all previous revelations. The logical consequence of such perfection and of this completed favor is that mankind’s bond of obedience and practical following with every earlier scripture and prophethood is now severed—while still believing in the original truths that were revealed, not in what those messages became after distortion at the hands of later adherents.

Accordingly, everything the former prophets brought, presented to humanity, and invited it to follow has been abrogated by the mission of Muhammad ﷺ. There is no doubt that, in general terms, affirming their prophethood and the truth of their call remains obligatory, for they were none but heralds of Islam, and endorsing their call is, in fact, an endorsement of Islam itself. Yet in practice, humanity’s relationship of obedience and imitation has been cut off from them; it is now linked solely to the message of Muhammad ﷺ, to his teachings, and to his noble example. For the principle demands:

First: once the perfect law has arrived, humanity no longer needs what it has superseded.

Second: the hand of distortion and neglect has tampered with the lives and teachings of the previous prophets (1), making it impossible for humanity to follow them in practice.

Hence, wherever the Noble Quran commands obedience to the Messenger and adherence to his rulings and directives, it mentions the words “the Messenger” and “the Prophet” only in their definite form, prefaced by the article al-.