.
- We must be certain that following the Quran, the final Book, is the final choice for right guidance.
Quick revision
- Risalah = the divine message (guidance); hidayah = the readiness to accept and follow it (given to those whom Allah wills).
- Why risalah is needed: the limits of reason, the purpose of creation, a practical example, unity.
- Suhuf, 110 in total: Adam 10, Shith 50, Idris 30, Ibrahim 10, Musa 10.
- Books: Tawrah – Musa, Zabur – Dawud, Injil – Isa, Furqan – Muhammad ﷺ.