رسالة (Risālah) - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Risalah, often translated as “message,” “missive,” or "treatise," encapsulates the profound Islamic concept of divine communication and guidance relayed through prophets. Yet, the simplicity of these translations belies a complex interplay of revelation, authority, and interpretation. What if our understanding of "message" itself is incomplete?
The term appears centrally within the Quran, referring primarily to the prophetic mission, notably that of Muhammad. Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40) explicitly affirms Muhammad’s role as the "Messenger of God and the Seal of the Prophets," establishing a foundational pillar of Islamic belief. The earliest formal usage can be traced back to the formative period of Islam, frequently appearing in official correspondence and legal documents from the first century of the Hijra, a period fraught with political and theological debates surrounding succession and doctrinal authority. The very act of defining risalah inadvertently shaped the nascent Islamic community.
Over centuries, interpretations of risalah have evolved, finding expression in theological treatises, philosophical inquiries, and Sufi poetry. Influential figures like Imam Ghazali, in his Ihya Ulum ad-Din, explored the inner dimensions of prophethood as a spiritual state, influencing devotional practices. Legal scholars, meanwhile, debated the scope of the Prophet's authority, leading to diverse schools of jurisprudence. Intriguingly, numerous accounts exist of so-called "lost" risalahs— purported messages or treaties that resurface occasionally, fueling speculation about hidden knowledge and alternative trajectories of Islamic history.
Today, risalah continues to resonate, inspiring both traditional interpretations and contemporary reimaginings focusing on social justice, ethical leadership, and interfaith dialogue. Some view it as a sacred trust, others as a testament to human potential. This enduring concept invites us to ask: beyond the written word, beyond historical contexts, what is the essential message of risalah that continues to shape the Islamic world and beyond?