(picture for Illustration purposes: The Ten commandments in Mount Sinai , while descendant of Ishmael looks on)
The relationship between Judaism and other Abrahamic faiths has always been a topic of deep theological discussion.
As a Jew, I have often encountered claims comparing Muhammad to Moses.
But these comparisons cannot stand when evaluated through the lens of Jewish tradition and the Torah. Here's why:
1. Divine Revelation at Mount Sinai
The defining moment of Moses' prophetic mission was the divine revelation at Mount Sinai.
At that time, Hashem revealed Himself not only to Moses but also to the 600,000 children of Israel (Exodus 19:17-19).
This collective experience, unparalleled in history, confirmed Moses' status as a prophet beyond any doubt.
No other prophet in any tradition has a comparable moment where an entire nation witnessed divine revelation simultaneously.
Muhammad, while revered in Islam, did not have a moment comparable to Mount Sinai.
His revelations were personal, given to him alone by what he described as the angel Jibreel (Gabriel).
This distinction highlights a fundamental difference between Moses, whose prophecy was universally confirmed, and Muhammad, whose prophecy was individual.
2. "From Amongst Your Brothers"
The Torah provides clear criteria for identifying a prophet:
"The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers" (Deuteronomy 18:15).
In Jewish tradition, "from your brothers" has always been understood to mean from the children of Israel—someone born to a Jewish mother. Muhammad, while claiming descent from Abraham through Ishmael, was not born of Jewish lineage. Thus, he cannot fulfill this criterion for prophecy as outlined in the Torah.
3. Bloodshed in the Name of Prophets
One of the gravest reasons Jews cannot accept Muhammad (or Jesus) as prophets is the historical bloodshed perpetrated in their names. Jewish history bears painful scars from these periods. In Muhammad's time, Jewish tribes in Arabia faced persecution, and later Islamic expansions often led to Jewish suffering. Similarly, Christianity's history includes countless acts of violence against Jews in the name of Jesus.
(Picture for illustration purposes: Israel vs Amalek in the desert.)
A true Jewish prophet protects and uplifts their people. The Torah and prophetic books are filled with accounts of prophets defending the Jewish people, even when rebuking them for their sins. The association of violence and suffering with Muhammad's legacy makes it impossible for Jews to see him as a prophet in line with Jewish tradition.
4. The Quran Acknowledges the Land of Israel
Interestingly, the Quran itself acknowledges the special connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel:
"And We said to the Children of Israel after him: 'Dwell in the land, and when the promise of the Hereafter comes to pass, We shall bring you as a mixed crowd'" (Quran 17:104).
This verse affirms that the Land of Israel was divinely designated for the Jewish people. Yet, many Muslim leaders and societies ignore or contradict this acknowledgment. Why is this truth not highlighted across the Middle East? Respect for the Quran should lead to an acceptance of the Jewish right to Israel—a point that is often ignored in political and religious rhetoric.
5. Respect for the Torah and Its Followers
The Quran also calls for respect for the Torah:
"Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted to Allah judged by it for the Jews..." (Quran 5:44).
If the Quran commands respect for the Torah, then it naturally follows that Muslims should respect those who follow it—observant Jews. The battle, as the Quran often emphasizes, is not between believers of different traditions but against the kafir (non-believers). This shared understanding could foster unity rather than division among Jews, Muslims, and Christians.
Conclusion: A Call for Mutual Respect
The comparisons between Moses and Muhammad are not only theologically inaccurate from a Jewish perspective but also highlight fundamental differences between the two faiths.
Yet, this does not mean there cannot be mutual respect. Both the Torah and the Quran have teachings that emphasize justice, compassion, and reverence for God.
As Jews and Muslims, we should focus on the shared values in our traditions and recognize the distinctiveness of each other's faiths.
The path forward is one of respect and dialogue, not confrontation.
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Sources:
Torah: Exodus 19:17-19, Deuteronomy 18:15
Quran: Quran 17:104, Quran 5:44
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