Why Muhammad Is a False Prophet: A Christian Perspective on Islamic Claims
By Bobby Darvish
darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As an Iranian-American, ex-Muslim, and now a devoted Christian in the LDS faith, I feel a personal responsibility to share my journey and insights on why I believe Muhammad was not a true prophet of God. Coming from a background steeped in Islamic teachings, my shift in faith was not easy; it was a journey marked by searching, reading, and seeking divine guidance. My intention is not to incite anger or hostility but to present the biblical and theological reasons I believe Muhammad’s teachings fall far short of divine truth.
1. Prophet or Politician? Examining Muhammad's Motives
When I first began questioning Islam, I examined Muhammad’s life closely. Historical sources reveal that Muhammad’s primary focus was often political and military. He expanded his influence through alliances, warfare, and treaties that often benefited his own tribe, the Quraysh, over others. As an ex-Muslim, this political strategy contradicted the prophets I read about in the Bible, who had humble lives and selflessly served God rather than their own interests (Matthew 7:15-16).
Prophets in Judeo-Christian traditions, such as Moses and Jesus, were never kings, nor did they seek political power for themselves. Jesus, for example, expressly rejected the idea of earthly power, declaring, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Muhammad’s frequent involvement in political conflicts and conquest-driven expansions in Arabia starkly contrasted this humble model.
2. Contradictions with Biblical Revelation
One of the primary claims of Islam is that Muhammad is the final prophet who corrects the errors supposedly found in the Jewish and Christian scriptures. Yet, as I studied the Bible, I found no indications that God would need a “final prophet” to amend His Word. Jesus declared Himself to be the fulfillment of the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17), a sentiment that leaves no room for successors like Muhammad. If Jesus is the culmination of divine revelation, then Muhammad’s claims to final prophethood become redundant at best and contradictory at worst.
Furthermore, Muhammad’s teachings contain numerous inconsistencies when compared with biblical teachings. For instance, Islam denies Jesus’ crucifixion (Quran 4:157), while the New Testament presents it as the cornerstone of salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18). I came to see that Muhammad’s theology conflicted deeply with core Christian beliefs that had been consistent for centuries.
3. The "Satanic Verses" Incident and Revelation Integrity
One of the most troubling episodes in Muhammad’s life is what Islamic tradition calls the “Satanic Verses.” According to early Islamic sources, Muhammad briefly acknowledged pagan deities in a revelation, only to later retract it, claiming it was a suggestion from Satan (Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah). As a Christian, I find it hard to reconcile this with the concept of a true prophet. In Deuteronomy 18:20-22, a prophet speaking falsely in the name of God is declared a false prophet. This incident raises serious questions about the reliability of Muhammad’s revelations and whether they were genuinely from God.
Prophets in the Bible, like Isaiah and Jeremiah, never compromised their message, even under threat. The inclusion of pagan elements in Muhammad’s message, even briefly, points to a prophet whose revelations could be manipulated by outside forces—a concept incompatible with Christian teachings about divine prophecy.
4. A Life Marked by Violence and Retribution
As an Iranian-American with family members who faced religious persecution under Islamic regimes, I am acutely aware of the legacy of violence associated with Islam’s spread, starting with Muhammad himself. His life and early caliphates were marked by warfare, subjugation, and often brutal retribution against enemies. When I compare this with Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and peace—"love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44)—the disparity is clear.
The Hadiths (Islamic traditions) are filled with accounts of violence that Muhammad endorsed or engaged in personally. These violent teachings have, unfortunately, inspired followers throughout history to wage wars in the name of spreading Islam, contrasting sharply with the Christian Great Commission, which calls for spreading faith through love and peaceful testimony (Matthew 28:19).
5. Absence of Prophetic Signs and Miracles
One of the key aspects of biblical prophets is their miracles and signs, authenticating their divine mission. Moses parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21), Elijah called down fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:38), and Jesus performed countless miracles, including raising the dead (John 11:43-44). In Islamic tradition, however, Muhammad performed no comparable miracles, instead claiming the Quran itself as his miracle. Yet, upon reading the Quran with a critical eye, I found its content repetitive and, at times, contradictory.
The Quranic message, while respected by Muslims, lacks the prophetic signs that accompany the works of true prophets throughout biblical history. I came to believe that this absence of miracles further challenged Muhammad’s claim to divine prophecy.
Conclusion: A Journey to Christ’s Truth
Embracing Christianity meant accepting Jesus as the ultimate truth and fulfillment of God’s covenant with humanity. As a Latter-day Saint, I see Jesus as the central figure of salvation, without need for additional prophets like Muhammad. My journey out of Islam was deeply personal, shaped by years of spiritual searching and a deep commitment to finding God’s truth. I respect the Muslim community, especially as one who once shared that identity, but I cannot ignore the theological and historical issues that led me to view Muhammad as a false prophet.
I encourage others who may have similar questions to seek truth with an open heart. Through scripture and sincere prayer, we can all come to know the God of truth and love, who sent His Son for our salvation—a truth uncorrupted by political power, violence, or human error.
Sources:
- Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah - Traditional accounts of Muhammad’s life.
- The Holy Bible: New Testament - Accounts of Jesus’ teachings and prophecy.
- Deuteronomy 18:20-22, Matthew 5:17, John 18:36 - Biblical views on prophecy.
- Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim - Accounts of violence and wartime actions in Hadiths.
No comments:
Post a Comment