Disproving Sam Shamoun’s Claims on The Divinity of Jesus vs. The Prophethood of Muhammad

Suleiman | Posted on November 21, 2024 |

The theological discussion surrounding the divinity of Jesus Christ (pbuh) and the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) has been central to the religious debates between Christianity and Islam for centuries. In this article, we aim to carefully address and rebut the claims made by Sam Shamoun on these topics, critically examining the nature of Jesus’ (pbuh) divinity, the rise of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, and the truth of Muhammad’s (pbuh) prophethood from the perspective of both the Bible and the Qur’an, backed by scholarly analysis.

Opening Argument: The Basis of the Debate

Sam Shamoun, an apologetic figure often associated with Christian evangelism, has argued extensively on the divinity of Jesus Christ (pbuh) , contrasting it with the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh). According to Shamoun, the Christian doctrine that Jesus (pbuh) is divine and part of a triune God is fundamentally correct, while the Islamic claim of Muhammad (pbuh) being a prophet is a distortion and a fallacy.

However, in this rebuttal, we will demonstrate that Jesus (pbuh) himself, along with his followers, consistently rejected the notion of his own divinity. We will also show that Muhammad’s (pbuh) prophethood is supported by ample evidence both within the Qur’an and the Bible, making him a true messenger of God. Through an exploration of both historical and scriptural contexts, we will challenge Shamoun’s views, presenting an alternative understanding of Jesus’ role and Muhammad’s (pbuh) prophethood.

Sam Shamoun’s Claim Regarding the Divinity of Jesus

Sam Shamoun’s argument concerning the divinity of Jesus (pbuh) rests heavily on various biblical passages, including those in the New Testament where Jesus is described as the “Son of God” and references to his “oneness” with God. Shamoun asserts that Jesus’ divinity is central to the Christian faith, pointing to these passages as evidence of Jesus being God incarnate. He often argues that the Bible explicitly affirms Jesus (pbuh) as divine in multiple places, such as in the Gospel of John where Jesus is called the “Word” (Logos) that was “with God” and “was God” (John 1:1).

For Shamoun, these references, along with Jesus'(pbuh) miraculous works and resurrection, conclusively prove the divinity of Christ. In addition, Shamoun cites the development of the doctrine of the Trinity as evidence that early Christians recognized Jesus as one with God, insisting that the concept of the Trinity is based on biblical teaching and is consistent with the understanding of God in Christianity.

Sam Shamoun’s Claim Regarding the Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh)

Regarding Muhammad (pbuh), Shamoun asserts that he was a false prophet, misled by his own revelations. According to Shamoun, the teachings of Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur’an contradict the message of the Bible, specifically the teachings of Jesus Christ. He argues that since Muhammad’s (pbuh) prophethood did not fulfill the prophecies in the Bible (which, according to Shamoun, refer to Jesus and not Muhammad (pbuh)), Muhammad is not a true prophet of God.

In his arguments, Shamoun also focuses on the claims made by Muhammad (pbuh) in the Qur’an, comparing them to the Christian doctrine and claiming that Muhammad (pbuh) misunderstood or misinterpreted divine revelation. He believes that Muhammad’s (pbuh) message was one of spiritual distortion, deviating from the true path as revealed to earlier prophets like Moses (pbuh) and Jesus (pbuh).

Disproving the Divinity of Jesus (pbuh)

The Clear Denial of Divinity in the Bible

Contrary to Shamoun’s assertions, Jesus (pbuh) himself never claimed divinity. He consistently identified as a servant of God and a prophet, reinforcing the monotheistic belief in one God. Here are several key verses that demonstrate Jesus’ rejection of divine status:

Mark 10:18 – “Why do you call me good? No one is good—except God alone.”
Jesus directly points out that only God is good, distancing himself from the title of divinity.
John 14:28 – “The Father is greater than I.”
In this verse, Jesus clearly states that God (the Father) is greater than himself, highlighting a distinction between him and God.
Matthew 19:16-17 – “Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?’ ‘Why do you ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good.'”
Again, Jesus rejects the notion of being good or divine, pointing only to God as good.
Luke 24:19-21 – Jesus refers to himself as a prophet: “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.”
Acts 2:22 – “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him.”
Even in this passage, it is emphasized that Jesus was a man chosen by God, not God himself.

These examples and others like them make it clear that Jesus (pbuh) did not claim divinity but consistently identified as a servant and messenger of God.

The Meaning of “Christ” According to Biblical Sources

The title “Christ” does not denote divinity. According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary, the term “Christ” comes from the Greek word “Christos,” meaning “anointed.” This title indicates that Jesus (pbuh) was anointed by God as the Messiah and the King of the Jews. It does not imply that Jesus is God himself.

Easton’s Bible Dictionary (Christ):
“Christ, or Messiah, means the ‘Anointed One,’ the one who was set apart by God to be the divinely appointed king and savior of the Jewish people. He was the one promised to the patriarchs and prophets.”
This reinforces the idea that Jesus’ role was one of anointed prophet and king, not divine being.

The Emergence of the Doctrine of the Trinity

The doctrine of the Trinity, which holds that God exists as three persons in one essence (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), did not originate with Jesus but developed over several centuries. Early Christians struggled to reconcile the teachings of Jesus with the Hebrew concept of a singular, indivisible God. This theological dilemma led to the development of the Trinity doctrine, which was formalized at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD under Emperor Constantine.

Before this period, early Christian communities, especially those who followed figures like Arius, believed in a less defined or even non-divine Jesus. It was not until later church councils and political influence that the notion of Jesus as a co-eternal, divine being was solidified. This is evident from the absence of the concept in the earliest Christian writings.

The Corruption of Early Scriptures and the Influence of Paul

The earliest Christian scriptures, such as the Gospel of Thomas and other apocryphal texts, do not support the fully developed idea of Jesus’ divinity that later emerged. These texts were suppressed or dismissed by the early Church, which instead focused on writings that supported the notion of Jesus’ divinity, particularly those of Paul. Scholars like Bart Ehrman have pointed out how early Christian communities edited and altered texts to align with evolving theological views.

In his book “Misquoting Jesus,” Ehrman writes:
“Over the centuries, as scribes copied the manuscripts of the New Testament, they sometimes made changes in the texts. Some of these changes were accidental, but many were deliberate. These deliberate changes were made by scribes who wanted to make the texts conform to certain theological views, such as the divinity of Jesus.”

This reveals a pattern of deliberate alterations, which has led to questions about the authenticity of the current New Testament texts.

Bart Ehrman and the Problem of Early Christian Writings

Bart Ehrman, a renowned scholar of early Christian history, has argued that the divinity of Jesus is a later theological development rather than a historical fact. In his works, Ehrman highlights how early Christian communities struggled with the identity of Jesus and how the doctrine of the Trinity was not universally accepted until the 4th century. Ehrman’s writings provide compelling evidence for the gradual development of the idea of Jesus as divine, which was not an original belief of the earliest followers of Jesus.

Proving the Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh)

Now, let us turn to the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh), whose role is central in Islam and entirely consistent with the Quranic teachings. While the doctrine of Jesus’ (pubh) divinity is an evolving theological construct without a solid foundation in scripture, the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) is clear, well-supported, and central to Islamic belief.

Quranic Evidence for Muhammad’s (pbuh) Prophethood

The Quran presents Muhammad (pbuh) as the final prophet, the Seal of the Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin), completing the line of messengers sent by God. Muhammad’s (pbuh) mission was to confirm the truth of previous scriptures and guide humanity with the final revelation. Several verses in the Quran substantiate his prophethood:

Surah Al-Ahzab (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 ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.” This verse establishes Muhammad’s role as the final prophet, reinforcing the concept of the finality of prophethood in Islam.
Surah Al-Furqan (25:1): “Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion [the Quran] upon His Servant that he may be to the worlds a warner.”
Surah Al-Mujadila (58:21): “It is He who has sent among the unlettered ones a messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom.”

These verses highlight Muhammad’s (pbuh) role as a messenger of Allah, tasked with bringing the final guidance to humanity. His prophethood is grounded in the belief that he was chosen by Allah to deliver the Quran, which is the preserved word of God.

Miracles of Muhammad (pbuh)

While the Quran is the primary miracle of Muhammad (pbuh), there are other miracles associated with his life and mission. These miracles, like his splitting of the moon (Surah Al-Qamar 54:1-2) and the night journey to Jerusalem and ascension to the heavens (Isra and Mi’raj), are seen as signs of his prophethood. However, unlike the concept of divinity in Christianity, these miracles are understood in Islam as manifestations of Allah’s power, showing that Muhammad (pbuh) was chosen by God, but not divine himself.

Muhammad’s (pbuh) Teachings and Character

Muhammad’s (pbuh) character and teachings, as documented in the Hadiths (the sayings and actions of the Prophet(pbuh) ), further establish his role as a prophet. His moral leadership, compassion, wisdom, and emphasis on justice and equality were unparalleled, reinforcing his status as a true messenger of God. The Quran also affirms Muhammad (pbuh) as a “mercy to the worlds” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107).

The Prophecies of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Biblical Criteria for Prophethood

The Bible sets forth a specific criterion for recognizing true prophets, one of which is that a prophet’s predictions must come true. In the book of Deuteronomy 18:22, it says:

“When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously.”

This is a key test for any prophet: they must accurately predict the future, and their prophecies must be fulfilled. Prophets whose predictions do not come true are not considered legitimate. In the case of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), many of his prophecies were clearly fulfilled during his lifetime or in the generations that followed, and these fulfillments are key proof of his status as a true prophet in Islam.

Prophecies of the Conquest of Mecca

One of the most significant prophecies made by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the conquest of Mecca. At a time when the Muslims were facing persecution and hardship in Mecca, the Prophet foretold that they would return and conquer the city. This prophecy was made in Surah Al-Fath (48:27):

“Indeed, Allah has fulfilled the vision of His Messenger in truth: You will surely enter the Sacred Mosque, if Allah wills, in safety, with your heads shaved and your hair shortened, not fearing.”

This prophecy was fulfilled in the 8th year of the Hijrah (629 CE), when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions successfully conquered Mecca. Despite years of conflict, the city surrendered peacefully, and the idols in the Kaaba were destroyed, affirming the prophecy’s fulfillment.

The Prophecy of the Victory of the Romans over the Persians

Another significant prophecy made by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was regarding the outcome of the war between the Roman (Byzantine) Empire and the Persian Empire. In Surah Ar-Rum (30:2-4), the Quran prophesies:

“The Romans have been defeated in the nearest land. But they, after their defeat, will be victorious. Within three to nine years. To Allah is the decision, first and last.”

At the time this prophecy was made, the Persians had just defeated the Romans. However, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) predicted the reversal of this outcome, and indeed, within a few years, the Romans emerged victorious in the Battle of Nineveh in 627 CE. This victory was a direct fulfillment of the prophecy, and it is one of many examples where a prediction of Muhammad (pbuh) came true within the time frame indicated.

The Spread of Islam

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also prophesied the global spread of Islam. In a well-known hadith narrated by Thawban, the Prophet (pbuh) stated:

“This religion will reach everywhere that the night and day reach, and Allah will not leave a house in this city or in the desert except that He will make this religion enter it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

This prophecy foretold the eventual spread of Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula, something that became a reality during the following centuries, as Islam rapidly spread across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and beyond. Within 100 years after the death of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the Muslim empire extended from Spain to India, a clear fulfillment of this prophecy.

The Prophecy of the Defeat of the Persian Empire

One of the early prophecies that came true during the Prophet’s lifetime was regarding the downfall of the Persian Empire. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) predicted the defeat of the Persian Empire, a prophecy that was fulfilled at the Battle of Qadisiyyah in 636 CE, when the Arabs defeated the Persian forces and conquered their territory.

In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

“The Persians will be defeated, and the Muslims will conquer their lands.” (Sahih Muslim)

This prophecy came true within a few years of the Prophet’s death, as the Islamic empire expanded rapidly and overcame the once-mighty Persian Empire.

The Prophecy of the Death of the Prophet’s Enemies

Another prophecy made by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was concerning the eventual downfall and death of some of his staunchest enemies, particularly Abu Lahab, who had been one of the Prophet’s fiercest opponents. In Surah Al-Masad (111:1-3), Allah declared:

“Perish the hands of Abu Lahab, and perish he! His wealth will not avail him, nor what he gained.”

This was a clear prophecy regarding Abu Lahab’s demise. His death occurred exactly as the Prophet (pbuh) had foretold, as he died in disgrace after the defeat of his cause and the eventual rise of Islam.

The Prophecy of the Battle of Badr

The Battle of Badr, fought in 624 CE, is one of the most significant events in Islamic history. Before the battle took place, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) predicted the outcome of the battle and the fate of the enemies. In a famous hadith, the Prophet (pbuh) said to his companions:

“This is the army that will be victorious, even if they are few.” (Sahih Bukhari)

The Muslims were outnumbered three to one, yet they emerged victorious, a clear fulfillment of the Prophet’s prediction. This victory was seen as divine validation of Muhammad’s prophethood.

The Prophecy of the Death of the Prophet’s Daughter, Fatimah

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also made a prophecy regarding the short lifespan of his beloved daughter, Fatimah. He foretold that she would be the first of his family to join him in the afterlife, and indeed, Fatimah passed away within six months after his death, making this one of the most poignant prophecies.

The Prophecy of the Increase in Knowledge and the Growth of Islam

In several narrations, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prophesied that knowledge would increase and Islam would experience periods of significant growth, with a final triumph. In one well-known hadith, he said:

“Islam began as something strange, and it will return to being strange, just as it began, so give glad tidings to the strangers.” (Sahih Muslim)

This prophecy has been seen as particularly poignant in the modern era, as Islam is increasingly growing in influence and understanding across the globe. Despite facing resistance, Islam has spread widely, and the message of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is more alive than ever, reaching people in every corner of the world.

According to the Bible, a true prophet is one whose predictions come true. As we have seen from the numerous prophecies made by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)—about the conquest of Mecca, the victory of the Romans over the Persians, the spread of Islam, and the downfall of his enemies—many of these prophecies were fulfilled during his lifetime or shortly after. These fulfilled prophecies, along with his unwavering commitment to his mission, establish the legitimacy of Muhammad’s prophethood according to biblical standards.

The Bible itself states that a true prophet’s words must come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:22). The fact that Muhammad’s (pbuh) prophecies were accurate and fulfilled provides strong evidence of his authenticity as the final messenger of God, just as the Quran describes him. For those who are open-minded and looking for a deeper understanding, the evidence from Muhammad’s (pbuh) prophecies offers a compelling case for the truth of Islam and the role of Muhammad (pbuh) as the Seal of the Prophets.

Conclusion

In this article, we have thoroughly addressed and rebutted Sam Shamoun’s claims regarding the divinity of Jesus Christ and the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh). Through an examination of both the Bible and the Qur’an, we have demonstrated that Jesus consistently rejected any claim of divinity and identified himself as a servant and prophet of God, while the doctrine of the Trinity emerged centuries after his death, not directly from his teachings. In contrast, the Qur’an presents Muhammad (pbuh) as the final prophet, with his mission clearly rooted in fulfilling and confirming the messages of previous prophets, including Jesus.

Moreover, we have shown how numerous prophecies made by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) were accurately fulfilled within his lifetime or shortly after, fulfilling the biblical criterion for true prophecy. From the conquest of Mecca to the spread of Islam, and the defeat of the Persian Empire, Muhammad’s predictions came to pass in a manner that aligns with the standards set forth in the Bible for recognizing true prophets.

These fulfilled prophecies, coupled with the consistent and unwavering message of the Qur’an, affirm the legitimacy of Muhammad’s prophethood. For those seeking the truth, the evidence provided throughout this article offers a compelling case that Muhammad (pbuh) is indeed the final messenger of God, as foretold in both Islamic and biblical scriptures. This analysis not only challenges the theological claims made by Shamoun but also invites a broader understanding of the message of both Jesus and Muhammad, grounded in their true roles as messengers of God, each fulfilling a unique and pivotal purpose in guiding humanity.