The verse with the phrase ‘Khataman-Nabiyyin’ was revealed in the year 5 A.H. The major portion of the ministry of the Holy Prophet(sa) had elapsed by that time. The natural question that arises is what did the Muslims base their unity, culture and civilization on? What special factors came to play in the 5th year of Hijra to give the Muslims a distinct entity and a special culture and civilization? The statement that belief in ‘Khatm-e-Nubuwwat’ had a significant impact on Muslim culture and civilization is preposterous. What has happened to them now? Why are they so split and facing one crisis after another? This belief is of no help to them now. On the other hand, look at the Ahmadis. ‘Allama Iqbal, the ‘Thinker of Islam,’ says:
In the Punjab, the essentially Muslim type of character has found a powerful expression in the so-called Qadiani sect [He means, Ahmadiyyat]. (The Muslim Community—A Sociological Study by Dr. ‘Allama Iqbal, published by Maktaba-e-‘Aliyah, Urdu Bazar, Lahore, p. 23)
Look at what has happened to those who believe in their version of ‘Khatm-e-Nubuwwat.’ They are all at odds with each other. But those who, according to your assertion do not believe in it, are declared as a model of Islamic culture by your ‘Thinker of Islam.’
This theory, that belief in ‘Khatm-e-Nubuwwat’ provides the foundation of Islamic culture and civilization, is altogether fictitious and fabricated. Culture and lifestyle vary from place to place across Muslim countries. Marriage ceremonies are different. The way the veil is observed or not observed, is different. In short, in all their habits, their dress, their customs, they all differ. Muslims in Indonesia, Africa, Czechoslovakia, Finland and Hungary all differ. When Bangladesh seceded from Pakistan, they proclaimed that though they are Muslims—believing in Khatm-e-Nubuwwat—their culture is different.
Further, the religious beliefs are different. Even the modes of worship have diverged. Some offer their prayers with arms by their sides. Others say prayers with arms folded up on the chest; fingers have been chopped off for differences in practice and pronouncements of apostasy have been made for the difference of raising or lowering the hands in prayer.
There are many other differences. The Malikites in Africa and Khomeini’s followers differ widely in how they pray. In short, diversity, discord and disagreement is seen in every field of their cultural and religious activity. Their claim that belief in Khatm-e-Nubuwwat has given Muslims unity, consistency and harmony is incredible. The facts speak otherwise.