Q: Is it possible to believe that the Quran is divinely inspired without believing that Mohammed was the ‘perfect man’? I am not a Muslim, but I see no problem believing that Mohammed was divinely connected to a higher spiritual force who gave a message that was needed in his time and place. I see great dangers historically in all humanity with cults of personality and how bias of infallibility clouds the mind. To me, many doubts and concerns about Islam are answered if Mohammed is as human as you and me; I actually find it less believable and accessible to be told that he was something superhuman and incapable of flaw. I am aware that some Muslims base their authority upon him being perfect, but to me that doesn’t answer the question.
A: We as Muslims believe exactly that! We believe that Muhammad (pbuh) had numerous qualities, but we also believe that HE MADE MISTAKES AND HAD HUMAN FLAWS. In Islam, we do not believe that a prophet is perfect. Just like us, prophets also make human errors.
For example, the Qur’an mentions a few instances when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) made a mistake. One example is listed below:
One mistake happened when he was talking to some Quraysh leaders, trying to explain to them about Islam. As he talked, a blind man came by and asked him about Islam. He ignored the blind man and continued to try to convince the Quraysh leaders to accept Islam. As a result, the following verses were revealed:
“He frowned and turned away because the blind man approached him! Yet for all you now, he might perhaps have grown in purity, or have been reminded [of the truth], and helped by this reminder” [Quran 80:1-4].
In Islam, we believe that Muhammad (pbuh) represents the ‘prototype of human perfection’ and was the best among God’s creations.
If you want to submit a question anonymously, please ask it here and click on the link below! A response will be posted on the Ask Me page within a few days!
Subscribe for weekly posts and more here!
ty
That’s an important and thought provoking question. While some may try to separate belief in the Quran’s divine inspiration from belief in the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the “perfect man”, Islamic understanding teaches that the two are deeply connected. The Quran itself was revealed through Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his character exemplified its teachings in every aspect. Believing in the Quran as divine means accepting the messenger through whom it was delivered as divinely guided and exemplary in conduct.
For those interested in studying the Quran in more depth and understanding the role of the Prophet in Islam, I recommend Equranekareem their courses provide excellent guidance rooted in authentic Islamic teachings.
thanks for sharing!