In the Islamic faith, Fábio, we believe that the message delivered by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final message from Allah, serving as a continuation and culmination of the revelations given to previous prophets, including Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them). The Qur'an provides multiple references to this concept. For example, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:3), Allah declares, "This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as religion." This verse signifies the completion of the prophetic lineage and the finality of the Islamic message.
Moreover, the Qur'an acknowledges the previous prophets and their messages as part of a divine continuum. In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:25), it states, "And We did not send any messenger before you but We revealed to him that there is no deity except Me, so worship Me." This highlights the core tenet of monotheism that has been consistently preached by all prophets.
Additionally, in the Hadith literature, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, "I am the last of the Prophets, and there is no Prophet after me." (Sahih Bukhari). This declaration emphasizes the belief in the finality of prophethood, further reinforcing the point that Islam is the culmination of the messages delivered by previous prophets.
It is also important to note that the perceptions of religious figures, such as Jesus, have evolved over time, influenced by cultural contexts. 🔴 The portrayal of Jesus in Western art and literature has shifted dramatically from earlier representations that reflected his Middle Eastern heritage—depicted with darker hair, skin, and eyes—to portrayals featuring lighter skin, blue eyes, and European features. This shift not only indicates the influence of Western culture on religious iconography but also highlights how historical narratives can be shaped by societal perspectives and biases.
Similarly, the Bible itself has undergone significant textual and interpretative developments throughout history. Different translations, contextual adaptations, and theological interpretations have contributed to variations in understanding the message of Christianity. This evolution has created divisions and differing doctrines that reflect the cultural contexts in which these interpretations were made.
In contrast, the Qur'an, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), has remained unchanged since its revelation over 1,400 years ago. This preservation adds to the Islamic claim of its finality and authenticity as a divine message that is meant to guide humanity comprehensively, without the influences of cultural alterations that have affected other scriptures.
As we reflect on these profound topics, I invite you to dive deeper into the exploration of faith, existence, and the quest for the divine. You can read about it in my article, “The Quest for the Divine: A Spiritual Exploration of the Question of Allah's Existence” on Medium. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey together! [Read the article here.](https://medium.com/@mohamed-phd/the-quest-for-the-divine-a-spiritual-exploration-of-the-question-of-allahs-existence-37845bc2783f)
Fábio, it is intriguing to consider how cultural contexts shape our understanding of religious figures and texts. How do you perceive the impact of cultural interpretations on the essence of religious teachings in your faith?
Best regards,
Mohamed, Ph.D.