Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) an appointed light on the Earth

Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) an appointed light on the Earth

"O Prophet (Muhammad)! Truly, We have sent you as Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and a Warner-
And as one who invites to ALLAH's (Grace) by His leave, and as a Lamp spreading Light. "
[Surah Al-Ahzaab 33:45-46]

The Prophet (SalAllahu Alayhi WaSalam) was sent by ALLAH (Subhana Wa Ta'la) in five capacities. Three are mentioned in this verse, and the other two in the verse following.

(1) He comes as a Witness to all men about the spiritual truths which had been obscured by ignorance or superstition, or by the dust of sectarian controversy. He did not come to establish a new religion or sect. He came to teach Religion. He is also a witness to ALLAH (Subhana Wa Ta'la) about men's doings and how they receive ALLAH's Message; See also Surah 4:41.

(2) He comes as a Bearer of the Glad Tidings of the Mercy of ALLAH. No matter how far men may have transgressed, they have hope if they believe, repent and live a good.

(3) He also comes as a Warner to those who are heedless. This life will not last. There is a Future Life, and that is all important. See next note.
See last note. The two other capacities in which the Prophet was sent are here specified.

(4) He comes as one who has a right to invite all men to repentance and the forgiveness of sins; but he does this, not of his own authority, but by the permission and authority given to him by ALLAH (Subhana Wa Ta'la). This is said lest people may deny the Prophet as they did with other Prophets before him. The personal responsibility of each individual remains, but the Prophet ( SalAllahu Alayhi WaSalam ) can lead him on the Right and help him.

(5) The Prophet also comes as a Light of a Lamp (Sirat) to illuminate the whole world. In Surah 71:16 and elsewhere the same word (Sirat ) is used for the sun. The comparison is apt. When the sun appears, all the lesser lights pale before his lights. And the Message of Islam, i.e of the Universal Religion, is to diffuse Light everywhere.

"And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun as a (Glorious) Lamp? "
[ Surah Nuh 71:16]

"How then if We brought from each People a witness, and We brought thee as a witness against these People! "
[Surah Al Nisa 4:41]

Each Prophet and Leader is a witness for his People and his contemporaries - for those who accept ALLAH (Subhana Wa Ta'la,and against those who reject Him.

ALLAHUAKBAR !