Seal of Prophecy: K͟hātimu ʾn-Nubūwah (خاتم النبوة)
Definition and Significance
The Seal of Prophecy, K͟hātimu ʾn-Nubūwah (خاتم النبوة), refers to a unique physical mark, described as a mole of unusual size, located on the back of the Prophet Muhammad. This mark is said to indicate Muhammad’s status as the “Seal of the Prophets,” K͟hātimu ʾn-Nabīyīn, signifying that he is the final prophet in the line of prophetic succession according to Islamic belief.
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: K͟hātimu ʾn-Nubūwah (خاتم النبوة)
- Translation in Turkish: Nübüvvet Mührü
The word “Khātam” (خاتم) translates to “seal” or “end,” and “Nubūwah” (النبوة) refers to “prophethood,” collectively meaning “Seal of Prophethood.”
Descriptions and Traditions
According to various Islamic traditions, the Seal of Prophecy is described differently in size and appearance. Some accounts, such as those recorded in the book Mishkātu ʾl-Maṣābiḥ, state that it was the size of the knob of a bridal canopy. Other descriptions range from the size of a pigeon’s egg to the size of a closed fist. Shaik͟h ʿAbdu ʾl-Ḥaqq provides a detailed depiction, stating that it was a brilliant piece of flesh, with some accounts mentioning that it had an inscription within it stating, “God is one and has no Associate.”
Significance in Islamic Tradition
The Seal of Prophecy carries significant meaning in the Islamic tradition as it serves as a sign of divine approval and endorsement of Muhammad’s role as the last prophet. This concept is foundational to the Islamic assertion that Muhammad completed and perfected the line of prophecy.
In one well-known tradition, Abū Rams̤āʾ, a member of a family skilled in surgery, offered to remove the mark, but Prophet Muhammad declined, attributing its placement to divine providence. Another tradition narrates that Muhammad allowed Abū Rams̤āʾ to touch the mark, revealing a collection of hairs atop it.
Shaik͟h ʿAbdu ʾl-Ḥaqq notes that the Seal disappeared from Muhammad’s back shortly before his death, further emphasizing its miraculous nature.
Scholarly Interpretations
It is debated among scholars how much Prophet Muhammad emphasized this physical mark as validation of his prophethood. Nonetheless, the existence of the Seal is documented in several hadiths and theological texts, serving as a symbol of his unique status in Islam.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (Al-Sira al-Nabawiyya)” by Ibn Kathir
- “Muhammad: Man and Prophet” by Adil Salahi
- “The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet” by Saif-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad” by Tariq Ramadan
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Seal of Prophecy, K͟hātimu ʾn-Nubūwah (خاتم النبوة), serves as a profound emblem of Prophet Muhammad’s finality in the prophetic tradition. Whether viewed as a miraculous physical mark or a metaphorical seal, it embodies the theological assertion that Muhammad conveyed the final and complete message of God. Understanding K͟hātimu ʾn-Nubūwah deepens one’s appreciation for the unique status bestowed upon Muhammad in Islam and highlights the rich tapestry of Islamic prophetic tradition.
In conclusion, the Seal of Prophecy is both a physical mark and a spiritual symbol, affirming Muhammad’s role as the culmination of the prophetic legacy, a legacy that continues to influence the faith and practices of over a billion Muslims around the world.
