Over the years, Dr. Zakir Naik and some others have argued that the Bhavishya Purana, one of the 18 major Hindu Puranas, “predicted” the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This claim has sparked considerable debate, with proponents asserting that the name “Mahamad” mentioned in the text refers to the Prophet of Islam. However, a closer examination of the text reveals significant flaws in this interpretation. Not only is this claim misleading, but it also misrepresents both the Hindu scripture and the Islamic figure of Muhammad.
Let’s critically analyze the text, its context, and why this claim does not hold up to scrutiny.
What is the Bhavishya Purana?
The Bhavishya Purana is a Hindu scripture that deals with future prophecies, as its name suggests (“Bhavishya” means “future” in Sanskrit). However, scholars widely agree that this text has undergone numerous interpolations (additions) over the centuries. Many sections of the Bhavishya Purana were likely modified during medieval times to reflect contemporary socio-political dynamics, especially interactions between Hindu and Islamic cultures. These interpolations make it difficult to determine the original content of the text.
The passage often cited by proponents of the claim appears in the Pratisarga Parva of the Bhavishya Purana, which describes various historical and cultural events. The text mentions a figure named “Mahamad” and attributes certain actions to him.
The Controversial Text
Here is a translated portion of the Bhavishya Purana that forms the basis of Dr. Zakir Naik’s claim:
“A foreign teacher, Mahamad, will appear in the land of the mlecchas (foreigners or barbarians). He will establish a religion and speak of justice. He will destroy the traditions of the Aryas (followers of the Vedic dharma).”
At first glance, the name “Mahamad” seems similar to “Muhammad.” This superficial similarity is the crux of the argument. However, the surrounding context and description make it clear that this interpretation is flawed.
Why the Claim is Misleading
- The Context of Mahamad in the Bhavishya Purana:
The text portrays “Mahamad” as someone who disrupts Arya-dharma (the moral and religious principles of the Vedic tradition). It describes him as a leader of the “mlecchas” (a term often used in Hindu texts to refer to foreigners, particularly those considered outside the Vedic fold). The actions of Mahamad are depicted negatively, as he is said to destroy the traditions of the Aryas and propagate a different ideology. This portrayal is inconsistent with the Islamic view of Prophet Muhammad as a righteous messenger of God. In Hinduism, figures who oppose dharma are often equated with asuras (demons) or forces of adharma (unrighteousness). Thus, the description of Mahamad in the Bhavishya Purana cannot be reconciled with the Islamic understanding of Prophet Muhammad. - Association with Daityaraj Bali:
The text metaphorically associates Mahamad with Daityaraj Bali, a figure from Hindu mythology who is considered a powerful but asuric (demonic) king. Bali’s association with Mahamad in this context further underscores the negative depiction of Mahamad in the text. This contradicts any claim that the Bhavishya Purana mentions Prophet Muhammad in a positive or prophetic sense. - Superficial Similarity of Names:
The similarity between “Mahamad” and “Muhammad” is purely coincidental and insufficient evidence to establish a connection. Sanskrit and Arabic are vastly different languages, and the transliteration of names often results in such coincidences. Without additional context or supportive evidence, it is fallacious to equate the two names. - Historical Interpolations:
Scholars widely agree that parts of the Bhavishya Purana, especially the Pratisarga Parva, were interpolated during the medieval period (around the 12th–16th centuries CE). These additions often reflect interactions between Hindu and Islamic cultures during times of conflict or cultural exchange. The mention of “Mahamad” is likely one such interpolation, influenced by the socio-political dynamics of the time, rather than a genuine prophecy. - Contradiction with Islamic Beliefs:
The text describes Mahamad as someone who destroys established traditions, which contradicts the Islamic belief in Prophet Muhammad as someone who restored the pure monotheistic faith of Abraham. This inconsistency further weakens the claim that the Bhavishya Purana predicted Muhammad’s arrival.
Below is the image and translation from Bhavishya Puran, page no. 332
The Story of Raja Bhoj and Mahamad
Sutaji said: O Rishis! In the lineage of Shalivahan, ten kings were born. They ruled for five hundred years and then ascended to heaven. Gradually, the boundaries of dharma and morality began to erode. The last king of the Shalivahan lineage was Raja Bhoj. Due to the decline in dharma and morality, divine kingship came to an end.
He had many learned Brahmins such as Kalidas and others in his company. Crossing the Sindhu River, he defeated the kings of Gandhar, Sulekha, and Kashmir, punished them, and took control of their kingdoms. Around this time, a man named Mahamad, along with Acharya and Shishya Mandal, appeared. Raja Bhoj, residing in Mahakaleshwar, saw the great Mahadevji and, with devotion, worshipped Him with fragrant sandalwood, etc., and sang His praises.
Raja Bhoj said: “O supreme Lord of Mahakaleshwar! You, who dwell here, are the pure, sat-chit-ananda (existence-consciousness-bliss) form of the self-manifested Lord. You are the destroyer of Tripurasur and the dispeller of all kinds of illusory acts. I have come to take refuge in You. I bow to You. I offer my prayers to You.”
Hearing this, Bhagwan Shiva said:
“O Bhoja Raja! You should go to the sacred pilgrimage sites. This land is now called Bahlika, where the dharma of the Aryans is being destroyed. In this wretched land, there is no Arya-dharma. The great demon Tripurasur has established his influence here through the evil king Daityaraj Bali. By my boon, his Daitya community has grown here. He is unrighteous. His name is Mahamad. You should not enter this land of Aryans. My wrath will destroy you.”Hearing these words from Bhagwan Shiva, Raja Bhoj returned with his army from that land.
Raja Bhoj worked to promote the Sanskrit language and propagated the Prakrit language for the common people. He ruled for fifty years and then attained heaven. He established the boundaries of dharma in the country. Between the Vindhyas and the Himalayas lies the sacred Aryavarta land, where light and dharma prevail.