Abū al-Muʿīn al-Nasafī’s Defence of Prophecy (Nubuwwa): An Examination of Prophecy and its Justification in Islamic Theology

This article aims to investigate the rational arguments presented by Abū al-Muʿīn al-Nasafī for justifying prophecy as a significant phenomenon in human history. The study begins analysing al-Nasafī’s definition of prophecy, followed examining its linguistic, philosophical, and theological implications. possibility necessity prophethood are explored from two distinct perspectives: natural reason divine wisdom. In terms (ʿaql), falls under category possibilities (mumkināt), which implies that existence is not impossible according reason. When it comes wisdom God, considered (wājib), would be inconceivable God abandon humanity without guidance realm existence. author presents numerous supporting both categories. For instance, several factors justify rationale behind institution such limitations mind acquiring knowledge, need express religious knowledge with clarity precision, significance preserving this future generations. Al-Nasafī argues prophetic reality provides most plausible explanation our body various fields astronomy, more precisely “science or stars” (al-ʿilm bi al-nujūm), medical science held humanity. Moreover, essential skills crafts passed down generation generation, farming dressmaking, survival, can only attributed reality. also maintains exclusive factor adequately explain presence languages throughout world. According him, first language was taught prophet, all subsequent derived original language. second part paper centres on criteria validating authenticity assertion. view, miracles constitute critical means an individual claiming demonstrate their claim. Following, highlights differentiation between magic tricks illusions executed skilled magicians performed prophets. Although manipulate fool audience using sleight hand, allure mystique surrounding start fade away once causes mechanics those become apparent. Conversely, investigated pondered over, they increasingly precise powerful. Lastly, per al-Nasafī, merely having intellectual understanding belief alone inadequate achieve happiness promised religion. Only through prophethood, one comprehend meaning (ḥikma) life Earth acquire benefits pertain world afterlife. By offering thorough analysis concept support it, contribute deeper notion justifications Islamic thought.