KHĀTIMU ʾN-NABŪWAH (خاتم النبوة)
Definition and Significance
KHĀTIMU ʾN-NABŪWAH (خاتم النبوة) translates to “The Seal of Prophecy” and refers to a distinctive physical mark on the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) back. Within Islamic belief, this mark is considered a divine sign indicating his prophetic office. The term also metaphorically signifies that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the final prophet, sealing the line of divine messengers.
Etymology
- Arabic: خاتم النبوة (KHĀTIMU ʾN-NABŪWAH)
- خاتم (khātim) - Seal or ring
- النبوة (an-nubūwah) - Prophethood or prophecy
- Turkish: Nübüvvet Mührü
Descriptions and Narrations
Several hadiths describe the seal, emphasizing its uniqueness and divine nature. One such narration by ʿAbdu ʾllāh ibn Sarjis describes it as:
- Approximately as large as a closed fist
- Surrounded by small moles
In a related account, Abū Rams̤ah once offered to remove the seal, to which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied, “The Physician thereof is He who placed it there,” underscoring its divine origin.
Symbolic Importance
The seal serves both as:
- A physical testament to Muhammad’s (PBUH) role as a prophet.
- A spiritual indication that he is “Khatam an-Nabiyyin,” the last prophet as mentioned in the Qur’an (33:40).
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)” by Ibn Ishaq
- “Muhammad: Man and Prophet” by Adil Salahi
- “The Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)” by Ibn Hisham
Takeaways
- KHĀTIMU ʾN-NABŪWAH is both a physical and symbolic mark of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) finality in prophethood.
- The seal is a profound aspect of Islamic theology, symbolizing the conclusion of the line of prophets through Muhammad (PBUH).
- Various traditions and hadiths emphasize its significance and divine origin.
Conclusion
KHĀTIMU ʾN-NABŪWAH, “The Seal of Prophecy,” remains an essential concept in Islamic theology, reflecting both a unique physical characteristic of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the doctrinal belief in his role as the last prophet. This belief paves the way for a deeper understanding of Muhammad’s (PBUH) place within Islamic faith and teachings.
Comprehensive study of KHĀTIMU ʾN-NABŪWAH illuminates its multi-faceted significance, enriching one’s appreciation of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) exemplary status in Islam.
