On Ar-Ridha’s Words on the Reasons for Various Things

32-13 Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn Ishaq al-Taliqani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Sa’eed al-Kufi al-Hamdani quoted on the authority of Ali ibn Al-Hassan ibn Fadhdhal, on the authority of his father that Abil Hassan Ar-Ridha’ عليه السلام said, “Why were the Best Messengers called the ‘Ulul-Azm?” The Imam عليه السلام answered, ‘They were called the ‘Ulu-Azm since they had laws and regulations. The Prophets that came after Noah عليه السلام all followed thelaws of Noah عليه السلام, and followed him. The Prophets عليه السلام that came after Noah all followed his Book until Abraham عليه السلام came. The Prophets عليه السلام that came after Abraham عليه السلام all followed Abraham’s laws. The laws and the ways of Abraham were followed by all the Prophets that came after Abraham عليه السلام until Moses عليه السلام. Then after Moses عليه السلام, the Prophets followed his laws and ways and adhered to his Book until the time of Jesus عليه السلام. All the Prophets at the time of Jesus عليه السلام and after him followed his laws and ways and adhered to his Book until the time of our Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم. Therefore, these five Prophets are the ‘Ulul-Azm and are the best of the Prophets and Messengers. The laws of Muhammad عليه السلام will not be voided until the Resurrection Day. No Prophet will ever come after him until the Resurrection Day. It is incumbent to kill whoever claims Prophethood after him عليه السلام or brings a book after the Qur’an for anyone who hears his claim.’”