Prophet Mohammad is First in Creation

The lovers of Holy Prophet also believe that in addition to the an-Nur of Mohammad, Allah also created his physical and inward traits before anything else. Meaning Allah had already decided whatever attributes and characteristics, He wanted to grant Prophet Mohammad. Once He created him, He then created the whole creation and Universe in correspondence to that. After the creation of this world but before sending Prophet Mohammad into this physical world, Allah Almighty revealed his attributes and characteristics in the previous Holy Books given to the previous prophets.

 Also all the prophets before Prophet Mohammad, in correspondence to the covenant made to Allah, had already informed their umma about the attributes of last Messenger. Allah’s intent behind this was to ensure people recognize Prophet Mohammad upon his arrival in this world and follow him.

The revelation about the sacred attributes of Prophet Mohammad on the previous prophets and them preaching their umma about him is a proof that Allah Almighty created him before anything else.

Why Previous Prophets were Sent?

In Quran Allah Almighty talks about the promise He took from all prophets in regard to Prophet Mohammad in the following words:

Meaning: And, (O Beloved, recall) when Allah took a firm covenant from the Prophets: ‘When I give you the Book and Wisdom, and then there comes to you the Messenger (who is exalted in glory above all and) who shall validate the Books you will have with you, you shall then, most certainly, believe in him and most surely help him.’ Allah said: ‘Do you affirm, and on this (condition) hold fast to My covenant?’ All submitted: ‘We affirm.’ Allah said: Bear witness then, and I am also with you amongst the witness.’” [3:81]

Thus, before sending the last Messenger of Allah, the purpose of sending the previous prophets was so they can inform their umma about the arrival of Mohammad. The reason being, when Mohammad manifests in this world, the other umma can recognize him, follow him, and help him in preaching Islam. The Prophets are naïve of sins and obedient to Allah. They affirm the covenant with Allah and preach their Umma about worshiping Allah, follow the elements of Sharia and also inform them about the arrival of Holy Prophet.

Allah Informed Previous Umma About Arrival of His Last Messenger

The holy Quran verifies that the previous umma were informed about the attributes and characteristics of Prophet Mohammad. As Allah says in Quran:

الَّذِیْ یَجِدُوْنَہٗ مَکْتُوْبًا عِنْدَھُمْ فِی التَّوْرٰۃِ وَالْاِنْجِیْلِ

Meaning: (The Prophet) whose eminent attributes and exquisite powers, these people find written in the Torah and Gospel.

اَلَّذِیْنَ اٰتَیْنٰھُمُ الْکِتَابَ یَعْرِفُوْنَہٗ کَمَا یَعْرِفُوْنَ اَبْنَآئَھُمْ

Meaning: And those to whom We have given the Book recognize (the final) Messenger as they doubtlessly identify their own sons.

The Previous Holy Books Are Not in Their Original Form

The scholars of Islam did some research in the previous holy books to find out how and at what instances they have mentioned about the last Messenger of Allah. However, they were extremely disappointed to see that neither the holy book Torah nor Gospel were present in their original manuscript. Even the copies of these holy books did not match each other. This verifies that Christians and Jews had made changes in these books as mentioned in Quran.

یُحَرِّفُوْنَ الْکَلِمَ عَنْ مَّوَاضِعِہٖ

Meaning: They (Jews) change the words (of Allah’s Book) from their (right) places.

Regardless of changes in these Holy Books, some respected scholars with sincerity and eagerness and having firm faith in Allah and love for Prophet did some research. Allah Almighty helped them succeed and they were able to find the manuscripts of 4 holy books, Torah, Psalms and Gospel, in which the revelation of Prophet Mohammad as the last Messenger of Allah is present.

Whether these holy Books contain the facts about Prophet Mohammad or not, however, the Islamic books and Quran do contain these facts.

In the following part of this article, we are going to discuss how the previous four holy Books revealed about Prophet Mohammad.

Facts About Prophet Mohammad In Torah

Torah was revealed to Prophet Moses, who was a dignified prophet after Prophet Abraham. Allah revealed this book on him around 1450 BC. Torah has five parts which are called the five books. The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of Torah. This book clearly talks about the Prophet Mohammad in the following words,

جَاّ الرَّبُّ مِنْ سِیْنَائَ اشْرَقَ لَنَا مِنْ سَاعیر اسْتَعْلَنَ مِنْ جَبَلِ فَارَانَ

Meaning: The Lord came on Sinai and dawned over them from Seir; he shone forth from Mount Paran. He came with myriads of ten thousand holy ones from the south, from his mountain slopes.

The exegesis of the above verse is that mount Seir is that place where Allah Almighty spoke with prophet Moses. In fact, Allah revealed Torah on him on the same mount. Mount Sinai is the place where Christ declared his prophecy. Also, he was given Gospel at this mount. The Mount Paran is in Makkah, where Prophet Mohammad declared his prophethood and Allah revealed Quran upon him. Here ten thousand myriads refer to the Companions of Prophet Mohammad with whom he entered Makkah at the time of conquest of Makkah. According to the history books, there were almost ten thousand Companions of Prophet Mohammad with him at the time of conquest of Makkah.

Prophet Mohammad is the Divine Self

The exegesis of this verse can also be done as follows:

Prophet Moses and Christ were the manifestation of the an-Nur of Allah. However, Prophet Mohammad is the Divine Self and the Divine light. The an-Nur and glory of Allah manifested in the form of Prophet Moses and Christ. Contrarily, Allah Himself manifested in the sacred self of Prophet Mohammad.

Attributes of Prophet Mohammad in Torah

In the holy book, Torah, Allah Almighty describes the attributes and characteristics of Prophet Mohammad to prophet Moses in the following words:

Meaning: I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. [Torah- Chapter 18, Verse 18]

The exegesis of the aforementioned verse is very clear, that Allah will send such Prophet who will be at an exalted status. Allah will speak to people through his mouth. And he will not be amongst the children of Israel, rather he will be from the children of Ismail. The Holy Quran also verifies this attribute of Prophet Mohammad in the following verse.

وَمَا یَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْھَوٰی ۔ اِنْ ھُوَ اِلَّا وَحْیٌ یُّوْحٰی

Meaning: And he does not speak out of his (own) desire. His speech is nothing but revelation, which is sent to him. [53:3-4]

Prophet Mohammad is Not from Bani Israel

The Jews opposed Prophet Mohammad because they could not bear that the sacred self of Prophet Mohammad was from the children of Ismael and not of Israel.

Actually, the children of Ismael were from the children of Prophet Abraham’s younger son Ishaq. After Prophet Ismael, all the prophets were from Bani Israel. Therefore, they started thinking high of themselves. Allah, however, had a different plan. He sent Prophet Mohammad from the children of Ismael after a long gap. When Bani Israel, saw the prophethood going away from their clan they started erasing the signs of Prophet Mohammad mentioned in the holy books. While, if Allah wants to reveal something then nothing can get in the way of His command. Therefore, Allah unveiled the resentment of Bani Israel in the Holy Quran that they change the words of Lord to hide the signs of the last Messenger of Allah.

Prophet Mohammad is Unique of all Prophets

I will grant him in a unique way, that I have not granted to anyone else. (Meaning, the glory and splendor of other prophets will be limited while the miracles and magnificence of Prophet Mohammad will be limitless).

He is Ahmad who will be praising Allah. His style of praising Lord will be unique. No one would have ever praised Me like that. He will arise from the peak of the world, near the seashore. Also he will be like a good news for all humanity. (This means, that the other prophets were sent to one particular nation, but Prophet Mohammad will be a prophet for the whole humanity). His umma will recite the first creed of Islam while going up to the elevated place. And will raise the slogan of ‘Allah is the greatest’ when at an eminent place.

No One is Comparable to Prophet’s Glory

On another occasion, Allah Almighty describes the glory of Prophet Mohamad in Torah in the following words:

He will be neither feeble nor downcast. Also, he won’t be attracted towards the desires of innerself or the sound of singers on the streets. Rather, no one will hear his voice in the streets. Pious and virtuous people, be it poor or improvised will not be looked down by him. Rather, he will make such honest and pious people his friends. He is that an-Nur of Allah which no one can ever blow out and no one can ever be comparable to him. In fact, he will spread the word of Allah to an extent that ignorance will vanish. Not only humans but the Jinns will also follow the book revealed upon him.

Verification by Jew Scholars

Abdullah bin Salam and Ka’ab Ahbar were Jews before embracing Islam and were the scholars of Torah. So after the revelation of Quran, when Companions heard the verses which mention the attributes of Prophet Mohammad that are also mentioned in Torah, they asked Abdullah bin Salam and Ka’ab Ahbar about them. They verified that the aforementioned attributes of Prophet Mohammad are also mentioned in Torah.

Abdullah bin Abbas relates, when we asked Ka’ab Ahbar about the attributes of Prophet Mohammad in Torah, he said, it is written in Torah that:

“Mohammad is the prophet of Allah and he will be born in Makkah and migrate to Madina. The Prophet of Allah will neither use any profanity nor will act vile in response to violence. Rather, he will be very forgiving and will pray even for the ones giving him agony and pain. His Umma will be abundantly praising Allah. They will recite “Allah is the greatest” when climbing up the elevation and will be praising Lord when coming down. They will monitor the sunrise and sunset (to track the timings of their salah) and will offer salat when it is time.” (khasais e kubra)

Previous Prophets Recognize Mohammad

Umar ibn Abi Talib asked Abdullah bin Salam about the following verse of sura al-Baqarah:

Meaning: “We granted the Divine Book to the (prophets) who recognize Prophet Mohammad just like a man who clearly recognizes his sons.”

Abdullah bin Salam responded in the following words:

“O Umar! When I saw Prophet Mohammad, I recognized him right away without any doubt. Me recognizing Prophet Mohammad was as obvious as me recognizing my sons.”

Umar further asked; how is that? Abdullah replied, “the attributes of Prophet Mohammad were clearly described in the Divine Book Torah”.

Atta bin Yasr says, I asked Abdullah bin Umro bin Aas about the attributes of Prophet Mohammad mentioned in Torah. He replied, “Swear to Allah! Torah also describes the same attributes of holy Prophet as mentioned in Quran.”

Allah Almighty says in Torah:

“O Prophet Mohammad! We have sent you as the bearer of good news and witness. Someone who reminds people (of Allah’s wrath) and the guardian of the weak. You are My slave and messenger. I have named prophet Mohammad, al-Mutawakkil (he who relies on Allah). The Messenger of Allah is neither harsh in word nor cruel in his inward. Also he neither talks loud in the streets nor he is vile in response to violence. Rather, he is a forgiver. (Musnad Ahmad, Bukhari Sharif)

The Holy Book Psalm

Prophet Dawud (David) is the successor of prophet Moses and is one of the magnificent prophets. Allah Almighty revealed the holy book Psalm (Zabur) on him. Allah revealed the holy book of Psalm in 1000 BC. This holy book as well talks about the glory of Prophet Mohammad.

Allama ibn Jozi relates that it is mentioned in the holy book Psalm,

“Allah will send (Prophet Mohammad) in Arab. He is worthy of praises and glorified.”

The aforementioned verse of Psalm definitely refers to Prophet Mohammad. Because before Prophet Mohammad, no other prophet was from Arab and “worthy of praise” title used in the holy book refers to the attributive names of Prophet Mohammad, like Ahmad, Mehmood, etc. which means worthy of commendation.

Prophet’s Attributes in the Holy Book Psalm

In another chapter of the holy book Psalm, Allah says,

“The prophet in future will be capable of bringing oceans and rivers to the ground level with his spiritual attention. The people on the island will bow before him and people of all tribes will not only honor and respect him but also follow him because he will free them from the violence of the cruel. In fact he will be blessing upon the not so powerful and weak. Also he will own the limitless treasures of Yemen. Salutations and blessings will be upon him all the time. His every day will be blessed, and he will be remembered forever.”

When the aforementioned verses were reveled, all the prophets had not arrived in this world. That is why, at the time only prophets (and not common people) could tell that these verses were describing the majesty of which prophet. However, in today’s era, all the prophets have already arrived, thus it is not hard to understand which prophet this verse is referring to. Undoubtedly, who could he be other than Prophet Mohammad.

Grandeur of Holy Prophet

In another chapter of the holy book, Allah praises Prophet Mohammad in the following words:

“O prophet, the manifestation of Lord’s majesty and power! Wear your sword as a cross-belt as your grandeur and splendor is associated with your strength. Your arrows are sharp, and people and sects are about to bow before you in reverence.”

Indeed, these verses from the holy book are also describing the grandeur of Prophet Mohammad. Because, neither any other prophet fought battles in the way of Allah, nor did they succeed like Prophet Mohammad did along with his Companions.

Ibn Abi Hatim relates that Abu Darda said that I read 150 chapters of one of the manuscripts of the holy book Psalm. In the fourth chapter of the holy book, Allah says:

“O David listen! And tell Suleman to inform his people that I am the Lord of this world. And I will make the umma of Mohammad the successor of this world.” (Khasais Kubra Version 1 page 65)

The Holy Book Mentions the Name Ahmad

Allama Saitwi writes in reference to Wahab bin Munba that Allah Almighty gave the good news to prophet David in the following words,
“O David! There will be a Prophet after you whose name will be Ahmad and Mohammad. I will never get upset on him and he will never disobey Me. And his ummah will be superior to all other ummahs. (Khasais Kubra Version 1 page 29)

In the holy book Psalm, Allah admired Prophet Mohammad in the following words,

“Praise your Lord. Further praise the Divine Self whose inward is enlightened with the an-Nur of Allah. The children of Israel should be pleased with their Lord and people of Zion. As Allah will send His last Messenger among them. He has blessed him with special victory and patronage and because of him, God will make pious and devout strong and robust. The people of his umma will praise Allah. They will praise Allah in loud calls (Adhan). Also they will have a sharp sword in their hands so they can course correct the ones who have forgotten their Lord.” (This refers to the importance of Jihad on the umma of Prophet Mohammad).

Tasbihat e Sulaiman

After Prophet David, his sacred son, Solomon, who was the great emperor of his era and successor prophet also gave Divine inspiration about Prophet Mohammad to his nation. His revelation was not in coated words, rather Allah Almighty clearly told him the name of His last Messenger. Therefore, it is written in Tasbihat e Sulaiman,

خلو محمدیم زہ رو دی زہ رَعی

Meaning: “He is Prophet Mohammad. Dear and My beloved.”

The Holy Book of Isaiah

The successor prophet of Solomon, Isaiah, in the holy book of Isaiah has mentioned the Divine revelations about Prophet Mohammad. The incidents mentioned in this holy book clearly refer to the events in the life of holy Prophet like, migration, battles, etc. He says:

Meaning: “Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices. Allow the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice. Also let the people of Sela sing in joy; and allow them to shout from the mountaintops. The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.”

Exegesis

In the aforementioned verse, the wilderness refers to the deserts of Arab. Kedar was the son of prophet Ismael from whose children Prophet Mohammad arrived. ‘Sela’ is a mountain which is a few miles from Madina. This is the place where people of Madina warmly welcomed Prophet Mohammad on his migration to Madina. This verse also refers to the joy of the young girls who were singing poems in delight to welcome Prophet Mohammad to Madina.

طَلَعَ الْبَدْرُ عَلَیْنَا

Meaning: The full moon rose over us.

 The battle over the mountain here refers to the battles of Islam in which Prophet Mohammad took part. Prophet Isaiah also mentioned another sign in in the holy book:

Meaning: “When you give it to those who cannot read, they will say, “We don’t know how to read.”

Incidence of First Revelation

In Bukhari Sharif, scholars write, when angel Gabriel brought the first revelation of Allah to Prophet Mohammad, he recited the following words of the sura al-Alaq:

اِقْرَاْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّکَ الَّذِیْ خَلَقْ

 Meaning: (O beloved!) Read with the name of Allah, Who has created (everything). [96:1]

In the holy book of Isaiah, it is written in chapter 40:

Meaning: Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. It is the voice of the Lord.

In another chapter, Allah says:

Meaning: O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!” Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. Also he will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. In fact, he will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. [40:11-13]

The Holy Book Gospel

The last prophet in the chain of prophet Moses is the Christ. Allah revealed the holy book Gospel upon him. In Quran, Allah describes the main reason behind sending Christ.

وَاِذْ قَالَ عِیْسٰی ابْنُ مَرْیَمَ یٰبَنِیْ اِسْرَآئِیْلَ اِنِّیْ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰہِ اِلَیْکُمْ مُّصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَیْنَ یَدَیَّ مِنَ التَّوْرٰۃِ وَ مُبَشِّرًا م بِرَسُولٍ یَّاْتِیْ مِنْ م بَعْدِیْ اسْمُہٗ اَحْمَدُ

Meaning: (And also recall) when ‘Isa, the son of Maryam (Jesus, the son of Mary) said: ‘O children of Israel, indeed I am ( a messenger) sent to you by Allah, confirming the Torah, the book which came before me, and is bearing the good news of (the pleasant arrival of) the Messenger of Allah, who will com after me, whose name is Ahmad. [61:6]

The Purpose of Sending Jesus

The aforementioned verse describes that Allah sent Jesus to direct the humanity and inform them about the arrival of last Messenger.

When Allah granted the holy book Gospel to Jesus, he preached people about the message of Allah who then used to write and compiled it in the form of book afterwards. But their way of writing was not same as Companions of Mohammad had adopted for writing Quran. As they did not write word to word of what Jesus would tell them. Furthermore, they included their own questions and corresponding answers in the book as well. Not only that they also included the special incidents that Jesus experienced in the Gospel. This is why there are several editions of Gospel present. Some of which were written during the life of Jesus and some after he passed away.

What are four different Gospels?

The four widely known Gospels are as follows:

1. The Gospel of Matthew
2. Luke
3. Gospel of John
4. The Gospel of Mark

Because of different writing style of different people, it was quite easy to make changes in Gospel. There were few common verses missing in all books thus no one could challenge the changes made. Before the arrival of Prophet Mohammad, the holy book of Gospel already had several changes. However, there were so many verses about the exalted status of Mohammad in the holy book which they could not erase. Therefore, before even Mohammad announced his prophecy some Christian priests recognized him based on the signs about him in their holy book.

Incidents of Christian Priest Recognizing Prophet Mohammad

Incident 1

At the age of twelve, Mohammad travelled to Syria for trade, with his uncle, Abu Talib. On their way, near Basra, they stayed with a Christian priest ‘Baheera’. He instantly recognized Mohammad as the last prophet of Allah based on the signs about him in the holy book Gospel. Then he told Abu Talib,

“Certainly, he is the leader of the whole world and the last messenger of Allah whom He sent as blessing for the entire Universe. I have seen that the living and nonliving bow before him and the clouds shade over him. Also, he has the seal of Prophethood between his shoulders. (Tirmidi)

Incident 2

Similarly, at the age of twenty-five, Prophet Mohammad, travelled to Syria again with Khadija bint Khuwaylid, for the purpose of trade. On their way, Prophet Mohammad, Khadija, and her servant, ‘Mesra’ stayed near the khanqah of a Christian priest named ‘Nastuwar’.

This Christian already knew the slave of Khadija. So, when he saw Mohammad, he went to the salve and asked him, “O Mesra! Who is this man under the shade of tree?” He answered, “He is from Makkah and belong to the family of Banu Hashim, his name is ‘Mohammad’ and his title is ‘the truthful’.” On this Nastuwar said; “Other than prophet no one has ever resided under that tree. Thus, I have a firm belief that he is the last Prophet of Allah. Because I see all the signs of the last Prophet that I have read in Torah and Gospel, in him. I wish, I live to see when he announces his prophecy. So, I can wholeheartedly help and serve him for the rest of my life.”

Incident 3

When angel Gabriel, brought the first revelation to Prophet Mohammad, he got nervous. Thus, he went home and told Khadija bint Khuwaylid about it. She took him to one of her cousins, Waraqah ibn Nawfal who had left idolatry and adopted Christianity. He used to translate the holy book Gospel from Hebrew to Arabic language. After listening to the incidence of first revelation, he said,

“This is the same angel, whom Allah sent to Prophet Moses. I wish I am alive till the era when people of Makkah will make Prophet Mohammad leave this city.” On hearing this, Prophet Mohammad surprisingly asked, will people of Makkah will force me out of this city? On this Waraqah ibn Nawfal replied, “People mistreated whosoever announced prophethood like you.”

Changes in the Holy Book Gospel

There are many signs of Mohammad’s prophecy in the holy book Gospel. However, the children of Ismael out of envy, made major changes in the holy book to erase these signs. As Allah says in Quran:

Meaning: And when the disbelievers were engaged in hatching conspiracies against you to captivate you, they were plotting intrigues, and (on the other) Allah was planning His strategy (to thwart their intrigues). And Allah is the best of the secret planners. [8:30]

Thus, Allah preserved the signs of his beloved Prophet. Allah had planned to preserve the holy book of Gospel with one of closest priest of Jesus, saint Barnabas. The Gospel of Barnabas did not stay in Arab, rather on God’s will, it was preserved in a different country in its original form, away from the reach of Christian priests of Arab. In this way the Gospel of Barnabas remained preserved in its original form. Indeed, the good Lord who created Mohammad made ways to protect the signs verifying his prophethood.

The Gospel of Barnabas

The Christians acknowledged this holy book till 325 AC. However, in 329 AC, one of the renowned priests of Christians, Gallagher the 1^st, called this holy book along with many other Gospels as straying for Christians. He forbids Christians to keep this holy book with them. Therefore, slowly the book vanished from the front line. However, in 383 AC Pope saved one manuscript of the Gospel of Barnabas in his library. In 1713 AC, prince Yougain saved the Italian manuscript of this holy book in the royal library. In this way, the manuscript stayed away from the limelight, preserved in its original form, from 329 AC to 1713 AC. While the year of Prophet Mohammad’s birth is 573 AC.

In 1713, when this holy book was discovered, the Christian priests called it fake and stated that it is most likely written by Muslim scholars. However, one of the Christian priests revealed that there is a Hispanic translation of this holy book available as well.

Muslims Preserved the Gospel of Barnabas

Later Muslim scholars found out about this book, before Christian priests could make additions and subtractions in this holy book. In 1907 AC, an English priest, Longsdale Ragg, translated it into English language. From which a Muslim Egyptian scholar Dr. Khalil Sadat translated it into Arabic in 1908. Then Molvi Mohammad Haleem Ansari from India, translated this holy book to Urdu language. Later in 1910 AC, institute of Islam Mission in Lahore, published this holy book. Now this Gospel is available in four editions. The institute of Islamiat, published the first edition in 1910 AC, the second edition in 1916 AC, third in 1962 and fourth in 2003. These editions were published from Lahore and Karachi. In 1973 Quran Council of Pakistan published the English edition of this holy book.

This holy book still underwent many changes. Christians tried to call it fake. However, they called it fake for the same reason they called many other holy books fake. As these holy books talk about the exalted status of Prophet Mohammad. The Christians do consider Barnabas as one of the closest priests of Jesus. However, they deny his writing. The original name of Barnabas priest was Hawari, however Christians gave him the title of Barnabas which means “the adviser”. This shows that he was well respected by the Christian priests.

Incidence of Creating Adam in Quran

In Quran, Allah Almighty states the incidence of the creation of Adam in the following words:

وَنَفَخْتُ فِیْہِ مِنْ رُّوْحِیْ

Meaning: And then I breathe My (Divine) spirit into the inner self (of this human body). [15:29]

Reference from the Holy Book Gospel

In the holy book Gospel, Allah also reveals similar verse about the creation of Adam.

Meaning: Then Allah granted His soul to man. [39:13]

Incidence Described by Prophet Mohammad

Right after this verse, the holy book describes the incidence with few changes that Umar ibn Khattab related that Prophet Mohammad described in the following words:

When Adam committed a mistake, he begged Allah for forgiveness and said: “O Lord! I ask for Your forgiveness for the sake of Mohammad.” In turn Allah Almighty said: “O Adam! How did you recognize Mohammad? Although I have not created him yet”.

Adam replied, “O Lord! When You created me and breathed Your soul in me, the first time when I raised my head I saw a writing on the heaven, Your throne, which said: لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُوْلُ اللّٰہِ “There is only one God and Mohammad is the messenger of Allah.” Whereupon I realized that You must have written the name of such person right next to Your sacred name, who must be extremely near and dear to You among all creation.” Allah said, “O Adam! You are telling the truth. He (Mohammad) is really my most beloved among all creation and when you prayed to me with his reference, I forgave you. And if it was not for Mohammad, I would not have created you.”

Incidence in the Gospel

The holy book of Gospel also narrates the aforementioned incidence in the following words:

“Adam, having sprung up upon his feat, saw in the air a writing that shone like the sun, which said: ‘There is one God and Mohammad is the messenger of God.’ Whereupon Adam opened his mouth and said: “I thank my Lord, that You created me, but I beg you to tell me the meaning of these words: ‘Mohammad is messenger of God’.

Then God said, “Well done my servant Adam. I tell you that you are the first man whom I created and this man whose name you have seen, shall be your son. He shall come to the world several years after you and will be My messenger. And I have created everything for him. When Lord will send His messenger to the world, he will enlighten the world. This will be the Prophet whose soul was set in celestial splendor sixty thousand years before I made anything.” [29:15-22]

Reference from Hadith

Prophet Mohammad describes the aforementioned reality in a hadith as follows:

یا جابراوّل ما خلق اللہ نور نبیک من نورہٖ

Meaning: O Jabar! First of all Allah created your Prophet with His an-Nur.

Prophet Mohammad is the ‘Messiah’

Just like all other prophets of Allah, Jesus Christ also faced many challenges in the beginning of his preaching. However, after seeing his miracles and high morals when the children of Israel accepted him as the prophet of Allah. They, however, thought of him as the last Prophet of Allah, about whom Torah, Gospel and the other holy books talk about.

In the holy book of Isaiah, Prophet Isaiah used the word ‘Messiah’ for Prophet Mohammad. Therefore, some priests from the children of Israel went to Jesus Christ and asked, “Are you the ‘Messiah’? In turn, he replied,

The miracles of God that my hands show verify that I speak and do only what He wills. I do not account myself of him (Mohammad) who you speak of. For I am not even worthy to unloose the ties of the laces or the ratchets of the shoes of the messenger of God, whom you call ‘Messiah’. Allah created him before me and shall come after me. Indeed, he shall bring the words of truth so that his religion shall have no end. [42:12-17]

Prophet Mohammad is the Blessing for the Entire Universe

Undoubtedly, Allah sent His last Messenger as a blessing and mercy for the entire Universe. This is one of his sacred characteristics. Jesus talked about this attribute in his holy book in the following words:

I therefore tell you that the messenger of God is a splendor (an-Nur) that shall give gladness to all the creation that God has made. For Allah adorned him with the spiritual understanding, spirit of wisdom and might, the spirit of fear and love, the spirit of prudence and temperance. Furthermore, Allah also adorned him with the spirit of charity and mercy, the spirit of justice and piety, the spirit of gentleness and patience which he received from God.

What a blessed time it would be when he (Mohammad) shall come to the world! Believe me I have seen him in every mirror of my inward, because Lord grants (Mohammad’s recognition) to those prophets who rely his message. When I saw him, God filled my soul with consolation and I couldn’t help but say, “O Mohammad, God be with you and may He make me worthy to untie your shoelace. As if I can do that, I shall be a great prophet and holy one of God. [44:30]

Incidence from Gospel- A Truth Seeking Woman

The woman said: “We look for the Messiah, when he comes, he will teach us.” Jesus answered, “Do you know that the Messiah will come? She answered: Yes Lord.” Then Jesus rejoiced and said: “So far as I see you are the believer. Thus, know that by only having faith in Messiah will be your saviour. And in the state of faith you must know about (the characteristics) of Messiah.

The woman said: “O Lord, perhaps you are the Messiah.” Jesus answered, “I am indeed sent as a salvation, a prophet to the house of Israel, but after me shall come the Messiah that God sent for the whole world, for whom God has made the world. And then people would worship Allah throughout the world. Thus, world will receive mercy because of him. [82:9-17]

Conversation with the Priest

“Then said the priest: ‘How shall the Messiah be called and what signs shall reveal his coming?’

Jesus answered: ‘The name of Messiah is admirable, for God Himself gave him the name when He created his soul and placed His own celestial splendor in him. God said: “Wait Mohammad! For the paradise, the world, and a great multitude of creatures whereof I will create shall be for you. Those who will send blessings upon you will find salvation while your deniers will be accursed. When I shall send you into the world, I shall send you as My messenger of salvation and your words shall be true. In so much that heaven and earth will become weak and shall fail but you shall never fail.

Indeed, his sacred name is ‘Mohammad’. Then the crows lifted up their voices saying: ‘O God! Send us Your messenger. O Mohammad, come quickly for the salvation of this world.’” [97: 10-19]

Revelations About Mohammad in Other Gospels

There are several revelations about Prophet Mohammad in the Gospel of Barnabas. However, other Gospels even after undergoing several changes still talk about holy Prophet. In Gospel Matthew, Chapter 3, verse 8, Gospel Lofa, chapter 3 verse 16, 17 and Gospel Marcus chapter 1 verse 6-8, all the Divine inspirations about Prophet Mohammad are given in almost similar words. Some of the examples are as follows:

“I baptize you with the water of repentance. However, the (prophet) after me will be more powerful than me. I am not even worthy of carrying his shoes. He will baptize you with the Divine soul and fire.

Reference from Gospel of John

In this holy book, the revelation about Prophet Mohammad is given in the following words:

• “I will not give you any commandment after this. Because the leader of this world is coming, and I am nothing like him. [14:31]
• I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when the Spirit of truth (Mohammad) will come, he will guide you into the truth. For he shall not speak on his own, but whatsoever he says will be from Him (Allah). He will tell you things that are yet to happen. [16:12-13]

Believing in Prophet Mohammad is the True Faith

Many of the aforementioned references from the previous holy books can be cross checked from several Hadiths and Islamic books that also talk about the exalted status of Prophet Mohammad. Those who do not have faith in his glory and status in fact are disbelievers. Because the actual faith lies in believing in the exalted status of the Messenger of Allah. Barnabas writes in Gospel:

Then said John: “Faith is a seal whereby God sealed his elected ones. The seal that He gave to His messenger, at whose hands every one that is elected will receive faith. For even God is one and so is the faith. Whereby, God created His messenger (Mohammad) first before He created anything else. Which is as it were likeness of God. [90:2-4]

Why Prophet Mohammad is the Greatest?

The holy Prophet was the last messenger of Allah sent for the entire humanity. Certainly, he is the reason for the creation of this Universe. When Allah intended to be recognized He created Prophet Mohammad from His an-Nur (Divine light) and then He created the entire Universe with the an-Nur of Mohammad. Allah granted him the Maqaam Al-Mahmoud (the praised station).

Why Allah Sent Prophets and Messengers?

Allah sent prophets and messengers so they can guide people to the worship and one God. And to worship Allah means to obey Him, fear Him and not hold any companion to him. Also believe that Prophet Mohammad is His last Prophet and Messenger.

Why did Allah send down the holy books?

Allah sent the holy books to guide people towards the righteousness. Also the previous books have signs about the arrival of the last Prophet. So when Prophet Mohammad arrives to this world, people can recognize him and follow him.

Why People Altered Other Holy Books?

All prophets of Allah had the same message for people. They preached people about the last Messenger of Allah. However, people altered their teachings to mask the exalted glory of Prophet Mohammad. But Allah kept sending a new holy book conveying the same message. Finally, Allah sent Quran to His beloved Mohammad and promised to protect it Himself. Thus, no one can make any changes in this holy book whatsoever.

Barnabas writes in the holy book of Gospel of Barnabas:

“Everything that come from the book of Moses is true. You must accept it. God is one and so is the truth. Thus, it proves that doctrine is one, therefore, faith is one. Verily, if people had not erased truth from the holy book of Moses, God would not have given another book to our father David. And if (people) had not contaminated the holy book of David, God would not have committed Gospel to me. Undoubtedly, our God is unchangeable, and has spoken one message to all men. Therefore, when Messenger of God shall come, he shall come to cleanse away all wherewith the ungodly have contaminated my book.”

Ending Thought

Had all the books retained their original form then they would have definitely contained the greatest number of verses about the last Messenger of Allah. As he is the beloved of Allah since eternity. Quran has numerous verses describing the exalted status of Mohammad and so does the other holy books.

We are very fortunate that we not only belong to the umma of the most beloved Prophet, but his teachings (in the form of Quran) are retained in their originality. However, it is sad, now that the envious people cannot change the verses of Quran and Hadith, they have started interpreting the wrong meaning of them. By doing so they try to mask the exalted grandeur of the beloved Prophet.

However, Allah does not let those distract from the righteousness who love Prophet and have faith in his glory. They understand the true meaning of Quranic verses and Hadiths. Just like the rainwater flourishes grass and makes mud dirtier, similarly the verses and Hadiths describing the grandeur of Prophet Mohammad further upsurge his love in the inward of his lovers. The true faith is in the love of Prophet Mohammad, without which the inward is dark. A dark inward can neither understand its reality nor the reality of others.

Note:

This article is the English translation of the Urdu article سابقہ الہامی کتب میں تذکرۂ محمد صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہٖ وسلم. Mrs. Ambreen Moghees Sarwari Qadri originally penned the Urdu article. Fatima Noor Sarwari Qadri translated it using American English vocabulary with some changes. If you wish to read the original article, click the following link: