Q 4: Many people claim that Allah created the universe for the sake of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and that were it not for the Prophet, Paradise and Hellfire would not have been created. They also claim that he is created from light. How can we refute these claims?

A: The claim that the universe was created for the sake of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and that he is created from light is false and a kind of extravagance and exaggeration. Allah has created mankind to worship Him. Allah (Exalted be He) says, And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). And He has created the heavens and the earth with truth. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is a man who was created in the same way as mankind; namely, through a father and a mother. Allah says, Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "I am only a man like you. Moreover, (Part No. 1; Page No. 164) Paradise and Hellfire are created as a reward and a punishment for the deeds of man. Paradise is the home of the pious people, whereas Hellfire is the home of the Kaffirs (disbelievers).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!