Muhammad Probably Never Existed: Theologian

Islamic scholar's theory enrages Muslims

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 15, 2008 8:45 AM CST

(Newser) – An Islamic professor's belief that Muhammad probably never existed has Muslim groups seething, the Wall Street Journal reports. The German convert to Islam says he cast a critical eye over historical records and found little to indicate the prophet was a real person. Muhammad’s name didn't appear on coins until 60 years after Islam emerged, he notes.

Many Islamic scholars doubt the accuracy of accounts of Muhammad's life but most agree he existed. The professor, who insists he is still a Muslim, has his doubts about the Koran as well. "God doesn't write books," he said. Munster University has rejected calls to strip the scholar of his professorship but he is no longer being allowed to teach Islam to aspiring educators.

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Hundreds of thousands of Muslims circle the Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque during the last week of Ramadan in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008. (AP Photo)

Muslims break their day-long fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at Mecca Masjid, or mosque, in Hyderabad, India, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A)

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The more I read, the historical person at the root of the whole thing became more and more improbable. - Prof. Muhammad Sven Kalisch, Münster University

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Michael_CT

Nov 17, 2008 1:14 AM CST

I wonder if the Brothers Grimm were "Divinely" inspired too? Probably seen as they weren't around at Cinderella's Ball.

Shannonals

Nov 16, 2008 6:35 AM CST

Ouch, this man most likely will not make it until the end of the year

Guest

Nov 16, 2008 5:08 AM CST

"God did not write" any Book. But these Holy Books are revealed. The difference between the Koran and the Bible is that the stories of the Bible were compiled many years later, while in case of Muhammad - who could not read or write, had some one write down for Him what He heard. It was not revealed all at once either. Also, the stories about the past Prophets are revealed in the Koran, - such as Jesus Christ, Noah etc - the stories which at the time were not translated into Arabic. He was not taught Bible stories by others. But these stories were Revealed to Him and then written down by someone who could write. In short, these Holy Books are Divinely inspired. What would you think if someone writes stories that were written centuries ago, but that person who is dictating that story never heard of the original stories or the people in those stories? There are some stories that differ from the Bible, just like the Gospels differ in details. But why could it not be thought that such Revelations are one of the proofs of God, and that He sends Messengers time to time?

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Muhammad Probably Never Existed: Theologian