Was Muhammad a Real Person?

Muslim sources treat Muhammad as a man who lived in Mecca and Medina and died in Medina on 8 June 632. Christians can grant that a man by that name preached there. They do not receive him as a prophet after Jesus.

Key Points

• Qur’an 33:40Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing.Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls him the Messenger of God and the seal of the prophets. Qur’an 47:2Qur’an 47:2 · Saheeh InternationalAnd those who believe and do righteous deeds and believe in what has been sent down upon Muḥammad - and it is the truth from their Lord - He will remove from them their misdeeds and amend their condition.Qur’an 47:2 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source and Qur’an 48:29Qur’an 48:29 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is the Messenger of Allāh; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allāh and [His] pleasure. Their sign is in their faces from the effect of prostration [i.e., prayer]. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that He [i.e., Allāh] may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allāh has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.Qur’an 48:29 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source name him as well.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 3547Sahih al-Bukhari 3547 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated Rabi`a bin Abi `Abdur-Rahman: I heard Anas bin Malik describing the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "He was of medium height amongst the people, neither tall nor short; he had a rosy color, neither absolutely white nor deep brown; his hair was neither completely curly nor quite lank. Divine Inspiration was revealed to him when he was forty years old. He stayed ten years in Mecca receiving the Divine Inspiration, and stayed in Medina for ten more years. When he expired, he had scarcely twenty white hairs in his head and beard." Rabi`a said, "I saw some of his hairs and it was red. When I asked about that, I was told that it turned red because of scent. "Sahih al-Bukhari 3547 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (Muhammad Muhsin Khan), a Sunni hadith, says revelation came at forty, then ten years in Mecca and ten in Medina. Which Muslims Accept Which Hadith?
• Watt’s Encyclopaedia Britannica biography dates the birth to about 570, the call to about 610, the Hijra to 622, and the death to 8 June 632 in Medina.
• The life in Ibn Ishaq is an eighth- and ninth-century book, as that Britannica article places the literature. It is not a Roman historian writing in Muhammad’s lifetime.
• Qur’an 33:21Qur’an 33:21 · Saheeh InternationalThere has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allāh an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allāh often.Qur’an 33:21 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls him an excellent pattern. Qur’an 47:19Qur’an 47:19 · Saheeh InternationalSo know, [O Muḥammad], that there is no deity except Allāh and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allāh knows of your movement and your resting place.Qur’an 47:19 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source tells him to ask forgiveness for his sin. Muslims take the first line as the pattern. Christians do not.
• The Gospels do not name Muhammad. Christians confess the Jesus whom Thomas calls Lord and God in John 20:28John 20:28 · King James VersionAnd Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.John 20:28 · King James VersionOpen source. Did Jesus Exist?

What the Qur’an Names

The Qur’an is the book Muslims take as God’s word, and it speaks of Muhammad as a man already known to its first hearers.

Qur’an 33:40Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing.Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) says:

Muḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing.

Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Qur’an 3:144Qur’an 3:144 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allāh at all; but Allāh will reward the grateful.Qur’an 3:144 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says Muhammad is not but a messenger, and asks what the hearers would do if he died or was killed. Qur’an 46:9Qur’an 46:9 · Saheeh InternationalSay, "I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner."Qur’an 46:9 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source has him say he does not know what will be done with him or with them. Those lines treat him as a mortal messenger. They are the Muslim claim that he was a prophet. A Christian can read the name and still refuse the office. Who Was Muhammad?

What the Biography Dates

Sahih al-Bukhari 3547Sahih al-Bukhari 3547 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated Rabi`a bin Abi `Abdur-Rahman: I heard Anas bin Malik describing the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "He was of medium height amongst the people, neither tall nor short; he had a rosy color, neither absolutely white nor deep brown; his hair was neither completely curly nor quite lank. Divine Inspiration was revealed to him when he was forty years old. He stayed ten years in Mecca receiving the Divine Inspiration, and stayed in Medina for ten more years. When he expired, he had scarcely twenty white hairs in his head and beard." Rabi`a said, "I saw some of his hairs and it was red. When I asked about that, I was told that it turned red because of scent. "Sahih al-Bukhari 3547 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says divine inspiration came when he was forty, that he stayed ten years in Mecca receiving it, and that he stayed in Medina ten more years. When he died, the report says, he had scarcely twenty white hairs. A Shia reader may not take Bukhari as a canon. The Qur’an verses above still name him. What Do Shia Muslims Believe?

Watt’s Britannica biography dates the birth to about 570 in Mecca, the call to about 610, the move to Medina (the Hijra) to 622, and the death to 8 June 632 in Medina. Ibn Ishaq died in 767 or 768. What readers have is Ibn Hisham’s edition from the next century. Britannica places that literature in the eighth and ninth centuries. What Are Hadith and Sira? When Was Islam Founded?

The Constitution of Medina is a document in that same biography, not a stone dug up with his name on it. What Is the History of Islam? Early non-Muslim notices are discussed there. They are not the same kind of dossier Paul and Tacitus give for Jesus. Did Jesus Exist?

How Far Is That From Jesus?

The Gospels place Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate. Matthew 27 is that trial and death. Muhammad’s birth, on the Britannica date, is about 570. From the crucifixion to that birth is on the order of five and a half centuries. It is not a figure the Qur’an prints as “570 years.” How Did Muhammad Die?

Is Muhammad in the Bible?

The Old Testament and the New Testament do not print the name Muhammad. Two claims are argued anyway. One reads Deuteronomy 18 as a prediction of him. Is Muhammad the Prophet of Deuteronomy 18? The other reads the Paraclete in John 14:16John 14:16 · King James VersionAnd I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;John 14:16 · King James VersionOpen source as him, because Qur’an 61:6Qur’an 61:6 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, "O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allāh to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Aḥmad." But when he came to them with clear evidences, they said, "This is obvious magic."Qur’an 61:6 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source has Jesus announce a messenger named Ahmad. Is Muhammad the Paraclete? Christians read that Gospel line as the Holy Spirit, not as a man born centuries later.

What Did He Say About Jesus?

Qur’an 3:45Qur’an 3:45 · Saheeh International[And mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allāh gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allāh].Qur’an 3:45 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls Jesus the Messiah, a word from God, born of Mary. Qur’an 4:171Qur’an 4:171 · Saheeh InternationalO People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allāh except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allāh and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allāh and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allāh is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allāh as Disposer of affairs.Qur’an 4:171 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls him a messenger and a word, and says do not say “Three.” Qur’an 4:157Qur’an 4:157 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allāh." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.Qur’an 4:157 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says they did not kill him or crucify him. The Gospels tell a public crucifixion, a burial, and a risen Jesus. Jesus in the Qur’an and the Gospels Did Jesus Die on the Cross?

The Gospels do not mention Muhammad. Qur’an 61:6Qur’an 61:6 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, "O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allāh to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Aḥmad." But when he came to them with clear evidences, they said, "This is obvious magic."Qur’an 61:6 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source is the verse that puts a future messenger’s name on Jesus’ lips. That sentence is in the Qur’an. It is not in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.

Was He a Good Person?

Muslims answer from Qur’an 33:21Qur’an 33:21 · Saheeh InternationalThere has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allāh an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allāh often.Qur’an 33:21 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source, which calls him an excellent pattern for anyone who hopes in God and the Last Day. The same Qur’an, in Qur’an 47:19Qur’an 47:19 · Saheeh InternationalSo know, [O Muḥammad], that there is no deity except Allāh and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allāh knows of your movement and your resting place.Qur’an 47:19 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source, tells him to ask forgiveness for his sin, and Qur’an 48:2Qur’an 48:2 · Saheeh InternationalThat Allāh may forgive for you what preceded of your sin [i.e., errors] and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight pathQur’an 48:2 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source speaks of God forgiving his sin. The life also includes Badr and the Banu Qurayza. What Happened at the Battle of Badr? What Happened to the Banu Qurayza? How Many Wives Did Muhammad Have?

Christians do not take him as the pattern. They confess Jesus, whom John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source calls God, and whom Thomas calls Lord and God.

The Christian Claim

A man the Qur’an names, and a community that dates his death to 8 June 632, is a historical claim. Prophethood is a different claim. Qur’an 33:40Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing.Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls him the seal of the prophets. Christians say God has already spoken in the Son, and they do not add Muhammad after the crucified and risen Jesus. What Do Christians Believe About Muhammad? The Trinity The Deity of Christ

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Muhammad Exist?

The Qur’an names him. Bukhari 3547 gives forty years, then ten and ten. Britannica dates the death to 8 June 632 in Medina. The detailed life is later sira. Existence as a preacher in Arabia is not the Christian confession that he was a prophet.

How Many Years Were There Between Jesus and Muhammad?

Jesus was crucified under Pilate. Muhammad’s birth is dated about 570. The gap from the crucifixion to that birth is about five and a half centuries. Did Jesus Exist?

Who Were the Wives of Muhammad?

Qur’an 4:3Qur’an 4:3 · Saheeh InternationalAnd if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hands possess [i.e., slaves]. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].Qur’an 4:3 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source allows up to four, and Qur’an 33:50Qur’an 33:50 · Saheeh InternationalO Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those your right hand possesses from what Allāh has returned to you [of captives] and the daughters of your paternal uncles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and the daughters of your maternal aunts who emigrated with you and a believing woman if she gives herself to the Prophet [and] if the Prophet wishes to marry her; [this is] only for you, excluding the [other] believers. We certainly know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and those their right hands possess, [but this is for you] in order that there will be upon you no discomfort [i.e., difficulty]. And ever is Allāh Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 33:50 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source makes a wider list lawful for the Prophet only. The names and the report about Aisha are on How Many Wives Did Muhammad Have? and How Old Was Aisha When She Married Muhammad?.

Is Muhammad Mentioned in the Bible?

The Bible does not print his name. The arguments from Deuteronomy 18 and from the Paraclete are on their own pages, linked above.

What Did Muhammad Say About Jesus?

The Qur’an calls Jesus the Messiah, denies the crucifixion, and says God is not a Trinity and has not taken a son. The Gospel pages say he was crucified and that Thomas called him Lord and God.

Did Jesus Mention Muhammad?

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John do not. Qur’an 61:6Qur’an 61:6 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, "O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allāh to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Aḥmad." But when he came to them with clear evidences, they said, "This is obvious magic."Qur’an 61:6 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says Jesus gave good tidings of a messenger named Ahmad. Is Muhammad the Paraclete?

Is There Proof of Muhammad’s Miracles?

Qur’an 17:1Qur’an 17:1 · Saheeh InternationalExalted is He who took His Servant [i.e., Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ)] by night from al-Masjid al-Ḥarām to al-Masjid al-Aqṣā, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.Qur’an 17:1 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source is the night journey from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque. Muslims receive that as a sign. The verse is a claim in the Qur’an. It is not an outside report of the kind Tacitus gives for Jesus’ execution. What Is the Temple Mount in Islam?

Keep Reading

• Who Was Muhammad?
• What Did Muhammad Look Like?
• Was Muhammad Illiterate?
• How Did Muhammad Die?
• Did Jesus Exist?
• What Is the Difference Between Islam and Christianity?