The similitude of mine and that of the Apostles (before me) is that of a person who constructed a building and he built it fine and well and the people went round it saying: Never have we seen a building more imposing than this. but for one brick, and I am that brick (with which you give the finishing touch to the building).
The Book of Virtues - Sahih Muslim 2286 a
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim presents a profound analogy from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding his position among the prophets.
The Building Analogy Explained
The Prophet (peace be upon him) compares the entire prophetic tradition to a magnificent building constructed by successive prophets, each contributing to its perfection. All previous messengers - from Adam to Jesus (peace be upon them all) - laid the foundation and erected the walls of divine guidance.
The structure was complete in every aspect except for one final brick, which represents the final Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His advent completed the divine structure of prophethood, making the edifice of Islam perfect and comprehensive for all humanity until the Day of Judgment.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam An-Nawawi explains that this hadith demonstrates the superiority of Prophet Muhammad over all other prophets while acknowledging their collective contribution to divine guidance. The completion of the building signifies the perfection of Islamic law (Shariah).
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that just as a building's final brick gives it completeness and stability, the Prophet Muhammad brought the final, complete message that abrogates all previous laws and remains valid until the end of time.
Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this analogy beautifully illustrates how all prophets shared the same essential message of monotheism, with each building upon the work of his predecessors until the final revelation through Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Spiritual Significance
This teaching inspires Muslims to honor all prophets while recognizing the unique position of Prophet Muhammad as the seal of prophethood. It reminds us that Islam is the culmination of all divine revelations, preserving their essential truths while providing the final, complete guidance for humanity.