Many Muslims claim that the Bible, specifically the Gospel of John, prophesies about the coming of Muhammad. The most commonly cited verses include John 14:16, John 15:26, and John 16:7-14, where Jesus speaks about the coming of the Comforter (Parakletos).
This article will analyze these claims in depth, examining the meaning of the term “Comforter,” the role of the Holy Spirit, and whether Muhammad can fit the biblical description.
Before analyzing specific verses, it is important to understand the context in which Jesus speaks these words.
- In John 13-17, Jesus gives His final teachings to His disciples before His crucifixion.
- He comforts them by promising the “Comforter” (Parakletos), who will guide and help them after His departure.
- The Comforter is repeatedly called the Spirit of Truth, and Jesus states that He will send Him from the Father (John 15:26).
This context makes it clear that the Comforter is a spiritual helper sent by Jesus to His disciples, not a human prophet arriving 600 years later.
John 14:16 – “Another Comforter”
“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever.”
Greek Word for Comforter: “Parakletos”
- The Greek word “Parakletos” (παράκλητος) means helper, advocate, counselor, or comforter.
- This term always refers to a spiritual guide, not a human prophet.
The Holy Spirit, Not Muhammad
- “He will abide with you forever” – The Holy Spirit is an eternal presence in believers’ lives (Acts 2:1-4), while Muhammad was a mortal man.
- Sent by the Father at Jesus’ request – Muhammad was not sent by Jesus, but the Holy Spirit came to the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2).
- “Another Comforter” – Jesus was the first Comforter. The second must be like Him—a divine, spiritual presence, not a prophet.
John 15:26 – “The Spirit of Truth”
“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.”
Holy Spirit or Muhammad?
- The Comforter is explicitly called the “Spirit of Truth.” This title refers to a divine being, not a human.
- “Whom I will send unto you from the Father” – The Holy Spirit was sent directly from God to Jesus’ disciples at Pentecost.
- “He shall testify of me” – The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus as the Son of God (John 16:14), whereas Muhammad denied Jesus’ divinity.
Thus, this verse cannot apply to Muhammad.
John 16:7 – “If I Go Not Away, the Comforter Will Not Come”
“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.”
Why This Cannot Be Muhammad
- The Comforter could only come after Jesus departed – The Holy Spirit came shortly after Jesus’ ascension, while Muhammad came 600 years later—far too late to fit this prophecy.
- “I will send Him unto you” – Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2). Muhammad was not sent by Jesus.
John 16:12-14 – “He Will Glorify Me”
“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 show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.”
The Holy Spirit’s Role
- “He shall glorify me” – The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus as Lord and Savior. Muhammad denied Jesus’ divinity, so this cannot apply to him.
- “He will guide you into all truth” – The Holy Spirit inspired the apostles to write the New Testament and spread the Gospel.
- “He shall not speak of Himself” – The Holy Spirit speaks what God commands (Acts 2), just as Jesus did.
Some Muslim scholars claim that the original word was “Periklytos” (περικλυτός), meaning “the praised one,” which supposedly refers to Muhammad.
Why This Argument Fails
- No manuscript evidence – Every Greek manuscript of John’s Gospel contains “Parakletos,” never “Periklytos.”
- “Parakletos” has a clear meaning – It is used elsewhere in the New Testament for the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:1).
- Muhammad does not fit the role – He did not come to “abide forever” with believers.
The Holy Spirit in the Early Church
- The Comforter came at Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Holy Spirit filled Jesus’ disciples.
- The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to perform miracles, preach, and write the New Testament.
- The Holy Spirit still dwells in Christians today, guiding and strengthening them.
If Muhammad were the Comforter, then the disciples would have been left without guidance for 600 years—an idea that contradicts Jesus’ promise.
Conclusion: The Comforter Is the Holy Spirit, Not Muhammad
- Biblical Evidence clearly shows that the Comforter is the Holy Spirit, not Muhammad.
- Historical Evidence confirms that the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, fulfilling Jesus’ promise.
- Muhammad does not fit the biblical description of the Comforter, as he was a human prophet, not a divine Spirit of Truth.
The claim that Muhammad is prophesied in John’s Gospel is based on misinterpretation and distortion of Scripture. The true Comforter, the Holy Spirit, is alive today, guiding believers in Jesus Christ.
