A Biblical and Theological Refutation of Islamic Claims
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute | Max Shimba Ministries
Date: April 10, 2016
Introduction
This article addresses a recurring claim by many Muslims: that Muhammad, or in some interpretations, the angel Jibril (Gabriel), is the "Spirit of Truth" mentioned by Jesus in the Gospel of John 16:12–14. This assertion, according to Islamic apologetics, implies that Muhammad was prophesied in the Christian Bible. However, a close and contextual reading of the relevant biblical texts, especially in the Gospel of John, clearly demonstrates that the Spirit of Truth refers not to Muhammad or any angelic being, but to the Holy Spirit—God Himself.
Muslim Claim: Who is the Spirit of Truth?
Many Muslims often ask: Who is the Spirit of Truth that Jesus promised in John 16:12–14? When questioned, they claim that the Spirit of Truth refers either to Muhammad or to the angel Jibril. However, such interpretations fall apart under scriptural scrutiny.
John 16:13 (KJV) says:
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
In the context of John chapters 14–16, Jesus is clearly speaking to His disciples shortly before His crucifixion, referring to the Holy Spirit, whom He will send after His ascension. The Spirit of Truth is identified as divine, active within the lives of the disciples, and present within them—not as a future prophet or angel who comes 600 years later.
Scriptural Evidences from the Gospel of John
Below are 15 scriptural evidences from the Gospel of John proving that Muhammad is not the Spirit of Truth and Jibril is not the Holy Spirit.
1. John 1:32
"And John bore record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him [Jesus]."
The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism in visible form. Muhammad neither descended from heaven like a dove nor was present at Jesus' baptism. Moreover, Muhammad came over six centuries later and was never seen by John the Baptist.
2. John 1:33
"And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, 'Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.'"
John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Muhammad never baptized anyone, and certainly not with the Holy Spirit.
3. John 3:5
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
No one can enter God's Kingdom unless they are born of the Spirit. Muhammad does not impart the Holy Spirit, nor does he bring spiritual rebirth.
4. John 3:6
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
Muhammad was born of the flesh, and never claimed to be born of the Spirit. In contrast, the Holy Spirit is the one who begets spiritual life.
5. John 3:8
"The wind bloweth where it listeth... so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
The Spirit is likened to the wind—unpredictable and sovereign. Muhammad was a man confined to a specific time, place, and culture. He does not fit this spiritual description.
6. John 3:34
"For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him."
Jesus received the fullness of the Spirit without measure. Muhammad, however, claimed revelations from Jibril (not the Spirit Himself) and did not claim to have divine omniscience or omnipotence.
7. John 4:24
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
God is Spirit—not Muhammad, not Jibril. The Holy Spirit is a divine person, not a mortal prophet or a created angel.
8. John 6:63
"It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Only the Spirit gives life. Muhammad does not and cannot give eternal life. Jesus' words are Spirit and life, a divine quality absent in Muhammad’s teachings.
9. John 7:39
"But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified."
This verse refers to the future indwelling of the Holy Spirit for all believers in Jesus. It does not refer to Muhammad, who was never promised to believers in Christ.
10. John 14:16–18
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;
Even the Spirit of truth... ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
Jesus refers to a Person who will dwell within believers—not someone who would come 600 years later to deliver external messages. Muhammad never dwelled in the hearts of the disciples.
11. John 14:26
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
Jesus identifies the Comforter as the Holy Spirit. Not a man. Not Muhammad. The Holy Spirit comes in Jesus’ name, not his own.
12. John 15:26
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth... he shall testify of me."
The Spirit testifies of Christ. Muhammad denied the divine sonship of Jesus and did not bear witness to Him. Therefore, he disqualifies himself as the Spirit of Truth.
13. John 16:13
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth... and he will shew you things to come."
The Spirit was to come shortly after Christ’s ascension, guiding the apostles directly—not centuries later to a different audience, in a different language, and denying Christ’s deity.
14. John 16:15
"All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you."
The Spirit reveals the things of Christ. Muhammad never claimed to be indwelt by Christ, nor did he teach from Christ’s authority or glorify Him.
15. John 20:21–22
"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost."
Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to His disciples directly—not through Muhammad, who was not born until centuries later. This marks the clear fulfillment of Jesus' promise.
Conclusion: The Spirit of Truth is Not Muhammad or Jibril
Through careful exegesis of the Gospel of John, we conclude decisively and biblically:
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Muhammad is not the Spirit of Truth.
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Jibril is not the Holy Spirit.
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The Holy Spirit is God—the Third Person of the Trinity, promised by Jesus, given to His disciples at Pentecost, and continuing to dwell in believers today.
Jesus did not leave His disciples to wait 600 years for a mortal man to deliver final truth. He gave them the Holy Spirit—immediately, eternally, and personally.
In His Service,
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Founder, Max Shimba Ministries
Shimba Theological Institute
© Max Shimba Ministries 2016. All Rights Reserved.
Permission granted to copy and distribute this article without modification.
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