Muhammad and Zaynab
When a Prophet Wants Another Man’s Wife
A Moment That Breaks the Moral Standard
Let’s not sugarcoat this: Islamic tradition contains a moment that, if true, should trouble anyone who believes Muhammad was a divinely guided prophet. According to respected Muslim sources, Muhammad developed desire for Zaynab bint Jahsh—who, at the time, was married to his adopted son, Zayd ibn Harithah.
This isn’t about a private failing. It’s a theological red flag. If this happened as recorded, Muhammad failed the moral test God applies to prophets.
1. The Story from Within Islam: Lust and a Marriage Scandal
Muslim sources don’t deny the story. They record it matter-of-factly. One of the most telling accounts comes from Tafsir Fath al-Qadir (Vol. 4, p. 404):
“The Prophet entered Zayd’s house and saw Zaynab. She rose to meet him, and her beauty struck him. He desired her…”
This commentary is linked directly to Qur’an 33:37, which says Muhammad was hiding something in his heart that “Allah was going to reveal.” That “something” was his desire for Zaynab. He even told Zayd to stay married to her—while secretly wanting otherwise. Eventually, Zayd divorced her, and Muhammad married her himself.
It caused such scandal that the Qur’an had to step in with a divine justification.
2. The Bible’s Moral Clarity: Desire Itself Is a Sin
Let’s contrast that with what the Bible says about this kind of situation:
Exodus 20:17: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.”
Matthew 5:28: “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
In the biblical framework, lust isn’t a small issue. It’s not excused because “he didn’t act on it right away.” The thought itself is sin. The heart matters. That’s the standard Jesus set — not just outer behavior, but inner purity.
By that standard, Muhammad doesn’t just fail the prophetic ideal — he fails basic moral integrity.
3. Prophets Must Reflect God's Character
Prophets aren’t just message carriers. They are supposed to model God’s holiness.
Habakkuk 1:13: “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.”
That’s the God of the Bible. And He doesn’t appoint prophets who act in secret self-interest—let alone pursue another man’s wife.
When King David fell into similar sin, God didn’t say “It’s human.” He rebuked him sharply through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12).
Yet in Muhammad’s case, the Qur’an doesn’t rebuke—it justifies. That should make us pause.
4. Jesus vs. Muhammad: A Study in Contrast
The contrast with Jesus is stark.
Hebrews 4:15: Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet without sin.”
He didn’t just teach purity — He lived it.
He never manipulated spiritual authority for personal gain.
He never “concealed desire” behind theological excuses.
While Muhammad was hiding what he wanted, Jesus was resisting what He didn’t. One modeled human compromise; the other, divine character.
5. Why This Matters: Theological Disqualification
Jesus said:
“By their fruits you will recognize them…” — Matthew 7:20
Muhammad’s “fruit” in this story is troubling:
Concealed lust
Marrying his adopted son’s wife
Needing a divine “pass” to make it okay
It doesn’t align with the life of someone speaking on behalf of a holy God. In fact, the Bible warns:
1 John 4:1: “Test the spirits… for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
This isn’t an overreaction. It’s a biblical requirement: judge prophets by their moral lives. And here, Muhammad fails that test.
6. Muslim Responses: None That Hold Up
Muslim scholars and apologists have tried to soften the blow:
“The marriage was for legal reform.” But the problem isn’t the marriage—it’s the desire that came first, and the secrecy around it.
“This shows Muhammad was human.” Yes, but lusting after your adopted son’s wife is not just human—it’s sinful.
“Allah permitted it.” That raises a bigger problem: What kind of God overrides His own moral standards to accommodate a prophet’s urges?
These answers don’t resolve the issue. They highlight it.
7. The Verdict: Muhammad Fails the Prophetic Standard
If this story happened as recorded—and it’s deeply embedded in Islamic tradition—then Muhammad can’t be considered a true prophet by biblical standards. Not because of outside bias, but because of his own actions, as preserved in Muslim texts.
This isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s disqualifying.
“By their fruits you will recognize them.” — Matthew 7:20
And by this fruit, Muhammad is found wanting.
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