The Second Way
When we enter the division of time known as the past, we should consider the following four points:
The first is that those who specialize in a branch of science and base their thesis on it will demonstrate eminence in that branch.
The second is this, O brothers and sisters! If you have some knowledge of human nature, you will accept that even a person who has little renown cannot lie to a group of people about an insignificant matter without giving themselves away through anxiety or unease. And yet there is a person who is unlettered, but has great renown and honor, who, while undertaking a tremendous task and needing protection against his enemies, easily speaks about great causes before large congregations (and the whole of history), and who, in the face of great obstinacy, acts without any anxiety or hesitation. Furthermore, no contradictions can be found in what such a person proclaims with such pure sincerity and great gravity. In addition, he does so in such an intense, elevated manner that it vexes his opponents. Will not all these show his truthfulness in the brightest sun?
The third point is that there are many kinds of knowledge which are only of theoretical meaning and value for Bedouins, while being commonly known in the civilized world. Therefore, in order to study and know the states of the Bedouins, you need to go to the desert in your mind. If you like, you can consult in this matter the Second Premise located in the first part of this book.
The fourth is that if an unlettered person expresses his view on the matters discussed among specialists or scholars, agreeing with them on the matters on which they agree, and explaining and establishing the truth on the matters on which they disagree, without having been contradicted later on, this shows his superiority and his being taught by an All-Knowledgeable One.
Based on these facts we say: It is as if, despite being unlettered, the Prophet, upon him be peace and blessings, had penetrated all the depths of the past with his ever-active, unrestricted spirit, had learned the states and secrets of the previous Prophets as if he had lived together with them all, and explained before the whole world all the basic principles on which all these states and secrets were based. He made these same principles the premises or primary foundations of his mission, clarifying them to their utmost points. In addition, the Prophet confirmed the truths to be found in the Scriptures that were sent to previous Messengers, and corrected the faults and falsehoods which had found a way into them over time. This shows his absolute truthfulness and Prophethood.
All the proofs for the Prophethood of the previous Prophets, upon them all be peace, are also proofs for the truthfulness and Prophethood of Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings. Their miracles can be regarded as his miracles also. If you give some consideration to it, you will understand this.
AN INDICATION
O brothers and sisters! Sometimes an oath substitutes for the truth. So, listen:
I swear by the One Who revealed to the Prophet the narratives in the Qur’an (the basic aspects of the histories of the previous Prophets and their peoples), and took his spirit into the depths of the past and to the peaks of the future, making secrets apparent to him, that the Prophet’s most careful and penetrating view is free from being deceived and confused, and his mission is absolutely true, exalted above deceiving and confusing people.
Said Nursi