How does the Quran obliquely refer to Muhammad as the “Shiloh”?

Some believe that Surah 2, verse 129 and 133 of the Quran points to Muhammad as the “Shiloh” prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49, verse 10. How is this argument articulated?

The argument that Surah 2, verses 129 and 133 of the Quran point to Muhammad as the "Shiloh" prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49, verse 10, is articulated through several points:

1. Surah 2, verse 29, reads: “Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

This verse mentions a prayer by Abraham and Ishmael for a messenger to be sent among their descendants, which Muslims believe refers to Muhammad. This is seen as a continuation of the Abrahamic prophetic tradition.

2. Surah 2, verse 33, reads: Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, when he said to his sons, "What will you worship after me?" They said, "We will worship your God and the God of your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac - one God. And we are Muslims [in submission] to Him."

This verse mentions Jacob asking his sons whom they will worship after his death, and they affirm their worship of the God of their forefathers, including Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac. This is interpreted as a testament to the continuity of monotheism and the prophetic mission culminating in Muhammad.

3. In Genesis 49, verse 10, Jacob states: “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”

This biblical verse speaks of a ruler from Judah until "Shiloh" comes, interpreted by some as a messianic figure. The argument posits that Muhammad, as a descendant of Abraham through Ishmael, fulfills this prophecy by bringing a final and universal message.

These points collectively argue that Muhammad is the awaited "Shiloh" who brings the final divine guidance, aligning with the Quranic narrative of prophetic succession.

As Jacob approached the end of his life, he gathered his twelve sons to impart his final blessings and instructions. This event is a profound moment in biblical history, as Jacob's words are not merely paternal advice but prophetic declarations concerning the future of the tribes of Israel.

Shiloh, Muhammad, and the Muslim Community (Ummah).

Genesis 49, verse 10, reads “The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes;
and to him will be the obedience of the people.”

In this verse, it seems to be implied that Shiloh (Messiah) should be outside of the clan of Judah. What is the explanation for this argument?

The interpretation of Genesis 49, verse 10, particularly the term "Shiloh," has been a subject of considerable debate among scholars and theologians for centuries. The passage is part of Jacob's blessings to his sons, where he makes prophetic statements about their futures and the destiny of their descendants.

The verse is traditionally understood as a messianic prophecy within both Jewish and Christian traditions, although interpretations of who or what "Shiloh" represents may vary. The verse indicates that the scepter, which symbolises rulership, and the lawgiver, who represents the law, shall remain with Judah until “Shiloh” comes.

"Shiloh" is often interpreted as a reference to the Messiah, although the exact identity and meaning of the term are not clear from the text itself.

Several scholars believe that the word "until" in the verse indicates the time at which Judah's authority ended.

Therefore, Shiloh (Messiah) does not descend from David's lineage, which is traced back to Judah.

Some believe that the statement "and unto him shall the gathering of the people be" in Genesis 49, verse 10, refers to the replacement of the Jewish nation by new nations, specifically pointing to the Muslim community as a whole. Muhammad is regarded as a "Shiloh". This interpretation is supported by Matthew 8, verse 12. Can you explain this interpretation further?


The verse from Genesis 49, verse 10, is part of the blessings Jacob gave to his sons before he died, where each son's blessing contained prophecies about their descendants. The verse in question is traditionally ascribed to Judah:

"The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be."

"Shiloh" is a term that has been interpreted in various ways over the centuries. In Jewish interpretation, it is often understood as a reference to the Messiah from the line of Judah, who would be a ruler over Israel. Christianity interprets Jesus as this Messiah, and thus as "Shiloh."

However, some Muslim scholars interpret "Shiloh" as a prophecy of Muhammad. In this view, the verse is seen as a prediction that rulership (the scepter) and religious authority (the lawgiver) would remain with the descendants of Judah until a new prophet (Muhammad) arises, and to him, the obedience of the peoples would turn. This interpretation thus sees the Muslim community as the fulfillment of this prophecy, with Muhammad being "Shiloh," and the Muslim ummah (community) as the gathering of the people.

Matthew 8, verse 12, on the other hand, is a part of the New Testament where Jesus says:

"But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

This verse is often interpreted in a Christian context to mean that those who were originally chosen (the Jewish people) but do not accept Jesus as the Messiah will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Some Muslim interpreters might use this verse to support the idea that there is a new chosen community (the Muslims) that has replaced the old (the Jewish people) due to their acceptance of the final prophet Muhammad, as prophesied in Genesis.

It's important to note that this interpretation is not a traditional or mainstream understanding within Judaism or Christianity. Both religions typically do not see Muhammad as prophesied in their scriptures. Jewish tradition does not recognize either Jesus or Muhammad as the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies, and Christianity does not recognize Muhammad as a prophet.

However, there is the Quranic message of the Surah 2, verse 133, to the Jews and Christians:

“Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, and he said to his sons, “What will you worship after Me?” They said, “We will worship your God, and the God of your fathers, Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac; One God; and to Him we submit.