Similarity and dissimilarity of diamond and charcoal.

Every student of chemistry knows this fact very well that pure carbon occurs in nature in four entirely different forms - diamond, graphite, carbon black (amorphous carbon) and fullerenes. This means that as far as the chemical composition of carbon black (charcoal) and diamond is concerned, they both are utterly the same. Diamond is made up of almost entirely of carbon. And black charcoal (common wood charcoal) consist of mainly carbon. So, there is no dispute or argument when we say that diamond and wood charcoal are basically the same (pure carbon), but remarkably different in value and worth.

This is a scientific fact which no one can deny. But, can we exchange diamond with coal ? Can we present a wedding ring made up of black charcoals to our newly married wife telling her that basically it is the same as diamond? Despite the basic similarity of origin (i.e., both are basically carbon), diamond and charcoal are totally different. Diamond is extremely costly and charcoal is petty cheap. Diamond is the hardest and most lasting substance while charcoal is easily breakable and powdery.

Exactly in the same way, we can understand the similarity and difference of the prophets, Imams, and common people. They all are basically the same - humans, but remarkably different in character and values.

If anyone quotes the above verse of the Quran and say that Prophets and Imams are just like us, than they are not acting sensibly and lacking the knowledge about the facts on the prophets and Imams.

Apart from this pure scientific argument, we can also show great differences among the people living around us. Some are highly educated, intelligent and extremely rich while others are uneducated, dull, and badly poor. Basically, they all are the same, but in actuality, there is a world of difference.

Why Prophets were human beings and not the angels?

This question was asked by the people of many Prophets. Quran has given a very rational explanation to this argument.

“Nothing prevents men from having faith when guidance is revealed to them but the excuse : Why Allah has sent human being as an apostle ?
Say : Had the earth been safe place for angels to dwell in, We would have sent forth to them an angel from heaven as an apostle.” (17:94)

The answer is very simple and clear. A beautiful explanation of this queston has been given by M.J. Chirri in his monumentle book ‘Inquiries about Islam’, which says;

A prophet is an example to mankind. He should share with them the same nature, the same ability, and the same limitation. An attractive example to the prophet must be obtainable. It must have the capability of including the people to follow it. Should the prophet be from a different nature, people will not attempt to follow his example. A relative perfection shown by a prophet should be possible for his followers. Should a human being show me a high degree of virtuous life, I may be tempted to try to attain that degree. He and I are humans. What is possible for him is possible for me. But if an angel shows me a high degree of morality, I may not attempt to follow his example. What is possible for him may be impossible foe me; he is not from the same nature.

There is another reason to believe that mankind should receive human prophets: We have advanced that a prophet is expected to substantiate his truthfulness by showing people unusual performance. By doing so, people would know that he is empowered by God because what he does is beyond his natural ability. This will not work if the prophet is not human, let us say an Angel. A human prophet may, for example, show his truthfulness by taking an unaided flight. Should an angel do the same, it will not demonstrate his natural ability, since he may not be affected naturally by gravitation.

“Indeed (there) is for you in the Apostle of Allah (Muhammad sws) an excellent pattern (of conduct).