The Dictionary Meaning of the Word \'Khatam-al-Nabiyyin\'

Dr. Mohammed Alam Qurayshi

The word \"Khatam\" has been the object of much discussion especially in the interpretation of its usage in the context of \"Khatam-al-Nabiyyin\" (The Holy Quran, Chapter of Ahzab, verse 40).

It is the belief of all Muslims that \"Khatam-al-Nabiyyin\" stands for the finality of Prophethood with a clear implication that the prophethood has been culminated and finalized in Muhammad (p.b.u.h). It is not only the context that supports this interpretation but also the lexicography. The purpose of this treatise is to explore the dictionary meaning of the word and to arrive at a rationale explanation of its usage.

The Dictionary meaning of Khatam

According to Arabic lexicon and linguistic usage \"Khatam\" means to affix a seal; to close; to come to an end, and to carry something to its ultimate end. Here are some examples to support the above statement.

\"Khatam-al-Amal\" is equivalent to \"Faragha min al-\'Amali\" which means, \"to get over with the task.\"

\"Khatam-al-Kitab\" conveys the meaning \"The letter has been enclosed and sealed so that it is finally secured.\"

\"Khatama-\'Ala-al-Qalb\" means \"The heart has been sealed so that it cannot perceive anything new nor can it forswear what it has already imbibed.\"

\"Khitamu-Kulle-Mashrubin\" implies \"the final taste that is left in the mouth when the drink is over.\"

\"Khitamu-kulle-shayin \'Aqibatuhu wa Akhiratuhu\" means \"The end in the case of everything denotes its doom and ultimate finish.\"

\"Khatm-ul-Shaii Balagha Akhirahu\" conveys the sense; \"To end a thing or it means to carry it to its ultimate limit.\"

The term \"Khatam-i-Qur\'an\" is used in the similar sense and the closing verses of Quranic Chapters are referred to as \"Khawatim\".

\"Khatim-ul-Qaum Akhirhuum\" means \"The last man in the tribe.\"

(Refer to Lisan-ul-\'Arab, Qamus and Aqrab-ul- Muwarid).

It is for this reason that all linguists and commentators agree that \"Khatam-al-Nabiyyin\" means \'The Last in the line of Prophets.\' The word \"Khatam\" in its dictionary meaning and linguistic usage does not refer to the post office stamp that is affixed on the outgoing mail. Its literal meaning is the \"seal\" which is affixed on the envelope to secure its contents.

We have referred to three lexicons here, yet the elucidation of this point is not confined to these works alone. All authoritative dictionaries of the Arabic language interpret the word \"Khatam\" in the sense explained above.

Opponents misrepresent the word and its meaning