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English_Biography_Shefa_of_Prophet_Muhammad, page : 150
It has also been explained that it is the prohibition of differentiating between the prophethood and the delivery of the Message. All the prophets are equal in this respect and consequently there is no difference. However, there is differentiation between the prophets regarding the elevation of their states, miracles, election, rank and kindness.
Although all of the prophets, peace be upon all of them, have the blessed connection of prophethood, we should reserve some differentiation. This is because Allah Himself has favored some of them above others. For example there are Messengers who received a message, and Messengers who possess resolution and firmness, as one finds in Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, or Idris (Enoch) – the one who was raised to a high position. John – the one to whom judgment was given when he was young. David – was the one to whom the Psalms was given. Jesus – the one to whom clear signs were given. Moses to whom Allah spoke, and others whom Allah raised in degree. Allah tells us, "We have preferred some prophets above others" (17:55). And, "Of these Messengers, We have preferred some above others" (2:253).
A scholar of Islam commented on the word "preferred" saying, "Preference is that of preferring them in this world, and of this there are three aspects:
1. The greatness and prominence of their signs and miracles.
2. The purity and size of their nation.
3. The quality and prominence.
To clarify the third aspect, it is that it refers to the generous gifts highlighting the honor given specially to them by Allah and included such eliteness as being selected for speech, favors and close friendship.
One finds that the Prophet's conduct was always guarded against saying or doing anything that could be used as a source of dissension, because there are those who would not hesitate to belittle the prophethood of Jonah, peace be upon him, and disregard the fact that he was among those who were chosen. It was said as an act of compassion on behalf of the Prophet for his nation.
Another explanation is the possibility that the word "I" refers to whosoever says it, in other words no one should think he is better than Jonah because of the Words of Allah concerning him. The degree of prophethood is better and higher and therefore its value cannot be diminished by even an atom.
Allah willing, (inshaAllah), we will discuss this matter further.
Success is from Allah, and He is the Helper – there is no god except Him!
Although all of the prophets, peace be upon all of them, have the blessed connection of prophethood, we should reserve some differentiation. This is because Allah Himself has favored some of them above others. For example there are Messengers who received a message, and Messengers who possess resolution and firmness, as one finds in Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, or Idris (Enoch) – the one who was raised to a high position. John – the one to whom judgment was given when he was young. David – was the one to whom the Psalms was given. Jesus – the one to whom clear signs were given. Moses to whom Allah spoke, and others whom Allah raised in degree. Allah tells us, "We have preferred some prophets above others" (17:55). And, "Of these Messengers, We have preferred some above others" (2:253).
A scholar of Islam commented on the word "preferred" saying, "Preference is that of preferring them in this world, and of this there are three aspects:
1. The greatness and prominence of their signs and miracles.
2. The purity and size of their nation.
3. The quality and prominence.
To clarify the third aspect, it is that it refers to the generous gifts highlighting the honor given specially to them by Allah and included such eliteness as being selected for speech, favors and close friendship.
One finds that the Prophet's conduct was always guarded against saying or doing anything that could be used as a source of dissension, because there are those who would not hesitate to belittle the prophethood of Jonah, peace be upon him, and disregard the fact that he was among those who were chosen. It was said as an act of compassion on behalf of the Prophet for his nation.
Another explanation is the possibility that the word "I" refers to whosoever says it, in other words no one should think he is better than Jonah because of the Words of Allah concerning him. The degree of prophethood is better and higher and therefore its value cannot be diminished by even an atom.
Allah willing, (inshaAllah), we will discuss this matter further.
Success is from Allah, and He is the Helper – there is no god except Him!