—the image-makers.” He ﷺ also said: “Those who fashion these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection; it will be said to them, ‘Give life to what you have made.’” They will be ordered to blow a soul into the images—a demand meant only to expose their powerlessness and intensify their torment, and we seek Allah’s protection—because making images is one of the pathways that lead to polytheism, just as happened to the people of Noah.

The first messenger was Noah, while the seal and final one is Muhammad ﷺ. Allah the Exalted says, “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets” (Al-Ahzab 40). The Prophet ﷺ said, “I am the Seal of the Prophets; there will be no prophet after me.”

With him ﷺ the series of heavenly messages came to a close; no prophet will be sent after him until the Hour is established. Nevertheless, his law will remain in force until the Hour, and his religion will endure until the Hour, as has been mentioned. Accordingly, whoever claims prophethood