Why take Mohammad's word?

The question of why one should take the word of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is addressed in several verses of the Qur'an and reinforced by various hadith. The Qur'an emphasizes that Muhammad is not only a messenger but also a witness to the truth of Allah's message.

In Surah Al-An'aam, it is stated: Say (O Muhammad): What thing is of most weight in testimony? Say: Allah is Witness between me and you. 6:19 This verse highlights that Allah Himself testifies to the authenticity of the message conveyed by Muhammad. The Prophet's role as a messenger is to communicate what has been revealed to him, and Muslims believe that this revelation comes directly from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Allah made a covenant with the prophets, saying: 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. 3:81 This indicates that Muhammad's prophethood is a continuation and confirmation of previous revelations, establishing him as a significant figure in the chain of prophetic messages.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent as a mercy to mankind, with a mission to guide people towards the truth. His teachings and actions are seen as a model for living a life that aligns with divine will.

Additionally, the Prophet himself emphasized the importance of his message. In a hadith, he stated: There is none who testifies sincerely that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is his Apostle, except that Allah will save him from the Hell-fire. Sahih al-Bukhari 3:130 This further underscores the significance of believing in his words and following his guidance as a means of attaining salvation.

In summary, Muhammad's word is regarded as trustworthy because it is based on divine revelation, and he is seen as a pivotal figure who brings forth the truth of Allah's message to humanity.