Muslims and Muhammad

The Muslim prophet Muhammad died in 632 A.D. The persecuted had become the leader of a new religion, ruling those who submitted to the revelations he claimed were from Allah (God). I encourage you to read more about Muhammad's life. It is hard to overestimate his place in the Muslim world. "In situations that are not explicitly dealt with in the Koran, Muslims look for guidance to the life and words of the Prophet. Muhammad was only a man, but Muslims believe he lived a nearly perfect life. His life and words represent the standards of devout, pious, and upright behavior by which Muslims measure their own morality and that of their fellow men" (Thomas W. Lippman, Understanding Islam, An Introduction to the Muslim World, 32).

This marks out a crucial distinction between Muslims and Christians. The New Testament of Christ sets forth Jesus as the Master and Model for God's people and the whole world (1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Jno. 2:6). Jesus is the Leader we follow, the Prince and Pioneer of our salvation (Heb. 2:10; 5:9; 12:2). Christians train themselves by following the life and words of Christ, not Muhammad: "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher" (Lk. 6:40). The inspired apostles of Christ boldly teach us to imitate them as they imitate Christ (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 4:9). While Muslims claim Jesus as one of their prophets, we exalt Jesus Christ as The Prophet and very Son of God whom we "hear in all things" and follow in order to live in the blessings of God (Acts 3:22-26). Jesus is the one God raised up and sent to bless both Jews and Gentiles with salvation from sin (Rom. 1:16). Muhammad and his doctrines do not possess and do not provide the blessings of salvation. It denies the truth of the very One God sent to the world to save the world (Jno. 12:48).

After the death of Muhammad in 632 A.D. there was a struggle over the succession of leaders (the caliph is the successor to the Prophet, the caliphate his rule). By 660 A.D. a division solidified that still affects Islam and the world: The Sunni, Shia divide. It has been said that before he died Muhammad appointed Ali (his cousin and son-in-law) to be his successor. After his death, some accepted this choice, ascribing to direct successor from the Prophet. These Muslims, called Shia (which means "helpers of Ali", "faction" or "Party" of Ali) believe Ali was divinely appointed as the successor of Muhammad and the first Imam ("Shia Islam", wikipedia.com).

Shiites are the second largest branch of Islam, making up about 15% of the world's Muslims. Iran, for example, is a Shiite-ruled Islamic nation. The majority of Muslims believed the successor of Muhammad should come from his close advisers. These are the Sunnis ("the way"). Shia and Sunni Muslims hold common core beliefs, yet still go to war against each other to uphold their distinctive doctrines which they believe link them to Muhammad and thus, Allah's approval.

This marks another trait of false religion. Almost invariably there is a power struggle within man-made religious movements when the charismatic originator passes from the scene. Sometimes the movement dies off all together (Acts 5:36-37). At other times, division results. In sharp contrast is the united faith and practice of the early church of Christ. For you see, the Master was not dead at all, but alive forevermore (Luke 24). Christians share a common faith in the resurrected Christ and the common salvation He gives (Titus 1:4; Jude 3). The gospel calls us into common fellowship with Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor. 1:9). And so, instead of a power struggle, the early Christians "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). Unity in Christ is the hallmark of shared fellowship with God (Jno. 17:20-21; 1 Jno. 1:1-7; Eph. 4:1-6). It is when Christians stray from the "word of the truth of the gospel" that division results (Col. 1:5; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 1 Jno. 2:19). We plead for unity based upon the inspired Scriptures (truth), not political and ecumenical alliances that camouflage division with the facade of familiarity. We must abide in the word of Christ in order to be His disciples (Jno. 8:31-32). Fellowship with God and unity of Christians is obtained in the truth of Christ, never in the wisdom and will of men. 

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