Prophets are super most creation of Almighty, Allah. They are more superior than anything, even angels. Allah, the Exalted, says referring to them.
(And to each One We preferred above all in his time)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 6, Verse: 87]

So, there is no reason to think that one can be reached to the status of a Prophet through prayers and worships.

Prophethood cannot be achieved with persistent struggles and prayers; rather it is a mere gift from Allah, the Exalted. It is He who alone decides to whom He gives this responsibility. However, one who was to be sent as a Prophet was prepared for it earlier by Allah.
(And wherever any sign comes to them, they say, “we shall never believe until we receive one like those received by the Messenger of Allah. Allah knows well where to place His Messengership)”
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 6, Verse: 124]

A Prophet, who is going to annouce his prophethood amongst his people was blessed with all good manners and saved from every single bad manner that might cause his people to be away from him. He was made perfect in his all capabilities and actions by Allah, The Exalted.
[See, Aqaid-ul-Islam: Imam Shah Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlvi, Page:59-60]

Every Prophet is a born Prophet. However, he announces his Prophet-hood on the direction given by Allah, the Exalted. To support this claim, one can read the statement regarding a divine meeting between Almighty, Allah and spirits, as Allah referred the spirits of the Prophets as Prophets too.
( And remember when Allah took from the Prophets their covenant whatever I should give you of the Book and wisdom then comes to you the Messenger confirming what is with you; do believe in him and render help.)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 3, Verse: 81]

Prophets are free of sins and therefore, they are innocent. They are protected by Allah, the Almighty, from being involved in any kind of vicious actions. Therefore, even thinking of anything wrong being possible by them must be considered one of the greatest sins. Indicating to this fact, Allah, the Super most, says about his most Beloved Prophet Muhammad ( Peace be upon him)
(Undoubtedly, you are on the straight path)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 22, Verse: 67]

(Your companion neither went astray nor misled)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 53, Verse: 2]

Prophets are not exactly like us. Even thinking of them in this way is a major sin and it’s a way of the disbelievers. And example of this sin is mentioned in the
Quran regarding the remarks of some people for the Prophet Nooh (Peace and Blessings be upon him)
(The chiefs of the unbelievers among his people said: He is no more than a man like yourselves; he desires to assert his superiority over you.)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 23, Verse: 24]

And as some people stated secretly about Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that he was a man like others. Holy Quran declared them as wrongdoers.
( And the wrongdoers counseled among themselves secretly; that who is this, He is only a man like you. )
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 21, Verse: 3]

Therefore, thinking about any Prophet that He is like an ordinary person, is not the way of strong Muslims, rather it is a way of thinking that had been adopted by infidels. How can a Prophet sent by Allah be like His other servants? Because, when the Prophet was given this great responsibility, He was blessed and given enormous powers no one else is able to posses. To better understand their extraordinary qualities, let us read the Holy Quran and Hadith, particularly focusing on some
of the easily understandable examples.

A Prophet’s seeing ability is more powerful than of any other person. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said addressing to the people praying behind him, “By Allah your Ruku and Sujud are not hidden from me. I see you from my back.”
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammad Bin Ismael Col: 1, P: 236]

Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) was also able to see in the dark night as he saw in the daylight.
[See, Ziaul Nabi: Peer Muhammad Karam Shah Azhari, Vol: 5, P:447]

A Prophet’s hearing ability is also more enhanced than that of an ordinary person. The best evidence for this is when Prophet Sulaiman (Peace be upon him) was able to hear the ants talking to each other; which made him smile.
(There upon he smilingly laughed at her concern…)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 27, Verse: 19]

A prophet’s sense of smell is amazing. Prophet Yaqoob (Peace be upon him) could smell the scent of the dress of Prophet Yusuf (Peace be upon him) from an extensive distance.
(When the caravan left Egypt, their father here said, “I do indeed scent the presence of Yosuf if you don’t think me a dotard.)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 12, Verse: 94]

The sense of taste of a Prophet is more powerful than of any person. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) tasted a piece of goat meat and accurately said that it was a poisonous piece.
[See, Abu Daud: Imam Sulaiman Bin Isa, Vol: 3, Page 449]

Along with these special attributes of the Prophets, our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) once declared very clearly that he was not like any other person. Narrated by Shaikh Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) forbade from observing continuous fasts. So, one Muslim asked him, “But you practice it O’ Prophet?” Then He replied, “Who amongst you is like me? I am given food and drink during night by Allah…”
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammad Bin Ismael Bukhari, Vol:1, Page;704]

Moreover, when Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was asked about the reward on his optional prayer whilst sitting, He replied, “Yes, the reward of an optional prayer whilst sitting down is half of the same when it is made in standing position, but in fact, I am not like any of you.”
[Muslim: Imam Muslim, Vol: 2, Page: 451, No: 1612]

Eying on the Prophethood, all Prophets are respected alike. We are not allowed to discriminate amongst them at all. However, some of them have been classified as being more superior than others. Pointing out to this fact, the Holy Quran says;
(These are Messenger! That in them We caused one to excel upon other: To one of them Allah spoke; and some one else, He raised to degrees. )
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, Verse: 253]

In the above verse, almost all the commentators of the Holy Quran, have agreed upon that, ” raised to degrees ” was mentioned to express the countless degree of
high status for our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
[See. Madarijun Nubuwat: Shaikh Abdul Haq Dehlavi, Vol:1, Page:127]

Therefore, amongst all the Prophets, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the most dignified and given the highest status in front of Allah, The Exalted.
[See, Same Book, Vol: 1, Page: 128]

For this claim, in addition to the above verse of the Holy Quran, a number of reasons can be brought forward. However, because of the short format of this book, a couple of supporting evidences are being provided only.
Indeed, Our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the leader of all the children of Prophet Adam (Peace be upon him) including every Messenger as he said: ” I will be the leader of leader of children of Adam (Peace be upon him) on the Day of Judgment, I will be raised first from my grave, I will intercede first and my intercession will be accepted first.”
[Muslim: Imam Muslim, Vol: 6, Page: 680]

In another saying of him, describing his unique attributes, he said: “I have been given five things which were not given to anyone else before me

1. Allah, the Exalted, has helped me with awe, for a distance of one month’s journey
2. The earth has been made for me a place for offering Salat and a mean to purify (Tayammum). Therefore, anyone of my followers can make Salat wherever he is at the prescribed time of Salat.
3. The booty has been made lawful for me which was not lawful for anyone else before me.
4. I have been given the right of intercession.
5. Every Prophet was sent to his nation only, but I have been sent to all mankind.”

[ Bukhari: Imam Muhammad Bin Ismail Bukhari, Vol: 1, Page:209]

Our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was created first from the Noor of Allah, the Almighty. Then with the light of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) everything was created. He, himself making this point clear, said, ” The first that Allah, the Exalted has created was my Noor (Light), O Jabir… ”
[See, Roohul Ma’aani: Shaikh Shahabuddin Syed Muhammed, Vol:17-18, P:138]

Indicating to this fact, the Holy Quran also provides a number of glaring evidences to leave no room for any suspicions
(Undoubtedly, there has come to you from Allah a light and a luminous book)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 5, Verse: 15]

According to great commentators of the Holy Quran, “a light” in the above verse means “The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).”
[See, Jame ul Bayaan: Imam Ibn-e-Jarir Tabri, Vol: 6, P:220]
[Also, Khazainul Irfan: Allama Syed Muhammed Naimuddin, P:160]

Allah, the Amighty, has chosen a compound word: “Brightening sun,” in His Holy Book praising the beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him);
(O Prophet! The Communicator of unseen news, no doubt, we have sent you as a witness, or bearer of Glad Tidings, and a Warner and an inviter towards Allah by
His command and a brightening sun.)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 33, Verse: 45, 46]

Every Prophet of Allah, the Exalted, has been sent to the specific nation with a limited time period. Such as Prophet Nooh (Peace be upon him) was directed to his people.
(And indeed, we sent Nooh towards his people, “worship Allah, there is no God for you except him”. Do you not fear ? )
[ Holy Quran, Chapter: 23, Verse: 23]

Regarding Prophet Musa (Peace be upon him) as he was sent to guide his people, towards the righteous path, the Holy Quran says
( And, we did send Musa with of Our signs that bring out your people from the depths of darkness into light and remind them of the days of Allah. Likewise, Prophet Isa (Peace be upon him) was commanded to show his people the illuminous straight path to Allah, The Almighty.)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 14, Verse: 5]

( And remember when Isa son of Maryam said, “O children of Israel, I am Allah’s Messenger to you……)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 61, Verse: 6]

However, Our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was sent to the whole mankind without any discrimination of color, race, gender, or country of origin
( We have not sent you but as a Messenger to all mankind, giving them Glad Tidings, and warning them, but most of the people do not know. )
[ Holy Quran, Chapter: 34, Verse: 28]

His Prophet hood, encircles all jinn as well. In confirmation of this, Allah, the Exalted, says that some of the Jinn heard the Holy Quran and on coming back to their people, they said
( O our people! Respond with obedience to the caller of Allah and believe in Him. He may forgive some of your sins and save you from the painful torment. )
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 46, Verse: 31]

In addition to those clear verses of the Holy Quran, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) himself reiterated many times that he was sent as a guide to everyone.
(The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, “Every Prophet was sent to his nation only, but I have been sent to all mankind.” )
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammad, Vol:1, Page: 209 ]

Every Prophet has been blessed with a part of unseen knowledge by Allah, the Almighty.
[Bahar-e-Shariat: Sadrush Sharia Molvi Amjad Ali, Vol;1, Page:14 ]

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was given the knowledge of the unseen as well. Confirming this, the Holy Quran says;
(And he does not niggardly withhold the knowledge of unseen)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 81, Verse: 24]

Our Prophet (Peace be upon him) was not niggard in disclosing the unseen because he was informed about what has happened and what is going to happen. Almighty, Allah, says in His Holy book
( And Allah has sent down to you the Book and wisdom and taught you what you did not know, and great is the Mercy of Allah upon you. )
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, Verse: 113]

Explaining the above verse, one of the renowned Islamic scholars, as an example for its commentary, Shaikh Ibn-e-Jarir Tabri said that the Porphet (Peace be upon him) was provided the knowledge of everything regarding what was done before and what is going to happen.
[Jamiul Quran: Ibn-e-Jarir Tabri, Vol: 4 , Page:373]

Moreover, he practically disclosed some of those unseen knowledge he had to his companions, as Shaikh Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said that the
” Prophet (Peace be upon him) stood up amongst us and started talking about the beginning of creation. Then he kept on informing us till those who were thrown into Hell. Therefore, who wanted to remember them, remembered and those who could not, forgot them. ”
[Bukhari: Muhammad Bin Ismael, Vol: 2, Page: 208]

Eying on these strong evidences, Islamic scholars through out the world have concluded their research works with a clear note that our Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) had the knowledge of unseen, which was given to him by Allah, The Exalted

By Almighty Allah, our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has been given the power to watch all the actions performed by us regardless of their distances or sizes. Pointing at the position of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) through this perspective, Holy Quran discloses;
( O Prophet! The communicator of unseen, no doubt, we have sent you as a witness, a bearer of Glad Tidings, and a warner. )
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 33, Verse: 45]

A witness of an action,” means one who watches that action and has an unambiguous knowledge of it. Hence, being a witness our beloved Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) sees the actions of his followers completely and nothing is invisible for him. This sense of “witness” was brought into light by almost all the commentators of the Holy Quran. Like, adding to this fact, Shaikh Imaduddin Ibn-e-Kaseer, a great Islamic scholar and renowned commentator of the Holy Quran in Muslim world, says that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) will witness the unity of Allah, The Exalted, that there is no God except Him and about the actions of people
on the Day of Judgment.
[See, Ibn-e-Kaseer: Shaikh Imadudin Ibn-e-Kaseer, Vol:4, Page: 17
See Also, Khazainul Irfan: Sadrul Afazil Shaikh Muhammed Naimuddin , Page: 614
See Also, Ziaul Quran: Shaikh Karam Shah Azhari, Vol: 4, Page: 80 ]

In addition, with the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), we also have evidences that support our above belief. Such as his claiming that “Allah, the Exalted, has opened the whole world before me, thus, I see the world and see what is going on till the Day of Judgment as clearly as I see the palm of my hand.”
[Kanzul Ummal: Allama Ali Muttaqui Hindi, Vol: 11, Page:378]

Earlier, we discussed about the “Noor” of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and its origin. During that discussion with authentic evidences that supported our belief, it became unambiguous that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was a “Noor” (light). And it is an obvious fact that light has never let down its shadow on the ground. That is why, our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) had no shadow of him.

Before we get in touch with the supportive material to this topic, it is better to hear a supplication which was made by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) for him especially. Although, it seems to be connected with the topic of “Noor,” however, it provides a kind of base for almost all those renowned scholars who ended up having their research that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) had no shadow.
Narrated by Shaikh Ibn-e-Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) used to say in his invocation “O Allah! Make in my heart a light, in my sight a light, in my hearing a light, in my right side a light, in my left side a light, infront of me a light, on my back a light, and make me a light.”
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammad Bin Ismael Bukhari, Vol: 3, Page: 452]

Read the very last part of the above Hadith “make me a light.” It reiterates again that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was sent as a light. Reffering to the above Hadith Shaikh Abdul Haque Dahelvi has made clear that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) had no shadow in the light of sun or moon.
[See, Madarijun Nubuwat: Shaikh Abdul Haque, Vol:1, Page: 3 ]

In addition, Hazrat Zakwan, a companion of the companion of the Prophet narrated that, “the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) had no shadow of him neither in the sun nor in the moon.”
[ Khasai Sul Kubra: Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti, Vol:1, Page:169]

Also, Shaikh Usman (May Allah be pleased with him) said to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that, “O Prophet, Allah has saved you from imprinting any shadow on the ground that may no one will step on it…….”
[ Madarik: Allama Abul Barkat Ahmed, Vol:3, page:135
For more information one can see;
Maqalaat-e-Kazmi: Allama Syed Ahmed Said Kazmi, Vol; 2, Page: 136
Sarkar ka Jism Be Saya: Allama Arshadul Quadri]

All the Prophets are alive in their graves. It is a fact that has been adopted by all most all the Muslim scholars through out the Islamic History.
[See, Madarijun Nubuwat: Shaikh Abdul Haque Muhaddis, Vol:2, Page: 609]

On the night of Meraj, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) saw Prophet
(Musa (Peace be upon him) in his grave, as narrated by Shaikh Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) said, “I passed by the Prophet Musa (Peace be upon him) while he was praying inside his grave.”
[Muslim: Imam Muslim, Vol: 6, Page: 840]

Along with the above Hadith, another hadith narrated by Shaikh Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) in which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, “All Prophets are alive in their graves, and make prayers.”
[Madarijun Nubuwat: Shaikh Abdul Haque Muhaddis,Vol: 2, Page: 609]

Both of the above Hadiths have the clear and glaring message that the Prophets are not like any other human being. Rather they have been blessed with unique attributes, and they still have a chance to enjoy all the aspects of life even after their so-called deaths. It is to be noted that Prophets are alive with their natural bodies, as the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, “Verily Allah ordered soil not to destroy the bodies of Prophets.”
[Ibn-e-Maja: Imam Muhammed Bin Yazid, Vol: 1, P: 814 ]

Therefore, bodies are preserved from losing any part and souls are being returned to their bodies. As the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, “Whenever someone greets me, Allah, the Exalted, returns my soul, so I do answer his greeting.”
[Abu Daud: Imam Sulaiman, Vol: 2, P: 122]

Showing respect to the Prophets is necessary for every Muslim. They are in fact vicegerent of Almighty Allah on earth. Therefore, Disrespecting them will be rightly interpreted into disobeying Allah, the Exalted, Himself. As Muslims, we have to respect all the Prophets from Prophet Adam (Peace be upon him) to the Last Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) without leaving anyone of them aside Giving us the order of respecting to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) Allah, the Exalted, says;
(O People! Might believe in Allah and His Messenger, and respect him and honor him and that you might extol His limitless glory from morning to evening. )
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 48, Verse: 9]

Moreover, in a very clear way, Allah, the Exalted says
(O believers! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet and do not speak aloud in his presence like you communicate with each other loudly, lest your deeds become vain and you are unaware. )
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 49, Verse: 2]

Going in the depth of this order, you can easily find out that when speaking aloud in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is not tolerable, how come denigrating him in real is being over looked?
Listening to those words of Allah, the Exalted, companions of the Prophet had enough respect in their hearts for the Prophet (Peace be upon him). On the day of Hudaibia Treaty, Shaikh Urwa Bin Ma’sood (May Allah be pleased him) went back to Meccans and informed them about how the companions of the Prophet do respect their Prophet, Saying, ” O People! By Allah, I have been to the Kings and to Caesar, Khosrau and An-Najashi, yet I have never seen any of them respected by his courtiers as much as Muhammad is respected by his companions… if he ordered them, they would carry out his order immediately; if he performed ablution, they would struggle to take the remaining water, and when they spoke, they would lower their voices and would not look at his face constantly out of respect…”
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammad Bin Ismael, Vol: 2, Page: 27]

Concept of respect to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) does not limit to his personality only, rather it requires a wide respect which includes him and all that are related to him with one reason or more.
[See, Shifa: Allama Qazi Ayaz Andlusi, Vol: 2 , P: 109]

So, as a phenomenon of the respect to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by his companions that they did not even let his cut hair to drop on the ground. Shaikh Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that, “I saw the Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) was getting a hair cut, encircled by his companions, who did not let the cutting hair to drop on the ground but on the hands of someone.”
[Muslim: Imam Muslim, Vol: 6 , Page: 774]

Likewise, Shaikh Ibn-e-Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) was seen putting his hands on the Mimber (place used for delivering Speech on Friday) where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) used to sit, and then wiped them over his face.
[See, Shifa: Allama Qazi Ayaz, Vol:2 , P:110]

Ways of revering someone is not limited to one or more methods, rather it varies from place to place, and culture. Such as standing up to show enough respect to someone; it is very common in Indo-Pak tradition. Thus, greeting the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) while standing is not contrary to the teachings of Islam, rather it must be described as a highly revered way which is furnished and approved by Islam in principle.

The utmost respect to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) provides one of the necessary bases for Islamic belief. Also, a passionate and depth love to him is something that plays a vital role in strengthening the Imaan itself. And in the next step, one who has it starts copying him in his days and nights, adopting his orders in their fullest forms and abstaining what he has commanded to be away from. Showing us the importance of love to him, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “None of you have the faith (Imaan) until he or she loves me more than his or her father, his or her children, and all mankind.”
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammad Bin Ismael Bukhari, Vol: 1, Page: 104]

In addition, we have a clear message of Allah, the Exalted, regarding it as He says;
( Say, if your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your clan, the wealth of your earnings, the trade of which you fear loss, and the houses of your choice are dearer to you than Allah, and His Messenger, and the struggling in His Path, then wait till Allah brings His command. )
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 9, Verse: 24]

Have an eager to see a practical Phenomenon of love to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), one should get in touch with the days of the companions of the Prophet around him. Such as, Shaikh Zaid Bin Dasna was asked if he likes for Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to be killed in place of him? He replied, “By Allah, no, I do not even like a prickle to hurt his foot while I am enjoying with my family.”
[ See Shafa: Shaikh Qazi Ayaz, Vol: 2, P: 63]

If it is so important, then how come we judge our sense of love to him? Regarding this, we have a very glaring Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as he said, “Love of a thing makes you blind (to see it’s faults) and deaf (from hearing any faults of it).”
[AbuDaud: Imam Sulaiman, Vol: 3, P: 701]

Indeed, the above Hadith provides us the best tool to measure our love to him. Of course, our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was most perfect and unerring creation of Allah, the Exalted, but still trying to dig out any fault and unsuccessfully referring it to him, is an obvious effort that undermines one’s faith in the Prophet. Therefore, the best way to avoid being involved in denigrating the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is to think about him positively and not negatively.

Every Prophet (Peace be upon them) was sent to be followed by his disciples. Regarding this important issue, Allah, the Exalted, says;
(We have not sent a Prophet, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the will of Allah)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 4, Verse: 64]

Following the Prophets, includes their every order to be obeyed with avoiding what they have forbidden from
(And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you,
[ Holy Quran, Chapter: 59, Verse: 7]

According to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) one who does not follow him, will not get an entry into Paradise.
[See, Shafa: Allama Qazi Ayaz, Vol: 2, Page: 40]

Therefore, we have several examples that show that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was followed by his companions perfectly. As Shaikh Umar Farooque (May Allah be pleased with him) was quoted when he was saying while kissing the Black Stone, “If I had not seen the Prophet of Allah (Peace be upon him) kissing you, I would have not kissed you.”
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammad Bin Ismael Bukhari, Vol;1, Page: 598]

Our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was not sent only as a Message bearer, rather he was given the power of legislation for us.
To support our claim, there are several examples in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). However, we will see a couple of them only.
One day the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) delivered a speech and said that Hajj had been prescribed for you, therefore, you do perform Hajj. A person asked, was it each year? The Prophet (Peace be upon him) kept silent. The person, then repeated the same question three times, but the Prophet (Peace be upon him)
did not speak. Later on he said, “If I was to say “Yes” it would have become mandatory upon you each year.”
[Muslim: Imam Muslim, Vol: 3, Page: 647]

The above conversation clearly shows that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was authorized to introduce something as an Islamic rule.
In addition, the Prophet (Peace be upon him), on several occasions but limited in numbers, allowed something to one while denying the same for others. Such as, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) made clear that on the Day of Eid-ul-Adha, we do pray then sacrifice animals, but one who sacrifices before the prayer, it is not assumed as a ritual practice. A person, named Abu Burda (May Allah be pleased with him) who has sacrificed the animal before the prayer, asked, I only have a six months old male-goat. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) replied, “Sacrifice him but this would be limited to you only, not to anybody else.”
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammed bin Ismail Bukhari, Vol:3, Page: 212]

Although, legitimate minimum age of a goat allowed to be sacrificed on Eid-ul-Adha is one year. However, using his authorized power of legislation, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) reduced it to six month only for Shaikh Abu Burda (May Allah be pleased with him.)
With this special permission, our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) regarded the witness of Shaikh Khuzaima Bin Sabit (May Allah be pleased with him) equal to two witnesses.
[See, Abu Daud: Imam Sulaiman, Vol: 3, Page: 100]

Although, Allah, the Exalted, says in His book
(…And get two witnesses, out of your men…)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, Verse: 282]

Therefore, in general two male witnesses are required according to the Holy Quran, but Prophet (Peace be upon him) excluded the above companion from applying on him based on requirement of the Holy Quran.

Ordering us to seek the means of approach to Allah, the Exalted, He said;
(O believers! Fear Allah and seek the means of approach to Him and strive in His way, that you may get prosperity.)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 5, Verse: 35]

the Exalted, allowed to be practiced”Means of approach” to the blessings of Allah
are one’s good-deeds or Prophets (Peace be upon him) or pious persons as well.
Since, we are talking about the Prophets (Peace be upon him) so it is better to discuss the legitimacy of making them means of approach to Allah, the Almighty, under some authentic evidences.
It is narrated by Shaikh Umar Bin Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) that Prophet Adam (Peace be upon him) asked Allah, the Exalted, His forgiveness accepting Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as one of the means of approach. Allah, the Exalted, asked him saying, “How did you come to know Muhammad (Peace be upon him), although his personality was not born yet? Prophet Adam (Peace be upon him) said, “When you created me, I raised my head up and saw your name side by side with the name of Muhammad (Peace be upon him), then I have come up at a conclusion that the one whose name was put very close to your name is really a beloved person to you. Allah, the Exalted, said, “Indeed, he is the most beloved to me amongst all creations and you approached Me with his name, therefore, I forgave you. If I was not going to create Muhammad (Peace be upon him), I would not have created you.”
[Al Khasaisul Kubra: Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti, Vol: 1, Page: 18]

Along with this fact, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) himself directed a blind person to seek Allah’s help saying, “O Allah I beg you and seek your help through Muhammad, Prophet of Mercy (Peace be upon him). And O Muhammad (Peace be upon him), I seeking you as a mean of approach, ask my Lord to fill out my need…”
[Jam-e-Tirmizi: Imam Muhammad Bin Isa Tirmizi, Vol: 2, Page: 719]

This beautiful Hadith proves unambiguously that making the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) as a mean of approach to Allah, the Exalted, is not only allowed, rather it intensifies our hopes in supplications to be accepted. It is noticed that this way of making Dua has been practiced commonly even after the nominal death of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Such as, Shaikh Usman Bin Hunaif (May Allah be pleased with him) advised a needy person to make the same Dua so that he would be helped by Shaikh Usman Bin Affan (May Allah be pleased with him), the third Caliphate of Islam.
[See, Mafaheem Ya gib An Tu Sah Hah: Syed Muhammad Alwi, Page: 131]

As we discussed earlier, righteous persons also can be sought as means of approach. Shaikh Umar Bin Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) was recorded to have made a Dua saying, “O Allah we used to ask rain through Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him ) that you accepted and blessed us with it. Now, we seek Shaikh Abbas Bin Abdul Muttalib (May allah be pleased with him) as a mean of approach to you, so shower upon us.” Narrator noticed that, and then it rained.
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammad Bin Ismael, Vol:1, Page: 409]

Interceding for someone before Allah, the Exalted, is itself a great blessing of Him, He grants to whom He wishes. Indicating to His decision about it, He says;
(Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permits)
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 2, Verse: 255]

And without any mere doubt, this permission would be granted to our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) first, as he said, “I will be the leader of children of Prophet Adam (Peace be upon him) on the Day of Judgment, I will be raised first from my grave, I will intercede first and my intercession will be accepted first.”
[Muslim: Imam Muslim, Vol: 6, Page: 680]

Explaining the process of intercession in a more clear way the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, “For every Prophet there is one (special) supplication which is accepted, and I want to keep such a supplication for interceding for my followers on the Day of Judgment. ”
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammad Bin Ismael Bukhari, Vol: 3, Page: 447]

Regarding this topic, a very popular saying of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) named “Hadith of Intercession” was narrated by Shaikh Anas Bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him). Because of the short format of this book, I would like to introduce you one of its four parts only. According to him, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “On the Day of Judgment stranded people will come to Prophet Adam (Peace be upon him) asking him to intercede for his children, he will refuse saying, “I am not for this,” and will advise them to go to Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) because, he was entitled with “Khalilul Lah”. People, then will come to him. He will refuse giving an excuse that he was not for it and ask them to go to Prophet Musa (Peace be upon him) because, he was entitled with “Kalimul Lah”. People will then, come to him, but he will refuse too saying that he was not for it and will advise them to go to Prophet Isa (Peace be upon him) because, he was entitled with “Roohul Lah”. People will direct towards him, but as others he will refuse saying that he is not for it and will ask them to go to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). People then, will come to me. On looking at them, I will say, “Yes I am for it.” Then I will ask Allah, the Exalted, His permission of interceding for them. On receiving the permission, I will glorify Him and then get down to make Sajda. After that I will be directed “O Muhammad (Peace be upon him) raise your head up and say, your request will be accepted, ask whatever you want, you will be provided, and intercede, your intercession will be accepted. Later I will say “O my Lord I am concerned about my followers, then I will be told to go to Hell and take those out from hell who have Imaan equivalent to one grain of wheat or barely. I will go and let them go out……..”
[Muslim: Imam Muslim, Vol: 1, Page: 811]

This will not be the only way of interceding for Muslims by the Prophet (Peace be upon him), rather he will help his followers whatever and wherever they need his assistance by the permission of Allah, The Exalted. Such as, his help for those scared ones who will need him while passing over the “Bridge of Sirat” on the Day of Judgement, saying aloud “Wa Muhammadah, O’ Muhammad help us) ”
(then he will beg to Allah, the Exalted, saying ” O my Lord take care of my nation, O my Lord take care of my nation……..”
[Madarijun Nubuwat: Shaikh Abdul Haque Muhaddis, Vol: 1, Page:420]

Allah, the Exalted, has sent several Prophets to guide the people towards righteousness. This long listed series of Prophethood has been ended up with Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Almighty Allah says in His Holy book, Quran;
(Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Prophet of Allah, and the seal of the Prophets and Allah has full knowledge of all things. )
[Holy Quran, Chapter: 33, Verse: 40]

Although, the above verse of the Holy Quran clearly shows that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the last Prophet and no new Prophet is expected till the end of the worlds, but eying on its importance, we will see a couple of Hadiths to understand it in a better way;
(The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, “…I am the seal of all Prophets, no Prophet will come after me…”)
[Abu Daud: Imam Sulaiman, Vol: 3, Page: 334]

Giving a wonderful and easily understandable example for this fact, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, {“My example and the example of the other Prophets, is that of a man who has built a house completely and excellently except leaving a place of one brick when the people entered the house, they wondered at its beauty wishing a brick should be put on it (In order to complete the structure), so I am that brick and I am the end of the Prophets.” }
[Bukhari: Imam Muhammad Bin Ismael Bukhari, Vol:2, Page: 338]

Assuming “Prophethood” as a building which is already completed from every corner, nobody can even think of a new Prophet. About the ending up of the Prophethood at him, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “The Prophethood and Messengership have ended up, so no Prophet or Messenger will come after me”.
[Tirmizi: Imam Muhammad Bin Isa, Vol:1, Page: 881]

Warning us from the arrival of Dajjal, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Allah, the Exalted, has not sent a Prophet but he warned his followers from the arrival of Dajjal. Now, I am the last of all the Prophets and you are the last of all nations, so, he will come out among you for sure.”
[Ibn-e-Maja: Imam Muhammed bin Yazid, Vol: 3, Page: 487]