Was Muhammad perfect and sinless?

Question

Muslims insist to me that Muhammad was sinless, yet I have found the Koran (Surah 40:55; 48: 1-2 states that Allah commanded Muhammad to repent of his sins or that Allah had forgiven his sins. Can Muslims explain this?

Answer 1

Greetings.
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Surah 40 (Ghafir - The Forgiver)
Surah 48 (Al-Fath - Victory/Conquest)

For clarification purposes only, and not to disrespect your beliefs, I'd like to point out that unlike in the Bible, the Quran is a revelation from God Almighty to all humanity, whereas the Bible is a compilation of narrations of the disciples/followers of Jesus peace be upon him that was collected 3 centuries after he had risen (to my knowledge).

In the Quran, God Almighty addresses not just the Prophet Muhamad peace be upon him, but also the rest of the world. In the translations provided above, there is no mention that it was the Prophet being addressed, nor was there insinuation of such. In the Arabic text, and the interpretation of the highest of scholars it is understood that God Almighty is emphasizing to the people to continue to worship Him, seeking His forgiveness and earning His pleasure.

The Prophet Muhamad peace be upon him did not sin (to my knowledge) not even before he received his first revelations. We do know that he erred and in the Quran, God Almighty teaches him what was correct. These are therefore not "sins" like committing adultery or murder or alcohol consumption, etc. It is considered a sin to say that ANY of the Prophets or Messengers of God Almighty sinned, for how would one follow a liar, or a cheat, or an adulterer or an alcoholic???!! Surely no stable minded person would do so and claim that these "prophets" were sent by a Just, Merciful, Wise Lord! The concept therefore is applied to all, not just Prophet Muhamad peace be upon him.

In the traditions about the Prophet peace be upon him, we know that when his wife Aisha may God be pleased with her was asked "tell us about his character" her reply was "his character was the Quran" - meaning that he would abide by all that God Almighty would teach him through scripture, revelation and prophethood.

In another tradition, she relayed how he would stay up all night in prayer until his feet became swollen, and when he would remain in prostration for so long she thought he left this earth, she would gently touch his foot and he would shake it slightly to show her he was still alive. Afterwards she would ask him "why do you spend so much time in prayer when God Almighty has guaranteed you Paradise?" to which he would reply "Should I not then be a gracious servant?"

Thus was his humbleness to which we affirm, and though he is not a God, yet he is the best of God's creation, without being vain.

Thank you for asking, I hope this answered your question and if you need further clarification, please feel free to contact me.

Answer 2

Prophet Muhammad became close to perfect and close to sinless. Why I say it really is because no human would properly be perfect and Sinless. That is going to Almighty God merely. and compared to the different personality, the Prophet Muhammad's existence is amazingly VERY clear. Its all recorded down for all and sundry to study and understand the stunning existence of the most Blessed One. all the undesirable feedback and comments are made by technique of folk who i have self assurance who're 0.5 previous six style, who has were given no Credentials in any respect.

Answer 3

Muslims don't believe Muhammad was perfect (meaning flawless) for only God is perfect and flawless. Though a muslim might tell you Muhammad was perfect in the sense that he was the best example of a human being in all aspects. But muslims do not worship Muhammad nor think of him on the same level as God as Christians do with Jesus and God. And indeed God told Muhammad in the Quran to ask forgiveness for sins. As for being sinless: I know there is an authentic hadeeth (saying, tradition, story of Muhammad) where Muhammad was standing in prayer for such a long time that his feet became swollen. One of his companions asked him why he stood for so long praying when his sins will be forgiven? Muhammad replied, 'Should I not be a grateful slave?" Muhammad, nor any prophet, never commited major sins. and God knows best.

Answer 4

Where did you get your

"Muslims insist to me that Muhammed was sinless, ..." ?

Please list your sources, because I fear you are making this up...

Muslims KNOW that Muhammad (PBUH) was not perfect. Why else would he have prayed to God the most out of anyone around him, even after God forgave him for all his past sins...

Take a look at the Sunna El Nabawiyya and get some enlightenment on how the prophet lived before you think of writing or saying clueless things...

Answer 5

Funnily enough, this is a matter of debate amongst Muslims. As you can see, all the Sunnis who have answered this question have all stated that Muhammed (PBUH) was not (spiritually) perfect. This is disputed by Shias, who say that he indeed was spiritually perfect. The verses you point to:

"That Allah may forgive thee thy faults of the past and those to follow; fulfil His favour to thee; and guide thee on the Straight Way;"

The word "thee" does not refer to Mohammed, but his people. Cheers mate.

Answer 6

Muslims don't claim Muhammad was born without sin or never committed a sin, but rather that he was cleansed of his sins by God when he was called on to be a prophet.

Answer 7

Surah 40 is the chapter called Forgiver (Ghafer) , Surah 48 is the chapter called Victory (Al-Fatt-h) .....
Muhammad was a human, born with a sin nature like all humans (curse of Adam, born from the seed of a man), he is dead right now. He was a sinner.
Jesus was and will always be sinless. He is alive right now.

Answer 8

Certainly not. How could he be and if any muslim or not claims him to be..is getting things all wrong. God is perfect and sinless. I cannot explain this intellectually or otherwise. But it is what I personally feel.

Answer 9

No. But he was the closet to being perfect and sinless.

Answer 10

i dont get this either, all muhammad actions set precedents but that would imply he is perfect when man is flawed and only god can be perfect