The Prophet, Muhammad in Hindu Scriptures

God stated in the Quran, "And to every nation there was sent a messenger," a verse that underscores divine mercy towards all people across the globe. This declaration affirms that guidance has been provided to all nations throughout history, ensuring that no community was left without divine direction.

Historically, a significant number of messengers were sent to the Children of Israel. Figures such as Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus were part of a long chain of prophets who conveyed God’s commandments to the Israelite community. However, with the advent of Prophet Muhammad, the message of monotheism transcended ethnicity and geographic boundaries, becoming a universal directive for all of humanity.

Muhammad: The Universal Messenger

The final messenger, Muhammad, was born in Arabia, but his mission was global in scope. Unlike the previous prophets who were primarily sent to specific nations, Muhammad’s teachings were meant for all people, irrespective of race or nationality. The Quran explicitly affirms this universality in several verses, including:

"We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds" (Quran 21:107).

His divine mission was not limited to saving one community but aimed at guiding all of mankind away from ignorance and toward eternal salvation. This universal approach marks a significant shift from the localized messages of previous prophets.

Prophecies of Muhammad in Other Scriptures

Over the centuries, scholars have extensively researched the presence of Muhammad’s prophecies in the scriptures of different religious traditions, including the Bible, Hindu texts, and Zoroastrian writings.

Prophecies in the Bible

Many Islamic scholars argue that references to the coming of Prophet Muhammad can be found in both the Old and New Testaments. One of the most cited verses is from Deuteronomy:

"I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren; and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him" (Deuteronomy 18:18).

Muslim scholars interpret "their brethren" as a reference to the Ishmaelites, the descendants of Ishmael, who was the brother of Isaac and the forefather of the Arabs. This interpretation suggests that Muhammad was the prophet foretold to lead humanity back to monotheism.

Similarly, in the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of a coming figure referred to as the "Paraclete" or "Comforter":

"But when the Comforter has come, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify of me" (John 15:26).

Islamic interpretations suggest that this “Comforter” is not the Holy Spirit but rather Prophet Muhammad, whose mission was to confirm the teachings of Jesus and guide people to the truth.

Prophecies in Hindu Scriptures

Hindu texts also contain passages that some scholars believe allude to Prophet Muhammad. In the Bhavishya Purana, there is a prophecy that describes a figure named "Mahamada," who is said to come from a land of sandy terrain and will guide his people away from idol worship. The description closely aligns with Muhammad’s mission in Arabia, where he called people away from polytheism toward the worship of one God.

Furthermore, the Rigveda speaks of a noble individual who will be characterized by his honesty and divine wisdom, matching the attributes of Prophet Muhammad. The Atharvaveda also describes a leader with a great following, coming from a desert region and establishing a righteous community.

Prophecies in Zoroastrian Scriptures

Zoroastrian texts contain references to a future prophet who will restore true monotheism. The Dasatir and Zend Avesta, key Zoroastrian scriptures, speak of a "Saoshyant" (benefactor or savior) who will emerge to bring justice and truth. Some scholars believe this description aligns with Prophet Muhammad, given that his mission reintroduced monotheism in a region where idolatry was prevalent.

Additionally, the Bundahishn, an ancient Zoroastrian text, describes a final prophet who will purify the world from falsehood and lead people back to the worship of the One True God.

Conclusion

The presence of prophetic references to Muhammad in religious scriptures beyond Islam strengthens the argument for the universality of his message. Scholars from various traditions have highlighted these prophecies, demonstrating that the advent of Muhammad was foretold across different faiths. This further supports the Quranic claim that divine guidance has always been available to humanity, culminating in the final revelation through Prophet Muhammad.

His teachings continue to guide millions worldwide, and his message of monotheism, justice, and moral rectitude remains relevant in contemporary times. The universality of his mission makes him not just a prophet for Arabs but a messenger for all of mankind, fulfilling God’s promise of guidance to every nation.

In the lecture below, an Indian sub-continent scholar of Islam, gave revealing account of the prophecies of the advent of Muhammad in the Hindu scriptures:
Prophet Muhammad in Hindu scriptures