I. Prophecies of Muhammad
A. Muhammad says in Quran that he cannot foretell the future.
The Quran emphatically confirmed that the Prophet Muhammad did not know the future.
[Surah 46:9]Say (O Muhammad), “I am not different from other messengers. I have no idea what will happen to me or to you. I only follow what is revealed to me. I am no more than a profound warner.”
B. Muslims say verses that seem to say Muhammad cannot foretell the future have been misinterpreted.
Surah 46:9 COMMENTS : The Prophet is made to deny any detailed knowledge as to the ultimate end of one or the other party, but the warning is reaffirmed in the concluding words to show that evildoers must suffer the evil consequences of their deed. The word “I have no idea” or ” I know not (another translation)” therefore, simply signifies that he did not know the detail. ( The Prophet doesn’t know the detail because he is only the medium tocontinue the messages from God (Allah) to Gabriel and Gabriel to Muhammad. So for those who say that Prophet Muhammad the creator of Qur’an, totally wrong.This surah is not about his ability to see the future)
Reply : “I do not know” and “I do not know in detail” are two very different things.
So surah 7: 187 and 188 is one unit history. They are came when His companions ask him about when the Final hour will come. Nobody in this history of world will know when the Final day will come nor the Prophets or messengers. Even Jesus him self. They only gave us the “SIGN” when the world will come to the end. Not the date. Take a look at this final word of 7:187. Say: “The knowledge thereof is with Allah (alone), but most men know not.”
I hope clear for you know that the word : ” I have no idea” or “If I had knowledge of the unseen”etc related to “Only God knows the answer” including the end of this world.
Reply : The things Muhammad does not know do not refer to the time of the last days. He said, if he knew “the future” he would be able to increase his wealth and no harm would come to him. How would knowing the time of the last days increase his wealth and prevent all harm from coming to him?
C. Muslims say that miracles are unimportant in determining prophethood
Even false prophets can do miracles.
(Mat 24:24 NIV) For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect–if that were possible.
John the Baptist was a great man of God, yet he performed no miracles.
(Mat 11:11 NIV) I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
D. Alleged prophecies are no prophecies.
1. Battle of Badr
Surah 54
43. Are your Unbelievers, (O Quraish), better than they? Or have ye an immunity in the Sacred Books?
44. Or do they say: “We acting together can defend ourselves”?
45. Soon will their multitude be put to flight, and they will show their backs.
Some Muslims say that this verse is a prophecy that Muslims will gain victory in the Battle of Badr. This battle is the first major encounter between Muslims and Meccans.
But is this really prophesy or just morale talk? Muhammad was a military leader and it is no surprise that he would talk to his troops in such a way that their morale would be lifted. No commander would tell his army that they are going to be defeated or else why would they fight? If a military commander tells his army that he predicts they would win the war against their enemies, and his army actually wins, does that make the military commander a prophet and his above saying a prophesy? Of course not.
He would be considered a true prophet only if he predicts the outcome of the war in such a detailed manner that it would be impossible for him to know by natural means. We see none of that in this prophesy.
2. Rebuilding of the Romans
Surah 30
2. The Roman Empire has been defeated-
3. In a land close by; but they, (even) after (this) defeat of theirs, will soon be victorious-
4. Within a few years. With Allah is the Decision, in the past and in the Future: on that Day shall the Believers rejoice-
According to Muslims, this prophecy was given in about 615 AD when the Persians were threatening to capture Constantinople, the capital of the Roman empire. At that time, no human could imagine how the Romans who had just been defeated would turn around and win a decisve victory within a few years. But it happened in about 624 AD when the Romans regained power and were entering into Persia.
The same verses contain yet another prophecy. It says that at the time when the Romans are regaining power, the Muslims would also be rejoicing as they are winning their own wars against the unbelievers. When the Muslims were driven out of Macca their hometown, they took refuge in Medina. But the unbelievers fought against the Muslims with an army of one thousand men fully equipped for battle. The Muslims, with a mere 313 men lacking suitable equipment for battle, won the battle against the unbelievers. From a human point of view, the greater force would win, but only a prophet can predict that with the help of Allah, the small group of believers would win.
a) Was victory achieved within the promised time frame?
Some Muslims claim that the prophesy specified that the Romans will gain victory in nine years. However, Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s translation does not say “nine years”. The footnote explained that the word “bidh’un” which was translated “few years” means a short period – a period from three to nine years.
There is also no conclusive evidence of when the prophecy was given so that it is impossible to validate that the prophecy was fulfilled within 10 years. How can you be sure that the prophecy was given in exactly 615 CE?
Even if we assume it was given in 615 CE, from which source can it be proven that the victory by the Romans was achieved in 624 CE? The following was taken from the Encarta Enyclopedia about the Byzantine emperor who defeated the Persians.
Heraclius (circa 575-641), Byzantine emperor (610-41). Son of the governor of Carthage, Heraclius seized the throne by overthrowing the emperor Phocas (reigned 602-10). Early in his reign the empire was invaded by the Mongolian Avars and by the Persians. In 622 he launched a great counterattack against the Persians, driving them from Asia Minor, Egypt, and Syria and pushing into the heart of Persian territory by 628. In 630 he recovered the revered Christian relic the True Cross, which the Persians had captured, returning it in triumph to Jerusalem.
Actually, conclusive defeat was not achieved in 624. This fact was acknowledged even by Muslim scholars. In Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s translation, the commentary reads “in 624, when Heraclius carried his campaign into the heart of Persia”. He also says “The period between the loss of Jerusalem (614 – 615) by the Romans and their victory at Issus (622) was seven years, and that to the penetration of Persia by Heraclius was nine years.” In other words, after nine years the Romans did not succeed in defeating the Persians totally; they only succeeded in penetrating deep into the Persian empire.
{cke_protected_1}b) {cke_protected_2}Not an impossible prophesy.
The historical experience of a losing nation coming back to power and defeating its opponent is not something so rare that we could say that it is impossible to have forecasted it. It could have been due to foresight of Muhammad (himself a great military leader) rather than supernatural revelation from God. Since the Romans were already weak when Muhammad made this prophecy, we may say that they have a 1 in 4 or 5 chance only to regain victory but this kind of odds does not make a supernatural prophecy.
During World War II, is it impossible for someone to forecast that the strong Japanese army will soon be weakened? If it is humanly possible for someone to forecast that a strong empire can become weak, why is it not humanly possible for another person to forecast that a weak empire can become strong again.
{cke_protected_3}c) {cke_protected_4}Prophecy based on arbitrary interpretation.
The prophecy is also ambiguous because it is written in Kufic Arabic, which does not use vowels. It is only later that Muslims begin to put vowels into the Quran. In other words, depending on what vowels you decide to put, the meaning would be totally different.
Surah 30
2. The Roman Empire has been defeated-
3. In a land close by; but they, (even) after (this) defeat of theirs, will soon be victorious- (or they shall defeat – sayaghilibuna)
In this prophesy, the words “be victorious” is “sayaghilibuna”, a word which literally means “shall conquer” and has been translated as such in Irving’s translation (The Byzantines have been defeated on the nearest front! Following their defeat they shall conquer a few years later.)
Since the original Quran had no vowels, which were put in much later, if another set of vowels had been chosen, the word “sayaghilibuna” would become “sayughlabuna” which means “shall be defeated”. In other words, the passive and active verbs become interchangeable. In fact a variant text of the Quran reverses the passive and active verbs so that the Romans, who have defeated others in the past, will be defeated in a few years. Therefore, the reading of this verse in a way Muslim intended to be a prophesy would mean a totally different thing if read in that alternatively way which would be equally possible.
{cke_protected_5}d) {cke_protected_6}Muslims winning the war despite being outnumbered not totally impossible.
As to Muslims winning the war, it is also not totally inconceivable that a small group of people would fight and triumphed over a much larger army. Israel won the war despite having to fight against many Arab countries at the same time.
In the case of Muslims it is even less unlikely given that the Muslim fighters were promised Paradise for their efforts.
{cke_protected_7}3. {cke_protected_8}Battle of Uhud
Uhud is a mountain lying to the north of the blessed city of Medinah. Just prior to the battle the Prophet “dreamed that he was searing an impregnable coat of mail and that he was mounted on the back of a ram. His sword was in his had and he noticed a dent in it; and he saw some kine which he knew to be his, and they were sacrificed before his eyes. “The next morning he told his Companions what he had seen, and he interpreted it, saying: ‘The impregnable coat of mail is Medina, and the dent in my sword is a blow that will be struck against myself; the sacrificed kine are some of my Companions who will be slain; and , as to the ram which I rode upon, that is the leader of their squadron whom we shall slay if God will”.
4. Misc examples
1. He predicted the future of his grandson.
“This grandson of mine, Hasan, is a master of men by means of whom Allah will reconcile two great groups.”
2. He prdicted Ali bin Abi Thalib (his cousin). “You will fight the perfidious, the just and the deviator,” Thus predicting the battles of the Camel and Siffin and that fought against the Kharijites. He again said to Ali, when he was displaying love for Zubayr. “He will fight against you, but will be in the wrong.” All these certain and authentic traditions are the proven predictions of the struggles of Ali against Aisha,
3. He predicted his wives’ future. “One amoung you will take charge of a rebellion; many around her will be killed; and the dogs will bark all around her.” Zubayr and Talha during the battle of the Camel, against Mu’awiya at Siffin, and against the Kharijites at Harawra and Nahruwan. 5. The Prophet also informed Ali about a man who would stain Ali’s beard with the blood of his own head. Ali knew that man; it was Abdurrahman b. Muljam the Kharijite. He also mentioned a man marked with a peculiar sign, Dhul-Thadia. When that man was found among the dead of the Kharijites, Ali showed him as a proof of the rightness of his cause, declaring at the same time the miracle of the Prophet. 4. Allah’s Messenger also predicted that Husain would be killed at Taff (Kerbala). Fifty years later the painful event took place as predicted. He also repeatedly predicted that after his demise, his Family would face death, calamities and exile, and gave some details. What he had predicted later came true exactly. 6 Prophecies of Islam near future. “You will be victorious over all your enemies, will succeed in the conquest of Mecca, Khaybar, Damascus, Iraq, Persia and Jaresulam, and will share among yourselves the treasures of the rulers of the greatest empires, the Byzantine and the Persians.” He did not say this as a matter of conjecture or personal opinion; he said it as if he had seen it, and what he said came true as perdicted, despite the fact that at the same time he had to migrate to Madina with a handfull of followers, with the rest of the world, including the environs of the Madina, hostile to him! 7. He predicted Abu Bakar and Umar He also repeatedly declared, according to authentic and certain narrations, that Abu Bakr and Umar would outlive him and be his Calips, that they would act for Allah’s sake and within the bounds of the pleasure of Allah and that of the prophet, that Abu Bakr’s reign would be short,and that Umar would remain longer to succed in many conquests. Thus he said, “Incumbent upon you is following the path of those who come after me, Abu Bakr and Umar.” 8. Prophecy about Eastern and Western. “The earth was laid out before me, and its eastern and western extremities were displayed to me. The realm of my nation shall extend over whatever was laid out before me.” And his words proved to be true. 9. He informed his companions about what was happening in the celebrated battle of Muta, near Damascus -at a distance of one month’s journey from where he was- as if he were seeing his companions fighting in the battle. He said, “Zayd has taken the banner and been hit; now Ibn Rawaha has taken the banner and been hit; now Jafar has taken thebanner and been hit; now one of Allah’s swords [i.e., Khalid] has taken it.” Two to three weeks later Ya’la b. Munabbih returned from the battle front. In his presence, Allah’s Messenger described the details of the battle, and Ya’la swore by Allah that what had taken place at the battle was exactly the same as the prophet had described. 10. The future of Caliphate. He said, “After me, the Caliphate will last thirty years then it will be rapacious monarchy. The beginning of this affair is prophethood and mercy; then it will be mercy and caliphate; then it will be rapacious monarchy; then it will be arrogance and tyranny.” He thus predicted the sixth month long caliphate of Hasan, the period of four Chaliphs, and following that, the transition of Caliphate to monarchy and monarchy’s being beset by intrigues andtyranny. This is exactly what later occured. 11. The death of Uthman “Uthman will be killed while reading the Qur’an, and it may be that Allah will cause him to be dressed in a shirt at that time. His deposal may also be sought.” These events, too, all took place exactly as predicted. 12. He predicted that the Abbasid dynasty would emerge after the Umayyads to remain in power for a long time “When ruling, act with forebearence.”, and said, “The Abbasids will come forth with black banners and rule for many times more than they [the Umayyads] rule.” 13. Prediction of the dreadful disorders. “Woe to the Arabs for the evil that has drawn near,” suggesting to be caused by Jenghiz and Hulagu, and their destruction of the Abbasid dynsty. All this proved to be true. 14. Prediction for Sa’d b. Abi Waqqas “It may be that you will be spared so that some may bebefit by you, and others be harmed by you,” Thus predicting that he would be a great commander winning many victories, that many peoples would benefit from him by entering the fold of Islam, while others would be destroyed by him. His words proved to be true; Sa’d led the Muslim armies, wiped out the Persian Empire, and caused many people to reach guidance, the path of Islam. 15. The death of Negus According to an authentic narration, when the Negus, the Ethiopian ruler, who had accepted faith earlier, died in the seventh year of Hijra, Allah’s Messenger informed his companions about it; he even performed funeral prayers for him. One week later came the news confirming the death of the Negus on the very same as the Prophet had seen it. 16. Uhud war When Allah’s Messenger was with his closest four companions on the top of Mount Uhud (or Hira), the mountain began to tremble. He said “Steady! For on you are a prophet, a siddiq [title given to Abu Bakr meaning ‘veracious’] and three martyrs.” He thus foretold the martyrdom of Umar, Uthman and Ali. It too proved to true.
Response:
What is the source of these prophecies? Are they from the Quran or hadiths?
If they are from the Quran, could I have the references for further study? If they are from the hadiths, whose compilation of the hadiths are they from?
What is the level of authencity of these hadiths? Can the hadiths collected by this person by trusted?
E. Muhammad made wrong prophecies
Muhammad was also known to make wrong predictions. He made a wrong prediction when he predicted that he would triumphed over the Meccans but was defeated instead. When the Meccans decided that Muhammad was a threat to them and approached him with a large army headed by Uhud, Muhammad lost this battle – his first defeat – even though he had predicted victory. He was struck in the mouth by a sword, lost several teeth and almost died. As a result of this some of his followers fell away because they felt that they had been deceived.
Muslim
You can ask Muslims all over the world, did the Prophet predict that he gonna win the Uhud war? No !. He never predicted anything about this war. He commented His soldier to stay on the hill. And never move before he told them to do. But they disobeyed the Prophet(saw).