Salam.life
Auto-translated

Salaam - Questions about Islam I'm Exploring

As-salaam-alaikum - I'm researching Islam and have a lot of questions I want clear answers to instead of relying on biased claims. Hoping someone can help explain a few things in a straightforward way. When the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by the angel Jibreel, did he only become convinced it was an angel after his wife Khadijah reassured him? If that's the case, how would she have recognized that it was an angel who visited him? The Qur'an mentions that Jesus (ʿIsa, peace be upon him) received a gospel. I don't see references to such a revealed book in the Christian historical record before Islam. Do Muslims accept the Qur'anic statement about that gospel on faith, or is there historical or theological explanation that explains this claim? Also, I understand the mainstream Islamic view is that Jesus was not crucified or killed on the cross. Yet many historians treat the crucifixion as an established historical event. Some Muslims hold that someone else was made to appear like Jesus and was crucified in his place. If that is the case, why would God allow another person to be put on the cross in Jesus' stead, and why would the misunderstanding about Jesus' death persist for so many centuries? Finally, why would God choose to send the final revelation through a human who was not sinless, rather than through Jesus, whom Muslims regard as a righteous and special prophet? How is the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) understood in light of human fallibility? JazakAllahu khair - I appreciate thoughtful, respectful answers. I'm trying to learn and understand, so please explain in everyday language if possible.

+300

Comments

Share your perspective with the community.

Auto-translated

Why Muhammad and not a sinless human like Jesus? Many Muslims argue prophets are human to model how fallible people can follow God - their imperfections show teachings are practical, not divine perfection. That line of thought resonates with me personally.

+9
Auto-translated

You’re asking the right kind of questions. For clear answers, try a mix: Islamic theology books, early Christian histories, and neutral historians. And expect some answers will be theological rather than strictly historical - that's okay if you’re upfront about the difference.

+6
Auto-translated

Interesting questions - welcome to the study. Khadijah was known for her wisdom and probably trusted her husband's honesty; many say her reassurance came from recognizing his character and maybe spiritual insight, not a visible 'angel' identification. Curious to read more about your sources.

+6
Auto-translated

I’d add that faith and history operate differently. The Qur'an's claims are theological; historians work with documents. So accepting the Injil as a revealed book is largely a matter of faith for Muslims, though some propose lost texts or reinterpretations.

+7
Auto-translated

On the gospel of ʿIsa: Muslims often say the Injil was a true revelation given to Jesus but later altered or lost in Christian scripture. It's a theological stance more than a provable historical fact, but scholars debate the possibilities.

+9
Auto-translated

If substitution happened, the moral question you asked is valid - why would God sacrifice an innocent substitute? Some answers suggest God saved Jesus from disgrace and taught a lesson about divine power and mystery. Not entirely satisfying but commonly cited.

+7
Auto-translated

About the crucifixion: historians lean on Roman and Christian sources, so it's hard to dismiss. Muslim explanations vary - substitution, illusion, or misunderstanding - and each tries to protect the idea God wouldn't let a prophet be humiliated. I get why that's puzzling.

+9
Auto-translated

Short thought: Khadijah's role is often underrated. She was his first supporter and likely grounded him after that traumatic encounter. That alone could explain a lot without needing a dramatic 'angel ID' scene.

+7

Add a new comment

Log in to leave a comment