Arabic names will be accepted as answers, but I made the text show up as their English counterparts since most of the people taking this quiz are more familiar with the English names.
Agreed. What I think is even more interesting is comparing this quiz to the quiz about most-mentioned Bible characters. Many of the more famous and well-known characters of contemporary Christianity are much more often mentioned in the Quran than in the Bible. Mary, for instance, doesn't even show up on that other quiz at all. And it's a top 50 quiz! Here she lands comfortably in the top 10.
Muslims may point to this as proof that Muhammad was modest, or that his words were really divinely inspired, or that Islam really is about worshiping the one true god and not about the worship of any man.
But then if you look at the hadith Muhammad is mentioned ad nauseum. The hadith are considerably more substantial than the text of the Koran.
I think the simple answer to that is that the Quran was revealed directly to Muhammad and thus a lot of it is directly addressed to him. So when talking to someone we dont tend to use their name repeatedly (except perhaps at the start of the conversation). Even then God normally refers to him using the phrases `O Prophet` and `O Messenger` and only uses his name when addressing other groups of people such as the residents of Mecca and Medina at that time.
Yeah I get what you're saying. To translate this into reality, the Quran, according to Islamic tradition, was entirely dictated by Muhammad. So... even though the guy did have a creepy habit of talking about himself in the 3rd person (often with flowery indirect titles like those mentioned), it was all coming from him so it would be a bit odd if much of the Quran had to do with him. He wasn't reciting an autobiography.
On the other hand, if you look to the hadith and sunnah, which are many many times more voluminous than the Quran, then Muhammad is mentioned there infinitely. The hadith were recorded by Muhammad's followers who recorded virtually everything he ever said or did. But they are not verses of the Quran which were the messages Muhammad claimed to be transmitting from the divine and having his followers commit to memory.
I love this quiz...and this discussion. It has done what I think all of jetpunk strives to do...make me want to learn more on my own about it all. Thank you!
John (Yahya) is also mentioned 5 times in the Quran. He would be the next answer on the quiz.
But then if you look at the hadith Muhammad is mentioned ad nauseum. The hadith are considerably more substantial than the text of the Koran.
On the other hand, if you look to the hadith and sunnah, which are many many times more voluminous than the Quran, then Muhammad is mentioned there infinitely. The hadith were recorded by Muhammad's followers who recorded virtually everything he ever said or did. But they are not verses of the Quran which were the messages Muhammad claimed to be transmitting from the divine and having his followers commit to memory.
Chapter 21:108
And We have sent thee not but as a mercy for all peoples.
Chapter 33:22
Verily you have in the Prophet of Allah an excellent model, for him who fears Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah much.
Chapter 33:47
And as a Summoner unto Allah by his command, and as a Lamp that gives bright light.
Chapter 68:05
And thou dost, surely, possess sublime moral excellences.
So... yeah. He mentions himself quite a lot.. but rarely uses his own name. Like monarch who refer to themselves in the "royal we."