The Prophet ﷺ is mentioned in earlier scriptures, a fact confirmed by the Qur’an, which asserts that the Prophet ﷺ is mentioned in the Torah and the Gospel. Despite the alterations and distortions in these scriptures, indications of the coming of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ are still found in them.
Ibn Kathir, in his Tafsir (3/483), states:
"{˹They are˺ the ones who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whose description they find in their Torah and the Gospel....}" [Al-A‘raf: 157].
This is the description of Muhammad ﷺ in the books of the prophets, who foretold his coming to their nations and commanded them to follow him. His characteristics remain in their books, recognized by their scholars and religious leaders.
Qur’anic References to the Mention of the Prophet ﷺ in the Torah and Gospel:
1. Surah As-Saff [61:6]:
"{And ˹remember˺ when Jesus, son of Mary, said, “O children of Israel! I am truly Allah’s messenger to you, confirming the Torah which came before me, and giving good news of a messenger after me whose name will be Aḥmad.”}
2. Surah Al-A‘raf [7:157]:
"{˹They are˺ the ones who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whose description they find in their Torah and the Gospel.1 He commands them to do good and forbids them from evil, permits for them what is lawful and forbids to them what is impure, and relieves them from their burdens and the shackles that bound them. ˹Only˺ those who believe in him, honour and support him, and follow the light sent down to him will be successful.}"
3. Surah Al-Fath [48:29]:
"{ Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allāh; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allāh and [His] pleasure. Their sign is in their faces from the effect of prostration [i.e., prayer]. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that He [i.e., Allāh] may enrage by them1 the disbelievers. Allāh has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.}"
4. Surah Al-Baqarah [2:129]:
"{ Our Lord! Raise from among them a messenger who will recite to them Your revelations, teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. Indeed, You ˹alone˺ are the Almighty, All-Wise.}"
This was part of Prophet Ibrahim’s supplication for the people of Makkah.
Evidence from the Torah and Gospel Regarding the Prophet ﷺ:
1. Torah (Deuteronomy 18:18-19):
" I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. 19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name."
The phrase "from among their brethren" refers to the descendants of Ishmael, as opposed to the Israelites themselves.
2. Gospel (John 16:16-17):
"It is better for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
This description aligns with the characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
3. Ibn Al-Qayyim in Hidayat Al-Hayara (1/319):
Quoting the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 33:2), he states:
"The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned over them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran. He came with myriads of holy ones with Him, at His right hand."
This prophecy refers to the revelations given to Moses (Sinai), Jesus (Seir), and Muhammad ﷺ (Paran, i.e., Makkah).
The Distortion of the Torah and Gospel:
The distortion and alteration of the Torah and Gospel are well-documented. Historical records, including those by non-Muslim historians, confirm changes to these scriptures. Despite this, remnants of the prophecies about the Prophet ﷺ remain. Some older references cited by Islamic scholars are no longer found in current versions, but many prophecies still clearly point to his coming.
