Characteristic features of Prophets.

Apart from many other characteristic features, all prophets have five things in common.

1. All prophets were appointed by Allah Subhanahu taala and none of them was selfappointed or appointed by the public.

2. All prophets were infallible and perfect human beings. No angel was sent as Nabi or Rasul. All prophets were males. No woman was appointed by Allah as a Nabi or Rasul.

3. All Prophets were endowed with some kinds of distinct signs.

4. All prophets taught the basic beliefs of Islam, i.e., There is no god but Allah who has no partner (Tawhid ) and that there is a day of Judgment when each person will get reward according to his/her deeds.

5. All prophets successfully completed their task.

Let’s discuss the characteristics of the Prophets in the light of the Holy Quran.

Appointment of the Prophet.

All prophets were appointed by the Allah Subhanahu Taala, and none out of the 124000 messengers, was a self-appointed or public’s nominee.

Why Allah should appoint the Prophet is a self-explanatory fact. The nature of Prophet’s work clearly demands that he should be appointed by Allah and not by the public or by himself. This rule will also apply on the successor of the Prophet.

The Prophets are the chosen people who are capable of receiving Divine guidance from the invisible world and communicating it to the people living in the physical world. They are the most trustworthy, selfless and unchanging people. It is Allah alone who can judge who is fit to do this job and, hence, fit to be a Prophet.

Quran attests this rule;

“Allah knows best whom to entrust with His message.” (6:124)

“He is taught by one who is mighty in power, and vigorous.” (53:5)

Thus, no ordinary person, be he a very intelligent and knowledgeable, can qualify this criterion except the one who is appointed by Allah, Who is Almighty.