MUHAMMADA CHRISTIAN CRITIQUE

20112011Jay SmithJay Smith

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Muhammad’s Muhammad’s BiographiesBiographies• 1,548 biographies have been listed 1,548 biographies have been listed (Hamadeh 1965:112-283; taken from (Hamadeh 1965:112-283; taken from

Royster 1972:49)Royster 1972:49)

• Karen ArmstrongKaren Armstrong: Muhammad was the man “who gave : Muhammad was the man “who gave birth to a literary masterpiece, created a major religion birth to a literary masterpiece, created a major religion and founded a world power, whose descendants are and founded a world power, whose descendants are viewed as a profound threat to Western civilization” viewed as a profound threat to Western civilization” (Armstrong 1992:back cover)(Armstrong 1992:back cover)

• W.Montgomery WattW.Montgomery Watt: Muhammad was a “seer..a : Muhammad was a “seer..a statesman, and an administrator” statesman, and an administrator” (Watt 1961:237)(Watt 1961:237)

• Maxine RodinsonMaxine Rodinson: Muhammad was an ideal, “the : Muhammad was an ideal, “the utopia that has never been achieved [which] is always utopia that has never been achieved [which] is always before us” before us”

• Michael CookMichael Cook: Muhammad was a historical figure whose : Muhammad was a historical figure whose historicity yet leaves us much in doubt historicity yet leaves us much in doubt (Cook 1983:61)(Cook 1983:61)

• Alfred GuillaumeAlfred Guillaume:: Gives us the closest and best translation of Ibn Hisham’s biography.

II The Classical AccountThe Classical Account

• 570570 Muhammad was bornMuhammad was born

• 610610 Met ‘Jibril’ in the Hira CaveMet ‘Jibril’ in the Hira Cave

• 610-622610-622 Received ‘Meccan Received ‘Meccan Revelations’Revelations’

• 622622 ‘Hijra’ from Mecca to Medina‘Hijra’ from Mecca to Medina

• 622-632622-632 Received ‘Medinan Received ‘Medinan Revelations’Revelations’

• 624624 ‘Mi’raj’ to the 7 heavens (5 prayers)‘Mi’raj’ to the 7 heavens (5 prayers)

• 630630 Conquered Mecca peacefullyConquered Mecca peacefully• 632632 Died (poisoning?)…no written Qur’anDied (poisoning?)…no written Qur’an04/18/2304/18/23

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2020thth-21-21stst Century Revisionists Century Revisionists • The Revisionist’s Prime Concern:The Revisionist’s Prime Concern:• To Reassess the Classical Model To Reassess the Classical Model

• Their principle Conclusions:Their principle Conclusions:• IslamIslam, as we know it, did not exist in the 7, as we know it, did not exist in the 7thth

century, but evolved over a period of 200-300 century, but evolved over a period of 200-300 years. years.

(Humphreys 1991:71,83-89)(Humphreys 1991:71,83-89)• The The Qur’anQur’an probably was not revealed to one probably was not revealed to one

man in 22 years, but likely evolved over a period man in 22 years, but likely evolved over a period of 100-200 years of 100-200 years

(Rippin 1985:155;1990:3,25,60; Lester 99:44-45; (Rippin 1985:155;1990:3,25,60; Lester 99:44-45; Wansbrough 1977:160-163)Wansbrough 1977:160-163)

• The Prophet The Prophet Muhammad’sMuhammad’s Life as we know it is was Life as we know it is was probably created two centuries later...probably created two centuries later...

• How do we know? How do we know? ConsiderConsider::

• The Late Dates:The Late Dates:

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Problem with His biographyProblem with His biography

Late DatesLate Dates::

Nothing before 800 AD: Nothing before 800 AD:

• SiraSira (Hisham=833AD), (Hisham=833AD),

• HadithHadith (Bukhari=870AD, (Bukhari=870AD, Mishkat al- Mishkat al-Masabih Masabih 14th C.14th C.), ),

• Tafsir, TarikhTafsir, Tarikh– (Tabari=923AD,(Tabari=923AD,– al-Baladhuri=892, al-Baladhuri=892, – az-Zamakshari=1144, az-Zamakshari=1144, – al-Baydawi=1282, al-Baydawi=1282, – as-Suyuti=1502) as-Suyuti=1502)

• Thus, not Primary but Thus, not Primary but SecondarySecondary revelation revelation 04/18/2304/18/23

Problem with the Late DatesProblem with the Late Dates::

• Since almost all the material Since almost all the material available to us concerning the life of available to us concerning the life of Muhammad, and the emergence of Muhammad, and the emergence of Islam from the 7Islam from the 7thth c. (i.e. that of the c. (i.e. that of the Sira, Hadith, Tafsir, Ta’rikhSira, Hadith, Tafsir, Ta’rikh), is not ), is not compiled until the 9compiled until the 9thth - 10 - 10thth c., c., Orientalists (from the Revisionist’s Orientalists (from the Revisionist’s School) believe it cannot be trusted.School) believe it cannot be trusted.

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Thus, “Thus, “if knowledge of the life of Muhammad if knowledge of the life of Muhammad was transmitted orally for a century before it was transmitted orally for a century before it was reduced to writing, then the chances are was reduced to writing, then the chances are that the that the material will have undergone material will have undergone considerable alterationconsiderable alteration in the process” in the process” (Cook 1983:65)(Cook 1983:65)

So, So, CookCook & & CröneCröne went to Greek, Syriac, and went to Greek, Syriac, and Armenian sourcesArmenian sources from the 7 from the 7th-8thth-8th c. & found a c. & found a contrasting picture to the later Islamic contrasting picture to the later Islamic Traditions.Traditions.

TheyThey sought to step outside the Islamic sought to step outside the Islamic Traditions and start again, piecing together an Traditions and start again, piecing together an original account from non-Islamic sources of original account from non-Islamic sources of Muhammad’s time. The two together wrote Muhammad’s time. The two together wrote ““HagarismHagarism”…a sort of “What if” in 26 pages, ”…a sort of “What if” in 26 pages, supported by 226 notes in a further 27 pages supported by 226 notes in a further 27 pages (Robinson 1996:47)(Robinson 1996:47)

Conclusion:Conclusion: They suggested that the history of They suggested that the history of Islam, including the Islam, including the life of Muhammadlife of Muhammad, upto at , upto at least the time of the caliph Abd al-Malik least the time of the caliph Abd al-Malik is is fraudulent!!!!fraudulent!!!!

Further Problems Further Problems ↓↓

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Uri RubinUri Rubin• Rubin examines how the Rubin examines how the image of the Prophet image of the Prophet was was

perceived by believers throughout the various evolving perceived by believers throughout the various evolving versions of his life. The contents of the texts are versions of his life. The contents of the texts are a a reflection of the state of mind of the believers reflection of the state of mind of the believers among whom the texts were createdamong whom the texts were created, preserved, and , preserved, and circulated over the ages. circulated over the ages.

• Medieval Islam was Medieval Islam was preoccupied with portraying its preoccupied with portraying its prophet in a manner comparable to the biblical prophet in a manner comparable to the biblical prophetsprophets. Biblical themes were adopted from the stories . Biblical themes were adopted from the stories of the prophets, of the prophets, adapted to fit an Arabian situationadapted to fit an Arabian situation, , and applied to the biography of Muhammad.and applied to the biography of Muhammad.

• Take the Take the example of example of the battle of Badrthe battle of Badr: Al-Miqdad : Al-Miqdad provides the same response regarding the Children of provides the same response regarding the Children of Israel, Israel, contrasting their inferiority against the contrasting their inferiority against the superiority of the Arabssuperiority of the Arabs. “The entire Arabian . “The entire Arabian ummaumma as as one collective group constitutes here one collective group constitutes here the new chosen the new chosen community that replaces the Children of Israelcommunity that replaces the Children of Israel.”.”

CredibilityCredibility::• John Wansbrough (1977-1978):John Wansbrough (1977-1978): ((Qur’anic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural InterpretationQur’anic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation

1977)1977)((The Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic Salvation The Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic Salvation

HistoryHistory 1978) 1978)

• The The compilerscompilers took their material from took their material from collections compiled within the decades collections compiled within the decades around around 800 A.D800 A.D., and ., and notnot from any documents which from any documents which were written in the were written in the seventh centuryseventh century, and , and certainly certainly notnot from the person of from the person of MuhammadMuhammad or or his companions his companions (Humphreys 1991:73, 83; Schacht 1949:143 (Humphreys 1991:73, 83; Schacht 1949:143

1949:143-145; 145; Goldziher Goldziher 1889 1889-90:72).1949:143-145; 145; Goldziher Goldziher 1889 1889-90:72). • The The MaghaziMaghazi, which are stories of the , which are stories of the prophet's prophet's

battlesbattles and campaigns, are the earliest Muslim and campaigns, are the earliest Muslim documents which we possess. They should have documents which we possess. They should have given us the best snapshot of that time, yet they given us the best snapshot of that time, yet they tell us littletell us little concerning the concerning the prophet's lifeprophet's life or or teachings. In fact, oddly enough teachings. In fact, oddly enough nowherenowhere in in these documents is there a these documents is there a venerationveneration of of Muhammad as a Muhammad as a prophetprophet!!04/18/2304/18/23

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Yehuda D. Nevo (1994)Yehuda D. Nevo (1994)““Towards a Prehistory of Islam,” Towards a Prehistory of Islam,” Jerusalem Studies in Jerusalem Studies in Arabic and IslamArabic and Islam, vol.17, Hebrew University of , vol.17, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1994Jerusalem, 1994

• Arabic Inscriptions Arabic Inscriptions found in the Arabian found in the Arabian Desert form the mid to late 7Desert form the mid to late 7thth century, say century, say nothing about a people called ‘Muslim’, nor a nothing about a people called ‘Muslim’, nor a religion known as ‘Islam’, nor of a revelation religion known as ‘Islam’, nor of a revelation called the ‘Qur’an’, yet they should!called the ‘Qur’an’, yet they should!

• Caliphal Protocals Caliphal Protocals (Sufyani and (Sufyani and earlyMarwanid Periods, upto ‘Abd al-Malik earlyMarwanid Periods, upto ‘Abd al-Malik – 691) – 691) = no reference to ‘Muhammad as a = no reference to ‘Muhammad as a prophet’, or a reference to the ‘Shahada’prophet’, or a reference to the ‘Shahada’

• ””Muhammad FormulaMuhammad Formula” ” is created ‘almost is created ‘almost overnight’overnight’

ContradictionsContradictions::Al-Tabari’sAl-Tabari’s conflicting accounts - conflicting accounts - i.e.15 different i.e.15 different

accountsaccounts of child Muhammad meeting a religious man of child Muhammad meeting a religious man (Crone 1987:219-220(Crone 1987:219-220))

• during his infancy (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)during his infancy (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)• when he was 9 (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)when he was 9 (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)• or 12 years old (Ibn Sa’d 1960:120)or 12 years old (Ibn Sa’d 1960:120)• Or when he was 25 (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:119)Or when he was 25 (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:119)• seen by Ethiopian Christians (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)seen by Ethiopian Christians (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)• or by Jews (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972: 318)or by Jews (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972: 318)• Or by a seer (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972: 318)Or by a seer (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972: 318)• or a or a KahinKahin (Ibn Sa’d 1960:166) (Ibn Sa’d 1960:166)• at either Mecca, (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972:317)at either Mecca, (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972:317)• or Ukaz (Abu Nu’aym 1950:116f). or Ukaz (Abu Nu’aym 1950:116f). • or Dhu’l-Majaz (Abu Nu’aym 1950:95). or Dhu’l-Majaz (Abu Nu’aym 1950:95). CröneCröne concludes that what we have here is nothing more concludes that what we have here is nothing more

than than “fifteen equally fictitious versions of an event that “fifteen equally fictitious versions of an event that never never took place.” (Crone 1987:220)took place.” (Crone 1987:220)

ProliferationProliferation::

• Ishaq (765 AD):Ishaq (765 AD): ‘ ‘AbdallahAbdallah had died early had died early enough to leave Muhammad an orphan; enough to leave Muhammad an orphan; but as to the specific details of his death, but as to the specific details of his death, “God knew best” (Cook 1983:63).“God knew best” (Cook 1983:63).

• Waqidi: Waqidi: (50 yrs. Later) when ‘Abdallah when ‘Abdallah died, how he died, where he died, what his died, how he died, where he died, what his age was, and the exact place of his burialage was, and the exact place of his burial. .

• According to Michael Cook, According to Michael Cook, “this evolution in “this evolution in the course of half a century from uncertainty to the course of half a century from uncertainty to a profusion of precise detail suggests that a fair a profusion of precise detail suggests that a fair amount of what Waqidi knew was not amount of what Waqidi knew was not knowledge.” (Cook 1983:63-65) knowledge.” (Cook 1983:63-65)

• Bukhari:Bukhari: from from 600,000600,000 down to down to 7,3977,397 = =1.2%1.2% (or (or 2,762 non-repetitive Hadith)2,762 non-repetitive Hadith)

IsnadIsnad

• Names of transmitters Names of transmitters

• No documentation before 9th centuryNo documentation before 9th century

• Prophetic authority begins with Sha’fi Prophetic authority begins with Sha’fi (820AD)(820AD)

• Based on Oral Tradition…Based on Oral Tradition…

-Embellishment-Embellishment

-No need for Oral Tradition after 4-No need for Oral Tradition after 4thth c.c.

-Conquest of Literate metropolises-Conquest of Literate metropolises

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StorytellersStorytellers• KussasKussas:: “ “As storyteller followed upon As storyteller followed upon

storyteller, the recollection of the past was storyteller, the recollection of the past was reduced to a common stock of reduced to a common stock of stories, stories, themes, and motifsthemes, and motifs that could be that could be combinedcombined and and recombinedrecombined in a profusion of apparently in a profusion of apparently factual accounts. Each combination and factual accounts. Each combination and recombination would generate recombination would generate new detailsnew details, , and as spurious information accumulated, and as spurious information accumulated, genuine information would be lost. In the genuine information would be lost. In the absence of an alternative tradition, early absence of an alternative tradition, early scholars were forced to rely on the tales of scholars were forced to rely on the tales of storytellers, as did storytellers, as did Ibn Ishaq, WaqidiIbn Ishaq, Waqidi, and , and other historians. It is because they other historians. It is because they relied on relied on the same repertoirethe same repertoire of tales that they all said of tales that they all said such similar things”. (Crone 1987:225)such similar things”. (Crone 1987:225) 04/18/2304/18/23

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Historical AnachronismsHistorical Anachronisms

1)1) i.e. i.e. MeccaMecca-“Mecca is the center of Islam, and the center of -“Mecca is the center of Islam, and the center of

history.” history.”

-“The first sanctuary appointed for mankind was that -“The first sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Mecca)” Sura 3:96at Bakkah (Mecca)” Sura 3:96

-Mecca is the “mother of all settlements.” Sura 6:92 & -Mecca is the “mother of all settlements.” Sura 6:92 & 42:542:5

-Mecca is where Muhammad was born and lived until -Mecca is where Muhammad was born and lived until 622622

-Mecca became the centre for the Qibla in 624 (Sura -Mecca became the centre for the Qibla in 624 (Sura 2:145-149)……2:145-149)……Consider:Consider:

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• Earliest reference to Mecca’s Earliest reference to Mecca’s existence:existence:

Apocalypse of pseudo-MethodiusApocalypse of pseudo-Methodius

Continuatio Byzantia ArabicaContinuatio Byzantia ArabicaEarly reign of caliph Hisham Early reign of caliph Hisham ((724724-743 AD-743 AD))

• CröneCröne in her work points out that the Greek in her work points out that the Greek trading documents refer to the towns of Ta’if trading documents refer to the towns of Ta’if (which is close to present-day Mecca), and to (which is close to present-day Mecca), and to Yathrib (later Medina), as well as Kaybar in the Yathrib (later Medina), as well as Kaybar in the north, but north, but no mention of Mecca!no mention of Mecca!

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2)2) Qibla Qibla (Archaeological Evidence)(Archaeological Evidence)2)2) Qibla Qibla (Archaeological Evidence)(Archaeological Evidence)

• Creswell & Fehervari on ancient mosques Creswell & Fehervari on ancient mosques in the Middle Eastin the Middle EastUmayyad mosques in Iraq (670- early 8Umayyad mosques in Iraq (670- early 8thth c.) c.)

Wassit mosqueWassit mosque‘‘Kufa’ mosqueKufa’ mosqueFustatFustat (outside Cairo)(outside Cairo)(Creswell 1969:37,137ff,150 & 1989:40; (Creswell 1969:37,137ff,150 & 1989:40; Fehervari 1961:89; Crone-Cook 1977:23,173;Fehervari 1961:89; Crone-Cook 1977:23,173;al-Baladhuri's Futuh, ed. by de Goeje 1866:276;al-Baladhuri's Futuh, ed. by de Goeje 1866:276;Crone 1980:1Crone 1980:1))

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ArabiaArabia

Asia MinorAsia Minor

EgyptEgypt

MeccaMecca

JerusalemJerusalem

FustatFustat

Middle EastMiddle East

BaghdadBaghdad

MedinaMedina

KufaKufa..WassitWassit

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• Qibla (Documentary Evidence)Qibla (Documentary Evidence)

Christian writer: Christian writer: Jacob of EdessaJacob of Edessa (705 AD) (705 AD)He refers to the ‘Mahgraye,’ saying, “So from all He refers to the ‘Mahgraye,’ saying, “So from all this it is clear that it is not to the south that the Jews this it is clear that it is not to the south that the Jews and the Mahgraye here in the regions of Syria and the Mahgraye here in the regions of Syria praypray, , but but towards Jerusalemtowards Jerusalem or the Ka’ba, the patriarchal or the Ka’ba, the patriarchal places of their races.”places of their races.”(Crone-Cook 1977:24)(Crone-Cook 1977:24)

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Dome of the RockDome of the Rock• Built by ‘Abd al-Malik in 691 AD, and rebuilt by al Zaher Li-Built by ‘Abd al-Malik in 691 AD, and rebuilt by al Zaher Li-

L’zaz in 1022 after an earthquakeL’zaz in 1022 after an earthquake

• Third most holy site after Mecca & MedinaThird most holy site after Mecca & Medina

• Built to Built to commemoratecommemorate the night when Muhammad went up to the night when Muhammad went up to heaven to speak with Moses and Allah concerning the number of heaven to speak with Moses and Allah concerning the number of prayers required of the believers (known as the prayers required of the believers (known as the Mi’rajMi’raj))

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•But, But, nno Qiblao Qibla (Suras 17:1 & 2:145-149)(Suras 17:1 & 2:145-149)

•Inner Ambulatories have Qur’anic Inner Ambulatories have Qur’anic inscriptions which do inscriptions which do not parallel the Qur’annot parallel the Qur’an

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REVISIONIST’S REVISIONIST’S CONCLUSIONS:CONCLUSIONS:

Humphreys:Humphreys:Islam, and the prophet’s life, as we Islam, and the prophet’s life, as we know it, was not derived from the 7know it, was not derived from the 7thth century, but century, but evolved over a period of evolved over a period of 200-300 years, and then redacted 200-300 years, and then redacted back on to the prophets life, and back on to the prophets life, and compiled in the 9compiled in the 9thth century century (Humphreys 1991:71,83-(Humphreys 1991:71,83-89)89)

Schacht:Schacht:• Joseph SchachtJoseph Schacht

““Every legal tradition from the Prophet, Every legal tradition from the Prophet, until the contrary is proved, must be until the contrary is proved, must be taken not as an authentic or essentially taken not as an authentic or essentially authentic, even if slightly obscured, authentic, even if slightly obscured, statement valid for his time or the time of statement valid for his time or the time of the Companions, but as the the Companions, but as the fictitious fictitious expression of a legal document expression of a legal document formulated at a later dateformulated at a later date” ” (Schacht, (Schacht, The Origins of Muhammadan JurisprudenceThe Origins of Muhammadan Jurisprudence, 149), 149)

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Crone and Cook:Crone and Cook:

• Patricia Crone & Michael Cook in Patricia Crone & Michael Cook in HagarismHagarism (1977): (1977):

““The [earliest] ‘maghazi-sira’ works The [earliest] ‘maghazi-sira’ works should be treated as sources for religious should be treated as sources for religious ideas ideas current in the 8current in the 8thth century, when century, when they were circulated, not for the life of they were circulated, not for the life of MuhammadMuhammad””

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II II CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN ASSESSMENTASSESSMENT

• Christians (and Jews) have a Christians (and Jews) have a separate responsibility from that of separate responsibility from that of the historians. They have to make the historians. They have to make an assessment concerning the an assessment concerning the validity of any prophet. The Bible validity of any prophet. The Bible has clear conditions of who can carry has clear conditions of who can carry the ‘office’ of prophethood. the ‘office’ of prophethood.

• Did Muhammad fulfil those Did Muhammad fulfil those conditions?conditions?

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The Muslim Position:The Muslim Position: The Muslim Position:The Muslim Position:

• Supernatural witnessSupernatural witness points to points to Muhammad's Prophethood (angels & heart, Muhammad's Prophethood (angels & heart, protective cloud)protective cloud)

• ProphesyingProphesying points to his Prophethood (Sura points to his Prophethood (Sura 30:1-430:1-4 ‘defeat in a few years’…615 vs. 628) ‘defeat in a few years’…615 vs. 628)..

• MiraclesMiracles point to his Prophethood (Challenge point to his Prophethood (Challenge in Sura 17:90-93; Response in Suras 2:118-in Sura 17:90-93; Response in Suras 2:118-119; 6:37, 124; 13:7; 17:59 = warner; & Sura 119; 6:37, 124; 13:7; 17:59 = warner; & Sura 54:1 = Splitting of the moon).54:1 = Splitting of the moon).

• IlliterateIlliterate Creator of the Qur'an points to his Creator of the Qur'an points to his Prophethood (Sura 7:157 & 62:2 = Prophethood (Sura 7:157 & 62:2 = ‘u‘unlettered’)nlettered’)..

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The Christian The Christian Position:Position:The Christian The Christian Position:Position:1.1. Who Qualifies as a true Prophet of Who Qualifies as a true Prophet of

God?God?

A Prophet must be born in the PropheticA Prophet must be born in the Prophetic RaceRace ( (Genesis 17 & 22)Genesis 17 & 22)

A Prophet's A Prophet's MessageMessage must Conform to must Conform to previous Revelationprevious Revelation

A Prophet's Predictions must be A Prophet's Predictions must be Verifiable, Verifiable, or he must perform a or he must perform a miraclemiracle to to verify his authorityverify his authority

A Prophet must Speak in the A Prophet must Speak in the NameName of God of God (=YAHWEH or JEHOVAH)(=YAHWEH or JEHOVAH)

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Questions Concerning Questions Concerning MMuhammad’s uhammad’s ProphethoodProphethood::Questions Concerning Questions Concerning MMuhammad’s uhammad’s ProphethoodProphethood::

• Was Muhammad a Specific Prophet to Was Muhammad a Specific Prophet to the the ArabsArabs? ? ((Sura 2:119Sura 2:119, , Sura 14:4Sura 14:4, , Sura 17:93Sura 17:93, , Sura Sura 26:195,196, Sura 27:91, Sura 42:7, Sura 43:3, Sura 46:12)26:195,196, Sura 27:91, Sura 42:7, Sura 43:3, Sura 46:12)

• Or a Or a UniversalUniversal Prophet? Prophet? ((Sura 33:40Sura 33:40, , Sura 34:28)Sura 34:28)

• Was Muhammad a prophet of the Was Muhammad a prophet of the JewsJews? ? (i.e. the 3 Jewish tribes in Medina = (i.e. the 3 Jewish tribes in Medina = Banu Banu Qaynuka, Banu al-Nadir, Banu QuraizaQaynuka, Banu al-Nadir, Banu Quraiza))

• Was Muhammad a prophet to the Was Muhammad a prophet to the ChristiansChristians? ? Sura 2:120Sura 2:120, , Sura 3:28, Sura 5:54Sura 3:28, Sura 5:54= = "O ye who believe! "O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friendsChristians for your friends and protectors; they are but and protectors; they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.“Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.“

Was Muhammad the Seal of the Prophets?Was Muhammad the Seal of the Prophets?Was Muhammad the Seal of the Prophets?Was Muhammad the Seal of the Prophets?• What about What about JesusJesus

(Je(Jesus Superiority = sus Superiority = Suras 19:19-20; 3:46-49)Suras 19:19-20; 3:46-49)

• What about the What about the Other ProphetsOther Prophets? ?

(all sinned)(all sinned)

• What about Muhammad’What about Muhammad’s:s:

--ConcessionsConcessions to People (Ibn Abbas, Mutah to People (Ibn Abbas, Mutah marriages, Satanic marriages, Satanic verses S.53:verses S.53:19-20)19-20)

--SexualitySexuality (Zainab, Mary, Aisha) (Zainab, Mary, Aisha)

--ElevationElevation (Sura 33:21 (Sura 33:21, 36), 36)

--SinSin (Suras 40:55(Suras 40:55; ; 47:19; 47:19; 48:248:2; 94:1-3) ; 94:1-3)

Were there Prophecies Were there Prophecies Concerning Muhammad?Concerning Muhammad?• SSura 7:157: ura 7:157: “Those who can follow the “Those who can follow the

Messenger, Messenger, the Prophet the Prophet who can who can neither neither read nor writeread nor write whom they whom they find written find written with them with them in the Taurut and the in the Taurut and the InjeelInjeel…”…”

• 61:6: 61:6: “And when ‘Isa son of Maryam “And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said ‘O Children of Israel! I am the said ‘O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you, confirming Messenger of Allah unto you, confirming the Taurat [Torah] before me, and the Taurat [Torah] before me, and giving glad tidings of giving glad tidings of a Messenger to a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be come after me, whose name shall be AhmadAhmad…”…”04/18/2304/18/23

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Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-20Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-20Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-20Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-20

1. 1. ComparisonComparison: Who is the prophet like : Who is the prophet like Moses? Is it his life or mission?Moses? Is it his life or mission?

2. 2. ContrastContrast: This prophet cannot be : This prophet cannot be Muhammad (“brothers”=Muhammad (“brothers”=Israelite 17:15)Israelite 17:15)..

3. 3. CondemnationCondemnation: See the punishment for a : See the punishment for a ‘false prophet’…’Must be put to death!’ ‘false prophet’…’Must be put to death!’ (Deut. 18:20)(Deut. 18:20)4. 4. ConsiderationConsideration: This prophet must be : This prophet must be Jesus Jesus (John 1:45; John 5:46; John 6:14;(John 1:45; John 5:46; John 6:14; Acts 3:22Acts 3:22))..

5. 5. ConclusionConclusion: Without a prediction where is : Without a prediction where is Muhammad's authority?Muhammad's authority?

Other Predictions in the Old Other Predictions in the Old Testament?Testament?Other Predictions in the Old Other Predictions in the Old Testament?Testament?

•swordsword (Psalm 45:2-5; 149; Isaiah (Psalm 45:2-5; 149; Isaiah 63). 63).

•geographical locationgeographical location (Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 21 & 42 (Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 21 & 42 (kedar), 63; Habakkuk 3:3)(kedar), 63; Habakkuk 3:3)

•NameName: : (Genesis 49:8-10=Judah; (Genesis 49:8-10=Judah; Haggai 2:7=Hemdah)Haggai 2:7=Hemdah)

Song of Solomon 5:16Song of Solomon 5:16Song of Solomon 5:16 = "His mouth is Song of Solomon 5:16 = "His mouth is sweetness itself; he is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovelyaltogether lovely. . This is my lover, this my friend, O daughters This is my lover, this my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."of Jerusalem."

‘‘Machmad’ (Ahmad)Machmad’ (Ahmad) vs. vs. HemdanHemdan Adjectival phrase Adjectival phrase vs. vs. Proper NounProper Noun

1 Kings 20:6 1 Kings 20:6 = "Yet I will send my servants to = "Yet I will send my servants to thee tomorrow about this time, and they shall thee tomorrow about this time, and they shall search thy house, and the houses of thy servants; search thy house, and the houses of thy servants; and it shall be, [that] whatever is and it shall be, [that] whatever is MuhammadMuhammad in in thy eyes, they shall take [it] in their hand, and thy eyes, they shall take [it] in their hand, and carry [it] away”carry [it] away” (see also: (see also: 2 Chronicles 36:19; Isaiah 64:11; 2 Chronicles 36:19; Isaiah 64:11; Lamentations 1:10, 11; 2:4; Ezekiel 24:16, 21, 25; Lamentations 1:10, 11; 2:4; Ezekiel 24:16, 21, 25; Hosea 9:6, 16; Joel 3:5Hosea 9:6, 16; Joel 3:5))

MuMuhammad in the Injil?hammad in the Injil?MuMuhammad in the Injil?hammad in the Injil?

ParakletosParakletos or or PeriklytosPeriklytos (John 14:16 (John 14:16 & & 16:7)16:7)??

•Greek language confirms parakletos.Greek language confirms parakletos.

•Greek manuscripts confirm Greek manuscripts confirm parakletosparakletos

•Therefore Muhammad could not be Therefore Muhammad could not be the parakletosthe parakletos

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So who is the So who is the PParakletosarakletos??So who is the So who is the PParakletosarakletos??• 14:16="he will be with you for ever" 14:16="he will be with you for ever"

• 14:17="he will be the 14:17="he will be the spirit of truthspirit of truth" "

• 14:17="the world neither sees him..." 14:17="the world neither sees him..."

• 14:17="...nor knows him" 14:17="...nor knows him"

• 14:17="and he will be in you" 14:17="and he will be in you"

i.e. = i.e. = Holy SpiritHoly Spirit, who arrived 50 days , who arrived 50 days later (Acts 1:4-5)later (Acts 1:4-5)

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THE DANISH CARTOON THE DANISH CARTOON CONTROVERSYCONTROVERSYThe original 12 Danish Cartoons, printed in Jyllands Posten Newspaper, Denmark, in Sept. 2005

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Danish Cartoon reprinted in the Egyptian Danish Cartoon reprinted in the Egyptian Al-Al-FajrFajr Newspaper, on Oct. 17, 2005, yet, Newspaper, on Oct. 17, 2005, yet, resulting in no protests! So why such a resulting in no protests! So why such a contrast?contrast?

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Imam Ahmad Abu LabanImam Ahmad Abu Laban (leader of the (leader of the Islamic Society of Denmark) & his campaign Islamic Society of Denmark) & his campaign to anger the Muslim Worldto anger the Muslim World

Imam Ahmad Abu LabanImam Ahmad Abu Laban

Aug. 15 photo of Jacques Barrot competing at the annual French Pig-Squealing Championships in Trie-sur-Baise

Why is he significant to Why is he significant to Muslims?Muslims?• His role in historyHis role in history

• His role as intercessorHis role as intercessor

What are the claims they are making today?What are the claims they are making today?

• Their relationship with himTheir relationship with him

How can We use this in Evangelism?How can We use this in Evangelism?

• The need for a personal relationship The need for a personal relationship with god/manwith god/man

• This is a great bridge to introduce This is a great bridge to introduce Jesus as God/ManJesus as God/Man

• We have what they all want!!!! We have what they all want!!!! 04/18/2304/18/23

CONCLUSIONS:CONCLUSIONS:• All we know of Muhammad comes from the 8All we know of Muhammad comes from the 8thth-9-9thth

centuriescenturies

• Much of his biography is suspectMuch of his biography is suspect

• Muhammad does not fulfil any of the four criteria Muhammad does not fulfil any of the four criteria required for prophet-hood in the Bible.required for prophet-hood in the Bible.

• He is not a prophet for the JewsHe is not a prophet for the Jews

• He is not a prophet for the ChristiansHe is not a prophet for the Christians

• He seems only to be a prophet for the ArabsHe seems only to be a prophet for the Arabs

• He is not even the best prophet!He is not even the best prophet!

• He wasn’t prophesied in Deuteronomy 18:18He wasn’t prophesied in Deuteronomy 18:18

• He wasn’t prophesied in Song of Solomon 5:16He wasn’t prophesied in Song of Solomon 5:16

• He wasn’t prophesied in John 14 or John 16He wasn’t prophesied in John 14 or John 16

• He cannot be critiqued by Muslims…or othersHe cannot be critiqued by Muslims…or others

• He cannot give what Jesus can…He cannot give what Jesus can…– Salvation from sin and an eternal life!!!Salvation from sin and an eternal life!!!