Does the prophecy of Daniel refer to Muhammad as the son of man?

Daniel 7:13

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Is there a theological correlation between the Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad to Heaven and the prophecy mentioned in Daniel 7:13?

Please provide a detailed explanation to support this argument.

The argument connecting the Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad to Heaven with Daniel 7 verse 13 is based on theological interpretations that draw parallels between the two events. Here's an explanation of this argument:

1. The Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad ( الإسراء والمعراج): According to Islamic tradition, the Night Journey (الإسراء) and Ascension (المعراج) is a miraculous event in which the Prophet Muhammad was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended through the heavens, meeting various prophets and eventually coming into the presence of Allah.

2. Daniel 7 verse 13 in the Bible: In the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in Daniel 7 verse 13, there is a prophecy that says: "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days (that is, God) and was presented before him." This verse is often interpreted as a reference to a messianic figure.

The argument connecting these two events revolves around the idea that both the Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad and the vision in Daniel 7 verse 13 involve a figure coming into the presence of God. Some scholars, particularly in comparative religion and interfaith dialogue, suggest that there are thematic similarities between these events:

Divine Revelation: In both situations, there is a significant meeting with the divine, as Prophet Muhammad ascends to the highest levels of heaven, and the individual in Daniel 7 verse 13 is brought before the "Ancient of Days," a divine being.

Prophetic Roles: The figure in Daniel 7 verse 13 is often associated with a messianic or prophetic role. Similarly, Prophet Muhammad is considered the final prophet in Islam, and his Night Journey is seen as a confirmation of his prophethood.

It's important to note that this argument is primarily a matter of theological interpretation and interfaith dialogue. Different scholars and religious traditions may have varying perspectives on the significance and connections between these events.

What is Bart Ehrman's perspective on the term "son of man" as utilized by Jesus in the gospel?

Bart Ehrman, a prominent New Testament scholar, has a nuanced perspective on the term "Son of Man" as used by Jesus in the Gospels. His views can be summarized as follows:

1. Different Referents:

Ehrman argues that when Jesus used the term "Son of Man," he was often referring to someone other than himself. Specifically, Ehrman believes that Jesus was speaking about a future cosmic judge who would come from heaven to judge the earth, a figure distinct from Jesus himself.

2. Apocalyptic Context:

Ehrman situates Jesus' use of "Son of Man" within an apocalyptic framework. He suggests that Jesus anticipated the imminent arrival of God's kingdom, where this "Son of Man" would play a critical role in the final judgment and the establishment of a utopian order.

3. Metaphorical and Literal Uses:

While some scholars argue that "Son of Man" could be a self-referential term used metaphorically by Jesus, Ehrman maintains that many instances in the Gospels indicate a literal expectation of a future divine figure. This figure, coming with divine authority, would execute judgment and bring about the end times.

4. Post-Resurrection Identification:

According to Ehrman, after Jesus' resurrection, his disciples began to identify him as the "Son of Man" he had prophesied about. They believed that Jesus, having ascended to heaven, would return as this divine judge.

5. Scholarly Debate:

Ehrman's view is not universally accepted. Many scholars believe that Jesus did refer to himself as the "Son of Man," interpreting it as a self-designation. However, Ehrman's interpretation is considered mainstream and is supported by his extensive work on the historical Jesus and early Christian writings.

Conclusion

Bart Ehrman's perspective on the term "Son of Man" highlights a complex interplay between Jesus' self-understanding and the apocalyptic expectations of his time. Ehrman posits that Jesus used the term to refer to a future divine judge rather than himself, a view that has sparked considerable scholarly debate. This interpretation underscores the diversity of early Christian thought and the evolving understanding of Jesus' identity among his followers.