Does the Bible mention Muhammad? Does it prophesy his coming?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Muslim apologists sometimes claim the Bible predicts Muhammad. They cite passages like Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 42:9-16, Song of Solomon 5:16, and John 16:5-11. However, Deuteronomy 18 clearly states the prophet will come “from your brothers,” meaning a fellow Israelite. This excludes Muhammad but fits Jesus as a Jew from Judah. Isaiah 42, set in the broader context of the Messiah’s work, speaks of judgment and salvation, not Muhammad, while Song of Solomon is poetic dialogue, not prophecy. John 16:5-11 describes the coming “Spirit of truth,” the Holy Spirit, not Muhammad. Every biblical reference cited by Muslim apologists is either misapplied or clearly refers to Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently points to Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of prophecy. Therefore, Muhammad is not mentioned or prophesied in Scripture, and the promised Savior in the Bible is Jesus alone.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses speaks of "a prophet like me" who would come in the future; Jesus Christ fulfilled that prophecy (see John 5:46). Muslims interpret "prophet like me" as a reference to Muhammad. But Deuteronomy 18:15 indicates that the future prophet would be "from your brothers," meaning a fellow Jew from one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Muhammad was not a Jew, so he could not be the "prophet like me" to whom Moses referred. Jesus was a Jew from the tribe of Judah and does fit this prophecy (see Matthew 1).
• Isaiah 42:9-16 predicts, in part, "’Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.’ Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants. Let the desert and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits; let the habitants of Sela sing for joy, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to the Lord, and declare his praise in the coastlands." Some Muslim apologists argue that since Ishmael was a descendant of Abraham who inhabited Kedar, this prophecy refers to Muhammad and the "new song" to the Qur'an. Isaiah 42:13-16 is then seen as describing Muhammad as a mighty man of war. But the context is clearly that of someone greater than any man— the Messiah who will one day come in judgment, not of Muhammad.
• Some also use Song of Solomon 5:16 as a reference to Muhammad. The verse reads, "His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem." But the context of this passage is that of a bride speaking to her husband, not a prophecy.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In John 16:5-11, Jesus spoke of one coming after Him who would convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. Some Muslims interpret this coming one as Muhammad. However, the verses immediately following clearly indicate the identification of this coming one is the Holy Spirit: "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you" (John 16:13-14).
• The Bible does speak of a future prophet and Messiah, yet this Messiah is Jesus (Isa), not Muhammad (John 3:16).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Understanding who Jesus (Isa) truly is can transform everything. The Bible presents Jesus not only as a prophet, but as the promised Messiah, the Savior sent by God to reconcile humanity to Himself. Unlike any human leader, Jesus is fully God and fully man. He alone can offer forgiveness, guidance, and eternal life to all who believe in Him. He alone can provide assurance for going to Paradise. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection demonstrate His authority over sin and death, showing that salvation is found in Him alone, not through human effort or lineage. Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah means trusting that He is God, that He died and rose again, and that trusting in Him brings forgiveness of sins and eternal life. While Muhammad was a historical figure, the Bible consistently points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s covenant and the One who brings true salvation. God invites each of us to personally respond to the living Messiah, whose love and power are available to all who seek Him

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible does not mention Muhammad nor predict his coming
• All passages cited by Muslim apologists to say that the Bible mentions Muhammad either refer to Jesus or are misapplied.
• The Messiah and promised prophet in Scripture is Jesus alone while the one promised to come after Jesus is the Holy Spirit.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that Jesus (Isa) is presented in the Bible as the promised Messiah challenge or expand your understanding of God’s plan?
• How do you understand the significance of Muhammad not being mentioned in the Bible?
• How do you respond to the truth that salvation and eternal life come through Jesus alone, not through human effort or lineage?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding that the Bible points to Jesus, not Muhammad, as the fulfillment of prophecy shape our conversation about Jesus across different faiths?
• Why might some people misinterpret passages to refer to Muhammad instead of Jesus?
• How can we explore and share the identity and role of Jesus (Isa) as Messiah in a way that is respectful and meaningful in interfaith discussions?