The debate regarding the scope of the message of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is one of the classic issues in the study of Islamic theology. In a number of literatures, such as Al-Fatāwā al-Ḥadītsiyyahdiscussions were found that led to the question: was the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sent only to humans, or did he also include angels and all creatures? At first glance, this question seems simple, but it actually touches on methodological aspects that are very important in understanding the sources of Islamic teachings, especially hadith and history.
In the ulama tradition, there are two main opinions. First, stating that the Prophet’s message is limited to humans. This opinion is held by some scholars from the Shafi’iyah and Hanafiyah circles, and is strengthened by rational and textual arguments. Second, stating that the Prophet was also sent to angels and even all creatures. This opinion is usually based on an understanding of several important events, such as Isra Mi’raj, the Prophet’s leadership in the prophetic prayers, and the involvement of angels in helping Muslims, for example in the Battle of Badr.
However, if we examine it more deeply using a scientific approach as developed in contemporary hadith studies, this problem cannot be resolved simply by collecting narrative histories. A critical analysis of sanad (chain of narration) and matan (content of history) is required to determine whether a history is worthy of being used as a basis for determining aqidah.
Recent academic studies show that not all circulating history has sufficient strength to be used as proof. Many of them have status base (said tabi’in), Eator even dha’if. History like this cannot be used as the main basis for establishing the concept of creed. This is where it is important to distinguish between “informative history” and “authoritative postulates”.
In this context, the propositions of the Koran provide clearer and stronger guidance. One of the principles emphasized was that every apostle was sent in the language of his people. This shows that prophetic treatises have a communicative orientation aimed at humans as the main object of da’wah. Language is the main medium that bridges divine messages with human understanding. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude that angels—who do not belong to the human language community—were the direct targets of the treatise.
As for events such as Isra Mi’raj or the involvement of angels in war, it is more appropriate to understand them as a form of glorification of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, not as an indication that angels are objects of da’wah. Likewise, the narration which states that angels participate in a person’s prayers should be placed within the framework of the primacy of charity (faḍā’il al-a’māl), not as a theological proposition.
Interestingly, some great scholars such as Jalaluddin as-Suyuti show two tendencies in their views. In several works, he supports the opinion that the Prophet was sent specifically to humans. However, in other works, he opens up the possibility of a wider scope. This shows that this issue is in the area of ijtihad which is not completely certain, so it is normal for differences of opinion to occur.
From this, it can be concluded that a methodological approach is key in addressing these differences. Without adequate analysis of sanad and matan, one can easily fall into the trap of unfounded generalizations. Therefore, a more proportional attitude is to accept that the message of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was primarily addressed to humans, as confirmed by strong evidence. Meanwhile, the relationship with other creatures, including angels, is more a consequence of the glory of the treatise, rather than the direct scope of the taklif of the Shari’a.
Thus, this debate not only enriches Islamic intellectual treasures, but also reminds us of the importance of being careful in using history as a basis for belief. In the era of modern academic studies, understanding hadith with other Islamic scientific approaches such as tafsir, and with other scientific approaches is a necessity that cannot be ignored.
Also Read: Hadith Arba’in KH. Hasyim Asy’ari: Crying for a Religion That Has Lost Its Experts (Part I)
Author: Aulia Rachmatul Umma
Editor: Sutan
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