Ahmed,+Ali

__**Research Question**__ What are the roles of prophet in religion?

A prophet is a an ambassador to earth from God. That's my general definition. But the general reason for the existence for a prophet is differs throughout religion. The point in my study is to find comparisons between these ideals in prophets in religions that consist of them. In Christianity, a prophet is seen as an enlightened figure sent by God to carry some sort of revelation. Jesus is considered the last prophet and son of God. Multiple prophets are mentioned in the bible ranging between major and minor prophets. Abraham is also known as a Prophet (Genesis 20:7) as is Moses. The ideal of a prophetess (female prophet) is also transparent in the religion. They include Mary, Debbora (sister of Moses) and Holda. A prophet is not sent be raised above the people in his status but to relay the status of God. Prophets are sent to people in order to heed omens and warn of the wrath of god. A prophet is revelations from God of which he is supposed to relay of the people.
 * Christianity**

Interesting quotes: //- For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.// //(ch. XIII, v. 9)// When it says "we know in part" it indicates that human knowledge is limited and vague. Then when it says "and we prophecy in part" it gives the impression the roles of prophecy is made do fill in those blanks. Prophecy is merely a resource through the inexplicable becomes explained. Ultimately, I think the message is, what we see is answers some questions, but prophets (religion) answers the rest.

//- Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?// //(ch. I, v. 5)// In stating "Your fathers, where are they" it is referring to death, and then it states the prophets die as well making them human as well. In being common (humans), it makes room for understanding and also for conflict. As previously stated, prophets were not meant to be glorified but their duty was to glorify God. Due to this, if God had sent angels it might have defeated the purpose.

//- And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?// //(ch. X, v. 9)// Though prophets may also be human, there are instances where supernatural as stated in this quote. Moses or Musa is stated to have seen God. This is considered a supernatural as is the religious definition of a miracle. Logically, or at least based on what we see, miracles should be impossible, but based on first quote our knowledge is limited and vague.

In Islam, a prophet is messenger who either carries the message of a previous prophet of brings forth a new one. A prophet is sent by Allah (God) to a certain group of people depending on time or place with the exception of Muhammad who is sent to "all humans, angels and jinn (demons/devil)". Muhammad is believed that to be the "seal of prophethood", after him there is no other. Unlike in Christianity, there is no sort of female prophet or prophetess in Islam. Prophet hood is deemed to be a high rank that can only be recieved by a revelation from God Angel Jibril (Gabriel). Islam acknowledges Jesus and Moses amongst 25 other prophets mentioned in the Qur'an, although Muhammad is not seen as a prophet in Christianity. Prophets are sent to the people to guide them and to convert people to the religion of Islam.
 * Islam**

Interesting quotes: //- Muhammad is but a messenger; and messengers have passed away before him. Will you, when he dies or is slain, turn back on your heels (go back to your old religion)? He who turns back does not hurt Allah. And Allah will reward the thankful.// //Qur’an, 3:144// This means that a prophet will die and afterwards it is the responsibility of the people to carry on the message. The role of messanger does not solely rely on the prophet but also on his followers. It is the duty of each individual to carry on the religion.

- //And nothing prevented mankind from believing when the guidance came unto them but that they said: "Has Allah sent a human as (His) messenger?" Say: "Had there been in the earth angels walking at peace, We would have sent down for them from heaven an angel as messenger." Qur’an, 17:95-96// This means that God sent a human as prophet because that is what we relate to. This ties into the second quote for Christianity. There is em fesses on the belief that prophets are human.