The Prophet Muhammad’s Sincerity
by Paul Williams
Western scholars and Christian missionaries attest:
W. Montgomery Watt states:
His readiness to undergo persecutions for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement – all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad. (W. Montgomery Watt, Mohammad at Mecca, Oxford 1953, p. 52)
Sir William Muir said:
It is strongly corroborative of Mahomet’s sincerity that the earliest converts to Islam were not only of upright character, but his own bosom friends and people of his household; who, intimately acquainted with his private life, could not fail otherwise to have detected those discrepancies which ever more or less exist between the professions of the hypocritical deceiver abroad and his actions at home. (Sir William Muir, The Life of Mahomet, page 54)
And:
I agree with Sprenger in considering ‘the faith of Abu Bakr the greatest guarantee of the sincerity of Mohammed in the beginning of his career’ – and, indeed, in a modified sense, throughout his life. (Ibid., page 56)
J.W.H. Stobart said:
Abu Bakr was a man of the purest character. His friendship for Mahomet, and unwavering belief in his mission, are a strong testimony to the sincerity of the prophet. (J.W.H. Stobart, Islam and its Founder, page 209)
Tor Andrae said:
The genuineness and sincerity of Mohammed’s piety, and the honesty of his belief in his religious call, are indisputable. (Tor Andrae, Mohammed: The Man and his Faith, page 185)
John Gilchrist said:
We can safely reject the view that Muhammad was a deliberate impostor. Throughout the twenty-three year period of his assumed ministry, he held to the unflinching conviction that he was called to be a prophet and that the revelations he was receiving were coming to him from above. (John Gilchrist, Muhammad and The Religion of Islam, Chapter: A Study of Muhammad’s Personality: An Assessment of His Personality)
Arthur Glyn Leonard said:
If ever a man on this earth found God, if ever a man devoted his life to God’s service with a good and great motive, it is certain that the Prophet of Arabia (Muhammad) is the man. Muhammad was not only the greatest but truest man that humanity has ever produced. (Arthur Glyn Leonard, Islam, her moral and spiritual value: A Rational and Psychological Study, pages 18-19)
After reading these quotes, I used to wonder why these people did not convert to Islam. Recently I learnt that Montgomery Watt and Sir Muir were of the opinion that he was deluded ! (Ma’aadhAllah)
This is part of a strong argument used by Hamza Tzortzis. Prophet Mohammed was either 1) a liar 2) deluded 3) a deluded liar 4) truthful. The first one is not true as he does not fit the psychological profile of a liar (as testified by the academics you quoted above). The second one isn’t true either because of the prophesies he made. The third one is a contradiction of terms (but still has been posited by some!) so it only leaves the last one, that he was truthful in his claim.
Peace and blessings of Allāh be upon Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad the last messenger.
I too do wonder how people who believe someone was truthful could not believe in what his truthful tongue said. I mean, if “We can safely reject the view that Muhammad was a deliberate impostor,” then what is left other than that he was truthful?
Allāh always plans that out of the most opposed to the truth of Islam, comes some truth, and this was an example of it. Also, Sir William Muir has admitted the preservation of the Quran, despite being a notorious anti-Islamic Orientalist.
Subhan Allāh.
See Chinese Emperor Hong-Wu eulogy (poem) about the best human:
http://alsiraat.co.uk/prophet-muhammad/chinese-emperors-poem-prophet-muhammad-saw