Question:
Who is the world prophet?

Answer:
My Muslim friends and indeed all Muslims claim that Mohammed is the prophet that was sent for the whole world. They believe he is the one that would proclaim God’s truth, not just for a specific nation but for all nations. But what is the proof that Mohammed would fill such a role?

The great sign, or miracle, or proof that Mohammed gives is the Qur’an. Some asked Mohammed why he didn’t do miracles, and his answer was that his miracle is the Qur’an. Below are some verses from the Qur’an that make this clear.

"Ye they say: “Why are not Signs sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “The Signs are indeed with God: and I am indeed a clear Warner.” And is it not enough for them that WE have sent down to thee the Book which is rehearsed to them? Verily, in it is Mercy and a Reminder to those who believe.” Al ‘Ankabut (Surah 29:50-51)*

“We have made it a Qur’an in Arabic that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom).” Al Zukhruf (Surah 43:3)*

“And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Surah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides God, if your (doubts) are true.” Al Baqara (Surah 2:23 )*

Do you see any problems with this being used as the sign that Mohammed is the prophet of the world? This is the dilemma I face. The sign really isn’t for the world. What I mean is that only those who know Arabic would be even able to recognize the sign. A translation will not do. That means that most of the world’s billions cannot even hope to recognize whether or not this sign is true. What this also means is that most of the world cannot read the Qur’an to understand it.

*Qur’an quotations taken from the translation of ‘Abdullah Yusuf ‘Ali

Christians say that Jesus was sent for the whole world. They say that Jesus is unique in human history. Right from his birth he was set apart and born of a virgin woman. In his life he did more miracles than any other prophet. Jesus even said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Bible, John 14:6) That is quite a statement. What is the proof or sign that Jesus gives to show that he is indeed the light of the world? This is what he said when the religious leaders wanted a sign from him.

"A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Injil, Matthew 12:39-40)

Jesus explained exactly what he meant to his followers as they traveled up to Jerusalem.

"We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles (non-Jews). They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” (Injil, Luke 18:31-33)

Jesus said that the sign that he was telling the truth was that he would rise from the dead. Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and came out alive. What is different from Jonah is that while Jonah spent his time in a fish, Jesus is saying that he would be in the graveyard but then come out alive. Jesus’ proof would not be in just escaping death or cheating death. Many have done that. Jesus’ proof is not even in his death, for all men die. But Jesus’ proof is that after dying he would rise from the dead and remain alive. So that it is a true statement to say that Jesus is alive.

This sign of course is easy to understand in any language or country and by anyone of any economic class. You don’t need to have a particular social or cultural background to understand it. It is a sign that is understandable wherever there is death, it is a universally objective sign.

You finally have to decide who has the greater claim to be the prophet of the world. You have to decide who has the greater claim on your heart and life.