CHAPTER VII: The CNN Interview about the Ancient Arabs

The CNN interview with Muhammad about the Arab prophet Hud and his people of Aad

The CNN anchor (reading from a piece of paper): The people of Hud, named the Aad tribe, lived in the region known as Al-Ahqaf, or literally "large sand dunes", in the desert known as the Empty Quarter in the south of Arabia between Oman and Yemen; the term Al-Ahqaf is mentioned in the Quran: "And mention the brother of Aad, as he warned his people at the dunes. Warnings have passed away before him, and after him: “Worship none but God; I fear for you the torment of a Tremendous Day.”" (46:21). In 1990, excavations there showed the ruins of Erum, the ancient city mentioned in the Quran as linked to the people of Aad: "Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with Aad? Erum of the pillars. The like of which was never created in the land." (89:6-8). Erum is located in present-day Oman, about 170 km from the north of the Omani city of Salalah. Erum is now part of world heritage due to its importance; many columns and fine examples of advanced architecture are discovered in Erum; this means an ancient civilization existed there, but it ended because the region was covered by sand after a severe sand storm that turned it into an arid desert. Excavations and studies prove that Erum had its agricultural project and fertile fields. Now please allow me to ask you about Aad who are mentioned in the Quran; they emerged after the people of Noah, right?   

Muhammad: Yes; after the deliverance of the believers among the people of Noah along with Noah in the Ark, by the mercy of the Lord God, their descendants begot many generations which multiplied until the Aad tribe emerged and its people were polytheists who worshiped mortals and things; the Lord God sent them Hud as a prophet.

The CNN anchor: The name (Hud) shows his Arab origin.

Muhammad: In fact, Hud was among the ancient Arabs (before the era of Ishmael) whose tribes, like Aad, Thamood, and Madian, were destroyed by the Lord God, and in each time, the Arab prophets, Hud, Saleh, and Shuaib, respectively, and the believers with them were delivered; their descendants begot many generations which multiplied and then polytheism would emerge once more. My Lord God has sent prophets to them but the vast majority would deny them and destruction or torment occurred. This cycle ended by the destruction of Moses' Pharaoh and his people.

The CNN anchor: You have told me before that the message conveyed by all prophets was the same and that their peoples, especially the affluent and powerful class members, would deny and disbelieve in the same manner.

Muhammad: The Quranic story of Hud and Aad is no exception to this rule.

The CNN anchor: Hud and Aad are never mentioned in the Old Testament.

Muhammad: Hud, Saleh, and Shuaib were Arab prophets; the unknown authors of the Old Testament maybe never heard of them. The Quran mentions the story of Hud and Aad several times in many verses about the call of Hud to monotheism, the arguments between Hud and Aad, and the annihilation of the disbelievers.

The CNN anchor: The arguments by Aad show the features of such people even if their words resemble those of all disbelievers who denied God's prophets.

Muhammad: Hud conveyed the same message of monotheism of (There is no God but Allah) and the vast majority of Aad refused to follow him and adhered to their polytheism: "And to Aad, their brother Hud. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah; you have no God other than Him. Will you not take heed?”" (7:65).

The CNN anchor: What was their exact response to Hud?

Muhammad: "The elite of his people who disbelieved said, “We see foolishness in you, and we think that you are a liar.”" (7:66).

The CNN anchor: What was the response of Hud to them?

Muhammad: "He said, “O my people! There is no foolishness in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds. “I convey to you the messages of my Lord, and I am a trustworthy adviser to you.” “Are you surprised that a reminder has come to you from your Lord, through a man from among you, to warn you? Remember how He made you successors after the people of Noah, and increased you greatly in stature. And remember God’s bounties, so that you may prosper.”" (7:67-69). This is a quiet and reasonable response which tries to advise and convince them of monotheism; they knew about their ancestors the people of Noah; they knew that the Lord God granted them strong bodies of giants and physical strength among other bounties.  

The CNN anchor: What was the response of the people of Aad to this preaching by Hud?

Muhammad: They denied and disbelieved him and they also challenged him: "They said, “Did you come to us to make us worship God alone, and abandon what our ancestors used to worship? Then bring us what you threaten us with, if you are truthful.”" (7:70).

The CNN anchor: What was the response of Hud?

Muhammad: His angry response, as well as warning, is mentioned here: "He said, “Condemnation and wrath have befallen you from your Lord. Are you arguing with me over names, which you and your ancestors invented, for which God sent down no authority? Just wait; I am waiting with you.”" (7:71).

The CNN anchor: What else?

Muhammad: I have quoted verses from the Quranic Chapter Seven. There are other details in the Quranic Chapter Eleven: "And to Aad, their brother Hud. He said, “O my people, worship Allah, you have no other God besides Him. You do nothing but invent lies.” “O my people, I ask you no wage for it; my wage lies with Him who originated me. Do you not understand?” O my people, ask forgiveness from your Lord, and repent to Him. He will release the sky pouring down upon you, and will add strength to your strength. And do not turn away and be among the criminals.”" (11:50-52)

The CNN anchor: What was the response of the people of Aad to Hud?

Muhammad: They accused him of madness: "They said, “O Hud, you did not bring us any proof, and we are not about to abandon our gods at your word, and we are not believers with you.” “We only say that some of our gods have possessed you with harm.”..." (11:53-54).

The CNN anchor: This is a strange accusation; what was the response of Hud?

Muhammad: "...He said, “I call God to witness, and you to witness, that I am innocent of what you associate. Besides Him. So scheme against me, all of you, and do not hesitate. I have placed my trust in God, my Lord and your Lord. There is not a creature but He holds it by the forelock. My Lord is on a Straight Path. If you turn away, I have conveyed to you what I was sent to you with; and my Lord will replace you with another people, and you will not cause Him any harm. My Lord is Guardian over all things.”" (11:54-57).

The CNN anchor: In the context of such arguments between Hud and Aad, the Quran mentions facts about Aad which were never known before the revelation of the Quran. They were successors of Noah's people and had extraordinary physical strength with bodies of giants, and they lived in a region with heavy rainfall. What else would you tell me from the Quran about historical facts in relation to Aad? 

Muhammad: My Lord God says the following in the Quran: "Aad denied the messengers. When their brother Hud said to them, “Do you not fear? I am to you a faithful messenger. So fear God, and obey me. I ask of you no payment for this. My payment is only from the Lord of the worlds. Do you build a monument on every height for vanity's sake? And you set up fortresses, hoping to live forever? And when you strike, you strike mercilessly? So fear God, and obey me. And reverence Him, who supplied you with everything you know. He supplied you with livestock and children. And gardens and springs. I fear for you the torment of a Tremendous Day.”" (26:123-135).

The CNN anchor: What can we infer from this Quranic context you have quoted?

Muhammad: The Aad people had advanced knowledge of architecture, industry, agriculture, and raising poultry and cattle; they had a great civilization and a fearsome military power at the time; this means other tribes and peoples in the same region were never as strong as Aad; such tribes were victims of the oppression and tyranny of the military power of Aad.

The CNN anchor: These are strange and new facts about the ancient tribe of Aad. What was their response to Hud when he told them he feared for them?

Muhammad: "They said, “It is the same for us, whether you preach us, or do not preach. This is nothing but ways of the ancients. And we will not be tormented.”" (26:136-138). This means it was no use since they would never listen to Hud; they were (Salafists) or arrogant worshipers of the old, erroneous ways of their forefathers or (Salaf).

The CNN anchor: What else?

Muhammad: "As for Aad, they turned arrogant on earth, and opposed justice, and said, “Who is more powerful than us?” Have they not considered that God, who created them, is more powerful than they? And they went on denying Our Verses." (41:15); "That was Aad; they denied the Verses of their Lord, and disobeyed His messengers, and followed the lead of every stubborn tyrant. And they were pursued by a curse in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, Aad disbelieved in their Lord - so away with Aad, the people of Hud." (11:59-60).

The CNN anchor: This means the arrogant Aad were the only superpower on earth at the time; what does the Quran mention about their exact location in the region named Al-Ahqaf or "sand dunes"?

Muhammad: "And mention the brother of Aad, as he warned his people at the dunes. Warnings have passed away before him, and after him: “Worship none but God; I fear for you the torment of a Tremendous Day.” They said, “Did you come to us to divert us from our gods? Then bring us what you threaten us with, if you are being truthful.” He said, “The knowledge is only with God, and I inform you of what I was sent with; but I see you are an ignorant people.”" (46:21-23).

The CNN anchor: How were the people of Aad annihilated by God?

Muhammad: With a roaring, destructive wind. Their arrogance resulted from their might and power, and their destruction by the wind was the torment inflicted on them by the Lord God in order to disgrace them and to make them see their civilization crumble before they died; the roaring wind carried such arrogant giants of Aad in the air and threw them several times until they died.

The CNN anchor: Would you inform me of more details about this?

Muhammad: My Lord says the following in the Quran: "So We unleashed upon them a screaming wind, for a few miserable days, to make them taste the torment of shame in this life; but the torment of the Hereafter is more shameful; and they will not be saved." (41:16); "And as for Aad; they were annihilated by a furious, roaring wind. He unleashed it upon them for seven nights and eight days, in succession. You could see the people tossed around, as though they were stumps of hollow palm-trees. Can you see any remnant of them?" (69:6-8). This means the death of such arrogant disbelievers was slow and within disgrace; for a week, they were carried and thrown several times by a wind like thunderbolts; the believers and others oppressed by Aad saw them shamed and tormented. This served as a warning mentioned by other prophets in later eras; for instance, I told the following to the disbelievers of Arabia: "But if they turn away, say, “I have warned you of a thunderbolt, like the thunderbolt of Aad and Thamood.”" (41:13).

The CNN anchor: I see. Of course, palm-trees were grown a lot in Arabia, where Aad lived near today's Oman, and this indicates an agricultural environment and also the industrial and military activities since the wood of such palm-trees was used for manufacturing many things especially weapons.

Muhammad: The torment of Aad is mentioned again here: "Aad denied the Truth. So how were My torment and My warnings? We unleashed upon them a screaming wind, on a day of unrelenting misery. Plucking the people away, as though they were trunks of uprooted palm-trees." (54:18-20).

The CNN anchor: What? One day? But the Quranic verse 69:7 mentions seven nights and eight days?! How come?!

Muhammad: This one-week torment seemed like one, long day for the annihilated disbelievers of Aad; they saw neither day or night; they felt thunderbolts and roaring wind throwing them everywhere. The believers who were saved, and who witnessed this destruction, could count the days of this one-week torment inflicted on such arrogant tyrants. 

The CNN anchor: How did this torment of Aad begin?

Muhammad: They always enjoyed heavy rainfall preceded by a wind carrying clouds coming to their region; they never knew that the roaring wind came to destroy them; they hastened the torment in mockery as they ridiculed Hud; instead of the wind carrying rain to their farms, orchard, and fields, they were surprised by the torment inflicted upon them: "Then, when they saw a cloud approaching their valley, they said, “This is a cloud that will bring us rain.” “In fact, it is what you were impatient for: a wind in which is a painful torment.”" (46:24).

The CNN anchor: This was a special type of wind, then.

Muhammad: Yes; it is inflicted on them specially. "It will destroy everything by the command of its Lord. And when the morning came upon them, there was nothing to be seen except their dwellings. Thus We requite the criminal people." (46:25); "And in Aad. We unleashed against them the devastating wind. It spared nothing it came upon, but rendered it like decayed ruins." (51:41-42).

The CNN anchor: We talked about historical facts about Aad in the Quranic verses containing arguments between them and Hud; what about other historical facts about Aad in the Quranic verses about their destruction? 

Muhammad: The severe, painful torment inflicted on Aad destroyed them, and typically, the believers among them were delivered by their Lord God: "And when Our decree came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him, by a mercy from Us, and We delivered them from a harsh torment." (11:58); I infer that there was a second tribe of Aad as the believers survived and multiplied and carried the same name of the tribe of Aad; there are two tribes named Aad: the first one of the arrogant, powerful disbelievers annihilated by the Dominant Lord God and the second one of the believing descendants of the believers who survived as they were delivered with Hud by the Lord God's mercy; I have inferred this from this Quranic verse about the first, annihilated Aad: "And that it is He who destroyed the first Aad." (53:50).

The CNN anchor: What else?

Muhammad: The architectural genius of Aad is inferred from here: "Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with Aad? Erum of the pillars. The like of which was never created in the land." (89:6-8). The Aad people had deep knowledge and insight in worldly matters and civilization but Satan misguided them and they fell into the traps of polytheism, tyranny, and aggression: "And Aad and Thamood. It has become clear to you from their dwellings. Satan embellished for them their deeds, barring them from the Path, even though they had insight." (29:38).

The CNN anchor: I see.

The CNN interview with Muhammad about the Arab prophet Saleh and his people of Thamood

The CNN anchor: Let us discuss now the Quranic story of the tribe of Thamood and their Arab prophet Saleh.

Muhammad: They were among the ancient Arab people who succeeded Aad; they emerged after Aad and they adhered to polytheism. When Saleh was sent by the Lord God as a prophet to them, he repeated the words of Noah and Hud: "And to Thamood, their brother Saleh. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah; you have no God other than Him. Clarification has come to you from your Lord. This she-camel of God is a sign for you. So leave her to graze on God’s earth, and do her no harm, lest a painful torment seizes you.”" (7:73); "And to Thamood, their brother Saleh. He said, “O my people, worship Allah, you have no God other than Him. He initiated you from the earth, and settled you in it. So seek His forgiveness, and repent to Him. My Lord is Near and Responsive.”" (11:61); "Thamood denied the messengers. When their brother Saleh said to them, “Would you not adhere to piety? I am to you a faithful messenger. So fear God within piety, and obey me. I ask of you no payment for it. My payment is only from the Lord of the worlds." (26:141-145). 

The CNN anchor: You have quoted these Quranic verses in a previous segment of this interview. What about inferred pieces of information about the features of the people of Thamood within the arguments between them and Saleh?

Muhammad: But I must be allowed to emphasize the fact that the people of Thamood knew about the Lord God and they worshiped Him but within polytheism; they worshiped, alongside with Him, other deities and allies/saints.

The CNN anchor: OK; but what have you inferred from the Quranic verses about the arguments between the Thamood tribe and Saleh?

Muhammad: The stubborn polytheists demanded, in mockery, the infliction of torment and Hud urged them to seek the Lord God's forgiveness and to repent by rejecting polytheism: "He said, “O my people, why are you quick to do evil rather than good? If only you would seek God’s forgiveness, so that you may be shown mercy.”" (27:46); "And to Thamood, their brother Saleh. He said, “O my people, worship God, you have no god other than Him. He initiated you from the earth, and settled you in it. So seek His forgiveness, and repent to Him. My Lord is Near and Responsive.”" (11:61).

The CNN anchor: I see, but what is meant by the phrase (settled you in it)?

Muhammad: This is explained here: "“And remember how He made you successors after Aad, and settled you in the land. You make for yourselves mansions on its plains, and carve out dwellings in the mountains. So remember God’s benefits, and do not roam the earth while committing corruption.”" (7:74); this means they knew about the story of Aad; they were the successors of Aad, and they should have been grateful for the bounties bestowed upon them by the Lord God; they should have worshiped Him within monotheism.

The CNN anchor: I see. What else?

Muhammad: Saleh warned them here: "Will you be left secure in what is here? In gardens and springs? And fields, and palm-trees whose fruits are delicious? And you skillfully carve houses in the mountains? So fear God, and obey me. And do not obey the command of the extravagant. Who spread corruption on earth and do not reform.”" (26:146-152). This means they had mansions, castles, and palaces in a mountainous region and they felt safe and secure; they had their agricultural activities; yet, they followed the affluent, corrupt class members and disbelieved in the Divine Message and the sign or miracle given to them; this is why my Lord God destroyed them by a torment inflicted on them.

The CNN anchor: I see now that typically, few ones are affluent, corrupt, and powerful people who monopolized wealth and authority in a given community and opposed the reform advocated in the Celestial Message conveyed by prophets and messengers.

Muhammad: Exactly. They are the arrogant elite; they hated and envied Saleh and desired angels be sent to them instead of him: "...“Do not worship anyone but God.” They said, “Had our Lord willed, He would have sent down angels. Therefore, we disbelieve in what you are sent with.”" (41:14); "Thamood rejected the warnings. They said, “Are we to follow one of us, a human being? We would then go astray, and end up in Hell. Was the message given to him, out of all of us? In fact, he is a wicked liar.” They will know tomorrow who the wicked liar is." (54:23-26).

The CNN anchor: I see. The elite who monopolized wealth, authority, and power spread corruption and hated the Divine Message that undermined their stances and threatened their position; they schemed and plotted until they are destroyed. This applies to Thamood as the case with other tribes and nations in the Quranic stories.

Muhammad: Exactly. This applies to Thamood: "And thus We set up in every city its big criminals to scheme in it, but they scheme only against themselves, and they do not realize it. When a sign comes to them, they say, “We will not believe unless we are given the like of what was given to God’s messengers.” God knows best where to place His message. Humiliation from God and severe torment will afflict the criminals for their scheming." (6:123-124).

The CNN anchor: Saleh seemed to have had a special position among Thamood, right?

Muhammad: Yes; he apparently was from its upper classes, and they prepared him for some sort of a leadership, but once he was sent to them as a messenger, they were disappointed in him.

The CNN anchor: How?

Muhammad: I have inferred this from the following words they addressed by them to Saleh: "They said, “O Saleh, we had hopes in you before this. Are you trying to prevent us from worshiping what our forefathers worship? We are in serious doubt regarding what you are calling us to.”" (11:62).

The CNN anchor: What are the special features of Thamood you have inferred from the Quran?

Muhammad: They believed in good and bad omens; they felt that the call of Saleh would bring them bad omen: "They said, “We consider you an ill omen, and those with you.” He said, “Your omen is with God. In fact, you are a people being tested.”" (27:47). 

The CNN anchor: What else?

Muhammad: There was a sort of polarization between the arrogant, affluent, and wealthy minority in Thamood and the vast majority of weak, oppressed ones there.

The CNN anchor: How?

Muhammad: The call of Saleh resulted in dividing Thamood into two groups who disputed: the haughty, powerful, disbelieving faction and the faction of weak, oppressed disbelievers: "And We sent to Thamood their brother Saleh: “Worship God.” But they became two disputing factions." (27:45); "The elite of his people, who were arrogant, said to the common people who had believed, “Do you know that Saleh is sent from his Lord?” They said, “We are believers in what he was sent with.” Those who were arrogant said, “We reject what you believe in.”" (7:75-76)

The CNN anchor: What happened next?

Muhammad: A plot was hatched to assassinate Saleh as he posed a threat to the power and authority of the wealthy elite; his call for monotheism made the weak, oppressed ones announce their monotheistic faith in public before their masters. The scheme was to hire nine corrupt murderers to kill off Saleh and his family by night, but the attempt failed: "In the city was a gang of nine who spread corruption in the land and did no good. They said, “Swear by God to one another that we will attack him and his family by night, and then tell his guardian, 'We did not witness the murder of his family, and we are being truthful.'“ They planned a plan, and We planned a plan, but they did not notice. So note the outcome of their planning; We destroyed them and their people, altogether." (27:48-51). They swore by the Lord God's Holy Name but they were corrupt, aggressive polytheists who sanctified and worshiped deities and allies/saints alongside with Him.

The CNN anchor: Their attempt to assassinate Saleh was not the only reason for their being destroyed by a torment inflicted by God, right?

Muhammad: The other reason apart from their aggression, corruption, and polytheism was their killing the sign or miracle granted to them by the Lord God; I mean slaughtering the she-camel.

The CNN anchor: What is the story of this she-camel? How was it a miracle or a sign from God?

Muhammad: The people of Thamood demanded a miracle from Saleh to prove his truthfulness and prophethood after accusing him of being bewitched: "They said, “You are surely one of the bewitched. You are nothing but a human being like us. So bring us a sign, if you are truthful." (26:153-154). It was a test for them; the she-camel was created of the rocks before their eyes: "Nothing prevents Us from sending miraculous signs, except that the ancients called them lies. We gave Thamood the she-camel, a visible sign, but they mistreated her. We do not send the signs except to instill reverence." (17:59); "We are sending the she-camel as a test for them; so watch them and be patient. And inform them that the water is to be shared between them; each share of drink made available." (54:27-28). Their water would be divided between them and the she-camel.

The CNN anchor: Why?

Muhammad: So that they would experience this miracle on a daily basis; they alternatingly drank water for a day, and in the next day, the drank the milk of the she-camel while leaving their water to it. They should have shown respect and reverence to the miracle sent to them by the Lord God by guaranteeing water for this she-camel every other day and to provide its food and security lest torment would be inflicted on them in case of disobedience and disrespect: "The messenger of God said to them, “This is the she-camel of God, so let her drink.”" (91:13); "He said, “This is a she-camel; she has her turn of drinking, and you have your turn of drinking - on a specified day. And do not touch her with harm, lest the torment of a great day seizes you.”" (26:155-156); "O my people, this is the she-camel of God, a sign for you. Let her graze on God’s land, and do not harm her, lest an imminent torment overtakes you.”" (11:64); "And to Thamood, their brother Saleh. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah; you have no God other than Him. Clarification has come to you from your Lord. This she-camel of God is a sign for you. So leave her to graze on God’s earth, and do her no harm, lest a painful torment seizes you.”" (7:73). 

The CNN anchor: So, the Thamood people schemed to slaughter the she-camel, right?

Muhammad: Yes. they hired an evil man to do so: "But they called their companion, and he dared, and he slaughtered." (54:29); "Thamood denied in its arrogance. When it followed its most wicked man." (91:11-12).

The CNN anchor: This was their showing disrespect towards God as if they challenged Him.

Muhammad: Exactly. And they mockingly demanded from Saleh to bring upon them the torment: "So they slaughtered the she-camel, and defied the command of their Lord, and said, “O Saleh, bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are one of the messengers.”" (7:77); "But they slaughtered her, and so He said, “Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. This is a prophecy that is infallible.”" (11:65).

The CNN anchor: Why was their torment delayed for three days?

Muhammad: This was a psychological torment before their annihilation; since they saw a miracle but never heeded the warning, they arrogantly and defiantly slaughtered the she-camel; they lived in deep remorse for three days before the torment was inflicted on them by my Lord God. "But they slaughtered her, and became full of remorse." (26:157).

The CNN anchor: This means the miracle failed to convince them to guide themselves to the monotheistic belief.

Muhammad: My Lord God has told me that miracles or signs never convinced any disbelievers.

The CNN anchor: How?

Muhammad: The defiant, disbelieving polytheists of Qorayish demanded miracles from me as a challenge; they never heeded the fact that the only miracle granted to me: the Holy Quran itself. They never pondered on the Quranic verses. It is as if the Quran were not enough for them. I was saddened as my Lord God never granted me a miracle or sign to convince them, but my Lord God has told me the following: "Nothing prevents Us from sending miraculous signs, except that the ancients called them lies. We gave Thamood the she-camel, a visible sign, but they mistreated her. We do not send the signs except to instill reverence." (17:59).

The CNN anchor: How the people of Thamood were destroyed?

Muhammad: Let us remember that they lived in safety and security in palaces, castles, and mansions carved into mountains and in some others built with rocks amidst the plains and valleys: "And Thamood - those who carved the rocks in the valley." (89:9). Thus, unlike Aad who were tormented and annihilated by a roaring wind that lasted for a week, the torment of Thamood annihilated them inside their homes after three days of waiting in remorse and anxiety.  

The CNN anchor: What was that torment exactly?

Muhammad: The Dominant Lord God describes is in several Quranic verses; it was like a thunderbolt or an explosion of special bomb that killed off all disbelievers and left the buildings intact: "As for Thamood, they were annihilated by the Overwhelming." (69:5); " And in Thamood. They were told, “Enjoy yourselves for a while.” But they defied the command of their Lord, so the lightning struck them as they looked on. They could not rise up, nor could they find help." (51:43-45); "And as for Thamood, We guided them, but they preferred blindness over guidance. So the thunderbolt of the humiliating torment seized them, because of what they used to earn." (41:17); "...“Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. This is a prophecy that is infallible.” Then, when Our command came, We saved Saleh and those who believed with him, by a mercy from Us, from the disgrace of that day. Your Lord is the Strong, the Mighty. And the Scream struck those who transgressed, and they became motionless bodies in their homes." (11:65-67); "We sent against them a single Scream, and they became like crushed hay." (54:31); "Whereupon the quake overtook them, and they became lifeless bodies in their homes." (7:78).

The CNN anchor: This special bomb never hurt anyone else or any non-human creatures, right?

Muhammad: Yes. This is part of the miracles of the Lord God; only the disbelievers of Thamood were annihilated whereas Saleh and the believers with him survived and were saved though they remained in the same time and place. This is about the disbelievers of Thamood: "So note the outcome of their scheming; We destroyed them and their people, altogether." (27:51). The Lord God has delivered Saleh and the believers with him: "And We saved those who believed and were pious." (27:53 + 41:18); "Then, when Our command came, We saved Saleh and those who believed with him, by a mercy from Us, from the disgrace of that day. Your Lord is the Strong, the Mighty." (11:66).

The CNN anchor: What about their mansions, palaces, and castles?

Muhammad: They remained intact so that the pious monotheists take heed and draw a lesson: "Here are their homes, empty, on account of their iniquities. Surely in this is a sign for people who know." (27:52).

The CNN anchor: What happened after the destruction of the disbelievers and the deliverance of the believers of Thamood?

Muhammad: Saleh felt sorry as he looked at their corpses and he addressed them: "Then he turned away from them, and said, “O my people, I have delivered to you the message of my Lord, and I have advised you, but you do not like those who give advice.”" (7:79).

The CNN anchor: In fact, in all eras and regions, all tyrants, corrupters, and clergymen never like those who give advice and preach them.

The CNN interview with Muhammad about the Arab prophet Shuaib and his people of Madian

The CNN anchor: Let us discuss now the Quranic story of the tribe of Madian and their Arab prophet Shuaib; they are never mentioned in the Old Testament as you know.

Muhammad: My Lord God has sent Shuaib to the people of Madian with the message of monotheism of (There is no God but Allah) and he repeated to them the same words of previous prophets and messengers of the Lord God: "And to Madian, their brother Shuaib. He said, “O my people, worship Allah; you have no God other than Him. A clear proof has come to you from your Lord. Give full measure and weight, and do not cheat people out of their rights, and do not spread corruption in the land once it has been set right. This is better for you, if you are believers.”" (7:85); "The People of the Woods denied the messengers. When Shuaib said to them, “Do you not fear? I am to you a faithful messenger. So fear God, and obey me. I ask of you no payment for it. My payment is only from the Lord of the worlds." (26:176-180).

The CNN anchor: What are the special features of the people of Madian or the pieces of information that you have inferred about them from the Quran?

Muhammad: Apart from their polytheism, they committed the sin of spreading corruption.

The CNN anchor: How?

Muhammad: They were merchants and a main trade route passed by their city; this increased their profits but their prosperous trade was linked to corruption; this is why the call of Shuaib focused on both monotheism and ending this corruption.  

The CNN anchor: What was his call methodology?

Muhammad: Of course, he knew that they knew about the Lord God and that they worshiped him, but within polytheism; he urged them to adhere to piety; he tried to convince them and to draw nearer to them; he feared for them: "Give full measure, and do not cheat. And weigh with accurate scales. And do not defraud people of their belongings, and do not spread corruption in the land. And fear Him who created you and the generations of old.”" (26:181-184); "And to Madian, their brother Shuaib. He said, “O my people, worship Allah; you have no God other than Him. And do not short measure or short weight. I see you in good circumstances, but I fear for you the torment of an Encompassing Day.” “O my people! Give full measure and full weight, in all fairness, and do not cheat the people out of their rights, and do not spread corruption in the land. What is left by God is best for you, if you are believers. And I am not a guardian over you.”" (11:84-86).

The CNN anchor: So, this shows to us that they were merchants in a city which was a center of trade and goods. What else?

Muhammad: In this context: "The People of the Woods denied the messengers. When Shuaib said to them..." (26:176-177), the people of Madian are significantly called (the People of the Woods).

The CNN anchor: Meaning?

Muhammad: Their city was situated in the midst of woods; this means it was a prosperous city of commercial and agricultural activities located near a main trade route. Yet, the people of Madian were ungrateful regarding such bounties granted to them by the Lord God; they were polytheists who committed injustices and spread corruption; the Lord God eventually annihilated them by a torment He inflicted upon them: "The People of the Woods were also unjust. So We took revenge upon them..." (15:78-79). 

The CNN anchor: What else?

Muhammad: Such prosperity did not prevent them from coveting ill-gotten money by means of cheating, deception, and corruption; they controlled trade routes and committed many injustices; they were polytheists who repelled others from the Path of the Lord God despite their knowing about the stories and the fate of Thamood, Aad, and the people of Noah.  

The CNN anchor: How have you inferred that they had knowledge of the ancient tribes and their fate?

Muhammad: From the words of Shuaib when he addressed them here: "“And do not lurk on every path, making threats and turning away from the Path of God those who believe in Him, seeking to distort it. And remember how you were few, and how He made you numerous. So note the consequences for the corrupters.”" (7:86); "“O my people, let not your hostility towards me cause you to suffer what was suffered by the people of Noah, or the people of Hud, or the people of Saleh. The people of Lot are not far away from you.” “And ask your Lord for forgiveness, and repent to Him. My Lord is Merciful and Loving.”" (11:89-90).

The CNN anchor: What was the response of the tribe of Madian?

Muhammad: They ridiculed him; this is typically expected from cunning, deceitful, dishonest merchants who were clever in the art of talking.

The CNN anchor: How did they ridicule Shuaib?

Muhammad: "They said, “O Shuaib, do your prayers command you that we abandon what our ancestors worshiped, or doing with our wealth what we want? You are the one who is intelligent and wise.”" (11:87).

The CNN anchor: They knew about prayers?! I thought prayers were known only starting from the era of Abraham!

Muhammad: No; prayers are found in the Celestial Message granted to all prophets and messengers of the Lord God, but prayers are asserted and emphasized in the monotheistic religion of Abraham along with other acts of worship: pilgrimage, Zakat, and fasting during Ramadan.

The CNN anchor: What was the response of Shuaib when they ridiculed him?

Muhammad: Shuaib addressed them calmly and in a polite manner: "He said, “O my people, have you considered? What if I have clear evidence from my Lord, and He has given me good livelihood from Himself? I have no desire to do what I forbid you from doing. I desire nothing but reform, as far as I can. My success lies only with God. In Him I trust, and to Him I turn.”" (11:88).

The CNN anchor: Did the people of Madian felt ashamed of themselves upon hearing this response from Shuaib?

Muhammad: No; on the contrary, their response was rather harsh: "They said, “O Shuaib, we do not understand much of what you say, and we see that you are weak among us. Were it not for your family, we would have stoned you. You are of no value to us.”" (11:91). This means Shuaib came from a powerful family or faction inside the tribe of Madian; this is why they did not dare to stone him right away though they hated and despised him because of his preaching them.

The CNN anchor: What was the response of Shuaib?

Muhammad: Shuaib reminded them of the Lord God Whom they forgot and Whom they should have feared: "He said, “O my people, is my family more important to you than God? And you have turned your backs on Him? My Lord comprehends everything you do.”" (11:92).

The CNN anchor: What was their response to him?

Muhammad: They accused him of being bewitched and said they would not follow a human being like them; they accused him of being a liar: "They said, “You are one of those bewitched. And you are nothing but a man like us; and we think that you are a liar." (26:185-186).

The CNN anchor: This means there was no hope they would be guided!

Muhammad: The call of Shuaib resulted in the emergence of some believers with him who adhered to monotheism, but the vast majority especially the arrogant affluent elite who had power and authority were disbelievers. Shuaib realized there was no hope in them: "“O my people, do as you may, and so will I. You will know to whom will come a torment that will shame him, and who is a liar. So look out; I am on the lookout with you.”" (11:93); "Since some of you believed in what I was sent with, and some did not believe, be patient until God judges between us; for He is the Best of Judges.”" (7:87).

The CNN anchor: This is despite the fact that they knew about the fate of the ancient disbelievers destroyed by God!

Muhammad: They defiantly challenged Shuaib to cause torment to annihilate them: "So bring down on us pieces from the sky, if you are truthful.”" (26:187). When they no longer feared his powerful family or faction, they boldly told Shuaib that he and the believers with him must choose between being forced to leave Madian for good or to return to the polytheistic religion of Madian: "The arrogant elite among his people said, “O Shuaib, We will evict you from our town, along with those who believe with you, unless you return to our religion.” He said, “Even if we are unwilling?”" (7:88).

The CNN anchor: What was the response of Shuaib?

Muhammad: Shuaib refused and invoked the wrath of the Lord God so that He would destroy them: "“We would be fabricating falsehood against God, if we were to return to your religion, after God has saved us from it. It is not for us to return to it, unless God, our Lord, wills. Our Lord embraces all things in knowledge. In God we place our trust. Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, for You are the Best of Deciders.”" (7:89). The polytheistic disbelievers of Madian tried, in vain, to convince the believers to recant and to join them once more: "The elite of his people who disbelieved said, “If you follow Shuaib, you will be losers.”" (7:90).

The CNN anchor: What was the torment that destroyed the disbelievers among the people of Madian?

Muhammad: A tremendous explosion or scream that came to them by night and all of them shivered until they died; their corpses filled their homes which were not destroyed. "But they denied him. So the torment of the day of gloom gripped them. It was the torment of a tremendous day." (26:189); "And when Our command came, We saved Shuaib and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us, and the Scream struck the unjust ones, and they became motionless bodies in their homes." (11:94); "Thereupon, the quake struck them; and they became lifeless bodies in their homes. Those who rejected Shuaib - as if they never prospered therein. Those who rejected Shuaib - it was they who were the losers." (7:91-92); "But they rejected him, so the tremor overtook them, and they were left motionless in their homes." (29:37).

The CNN anchor: This torment is like the one inflicted on the people of Thamood, right?

Muhammad: Exactly. This is about the disbelievers of the tribe of Madian: "As though they never flourished therein. Away with Madian, as was done away with Thamood." (11:95).

The CNN anchor: What are the similarities among the Quranic stories of Hud, Saleh, and Shuaib and their respective tribes? 

Muhammad: The arrogant, wealthy, powerful elite in Thamood and Madian argued with the weak, oppressed believers; Saleh and Shuaib came from powerful factions in their respective tribes; Saleh sorrowfully addressed the corpses of his disbelieving people: "Then he turned away from them, and said, “O my people, I have delivered to you the message of my Lord, and I have advised you, but you do not like those who give advice.”" (7:79); the same was done by Shuaib: "So he turned away from them, and said, “O my people, I have delivered to you the messages of my Lord, and I have advised you, so why should I grieve over a disbelieving people?”" (7:93).

The CNN anchor: Madian is mentioned in the Quranic story of Moses and he married a woman there who was the daughter of a good man. Was Shuaib Moses' father-in-law? Was it the same tribe of Madian but this time monotheists populated it? What do you think?

Muhammad: Your surmise is wrong.

The CNN anchor: Why?

Muhammad: The disbelievers of Madian were annihilated by a torment before the Israelites even existed. Isaac was not even born yet when the polytheists of Madian were destroyed.

The CNN anchor: How?

Muhammad: The Quranic story of Madian and Shuaib is mentioned after the story of Lot and his people; this means their era was directly after that of Lot and Abraham. The destruction of the people of Lot, by a torment inflicted on them by the Lord God, occurred during the lifetime of Abraham; the angels sent to Abraham to bring him glad tidings of the birth of Isaac are the same angels which brought about the destruction of the people of Lot. After their annihilation, Isaac was born. Isaac begot a son: Jacob or Israel. Israel begot twelve sons including Joseph who brought his family to Egypt where they multiplied for centuries until Moses was sent to them as a prophet. One concludes, then, that there are several centuries between Shuaib and Moses. Since Shuaib warned his people of Madian against the fate of the people of Lot here: "“O my people, let not your hostility towards me cause you to suffer what was suffered by the people of Noah, or the people of Hud, or the people of Saleh. The people of Lot are not far away from you.”" (11:89), this indicates clearly that the tribe of Madian of Shuaib existed shortly after the annihilation of the people of Lot.      

The CNN anchor: This means Shuaib and his Madian people have nothing to do with this Quranic context about Moses: "As he headed towards Madian, he said, “Perhaps my Lord will guide me to the right way.” And when he arrived at the waters of Madian, he found there a crowd of people drawing water, and he noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, “What is the matter with you?” They said, “We cannot draw water until the shepherds depart, and our father is a very old man.”" (28:22-23).

Muhammad: This also means the Madian people who existed during the era of Moses are not the Madian people of Shuaib. The Madian tribe of Shuaib lived in an agricultural environment as they were called the People of the Woods. In contrast, the region of the Madian tribe where Moses lived for some years, and got married, was a desert area and its people were shepherds who drew their water from wells.

The CNN anchor: I see.

The CNN interview with Muhammad about the prophets after Noah in the Quranic stories

The CNN anchor: What about the Quranic stories about the centuries between Noah and Abraham?

Muhammad: These Quranic stories contain details about some prophets and their peoples.

The CNN anchor: I would like you to provide a summary as we will talk about the story of each prophet later on.

Muhammad: I have already mentioned the main features of the Quranic stories: [1] my Lord God has not inflicted torment or destruction unless after sending a messenger or a prophet: "Whoever is guided - is guided for his own good. And whoever goes astray - goes astray to his detriment. No burdened soul carries the burdens of another, nor do We ever torment until We have sent a messenger." (17:15), [2] each of the human communities had its warner: "...There is no community but a warner has passed through it." (35:24), and [3] my Lord God does not mention all stories of all messengers and prophets in the Holy Quran: "We sent messengers before you. Some of them We told you about, and some We did not tell you about..." (40:78); "Some messengers We have already told you about, while some messengers We have not told you about..." (4:164).

The CNN anchor: Does the Quran mention some general features about prophets and messengers whose stories are not mentioned? If so, would you exemplify this to me?

Muhammad: After the Quranic story of the drowning of Moses' Pharaoh and his people, one reads this Quranic verse about the nations which emerged later: "Then, after him, We sent messengers to their people. They came to them with the clear proofs, but they would not believe in anything they had already rejected. Thus We set a seal on the hearts of the transgressors." (10:74). This generality applies to all messengers and prophets worldwide who are the descendants of Noah since all human beings, after the deluge, are the descendants of Noah. 

The CNN anchor: What about the people who emerged after the destruction of the people of Noah within the deluge?

Muhammad: They are the people of Aad who are mentioned in the Quran; they were more powerful and mightier than the people of Noah; their prophet Hud told them the following: “Are you surprised that a reminder has come to you from your Lord, through a man from among you, to warn you? Remember how He made you successors after the people of Noah, and increased you greatly in stature. And remember God's bounties, so that you may prosper.” (7:69). After the Quranic stories of the destruction of Aad and Thamood, one reads the following: "Then, after them, We raised other generations. No nation can advance its time, nor can they postpone it. Then We sent Our messengers in succession. Every time a messenger came to his community, they called him a liar. So We made them follow one another, and made them history. So away with a people who do not believe. Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron, with Our signs and a clear authority." (23:42-45). This Quranic context is about all prophets and messengers worldwide in the eras between (Aad and Thamood) and (Moses and Aaron). Of course, Moses' Pharaoh and his people were the last ones to be smitten and annihilated by a torment inflicted by my Lord God. They were destroyed by drowning like the fate of the disbelieving people of Noah. Of course, some names of some prophets are mentioned in the Quran but their stories are not mentioned.

The CNN anchor: Would you exemplify this to me?

Muhammad: "And mention Ishmael, Elyassa', and Za Al-Kifl; all are among the chosen ones." (38:48); "And Ishmael, and Idrees, and Za Al-Kifl; each was one of the steadfast." (21:85).

The CNN anchor: Are there other examples?

Muhammad: The name of Isaac is mentioned several times regarding the bringing of glad tidings of his birth and of his being a prophet; yet, no details are mentioned in the Quran about his life and his ministry as a prophet.

The CNN anchor: Are there other examples?

Muhammad: Some stories of some prophets are mentioned very briefly in the Holy Quran: "Also Elyas was one of the messengers. He said to his people, “Do you not fear? Do you call on Baal, and forsake the Best of creators? God is your Lord, and the Lord of your ancestors.” But they called him a liar, and thus they will be brought forward. Except for God’s sincere servants. And We left with him for later generations. Peace be upon the House of Elyas. Thus We reward the virtuous. He was one of Our believing servants." (37:123-131); "And mention in the Book Idrees. He was a man of truth, a prophet. And We raised him to a high position." (19:56-57).

The CNN anchor: Are there other examples?

Muhammad: There are few details mentioned in the Quran about Ishmael, Zachariah, and John.

The CNN anchor: Are there other examples?

Muhammad: Some nations or peoples are mentioned without mentioning the names of their prophets; for instance, the people of Tubba', who seemed to have lived in Yemen, and the people of Al-Ras. My Lord God says the following in the Holy Quran: "Before them the people of Noah denied the Truth, and so did the people of Ras, and Thamood. And Aad, and Pharaoh, and the brethren of Lot. And the People of the Woods, and the people of Tubba'. They all rejected the messengers, so My threat came true." (50:12-14); "Are they better, or the people of Tubba' and those before them? We annihilated them. They were unjust ones." (44:37).

The CNN anchor: Are there other examples?

Muhammad: The story of the people of Sheba is mentioned briefly in the Quran. My Lord God says the following in the Holy Quran: "In Sheba’s homeland there used to be a wonder: two gardens, on the right, and on the left. “Eat of your Lord’s provision, and give thanks to Him.” A good land, and a forgiving Lord. But they turned away, so We unleashed against them the flood of the dam; and We substituted their two gardens with two gardens of bitter fruits, thorny shrubs, and meager harvest. We thus penalized them for their disbelief. Would We penalize any but the disbeliever? Between them and the towns We had blessed, We placed prominent towns, and We made the travel between them easy. “Travel between them by night and day, in safety.” But they said, “Our Lord, lengthen the distances of our journeys.” They wronged themselves; so We made them history, and We scattered them in every direction. In this are lessons for every steadfast and appreciative person. Satan was correct in his assessment of them. They followed him, except for a group of believers. He had no authority over them; except that We willed to distinguish him who believes in the Hereafter, from him who is doubtful about it. Your Lord is Guardian over all things." (34:15-21).

The CNN anchor: Are there other examples?

Muhammad: Though the Israelites had many prophets sent to them by my Lord God, the Quranic stories do not include the prophets murdered by the some of the sinners among the Israelites. They are only indicated briefly here without mentioning their names: "But for their violation of their covenant, and their denial of God’s Verses, and their killing of the prophets unjustly, and their saying, “Our minds are closed.” In fact, God has sealed them for their disbelief, so they do not believe, except for a few." (4:155); "We made a covenant with the Israelites, and We sent to them messengers. Whenever a messenger came to them with what their souls did not desire, some of them they accused of lying, and others they murdered." (5:70); " As for those who deny God’s Verses, and kill the prophets unjustly, and kill those who advocate justice among the people - promise them a painful torment." (3:21); "God has heard the statement of those who said, “God is poor, and we are rich.” We will write down what they said, and their wrongful murder of the prophets; and We will say, “Taste the torment of the burning.”" (3:181).

The CNN anchor: Are there other examples?

Muhammad: The Quran does not mention the name of the town (i.e., community) and the names of the three messengers sent to it in the following Quranic story about them: "And narrate to them the parable of the landlords of the town - when the messengers came to it. We sent them two messengers, but they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third. They said, “We are messengers to you.” They said, “You are nothing but humans like us, and the Dominant Lord did not send down anything; you are only liars.” They said, “Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you.  And our only duty is clear communication.” They said, “We see an evil omen in you; if you do not give up, we will stone you, and a painful torment from us will befall you.” They said, “Your evil omen is upon you. Is it because you were reminded? But you are an extravagant people.” Then a man came running from the remotest part of the city. He said, “O my people, follow the messengers." (36:13-20).

The CNN anchor: Where was the location of that town?

Muhammad: It could be anywhere: in India, China, or the New World. Let us not forget that in the Quranic story of the People of the Cave, mentioned in the Quranic Chapter 18, we never know the location of such people or even the name of the prophet sent to them.

The CNN anchor: Are there other examples?

Muhammad: There were messengers alongside a main messenger; for instance, Aaron was a messenger alongside with his bother Moses. There is an indication about the existence of some messengers who accompanied Hud when he preached Aad and those who accompanied Saleh when he preached Thamood; this is inferred from this Quranic context: "But if they turn away, say, “I have warned you of a thunderbolt, like the thunderbolt of Aad and Thamood.” Their messengers came to them, from before them and from behind them, saying, “Do not worship anyone but God.” They said, “Had our Lord willed, He would have sent down angels. Therefore, we disbelieve in what you are sent with.”" (41:13-14). 

The CNN anchor: Why is there much emphasis placed on certain messengers and prophets in the Quranic text?

Muhammad: Maybe because each of them represents an important stage within the stages of the history of prophets and messengers.

The CNN anchor: How?

Muhammad: After Adam, Noah marks the beginning of the stage of sending the Divine Message to prophets and messengers. Abraham ushered in a new stage because all of the prophets and messengers of the Israelites came from his second son Isaac's descendants. The only messenger who came from the descendants of Ishmael, the firstborn son of Abraham, was me; I am the last prophet and the seal of all prophets. The focus here is on Noah, within the international level, and on Abraham within the regional level of the Middle-East: "These are some of the prophets God has blessed, from the descendants of Adam, and from those We carried with Noah, and from the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and from those We guided and selected. Whenever the Verses of the Dominant Lord are recited to them, they would fall down, prostrating and weeping. But they were succeeded by generations who lost the prayers and followed their appetites. They will meet perdition. Except for those who repent, and believe, and act righteously. These will enter Paradise, and will not be wronged in the least." (19:58-60); "We sent Noah and Abraham, and established in their line prophethood and the Book. Some of them are guided, but many of them are sinners." (57:26). This is about the descendants of Abraham who are also the descendants of Noah: "And We gave him Isaac and Jacob - each of them We guided. And We guided Noah previously; and from his descendants David, and Solomon, and Job, and Joseph, and Moses, and Aaron. Thus We reward the righteous. And Zachariah, and John, and Jesus, and Elyas - every one of them was of the upright. And Ishmael, and Elyassa', and Jonah, and Lot - We favored each one of them over all other people. And of their ancestors, and their descendants, and their siblings - We chose them, and guided them to a Straight Path." (6:84-87). This is about the descendants of Abraham only: "Or do they envy the people for what God has given them of His Grace? We have given the family of Abraham the Book and Wisdom, and We have given them a great kingdom." (4:54); "And We granted him Isaac and Jacob, and conferred on his descendants the prophethood and the Book, and gave him his reward in this life; and in the Hereafter he will be among the upright." (29:27).

The CNN anchor: What about the post-Abraham era?

Muhammad: The Moses' Pharaoh's people were the last people tormented and annihilated by the Lord God. This is why Moses marks the beginning of a new stage in the history of prophets and messengers: "He and his troops acted arrogantly in the land, with no justification. They thought they would not be returned to Us. So We seized him, and his troops, and We threw them into the sea. Observe, therefore, what was the end of the unjust ones. And We made them leaders/imams calling to the Fire. And on Resurrection Day, they will not be saved. And We pursued them in this world with a curse. And on Resurrection Day, they will be among the despised. We gave Moses the Book after We had annihilated the previous generations; as an illumination for the humankind, and guidance, and mercy, so that they may remember." (28:39-43).

The CNN anchor: This new stage ushered in by Moses ended with the emergence of Jesus. This is why the descendants of Abraham had the Book or Scripture, Wisdom, prophethood, and kingdom.

Muhammad: Yes. Many messengers and prophets were sent by my Lord God between the era of Moses and that of Jesus. This is about Noah and Abraham: "We sent Noah and Abraham, and established in their line prophethood and the Book. Some of them are guided, but many of them are sinners." (57:26); this is about messengers and prophets who emerged between the eras of Moses and Jesus: "Then We sent in their footsteps Our messengers, and followed up with Jesus son of Mary, and We gave him the Gospel, and instilled in the hearts of those who followed him compassion and mercy. But as for the monasticism which they invented - We did not ordain it for them - only to seek God’s approval. But they did not observe it with its due observance. So We gave those of them who believed their reward, but many of them are sinners." (57:27); this is about Moses as he ushered in a new stage in the history of messengers and prophets: "We gave Moses the Book, and sent a succession of messengers after him. And We gave Jesus son of Mary the clear proofs, and We supported him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever a messenger comes to you with anything your souls do not desire, you grew arrogant, calling some impostors, and killing others?" (2:87); this is about Jesus the last messenger and prophet sent to the Israelites: "In their footsteps, We sent Jesus son of Mary, fulfilling the Torah that preceded him; and We gave him the Gospel, wherein is guidance and Light, and confirming the Torah that preceded him, and guidance and counsel for the righteous." (5:46).

The CNN anchor: And then you came along, Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, as the seal of prophets and the last messenger of God to all human beings; when God sent you as a messenger and a prophet, the history of messengers and prophets ended.