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Muhammad (SAW) in the Torah: An analysis from a Muslim lens (Thread).
In this thread, I will evaluate the context in which the Hebrew word - Machmad - is used in Torah (Old Testament). I give my *personal observations* as a Muslim. This is not an exegesis of biblical text. 1/n
In this thread, I will evaluate the context in which the Hebrew word - Machmad - is used in Torah (Old Testament). I give my *personal observations* as a Muslim. This is not an exegesis of biblical text. 1/n
Quran 61:6 clearly tells us that the people of the Torah and Jesus (AS) clearly knew that a prophet by name "Ahmad" will come in the near future. So it was curious for me to go the Hebrew text and see whether it held any clues. 2/n
The word "Machmad" is used in the Torah 13 times and is translated as delightful, an object of desire, beloved, goodly, lovely, etc. Even the pronunciation of Machmad is very similar to the Arabic Muhammad.
Check out the pronunciation here: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H4261
3/n
Check out the pronunciation here: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H4261
3/n
If you are thinking that different languages can spontaneously give birth to a same word with different meanings - the Hebrew derivatives of Machmad - Machmud, Chamad, Hamuddim are also similar to Arabic derivatives Mahmood, Ahmad and Muhammadim. So these are the same words. 4/n
Translators always face this - when is a name just a name and when is it an adjective. For instance, if "Zeeshan wrote a book" becomes "The owner of splendour wrote a book" - it changes the meaning entirely. But "He was Zeeshan" can be translated as "He possessed splendour". 5/n
So, we are faced with a problem here - should Machmad be translated or is it a proper noun in the Torah? The Jewish and Christian translators have no issues translating Machmad. Which makes it difficult for Muslims to extricate it based on the context. 6/n
But we can do it. Lets start with 1 Kings 20:1-8. Its a story of Benhadad, the King of Syria who forms a confederacy of 32 princes to attack Ahab - the king of Israelites in Samarra. 7/n
Source: https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1ki/20/6/s_311006
Source: https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1ki/20/6/s_311006
Benhadad sends emissaries to Ahab literally saying - all your bases are belong to us - including your wives, children, gold, silver and goodies (towb). Keep in mind that Towb is used for goodies here.
Ahab says - sure take them away as they are already yours. 8/n
Ahab says - sure take them away as they are already yours. 8/n
But Benhadad ups the stakes and says - I'll send people to search your houses and take away your "Machmad".
This enrages the Israelites so much that they decide to fight.
"Machmad" was more precious to them than their wives, their children, their gold, silver and goods. 9/n
This enrages the Israelites so much that they decide to fight.
"Machmad" was more precious to them than their wives, their children, their gold, silver and goods. 9/n
The translators decided to translate Machmad as desired things - which is a stretch as Ahab already had offered the Towb things away to Benhadad earlier. It was only the threat to take away "Machmad" that escalated it to a war. 10/n
PS: Towb is pronounced Tov as in Mazel Tov.
PS: Towb is pronounced Tov as in Mazel Tov.
IMO, the translation of "Machmad" here is inappropriate. The Israelites had a prophesy of a Messenger by name Machmad - they cherished that messenger (in places calling him Machmad of ayin (eyes)). They were willing to give up everything to Benhadad except Muhammad (saw). 12/n
The 12 other places where Machmad is mentioned in the Old Testament/Torah are also very interesting. Inshallah, I will cover them in future threads.
13/n END.
13/n END.
