In Islam we know that Allah has sent us many prophets and messengers. So was Buddha a prophet?
“And for every nation is a messenger. So when their messenger comes, it will be judged between them in justice, and they will not be wronged.” [Surah Yunus 10:47]
“Indeed, We have sent you with the truth as a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And there was no nation but that there had passed within it a warner.” [Surah Fatir (Originator) 35:24]
What about Buddha (Siddhārtha Gautama)? This is the queston asked to Abdur-Raheem Green who himself followed the Buddhist values.
Since Buddha has had teaching close to the Islamic values (refrain from anger, have patience, respect all lives, everything happens for a reason etc) one could wonder if he might have been a prophet sent by Allah.
Indeed this could be a possibility, but then his teachings aren’t involving the submission to Allah, the one and only God.
As well it could mean that his teachings were altered and highly corrupted.
But the main opinion is that he was rather philosopher who followed a religion that was not divinely-revealed. There is no mention of a unique God in his teachings and among his witnesses and disciples.
“For every prophet the most important fundamental teaching was that there is only one God that you should worship. […] that you should make your life sincerely and pure for God”
How is it you’re good to all the humans, but you’re not good to the one who created you?”