Why Do Muslims Use the Bible to Support the Prophecy of Muhammad, Son of Amina?
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
Islamic apologists often attempt to locate references to the Prophet Muhammad in the Bible. One commonly cited passage is Isaiah 29:12:
"Then the book was given to a man who had no understanding, and he said, ‘Please read it.’ And he said, ‘I have no understanding.’"
Muslims interpret this verse as evidence that Muhammad, who was reportedly illiterate, was prophesied in the Bible. However, a careful examination of Isaiah 29 in its entirety reveals a broader context that challenges this interpretation.
1. The Textual Context of Isaiah 29
Chapter 29 addresses Ariel (Jerusalem) and the people of Judah, pronouncing judgment due to their rebellion against God’s laws (Isaiah 29:1–10). The chapter describes a people spiritually blind and deaf to God’s word, including even prophets and seers. Verses 11–12 emphasize that both the learned and the unlearned cannot comprehend God’s message:
“All the visions have become to you like the words of a sealed book… Then the book was given to someone who has no understanding, and he said, ‘Please read this’; and he said, ‘I have no understanding.’”
This context clearly situates the passage as judgment on Judah, not as a prophecy of a future prophet.
2. Islamic Interpretation
Islamic scholars often argue:
The “book” in Isaiah represents the Qur’an.
The “unlearned person” is Muhammad, who could not read prior to receiving revelation.
This interpretation is theological, not based on historical or literary analysis of the biblical text. It draws parallels between the illiteracy of Muhammad and the figure described in Isaiah 29:12.
3. Classical Biblical Scholarship Perspective
Historical context: Isaiah lived in the 8th century BCE, centuries before Muhammad.
Literary context: The passage describes Jerusalem’s rebellion and spiritual blindness, using metaphorical language.
No explicit reference: There is no mention of Arabia, Muhammad, or a prophet outside Israel.
Conclusion: The text does not support the claim that Muhammad is prophesied in Isaiah 29.
4. Comparative Verification Table
| Interpretation | Basis | Scholarly Support |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic Apologetic View | Isaiah’s “unlearned man” = Muhammad; “book” = Qur’an | Present in some Islamic literature (quranaloneislam.org) |
| Biblical Scholarship | Isaiah 29 addresses Jerusalem and Judah; metaphor for spiritual blindness | Widely supported by Christian and Jewish commentators (answering-islam.org) |
5. Challenging Questions for Critical Thinking
To deepen understanding and test the validity of interpretations, consider these questions:
Historical Challenge: How can a passage written in the 8th century BCE, concerning Jerusalem and Judah, be verified as a prophecy about someone living in 7th century CE Arabia?
Textual Challenge: Does Isaiah 29:12 explicitly mention Arabia, Muhammad, or the Qur’an? If not, how valid is the claim of prophecy?
Contextual Challenge: Considering the broader context of Isaiah 29 (judgment on Jerusalem), how does the Islamic interpretation account for verses 1–11 and 13–24?
Logical Challenge: If the “book” is the Qur’an, and the unlearned man is Muhammad, why does the text describe judgment and spiritual blindness rather than the reception of divine truth?
Comparative Challenge: Are there other biblical passages where prophecy is clearly fulfilled in someone outside Israel? How does Isaiah 29 compare to these examples?
Epistemological Challenge: Can theological interpretation alone (without historical or textual support) be considered sufficient evidence for prophecy?
Verification Challenge: What sources outside the Islamic tradition (archaeological, historical, linguistic) could confirm or contradict the claim?
6. Conclusion
Isaiah 29:12, when read in context, does not support the Islamic claim that Muhammad was prophesied in the Bible. The passage is part of a broader declaration of judgment on Judah, emphasizing spiritual blindness and the inability to comprehend God’s word.
Muslims’ interpretation relies on theological symbolism, which lacks historical or literary verification. Believers are encouraged to carefully examine scriptural context and engage critically with such claims.
Shalom,
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Servant of Jesus Christ, the Most High God (Titus 2:13)
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