15 Claims About Jesus and Muhammad ﷺ
— Let’s Talk About It A Da’wah Clarification from Purely Muslimah
Recently, a video was shared with me that compared Jesus (peace be upon him) and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in a list of 15 stark and often inflammatory claims. These kinds of comparisons often go viral in Christian circles, but they tend to oversimplify, misrepresent, or entirely distort what Islam teaches about our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — and what the Bible truly says about Jesus.
Let’s gently, truthfully, and clearly walk through each point. This isn’t about debate. This is about da’wah — inviting to truth with clarity and compassion.
Claim 1: Identity
“Muhammad ﷺ claimed to be a man inspired by God; Jesus claimed to be God.”
Clarification of Identity:
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — like all prophets before him — called people to worship the One True God. He never claimed divinity. Islam honors Jesus as the Messiah, a word from Allah, created by His command “Be” — and so he was. (Qur’an 3:59) Even in the Bible, Jesus never says “I am God.” In fact, he prays to God, calls Him “the only true God” (John 17:3), and says “the Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). He also says he does nothing of his own accord, and that only God knows the Hour (Mark 13:32)
Reflection:
Claiming to be God would make Jesus unlike all prophets. But the Qur’an shows that Jesus was a servant of God (Qur’an 19:30), not God Himself.
Claim 2: Sinlessness
“Jesus was sinless; Muhammad ﷺ asked forgiveness.”
Clarification of Sinlessness:
All prophets are protected from major sins and mistakes that would compromise their mission. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asking forgiveness is a sign of humility, leadership, and trust in Allah’s mercy. He was teaching us that Allah is Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving) and Al-Afuw (The Pardoner). We are each responsible for our own sins, and when we repent sincerely, Allah promises forgiveness without any need for blood sacrifice. He forgives whoever turns to Him with sincerity. The only sin Allah does not forgive is shirk — associating partners with Him (Qur’an 4:48).
Reflection:
Jesus, too, submitted to God’s will and did not claim perfection outside of God’s grace. Sinlessness does not equal divinity.
Claim 3: Marriage
“Muhammad ﷺ had many wives, including a child bride; Jesus remained single.”
Clarification of Marriage
Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ marriages were part of his societal role: to care for widows, establish alliances, and teach Islamic law. A common misconception surrounds Aisha (RA). Based on multiple timelines — including her older sister Asma’s known age when Islam began — scholars have concluded Aisha was likely in her late teens at the time of consummation. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not marry anyone during the lifetime of Khadijah (RA), and all his marriages after her death served moral and communal purposes.
Jesus (peace be upon him) remained unmarried during his earthly mission, which was cut short. Islamic sources teach that he was raised to heaven and will return before the Day of Judgment to complete his mission, defeat the Dajjal, rule justly, and die a natural death. Some Christian scholars speculate that Jesus may have married Mary Magdalene, though there is no proof of this in scripture.
Paul — not Jesus — discouraged marriage and wrote that it is better not to marry unless one cannot control their desires (1 Corinthians 7). He also stated that elders should be the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:2), and used similar obedience language for both wives and slaves (Ephesians 5:22–24 and 6:5). Paul also instructed that a wife should not separate from her husband and a husband should not divorce his wife (1 Corinthians 7:10–11), even in cases where we might logically expect compassion. These household codes shaped later Christian norms, but they were based on cultural context and do not reflect the teachings of Jesus, who never forbade marriage or equated wives with slaves.
Marriage, Divorce, and Women’s Rights in Islam
Marriage in Islam is a noble tradition of the prophets. Islam permits marriage but discourages divorce, though it is allowed for both men and women. A woman can initiate divorce (khula) if her husband is unjust, abusive, neglects her rights, or if she simply cannot live in peace with him. Men are allowed to marry up to four wives, but only if they can treat them all equally and fairly — a condition the Qur’an warns is difficult to uphold. In fact, the Qur’an says, “But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one…” (Qur’an 4:3).
In cases of divorce, Islam requires a waiting period (‘iddah) of three menstrual cycles to ensure the woman is not pregnant and to allow time for possible reconciliation. A husband may take his wife back during this period. If he divorces her three separate times, the third is final unless she marries someone else and is later divorced or widowed — a law designed to prevent impulsive, repeated divorces that can harm families and society.
Unfortunately, these rulings are often misunderstood or misused today. Some men rush into multiple marriages or divorce without fulfilling the ethical responsibilities outlined in Islam. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ treated all his wives with love, fairness, and compassion — setting the example for believers to follow.
Reflection:
Marriage in Islam is not just a right — it is a responsibility. Where some use marriage or divorce lightly, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed us dignity, fairness, and care. His example reminds us that relationships are a trust from Allah, not a license for control. Islam upholds balance — honoring both the rights of men and the dignity of women, with compassion and accountability at the heart.
Claim 4: Violence
“Muhammad ﷺ led wars; Jesus preached peace.”
Clarification on Violence:
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ led defensive battles after years of persecution. Islam permits fighting only in self-defense. Jesus said, “Do not suppose I came to bring peace… but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). Both prophets stood firmly against injustice.
Reflection:
Context matters. The same Bible includes many wars led by prophets. Why single out Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?
Claim 5: Prayer
“Muhammad ﷺ taught prayer facing Mecca; Jesus taught prayer to a loving Father.”
Clarification on Prayer:
Prayer in Islam is direct, intimate, and structured. Facing Mecca creates unity and revealed the sincerity of true believers versus hypocrites at the time of change in Qibla (direction). Jesus also bowed in prayer (Matthew 26:39). Calling on God as “Father” in the Bible and was metaphorical and cultural; Islam emphasizes God’s mercy without attributing human qualities.
Claim 6: Forgiveness
“Muhammad ﷺ allowed retribution; Jesus forgave his enemies.”
Clarification on Forgiveness:
Islamic law includes justice and mercy. The Qur’an praises forgiveness in many places:
…But if you pardon, overlook, and forgive—their reward is from Allah” (Qur’an 42:40).
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ forgave even his fiercest enemies in Mecca. In Islam, God forgives without needing innocent blood. Sacrifices in prophetic times were expressions of gratitude and submission — not transactions for forgiveness. A loving God does not require blood to forgive. That would reflect vengeance, not mercy. Allah simply asks for sincere repentance, worship, and obedience — and He forgives.
Reflection:
He is Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem — The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful.
He is Al-Ghafoor, Al-Ghaffaar, Ghaafir-udh-Dhanb — The Ever forgiving, the Most Forgiving, the Forgiver of Sins.
Claim 7: Authority
“Muhammad ﷺ ruled politically; Jesus rejected politics.”
Clarification on Authority:
Jesus’ mission was short and under occupation. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established a just society under divine guidance. Had Jesus lived longer or not been opposed, would he have ruled? Both submitted to God’s plan.
Claim 8: Love
“Muhammad ﷺ preached hate; Jesus preached love.”
Clarification Regarding Love:
False. The Qur’an commands, “Do not let hatred of a people prevent you from being just” (5:8). Islam calls to mercy, compassion, and patience. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known as “a mercy to the worlds” (Qur’an 21:107).
Claim 9: Literacy
“Muhammad ﷺ was illiterate; Jesus could read and write.”
Clarification Regarding Literacy:
The Qur’an being revealed to an illiterate man is a miracle. The Prophet ﷺ recited verses memorized by thousands. Jesus, too, taught orally. There is no clear verse in the Bible stating Jesus wrote anything. In fact, the Book of Isaiah (29:12) prophesies: “…the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.” — a verse many scholars link to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The hadith records that when Angel Jibreel first told him “Read,” the Prophet ﷺ replied, “I am not learned,” and Jibreel repeated, “Read!” This moment marked the first divine revelation.
✦ Bonus: Deuteronomy’s Prophecy
The Bible also includes a striking prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:18, where God tells Moses: “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put My words in his mouth…”
Modern Christian translations often say “fellow Israelites,” but the original Hebrew word used is אַחֵיהֶם (achayhem), which literally means “their brothers” — referring to the brethren of the Israelites, i.e., the Ishmaelites (Arabs). Jesus, being an Israelite himself, would not fulfill this description. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, however, was from the line of Ishmael, making him the closest match.
Additionally, the phrase “I will put My words in his mouth” matches how the Qur’an was revealed: verbally, memorized, and spoken aloud by an unlettered prophet who relayed God’s words exactly as they were revealed (Qur’an 53:3–4).
Claim 10: Revelation
“Muhammad ﷺ heard from an angel; Jesus heard God directly.”
Clarification Regarding Revelation:
God sent Gabriel to many prophets — including Mary and Daniel. Revelation comes in many forms. In Islam, both are honored. Jesus’ baptism includes a voice from heaven — similar to prophetic affirmation.
Claim 11: Companions
“Muhammad ﷺ had warriors; Jesus had fishermen.”
Clarification About Companions:
Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ companions included scholars, judges, scribes, merchants, warriors, and even businesswomen. His first wife Khadijah (RA) was a successful entrepreneur who proposed marriage to him. Jesus’ disciples also fled or denied him at the cross. Their character matters more than their profession.
Claim 12: Miracles
“Jesus did miracles; Muhammad ﷺ did not.”
Clarification About Miracles:
Islam affirms that Jesus performed miracles by God’s permission. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also performed numerous miracles beyond the Qur’an. These include:
- The splitting of the moon, witnessed by the Quraysh (Qur’an 54:1),
- Water flowing from his fingers during times of need,
- Multiplying food to feed large groups from a small supply,
- Healing the sick through his supplications,
- And accurate prophecies of future events.
His greatest ongoing miracle is still the Qur’an — a divine revelation that contains knowledge of embryology, oceanic barriers, celestial phenomena, and even geographic realities such as mountains acting as pegs to stabilize the earth (Qur’an 78:6–7). These signs continue to be affirmed by science today.
Together, these miracles confirm the truth of his prophethood and the consistency of God’s message through all His messengers.
Claim 13: Theft
“Muhammad ﷺ allowed stealing from unbelievers; Jesus did not.”
Clarification About Theft:
Absolutely false. Islam forbids theft. War strategies and spoils were regulated in early battles, but stealing is a punishable sin in Islam. Jesus also overturned tables in the temple — righteous action includes confronting corruption.
Claim 14: Slavery
“Muhammad ﷺ owned slaves; Jesus didn’t.”
Clarification Regarding Slavery:
Both lived in times where slavery was widespread. Islam promoted freeing slaves as a virtue and a means of spiritual purification and social justice. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ not only freed slaves but encouraged others to do so as a way to expiate sins and earn reward. He personally emancipated many, including Zayd ibn Harithah (RA), who chose to remain with him even after gaining his freedom. He treated former slaves as equals — elevating some to leadership roles in the early Muslim community. While Islam did not abolish slavery outright at that time, it placed strong ethical constraints and clear incentives to phase it out gradually.
Jesus did not abolish slavery either. In fact, Paul in the New Testament instructed slaves to obey their masters (Ephesians 6:5), without condemning the system.
Claim 15: Death
“Muhammad ﷺ died and was buried; Jesus rose again.”
Clarification About Death:
Yes, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ died as all humans do. Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified but raised to heaven (Qur’an 4:157–158). He will return to complete his mission, defeat the Antichrist (Dajjal), live out his life on earth, possibly marry, and eventually die a natural death before being raised like all of us on the Day of Judgment.
Conclusion:
Instead of using these claims to divide, let’s seek the truth sincerely. Islam does not ask Christians to hate Jesus — it calls them to honor him properly, as a prophet of God. And to recognize that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — far from being a “violent impostor” — was a continuation of the same call to worship One God.
If you’re open to more, I invite you to explore the blog “Why Islam Is True” — a thoughtful journey through reason, scripture, and personal testimony.
Let the truth speak for itself.
With peace and purpose,
Angela
Founder, Purely Muslimah
