Nubuwwah (Prophethood)

Nubuwwah (Arabic: نبوة) is the belief in prophethood and is the third of the five usul al-din (fundamental beliefs) in Shia Islam. Nubuwwah declares that Allah has sent prophets and messengers to humanity throughout history to guide them to truth, righteousness, and worship of the One God.

The Quran mentions 25 prophets by name, from Adam to Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them all), and states that there have been prophets to every people: "And there is not a people except that there has been among them a warner" (Surah Fatir 35:24). The Prophet Muhammad is the last and final prophet (Khatam al-Nabiyyin): "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets" (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:40).

In Shia theology, the prophets are infallible (ma'sum) — they commit no sins and do not err in conveying Allah's message. Imam al-Ridha (peace be upon him) said: "The prophets are pure from sins — the one who denies this does not know Allah" (Uyun Akhbar al-Ridha). The prophets' infallibility ensures that the prayer and all forms of worship they taught us are authentic and perfect.

Prayer is the practice that connects all prophets. The Quran mentions prayer in connection with Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and many other prophets. The Prophet Muhammad received the five daily prayers during the Mi'raj (ascension) and established the prayer practice that Muslims follow today. Nubuwwah guarantees that prayer is a divine institution — not a human invention — and that its form and content are precisely as Allah wills.