In the previous two articles linked below, we looked at how the messenger being challenged to bring masses from the sky cannot be regarding Muhammad. In this third part, we will discuss another proof as to why this challenge cannot be regarding Muhammad. For reference, here are the verses:
17:90 They said, “We will not believe you unless you cause a spring to gush out of the ground.
17:91 “Or unless you own a garden of date palms and grapes, with rivers running through it.
17:92 “ Or unless you cause masses from the sky, as you claimed, to fall on us. Or unless you bring GOD and the angels before our eyes.
This article will focus on the following next verse and the specific claim where it states:” …unless you climb to the sky. Even if you do climb, we will not believe unless you bring a book that we can read. “
17:93 “Or unless you own a luxurious mansion, or unless you climb into the sky. Even if you do climb, we will not believe unless you bring a book that we can read.” Say, “Glory be to my Lord. Am I any more than a human messenger?”
Here is the word by word brekdown of this portion of the verse:
This verse further reinforces that Muhammad was not the one who was being challenged with these requests because Muhammad literally ascended to heaven and was given the book, the Quran, for the people to read. Both these facts are detailed in the same Sura this challenge is made.
17:1 Most glorified is the One who summoned His servant (Muhammad) during the night, from the Sacred Masjid (of Mecca) to the farthest place of prostration ( Masjid al-Aqsa), whose surroundings we have blessed, in order to show him some of our signs. He is the Hearer, the Seer.
Muhammad’s ascent is also detailed in Sura 53: The Stars (Al-Najm).
53:1 As the stars fell away.
53:2 Your friend (Muhammad) was not astray, nor was he deceived.
53:3 Nor was he speaking out of a personal desire.
53:4 It was divine inspiration.
53:5 Dictated by the Most Powerful.
53:6 Possessor of all authority. From His highest height.
53:7 At the highest horizon.
53:8 He drew nearer by moving down.
53:9 Until He became as close as possible.
53:10 He then revealed to His servant what was to be revealed.
53:11 The mind never made up what it saw.
53:12 Are you doubting what he saw?
53:13 He saw him in another descent. 53:14 At the ultimate point.
53:15 Where the eternal Paradise is located.
53:16 The whole place was overwhelmed.
53:17 The eyes did not waver, nor go blind.
53:18 He saw great signs of his Lord.
29:51 Is it not sufficient that we sent down to you this book, being recited to them? This is indeed a mercy and a reminder for people who believe.
Additionally, it is worth pointing out that the verse ends with the messenger who was being challenged, stating, “ Am I any more than a human messenger? “
17:93 “Or unless you own a luxurious mansion, or unless you climb into the sky. Even if you do climb, we will not believe unless you bring a book that we can read.” Say, “Glory be to my Lord. Am I any more than a human messenger?”
As detailed in a previous article, the distinction between a prophet (nabi) and a messenger (Rasool) is that a prophet is given scripture. In contrast, a messenger delivers a message to their people. Therefore, all prophets are messengers by default, but not all messengers are prophets. If the verse stated, “ I am not more than a human prophet,” instead of “ messenger,” this would not make sense with the challenge being made. This is because, by definition, a prophet is given scripture, and Muhammad, being the final prophet (33:40), was given the book, the Quran, which further reinforces that this challenge being made was not being addressed to him.
All this points to the fact that the messenger being challenged in these verses (17:90-93) cannot be the prophet Muhammad but is regarding a messenger that came after him, Dr. Rashad Khalifa.