The teachings of the Prophet (Muhammad) differ substantially from the directions presented by Lao‑Tzu and Buddha, although certain similarities can also be seen between them.

Contrasting Paths of Revelation and Inner Harmony

The teachings of the Prophet (Muhammad) differ substantially from the directions presented by Lao‑Tzu and Buddha, although certain similarities can also be seen between them.

Firstly, the Prophet proclaimed a revealed, normative teaching based on strict monotheism and a set of externally regulated norms of behavior and ritual. For instance, one text emphasizes:
"Thus, many thousands of Allah’s messengers repeatedly failed until Muhammad appeared. He managed to convert his people to Islam, and Muslims, as they believe, succeeded in preserving the revelation given to them uncorrupted. Consequently, no more messengers will come after him, and Muhammad is considered the last prophet, the 'seal of the prophets'. Unlike all those before him, who were supposedly sent to specific peoples, Muhammad was sent to all of humanity and the jinn (spirits) and therefore, according to Muslims, he is the greatest prophet and the most perfect of people, an unassailable role model. His prophethood is universal, and without accepting him as a prophet, a person cannot enter paradise."
(source: link txt)

Furthermore, the Prophet relied on the revelations he received and directed people to the external observance of religious ordinances, such as the recitation of prayers, fasting, and other rituals, which gave his teaching a socio-legal and normative character.

In contrast, the teaching of Lao‑Tzu, as presented in the "Dao De Jing," calls for the pursuit of inner tranquility and harmony through the principle of non-action (wu wei) and merging with the natural course of the Universe.

For example, one passage states: "What does the contemplative mysticism of the 'Dao De Jing' offer?

'The wise person prefers non-action and carries out the teaching silently…'. Confucius worked hard, traveled, and wrote – so to speak, fussed about implementing his teaching. Lao‑Tzu seeks peace. 'Carrying out non-action always brings calmness…' 'Dao is void, yet when acting it seems inexhaustible. Oh Profound One! It appears to be the progenitor of all things. Dao is silent, as is the Absolute Beginning, yet everything is born from it. And should man not, in his silence, resemble this eternal, motionless and yet ever-rotating circle of being?'"
(source: link txt)

At the same time, as noted in one of the comparative remarks:
"Taoism, the teaching of Lao‑Tzu, is in many ways close to the teaching of Buddha, but, unlike the Buddhist Nirvana, Dao is not a transcendent, remote essence removed from the world. It permeates the entire cosmos with its invisible streams, manifesting itself as an unseen Energy. 'Dao flows everywhere. It may go to the right and to the left.' The Energy of Dao is creative energy."
(source: link txt)

From this, it is clear that both Lao‑Tzu and Buddha, in their teachings, offer a path of inner freedom and liberation from the hustle and bustle of everyday life; however, there is a significant difference between them. In Buddhist teaching, Nirvana is presented as a state removed from the world, the attainment of which implies a complete severance from earthly attachments, whereas Lao‑Tzu interprets Dao as an intrinsic, omnipresent force linking all that exists.

Thus, the main similarities and differences can be summarized as follows:

1. The similarities between the teachings of Lao‑Tzu and Buddha lie in the pursuit of inner harmony, the rejection of excessive external doctrines, and the striving to comprehend the profound truths of existence. Both paths proclaim that true liberation is achieved by rejecting overactivity, attachments, and excessive desires.

2. In contrast to these approaches, the teaching of the Prophet (Muhammad) is based on divine revelation, specific external ritual behaviors, and normative prescriptions, which give his teaching a social and legal dimension. The Prophet acted as a reformer, whose teaching was intended to transform society through clear rules and laws, rather than solely through personal inner contemplation.

Thus, while the teachings of Lao‑Tzu and Buddha are predominantly aimed at inner self-knowledge and understanding the true nature of being through natural and intuitive paths, the Prophet offers a path based on revelation and adherence to externally established norms that are meant to lead to the salvation and harmony of society.

Supporting citation(s):
"Thus, many thousands of Allah’s messengers repeatedly failed until Muhammad appeared. ... His prophethood is universal..." (source: link txt)

"What does the contemplative mysticism of the 'Dao De Jing' offer? 'The wise person prefers non-action... Dao is silent, as is the Absolute Beginning, yet everything is born from it. And should man not, in his silence, resemble this eternal, motionless and yet ever-rotating circle of being?'" (source: link txt)

"Taoism, the teaching of Lao‑Tzu, is in many ways close to the teaching of Buddha, but, unlike the Buddhist Nirvana, Dao is not a transcendent, remote essence removed from the world. It permeates the entire cosmos with its invisible streams..." (source: link txt)