What signs are mentioned in the Quran for recognizing a true prophet?

The Holy Quran provides humanity with various pathways to distinguish true prophets from false claimants. These signs serve as criteria not only for the people of the prophet's own time but also for all generations, to discern the authenticity of the divine call. One of the most significant and prominent of these signs is the divine miracles (Mu'jizat) performed by the prophets with the permission and power of Allah. A miracle is an extraordinary event, beyond human capability, that no one can replicate. Its purpose is to prove the prophet's connection with a supernatural and divine force. For instance, the story of Moses' (PBUH) staff turning into a serpent, or the parting of the sea, are examples of tangible and visible miracles mentioned in the Quran. These miracles served as decisive proof for the people of his time regarding the truthfulness of Moses' claim to prophethood. Similarly, concerning Prophet Jesus (PBUH), the Quran speaks of miracles such as raising the dead, healing the incurably sick, and creating a bird from clay, all by Allah's permission. These instances demonstrate that prophets are endowed with a divine power that transcends human abilities, making miracles one of the strongest proofs of prophethood. However, tangible miracles are not the sole sign of a true prophet. For Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the greatest miracle and sign of his truthfulness is the Holy Quran itself. As the word of God, the Quran possesses such eloquence, rhetorical brilliance, depth of meaning, and coherence that it is beyond human capacity to produce. In numerous verses, Allah has challenged humans and jinn to produce a single surah similar to that of the Quran, stating that they will never be able to do so, even if they were to assist one another. This Quranic challenge (Tahaddi) remains valid not only at the time of its revelation but for eternity, and to this day, no one has been able to meet it. The preservation and immunity of the Quran from distortion and alteration throughout centuries is another aspect of its miraculous nature, testifying to its divine source. Furthermore, the Quran contains scientific facts and truths that were unknown to humanity at the time of its revelation and were only later proven by scientific discoveries, revealing yet another facet of its scientific miracles. Another characteristic of true prophets is the consistency and unity of their message. All divine prophets, from Adam to the Seal of Prophets (Muhammad), invited people to monotheism, the worship of the One God, and avoidance of polytheism. The message of Tawhid (Oneness of God), justice, piety, and benevolence has been the core of the mission of all divine messengers. This unity in message indicates that the source of all these teachings is one, and that is the sacred essence of the Lord. True prophets never claim divinity for themselves; they always present themselves as servants and messengers of Allah. They invite people to worship God, not themselves. Any claim by an individual who seeks to invite people to worship himself or anyone other than the One God is a sign of the falsity of his claim. Moreover, the character and practical conduct (Sunnah) of prophets serve as further evidence of their truthfulness. Divine prophets, even before being commissioned with prophethood, were known among their people for their honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, and excellent morals. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known as 'Muhammad al-Amin' (the Trustworthy) even before his prophethood, and his enemies acknowledged his trustworthiness. A true prophet never claims prophethood for worldly gains, fame, power, or wealth. They do not seek reward or compensation from people; their sole aim is to guide humanity towards eternal salvation and the pleasure of Allah. Non-attachment to worldly possessions, asceticism, and humility are among the prominent moral qualities of prophets. These characteristics enable individuals to understand the difference between true leaders and false claimants. The Holy Quran also refers to prophecies in previous scriptures concerning the coming of prophets. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 157, it is explicitly stated that the People of the Book find the unlettered prophet mentioned in the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins good and forbids evil. These prophecies and glad tidings serve as further proof of the truthfulness of later prophets. Furthermore, divine revelation and speaking not out of personal desire are other important signs. In Surah An-Najm, verses 3 and 4, it is stated that the Prophet does not speak out of his own inclination, but what he says is only revelation revealed to him. This means that the Prophet himself is not the source of the message, but merely a conveyor of the divine message. These signs provide a set of logical and objective criteria by which one can distinguish a true prophet from false claimants and follow the path of divine guidance with insight. These characteristics are not only for Muslims but for every seeker of truth, guiding them to reflect on them, believe in the divine prophets, and follow their path of guidance.