from his father that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The parable of me and the Prophets is that of a man who built a house, and he built it well, completing it, and beautifying it, but he left a space for one brick. So the people began going around the house amazed at it, saying "If only the space for that brick was filled.' And I am, with regards to the Prophets, in the position of that brick."And with this chain, from the Prophet (ﷺ) that he said: "Upon the Day of Judgement I will be the leader of the Prophets and their spokesman, and the bearer of their intercession, without bragging."
The Parable of the House and the Brick
This profound hadith from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (3613) presents a magnificent analogy describing the relationship between the Final Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the previous prophets. The "house" represents the complete structure of prophethood and divine guidance, beautifully constructed by all prophets from Adam to Jesus. Each prophet contributed to this spiritual edifice, yet one crucial brick remained missing - the final perfection of the message.
The "brick" symbolizes the Seal of the Prophets, whose arrival completed the divine structure. Just as a building remains incomplete without its final brick, the chain of prophethood required the advent of Muhammad (ﷺ) to perfect the message of Islam and seal divine revelation.
Scholarly Commentary on the Completion
Classical scholars explain that this parable demonstrates how all previous prophecies and scriptures pointed toward the coming of the Final Messenger. The "amazement" of people viewing the nearly-complete house reflects how earlier communities recognized the beauty of their respective revelations while anticipating the final completion.
Imam al-Tirmidhi and other muhaddithun note that this hadith establishes the superiority of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) over all other prophets, as he constitutes the crowning achievement of prophethood - the final brick that perfects the entire structure of divine guidance.
Leadership on the Day of Judgment
The second part of the narration from Chapters on Virtues clarifies the practical manifestation of this superiority. On the Day of Judgment, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) will be "the leader of the prophets" - indicating his authority over all messengers. He will serve as "their spokesman" - the one who addresses Allah on behalf of all humanity.
Most significantly, he will be "the bearer of their intercession" - meaning the supreme intercessor whose plea for the commencement of judgment will be accepted first. Scholars emphasize that the phrase "without bragging" demonstrates the Prophet's humility, affirming that these honors are divine gifts rather than personal achievements.
Theological Implications
This hadith establishes key Islamic doctrines: the finality of prophethood with Muhammad (ﷺ), the unity of the prophetic message across generations, and the unique status of the Seal of Prophets. It consoles believers that their faith rests upon a completed, perfect revelation that requires no addition or alteration until the Hour is established.