Three Reasons Why Muhammad Is Not a True Prophet: An Analytical Examination
Max Shimba Ministries Org
Abstract
The foundations of religious faith often rest on the credibility and divine validation of its central figures. In the case of Islam, Muhammad is venerated as the final prophet. However, when subjected to historical-critical and theological scrutiny, certain aspects of his claimed prophetic experience raise legitimate doubts. This paper examines three primary reasons that cast significant skepticism on Muhammad’s claim to prophethood: (1) his fearful reaction to the angelic encounter compared to other biblical prophets, (2) the involvement of a traditional soothsayer in confirming his prophetic status, and (3) his initial suicidal tendencies following his early mystical experiences. Through textual evidence from Islamic canonical sources and comparative analysis, this paper invites critical reflection on the foundations of Muhammad's prophetic authority.
Introduction
The origin of a matter reveals its essence. Like the roots of a plant, though often hidden beneath the surface, they nourish and define the visible structure above. Similarly, the genesis of religious movements must be scrutinized for authenticity. A superficial belief without understanding its foundation can result in perpetual spiritual unrest. Belief, as a vital component of human life, necessitates careful inquiry. This paper seeks to interrogate the origins of Muhammad’s prophetic claims and the circumstances surrounding them to determine whether they meet the standards of true divine calling, as reflected in biblical prophetic tradition.
1. Why Did Muhammad Not Strike the Angel Like Moses Did?
Islamic canonical traditions, recorded by Bukhari, Muslim, and others, narrate that when the angel Jibril (Gabriel) first approached Muhammad in the cave of Hira, the prophet reacted with intense fear. According to Sahih Bukhari Hadith 3, Aisha narrates that Jibril commanded Muhammad to “Read,” and upon his reply, “I do not know how to read,” the angel seized and pressed him forcefully until Muhammad nearly lost consciousness. This episode repeated thrice before Muhammad reluctantly recited the message.
In stark contrast, biblical narratives demonstrate a different pattern. For instance, Sahih Bukhari Hadith 1339 recounts how the Prophet Moses struck the Angel of Death (Izra’il), gouging out his eye when he came to take Moses’ soul. God subsequently restored the angel’s eye and reproached Moses. This stark contrast between the prophets’ responses to angelic encounters raises questions about the fortitude and divine authority of Muhammad. If Moses, a true prophet, reacted boldly against a heavenly being, why did Muhammad tremble in terror and succumb under pressure?
Moreover, the consistency of accounts in early Islamic sources reveals contradictions regarding this event, which undermines the credibility of Muhammad’s initial prophetic call. Why did Muhammad require physical coercion to accept a message from a being sent by the Almighty? Such inconsistencies warrant critical examination.
Primary Sources:
-
Sahih Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 152
-
Sahih Muslim, vol. 7, p. 100
-
Musnad Ahmad, vol. 2, p. 315
-
Al-Musannaf, vol. 11, p. 274
-
Sunan An-Nasa’i, vol. 4, p. 118
-
Al-Bidaya wa An-Nihaya, vol. 1, p. 317
-
Tarikh al-Tabari, vol. 1, p. 305
2. Muhammad’s Prophetic Call Was Confirmed by a Soothsayer
Historical records in early Islamic biographies reveal that Khadija, Muhammad’s first wife, consulted a soothsayer to ascertain the nature of Muhammad’s experiences. According to Tarikh al-Khamis (vol. 1, p. 284) and Al-Sirat al-Halabiyya (vol. 1, p. 243), Khadija obtained a piece of parchment from a soothsayer to test whether Muhammad’s condition was a symptom of madness. Upon returning, she found him reciting Quranic verses, took him to the soothsayer, who examined his back and allegedly identified the “seal of prophethood” between his shoulders.
If divine prophecy requires validation from a soothsayer—an individual outside the authority of God—this raises theological and doctrinal dilemmas. According to biblical tradition (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), consulting soothsayers is an abomination to the Lord. How then could a true prophetic call be authenticated through an individual whom the biblical God rejects? This contradiction in source authority implies a fundamental flaw in the narrative of Muhammad’s divine commission.
Primary Sources:
-
Tarikh al-Khamis, vol. 1, p. 284
-
Al-Sirat al-Halabiyya, vol. 1, p. 243
-
Al-Sira al-Nabawiyya, vol. 1, p. 83
3. Muhammad’s Suicidal Tendencies After His Mystical Experiences
Multiple early Islamic sources, including Al-Musannaf (vol. 5, p. 323), report that Muhammad contemplated suicide following his initial visionary experiences. Overwhelmed by fear and confusion, he repeatedly attempted to hurl himself from the heights of a mountain. Such behavior is inconsistent with biblical prophetic responses to divine encounters. In scripture, genuine prophets might exhibit fear or reluctance, but they ultimately trust God’s mission rather than seek death.
Additionally, accounts in Tarikh al-Ya’qubi (vol. 2, p. 23) reveal that Waraqa bin Nawfal, Khadija’s cousin and a Christian, expressed suspicion about the identity of Muhammad’s visitor. He advised Khadija to ask Muhammad whether the figure was Mika’il (Michael) or Jibril (Gabriel). Waraqa warned that if it were Jibril, he typically brought war and captivity. Upon confirming it was Jibril, Khadija allegedly struck her face in distress.
This reaction suggests an awareness of a sinister implication associated with Jibril’s presence in Muhammad’s context, further complicating the claim of divine commission. If prophetic encounters originate from a benevolent and holy God, why would Muhammad's own household express alarm upon identifying the celestial messenger?
Primary Sources:
-
Al-Musannaf, vol. 5, p. 323
-
Tarikh al-Ya’qubi, vol. 2, p. 23
Conclusion
The cumulative evidence from Islamic primary sources and comparative prophetic narratives reveals serious inconsistencies and troubling elements surrounding Muhammad’s claim to prophethood. His fearful submission to the angel’s coercion, reliance on a soothsayer’s validation, and suicidal ideation contradict the character and experiences of divinely commissioned prophets in the biblical tradition.
These findings prompt sincere seekers of truth to critically evaluate the origins of their beliefs. Faith must rest on a secure and unambiguous foundation. The inconsistencies in Muhammad’s prophetic narrative, when juxtaposed against biblical standards, underscore the need for caution in accepting his claims of divine mandate.
As this study suggests, the ultimate peace and assurance come not through uncertain revelations but through the person of Jesus Christ, whose life and mission fulfilled the prophetic traditions with clarity, consistency, and divine authority.
Max Shimba Ministries Org
No comments:
Post a Comment