Combating Islam

Muhammad Lusted After Another Man’s Wife

A Theological Reckoning That Breaks the Prophetic Claim

Abstract

This article confronts a disturbing episode recorded in Islamic sources—namely, that Muhammad, the founder of Islam, harbored desire for the wife of another man. According to Tafsir Fath al-Qadir (Vol. 4, p. 404), Muhammad developed lustful intent toward Zaynab, the wife of his adopted son Zayd. This isn’t just a personal failing—it’s a theological fracture. The moral collapse at the heart of this event directly violates the standards set by the God of the Bible and shatters the credibility of Muhammad as a true prophet. This piece contrasts the character of Muhammad with biblical prophetic ethics, exposing the incompatibility between Islamic tradition and divine holiness.

1. The Islamic Source: A Prophet's Eyes on Another Man's Wife

Islamic tafsir and historical tradition are clear: Muhammad developed desire for Zaynab bint Jahsh, the wife of his adopted son, Zayd ibn Harithah. The most explicit record comes from:

Tafsir Fath al-Qadir, Vol. 4, p. 404
“The Prophet entered Zayd’s house and saw Zaynab. She rose to meet him, and her beauty struck him. He desired her…”

This commentary appears in explanation of Qur’an 33:37, a verse widely regarded—even in mainstream Islamic scholarship—as related to this very incident.

“And [remember] when you [O Muhammad] said to the one upon whom Allah had bestowed favor… ‘Keep your wife and fear Allah.’ And you concealed within yourself that which Allah was to disclose...” — Qur’an 33:37

Islamic tradition states that Muhammad concealed his desire, even as he instructed Zayd to remain married to Zaynab. Eventually, Zayd divorced her, and Muhammad married her—an act that caused scandal and required divine justification.

2. Biblical Standard: Holiness, Not Hidden Lust

Contrast this with the moral clarity of the Bible:

Exodus 20:17 — “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.”
Matthew 5:28 — “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Biblically, coveting is not just a temptation—it is a sin. And Jesus goes further: inner lust equals moral guilt, even if no physical act occurs. By this standard, Muhammad not only fails the prophetic test—he fails basic holiness.

3. Prophets Must Embody Divine Integrity

A true prophet reflects the character of God. Scripture is clear:

Habakkuk 1:13 — “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.”

God does not anoint men of unrepentant moral compromise. The prophetic office is not just about delivering messages—it is about embodying divine standards. Muhammad’s lust for Zaynab contradicts this entirely.

Furthermore, the prophet Nathan’s rebuke of David (2 Samuel 12) shows how God treats even kings who covet another man’s wife—with condemnation, not excuses.

4. The Ultimate Contrast: Jesus Christ

Muhammad stands in sharp contrast to Jesus, who:

Was tempted in all ways, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15)
Demonstrated total mastery over lust and desire
Never violated the purity of heart that God requires

Where Muhammad concealed lust, Jesus embodied holiness. Where Muhammad desired what was forbidden, Jesus resisted temptation and taught others to do the same. One modeled flesh. The other, divinity.

5. Theological Consequences: Disqualified by Character

By biblical standards, Muhammad fails the test of a prophet:

Matthew 7:15–20 — “You will know them by their fruits…”
1 John 4:1 — “Test the spirits… for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

The fruit of Muhammad’s life—especially in this episode—is one of self-interest, concealed desire, and divine manipulation, not submission to a holy God.

If a man conceals lust for another man’s wife, then later marries her under supposed divine approval, this is not a sign of divine endorsement—it is evidence of moral disqualification.

6. Muslim Apologetics: Evasions, Not Explanations

Muslim defenders offer various responses, none sufficient:

“The marriage was for legal reform.” But that doesn’t explain the desire preceding it—which was recorded and never denied.
“The Qur’an reveals his humanity.” But lust for another man’s wife is not mere humanity—it is sin.
“Allah permitted it.” But a holy God does not contradict His own moral nature to accommodate a prophet’s personal impulses.

These explanations collapse under scrutiny. They reveal more about Allah’s permissiveness than about Muhammad’s purity.

7. Conclusion: Muhammad Fails the Test

This episode is not an isolated incident—it is a theological indictment. If Muhammad desired another man’s wife, concealed it, then later married her—this is not the conduct of a true prophet. It is the behavior of a man whose actions required justification, not reverence.

No amount of apologetic rebranding can hide the simple truth: Muhammad failed the holiness standard God sets for His messengers.

“By their fruits you will recognize them…” — Matthew 7:20
And by this fruit, Muhammad stands exposed.

References

Tafsir Fath al-Qadir, Vol. 4, p. 404
Qur’an 33:37
Exodus 20:17
Matthew 5:28
Habakkuk 1:13
Matthew 7:15–20
1 John 4:1