Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Prophecy & Prophetic Speech
Prophetic speech — the claim to speak on behalf of God or truth — has shaped the course of religious history. Prophets call communities to repentance, announce divine judgment, and offer hope. The authority and discernment of prophecy remain live questions across traditions.
Across the World's Religions
Christianity
- Practice
- Gift of prophecy; testing prophetic words
- Key Text
- 1 Corinthians 14:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21; Deuteronomy 18:22
Islam
- Practice
- Nubuwwah — prophethood; chain from Adam to Muhammad
- Key Text
- Quran 4:163, 33:40
Judaism
- Practice
- Nevi'im — the prophetic tradition; criteria for true prophets
- Key Text
- Deuteronomy 18:18-22; Amos 3:7; Numbers 12:6
Hinduism
- Practice
- Rishi (seer) — inspired sage who reveals Vedic truth
- Key Text
- Rig Veda 7.88; Bhagavad Gita 10:13
Buddhism
- Practice
- Buddha's predictions; Maitreya prophecy (future Buddha)
- Key Text
- DN 26 (Cakkavatti-Sihanada Sutta); AN 1.13.5