Quote:How does one know for a fact that Islam is truly of God, that it is real? How can you be sure that the Prophet Muhammed wasn't influenced by the Christians and Jews around him and he didn't "put together" his own faith by bowrrowing heavily from these existing faiths and holy writings?[/quote:15e7357238]The Prophet (SAAWS) was illiterate Michelle, how can he put together something when he can't read or write?

Don't you think he would need someone to read and write them for him (SAAWS)? If he did (SAAWS) found someone to do it for him, why didn't that someone say anything about it, why didn't that someone claim the prophecy himself?

If he (SAAWS) was influenced by the jews and christians, why didn't they follow him then? Why did they try to kill him? Why did they alter the bible in the 1st place to hide his identity if they knew that they can influence him?

Lets say you wanted to put together a new religion from what u already know about judisam and chiristianity, how long would it take you to do that and how many people do you need to read and edit every book out there so that u can pull something like this off 1400 years ago?

Just some logic for u to think about, and keep reading and asking all you want.

I will tend to the other questions soon insha ALLAH.

P.S. You might want to read his (SAAWS) history before and after the prophecy, it will surely help answer all questions about him (SAAWS). Let me know and I will post some links for you to read from.

Also, I would advice you to read the translation of the Quran by Abdullah Yusuf Ali as it is the best that u can read, let me know and I can post some links for you to read it from or even get it for free.