Exposing Islam

The Islamic Perspective on Biblical Figures: Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad

Introduction: The Continuity of Prophethood in Islam

Islam presents itself as the final and perfected form of the monotheistic faith that began with Adam and continued through a long line of prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. These figures are revered in Islam, but their stories are reinterpreted in the Qur’an to align with the central doctrine of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah). The Qur’an teaches that each of these prophets preached the same core message of monotheism and submission to the will of Allah, culminating in the final prophethood of Muhammad, who is regarded as “Khatam an-Nabiyyin” (The Seal of the Prophets).

Qur’an 33:40:

"Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets. And Allah has full knowledge of all things."

This post explores how Islam views these key biblical figures, the ways their stories are reinterpreted, and how they are used to establish Muhammad as the final prophet.

1. Abraham (Ibrahim): The Patriarch of Monotheism

A. The Role of Abraham (Ibrahim) in Islam

Abraham is recognized as one of the greatest prophets, honored with the title “Khalilullah” (Friend of Allah).
He is considered the patriarch of both the Arab and Israelite peoples, with his sons Ishmael (Ismail) and Isaac (Ishaq) being the ancestors of these two nations.
In Islam, Abraham is a model of faith, submission, and devotion to Allah, rejecting idolatry and dedicating his life to pure monotheism.

B. Abraham’s Story in the Qur’an

Monotheism and Rejection of Idolatry:
- Abraham is depicted as rejecting the idol-worship of his people and challenging their practices.
- Qur’an 6:74:
  
  "And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father Azar, 'Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people to be in manifest error.'"
The Sacrifice of His Son:
- The Qur’an narrates that Abraham was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son as a test of faith.
- While the Qur’an does not explicitly name the son, Islamic tradition generally identifies Ishmael (Ismail) rather than Isaac.
- Qur’an 37:102:
  
  "And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.'"
The Building of the Kaaba:
- Abraham, along with his son Ishmael, is credited with building the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam.
- Qur’an 2:127:
  
  "And [mention] when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House [Kaaba], [saying], 'Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.'"

C. Establishing Muhammad’s Prophethood Through Abraham

Muhammad is considered a direct descendant of Abraham through Ishmael.
The Kaaba, which Abraham built, is the focal point of Islamic worship (Qiblah), linking Muhammad’s mission directly to Abraham’s legacy.
The Hajj pilgrimage is a reenactment of Abraham’s acts of devotion, emphasizing the continuity of faith from Abraham to Muhammad.

2. Moses (Musa): The Lawgiver and the Promise of a Successor

A. Moses as a Major Prophet

Moses is one of the greatest prophets in Islam, described as a “Kalimullah” (The One Who Spoke with Allah).
He is the prophet who delivered the Torah (Tawrat) to the Children of Israel and performed miracles by Allah’s permission.

B. Moses’ Story in the Qur’an

His Birth and Rescue:
- Moses is born during a time of oppression under Pharaoh, and his mother places him in the Nile where he is rescued by Pharaoh’s wife.
- Qur’an 28:7:
  
  "And We inspired to the mother of Moses, 'Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear and do not grieve.'"
The Encounter with Allah:
- Moses is called to prophethood at Mount Sinai, where Allah speaks to him directly.
- Qur’an 20:13:
  
  "And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed [to you]."
The Exodus and the Parting of the Sea:
- Moses leads the Israelites to freedom, parting the Red Sea by Allah’s command.
- Qur’an 26:63:
  
  "So We inspired Moses, 'Strike with your staff the sea,' and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain."

C. Establishing Muhammad’s Prophethood Through Moses

Islam teaches that Moses foretold the coming of a final prophet, interpreted by Muslims as Muhammad.
Qur’an 7:157:

"Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel."
Muhammad is seen as the fulfillment of this prophecy, bringing the final and perfected law (Sharia).

3. Jesus (Isa): The Messiah and the Promise of a Final Prophet

A. Jesus as a Prophet, Not Divine

Jesus (Isa) is regarded as one of the greatest prophets of Islam, but not divine.
He is known as “Isa ibn Maryam” (Jesus, the son of Mary) and is described as a “Messenger of Allah” and “Al-Masih” (The Messiah).

B. Jesus’ Story in the Qur’an

Miraculous Birth:
- Jesus is born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) by Allah’s command without a father.
- Qur’an 3:47:
  
  "She said, 'My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?' [The angel] said, 'Such is Allah; He creates what He wills.'"
Miracles:
- Jesus performs many miracles by Allah’s permission, including healing the sick, reviving the dead, and creating a bird from clay.
- Qur’an 3:49:
  
  "And I heal the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead — by permission of Allah."
Not Crucified:
- Islam denies the crucifixion of Jesus, asserting that he was raised to heaven.
- Qur’an 4:157:
  
  "And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them."

C. Establishing Muhammad’s Prophethood Through Jesus

Islam teaches that Jesus foretold the coming of Muhammad:
- Qur’an 61:6:
  
  "And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you… bringing good tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.'"
Muhammad is viewed as the fulfillment of this prophecy, completing the divine message.

4. Muhammad as the Final Prophet: The Seal of Prophethood (Khatam an-Nabiyyin)

A. Muhammad as the Culmination of All Prophethood

Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet, completing the chain of prophethood.
Qur’an 33:40:

"Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets."

B. The Universality of Muhammad’s Message

Muhammad’s message is for all of humanity, unlike previous prophets who were sent to specific nations.
Qur’an 34:28:

"And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a bringer of good tidings and a warner to all of mankind."

Conclusion: The Continuity of Prophethood in Islam

Islam views Abraham, Moses, and Jesus as part of a single chain of monotheistic prophets leading to Muhammad.
Their stories are reinterpreted to affirm Muhammad’s mission as the final and universal prophet.
Muhammad’s message is seen as the culmination of all previous revelations, establishing Islam as the final and perfected faith.