RENAISSANCE MARCH 2020

28 Monthly Renaissance March 2020 Biography The Unlettered Prophet (53) Khalid Masud Rights of God’s Messenger Just as the Prophet (sws) had obligations as well as responsibilities towards his ummah according to his position, he also had rights which his addressees, the faithful and in general, the Muslim ummah were required to fulfill. Among these, some rights were clarified to the faithful of ancient times and promises taken from them that they would not hesitate to fulfill his rights when the last prophet came. The narrative of these promises was present among the People of the Book for centuries, and they were reminded of it at the time when the Prophet (sws) was bestowed prophethood. It would be better if we discuss this before taking up the general rights of the Prophet (sws). Demands of the Narrative of rights of the Promised prophet among the People of the Book Within the context of predictions of the prophets of the Israelites, it has been stated above that covenants had been taken from the Israelites from time to time that when a messenger possessing certain qualities came, they would believe in him and support him in every way. This promise has been specially mentioned in the Qur’ ā n to awaken the People of the Book who were living during the time of the Prophet (sws). The personality for whose welcome they had been prepared for centuries had come as a mercy for the world, but their situation was that they were in a stupor of ignorance. The Qur’ ā n said: Behold! Allah took the covenant of the prophets, saying: “I give you a Book and Wisdom; then comes to you an apostle, confirming what is with you; do ye believe in him and render