Was Muhammad a True Prophet?

Muhammad, the son of `Abdullah, is Allah's Prophet and the Final Messenger sent by Allah to the inhabitants of the earth. However, some people have alleged that Muhammad was not a true prophet and accused him, without reasonable grounds, of fabricating the message of Islam. In this article we will address these allegations, providing proofs that verify the authenticity of Muhammad’s prophethood. The evidences that show his veracity are abundant. Among these proofs:

Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him/PBUH) was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained like that till his death. Among all his people, he was known to be truthful and trustworthy. Before receiving revelation, he had no prior knowledge of Religion or any previously sent Message. He remained like that for his first forty years. Revelation then came to Muhammad (PBUH) with the Qur’an that we now have between our hands. This Qur’an mentioned most of the accounts found in the previous scriptures, telling us about these events in the greatest detail as if he witnessed them himself. These accounts came precisely as they were found in the Torah sent down to Moses (PBUH) and in the Gospel sent down to Jesus (PBUH). Neither the Jews nor Christians were able to belie him regarding anything that he said.

Muhammad (PBUH) also foretold of many things that would occur to him and his community after him, pertaining to victory, the removal of the tyrannical kingdoms of Chosroes [the royal title for the Zoroastrian kings of Persia] and Caesar, and the establishment of the religion of Islam throughout the earth. These events occurred exactly as Muhammad (PBUH) foretold, as if he was reading the future from an open book.

Muhammad (PBUH) also brought an Arabic Qur’an that is the peak of eloquence and clarity. The Qur’an challenged those eloquent and fluent Arabs of his time, who initially belied him, to bring forth a single chapter like the Qur’an. The eloquent Arabs of his day were unable to contest this Qur’an. Indeed, till our day, none has ever dared to claim that he has been able to compose words that equal - or even approach - the order, grace, beauty and splendor of this Glorious Qur’an.

The life history of this Noble Prophet (PBUH) was a perfect example of being upright, merciful, compassionate, truthful, brave, generous, distant from all evil character, and ascetic in all worldly matters, while striving solely for the reward of the Hereafter. Moreover, in all his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of Allah.

Allah instilled great love for Muhammad (PBUH) in the hearts of all who believed in and met him. This love reached such a degree that any of his companions would willingly sacrifice his (or her) self, mother or father for him. Till today, those who believe in the message that Muhammad was sent with honor and love him. Anyone of those who believe in him (as a prophet and Messenger of Allah) would ransom his own family and wealth to see him, even if but once.

All of history has not preserved the biography of any person in the manner it has preserved the life of Muhammad, who is the most influential human in history. Nor has the entire earth known of anyone whom every morning and evening, and many times thereafter throughout the day, is thought of by those who believe in him. Upon remembering Muhammad, those who believe in Islam send salutations to him and ask Allah to bless him. They do such with full hearts and true love for him.

Nor has there ever been a man on earth whom is still followed in all his doings by those who believe in him. Those who believe in Muhammad, sleep in the manner he slept; purify themselves (through ablution and ritual washing) in the manner he purified himself; and adhere to his practices in the way they eat, drink, and clothe themselves.

There has never been, nor will there ever be, a man anywhere upon this earth who has received such love, respect, honor, and obedience in all matters, small and large alike, as has this Noble Prophet.

Since his day, in every region of the earth and during every period, this Noble Prophet has been followed by individuals from all races, colors and peoples. Many of those who followed him were previously Christians, Jews, pagans, idolaters, or without any religion at all. Among those who chose to follow him, were those who were known for their sound judgment, wisdom, reflection, and foresight. They chose to follow this Noble Prophet after they witnessed the signs of his truthfulness and the evidences of his miracles. They did not choose to follow Muhammad (PBUH) out of compulsion or coercion, or because they had adopted the ways of their fathers and mothers.

Many of the followers of this Prophet (PBUH) chose to follow him during the time when Islam was weak, when there were few Muslims, and when there was severe persecution of his followers on earth. Most people who have followed this Prophet (PBUH) have done so not to acquire some material benefits. Indeed many of his followers have suffered the greatest forms of harm and persecution as a result of following him. Despite all this harm and persecution, this did not turn them back from his religion. All of this clearly indicates to anyone possessing intellect, that this Prophet (PBUH) was truly Allah's messenger and that he was not just a man who claimed prophethood or spoke about Allah without knowledge.

With all this, Muhammad came with a great religion in its creedal and legal make-up. Muhammad described Allah with qualities of complete perfection, and at the same time in a manner that is free of ascribing to Him any imperfection. Neither the philosophers or the wise could ever describe Allah like such. It is impossible to imagine that any human mind could conceive of an existing being that possesses such complete ability, knowledge, and greatness, Who has subdued the creation, Who has encompassed everything in the universe, small or large, and Who possesses such perfect mercy. Nor is it in the ability of any human being to place a perfect law based upon justice, equality, mercy and objectivity for all human activity on earth like the laws that Muhammad brought for all spheres of human activity - like buying and selling, marriage and divorce, renting, testimony, custody, and all other contracts that are necessary to uphold life and civilization on earth.

It is impossible that any person could conceive wisdom, morals, good manners, nobleness of character as what this honorable Prophet (PBUH) brought. In a full and complete manner, Muhammad spread teachings regarding character and manners toward one's parents, relatives, friends, family, humanity, animals, plants and inanimate objects. It is impossible for the human mind alone to grasp all of this instruction or come with a similar teaching. All of that unequivocally indicates that this Messenger did not bring any of this religion from his own accord, rather, it was inculcation and inspiration that he received from the One Who created the earth and the high heavens above, and created this universe in its miraculous architecture and perfection.

The legal and creedal make-up of the religion that the Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) brought resembles the engineering of the heavens and the earth. All of this indicates that He Who created the heavens and the earth is the One Who sent down this great law and upright religion. The degree of inimitability of the Divine law that was sent down upon Muhammad is to the same degree of inimitability of the Divine creation of the heavens and the earth. For just as humanity cannot create this universe, in the same manner humanity cannot bring forth a law like Allah's law that He sent down upon His servant and messenger Muhammad (PBUH).