Objectives of the Prophetic Mission and Societal Reform: A Research Study in the Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah

Abstract

This research investigates the fundamental objectives behind the divine appointment of prophets, with a particular focus on their mission to bring about holistic reform within human societies. Drawing upon primary Islamic sources — the Qur’an and Sunnah — the study explores how the Prophets (peace be upon them) served as moral exemplars, reformers, and guides whose primary aim was to restore justice, eliminate corruption, and establish a divinely guided ethical order. The paper traces the prophetic tradition from Adam (A.S.) to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, highlighting the recurring Qur’anic themes of tawḥīd (monotheism), tazkiyah (purification of the soul), ʿadl (justice), and daʿwah (invitation to truth). Emphasis is placed on the Qur’anic portrayal of the prophets’ social engagement, their response to societal ills, and their strategies for moral, spiritual, and structural transformation. The mission of the final Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is analyzed as the culmination of all previous reformative efforts, with a universal scope addressing both individual and collective dimensions of life. The study concludes that the prophetic model offers a timeless paradigm for contemporary reform rooted in divine revelation and guided by prophetic wisdom — relevant to modern challenges in ethics, governance, education, and social justice.