Why Christians Do Not Accept the Quran as the Last Revelation Despite Muhammad’s Mention in the Bible
Many Christians hold that the Quran is not the final revelation, as it is not mentioned in the Bible. This article explores the rationale behind this view, examining several contextual scriptures and analyzing why these contexts do not support the idea that Muhammad is a prophet as presented in the Quran.
Contextual Analysis of Biblical Verses
The Bible provides no direct mention of Muhammad, except in a few cases that are often misinterpreted by Muslims. Let's delve into these contexts and understand the reasons why they do not speak to Muhammad.
The Promise of a Prophet in Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 18:18 states: "I will raise up for them a prophet like Moses from among their brothers. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him."
Analysis: Muslims argue that this verse refers to Muhammad. However, upon careful examination, this interpretation fails for several reasons. The verse specifically mentions that the prophet must come from the brothers of Israel, which refers to the 12 tribes of Israel, represented by Jacob's 12 sons. Muhammad, being an Arab, cannot be considered one of these brothers. Additionally, Deuteronomy 17:15 further clarifies that only a king from the Israelite lineage can rule over Israel.
The Alleged Inclusion of Muhammad in the Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon 5:16 states: "His mouth is sweetness, and all of him desirable. This is my beloved, and this my friend, Oh daughters of Jerusalem!"
Analysis: Muslims claim the Hebrew word machamadim can refer to Muhammad. However, machamadim translates to "desirable" and is not intended to name Muhammad. Furthermore, the context of the chapter describes a romantic relationship, implying that the verse is not prophetic in nature and cannot be linked to the figure of Muhammad.
Interpretation of Deuteronomy 33:2 in Context
Deuteronomy 33:2 states: "The Lord came from Sinai and dawned upon them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran. He came with ten thousands of holy ones from the south, from His mountain heights."
Analysis: Muslims interpret this verse as referring to Muhammad coming from Mount Paran, which they identify as Mecca. However, the biblical context clearly states that Mount Paran is close to the Dead Sea, not far from Edom. This location is far from Mecca, which is in the Arabian Peninsula. Thus, the verse does not support an Arab prophet.
Rejection of the Trinity and Dogmatic Approaches
The Bible affirms the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, a central belief in Christianity. Islam, on the other hand, rejects the idea of the Trinity, which is why Muslims often modify or reject verses from John's Gospel that mention it. For instance, in John 14:16-17, Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit, indicating that Muslims pinpoint this passage and reinterpret it for their own purposes, ignoring the explicit statements about Jesus being the Son of God.
Consistency in Biblical Teachings
John 14:6-7 clearly states: "Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’" This firmly establishes Jesus as the only way to the Father.
Similarly, in John 16:13-15, Jesus describes the role of the Holy Spirit and includes the entire Trinity in the context. Muslims, however, focus on isolated verses to support their claims, while extending the original context.
Conclusion: The lack of references to Muhammad in the Bible, the misinterpretation of key verses, and the rejection of the Trinity indicate that the Quran does not align with Christian beliefs. Christians do not accept the Quran as the last revelation due to the absence of prophetic references to Muhammad in the Bible.
He who has ears, let him hear. (Matthew 11:15)