Who Were the Prophets Sent to India According to Islam?
By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam
10 August 2024
Identifying
Prophets Sent to India: Speculative Arguments Vs Reliable Evidence
The Question
of Which Prophet Was Sent to India Has Been a Subject of Debate Throughout
History, With Scholars Primarily Relying On Speculative Arguments Rather Than
Concrete Evidence. Experts in Comparative Religions, Including Scholars with
PhDs, Believe, And of Course There Are Some Quranic Verses to Support the Faith
That Allah Has Sent a Messenger to Every Community, Making It Plausible That Prophets
Must Have Been Sent to India. However, This Does Not Obligate Us to Identify
the Specific Islamic Messenger or Prophet Appointed to India. Islamic Scholars
and Ulama Emphasize the Importance of Faith in Allah and His Messengers, While
Some Hindu Scholars Also Oppose the Notion of Their Ancestors Serving as Islamic
Prophets. This Divergence in Perspectives Highlights the Diversity of Thought
Within Religious Circles, But Both Islamic and Hindu Scholars Share a
Commitment to Upholding the Sanctity and Integrity of Their Faiths.
Main
Points:
1. Sadaqat Bilal: Explores
religious parallels between Prophet Nooh (peace be upon him) in the Quran and
Manu in Hindu scriptures.
2. Asimendrakumar
Dhirendrakumar Dechaudhari: Doubts the existence of Islamic prophets in India.
3. Shakir Mumtaz: No textual
confirmation of the number of prophets in India.
4. Feroze Mulani: Discusses
the descent of Adam in Sri Lanka and the belief that Hawwa descended in Saudi
Arabia before traveling through India.
5. Hassan Iqbal: Explores the
intricate layers of the message of Islam and its recipients throughout history.
6. Imam Ahmad Raza, also known
as Aala Hazrat, opposes positing potential prophets based on probabilities and
improbabilities, stating that reliable evidence is necessary for obtaining sure
knowledge about identification of Prophets, and the available information about
Prophets sent to India is based on merely illusion and speculation.
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There was a lively and engaging discussion
on Quora surrounding the intriguing question: "Who were the prophets sent
to India according to Islam?" The platform saw a diverse array of
respondents partaking in this dialogue, each contributing unique perspectives
and insights to enrich the conversation. As I delve into summarizing the key
points and varied opinions expressed during this discourse, it is my aim to
study more about the subject through the esteemed readers of the New Age Islam
website.
Respondent Sadaqat Bilal, in an intriguing
exploration of religious parallels, delves into the comparison between figures
in Islamic and Hindu scriptures. Upon studying various texts, Sadaqat came
across a striking similarity between the story of Prophet Nooh (Noah) in the
Quran and a character named Manu in Hindu scriptures, particularly the
Upanishads. Both figures are associated with the construction of a great ship
as a divine command for the survival of humanity amidst a cataclysmic event.
The narrative of the world's destruction and Manu's companions, reminiscent of
Nooh and his family in the Quran, further piqued Sadaqat's curiosity about the
potential connections between these ancient accounts. As Sadaqat contemplates
the deeper implications of these similarities, the mention of Manu Smriti, an
ancient Hindu text, sparks interest in a potential source for uncovering more
hidden truths. Delving into comparative religious studies, Sadaqat remains open
to exploring the rich tapestry of narratives within these diverse spiritual
traditions, all the while emphasizing the depth of knowledge awaiting discovery
in the Quran and the supreme wisdom of Allah.
The respondent, Asimendrakumar
Dhirendrakumar Dechaudhari, delves into the question of whether or not a
prophet was sent to India according to Islam. His exploration leads him to
conclude that if a prophet akin to Mohammed (peace be upon him) had preached
Islam in India, there would exist comparable religious practices, teachings,
and beliefs. However, he asserts that this is not the case, leading him to
doubt the presence of Islamic prophets in India. In his analysis of the
fundamental teachings of Islam, he differentiates between the role of a
prophet, as a messenger who receives divine messages and establishes a
religion, and that of Hindu spiritual masters who realize truth through
personal experience and self-realization. He argues that while prophets
initiate conversions and promote blind belief, Hindu spiritual masters, akin to
scientists uncovering truth through the removal of ignorance, offer teachings
that can be personally verified and experienced by individuals. By drawing
distinctions between Islam and Hinduism, specifically concerning reincarnation,
the concept of God, the afterlife, the law of Karma, and the treatment of
differing beliefs, he asserts that the Islamic belief in the Quran's divine
origin is “unfounded”, proposing it is “man-made rather than a revelation from
Allah”. Furthermore, he highlights the contrasting goals of Islam, focusing on
heaven, and Hinduism, seeking Moksha or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Through these comparisons, he argues against the notion of Islamic prophets
being sent to India to preach Islam, citing the numerous differences in core
beliefs between the two religions.
His criticism makes clear that he is
doubtful of Islamic teachings and prefers “the experiential, verifiable truths
that Hindu spiritual teachers offer.”
From his comment, it becomes evident that
he lacks accurate information regarding the foundational principles of Islam.
It is worth emphasizing that his belief that Prophets rejected the key
teachings of their predecessors is not in line with the true nature of
prophethood. Throughout history, the fundamental beliefs upheld by all Prophets
have remained consistent, emphasizing the belief in the oneness of God, belief
in all prophets and messengers, angels, scriptures and belief in the
Resurrection and Afterlife. These core tenets, according to the Quran, have
been a common thread in the divine messages brought by all the Prophets,
underscoring the unity of purpose in their divine missions. It is essential to
discern that while practical applications and societal rulings may have varied
in response to the evolving needs of their respective communities, the essence
of the faith remained unwavering across different prophetic revelations.
Understanding this distinction is vital in appreciating the continuity and
universality of the divine message, transcending temporal changes and
contextual adaptations.
Shakir Mumtaz, a participant in the
discussion, shared valuable insights by stating: "There is no textual
confirmation of it." However, he referenced the late Dr. Israr Ahamed, who
mentioned in a profound manner that, according to Kashf, there might have been
approximately 20 prophets in the historical context of the Indian
sub-continent. It is important to note that this information is attributed to
Dr. Israr Ahamed and remains subject to individual interpretation and belief.
He says that when contemplating the number
of prophets, it is often referenced that the Holy Quran explicitly mentions the
names of 25 prophets. Moreover, the Quran also highlights the significance of
these prophets in guiding humanity and spreading divine messages throughout
history. In parallel, a Hadith report alludes to an astounding figure, stating
that there have been approximately 124,000 prophets throughout human history.
This staggering number serves as a reminder of the diverse and widespread
nature of prophethood in different eras and regions. Ultimately, the exact
count of prophets, especially in specific geographical areas like the Indian
sub-continent, remains a topic that is open to interpretation and subject to a
deeper exploration of religious texts and teachings.
In his thoughtful comment on the subject,
"Who were the prophets sent to India according to Islam?" Feroze
Mulani sheds light on the perspective held by many scholars regarding the
descent of Adam (peace be upon him) in Sri Lanka on the prominent peak known as
Adams Peak. Additionally, he addresses the belief that Hawwa (Eve, peace be
upon her) descended in the coastal region near Saudi Arabia before journeying
through India to unite with Adam (peace be upon him). Noteworthy among the
significant historical sites referenced is the 52-feet shrine of Sheesh (peace
be upon him), the son of Hazrat Adam, which still stands near the city of
Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India. Furthermore, as per hadith, it is mentioned that
a few Sahaba visited Kerala during the era of the esteemed Khalifa Hazrat Umar
ibn e Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). This insightful discourse by
Mulani unveils a fascinating connection between the early Islamic history and
the geographical landscape of the Indian subcontinent.
A respondent named Hassan Iqbal contributed
his thoughts concerning the same question?" In his contemplations, he
delved into the intricate layers of the message of Islam and its recipients
throughout history. He expounded on the Quran's engagement with different
cultural and religious groups, drawing connections between their beliefs and
the prophetic lineage intertwined within their histories. Reflecting on the
relevance of various prophets to different nations, he pondered the
significance of remembering and honouring those messengers of God. From the
notable figure of Dhul-Qarnayn possibly representing Cyrus the Great to the
mysterious presence of Zoroaster and the potential revival of monotheism in
India, his musings traversed through ancient narratives and theological
speculations. Despite the absence of direct mention in the Quran of a prophet
sent specifically to the people of India, the broader concept of prophethood
being universal resonated in his insights. He highlighted the importance of
recognizing the diverse spiritual landscapes of different nations and how the
preservation, or loss, of past prophetic legacies could influence the reception
of divine messages among various cultures, exploring the nuanced dynamics of
faith and collective memory.
One commentator, Aminur Rahman, expressed a
thought-provoking perspective within the discussion. He suggested that India
may have been home to numerous prophets who were not explicitly named in
Al-Quran. However, Aminur Rahman intriguingly proposed a connection between the
figure of Dhul Kifl mentioned in Al-Quran (21:85, 38:48) and Siddhartha, known
as the Buddha. According to his study, Siddhartha, who was born in Kapilvastu
and achieved enlightenment under a Banyan Tree in Gaya, could indeed be the
same individual as Dhul Kifl. Aminur Rahman delved into the linguistic nuances,
explaining that the term 'DHUL-KIFLE' can be understood as 'Of KIFLE' or
'DWELLER OF KIFLE,' which relates to Kapilvastu in India. He elaborated on the
translational aspect, noting the substitution of F for P due to the absence of
the letter P in Arabic. This linguistic analysis led Aminur Rahman to the
conclusion that Siddhartha, as the DWELLER OF KAPIL, aligns with the figure of
DHUL-KIFL in Arabic. Furthermore, Aminur Rahman used passages from Paul
Caurus's GOSPEL OF BUDDHA, which claimed that the Buddha predicted the arrival
of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). Aminur Rahman discussed the possibility
of a shared prophetic lineage that cuts beyond national and cultural barriers,
suggesting a relationship between these great spiritual luminaries from
disparate faiths.
Idris Abd-Allah eloquently articulates the
fundamental tenets of Islamic religion, emphasizing the profound concept that
Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has unequivocally established His
divine proofs by sending Messengers and revealing Scriptures. This divine
guidance and mercy were not confined to a specific nation or region but were
intended for all the diverse nations of the world throughout various times and
places. This universal message is encapsulated in the Quranic verses that
emphasize the universality of the Prophetic mission, whereby every community
has been blessed with a Messenger who called them to worship the one true God
and shun falsehood. Through the Quranic narratives, we are reminded of the
crucial principle that the Almighty, in His ultimate justice and wisdom, does
not hold accountable those whose nations did not receive the Prophetic message.
The mercy and fairness of Allah are exemplified in His decree that punishment
will only be administered after the clear warning of a Messenger has been
conveyed. While the Quran elucidates on the stories of select Messengers, it
also alludes to the existence of many more whose narratives have not been
expressly mentioned. It is evident from the divine revelation that the Prophets
were sent to diverse regions across the globe, underscoring the universal
appeal and timeless relevance of the Prophetic mission, which transcends
geographical boundaries and resonates with all peoples irrespective of their
origin or background.
Some of the Quranic verses he quoted are as
follows:
“Verily! We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings,
and a warner. And there never was a nation but a warner had passed among them.” [Faatir 35:24]
“And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a
Messenger (proclaiming): Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from)
Taghoot (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghoot besides Allah)” [an-Nahl 16:36]
“And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give
warning)” [al-Isra’ 17:15]
“This is because your Lord would not destroy the (populations of) towns
for their wrongdoing (i.e. associating others in worship along with Allah)
while their people were unaware (so the Messengers were sent)” [al-An ‘am 6:131]
“And Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We
have not mentioned to you” [an-Nisa’ 4:164]
In closing, he states, “Therefore, the
misconception that the Prophets were exclusively sent to a particular region is
invalid; indeed, Allah dispatched Messengers to every corner of the globe,
emphasizing His universal message of guidance and mercy upon all humanity.”
According to Moin Khan, the knowledge of
the prophets is a mysterious realm known only to God in the present time. In
the Quran, a total of 25 prophets are specifically identified, yet historical
records suggest a staggering figure of 124,000 Prophets from the time of Hazrat
Adam, the father of humanity, to the final messenger, the Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon them). Despite this vast number, the exact count of prophets
remains elusive to us. Notably, none of the 25 prophets mentioned in the Quran
are associated with India, leading us to ponder the unknown history of prophets
in that region. Khan hints at a potential connection between Hinduism and
Islam, teasing the existence of threads that intertwine the two faiths.
All the above opinions, which express a
variety of perspectives, can be accessed in their original form by following
the link:
https://www.quora.com/Who-was-the-prophet-sent-to-India-according-to-Islam
After carefully examining the myriad
opinions and thoughts presented above, it becomes apparent that these ideas are
not exclusive to our current era. Throughout history, numerous scholars have
put forth similar notions, suggesting that the question of which Prophet was
sent to India has long been a subject of contemplation. It can be surmised that
the discourse surrounding this topic primarily hinges on speculative arguments
rather than concrete, incontrovertible evidence.
Scholars proficient in comparative
religions, when referred to as 'experts', encompass not only those illustrious
individuals who have completed a PhD in the field from prestigious global
institutions, but more importantly, experts who are recognized as knowledgeable
and highly credible in both Islam and faith. These esteemed individuals
collectively concede, based on teachings from the Qur'an and Sunnah, that Allah
has indeed dispatched a Messenger to every community. Consequently, the logical
inference drawn is that it is plausible for Prophets to have been sent to India
as well. Nevertheless, this speculation does not impose upon us the obligation
of identifying the specific Islamic Messenger or Prophet appointed to India.
Imam Ahmad Raza known as Aala Hazrat
comprehensively argues that if there is no essential need for such
identification, why should we engage in conjecture or guesswork by positing
potential messengers or prophets for the region? There is no logical reason for
us to navigate the uncertainties of the Prophet's identity purely on the basis
of probabilities and improbabilities.
Islamic scholars and Ulama emphasize the
fundamental principle that our faith is securely grounded when we declare our
belief in Allah and in all His messengers. In a notable instance, an Islamic
scholar refers to the importance of harboring good opinions towards Hindu
dignitaries and figures, highlighting the necessity of maintaining good
interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, the scholars
and Ulama also point out the lack of concrete evidence to conclusively identify
any specific historical Hindu figure as a prophet in Islam. This assertion is
supported by the idea that discussions which veer into conjecture and
abstraction regarding the status of individuals as prophets are not sanctioned
as valid arguments in the context of Islam.
For centuries, esteemed and reliable
scholars in the realm of Islam have held steadfast to these beliefs, deeply
rooted in their traditions and teachings. Similarly, within the community of
Hindu scholars, there are distinguished individuals who adamantly oppose the
notion that their ancestors may have served as Islamic prophets. This
divergence in perspectives underscores the rich diversity of thought within
religious circles, where contrasting viewpoints contribute to the ongoing
discourse and examination of spiritual practices. Despite these differing
interpretations, both Islamic and Hindu scholars share a commitment to
upholding the sanctity and integrity of their respective faiths, guided by a
deep reverence for the teachings passed down through generations.
Conclusion
When reflecting on the question of which
prophets were sent to India, it becomes evident that the answer lies within the
realm of speculation rather than certainty. The Quran, in its wisdom, conveys
the message that a messenger was indeed sent to every nation, emphasizing the
universal reach of Allah's guidance.
The specific identity of the prophet
entrusted with spreading the divine message in India remains a mystery, open to
interpretations and possibilities. Scholars and intellectuals have offered
conjectures, suggesting some renowned figures as potential candidates. However,
it is crucial to acknowledge that these assertions are based on likelihood
rather than concrete evidence.
The discussion surrounding this topic
highlights the intricate balance between faith, history, and the unknown,
showcasing the diversity of interpretations within Islamic scholarship. It
reminds us of the profound depth of divine wisdom and the multifaceted nature
of prophethood, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural distinctions.
Ultimately, the pursuit of knowledge and understanding in matters of faith
necessitates a nuanced approach that embraces both the certainty of revealed
truths and the humility to acknowledge the limitations of human knowledge.
Allah Almighty says in the Quran:
“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying],
"Worship Allah and avoid Taghut." And among them were those whom
Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly]
decreed. So proceed through the earth and observe how was the end of the
deniers.” [16:36].
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A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi
is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and
expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has
emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently
contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics.
Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects,
including but not limited to deradicalisation strategies, the promotion of
moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital
mission of combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the
urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and
scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses
in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of
safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic
mysticism.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/prophets-india-according-quranic-verses/d/132908
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