Quran and Miracles - Prophecies

Prophecies

Muslims believe that the Qur'an predicted many events years before they happened. They argue that such prophecies are proof of the divine origin of Qur'an.

For example, Muslims say that the Qur'an predicted the eventual defeat of the Persians by the Romans at the Battle of Issus (622). At the Battle of Antioch in 613 AD, the Persians defeated the Romans and took control over important Byzantine territories expanding into Syria, Jerusalem, Armenia, and Egypt. A few years after the severe defeat of the Byzantine armies by the Persians, this verse was revealed in the Qur'an, "The Romans have been defeated. In a land close by; but they will soon be victorious-Within a few years. Allah's is the command before and after; and on that day the believers shall rejoice." In 622 AD at the Battle of Issus, the Romans successfully defeated the Persians, confirming the prophecy in the Quran.

Another prophecy predicted the preservation of the Pharaoh of the Exodus's body. The Qur'an states, "We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the point of drowning, he (Pharaoh) said: ‘I believe that there is no god but Him in Whom the tribe of Israel believes. I am one of the Muslims.’ What, now! When previously you rebelled and were one of the corrupters? Today we will preserve your body so you can be a sign for people who come after you. Surely many people are heedless of Our Signs." The Pharaoh of the Exodus is commonly said to be either Ramesses II or his son, Merneptah. Both of the 2 people's bodies are on display in the Royal Mummies Room at the Egyptian Museum, thus, Muslims believe that the prophecy has been fulfilled.

Another prophecy predicted the sea and river, their natures were known in the start of 20th century but Muslims believe that Quran identified it in 1400 years before, the verse is "He is the one who has set free the two kinds of water, one sweet and palatable, and the other salty and bitter. And He has made between them a barrier and a forbidding partition." This verse relates to the Mediterranean Sea of saltwater which meets Atlantic Ocean of sweet water but they do not mix each other. Other verses are Thus, today's researchers confirms this prophecy is valid while a few do not.

One more prophecy has been fulfilled, the voyage to the moon. It is considered by Muslims that it is prophesied according to the verse "And the moon when it is full, you will mount up stage by stage! What is the matter with them, that they have no faith?" . Yet it is claimed by critics that stages referred in this verse is the stages of life. They argue that this chapter only talk about the day of resurrection and judgement.

Another prediction made by the Qur'an is its own preservation. “Verily, We have revealed the Reminder (The Quran), and verily We shall preserve it (from corruption).” The Qur'an predicted that it would remain preserved from corruption for over a thousand years, and most Muslim scholars agree that today's Qur'an is the same Qur'an originally compiled by Prophet Muhammad.