Prophethood concept and defense in ahl al-sunnah (An example of Maturidi-Bakillani)

Kalam is a branch of Islamic studies that examines foundational beliefs through rational arguments. There are three fundamental principles in Kalam known as Usul al-Thalatha: belief in the existence and unity of Allah, prophethood, and the afterlife. The station of prophethood undoubtedly plays a crucial role in the transmission of divine commands and prohibitions to humanity. The significance lies in the fact that knowledge about divinity and the afterlife is exclusively known through prophets. This study primarily discusses the understanding of prophethood according to Ahl al-Sunnah and the views of Kalam scholars who advocate this understanding. The perspectives and contributions of Ash'ari and Maturidi regarding prophethood are examined in detail. Throughout history and in contemporary times, there have been various criticisms of prophethood from different perspectives. These criticisms range widely, from questioning the Qur'an and the station of prophethood to denying miracles and the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad. In this work, the responses of Maturidi in his Kitab al-Tawhid and Bakhillani in his Kitab al-Tamhid to movements that reject prophethood such as Berahime and Someniyye, as well as evaluations of claims made by figures like Ibn al-Rawandi, Abu Isa al-Warraq, and Abu Bakr al-Razi, are considered. Reinterpreting and re-evaluating these works in the present day can help dispel doubts and challenges related to prophethood. This approach could facilitate the broader dissemination of Islam's universal message and offer solutions to the complex problems of the modern world. Keywords: Prophethood, Defense, Ahl al-Sunnah, Maturidi, Bakhillani.