PROPHET MUHAMMAD (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) in HINDU SCRIPTURES

By DR. Z. HAQ * There Never Was A People Without A Warner * A Brief Introduction To Hindu Scriptures * Background To Prophecies * Prophecy In The Puranas * Prophecy In Kuntap Sukt (Atharva Veda) * More Prophecies In Atharva Veda * Prophecy In Sama Veda * Prophecy In Rig Vedas * More Prophecies In Hindu Scriptures * No Compulsion In Religion

There Never Was A People Without A Warner Verily We have sent thee (Muhammad) in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and as a warner: And there never was a people without a warner having lived among them (in the past). Qur'an 35:24 For We assuredly sent amongst every People an apostle (with the Command) "Serve Allah and eshew Evil": Of the people were some whom Allah guided and some on whom Error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth). Qur'an 16:36 And Messengers (Prophets who received revealed books) We have mentioned unto thee (Muhammad) before And Messengers We have not mentioned unto thee; And Allah spake directly unto Moses. Qur'an 4:164 These verses of the Holy Qur'an testify that Allah (the One True God) has sent prophets to every people. Therefore, it is not surprising to Muslims to find prophecies about the Last Prophet, Muhammad (s), in previously revealed scriptures. Moreover, Allah had taken covenant with the Prophets to believe and help future Prophets of Allah, as indicated by the verse quoted below. Allah's Covenant With Prophets Behold! Allah took the covenant of the Prophets saying: "I give you a Book and Wisdom; then comes to you an Apostle confirming what is with you; do ye believe him and render him help." Allah said: "Do ye agree and take this My Covenant as binding on you?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness and I am with you among the witnesses." If any turn back after this they are perverted transgressors. Qur'an 3:81-82 A Brief Introduction to Hindu Scriptures The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Brahmanas Granth are the four sacred books in Hindu religion. The last one is a commentary on the Vedas, but it is considered as a revealed book. These books are in Sanskrit, the sacred language of the Hindus. The Vedas are divided into four books: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sam Veda and Atharva Veda. Of these, the first three books are considered the more ancient books, and the Rig Veda is the oldest of them. The Rig Veda was compiled in three long and different periods. Opinions greatly differ as to the date of compilation or revelation of the four Vedas. Swami Daya Nand, founder of the Arya Samaj, holds the opinion that the Vedas were revealed 1.3 billion years ago, while others (Hindu scholars and orientalists) hold the opinion that they are not more than four thousand years old. Analysis of the Vedas reveal differences in the

accounts of the places where these books were revealed and the Rishis (Prophets) to whom these scriptures were given. Nevertheless, the Vedas are the most authentic scriptures of the Hindus. The Upanishads are considered next to the Vedas in order of superiority and authenticity. However, some Pandits consider the Upanishads to be superior to the Vedas primarily from the internal evidence found in the Upanishads. Next in authenticity to the Upanishads are the Puranas. The Puranas are the most widely read of all Hindu Scriptures, as these are easily available (the Vedas are difficult to find). The compiler of the Puranas is Maha Rishi Vyasa, and he arranged the Puranas in eighteen volumes. These books contain the history of the creation of the universe, the history of the early Aryan people, and life stories of the divines and deities of the Hindus. The Puranas were either revealed simultaneously with the Vedas or some time before. The sanctity and reverence of the Puranas is admitted and recognized in all the authentic books of the Hindus. For a long time, the Hindu Scriptures were primarily in the hands of Pandits and a small group of men who had learned Sanskrit (The majority of the Hindu population knew Hindi and could comprehend only a smattering of Sanskrit words). Sir William Jones, who was a Judge and founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal, learned Sanskrit in the last decade of the Eighteenth century. He was instrumental in generating interest in Sanskrit and Hindu Scriptures in Europe, and it was due to his efforts that the Hindu scriptures were translated into English. In 1935, Dr. Pran Nath published an article in the Times of India that showed that the Rig Veda contains events of the Babylonian and Egyptian kings and their wars. Further, he showed that one-fifth of the Rig Veda is derived from the Babylonian Scriptures. From a Muslim perspective, it is likely that the Hindus were given a revealed book or books that contained description and struggles of Allah's Prophets sent previously to other peoples. It is also possible that commentaries written about them were incorporated later and became a part of the revealed books. There are a number of examples of these in Hindu scriptures. The Atharva Veda is also known as 'Brahma Veda' or in its meaning as the Devine Knowledge. An Analysis of the Vedas reveal that 'Brahma' is actually Abraham, where the initial letter A in Abraham is moved to the end making it Brahma. This analysis is accurate when one writes the two words in Arabic script, a language close to that spoken by Prophet Abraham. Similarly, Abraham's first wife Sarah is mentioned in the Vedas as Saraswati, and Prophet Nuh (Noah of The Flood) is mentioned as Manuh or Manu. Some Pundits consider Atharva Veda as the Book of Abraham. Prophets Ismail (Ishmael) and Ishaq (Isaac) are named Atharva and Angira, respectively, in the Vedas.

Table 1 Brahma Saraswati Manu, Manuh Background to Prophecies It is well known that the Hindus love hero worship, and it is reasonable to assume that over a long period of time the high regard and reverence for some Prophets led to some of them considered as god or God. Further, it is likely that the Book of Abraham and those of other Prophets contained prophecies about the Last Prophet, Muhammad (s). Muslim historians of India hold the opinion that the graves of Prophets Sheesh and Ayyub (Job) are in Ayodhya, in the province of Uttar Pradesh, India. In ancient times, Ayodhya was known as Khosla according to Shatpath Brahmanas. Some Pundits have now begun to reject the Puranas simply because they find in them many prophecies and vivid signs of the truth of Prophet Muhammad. A case has been made that the present Puranas are not the same collection that Vedas refer to and the real books were lost. Nevertheless, this contention is not correct. It is impossible that all the Puranas which were so widely read and keenly studied, could have fallen in oblivion and totally wiped out, whereas the Vedas, which only a few could read and understand, remained intact until now. Another argument against the prophecies is that these were added to the Puranas at a later date. Nevertheless, this argument is also without a basis. Such a wellknown book, in vast circulation and read at appointed times in prayers, cannot be easily tampered with. Moreover, all the Pandits and the learned divines of the Hindus could not have conspired and secretly added these prophecies to the Puranas. The most strange thing is that the corruption is made in favor of the Prophet and against their own religion. All major books of the Hindus prophesy about Prophet Mohammad. In addition to many of his qualities, his life events, Abraham, Ka'bah, Bakkah (Makkah) and Arabia, the prophecies mention his name as Mahamad, Mamah, and Ahmad. The name Mahamad appears in the Puranas, Mamah in Kuntap Sukt (in Atharva Veda) and Ahmad in Sama Veda. Many different classifications as to the degree of importance of the Vedas have been made. For example, in Shatpath it is stated that Sama Veda is the essence of all the Vedas. At another place in Taitttriya Brahmana, it is stated that "This world was created from Brahma, the Vaishas Abraham Sarah Nuh

were created from the mantras of the Rig Veda, the Kashtriyas were created from Yajur Veda and Brahmans were created from Sama Veda." Prophecy In The Puranas The compiler of the Puranas, Mahrishi Vyasa, is highly honored among the Hindus as a great rishi and learned person. He was a pious and God fearing man. He also wrote the Gita and the Maha Bharat. Among the eighteen volumes of the Puranas is one by the title 'Bhavishya Puran,' literally meaning future events. The Hindus regard it as the Word of God. The prophecy containing Prophet Muhammad by name is found in Prati Sarg Parv III: 3, 3, Verse 5. Before the English translation is presented, a note on the word Malechha that appears in the first part of verse 5 is in order. The word Malechha means a man belonging to a foreign country and speaking foreign language. This word is now used to degrade people meaning unclean or even worse. Its usage varies and depends on who is using it and for whom. Sir William Jones had great difficulty in recruiting a Pundit to teach him Sanskrit because he was considered unclean (Malechha). It was only after the direct intervention of Maharaja (King) Shiv Chandra that Pundit Ram Lochna agreed to teach him Sanskrit. It is not known when this word began to be used in the derogatory sense, whether before the advent of Prophet Muhammad (s), after the conversion of Hindu King Chakrawati Farmas (of Malabar, located on the southwest coast of India) to Islam during the lifetime of the Prophet, soon after the arrival of Muslims in India (711 CE) or sometime later. Mahrishi Vyasa, the compiler of the Puranas, has defined a wise Malechha as "a man of good actions, sharp intellect, spiritual eminence, and showing reverence to the deity (God). Many Sanskrit words have borrowed from Arabic and Hebrew with a slight change as was shown in the examples of Brahma, Saraswati and Manu, and as indicated in Table 2 below. It appears that this word is derived from the Hebrew word Ma-Hekha (), which means thy brethren (e.g., And he (Ishmael) shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. Genesis 16:12; i.e., Ismaelites are the brethren of the Israelites). In the context of Biblical scriptures this word meant a descendant of Prophet Ismail (Ishmael), and it is well known that Muhammad (s) is a descendant of Prophet Ismail through his second son Kedar. Those who can read Arabic Script can easily see that a mistake in separating Ma from Hekha will produce a single word 'Malhekha,' and when adapted in another tongue like Sanskrit might sound like Malechha.

Table 2 The Sanskrit text and translation of Verse 5 of Bhavishya Puran, Prati Sarg Parv III: 3, 3 are given below. (The boxed area in the Sanskrit text identifies the word Mahamad or Mohammad). A malechha (belonging to a foreign country and speaking foreign language) spiritual teacher will appear with his companions. His name will be Mahamad... The translation of Verses 5-27 (Sanskrit text of the Puranas, Prati Sarg Parv III: 3, 3) is presented below from the work of Dr. Vidyarthi. "A malechha (belonging to a foreign country and speaking foreign language) spiritual teacher will appear with his companions. His name will be Mahamad. Raja (Bhoj) after giving this Mahadev Arab (of angelic disposition) a bath in the 'Panchgavya' and the Ganges water, (i.e. purging him of all sins) offered him the presents of his sincere devotion and showing him all reverence said, 'I make obeisance to thee.' 'O Ye! the pride of mankind, the dweller in Arabia, Ye have collected a great force to kill the Devil and you yourself have been protected from the malechha opponents (idol worshipers, pagans).' 'O Ye! the image of the Most Pious God the biggest Lord, I am a slave to thee, take me as one lying on thy feet.' "The Malechhas have spoiled the well-known land of the Arabs. Arya Dharma is not to be found in that country. Before also there appeared a misguided fiend whom I had killed [note: e.g., Abraha Al-Ashram, the Abyssinian viceroy of Yemen, who attacked Mecca]; he has now again appeared being sent by a powerful enemy. To show these enemies the right path and to give them guidance the well-known Mahamad (Mohammad), who has been given by me the epithet of Brahma is busy in bringing the Pishachas to the right path. O Raja! You need not go to the land of the foolish Pishachas, you will be purified through my kindness even where you are. At night, he of the angelic disposition, the shrewd man, in the guise of a Pishacha said to Raja Bhoj, "O Raja! Your Arya Dharma has been made to prevail over all religions, but according to the commandments of 'Ashwar Parmatma (God, Supreme Spirit), I shall enforce the strong creed of the meateaters. My follower will be a man circumcised, without a tail (on his head), keeping beard, creating a revolution, announcing call for prayer and will be eating all lawful things. He will eat all sorts of animals except swine. They will not seek purification from the holy shrubs, but will be purified through warfare. Because of their fighting the irreligious nations, they will be known as Musalmans (Muslims). I shall be the originator of this religion of the meat-eating nation."

Prophecy In Kuntap Sukt (Atharva Veda) Kuntap Sukt are sections in the twentieth chapter of the Atharva Veda. These are read every year in big assemblies in prayers and where sacrifices are offered. Seventeen leading pandits assemble annually to recite these mantras (verses) with great devotion. Kuntap Sukt are mentioned in several most ancient Hindu books Aitreya Brahmana, Kaushitki Brahmana, Gopath Brahmana, Shankhayana Shraut Sutar, Ashvlayana Shraut Sutar, and Vaitan Sutar. The word Kuntap means to consume sin and misery, and it is composed from Kuh (sin and misery) and tap (to consume). The word Kuntap also means the 'hidden glands in the abdomen,' inferring the true meaning to be revealed only to those who are able to develop sufficient insight. As a comparison, Makkah (Mecca) is called the mother of towns (Umm al Qura) or the navel of the earth. Dr. Vidyarthi shows that the word Kuntap is derived from Bakkah (Makkah). In the analysis of Sanskrit and Arabic words having the same meaning such as in the preceding Table, the word 'b' in Arabic is used as 'p' in Sanskrit (in our times, one example is that of soft drink Pepsi; it is written and pronounced as Bebsi in the Arab world). A certain 't' in Arabic becomes silent and pronounced as h depending on its position in that word (see Table 3, below). For example, 'tun' in Medinatun is replaced by h when pronounced (both t and n are dropped). Further, many Sanskrit words having parallel in Arabic are written backwards (see Table 2, above). Thus one can see the similarity between the word Kuntap and Bakkah (each containing letters k, n, t, p). Dr. Vidyarthi further demonstrates from the context of prophecies that Kuntap in fact refers to Ka'bah and Makkah (Mecca). Interestingly, the words Bakkah and Ka'bah use the same root words. Table 3 Pronounced As Medinah Bayt Bakkah Makkah Jeddah Muhammad Khadijah Written in Arabic As Medinatun Baytun Bakkatu, Bakkatun Makkatu Jeddatu Muhammdun Khadijatu Meaning or Usage City House Proper Name, City Proper Name, City Proper Name, City Proper Name Proper Name, Female (the ending 'n' does not appear in female names)

Its translation by Pandit Raja Ram is given below: "He gave the Mamah Rishi a hundred gold coins, ten chaplets, three hundred steeds and ten thousand cows." The root of the word Mamah is Mah which means to esteem highly, honor, revere, to magnify and to exalt. The word "Mohammad" means "the praised one" in Arabic. In Sanskrit, many Muslim names are used with a slight change. For Example, 'Mahmud' Ghaznavi, who briefly ruled parts of India, is referred to as 'Mamud' Gajnavi. Therefore, Mamah is synonymous with Mohammad when the full meaning of the verse is considered. In Hinduism, the word Rishi means a teacher of mystical knowledge or Prophet, and may include someone who is divine. It appears that this word has been derived from Prophet Idris with the initial letter 'I' moved to the end of the word, similar to the case of Abraham and Brahma, and the 'd' dropped as in the case of Mamah (Mohammad, which is derived from root letters h, m, and d). The hundred gold coins refer to the early companions of Prophet Muhammad, eighty of whom migrated to Abyssinia to escape unbearable persecution. In Shatpath Brahmana, a revealed commentary of the Yajur Veda, the gold is metaphorically used for denoting the high spiritual power of a man. The ten chaplets refer to ten excellent companions of Prophet Muhammad, who were given the good news of Paradise by the Prophet. They are known to Muslims as 'Ashra-i-Mubbashshara.' Their names are - Abu Bakr (ra), 'Umar, 'Uthman, 'Ali, Talha, Zubair, 'Abdur Rahman ibn 'Auf, S'ad bin Abi Waqqas, S'ad bin 'Zaid and Abu 'Ubeidah (may Allah be well-pleased with them). They are the distinguished personalities about whom the Vedas speak of as Dash ashrijah - 'ten bouquets from the Paradise.' Three Hundred Good Steeds (horses of Arab Breed) refers to those companions of Prophet Muhammad who fought at 'Badr.' (Their actual number was 313; however, in many prophecies the numbers are usually rounded up). The Sanskrit word Arvah means a swift Arab horse particularly used by Asuras (non-Aryans). Ten Thousand Cows refer to ten thousand companions who accompanied the Prophet when he conquered Mecca. The Sanskrit word 'go' is derived from gaw meaning to go to war, and it is used for both an ox and a cow. A cow or an ox as described in the Vedas represents both as a symbol of war and peace and amity. We find both these qualities in the companions of Prophet Muhammad. They were saintly men, pious and compassionate like a cow, and they were fierce and strong in establishing peace and justice.

"Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. And those with him are hard against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves. Thou (O Muhammad) seest them bowing and falling prostrate (in worship), seeking bounty from Allah and (His) acceptance. The mark of them is on their foreheads from the traces of prostration. Such is their likeness in the Torah and their likeness in the Gospel like as sown corn that sendeth forth its shoot and strengtheneth it and riseth firm upon its stalk, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the disbelievers with (the sight of) them. Allah hath promised, unto such of them as believe and do good works, forgiveness and immense reward." Qur'an 48:29: "O ye who believe! Whoso of you becometh a renegade from his religion, (know that in his stead) Allah will bring a people whom He loveth and who love Him, humble toward believers, stern toward disbelievers, striving in the way of Allah and fearing not the blame of any blamer. Such is the grace of Allah which He giveth unto whom He will. Allah is All Embracing, All Knowing." Qur'an 5:54 A Hadith of Prophet Muhammad will make this prophecy even more clear. It is narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, number 159 and an additional deatil in Saheeh Muslim: Sharh an-Nawawee, Vol. 8. This Hadith refers to a dream of the Prophet while he was in Makkah, i.e., before his migration to Medina: "Abu Musa related that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "I saw in a dream that I was migrating from Makkah to a land where there were date palm trees. I thought that it might be the al-Yamamah or Hajar, but it turned out to be Yathrib (Medina). And I saw cows (being slaughtered, as quoted in Sahih Muslim) there - and what is with Allah is better. Eventually, the cows proved to symbolize the believers (who were killed) on the day (of the battle) of Uhud, and the good (which I saw in the dream) was the good and reward of truth which Allah bestowed upon us after the battle of Badr."' This Hadith shows that cows in the dream represented the Prophet's companions. The ten thousand cows in the Vedic mantra thus refer to ten thousand saintly companions of Prophet Muhammad. The English translation of the mantras (verses) 1 through 13 of the Kuntap Sukt (Atharva Veda) was taken from the work of Pandit Raja Ram and other Hindu translators, and is given below. The text in [ ] is added to elaborate or explain the context of the verses for the reader. 1. Listen to this O people! a praiseworthy shall be praised. O Kaurama we have received among the Rushamas sixty thousand and ninety. [population of Makkah at the time of Prophet's triumphant entry in Makkah].

2. Twenty camels draw his carriage, with him being also his wives. The top of that carriage or chariot bows down escaping from touching the heaven. 3. He gave the Mamah Rishi a hundred gold coins, ten chaplets, three hundred steeds and ten thousand cows. [100 early companions, 80 of them migrated to Abyssinia; ten elect companions who were given the good news of paradise by the Prophet; 313 companions of the battle of Badr; and 10,000 companions who accompanied the Prophet in the triumphant entry of Makkah and cleansing of Ka'bah of Idols]. 4. Disseminate the truth, O ye who glorifies [Ahmad], disseminate the truth, just as a bird sings on a ripe fruited tree. Thy lips and tongue move swiftly like the sharp blade of a pair of shears. [The Prophet's state when he received revelation through Archangel Jibril (Gabriel)]. 5. The praying ones with their prayers hurry on like powerful bulls. Only their children are at home, and at home do they wait for the cows. [Cows refers to companions of the Prophet. Prophet's companions strict adherence to five daily prayers at appointed times. Refers to Battles of Badr, Uhud, and Ahzab (Ditch or Allies)]. 6. O you who praises (the Lord), hold fast the wisdom, which earns cows and good things. Disseminate this among the divines, just as an archer places his shaft on the right point. [wisdom of the Qur'an]. 7. Sing the high praise of the king of the world or the Light of the Universe, who is a god and the best among men. He is a guide to all people and gives shelter to everyone. [Prophet Muhammad's qualities]. 8. He who affords shelter to everybody, gave peace to the world, as soon as he mounted the throne. Men in Kuru-land are talking of his peace-making at the time of the building of the house. [Kuru means one who protects a house in Hebrew and Kore means a house. It refers to the first house of worship, the Ka'bah. In this sense, Kuru-land means the land of Koreish. This Mantra refers to the rebuilding of the Ka'bah five years before Muhammad's prophethood and his role in peacemaking when each tribe of the Koreish (Quraish) wanted the sole honor to put the Black Stone at its right place and disputed to the point of threats to fight each other. The Black Stone is a celestial material and is the only remaining part of the original building material of the Ka'bah]. 9. In the realm of the King, who gives peace and protection to all, a wife asks her husband whether she should set before him curd or some other liquor. [Due to

Prophet's protection and commandments, women could travel freely long distances without any escort or fear]. 10. The ripe barley springs up from the cleft and rises towards heavens. The people prosper in the reign of the king who gives protection to all. [people rise from the depth of degradation to the height of glory]. 11. Indra awoke the singer of his praises and asked him to go to the people in every direction. He was asked to glorify Indra, the mighty and all pious men would appreciate his effort and God would bestow on him His rewards. [The Prophet sent letters to several kings and rulers in every direction inviting them to Islam]. 12. Cows, horses and men multiply and increase here, because here rules the one who is bountiful and splendidly generous who gives thousands in charity and sacrifice. [qualities of the Last Prophet]. 13. O Indra, let these cows be safe, and let not their master be harmed. And let not an enemy, O Indra, or a robber overpower them. [Indra refers to God and cows to saintly followers of the Prophet]. For comparison, read the Biography of Prophet Muhammad (s) and What NonMuslims Say about Prophet Muhammad (s). More Prophecies In Atharva Veda Atharva Veda X, 2, 28: [On Ka'bah]

Whether it is built high, its walls are in a straight line or not, but God is seen in every corner of it. He who knows the House of God, knows it because God is remembered there. The Ka'bah is not exactly cubical and its sides are not of the same length. The Holy Sanctuary (Haram) of which Ka'abah is at the center remains open day and night throughout the year and it is always filled with people praying to Allah (the One True God). Muslims face toward it during prayer forming circle in the Haram (Holy House) and the circle extends out in this manner throughout the planet Earth.

Atharva Veda X, 2, 31:[On Holy Sanctuary (House) and Ka'bah]

This abode of the angels has eight circuits and nine gates. It is unconquerable, there is eternal life in it and it is resplendent with Divine light. The holy sanctuary (Haram) of which Ka'bah is at the center remains open day and night throughout the year and it is always filled with people praying and supplicating to Allah (the One True God). It has remained unconquerable. Abraha Al-Ashram, the Abbysinian viceroy of Yemen, tried to demolish it in 570 CE with a strong army and hordes of elephants but was prevented from entering the city (Holy precinct). The people of Makkah had decided not to defend the Ka'bah, fled the city and took refuge in nearby hills overlooking Ka'bah. By Allah's Command, the 'Abaabeel' (flying creatures, birds) pelted stones at Abraha's army and decimated it, leaving them like green crops devoured by cattle. This incident is described in the Surah (chapter) 105 of the Qur'an. The year 570 CE is popularly known by the Arabs as 'The year of the Elephant,' and Prophet Muhammad was born in that year. Dr. Vidyarthi points out the following facts. The House of God has nine gates Baab-e-Ibrahim (Abraham) , Baab-al-Wedaa, Baab-as-Safa, Baab-e-Ali, Baab-eAbbas, Baab-un-Nabi, Baab-as-Salaam, Baab-az-Ziyarat, and Baab-e-Haram. Further, the eight circuits are the natural lines enclosing the areas between the surrounding hills, the names of which are: Jabal-e-Khaleej, Jabal-e-Qaiqaon, Jabal-e-Hindi, Jabal-e-Laalaa, Jabal-e-Keda, Jabal-e-Abu Hadidah, Jabal-e-Abi Qabees, and Jabal-e-Umar. Atharva Veda X, 2, 33: [On Abraham and more on Holy Sanctuary and Ka'bah]

Brahma (Abraham) stayed in this abode which is illumined by heavenly light and covered with Divine blessings. It is the place that gives (spiritual) life to the people and is unconquerable.

The Ka'bah was built by Prophets Abraham and Ismail. It has remained unconquerable as explained in the preceding verse. Many verses of the Holy Qur'an and of the Old Testament in the Bible describe the divine blessings in this Holy house. Prophecy In Sama Veda The Sama Veda contains many prophecies of the advent of Prophet Mohammad. Here, one of them is presented. It is found in Sama Veda, II:6,8:

"Ahmad acquired religious law (Shariah) from his Lord. This religious law is full of wisdom. I receive light from him just as from the sun." Prophet Muhammad's other name was Ahmad (both are from root letters h, m and d), both words have the meaning the "praised one" except the latter emphasizes a higher degree to it. The Holy Qur'an states that Prophet 'Isa (Jesus, pbuh) mentioned the last Prophet's name as Ahmad. Prophecy In Rig Veda Rig Veda V, 27, 1: The wagon-possessor, the truthful and truth-loving, extremely wise, powerful and generous, Mamah [Mohammad] has favored me with his words. The son of the All-powerful, possessing all good attributes, the mercy for the worlds has become famous with ten thousand [companions]. It refers to ten thousand companions who accompanied the Prophet in the triumphant entry of Makkah and cleansing of Ka'bah of Idols and other profanities. More Prophecies In Hindu Scriptures The Vedas contain many prophecies about Prophet Muhammad. Some European and Hindu translators of the Vedas have removed the name referring to the Prophet, while others have tried to explain away the mantras (verses) on his life events, Ka'bah, Makkah, Medinah, Arabia, and other events using the terminology of the Hindus, such as purification rituals, and lands and rivers in India. Some mantras containing prophecies are inter-mixed with explanatory phrases, and it

may be that these were commentaries and explanatory notes on the prophecies, which later became a part of the prophecy. Several prophecies are found in Atharva Veda: (1) XX: 21, Mantras 6, 7, and 9, (2) XX: 137, Mantras 7 through 9, and (3) X: 2, Mantras 26, 27, 29, 30, and 32. Similarly, in Rig Veda, additional prophecies are found in: (1) VII: 96, Mantras 13 through 16, and (2) I: 53, Mantras 6 and 9. Finally, a prophecy is found in Sama Veda III: 10, Mantra 1. These are a sample of many prophecies. The serious reader may want to refer to scholarly work of Dr. A.H. Vidyarthi, entitled "Mohammad in World Scriptures," 1990. This book explains the Hindu terminology used in the Mantras and the meaning and usage of certain words and phrases from within the Vedas and other Hindu Scriptures. No Compulsion In Religion There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower. Qur'an 2:256 Allah: Allah is the proper name of the One True God, creator and sustainer of the universe, who does not have a partner or associate, and He did not beget nor was He begotten. The word Allah is used by the Arab Christians and Jews for The God (Eloh-im in Hebrew; 'Allaha' in Aramaic, the mother tongue of Jesus, pbuh). The word Allah does not have a plural or gender. pbuh: Peace Be Upon Him. This expression is used for all Prophets of Allah. Abreviations derived from Arabic words are (s) and (as). R.A: Radiallahu Anhu (May Allah be pleased with him).