What is the difference between Mohammed’s supposed experience of receiving a revelation from the angel Gabriel and, say, Isaiah’s experience of receiving a revelation from God in the OT? Is it a matter of belief and disbelief? Put in another way, what makes Isaiah’s account of his divine experience more reliable than Mohammed’s? And how do we explain the rapid expansion of Islam after Mohammed started teaching his ‘revelation’?
The main difference between Old Testament prophets and Mohammed is whether their prophecies are confirmed both in Scripture and in History. This can only be said of the prophets of God. The most glaring example of this where Mohammed is concerned is the existence of Israel. No land conquered in the name of Allah is ever supposed to be lost again.
The expansion of Islam is no different from the expansion of Hinduism or Buddhism or any of the world’s other religions. But only one religion in history can be validated by a 100% fulfillment of its prophecies.
Isaiah 44:6-8 says,
“This is what the LORD says– Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come– yes, let him foretell what will come.
Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”