The question of whether the Bible contains prophecies about Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, is a complex and controversial one. There are a variety of perspectives on this issue among Christian and Muslim scholars.
Some Muslims believe the Bible contains many prophecies about Muhammad, though these interpretations are not widely accepted by biblical scholars. Here are some of the main claims made about alleged Biblical prophecies concerning Muhammad:
- Deuteronomy 18:15-18 is interpreted by some as predicting a later prophet like Moses who would arise from among the “brethren” of the Israelites. Muslims view Ishmael, ancestor of Muhammad, as the “brethren” referenced here.
- Isaiah 42:1-13 is seen by some as mentioning attributes of a “servant of God” that match Muhammad, such as being chosen by God, bringing forth justice, and having a role for Gentiles.
- John 14:16-17 and John 16:7-14 are interpreted as prophesying a Paraclete (“Advocate”) to come after Jesus, which some Muslims believe refers to Muhammad.
- Jesus’ promise of a “Comforter” in John 14-16 is seen by some Muslims as a prophecy of Muhammad, as the word translated “Comforter” can also mean “Praised One,” an attribute of Muhammad.
- Song of Solomon 5:16 is proposed by some Muslims to be a Hebrew version of “Ahmad,” one of the names of Muhammad.
However, most Christian and academic biblical scholars do not accept these interpretations for a variety of reasons:
- Deuteronomy 18 is considered to be referring to a line of Israelite prophets like those who followed Moses, not an Ishmaelite prophet.
- Isaiah 42 is seen as one of several “servant songs” referring to the nation of Israel, or the Messiah, not Muhammad.
- John 14-16 is widely interpreted as referring to the Holy Spirit’s role after Christ’s ascension, not a separate human prophet.
- There is no clear evidence that Song of Solomon 5:16 is a reference to Muhammad. Most scholars see it as a general term of endearment.
Overall, while some Islamic interpretations propose Muhammad can be found in biblical prophecies, these connections rely on debatable linguistic links and readings significantly divergent from mainstream biblical scholarship. Most experts conclude the Bible does not contain clear, undisputed predictions about the coming of Muhammad as a prophet after Christ.
Here is a more detailed look at some of the key passages involved in this issue:
Deuteronomy 18:15-18
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him.” (Deuteronomy 18:15-18)
This passage describes God promising to raise up future Israelite prophets like Moses from among the Jewish people. Some propose this predicts Muhammad as an Ishmaelite (descendant of Ishmael) prophet like Moses. However, most experts concur its original context refers to a line of Jewish prophets God would continue to send to Israel. The “brethren” in verse 18 refers to fellow Israelites. While Muhammad did function as a prophet, he came from Ishmaelite lineage and announced teachings diverging significantly from Israelite religion. This prophecy more likely predicts prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and others.
Isaiah 42:1-13
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.” (Isaiah 42:1-4)
This passage is one of Isaiah’s “servant songs” referencing a figure who will faithfully bring justice. Some propose this describes Muhammad, viewing parallels in his role establishing justice and involving Gentiles. However, most scholars see this passage as referring to the nation of Israel, the Messiah, or the prophet Isaiah himself – not Muhammad. Evidence suggests these verses reference Israel or Jesus, not a future Arabian prophet. Though Muhammad brought some justice, his means and teachings differed from the depiction in this prophecy.
John 14:16-17
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)
This passage has Jesus promising his disciples “another advocate” that is often connected to the Holy Spirit. Some propose this refers to Muhammad as a subsequent prophet. However, context clarifies Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit who will indwell believers forever. This advocate is called the “Spirit of truth” who unbelievers cannot know, clearly identifying the Holy Spirit, not Muhammad centuries later. Most experts affirm this passage does not prophesy Muhammad.
John 16:7-14
“Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” (John 16:7-11)
Like John 14, this also predicts an “Advocate” (Holy Spirit) who will convict the world of sin and righteousness while Jesus is no longer on earth. Some see this as foretelling Muhammad after Christ’s ascension. However, the Advocate is again identified as the Holy Spirit who points people to Jesus and His righteousness. This matches the Spirit’s role, not that of a later prophet with very different teachings. Context clearly indicates this does not prophesy Muhammad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, critical examination finds the main Biblical passages interpreted as prophesying Muhammad do not clearly or directly predict his coming when read in context. While Muhammad had a prominent prophetic role in history, interpretations that he decisively fulfills biblical prophecies rely on debatable linguistic links and diverge from wider scholarly understanding of these texts. The Bible more likely refers in these verses to other figures like the Holy Spirit, the Messiah, Isaiah or other Israelite prophets. Though the Islamic faith views Muhammad as predicted in the Bible, most biblical scholars see no undisputed, explicit predictions about him. The question remains open to interpretation, but predominant academic analysis finds these prophecies refer to other persons.