ختمِ نبوت کا قرآنی و تفسیری تصور: آئمہ لغت و مفسرین کی آراء کا مطالعہ

The Qur'anic and Exegetical Concept of the Finality of Prophethood: A Study of the Views of Lexicographers and Qur'anic Commentators

Abstract

The doctrine of Finality of Prophethood (Khatm-e-Nubuwwat) is one of the fundamental and unanimously accepted beliefs of Islam. The Holy Qur’ān and numerous authentic Ahādīth explicitly affirm that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the last Prophet and no prophet shall come after him. This article presents a comprehensive analytical study of the linguistic, terminological, and exegetical meanings of Khatm-e-Nubuwwat in the light of classical lexicographers, Qur’ānic commentators, and Muslim scholars. The research highlights the meanings of the words “Khatm” and “Khātam” as explained by renowned scholars such as Ibn Manzur, Raghib al-Isfahani, and Al-Fayruzabadi. It further examines the interpretations of the verse “Khatam al-Nabiyyīn” by eminent exegetes including Imam al-Qurtubi, Imam al-Tabari, Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, and Ibn Kathir. The article also discusses the consensus of the Muslim Ummah regarding the finality of Prophethood and highlights the scholarly refutations of false claimants of prophethood. The study concludes that the belief in Khatm-e-Nubuwwat is an essential part of Islamic faith and serves as a safeguard for the unity, integrity, and authenticity of Islam.