the call of conscience
According to the explanation of certain modern writers, prophethood
is the rising up of a man from amongst his people in order to undertake
social reform in accordance with the call of his conscience. The Qur'an,
however, gives a different meaning to the prophethood. In XCI:7-8 we read,
"And a soul and Him who perfected it, and inspired it (with conscience
off what is wrong for it and (what is) right for it. "
In this verse God demonstrates that each individual perceives from his
own conscience and God-given nature the difference between good and bad
action; and, that the potential for reform and the bettering of one's self
is contained within each person; some listen to their conscience and act
correctly while others pay no heed and so act wrongly.
thus in the following verses of the same chapter god says: "He
is indeed successful who causes it to grow and he is indeed a failure who
stunts it. " If prophethood manifests itself as a result of the
conscience, which everyone possesses, then everyone in theory may become
a prophet. god, however, has reserved this duty for certain men only.
thus he says in chapter vi:124, "And when a sign comes to them,
they say: we do not believe until we are given that which God's messengers
are given. god knows best with whom to place his message."