3.7 — Significance as Seal of the Prophets and Last Messenger

2026 Syllabus Objectives

  1. Study the significance of Prophet Muhammad PBUH as the Seal of the Prophets and the last Messenger of Allah SWT.
  2. Give accounts of the main events of Prophet Muhammad PBUH's life and explain the importance of his actions and experiences in the history and beliefs of Islam — particularly the way they provide practical examples for present-day Muslim individuals and communities.

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1. What Does "Seal of the Prophets" Mean?

The phrase "Seal of the Prophets" — in Arabic, Khatam-ul-Nabiyyeen — is one of the most important titles of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. It means that he was the final and last Prophet ever sent by Allah SWT to mankind. The long chain of prophethood, which began with Prophet Adam AS and continued through many other prophets, came to a complete and permanent end with Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

Key beliefs connected to this title:

  • No prophet of any kind will ever come after Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
  • Islam is the final, complete, and perfect religion sent by Allah SWT for all of humanity.
  • The Quran is the last divine scripture — it is preserved in its original form and will remain so forever.
  • Because the message of Islam is complete and final, no new religion or new revelation is needed or possible.

This belief is not just historical — it is one of the core, fundamental beliefs that every Muslim holds.

2. The Physical Seal of Prophethood (Khatam-ul-Nubuwwa)

One of the remarkable and unique signs of Prophet Muhammad PBUH's prophethood was a physical mark on his body. This mark, known as Khatam-ul-Nubuwwa (the Seal of Prophethood), was located on his back, between his two shoulder blades. This seal was witnessed by many people throughout his life and served as a visible, undeniable confirmation of his true prophethood.

A. Bahira the Priest Recognises the Seal

Before Prophet Muhammad PBUH received prophethood, he travelled to Syria with a trading caravan. Along the way, a Christian priest named Bahira noticed extraordinary signs in the young Muhammad PBUH. He observed that trees and stones bowed in prostration as the Prophet PBUH passed — something, he explained, that only happens before a true prophet. He then identified the physical seal on the Prophet PBUH's back.

Reference: Imam Tirmidhi Context: Bahira recognised the signs of prophethood in the young Muhammad PBUH and informed the leaders of Quraish. He described what he saw clearly, including the seal:

"When you came over the hill not a tree or a stone failed to bow in prostration, and they prostrate themselves only before a prophet. I recognize him by the seal of prophecy, like an apple, below the end of his shoulder-blade."

This account is significant because it shows that even before prophethood was formally given to Muhammad PBUH, knowledgeable people from other faiths were able to identify his special status as Allah SWT's chosen Messenger.

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