The Finality of Prophethood
Sahih al-Bukhari 3535
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me, is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: ‘Would that this brick be put in its place!’ So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets.”
This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari, narrated by Abu Huraira, highlights the unique position of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) among the previous prophets. Here are some key lessons we can learn from this hadith:
- The perfection of the Prophets: The analogy used in the hadith compares the prophets to a beautifully built house. It signifies that each prophet played a crucial role in the development and progression of the message of God. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is likened to the missing brick, indicating that he completed and perfected the divine message brought by previous prophets.
- Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final prophet: The hadith emphasizes that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last and final messenger of God. His arrival signifies the completion of prophethood and the culmination of divine guidance for humanity. This means that no new prophets will come after him.
- The significance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): The people who witness the house in the analogy are amazed by its beauty but recognize the importance of the missing brick. Similarly, Muslims are encouraged to appreciate the teachings and guidance brought by previous prophets, but also acknowledge the crucial role of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in completing the message of Islam and providing comprehensive guidance for all aspects of life.
- The uniqueness of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): The hadith highlights the exceptional status of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) among the prophets. He is not merely a brick, but the final brick completing the construction of the divine message. This emphasizes his pivotal role in guiding humanity towards righteousness and serving as the exemplar for all believers.
Overall, this hadith reinforces the belief in the finality of prophethood with the coming of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it underscores his central position in Islam as the last and most significant messenger of God.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 33:40
Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets. And Allah has full knowledge of all things.”
→ This verse confirms the finality of Prophethood — that no prophet will come after Muhammad ﷺ. He completes the divine message like the final brick completes a perfect structure.
📖Quran 5:3
…This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion…”
→ Islam was completed with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Just like the last brick finishes a building, his prophethood completed the divine message to mankind.