Islam holds the view that there have been approximately 124,000 perfected humans that have exemplified wise actions and beautiful character. Amongst these humans (messengers of God, prophets) mentioned in the Quran are Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, and finally Muhammad (May God grant them peace). Other scholars have speculated that Buddha, Lao Tse, and Confucius have also been prophets. It is interesting to note that Islamic scholarship accepts all prophets previous to Muhammad while no other religion accepts the Islamic Prophet. Thus there is an obvious, inherent universality and tolerance in the Islamic faith:
To every people (was sent) a Messenger: when their Messenger comes before them the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged. (Quran 10:47).
Say: We have faith in God, and in that which has been sent down on Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, and Jacob, and the Tribes, and that which was given to Moses and Jesus and the Prophets by their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them, and to Him we have submitted. (Quran 2:136)
He has sent down upon you the Book with the truth, confirming what was before it, and He has sent down the Torah and the Gospel aforetime, as guidance to the people. (Quran 3:3)
Through his own actions and speech, each prophet of God embodied his respective divine revelation. Therefore, prophetic example is the best source of guidance for social matters and is worthy of emulation.
