Chapter Twenty-four
Predicted World Events
Preface and Comparison with the Bible
Is Mohammed a Biblical prophet? Knowing the difference between a true and
false prophet was a concern of the Jewish people in the time of Moses. The Bible
records that God declared that a true prophet will give accurate predictions of
future events (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Does the Qur'an pass this test?
It might seem strange to devote a chapter of this book to a topic that only
involves one verse from the Qur'an. The significance of this one verse is that
is stands alone. One would expect the Qur'an to be validated through many
fulfilled prophecies. However, after an objective study of the Qur'an, only one
verse was found that was a prediction concerning world events other than what
the Qur'an predicts about what will take place on the Judgment Day. Even this
prophecy is vague.
The Qur'an Says ...
Defeat and Victory
The (Romans or Greeks)
were defeated in a land close by, but they within (a few years or ten years)
will gain a victory of their own (30:2-4).
This prediction is extremely ambiguous. It concerns a defeated army, which
will gain some kind of victory in the near future. Some Muslim translations of
this prophecy in the Qur'an refer to the army as “Romans” others say “Greeks.”
The opposing forces to the Romans or Greeks are left unidentified. The Romans or
Greeks will then be victorious in some unidentified manner. This victory is to
take place after a period of either a few years, three to nine years or ten
years depending on the English translation of the passage. The prediction was
not a far-reaching one. It was clear that it had to do with current events of
the time of Mohammed.
In comparison, the Bible was revealed to prophets and apostles over a period
of about 1,500 years and contains hundreds of specific prophecies which have
proven to be completely accurate over the centuries and the predictions are
still being fulfilled. The first books were given to the Prophet Moses
(1445-1405 BC) and the last revelation was given to the Apostle John (90-96 AD).
One example is the destruction of ancient Tyre. The Bible detailed the events
down to the fact that the stones of the city would be thrown into the sea which
was done by Alexander (Ezekiel 26:3, 7-14). Another example is the fact that the
Prophet Daniel was shown the exact year of the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem by
Jesus Christ over four hundred years before it happened. He predicted the year
of the destruction of the Jewish temple in AD 70 and the scattering of the Jews
around the world. In the same passage he also detailed the career of the
Anti-Christ (Daniel 9:20-27). The prophet Daniel also saw a vision of the Second
Coming of Christ with people of every ethnic group worshiping him (Daniel 7:13-14).
The Lord Jesus predicted specific details about the destruction of Jerusalem.
He said that Jerusalem would have embankments built against it, be encircled and
find itself hemmed in on every side. He predicted the violent deaths of everyone
within its walls. Jesus went on to predict that even the stones of the great
Temple would be removed and thrown away. Jesus explained the reason for this
disaster. He proclaimed that it was because the Jewish leaders did not recognize
that in him God had become incarnate (Luke 19:41-44).
The historian Flavius Josephus described the fulfillment of this prophecy of
the Lord Jesus, about the destruction of Jerusalem, almost 1,900 years ago in
The Complete Works of Josephus (published today by Trans. William Whiston.
Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1981, pages 566-568, 589). Josephus wrote
that Titus attacked Jerusalem around AD 70. Titus built embankments and had his
troops construct an outside wall around Jerusalem to hem them in. Caesar himself
ordered that the Temple be spared, but the troops were so furious that they
killed all that were left alive after the siege, plundered Jerusalem and removed
the stones of every building, even the great Temple, down to the foundations.
As stated previously in this book, Muslims believe that Jesus failed to
establish the true church and Allah had to send Mohammed to correct the
confusion the Lord Jesus left behind. Christians believe that the Lord Jesus
succeeded. As Jesus predicted, even the gates of Hell would not stop the success
of his church (Matthew 16:18). He predicted that he would come again after the
Gospel was preached to every nation and language (Matthew 24:14). This was a
bold prediction for one who had such a small following with such great
opposition. The amazing truth is, this prophecy of the global proclamation may
be fulfilled in the very near future.
As the Bible has proved to be reliable in its predictions, Christians believe
it will prove true in its prophecies concerning the Second Coming of Christ and
the Final Judgment. There are predictions throughout the Old and New Testaments.
In addition, the final book of the New Testament (the Book of Revelation) is
completely devoted to the subject. Jesus predicted that it would be a long time
after his earthly ministry. It will be a day that is unexpected. It will be
accompanied by natural disasters, resurrection of the dead and the defeat of
Satan. It will be a terrible day for the ungodly but a wonderful reward for
those who are saved as they see the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus will be announced
with the trumpet call of God, seated on the heavenly throne in glory to judge
the world. By God’s grace, some will be surprised that they are saved as they
have expressed their faith in Christ as Lord by extending kindness to believers
in Jesus (Matthew 10:40-42 and 25:31-46). Those who enter God’s eternal reward
will rejoice because the cross and resurrection of Christ has fully paid for
their sins.