Achieving the Status of the Prophet: a Distant Dream or an Accessible Reality?
In Islam, terms like “perfect human” or “the status of the infallible Imam” refer to individuals who are the manifestation of all the names and attributes of God on earth. They demonstrate the best example of being human and are therefore role models for other humans. In Islam, such a position is considered to be exclusive to the Holy Prophet and the infallible Imams (Peace be upon them). But the main question is whether reaching this position is merely an unattainable ideal, exclusive to a certain group? Or are these concepts goals that every human being can move towards?
Many of us, perhaps influenced by common views or misconceptions, consider reaching the status of the Prophet an impossible dream or possible only for a certain group of people. However, if we look more deeply into religious teachings, we realize that prophets and infallible imams (Peace be upon them) are not just intermediaries of divine grace or intercession. Instead, they are tangible and exemplary models for all of us. With their help, we can discover and realize our hidden potentials and talents. Although reaching the status of the Prophet is a difficult path and requires great effort, but it is not limited to a specific group. This path is an invitation for all humans to elevate their human status and develop their existential potentials through self-improvement, striving, and following the example of the Prophet and his Household (peace be upon them).
In this article, we examine the semantic dimensions of the status of the infallible Imam and perfect human, clarify the role of the Prophet and infallible Imams as role models, and show how attaining this status is a possible truth and a clear path for anyone seeking growth.
The Difference Between Becoming a Prophet and Acquiring the Status of the Prophet
It is clear that what we mean by attaining the status of the Prophet has nothing to do with his legal status, which is the status of the finality of prophethood. In Islamic thought, attaining the legal status of the Prophet is completely different from acquiring his human status. The legal status of prophethood and Imamate is a special and divine position that God has given only to certain individuals, and every human being, even if they spend their entire life on self-improvement, morality, and spiritual conduct, still cannot attain the legal status of the Prophet. These positions are divinely appointed and conferred by God and have no connection to the spiritual conduct of individuals.
But reaching the true status of the Prophet and infallible Imams means moving on the path of acquiring nearness and increasing similarity to God. This is not only possible but is actually the purpose of human creation. Achieving this status means striving to achieve the moral qualities and perfections that the character of the Prophet represents.
By following the behavior and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him and his family), humans can reach high levels of piety, honesty, kindness, and justice. This kind of attainment does not mean claiming the legal or divine status of prophethood, but rather absorbing and acquiring his moral and spiritual qualities. Therefore, this concept does not mean becoming a prophet, but rather moving on the path of human perfection by following his example.
Every Human Has the Capacity to Become
When we talk about reaching the status of the Prophet, a question that may arise is: Does every human being really have such a capacity? Or is this status only reserved for the great and chosen ones? The answer to this question is rooted in a deep look at the truth of the human being.
In the Islamic school of thought, the human is a being with endless potentials and capabilities. In Islamic philosophy the “capacity to become” means that every individual, regardless of their initial conditions, past, or outward characteristics, has the ability to grow, change, and approach perfection. This perspective, contrary to some views that divide humans into two groups, successful and unsuccessful, believes that no one is inherently deprived of achieving high levels of spirituality.
Islam emphasizes that the human being can become beyond what they are now. It is enough to believe that there is a great potential hidden within them that they can reveal through effort and self-improvement. In fact, there is no definitive barrier or obstacle to human flourishing except oneself. The keys to growth and excellence for every human being, regardless of their backgrounds and limitations, are determination, willpower, and perseverance on the path of self-improvement.
By using one’s intellect, will, and consistent effort, as well as following the examples of perfect humans, every individual can actualize their inner potential and attain a status similar to that of prophets and the infallible ones (Peace be upon them).
If we imagine that the Prophet is beyond our reach and that it is impossible to acquire his perfections, we fail to understand the main message of his mission. God sent the Prophet as the most perfect example of divine attributes that we must cultivate within ourselves, to outline the path toward the purpose of our creation and show us how to achieve it. The process of acquiring these attributes is an accessible and completely practical one, but it requires practice, determination, and adherence to specific principles. Therefore, one must never think that the attributes of prophets are unattainable. Through daily practice, constant care, and effort in the path of nearness to God, every human can take steps on the path of human perfection and attain the attributes and perfections of prophets.
On the path to acquiring human perfection, every human has the capacity to approach the peaks of human perfection by modeling themselves on the moral and behavioral traits of the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family). Attaining the status of the Prophet is a purpose that is possible and achievable for all human beings.
The path to growth and self-improvement is to model ourselves on the lifestyle, character, and faith of the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family). So we can make the best choices at different stages of life and be able to actualize our inner potential and manifest some of the beauty of a perfect human in ourselves. The acquiring the perfections of the Prophet is not a distant goal; rather, with struggle, practice, and determination, one can take steps toward it and come close to achieving them all. This is the true meaning of the mission of prophets; that is, opening a way for the divine potential of humans to flourish and reach the highest levels of morality and spirituality.