In today’s world, many statements are made in the name of freedom of expression. However, there is a significant difference between legitimate disagreement and language that deliberately insults or provokes people regarding their fundamental religious beliefs.
Among the most sensitive and fundamental matters for Muslims is the belief in the Finality of Prophethood (Khatm-e-Nubuwwat).
For a Muslim, the belief that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the final Prophet is not merely a political, legal, or social issue. It is a fundamental article of Islamic faith. Therefore, describing a law intended to safeguard this belief in a derogatory manner as a “black law” is not simply an ordinary legal discussion; it touches upon an issue that Muslims regard as central to their faith.
The Finality of Prophethood: A Fundamental Islamic Belief
The belief in Khatm-e-Nubuwwat is not the belief of one particular group, organization, or school of thought. It is rooted in the Qur’an and the teachings of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Allah Almighty says:
﴾مَا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِنْ رِجَالِكُمْ وَلَٰكِنْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ النَّبِيِّينَ﴿
Translation:
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab: 40)
This verse is one of the fundamental Qur’anic evidences for the belief that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the final Prophet.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ also explained this reality clearly.
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“My example and the example of the Prophets before me is like that of a person who built a beautiful house, except for one place where a brick was missing…”
The Prophet ﷺ then explained that he was that final brick, completing the structure of Prophethood.
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2286)
Thus, the Finality of Prophethood is not a secondary matter within Islam. It is a fundamental belief that Muslims have preserved throughout Islamic history.
Freedom of Expression and Respectful Dialogue
It is important to distinguish between academic or legal discussion and derogatory language.
If someone has a question about a law, constitutional provision, or religious matter, that question can be discussed through knowledge, evidence, and respectful legal dialogue.
However, using insulting or provocative language toward a fundamental religious belief—or toward legislation intended to protect that belief—does not constitute meaningful academic discussion.
Freedom of expression carries responsibility. A civilized society should allow discussion while also maintaining respect for the religious beliefs and sensitivities of its citizens.
The Responsibility of Muslim Scholars and the Ummah
For centuries, Muslim scholars have explained and defended the belief in the Finality of Prophethood through Qur’anic verses, Prophetic traditions, and scholarly works.
Their fundamental position has remained clear:
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the Final Prophet, and no Prophet will come after him.
Therefore, Muslims—particularly young people—should not limit themselves to emotional slogans or social-media debates.
They should study the Qur’an and Sunnah, learn from reliable Sunni scholars, and understand this fundamental belief through authentic Islamic scholarship.
Knowledge strengthens conviction, while ignorance can make a person vulnerable to confusion and misinformation.
Protecting Faith Requires Knowledge
The protection of Khatm-e-Nubuwwat is not merely a slogan. For Muslims, it represents loyalty to one of the fundamental beliefs of Islam.
The Muslim should understand his faith, learn its foundations, and convey them with wisdom, knowledge, and good character.
At the same time, disagreements concerning laws and public policy should be addressed through peaceful, lawful, and responsible means.
The preservation of religious beliefs does not require disorder or vigilantism. Rather, Muslims should seek knowledge, engage in responsible dialogue, and use legitimate legal and educational channels.
A Message to Our Government and Society
The government and relevant institutions should understand the religious sensitivity surrounding the Finality of Prophethood and deal with matters concerning religious beliefs responsibly and according to the law.
Any legitimate complaint involving incitement, religious hatred, or unlawful conduct should be addressed through due legal process, rather than through individual retaliation.
At the same time, members of society should avoid provocative language and should not take the law into their own hands.
Respect for religious beliefs and respect for the rule of law should go hand in hand.
Our Duty Toward the Belief of Khatm-e-Nubuwwat
The belief in the Finality of Prophethood is not merely a subject for debate. It is a fundamental part of Islamic faith.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is Khatam al-Nabiyyin, the Seal of the Prophets. No Prophet will come after him.
Therefore, our responsibility is to preserve this belief through knowledge, faith, education, wisdom, and lawful means.
We should teach our children and younger generations the importance of this belief and help them understand its Qur’anic and Prophetic foundations.
Conclusion
The protection of religious beliefs is a serious responsibility. At the same time, responding to religious provocation must remain within the boundaries of wisdom, justice, and the law.
Let us strengthen our faith through knowledge rather than ignorance, through scholarship rather than mere slogans, and through lawful action rather than anger.
May Allah Almighty keep us firm upon the belief in the Finality of Prophethood, grant us love and devotion to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, give us the wisdom to defend our faith with knowledge and good character, and enable us to pass this precious belief on to future generations.
