Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Foretold in Previous Scriptures
Almost all previous prophets foretold the coming of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Despite alterations over time, indications of his arrival can still be found in the Torah, Psalms, and the Gospels.
A Prophet Like Moses from Among Their Brothers
In the Torah, God speaks to Moses:
"The Lord said to me [Moses]: 'What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name, I Myself will call him to account.'"
(Deuteronomy 18:17-19)
This passage refers to a prophet who would be like Moses and come from among the "brothers" of the Israelites—that is, from the descendants of Ishmael, the brother of Isaac. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fits this description, as he is from the lineage of Ishmael. Like Moses, he brought a new law and confronted his enemies.
Mount Paran and the Final Revelation
Another verse in the Torah states:
"The Lord came from Sinai and dawned over them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran."
(Deuteronomy 33:2)
- Sinai represents the revelation given to Moses.
- Seir refers to the region associated with Jesus.
- Mount Paran is linked to the area around Mecca, where Ishmael settled and where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the final revelation.
This verse symbolizes the succession of prophethood culminating in Muhammad (peace be upon him).
References in the Psalms
In the Psalms, there are allusions to a coming prophet:
"O God, send to us after the interregnum one who will establish Your way."
This plea is understood to refer to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who brought the final and complete guidance from God.
Predictions in the New Testament
The Capstone
Jesus is reported to have said:
"Have you never read in the Scriptures:
'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?
Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit."
(Matthew 21:42-43)
The "capstone" symbolizes a prophet who would establish God's kingdom with strength and whose followers would bear fruit. This is seen as a reference to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Muslim community.
The Paraclete (Comforter)
In the Gospel of John, Jesus mentions the coming of the "Paraclete":
"But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Paraclete will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."
(John 16:7)
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears."
(John 16:13)
The term "Paraclete" has been interpreted by some scholars to refer to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who conveyed God's final message to humanity. The descriptions align with his role as a prophet who spoke only what was revealed to him.
Mentions in Other Scriptures
- In the Torah: References to a prophet named "Ahmad" (another name of Muhammad) who would come after Moses.
- In the Psalms: Mentions of a "chosen one" and a "perfect leader" who would guide the people.
- In the Songs of Solomon: The Hebrew word "Mahammadim" is used, which closely resembles "Muhammad" and is translated as "altogether lovely."
Conclusion
Despite alterations over time, traces of prophecies about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remain in earlier scriptures. These references highlight the continuity of the divine message and affirm Muhammad's (peace be upon him) role as the final messenger, bringing guidance and truth to all humanity.