𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 – 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞
Mohamad Mostafa Nassar
Twitter@NassarMohamadMR
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐝 ( 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐦 ) 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧:
Jesus prophesies the coming of another advocate/comforter/helper in no less than 4 places:
John 14:16 “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever”
John 15:26 “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me”
John 14:26 “But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
John 16:7-14 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.”
[I] He will be like Jesus in that he will be a human being
Please note that, in the Bible, Jesus is referred to as ‘PARACLETE’ (1 John II) and other Prophets are referred to as ‘SPIRIT’ (1 John 4:1-3). Since Jesus was a human being, and other human beings were referred to as Spirit, it is entirely reasonable to believe that the term Spirit refers to a human being. Let us examine this further, inshaAllah.
The word “comforter” is translated from the word “Paraclete” (“Ho Parakletos” in Greek). Parakletos in Greek is interpreted as “an advocate”, one who pleads the cause of another, one who councils or advises another from deep concern for the other’s welfare (Beacon Bible commentary volume VII, p.168)
Jesus himself is referred to as a Paraclete in 1 John II: My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate (parakletos) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
[Pauline Christians managed to translate this exact same word one way (advocate) in reference to Jesus (peace be upon him) and another (comforter) with regard to the coming “parakletos” as that would reveal Jesus to be but a prophet of God.]
Please refer back to John 14:16 and notice the words “another Paraclete.” The word “another” is significant. We have already seen how this term is applied to Jesus (peace be upon him) himself. In English, “another” may mean “One more of the same kind” or “one more of a different kind.” The actual Greek word used was the word “allon” which is the masculine accusative form of “allos” {al’-los}: (i.e. “Another of the SAME kind”).
The Greek word for “another of a different kind” is “heteros” {het’-er-os}. This is positive proof that the coming Paraclete would be just like Jesus (peace be upon him), a human being and a prophet, not a ghost.
This is confirmed by Christian scholars, “The Paraclete is a parallel figure to Jesus himself; and this conclusion is confirmed in the fact that the title is suitable for both. It is clear from 14:16 that the source thought there were sendings of two Paracletes, Jesus and his successor, the one following the other” (The Gospel of John a Commentary, Rudolf Bultmann, p. 567).
[II] However, unlike Jesus, he will live with us [in his teachings] forever
Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) is described as a comforting advocate in Islam! Furthermore, God promises to preserve His Quran till the End of Time (Quran, 15:9; 41:42).
It was only as a mercy that We sent you [Prophet] to all people (Quran, 21:107). The Arabic word Rahma (mercy) is related to the Arabic word rahm, which means “womb,” and figuratively “family ties.” What is a womb if not the abode of comfort? The fetus in the womb has absolutely no concerns as all his nourishment even the very breath and the temperature of his surroundings is taken care of for him! The English word comforter is a sound translation of the Quranic description of the Prophet ( peace be upon him ).
Furthermore, the second meaning, that is, advocate, also identifies Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) as Muslims believe he ( peace be upon him ) alone will be the advocate on the Day of Judgement. Allah (The Exalted and Glorified) says in the Holy Qur’an, “And for a part of the night, keep vigil therewith as a supererogatory [devotion] for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praiseworthy station.” [Isra’a: 79]
From amongst the tremendous favors Allah (the Sublime) has granted our beloved Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) is the Major Intercession on the Day of Judgment. It is one of the blessings of distinction and excellence that is the mark of his excellence over the other Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them all).
The scholars of Qur’anic Exegeses regard the “praiseworthy station” mentioned in verse 79 of Surah Isra’a to refer to the Major Intercession that has been singularly reserved for al-Habib (peace and blessings be upon him). [Alusi, Ruh al-Ma’ani ; Ibn Ashur, Tahrir wa Tanweer]
See the hadith by Anas where it describes the intercession on that Day: “…When see Him I will fall down in prostration before Him and He will leave me in prostration as long as He wants me (in that state), and then He will say, ‘O Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you will be listened to, and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted, and ask, your request will be granted.’ ” The Prophet (Prayers and blessing of Allah be upon him) added, “So I will raise my head and glorify and praise Him as He has taught me.
Then I will intercede and He will put a limit for me (to intercede for a certain type of people). I will take them out and let them enter Paradise.” (Qatada added: I heard Anas saying that) the Prophet said, ‘I will go out and take them out of Hell (Fire) and let them enter Paradise, and I will return for the third time and will ask my Lord for permission to enter His presence and I will be allowed to enter…”
The Paracletos will be the last Prophet, because he will “abide with you forever” and “he will guide you into all truth” (Greek “into the whole truth”) and “he shall teach you all things,” so there will be no need for any further prophets.
“Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.” (Quran, 33:40)
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam (peaceful submission to God’s Will) as religion.” (Quran, 5:3)
[III] He will speak of Jesus, remind and teach us all things, including the teachings of Jesus
Position of Jesus (peace be on him) in Islam: Islam is the only non-Christian faith, which makes it an article of faith to believe in Jesus (peace be upon him). No Muslim is a Muslim if he does not believe in Jesus (peace be upon him). We believe that he was one of the mightiest Messengers of Allah (the Sublime).
We believe that he was born miraculously, without any male intervention, which many modern day Christians do not believe. We believe he was the Messiah translated Christ (peace be upon him). We believe that he gave life to the dead with God’s permission. We believe that he healed those born blind, and the lepers with God’s permission.
Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) came with the Sharia (Sacred Law) which is the personal religious law and moral guidance for the vast majority of Muslims. It teaches us the rulings for all things, including dietary, marital and commercial laws. Consider the hadith, “Salman reported:
The idolaters said, “Indeed, your companion teaches you everything, even he teaches you how to defecate!” Salman said, “It is so. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prohibited us from removing excrement using the right hand, or while facing the direction of prayer…” [Sahih Muslim 262]
[IV] He will come IFF Jesus leaves and his coming is conditional to Jesus’ absence
Jesus (peace be upon him) made the coming of the helper CONDITIONAL TO HIS DEPARTURE and he repeated this point TWICE, so to emphasize that unless and until Jesus (peace be upon him) does not depart, the “parakletos” cannot come.
This is the clearest sign:
The Holy Ghost was already with the Israelite (and even quite active) long before the coming of Jesus (peace be upon him) himself and then throughout his ministry! For the sake of brevity, please refer to Genesis 1:2; 1 Samuel 10:10; 1 Samuel 11:6; Isaiah 63:11; Luke 1:15; Luke 1:35; Luke 1:41; Luke 1:67; Luke 2:25; Luke 2:26; Luke 3:22; and John 20:21-22.
It is clear that the Holy Ghost was with Simeon, Mary, Elisabeth and Zacharias before the birth of Jesus (peace be upon him). The Holy Ghost was also with Moses (peace be upon him) when he parted the seas. There are many more similar verses to be found in the Bible. Thus, the text could not have intended to mean the “Holy Spirit” since it was already with them. The contradiction is quite obvious.
[V] He will reprove the world of sin (by bringing people to believe in Jesus), and of righteousness, and of judgment.
As of 2015, Islam has 1.8 billion adherents, making up about 24.1% of the world population, and is the world’s fastest growing religion. [Pew Research Centre]. MashaAllah, the Athan (i.e. call to prayer) is heard in every city!
Billions of Muslims believe in Jesus Christ, son of Mary, thanks to Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him )! In fact Muslims believe God gave Jesus the ability to perform miracles. Aside from his immaculate birth, he also spoke as an infant [3:41, 46; 5:109-110 19:29-30: which explains the Biblical narrative properly, as it gives the reason why Mary was not punished as an adulteress], healed the sick, and revived the dead.
In other words, Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) was the cause for the true teachings of Jesus to be believed by billions of people around the world, for over 1400 years!
Consider the fact that the entire Bible doesn’t have a chapter named after the mother of Christ, whom many Christians consider “mother of god” — God forbid, and whom they worship (this is true of Catholics today). Yet, the Quran has a chapter named after Mary, the mother of Christ! The Quran clarifies the falsehood that crept into the previous scriptures (which is evident from the contradictions within different “ancient manuscripts”).
[VI] He will guide people into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear [i.e. via revelation], [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come [i.e. prophesies]. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.”
It reminds of the verses of Deuteronomy 18:18-19 which reads, “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren (i.e. brethren of Israelites: Ishmaelites), like unto thee (i.e. Moses, unlike Jesus, a warrior and statesman).
And will put my words in his mouth (i.e. verbal revelation); and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require [it] of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:18-19)
Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) received revelation, and his prophesies have came true, for this reason he passes the test of a Prophet according to the Bible! The Qur’an says about Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ): “Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed.” (Quran, 53:3-4)
For the sake of brevity, I’ll mention only one prophesy about the signs of the Hour by the Prophet ( peace be upon him ): “…And when you see barefoot, naked, destitute shepherds competing in constructing tall buildings…” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
This hadith describes people who become rich all of a sudden and then build not out of necessity but mere competition. I ask, where is the tallest building today? And was that city not a desert only 60 years ago!
Glory be to God who guides whomever He wills and leaves astray whom He wills! Prof. Tejasen accepted Islam on the strength of just one scientific ‘sign’ mentioned in the Qur’an. Some people may require ten signs while some may require hundred signs to be convinced about the Divine Origin of the Qur’an.
Some would be unwilling to accept the Truth even after being shown a thousand signs. The Qur’an condemns such a closed mentality in the verse: “Deaf, dumb and blind – so they will not return [to the right path]. (Quran, 2:18).
The Bible gives a similar message:“Seeing they see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” (Matthew 13:13)”.
[VII] He will be the [Holy — as per Codex Syriacus, the earliest manuscript] Spirit
Please note that John 14:26 is the ONLY verse of the Bible which associates the Parakletos with the ‘Holy’ Spirit. In the famous the Codex Syriacus, written around the fifth century C.E., and discovered in 1812 on Mount Sinai by Mrs.Agnes S. Lewis (and Mrs. Bensley), the text of 14:26 reads; “Paraclete, the Spirit”; and NOT “Paraclete, the Holy Spirit.”.
A “Spirit” in the New Testament refers to a human Prophet. For instance, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world,” (1 John 4:1-3). Jesus would not have used the word “he” for the Holy Spirit. He would have used “it” instead in John 14:26 above.
Furthermore, one must ask does the Holy Spirit “speak” or “inspire”? The Greek word translated as “hear” in the Biblical verses (“whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak”) is the Greek word “akouo” {ak-oo’-o} meaning to perceive sounds. From it we get the word “acoustics,” the science of sounds.
Similarly the verb “to speak” is the Greek verb “laleo” {lal-eh’-o} which has the general meaning “to emit sounds” and the specific meaning “to speak.” This verb occurs very frequently in the Greek text of the Gospels.
It designates a solemn declaration by Jesus (peace be upon him) during his preachings (For example Matthew 9:18). Obviously these verbs require hearing and speech organs in order to facilitate them. There is a distinct difference between “inspiring” and “speaking”.
So the Paraclete will “hear” and “speak,” not “inspire.” Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) did indeed fulfill this prophesy since whatsoever he “HEARD” from Angle Gabriel (i.e. the Qur’an), the same did he physically “SPEAK” to humanity.
In the Qur’an we read,“By the star when it descends, Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed.” (Quran, 53:1-4)
It is written in the famous “Anchor Bible”, “The word parakletos is peculiar in the NT to the Johnannine literature. In 1st John II Jesus is a parakletos (not a title), serving as a heavenly intercessor with the Father … Christian tradition has identified this figure (Paraclete) as the Holy Spirit, but scholars like Spitta, Delafosse, Windisch, Sasse, Bultmann, and Betz have doubted whether this identification is true to the original picture and have suggested that the Paraclete was once an independent salvific figure, later confused with the Holy Spirit.” (The Anchor Bible, Doubleday & Company, Inc, Garden City, N.Y. 1970, Volume 29A, p. 1135)
Conclusion
Ask yourselves — if Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit, why did it not guide the Christians of differing denominations? The Ebunite, for example, who were first century Christians, regarded Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah while rejecting his divinity and his virgin birth[Encyclopædia Britannica]!
Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) clarified to us the true teachings of Jesus Christ, that is belief in the One True Almighty God, and that Jesus was indeed born of a virgin birth, and that his prayer to be saved from the crucifixion was answered (see Evidence from the Bible – Jesus did not die!)
Jesus Christ prophesied the coming of another (of the same kind: human-being) ‘comforting advocate’ after his departure, who will be a Spirit (i.e. a Prophet, since Bible refers to Prophets as Spirits). Furthermore, his teachings (about all things) will live with us forever (i.e. he will the final Prophet. He will remind us / speak of Jesus), and will will reprove the world of sin (by bringing people to believe in Jesus), and of righteousness, and of judgment (i.e. he will be sent to the Gentiles).
He will guide people into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear (i.e. he will receive revelation), [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come [i.e. he will make true prophesies]. He shall glorify Jesus: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. (i.e. they will be bretheren in faith — believing in One God and all His Prophets, peace and blessings be upon them all!)”
Anyone with a sincere heart has to admit that Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him is the only one who fulfills the above conditions. The word ‘Holy’ appears only once, and is shown to be a fabrication, as it does not appear in earliest manuscript (Codex Syriacus).
And since Prophets are referred to as Spirits in the Bible, and Jesus himself is referred as a Paraclete, it follows that it is reasonable to believe that the coming of another Paraclete refers to a human Prophet. Furthermore, Holy Spirit was always there, which contradicts the Prophesy as the coming of Paraclete was conditional to Jesus’ departure.
Finally, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is rightly described as a comforting advocate in Islam, who’s message has reached the entire world, which includes the Gentiles!
All praise be to the Lord of the Worlds. And God knows best!
Proofs that the Messenger of Allah was sent to All Mankind
How Do we Know the Qur’an Is from God?
Qur’anic Accuracy Vs. Biblical Error: The Kings & Pharaohs Of Egypt
The Problem of the Bible: Inaccuracies, contradictions, fallacies, scientific issues and more.