Assigning the Prophet ﷺ Merely the Rank of a Brother

Question

Is it correct that, if one strives, the awliya can reach the rank of the prophets? Some gentlemen have even written of the prophets ﵈ that they are our brothers and have no excellence beyond that; in particular, they use these same words about the Master of Madina ﷺ as well. Is it correct to say so? If it is correct, then how is it that Mawlana says: [ar]ہمسری با انبیاء پرداختند ٭ اولیاء را همچو خود پنداشتند[/ar] “They took up rivalry with the prophets ٭ and deemed the awliya to be like themselves.

Answer

No member of the umma can reach the rank of any prophet. Reaching the high stations of wilaya (sainthood) is not far-fetched, but those who reach them make no claim and show no arrogance. To hold the belief regarding the Noble Prophet ﷺ that he is merely at the rank of a brother and has no excellence beyond that is wrong.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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