Why Do Muslims Follow Muhammad When They Wouldn’t Live Like Him?

Introduction
Most Muslims today are good, kind-hearted people.
They abhor slavery, racism, child marriage, greed, and corruption.

But when you honestly compare the life of Muhammad — according to Islam’s own sources — to modern moral standards, a painful contradiction appears:

Most Muslims would never dream of doing the things Muhammad did.
So why do they still revere him?

Let’s look at the evidence.

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1. Muhammad Owned and Traded Slaves — Including Black Slaves

Islamic hadiths record that Muhammad personally owned slaves.
In Sunan an-Nasa’i 4184, it says:

"The Prophet bought a slave in exchange for two black slaves."

This small passage reveals three shocking facts:

• Muhammad already owned two black slaves.

• He valued them less than another human being — reducing them to property.

• He sold them off into continued slavery under a new master, with no concern for their welfare.

Today, every decent Muslim is horrified by slavery.
They recognize that no human being should be owned, sold, or traded — especially not based on race.

Yet Muhammad — the "perfect example" (Qur'an 33:21) — not only tolerated it, he participated in it.

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2. Muhammad Married and Consummated a Marriage With a Child

In Sahih al-Bukhari 5134 (an authentic, "Sahih" hadith), Aisha reports:

"The Prophet married me when I was six years old, and consummated the marriage with me when I was nine."

In modern terms:
This is the marriage of a man in his 50s to a 6-year-old child — and consummation with a 9-year-old.

No good Muslim today would ever approve of a 50-year-old man marrying or sleeping with a child.
They would rightly call it what it is: pedophilia.

Yet Muhammad is called al-Insan al-Kamil — "the perfect human."

How can this be?

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3. Muhammad Married His Adopted Son’s Ex-Wife — Then Abolished Adoption

Islamic sources, like Al-Tabari, record that Muhammad desired the wife of his adopted son Zayd.
After a complicated situation:

• Zayd divorced her

• Muhammad married her

• Muhammad abolished formal adoption to avoid social scandal

The Qur'an itself justifies it (Surah 33:37):

"When Zayd had accomplished his desire from her, We gave her to you in marriage."

Even Muhammad’s own embarrassment is recorded:
He feared public outrage over the marriage (Qur'an 33:37).

And more disturbingly, Muhammad later abolished adoption as a recognized legal relationship, justifying his personal actions at the cost of society's welfare.

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4. Even Aisha Noticed Muhammad’s Convenient "Revelations"

In Sahih al-Bukhari 4788, after Muhammad received a "revelation" allowing him to marry any believing woman who offered herself to him, Aisha remarked:

"I feel that your Lord hastens to fulfill your wishes and desires."

In other words:
Even Muhammad’s favorite wife suspected that the Qur'an conveniently adapted to Muhammad’s personal appetites.

That’s not just a devastating accusation.
It’s internal testimony from within Muhammad’s own household.

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5. Muhammad Benefited From War Booty

The Qur'an itself states (Surah 8:1):

"They ask you concerning the spoils of war. Say: the spoils are for Allah and the Messenger."

In practice, Muhammad personally received a massive share of wealth and slaves from his military campaigns.

Meanwhile, Jesus — the founder of Christianity — lived a life of voluntary poverty, never owned property, never ruled a kingdom, and refused earthly power.

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6. Time Cannot Excuse Moral Failure

Muslims sometimes argue:

"It was a different time."

But the Qur'an claims Muhammad was a universal example for all times (Qur'an 33:21).

A true prophet’s character must transcend culture, not conform to its darkest practices.

When we look at Jesus, for example:

• He owned no slaves.

• He married no children.

• He gained no earthly power, wealth, or wives.

• He loved enemies and sacrificed himself without personal gain.

Jesus' character is timeless.
Muhammad’s character — even judged by his own time — raises serious moral concerns.

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Conclusion: Which Prophet Truly Reflected God’s Character?

If Muhammad’s life included slavery, child marriage, personal greed, and politically convenient "revelations" —
And if you, a good-hearted Muslim today, would never dream of acting the way Muhammad did —

What does that say about Muhammad’s claim to be the "final messenger"?

By contrast, Jesus taught purity, mercy, humility, forgiveness, and sacrificial love.
He gained no political kingdom, no earthly spoils, no personal advantages — only the cross.

Dear Muslim friends:
Follow the one whose life truly reflects the heart of God.

Come back to Christ — the sinless, selfless Savior.