Why Did Allah Choose Humans as Prophets?

Divine communication is a fascinating subject that has intrigued scholars, theologians, and the masses for centuries. The Quran and Islamic teachings provide insights into why Allah chose to communicate through human prophets instead of directly involving Himself in the process. This approach preserves human free will and utilizes the unique attributes of human nature, thereby guiding humanity towards righteousness and a fulfilling relationship with the Creator.

Preserving Human Free Will

The concept of divine communication through human prophets is rooted in the understanding that allowing humans to receive and convey divine messages ensures free will. If God were to appear in His full glory, it would inevitably lead to the death of those who gazed upon Him due to the overwhelming divine presence. To overcome this paradox, Allah employed other means to convey His messages, such as creating a veil of pardon through prophets and messengers. These intermediaries helped preserve the essence of human freedom while still guiding humanity towards moral conduct and righteousness.

Infinite Wisdom and Physical Universes

From an Islamic perspective, ‘God’s’ infinite wisdom led to the establishment of physical laws that govern the universe. These fundamental laws, in turn, enabled the development of DNA and life as the ultimate carrier of divine messages. Every human being carries a divine imprint within their genetic makeup, implying that Allah’s message is present in every individual, making intermediaries such as prophets unnecessary. The message of Allah is universal and is accessible to all humans, as the Quran emphasizes:

Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often. (Quran 33:21)

Prophets, therefore, are not seen as divine intermediaries but rather as fallible human beings who exemplify divine guidance. Their roles as messengers are vital in making the divine message relatable and understandable to fellow humans.

Relatability and Guidance

The choice of human prophets serves another important purpose: their relatability. Prophets were fallible humans, just like anyone else. This relatability makes their lives and teachings more understandable and accessible to people. By following the example of prophets, humanity can better comprehend and implement divine guidance. Instead of attributing the righteousness of a messenger to their supernatural nature, people are encouraged to recognize it as the result of guidance from a higher power.

Demonstrating the Importance of Human Messengers

The Quran further emphasizes the importance of human messengers in several verses, such as:

Say O Prophet “Had there been angels walking the earth well settled We would have surely sent down for them an angel from heaven as a messenger.” (Quran 17:95)

These verses suggest that if angels were present on earth, humanity might not fully appreciate the divine guidance provided. The necessity of human messengers underscores the need for them to be part of human society, thereby reinforcing their role as relatable and trustworthy examples. Each nation possibly needs its own messenger, as each community has unique traits and challenges, making a human messenger more comprehensible and influential.

In conclusion, the choice of human prophets by Allah is a strategic and thoughtful decision that promotes human free will, makes divine guidance relatable, and ensures that every individual has access to the divine message. By understanding and following the examples set by these prophets, humanity can better navigate the complexities of life and establish a fulfilling relationship with the Creator.