Is Islam the final religion?

In a Nutshell: Muslims believe Islam is the final religion because the Quran refers to it as a complete and universal message, superseding previous revelations. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is seen as the last prophet, entrusted with delivering God's final message for all humanity. Table of Contents In a Nutshell Introduction Quranic Verses Ahadith Companions' Opinions Traditional Scholars' Quotes Why Islam is the Last Religion: Analysis Misconceptions about Islam being the Last Religion Objections to Islam being the Last Religion FAQs about Islam being the Last Religion Conclusion Introduction Islam, a faith with nearly two billion adherents globally, asserts its position as the final and complete religion intended for all of humanity. The concept of Islam as the last religion is deeply ingrained in its core teachings and theological framework. This belief centers on the Prophet (pbuh) being the final messenger of God (swt) and the Quran as the ultimate and unalterable divine revelation. EvidencesQuranic Verses Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:3):This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107):And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. Surah Saba' (34:28):And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner. But most of the people do not know. Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40):Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing. Ahadith Sahih al-Bukhari:The similitude of myself and the prophets before me is that of a man who constructed a building and completed it except for the space of one brick in one corner. People started going around and admiring it, but they would say: 'But for that missing brick!' So I am that one brick and I am the seal of the prophets.' Sahih Muslim:I have been given the Jawami' al-Kalim [comprehensive words]. I have been sent to the whole of mankind. And the (chain of) prophets has been sealed with me.Companions' Opinions Abu Hurairah (ra):The Prophet (pbuh) said, My similitude in comparison with the prophets before me is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: 'Would to God that this brick should be put in its place!' So I am that brick and I am the seal of the Prophets. (Sahih al-Bukhari) Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra):Indeed, Allah sent Muhammad (pbuh) with the truth and revealed the Book to him and the verse of stoning was included in what was revealed to him. We recited it, retained it in our memory and understood it. Allah's Messenger (pbuh) carried out the punishment of stoning and so did we after him. I fear that after a long time has passed, somebody will say, 'By Allah, we do not find the verse of stoning in Allah's Book,' and thus they will go astray by abandoning an obligation which Allah has revealed. (Sahih al-Bukhari) Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra):The best of this ummah (nation) after its Prophet are Abu Bakr and then Umar. (Sahih Muslim)Traditional Scholars' Quotes Ibn Taymiyyah (1263-1328 CE):Islam is the religion that Allah accepts and there is no other religion that was revealed after it which abrogates it. Muhammad (pbuh) is the last of the Prophets and Messengers and no Prophet will come after him. Ibn Kathir (1300-1373 CE):Allah has perfected this religion for this ummah and completed His favor upon it. Allah has chosen it above all other religions and made it the last of all religions. Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703-1792 CE):Islam is the religion of Allah that He sent His Messenger with and which He commanded him to call towards and it is the religion which abrogated what came before it of the other revealed religions. Why Islam is the Last Religion: Analysis The Quranic verses, the Prophet's (pbuh) sayings, the companions' understanding and the scholarly interpretations collectively point to the finality of Islam. The concept of a culminating and ultimate revelation aligns with the belief in Allah's (swt) perfect wisdom and knowledge. Sending multiple 'final' messages or endless prophets would create confusion and contradictions in the divine guidance meant for humankind. Please if you'd like me to continue with additional sections! here's the continuation and completion of the article: Misconceptions about Islam being the Last ReligionIslam is intolerant of other religions:Islam acknowledges previous Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity). Believers in the original forms of these religions are called 'People of the Book' in the Quran. Islam advocates peaceful coexistence and forbids forced religious conversion. Islam rejects the validity of all previous prophets:Islam respects all prophets sent by God (swt). Each prophet delivered a message relevant to their time and people. Muslims believe in the chain of prophethood, culminating in Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Islam is static and unable to adapt:Islam possesses inherent flexibility. While its core principles are immutable, Islamic jurisprudence incorporates mechanisms for legal interpretations (ijtihad) to address evolving circumstances. Islam is a recent invention by Muhammad (pbuh):Islam sees itself as a continuation and the perfected form of the original religion given to Adam (as). Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is considered the restorer of this original faith. Islam is spread by the sword:While there were historical instances of Muslim conquests, the Quran explicitly condemns compulsion in religion and prioritizes peaceful and respectful dialogue. Objections to Islam being the Last ReligionIf Islam is the final religion, why do other faiths continue to exist?Muslims believe people will always have free will and the choice of what to believe. Islam's finality does not eliminate the choice to follow previous revelations, even if believed imperfect. Doesn't the existence of multiple religions disprove the claim of one true faith?Islam views the world as a place of testing. The multitude of faiths contributes to this test of choosing what aligns with truth and God's guidance. What about those who have never heard of Islam?Muslims hold God (swt) to be ultimately merciful and just. Those who sincerely sought the truth but lived before or without access to Islam's message will be judged accordingly. Isn't claiming finality arrogant?Islam emphasizes that its claim is not rooted in arrogance, but in a belief in God's perfect plan and His intention to provide a comprehensive guide for humanity. What about future potential revelations?Islam asserts that divine revelation concluded with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims trust in its comprehensiveness to guide humanity justly until the end of time. FAQs: Why is Islam the Last Religion?If Islam is final, aren't new prophets possible?Muslims believe God's (swt) message is complete. There's no necessity for additional prophets as the Quran is a preserved miracle and Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) life a timeless example. Why did God (swt) send previous religions?Each revelation was tailored to a specific time and people. Islam views itself as the comprehensive and timeless version suitable for all of humanity. Is it wrong to follow other faiths?Islam respects individual choices. However, Muslims believe Islam possesses the most complete guidance and non-Muslims are encouraged to sincerely examine its principles. Does Islam claim superiority over other religions?Islam sees itself as the perfected version of God's (swt) message, building upon the truths of past faiths but superseding them where differences exist. How does Islam reconcile its finality with religious diversity?Islam sees diversity as part of God's (swt) plan. It advocates respecting others' beliefs while asserting the right to proclaim the truth of its own message. Conclusion The belief in Islam as the final religion is a cornerstone of Muslim faith. Through the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) example and centuries of intellectual tradition, Muslims derive a sense of purpose and direction. Islam provides a comprehensive and consistent worldview rooted in the belief in Allah's (swt) perfection and His desire to guide humanity. While objections and misunderstandings may remain, Islam maintains its assertive claim to possess humanity's ultimate spiritual roadmap.