Why take Mohammad's word?

Sources

• ✓ 6:19 · Al-An'aam

  6:19 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall

  قُلْ أَىُّ شَىْءٍ أَكْبَرُ شَهَٰدَةًۭ ۖ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ ۖ شَهِيدٌۢ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكُمْ ۚ وَأُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانُ لِأُنذِرَكُم بِهِۦ وَمَنۢ بَلَغَ ۚ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً أُخْرَىٰ ۚ قُل لَّآ أَشْهَدُ ۚ قُلْ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَٰهٌۭ وَٰحِدٌۭ وَإِنَّنِى بَرِىٓءٌۭ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ

  Say (O Muhammad): What thing is of most weight in testimony? Say: Allah is Witness between me and you. And this Qur'an hath been inspired in me, that I may warn therewith you and whomsoever it may reach. Do ye in sooth bear witness that there are gods beside Allah? Say: I bear no such witness. Say: He is only One Allah. Lo! I am innocent of that which ye associate (with Him).

• ✓ 3:81 · Aal-i-Imraan

  3:81 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall

  وَإِذْ أَخَذَ ٱللَّهُ مِيثَٰقَ ٱلنَّبِيِّۦنَ لَمَآ ءَاتَيْتُكُم مِّن كِتَٰبٍۢ وَحِكْمَةٍۢ ثُمَّ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولٌۭ مُّصَدِّقٌۭ لِّمَا مَعَكُمْ لَتُؤْمِنُنَّ بِهِۦ وَلَتَنصُرُنَّهُۥ ۚ قَالَ ءَأَقْرَرْتُمْ وَأَخَذْتُمْ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكُمْ إِصْرِى ۖ قَالُوٓا۟ أَقْرَرْنَا ۚ قَالَ فَٱشْهَدُوا۟ وَأَنَا۠ مَعَكُم مِّنَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ

  When Allah made (His) covenant with the prophets, (He said): Behold that which I have given you of the Scripture and knowledge. And afterward there will come unto you a messenger, confirming that which ye possess. Ye shall believe in him and ye shall help him. He said: Do ye agree, and will ye take up My burden (which I lay upon you) in this (matter)? They answered: We agree. He said: Then bear ye witness. I will be a witness with you.

• ✓ 3:144 · Aal-i-Imraan

  3:144 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall

  وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌۭ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ ٱلرُّسُلُ ۚ أَفَإِي۟ن مَّاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ ٱنقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَعْقَٰبِكُمْ ۚ وَمَن يَنقَلِبْ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ فَلَن يَضُرَّ ٱللَّهَ شَيْـًۭٔا ۗ وَسَيَجْزِى ٱللَّهُ ٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ

  Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dieth or is slain, ye will turn back on your heels? He who turneth back on his heels doth no hurt to Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful.

• ✓ Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 3:144

  Sunni

  Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 3:144

  This verse was revealed in the context of the Battle of Uhud, when many Muslims were defeated, some were killed—including the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who was wounded in the head. This incident caused confusion and despair among many people, leading them to believe falsely that the Prophet had been killed, and some even permitted abandoning him. Allah, however, reminds that Muhammad is but a messenger, like those messengers who came before him, illustrating that such trials—including the possibility of death—are a test common to all prophets. It is narrated that a companion saw a man wounded and asked if he had heard that Muhammad ﷺ had been killed. The wounded man responded that if Muhammad had indeed died, his message had been fully delivered, and it was now incumbent to fight in defense of the faith. This verse was revealed to clarify the situation and bolster the resolve of believers who had grown weak and delayed in battle. Allah reproaches those who waver after the Prophet’s death or supposed death: "If he were to die or be killed, would you then turn back on your heels?" The response is firm that turning back can harm neither Allah nor the believers who remain patient and steadfast. The verse encourages perseverance and assures that true reward is given to those who remain obedient and fight for Allah's cause, following their Prophet both in life and death. Historical narrations from authentic sources report how Abu Bakr, upon the Prophet’s death, recited this very verse to remind the Muslims that Muhammad was a mortal messenger and that one must continue in their faith and struggle. Umar also expressed profound emotion upon hearing it. Ali, too, exemplified unwavering loyalty, pledging to continue fighting on the same path as the Prophet until his own death. The phrase "No soul can die except by Allah's permission and at an appointed term" stresses that no harm or death occurs outside of Divine decree and appointed time, reinforcing the idea that stepping forward in battle neither shortens nor extends one's lifespan. This serves to inspire courage and to repel fear, showing that true reliance is upon Allah’s will. Regarding the last part, whoever desires the reward of this worldly life will receive a portion of it, but who seeks the reward of the Hereafter will be granted that as well. Those who are thankful and righteous will be rewarded abundantly by Allah in this life and the next. Finally, Allah consoles the believers about the doubts that arose after Uhud by noting how many prophets had fought alongside countless devoted companions who remained steadfast despite great losses, neither weakening nor surrendering to their enemies. This example serves to strengthen the Muslims to maintain patience and perseverance in trials, as Allah loves those who endure patiently. In summary, this verse addresses the fears and confusion among the Muslims at Uhud, instructs them on steadfastness despite loss or the death of the Prophet, reminds them of the Divine decree over life and death, and reassures them of Allah’s ultimate reward for the grateful and steadfast.