Thursday, July 10, 2025

MUHAMMAD: THE FALSE PROPHET

A Critical Examination of Prophethood in Light of Biblical and Islamic Claims

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Max Shimba Ministries Org.

Abstract

This article examines the prophetic claims of Muhammad in contrast with biblical prophets. While all biblical prophets had direct encounters and conversations with God, the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, according to Islamic sources and the Qur’an, never claimed a direct conversation with Allah. Instead, his call to prophethood is rooted in psychological experiences and familial assurance, particularly from his wife, Khadija. This paper analyzes Islamic texts and compares Muhammad’s experience with the biblical paradigm of authentic prophethood, concluding with a call to re-examine the basis of Muhammad’s authority.

Introduction

Throughout history, the role of a prophet has carried profound religious and spiritual significance. The biblical tradition, both Old and New Testament, affirms that true prophets have a direct encounter or dialogue with God (cf. Exodus 3:1–21; 1 Kings 19; Acts 18:9). However, the claim of Muhammad as a prophet in Islam raises critical questions, especially when contrasted with the prophetic narratives of the Bible. This paper revisits these claims and scrutinizes the basis of Muhammad’s prophethood using both Islamic and Christian sources.

The Meaning of the Word “Prophet”

The Swahili term “mtume” is derived from the concept of a “messenger” or “one who is sent.” In biblical context, an apostle or prophet is not only sent by God but also engages in direct communion with the Divine (see Exodus 3:4; 1 Samuel 3:4; Isaiah 6:8). This standard of direct encounter forms a critical criterion for authentic prophethood.

Muhammad’s Prophetic Experience: An Analysis

1. Muhammad Was Not Sent by God

There is no verse in the Qur’an that unequivocally states Muhammad spoke directly with Allah, the one who allegedly appointed him as a prophet.[1] Unlike Moses, Elijah, or Paul—each of whom had direct divine conversations (Exodus 3:1–21; 1 Kings 19; Acts 18:9)—Muhammad’s revelations came through intermediary experiences, most notably the angel Jibril (Gabriel), and never a personal encounter with Allah.

2. Muhammad Was Appointed by His Wife

Islamic tradition reports that following his first revelatory experiences in the cave of Hira, Muhammad returned home in terror and confusion, fearing for his sanity and well-being. It was Khadija, his wife, who reassured him, allegedly declaring,

“Rejoice, O son of my uncle, and be of good heart. By Him in whose hand is Khadija’s soul, I hope that you will be the Prophet of this people.”
(Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah)

Thus, Muhammad’s prophethood was initially affirmed by familial encouragement rather than a direct, public commission from God.

3. Muhammad’s Experiences with Demonic Forces

Islamic sources themselves narrate that Muhammad was plagued by experiences that he interpreted as being under the influence of evil spirits (jinn or shayatin) from childhood and during his first “revelation.”

Born with Satan:
Abu Huraira narrated that, “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was accompanied by a devil since his birth…”
(Fath al-Bari, Volume 6, p. 389)
Tormented by Spirits:
After his first experience in the cave, Muhammad was reported to have said,

“I fear for myself, I am afraid that something may happen to me,”
and fell into convulsions and fever, fearing possession by demons.
(Kitab al-Kubra an-Nisa, p. 12)

The Biblical Model: Prophets Who Spoke With God

All authentic prophets in the biblical narrative spoke with God directly:

Moses: Spoke with God face to face (Exodus 3:1–21).
Elijah: Dialogued with God on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19).
Paul: The risen Christ appeared and spoke to him (Acts 18:9).

No biblical prophet received their commission through mere intermediaries or through psychological crises alone.

Critical Questions for Islamic Prophethood

If Muhammad never spoke directly with Allah, how can his prophetic authority be substantiated? What is the basis of his calling? How can one trust a messenger who was plagued by doubts and fears, whose prophetic claim was affirmed by his wife rather than God?

Conclusion

The evidence from both the Qur’an and Islamic traditions themselves casts serious doubt on the legitimacy of Muhammad’s prophethood when compared to the biblical model. The absence of direct communication with God, psychological disturbances, and familial affirmation rather than divine calling are issues that must be addressed by those who seek truth. Christians are called to place their faith in Jesus Christ—the Living and Supreme God—who has spoken clearly in history.

References

Qur’an: Nowhere does the Qur’an record a direct conversation between Muhammad and Allah.
Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah: The earliest biography of Muhammad, reports the reassurance given by Khadija.
Fath al-Bari (فتح الباري), Commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, p. 389.
Kitab al-Kubra an-Nisa (كتاب الكبرى النساء), p. 12.
The Bible:
- Exodus 3:1–21 (Moses and God)
- 1 Kings 19 (Elijah and God)
- Acts 18:9 (Paul and God)
Sahih al-Bukhari: Collection of hadiths
The Holy Qur’an: Multiple translations and tafsir
Ibn Sa’d, Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir: Early Islamic biography
W. Montgomery Watt, Muhammad at Mecca
William Lane Craig, Reasonable Faith

Bibliography

Ibn Ishaq. Sirat Rasul Allah.
Al-Asqalani, Ibn Hajar. Fath al-Bari.
Al-Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Ismail. Sahih al-Bukhari.
The Holy Qur’an. Various translations.
The Holy Bible. Various translations.
Ibn Sa’d. Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir.
William Lane Craig. Reasonable Faith.
W. Montgomery Watt. Muhammad at Mecca.
Max Shimba Ministries Org. “Muhammad is a False Prophet.”
“Kitabu cha Wakeze Mtume Wakubwa na Wanawe.”
Other standard reference works in Islamic and biblical scholarship.

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