Millions of Muslims claim Prophet Muhammad was the best and greatest man ever to walk in the earth, in all our history. They claim that since he had the highest moral character and set the best example, that makes him the greatest person ever.

 

Let’s research this claim in analysis of the Quran, as we will soon discover this belief actually contradicts God’s teachings.

 

The first question that comes to mind is: Why would Muhammad be greater and better than the other prophets?

 

God instead advises we must make no distinction among any of the prophets and therefore treat them all as equal. 

 

Say, “We believe in God and in what was brought down to us, and in what was brought down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We do not distinguish between any of them, and to Him we are Submitters.” 2:136

 

The messenger has believed in what was brought down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They all believed in God, His angels, His Scriptures and His messengers: “We do not distinguish between any of His messengers,” and they said, “We hear, and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destination.” 2:285

 

As for those who believe in God and His messengers and do not distinguish between any of them, He will grant those their rewards. Indeed, God is Forgiver, Merciful. 4:152

 

The term distinction is defined as;  Excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.

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Synonyms: importance, significance.

 

To claim that Muhammad is the best and the greatest is certainly making a distinction, as it sets him apart from the other prophets. All prophets played an equally important part of our history and were significant in their time. 

 

God is protecting us from idol worship by teaching us not to make any distinction among the prophets, as He knows many will fall guilty of idolising them.

 

Those who make a distinction and elevate Muhammad in rank as being the greatest man ever to walk the earth, have indeed taken him as an idol alongside God.

 

If we really had to compare prophets, let’s remember Muhammad was not free from error, five of which are noted in the Quran (8:67-68, 9:43, 33:37, 66:1, 80:1-10).

 

Muhammad also came without miracles. Other prophets had miracles as proofs alongside their scriptures. 

 

And when you do not bring them a miracle, they say, “If only you had come up with one!” Say, “I only follow what is inspired to me from my Lord.” This is insight from your Lord, as well as guidance and mercy for a people who believe. 7:203

 

God gave Adam the names (2:31) and Abraham the rites (16:123). He spoke directly to Moses (7:143) and Jesus was pure (19:19).

 

Muhammad was taught how to be of high moral character directly from God in the Quran. The other prophets also learned of this same wisdom from God in the previous scriptures. 

 

No human being can ever achieve the status of being great, since that is God’s quality. God is Great. 

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All greatness belongs to Him in the heavens and the earth. He is the Dignified, the Wise. 45:37

 

True believers are humble and do not elevate themselves or any other human as being great.

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Peace & God Bless

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