The Prophethood of Muhammad: A Critical Theological Evaluation

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

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Abstract

This paper critically evaluates the prophetic claims of Muhammad, the founder of Islam, in light of biblical standards of prophecy and the ethical requirements of divine revelation. Drawing upon primary Islamic sources—the Qur’an and Hadith—this study demonstrates that Muhammad’s teachings elevate superstition, institutionalize misogyny, legitimize violence, and centralize devotion around himself, thereby diverging from the prophetic pattern established in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The contrast between Muhammad and Jesus highlights that Muhammad cannot be considered a true prophet of God but rather a counterfeit leader whose message obscures divine truth.

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Introduction

Throughout history, prophets have been understood as God’s chosen instruments, communicating His truth and guiding people toward holiness. The Bible defines a prophet as one who speaks in God’s name, proclaims His word faithfully, and whose predictions or teachings align with divine revelation (Deuteronomy 18:20–22; Jeremiah 23:16–22). Islam, however, regards Muhammad as the “seal of the prophets” (Qur’an 33:40).

This paper examines Muhammad’s prophetic claim by analyzing his teachings and actions through the lens of both biblical revelation and Islamic sources. The goal is to assess whether Muhammad can legitimately be regarded as a prophet of God or whether his prophethood represents a distortion of divine truth.

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Methodology

This study employs a comparative theological method, drawing upon primary Islamic texts (the Qur’an and canonical Hadith collections) alongside biblical revelation. The analysis is structured around four thematic areas: (1) superstition and pseudo-revelation, (2) moral and ethical contradictions, (3) cultic self-exaltation, and (4) violence and coercion. A final section contrasts Muhammad with Jesus Christ, the ultimate revelation of God, thereby situating Muhammad’s claims within a Christian apologetic framework.

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Analysis

1. Superstition and Pseudo-Revelation

Muhammad’s teachings frequently elevate cultural practices to divine law. Examples include:

• Camel urine as medicine (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book 82, Hadith 794).

• Black dogs declared devils (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 9, Hadith 3504).

• Adult breastfeeding ruling (Sahih Muslim, Book 8, Hadith 3425).

These rulings reflect folkloric customs rather than divine revelation, contrasting sharply with the biblical prophets who proclaimed timeless truth rooted in God’s holiness.

2. Moral and Ethical Contradictions

Muhammad’s personal conduct and rulings raise serious ethical concerns:

• Child marriage – Marriage to Aisha at age six, consummated at nine (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Book 62, Hadith 64).

• Concubinage through war captives – Permitted in Qur’an 4:24 and 33:50.

• Women deemed deficient – Their testimony valued as half that of a man (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 48, Hadith 826).

Such practices contradict the biblical vision of human dignity (Genesis 1:27) and holiness.

3. Cultic Self-Exaltation

Muhammad centralized devotion around himself:

• Believers commanded to send blessings upon him (Qur’an 33:56).

• Obedience to him equated with obedience to God (Qur’an 4:80).

This self-elevation reflects authoritarian control rather than prophetic humility. By contrast, biblical prophets consistently directed worship exclusively to God.

4. Violence and Religious Coercion

Muhammad’s mission incorporated violence and compulsion:

• Violence against unbelievers (Qur’an 9:5).

• Fighting until universal Islamic submission (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 25).

Such coercion stands in direct opposition to Jesus’ teaching of peace and love for enemies (Matthew 5:44; Matthew 26:52).

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5. The Contrast with Jesus Christ

The comparison between Muhammad and Jesus is decisive:

• Sinlessness vs. moral indulgence – Jesus was without sin (Hebrews 4:15); Muhammad engaged in ethically problematic practices.

• Elevation of women vs. degradation of women – Jesus honored women as disciples and witnesses (John 20:11–18); Muhammad institutionalized their subordination.

• Humility vs. self-exaltation – Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14–15); Muhammad demanded prayers for himself.

• Peace vs. violence – Jesus rejected coercion (Matthew 26:52); Muhammad embraced it (Sahih Bukhari 1:2:25).

• Salvation by grace vs. legalistic submission – Jesus offered salvation through faith and grace (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8–9); Muhammad presented obedience to law as the path to divine favor.

In the biblical framework, Jesus Christ is not merely a prophet but the final and complete revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1–2), the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:14), and the only mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

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Conclusion

A critical evaluation of Muhammad’s prophetic claims demonstrates that he does not meet the biblical standard of a prophet. His teachings promote superstition, misogyny, coercion, and self-glorification, diverging sharply from the prophetic tradition of Scripture.

In contrast, Jesus Christ fulfills the prophetic role perfectly, embodying holiness, humility, peace, and ultimate revelation. Whereas Muhammad’s message reflects distortion and counterfeit revelation, Christ reveals the fullness of God’s truth and redemption.

Thus, from a Christian theological perspective, Muhammad cannot be regarded as a true prophet but must be understood as a false prophet. The final Word of God is found not in Muhammad but in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world.

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References

• The Qur’an (Surah 4:24, 4:80, 9:5, 33:40, 33:50, 33:56).

• Hadith Collections: Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Ibn Majah.

• The Holy Bible: Genesis 1:27; Deuteronomy 18:20–22; Jeremiah 23:16–22; John 1:14; John 3:16; John 13:14–15; John 20:11–18; Matthew 5:44; Matthew 26:52; Hebrews 1:1–2; Hebrews 4:15; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 Timothy 2:5.