For the first time in English we hereby present a complete translation of 'Khatam an-Nubuwat' by Professor Muhammad ibn Abdullah al-Mas'ari. This unique single-volume compendium details the conclusive evidences which establish with certitude that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the seal of Prophethood. These decisive proofs, from the Qur'an, the Prophetic Sunnah as well as linguistics, are set out in a lucid masterful analysis. Given the sheer weight of evidence presented, it becomes abundantly clear that to deny this crucial tenet of Islam would constitute a denial of his Prophetic mission altogether. The Renascence Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to help revive, reinvigorate and stimulate contemporary Islamic thought.

‘Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness is measured, we may ask, is there any man greater than he?’ – Lamartine, History of Turkey It is only lately that Western scholars have embarked on serious objective study of the life of the Prophet of Islam. In studying his life, certain factors must be kept in mind: Was the world in need of a universal divine personal message? Was the life of Muhammad, before he laid claim to prophethood, of such perfect purity as would indicate that he had been chosen? Was the message that he brought illustrated in his life and conduct? The purpose of this study is to institute an appraisal of the life of Muhammad which should be fully descriptive of its diverse facets and should enable the reader to carry out his own assessment of the man as an exemplary human being and as a divine prophet.

The fascinating book not only highlights the various aspects of the life of Holy Prophet but also presents the prominent events and episodes in the history of Islam with solid historical testimonies.

1 A Shared Name 2 ‘He who sees thee sees Me’ 3 The Sphere of Walaya 4 The Muhammadan Reality 5 The Heirs of the Prophet 6 The Four Pillars 7 The Highest Degree of Walaya 8 The Three Seals 9 The Seal of Muhammadan Sainthood 10 The Double Ladder

The current volume covers scholarly discussions on different topics such as the arrangement and the layout of the Holy Quran, Divine revelation, reality of miracles, polygamy, Jihad with sword, capitation tax, the wives of the Holy Prophet(sa), the Islamic laws regarding marriage and divorce, the electoral system of Khilafat, the just and democratic form of Islamic government etc.

Ever since God Almighty has instituted the system of prophet-hood for the guidance of mankind, the opponents of these holy prophets, peace be on them, have always charged them with falsehood and untruth. They were called sorcerers and madmen and were described as disorderly and rebellious. Every prophet and God’s elect was treated in that manner. The same was the case with the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, peace be on him. when he put forth his claim of being the Reformer of the age and the Promised Mehdi, not only Muslim divines, but the leaders of other religions also, rose up against him and assailed him with false charges and insupportable objections. Muslim divines proclaimed that his teaching was opposed to Islam and the practice of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and showered false charges upon him.