MUHAMMAD WAS A GREAT SINNER TO THE EXTENT OF SEEKING FORGIVENESS A HUNDRED TIMES A DAY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MUHAMMAD AND JESUS IN RELATION TO SINLESSNESS AND FORGIVENESS
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
Introduction
The question of sinlessness is central to the identity and authority of any religious figure who claims to mediate between humanity and God. This article examines the admissions of sinfulness by the Prophet Muhammad as reported in Islamic tradition, contrasts it with the biblical testimony concerning the sinlessness of Jesus Christ, and discusses the theological implications for forgiveness and salvation.
Muhammad’s Repeated Pleas for Forgiveness
According to Islamic primary sources, Prophet Muhammad frequently sought forgiveness from God, indicating a consciousness of sin. The hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim states:
“Al-Agharr al-Muzani, who was one of the Companions, reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘There is sometimes a shade upon my heart, and I seek forgiveness from Allah a hundred times a day.’”
(Sahih Muslim, Book 35, Hadith 6522)
The expression “a shade upon my heart” is understood by classical and modern Islamic scholars as an acknowledgment of spiritual imperfection or a lingering sense of guilt. Notably, Muhammad’s need to seek forgiveness a hundred times a day stands as a testament to his acute awareness of his own moral shortcomings.
The Qur’an, on the other hand, exalts Muhammad’s character, stating:
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
(Qur’an 68:4, translation by Muhammad Knut Bernström)
This verse has been interpreted to emphasize Muhammad’s exemplary nature. Yet, the persistent seeking of forgiveness recorded in authentic hadith traditions seems to be in tension with the claim of moral perfection, raising important theological questions.
Universal Sinfulness According to the Bible
Christian doctrine asserts that all humans are sinners. The Apostle Paul affirms:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
(Romans 3:23, ESV)
This universal declaration of sinfulness includes all individuals—prophets and common people alike. If Muhammad is to be included in this universal category, then his repeated pleas for forgiveness are to be expected from a biblical perspective.
Did Muhammad’s Sins Receive Forgiveness?
In his book End of the Line, Reza Safa reports a tradition where Muhammad’s wife Khadija asked him if his sins were forgiven. Muhammad replied that he was not sure whether his own sins were forgiven. This uncertainty is significant because it reveals a lack of assurance regarding divine pardon, even for Islam’s preeminent prophet.
The Sinlessness of Jesus Christ
In stark contrast, the New Testament asserts unequivocally the sinlessness of Jesus Christ. The Epistle to the Hebrews declares:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
(Hebrews 4:15, NIV)
Because Jesus was without sin, He was uniquely qualified to serve as the savior and mediator between God and humanity. The Bible teaches that through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world (cf. 1 Peter 2:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Theological Implications
The significance of these facts is profound. Jesus’ sinlessness enables Him to forgive sins and offer salvation, something Muhammad, by his own admission and Islamic testimony, could not claim for himself. The assurance of salvation and forgiveness in Christianity is grounded in the perfection of Christ, whereas Muhammad’s example is one of continual repentance without certain assurance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Islamic and Christian scriptures acknowledge the reality of human sinfulness. However, only in the person of Jesus Christ does the claim of absolute sinlessness stand, qualifying Him as the savior of humanity. Muslims and all people are therefore invited to come to the Living Jesus, who has the authority and power to forgive sins and grant eternal life.
References
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Sahih Muslim, Book 35, Hadith 6522. Available at: Sunnah.com
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The Holy Qur’an, 68:4. Translation by Muhammad Knut Bernström.
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Safa, Reza F. End of the Line.
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The Holy Bible, Romans 3:23 (ESV).
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The Holy Bible, Hebrews 4:15 (NIV).
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The Holy Bible, 1 Peter 2:22-24 (ESV); 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV).
Bibliography
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Bernström, Muhammad Knut (trans.). The Qur’an: A Contemporary Translation.
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Safa, Reza F. End of the Line.
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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) and New International Version (NIV).
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Sahih Muslim, English translation.
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Sunnah.com for authenticated hadiths.
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
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