All praise be to Allah. Noticing firsthand the passion Shaykh Mohammad Elshinawy had for the subject of this book, I knew its intellectual vigor would be mixed with the author’s passion to produce a masterpiece.

There is no subject I can think of that needs our attention and dedication more than the proofs of prophethood. In an age of uncertainty, skepticism, and cynicism, there is nothing more important than helping people build certainty in a most salient truth: the prophethood of Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him). It is that certainty that will open wide for them the gates to inner peace and happiness in this life and the one to come.

The book covers a wide array of proofs from the historical necessity of the Prophet’s dispatchment to the greatest of his miracles—the inimitable Qur’an—without neglecting his character, accomplishments, message, prophecies, and physical miracles. It has the necessary academic integrity without its emotional austerity. It is detailed, yet not superfluous.

Whether you place more importance on the evidentialist or naturalist approach to faith in God, the proofs of prophethood should be an integral part of faith in Islam. A probabilistic approach using inductive reasoning does not preclude the attainment of certainty through it. If the arguments are strong and plentiful, then certainty can still be achieved. It can then be further grounded by spiritual experience and enlightenment.

In addition to the importance of the subject, I also find great pleasure in writing a foreword for this book because of its author of whom I have great expectations, and I hope that Allah will use him in serving the cause of Islam in this land and around the globe.

May God’s blessings and peace be on the one He sent as a mercy for all creatures, the seal of prophets and greatest of messengers, Muhammad.

Hatem al-Haj1, MD, PhD Dean of Mishkah University Resident Fatwa Committee, AMJA