A joint is where two bones make contact. Joints and bones serve distinct roles in the human skeletal system. At birth, an individual typically has around 270 bones; however, as they mature, some of these bones fuse, resulting in a total of approximately 206 bones in adulthood. As for joints, they can be categorized into three main types: synovial joints, fibrous joints, and cartilaginous joints. From a functional perspective, they are further classified as follows:

• Synarthrosis: immovable joints
• Amphiarthrosis: slightly movable joints
• Diarthrosis: freely movable joints

The number of joints can vary among individuals; nevertheless, many medical and anatomical experts estimate that the human body contains approximately 360 joints. [1] [2] [3] A simple google search will index the numerous amount of sources that state that the human body has 360 joints.

Interestingly, Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ said that there were 360 joints.

Abū Buraydah رضي الله عنه reported: I heard the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ say, “A human being has 360 joints, for each of which he must give ṣadaqah (charity).” The people asked, “Who is capable of doing this?” He replied, “It (charity) may be mucus in the masjid (mosque) which you remove, or something (harmful) which you remove from the road (to protect the people); but if you do not find such (opportunities), then a rakʿatayn (2 units) of ṣalāh (prayer) in the forenoon will be enough.” [4]

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lived over 1,400 years ago in a primitive and largely illiterate society, lacking the advanced understanding of human anatomy that we possess today. This raises important questions about the source of his knowledge regarding the human body. The likelihood of the Prophet ﷺ merely guessing this number is improbable. Instead, it supports the belief that he was truly a prophet of Allāh, endowed with knowledge that transcended the general understanding of his time. However, one must concede that there are indeed some fair objections.

Objection: Sources predating Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mention others who claimed that there were 360 joints.

For instance, an ancient Chinese source mentions that the Chinese philosopher, Dong Zhongshu, claimed that there were 360 joints. [5] However, Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ did not know Chinese. In fact, he was illiterate and could not read or write his own native language. There is no evidence that he ever traveled to China or received this knowledge from China. Still, it can be argued that perhaps this knowledge reached him orally. This is speculative, but it is still possible.

Objection: Experts disagree on the number of joints.

Furthermore, while many experts agree that there are indeed 360 joints, some experts disagree with this number depending upon how joints are classified. Some have said that there are about 400 joints. [6] Others have said that there are more than 400 joints. [7] [8] Many experts do not give a specific number but instead give a range between 200 joints and 500 joints, with more specific figures ranging from 250 joints to 400 joints.

Conclusion

Thus, the miracle of 360 joints is still contested. Due to this, it cannot be used as strong evidence for the nubūwwah (prophethood) of Muhammad ﷺ. This should not worry Muslims as there are plenty of stronger and more conclusive proofs and evidences that establish the veracity of his nubūwwah.

[1] https://www.verywellhealth.com/human-joints-explained-189254.
[2] https://www.themedical.co.uk/conditions/joint-problems.
[3] https://www.mplsortho.com/faq/#how-many-joints.
[4] Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1007.
[5] Smith, Richard J. Fortune-Tellers and Philosophers: Divination in Traditional Chinese Society. ROUTLEDGE, 2023.
[6] Lott, Blair Fraser & Bev. Anatomy & Physiology. EDTECH, 2019.
[7] https://www.lodimemorialorthopedics.org/services/sports-medicine/.
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EGwlh2XHRg.