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1. Prophet Dhul-Kifl and the Mystery of the Word "Kifl": The primary basis for this theory is Prophet Dhul-Kifl, a figure mentioned in the Quran but about whose life almost no details are provided. Literally, "Dhul-Kifl" means "Possessor of Kifl" or "One associated with Kifl." The Kapilavastu Connection: The Buddha was a prince born in the city of Kapilavastu (or Kapila) in ancient India. It is hypothesized that the word "Kifl" refers to the city of "Kapila," in accordance with Arabic phonetics. In this context, "Dhul-Kifl" would signify "the person from Kapilavastu." 2. Surah At-Tin and the Oath by the "Fig Tree": Surah At-Tin in the Holy Quran begins with the words: "By the fig and the olive, by Mount Sinai, and by this secure city (Mecca)." The Meaning of the Symbols: Islamic scholars associate the locations mentioned in this oath with specific prophets: Mecca represents Prophet Muhammad, Mount Sinai represents Prophet Moses, and the Mount of Olives represents Prophet Jesus. The Missing Piece (The Fig): The only remaining symbol is the "Fig." Scholars such as Muhammad Hamidullah argue that the fig here symbolizes the Bodhi (Sacred Fig) Tree—under which the Buddha attained enlightenment (divine revelation)—and that the verse therefore alludes to the Buddha as well. 3. The Origins of Buddhism and the Belief in Monotheism (One God): Although Buddhism appears today largely as a non-theistic (atheistic/agnostic) philosophy, historians of religion maintain that the Buddha's original teachings were corrupted over time. The Claim of Corruption: Early Buddhist texts speak of a Creator of the universe and of moral responsibility. However, centuries after the Buddha's death—much like the deification of Jesus by Christians—Gautama was transformed into a divine figure by his followers, and Buddhism took on an idolatrous character. The General Approach of Islamic Scholars: Within the Islamic world, this issue is viewed from two distinct perspectives: Those with a Positive View: Researchers such as Muhammad Hamidullah, Hamid Abdulqadir, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad consider it highly probable, in light of the aforementioned evidence, that the Buddha was a messenger (prophet)
2026-09-06 03:47:40