03-03-2004, 03:47 AM
hello again kate.
Quote:But I have another question- what or who is the Caliph(we learned about it in school, but I was confused) is he like the equivalent to the pope of the catholic church, or the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Anglican Church? Also, are there any other prophets after Muhammad? And another question, What role does Mary (the mother of Jesus) play in Islam? Thanks!Caliph was the person acting in Muhammad's place after his death, i.e. the leader of Islam . When Muhammad died , the Muslim community faced a problem on how their community should be governed, and how leaders should be appointed. There were conflicting stories on what Muhammad had said, So Caliph was the most knowledgable one who is also following the same exact teaching of Islam's law (the Holy Qur'an) and following also the same sunnah (what Muhammad said, act , or approved).
regarding prophets after Muhammad peace be upon him:
No there is no any other prophet coming after Muhammad peace be upon him as the Qur'an explained:
Chapter 33 (Al-Ahzab) Verse#40 - Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Apostle of God, and the Seal of the Prophets: and God has full knowledge of all things.
Regarding Mary in Islam:
According to Islam, Mary is highly regarded and revered as a mother of one of God’s prophets, Jesus, peace and blessings be upon him. She is regarded as one of the purest of God’s servants. In fact, there are more verses in the Qur'an that mention Virgin Mary, than there are mentions of her in the whole of the New Testament. This confirms her high status in Islam.
Mentioning her is not only confined to the Qur’an. Rather, there are many traditions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) whereby Mary is given one of the finest descriptions accorded people in general, i.e. ‘perfection’. This is clear in the hadith narrated by Ali Ibn Abi Talib:
The Prophet (pbuh) says ‘The best of the world's women is Mary( in her lifetime)
and he said some other ahadith about her. but i couldn't remember all of them righ now.
well, here are some of the verses from the Qur'an which Mentioned Mary. as well as the story of the birth of the Holy Son of Mary Jesus Christ peace be upon him:
(3:42)Behold the angels said: O Mary God hath chosen thee and purified thee chosen thee above the women of all nations.
(3:43)O Mary worship thy lord devoutly: prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down.
(19:16) relate in the Book (The story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family To a place in the east.
(19:17)She placed a screen (To screen herself) from them; then we sent to her our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.
(19:18)She said: I seek refuge from thee to (God) Most Gracious: (come not near) if thou dost fear God.
(19:19) He said: Nay, I am only A messenger from thy Lord, (To announce) to thee the gift of a holy son.
(19:20) She said: how shall I Have a son, seeing that non man has touched me and I am not unchaste?
(19:21)He said: So (it will be): Thy Lord saith, That is easy for Me: and (we wish) to appoint him as a sign unto men and a Mercy from Us: It is a matter (so) decreed.
(19:27)At length she brought The (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms). they said: O Mary! Truly an amazing thing hast thou brought.
(19:29)But she pointed to the babe. They said: How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?
(19:30)He said: I am indeed A servant of God: He hath given me revelation and made me A prophet,
(19:31)And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, And hath enjoined on me prayer and Charity as long As I live,
(19:32) He hath made me kind To my mother, and not overbearing or miserable;
(19:33)So peace is on me The day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)
(19:34) Such (was) Jesus the son Of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute.
(19:35)It is not befitting To (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to him! when he determines a matter, He only says To it, be, and it is.]
(19:36)Verily God is my Lord And your Lord: him therefore serve ye: this is a way that is straight.
i hope this answered your questions. and please feel free to ask more if you do have some other questions. we will be more than happy with Allah's guidance and help to answer you.
salam
wel_mel.