By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
It is written in various Islamic sources that the Prophet Muhammad once cast his eyes upon and desired the wife of another man—an incident referenced in Tafsir Fath al-Qadir, Volume 4, page 404. Such a report is not merely a matter of historical curiosity; it stands as a profound theological concern that raises serious questions about Muhammad’s claim to prophethood and his representation of the Almighty God.
Translation of the Original Statement
The honorable Prophet (s.a.w.w.) set his eyes upon and lusted after another man’s wife (a married woman) (Na’uzubillah—God forbid). [Tafsir Fath al-Qadir, Volume 4, page 404]
Theological Expansion and Critique
The behavior attributed to Muhammad in this account starkly contrasts with the character of God as revealed in the Scriptures. The God of the Bible is holy, just, and pure—He abhors covetousness, adultery, and every form of moral compromise. The Ten Commandments explicitly state: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife” (Exodus 20:17). Jesus further deepens this ethic by teaching, “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).
How then can a true prophet of the Almighty, one who claims to represent the will and character of the living God, act in direct contradiction to the most basic moral standards set by God Himself? The prophets of the Bible, though human and fallible, were called to a higher standard of holiness, serving as exemplars of God’s righteousness to His people. The very office of a prophet demands integrity, self-control, and an unwavering commitment to the commands of God.
This account of Muhammad not only exposes a serious moral flaw but also undermines his prophetic credentials. It suggests that Muhammad’s behavior was guided by personal desire rather than by the Spirit of the Most High. Such conduct cannot be reconciled with the nature of God, who is described as “of purer eyes than to behold evil and cannot look on wickedness” (Habakkuk 1:13).
Furthermore, this episode stands in stark contrast to the character of Jesus Christ, who not only resisted temptation but also taught and modeled the highest standards of sexual purity and sacrificial love. Jesus never desired what belonged to another, nor did He seek to gratify His flesh at the expense of God’s commandments. His life was the perfect reflection of the holiness of God, making Him the true and ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King.
Conclusion
The incident of Muhammad coveting another man’s wife, as preserved in Islamic sources, is not a trivial matter. It is one of many evidences that Muhammad’s life and teachings do not reflect the holiness, love, and justice of the Almighty God. Rather, it exposes him as a man led by personal passions, and thus, by biblical standards, a false prophet. As Christians, we are called to discern the true from the false by examining the fruit and character of those who claim to speak for God (Matthew 7:15-20; 1 John 4:1).
For this reason, Muhammad cannot be regarded as a true messenger of the Most High, for his actions fail to manifest the unblemished holiness and righteousness that are the very essence of the Almighty.
References:
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Tafsir Fath al-Qadir, Volume 4, p. 404
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Exodus 20:17
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Matthew 5:28
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Habakkuk 1:13
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Matthew 7:15-20
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1 John 4:1
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