The message of Islam is relevant to all times, places and people.
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The universal appeal of Islam is evident from the vastly diverse cultures of people who practice this faith. This is a large indication of the universal nature of Islam since it is a way of life that is applicable to all times, places and people. The unique nature of the message of Islam is a very significant reason for its universal relevance. Due to the preservation of the message of Islam, its general focus, strong principles, flexibility, and finality, Islam’s continued existence is certain to endure the test of time.
Islam is a universal religion that directs everyone towards the worship of only Allah ﷻ . Every segment of society has been summoned to answer the call of a single Messenger who has been sent to all of mankind with a comprehensive message that has been perfected for all of them. Allah says:
قُلْ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا ( سورة الأعراف : ١٥٨)
“Say (O Muhammad), O mankind! Indeed I am a Messenger of Allah to you all.” (Soorat al-Araaf : 158)
The application of this universal religion is also unaffected by restrictions and limitations. The message of Muhammad ﷺ is appropriate for all times, places, and people. This means that the message of Islam has been perfectly preserved in order to ensure that its legislation would be just as applicable today as it was during the time of the Prophet ﷺ . Similarly, the message of Islam has reached us primarily by way of the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Careful examination of the manner in which both of these sources have been transmitted reveals an unequalled level of precision that has never been repeated.
Allah sent His final Messenger to mankind with a Scripture that would serve as an enduring sign of prophethood. The Prophet’s ﷺ message of Islam was aided by many miracles, yet none of his miracles rivaled the revelation of the Qur’aan. The Qur’aan is a literary masterpiece that is easily memorized, establishes a law and a system of government, and continues to offer valuable insight into the world that we live in and the Lord who created us. Its message has always stood the test of time and has satisfied our need for further revelation.
The Qur’aan as a source of guidance and law has not been left up to the interpretation of individuals. Rather, all of mankind has been given a practical example of how to understand and implement the Qur’aan. This understanding comes to us by way of the Prophet’s ﷺ Sunnah which clearly shows us how to implement the Qur’aan in all aspects of our lives.
The individual who was given the responsibility of conveying the final message of Allah to the creation addressed a much wider audience than his prophetic predecessors. While previous prophets were sent to their respective peoples, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent to all of mankind as he has explicitly mentioned in his statement:
كَانَ النَّبِيُّ يُبْعَثُ إِلَى قَوْمِهِ خَاصَّةً وَيُمِثْتُ إِلَى النَّاسِ عَامَةَ (البخاري)
“Every prophet used to be sent exclusively to his people, but I have been sent to all mankind.” (al-Bukhari)
The universal message of Muhammad ﷺ addresses all segments of society in every place throughout the world. Allah says concerning the scope of the Prophet’s ﷺ mission:
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا كَآفَّةًۭ لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًۭا وَنَذِيرًۭا وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ( سورة سبا :۲۸)
“And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a bringer of glad tidings and a warner to all of mankind. But most of the people do not know.” (Soorat Saba: 28)
His universal message incorporates elements of both stability and flexibility. It demonstrates stability by establishing a set of laws that are fixed to ensure the preservation of rights. Similarly, it is flexible enough to accommodate whatever situations that the future may hold. Allah informs His Prophet ﷺ of the comprehensive nature of His Book (the Qur’aan) in the following statement:
وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ تِبْيَـٰنًۭا لِّكُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ وَهُدًۭى وَرَحْمَةًۭ وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ ( سورة النحل : ٨٩ )
And we have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’aan) as a clarification for all things and as a source of guidance, mercy, and glad tidings for the Muslims.” (Soorat an-Nahl: 89)
So when the Prophet ﷺ passed away, his Ummah was left with a timeless Book that would serve as the final source of legislation for all of mankind in every society and in every time until the Day of Judgment. Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ left his Ummah with his Sunnah that would provide explanation and clarity to the Book which was revealed to them. So mankind has received a universal message. A message that has abrogated whatever preceded it, and encompassed everything that would come after it. So the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ has been left with a truly universal and comprehensive message of Islam.
