Muhammad in Bible lets chek it from the Bible
Muhammad in Bible: In Islamic belief, the Quran contains several references to the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in earlier scriptures, including the Old and New Testaments. These prophecies, particularly those mentioned in the Christian texts, are seen as indicators of the arrival of the final messenger to guide humanity. Here, we explore these prophecies in the New Testament and how they align with the Islamic view of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
1. Deuteronomy 18:18
“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.”
- Islamic scholars argue that “a prophet like you (Moses)” refers to Muhammad, as both shared significant roles as lawgivers, leaders, and prophets.
2. Muhammad with name in bible Song of Solomon 5:16
Dr. Zakir Naik often interprets Muhammad with name in Bible Song of Solomon 5:16 as a reference to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He highlights the word “Machamadim” (מַחֲמַדִּים), which appears in the original Hebrew text. According to him:
- “Machamadim” and Muhammad: The root word “Machamad” closely resembles the name “Muhammad,” both phonetically and semantically. In Hebrew, the suffix -im is a plural of respect, so Machamadim can be understood as “The Praised One” when translated into Arabic or referenced in this way.
- Contextual Relevance: While the traditional Biblical interpretation understands the verse as a poetic expression of admiration for a beloved, Dr. Naik asserts that this admiration can prophetically apply to Muhammad (pbuh) as one who was praised and beloved by many.
- Key Point of Debate: Dr. Naik notes that while Jewish and Christian scholars often reject this interpretation, he believes it aligns with the Qur’anic assertion that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is foretold in earlier scriptures like the Torah and the Bible (e.g., Qur’an 7:157).
While this interpretation is significant in Islamic theology and comparative religion, it remains a matter of theological debate between Muslims and others. For Dr. Naik, this verse serves as a bridge for interfaith dialogue, encouraging people to explore scripture with an open mind.
The Prophecies of Prophet Muhammad in the Gospel of John
Several verses in the Gospel of John are seen as prophecies of the coming of a future prophet, who fits the description of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
1. John 14:16 – The Comforter
In John 14:16, Jesus (PBUH) speaks of a “Comforter” who will come after him:
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…”
While many Christians interpret this as a reference to the Holy Spirit, Islamic scholars argue that this prophecy cannot refer to the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit was already present during Jesus’ life. Instead, it refers to the coming of a human messenger who will be with humanity forever, fitting the description of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
2. John 15:26 – The Comforter Glorifies Jesus
In John 15:26, Jesus continues to speak about the Comforter:
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about me.”
This prophecy aligns with the Islamic view that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) glorified Jesus (PBUH) and confirmed his message, just as the Comforter is described as bearing witness to Jesus.
3. John 16:7 – The Comforter’s Coming After Jesus’ Departure
In John 16:7, Jesus (PBUH) says:
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
Here, Jesus indicates that only after his departure will the Comforter arrive. The Holy Spirit was already present during Jesus’ lifetime, so this statement suggests a different figure—one who would come after Jesus, which Muslims believe to be Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Spirit of Truth and Its Connection to Prophet Muhammad
Muhammad in Bible: In John 16:12-14, Jesus (PBUH) speaks further about the Spirit of Truth:
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth…”
This prophecy aligns with the characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He received the revelation of the Quran, which guides all of humanity into truth. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not speak from his own accord but conveyed exactly what was revealed to him by Allah.
The Prophecies of Muhammad and the Glorification of Jesus
Muhammad in Bible: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is known for glorifying Jesus (PBUH) in the Quran and Hadith. The Quran speaks highly of Jesus (PBUH), affirming his miraculous birth, his status as the Messiah, and his miracles. Muslims believe in Jesus as one of the mightiest messengers of Allah, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is seen as the one who confirmed and praised Jesus’ message, aligning with the prophecy in
John 16:14: “He will glorify me…”
Muhammad and Bible Deuteronomy 18:18
Dr. Zakir Naik Muhammad and Bible interpret Deuteronomy 18:18 as a prophecy about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The verse reads:
“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.”
Here’s how Dr. Zakir Naik explains its connection to Prophet Muhammad:
1. “A Prophet like You” – Similarity to Moses
Dr. Naik emphasizes that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is more similar to Prophet Moses (pbuh) than Jesus (pbuh) based on various aspects:
- Birth: Both Moses and Muhammad were born naturally, while Jesus had a miraculous birth.
- Role: Both Moses and Muhammad were prophets and statesmen, leading their people politically and spiritually, unlike Jesus, who primarily served as a spiritual leader.
- Law: Both brought comprehensive laws (Torah for Moses and Qur’an for Muhammad), whereas Jesus stated he came to fulfill the law, not to establish a new one.
2. “From Among Their Brothers”
Dr. Naik points out that the term “brothers” refers to the descendants of Ishmael, who were the brothers of the Israelites (descendants of Isaac). Muhammad (pbuh), being an Arab and a descendant of Ishmael, fulfills this requirement.
3. “I Will Put My Words in His Mouth”
This is interpreted as referring to how Muhammad (pbuh) received divine revelation:
- The Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad directly through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), and he recited it verbatim as the words of God, without alteration or personal input.
- This is seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy where God says He will “put His words” in the mouth of the prophet.
4. Not Jesus but Muhammad
Dr. Naik argues that this prophecy does not refer to Jesus for the following reasons:
- Jesus was an Israelite, not from the “brothers” of the Israelites (Ishmaelites).
- Jesus consistently stated that he came to fulfill the existing law, not establish a new one.
- The nature of Jesus’ mission and life does not align closely with Moses in the way Muhammad’s does.
Paraclete: A Title That Fits Prophet Muhammad
Muhammad in Bible: The term “Paraclete” used in the Gospel is sometimes translated as “Comforter” or “Advocate.” However, the Greek word “Paracletos” has a deeper meaning—it refers to one who praises or the praiseworthy. This title matches the name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as he is often described as the “one who praises” or “the praiseworthy”.
The Quranic Reference to the Prophecy of Muhammad and Bible
Muhammad in Bible: The Quran confirms the presence of prophecies about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Jewish and Christian scriptures. In Surah Al-A’raf (7:157), Allah states:
“Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own scriptures—in the Torah and the Gospel…”
This is further emphasized in Surah As-Saff (61:6), where it says:
“And [remember] when Jesus, son of Mary, said: O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you, confirming what came before me of the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad…”
Muhammad in Bible: This points to the arrival of a messenger after Jesus (PBUH), whom Muslims believe to be Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
As mentioned in the Quran, Surah Al-Kawthar (108:1-3):
“Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], the abundance. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]. Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off.”
Muhammad in Bible: This highlights the ultimate role of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the final messenger sent by Allah, confirming all previous prophets, including Jesus (PBUH).
Conclusion: Muhammad in the Christian Scriptures
Muhammad in Bible: In conclusion, the prophecies of a coming Comforter or Advocate in the New Testament align closely with the characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The references in the Gospel of John, particularly in chapters 14, 15, and 16, are interpreted by Islamic scholars as pointing directly to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These prophecies, coupled with the Quranic confirmation of Muhammad’s (PBUH) role, serve as a testament to the continuity of divine guidance across the Abrahamic faiths.
