🔵 PAIGHĀMBAR (پيغامبر): The Prophets of Islam
Comprehensive Definition
Paighāmbar (پيغامبر) - Paighāmbar is a Persian and Hindustānī term used to refer to a Prophet, analogous to the Arabic terms Rasūl (رسول) and Nabī (نبى). In Islamic theology, prophets are individuals chosen by Allah to convey His messages and guide humanity.
Etymology
The word “Paighāmbar” stems from the Persian language, wherein “Paighām” means “message” and “bar” translates to “bearer.” Thus, Paighāmbar lexically means “bearer of messages,” echoing the Arabic terms Rasūl (messenger) and Nabī (prophet).
Background
Islamic belief holds that over 124,000 prophets were sent to various nations throughout history. Among them, 25 prophets are mentioned by name in the Qurʾān, including influential figures such as Adam, Abraham (Ibrāhīm), Moses (Mūsā), Jesus (ʿĪsā), and the final prophet, Muhammad.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Islamic Perspective:
- Prophet (Nabī): A general term for a prophet who guides through divine revelation.
- Messenger (Rasūl): A category of prophets who receive a new Sharia (law) from Allah.
Christian Perspective:
- Prophets are regarded as individuals who receive a divine mission but don’t necessarily bring new scripture.
Jewish Perspective:
- Prophets primarily include figures from the Tanakh, emphasizing their role as deliverers of divine guidance without implicitly bringing new law.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Nabī (نبى): Prophet
- Rasūl (رسول): Messenger
- Peygamber (Turkish)
Antonyms:
- Kāfir (كافر): Disbeliever
- Munāfiq (منافق): Hypocrite
Related Terms with Definitions
- Wahi (وحي): Divine revelation received by prophets.
- Sunnah (سنة): Practices established by the Prophet Muhammad.
- Ummah (أمة): Community of believers who follow the prophets’ teachings.
Exciting Facts
- Prophet Muhammad is considered the “Seal of the Prophets,” signifying the end of the line of prophets.
- Jesus (ʿĪsā) is one of the most frequently mentioned prophets in the Qurʾān.
Quotations
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Rumi: “The light of the prophets guide the world. Without their guiding light, humanity stumbles in darkness.”
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Imam Ali: “The prophets hold the keys to wisdom and are the gateways to Allah’s mercy.”
References
- Al-Qurʾān: Refer to the specific verses mentioning prophets.
- Hadith collections including Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
- “A History of Islamic Societies” by Ira M. Lapidus.
Suggested Literature and Other Sources
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings.
- “Islam: A Short History” by Karen Armstrong.
- Lecture series by scholars such as Seyyed Hossein Nasr on Islamic civilization.
Leila Hashimi, Oct 4, 2023 – Wishing you an enlightened journey in discovering the wisdom through the lives of the blessed prophets. 🌟
