Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery: A Theological Contrast with Muhammad

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba • Shimba Theological Institute

One of the most striking moral moments in the New Testament occurs when Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11). A hostile crowd drags her before Him, eager to enact the Mosaic penalty—death by stoning. Instead of joining the mob, Jesus responds with a penetrating moral challenge:

“Let the one among you who has never sinned cast the first stone.”

The effect is immediate. One by one, the accusers drop their stones and retreat in shame. Jesus then turns to the terrified woman and says:

“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.”

This moment captures the essence of Christ’s character—perfect justice harmonized with perfect mercy. Jesus does not excuse sin, yet He extends forgiveness, restoration, and human dignity. It is this intersection of holiness and compassion that reveals His divine nature.

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A Different Example in Islamic Tradition

When we turn to the Islamic sources, we encounter a dramatically different portrayal of prophetic leadership. The ḥadīth literature records an incident involving a woman who had committed adultery and became pregnant. According to Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 8:82:814 and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 17:4206, Muhammad ordered that the pregnancy be carried to full term — but after the child was delivered and weaned, the woman was stoned to death.

In this narrative, the woman lives for many months with the dread of impending execution, gives birth, and is then killed as a demonstration of “justice.” The emphasis is not on mercy, redemption, or transformation, but on enforcing a legal code through public, brutal punishment.

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Character and Conduct: A Broader Comparison

The contrast between Jesus and Muhammad extends beyond individual incidents. Islamic tradition itself presents Muhammad as a man who:

• married Aisha at six and consummated the marriage at nine,

• owned, bought, and sold slaves,

• maintained multiple wives and concubines,

• ordered assassinations of those who criticized or mocked him,

• and oversaw or authorized violent campaigns against entire tribes.

Despite these actions, he positioned himself as the ultimate moral arbiter over the private lives of others.

Jesus, by contrast, embodies humility, self-sacrifice, and moral purity. His teachings elevate the human spirit:

• “Love your enemies.”

• “Bless those who persecute you.”

• “The Son of Man came to serve, not to be served.”

He stoops to wash the feet of His disciples, demonstrating that true leadership flows from humility and love. Muhammad, according to the Islamic texts, exercises power through coercion, legal threats, and military domination, reinforced by verses such as Qur’an 9:29, which commands fighting non-believers until they submit and pay tribute.

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Two Leaders, Two Kingdoms

The difference is not merely historical; it is theological. Jesus embodies God’s character—grace, truth, holiness, and love. Muhammad’s conduct, as preserved in the Islamic sources, reflects harshness, violence, and a legalistic system that binds people through fear.

Jesus liberates the guilty through forgiveness.
Muhammad executes the guilty—even as he exempts himself from the standards he imposes.

Jesus brings light, hope, and spiritual transformation.
Muhammad brings law, compulsion, and bloodshed.

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The Ultimate Question

Every generation must ask: What kind of moral and spiritual leadership reflects the character of God?

Jesus behaves as God incarnate—merciful, righteous, self-giving.
Muhammad behaves as a man wielding power—often violently and inconsistently.

There is no neutral ground between these two visions of truth.
One leads to freedom.
The other leads to bondage.

Choose wisely.