What characteristics of prophets are mentioned in the Quran?

The Holy Quran, the divine word and a comprehensive guide for humanity, provides a clear and precise picture of the outstanding characteristics of the divine prophets. These qualities not only elucidate their unique position in the cosmic order but also draw a complete and comprehensive model for the individual and social life of believers. Understanding these traits helps us grasp the depth of their mission and the purity of these chosen messengers, enabling us to benefit optimally from their teachings. Below, we delve into these characteristics in detail: **1. Infallibility (Ismah):** One of the most prominent and fundamental characteristics of the prophets is infallibility (Ismah). Ismah signifies a divine protection from committing any error or sin, whether in receiving revelation, preserving and conveying it, or in their personal actions and conduct. This divine immunity ensures that prophets never make mistakes that would lead to the distortion of religion or the misguidance of the community. If a prophet were not infallible, trust in their message would be shaken, and the very purpose of sending prophets (which is guidance) would not be realized. The Quran implicitly refers to infallibility when it speaks of the purity and cleanliness of the prophets and commands absolute obedience to them, an obedience only possible if they are free from all error and sin. Ismah encompasses protection from major and minor sins, as well as immunity from error in matters related to conveying the message and explaining divine laws. This attribute validates the credibility and authority of the prophets' words and conduct, making them unparalleled role models for humanity. **2. Truthfulness (Sidq) and Trustworthiness (Amanah):** Divine prophets have always been truthful and trustworthy in their words and deeds. This quality was so evident that even their enemies recognized them by titles like 'Al-Amin' (The Trustworthy) before their prophethood, as was the case with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This truthfulness and trustworthiness were manifest not only in conveying revelation but also in all their social, financial, and personal interactions. Allah frequently refers to this characteristic of prophets in the Quran, for instance, in the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) who was known for his chastity and trustworthiness, or Prophet Shoaib who asked his people not to defraud in measure and weight. This trait ensured that people listened to their message with complete confidence, recognizing it as a true word from God. Their trustworthiness in preserving the divine message and not concealing it was a cornerstone of their mission. **3. Conveying the Message (Tabligh):** Prophets were tasked with conveying the divine message to all people without any fear or concealment. This weighty responsibility was sometimes met with intense resistance, mockery, persecution, and even death threats, yet the prophets never abandoned this crucial duty. They courageously and steadfastly revealed the truth and presented clear arguments and proofs for guiding people. Allah repeatedly commands prophets in the Quran to 'convey what has been revealed to you' (e.g., Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 67). This characteristic highlights the heavy responsibility of prophets towards guiding society and their resolve in fulfilling their divine duty. **4. Intelligence and Wisdom (Fatanah and Hikmah):** Prophets possessed profound intelligence, deep insight, strong argumentative power, and great wisdom. These qualities enabled them to debate with opponents logically and convincingly, resolve doubts, and make the best decisions in complex social and political situations. Their wisdom was evident not only in their deep understanding of religious matters but also in managing society, resolving disputes, and guiding people in life's affairs. With their sharp discernment, they could identify and neutralize the plots and conspiracies of enemies. This attribute made prophets not only bearers of revelation but also wise and judicious leaders. **5. Humanity alongside Divine Connection (Bashariyyah ma'a Ittisal bi al-Ghaib):** The Quran explicitly states that prophets were human beings; they ate, drank, married, walked in markets, and lived like other people. This characteristic is very important because it shows people that following divine teachings and achieving perfection is within the capacity of an ordinary human being, and emulating them is not an unattainable feat. However, their fundamental difference from other humans was their connection to the unseen world and their reception of divine revelation. This connection granted them divine knowledge and a supernatural power in fulfilling their mission. This duality of humanity and divine connection made them a bridge between the Creator and creation. **6. Patience and Steadfastness (Sabr wa Istiqamah):** The lives of prophets were consistently marked by challenges, hardships, persecution, and stubborn opposition. Nevertheless, they never faltered in the face of difficulties and never abandoned their call. The stories of prophets like Noah (who invited his people for countless years), Job (whose patience is legendary), Moses (who stood firm against Pharaoh), and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (who endured all kinds of torment) bear witness to their unparalleled patience and steadfastness. This perseverance demonstrates the depth of their faith and reliance on God, and their unwavering determination to achieve divine objectives. **7. Mercy and Compassion (Rahmah wa Shafaqah):** Prophets were compassionate and kind towards their communities. Their primary goal was the guidance and salvation of people, and they grieved over their people's deviation and misguidance. The Quran describes Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a 'mercy to the worlds' (rahmatan lil-'alamin) and portrays him as one who is grieved by the suffering of people. This mercy and compassion transformed the prophets into spiritual parents for their communities, calling them to goodness and righteousness with love and tenderness, even when facing enemies, their invitation was accompanied by hope for guidance and compassion. **8. Justice and Fairness (Adl wa Insaf):** Prophets maintained justice and fairness in all aspects of life and in their interactions with all people, without any discrimination. In their judgments, resource distribution, and all social and political decision-making, they adhered to the standard of truth. This quality made people trust their leadership and feel that their rights would not be violated. They were practical exemplars of justice, not only acting justly themselves but also striving to establish justice and equity in society. **9. Invitation to Monotheism (Tawhid):** The central message of all prophets was the invitation to monotheism and the worship of one God, and the struggle against all forms of polytheism and idol worship. They all called people to worship the One God and eliminated intellectual and doctrinal deviations. This characteristic demonstrates the unity of the divine message throughout history, emphasizing that all prophets affirmed one single truth. **10. Divine Selection (Istifa'):** Prophets were chosen by God for their mission; they did not choose this status themselves. This divine selection granted them legitimacy and authority, indicating that they were direct representatives of God on Earth. This chosen status is mentioned in numerous Quranic verses, such as the selection of Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad (PBUH). In conclusion, these multifaceted characteristics transformed prophets into unparalleled leaders, outstanding role models, and unique teachers for humanity. By elucidating these attributes, the Holy Quran not only explains their divine status but also provides practical and inspiring guidance for the individual and social lives of believers, so that we too can learn from their pure conduct and strive for salvation. These traits collectively encompass a set of moral virtues, intellectual capabilities, and divine endowments that distinguished them from other human beings and qualified them for leading nations. Following the conduct and characteristics of these great figures is a clear path to drawing closer to God and building a society based on justice and ethics.