In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Wisdom's Verdict

Since all the divine religions acknowledge the existence of the blessing of wisdom (Aql) in mankind, they all refer to human as a wise creature. The importance of this issue in Islam as the last and most complete Divine religion is the to extent that the Islamic teachings are found on wisdom. In fact, as a Divine proof, wisdom is introduced as the criterion for selecting religion and holding religious beliefs. Therefore, the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) have practically taught us that not only correct beliefs should not be contradictory with wisdom, but also wisdom should be the source of correct beliefs.

For example, one of the most fundamental beliefs of all Divine religions is the necessity of appointing Prophets among people as Divine proofs. Imam Sadiq (PBUH) has explained the firm and logical roots of this belief in a debate with a materialist.

Once an atheist went to Imam Sadiq (PBUH) and asked several questions. One of the questions he posed was “How do you prove the appointment of Prophets?”

Imam Sadiq (PBUH) responded as follows:

“First, we proved that there has to be a Creator superior to all the creatures; One Who is pure from being seen (with the eyes), being touched… Also, we realized that He is a Wise (Hakim) Creator; meaning that whatever He does is to the best interest of the slaves.

Now, it becomes clear that there should be Messengers appointed by the Wise Lord among the people in order to convey His message to them and guide them to the interests designed by their Lord for them; acceptance of these teachings would result in salvation and their rejection would cause annihilation.

These Messengers are the Prophets; (the) humans whom the Lord has chosen and appointed among His creatures based on His wisdom; (the) wise and knowledgeable people who are taught and trained by the Lord.

They are similar to other people in terms of creation; however, they are superior to other people in personal characteristics and virtues.

The wise and knowledgeable Lord has always equipped His Messengers with knowledge, wisdom, proofs, logic, and signs of truthfulness or miracles (Ayaat and Bayyinat). Therefore, the earth becomes never empty of the Proof (Hujjah) of the Lord on His creation; one who is equipped with knowledge and proof, and has a miracle which proves the truthfulness of him and his preceding Prophet”.

When that person received this respond and the answers to his other questions from Imam Sadiq (PBUH), he became Muslim due to the answers and testified to the oneness of Allah (SWT) and Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP).

Thus, it is evident that after believing in the oneness of Allah (SWT), the necessity for appointing Prophets is a logical fact. Hence, if we actually accept this ruling of wisdom and put it into practice, we will experience the correct and prosperous way of living based on true interests and losses.

(The above is a selection taken from “Hayaat al-Qulub” (The History of the Prophets), by Late Allamah al-Majlisi (with some changes and additions))

The Roshd website congratulates all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon 27^th of Rajab, the anniversary of the appointment of the master of Messenger and the last Prophet, Prophet Muhammad al-Mustafa (PBUH&HP).

Roshd Islamic Shia Website