The similitude of mine and that of the Apostles before me is that of a person who built a house quite imposing and beautiful, but for one brick in one of its corners. People would go round it, appreciating the building, but saying: Why has the brick not been fixed here? He said: I am that brick and I am the last of the Apostles.
The Book of Virtues - Sahih Muslim 2286 c
This profound hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) employs a powerful architectural metaphor to explain his position among the prophets. The "imposing and beautiful house" represents the complete structure of prophethood established by all the messengers before him.
The "one brick" missing in the corner signifies the final prophethood that would complete the divine message. People admiring the structure while noticing the missing element illustrates how previous communities recognized the completeness of their prophetic traditions yet sensed something remaining.
When the Prophet declares "I am that brick," he establishes himself as the final piece completing the edifice of prophethood. His statement "I am the last of the Apostles" confirms the finality of his message and the perfection of the Islamic revelation, making him the Seal of the Prophets.
Scholars note this metaphor beautifully conveys how Islam both confirms the truth in previous revelations while providing the ultimate completion of divine guidance to humanity, with no prophet to come after Muhammad (peace be upon him).