Title: Muhammad as a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: A Theological and Historical Analysis of Prophetic Deception in Light of Biblical Standards
Author: Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute, New York, NY
Abstract
This journal article critically examines the prophetic claims of Muhammad through the lens of biblical theology, historical accounts, and Islamic sources, proposing that Muhammad meets the scriptural definition of a "wolf in sheep’s clothing" (Matthew 7:15). This exploration is not intended to incite polemics but to apply rigorous theological and historical scrutiny to the prophet of Islam in contrast with the revealed standards of divine prophecy and messianic truth as preserved in the Judeo-Christian canon.
Introduction
The emergence of prophets throughout history has often accompanied both genuine divine calling and false representation. Jesus Christ warned His followers explicitly, saying, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15, ESV). In the context of eschatology and discernment, this article investigates Muhammad's prophetic role from a biblical and theological standpoint and argues that his teachings and actions demonstrate characteristics aligned with deceptive spiritual leadership.
I. The Biblical Standard of Prophets
According to Deuteronomy 18:20–22, a prophet is authenticated by:
Speaking in the name of the true God, Yahweh.
Speaking only what God commands.
Delivering prophecies that are fulfilled without contradiction.
Maintaining moral and doctrinal consistency with God's established revelation.
Moreover, Isaiah 8:20 asserts, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." This provides a measuring rod against which all prophetic claims must be evaluated.
II. Muhammad’s Prophethood in Islamic Sources
Islamic tradition holds that Muhammad began receiving revelations through the angel Jibril (Gabriel) in the Cave of Hira around 610 CE. However, multiple early Islamic sources present troubling inconsistencies regarding the origin, nature, and content of these revelations. For instance:
The Satanic Verses Incident
According to Al-Tabari and Al-Waqidi, Muhammad allegedly accepted pagan verses praising the Meccan goddesses al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat (cf. Surah An-Najm 53:19–22) and later claimed Satan deceived him. This confession alone, if accurate, directly contradicts the biblical criteria of divine inspiration (cf. Galatians 1:8–9).Doctrinal Divergence
Muhammad denied the crucifixion of Christ (Surah 4:157), rejected the divine Sonship of Jesus (Surah 112:3), and refuted the Trinity—all core tenets of biblical revelation. His teachings are not a continuation of the biblical narrative but a radical departure.Moral Contradictions
Unlike the biblical prophets who were held accountable to God's moral standards, Muhammad’s conduct—e.g., his marriage to Aisha at a very young age, the execution of the Banu Qurayza, and sanctioning temporary marriages (mut’ah)—raises serious ethical concerns when held against the fruits expected of a true prophet (Matthew 7:16–20).
III. The Cloak of Righteousness: Muhammad’s Sheepskin
Muhammad often claimed continuity with the Abrahamic tradition, portraying himself as the final prophet in a long line of biblical figures. Yet, this alignment was superficial and strategic. While adopting elements of Jewish and Christian scriptures, he simultaneously altered or abrogated their core doctrines to fit a new religious and political paradigm under his authority.
Appropriation of Biblical Symbols
Muhammad claimed to restore the "pure monotheism" of Abraham (Surah 2:135), but did so by stripping away the covenantal theology rooted in Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 17:19–21), instead privileging Ishmael.Use of Peaceful Language in Early Meccan Surahs
During his early ministry in Mecca, Muhammad emphasized tolerance and peaceful coexistence. However, once in Medina, the tone of his revelations shifted toward militancy, with calls for jihad (e.g., Surah 9:5, 9:29). This duality reflects a calculated adaptation to political circumstances—a hallmark of deceptive leadership.
IV. Fruits of the Prophet: A New Empire, Not a Kingdom of God
Jesus warned that false prophets would be known by their fruits (Matthew 7:16). The fruits of Muhammad’s ministry were the creation of a militarized religious empire, coercion in belief, and the suppression of dissent. The early Islamic conquests were not primarily spiritual revivals but political expansions. This contrasts starkly with the apostles of Christ, who suffered and died for a non-violent, redemptive gospel rooted in sacrificial love and grace.
V. Eschatological Warnings and Modern Relevance
Jesus prophesied that “many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). Muhammad's influence over 1.9 billion people may be interpreted by some as evidence of divine approval. Yet biblically, numerical success is never the sign of truth (cf. Matthew 7:13–14). In fact, broad acceptance often characterizes deception, especially in the end times. Theologically, Muhammad's legacy aligns not with the suffering servants of the biblical canon but with those who “transform themselves into apostles of Christ, but are false” (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:13–15).
Conclusion
This scholarly investigation contends that Muhammad, examined in light of biblical prophetic criteria and early Islamic sources, fulfills the description of a "wolf in sheep's clothing." His teachings subverted foundational biblical doctrines while cloaking themselves in Abrahamic language. While millions have followed him in sincerity, the theological legacy he left diverges from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, making discernment essential in the age of rising spiritual deception.
References
Al-Tabari, History of the Prophets and Kings, Vol. 6.
Sahih Bukhari, Hadith collections.
The Holy Qur’an, Surahs cited throughout.
The Holy Bible, ESV/NASB.
Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah (The Life of Muhammad).
G. H. A. Juynboll, The Authenticity of the Tradition Literature.
Norman Geisler & Abdul Saleeb, Answering Islam.
Samuel Zwemer, The Cross Above the Crescent.
Author Bio
Dr. Maxwell Shimba is a theologian, scholar of comparative religion, and founder of the Shimba Theological Institute in New York. He specializes in biblical apologetics and Islamic studies with a focus on prophetic authenticity, eschatology, and restoration theology.
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