Additional Controversial Characteristics Recorded in Islamic Traditions

Additional Controversial Characteristics Recorded in Islamic Traditions

1. He claimed revelations only when convenient

In several hadith, revelations appeared exactly when they solved his personal or political problems (e.g., Qur’an 33:37 regarding Zaynab).

2. He married his adopted son’s wife

The marriage to Zaynab bint Jahsh, formerly the wife of his adopted son Zayd, caused scandal even among his companions (Qur’an 33:37–40).

3. He allowed temporary marriages (Mut’ah)

Mut’ah (temporary sexual contracts) were practiced during Muhammad’s time, later banned by Umar, showing internal contradictions in Islamic law.

4. He approved the killing of critics

Biographical sources record the assassinations of poets and critics such as Ka’b bin al-Ashraf and Asma bint Marwan.

5. He ordered violent raids on caravans

Early Islamic expansion involved economic raids (ghazawat), including the raid on the Quraysh caravan that triggered the Battle of Badr.

6. He married multiple women for political reasons

His marriages often strengthened tribal alliances; this is acknowledged in classical Islamic scholarship.

7. He cursed entire groups of people

Hadith collections record him cursing groups such as women, Jews, poets, and tribes that opposed him.

8. He claimed special privileges to break moral laws

Islamic law gives Muhammad exceptions: more wives, exemption from certain restrictions, special allowances on marriage, etc.

9. He believed magic was cast on him

Sahih al‑Bukhari states that Muhammad believed he was magically bewitched and unable to distinguish reality.

10. He engaged in harsh punishments

Reports describe beheading, amputation, and severe retribution against opponents (e.g., the Banu Qurayza incident).

11. He spoke words not found in the Qur’an

Hadith record that verses were eaten by a sheep, others forgotten, others abrogated — raising questions of textual stability.

12. He allowed beating of women

Sahih Hadith record permission to strike a disobedient wife, though not severely.

13. He claimed the Qur’an was protected but also missing verses

Islamic tradition acknowledges missing or forgotten verses after his death, such as the verse of stoning.

14. He declared himself the final prophet based on personal testimony

No external witness or prophecy (from Torah or Gospel) confirms this claim; the testimony comes from Muhammad alone.

15. He allowed child concubinage with slave girls

Concubines like Maria the Copt were taken as part of war spoils, including sexual relations without formal marriage.

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