Proofs of Prophethood

Praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and Blessings be upon the most noble of the prophets and messengers, and upon his family and companions and all those who heed his message until the day of judgement.

What proof do we have that Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), was a true prophet, a bearer of divine truth sent by the Lord? Many believers who have come to the conclusion that God does exist often pose this very Question. It is important for Muslims to learn about the evidence which acts as conclusive proof for the prophethood of Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). This is because Muslims need to be certain in their belief, and certainty is achieved  through knowledge. Muslims have an obligation to spread and defend their beliefs. I will present several argument to prove the Prophethood of Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of God be upon him) from both Muslim sources and non-Muslim sources.

• Character

A prophet is someone selected by god for a particular purpose, to bring people to goodness, monotheism, worship, righteousness and piety. There are numerous religions which speak of different prophets. As Muslims we do not hold to the same ideals of prophethood like e.g. Christianity. We believe because God is all good it necessarily follows his chosen prophets will be of good lineage and character. Because it would make no sense for God to send a messenger/Prophet who was indecent, of bad character and lineage to call people to goodness, righteousness and good conduct. An individual as such would be rejected and rebelled against. And the Lord makes this clear in the Qur`an, that Muhammad (Peace and blessings of God be upon him) was sent to guide humanity towards goodness. This is evident from:

"O Prophet, we have sent you as a witness, and a bringer of good news, and a warner, and a caller to Allah by his permission and a light-giving lamp." (Holy Qur`an 33:45-46)

"We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures." (Holy Qur`an 21:107)

"It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them. Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)."  (Holy Qur`an 3:159)

The importance of good character can’t be overlooked. Prophets from God must, by necessity have good character because the main purpose of prophets and messengers is to warn people of a certain action or call them towards a particular lifestyle that is more righteous and fulfilling. If prophets sent by God possessed bad characteristics or were unknown in society, or even known for bad behaviour then the community would not trust such a person nor take council from. An unknown person who claims prophethood within society will be cast out and without any protection, simply because they are not known within society. And likewise a  person of immoral behaviour will not be granted the opportunity to speak of righteousness and goodness since their past indicates they have been oblivious to righteousness and goodness.

"A messenger has come to you from among yourselves. Your suffering is distressful to him. He is deeply concerned for you, gentle and merciful to the believers." (Holy Qur`an 9:129)

The messenger of God, Muhammad (Peace and blessings of God be upon him) possessed righteous qualities that were recognized by his non-Muslim community. Two of which being Al-Sidiq (The honest) and Al-Ameen (The trustworthy).  It was because of these two qualities that he was often granted responsibilities in the trade business. However good qualities do not merit prophethood but, they are important indicators when coupled with other evidences, and qualities that such a man is  from God.

The two titles given to the Muhammad (Peace and blessings of God be upon him) are of importance because an honest man would be more accepted in society and likewise a trustworthy man is not prone to mischief or lies. He became well known because of his good qualities despite being an orphan. It is recorded in history that Muhammad (Peace and blessings of God be upon him) settled a major dispute among his community and he was trusted to settle disputes because of his good character.