WERE THESE EXTRAORDINARY TRAITS OF MUHAMMAD PROPHETIC?
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
Introduction
Many Muslims uphold Muhammad as the final and most exemplary prophet of God, whose character and actions reflect divine revelation. However, a critical and historical analysis of Islamic texts reveals a troubling picture. This paper investigates whether certain controversial traits and actions attributed to Muhammad align with the qualities expected of a true prophet of God. The findings are drawn directly from canonical Islamic sources and contrasted with Christian theological perspectives.
1. Muhammad’s Involvement in Adultery with a Slave Girl
According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Vol. 6, p. 367), Muhammad was found by his wife Hafsa engaging in intimate relations with her Coptic maidservant, Mariyah. Hafsa reportedly rebuked him harshly. In response, Muhammad promised not to engage with the slave girl again.
Question: Is it consistent with prophetic character to be caught in such a scandal within one’s household?
2. Muhammad and Prostitution Allegations
Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 38, Hadith 4458, narrates that Muhammad sent Ali to punish a male companion who had sexual relations with a female slave owned by Muhammad without his permission. Ali found the girl bleeding, indicating recent intercourse. Muhammad instructed that she not be punished until she healed.
Observation: The very ownership of sex slaves and managing their sexual engagements calls into question the prophetic integrity as understood in biblical standards.
3. Muhammad and Alleged Homosexual Behavior
In Hadith 16,245, narrated by Muawiya ibn Abu Sufyan, it is claimed that Muhammad sucked on the tongue and kissed the lips of his grandson Al-Hassan. This was followed by the assertion that whoever Muhammad did this to would not be punished in hellfire. Similar narrations claim he did so to Ali during illness.
Critical Reflection: Such intimate acts, especially justified with spiritual reward, raise moral and theological concerns regarding the nature of prophetic purity and propriety.
4. Muhammad and Alcohol Consumption
In Sahih Muslim 3753, it is reported that Muhammad asked for and drank strong wine, which led to intoxication.
Query: How could a prophet, whose followers are later forbidden alcohol, justify being intoxicated himself? Is this reflective of divine conduct?
5. Muhammad’s Affliction with Magic and Sorcery
Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 4, Book 54, Hadith 490 and Vol. 7, Book 71, Hadith 658, report that Muhammad was bewitched to the point of delusion. Tafsir by Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Al-Farsy (pp. 977–978) also recounts this incident.
Theological Dilemma: If sorcery is condemned as kufr (disbelief), how could God allow His prophet to be overpowered by it? Was the magic from Allah or from outside forces? What prophet in biblical history was ever bewitched in such a manner?
6. Muhammad's Uncertainty About His Eternal Fate
In Qur’an 46:9, Muhammad is quoted as saying:
“Say: I am not something original among the messengers, and I do not know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me.”
Implication: A prophet of God uncertain about his salvation and that of his followers stands in sharp contrast to Jesus Christ, who declared with authority:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
7. Satan Allegedly Converts to Islam
According to a claim in The Origin of Jinn (p. 20), Muhammad is reported to have converted Satan to Islam.
Theological Question: How can the sworn enemy of God—Satan—be considered a Muslim? If this is true, then Islam becomes the only religion where Satan is accepted as a believer.
Final Reflections
These accounts raise serious theological and moral concerns about the legitimacy of Muhammad’s prophethood. According to both biblical standards and general moral reasoning, the life and character of a prophet should reflect holiness, consistency, and moral clarity. In contrast, Muhammad’s biography—according to Islamic sources—shows inconsistencies, moral failures, and spiritual confusion.
Key Theological Questions for Muslims:
(a) If sorcery is a form of disbelief, what is the connection between Allah and magic if He allowed His prophet to be bewitched?
(b) Were the witches who bewitched Muhammad Muslims or pagans?
(c) Was the magic inflicted on Muhammad sanctioned by Allah or from an opposing force?
(d) Which other prophet in religious history was ever bewitched and deluded?
(e) Which prophet was unsure of his own salvation and the fate of his followers?
Conclusion: Why Follow a Prophet With Demonic Traits?
Considering the above, one must ask: Why abandon Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth, and the Life—for a prophet whose own conduct and confessions contradict divine holiness and certainty?
“...while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)
Come to Jesus, the Living Savior and the True God.
Blessings to you all.
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
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