Muhammad's Denial of Prophetic Responsibility
‘Straying only to his own loss’?
Muslims are taught to confess that ‘Muhammad is the Messenger’ of Allah. Doing so is one of the central obligations of Islam and this confession permeates Islamic life and worship. However, what if this is a ‘false testimony’? What would the implications be for Muhammad, and his followers, if he taught believers to confess something that is not true?
It seems that somewhere in the course of his prophetic career, Muhammad became worried about what the eternal implications might be if he were leading people astray. The Qur’an, therefore, contains a disclaimer making it clear that if he was wrong, he will be the only one to suffer consequences because of his errors: “Say: “If I am astray, I only stray to the loss of my own soul: but if I receive guidance, it is because of the inspiration of my Lord to me: it is He Who hears all things, and is (ever) near.” (Qur’an 34:50)
Consider for a moment how absurd and illogical that statement is. Muhammad claimed to be the messenger of Allah and to point people to him. If he was wrong (strayed), people would believe wrong things about Allah and might suffer terribly in the hereafter. How can Muhammad say that he will be the only loser in this case? This verse also contradicts several others in the Qur’an, for example:
Say: “Obey Allah and His messenger’: But if they turn back, Allah loveth not those who reject Faith.” (Qur’an 3:32)
“Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah”. (Qur’an 33.21)
These verses, and there are many more like them, emphasize that following Muhammad’s teaching and conduct is essential to please Allah. If he was wrong, it would therefore not only be to his own loss but also to the loss of all those who follow his teaching and example. Furthermore, the Qur’an makes it clear that those who misled others will be held responsible for their deception, but that their followers will still have to bear some of the responsibility for their own decisions in following the deception. (cf. Qur’an 29:12 and 16:25)
These are just some of the profound contradictions to be found in the Qur'an. For a much more thoroughgoing assessment of the truth claims of Islam, please see my book ‘Questioning Islam - Tough Questions and Honest Answers About the Muslim Religion'.
Kind regards,
Peter
If you received this article via email, please forward it to your friends who might be interested. Otherwise, use the button below to share it on social media.
Please use the button below to subscribe, or to support my work by upgrading to a paid subscription.