Two Reasons Why Mohammed Is Not a Prophet

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute, New York, NY

Introduction

The claim of Mohammed’s prophethood has been a central theological point of contention between Islam and Christianity. While Muslims revere Mohammed as the “Seal of the Prophets,” a closer examination of both scriptural evidence and historical tradition raises serious doubts about this assertion. In particular, two issues stand out: (1) the so-called Seal of Prophethood represented by a physical mole, and (2) the method by which Mohammed received his alleged revelations. Both diverge sharply from the biblical model of authentic prophecy.

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1. The “Seal of Prophethood” and the Hairy Mole

Islamic tradition maintains that Mohammed bore a large, raised, hairy mole on his back, which was interpreted by his followers as the “Seal of Prophethood.” This physical mark was taken as a sign of divine calling and authority. However, such a notion finds no precedent in biblical prophecy.

In Scripture, prophets are not authenticated by physical traits but by their spiritual election and their faithfulness in delivering God’s Word. Moses, despite his speech impediment, was chosen by God because God equips those He calls (Exodus 4:10–12). Likewise, David was selected not for outward appearance but for the condition of his heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The biblical pattern demonstrates that God’s call is rooted in inner character and divine commission, not in physical anomalies.

Thus, the reliance on a bodily mark—a mole—as proof of prophetic status departs from the biblical framework and reduces prophecy to a superstition rooted in external signs rather than divine election and spiritual authority.

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2. The Method of Revelation

A second issue lies in the manner in which Mohammed reportedly received his revelations. According to Islamic tradition and Qur’anic testimony (Qur’an 2:97; 16:102; 26:192–195), Mohammed did not hear directly from God but relied on the mediation of an angel, identified as Jibreel (Gabriel).

This sharply contrasts the biblical prophetic model. Scripture consistently records prophets receiving God’s Word directly, often introduced with the authoritative declaration: “Thus says the Lord” (Isaiah 1:10; Jeremiah 1:4; Ezekiel 1:3). Amos 3:7 reinforces this principle: “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” The absence of an intermediary is crucial, for biblical prophecy emphasizes the immediacy of God’s voice to His chosen messengers.

Even more troubling are the Islamic accounts of Mohammed’s initial encounter with the angel. Tradition reports that Mohammed was physically seized and choked, leaving him shaken, fearful, and doubtful of the experience. This violent initiation stands in stark opposition to the biblical record. When God called Samuel, it was a gentle, persistent summons (1 Samuel 3:4–10). When Moses encountered God in the burning bush, it was profound, awe-inspiring, yet peaceful (Exodus 3:1–6). Divine encounters in Scripture inspire reverence and holy fear but not physical harm or confusion.

Furthermore, the Qur’an itself acknowledges that Mohammed did not converse directly with Allah (Qur’an 53:10–11), underscoring the lack of immediacy that characterizes true biblical prophecy.

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Conclusion

The claims of Mohammed’s prophethood collapse when tested against the biblical model. A prophet authenticated by a mole, who never spoke directly to God, and who received messages through traumatic and mediated encounters, cannot be reconciled with the prophetic standards established in Scripture. Genuine prophecy is confirmed not by external marks or coercive experiences but by direct, unmistakable communication from God and the faithful transmission of His Word.

Therefore, Mohammed’s claim to prophethood cannot be sustained. Rather than revealing divine truth, his message represents a distortion of it. The God of the Bible does not validate His messengers with moles or choking—His truth is communicated with clarity, authority, and unmistakable divine presence.

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📖 Pictured is the so-called “Seal of the Prophets” as described in Islamic tradition, believed to have appeared on the back of Mohammed, a middle-aged illiterate man.

Reference: Description of the Seal of Prophethood – Link

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