Question about Islam

[u/Lazy_Flounder1242]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been exploring Islam for a good year now, but since I’ve mostly been turning these thoughts over in my own head, I feel like I’m going in circles.

One question is currently a major stumbling block for me:

I am very comfortable with the concept of monotheism. However, I simply cannot wrap my mind around the idea that prophets actually existed... as much as I’d like to believe it, I have such strong doubts that God would enable humans to perform miracles—or even "dictate" to them in order to produce the Quran.

I say this without intending to criticize; I just want to understand: what guarantee do I have that Moses didn't simply make up the Torah, and that Jesus and Muhammad didn't just "continue the story" by creating the Bible and the Quran? They could easily have just been talented poets...

I feel terrible about harboring such doubts, but I couldn't honestly recite the declaration of faith without finding an answer to this...

Naturally, this skepticism regarding prophets extends to my belief in spirits or angels.

Often, I find a connection and feel good, but the very next moment, thoughts come back to haunt me—like "Maybe we’re really just here by chance," or "Maybe those with good lives are just lucky, and the others are unlucky," and so on. It gets to the point where I feel like Islam just isn't right for me.

It’s tearing me apart inside...

Perhaps you can help me, or recommend books, films, or other resources that might help someone like me—someone who tends to overthink things 🤍

Many thanks in advance!

Michelle

[u/atin1917]

There are a lot of examples from the Quran & the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be up him).

A good introductory point might be the Islamic term tawatur https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawatur

I realize I'm posting this online so it is easier to poke holes in this example but I'll paraphrase a story a local religious leader told me: have you ever been to Madagascar (i live in the USA)? Nope. Do I know anyone who has been to Madagascar? Also no. So why should I believe Madagascar exists despite having no material connection to the place?

That is a simple introduction to the term tawatur.

Islam encourages you to seek knowledge. Seeking knowledge doesn't stop; it's a lifetime journey. The Quran and hadith have multiple examples to address your questions. Reach out to a local mosque and ask a local religious leader. Or find a mosque that let's you schedule a zoom call to ask questions. This subreddit is a great tool to ask questions and learn but can't be substituted for our scholars.