One of the most powerful proofs of prophecy is to demonstrate that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is described in ancient texts whose compositions predate his birth by hundreds and hundreds of years.
In this seminar, Dr. Ali Ataie will guide us through a fascinating historical, exegetical, and linguistic examination of the biblical text in an attempt to validate the Quran’s claim that “the Messenger” and “Gentile/Unlettered Prophet” is “described with them in the Torah and the Gospel,” although the focus will be on the Tanakh (Old Testament).
This lecture will cover topics such as comparative hermeneutical frameworks, debunking the “Islamic Dilemma,” the historical-critical method, the subtleties of ancient sacred poetry, and close readings of the biblical text in the original language (Hebrew).
This free all-day Saturday workshop is a must for students of comparative religion and serious callers (du’at) to the Religion of Allah.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Saturday, February 7, 2026 | Conference Room | Free | Join us in person or watch virtually at mcceastbay.org/live
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
– More Dr. Ali Ataie: https://mcceastbay.org/ali-ataie
Ustadh Dr. Ali Ataie is a leading scholar in comparative religion. He currently lectures at Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California. He has taught at several Western academic institutions.
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- Session One (with one break): 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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- Zuhr Prayer/lunch: 12:40 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
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- Session Two: 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
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- Coffee/Tea break (provided by MCC): 2:15 p.m. to 2:25 p.m.
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- Session Three: 2:25 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Asr Prayer: 4:15 p.m.
– More Dr. Ali Ataie: https://mcceastbay.org/ali-ataie
Ustadh Ali Ataie is a perennial student and researcher who has been involved in interfaith activities for over two decades. He holds a Master’s in Biblical Studies with a focus on the New Testament and biblical languages. He also holds a Ph.D. in cultural and historical studies in religion from the Graduate Theological Union. His doctoral work focused on Muslim hermeneutics of biblical texts, especially the Gospel of John. He lives in San Ramon, CA, with his wife, Roya, and three daughters. Learn more about him at https://zaytuna.edu/academics/faculty/ali-ataie
Muhammad ﷺ in the Old Testament
Key Old Testament Passages Cited by Islamic Tradition
- Deuteronomy 18:18-19: “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever does not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.”
- Islamic Interpretation: This prophet is like Moses (a lawgiver, married, had children, natural birth) but not Jesus, fulfilling the “from among your brothers” (referring to Ishmael’s descendants/Arabs).
- Deuteronomy 33:2: “The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned from Seir upon them; he shone forth from Mount Paran, and he came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones”.
- Islamic Interpretation: Sinai (Moses), Seir (Jesus), and Mount Paran (Mecca/Ishmael’s descendants).
- Song of Solomon 5:16 (Hebrew): Contains the word “Muhammadim” (often translated as “altogether lovely” or “desirable”).
- Islamic Interpretation: A direct, albeit transliterated, mention of the Prophet’s name.
- Isaiah 60:1-7: Mentions the rising of light from the East, the gathering of flocks from Kedar (Ishmael’s son) and Nebaioth, and the glorification of God’s house (Kaaba in Mecca).
- Most Christians interpret the Deuteronomy prophecy as referring to Jesus Christ, seeing him as the ultimate prophet “like Moses” (fulfilling the law, being a great teacher).
- Song of Solomon 5:16 is generally regarded as poetic language describing a lover rather than a proper name.
Muslim scholars use these passages to argue that the Old Testament prophesied Muhammad (PBUH), aligning his life and mission with these scriptural descriptions, while Christian theology typically links these prophecies to Jesus or other figures, viewing them as distinct from Muhammad.