CSS 2024 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The doctrine of Prophethood
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2024 and 2022 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The question, “Explain the doctrine of Prophethood and its importance in human life,” has two distinct parts that must be addressed with equal attention. The first part demands an explanation of the doctrine of Prophethood, which requires defining the concept of Risalah in Islam, highlighting its Qur’anic foundations, and elaborating on the role of Prophets as recipients of divine revelation and guides for humanity. The second part asks for its importance in human life, which extends to intellectual, moral, social, political, and spiritual dimensions. Thus, the answer must not only describe what Prophethood is but also critically analyze why it is necessary for mankind, supported by Qur’anic verses, Hadith, historical examples, and its contemporary relevance, before concluding with a holistic evaluation.
Outline
1-Introduction
2- What is the Doctrine of Prophethood in Islam?
3- Importance of the doctrine of prophethood according to Quran and Sunnah
4-Explaining the Necessity of Prophethood in Human Life
- Guidance beyond intellect
- Moral and ethical framework
- Role models for humanity
- Unity of mankind
5-Importance of Prophethood in Contemporary Human Life
- Provides stable moral compass amid relativism and materialism.
- Establishes justice in political, social, and economic life.
- Promotes compassion, welfare, and protection of the marginalized.
- Anchors peace, harmony, and reconciliation in divided societies.
6-Critical Analysis
7–Conclusion
Answer to the question
Introduction
The doctrine of Prophethood (Risalah) forms one of the central tenets of Islamic faith and completes the framework of Tawheed and Akhirah. It signifies Allah’s communication with humanity through chosen individuals, the Prophets, who act as conveyors of divine will, reformers of society, and exemplars of righteous living. Without Prophethood, mankind would remain lost in speculation regarding purpose, morality, and ultimate destiny. The Qur’an repeatedly affirms the sending of Prophets to every nation so that no community remains deprived of divine guidance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as the Seal of Prophethood, provides a universal and timeless model for mankind. Thus, the doctrine is not merely theological but directly shapes human morality, justice, and social harmony.
What is the Doctrine of Prophethood in Islam?
The doctrine of Prophethood means that Allah chooses specific individuals to deliver His guidance and revelation (wahy) to mankind. These individuals are protected from error in conveying the divine message and serve as the bridge between Creator and creation. The Qur’an declares: “And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid false gods’” (16:36). This verse underscores that Prophethood is a universal and continuous institution. Unlike philosophers or reformers, Prophets do not speak from personal conjecture; their knowledge is divinely inspired. As Allah says about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Nor does he speak from [his own] desire. It is but a revelation revealed” (53:3-4). Thus, the doctrine is grounded in the belief that true guidance cannot be left to human reason alone but must be revealed through Prophets.
Importance of the Doctrine of Prophethood according to Qur’an and Sunnah
The Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize Prophethood as a mercy and necessity for humanity. Allah describes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as: “We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (21:107). This mercy is expressed in spiritual, moral, and social reform. The Sunnah further clarifies this role. The Prophet said: “The example of me and the example of the Prophets before me is like that of a man who built a house… but left one brick missing. I am that brick, and I am the seal of the Prophets” (Bukhari). This Hadith illustrates both the continuity and the completion of divine guidance through Prophethood.
Explaining the Necessity of Prophethood in Human Life
Guidance beyond intellect
Reason is a remarkable gift, but left to itself, it falters before life’s ultimate questions: why humans exist, what lies beyond death, and what constitutes true happiness. Indeed, Prophethood answers where human speculation ends. It provides a clarity that intellect alone cannot achieve. The Qur’an underlines this when it says: “He it is Who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom” (62:2). This is a reminder that divine guidance does not cancel reason; it elevates it, giving human thought the certainty of revealed truth.
Moral and ethical framework
Moreover, every society needs a moral compass to survive, yet history shows how fragile morality becomes when anchored only in human conventions. Prophets supplied that compass by setting clear standards of virtue. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) captured this mission in simple but profound words: “I was only sent to perfect good character” (Musnad Ahmad). Justice, honesty, humility, compassion, these were not just ideals but principles he embedded in lived practice, principles without which societies descend into disorder and injustice.
Role models for humanity
Furthermore, human beings learn less from abstract ideals and more from concrete examples. Prophets served precisely this role, living embodiments of divine will. The Qur’an declares: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day” (33:21). In this way, Prophets were not distant figures removed from human struggles; they lived among their people, sharing their burdens and showing what faith in action looks like. This revelation was not just a set of teachings but also a way of life that was visibly demonstrated.
Unity of mankind
Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of Prophethood is its insistence on human equality under one God. All Prophets called for Tawheed, which dismantles the hierarchies of race, tribe, or class. Nowhere is this more powerfully expressed than in the Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon: “No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab… except by piety” (Musnad Ahmad). At its core, Prophethood binds humanity together under one moral law, offering a vision of unity that still challenges the divisions of the modern world.
Importance of Prophethood in Contemporary Human Life
Provides a Stable Moral Compass amid Relativism and Materialism
In an age where moral relativism prevails and materialism dominates human conduct, the role of Prophethood becomes indispensable. Prophetic teachings offer an unchanging standard of right and wrong that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. The Qur’an instructs: “Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly” (2:188). Such injunctions remain universally applicable, ensuring that humanity does not lose its ethical bearings amidst shifting social trends.
Establishes Justice in Political, Social, and Economic Life
Nonetheless, Prophets were not only spiritual guides but also reformers who challenged tyranny and injustice. Prophet Musa (AS) confronted Pharaoh’s oppression, while Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) abolished tribal exploitation and established equity. The Qur’an commands: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice” (4:58). This eternal principle underscores that governance and law must be rooted in justice for societies to prosper.
Promotes Compassion, Welfare, and Protection of the Marginalized
Beyond this, the doctrine of Prophethood emphasizes care for the weak and vulnerable. Prophets consistently upheld the rights of orphans, widows, and the poor. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The one who cares for an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this” (Bukhari). Such Prophetic compassion forms the foundation of modern concepts of welfare and inclusivity, demanding that societies prioritize equity and human dignity.
Anchors Peace, Harmony, and Reconciliation in Divided Societies
Last but not least, before Islam, Arabia was plagued by hostility and blood feuds. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) transformed this fragmented society into a unified brotherhood through the moral force of revelation. His Charter of Madinah institutionalized peaceful coexistence between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. This Prophetic example remains a timeless model for contemporary societies fractured by sectarianism and intolerance, showing that peace is achieved not by domination but by reconciliation and justice.
Critical Analysis
The doctrine of Prophethood is not confined to history; it continues to hold profound relevance in the contemporary era. In a world plagued by corruption, moral relativism, and widening social inequities, Prophetic principles of justice, compassion, and unity offer concrete solutions. The global financial crisis, rooted in greed, the rise of authoritarian regimes, and the exploitation of vulnerable groups, all point to the absence of moral leadership. For instance, the 2008 financial collapse exposed the dangers of unchecked materialism and lack of ethical standards in economic dealings, while ongoing conflicts in the Middle East highlight the urgent need for reconciliation and justice as exemplified by the Prophet’s Charter of Madinah. Similarly, global movements for equality and social welfare echo the Prophetic emphasis on protecting the marginalized and upholding human dignity. Hence, the Prophetic model is not a relic of the past but a timeless framework for addressing modern political, economic, and social challenges.
Conclusion
The doctrine of Prophethood stands as the cornerstone of Islamic worldview, complementing faith in Allah and the Hereafter. It signifies Allah’s mercy in not leaving mankind unguided but appointing Prophets to convey His message, reform societies, and provide living examples. The Qur’an and Sunnah affirm Prophethood as the axis of moral, social, and political order. The finality of Prophethood with Muhammad (peace be upon him) ensures that humanity has complete and preserved guidance for all ages. In the contemporary era of moral confusion and global crises, Prophetic teachings remain indispensable for building societies rooted in justice, compassion, and unity. Hence, the doctrine of Prophethood is not only central to Islamic faith but also vital for the flourishing of human life across all times.
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