Beyond the Visible: Discovering 5 Miracles of the Prophet (PBUH) That Strengthen Faith

I. The Holy Quran: An Everlasting Miracle

The Quran stands as the paramount and enduring miracle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), serving as a definitive proof of his prophethood1. Its inimitability challenged the most eloquent Arabs of his time to produce a single chapter (surah) like it, a challenge they utterly failed to meet despite their linguistic prowess and the Prophet's persistent demand over more than ten years1. This miraculous literary and spiritual superiority rendered them "confused and inarticulate" (Al-Siyouti, n.d.-a, p. 50)1. Beyond its unparalleled eloquence, the Quran's miraculous nature is further evident in its divine preservation. Historical accounts attest to attempts to alter its text, yet these endeavors were consistently thwarted. For instance, a man who tried to introduce additions and deletions into the Torah and the Gospel found buyers, but when he attempted the same with the Quran, the booksellers, upon discovering the alterations, discarded them, recognizing it as a "protected book" (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-g, p. 160)2. This perpetual protection confirms the Quran as a preserved divine scripture, reinforcing its miraculous origin and solidifying faith2.

II. The Splitting of the Moon (شق القمر)

Among the most astounding visual miracles was the splitting of the moon, a clear sign witnessed by the disbelievers in Mecca. When the Prophet (PBUH) performed this miracle, the polytheists, unable to deny what they saw, dismissed it as "magic that continues" (Al-Dhahabi, n.d.-a, p. 187)3. To verify the event, they interrogated travelers returning from different regions. These travelers confirmed having witnessed the moon split, substantiating the Prophet's truthfulness (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-b, p. 221)45. This phenomenon served as a powerful testimony to his prophethood, albeit rejected by those whose hearts were sealed by disbelief3....

III. Water Gushing from His Fingers (نبع الماء من بين أصابعه)

The Prophet (PBUH) possessed the miraculous ability to cause water to flow from his blessed fingers, providing sustenance for large numbers of people or armies in times of dire need. During the expedition to Tabuk, when the Muslim army faced a severe water shortage, the Prophet (PBUH) was observed to have water flow from his fingers, which sufficed for the entire army to drink and even fill their vessels (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-e, p. 267)6. This remarkable event is one of the clearest examples of a miracle directly performed by the Prophet (PBUH) by divine will, providing immediate and tangible relief to his companions and demonstrating divine support6.

IV. Multiplication of Food (تكثير الطعام)

Another profound miracle frequently manifested through the Prophet (PBUH) was the multiplication of food, ensuring nourishment for numerous individuals from meager quantities. Several instances highlight this divine blessing:

• At the wedding feast of Ali and Fatima, the Prophet (PBUH) asked Bilal to prepare a small amount of food (a bowl with four or five amdad of dates and a camel to be slaughtered). He then placed his hand on the food and invited people in groups. They ate until they were full, and yet a surplus remained, which he blessed and ordered to be taken to his wives for them to eat and share (Al-Qadi Iyad, n.d.-a, p. 571)7.

• During a غزوة (military expedition), when the companions were suffering from food scarcity, the Prophet (PBUH) asked Abu Hurayrah if he had anything. Abu Hurayrah produced a small amount of dates from his pouch. The Prophet (PBUH) took them, spread them, blessed them, and instructed Abu Hurayrah to call the hungry men. All the men ate until they were satisfied, and yet the dates remained in the pouch (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-f, p. 110)8.

• A delegation of 400 people from Muzaynah and Juhaynah, lacking provisions, were supplied by the Prophet (PBUH) from a small amount of dates, described as being like a young camel. Despite all 400 taking their fill, the original quantity of dates remained undiminished (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-e, p. 366)9.

• He also blessed a small amount of clarified butter, which continued to suffice for a long time (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-f, p. 115)10. These incidents underscore Allah's abundant provision through His Prophet (PBUH).

V. Inanimate Objects and Animals Speaking to Him

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was honored with the ability to communicate with and be acknowledged by inanimate objects and animals, demonstrating his unique connection to the entire creation.

• Trees and mountains would greet him with "Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah" as he passed by (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-b, p. 154)11.

• Animals would also express their concerns and seek his intervention. A deer, for instance, spoke to him, pleading to be released (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-f, p. 16)12. Similarly, a female partridge complained to him after her chicks were taken (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-f, p. 32)13. A wolf also spoke to a shepherd, testifying to the Prophet's prophethood (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-f, p. 43)14.

• Even poisoned food would reveal its danger. The poisoned sheep at Khaybar spoke to him, warning him of the poison it contained (Al-Dhahabi, n.d.-c, p. 74)1516.

• Beyond communication, his touch and presence had a miraculous effect. When Abu Jahl attempted to harm the Prophet (PBUH) by throwing a rock at him while he was prostrating, Abu Jahl's hand froze and stuck to his neck. It was only after the Prophet (PBUH) prayed for him that his hands were released, with the Prophet explaining that it was the Angel Gabriel who prevented the attack (Al-Qadi Iyad, n.d.-a, p. 688)17. Another instance of divine protection involved Shaybah ibn Uthman, who intended to kill the Prophet (PBUH) during the Battle of Hunayn, but something unseen prevented him (Al-Bayhaqi, n.d.-e, p. 213)18.

These miracles, ranging from the intellectual challenge of the Quran to the tangible displays of power over nature and creation, served not only to convince his contemporaries but continue to strengthen the faith of believers across generations, testifying to the profound truth of his prophethood.