A Bahá'í Approach to the Claim of Finality in Islam
Material type:
TextSubject(s):
In:
The Journal of Bahá'í Studies 5 ISLAM, 17-40Abstract: Because it precludes the acceptance of messengers of God after the Islamic dispensation, the concept of finality of prophethood (khatm al-nubuwwa) is the major theological barrier between the Bahá'í Faith and Islam. This article surveys the philological, theological and historical interpretations of the terms Prophet and Seal, and offers an approach based upon the Bahá'í writings to their meanings that reconciles the "Seal of the Prophets" doctrine with progressive revelation. In addition, the related problem of the finality of Islam is analyzed. The article argues for the need for a multiplicity of interpretive methods in addressing the problems of religious pluralism.
Because it precludes the acceptance of messengers of God after the Islamic dispensation, the concept of finality of prophethood (khatm al-nubuwwa) is the major theological barrier between the Bahá'í Faith and Islam. This article surveys the philological, theological and historical interpretations of the terms Prophet and Seal, and offers an approach based upon the Bahá'í writings to their meanings that reconciles the "Seal of the Prophets" doctrine with progressive revelation. In addition, the related problem of the finality of Islam is analyzed. The article argues for the need for a multiplicity of interpretive methods in addressing the problems of religious pluralism.