Jesus is Alive, Muhammad is Dead: A Biblical and Quranic Perspective

Jesus is Alive, Muhammad is Dead: A Biblical and Quranic Perspective
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute

When we examine the claims of Islam and the Bible side by side, a striking contrast emerges in how both scriptures portray the fate of prophets. The Quran teaches that all prophets—from Adam to Muhammad—experienced death, were buried, and underwent the natural process of bodily decay. According to Islamic teaching, even Muhammad, the final prophet, passed away, was buried, and his body decomposed like any other human being.

Yet, the narrative around Jesus (Isa) in the Quran diverges dramatically. Quran 4:157–158 states:

“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear to them so. And indeed, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.”

Here, Allah appears to exempt Jesus from the universal human experience of death and decay. While Muhammad dies, rots, and is buried, Jesus is lifted directly to heaven, untouched and uncorrupted. This selective treatment raises a fundamental question about consistency: why would Allah allow worms to consume one prophet but not another?

The Bible provides further insight and clarity. Psalm 16:10 (NKJV) declares:

“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”

The Psalm explicitly predicts that the Messiah’s body would not decay—affirming that Jesus’ resurrection and ascension were foretold long before the events recorded in the Gospels. Acts 2:31 reiterates this truth, explaining Peter’s sermon to the crowd:

“…he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.”

From a biblical perspective, Jesus’ survival from decay is not inconsistent; it is a fulfillment of prophecy. His ascension and eternal life are part of a divine plan that distinguishes Him from all other prophets.

The contrast becomes even more stark when considering the Islamic narrative of the virgin birth. Maryam conceives Isa without a human father, emphasizing divine intervention (Quran 3:47, 19:20–21). Yet, when Muhammad suffers and dies, the Quran treats him as an ordinary human, subject to mortality (Quran 33:40). This raises the question of selective miraculous intervention: extraordinary protection for one, natural mortality for another.

Logic and fairness demand clarity. The Bible presents Jesus as fully human and fully divine, fulfilling prophecy and defeating decay. Islam, while venerating Jesus, creates an inconsistency by exempting Him from a reality all other prophets—including Muhammad—share.

In conclusion, a careful comparison shows:

• Muhammad, like all humans, dies and decays.

• Jesus, as predicted in Scripture, rises from death and does not see corruption.

• This distinction is not arbitrary; it is part of the biblical narrative of salvation.

The call for Muslims and all seekers of truth is simple: examine the scriptures carefully, consider the consistency of divine action, and reflect on the unique role Jesus holds in biblical prophecy. Understanding these differences illuminates a profound theological truth: Jesus is alive today, reigning in heaven, while Muhammad remains a mortal man who experienced death like any human.

The truth is not complicated—it is consistent, logical, and biblically sound.

Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

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