Imam John Yahya, an American-born convert who memorized the entire Quran despite not being a native Arabic speaker, joined The Deen Show to dismantle some of the most persistent misconceptions about Islam. From the claim that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) invented Islam to the myth that Muslims worship a moon god, this episode provides clear, evidence-based responses to the attacks that have been leveled against Islam since the era of the Crusades.
Did Prophet Muhammad Invent Islam?
One of the oldest attacks against Islam, originating from European Orientalists during the Crusades, is the claim that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fabricated the Quran. Imam John Yahya explained that even historical critics admitted Muhammad was known as “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy) by his own people and was never known to lie. The Orientalists concocted theories that he learned from a monk during a childhood trip to Syria, yet the Quran itself contains knowledge that no human being in seventh-century Arabia could have possessed.
“His people called him Al-Sadiq Al-Amin, the truthful and trustworthy man. They would go to him when they had disputes. Even his critics admitted he was a good young man with good morals who was not known to lie.”
Working Together for the Common Good
The episode concluded with a powerful call for unity between people of different faiths. Even if someone does not wish to embrace Islam, they can recognize the good in its teachings and work alongside Muslims on issues like helping the poor, fighting moral decay, and building stronger communities. The real enemy is not each other but the moral deterioration of society that affects everyone regardless of faith.
“If you don’t want to embrace Islam, at least you can see the good in it. Let’s work together in a morally deteriorating world to make this place a better place.”
- During the Crusades, Muslims and Jews fought side by side to defend their lands, and many local Christian priests preferred Muslim rule over the Roman Empire’s oppression
- The term “Mohammedans” was invented by European Orientalists to falsely suggest that Muslims worship Muhammad, when in reality Muslims worship Allah alone
- Imam John Yahya memorized the entire Quran as a non-Arabic-speaking American, demonstrating one of the living miracles of this divine book
- Islam invites people of all backgrounds to come, investigate, sit with Muslims, and make informed judgments based on firsthand experience rather than media portrayals
