This weekend there are a series of Christian-Muslim debates in Dearborn Michigan.  In light of this, I figured a post about Islam would be appropriate.

Not too long ago I was asked this by a Muslim friend of mine: "Is it possible that the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) was an Messenger  from Allah and why or why not?"

My response was as follows:

• True prophets are protected from error when delivering God's message. (Deut 18:22) If there is one error, that is enough to disqualify someone as a prophet.  This includes predictions of the future and also historical events.  One example: In terms of history one aya (4:157) in the Quran stands on its own testifying against many historical facts about Jesus' crucifixion on a cross.
• True prophets do not contradict existing revelation.  The New Testament contains approximately 225 direct quotations of the Old Testament (Tanakh) or 280 if you count paraphrases.  The New Testament writers were extremely familiar with the Old Testament and the revelation of Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies (which is why there are so many references).  This shows the continuity of God's revelation and how the Hebrew and Christian scriptures are supplementary and not contradictory.  The Quran has contradictions (most notably about who Jesus Christ is and what he did) and a discontinuity compared to God's former revelations.
• The Bible is sufficient, there is no need for further revelation.  The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:15-17 "you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."  There is nothing else we need besides the Scriptures given to us in the time of Jesus.  They are able to give us wisdom leading to salvation and make us complete for every good work.