Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Do not prefer some prophets to others."

Source Reference

Sahih al-Bukhari 6916

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic creed regarding the status of prophets. The prohibition against preferring some prophets over others does not negate the established hierarchy among them, where some prophets possess higher ranks than others, as indicated in the Quran: "Those messengers - some of them We have caused to exceed others" (Quran 2:253).

The prohibition here refers to disparaging any prophet or denying the prophethood of any messenger. All prophets brought the essential message of tawhid (monotheism) and are to be believed in collectively. To prefer one prophet over another in a manner that leads to belittling or rejecting any of them constitutes disbelief.

Scholars explain that this prohibition applies to matters of faith and belief, not to the recognition of their varying degrees of excellence. We believe in all prophets without distinction in their fundamental mission, while simultaneously acknowledging that Allah has favored some over others in rank and station.

Legal and Theological Implications

This teaching protects the integrity of Islamic monotheism by preventing sectarian divisions based on prophetic preference, as occurred in previous nations. It maintains the unity of the Muslim ummah in believing in all divine messengers.

The hadith also serves as a refutation of those who would elevate Jesus or Moses above Muhammad (ﷺ) or vice versa in a way that diminishes the status of other prophets. All are honored, all are believed in, and all are respected according to their proper stations as determined by Allah.