A book of tracts to assist Christians in sharing the Gospel with Muslims. Full referencing so you know what you're t...
Share the Gospel with Muslims
By Daniel Scot & Michael Abdulhaq
Conditions of use: The tracts on the CD contained in this book are for the owner of this book and to the Muslims they personally wish to give. The tracts may not be sold, exchanged, traded, rented, copied, quoted etc, except as allowed under Australian and international copyright laws or where written permission has been obtained. An example where permission will be given, is for mass distribution by a particular evangelistic group conducting evangelism amongst Muslims. This licence does not extend to copying portions of this book; we would greatly appreciate that all members of such a group or Bible study group purchase a copy of this book and study the references carefully before using the tracts. Copyright information: Copyright © 2009 by Ibrahim Ministries International Inc. Share the Gospel with Muslims by Daniel Scot and Michael Abdulhaq Printed in India. ISBN: 978-0-9803244-1-9 All rights reserved solely by the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise – except for brief quotations for the purpose of review or comment without the permission of the publisher. Bible quotations are taken from the Revised Standard Version (RSV). Copyright 1971 by the American Bible Society. Cover photograph by Toby Barnes, Creative Commons licence Cover design by Michael Abdulhaq Additional Copies and Resources: Ibrahim Ministries International Inc. PO Box 1447 Stafford, Queensland AUSTRALIA, 4053 +61 7 3357 8853 (Brisbane) +61 2 8005 7590 (Sydney) +44 20 3286 5990 (UK) +1 720 897 7929 (USA) +61 7 3357 3820 (fax) email:
[email protected] http://imi.org.au
Our unreserved thanks goes to the many people who made this book possible; our families & friends and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Many others made contributions far beyond what was asked or expected – too many to list here.
This book is dedicated to the men and women who want to share the Gospel with Muslims for the glory of God and his Son Jesus Christ our Saviour.
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Preface Welcome in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We hope and pray that you will find this book and accompanying tracts useful for strengthening your own faith and those around you and instrumental in equipping you to reach out to Muslims with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This work has been several years in the making and is born from our desire to see Christians reach out to Muslims, people whom the Son of God died for, sinners like us. This book will be berwildering to many and sometimes a point just doesn’t seem to be substantiated. As you can imagine with a work this detailed, points are bound to be overlooked and so we ask that you work with us to create a second edition with more tracts and refined tracts. If you have a tract and would like to see it included in the next edition or would like to aid in translation, please contact us at
[email protected] or write to us at the address below. Daniel and Mariat Scot, founders of Ibrahim Ministries International (IMI), have been equipping and training evangelists for more than 40 years. Daniel and Mariat fled from Pakistan after Daniel was charged with blasphemy against Muhammad for merely quoting the Qur’an and asking the question, “How can Muhammad save me?”. Students at the university where Daniel taught, sought to kill him, but God’s soverign protection kept him and his family of five children safe. They endured several years of separation before settling in Australia where Daniel’s love for the Lord and his desire that Muslims know Jesus Christ and him crucified compelled him to reach out to them and equip Christians to do the same. The work of teaching and training takes Daniel and Mariat all over the world. Many countries where they teach are countries where teaching the truth about Muhammad is a death sentence. We greatly value your prayers and support, especially to help Christians in Islamic nations to receive books like these to help them grow and be fruitful in their faith. May the peace of Jesus Christ guide you, Daniel Scot and Michael Abdulhaq July, 2009
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Table of Contents Preface .......................................................................................................4 Part 1 – Pre-Evangelism for you................................................................7 How to use the Tracts ............................................................................9 Sharing the Gospel...............................................................................13 Preparing your testimony.....................................................................19 Part 2 – Social Issues ...............................................................................25 The Straight Path .................................................................................27 Sin in Christianity and Islam ...............................................................33 Islam and Christianity..........................................................................45 Jews and Christians in Islam................................................................53 Jihad.....................................................................................................59 Truth in Islam ......................................................................................63 Dhimmitude .........................................................................................71 Women in Islam...................................................................................77 Part 3 – Theological Differences .............................................................85 The Crusades .......................................................................................87 Authenticity of the Bible .....................................................................93 Contrasting Jesus and Muhammad ......................................................99 The Life of Muhammad.....................................................................119 Allah vs. Yahweh...............................................................................129 Contradictions in the Qur’an .............................................................141 Jesus in the Qur’an.............................................................................153 The Messiah in Prophecies ................................................................163 Glorified Messiah in Prophecies........................................................177 The Messiah & His Deity ..................................................................191 Reference Index .....................................................................................202 Hadith References..............................................................................203 Bible References................................................................................205 Qur'anic References ...........................................................................215
Part 1 – Pre-Evangelism for you
How to use the Tracts
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We hope and pray that this series of tracts will be uplifting to you and to those with whom you share the truth. Allow us to explain our purpose in publishing these tracts and to give you some general guidelines in our approach.
Purpose Our approach and purpose have many facets: • To bring awareness of various aspects of Islamic teachings from the Qur’an, ahadith [plural for Hadith], Muhammad’s practice and life, and their outworking in the lives of Muslims today, and to contrast these with the teachings and practice of Jesus, and their outworking in the lives of Christians today. • To challenge the notion of pluralism and multiculturalism. Not all beliefs teach the same things but everyone’s beliefs about good and bad and right and wrong, are the primary motivations behind our actions. Where these differing beliefs are incompatible, conflict will result. It is important to identify these areas and to attempt to resolve areas of potential conflict. In the long run society will self-destruct if the real issues are covered up in the name of pluralism, tolerance and multiculturalism. • To stimulate the hearts and minds of Christians and Muslims to know and follow the real Jesus—the Jesus of the Bible. • To answer questions about Islamic faith, teaching and practice in an objective fashion.
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General Information Each chapter in this book corresponds to a tract; the text is almost exactly the same however the book contains all the references in full. Please make sure you read the tract and book and assiociated references carefully before you give it to your Muslim friend. Each tract contains a disclaimer at the start, please read and take notice as it contains vital information that will assist you in your evangelism. These tracts are an attempt to show the real teaching of Islam and of the real Muhammad, the founder of Islamic faith, in the light of the teachings of the Qur’an, Hadith (plural is ‘ahadith’), and earliest biographies of Muhammad by classic Muslim scholars. This is important because, just as Christians are told to follow the example of Jesus Christ, so too, Muslims are told to follow the example of their prophet Muhammad. Islam teaches that Muhammad did everything by inspiration and in obedience to Allah (Sura 53:2-41); thus obedience to Muhammad is obedience to Allah (Sura 4:802). Obviously then, it will be necessary to observe the life and practice of Jesus and of Muhammad if we are truly to understand Christianity and Islam. Just as Christians differ in their devotion and zeal to become like Jesus, Muslims differ in their devotion and zeal to become like Muhammad. Just as some Christians have much Biblical knowledge whilst others have little, Muslims also vary in their knowledge of the Qur’an, ahadith, and Muhammad’s life and practice. Additionally, it is important to recognize that, just as Christians have different denominations, varying in orthodoxy and practice, so do Muslims. Islam is not a monolithic faith; there are a variety of beliefs, teachings and practices amongst Muslims. There are many sects: Sunni (approx. 80%), Shia (approx. 15%), Alawi, Alevi, Ismaili, Druze, Bohra and Ahmedi. Sufis are not a sect as such, but are mystics and represented in all sects. Ummah refers to the Islamic community in general. Islam means ‘submission to Allah,’ and a Muslim is someone who has submitted. NOTE: Islam and Christianity share many similar teachings. However, the majority of these teachings have only a superficial similarity. The real difference comes in the practices and examples set by Muhammad and Jesus. The only effective way to evaluate a religion is not to look at its followers who differ in their zeal and knowledge, but to look at the teaching and example set by their founder. To differentiate between the real and counterfeit currency you need to focus on the differences, because focusing on similarities and ignoring the difference can be very deceptive.
The Authoritative Texts Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an, Hadith and earliest biographies of Muhammad. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different translations). A Sura (or Surah) is identical to the concept of a chapter so a reference to Sura 1:6 is a reference to chapter one, verse (aya) 6: ‘Guide us to the Straight Way.’ The Qur’anic chapters are not organized according to chronology, but to the size of the chapter, with the exception of Sura 1. Within each chapter, there is minimal organisation. This means that careful study is required and caution must be applied as some passages have been abrogated (cancelled out) by later revelations, and there is rarely an indication from the text itself that this is the case. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called a Hadith. There are six authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. There are many other lesser ahadith that are not considered authoritative. The majority of Muslims believe the “authentic” ahadith as true accounts of the sayings and practices of Muhammad, but there is a small minority who consider them myths.
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The Framework of Islamic Living The framework of a Muslim’s life is directed by the five pillars: confession of faith (the Shahada), prayer (Salat—5 times a day), alms (Zakat) to purify their earnings and help the poor, fasting (Swam), and pilgrimage (Hajj). Some Muslims believe Jihad to be another pillar of Islam, however one must always remember that Muslims are not a monolithic, united, group. They vary in their understanding and commitment to Islamic faith, teaching and practice.
How to use these tracts 1. Pray. Prayer is vitally important to protect your own mind and heart; for getting wisdom; and remembering that it is the righteousness of Jesus Christ that redeems and clothes you. Pray also for the commitment that it will take to follow this through. Pray for love (I Corinthians 13:13) for the person with whom you share the Gospel. 2. Read carefully the tract that you intend to use; read all the accompanying references. In this way, you can identify the context and are less susceptible to charges of context wresting. 3. Ask us to clarify any point, and get more information and related material. It is impossible to include all the relevant references, examples, arguments, and other material in a two-page tract. Be as equipped as you possibly can. 4. Know the Biblical position intimately and spend more time in Scripture and prayer, rather than studying Islamic material. 5. Pray that the Holy Spirit will: • enlighten the mind of your friend to the truth; • free them from spiritual, cultural and social bondages that will prevent them from following the truth; • convict them of their need of a saviour, and the righteousness of Jesus Christ; • free you from fear of Muslims and give you a love for them; and • give you boldness, wisdom and opportunity in sharing the truth.
Be prepared to explain Christianity Just as there are myths about Islam, so to Muslims have many misconceptions about Christianity, the concepts of the Trinity and Mary being chief among them. Be prepared to explain these concepts in detail. It would be helpful, when talking to your friend, to find out his views on Christianity and understanding of its basic truths. At the same time, get to know his/her level of understanding of Islam; get to know how seriously they follow Islam and what their beliefs and traditions are.
Always be prepared to share the Gospel Presenting one of these tracts is no substitute for sharing the Gospel; these tracts are designed to strengthen believers in Jesus and to challenge Muslims about their faith and understanding of Islam and Muhammad. Lift Jesus high - by your attitudes, words and deeds and do not fear, because no one can compare with Him, even from the Qur’an! Do not distribute these tracts indiscriminately. The ideal way is that the Muslim first comes to know you and witnesses Christ working through you first hand. These tracts are intense, and a person needs considerable motivation to read one. They will challenge core beliefs and the person will throw the tract away without a motivating factor of your witness pressing them to read. Discuss the topic, explore the issues; do not simply hand out a tract and think that your work is done.
Your motivation is love … The love of Jesus Christ compels us to share the Gospel with Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and everyone else who lives and breathes. Remember that, whilst they reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so did you at one stage. Our goal is to make Jesus Christ not just acceptable, but irresistible. He is the only Saviour for the entire human race. The tracts attempt to highlight the standard of Allah/ Muhammad and the standard of Jesus Christ.
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Some other pointers: •
• • • • • •
Do not enter a debate - for the simple reason that it becomes a contest of wills. Discuss, answer his/her questions, but do not argue; in winning an argument, you may lose a soul. In general share with people of the same sex (i.e., male to male and female to female). Muslims often already view Christians as sexually immoral, so do not put yourself in such a compromising position; we are to avoid even the appearance of evil. Train yourself to answer from the Qur’an and not just from logic or the Bible. Provoke him/her to think. When asked what you think about his/her beliefs, be very wise and ensure you don’t compromise the Gospel. Avoid insulting Muhammad, Islam, Allah etc. Show respect even though you may not agree with what he/she believes. Muslims usually want to know God; this is your opportunity to share the love of God. Do not be arrogant; it is not the strength of your arguments that will win the person, but the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Discuss and do not preach. Muslims have many misunderstandings, so clarify rather than preach. Remember that most Muslims will not have the years of learning, teaching and terminology that you have, so don’t use complicated terms.
May you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ; may He grant you wisdom and boldness in sharing the life-changing Gospel of God. We hope and pray that you will be blessed by reading and using these tracts and that the Lord Jesus will draw many people to Himself through these tracts and your love for Muslims.
References 1
Sura 53:2-4, “Your comrade errs not, nor is deceived; Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is nothing save an inspiration that is inspired.”
2
Sura 4:80, “He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad), has indeed obeyed Allâh, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you (O Muhammad) as a watcher over them.” 3
I Corinthians 13:1, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.”
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Sharing the Gospel
Sharing your faith is essential as a believer, it is not an optional extra. Jesus commanded his disciples to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-201). Additionally you are, along with Timothy, told to preach the Gospel in season and out of season (II Timothy 4:22) and told to have “your feet shod with the Gospel of Peace” (Ephesians 6:153). There are many other passages that make it abundantly clear that you are required to share the Gospel. Of course, beyond all that, the love of Jesus compels you to share the grace of God with others. Let us say at the outset that there is no ‘saving formula’ - no special rules, sayings, arguments, tracts or prayers that will guarantee that an unbeliever becomes a Christian. Secondly, people are not saved through the earnestness of your beliefs, fervor, or arguments, but as the Holy Spirit convicts them of their need for a saviour, and the righteousness of Jesus. These are not things that you can do; it is a sovereign work of God - which leads us to ponder how to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Muslims.
How to Share the Gospel with Muslims •
Prayer. Because only the Holy Spirit can save someone, we need to spend time in prayer. Revivals in a country or in a heart never came without prayer.
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Love. You must love the person with whom you want to share the Gospel. If you don’t love them, remembering that, while you were an enemy of God, Christ loved you enough to die for you, then go back to step one and ask that the love of Jesus will fill your heart and also fill you with compassion for the lost and dying.
•
Hospitality. There are numerous examples in Scripture where people were hospitable. In fact, through the example and teachings of Jesus, we know that God expects us to be hospitable. Being hospitable, welcoming people into our homes, sharing our lives, is exactly what Jesus wants to do with Muslims. Share male to male, and female to female, or else you open up the charge of immorality! Do not make friends just to share the Gospel, be genuine in your desire to care for them. Remember that we are to be a blessing to the world in word and deed.
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Understand them. Seek to understand their customs, beliefs, food, clothing and values. Understand that how they communicate is probably very different from the way you do. Seek to understand their attitude to Christ and Christianity, Allah, Muhammad and Islam. Where are they in their search for truth?
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‘Know thyself.’ Understand your own culture from a Biblical perspective. How close is our “Christian” country to the standard that Jesus demands? Prepare your testimony.
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Identify points in common. Islam and Christianity do have some common teachings due to Muhammad’s exposure to Judaism and Christianity.
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Dialogue not debate. Do not preach! Debating pits you against him. Remember you are for him and are praying for him. Arguments that you win are likely to be souls that you lose.
•
Pray continually. Salvation is a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit; it cannot be timed, rushed or manipulated. Overcoming decades of false teaching is an extremely difficult thing you are asking them to do; coupled with the fact that, if they convert, there is the strong possibility that their own families will reject them, and in some cases attempt to kill them. This is a monumental hurdle, something through which only the Holy Spirit can carry them. Pray that He will guide them and protect them.
Salvation As you engage with the Muslim in love, and as they learn that they can trust you completely, ask probing questions regarding salvation: 1. 2. 3. 4.
On what basis do you expect to go to heaven? If you have sinned, how should a just and moral God deal with you? What does the Qur’an teach about forgiveness? Do you have assurance that God will accept you? • Muhammad had no assurance (Sura 46:8-94) • Abu Bakr had no assurance • Allah only forgives whom he wants to forgive (Sura 2:2845; 3:1296 etc) • Allah sends astray whom he wants (see tracts on The Straight Path, Sin, and Truth) • Good deeds bring no assurance (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 5777 and Vol. 8, Hadith No. 4748) 5. May I tell you what the Bible says on these things?
God and Spirit Muslims do not like to attribute any earthly characteristics to Allah. Thus, to say that Allah must act in a righteous manner is to limit Allah’s sovereignty. The God of the Bible, on the other hand, says that He only acts in a righteous manner, in love, truth, holiness, and justice. God desires to know us and wants us to call Him ‘Father.’ He wants fellowship and goes to great lengths to have fellowship with us because He is love. This concept is completely foreign to a Muslim.
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 15 The Christian God is Spirit, infinite, uncreated, uncaused, eternal, omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. His nature is always and completely love, justice, holiness and mercy. He cannot be seen or comprehended by sinful man.
When differences emerge When entering topics that have potential for argument, agree on the following rules. • • • • •
Listen, without interruption, unless there is something that isn’t clearly understood. Ask genuine questions related to the topic under discussion. Do not criticize each other despite differences. Only agree with each other when you believe the point being made is true. Discussions of this nature are often complex, so only deal with one topic at a time – write other topics or questions down to discuss later. Summarize what you have learnt from each other at the end of the discussion.
Other Challenges Logical: Westerners and many others do not follow the same reasoning patterns as Muslims. This is important to understand. Westerners follow logic laws: a + b = c, whereas Muslims usually follow associative laws. For example: Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country; you come from Saudi Arabia; you must be a Muslim. Or, Christianity is a Western religion; you are a Westerner; you must be a Christian. This different way of thinking will cast many a spanner in your discussions with him, through no fault of his. Remember to keep praying and ask that the Lord will open the eyes of his heart. Theological: Muslims do not accept that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That is not to say they don’t respect Him, but in their mind, to associate someone with Allah is blasphemy and unforgivable (Sura 4:489, 11610). It is critical to gently teach your friend that no Christian believes that Jesus is the result of a physical, sexual union between God and Mary. In fact, Christians, will find this just as abhorrent as Muslims will. The sonship of Jesus refers to an eternal intimate relationship between the Father and Jesus. If your friend calls himself ‘a son of the oneness of Allah,’ they will have a similar idea. Thus, it is very important to understand the doctrine of the Trinity and how to explain it in such a way that it opposes the idea of belief in three (3) gods. Also, you need to understand the Muslim’s views on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Muslims do believe that Jesus was sinless and that He ascended into heaven (unlike Muhammad), and will return at the end of the age. Even though they believe that Jesus was sinless, they also believe that all the prophets were sinless. You need to gently show them that Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jonah, David, and Muhammad all sinned (Sura 2:35-3711; 7:22-2312; 26:8213; 28:15-1614; 37:14215; 38:242516; 47:1917; 48:1-218; 33:36-3819). The Qur’an records Jesus as being sinless (Sura 19:1920), therefore do not be afraid to exalt Jesus. Our Scriptures, Muslims believe, have been corrupted. (See our tract on the Authenticity of the Bible for further insight and help.) They believe that the Qur’an is perfect and infallible because it was revealed letter by letter by Allah to an illiterate prophet. Thus, they believe that the Qur’an is perfect in every way, although they will allow that some of the ahadith may contain errors. In Islam the concept of original sin and the gravity of sin are completely different from that of Christianity. In Islam, there is no inherited sin and sin is a relatively minor thing that is easily forgiven. The idea of someone atoning for your sins is repugnant to Muslims, and especially the idea of a sinless person dying in your stead. Finally, be genuine and prayerful in your approach. It is important that Muslims see the character of Christ Jesus in you. Give them a copy of the Gospel according to Luke or John and encourage them to read it for themselves. Do not denigrate the Qur’an, Allah or Muhammad, as we would not like it if they denigrated Jesus. Above all, trust that Holy Spirit will work in your friend’s life— in His time, not yours! We hope and pray that these tracts will be useful in understanding Islam and evangelism.
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References 1
Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. 19Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: 20teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” 2
II Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” 3
Ephesians 6:15, “And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”
4
Sura 46:8-9, “Or say they: He hath invented it? Say (O Muhammad): If I have invented it, still ye have no power to support me against Allah. He is Best Aware of what ye say among yourselves concerning it. He sufficeth for a witness between me and you. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. Say: I am no new thing among the messengers (of Allah), nor know I what will be done with me or with you. I do but follow that which is inspired in me, and I am but a plain warner.”
5
Sura 2:284, “Unto Allah (belongeth) whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and whether ye make known what is in your minds or hide it, Allah will bring you to account for it. He will forgive whom He will and He will punish whom He will. Allah is Able to do all things.”
6
Sura 3:129, “Unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. He forgiveth whom He will, and punisheth whom He will. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
7
Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 577, “Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "The good deeds of any person will not make him enter Paradise." (i.e., None can enter Paradise through his good deeds.) They (the Prophet's companions) said, 'Not even you, O Allah's Apostle?' He said, "Not even myself, unless Allah bestows His favor and mercy on me." So be moderate in your religious deeds and do the deeds that are within your ability: and none of you should wish for death, for if he is a good doer, he may increase his good deeds, and if he is an evil doer, he may repent to Allah."”
8
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 474, “Narrated 'Aisha: The Prophet said, "Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and receive good news because one's good deeds will not make him enter Paradise." They asked, "Even you, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "Even I, unless and until Allah bestows His pardon and Mercy on me."” 9
Sura 4:48, “Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin.” 10
Sura 4:116, “Lo! Allah pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered far astray.” 11
Sura 2:35-37, “And We said: O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and eat ye freely (of the fruits) thereof where ye will; but come not nigh this tree lest ye become wrong-doers. But Satan caused them to deflect therefrom and expelled them from the (happy) state in which they were; and We said: Fall down, one of you a foe unto the other! There shall be for you on earth a habitation and provision for a time. Then Adam received from his Lord words (of revelation), and He relented toward him. Lo! He is the relenting, the Merciful.” 12
Sura 7:22-23, “Thus did he lead them [Adam & Eve] on with guile. And when they tasted of the tree their shame was manifest to them and they began to hide (by heaping) on themselves some of the leaves of the Garden. And their Lord called them, (saying): Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you: Lo! Satan is an open enemy to you? They said: Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If thou … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 17 … (references continued from previous page)… forgive us not and have not mercy on us, surely we are of the lost!” 13
Sura 26:82, “And Who, I [Abraham] ardently hope, will forgive me my sin on the Day of Judgment.”
14
Sura 28:15-16, “And he [Moses] entered the city at a time of carelessness of its folk, and he found therein two men fighting, one of his own caste, and the other of his enemies; and he who was of his caste asked him for help against him who was of his enemies. So Moses struck him with his fist and killed him. He said: This is of the devil's doing. Lo! he is an enemy, a mere misleader. He said: My Lord! Lo! I have wronged my soul, so forgive me. Then He forgave him. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” 15
Sura 37:142, “And the fish swallowed him [Jonah] while he was blameworthy.”
16
Sura 38:24-25, “(David) said: He hath wronged thee in demanding thine ewe in addition to his ewes, and lo! many partners oppress one another, save such as believe and do good works, and they are few. And David guessed that We had tried him, and he sought forgiveness of his Lord, and he bowed himself and fell down prostrate and repented. So We forgave him that; and lo! he had access to Our presence and a happy journey's end.” 17
Sura 47:19, “So know (O Muhammad) that there is no God save Allah, and ask forgiveness for thy sin and for believing men and believing women. Allah knoweth (both) your place of turmoil and your place of rest.” 18
Sura 48:1-2, “Lo! We have given thee (O Muhammad) a signal victory, That Allah may forgive thee of thy sin that which is past and that which is to come, and may perfect His favour unto thee, and may guide thee on a right path,”
19
Sura 33:36-38, “And it becometh not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest. And when thou saidst unto him on whom Allah hath conferred favour and thou hast conferred favour: Keep thy wife to thyself, and fear Allah. And thou didst hide in thy mind that which Allah was to bring to light, and thou didst fear mankind whereas Allah hath a better right that thou shouldst fear Him. So when Zeyd had performed that necessary formality (of divorce) from her, We gave her unto thee in marriage, so that (henceforth) there may be no sin for believers in respect of wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have performed the necessary formality (of release) from them. The commandment of Allah must be fulfilled. There is no reproach for the Prophet in that which Allah maketh his due. That was Allah's way with those who passed away of old - and the commandment of Allah is certain destiny.”
20
Sura 19:19, “He said: I am only a messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless son.”
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Preparing your testimony
Your testimony is not a story about you as much as it is about how God met you, and is and has been molding you. In other words, you are privileged to have the living God working in your life and should be eager to share that good news with others. Jesus told His disciples to bear witness of Him to all the earth. Be honoured to be a witness of the grace of God! Furthermore, Jesus says in Matthew 10:33, ‘But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.’ In Matthew 10:32 Jesus promises, ‘Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.’ The disciples undoubtedly were called upon frequently to testify how Jesus had changed them; Paul frequently told what God had done. Jesus himself told people to testify about what He had done (Mark 5:191). And you are commanded to always be ready to answer unbelievers. In short, your testimony is a testimony to the power and faithfulness of God in your life (I Peter 3:152). Your testimony is not a substitute for the Gospel even though it may concisely contain the Gospel. There are numerous dangers in confusing the two. If your testimony is particularly spectacular or powerful, and the person with whom you are sharing doesn’t have a similar experience, they may think they are not saved.
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Read numerous examples of testimonies from Scripture (Acts 26:2-293; I Samuel 1:9-2:4; II Kings 5:2-34; Daniel 3:16-305; John 1:38-426; Mark 5:19-207; etc).
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Ask God for guidance and wisdom (James 1:5-68);
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Talk about your past—things that people can relate to and understand. Find an interesting opening line to capture attention.
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How did you come to know that you were in need of a Saviour? How did you know that only Jesus could be that Saviour? Quote relevant Scripture verses.
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What were the main hindrances for you to become a Christian?
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How has God changed your life? What are the differences now?
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How do you know that you have the forgiveness of sins? How does God enable you to overcome sin? How are you aware that you have fellowship with God? How do you know that you are going to heaven when you leave this earth?
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Ensure God gets the glory, not you!
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Practice, practice, practice. Prepare two or three different versions that emphasize different aspects of your life and conversion. Then practice, practice, practice.
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Introduce this material to a few people from your Church/Bible study/cell group or other Christian friends, and have people prepare and share their testimony with each other. Later extend your group and again have each one share his/her testimony.
Possible Pitfalls There are some potential pitfalls in developing a personal testimony. Consider the following tips carefully: •
Don’t speak negatively about other Christians, the Church or Christian organizations. Remember you aren’t a perfect Christian. Do mention false assumptions or beliefs that you had about the Church if this is appropriate.
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This is your testimony and not a sermon. It should be natural, concise and yours. Remember it is the Lord working in your life; it doesn’t matter whether it is spectacular or not. (1 Kings 19:7ff 9cf. Mark 1:16-1810).
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Try to avoid jargon. Words that you may think are easy to understand, i.e., Bible. (There are many people today, even in the West, who do not know what a Bible is, nor that Christians consider it the Word of God.)
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Make sure it is not more than 3-5 minutes.
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Use your testimony at appropriate times and junctures. Do not foist your testimony on people who are unwilling to hear it.
Generally speaking, strangers, acquaintances and friends do not ask for your testimony without you letting them know that you are a Christian and speaking to them in such a way as to impart a knowledge of God and His love for them. This is frequently done through times of struggle, encouragement, kindnesses, practical help etc. Living your testimony is not the same, and will never be the same, as telling someone. Imagine that your neighbour’s house is on fire. Do you first run inside your home, have a shower and put on clean clothes, have a shave etc., and then parade up and down outside their house, trying to entice them out by your lifestyle? NO! If you have concern for them you will shout at the top of your voice that they are in danger and need to get out. Simply being good will never bring someone into the Kingdom; you must have the testimony as a Christian who is led by Jesus. Without the Gospel, no one can be saved. The Bible says that God has chosen the “foolishness” of the Gospel to save (I Corinthians 1:1811, 2112 etc) so that, apart from the presentation of the Gospel, the conviction of their sin and the righteousness
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 21 that comes through Jesus, they cannot be saved. The general structure of your testimony should provide a before and after snapshot—how you were convicted of your sin, how you knew that Jesus alone could atone for you, plus how God is working in you today.
Final points: Pray that God’s holiness and glory will be revealed through your testimony both in words and deeds. This is to be our priority as we have been bought at a great price and are no longer our own. It must be evident in our lives or we make God a liar and the Gospel becomes fiction to your hearer. Be humble. You are also a sinner. The difference between you and them is that God has opened your heart. Pray that He will open their hearts. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (I Peter 5:513). When Jesus was confronted with someone who was proud of their status, achievements etc, He always used the law. When Jesus was confronted with someone who knew of their state before God, He used grace. Pray that the Lord will show the person his/her need for Jesus Christ and convict him/her that righteousness is found in Jesus alone—He is the only Saviour for all! It is God who works in you and through you. You cannot live a life that is pleasing to God apart from His enabling. Since the God of this universe lives in you, He can and will give you the courage and ability to testify about Him since that is His revealed will for everyone. God is glorified most when we are weak and rely on His grace and power!! Pray that the Lord will give you boldness, wisdom and the opportunity to share what He has done! Be genuine. Refresh your memory by reading the example of Paul before King Agrippa (Acts 26:2-2914). Paul appealed to the knowledge that Agrippa had of the law; he told some positive aspects of his own life before conversion – such as his strict observance of the law. But he also told some of the negative aspects as well, i.e. that he killed the saints! He told of his conversion and his subsequent life after seeing Jesus—an inspiring and courageous presentation! Use this page to make notes and prepare your own testimony. Write Scriptural references that you know that will support your story. Remember! Your testimony should be only 3-5 minutes and is about how Jesus has been faithful to His Word.
References 1
Mark 5:19, “And he suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go to thy house unto thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and how he had mercy on thee.” 2
I Peter 3:15, “But sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear.”
3
Acts 26:2-29, “"I think myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial for hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 22 … (references continued from previous page)… name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem; I not only shut up many of the saints in prison, by authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme; and in raging fury against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. "Thus I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, `Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.' And I said, `Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, `I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and bear witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles -- to whom I send you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' "Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles." And as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are mad; your great learning is turning you mad." But Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time you think to make me a Christian!" And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am -- except for these chains." 4
II Kings 5:2-3, “Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little maid from the land of Israel, and she waited on Na'aman's wife. She said to her mistress, "Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Sama'ria! He would cure him of his leprosy."”
5
Daniel 3:16-30, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnez'zar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up." Then Nebuchadnez'zar was full of fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was wont to be heated. And he ordered certain mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their mantles, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were cast into the burning fiery furnace. Because the king's order was strict and the furnace very hot, the flame of the fire slew those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnez'zar was astonished and rose up in haste. He said to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" They answered the king, "True, O king." He answered, "But I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." Then Nebuchadnez'zar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace and said, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men; the hair of their heads was not singed, their mantles were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. Nebuchadnez'zar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set at nought the king's … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 23 … (references continued from previous page)… command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins; for there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way." Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego in the province of Babylon.” 6
John 1:38-42, “Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What do you seek?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying; and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).”
7
Mark 5:19-20, “But he refused, and said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decap'olis how much Jesus had done for him; and all men marveled.” 8
James 1:5-6, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
9
I Kings 19:7, “And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.” 10
Mark 1:16-18, “And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they left the nets, and followed him.” 11
I Corinthians 1:18, “For the word of the cross is to them that are perishing foolishness; but unto us which are being saved it is the power of God.” 12
I Corinthians 1:21, “For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.” 13
I Peter 5:5, “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” 14
Acts 26:2-29, "I think myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial for hope in the promise made by God to our fathers to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem; I not only shut up many of the saints in prison, by authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme; and in raging fury against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. "Thus I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining round me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, `Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.' And I said, `Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, `I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and bear witness to the things in which you have seen me … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 24 … (references continued from previous page)… and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles -- to whom I send you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' "Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and perform deeds worthy of their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles." And as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are mad; your great learning is turning you mad." But Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time you think to make me a Christian!" And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am -- except for these chains."
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Part 2 – Social Issues
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The Straight Path
Sometimes, in the busyness of our daily lives, we forget that our lives are mere wisps in the span of time. We forget that there is an eternity and a God to whom we must give an account. On Judgment Day, who are you trusting to gain your entry to heaven? Where will you be? The path you are treading, will it take you to Heaven or Hell? Scripture says: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
All People Are Sinners All have sined and come short of the glory of God1. This is why Muhammad was commanded by Allah to pray for his own sins and the sins of others. So know (O Muhammad) that there is no God save Allah, and ask forgiveness for your sin and for believing men and believing women. Allah knows (both) your place of turmoil and your place of rest. (Sura 47:19)
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Q. Sura Muhammad (47:19) says that Muhammad committed a sin. What sort of sin? A. Muhammad committed various sins. Some Muslims will try and argue that they weren't real sins. But Sura 47:19 which says "“So know (O Muhammad) that Lâ
ilâha ill-Allâh (none as the right to be worshipped but Allâh), and ask forgiveness for your sin [this is a big sin - lithanbika], and also for (the sin of) believing men nd believing women…." This is possibly alluding to the time when Muhammad was trying
to entice converts but not many were coming. So he received a "revelation" that allowed his followers to worship other gods alongside Allah (Life of Muhammad, Ibn Ishaq, pp.165-167). The revelation was later recanted and Muhammad was told that Sura 22:52 "Never did We send a Messenger or a Prophet before you, but;
when he did recite the revelation or narrated or spoke, Shaitân (Satan) threw (some falsehood) in it. But Allâh abolishes that which Shaitân (Satan) throws in. Then Allâh establishes His Revelations. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise."
Al Bukhari, Vol. 8 Hadith No. 407: Narrated by Abu Musa: “The prophet used to call upon Allah saying: “O my Lord! Forgive my sins and my ignorance and my exceeding the limits (boundaries) of righteousness in all my deeds and what you know better than I. O Allah! Forgive my mistakes, those done intentionally or out of my ignorance or (without) or with seriousness, and I confess that all such mistakes are done by me. O Allah! Forgive my sins of the past and of the future which I did openly or secretly. You are the One Who makes things go before, and You are the One Who delays them, and You are the Omnipotent.” Sahih Al-Bukhari in Vol. 8 Hadith No. 319: Narrated by Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."
You cannot save yourself Even Muhammad, knew that obedience does not guarantee entry to heaven. We read in the Qur’an: Say: I am no new thing among the messengers (of Allah), nor know I what will be done with me or with you. I do but follow that which is inspired in me, and I am but a plain Warner.” (Sura 46:9) Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 266: ...He [Muhammad] said, "As to him, by Allah, death has overtaken him, and I hope the best for him. By Allah, though I am the Apostle of Allah, yet I do not know what Allah will do to me." By Allah, I will never assert the piety of anyone after him.
Muhammad Cannot Save You The word ‘saviour’ does not appear in the Qur’an. For someone to save a drowning person, the saviour must be able to swim. Not just passably well, but well enough for two people. From the above quotes we have seen that Muhammad couldn’t “swim” for himself, so he can’t save you either. When we read in Sura 26:214, “And warn your nearest kindred”, we see that Muhammad was commanded to warn his relatives. To understand this verse let us look at the following Hadith: Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No.398 and Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No.402: Abu Huraira reported: When this verse was revealed: “And warn your nearest kindred” (26:214), the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) called the Quraish; so they gathered and he gave them a general warning. O sons of Hashim (name of Muhammad’s great grand father), rescue yourselves from Fire; O sons of ‘Abd al Muttalib (name of Muhammad’s grand father), rescue yourselves from Fire; O Fatimah (name of Muhammad’s most
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 29 beloved daughter), rescue yourself from Fire, for I have no power (to protect you) from Allah in anything except this that I would sustain relationship with you. O Safiya (aunt of the Messenger of Allah) I can’t avail you at all against Allah; O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, ask me whatever you like, but I can’t avail you at all against Allah. The nature of Allah makes assurance of salvation even more difficult. Abu Baker the first RightlyGuided Caliph said: “I swear to Allah that I do not feel safe from Allah’s cunning (deceit) even if one of my feet is already in Paradise.” (Khalid Muhammad Khalid, Successors of the Apostle, p. 114, quoted by Anwar al-Jundi, Mizan al-Islam, p. 170). Muhammad tells people to rescue themselves from fire, but as we have already seen, Muhammad could not save himself; he did not know what Allah would do to him.
Who is sinless, who can save us? The Qur’an says that Jesus was sinless: “The angel said: I am only a messenger from the Lord that I am bestowing on you (Mary) a sinless/pure (Zakia) son.” (Sura 19:19) Satan did not touch Jesus and His mother Mary (Sura 3:36). The Holy Bible says: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One [Jesus] who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) “Therefore He [Jesus] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25) The Qur’an says that Jesus is the Word of God and Spirit of God (Sura 3:452; 4:1713; 19:344; 21:915); as such, He has immense value! God creates everything through His Word (Sura 2:1176; 3:477, 598; 6:739; 16:4010; 19:3511; 36:8212; 40:6813). The Holy Bible confirms the same in Psalm 33:614. Therefore, The Word is both creative and eternal. Furthermore regarding the Word of God, the Holy Bible says: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Before you say that the Holy Bible has been corrupted, you need to ask yourself: Can a mortal man change the words of the Almighty? Before you say that Christians worship three gods, you need to ask yourself; Do Christians really worship three gods? Have you ever read the Holy Bible? A suspect should be considered innocent until proven guilty!
Salvation in the Holy Bible ...But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) But as many as received Him [Jesus], to them gave he power to become the sons of God, to them that believe on his name. (John 1:12) Jesus said: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) But even though we are sinners, guilty before a Holy God, God loves us very much, and has lavished His love upon us by sending Christ Jesus, the Word of God, into this world to identify with us as a man, and to die in our place as payment for our sins! Even while we were still in our sins, enemies of God, He did this for us! What a marvellous love God has for us; He paid our ransom by the voluntary death of Jesus on the cross! For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 30 The penalty for our sin is death, but Jesus, being sinless, and the eternal Word of God, came into this world to die for our sins. Were Jesus only sinless and a perfect prophet, He could only have died for the sin of one person. But being the eternal Word of God, his sacrifice is able to pay for the sins of all mankind. He also offers us the gift of eternal life and invites us to live with Him for eternity! Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and rose again on the third day, victorious over death, winning the ultimate victory in history; but each one of us must choose to receive this free gift. If you refuse to receive this gift, you cannot enjoy the benefits of the gift. A gift is given, not earned – indeed, the giver would have the right to be offended if you attempted to offer some form of payment. You cannot put God in your debt! God desires us to humbly receive this gift with a thankful heart. To “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord” means that you must agree with God that: 1) you are a sinner and that you deserve to die; 2) You cannot save yourself from hell fire; 3) The Lord Jesus paid the penalty for your sins on the cross and He bought you with His precious blood; and 4) You need Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. If you wish to receive the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ by faith, you need only to open your heart and ask God in your own words, similar to the following: Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I admit that my good works can’t take away my sins and I receive You as my Lord and Saviour. Cleanse me from my sins with your precious blood, and help me to walk according to your will. Thank you for providing a way for me to draw near to You. Amen.
References 1
Romans 3:23 “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
2
Sura 3:45, “(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).” 3
Sura 4:171, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One Allah. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.”
4
Sura 19:34, “Such was Jesus, son of Mary: (this is) a statement of the truth concerning which they doubt.” 5
Sura 21:91, “And she who was chaste, therefore We breathed into her (something) of Our Spirit and made her and her son a token for (all) peoples.”
6
Sura 2:117, “The Originator of the heavens and the earth! When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.”
7
Sura 3:47, “She said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath touched me? He said: So (it will be). Allah createth what He will. If He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.” 8
Sura 3:59, “Lo! the likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said unto him: Be! and he is.” 9
Sura 6:73, “He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in truth. In the day when He saith: Be! it … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 31 … (references continued from previous page)… is. His Word is the Truth, and His will be the Sovereignty on the day when the trumpet is blown. Knower of the Invisible and the Visible, He is the Wise, the Aware.” 10
Sura 16:40, “And Our word unto a thing, when We intend it, is only that We say unto it: Be! and it is.” 11
Sura 19:35, “It befitteth not (the Majesty of) Allah that He should take unto Himself a son. Glory be to Him! When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.” 12
Sura 36:82, “But His command, when He intendeth a thing, is only that He saith unto it: Be! and it is.” 13
Sura 40:68, “ He it is Who quickeneth and giveth death. When He ordaineth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.” 14
Psalms 33:6, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.”
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Sin in Christianity and Islam
Many people think that all religions teach the same set of moral values with only minor variations. Factual understanding of the major doctrines of Jesus and Allah/Muhammad reveal superficial similarities but also that the teachings are often very different. As a result, the actions that stem from these beliefs are also different.
The Source of Sin In Islam, the origin of sin is Allah. Islam claims that humans were created in a state of equilibrium; sinless at birth (Sura 16:781; Pickthall 30:302 & 98:53) and with pure Islamic faith (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 5974). The Qur’an makes it perfectly clear that no person is really free to choose good or evil, Allah leads people astray. Sura 7:178, ‘Whomsoever Allâh guides, he is the guided one, and whomsoever He sends astray, those! They are the losers.’ (see also Sura 7:1795; 13:316 95:4-57; 4:1428; 39:579). Thus, in Islam, Adam did not bring sin into the world. Indeed Allah had destined Adam to sin—40 years before he created him (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 61110; see also Sura 9:5111). In Christianity, humans are believed to be born sinners by virtue of Adam’s sin We inherit a sinful nature (Romans 5:1212), and so people commit sin because they are sinners.
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Definition of Sin In Islam, sin is sometimes intention of heart (except unbelief) (Sura 33:513; Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 114; cf 2:28415); but other times it is only wrong actions (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith 49816). The Qur’an recognizes that all living persons are inherently good, and it is their actions and devotion to Allah that enables them to obtain salvation. Even demons are capable of regaining salvation (Ibn Kathir on 55:7117) In Christianity, sin includes actions, but is primarily wrong thoughts, desires and inclinations, a rebellious defiance of God (Exodus 20:1718; Matthew 5:2819; Romans 1:2120; I John 2:1521) as these are the source of your actions (Matthew 12:3422; Luke 6:4523).
The Seriousness of Sin In Christianity, there is no changing standard regarding sin: the standard is always God’s holiness. Be holy for I am Holy (Leviticus 11:4524; 19:225; I Peter 1:1626); I the Lord do not change (Malachi 3:627; Hebrews 13:828); and All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:2329). For example, adultery is completely forbidden (Matthew 5:27-2830), whereas in Islam, limited prostitution is permitted (Sura 24:3331; 4:2432; 33:3733). Unlike Christianity Islam does not consider all sin equally wrong. Sins are divided into different categories, but are most usefully separated into greater and lesser sins. There are several lists of great sins (albeit conflicting), which can be summarized as: 1. To join partners in worship with Allah; 2. To practice sorcery; 3. Murder without just (legal) cause; 4. To charge usury (money lent at high interest); 5. To consume the property of an orphan; 6. To be a coward in battle; 7. To be undutiful to one's parents; 8. To give a false witness (lying); 9. To kill your child lest he should share your food with you (i.e. poverty); 10. To commit illegal sexual intercourse with the wife of your neighbour (a.k.a., adultery); 11. Alcohol; and 12. Gambling. Even though these are listed as great sins, they are obviously not seen as very serious according to Muhammad’s teachings. As seen above, though adultery is forbidden, prostitution (Sura 24:3334) and limited (temporary) marriage are permissible (Sura 4:2435). Thus, in Islam, the seriousness, and even the definition of sin varies. For example, alcohol is forbidden on earth (Sura 5:90-9136) but in Islamic Paradise, alcohol is allowed (Sura 56:1837; 76:538, 1739; 78:3440). On earth, Islam forbids more than 4 wives (excepting temporary wives, and concubines) and adultery (Sura 4:341), but in Islamic Paradise, 72 virgins (atTirmidhi, Hadith No. 106742, 149443 [Alim Software]; see Sura 56:22-4044; Ibn Kathir on 55:72**45) and boys (Sura 52:2446; 56:1747; 76:1948). Lying is generally forbidden, but the doctrine of Al-Taqiyya [legal right of a Muslims to deceive nonMuslims] permits lying. Muhammad believed that lying was acceptable and said, ‘Allah willing, if ever I take an oath to do something, and later on I find that it is more beneficial to do something different, I will do the thing which is better, and give expiation for my oath.’ (Bukhari, Vol. 4., Hadith No. 361). Allah had taught in the Qur’an that, Muslims are not bound by their oaths (Sura 66:249). Lying is permitted because Allah can deceive. In fact, Allah calls himself the greatest of deceivers [Allaahu Khayrul-maakiriin]. (Sura 3:5450; 8:3051) and leads people astray (Sura 4:8852, 14353; 7:17854,18655; 13:2756, etc). Murder, even though it is a great sin, is actually commanded to prevent or
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 35 remove al- Fitnah [opposition (Sura 2:19157 and 2:21758) or disbelief (Sura 8:3959)]. Muslims are even commanded to slay unbelievers if they do not convert (Sura 9:560 etc.). Thus, the great sin of murder is commanded if unbelievers do not convert or when Al-Fitnah exists. No Muslim should be put to death for murdering an unbeliever (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 28361). Muhammad permitted sorcery although it is listed as a great sin (Muslim, Book 26, Hadith No. 544962, 545263, 545664). In keeping with this attitude to the great sins, Muhammad forbade children from obeying or even being near their parents, if their parents were unbelievers (Sura 9:2365). Despite all these irregularities, Allah sought to emphasize the necessity of sin when his messenger said: ‘By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if you were not to commit sin, Allah would sweep you out of existence and He would replace (you by) those people who would commit sin and seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would have pardoned them’ (Muslim, Vol. 4, Book 37, Hadith No. 662266 & 662167). This shows how serious Allah regards sin. If you do not sin, Allah will wipe you out and replace you with people who will sin. It is then incumbent upon Muslims to sin, so that they will repent and seek Allah. How then, can Muslims get into Heaven? Allah weighs their sins and good deeds in a balance (Sura 7:868, 969; 21:4770; 23:101-10371). If the good deeds outweigh the bad deeds, then entry is assured.. To aid a Muslim in this venture, Allah proclaims: ‘Those who avoid great sins (see Sura 4:3172) …except the small sins, verily, your Lord is of vast forgiveness …’ (Sura 53:32). Good deeds remove sinful deeds (Sura 5:3973; 11:11474; Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 50475). Punishment now, means no punishment after death (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No.1776). Additionally, every letter of the Qur’an that is read in Arabic, accredits the reader with ten good deeds recorded (at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 318 [Alim Software] and others77). Good deeds can be multiplied many times, up to 700 times (Sura 4:4078; 6:16079; Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 4080) and are easily obtained (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 11281, 51482; Vol. 8, Hadith No. 33583, 41284, No. 9, Hadith No. 50785). Reciting the confession of faith is recorded as ten good deeds (at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 308 [Alim Software]86). All this gives the impression that sin is easily forgiven and seems to convey the certainty of entry into heaven. However Muhammad, under Allah’s inspiration, revealed that good deeds will never get you into heaven (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 57787 and Vol. 8, Hadith No. 47488) for Allah may not forgive you (Sura 4:11689). The last Rightly Guided Caliph said: “I swear to Allah that I do not feel safe from Allah’s cunning (deceit) even if one of my feet is already in Paradise.” (Khalid Muhammad Khalid, Successors of the Apostle, p. 114, quoted by Anwar al-Jundi, Mizan al-Islam, p. 170).
Summary As we have seen, sin is not a serious issue in Islam, and even great sins are forgiven easily. Christianity, however, never changes the standard, and forgiveness is never obtained by doing good works. It is the heart and mind that needs to be changed. In Christianity, forgiveness of sin is only available through the atoning death of Jesus Christ (Islam forbids atonement, Sura 4:11290; and see 17:1591 etc). The God of the Bible and the God of Islam too often have different standards regarding holiness; Allah has an arbitrary standard and requires Muslims to sin; Yahweh (Jehovah) requires perfection of heart, mind, soul and body (Matthew 5:4892) —they can never be contaminated by sin and still enter heaven without atonement by the blood of Lord Jesus. Only faith in the righteousness of Christ offers forgiveness now and a certain hope of heaven.
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 36
References 1
Sura 16:78, “And Allah brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers knowing nothing, and gave you hearing and sight and hearts that haply ye might give thanks.”
2
Sura 30:30, “So set thy purpose (O Muhammad) for religion as a man by nature upright - the nature (framed) of Allah, in which He hath created man. There is no altering (the laws of) Allah's creation. That is the right religion, but most men know not.”
3
Sura 98:5, “And they are ordered naught else than to serve Allah, keeping religion pure for Him, as men by nature upright, and to establish worship and to pay the poor-due. That is true religion.”
4
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 597, “Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle was asked about the offspring of the pagans. He said, "Allah knows what they would have done (were they to live)." Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "No child is born but has the Islamic Faith, but its parents turn it into a Jew or a Christian. It is as you help the animals give birth. Do you find among their offspring a mutilated one before you mutilate them yourself?" The people said, "O Allah's Apostle! What do you think about those (of them) who die young?" The Prophet said, "Allah knows what they would have done (were they to live)."” 5
Sura 7:179, “Already have We urged unto hell many of the jinn and humankind, having hearts wherewith they understand not, and having eyes wherewith they see not, and having ears wherewith they hear not. These are as the cattle - nay, but they are worse! These are the neglectful.”
6
Sura 13:31, “Had it been possible for a Lecture to cause the mountains to move, or the earth to be torn asunder, or the dead to speak, (this Qur'an would have done so). Nay, but Allah's is the whole command. Do not those who believe know that, had Allah willed, He could have guided all mankind? As for those who disbelieve, disaster ceaseth not to strike them because of what they do, or it dwelleth near their home until the threat of Allah come to pass. Lo! Allah faileth not to keep the tryst.”
7
Sura 95:4-5, “Surely We created man of the best stature Then we reduced him to the lowest of the low.” 8
Sura 4:142, “Lo! the hypocrites seek to beguile Allah, but it is He Who beguileth them. When they stand up to worship they perform it languidly and to be seen of men, and are mindful of Allah but little.”
9
Sura 39:57, “Or should say: If Allah had but guided me I should have been among the dutiful!”
10
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 611, “Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Adam and Moses argued with each other. Moses said to Adam. 'O Adam! You are our father who disappointed us and turned us out of Paradise.' Then Adam said to him, 'O Moses! Allah favored you with His talk (talked to you directly) and He wrote (the Torah) for you with His Own Hand. Do you blame me for action which Allah had written in my fate forty years before my creation?' So Adam confuted Moses, Adam confuted Moses," the Prophet added, repeating the Statement three times.” 11
Sura 9:51, “Say: Naught befalleth us save that which Allah hath decreed for us. He is our Protecting Friend. In Allah let believers put their trust!” 12
Romans 5:12, “Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned.”
13
Sura 33:5, “Proclaim their real parentage. That will be more equitable in the sight of Allah. And if ye know not their fathers, then (they are) your brethren in the faith, and your clients. And there is no sin for you in the mistakes that ye make unintentionally, but what your hearts purpose (that will be a sin for you). Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” 14
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 1, “Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 37 … (references continued from previous page)… "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for.” 15
Sura 2:284, “Unto Allah (belongeth) whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and whether ye make known what is in your minds or hide it, Allah will bring you to account for it. He will forgive whom He will and He will punish whom He will. Allah is Able to do all things.” 16
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 498, “Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet narrating about his Lord I'm and said, "Allah ordered (the appointed angels over you) that the good and the bad deeds be written, and He then showed (the way) how (to write). If somebody intends to do a good deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write for him a full good deed (in his account with Him); and if he intends to do a good deed and actually did it, then Allah will write for him (in his account) with Him (its reward equal) from ten to seven hundred times to many more times: and if somebody intended to do a bad deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write a full good deed (in his account) with Him, and if he intended to do it (a bad deed) and actually did it, then Allah will write one bad deed (in his account).”
17
Ibn Kathir, commenting on Sura 55:56-74, “Allah said, (whom never deflowered a human before nor Jinn) meaning they are delightful virgins of comparable age who never had sexual intercourse with anyone, whether from mankind or Jinns, before their husbands. This is also a proof that the believers among the Jinns will enter Paradise. Artat bin Al-Mundhir said, "Damrah bin Habib was asked if the Jinns will enter Paradise and he said, `Yes, and they will get married. The Jinns will have Jinn women and the humans will have female humans.''” 18
Exodus 20:17, “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his ass, or anything that is your neighbor's.”
19
Matthew 5:28, “But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” 20
Romans 1:21, “for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened.” 21
I John 2:15, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.” 22
Matthew 12:34, “You brood of vipers! how can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” 23
Luke 6:45, “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” 24
Leviticus 11:45, “For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; you shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” 25
Leviticus 19:2, “Say to all the congregation of the people of Israel, You shall be holy; for I the LORD your God am holy.” 26
I Peter 1:16, “Since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."”
27
Malachi 3:6, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”
28
Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.”
29
Romans 3:23, “Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
30
Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard that it was said, `You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” 31
Sura 24:33, “And let those who cannot find a match keep chaste till Allah give them independence by His grace. And such of your slaves as seek a writing (of emancipation), write it for them if ye are … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 38 … (references continued from previous page)… aware of aught of good in them, and bestow upon them of the wealth of Allah which He hath bestowed upon you. Force not your slave-girls to whoredom that ye may seek enjoyment of the life of the world, if they would preserve their chastity. And if one force them, then (unto them), after their compulsion, lo! Allah will be Forgiving, Merciful.” 32
Sura 4:24, “And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you. Lawful unto you are all beyond those mentioned, so that ye seek them with your wealth in honest wedlock, not debauchery. And those of whom ye seek content (by marrying them), give unto them their portions as a duty. And there is no sin for you in what ye do by mutual agreement after the duty (hath been done). Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Wise.”
33
Sura 33:37, “And when thou saidst unto him on whom Allah hath conferred favour and thou hast conferred favour: Keep thy wife to thyself, and fear Allah. And thou didst hide in thy mind that which Allah was to bring to light, and thou didst fear mankind whereas Allah hath a better right that thou shouldst fear Him. So when Zeyd had performed that necessary formality (of divorce) from her, We gave her unto thee in marriage, so that (henceforth) there may be no sin for believers in respect of wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have performed the necessary formality (of release) from them. The commandment of Allah must be fulfilled.” 34
Sura 24:33, “And let those who cannot find a match keep chaste till Allah give them independence by His grace. And such of your slaves as seek a writing (of emancipation), write it for them if ye are aware of aught of good in them, and bestow upon them of the wealth of Allah which He hath bestowed upon you. Force not your slave-girls to whoredom that ye may seek enjoyment of the life of the world, if they would preserve their chastity. And if one force them, then (unto them), after their compulsion, lo! Allah will be Forgiving, Merciful.” 35
Sura 4:24, “And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you. Lawful unto you are all beyond those mentioned, so that ye seek them with your wealth in honest wedlock, not debauchery. And those of whom ye seek content (by marrying them), give unto them their portions as a duty. And there is no sin for you in what ye do by mutual agreement after the duty (hath been done). Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Wise.”
36
Sura 5:90-91, “O ye who believe! Strong drink and games of chance and idols and divining arrows are only an infamy of Satan's handiwork. Leave it aside in order that ye may succeed. Satan seeketh only to cast among you enmity and hatred by means of strong drink and games of chance, and to turn you from remembrance of Allah and from (His) worship. Will ye then have done?” 37
Sura 56:18, “With bowls and ewers and a cup from a pure spring.”
38
Sura 76:5, “Lo! the righteous shall drink of a cup whereof the mixture is of Kafur.”
39
Sura 76:17, “There are they watered with a cup whereof the mixture is of Zanjabil.”
40
Sura 78:34, “And a full cup.”
41
Sura 4:3, “And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus it is more likely that ye will not do injustice.” 42
Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1067, “Narrated Al-Miqdam ibn Ma’dikarib: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him_ said, “The martyr receives six good things from Allah: he is forgiven at the first shedding of his blood; he is shown his abode in Paradise; he is preserved from the punishment in the grave; he is kept safe from the greatest terror; he has placed on his head the crown of honour, a ruby of which is better than the world and what it contains; he is married to seventy-two wives of the maiden with large dark eyes; and is made intercessor for seventy of his relatives.” 43
Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1494, “Narrated AbuSa’id: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “The lowliest of the inhabitants of Paradise will be he who has eighty thousand servants, seventy-two wives, and for whom a round pavilion of pearls, chrysoprase and rubies as large as the distance … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 39 … (references continued from previous page)… between al-Jabiyah and San’a will be set up.” By the same isnad he said, “Those who are to go to Paradise, who die whether young or old, will come into Paradise aged thirty and never grow older. The same applies to those who will got to Hell.” By the same isnad he said, “They will wear crowns, the smallest pearl of which will illuminate the space between the east and the west.” By the same isnad he said, “When a believer in Paradise wishes for a child, its conception, delivery and growth to full age will be accomplished in a moment as he wishes.” Ishaq-ibn-Ibrahim said regarding this tradition that when a believer in Paradise wish for a child it would come in a moment, “But he will not wish for one.” 44
Sura 56:22-40, “And (there are) fair ones with wide, lovely eyes, Like unto hidden pearls, Reward for what they used to do. There hear they no vain speaking nor recrimination (Naught) but the saying: Peace, (and again) Peace. And those on the right hand; what of those on the right hand? Among thornless lote-trees And clustered plantains, And spreading shade, And water gushing, And fruit in plenty Neither out of reach nor yet forbidden, And raised couches; Lo! We have created them a (new) creation And made them virgins, Lovers, friends, For those on the right hand; A multitude of those of old And a multitude of those of later time.” 45
Ibn Kathir, commenting on Sura 55:56-74, “Allah said, (whom never deflowered a human before nor Jinn) meaning they are delightful virgins of comparable age who never had sexual intercourse with anyone, whether from mankind or Jinns, before their husbands. This is also a proof that the believers among the Jinns will enter Paradise. Artat bin Al-Mundhir said, "Damrah bin Habib was asked if the Jinns will enter Paradise and he said, `Yes, and they will get married. The Jinns will have Jinn women and the humans will have female humans.''” 46
Sura 52:24, “And there go round, waiting on them menservants of their own, as they were hidden pearls.” 47
Sura 56:17, “There wait on them immortal youths.”
48
Sura 76:19, “There wait on them immortal youths, whom, when thou seest, thou wouldst take for scattered pearls.” 49
Sura 66:2, “Allâh has already ordained for you (O men), the dissolution of your oaths. And Allâh is your Maula (Lord, or Master, or Protector, etc.) and He is the All-Knower, the All-Wise.” 50
Sura 3:54, “And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.”
51
Sura 8:30, “And when those who disbelieve plot against thee (O Muhammad) to wound thee fatally, or to kill thee or to drive thee forth; they plot, but Allah (also) plotteth; and Allah is the best of plotters.” 52
Sura 4:88, “What aileth you that ye are become two parties regarding the hypocrites, when Allah cast them back (to disbelief) because of what they earned? Seek ye to guide him whom Allah hath sent astray? He whom Allah sendeth astray, for him thou (O Muhammad) canst not find a road.” 53
Sura 4:143, “Swaying between this (and that), (belonging) neither to these nor to those. He whom Allah causeth to go astray, thou (O Muhammad) wilt not find a way for him.” 54
Sura 7:178, “He whom Allah leadeth, he indeed is led aright, while he whom Allah sendeth astray they indeed are losers.” 55
Sura 7:186, “Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide for them. He leaveth them to wander blindly on in their contumacy.” 56
Sura 13:27, “Those who disbelieve say: If only a portent were sent down upon him from his Lord! Say: Lo! Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth unto Himself all who turn (unto Him).” 57
Sura 2:191, “And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 40 … (references continued from previous page)… of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers.” 58
Sura 2:217, “They question thee (O Muhammad) with regard to warfare in the sacred month. Say: Warfare therein is a great (transgression), but to turn (men) from the way of Allah, and to disbelieve in Him and in the Inviolable Place of Worship, and to expel His people thence, is a greater with Allah; for persecution is worse than killing. And they will not cease from fighting against you till they have made you renegades from your religion, if they can. And whoso becometh a renegade and dieth in his disbelief: such are they whose works have fallen both in the world and the Hereafter. Such are rightful owners of the Fire: they will abide therein.” 59
Sura 8:39, “And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do.” 60
Sura 9:5, “Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” 61
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 283, “Narrated Abu Juhaifa: I asked Ali, "Do you have the knowledge of any Divine Inspiration besides what is in Allah's Book?" 'Ali replied, "No, by Him Who splits the grain of corn and creates the soul. I don't think we have such knowledge, but we have the ability of understanding which Allah may endow a person with, so that he may understand the Qur'an, and we have what is written in this paper as well." I asked, "What is written in this paper?" He replied, "(The regulations of) blood-money, the freeing of captives, and the judgment that no Muslim should be killed for killing an infidel."” 62
Muslim, Book 26, Hadith No. 5449, “Anas reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) granted him sanction to use incantation (as a cure) for the, influence of an evil eye, the sting of the scorpion and small pustules.” 63
Muslim, Book 26, Hadith No. 5452, “Jabir b. 'Abdullah reported that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) granted a special sanction for incantation in case of the snake poison to a tribe of 'Amr. Abu Zubair said: I heard Jabir b. 'Abdullah as saying that the scorpion stung one of us as we were sitting with Allah's Messenger (may peace upon him). A person said: Allah's Messenger, I use incantation (for curing the effect. of sting), whereupon he said: He who is competent amongst you to benefit his brother should do so.” 64
Muslim, Book 26, Hadith No. 5456, “Jabir reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) prohibited incantation. Then the people of Amr b. Hazm came to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and said: We know an incantation which we use for curing the sting of the scorpion but you have prohibited it. They recited (the words of incantation) before him, whereupon he said: I do not see any harm (in it), so he who amongst you is competent to do good to his brother should do that.”
65
Sura 9:23, “O ye who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for friends if they take pleasure in disbelief rather than faith. Whoso of you taketh them for friends, such are wrong-doers.” 66
Muslim, Vol. 4, Book 37, Hadith No. 6622, “Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) having said: By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if you were not to commit sin, Allah would sweep you out of existence and He would replace (you by) those people who would commit sin and seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would have pardoned them.” 67
Muslim, Vol. 4, Book 37, Hadith No. 6621, “Abu Ayyub Ansari reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: If you were not to commit sins, Allah would have swept you out of existence and would have replaced you by another people who have committed sin, and then asked forgiveness from Allah, and He would have granted them pardon.” 68
Sura 7:8, “The weighing on that day is the true (weighing). As for those whose scale is heavy, they … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 41 … (references continued from previous page)… are the successful.” 69
Sura 7:9, “And as for those whose scale is light: those are they who lose their souls because they used to wrong Our revelations.” 70
Sura 21:47, “And We set a just balance for the Day of Resurrection so that no soul is wronged in aught. Though it be of the weight of a grain of mustard seed, We bring it. And We suffice for reckoners.” 71
Sura 23:101-103, “And when the trumpet is blown there will be no kinship among them that day, nor will they ask of one another. Then those whose scales are heavy, they are the successful. And those whose scales are light are those who lose their souls, in hell abiding.” 72
Sura 4:31, “If ye avoid the great (things) which ye are forbidden, We will remit from you your evil deeds and make you enter at a noble gate.” 73
Sura 5:39, “But whoso repenteth after his wrongdoing and amendeth, lo! Allah will relent toward him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
74
Sura 11:114, “Establish worship at the two ends of the day and in some watches of the night. Lo! good deeds annul ill-deeds. This is reminder for the mindful.” 75
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 504, “Narrated Ibn Mas'ud: A man kissed a woman (unlawfully) and then went to the Prophet and informed him. Allah revealed: And offer prayers perfectly at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night (i.e. the five compulsory prayers). Verily! good deeds remove (annul) the evil deeds (small sins) (11.114). The man asked Allah's Apostle, "Is it for me?" He said, "It is for all my followers."” 76
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 17, “Narrated 'Ubada bin As-Samit: who took part in the battle of Badr and was a Naqib (a person heading a group of six persons), on the night of Al-'Aqaba pledge: Allah's Apostle said while a group of his companions were around him, "Swear allegiance to me for: 1. Not to join anything in worship along with Allah. 2. Not to steal. 3. Not to commit illegal sexual intercourse. 4. Not to kill your children. 5. Not to accuse an innocent person (to spread such an accusation among people). 6. Not to be disobedient (when ordered) to do good deed." The Prophet added: "Whoever among you fulfills his pledge will be rewarded by Allah. And whoever indulges in any one of them (except the ascription of partners to Allah) and gets the punishment in this world, that punishment will be an expiation for that sin. And if one indulges in any of them, and Allah conceals his sin, it is up to Him to forgive or punish him (in the Hereafter)." 'Ubada bin AsSamit added: "So we swore allegiance for these." (points to Allah's Apostle).” 77
Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 318 [Alim Software] and others, “Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud:The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whenever a person recites one letter from the Book of Allah, one good deed is recorded for him. One good deed is equal to ten good deeds the like of it. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is a letter, but A is a letter L is a letter and M is a letter.” 78
Sura 4:40, “Surely! Allâh wrongs not even of the weight of an atom (or a small ant), but if there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from Him a great reward.” 79
Sura 6:160, “Whoso bringeth a good deed will receive tenfold the like thereof, while whoso bringeth an ill-deed will be awarded but the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.” 80
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 40, “Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "If any one of you improve (follows strictly) his Islamic religion then his good deeds will be rewarded ten times to seven hundred times for each good deed and a bad deed will be recorded as it is.” 81
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 112, “Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Horses are kept … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 42 … (references continued from previous page)… for one of three purposes; for some people they are a source of reward, for some others they are a means of shelter and for some others they are a source of sins. The one for whom they are a source of reward, is he who keeps a horse for Allah's Cause (i.e. Jihad) tying it with a long tether on a meadow or in a garden with the result that whatever it eats from the area of the meadow or the garden where it is tied will be counted as good deeds for his benefit, and if it should break its rope and jump over one or two hillocks then all its dung and its foot marks will be written as good deeds for him; and if it passes by a river and drinks water from it even though he had no intention of watering it, even then he will get the reward for its drinking. As for the man for whom horses are a source of sins, he is the one who keeps a horse for the sake of pride and pretence and showing enmity for Muslims: such a horse will be a source of sins for him. When Allah's Apostle was asked about donkeys, he replied, "Nothing has been revealed to me about them except this unique, comprehensive Verse: "Then anyone who does an atom's (or a small ant's) weight of good shall see it; And anyone who does an atom's (or a small ant's) weight of evil, shall see it.' (101.7-8).” 82
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 514, “Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "If one says onehundred times in one day: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Alone Who has no partners, to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He has power over all things (i.e. Omnipotent)", one will get the reward of manumitting ten slaves, and one-hundred good deeds will be written in his account, and one-hundred bad deeds will be wiped off or erased from his account, and on that day he will be protected from the morning till evening from Satan, and nobody will be superior to him except one who has done more than that which he has done.”
83
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 335, “Narrated Shaddad bin 'Aus: The Prophet said, "The most superior way of asking for forgiveness from Allah is: 'Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta. Khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa Wa'dika mastata'tu abu'u Laka bi ni 'matika wa abu'u Laka bidhanbi; faghfirli fa'innahu la yaghfiru-dh-dhunuba ill a ant a. A'uidhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu.' If somebody recites this invocation during the night, and if he should die then, he will go to Paradise (or he will be from the people of Paradise). And if he recites it in the morning, and if he should die on the same day, he will have the same fate.” 84
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 412, “Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said," Whoever says: "La ilaha illal-lah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa 'ala kulli shai'in qadir," one hundred times will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night, and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he.” 85
Bukhari, Vol. 9, Hadith No. 507, “(quoted in part:) The Prophet added, "There will come out of Hell (Fire) everyone who says: 'La ilaha illal-lah,' and has in his heart good equal to the weight of a barley grain. Then there will come out of Hell (Fire) everyone who says: ' La ilaha illal-lah,' and has in his heart good equal to the weight of a wheat grain. Then there will come out of Hell (Fire) everyone who says: 'La ilaha illal-lah,' and has in his heart good equal to the weight of an atom (or a smallest ant).” 86
Tirmidhi, No. 308 [Alim Software], “Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) said: He who recites ten times before getting up (from the place of worship) and bending his steps back from the sunset and the dawn prayers: "There is no god but Allah, the One, having no partner with Him, to Him belongs sovereignty and to Him is praise due; in His hand is the good; He gives life and causes death; and He is Potent over everything," for him are recorded for every recital ten good deeds and ten of his sins are obliterated and he is increased ten ranks. He is safeguarded against every unpleasantness, he is safeguarded against Satan, the accursed, and no sin destroys him except associating anything with Allah and he will be the most excellent amongst men in regard to good deeds except the person who excels him in uttering something more excellent than that which he has uttered. Tirmidhi commented: This is a hasan sahih gharib hadith.” 87
Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 577, “Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "The … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 43 … (references continued from previous page)… good deeds of any person will not make him enter Paradise." (i.e., none can enter Paradise through his good deeds.) They (the Prophet's companions) said, 'Not even you, O Allah's Apostle?' He said, "Not even myself, unless Allah bestows His favor and mercy on me." So be moderate in your religious deeds and do the deeds that are within your ability: and none of you should wish for death, for if he is a good doer, he may increase his good deeds, and if he is an evil doer, he may repent to Allah.” 88
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 474, “Narrated 'Aisha: The Prophet said, "Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and receive good news because one's good deeds will not make him enter Paradise." They asked, "Even you, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "Even I, unless and until Allah bestows His pardon and Mercy on me.” 89
Sura 4:116, “Lo! Allah pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered far astray.” 90
Sura 4:112, “And whoso committeth a delinquency or crime, then throweth (the blame) thereof upon the innocent, hath burdened himself with falsehood and a flagrant crime.” 91
Sura 17:15, “Whosoever goeth right, it is only for (the good of) his own soul that he goeth right, and whosoever erreth, erreth only to its hurt. No laden soul can bear another's load, We never punish until we have sent a messenger.” 92
Matthew 5:48, “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
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Islam and Christianity
Islam and Christianity have many similar teachings, such as to not commit adultery, murder, lie, steal, etc. This leads many people to think that Islam and Christianity are equally good, or equally true; even the Qur’an proclaims that the God of the Bible (Yahweh) and the God of the Qur’an (Allah) are the same (Sura 29:461). However, just as different words can mean different things to different people, so too, when a Muslim and Christian talk, even though they use the same terminology, their meanings are substantially different. For example, in Christianity, adultery starts in the heart. Jesus said that, “whoever looks at a woman with lust in his heart has committed adultery with her.” (Matthew 5:282). Adultery refers not only to the physical act, but also to the heart attitude. In Islam, adultery is having sex with someone whom your right hand doesn’t possess (Sura 4:33; 33:504; 4:245 etc). Thus a Muslim is allowed to have up to four wives, temporary marriages, exchange wives, and have sex with slave girls, without having committed adultery. In Christianity, sin is rebellion against God’s rightful place of authority; it pains and grieves God (Ephesians 4:306). All sinners will go to the lake of fire, unless they have their sins atoned for. In Islam, although sin is transgression of Allah’s law, sin has no impact on Allah (Sura 3:1447, 1768; 4:1119; 47:3210). Muslim, records, “Allah's Messenger said: If you were not to commit sins, Allah would have swept you out of existence and would have replaced you by another people who have
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 46 committed sin, and then asked forgiveness from Allah, and He would have granted them pardon.” (Book 37, Hadith No. 6621, 6622).
The Nature of God Beyond attitudes to sin, there are completely different ideas about the nature of God. The Christian God is a personal God, who reveals His name, expresses a desire to live in us and through us; Christians are God’s children and His friends. In Islam, everyone is a slave to Allah (Sura 19:92-9311; 2:9012; 3:7913; 5:11814; 6:1815, 6116; 7:19417; 8:5118). Allah cannot be your Father; it is unforgivable to associate anyone with Allah (4:4819, 11620). So to consider yourself a child of Allah, to call him ‘Father,’ in a real and personal way, is to blaspheme. Furthermore, the concept of the “Trinity” is abhorrent to Muslims, who believe that the Trinity is: God, Jesus and Mary (Sura 5:11621) rather than the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as Christians believe. As a result, they completely misrepresent and misunderstand the Christian understanding of the Trinity. The Muslim concept is akin to 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 (simple unity). Because God is infinite not finite, the Christian concept is a complex unity like infinity + infinity + infinity = infinity.
Trust The God of the Bible does not change (Numbers 23:1922; Jeremiah 4:2823; Hebrews 7:2124); but Allah is not bound by anything (2:10625; 16:10126; 7:9927). As a result, the God of the Bible, Yahweh can be trusted and desires us to trust Him (Proverbs 3:528 etc.), but no one can trust Allah: Even Abu Bakr, the first Rightly Guided Caliph, said, “I swear to Allah that I do not feel safe from Allah's cunning even if one of my feet is already inside paradise...." (Khalid Muhammad Khalid, Successors of the Apostle, p. 114, quoted by Anwar al-Jundi, Mizan al-Islam, p. 170). Since Allah is not bound by any form of morality and the life of Muhammad exemplified this, sin is an elastic and relativistic concept (for more information, see our tract on Sin in Christianity and Islam). Christianity forbids all forms of lying and deceit, all liars will be in hell (Psalm 15:1-329; Revelation 22:1530). Islam permits deception in certain circumstances because Allah claims thirty times in the Qur’an that he misleads/sends astray people and that he is the greatest deceiver [Allaahu Khayrulmaakiriin] (Sura 3:5431; 8:3032). Allah says that he leads people astray (Sura 4:8833, 40:333434 etc). Christianity requires that believers keep the oaths they made, even if it hurts (Psalm 15:435). Muhammad believed that lying was acceptable and even taught how to expiate [make amends for] an oath, ‘Allah willing, if ever I take an oath to do something, and later on I find that it is more beneficial to do something different, I will do the thing which is better, and give expiation for my oath.’ (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 361)
Revelation The purposes of the Bible and the Qur’an are substantially different. The Bible, although it contains many commands, is only a means to an end; the theme throughout is that mankind cannot be righteous without the help of God (Ecclesiastes 7:2036; Hebrews 11:637; Ezekiel 34:1138). Thus, Christians run to Jesus for atonement of sin and a transformed heart which hates sin in the inner most place. The function of the Qur’an is, as many Israelites thought and think about the Torah, is to show one how to earn favour with Allah/God through obedience. Thus, the Bible records God reaching down to save man from their sin, whereas Islam testifies that men are responsible for their own salvation. Muhammad implored, ‘...O Fatimah (name of Muhammad’s most beloved daughter), rescue yourself from Fire, for I have no power (to protect you) from Allah in anything...’ (Muslim, Book 1, Hadith No. 398 and Muslim, Book 1, Hadith No. 402). The Law in Christianity teaches our helpless condition, and tells us where to get the necessary righteousness; the Law in Islam tells you to jump higher with no assistance at all.
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Salvation Christianity teaches that there is a broken relationship between God and mankind that needs restoration. Any soul that sins shall die in the lake of fire. The only way is through atonement, a life given to redeem your own. In Christianity, the only sinless one, the Son of God, Jesus Christ was given as that atonement: “This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (I John 4:10). “...if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One, and he himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.” (I John 2:1-2). Islam offers guidance, but not salvation. In Islam, there is no broken relationship and no need of a mediator. Atonement is something you do to atone for sin (such as broken, intentional oaths, having sex during a fast etc), usually a “payment” of some nature, including punishment imposed by others who caught you. Thus atonement is limited to this world, so if you are punished now, or provide your own atonement via some payment, Allah will not punish you in the hereafter (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 1739; Muslim, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 423540). So, for a sinless, innocent prophet like Jesus [Isa] to atone for your sin is an insult to Allah and forbidden in the Qur’an (Sura 4:11241; 17:1542 etc). Thus, the God of the Bible guarantees salvation, but Allah saves who he wills (see earlier section on trust). In fact, Allah guarantees that every Muslim will pass through hell (Sura 19:71-7243). In Christianity, you cannot truly follow God unless He has changed what is in your heart (Mark 7:212344; Ezekiel 36:2645). In Islam, you cannot truly follow Allah, until you change your own heart (Sura 13:1146).
Heaven and Hell Heaven, to a Christian, is to be with Jesus. While an actual place, the Christian cherishes the fact that it is with Jesus they spend eternity. In the Christian Heaven, there is no sin or sinner. The lake of fire is reserved for Satan and his angels, and sinners (Matthew 25:4147). Islamic Heaven [Paradise], has seventy-two (72) virgins for the lowliest person (Sura 56:22-4048; Ibn Kathir on 56:22-4049). There will be free-flowing wine in abundance (Sura 56:1850; 76:551,1752; 78:3453). Demons [Jinn], will also be in Paradise (Ibn Kathir, commenting on Sura 55:56-7454).
Obedience to Governments Christians are commanded to obey the government because they have been ordained by God (Romans 1355). Muslims on the other hand are required to disobey, and not to submit to non-Muslims (Sura 25:5256; 26:15157; 33:158; 68:859 etc). They are not to take infidels/kafir [unbelievers/non-Muslims] as friends or Allah’s wrath will be upon them (Sura 3:2860; 4:14461; 5:5162, 80-8163; 9:2364, 12365; 58:141566).
Summary These differences are only the proverbial, tip of the iceberg. Although there are superficial similarities on some teachings, the fundamentals of the faiths of Christianity and Islam couldn’t be more different; they are mutually exclusive and diametrically opposed. Although many people think that Christians, Jews and Muslims worship the same God, exploring the natures of Allah and Yahweh (Jehovah), reveals them to be completely different beings. As a result, the practices of its followers are completely different.
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References 1
Sura 29:46, “And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our Allah and your Allah is One, and unto Him we surrender.” 2
Matthew 5:28, “But I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
3
Sura 4:3, “And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus it is more likely that ye will not do injustice.”
4
Sura 33:50, “O Prophet! Lo! We have made lawful unto thee thy wives unto whom thou hast paid their dowries, and those whom thy right hand possesseth of those whom Allah hath given thee as spoils of war, and the daughters of thine uncle on the father's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the father's side, and the daughters of thine uncle on the mother's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the mother's side who emigrated with thee, and a believing woman if she give herself unto the Prophet and the Prophet desire to ask her in marriage - a privilege for thee only, not for the (rest of) believers - We are Aware of that which We enjoined upon them concerning their wives and those whom their right hands possess - that thou mayst be free from blame, for Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.”
5
Sura 4:24, “And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you. Lawful unto you are all beyond those mentioned, so that ye seek them with your wealth in honest wedlock, not debauchery. And those of whom ye seek content (by marrying them), give unto them their portions as a duty. And there is no sin for you in what ye do by mutual agreement after the duty (hath been done). Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Wise.”
6
Ephesians 4:30, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
7
Sura 3:144, “Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels not the least harm will he do to Allâh, and Allâh will give reward to those who are grateful.” 8
Sura 3:176, “Let not their conduct grieve thee, who run easily to disbelief, for lo! they injure Allah not at all. It is Allah's Will to assign them no portion in the Hereafter, and theirs will be an awful doom.” 9
Sura 4:111, “Whoso committeth sin committeth it only against himself. Allah is ever Knower, Wise.” 10
Sura 47:32, “Lo! those who disbelieve and turn from the way of Allah and oppose the messenger after the guidance hath been manifested unto them, they hurt Allah not a jot, and He will make their actions fruitless.” 11
Sura 19:92-93, “But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Beneficent (Allâh) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allâh) as a slave.” 12
Sura 2:90, “Evil is that for which they sell their souls: that they should disbelieve in that which Allah hath revealed, grudging that Allah should reveal of His bounty unto whom He will of His slaves. They have incurred anger upon anger. For disbelievers is a shameful doom.” 13
Sura 3:79, “It is not (possible) for any human being unto whom Allah had given the Scripture and … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 49 … (references continued from previous page)… wisdom and the prophethood that he should afterwards have said unto mankind: Be slaves of me instead of Allah; but (what he said was): Be ye faithful servants of the Lord by virtue of your constant teaching of the Scripture and of your constant study thereof.” 14
Sura 5:118, “If Thou punish them, lo! they are Thy slaves, and if Thou forgive them (lo! they are Thy slaves). Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Mighty, the Wise.” 15
Sura 6:18, “He is the Omnipotent over His slaves, and He is the Wise, the Knower.”
16
Sura 6:61, “He is the Omnipotent over His slaves. He sendeth guardians over you until, when death cometh unto one of you, Our messengers receive him, and they neglect not.”
17
Sura 7:194, “Lo! those on whom ye call beside Allah are slaves like unto you. Call on them now, and let them answer you, if ye are truthful!” 18
Sura 8:51, “This is for that which your own hands have sent before (to the Judgment), and (know) that Allah is not a tyrant to His slaves.” 19
Sura 4:48, “Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin.”
20
Sura 4:116, “Lo! Allah pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered far astray.” 21
Sura 5:116, “And when Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Didst thou say unto mankind: Take me and my mother for two gods beside Allah? he saith: Be glorified! It was not mine to utter that to which I had no right. If I used to say it, then Thou knewest it. Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I know not what is in Thy Mind. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Knower of Things Hidden?” 22
Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” 23
Jeremiah 4:28, “For this the earth shall mourn And the heavens above be dark, Because I have spoken, I have purposed, And I will not change My mind, nor will I turn from it.” 24
Hebrews 7:21, “Those who formerly became priests took their office without an oath, but this one was addressed with an oath, "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'Thou art a priest for ever.'”
25
Sura 2:106, “Nothing of our revelation (even a single verse) do we abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in place) one better or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that Allah is Able to do all things?”
26
Sura 16:101, “And when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation, - and Allah knoweth best what He revealeth - they say: Lo! thou art but inventing. Most of them know not.” 27
Sura 7:99, “Are they then secure from Allah's scheme? None deemeth himself secure from Allah's scheme save folk that perish.” 28
Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.”
29
Psalm 15:1-3, “A Psalm of David. O LORD, who shall sojourn in thy tent? Who shall dwell on thy holy hill? He who walks blamelessly, and does what is right, and speaks truth from his heart; who does not slander with his tongue, and does no evil to his friend, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor.” 30
Revelation 22:15, “Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie.”
31
Sura 3:54, “And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 50 … (references continued from previous page)… the best of schemers.” 32
Sura 8:30, “And when those who disbelieve plot against thee (O Muhammad) to wound thee fatally, or to kill thee or to drive thee forth; they plot, but Allah (also) plotteth; and Allah is the best of plotters.” 33
Sura 4:88, “What aileth you that ye are become two parties regarding the hypocrites, when Allah cast them back (to disbelief) because of what they earned? Seek ye to guide him whom Allah hath sent astray? He whom Allah sendeth astray, for him thou (O Muhammad) canst not find a road.” 34
Sura 40:33-34, “A day when ye will turn to flee, having no preserver from Allah: and he whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no guide. And verily Joseph brought you of old clear proofs, yet ye ceased not to be in doubt concerning what he brought you till, when he died, ye said: Allah will not send any messenger after him. Thus Allah deceiveth him who is a prodigal, a doubter.”
35
Psalm 15:4, “In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change.” 36
Ecclesiastes 7:20, “Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.”
37
Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” 38
Ezekiel 34:11, “For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.”
39
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 17, “Bukhari Narrated 'Ubada bin As-Samit: who took part in the battle of Badr and was a Naqib (a person heading a group of six persons), on the night of Al-'Aqaba pledge: Allah's Apostle said while a group of his companions were around him, "Swear allegiance to me for: 1. Not to join anything in worship along with Allah. 2. Not to steal. 3. Not to commit illegal sexual intercourse. 4. Not to kill your children. 5. Not to accuse an innocent person (to spread such an accusation among people). 6. Not to be disobedient (when ordered) to do good deed." The Prophet added: "Whoever among you fulfills his pledge will be rewarded by Allah. And whoever indulges in any one of them (except the ascription of partners to Allah) and gets the punishment in this world, that punishment will be an expiation for that sin. And if one indulges in any of them, and Allah conceals his sin, it is up to Him to forgive or punish him (in the Hereafter)." 'Ubada bin AsSamit added: "So we swore allegiance for these." (points to Allah's Apostle).”
40
Muslim, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 4235, “Ubida b. as-Samit reported: While we were in the company of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) he said: Swear allegiance to me that you will not associate anything with Allah, that you will not commit adultery, that you will not steal, that you will not take any life which it is forbidden by Allah to take but with (legal) justification; and whoever among you fulfils it, his reward is with Allah and he who commits any such thing and is punished for it, that will be all atonement for it And if anyone commits anything and Allah conceals (his faults), his matter rests with Allah. He may forgive if He likes, and He may punish him if He likes.” 41
Sura 4:112, “And whoso committeth a delinquency or crime, then throweth (the blame) thereof upon the innocent, hath burdened himself with falsehood and a flagrant crime.” 42
Sura 17:15, “Sura 17:15 Whosoever goeth right, it is only for (the good of) his own soul that he goeth right, and whosoever erreth, erreth only to its hurt. No laden soul can bear another's load, We never punish until we have sent a messenger.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 51 … (references continued from previous page)… 43
Sura 19:71-72, “There is not one of you but shall approach it. That is a fixed ordinance of thy Lord. Then We shall rescue those who kept from evil, and leave the evil-doers crouching there.” 44
Mark 7:21-23, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man.” 45
Ezekiel 36:26, “A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will take out of your flesh the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” 46
Sura 13:11, “For him are angels ranged before him and behind him, who guard him by Allah's command. Lo! Allah changeth not the condition of a folk until they (first) change that which is in their hearts; and if Allah willeth misfortune for a folk there is none that can repel it, nor have they a defender beside Him.” 47
Matthew 25:41, “Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” 48
Sura 56:22-40, “And (there are) fair ones with wide, lovely eyes, Like unto hidden pearls, Reward for what they used to do. There hear they no vain speaking nor recrimination Naught) but the saying: Peace, (and again) Peace. And those on the right hand; what of those on the right hand? Among thornless lote-trees And clustered plantains, And spreading shade, And water gushing, And fruit in plenty Neither out of reach nor yet forbidden, And raised couches; Lo! We have created them a (new) creation And made them virgins, Lovers, friends, For those on the right hand; A multitude of those of old And a multitude of those of later time.” 49
Ibn Kathir, commendint on 56:22-40, Abu Al-Qasim At-Tabarani recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah was asked, "O Allah's Messenger! Will we have sexual intercourse with our wives in Paradise'' He said, “The man will be able to have sexual intercourse with a hundred virgins in one day.” 50
Sura 56:18, “With bowls and ewers and a cup from a pure spring.”
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Sura 76:5, “Lo! the righteous shall drink of a cup whereof the mixture is of Kafur.”
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Sura 76:17, “There are they watered with a cup whereof the mixture is of Zanjabil.”
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Sura 78:34, “And a full cup.”
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Ibn Kathir, commenting on Sura 55:56-74, “Allah said, (whom never deflowered a human before nor Jinn) meaning they are delightful virgins of comparable age who never had sexual intercourse with anyone, whether from mankind or Jinns, before their husbands. This is also a proof that the believers among the Jinns will enter Paradise. Artat bin Al-Mundhir said, "Damrah bin Habib was asked if the Jinns will enter Paradise and he said, `Yes, and they will get married. The Jinns will have Jinn women and the humans will have female humans.''” 55
Romans 13:1-7, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.” 56
Sura 25:52, “So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them (by preaching) with the utmost endeavour, with it (the Qur'ân).” … (references continued overleaf)…
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Sura 26:151, “And obey not the command of the prodigal.”
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Sura 33:1, “O Prophet, Keep your duty to Allâh, and obey not the disbelievers and the hypocrites (i.e., do not follow their advices). Verily! Allâh is Ever AllKnower, AllWise.” 59
Sura 68:8, “Therefore obey not thou the rejecters.”
60
Sura 3:28, “Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Allah unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. Allah biddeth you beware (only) of Himself. Unto Allah is the journeying.” 61
Sura 4:144, “O ye who believe! Choose not disbelievers for (your) friends in place of believers. Would ye give Allah a clear warrant against you?” 62
Sura 5:51, “O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.” 63
Sura 5:80-81, “If they believed in Allah and the Prophet and that which is revealed unto him, they would not choose them for their friends. But many of them are of evil conduct.”
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Sura 9:23, “O ye who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for friends if they take pleasure in disbelief rather than faith. Whoso of you taketh them for friends, such are wrong-doers.” 65
Sura 9:123, “O you who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are close to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allâh is with those who are the Al-Muttaqûn (the pious).” 66
Sura 58:14-15, “Hast thou not seen those who take for friends a folk with whom Allah is wroth? They are neither of you nor of them, and they swear a false oath knowingly. Allah hath prepared for them a dreadful doom. Evil indeed is that which they are wont to do.”
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Jews and Christians in Islam
People everywhere need people! We need to have friends. Our relationships, to a large extent, show who we really are. How we relate to people with whom we agree, or disagree, shows what is in our heart; it reflects who we are and what we believe. Islam’s approach to relationships is the very opposite to Christianity’s. Jesus said, ‘If you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Do not even tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the unbelievers do the same?’ (Matthew 5:46-47). Islam, and the agents of multiculturalism, present Islam as a tolerant and peaceful faith having the answers for the world’s problems. However, much of what is presented as ‘true’ Islam, is in fact, a very limited and distorted view of what the Qur’an, Hadith and the life of Muhammad really teach.
A Brief Overview of Muhammad’s Teachings Christians and Jews are Believers In Sura 85:4-111, an historical reference to king Dhu Nawas’ massacring the Christians of Najran, and in 18:10-272, Christians are called believers; in Sura 2:623 and 5:694 Allah said that Jews, Christians and Sabaeans [star worshippers] will not grieve in the Last Day [the Day of Judgment]. In Sura 2:1225 and 5:206 Allah said that the children of Israel are preferred above all, prophets and kings among them.
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Christians and Jews are Disbelievers Sura 5:72-73 ‘They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah (himself) said: O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Lo! whoever ascribes partners unto Allah, for him Allah has forbidden paradise. His abode is the Fire. For evil-doers there will be no helpers. They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no God except the One God. If they stop not from so saying, a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve.’ Sura 4:116 says that Christians cannot be forgiven because they are polytheists [believe in more than one God]: ‘Lo! Allah pardons not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardons all except that to whom He will. Whoever ascribes partners unto Allah has wandered far astray.’
Go to Christians and Jews for Wisdom Sura 10:94: ‘And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture [Jews and Christians] (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers.’ Sura 5:47, ‘Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers.’ Christians and Jews are Deluded Apes. Sura 9:30, ‘And the Jews say: 'Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allâh, and the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allâh. That is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allah's curse be on them [Jews & Christians]: how they are deluded away from the Truth!’ Sura 98:6, ‘Lo! those who disbelieve, among the People of the Scripture [Jews and Christians] and the idolaters, will stay in fire of hell. They are the worst of created beings.’ (also see Sura 8:557).
Be Nice to Christians and Jews Sura 29:46 ‘And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islâmic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong, and say (to them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilâh (God) and your Ilâh (God) is One (i.e. Allâh), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims).”’ (See also Sura 16:1258).
Fight, Kill, Loot and Despoil Christians and Jews Sura 3:181, ‘Truly Allah heard the saying of those [Jews in Al-Medina] who said, (when asked for contributions to jihad): "Allah, forsooth, is poor, and we are rich!" We shall record their saying with their slaying of the prophets wrongfully and We shall say: Taste you the punishment of burning!’ Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 176: “‘Allah's Apostle said, "You (i.e. Muslims) will fight the Jews till some of them will hide behind stones. The stones will (betray them) saying, 'O 'Abdullah (i.e. slave of Allah)! There is a Jew hiding behind me; so kill him.'“
Looting and despoiling Christians and Jews are considered good works (Sura 9:1209; 4:9410). Early in Muhammad’s career, Allah taught that Jews and Christians were believers; later in Muhammad’s career, Allah taught they were unbelievers, and could not repent to turn to Allah, even if Muhammad prayed 70 times for them (Sura 9:8011).
Why Did Allah and Muhammad Change their Minds? The ‘kind’ teachings about Jews and Christians were made when Muhammad’s followers were few and poor; when his forces had grown in strength and he had become wealthy, Allah declared that no other religion would be accepted (thus, Judaism and Christianity were accursed) and he became very militant.
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Allah Accepts No Religion other than Islam Sura 3:85, ‘If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah) never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).’ [Yousaf Ali’s Trans.] (also see Sura 3:8312)
Muslims Must Not Befriend Non-Muslims Sura 3:28, ‘Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoever does that has no connection with Allah unless (it be) that you but guard [al-Taqiyya—legal deception] yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. Allah bids you beware (only) of Himself. Unto Allah is the journeying.’ Also see Sura 4:144-4513. Sura 5:51, ‘O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who takes them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guides not wrongdoing folk.’
Allah Commands Muslims to Fight Non-Muslim Neighbours Sura 9:123, ‘O you who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him).’ Sura 9:5, ‘Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.’
Muslims Must Not Obey Non-Muslims Sura 25:52, ‘So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them herewith with a great endeavour.’ Sura 26:151, ‘And obey not the command of the prodigal [their chief: leader who were polytheists, criminals and sinners, The Noble Qur’an]. Sura 33:1-2 ‘… and obey not the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Lo! Allah is Knower, Wise. And follow that which is inspired in you from your Lord. Lo! Allah is Aware of what you do.’ Sura 68:8, ‘Therefore obey not you the rejecters [unbelievers].’
Did Jesus Preach Such Hatred? No! In fact, as he was being crucified, He prayed for His enemies, “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34) and Jesus tells his followers, ‘But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’ (Matthew 5:44). Christians are told to bless those who curse them, to bless and not to curse (Romans 12:1414) and are told to obey the government (Romans 13:1-815). Violence is a by-product of the sinful nature of our humanity, which stems from mankind’s thinking that someone is better than another. However, Yahweh, the God of the Bible, created man and woman in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:2716) and, in Christ, all who accept Him as their Lord and Saviour, are adopted into His family (John 1:1217). Regardless of race, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:28. God condemns partiality (I Timothy 5:2118; James 2:1-1019; 3:1720) and the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ teaches: Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-4421) Live in peace with all men (Hebrews 12:1422) Obey the governing authorities (Romans 13:1-423). Do good to all … (Galatians 6:1024) Now you have an opportunity to find out more for yourself, as God has given you the means and the ability to search for the truth.
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References 1
Sura 85:4-11, “(Self-) destroyed were the owners of the ditch Of the fuel-fed fire, When they sat by it, And were themselves the witnesses of what they did to the believers. They had naught against them save that they believed in Allah, the Mighty, the Owner of Praise, Him unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is of all things the Witness. Lo! they who persecute believing men and believing women and repent not, theirs verily will be the doom of hell, and theirs the doom of burning. Lo! those who believe and do good works, theirs will be Gardens underneath which rivers flow. That is the Great Success.”
2
Sura 18:10-27, “When the young men fled for refuge to the Cave and said: Our Lord! Give us mercy from Thy presence, and shape for us right conduct in our plight. Then We sealed up their hearing in the Cave for a number of years. And afterward We raised them up that We might know which of the two parties would best calculate the time that they had tarried. We narrate unto thee their story with truth. Lo! they were young men who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance. And We made firm their hearts when they stood forth and said: Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We cry unto no Allah beside Him, for then should we utter an enormity. These, our people, have chosen (other) gods beside Him though they bring no clear warrant (vouchsafed) to them. And who doth greater wrong than he who inventeth a lie concerning Allah? And when ye withdraw from them and that which they worship except Allah, then seek refuge in the Cave; your Lord will spread for you of His mercy and will prepare for you a pillow in your plight. And thou mightest have seen the sun when it rose move away from their cave to the right, and when it set go past them on the left, and they were in the cleft thereof. That was (one) of the portents of Allah. He whom Allah guideth, he indeed is led aright, and he whom He sendeth astray, for him thou wilt not find a guiding friend. And thou wouldst have deemed them waking though they were asleep, and We caused them to turn over to the right and the left, and their dog stretching out his paws on the threshold. If thou hadst observed them closely thou hadst assuredly turned away from them in flight, and hadst been filled with awe of them. And in like manner We awakened them that they might question one another. A speaker from among them said: How long have ye tarried? They said: We have tarried a day or some part of a day, (Others) said: Your Lord best knoweth what ye have tarried. Now send one of you with this your silver coin unto the city, and let him see what food is purest there and bring you a supply thereof. Let him be courteous and let no man know of you. For they, if they should come to know of you, will stone you or turn you back to their religion; then ye will never prosper. And in like manner We disclosed them (to the people of the city) that they might know that the promise of Allah is true, and that, as for the Hour, there is no doubt concerning it. When (the people of the city) disputed of their case among themselves, they said: Build over them a building; their Lord knoweth best concerning them. Those who won their point said: We verily shall build a place of worship over them. (Some) will say: They were three, their dog the fourth, and (some) say: Five, their dog the sixth, guessing at random; and (some) say: Seven, and their dog the eighth. Say (O Muhammad): My Lord is Best Aware of their number. None knoweth them save a few. So contend not concerning them except with an outward contending, and ask not any of them to pronounce concerning them. And say not of anything: Lo! I shall do that tomorrow, Except if Allah will. And remember thy Lord when thou forgettest, and say: It may be that my Lord guideth me unto a nearer way of truth than this. And (it is said) they tarried in their Cave three hundred years and add nine. Say: Allah is Best Aware how long they tarried. His is the Invisible of the heavens and the earth. How clear of sight is He and keen of hearing! They have no protecting friend beside Him, and He maketh none to share in His government. And recite that which hath been revealed unto thee of the Scripture of thy Lord. There is none who can change His words, and thou wilt find no refuge beside Him.”
3
Sura 2:62, “Lo! Those who believe (in that which is revealed unto thee, Muhammad), and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabaeans - whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 57 … (references continued from previous page)… grieve.” 4
Sura 5:69, “Lo! those who believe, and those who are Jews, and Sabaeans, and Christians Whosoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth right - there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.” 5
Sura 2:122, “O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures.”
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Sura 5:20, “And (remember) when Moses said unto his people: O my people! Remember Allah's favour unto you, how He placed among you prophets, and He made you kings, and gave you that (which) He gave not to any (other) of (His) creatures.”
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Sura 8:55, “Lo! the worst of beasts in Allah's sight are the ungrateful who will not believe.”
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Sura 16:125, “Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and reason with them in the better way. Lo! thy Lord is Best Aware of him who strayeth from His way, and He is Best Aware of those who go aright.”
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Sura 9:120, “It is not for the townsfolk of Al-Madinah and for those around them of the wandering Arabs so stay behind the messenger of Allah and prefer their lives to his life. That is because neither thirst nor toil nor hunger afflicteth them in the way of Allah, nor step they any step that angereth the disbelievers, nor gain they from the enemy a gain, but a good deed is recorded for them therefor. Lo! Allah loseth not the wages of the good.” 10
Sura 4:94, “O ye who believe! When ye go forth (to fight) in the way of Allah, be careful to discriminate, and say not unto one who offereth you peace: "Thou art not a believer," seeking the chance profits of this life (so that ye may despoil him). With Allah are plenteous spoils. Even thus (as he now is) were ye before; but Allah hath since then been gracious unto you. Therefore take care to discriminate. Allah is ever Informed of what ye do.” 11
Sura 9:80, “Ask forgiveness for them (O Muhammad), or ask not forgiveness for them; though thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times Allah will not forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in Allah and His messenger, and Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.” 12
Sura 3:83, “Seek they other than the religion of Allah, when unto Him submitteth whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and unto Him they will be returned.” 13
Sura 4:144-45, “O ye who believe! Choose not disbelievers for (your) friends in place of believers. Would ye give Allah a clear warrant against you? Lo! the hypocrites (will be) in the lowest deep of the Fire, and thou wilt find no helper for them.” 14
Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”
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Romans 13:1-8, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” 16
Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” 17
John 1:12, “But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 58 … (references continued from previous page)… children of God.” 18
I Timothy 5:21, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without favor, doing nothing from partiality.” 19
James 2:1-10, “My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man with gold rings and in fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "Have a seat here, please," while you say to the poor man, "Stand there," or, "Sit at my feet," have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you, is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme that honorable name which was invoked over you? If you really fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well. But if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” 20
James 3:17, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity.” 21
Matthew 5:43-44, “You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” 22
Hebrews 12:14, “Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” 23
Romans 13:1-4, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer.” 24
Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
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Jihad
Sometimes, in the busyness of daily living, we forget that our lives are mere wisps in the span of time. Life is very uncertain; it can terminate at any time, especially at this time when there are so many wars and terrorist activities. Islamic terrorists claim their authority from the Qur’an and Muhammad’s life—though moderates claim that such teachings are not found in Islam, or are a misunderstanding of the texts. It is important to evaluate the claims of both these groups and the best way to evaluate the authenticity of a practice or religion is to examine the teachings, the life and the practice of its founder - in this case, Muhammad.
Teachings of Muhammad According to Ibn Is’haq 326, “Allah said, ‘No Prophet before Muhammad took booty from his enemy nor prisoners for ransom.’ Muhammad said, ‘I was made victorious with terror. The earth was made a place for me to clean. I was given the most powerful words. Booty was made lawful for me. I was given the power to intercede. These five privileges were awarded to no prophet before me.’” When Muhammad was weak and needy, he advocated peace but, when he had money and an army, he planned and fought at least sixty-seven wars against Christians and Jews and others. A cursory examination of the explanations of Islamic terrorists almost invariably shows that they are motivated by jihad—a holy war against unbelievers (infidel or kafir).
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 60 Many will argue that jihad means ‘self-struggle,’ but as Walid Shoebat, a former Islamic terrorist, now Christian, puts it, “so does ‘Mein Kampf,’ by Adolf Hitler”. There are differing types of Jihad, but many seek to subdue the world to Allah, preferably with its consent, but if necessary, forcibly. There are many verses in the Qur’an that convey the impression that Allah and Muhammad are peaceloving. However, the majority of these come from the Meccan period, when Islam was weak. The later teachings are far more violent, the most famous of which are Sura 9:5 and 9:29—known as ‘the Sword verses’. Sura 9:5 ‘Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.’ Sura 9:29 ‘Fight against those who believe not (1) in Allâh, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allâh and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islâm) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.’ Noted Islamic scholar, Anwar ul Haqq, in his book Abrogation in the Qur’an, has identified more than 100 verses abrogated by these two—such as: Sura 2:256 ‘There is no compulsion in religion...’ Sura 6:108 ‘Revile not those unto whom they pray beside Allah lest they wrongfully revile Allah through ignorance. Thus unto every nation have We made their deed seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return, and He will tell them what they used to do.’ Sura 7:199 ‘Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant.’ Sura 45:14 ‘Tell those who believe, to forgive those who do not look forward to the Days of Allah: It is for Him to recompense (for good or ill) each People according to what they have earned.’ Sura 109:6 ‘Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion.’
Later Teachings of Muhammad — Jihad is a must! As Muhammad grew in power, he began to teach that if Muslims do not engage in Jihad they will go to hell and suffer a painful doom (Sura 48:16-171, 9:812, 9:94-953). Paradise is promised for those who die for Allah (Sura 3:157-1584). True Muslims take part in Holy War (Sura 49:155, 9:446). There are said to be as many as 480 exhortations for jihad in the Qur’an. Here are but a few: Sura 2:216 ‘Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that you hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, you know not.’ Sura 8:67 “Allah said, ‘A prophet must slaughter before collecting captives. A slaughtered enemy is driven from the land. Muhammad, you craved the desires of this world, its goods and the ransom captives would bring. But Allah desires killing them to manifest the religion.’” Sura 9:44 ‘Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask no leave of you lest they should strive with their wealth and their lives. Allah is Aware of those who keep their duty (unto Him).’ Sura 8:74 ‘Those who believed and left their homes and strove for the cause of Allah, and those who took them in and helped them - these are the believers in truth. For them is pardon, and bountiful provision.’ Sura 49:15 ‘The (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive [take part in Jihad] with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere.’ Sura 4:76 ‘Those who believe do battle for the cause of Allah; and those who disbelieve do battle for
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 61 the cause of idols. So fight the minions of the devil. Lo! the devil's strategy is ever weak.’ Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 24, ‘Narrated Ibn Umar: Allah’s Messenger said : ‘I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger)…’ According to Sura 2:2177, to turn men away from Allah is worse than killing. So killing an infidel who turns people away from Islam, is permitted at any time. Furthermore, Timridhi’s Hadith 402 says The Prophet (peace be upon him and grant him peace) said: A martyr does not suffer when he is slain any more than one of you suffers from being bitten by an ant. Muhammad himself wanted over and over again to be martyred, according to Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 358. Note also Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 2209 that says: ‘Allah’s apostle said, “I have been made victorious through terror.”’ In al-Tabari IX p.42: An unbeliever, ‛Amr b. Umayyah said, “We have been dealt a situation from which there is no escape. You have seen what Muhammad has done. Arabs have submitted to him and we do not have the strength to fight. You know that no herd is safe from him. And no one even dares go outside for fear of being terrorized.” These are just a small sampling of passages from the Qur’an; he personally led more than 27 battles in 9 years (Ibn Kathir, Albedayah wa-Nehayah, Vol. 4, p. 179). There are hundreds more verses that show that Muhammad was a practitioner of what he preached—Violent jihad for Allah.
The Jihad of Jesus is Different By contrast, as we observe the teachings of Jesus we note immediately that sinners flocked to Him, and loved to be near Him. They had no fear of death from Him. It is true that Jesus did say, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). However, he was referring to Christians becoming victims of the sword of godless men. When a disciple on one occasion used a sword to attack Jesus’ enemies, Jesus actually healed the injured man, and rebuked his disciple (Luke 22:495110). Whereas Muhammad sought to force unbelievers to submit, Jesus sought to conquer men’s hearts. “Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."“ (John 18:36). Jesus taught his disciples not to resist even an evil person (Matthew 5:39), to bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14), and to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Mathew 5:44). The message of Allah/Muhammad and the message of Jesus are the complete opposite. Muhammad offered no assurance of salvation, only the possibility of Allah’s mercy, while Jesus died to offer salvation for you as a free gift of God; it is not something you can earn. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “It is by grace you (have been) saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast”. We have brought you this message because we care about you and would love to see you in heaven. When you stand before the Lord, you will not be able to plead ignorance. The choice is yours to make, and you alone are responsible for your decision.
References 1
Sura 48:16-17, “Say (O Muhammad SAW) to the bedouins who lagged behind: "You shall be called to fight against a people given to great warfare, then you shall fight them, or they shall surrender. Then if you obey, Allâh will give you a fair reward, but if you turn away as you did turn away before, … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 62 … (references continued from previous page)… He will punish you with a painful torment." No blame or sin is there upon the blind, nor is there blame or sin upon the lame, nor is there blame or sin upon the sick (that they go not forth to war). And whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), He will admit him to Gardens beneath which rivers flow (Paradise); and whosoever turns back, He will punish him with a painful torment.” 2
Sura 9:81, “Those who stayed away (from Tabuk expedition) rejoiced in their staying behind the Messenger of Allâh; they hated to strive and fight with their properties and their lives in the Cause of Allâh, and they said: "March not forth in the heat." Say: "The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat", if only they could understand!”
3
Sura 9:94-95, “They (the hypocrites) will present their excuses to you (Muslims), when you return to them. Say (O Muhammad SAW) "Present no excuses, we shall not believe you. Allâh has already informed us of the news concerning you. Allâh and His Messenger will observe your deeds. In the end you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He (Allâh) will inform you of what you used to do." [Tafsir At-Tabari] They will swear by Allâh to you (Muslims) when you return to them, that you may turn away from them. So turn away from them. Surely, they are Rijsun [i.e. Najasun (impure) because of their evil deeds], and Hell is their dwelling place, - a recompense for that which they used to earn.” 4
Sura 3:157-158, “And if you are killed or die in the Way of Allâh, forgiveness and mercy from Allâh are far better than all that they amass (of worldly wealths, etc.). And whether you die, or are killed, verily, unto Allâh you shall be gathered.”
5
Sura 49:15, “The (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere.”
6
Sura 9:44, “Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask no leave of thee lest they should strive with their wealth and their lives. Allah is Aware of those who keep their duty (unto Him).” 7
Sura 2:217, “They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th months of the Islâmic calendar). Say, "Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) with Allâh is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allâh, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and AlFitnah is worse than killing. And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion (Islâmic Monotheism) if they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever.”
8
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 35, “Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "The person who participates in (Holy battles) in Allah's cause and nothing compels him to do so except belief in Allah and His Apostles, will be recompensed by Allah either with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to Paradise (if he is killed in the battle as a martyr). Had I not found it difficult for my followers, then I would not remain behind any sariya going for Jihad and I would have loved to be martyred in Allah's cause and then made alive, and then martyred and then made alive, and then again martyred in His cause."”
9
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 220, “Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "… and I have been made victorious with terror (cast in the hearts of the enemy), and while I was sleeping, the keys of the treasures of the world were brought to me and put in my hand."”
10
Luke 22:49-51, “When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.”
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 63
Truth in Islam
The value and importance of truth is proclaimed in almost every religion. In Christianity, all liars will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:81); Islam lists lying as one of the great sins (Sura 6:152-1532). But do all religions agree on the importance of truth? Is truth flexible? Is truth in the eye of the beholder? The Grand Mufti of Egypt, Sheikh Muhammad Sayyed Tantawi, (also the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University in Cairo, the oldest Islamic University), who is seen as the highest spiritual authority by most Sunnis worldwide has often made contradictory statements: In 2004, he was quoted in the Italian daily Avennire as saying: “Islam forbids suicide and considers human life a precious gift”. However, on IslamOnline in 2002, he argued that “Suicide operations and the killing of Israeli civilians, even women and children, are permitted and indeed should be intensified.”. How can such a highly regarded scholar, make such statements? He is not the only one. The former Mufti of Australia, Sheik Taj El-Din Al-Hilali,, on a trip to Egypt in early 2004, he praised and encouraged martyrdom operations, and then promptly denied it on his return, claiming it was a mistranslation. Similarly, his comments in 2006 regarding women deserving rape was dismissed as mistranslation and misunderstanding. In a weekly sermon in April 2002, Al-Azhar Sheikh Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi, the highest-ranking cleric in the Sunni Muslim world, called the Jews “the enemies of Allah, descendants of apes and pigs.” Yet he is the Patron of the U.K.-based Three Faiths Forum working for mutual understanding
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 64 between Muslims, Christians and Jews. The claim that difficulties in translating from Arabic to English makes communication with non-Arab speakers difficult or impossible, is another tactic used in subterfuge. The President of Iran who wants to “push Israel in to the sea,” also claims mistranslation and misunderstanding. A common thread is beginning to emerge. Throughout history, Islamic forces have deceived other groups, making them think Islam and Muslims are peace-loving, only later to find the opposite. For example: in A.D. 635, Damascus fell to Muslims because they used the Bishop of Damascus to deceive the population opening the city gates at night. Many Christians in Egypt welcomed the Islamic forces because Muhammad’s wife was Egyptian (and they thought they would get preferential treatment), but especially because they would be delivered from the persecution of the Byzantines. However, 1400 years of severe persecution followed and continues today where Christians are routinely murdered, kidnapped and tortured. Rather than pass this off as nothing to be concerned about, we should ask whether there is something in Islam that allows flexibility in the “Great Sin.” If so, we must look carefully at the teachings of Allah/ Muhammad and the practices of Muhammad. Allah claims thirty times in the Qur’an that he misleads/ sends astray people and that he is the greatest deceiver [Allaahu Khayrul-maakiriin] (Sura 3:543; 8:304). Allah says that he leads people astray (Sura 4:885, 1436; 6:397, 1268; 7:1789,18610; 9:5111; 13:2712, 3113; 14:414; 16:9315; 17:1316, 9717; 30:2918; 35:819; 36:8-1020; 39:2321; 40:3322,3423,7424; 42:4425,4626; 74:3127). Even the first, Rightly Guided Caliph said, “I swear to Allah that I do not feel safe from Allah's cunning even if one of my feet is already inside paradise...." (Khalid Muhammad Khalid, Successors of the Apostle, p. 114, quoted by Anwar al-Jundi, Mizan al-Islam, p. 170). Muhammad believed that lying was acceptable and even taught how to expiate [make amends for] an oath, ‘Allah willing, if ever I take an oath to do something, and later on I find that it is more beneficial to do something different, I will do the thing which is better, and give expiation for my oath.’ (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 361) Muhammad saw nothing wrong in practicing duplicity. It was his common practice to say one thing and do exactly the opposite if something appealed to him otherwise. He sent men to kill people unawares in their homes and also gave them permission to tell lies in order to deceive the people being killed. (A. Guillaume, The Life of Muhammad, Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 143) Imam Jafar Sadiq said: “You belong to a religion that whosoever conceals it, Allah will honour him and whosoever reveals it, Allah will disgrace and humiliate him.” (Ahmad Abdullah Salamah, The Sunni and Shia Perspective of The Holy Qur’an). This is called al-Taqiyya [legal deception]. Sura 3:28 28and others, record that Muslims cannot take unbelievers for real friends (else they will cease to be true Muslims), ‘Let not the believers take the disbelievers as Auliya^ (supporters, helpers, etc.) instead of the believers, and whoever does that will never be helped by Alla^h in any way, except if you indeed fear a danger from them. And Alla^h warns you against Himself (His Punishment), and to Alla^h is the final return.’ Also see Sura 60:129; 4:14430; 5:5131; 8:7332. In other words, Muslims can outwardly pretend to be your friend, to guard against you, to strengthen themselves against you. Some Muslims will argue that this is only in Shi’a Islam, but Ibn Kathir, a highly regarded Sunni scholar records, as an argument for Taqiyya, “We smile in the face of some people although our hearts curse them.” (Fath Al Bāri, 10:544, quoted in Ibn Kathir, Tafsir, Vol. 2, p. 141-143). He also argues that Muslims can even deny that they are Muslims and deny Islam, the Qur’an and Muhammad, in the interest of self preservation. They can lie to promote a social ‘good’ i.e. promote Islam. (Imamovic, Outlines of Islamic Doctrine, p. 346). As such, treaties are not binding (Sura 47:3533; 2:224-22534; 66:1-235, ccf: 16:9136, 9437) and used to provide time to regroup and rearm. Ghazali, the most famous and highly regarded Muslim scholar of all times, states that lying is obligatory when the goal is obligatory and it cannot be reached by telling the truth (Ahmad ibn Naqib
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 65 al-Misri, (1368), Reliance of the Traveller, translated by Nuh Ha Mim Keller (1994), r.8.2, p. 745). Dawah (Islamic evangelism) is obligatory; if Islam cannot be spread with the truth, they are obliged to lie. According to Ghazali, Muhammad taught people to retract truthful confessions of sins so they could avoid punishment; lying is also permissible if the consequences of telling the truth are more damaging than the damage by lying (ibid., p. 746). The ultimate purpose of Taqiyya is to confuse and split the enemy, so that they can be conquered for Allah. A perfect example of this is when Sura 2:25638 is quoted, ‘there is no compulsion in religion,’ but they fail to cite Sura 9:539, 2940, (and others) which abrogate 2:25641. Today, unbelievers only have the choice of converting, paying protection money or facing humiliation by Muslims or death. On the one hand, the Qur’an in numerous places condemns falsehood, but as we have seen, not only do Allah and Muhammad practice lying, but Muhammad also taught his followers how to lie and deceive. Unfortunately for Muslims, the long history of lying has caused many Muslims to believe their own lies. (Irshad Manji, The Trouble with Islam, Random House, Sydney, 2003, p.3)
Truth in the Bible The Bible teaches the exact opposite. It does not condone or allow for deceit of any kind (Revelation 22:1542). Believers are commanded to keep their oaths even to their own detriment (Joshua 9**; Psalm 15:443). In fact, Yahweh, the God of the Bible, says that He is not a man, that He would not lie (Number 23:1944). The Bible describes Jesus as Truth (John 14:645), the Holy Spirit as Truth (I John 5:646) and the Father has not the slightest deceit in Him (James 1:1747; 2 Samuel 7:2848; Psalm 31:549). Jesus IS truth. Believers are to be Holy as God is Holy (Leviticus 19:250; 1 Peter 1:1651 etc.). In the New Testament period, the seriousness of sin and lying was highlighted when God killed some people who lied (Acts 5). The Bible declares that: “all liars will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.” (Revelation 21:8) However, in Islam, if you do not sin, Allah will kill you and replace you with people who will sin (Muslim, Book 37, Hadith No. 6622 & 662152). We have brought you this message because we love you and desire to see you know the truth; we want you to know that you can have your mind, body, heart and soul cleansed by Jesus. For more information, read our tract on Salvation in Islam. Now you have an opportunity to find out for yourself, as God has given you the means and the ability to search for the truth.
References 1
Revelation 21:8, “But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” 2
Sura 6:152-153, “And approach not the wealth of the orphan save with that which is better, till he reach maturity. Give full measure and full weight, in justice. We task not any soul beyond its scope. And if ye give your word, do justice thereunto, even though it be (against) a kinsman; and fulfil the covenant of Allah. This He commandeth you that haply ye may remember. And (He commandeth you, saying): This is My straight path, so follow it. Follow not other ways, lest ye be parted from His way. This hath He ordained for you, that ye may ward off (evil).”
3
Sura 3:54, “And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 66 … (references continued from previous page)… 4
Sura 8:30, “And when those who disbelieve plot against thee (O Muhammad) to wound thee fatally, or to kill thee or to drive thee forth; they plot, but Allah (also) plotteth; and Allah is the best of plotters.” 5
Sura 4:88, “What aileth you that ye are become two parties regarding the hypocrites, when Allah cast them back (to disbelief) because of what they earned? Seek ye to guide him whom Allah hath sent astray? He whom Allah sendeth astray, for him thou (O Muhammad) canst not find a road.” 6
Sura 4:143, “Swaying between this (and that), (belonging) neither to these nor to those. He whom Allah causeth to go astray, thou (O Muhammad) wilt not find a way for him.” 7
Sura 6:39, “Those who deny Our revelations are deaf and dumb in darkness. Whom Allah will sendeth astray, and whom He will He placeth on a straight path.” 8
Sura 6:126, “This is the path of thy Lord, a straight path. We have detailed Our revelations for a people who take heed.” 9
Sura 7:178, “He whom Allah leadeth, he indeed is led aright, while he whom Allah sendeth astray they indeed are losers.” 10
Sura 7:186, “Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide for them. He leaveth them to wander blindly on in their contumacy.” 11
Sura 9:51, “Say: Naught befalleth us save that which Allah hath decreed for us. He is our Protecting Friend. In Allah let believers put their trust!” 12
Sura 13:27, “Those who disbelieve say: If only a portent were sent down upon him from his Lord! Say: Lo! Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth unto Himself all who turn (unto Him).” 13
Sura 13:31, “Had it been possible for a Lecture to cause the mountains to move, or the earth to be torn asunder, or the dead to speak, (this Qur'an would have done so). Nay, but Allah's is the whole command. Do not those who believe know that, had Allah willed, He could have guided all mankind? As for those who disbelieve, disaster ceaseth not to strike them because of what they do, or it dwelleth near their home until the threat of Allah come to pass. Lo! Allah faileth not to keep the tryst.” 14
Sura 14:4, “And We never sent a messenger save with the language of his folk, that he might make (the message) clear for them. Then Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth whom He will. He is the Mighty, the Wise.” 15
Sura 16:93, “Had Allah willed He could have made you (all) one nation, but He sendeth whom He will astray and guideth whom He will, and ye will indeed be asked of what ye used to do.” 16
Sura 17:13, “And every man's augury have We fastened to his own neck, and We shall bring forth for him on the Day of Resurrection a book which he will find wide open.”
17
Sura 17:97, “Whomever GOD guides is the truly guided one. And whomever He sends astray, you will never find for them any lords and masters beside Him. We will summon them on the Day of Resurrection forcibly; blind, dumb, and deaf. Their destination is Hell; whenever it cools down, we will increase their fire.” 18
Sura 30:29, “Nay, but those who do wrong follow their own lusts without knowledge. Who is able to guide him whom Allah hath sent astray? For such there are no helpers.” 19
Sura 35:8, “Is he, the evil of whose deeds is made fairseeming unto him so that he deemeth it good, (other than Satan's dupe)? Allah verily sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth whom He will; so let not thy soul expire in sighings for them. Lo! Allah is Aware of what they do!” 20
Sura 36:8-10, “Lo! We have put on their necks carcans reaching unto the chins, so that they are made stiff-necked. And We have set a bar before them and a bar behind them, and (thus) have covered them so that they see not. Whether thou warn them or thou warn them not, it is alike for them, for they believe not.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 67 … (references continued from previous page)… 21
Sura 39:23, “Allah hath (now) revealed the fairest of statements, a Scripture consistent, (wherein promises of reward are) paired (with threats of punishment), whereat doth creep the flesh of those who fear their Lord, so that their flesh and their hearts soften to Allah's reminder. Such is Allah's guidance, wherewith He guideth whom He will. And him whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no guide.”
22
Sura 40:33, “A day when ye will turn to flee, having no preserver from Allah: and he whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no guide.” 23
Sura 40:34, “And verily Joseph brought you of old clear proofs, yet ye ceased not to be in doubt concerning what he brought you till, when he died, ye said: Allah will not send any messenger after him. Thus Allah deceiveth him who is a prodigal, a doubter.”
24
Sura 40:74, “Beside Allah? They say: They have failed us; but we used not to pray to anything before. Thus doth Allah send astray the disbelievers (in His guidance).”
25
Sura 42:44, “He whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no protecting friend after Him. And thou (Muhammad) wilt see the evil-doers when they see the doom, (how) they say: Is there any way of return?” 26
Sura 42:46, “And they will have no protecting friends to help them instead of Allah. He whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no road.” 27
Sura 74:31, “And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire, and We have fixed their number (19) only as a trial for the disbelievers, in order that the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) may arrive at a certainty [that this Qur'ân is the truth as it agrees with their Books i.e. their number (19) is written in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] and the believers may increase in Faith (as this Qur'ân is the truth) and that no doubts may be left for the people of the Scripture and the believers, and that those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) and the disbelievers may say: "What Allâh intends by this (curious) example ?" Thus Allâh leads astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And none can know the hosts of your Lord but He. And this (Hell) is nothing else than a (warning) reminder to mankind.”
28
Sura 3:28, “Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Allah unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. Allah biddeth you beware (only) of Himself. Unto Allah is the journeying.” 29
Sura 60:1, “O ye who believe! Choose not My enemy and your enemy for allies. Do ye give them friendship when they disbelieve in that truth which hath come unto you, driving out the messenger and you because ye believe in Allah, your Lord? If ye have come forth to strive in My way and seeking My good pleasure, (show them not friendship). Do ye show friendship unto them in secret, when I am Best Aware of what ye hide and what ye proclaim? And whosoever doeth it among you, he verily hath strayed from the right way.”
30
Sura 41:44, “And if We had appointed it a Lecture in a foreign tongue they would assuredly have said: If only its verses were expounded (so that we might understand)? What! A foreign tongue and an Arab? - Say unto them (O Muhammad): For those who believe it is a guidance and a healing; and as for those who disbelieve, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness for them. Such are called to from afar.” 31
Sura 5:51, “O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.” 32
Sura 8:73, “And those who disbelieve are protectors one of another - If ye do not so, there will be confusion in the land, and great corruption.” 33
Sura 47:35, “So be not weak and ask not for peace (from the enemies of Islâm), while you are … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 68 … (references continued from previous page)… having the upper hand. Allâh is with you, and will never decrease the reward of your good deeds.” 34
Sura 2:224-225, “And make not Allâh's (Name) an excuse in your oaths against your doing good and acting piously, and making peace among mankind. And Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower (i.e. do not swear much and if you have sworn against doing something good then give an expiation for the oath and do good). Allâh will not call you to account for that which is unintentional in your oaths, but He will call you to account for that which your hearts have earned. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, MostForbearing.” 35
Sura 66:1-2, “O Prophet! Why bannest thou that which Allah hath made lawful for thee, seeking to please thy wives? And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. Allah hath made lawful for you (Muslims) absolution from your oaths (of such a kind), and Allah is your Protector. He is the Knower, the Wise.”
36
Sura 16:91, “Fulfil the covenant of Allah when ye have covenanted, and break not your oaths after the asseveration of them, and after ye have made Allah surety over you. Lo! Allah knoweth what ye do.” 37
Sura 16:94, “Make not your oaths a deceit between you, lest a foot should slip after being firmly planted and ye should taste evil forasmuch as ye debarred (men) from the way of Allah, and yours should be an awful doom.” 38
Sura 2:256, “There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.” 39
Sura 9:5, “Then when the Sacred Months (the Ist, 7th, 11th, and 12th months of the Islâmic calendar) have passed, then kill the Mushrikûn (see V.2:105) wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege them, and prepare for them each and every ambush. But if they repent and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, then leave their way free. Verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
40
Sura 9:29, “Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allâh, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allâh and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islâm) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.” 41
Sura 2:256, “There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.” 42
Revelation 22:15, “Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie.”
43
Psalm 15:4, “In whose eyes a reprobate is despised; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” 44
Number 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” 45
John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.”
46
I John 5:6, “This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood.” 47
James 1:17, “Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” 48
II Samuel 7:28, “And now, O Lord GOD, thou art God, and thy words are true, and thou hast promised this good thing to thy servant.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 69 … (references continued from previous page)… 49
Psalm 31: 5, “Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.”
50
Leviticus 19:2, “Say to all the congregation of the people of Israel, You shall be holy; for I the LORD your God am holy.” 51 52
I Peter 1:16, “Since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Muslim, Book 37, Hadith No. 6622 & 6621, “Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) having said, By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if you were not to commit sin, Allah would sweep you out of existence and He would replace (you by) those people who would commit sin and seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would have pardoned them.”
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 70
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 71
Dhimmitude
You may have wondered what Dhimmitude it is all about! There are many people both in the West and in Islamic countries who are unaware of the Islamic teaching about the dhimmi. Dhimmi is an Arabic word and it means “protected one”. The dhimma provides and details the legal, social and economic status of free non-Muslims in the Islamic state. In Islam the world is divided into two “houses”. Dar al-Islam (the house of submission) encompasses all countries that are under Islamic rule. Dar al-Harb (the house of war) includes all other countries who are not yet in submission to Allah’s law (Shari’ah). In Reliance of the Traveller (w43.2 and 43.5, p. 944, 946-7) dar al-Harb is defined as ‘enemy lands.’ Despite modern trends to interpret these two houses as being situational (i.e., if a Muslim is able to freely practice his religion, then he is in dar alIslam, even though the government is not Islamic), the traditional interpretation is that it depends on whether the government implements Shari’ah or not. Dar al-Hudna (house of calm) refers to countries or areas under truce, bought by the non-Muslims (primarily Jews and Christians) at a price. If the harbis (inhabitants of dar al-Harb) refuse to pay tribute, hostilities resume until they become dhimmi, dead or Muslim! Traditionally, Islam has viewed the willingness to agree to Hudna as a weakness to be exploited. When a country moves from dar al-Harb to dar al-Islam, the non-Muslims who surrender (and refuse to convert) become dhimmi under a ‘pact of protection,’ (dhimma).
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 72 Being “protected” may give the impression that Islam has treated Christians and Jews well by virtue of their being ‘People of the Book’. However, the “pact of protection” imposes severe restrictions on what a dhimmi can do, wear, say, go or work, etc. In fact, the word dhimma implies that there is a debt by the dhimmi to the Muslim conquerors. Al-Mawardi, an 11th century Islamic jurist and theologian, said that the head-tax [Jizyah] on dhimmis was either a sign of contempt, because of their unbelief, or a sign of the mildness of Muslims, who granted the dhimmis peace (instead of killing or enslaving them), so that humble gratitude was the expected response. Sura 9:29 provides the basis of the dhimma – Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allâh, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allâh and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islâm) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. Some Muslims will argue, from the context of the previous verses, that it was only for a specific group of people. However, traditional interpretation has shown that Muslim scholars and authorities have applied it consistently to other groups such as magicians - not just Christians: Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 3841; Malik, Book 17, Number 17.24.422 and others; Muslim, Book 42, Hadith No. 70653; Abu Dawud, Book 13. Hadith No 29554). Muhammad was commanded by Allah to fight until they converted or died, or submitted to being a dhimmi (Sura 9:29 etc; Muslim, Book 19, Hadith No. 42945; Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 3866 etc). The conditions are simple: they must pay the Jizyah willingly, and feel themselves subdued (i.e., know that they have fewer rights than Muslims) and feel humbled; Ibn Kathir adds disgraced, humiliated and belittled. Jizyah is a tribute or tax that is paid to maintain their freedom to practice their religion and have trade (Abu Dawud, Book 19, Hadith No. 30007). Muslims will often tell you that it was just a nominal small fee; Muhammad, however, charged 50% of their income (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 8818 etc; Ibn Ishaq, The Life of Muhammad, p. 515; in Spain, the minimum was 20%, but mostly went as high as 80% (Dozy, Spanish Islam, p. 234).
The Pact of Umar The Pact of Umar (the second Caliph) was created so that Muslims could retain control of the newly captured lands, whilst the majority of the population were yet non-Muslims. Below is just a sample of the dhimma from Ibn Kathir’s account of the Pact of Umar. Dhimmis: • Cannot build or restore monasteries, churches, or sanctuaries; • Are not allowed to teach their children the Qur'an, publicize practices of Shirk (disbelief in Allah), invite anyone to Shirk (invite to become a Christian by sharing the Gospel) or prevent any of their fellows from embracing Islam, if they chose to do so [Emphasis added]; • They must respect Muslims by moving from the places they were sitting in if they chose to sit in them; • Must not imitate their clothing, caps, turbans, sandals, hairstyles, speech, nicknames and title names, or ride on saddles, hang swords on the shoulders, collect weapons of any kind or carry these weapons; • Cannot erect crosses on the outside of churches and books, in public, in Muslim fairways and markets; • They must cut the front of their hair, wear their customary clothes wherever they are, wear belts around their waists. If any of these were broken, Muslims are/were allowed to do with them what they do to people of defiance and rebellion, i.e. fight, kill and enslave them. Allah revealed to Muhammad, (Sura 47:4) ‘So, when you meet (in Jihâd in Allâh's Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 73 them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islâm), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allâh to continue in carrying out Jihâd against the disbelievers till they embrace Islâm (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allâh's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allâh, He will never let their deeds be lost.’ (Brackets and explanations in the original). In the face of the ongoing threat of tyranny, many people simply converted to Islam to avoid the jizyah and the harsh conditions imposed. This practice of dhimmitude was not only practiced in Muhammad’s time but continued right up to the 19th century. The jizyah tax was finally removed from Christians in Egypt in 1855 (http://www.coptic.net/EncylopediaCoptica/). Babur (1483-1530), the founder of the Mughal Empire, who is trumpeted as an example of Muslim tolerance, recorded the following in his autobiographical “Baburnama,” about infidel prisoners of a jihad campaign: "Those who were brought in alive [having surrendered] were ordered beheaded, after which a tower of skulls was erected in the camp." [The Baburnama -Memoirs of Babur, Prince and Emperor, translated and edited by Wheeler M. Thacktson, Oxford University Press,1996, p. 188. Emphasis added.]
Is Dhimmitude Found in the Bible? In fact, we find there is no counterpart in the Christian or Jewish Scriptures to this teaching in Islam. To the contrary, Jews were commanded to love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt (Deuteronomy 10:199). Christians are supposed to consider others better than themselves (Philippians 2:310). And they feel no compulsion to fight as Muslims do because Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world (John 18:3611). Christians aim to follow the teaching of Jesus, who told them to love (their) enemies and do good to those who persecute (them) (Matthew 5:4412). Christians and Jews may not always have lived up to this ideal but, unlike the teaching of Islam, they have no justification for discriminatory behaviour. Interestingly, it is reported by Ibn Jubayr that the crusading Franks treated their Muslim subjects akin to dhimmis—but these Muslim peasants were treated far better by the Franks than they had been by their own Muslim superiors! You may have been told that the Injil (Gospels) has been corrupted, and therefore we recommend that you refer to our tract Authenticity of the Bible. We also recommend that you look at what the Qur’an teaches about Jesus in our tract Contrasting Jesus and Muhammad. Muhammad offered the possibility of salvation by means of good works; Jesus died to offer sure salvation for you, by means of a gift of God; it is not something you can earn. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and also said: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6).
References 1
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 384, “384 Narrated 'Umar bin Dinar: I was sitting with Jabir bin Zaid and 'Amr bin Aus, and Bjalla was narrating to them in 70 A.H. the year when Musab bin Az-Zubair was the leader of the pilgrims of Basra. We were sitting at the steps of Zam-zam well and Bajala said, "I was the clerk of Juz bin Muawiya, Al-Ahnaf's paternal uncle. A letter came from 'Umar bin AlKhattab one year before his death; and it was read:-- "Cancel every marriage contracted among the Magians between relatives of close kinship (marriages that are regarded illegal in Islam: a relative of this sort being called Dhu-Mahram.)" 'Umar did not take the Jizya from the Magian infidels till 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Auf testified that Allah's Apostle had taken the Jizya from the Magians of Hajar.”
2
Malik, Book 17, Number 17.24.42, “Yahya related to me from Malik that Ibn Shihab said, "I have heard that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, took jizya from the magians of Bahrain, that Umar ibn al-Khattab took it from the magians of Persia and that Uthman ibn … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 74 … (references continued from previous page)… Affan took it from the Berbers."” 3
Muslim, Book 42, Hadith No. 7065, “Amr b. 'Auf, who was an ally of Banu 'Amir b. Luwayy (and he was one amongst them) who participated in Badr along with Allah's Messenger (way peace be upon him). reported that, Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) sent Abu Ubaida b. Jarrah to Bahrain for collecting Jizya and Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) had made a truce with the people of Bahrain and had appointed 'Ala' b. Hadrami and Abu Ubaida (for this purpose). They came with wealth from Bahrain and the Ansar beard about the arrival of Abu Ubaida and they had observed the dawn prayer along with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him), and when Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) had finished the prayer they (the Ansar) came before him and Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) smiled as he saw them and then said: I think you have heard about the arrival of Abu Ubaida with goods from Bahrain. They said: Allah's Messenger. yes, it is so. Thereupon he said: Be happy and be hopeful of that what gives you delight. By Allah, it is not the poverty about which I fear in regard to you but I am afraid in your case that (the worldly) riches way be given to you as were given to those who had gone before you and you begin to vie with one another for them as they vied for them. and these may destroy you as these destroyed them.” 4
Abu Dawud, Book 13, Hadith No 2955, “Narrated Umar ibn al-Khattab: A son of Adi ibn Adi alKindi said that Umar ibn AbdulAziz wrote (to his governors): If anyone asks about the places where spoils (fay') should be spent, that should be done in accordance with the decision made by Umar ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him). The believers considered him to be just, according to the saying of the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him): Allah has placed truth upon Umar's tongue and heart. He fixed stipends for Muslims, and provided protection for the people of other religions by levying jizyah (poll-tax) on them, deducting no fifth from it, nor taking it as booty.” 5
Muslim, Book 19, Hadith No. 4294, “quoted in part: …If they refuse to accept Islam, demand from them the Jizya. If they agree to pay, accept it from them and hold off your hands. If they refuse to pay the tax, seek Allah's help and fight them…”
6
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 386, “When we reached the land of the enemy, the representative of Khosrau came out with forty-thousand warriors, and an interpreter got up saying, "Let one of you talk to me!" Al-Mughira replied, "Ask whatever you wish." The other asked, "Who are you?" Al-Mughira replied, "We are some people from the Arabs; we led a hard, miserable, disastrous life: we used to suck the hides and the date stones from hunger; we used to wear clothes made up of fur of camels and hair of goats, and to worship trees and stones. While we were in this state, the Lord of the Heavens and the Earths, Elevated is His Remembrance and Majestic is His Highness, sent to us from among ourselves a Prophet whose father and mother are known to us. Our Prophet, the Messenger of our Lord, has ordered us to fight you till you worship Allah Alone or give Jizya (i.e. tribute); and our Prophet has informed us that our Lord says:-- "Whoever amongst us is killed (i.e. martyred), shall go to Paradise to lead such a luxurious life as he has never seen, and whoever amongst us remain alive, shall become your master."”
7
Abu Dawud, Book 19, Hadith No. 3000, “The Prophet fought with the people of Khaybar, and captured their palm-trees and land, and forced them to remain confined to their fortresses. So they concluded a treaty of peace providing that gold, silver and weapons would go to the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him), and whatever they took away on their camels would belong to them, on condition that they would not hide and carry away anything. If they did (so), there would be no protection for them and no treaty (with Muslims). They carried away a purse of Huyayy ibn Akhtab who was killed before (the battle of) Khaybar. He took away the ornaments of Banu an-Nadir when they were expelled. The Prophet (peace-be-upon-him) asked Sa'yah: Where is the purse of Huyayy ibn Akhtab? He replied: The contents of this purse were spent on battles and other expenses. (Later on) they found the purse. So he killed Ibn AbulHuqayq, captured their women and children, and intended to deport them.”
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Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 881, “Narrated Abdullah bin Umar: Allah’s Apostle gave the land of Khaibar to the Jews on the condition that they would work on it and cultivate it and they would get … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 75 … (references continued from previous page)… half of its yield.” 9
Deuteronomy 10:19, “Love the sojourner therefore; for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.”
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Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.” 11
John 18:36, “Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."” 12
Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
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Share the Gospel with Muslims - 77
Women in Islam
According to Christian belief, a husband is commanded to “love his wife just as Jesus loves His Church and gave His life for her” (Ephesians 5:25). But, as people turn away from the Bible, the suffering of women and others increases. Some have claimed Biblical authority for mistreating women, but there is not a single passage in Scripture that encourages people to be harsh with their wives. The foundation for equality in Western civilisation, irrespective of race, religion or gender is that: 1. Yahweh, the God of the Bible, created man and woman in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:271); 2. In Christ, all who accept Him as their Lord and Saviour are adopted into His family (John 1:122, Galatians 3:283); 3. God condemns partiality (I Timothy5:214; James 3:175) In Islamic teaching Allah claims that he created all human beings as his slaves (Sura 19:936), and as such, no-one is or can be a child of Allah. As a result, there is no equality of people before Islamic law in the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith. Islamic law considers women as deficient. A woman’s witness [in court] is worth half a man’s (Sura 2:2827; Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith 8268); women are deficient in intelligence and religious practices (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith 3019; Vol. 3, Hadith 82610; Vol. 2, Hadith 54111); women are referred to as a possession such as gold, silver, horses and cattle (Sura 3:1412); a woman is to be used like a field according to the husband’s desires (Sura 2:22313); a man can exchange one of his wives for another
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 78 (Sura 4:2014); and a woman comes in the form of a devil (Muslim, Vol. II, Hadith 324015). The teaching of Islam on women is that: • • • • • • •
women will be the majority in hell (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith 30116; also Muslim Vol. 4, Hadith No. 660017); the best of women are neither to be seen by, nor to see, a man (Ghazali quoted this Hadith in Ihya’ ‘Uloum ed-Din Vol. II Kitab Adab al-Nikah. Beirut: Dar al-Kotob al-‘Elmeyah. p. 53); A man can marry up to four wives (Sura 4:318, 12919); a man can have a child wife (Sura 65:420 ‘The Noble Qur’an’); men can have temporary wives (Sura 4:2421; Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 13A22, 5223; Muslim, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 324724, Bukhari, Vol. 6, 13925); men are commanded to beat their wives (Sura 4:3426); a man can have any number of concubines (Sura 70:29-3027); men are better than women (Sura 4:3428).
The above teaching is a license for Muslim men to oppress women. Some Christian men oppress their wives also, but they have no Scriptural basis for their actions.
Rape and Adultery In 1979, Pakistan adopted the Hudood Ordinances which are essentially Sharia law. These laws almost completely blur the distinction between rape and adultery. Adultery is proven if a person admits to having sex with someone to whom they are not married. Under this law non-Muslims cannot testify against Muslims; the witnesses must be adult, male and Muslim—since a woman’s testimony is of only half the value of a man’s (Sura 24:429). Consequently, if a woman cannot provide sufficient witnesses, she is admitting (under law) to adultery. The Pakistan Human Rights Commission (PHRC) estimates that a rape occurs every 8 minutes and that there are more than 1500 honour killings annually. Former Mufti of Australia, Sheik al Hilali, stated that if a woman does not cover herself properly, she is the one at fault if she is raped. The Assyrian International News Agency (Dec 27, 2005) reported that Lebanese Sheik Faiz Mohammed said that women had no one to blame but themselves; the Islamic mufti of Denmark and a panel headed by an Egyptian scholar, Sheik Yusaf al-Qaradawi, claimed female rape victims should be punished if they were dressed immodestly when they were raped: "For her to be absolved from guilt, a raped woman must have shown good conduct." (Telegraph, 11 July 2004) In Indonesia, in 1998, human rights groups documented the testimony of over 100 Chinese women who were gang raped during the riots that preceded the fall of President Suharto. Many of them were told: "You must be raped, because you are Chinese and non-Muslim." This is in accordance with Sura 33:59, ‘O Prophet! Tell ... the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested’ [Yusuf Ali’s Translation]. At one time, Muhammad ordered a man who had committed adultery be given lashes, and the woman stoned to death (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 86030). But Jesus tells men that if they so much as look at a woman with lust, they are guilty of adultery (Matthew 5:2831). In this light, Christians are told to treat younger women as their sisters and older women as their mothers (I Timothy 5:232).
The Veil In Saudi Arabia, March 2002 saw 15 girls dead and more than 40 other girls injured at the Girls' Intermediate School No. 31 in Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. The girls were locked inside when an accidental fire started. The fire-fighters tried to open the doors but were prevented by the muttawa (religious police), who wouldn’t let the girls outside the building without their veils (Newsweek, July 22, 2002)!!!
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 79 The Qur’an (Sura 24:31) says “that they [women] should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands”. Muhammad, the prophet of Allah, told Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr, that girls past the age of menstruation must cover themselves, excepting their hands and face (Abu Dawud, Vol. 3, Hadith 409233).
Marriage Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 17: When I got married, Allah's Apostle said to me, "What type of lady have you married?" I replied, "I have married a matron' ... Allah's Apostle said, "Why didn't you marry a young girl so that you might play with her and she with you?' Muhammad said that the silence of a virgin indicates that she wants to marry (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 6734). Ayatollah Khomeini said that marrying a girl before menstruation was a “divine blessing” and that girls should be married before they menstruate (Taheri, 1986, pp. 90-91). Muhammad married a 6-year-old girl (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith 6435) and had many wives. Some say that temporary wives are forbidden but Muhammad permitted temporary marriage when his warriors needed them (Sura 4:2436; Bukhari Vol; 7, Hadith No. 5137). The first caliph continued to allow them; only the second caliph forbade the practice, but the last ‘rightly guided’ caliph again allowed temporary marriages. The price (dowry) of a temporary marriage is two handfuls of dates or flour (Abu Dawud, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 210538).
General Women, dogs and donkeys can annul the prayers of a man, according to Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith 490 and 493. But the Bible says that Husbands are to honour their wives and, if they are angry with their wives, their prayers will not be heard (I Peter 3:739). Muhammad’s most beloved wife, Aisha, said “O womenfolk, if you knew the rights that your husbands have over you, every one of you would wipe the dust from her husband's feet with her face.” [Al-Hashimi, M., The Ideal Muslimah, (1996), chapter 4]. Muhammad taught that, “God permits you to shut them [your wives] in separate rooms and to beat them, but not severely. Treat women well, for they are [like] domestic animals (awan) with you and do not possess anything for themselves.” [The History of al-Tabari, Volume IX, pg 113.] Christians have a completely different view of the value and rights of a woman. The Holy Bible says that in Jesus Christ, there is neither male nor female, slave nor free... (Galatians 3:2840). All believers have equal value and rights because men and women are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:2741; 5:242). Husbands are commanded to: love their wives as Jesus loves the Church and died for her (Ephesians 5:2543); not to be angry with or harsh with them (Colossians 3:1944); love their wives as their own bodies (Ephesians 5:2845, 3346); and to be kind to their wives (I Corinthians 7:3-547). There is not a single command that suggests or encourages a husband to beat or be harsh with his wife. Husbands and wives are commanded to submit to one another in Christ (Ephesians 5:2148), but husbands must provide for their wives (I Timothy 5:849). Husband and wife are considered to be one flesh before God (Ephesians 5:3150); as such, God hates divorce (Malachi 2:1651). The treatment of men and women in the Bible and Qur’an are completely different. The content here will probably have raised some questions in your mind. Muslims are commanded to read and believe the Scriptures that God gave Christians and Jews. If you think they have been corrupted, doesn’t God say that His word cannot be changed? (Sura 6:11552; 10:64-6553; 18:2754; 48:2355).
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 80
References 1
Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
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John 1:12, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
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Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
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I Timothy 5:21, “I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.” 5
James 3:17, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
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Sura 19:93, “There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allâh) as a slave.”
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Sura 2:282, “O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a fixed period, write it down. Let a scribe write it down in justice between you. Let not the scribe refuse to write as Allâh has taught him, so let him write. Let him (the debtor) who incurs the liability dictate, and he must fear Allâh, his Lord, and diminish not anything of what he owes. But if the debtor is of poor understanding, or weak, or is unable himself to dictate, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there are not two men (available), then a man and two women, such as you agree for witnesses, so that if one of them (two women) errs, the other can remind her. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (for evidence). You should not become weary to write it (your contract), whether it be small or big, for its fixed term, that is more just with Allâh; more solid as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, save when it is a present trade which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, then there is no sin on you if you do not write it down. But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract. Let neither scribe nor witness suffer any harm, but if you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So be afraid of Allâh; and Allâh teaches you. And Allâh is the All-Knower of each and everything.” 8
Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 826, “The Prophet said, "Isn't the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?" The women said, "Yes." He said, "This is because of the deficiency of a woman's mind."”
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Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 301, “Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o 'Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."”
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Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 826, “Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The Prophet said, "Isn't the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?" The women said, "Yes." He said, "This is because of the deficiency of a woman's mind."” 11
Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 541 - a similar Hadith to Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 301. … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 81 … (references continued from previous page)… 12
Sura 3:14, “Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life; but Allâh has the excellent return (Paradise with flowing rivers, etc.) with Him.” 13
Sura 2:223, “Your wives are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth (have sexual relations with your wives in any manner as long as it is in the vagina and not in the anus), when or how you will, and send (good deeds, or ask Allâh to bestow upon you pious offspring) before you for your ownselves. And fear Allâh, and know that you are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give good tidings to the believers (O Muhammad SAW).” 14
Sura 4:20, “But if you intend to replace a wife by another and you have given one of them a Cantar (of gold i.e. a great amount) as Mahr, take not the least bit of it back; would you take it wrongfully without a right and (with) a manifest sin?” 15
Muslim, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 3240, “Jabir reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saw a woman, and so he came to his wife, Zainab, as she was tanning a leather and had sexual intercourse with her. He then went to his Companions and told them: The woman advances and retires in the shape of a devil, so when one of you sees a woman, he should come to his wife, for that will repel what he feels in his heart.” 16
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 301, “Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o 'Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."” 17
Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 6600, “Imran b. Husain reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Amongst the inmates of Paradise the women would form a minority.” 18
Sura 4:3, “And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphangirls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice.”
19
Sura 4:129, “You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives even if it is your ardent desire, so do not incline too much to one of them (by giving her more of your time and provision) so as to leave the other hanging (i.e. neither divorced nor married). And if you do justice, and do all that is right and fear Allâh by keeping away from all that is wrong, then Allâh is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful.” 20
Sura 65:4, “And those of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the 'Iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubts (about their periods), is three months, and for those who have no courses [(i.e. they are still immature) their 'Iddah (prescribed period) is three months likewise, except in case of death] . And for those who are pregnant (whether they are divorced or their husbands are dead), their 'Iddah (prescribed period) is until they deliver (their burdens), and whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him.” 21
Sura 4:24, “Also (forbidden are) women already married, except those (captives and slaves) whom your right hands possess. Thus has Allâh ordained for you. All others are lawful, provided you seek (them in marriage) with Mahr (bridal money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) from your property, desiring chastity, not committing illegal sexual intercourse, so with those of whom you have enjoyed sexual relations, give them their Mahr as prescribed; but if after a Mahr is … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 82 … (references continued from previous page)… prescribed, you agree mutually (to give more), there is no sin on you. Surely, Allâh is Ever All Knowing, All Wise.” 22
Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 13A, “I said, "O Allah's Apostle! I am a young man and I am afraid that I may commit illegal sexual intercourse and I cannot afford to marry." He kept silent, and then repeated my question once again, but he kept silent. I said the same (for the third time) and he remained silent. Then repeated my question (for the fourth time), and only then the Prophet said, "O Abu Huraira! The pen has dried after writing what you are going to confront. So (it does not matter whether you) get yourself castrated or not."” 23
Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 52, “52While we were in an army, Allah's Apostle came to us and said, "You have been allowed to do the Mut'a (marriage), so do it." Salama bin Al-Akwa' said: Allah's Apostle's said, "If a man and a woman agree (to marry temporarily), their marriage should last for three nights, and if they like to continue, they can do so; and if they want to separate, they can do so." I do not know whether that was only for us or for all the people in general. Abu Abdullah (AlBukhari) said: 'Ali made it clear that the Prophet said, "The Mut'a marriage has been cancelled (made unlawful)."” 24
Muslim, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 3247, “Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) came to us and permitted us to contract temporary marriage.” 25
Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith No. 139, “We used to participate in the holy wars carried on by the Prophet and we had no women (wives) with us. So we said (to the Prophet). "Shall we castrate ourselves?" But the Prophet forbade us to do that and thenceforth he allowed us to marry a woman (temporarily) by giving her even a garment, and then he recited: "O you who believe! Do not make unlawful the good things which Allah has made lawful for you."” 26
Sura 4:34, “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allâh has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allâh and to their husbands), and guard in the husband's absence what Allâh orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband's property, etc.). As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly, if it is useful), but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, Allâh is Ever Most High, Most Great.” 27
Sura 70:29-30, “And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts) Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed.” 28
Sura 4:34, “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allâh has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allâh and to their husbands), and guard in the husband's absence what Allâh orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband's property, etc.). As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly, if it is useful), but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, Allâh is Ever Most High, Most Great.” 29
Sura 24:4, “And those who accuse chaste women, and produce not four witnesses, flog them with eighty stripes, and reject their testimony forever, they indeed are the Fâsiqûn (liars, rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).”
30
Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 860, “A bedouin came and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Judge between us according to Allah's Laws." His opponent got up and said, "He is right. Judge between us according to Allah's Laws." The bedouin said, "My son was a laborer working for this man, and he committed illegal sexual intercourse with his wife. The people told me that my son should be stoned to death; so, in lieu of that, I paid a ransom of one hundred sheep and a slave girl to save my son. Then I asked the learned scholars who said, "Your son has to be lashed one-hundred lashes and has to … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 83 … (references continued from previous page)… be exiled for one year." The Prophet said, "No doubt I will judge between you according to Allah's Laws. The slave-girl and the sheep are to go back to you, and your son will get a hundred lashes and one year exile." He then addressed somebody, "O Unais! go to the wife of this (man) and stone her to death" So, Unais went and stoned her to death.” 31
Matthew 5:28, “But I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” 32
I Timothy 5:2, “I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.” 33
Abu Dawud, Vol. 3, Hadith 4092, “Abu Dawud, Bookl. 3, Hadith 4092 Asma, daughter of AbuBakr, entered upon the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) wearing thin clothes. The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) turned his attention from her. He said: O Asma', when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of body except this and this, and he pointed to her face and hands.”
34
Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 67, “The Prophet said, "A matron should not be given in marriage except after consulting her; and a virgin should not be given in marriage except after her permission." The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! How can we know her permission?" He said, "Her silence (indicates her permission)."”
35
Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 64, “Narrated 'Aisha: that the Prophet married her when she was six years old and he consummated his marriage when she was nine years old, and then she remained with him for nine years (i.e., till his death).” 36
Sura 4:24, “And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you. Lawful unto you are all beyond those mentioned, so that ye seek them with your wealth in honest wedlock, not debauchery. And those of whom ye seek content (by marrying them), give unto them their portions as a duty. And there is no sin for you in what ye do by mutual agreement after the duty (hath been done). Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Wise.”
37
Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 51, “I heard Ibn Abbas (giving a verdict) when he was asked about the Mut'a with the women, and he permitted it (Nikah-al-Mut'a). On that a freed slave of his said to him, "That is only when it is very badly needed and women are scarce." On that, Ibn 'Abbas said, "Yes."”
38
Abu Dawud, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 2105, “Abu Dawud said: This tradition has been narrated by AbdurRahman ibn Mahdi, from Salih ibn Ruman, from AbuzZubayr on the authority of Jabir as his own statement (not going back to the Prophet). It has also been transmitted by AbuAsim from Salih ibn Ruman, from AbuzZubayr on the authority of Jabir who said: During the lifetime of the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) we used to contract temporary marriage for a handful of grain.” 39
I Peter 3:7, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
40
Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” 41
Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” 42
Genesis 5:2, “He created them male and female and blessed them. And when they were created, he called them "man.” 43
Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
44
Colossians 3:19, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 84 … (references continued from previous page)… 45
Ephesians 5:28, “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
46
Ephesians 5:33, “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” 47
I Corinthians 7:3-5, “The husband should fulfil his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. 5Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” 48
Ephesians 5:21, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
49
I Timothy 5:8, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 50
Ephesians 5:31, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 51
Malachi 2:16, “"I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.” 52
Sura 6:115, “Perfected is the Word of thy Lord in truth and justice. There is naught that can change His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
53
Sura 10:64-65, “Theirs are good tidings in the life of the world and in the Hereafter - There is no changing the Words of Allah - that is the Supreme Triumph. And let not their speech grieve thee (O Muhammad). Lo! power belongeth wholly to Allah. He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
54
Sura 18:27, “And recite that which hath been revealed unto thee of the Scripture of thy Lord. There is none who can change His words, and thou wilt find no refuge beside Him.” 55
Sura 48:23, “It is the law of Allah which hath taken course aforetime. Thou wilt not find for the law of Allah aught of power to change.”
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Part 3 – Theological Differences
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The Crusades
Misunderstanding about the relationship between Islam and Christianity often stems from ignorance of the Crusades. The West is told that Muslims, Christians and Jews happily and peacefully coexisted until the Crusades. Is this true?
Conditions in Palestine Michael the Syrian, the 12th century Jacobite patriarch of Antioch, reproducing earlier contemporary sources in his famous Chronicle, summarized the prevailing conditions for Christians in Palestine, as follows: As the Turks were ruling the lands of Syria and Palestine, they inflicted injuries on Christians who went to pray in Jerusalem, beat them, pillaged them, levied the poll tax at the gate of the town and also at Golgotha and the [Holy] Sepulchre; and in addition, every time they saw a caravan of Christians, particularly of those from Rome and the lands of Italy, they made every effort to cause their death in diverse ways. And when countless people had perished as a result, the kings and counts were seized with [religious] zeal and left Rome; troops from all these countries joined them, and they came by sea to Constantinople [First Crusade (1096-99)]. (The Decline of Eastern Christianity Under Islam,1996, p. 292-293).
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 88 The first Crusade in 1095, 463 years after Muhammad’s death, was a response to the pleas of Christians in the Holy Land. The Christians, who had once been a majority now found themselves as oppressed minorities. Given that Muhammad died in the year AD 632, it is worthwhile looking at the intervening years to see how Christians, Muslims and Jews managed to peacefully co-exist.
Peaceful co-existence with Muslims As Muhammad lay on his death bed, he commanded his followers to expel non-Muslims from the Arabian Peninsular (Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 7161). No exception was made. The Caliph Umar is famous for his Pact of Umar which details, amongst other things, instructions for humiliating and degrading Christians and Jews if they refused to convert to Islam. The pact was based on Sura 9:29 and 9:5, commands from Allah and his prophet Muhammad. (See also Ibn Kathir Tafsir, Sura 9:29). Sura 9:29 ‘Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya (protection money) with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.’ Sura 9:5 ‘Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.’ The states along the edge of the Mediterranean, from the death of Muhammad to the first Crusade, endured 463 years of bloody incursions by Muslim forces intent on booty (precious stones, metals and slaves), the spreading Islam and the destruction of churches and Christianity. They overran Syria, North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia and most of Spain. They had regular incursions into France and Italy and much of the Adriatic. Historian Paul Stenhouse lists the following Muslim conquests prior the first Crusade in 1095. (‘Crusades in Context,’ Annuls Australia, July 2007).
Death of Muhammad (A.D. 632) 633
Mesopotamia Fell
635
Damascus
638
Jerusalem
645
Alexandra
649
Cyprus
673
Constantinople was attacked
693
Whole of Christian North Africa conquered
711
Invasion of Spain
721
Sargossa fell
732
Poitiers
734
Avignon
743
Lyons
813
Port of Rome was sacked
826
Crete (till 961)
837
Naples was sacked
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 89 838
Marseilles
842-859
Sicily
846
Rome was sacked again
870
Malta 223 years away from the first crusade
878
Syracuse fell (9 month siege; very few survivors)
889
Toulon (North Italy
902
Sacked and destroyed Thessaly, in Central Greece
In 921 a large band of Englishmen, on pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles in Rome, were crushed to death under rocks rolled down on them by Saracens in the passes of the Alps. 935
Genoa was attacked
976
Fresh expeditions into Italy
1010
Cosenza (Southern Italy) fell
1015
Sardinia
In 1017, Mujahid bin ‘Abd Allah (Muslim ruler in Sardinia) sent the Pope a message saying he would attack in the Spring. Rather than waiting, the Pope took the battle to him and when Benedict arrived in Sardinia he found Mujahid crucifying Christians. Mujahid fled.
As you can see, the notion that Christians, Jews and Muslims lived in harmony under Islamic rule is a lie. This list is just a small sampling of events during the “Golden Age of Islam.” Muslims continued to battle non-Muslims after the first Crusade in 1095, culminating in the battle at the gates of Vienna in 1683. This shows how far the Muslim armies had advanced; they did not conquer these lands in peace; there was no peaceful coexistence. The Caliph Umar instructed ’Arfajah, a commander in his army, “Summon the people to God; those who respond to your call, accept it from them, (assume their conversion is genuine) but those who refuse must pay the Jizya (poll tax) out of humiliation and lowliness. If they refuse this, it is the sword without leniency. Fear God with regard to what you have been entrusted.” (The History of al Tabari, The Battle of al-Qadisiyyah and the Conquest of Syria and Palestine (vol. 12). [2383] p.167). Some peoples (such as the Christians in Egypt) did welcome the Muslim forces, for they saw them as a better alternative to their Byzantine (Eastern Roman) oppressors. They were soon proved wrong. In many places, the Jizya (protection money) payable by non-Muslims was up to 80% of their income (Muhammad imposed 50% on many conquered peoples) and the Pact of Umar was enforced with irregular brutality. As previously mentioned, the first Crusaders were not bent on destroying Islam. They often passed through Muslim territory and even provided armed escorts to Muslim traders because their goal was to secure their Holy Sites in Jerusalem, not attack Islam. And although parts of the Crusades were brutal and even severely criticized by Christians themselves, they did not match the ferocity that Muslims had shown in the previous 500 years. The Muslim armies were merely following Allah’s revelation that Islam will conquer all other religions (Sura 2:1932; 9:333; 61:94 etc). Christians had followed the example of Jesus, turning the cheek, until it became too much to bear.
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 90 Muhammad is well known as the ‘Prophet of the Sword’ (he fought and planed 81 battles) and commanded the use of the sword, forcing people to become Muslims, even though Allah hates people who only pretend to be Muslim. Muslim armies killed and conquered in obedience to Allah and the Qur’an; Christians killed and attacked in disobedience to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you have come for." Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. - Matthew 26:50-52. The content here will probably have raised some questions in your mind. Muslims are commanded to read and believe the Scriptures that God gave Christians and Jews (Sura 10:94-955; 2:416). If you think they have been corrupted, doesn’t Allah say that His word cannot be changed? (Sura 6:1157; 10:64-658; 18:279; 48:2310).
References 1
Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 716, “Narrated Ibn Abbas: Thursday! And how great that Thursday was! The ailment of Allah's Apostle became worse (on Thursday) and he said, fetch me something so that I may write to you something after which you will never go astray." The people (present there) differed in this matter, and it was not right to differ before a prophet. Some said, "What is wrong with him ? (Do you think) he is delirious (seriously ill)? Ask him (to understand his state)." So they went to the Prophet and asked him again. The Prophet said, "Leave me, for my present state is better than what you call me for." Then he ordered them to do three things. He said, "Turn the pagans out of the 'Arabian Peninsula; respect and give gifts to the foreign delegations as you have seen me dealing with them." (Said bin Jubair, the sub-narrator said that Ibn Abbas kept quiet as rewards the third order, or he said, "I forgot it.").”
2
Sura 2:193, “And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allâh) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allâh (Alone). But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zâlimûn (the polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc.).” 3
Sura 9:33, “It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islâm), to make it superior over all religions even though the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) hate (it).” 4
Sura 61:9, “He it is Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islâmic Monotheism) to make it victorious over all (other) religions even though the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh and in His Messenger Muhammed SAW) hate (it).” 5
Sura 10:94-95, “And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers. And be not thou of those who deny the revelations of Allah, for then wert thou of the losers.”
6
Sura 2:41, “And believe in that which I reveal, confirming that which ye possess already (of the Scripture), and be not first to disbelieve therein, and part not with My revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto Me.” 7
Sura 6:115, “Perfected is the Word of thy Lord in truth and justice. There is naught that can change His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
8
Sura 10:64-65, “Theirs are good tidings in the life of the world and in the Hereafter - There is no changing the Words of Allah - that is the Supreme Triumph. And let not their speech grieve thee (O Muhammad). Lo! power belongeth wholly to Allah. He is the Hearer, the Knower.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 91 … (references continued from previous page)… 9
Sura 18:27, “And recite that which hath been revealed unto thee of the Scripture of thy Lord. There is none who can change His words, and thou wilt find no refuge beside Him.”
10
Sura 48:23, “48:23 It is the law of Allah which hath taken course aforetime. Thou wilt not find for the law of Allah aught of power to change.”
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Authenticity of the Bible
From the dictionary we see that ‘authenticity’ means the state or quality of being original or genuine with this genuineness established beyond doubt. Other synonyms are “real”, “authoritative” and “trustworthy”, as opposed to being false or a sham. The Bible is not just one book but is a collection of sixty-six books divided into Old and New Testaments. How did the various books come to be written? Who wrote them? When? And how did these in particular come to be found in the Bible? What was Allah’s view regarding the Bible?
Islamic Teaching Concerning the Bible Islamic teaching is internally contradicting. On the one hand, it gives very high regard to the Scriptures, and on the other hand, it claims they are corrupted. The Qur’an gives the Judeo-Christian Scriptures such noble titles as, ‘the Book of God,’ ‘the Word of God,’ ‘a light and Guidance to man,’ ‘a decision on all matters,’ ‘the Gospel with its guidance and light confirming the preceding Law,’ and “a Guidance and warning to those who fear God.” Sura 5:46 teaches that the Gospel and the Torah come from God: ‘And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.’ (See also Sura 5:471, 682 and 69.) Surah 5:47 commands
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 94 Christians to check their own Scriptures concerning the truth of Allah’s teaching. Sura 4:1713 teaches that Jesus was a Messenger of God. Allah told Muhammad to go to Christians and Jews for advice, because they had the Scriptures of God. Sura 10:94-95 O Muhammad, ‘If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee: the Truth hath indeed come to thee from thy Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt’ (See also 2:414). The Qur’an claims that no one can change the Word of God. (Sura 6:115-1165; 10:646; 18:27-287; 48:238; 50:28-299). In spite of this, Islamic scholars teach Muslims that the Jews corrupted the words of the Scriptures (Sura 2:41-4210, 5911; 3:7112, 3:7813; 4:4614) and some do not know the Scriptures at all (Sura 2:7815). An Islamic theologian says, “While Muslims need to believe in the Torah, the Zabur [Psalms] and the Injil [Gospel], nevertheless they have been tampered with.” This is contradictory. Allah and Muhammad would not have asked Muslims to refer to and judge with a corrupted version of the Torah & New Testament. The Gospel and Torah that was available at the time of Muhammad must have been considered authentic. So now, let’s examine whether the Scriptures have been changed since A.D. 600.
The Old Testament (OT) The Old Testament, which contains thirty-nine books of the Christian Bible, is also the Holy Scriptures of the Jewish People. They were first written down in Hebrew, with minor portions written in Aramaic, the ancient languages of the Jews. Until 1947, the oldest manuscripts of the Old Testament (OT) were from the ninth and tenth centuries A.D. In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered near Qumran. By 1956, more than 800 scrolls had been found. These scrolls were dated between 200 B.C. and 68 A.D. These scrolls are virtually identical to copies of scrolls found in the ninth-century manuscripts. The careful copyists had made very few, if any, errors or alterations to the text over one thousand years. In other words, the OT that we have today is the same as the Scriptures Muhammad was encouraged to check against his own revelation.
The New Testament (NT) Some Muslims say that the Injil [Gospels] spoken of by the Qur’an is not the New Testament (NT). It is not the four Gospels now received as canonical, they argue. It is a single gospel which Jesus received and which He taught. Only fragments survive in the canonical Gospels. They say that the text has been forged or tampered with. There are literally hundreds of New Testament copies that predate Muhammad, ensuring an accurate transmission from the original Gospels. The test for the historicity of the NT surpasses all other ancient texts. The Gospels available at the time of Muhammad are identical to the Gospels contained in the New Testament today. Muslim rejection of the New Testament text is contrary to overwhelming manuscript evidence.
Superior Revelation? Sometimes there are ambiguities in the views that Muslims have about the Bible. A well known Muslim reformer, Muhammad Abduh writes, “The Bible, The New Testament and the Qur’an are three concordant Books; religious men study all three and respect them equally. Thus the Divine teaching is completed, and the true religion shines across the centuries.” Others say, “Judaism lays stress on justice and right, Christianity on love and charity and Islam on brotherhood and peace.” Some reject almost the entire Old Testament while others quote from the Tawrat (Torah) to give bad reports of the Banu Isra’il as proofs against the Jews and their religion. There are Muslims that do believe in the accuracy of the Bible, yet claim that the Qur’an superseded all previous revelations based on the concept of progressive revelation. According to them, the Qur’an
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 95 is the last of the God-given Scriptures to have come down. If that is true, there is a substantial problem for Islam: the Gospels (of Muhammad’s time) proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God, if the Qur’an contradicts this, then its trustworthiness is in doubt because the God of the Bible does not change (Numbers 23:1916; I Samuel 15:2017; Malachi 3:618). But, as we have already shown, the Qur’an internally contradicts itself regarding the Bible.
Reponses to These Islamic Charges The internal contradiction in the Qur’an can be explained by changes in attitude toward Christians and Jews. Early in Muhammad’s career, when he was weak and needy, he taught that Muslims should treat Christians and Jews with respect but, as Muhammad grew in power, his attitude changed and he sought to kill Christians and Jews. (See our tract: Jews and Christians in Islam.)
Questions to Ask Yourself 1.
If the Bible was changed why does the Qur’an call Muslims to believe the Taurat [Torah], Injil [Gospels], and Zabur [Psalms]?
2.
Allah claims that no-one can change his Word. What happened to this statement?
3.
When the Bible was changed did God notice it?
4.
If God wished, could He have preserved His Word?
5.
If God did not, or could not, preserve His Word (the Bible), how and why should we believe that He has preserved the Qur’an?
6.
Where is it expressly written in the Qur’an, that the earlier Holy Books were changed in their written form?
7.
If the Bible was changed why would Allah have commanded Muhammad to judge Jews by Torah, and judge Christians by the Injil (Sura 5:43-4819)? In other words, how could Muhammad or Muslims judge them according to the Bible if it wasn’t authentic?
8.
With the hundreds of copies and different translations, how could anyone have changed all of them?
9.
When, and up to what time was the true uncorrupted Bible in circulation? Where is the original one now?
10. If Christians and Jews have two different religions, what’s the purpose of their conspiracy? Why would Christians corrupt their own Bible? 11. Why would Christians die for a book they know is corrupted? 12. How do you know it was changed? The Bible says in Psalm 19:7-11, “The Law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul. The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes... in keeping them there is great reward”. The Teachings of the TORAH [the Law of God] are God’s system of instructions by which men are taught the Knowledge of God and they themselves are directed how to walk so as to please God, redeemed from their crooked paths. How then can men say that the Great God, the Creator of Heaven and earth, would allow His Laws to be tampered with? He watches over His Word to make sure that it comes to pass so He cannot be called a liar; God says that what He says He will do. His testimony and trustworthiness depends on the authenticity of the Bible.
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References 1
Sura 5:47, “Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers.”
2
Sura 5:68-69, “Say O People of the Scripture! Ye have naught (of guidance) till ye observe the Torah and the Gospel and that which was revealed unto you from your Lord. That which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) from thy Lord is certain to increase the contumacy and disbelief of many of them. But grieve not for the disbelieving folk. Lo! those who believe, and those who are Jews, and Sabaeans, and Christians - Whosoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth right - there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.”
3
Sura 4:171, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.”
4
Sura 2:41, “And believe in that which I reveal, confirming that which ye possess already (of the Scripture), and be not first to disbelieve therein, and part not with My revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto Me.” 5
Sura 6:115-116, “Perfected is the Word of thy Lord in truth and justice. There is naught that can change His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower. If thou obeyedst most of those on earth they would mislead thee far from Allah's way. They follow naught but an opinion, and they do but guess.”
6
Sura 10:64, “Theirs are good tidings in the life of the world and in the Hereafter - There is no changing the Words of Allah - that is the Supreme Triumph.” 7
Sura 18:27-28, “And recite that which hath been revealed unto thee of the Scripture of thy Lord. There is none who can change His words, and thou wilt find no refuge beside Him. Restrain thyself along with those who cry unto their Lord at morn and evening, seeking His Countenance; and let not thine eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, who followeth his own lust and whose case hath been abandoned.”
8
Sura 48:23, “It is the law of Allah which hath taken course aforetime. Thou wilt not find for the law of Allah aught of power to change.” 9
Sura 50:28-29, “He saith: Contend not in My presence, when I had already proffered unto you the warning. The sentence that cometh from Me cannot be changed, and I am in no wise a tyrant unto the slaves.”
10
Sura 2:41-42, “And believe in that which I reveal, confirming that which ye possess already (of the Scripture), and be not first to disbelieve therein, and part not with My revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto Me.
11
Sura 2:59, “But those who did wrong changed the word which had been told them for another saying, and We sent down upon the evil-doers wrath from heaven for their evil-doing.” 12
Sura 3:71, “O People of the Scripture! Why confound ye truth with falsehood and knowingly conceal the truth?” 13
Sura 3:78, “And lo! there is a party of them who distort the Scripture with their tongues, that ye … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 97 … (references continued from previous page)… may think that what they say is from the Scripture, when it is not from the Scripture. And they say: It is from Allah, when it is not from Allah; and they speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly.” 14
Sura 4:46, “Some of those who are Jews change words from their context and say: "We hear and disobey; hear thou as one who heareth not" and "Listen to us!" distorting with their tongues and slandering religion. If they had said: "We hear and we obey: hear thou, and look at us" it had been better for them, and more upright. But Allah hath cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not, save a few.” 15
Sura 2:78, “Among them are unlettered folk who know the Scripture not except from hearsay. They but guess.” 16
Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” 17
I Samuel 15:20, “And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.”
18 19
Malachi 3:6, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”
Sura 5:43-48, ““How come they unto thee for judgment when they have the Torah, wherein Allah hath delivered judgment (for them)? Yet even after that they turn away. Such (folk) are not believers. Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light, by which the prophets who surrendered (unto Allah) judged the Jews, and the rabbis and the priests (judged) by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And My revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers. And We prescribed for them therein: The life for the life, and the eye for the eye, and the nose for the nose, and the ear for the ear, and the tooth for the tooth, and for wounds retaliation. But whoso forgoeth it (in the way of charity) it shall be expiation for him. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are wrong-doers. And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah - a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil). Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers. And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ.”
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Contrasting Jesus and Muhammad
Many people believe that all religions are equal and that the founders of the religions all taught much the same thing. Let us take a moment then to examine Christianity and Islam to see if this is true. The best way, in fact, to evaluate a particular religion is to look at the life, practice and teaching of its founder. Jesus: The birth and life of Jesus were foretold by the Old Testament in more than 300 prophecies. He was born of a virgin and led a pure and sinless life. He commenced his ministry at 30 years of age and preached a message of repentance, peace and love by pursuing the righteousness of God. His ministry was attested to by miracles. As He died on a Roman cross 31/2 years later, He asked God to forgive His enemies; He was buried but came back to life and was seen by more than 500 people before He ascended into Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:61). Jesus claimed to be the Son of God (e.g. John 5:252; John 11:25-273; Matthew 3:16-174; 17:55), and He received worship due only to God (John 5:236; 20:287; I Timothy3:168; 1 John 5:5-139). Note also the prophecy of Isaiah 9:610. Muhammad: Muhammad was born about 570 years after the birth of Jesus. At the age of 40 he began to receive revelations from an angel called Gabriel who had six hundred wings (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith 45511). He preached a message of peace for the first 13 years of his ministry in Mecca. When he fled to Medina, he prayed toward Jerusalem (Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith 1312; Vol. 9; Hadith 35813; Vol. 1; Hadith No. 3914) to win the favour of the Jews. However, when the Jews rejected him he began to receive more violent revelations, e.g. Sura 8:6715. Throughout his life, he planned and
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 100 participated in 27 battles (Ibn Kathir, Albedayah wa-Nehayah, Vol. 4, p. 179) and he encouraged his people to fight in battle (Sura 4:8416; 8:6017; Bukhari, Vol 5. Hadith No. 28818 amongst many others) and assassinate opponents including nursing mothers (Ibn Ishaq, p. 676; Bukhari, Vol 5. Hadith No. 36919). Muhammad died in A.D. 632. The following table is a comparative chart of the lives of Jesus and Muhammad. The references given are not exhaustive. Jesus
Muhammad
Jesus only did what He saw God the Father Muhammad always obeyed Allah’s inspirations doing (John 5:1920) (Sura 53:2-421) His birth and death were signified by signs in His birth and death were not signified by signs heaven (Matthew 2:1-222, 7-1023; Luke 2:4- in heaven and are not even mentioned in the 1524; Matthew 27:4525; Luke 23:44-4626) Qur’an Jesus was sinless (Matt 27:4,19, 2427; John Muhammad prayed for forgiveness 70 times a 8:4628; 9:1629; see also Sura 19:1930) day (Sura 40:5531, 47:1932; Bukhari, Vol. 8; Hadith No. 31933 and Abu Dawud Vol. 1; Hadith 151134) Jesus forbade violence and preached peace throughout his whole life (John 13:3435; Matthew 5:4436; Luke 6:27, 3537; I Thessalonians 5:1538)
Muhammad commanded peace when he was weak at the start (Sura 2:25639; 109:1-640; 6:107-10941), but violence when he grew powerful (Sura 9:2942; 2:21643; 8:3944; 9:545; 5:5146 The Noble Qurán)
Jesus healed all sicknesses (Luke 13:1147; Muhammad performed no miracles, according 17:11-1948; 22:50, 5149; John 4:46-5450; John 9; to the Qur’an (Sura 13:755). Muhammad made Matt 8:5-1351; 15:29-3152; Mark 3:1-553; 6:5654) people lame (Bukhari, Vol 8, Hadith 79456; Vol. 9, Hadith 3757 and many others) Jesus raised people from the dead (John 11**; Muhammad didn’t raise anyone from the dead, Luke 7:11-1758; 8:49-5659; Sura 3:5060; Sura rather in scores of battles/ holy wars he caused death of thousands. 5:11061) Jesus ascended into heaven (Luke 24:46-5362; Muhammad stayed where he was buried Acts 1:1-1163; Sura 3:5564; 19:3365) Jesus won people by love, truth and miracles Muhammad won people by fear, the sword, (e.g. Matthew 4:23ff66) violence, threats and booty (Sura 8:3967, 4168, 6769, 56-5770; 2:21671; 59:1372 etc). Jesus had power over nature (Mark 4:35-4173; Muhammad had no power over nature John 6:1-2174; Matthew 14:22-3675) Jesus cast out demons (Mark 5:1-2076; Luke Muhammad was visited by Jinn/demons who 4:31-3777) promised to promote Islam (Sura 46:29-3178; also see 72:1-1579); he was also afraid of demons (Sura 114:1-680) Jesus protected women (Matthew 26:1081, John Muhammad brought pain and suffering to 8:1-1182) women (Sura 4:3483,4:2084; 2:22385; 33:5286; 64:1487; 2:228-23088) Jesus forgave people’s sins (Luke 5:17-2689) Muhammad didn’t know his eternal destiny or and intercedes for His people (Romans 8:3490; anyone else’s (Sura 46:992; Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hebrews 7:2591) Hadith No. 26693; Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 39894 and Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 40295); stoned for adultery (Bukhari, Vol. 2; Hadith 41396; Vol. 8; Hadith 80597)
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 101 Jesus guarantees heaven for His people (John Muhammad guarantees hell for His people for an unspecified period of time (Sura 19:7114:298; 1 John 5:1299; Luke 10:20100). 72101) Jesus forbade adultery & violence (Matthew Muhammad married his adopted son’s wife, 26:52,102 5:28103) allowed temporary marriages and commanded violence (Sura 33:37104; 4:24105, 74106, 76107, 3108, 34109). Jesus was claimed to be the Word of God the Spirit of God and the Son of God (Sura 3:45110; 4:171111; 19:34112; 21:91113); (John 1:1114; John 5:18115 etc) and was foretold by the Prophets (Daniel 3:25116; Psalm 2:12117; Proverbs 30:4118; Luke 1:26-35119; Matthew 17:5120 etc.).
Muhammad was not foretold by the Prophets, he performed no miracles, did not ascend into heaven, and he tortured and killed people, but still claimed to be the perfect example to follow. (Sura 3:31-33121, 132122; 4:13123, 59124, 69125, 80126; 5:92127; 7:167128; 8:24, 46129; 24:54130; 33:21131, 36132, 71133; 47:33134; 49:14135; 64:8136, 12137, 68:12138.)
The life, teaching and practice of Jesus Christ and the life, teaching and practice of Muhammad stand in stark contrast. In fact, it is impossible to follow the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad at the same time: they are diametrically opposed. Christianity teaches its followers to bless and not to curse (Romans 12:14139) and that one cannot praise God and curse others with the same mouth (James 3:913140); Muhammad cursed his own uncle for opposing him (Sura 111:1-5141; 3:61142; 108:1-3143; Muslim Vol. 4; Hadith No. 7150144; Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 397145). Jesus did not even curse those who crucified Him, but asked the Father to forgive them (Luke 23:34146) while Mohammad ordered people killed because they mocked him (Muslim Vol. 3; Hadith No. 4436147 and many others). Jesus teaches that Christians’ love for one another will show the world that they are His disciples (John 13:35148). Muhammad taught that he was made victorious through terror (Sura 3:151149; 8:12150; 8:67-68151; 33:26152; Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 220153). Jesus won people through love, Muhammad won people through fear. The difference cannot be clearer. When it comes to the life, practice and teachings of Jesus, no one can compare.
Which religion are you following? Since both Jesus and Muhammad claimed to be following God, they must believe in different Gods. Which God do you want to follow? Both Islam and Christianity preach that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead (II Timothy 4:1154; I Peter 4:5155; John 5:22, 27156 and Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 425157) Which standard will Jesus hold you to? The life and practice of Muhammad or His own life and practice? Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins - as affirmed by Matthew 20:28: “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. He did this because we can never, by our own efforts, reach God’s perfect standard. He died so that our sins may be forgiven. He rose again after three days, victorious over death, winning the ultimate victory in history; but each one of us must choose to accept this free gift. If you refuse to accept the gift, you cannot enjoy the benefits of the gift. A gift is given, not earned – indeed, the giver would have the right to be offended if you attempted to offer some form of payment. God desires us to humbly receive his gift with a thankful heart. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). To “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord” means that you must agree with God that: 1. you are a sinner and that you deserve to die; 2. you cannot save yourself from hell fire; 3. the Lord Jesus paid the penalty for your sins on the cross and He bought you with His
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 102 precious holy blood; 4. you need Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. If you wish to receive the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ by faith, you need only to open your heart and ask God in your own words similar to the following: Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I admit that my good works can’t take away my sins and I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Cleanse me from my sins with your precious blood, and help me to walk according to your will. Thank you for providing a way for me to draw near to You. Amen.
References 1
I Corinthians 15:6, “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”
2
John 5:25, “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.”
3
John 11:25-27, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” 4
Matthew 3:16-17, “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
5
Matthew 17:5, “He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
6
John 5:23, “that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” 7
John 20:28, “Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
8
I Timothy 3:16, “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
9
I John 5:5-13, “Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.”
10
Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 11
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 455, “Narrated Abu Ishaq Ash Shaibani: I asked Zir bin Hubaish regarding the Statement of Allah: "And was at a distance Of but two bow-lengths Or (even) nearer; So … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 103 … (references continued from previous page)… did (Allah) convey the Inspiration to His slave (Gabriel) and then he (Gabriel) Conveyed (that to Muhammad)." (53.9-10) On that, Zir said, "Ibn Mas'ud informed us that the Prophet had seen Gabriel having 600 wings." 12
Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith No. 13, “Narrated Al Bara, The Prophet prayed facing Bait-ul Maqdis (i.e. Jerusalem) for sixteen or seventeen months but he wished that his Qibla would be the Ka'ba (at Mecca). (So Allah revealed (2.144) and he offered 'Asr prayers (in his Mosque facing Ka'ba at Mecca) and some people prayed with him. A man from among those who had prayed with him, went out and passed by some people offering prayer in another mosque, and they were in the state of bowing. He said, "I, (swearing by Allah,) testify that I have prayed with the Prophet facing Mecca." Hearing that, they turned their faces to the Ka'ba while they were still bowing.” 13
Bukhari, Vol. 9, Hadith No. 358, “Narrated Al Bara: When Allah's Apostle arrived at Medina, he prayed facing Jerusalem for sixteen or seventeen months but he wished that he would be ordered to face the Ka'ba. So Allah revealed: "Verily! We have seen the turning of your face towards the heaven; surely we shall turn you to a prayer direction (Qibla) that shall please you." (2.144) Thus he was directed towards the Ka'ba.” 14
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 39, “Narrated Al Bara (bin Azib): When the Prophet came to Medina, he stayed first with his grandfathers or maternal uncles from Ansar. He offered his prayers facing Baitul-Maqdis (Jerusalem) for sixteen or seventeen months, but he wished that he could pray facing the Ka'ba (at Mecca). The first prayer which he offered facing the Ka'ba was the 'Asr prayer in the company of some people. Then one of those who had offered that prayer with him came out and passed by some people in a mosque who were bowing during their prayers (facing Jerusalem). He said addressing them, "By Allah, I testify that I have prayed with Allah's Apostle facing Mecca (Ka'ba).' Hearing that, those people changed their direction towards the Ka'ba immediately.”
15
Sura 8:67, “It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war (and free them with ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. You desire the good of this world (i.e. the money of ransom for freeing the captives), but Allâh desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” 16
Sura 4:84, “So fight (O Muhammad) in the way of Allah Thou art not taxed (with the responsibility for anyone) except thyself - and urge on the believers. Peradventure Allah will restrain the might of those who disbelieve. Allah is stronger in might and stronger in inflicting punishment.;”
17
Sura 8:60, “Make ready for them all you can of (armed) force and of horses tethered, that thereby you may dismay the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others beside them whom you know not. Allah knows them.” 18
Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 288, “Narrated Ibn Masud: I witnessed Al-Miqdad bin Al-Aswad in a scene which would have been dearer to me than anything had I been the hero of that scene. He (i.e. Al-Miqdad) came to the Prophet while the Prophet was urging the Muslims to fight with the pagans. Al-Miqdad said, "We will not say as the People of Moses said: Go you and your Lord and fight you two. (5.27). But we shall fight on your right and on your left and in front of you and behind you.” 19
Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 369, “Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah: Allah's Apostle said, "Who is willing to kill Ka'b bin Al-Ashraf who has hurt Allah and His Apostle?" Thereupon Muhammad bin Maslama got up saying, "O Allah's Apostle! Would you like that I kill him?" The Prophet said, "Yes," Muhammad bin Maslama said, "Then allow me to say a (false) thing (i.e. to deceive Kab)." The Prophet said, "You may say it." … So Muhammad bin Maslama went in together with two men, and said to them, "When Ka'b comes, I will touch his hair and smell it, and when you see that I have got hold of his head, strip him. … When Muhammad got a strong hold of him, he said (to his companions), "Get at him!" So they killed him and went to the Prophet and informed him.” 20
John 5:19, “So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 104 … (references continued from previous page)… likewise.” 21
Sura 53:2-4, “Your comrade errs not, nor is deceived; Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is nothing save an inspiration that is inspired,” 22
Matthew 2:1-2, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
23
Matthew 2: 7-10, “Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 24
Luke 2:4-15, “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 25
Matthew 27:45, “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.” 26
Luke 23:44-46, “It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.”
27
Matthew 27:4,19, 24, “saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 19: Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” 24: So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” 28
John 8:46, “Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?”
29
John 9:16, “Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them.” 30
Sura 19:19, “He said: I am only a messenger of your Lord, that I may bestow on you a faultless son.” 31
Sura 40:55, “Then have patience (O Muhammad). Lo! the promise of Allah is true. And ask forgiveness of your sin, and hymn the praise of your Lord at fall of night and in the early hours.”
32
Sura 47:19, “So know that there is no god but Allah, and, ask protection for your fault and for the … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 105 … (references continued from previous page)… believing men and the believing women; and Allah knows the place of your returning and the place of your abiding.” 33
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 319, “Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."
34
Abu Dawud Book 1, Hadith No. 1511, “Ibn ‘Umar said, “We counted that the Apostle of Allah (…) would say a hundred times during a meeting: “My Lord, forgive me and pardon me; Thou art the Pardoning and forgiving One”. 35
John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” 36
Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
37
Luke 6:27, 35, “27: But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 35: But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” 38
I Thessalonians 5:15, “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” 39
Sura 2:256, “There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever disbelieves in the Shaitan and believes in Allah he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall not break off, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.” 40
Sura 109:1-6, “Say: O disbelievers! I worship not that which you worship; Nor worship you that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which you worship. Nor will you worship that which I worship. Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion.;” 41
Sura 6:107-109, “Had Allah willed, they had not been idolatrous. We have not set you as a keeper over them, nor are you responsible for them. Revile not those unto whom they pray beside Allah lest they wrongfully revile Allah through ignorance. Thus unto every nation have We made their deed seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return, and He will tell them what they used to do. And they swear a solemn oath by Allah that if there come unto them a portent…” 42
Sura 9:29, “Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah has forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low.;”
43
Sura 2:216, “Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that you hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, you know not.” 44
Sura 8:39, “And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do.” 45
Sura 9:5, “Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free.;”
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Sura 5:51, “O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliyâ' (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliyâ' to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as Auliyâ', then surely he is one of them. Verily, God guides not those people who are the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers and unjust).”
47
Luke 13:11, “And there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.” 48
Luke 17:11-19, “On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 106 … (references continued from previous page)… saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 1Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” 49
Luke 22:50, 51, “And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.” 50
John 4:46-54, “So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.” 51
Matthew 8:5-13, “When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.” 52
Matthew 15:29-31, “Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there. And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.” 53
Mark 3:1-5, “Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, [1] to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” 54
Mark 6:56, “And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.” 55
Sura 13:7, “Those who disbelieve say: If only some portent were sent down upon him from his Lord! You are a warner only, and for every folk a guide.” 56
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 794, “Narrated Anas, “Some people from the tribe of 'Ukl came to the Prophet and embraced Islam. The climate of Medina did not suit them, so the Prophet ordered them to go to the (herd of milch) camels of charity and to drink, their milk and urine (as a medicine). They did so, and after they had recovered from their ailment (became healthy) they turned renegades (reverted … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 107 … (references continued from previous page)… from Islam) and killed the shepherd of the camels and took the camels away. The Prophet sent (some people) in their pursuit and so they were (caught and) brought, and the Prophets ordered that their hands and legs should be cut off and that their eyes should be branded with heated pieces of iron, and that their cut hands and legs should not be cauterized, till they die.” 57
Bukhari, Vol. 9, Hadith No. 37, “Narrated Abu Qilaba: Once 'Umar bin 'Abdul 'Aziz sat on his throne in the courtyard of his house so that the people might gather before him. …. I said, "By Allah, Allah's Apostle never killed anyone except in one of the following three situations: (1) A person who killed somebody unjustly, was killed (in Qisas,) (2) a married person who committed illegal sexual intercourse and (3) a man who fought against Allah and His Apostle and deserted Islam and became an apostate." Then the people said, "Didn't Anas bin Malik narrate that Allah's Apostle cut off the hands of the thieves, branded their eyes and then, threw them in the sun?" 58
Luke 7:11-17, “Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.” 59
Luke 8:49-56, “While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.” 60
Sura 3:50, “And I [Jesus] have come confirming that which was before me of the Taurât (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allâh and obey me.” 61
Sura 5:110, “Then will Allah say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel and behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thou breathest into it and it becometh a bird by My leave, and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: 'This is nothing but evident magic.’” 62
Luke 24:46-53, “and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” 63
Acts 1:1-11, “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 108 … (references continued from previous page)… appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” 64
Sura 3:55, “(And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ.” 65
Sura 19:33, “Peace on me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!”
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Matthew 4:23, “And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” 67
Sura 8:39, “And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do. 68
Sura 8:41, You should know that if you gain any spoils in war, one-fifth shall go to GOD and the messenger, to be given to the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien. You will do this if you believe in GOD and in what we revealed to our servant on the day of decision, the day the two armies clashed. GOD is Omnipotent.” 69
Sura 8:67, “Allah said, ‘A prophet must slaughter before collecting captives. A slaughtered enemy is driven from the land. Muhammad, you craved the desires of this world, its goods and the ransom captives would bring. But Allah desires killing them to manifest the religion.’” 70
Sura 8:56-57, “You reach agreements with them, but they violate their agreements every time; they are not righteous. Therefore, if you encounter them in war, you shall set them up as a deterrent example for those who come after them, that they may take heed.” 71
Sura 2:216, “Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that you hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, you know not.” 72
Sura 59:13, “You are more awful as a fear in their bosoms than Allah. That is because they are a folk who understand not.” 73
Mark 4:35-41, “On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” 74
John 6:1-21, “After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 109 … (references continued from previous page)… feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” 75
Matthew 14:22-36, “Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.” 76
Mark 5:1-20, “They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out, and entered the pigs, and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and were drowned in the sea. The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demonpossessed man and to the pigs. And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. As he was … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 110 … (references continued from previous page)… getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.” 77
Luke 4:31-37, “And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.” 78
Sura 46:29-31, “And when We inclined toward you (Muhammad) certain of the jinn, who wished to hear the Qur'an and, when they were in its presence, said: Give ear! and, when it was finished, turned back to their people, warning. They said: O our people! Lo! we have heard a scripture which has been revealed after Moses, confirming that which was before it, guiding unto the truth and a right road. O our people! Respond to Allah's summoner and believe in Him. He will forgive you some of your sins and guard you from a painful doom…” 79
Sura 72:1-15, “Say (O Prophet): It has been revealed to me that a tribe of nomads listened, and then they said, "Behold, we have heard a marvelous Recital." 72:2, "It shows the way to Enlightenment, so we have come to believe in it. And we shall never again ascribe a partner unto our Lord." 72:3, "And that Exalted in Glory is our Lord. No wife has He ever taken nor a son." 72:4, "And that the foolish among us uttered such outrageous lies about Allah." 72:5, "And behold, we used to think that people, whether civilized or uncivilized, would never utter a lie about Allah." 72:6, "And indeed some people of towns used to seek shelter with some of the nomads and increased them in confusion." 72:7, "And they thought as you nomads thought that Allah would never again send forth anyone." (As His Messenger, and so, the claimants of the occult sciences would carry on with their deceptions).” 72:8, "And we tried to feel the heaven but found it well attended by mighty guards and flames." (The shining Knowledge in the Qur'an dismisses all conjecture of the astrologers, fortune-tellers, and other claimants of occult sciences).” 72:9, (The nomads continued), "And we used to sit on places listening to the 'heavenly news'. But now whoever listens will find a flame waiting for him." (The brilliant flame of Divine Revelation is now ever-ready to torch the conjecture of the astrologers.” 72:10, "And we know not whether harm is intended for the inhabitants of the earth, or whether their Lord wills for them Enlightenment." (It remains to be seen how people will react to this revolutionary Message).” 72:11, (The nomads continued their conversation), "And some of us are righteous and others are far from that, and we follow varying paths." 72:12, "Now we know that wherever we are in the earth, we cannot defy the Laws of Allah nor can we flee to escape." … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 111 … (references continued from previous page)… 72:13, "And as soon as we heard the Enlightenment, we believed in it. And whoever chooses to be graced with belief in his Lord, need not fear a diminished return, nor unfairness." 72:14, "And some of us have submitted (to Allah) while there are others who are taking a middle course. And whoever submits - such are they who have resolved to get enlightened." 72:15, "And those who maintain a middle course (between the Right and the Wrong) - they are but fire-wood for the Hell." 80
Sura 114:1-6, “Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind, The God of mankind, From the evil of the sneaking whisperer, Who whispers in the hearts of mankind, Of the jinn and of mankind.” 81
Matthew 26:10, “But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me.” 82
John 8:1-11, “but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” 83
Sura 4:34, “Men are in charge of women, because Allah has made the one of them to excel the other, … As for those from whom you fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. …” 84
Sura 4:20, “And if you wish to exchange one wife for another and you have given unto one of them a sum of money … ;” 85
Sura 2:223, “Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as you will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, … ;”
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Sura 33:52, “It is not allowed … that you should change them for other wives …, save those whom your right hand possesses.” 87
Sura 64:14, “O you who believe! Lo! among your wives and your children there are enemies for you, therefore beware of them. … ;” 88
Sura 2:228-230, “And the divorced women should keep themselves in waiting for three courses; and it is not lawful for them that they should conceal what Allah has created in their wombs, if they believe in Allah and the last day; and their husbands have a better right to take them back in the meanwhile if they wish for reconciliation; and they have rights similar to those against them in a just manner, and the men are a degree above them, and Allah is Mighty, Wise. Divorce may be (pronounced) twice, then keep (them) in good fellowship or let (them) go with kindness; and it is not lawful for you to take any part of what you have given them, unless both fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah; then if you fear that they cannot keep within the limits of Allah, there is no blame on them for what she gives up to become free thereby. These are the limits of Allah, so do not exceed them and whoever exceeds the limits of Allah these it is that are the unjust. So if he divorces her she shall not be lawful to him afterwards until she marries another husband; then if he divorces her there is no blame on them both if they return to each other (by marriage), if they think that they can keep within the limits of Allah, and these are the limits of Allah which He makes clear for a … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 112 … (references continued from previous page)… people who know.” 89
Luke 5:17-26, “On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” 90
Romans 8:34, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” 91
Hebrews 7:25, “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” 92
Sura 46:9, “Say: I am no new thing among the messengers (of Allah), nor know I what will be done with me or with you. I do but follow that which is inspired in me, and I am but a plain warner.;” 93
Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 266, “Narrated Maimuna bint Al-Harith: I placed water for the bath of Allah's Apostle and put a screen. He poured water over his hands, and washed them once or twice. (The subnarrator added that he did not remember if she had said thrice or not). Then he poured water with his right hand over his left one and washed his private parts. He rubbed his hand over the earth or the wall and washed it. He rinsed his mouth and washed his nose by putting water in it and blowing it out. He washed his face, forearms and head. He poured water over his body and then withdrew from that place and washed his feet. I presented him a piece of cloth (towel) and he pointed with his hand (that he does not want it) and did not take it.”
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Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 398, “Anas reported: Verily, a person said: Messenger of Allah, where is my father? He said: (He) is in the Fire. When he turned away, he (the Holy Prophet) called him and said: Verily my father and your father are in the Fire.” 95
Muslim, Vol. 1, No. 402, “Abu Huraira reported: When (this verse) was revealed to him:" Warn your nearest kinsmen." the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: O people of Quraish, buy yourselves from Allah, I cannot avail you at all against Allah; O sons of Abd al-Muttalib. I cannot avail you at all against Allah; 0 Abbas b. 'Abd al- Muttalib, I cannot avail you at all against Allah; O Safiya (aunt of the Messenger of Allah), I cannot avail you at all against Allah; 0 Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, ask me whatever you like, but I cannot avail you at all against Allah.”
96
Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 413, “Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar : The Jew brought to the Prophet a man and a woman from amongst them who have committed (adultery) illegal sexual intercourse. He ordered both of them to be stoned (to death), near the place of offering the funeral prayers beside the mosque.” 97
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 805, “Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah Al Ansari: A man from the tribe of Bani Aslam came to Allah's Apostle and informed him that he had committed illegal sexual intercourse and bore witness four times against himself. Allah's Apostle ordered him to be stoned to death as he was a married person.” 98
John 14:2, “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” … (references continued overleaf)…
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I John 5:12, “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” 100
Luke 10:20, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
101
Sura 19:67-71, But does not man call to mind that We created him before out of nothing? And, by your Lord, truly We shall assemble them and the devils, then We shall bring them, crouching, around hell. Then We shall pluck out from every sect whichever of them was most stubborn in rebellion to the Beneficent. And surely We are Best Aware of those most worthy to be burned therein. There is not one of you but shall approach it. That is a fixed ordinance of your Lord.”
102
Matthew 26:52, “Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” 103
Matthew 5:28, “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
104
Sura 33:37, “And when you said to him to whom Allah had shown favor and to whom you had shown a favor: Keep your wife to yourself and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; and you concealed in your soul what Allah would bring to light, and you feared men, and Allah had a greater right that you should fear Him. But when Zaid had accomplished his want of her, We gave her to you as a wife, so that there should be no difficulty for the believers in respect of the wives of their adopted sons, when they have accomplished their want of them; and Allah's command shall be performed.”
105
Sura 4:24, “And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you. Lawful unto you are all beyond those mentioned, so that you seek them with your wealth in honest wedlock, not debauchery. And those of whom you seek content (by marrying them), give unto them their portions as a duty. And there is no sin for you in what you do by mutual agreement after the duty (has been done).;”
106
Sura 4:74, “Those who readily fight in the cause of GOD are those who forsake this world in favor of the Hereafter. Whoever fights in the cause of GOD, then gets killed, or attains victory, we will surely grant him a great recompense.”
107
Sura 4:76, “Those who believe are fighting for the cause of GOD, while those who disbelieve are fighting for the cause of tyranny. Therefore, you shall fight the devil's allies; the devil's power is nil.”
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Sura 4:3, “If you deem it best for the orphans, you may marry their mothers - you may marry two, three, or four. If you fear lest you become unfair, then you shall be content with only one, or with what you already have. Additionally, you are thus more likely to avoid financial hardship.”
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Sura 4:34, “Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.”
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Sura 3:45, “(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).” 111
Sura 4:171, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One Allah. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 114 … (references continued from previous page)… 112
Sura 19:34, “Such was Jesus, son of Mary: (this is) a statement of the truth concerning which they doubt.” 113
Sura 21:91, “And she who was chaste, therefore We breathed into her (something) of Our Spirit and made her and her son a token for (all) peoples.”
114
John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
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John 5:18, “This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” 116
Daniel 3:25, “He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
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Matthew 2:12, “And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”
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Proverbs 30:4, “Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!”
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Luke 1:26-35, “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.”
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Matthew 17:5, “He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
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Sura 3:31-33, “Proclaim: "If you love GOD, you should follow me." GOD will then love you, and forgive your sins. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Proclaim: "You shall obey GOD and the messenger." If they turn away, GOD does not love the disbelievers. GOD has chosen Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Amram (as messengers) to the people.” 122
Sura 3:132, “You shall obey GOD and the messenger, that you may attain mercy.”
123
Sura 4:13, “These are Allah's limits, and whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will cause him to enter gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them; and this is the great achievement.,”
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Sura 4:59, “O you who believe! obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority from among you; then if you quarrel about anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the last day; this is better and very good in the end.;”
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Sura 4:69, “And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, these are with those upon whom Allah has bestowed favors from among the prophets and the truthful and the martyrs and the good, and a goodly company are they!”
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Sura 4:80, “Whoever obeys the Messenger, he indeed obeys Allah, and whoever turns back, so We have not sent you as a keeper over them.” 127
Sura 5:92, “And obey Allah and obey the messenger and be cautious; but if you turn back, then know that only a clear deliverance of the message is (incumbent) on Our messenger.” 128
Sura 7:167, “And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed that He would raise against them till … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 115 … (references continued from previous page)… the Day of Resurrection those who would lay on them a cruel torment.” 129
Sura 8:24, “O you who believe! answer (the call of) Allah and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life; and know that Allah intervenes between man and his heart, and that to Him you shall be gathered. Sura 8:46, “And obey Allah and His Messenger and do not quarrel for then you will be weak in hearts and your power will depart, and be patient; surely Allah is with the patient.”
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Sura 24:54, “Say: Obey Allah and obey the Messenger; but if you turn back, then on him rests that which is imposed on him and on you rests that which is imposed on you; and if you obey him, you are on the right way; and nothing rests on the Messenger but clear delivering (of the message).”
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Sura 33:21, “The messenger of GOD has set up a good example for those among you who seek GOD and the Last Day, and constantly think about GOD.”
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Sura 33:36, “And it behoves not a believing man and a believing woman that they should have any choice in their Matthewer when Allah and His Messenger have decided a Matthewer; and whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he surely strays off a manifest straying.”
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Sura 33:71, “He will put your deeds into a right state for you, and forgive you your faults; and whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he indeed achieves a mighty success”
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Sura 47:33, “O you who believe! obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and do not make your deeds of no effect.”
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Sura 49:14, “The dwellers of the desert say: We believe. Say: You do not believe but say, We submit; and faith has not yet entered into your hearts; and if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not diminish aught of your deeds; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
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Sura 64:8, “Therefore, believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and in the Light (this Qur'ân) which We have sent down. And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.”
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Sura 64:12, “Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messenger, and the light that we have revealed herein. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.” 138
Sura 68:12, “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad SAW), but if you turn away, then the duty of Our Messenger is only to convey (the Message) clearly.”
139
Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”
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James 3:9-13, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”
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Sura 111:1-5, “Condemned are the works of Abee Lahab, and he is condemned. His money and whatever he has accomplished will never help him. He has incurred the blazing Hell. Also his wife, who led the persecution. She will be (resurrected) with a rope of thorns around her neck.”
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Sura 3:61, “And whoever disputes with you concerning him, after the knowledge which has come unto you, say … Come! We will summon our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then we will pray humbly … and … invoke the curse of Allah upon those who lie.”
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Sura 108:1-3, “Lo! We have given you Abundance; So pray unto your Lord, and sacrifice. Lo! it is your insulter (and not you) who is without posterity.”
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Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 7150, “ Al-Bara' b. 'Azib reported: … So he marched on after the sun had passed the meridian and Suraqa b. Malik pursued us and we had been walking on soft, level … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 116 … (references continued from previous page)… ground. I said: Allah's Messenger, we are about to be overtaken by them. … he said: Be not grieved. Verily, Allah is with us. Then Allah's Messenger … cursed him and his horse sank into the earth. I think he also said: I know you have hurled curse upon me. So supplicate Allah for me and I take an oath that I shall turn everyone away who would come in search of you. So he (Allah's Messenger) supplicated Allah and he was rescued and he came back and to everyone he met, he said: I have combed all this side. In short, he diverted everyone whom he met and he in fact fulfilled his promise.” 145
Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 397, “Narrated Ibrahim At-Tamimi's father: 'Ali delivered a sermon saying, "We have no book to read except the Book of Allah and what is written in this paper which contains verdicts regarding … So, whoever innovates in it an heresy or commits a sin or gives shelter in it, to such an innovator will incur the Curse of Allah, … And whoever (freed slave) takes as his master (i.e. befriends) other than his real masters will incur the same (Curse). And the asylum granted by any Muslim is to be secured by all the other Muslims, and whoever betrays a Muslim in this respect will incur the same (Curse)."
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Luke 23:34, “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”
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Muslim, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 4436, “It has been narrated on the authority of Jabir that the Messenger of Allah … said: Who will kill Ka'b b. Ashraf? He has maligned Allah, the Exalted, and His Messenger. Muhammad b. Maslama said: Messenger of Allah, do you wish that I should kill him? He said: Yes. He said: Permit me to talk (to him in the way I deem fit). He said: Talk (as you like). So, Muhammad b. Maslama came to Ka'b and talked to him, … So they came and called upon him at night. He came down to them. Sufyan says that all the narrators except 'Amr have stated that his wife said: I hear a voice which sounds like the voice of murder. He said: It is only Muhammad b. Maslama and his foster-brother, Abu Na'ila. When a gentleman is called at night even it to be pierced with a spear, he should respond to the call. Muhammad said to his companions: As he comes down, I will extend my hands towards his head and when I hold him fast, you should do your job. So when he came down and he was holding his cloak under his arm, they said to him: …Then he said: Allow me to do so (once again). He then held his head fast and said to his companions: Do your job. And they killed him.”
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John 13:35, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 149
Sura 3:151, “We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve because they ascribe unto Allah partners, for which no warrant has been revealed.”
150
Sura 8:12, “Recall that your Lord inspired the angels: "I am with you; so support those who believed. I will throw terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved. You may strike them above the necks, and you may strike even every finger."
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Sura 8:67-68, “No prophet shall acquire captives, unless he participates in the fighting. You people are seeking the materials of this world, while GOD advocates the Hereafter. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. If it were not for a predetermined decree from GOD, you would have suffered, on account of what you took, a terrible retribution.”
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Sura 33:26, “And He brought those of the People of the Scripture who supported them down from their strongholds, and cast panic into their hearts. Some you slew, and you made captive some.”
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Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 220, “Allah's Apostle said, "I have been sent with the shortest expressions bearing the widest meanings, and I have been made victorious with terror (cast in the hearts of the enemy), and while I was sleeping, the keys of the treasures of the world were brought to me and put in my hand." Abu Huraira added: Allah's Apostle has left the world and now you, people, are bringing out those treasures (i.e. the Prophet did not benefit by them).”
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II Timothy 4:1, “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom” … (references continued overleaf)…
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I Peter 4:5, “but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
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John 5:22, 27, “22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.” 157
Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 425, “Allah's Apostle said, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, son of Mary (Jesus) will shortly descend amongst you people (Muslims) as a just ruler and will break the Cross and kill the pig and abolish the Jizya (a tax taken from the non-Muslims, who are in the protection, of the Muslim government). Then there will be abundance of money and no-body will accept charitable gifts.”
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The Life of Muhammad
Six hundred years before Muhammad, the Prophet Jesus proved His prophethood by His exemplary life and teaching. Indeed, the worth of religious belief is dependent on the worthiness of its author. In the study before us we wish to apply this test to the life of Muhammad, the author of Islam.
Muhammad’s Early Years Muhammad was said to be born in Mecca on June 8th, 570 AD and died 62yrs. later on June 8th, 632, (though there is no consensus over these dates). He was orphaned at the age of 6yrs. and reared for two years by his grandfather until the latter’s death. His uncle, Abu-Talib, then reared him. At the age of 12, Muhammad was mentored by a Nestorian monk who, it is said, recognised that Muhammad was to be a prophet—because of a big mole on his back (see Muslim 4:57931; Bukhari 1:1892; Ibn Ishaq in A Life of Muhammad p.803,96,97,726). Muhammad gained employment with a wealthy merchant widow named Khadijah. He married her at the age of 25 when she was 40. Together they had 4 sons and 4 daughters. However, only the daughters survived to maturity.
Birth of Islam At 40yrs. of age, Muhammad began to retire to a cave in Mount Hira to meditate. This was a popular custom at that time and, whilst the majority of the population worshipped many idols, Muhammad, influenced by Zeid-ibn-Amr, a Hanefite (monotheistic worshippers), began to express his hatred of such idols.
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 120 During these times of meditation Muhammad first experienced his revelations, which he claimed were given to him in a dream by the angel Gabriel. It is said that, in the first revelation, Gabriel gave him a cloth on which appeared writing and commanded him "read" or "recite". During these revelations Muhammad claims to have experienced the following:the ringing of bells (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 24; Vol. 4, Hadith 4385); rapid heart beat (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 36); a red face; (Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith 6187, Vol. 6, Hadith 5088); heavy breathing (Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith 5089); he sometimes suddenly fell down or lay down (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith 46110, Vol. 5, Hadith 17011); he would sweat profusely (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 212, Vol. 2, Hadith 54413; Vol. 3, Hadith No. 82914); sometimes he dreamt (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 315; Vol. 5, Hadith No. 65916). Because of such experiences Muhammad was of the view that he must have been demon possessed or that he was going mad. He asked his wife, Khadijah, and her cousin, Waraqa bani Naufal, if this was the case, to which they replied that these revelations were truly from Allah. Jesus, by contrast, received his revelations through a life of prayerful dependence upon God. His opponents accused him of demon possession, but they were themselves opposed to the law of God (John 7:19-2017).
Rejection of Muhammad During the first few years, Muhammad was keen to receive the approval of the Jews and began to pray towards Jerusalem and hold to the fasting of Ashura (Yom Kippur). But the Jews were adamant that contacting Jinn (demons) was forbidden (e.g. Leviticus 20:618) while Muhammad’s Allah actually sent demons to him (Sura 46:29-3119 also see 72:1ff20). Muhammad thereafter changed his position and began praying in the direction of the Ka’bah (in Mecca) rather than Jerusalem. Fasting during the month of Ramadan replaced the fast of Ashura. During the course of his ‘received’ revelations he would be in a trance and many Meccans believed at the time that he actually was possessed by demons or had gone mad—an accusation that had to be countered (Sura 68:221; 81:22-2522; 52:2923; 34:4624). They subsequently taunted and ill-treated him and his followers. Because of this and other factors, least of which was Muhammad’s lack of knowledge of the Bible, the first 3 years of the birth of Islam was seen as a time of compromise. This period of time, though brief, gave rise to the “Satanic Verses” - and a number of verses that contained permission for non-Muslims to worship their own gods (Sura 109:1-625; 6:106-10826). (Jesus, you will note, knew his Bible well and quoted it at will, e.g. Matthew 4.)
Marriage and Muhammad Muhammad taught that a Muslim man can have up to 4 wives if he treats them justly; otherwise he should not have more than one wife (Sura 4:327, 12928). Muhammad had more than four wives but did not marry his second wife, Sawda Bint Zam`a, until his first wife had died. He then married a number of women - mostly widows or divorcees. He married his favourite wife, Aisha Bint Abu Bakr, when she was only 6years old and consummated this marriage when she was 9. Other wives include Hafsa Bint `Umar, Zainab Bint Khuzaima, Ummu Salama, Zainab Bint Jahsh, Juwairiyya Bint al- Harith, Safiyya Bint Huyay, Ummu Habiba, Mariam the Copt, and the last woman he married was Maimuna Bint al-Harith. In addition, Muhammad married other women but, for various reasons, did not consummate some of these marriages. There were also many concubines and slaves belonging to Muhammad, mostly gained as spoils of war. His sexual prowess was well known amongst his followers. In fact, the Ahadith teach that he was as good as thirty men!
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Muhammad’s Teachings on Women His views on women are well documented. For instance, a woman’s witness [in court] is worth half that of a man’s (Sura 2:28229; Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith 82630); women are deficient in intelligence and religious devotion (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith 30131; Vol. 3, Hadith 82632; Vol. 2, Hadith 54133); women are referred to as a possession—along with gold, silver, horses and cattle (Sura 3:1434); a woman is to be used like a field according to the husband’s desires (Sura 2:22335); a man can exchange one of his wives for another (Sura 4:2036); a woman comes in the form of a devil (Muslim, Vol. 2, Hadith 324037).
Muhammad’s Jihad During his first 13 years there were little more than a hundred followers (and these were mostly poor), so he began raiding the caravans and weaker tribes to gain a quick return. In the desert, "annexing" a neighbour's property was a quick way to improve one's status. Muhammad called it jihad—"an effort in the way of Allah", "a means of achieving his mission and establishing Allah's kingdom on earth.” As noted by Malik in his book, The Qur’anic Concept of War (pp.99-10338), in the next 9 years Muhammad planned 81 battles, and took an active part in many of these. Continuing rejection by the Jews caused him to expel them from Medina. Their wealth was divided amongst the Muslims, and the most beautiful women were taken for the prophet. However, as many as 600-900 of the Jews, such as of the tribe of Bani Qurayza, were unfortunate enough to be slaughtered rather than exiled!
Salvation and Muhammad The Qur’an and Hadith make it clear that Muhammad did not have any assurance of eternal salvation. In Sura 46:939 Muhammad was told to inform people that he did not know what his destiny or that of anybody else would be. He was commanded to ask for the forgiveness of his sins and the sins of his followers (Sura 47:1940; 40:5541). Accordingly, Muhammad used to pray for forgiveness more than seventy times a day (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 31942) and he did so, even on his death bed (Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 71543). In spite of such intense and frequent prayers, still he had no assurance of salvation even for himself or his close relatives (Muslim vol.1, Hadith No. 398-40244). This is in stark contrast to the legacy of Jesus the Messiah. John 3:1645 makes it plain that God “so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. The follower of the Lord Jesus Christ is assured of salvation with God whereas the follower of Muhammad can never have such assurance. According to Muslim tradition, the Prophet of Islam is the best example to follow but, despite the fact that he fought many battles for Allah and prayed fervently for the forgiveness of his sins, he had no assurance of Allah’s favour or of a home in Paradise. Every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, on the other hand, has a 100% guarantee of salvation before a holy God. The testimony of Ephesians 1:746 is that “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace”. The difference is obvious and it is Jesus’ atoning work that is missing in Islam. Whereas Muhammad left a legacy of jihad, a believer in Jesus Christ can depend on Christ’s perfect redemptive work. Reader, we urge you to consider Jesus!
References 1
Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 5793, “Abdullah b. Sarjis reported: I saw Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) and ate with him bread and meat, or he said Tharid (bread soaked in soup). I said to … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 122 … (references continued from previous page)… him: Did Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) seek forgiveness for you? He said: Yes, and for you, and he then recited this verse:" Ask forgiveness for thy sin and for the believing men and believing women" (xlvii. 19). I then went after him and saw the Seal of Prophethood between his shoulders on the left side of his shoulder having spots on it like moles.” 2
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 189, “Narrated As-Sa'ib bin Yazid: My aunt took me to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! This son of my sister has got a disease in his legs." So he passed his hands on my head and prayed for Allah's blessings for me; then he performed ablution and I drank from the remaining water. I stood behind him and saw the seal of Prophethood between his shoulders, and it was like the "Zir-al-Hijla" (means the button of a small tent, but some said 'egg of a partridge.' etc.).”
3
Ibn Ishaq in Life of Muhammad, Oxford University Press, 1996 (eleventh reprint) p.80 The Story Of Bahira: When Abu Talib was going in a merchant caravan to Syria, the apostle of God clung to him, so was taken along. On reaching Busra in Syria a monk Bahira, well-versed in Christian knowledge, who always ignored them, this year made a feast for them. This was because Bahira saw a cloud overshadowing Muhammad. Bahira found on the boy the markings his books spoke of. On being questioned the apostle of God answered as Bahira expected, according to his books; and saw the seal of prophethood between his shoulders, where it should be. (See also pp.96,97,726)
4
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 2, “Al-Harith bin Hisham asked Allah's Apostle "O Allah's Apostle! How is the Divine Inspiration revealed to you?" Allah's Apostle replied, "Sometimes it is (revealed) like the ringing of a bell, this form of Inspiration is the hardest of all and then this state passes ' off after I have grasped what is inspired. Sometimes the Angel comes in the form of a man and talks to me and I grasp whatever he says." 'Aisha added: Verily I saw the Prophet being inspired Divinely on a very cold day and noticed the Sweat dropping from his forehead (as the Inspiration was over).” 5
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 438, “AlHarith bin Hisham asked the Prophet, "How does the divine inspiration come to you?" He replied, "In all these ways: The Angel sometimes comes to me with a voice which resembles the sound of a ringing bell, and when this state abandons me, I remember what the Angel has said, and this type of Divine Inspiration is the hardest on me; and sometimes the Angel comes to me in the shape of a man and talks to me, and I understand and remember what he says."”
6
Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith No. 508, “Narrated Safwan bin Ya'la bin Umaiya: Ya'la used to say, "I wish I could see Allah's Apostle at the time he is being inspired Divinely." When the Prophet was at Al-Ja'rana and was shaded by a garment hanging over him and some of his companions were with him, a man perfumed with scent came and said, "O Allah's Apostle! What is your opinion regarding a man who assumes Ihram and puts on a cloak after perfuming his body with scent?" The Prophet waited for a while, and then the Divine Inspiration descended upon him. 'Umar pointed out to Ya'la, telling him to come. Ya'la came and pushed his head (underneath the screen which was covering the Prophet) and behold! The Prophet's face was red and he kept on breathing heavily for a while and then he was relieved…” 7
Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 618, “Narrated Safwan bin Ya'la bin Umaiya: Ya'la used to say, "I wish I could see Allah's Apostle at the time when he is being inspired divinely." Ya'la added "While the Prophet was at Al-Ja'rana, shaded with a cloth sheet (in the form of a tent) and there were staying with him, some of his companions under it, suddenly there came to him a bedouin wearing a cloak and perfumed extravagantly. He said, "O Allah's Apostle! What is your opinion regarding a man who assumes the state of Ihram for 'Umra wearing a cloak after applying perfume to his body?" 'Umar signalled with his hand to Ya'la to come (near). Ya'la came and put his head (underneath that cloth sheet) and saw the Prophet red-faced and when that state (of the Prophet) was over, he said, "Where is he who as already asked me about the 'Umra?" The man was looked for and brought to the Prophet The Prophet said (to him), "As for the perfume you have applied to your body, wash it off your body thrice, and take off your cloak, and then do in your 'Umra the rites you do in your Hajj."” 8
Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith No. 508, “Narrated Safwan bin Ya'la bin Umaiya: Ya'la used to say, "I … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 123 … (references continued from previous page)… wish I could see Allah's Apostle at the time he is being inspired Divinely." When the Prophet was at Al-Ja'rana and was shaded by a garment hanging over him and some of his companions were with him, a man perfumed with scent came and said, "O Allah's Apostle! What is your opinion regarding a man who assumes Ihram and puts on a cloak after perfuming his body with scent?" The Prophet waited for a while, and then the Divine Inspiration descended upon him. 'Umar pointed out to Ya'la, telling him to come. Ya'la came and pushed his head (underneath the screen which was covering the Prophet) and behold! The Prophet's face was red and he kept on breathing heavily for a while and then he was relieved…” 9
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 461, “Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: that he heard the Prophet saying, "The Divine Inspiration was delayed for a short period but suddenly, as I was walking. I heard a voice in the sky, and when I looked up towards the sky, to my surprise, I saw the angel who had come to me in the Hira Cave, and he was sitting on a chair in between the sky and the earth. I was so frightened by him that I fell on the ground …”
10
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 461, “Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: that he heard the Prophet saying, "The Divine Inspiration was delayed for a short period but suddenly, as I was walking. I heard a voice in the sky, and when I looked up towards the sky, to my surprise, I saw the angel who had come to me in the Hira Cave, and he was sitting on a chair in between the sky and the earth. I was so frightened by him that I fell on the ground …” 11
Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 170, “Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: When the Ka'ba was rebuilt, the Prophet and 'Abbas went to carry stones. 'Abbas said to the Prophet "(Take off and) put your waist sheet over your neck so that the stones may not hurt you." (But as soon as he took off his waist sheet) he fell unconscious on the ground with both his eyes towards the sky. When he came to his senses, he said, "My waist sheet! My waist sheet!" Then he tied his waist sheet (round his waist).” 12
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 2, “Al-Harith bin Hisham asked Allah's Apostle "O Allah's Apostle! How is the Divine Inspiration revealed to you?" Allah's Apostle replied, "Sometimes it is (revealed) like the ringing of a bell, this form of Inspiration is the hardest of all and then this state passes ' off after I have grasped what is inspired. Sometimes the Angel comes in the form of a man and talks to me and I grasp whatever he says." 'Aisha added: Verily I saw the Prophet being inspired Divinely on a very cold day and noticed the Sweat dropping from his forehead (as the Inspiration was over).”
13
Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 544, Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri : Once the Prophet sat on a pulpit and we sat around him. Then he said, "The things I am afraid of most for your sake (concerning what will befall you after me) is the pleasures and splendors of the world and its beauties which will be disclosed to you." Somebody said, "O Allah's Apostle! Can the good bring forth evil?" The Prophet remained silent for a while. It was said to that person, "What is wrong with you? You are talking to the Prophet (p.b.u.h) while he is not talking to you." Then we noticed that he was being inspired divinely. Then the Prophet wiped off his sweat and said, "Where is the questioner?" It seemed as if the Prophet liked his question. Then he said, "Good never brings forth evil. Indeed it is like what grows on the banks of a water-stream which either kill or make the animals sick, except if an animal eats its fill the Khadira (a kind of vegetable) and then faces the sun, and then defecates and urinates and grazes again. No doubt this wealth is sweet and green. Blessed is the wealth of a Muslim from which he gives to the poor, the orphans and to needy travelers. (Or the Prophet said something similar to it) No doubt, whoever takes it illegally will be like the one who eats but is never satisfied, and his wealth will be a witness against him on the Day of Resurrection."” 14
Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 829, “I was a young girl and did not have much knowledge of the Quran. I said. 'I know, by Allah, that you have listened to what people are saying and that has been planted in your minds and you have taken it as a truth. Now, if I told you that I am innocent and Allah knows that I am innocent, you would not believe me and if I confessed to you falsely that I am guilty, and Allah knows that I am innocent you would believe me. By Allah, I don't compare my situation with you except to the situation of Joseph's father (i.e. Jacob) who said, 'So (for me) patience is most fitting against that which you assert and it is Allah (Alone) whose help can be sought.' Then I turned … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 124 … (references continued from previous page)… to the other side of my bed hoping that Allah would prove my innocence. By Allah I never thought that Allah would reveal Divine Inspiration in my case, as I considered myself too inferior to be talked of in the Holy Qur'an. I had hoped that Allah's Apostle might have a dream in which Allah would prove my innocence. By Allah, Allah's Apostle had not got up and nobody had left the house before the Divine Inspiration came to Allah's Apostle. So, there overtook him the same state which used to overtake him, (when he used to have, on being inspired divinely). He was sweating so much so that the drops of the sweat were dropping like pearls though it was a (cold) wintry day. When that state of Allah's Apostle was over, he was smiling and the first word he said, 'Aisha! Thank Allah, for Allah has declared your innocence.' (Quoted in part.)” 15
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 3, “Narrated 'Aisha: (the mother of the faithful believers) The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Apostle was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright day light, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadija to take his food like-wise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet replied, "I do not know how to read.” (Quoted in part.) 16
Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 659, “Narrated Ibn Abbas: Musailima Al-Kadhdhab came during the lifetime of the Prophet and started saying, "If Muhammad gives me the rule after him, I will follow him." And he came to Medina with a great number of the people of his tribe. Allah's Apostle went to him in the company of Thabit bin Qais bin Shammas, and at that time, Allah's Apostle had a stick of a date-palm tree in his hand. When he (i.e. the Prophet) stopped near Musailima while the latter was amidst his companions, he said to him, "If you ask me for this piece (of stick), I will not give it to you, and Allah's Order you cannot avoid, (but you will be destroyed), and if you turn your back from this religion, then Allah will destroy you. And I think you are the same person who was shown to me in my dream, and this is Thabit bin Qais who will answer your questions on my behalf." Then the Prophet went away from him. I asked about the statement of Allah's Apostle: "You seem to be the same person who was shown to me in my dream," and Abu Huraira informed me that Allah's Apostle said, "When I was sleeping, I saw (in a dream) two bangles of gold on my hands and that worried me. And then I was inspired Divinely in the dream that I should blow on them, so I blew on them and both the bangles flew away. And I interpreted it that two liars (who would claim to be prophets) would appear after me. One of them has proved to be Al Ansi and the other, Musailima."”
17
John 7:19-20, “And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word.” 18
Leviticus 20:6, “I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people.” 19
Sura 46:29-31, “And when We inclined toward you (Muhammad) certain of the jinn, who wished to hear the Qur'an and, when they were in its presence, said: Give ear! and, when it was finished, turned back to their people, warning. They said: O our people! Lo! we have heard a scripture which has been revealed after Moses, confirming that which was before it, guiding unto the truth and a right road. O our people! Respond to Allah's summoner and believe in Him. He will forgive you some of your sins and guard you from a painful doom” 20
Sura 72:11ff, “Say (O Muhammad): It is revealed unto me that a company of the Jinn gave ear, and they said: Lo! We have heard a marvellous Qur'an, 72:2 Which guides unto righteousness, so we believe in it and we ascribe no partner unto our Lord. 72:3 And (we believe) that He - exalted be the glory of our Lord! - has taken neither wife nor son, 72:4 And that the foolish one among us used to speak concerning Allah an atrocious lie. 72:5 And lo! We had supposed that humankind and jinn would not speak a lie concerning Allah - 72:6 And indeed (O Muhammad) individuals of humankind used to invoke the protection of individuals of the jinn, so that they increased them in revolt against Allah.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 125 … (references continued from previous page)… 21
Sura 68:2, “You are not, for your Lord's favour unto you, a madman.”
22
Sura 81:22-25, “And your comrade is not mad. Surely he beheld Him on the clear horizon. And he is not avid of the Unseen. Nor is this the utterance of a devil worthy to be stoned.” 23
Sura 52:29, “Therefor warn (men, O Muhammad). By the grace of Allah you are neither soothsayer nor madman.”
24
Sura 34:46, “Say (unto them, O Muhammad): I exhort you unto one thing only: that you awake, for Allah's sake, by twos and singly, and then reflect: There is no madness in your comrade. He is nothing else than a warner unto you in face of a terrific doom.”
25
Sura 109:1-6, “Say: O disbelievers! I worship not that which you worship; Nor worship you that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which you worship. Nor will you worship that which I worship. Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion.”
26
Sura 6:106-108, “Follow that which is inspired in you from your Lord; there is no God save Him; and turn away from the idolaters. Had Allah willed, they had not been idolatrous. We have not set you as a keeper over them, nor are you responsible for them. Revile not those unto whom they pray beside Allah lest they wrongfully revile Allah through ignorance. Thus unto every nation have We made their deed seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return, and He will tell them what they used to do.” 27
Sura 4:3, “And if you fear that you will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if you fear that you cannot do justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus it is more likely that you will not do injustice.” 28
Sura 4:129, “You will not be able to deal equally between (your) wives, however much you wish (to do so). But turn not altogether away (from one), leaving her as in suspense. If you do good and keep from evil, lo! Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” 29
Sura 2:282, “O you who believe! when you contract a debt for a fixed term, record it in writing. Let a scribe record it in writing between you in (terms of) equity. No scribe should refuse to write as Allah has taught him, so let him write, and let him who incurs the debt dictate, and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord, and diminish naught thereof. But if he who owes the debt is of low understanding, or weak, or unable himself to dictate, then let the guardian of his interests dictate in (terms of) equity. And call to witnesses, from among your men. two witnesses. And if two men are not (at hand) then a man and two women, of such as you approve as witnesses, so that if the one hears fails (in forgetfulness) the other will remember. And the witnesses must not refuse when they are summoned.” 30
Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 826, “Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The Prophet said, "Isn't the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?" The women said, "Yes." He said, "This is because of the deficiency of a woman's mind."” 31
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 301, “Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o 'Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."” 32
Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 826, “Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The Prophet said, "Isn't the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?" The women said, "Yes." He said, "This is because … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 126 … (references continued from previous page)… of the deficiency of a woman's mind."” 33
Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 54, “Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: On 'Id ul Fitr or 'Id ul Adha Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) went out to the Musalla. After finishing the prayer, he delivered the sermon and ordered the people to give alms. He said, "O people! Give alms." Then he went towards the women and said. "O women! Give alms, for I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-Fire were you (women)." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is the reason for it?" He replied, "O women! You curse frequently, and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. O women, some of you can lead a cautious wise man astray." Then he left. And when he reached his house, Zainab, the wife of Ibn Masud, came and asked permission to enter It was said, "O Allah's Apostle! It is Zainab." He asked, 'Which Zainab?" The reply was that she was the wife of Ibn Mas'ub. He said, "Yes, allow her to enter." And she was admitted. Then she said, "O Prophet of Allah! Today you ordered people to give alms and I had an ornament and intended to give it as alms, but Ibn Masud said that he and his children deserved it more than anybody else." The Prophet replied, "Ibn Masud had spoken the truth. Your husband and your children had more right to it than anybody else."” 34
Sura 3:14, “Beautified for mankind is love of the joys (that come) from women and offspring; and stored-up heaps of gold and silver, and horses branded (with their mark), and cattle and land. That is comfort of the life of the world. Allah! With Him is a more excellent abode.” 35
Sura 2:223, “Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as you will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that you will (one day) meet Him. Give glad tidings to believers, (O Mohammed).”
36
Sura 4:20, “And if you wish to exchange one wife for another and you have given unto one of them a sum of money (however great), take nothing from it. Would you take it by the way of calumny and open wrong?” 37
Muslim, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 3240, “Jabir reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saw a woman, and so he came to his wife, Zainab, as she was tanning a leather and had sexual intercourse with her. He then went to his Companions and told them: The woman advances and retires in the shape of a devil, so when one of you sees a woman, he should come to his wife, for that will repel what he feels in his heart.” 38
Malik divides the eighty-one battles into the six regions in which they were fought and gives a brief description of them. 1. Pre-Badr Raids (eight in all, largely bloodless, and chiefly to guard the caravan route; 2. Operations between Badr and Ohad (2-3AH – 11 skirmishes); 3. Between Badr Ohad and Khandaq (3-5AH -11 – mainly involving the defending of Medina from attacks from various adversaries, especially Meccan); 4. Between Khandaq and Khyber (5-7AH – 19 battles were fought, repulsing further attacks and gradually gaining new territory); 5. Between Khyber and Mecca (20 battles between 7 and 8AH – including the bloodless invasion of Mecca); 6. Between Mecca and Doma (8-9AH - 12 battles culminating in the religious dominance and temporal authority of the entire Arabian Peninsula and involving two Roman Syria skirmishes). 39
Sura 46:9, “Say: I am no new thing among the messengers (of Allah), nor know I what will be done with me or with you. I do but follow that which is inspired in me, and I am but a plain warner.” 40
Sura 47:19, “So know (O Muhammad) that there is no God save Allah, and ask forgiveness for your sin and for believing men and believing women. Allah knows (both) your place of turmoil and your place of rest.”
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Sura 40:55, “Then have patience (O Muhammad). Lo! the promise of Allah is true. And ask forgiveness of your sin, and hymn the praise of your Lord at fall of night and in the early hours.”
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Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 319, “Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying." By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."” … (references continued overleaf)…
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Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 715, “Narrated 'Aisha: I heard the Prophet and listened to him before his death while he was Lying supported on his back, and he was saying, "O Allah! Forgive me, and bestow Your Mercy on me, and let me meet the (highest) companions (of the Hereafter)."”
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Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 398-402, “Anas reported: Verily, a person said: Messenger of Allah, where is my father? He said: (He) is in the Fire. When he turned away, he (the Holy Prophet) called him and said: Verily my father and your father are in the Fire. 399 Abu Huraira reported: When this verse was revealed:" And warn thy nearest kindred (al-Qur'an, xxvi. 214), the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) called the Quraish; so they gathered and he gave them a general warning. Then he made a particular (reference to certain tribes) and said: O sons of Ka'b b. Luwayy, rescue yourselves from the Fire; O sons of Murra b. Ka'b, rescue yourselves from the Fire: O sons of Abd Shams, rescue yourselves from the Fire; 0 sons of Abd Manaf rescue yourselves from the Fire; O sons of Hashim, rescue yourselves from the Fire; 0 sons of Abd al-Muttalib, rescue yourselves from the Fire; O Fatimah, rescue thyself from the Fire, for I have no power (to protect you) from Allah in anything except this that I would sustain relationship with you.” (402 repeats the same Hadith)
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John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 46
Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.”
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 128
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 129
Allah vs. Yahweh
Multiculturalism and tolerance are the slogans of today. Dissenting voices are dismissed with patronizing half-truths and complete falsehoods. This has happened to the extent that many people believe that Allah (the god of the Qur’an and Islam) is the same as Yahweh [Jehovah] (the god of the Bible and Christianity). Although Christians and Muslims claim the God of Abraham as their own, closer examination reveals that Allah and Yahweh are vastly different. In the Bible and the Qur’an, both Yahweh and Allah respectively are described as Creator, One, Ruler, Revealer, Loving and Forgiving, and as Judge. The Qur’an claims that Allah and the God of the Bible are identical: “And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which has been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our God and your God is One, and unto Him we surrender.” [Pickthall’s translation]- Sura 29:46 In the light of this teaching in the Qur’an, Muslims claim that Christians have misrepresented Allah as a three-fold God and that they should revert to the original simplicity of the oneness (Tawhid) of Allah. The Bible is much older than the Qur’an, and numerous proofs exist to show that the Bible has not been changed/tampered with over the centuries, as many Muslims claim. (For further information, please read the tract Authenticity of the Bible.) It would be reasonable to expect that what Allah
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 130 reveals in the Qur’an and what Yahweh reveals in the Bible should be identical; the Qur’an should confirm the facts of the Bible and its teachings. However, a study of the Bible and the Qur’an shows that the apparent similarities mentioned above have very different meanings for each faith.
Yahweh
Allah 1
Creates only good (Genesis 1; I Timothy4:4 ; James 1:172)
Creates good and evil (Sura 4:783; 113:24)
Loves all mankind (John 3:165)
Loves Muslims (Sura 2:1956; 2:1907; 2:2768; 3:329)
Does not change (Malachi 3:610; James 1:1711)
Changes his mind frequently (Sura 16:10112, 13:3913; 17:8614; 87:6-815 etc.)
Guarantees heaven for believers (John 6:4716; 10:2817; Romans 6:2318; 1 John 5:11-1319; etc)
Guarantees hell for a time for believers (Sura 19:71-7220).
Does not lie; He stands by His promises (Numbers 23:1921; 1 Samuel 15:2922)
Lies when convenient (Sura 3:5423; 8:3024)
Leads people in the path of life (Psalm 2325; 139:2426; John14:627)
Leads astray whom he wills (Sura 7:178-17928; 13:3129; 95:4-530; 4:14231; 39:5732; 18:1733)
Is a complex unity: such as infinity + infinity + infinity = infinity (John 10:3034; 14:935; Romans 8:9-1136)
Is a simple unity (Sura 4:17137; 5:7338)
Demands eternal justice (Ezekiel 18:439; Isaiah 65:640; Psalm 37:2841; Isaiah 30:1842; 42:1-443; 61:844; Jeremiah 9:2445; Matthew 16:2746)
Doesn’t demand eternal justice (Sura 7:847; 21:4748; 23:101-10349; 53:3250; 5:3951; 11:11452; Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 17, 50453etc)
Always forgives believers (Colossians 2:1354; 1 John 1:955)
Forgives believers when he pleases (Sura 2:28456; 3:12957; 4:4858, 11659 etc.)
Has a son (Psalm 260; Proverbs 30:461; Matthew Does not have a son (Sura 112:3-464, Sura 3:1762; 17:563) 72:1-565; 19:9266) Provides atonement and intercession (Deuteronomy 32:4367; Isaiah 53:1268; Romans 8:3469; Hebrews 7:2570)
Many times refuses atonement and intercession (Sura 2:18671; 6:5172, 9473; 10:1874; 32:475; 19:9576 etc)
Hates sin (Romans 3:2577; 1 John 2:278; 4:1079; Numbers 19:1-280; Exodus 19:681; Psalm 119:14282, 16083; Matthew. 5:4884; 1 Peter 1:15-1685)
Demands sin (Muslim, Book 37, Hadith No. 662286 & 662187; Book 33 Hadith No. 642188)
Is a personal God (Jeremiah 24:789; 31:3490; John 10:1491; 14:992; Romans 8:1593; Galatians 4:694; Revelation 21:795)
Is unknowable and impersonal; a master of slaves (Sura 4:17296; 5:11897; 6:1898; 7:19499; 15:49100; 19:93101)
Indeed, as you can see from the table above, Yahweh and Allah are very different in many aspects. The Christian claims should be examined: Do Christians believe that God, Jesus and Mary are the Trinity? What are the proofs for the Authenticity of the Bible? (For further information on some elements in the table, read our tracts on, Sin in Christianity and Islam, Truth in Islam, The Trinity and The Straight Path.)
Deception and Truth The God of the Bible has a consistent standard of righteousness. Repeatedly, He tells people to trust
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 131 Him because He is a covenant-keeping, faithful God (Genesis 17:7102; Exodus 34:6103; Deuteronomy 7:9104; Psalm 36:5105; 89:33106; 2 Timothy 2:13107; Hebrews 13:20108). Yahweh’s Word stands forever and does not change (Isaiah 40:8109; Matthew 24:35110; Luke 21:33111; Numbers 23:19112; Malachi 3:6113); whereas Allah abrogates or changes his words (Sura 28:59114, 16:101115, 13:39116; 17:86117; 87:6-8118). It is difficult to trust a God who changes his preferred people, his methodology or standards. Allah does as he pleases, leading people in the right way or leading them astray: Sura 3:54 And they cheated/deceived and God cheated/deceived, and God (is) the best (of) the cheaters/deceivers. [Translated by Mohamed Ahmed and Samira Ahmed] (see also Sura 8:30119) The word used in 3:54 and 8:30, ‘makara’, means to deceive, delude, cheat, double-cross and dupe. Allah is thus seen as the best of deceivers, the premier schemer and the conniving one. By contrast, Isaiah, speaking of Yahweh, says that there is no deceit in God’s mouth (Isaiah 53:9120).
Allah has no son, Yahweh has a son The Bible states that God is triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is a difficult concept to understand; it is not 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 nor 1 + 1 + 1 = 1; rather it is a complex unity more like: infinity + infinity + infinity = infinity. Christians do not worship three gods and they consider it blasphemy to suggest it. Muslims get their understanding of the Trinity from the Qur’an (Sura 4:171121; 5:116122; 21:91123; 66:12124). Muhammad evidently heard about the Trinity from Christian heretics and not from the Gospels [Injil] themselves (Matthew 28:19125 etc). Perhaps the biggest and most critical difference is that Allah denies having a son, and will not forgive people who say that he does (Sura 5:17126, 72127; 3:61128; 9:31129 etc). Yahweh, by contrast, does have a son, and it is only through the son (Jesus), that people like you and I can become children of God (John 1:18130; 14:6-9131; Galatians 3:26132; 4:6133; Hebrews 1:1-2134; 1 John 5:1135; Revelation 21:7136 etc) and have eternal life. Jesus’ being called the Son of God is not referring to his parenthood but to his eternal intimate relationship with the Father.
Summary Mohammad prayed frequently for the forgiveness of his sins, but there was no assurance that his sins were forgiven and that he would go to heaven (Sura 46:9137; Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 319138). This is understandable since Allah does not always forgive sin (Sura 2:284139; 3:129140; 4:48141, 116142 etc.). By contrast, Yahweh reveals, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9). Yahweh is described as a just and holy God (Psalm 51:6143) who punishes all sin because, ultimately, sin is against God (Numbers 15:31144). In fact, from Yahweh’s perspective, if you have broken just one law, you’ve broken all of the law (James 2:10145) because you have despised God and put yourself in His place as ruler of your life. Thus, unlike Allah (Sura 53:32146; 5:39147; 11:114148; Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 17, 504149), Yahweh does not allow punishment or good deeds in this life to substitute for punishment in the next (Revelation 21:8150). Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and rose again on the third day, victorious over death; but each one of us must choose to receive this free gift. If you refuse to receive this gift, you cannot enjoy the benefits of the gift. God desires us to humbly receive this gift with a thankful heart. If you wish to receive the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ by faith, you need only to open your heart and ask God in your own words. See our tract, The Straight Path, for more information.
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References 1
Timothy 4:4, “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.”
2
James 1:17, “Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
3
Sura 4:78, “Wheresoever ye may be, death will overtake you, even though ye were in lofty towers. Yet if a happy thing befalleth them they say: This is from Allah; and if an evil thing befalleth them they say: This is of thy doing (O Muhammad). Say (unto them): All is from Allah. What is amiss with these people that they come not nigh to understand a happening?”
4
Sura 113:2, “From the evil of that which He created.”
5
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
6
Sura 2:195, “Spend your wealth for the cause of Allah, and be not cast by your own hands to ruin; and do good. Lo! Allah loveth the beneficent.”
7
Sura 2:190, “Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors.”
8
Sura 2:276, “Allah hath blighted usury and made almsgiving fruitful. Allah loveth not the impious and guilty.” 9
Sura 3:32, “Say: Obey Allah and the messenger. But if they turn away, lo! Allah loveth not the disbelievers (in His guidance).”
10
Malachi 3:6, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”
11
James 1:17, “For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.”
12
Sura 16:101, “And when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation, - and Allah knoweth best what He revealeth - they say: Lo! thou art but inventing. Most of them know not.” 13
Sura 13:39, “Allah effaceth what He will, and establisheth (what He will), and with Him is the source of ordinance.” 14
Sura 17:86, “And if We willed We could withdraw that which We have revealed unto thee, then wouldst thou find no guardian for thee against Us in respect thereof.” 15
Sura 87:6-8, “We shall make thee read (O Muhammad) so that thou shalt not forget Save that which Allah willeth. Lo! He knoweth the disclosed and that which still is hidden; And We shall ease thy way unto the state of ease.” 16
John 6:47, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.”
17
John 10:28, “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.”
18
Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 19
I John 5:11-13, “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life. I write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” 20
Sura 19:71-72, “There is not one of you but shall approach it. That is a fixed ordinance of thy Lord. Then We shall rescue those who kept from evil, and leave the evil-doers crouching there.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 133 … (references continued from previous page)… 21
Numbers 23:19, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfil it?” 22
I Samuel 15:29, “And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent.” 23
Sura 3:54, “And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.”
24
Sura 8:30, “And when those who disbelieve plot against thee (O Muhammad) to wound thee fatally, or to kill thee or to drive thee forth; they plot, but Allah (also) plotteth; and Allah is the best of plotters.” 25
Psalm 23, “A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
26
Psalm 139:24, “And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
27
John14:6, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” 28
Sura 7:178-179, “He whom Allah leadeth, he indeed is led aright, while he whom Allah sendeth astray - they indeed are losers. Already have We urged unto hell many of the jinn and humankind, having hearts wherewith they understand not, and having eyes wherewith they see not, and having ears wherewith they hear not. These are as the cattle - nay, but they are worse! These are the neglectful.” 29
Sura 13:31, “Already have We urged unto hell many of the jinn and humankind, having hearts wherewith they understand not, and having eyes wherewith they see not, and having ears wherewith they hear not. These are as the cattle - nay, but they are worse! These are the neglectful.” 30
Sura 95:4-5, “Surely We created man of the best stature Then we reduced him to the lowest of the low.” 31
Sura 4:142, “Lo! the hypocrites seek to beguile Allah, but it is He Who beguileth them. When they stand up to worship they perform it languidly and to be seen of men, and are mindful of Allah but little.”
32
Sura 39:57, “Or should say: If Allah had but guided me I should have been among the dutiful!”
33
Sura 18:17, “And thou mightest have seen the sun when it rose move away from their cave to the right, and when it set go past them on the left, and they were in the cleft thereof. That was (one) of the portents of Allah. He whom Allah guideth, he indeed is led aright, and he whom He sendeth astray, for him thou wilt not find a guiding friend.” 34
John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.”
35
John 14:9, “Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?” 36
Romans 8:9-11, “When ye sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): I will help you with a thousand of the angels, rank on rank. Allah appointed it only as good tidings, and that your hearts thereby might be at rest. Victory cometh only by the help of Allah. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise. When He made the slumber fall upon you as a reassurance from him and sent down water from the sky upon you, that thereby He might purify you, and remove from you the fear of Satan, and make … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 134 … (references continued from previous page)… strong your hearts and firm (your) feet thereby.” 37
Sura 4:171, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One Allah. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.”
38
Sura 5:73, “They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no Allah save the One Allah. If they desist not from so saying a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve.” 39
Ezekiel 18:4, “Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins shall die.” 40
Isaiah 65:6, “Behold, it is written before me: "I will not keep silent, but I will repay, yea, I will repay into their bosom.” 41
Psalm 37:28, “For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. The righteous shall be preserved for ever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.” 42
Isaiah 30:18, “Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you; therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” 43
Isaiah 42:1-4, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him, he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not fail or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.” 44
Isaiah 61:8, “For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.” 45
Jeremiah 9:24, “But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the LORD.” 46
Mathew 16:27, “For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done.” 47
Sura 7:8, “The weighing on that day is the true (weighing). As for those whose scale is heavy, they are the successful.” 48
Sura 21:47, “And We set a just balance for the Day of Resurrection so that no soul is wronged in aught. Though it be of the weight of a grain of mustard seed, We bring it. And We suffice for reckoners.” 49
Sura 23:101-103, “And when the trumpet is blown there will be no kinship among them that day, nor will they ask of one another. Then those whose scales are heavy, they are the successful. And those whose scales are light are those who lose their souls, in hell abiding.” 50
Sura 53:32, “Those who avoid enormities of sin and abominations, save the unwilled offences (for them) lo! thy Lord is of vast mercy. He is Best Aware of you (from the time) when He created you from the earth, and when ye were hidden in the bellies of your mothers. Therefor ascribe not purity unto yourselves. He is Best Aware of him who wardeth off (evil).” 51
Sura 5:39, “But whoso repenteth after his wrongdoing and amendeth, lo! Allah will relent toward him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
52
Sura 11:114, “Establish worship at the two ends of the day and in some watches of the night. Lo! … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 135 … (references continued from previous page)… good deeds annul ill-deeds. This is reminder for the mindful.” 53
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 17, 504, “Narrated Ibn Mas'ud: A man kissed a woman (unlawfully) and then went to the Prophet and informed him. Allah revealed: And offer prayers perfectly At the two ends of the day And in some hours of the night (i.e. the five compulsory prayers). Verily! good deeds remove (annul) the evil deeds (small sins) (11.114). The man asked Allah's Apostle, "Is it for me?" He said, "It is for all my followers."
54
Colossians 2:13, “And you, who were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” 55
I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
56
Sura 2:284, “Unto Allah (belongeth) whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and whether ye make known what is in your minds or hide it, Allah will bring you to account for it. He will forgive whom He will and He will punish whom He will. Allah is Able to do all things.” 57
Sura 3:129, “Unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. He forgiveth whom He will, and punisheth whom He will. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” 58
Sura 4:48, “Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin.”
59
Sura 4:116, “Lo! Allah pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered far astray.” 60
Psalm 2, “Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying, "Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD has them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, "I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill." I will tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my son, today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, with trembling kiss his feet, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” 61
Proverbs 30:4, “Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!” 62
Matthew 3:17, “And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."” 63
Matthew 17:5, “He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."” 64
Sura 112:3-4, “He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him.”
65
Sura 72:1-5, “Say (O Muhammad): It is revealed unto me that a company of the Jinn gave ear, and they said: Lo! we have heard a marvellous Qur'an, Which guideth unto righteousness, so we believe in it and we ascribe no partner unto our Lord. And (we believe) that He - exalted be the glory of our Lord! - hath taken neither wife nor son, And that the foolish one among us used to speak concerning Allah an atrocious lie. And lo! we had supposed that humankind and jinn would not speak a lie concerning Allah.” 66
Sura 19:92, “When it is not meet for (the Majesty of) the Beneficent that He should choose a son.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 136 … (references continued from previous page)… 67
Deuteronomy 32:43, “Praise his people, O you nations; for he avenges the blood of his servants, and takes vengeance on his adversaries, and makes expiation for the land of his people.”
68
Isaiah 53:12, “Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” 69
Romans 8:34, “Who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us?” 70
Hebrews 7:25, “Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” 71
Sura 2:186, “And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright.” 72
Sura 6:51, “Warn hereby those who fear (because they know) that they will be gathered unto their Lord, for whom there is no protecting ally nor intercessor beside Him, that they may ward off (evil).” 73
Sura 6:94, “Now have ye come unto Us solitary as We did create you at the first, and ye have left behind you all that We bestowed upon you, and We behold not with you those your intercessors, of whom ye claimed that they possessed a share in you. Now is the bond between you severed, and that which ye presumed hath failed you.” 74
Sura 10:18, “They worship beside Allah that which neither hurteth them nor profiteth them, and they say: These are our intercessors with Allah. Say: Would ye inform Allah of (something) that He knoweth not in the heavens or in the earth? Praised be He and High Exalted above all that ye associate (with Him)!” 75
Sura 32:4, “Allah it is Who created the heavens and the earth, and that which is between them, in six Days. Then He mounted the Throne. Ye have not, beside Him, a protecting friend or mediator. Will ye not then remember?” 76
Sura 19:95, “And each one of them will come unto Him on the Day of Resurrection, alone.”
77
Romans 3:25, “Whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.” 78
I John 2:2, “And he is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
79
I John 4:10, “In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins.” 80
Numbers 19:1-2, “Now the LORD said to Moses and to Aaron, "This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded: Tell the people of Israel to bring you a red heifer without defect, in which there is no blemish, and upon which a yoke has never come.”
81
Exodus 19:6, “And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
82
Psalm 119:142, “Thy righteousness is righteous for ever, and thy law is true.”
83
Psalm 119:160, “The sum of thy word is truth; and every one of thy righteous ordinances endures for ever.” 84
Matthew 5:48, “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
85
I Peter 1:15-16, “But as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; (16) since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."” 86
Muslim, Book 37, Hadith No. 6622, “Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 137 … (references continued from previous page)… upon him) having said: By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if you were not to commit sin, Allah would sweep you out of existence and He would replace (you by) those people who would commit sin and seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would have pardoned them.” 87
Muslim, Book 37, Hadith No. 6621, “Abu Ayyub Ansari reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: If you were not to commit sins, Allah would have swept you out of existence and would have replaced you by another people who have committed sin, and then asked forgiveness from Allah, and He would have granted them pardon.” 88
Muslim, Book 33 Hadith No. 6421, “Abu Huraira reported Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: Verily Allah has fixed the very portion of adultery which a man will indulge in, and which he of necessity must commit. The adultery of the eye is the lustful look, and the adultery of the tongue is the licentious speech, the heart desires and yearns, which the parts may or may not put into effect.” 89
Jeremiah 24:7, “I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.” 90
Jeremiah 31:34, “And no longer shall each man teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” 91
John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me.”
92
John 14:9, “Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?” 93
Romans 8:15, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, "Abba! Father!"” 94
Galatians 4:6, “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"” 95
Revelation 21:7, “He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” 96
Sura 4:172, “The Messiah will never scorn to be a slave unto Allah, nor will the favoured angels. Whoever scorns His service and is proud, all such will He assemble unto Him.” 97
Sura 5:118, “If Thou punish them, lo! they are Thy slaves, and if Thou forgive them (lo! they are Thy slaves). Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Mighty, the Wise.” 98
Sura 6:18, “He is the Omnipotent over His slaves, and He is the Wise, the Knower.”
99
Sura 7:194, “Lo! those on whom ye call beside Allah are slaves like unto you. Call on them now, and let them answer you, if ye are truthful!” 100
Sura 15:49, “Announce, (O Muhammad) unto My slaves that truly I am the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
101
Sura 19:93, “There is none in the heavens and the earth but cometh unto the Beneficent as a slave.”
102
Genesis 17:7, “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you.”
103
Exodus 34:6, “The LORD passed before him, and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
104
Deuteronomy 7:9, “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 138 … (references continued from previous page)… generations.” 105
Psalm 36:5, “Thy steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, thy faithfulness to the clouds.”
106
Psalm 89:33, “but I will not remove from him my steadfast love, or be false to my faithfulness.”
107
II Timothy 2:13, “if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself.”
108
Hebrews 13:20, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant.”
109
Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever.”
110
Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
111
Luke 21:33, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
112
Numbers 23:19, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfil it?”
113
Malachi 3:6, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”
114
Sura 28:59, “And never did thy Lord destroy the townships, till He had raised up in their mother(town) a messenger reciting unto them Our revelations. And never did We destroy the townships unless the folk thereof were evil-doers.”
115
Sura 16:101, “And when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation, - and Allah knoweth best what He revealeth - they say: Lo! thou art but inventing. Most of them know not.”
116
Sura 13:39, “Allah effaceth what He will, and establisheth (what He will), and with Him is the source of ordinance.” 117
Sura 17:86, “And if We willed We could withdraw that which We have revealed unto thee, then wouldst thou find no guardian for thee against Us in respect thereof.”
118
Sura 87:6-8, “He is created from a gushing fluid That issued from between the loins and ribs. Lo! He verily is Able to return him (unto life).”
119
Sura 8:30, And when those who disbelieve plot against thee (O Muhammad) to wound thee fatally, or to kill thee or to drive thee forth; they plot, but Allah (also) plotteth; and Allah is the best of plotters.
120
Isaiah 53:9, “And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.”
121
Sura 4:171, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One Allah. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.” 122
Sura 5:116, “And when Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Didst thou say unto mankind: Take me and my mother for two gods beside Allah? he saith: Be glorified! It was not mine to utter that to which I had no right. If I used to say it, then Thou knewest it. Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I know not what is in Thy Mind. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Knower of Things Hidden?”
123
Sura 21:91, “And she who was chaste, therefor We breathed into her (something) of Our Spirit and made her and her son a token for (all) peoples.”
124
Sura 66:12, “And Mary, daughter of 'Imran, whose body was chaste, therefor We breathed therein something of Our Spirit. And she put faith in the words of her Lord and His scriptures, and was of the obedient.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 139 … (references continued from previous page)… 125
Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
126
Sura 5:17, “They indeed have disbelieved who say: Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. Say: Who then can do aught against Allah, if He had willed to destroy the Messiah son of Mary, and his mother and everyone on earth? Allah's is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them. He createth what He will. And Allah is Able to do all things.”
127
Sura 5:72, “They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah (himself) said: O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Lo! whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah, for him Allah hath forbidden paradise. His abode is the Fire. For evil-doers there will be no helpers.”
128
Sura 3:61, “And whoso disputeth with thee concerning him, after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, say (unto him): Come! We will summon our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then we will pray humbly (to our Lord) and (solemnly) invoke the curse of Allah upon those who lie.” 129
Sura 9:31, “They have taken as lords beside Allah their rabbis and their monks and the Messiah son of Mary, when they were bidden to worship only One Allah. There is no Allah save Him. Be He Glorified from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him)!” 130
John 1:18, “No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.” 131
John 14:6-9, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him." Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?” 132
Galatians 3:26, “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
133
Galatians 4:6, “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"”
134
Hebrews 1:1-2, “In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
135
I John 5:1, “Every one who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God, and every one who loves the parent loves the child.” 136
Revelation 21:7, “He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be my son.”
137
Sura 46:9, “Say, I am no new thing among the messengers (of Allah), nor know I what will be done with me or with you. I do but follow that which is inspired in me, and I am but a plain warner.”
138
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 319, “Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying." By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."”
139
Sura 2:284, “Unto Allah (belongeth) whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and whether ye make known what is in your minds or hide it, Allah will bring you to account for it. He will forgive whom He will and He will punish whom He will. Allah is Able to do all things.”
140
Sura 3:129, “Unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. He forgiveth whom He will, and punisheth whom He will. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” 141
Sura 4:48, “Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 140 … (references continued from previous page)… save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin.” 142
Sura 4:116, “Lo! Allah pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered far astray.”
143
Psalm 51:6, “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.”
144
Numbers 15:31, “Because he has despised the word of the LORD, and has broken his commandment, that person shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him."”
145
James 2:10, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of
it.” 146
Sura 53:32, “Those who avoid enormities of sin and abominations, save the unwilled offences (for them) lo! thy Lord is of vast mercy. He is Best Aware of you (from the time) when He created you from the earth, and when ye were hidden in the bellies of your mothers. Therefore ascribe not purity unto yourselves. He is Best Aware of him who wardeth off (evil).”
147
Sura 5:39, “But whoso repenteth after his wrongdoing and amendeth, lo! Allah will relent toward him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
148
Sura 11:114, “Establish worship at the two ends of the day and in some watches of the night. Lo! good deeds annul ill-deeds. This is reminder for the mindful.” 149
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith Nos. 17, 504, “Narrated Ibn Mas'ud: A man kissed a woman (unlawfully) and then went to the Prophet and informed him. Allah revealed: And offer prayers perfectly At the two ends of the day And in some hours of the night (i.e. the five compulsory prayers). Verily! good deeds remove (annul) the evil deeds (small sins) (11.114). The man asked Allah's Apostle, "Is it for me?" He said, "It is for all my followers."”
150
Revelation 21:8, “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.”
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Contradictions in the Qur’an
Islam teaches that the Qur’an is perfect in every respect. Muslims believe that Muhammad was illiterate (Sura 7:1571) and that it was therefore not possible humanly speaking for him to produce such a work. Moreover, Allah teaches that it contains no contradiction, and that these facts prove that the Qur’an is of divine origin (Sura 4:822). This tract aims to provide a small and incomplete selection of verses (due to the limited space) to challenge the assumption that the Qur’an is perfect. Special note: Within Islam, there is a doctrine called Abrogation (substituting one teaching for another); but even abrogated verses are, in our view, still examples of contradictions. For more information on Abrogation in Islam and its contrast with the Old and New Testaments please refer to our tract Authenticity of the Bible. Since Muslims the world over consider the Qur’an their book from Allah we need to check out its claims. The numerous contradictions it contains can be categorized into six (6) groups: 1. Scientific Contradictions 2. Historical Contradictions 3. Geographical Contradictions
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 142 4. Theological / Ethical Contradictions 5. Contradictions with the Biblical statement 6. Internal Contradictions
Scientific Contradictions Sura 27:18-193 records that King Solomon overheard a conversation between ants. This is scientifically impossible as ants use smell, not sound, to communicate and the context of the story indicates that this is not a miracle of Allah! Sura 51:494 reveals that everything was made in pairs. Whilst there are many things that are made in pairs, there are many that have no counterpart, and there are species where there is only one gender such as starfish and sea anemones. Sura 18:85-865 reveals that the Sun sets in a muddy pool.
Historical Contradictions Sura 20:85-876, 95-977 reveals that a Samaritan molded the calf that the Israelites worshiped in Moses’ time. This is an historical impossibility as Samaritans wouldn’t exist for another 500-700 years. Sura 28:388 states that Haman was a chief minister of Pharaoh in Egypt. Historically, Haman was the minister of a Persian King, Ahasuerus, called King Xerxes I by the Greeks. He lived about a thousand years after the time of Moses, but the Qur’an says this Persian minister, Haman, lived in Egypt at the time of Moses. Sura 66:129 reveals that Mary [the Biblical Miriam and sister of Aaron and Moses] is the same as the virgin Mary [the mother of Jesus]. Some Muslim scholars try to explain that Mary was only a sister/ daughter in a figurative sense because Aaron and Mary were both saints. To the ill-informed, it sounds plausible, but in fact this is not the case at all. Sura 3:32-3510 relates that Imran’s [the father of Aaron] family was one of the preferred above all creation. Imran’s wife fell pregnant and gave birth to Mary, who became mother of Jesus. More than 1500 years separated Mary the mother of Jesus, and Miriam [Aaron and Moses’ sister].
Geographical Contradictions Sura 36:37-3811 reveals that the sun goes to a place of rest at night. Baidawi said that the phrase, ‘the sun runs to a fixed resting place’, means to a certain limit at which its daily cycle comes to an end. Sura 18:86 Till, when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring, and found a people thereabout. Even school children know that it is the earth that moves, not the sun. Sura 2:18712 commands Muslims to fast between sunrise and sunset. How is this possible near the North and South Poles when the sun doesn’t go below the horizon for months at a time?
Theological/Ethical Contradictions Sura 5:11613; 4:17114 and 5:7315 reveal that Christians allegedly believe that there are three gods: God, Mary and Jesus. Consequently, Muhammad repeated over and over that God is one. However, no Christian believes that there are three Gods. In fact, they expressly deny it, while affirming their belief in the Trinity. Sura 6:1216 reveals that people are to be blamed for belief and disbelief but, in Sura 10:10017, Allah is responsible. In Sura 31:1518, a Muslim is permitted to keep some sort of kindly relation with non-Muslim parents. However, in Sura 9:2319, a Muslim is not allowed to befriend unbelieving parents. Sura 4:7820 reveals that both good and evil come from Allah; but in Sura 4:7921 only good comes from Allah. Adultery is forbidden in Sura 25:6822 and 60:1223. But in Sura 24:3324, Allah allows non-forced prostitution and concubines in Sura 70:29-3225. There is no compulsion in Islam according to Sura 2:25626; but in Sura 9:527, 8:3928, 6529, and 6730, Allah commands Muslims to fight against unbelievers until they either convert or die.
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 143 Murder is forbidden in Sura 5:3031 etc, but murder for the sake of Allah is permitted against unbelievers, e.g. Sura 9:532; 8:3933, 6534, 6735; 2:19136, 21737.
Contradictions with the Bible Because Muslims believe that the Christian Bible is corrupt, they have no problem with the Qur’an contradicting the Bible - but this denies that Allah is capable of protecting his word.
Internal Contradictions Muhammad claimed to be the first Muslim (Sura 6:1438, 161-16439; 39:11-1240). But in Sura 30:3041 and 7:17242 everyone is born a Muslim and many people are described as Muslims: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (2:12743-133; 3:6744); Jesus (Sura 3:5245); the disciples of Jesus (3:5246; 5:110-11147); Solomon (27:30-3148, 42,4449); Moses the first of believers (7:14350); Moses’ mother (28:751); Aaron (7:121-12252); others at the same time as Moses and Aaron (40:28-3853) and all Jews before they went astray (22:7854) etc. In fact, all the prophets were Muslims (see Sura 2:14055; 3:8156). On the one hand there is a minimum age of marriage (Sura 4:657) [usually regarded as puberty or 15 years of age], but Sura 65:458 contains directives for the divorce of girls who are too immature to menstruate. Sura 2:22159 forbids Muslims marrying non-Muslims but Sura 5:560 allows it. According to Sura 2:10661 and 16:10162, Allah changes his revelations with something better; but in Sura 10:6563, there is no change in the word of Allah. Sura 2:10664 teaches that Allah causes people to forget his commandments/revelation whereas Sura 6:6865 says the devil causes them to forget Allah’s command not to sit with disbelievers. In Sura 2:12266; 2:4767; 44:30-3268; 45:1669; Allah prefers Jews above all people, but in 62:670, it appears that he disapproves of them, threatening them with death and turning them into pigs and monkeys (Sura 5:6071; 2:6572; 98:673 etc). Sura 3:5574 teaches those who follow Jesus [Christians] are above those who disbelieve till the Last Day and 2:6275 teaches that Christians will not grieve on the Day of Judgment—but in 98:676 Allah reveals that Christians are the worst of all creatures and abide in hell. In Sura 4:4877, 11678 teaches that Allah can forgive every sin except ascribing a partner to him; but in 6:76-7879 Abraham ascribed a star, the moon, and the sun to Allah, but Allah still forgave him. Moreover, in 4:15380, the Israelites worshiped the calf and Allah forgave them. Muslims are to get truth and wisdom confirmed from Christians and Jews (Sura 10:9481 and 5:4782), but in Sura 9:3083; 2:6584; and 98:685, Christians and Jews are deluded! The Qur’an claims that none can change the Word of God. (Sura 6:115-11686; 10:6587; 18:27-2888; 48:2389). However, as seen earlier, the Qurán teaches that the Jews corrupted the words of the Scriptures (Sura 2:41-4290; 3:7191, 3:7892, 4:4693) and even Allah needed to change his words (Sura 2:10694; 16:10195). Sura 22:5296 admits that Satan sometimes influences the content of the revelation, but Allah abolishes it.
Conclusion These are just some of a plethora of internal contradictions. If God can so change his mind, his promises cannot be trusted with certainty. The God of Christians, however, cannot lie (Titus 1:297 etc.) and promises eternal life (Titus 1:2 and others). More than that, he promises that you can become a child of His (John 1:1298). God makes many promises throughout Scripture, and asks to be held to them. The most important promise in Scripture is that “all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21).
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 144
References 1
Sura 7:157, “Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honour him, and help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are the successful.” 2
Sura 4:82, “Will they not then ponder on the Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah they would have found therein much incongruity.”
3
Sura 27:18-19, “Till, when they reached the Valley of the Ants, an ant exclaimed: O ants! Enter your dwellings lest Solomon and his armies crush you, unperceiving. And (Solomon) smiled, laughing at her speech, and said: My Lord, arouse me to be thankful for Thy favour wherewith Thou hast favoured me and my parents, and to do good that shall be pleasing unto Thee, and include me in (the number of) Thy righteous slaves.”
4
Sura 51:49, “And all things We have created by pairs, that haply ye may reflect.”
5
Sura 18:85-86, “And he followed a road Till, when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring, and found a people thereabout. We said: O Dhu'l-Qarneyn! Either punish or show them kindness.” 6
Sura 20:85-87, “He said: Lo! We have tried thy folk in thine absence, and As-Samiri [the Samarian] hath misled them. Then Moses went back unto his folk, angry and sad. He said: O my people! Hath not your Lord promised you a fair promise? Did the time appointed then appear too long for you, or did ye wish that wrath from your Lord should come upon you, that ye broke tryst with me? They said: We broke not tryst with thee of our own will, but we were laden with burdens of ornaments of the folk, then cast them (in the fire), for thus As-Samiri [the Samarian] proposed.” 7
Sura 20:95-97, “(Moses) said: And what hast thou to say, O Samiri? [Samarian] He said: I perceived what they perceive not, so I seized a handful from the footsteps of the messenger, and then threw it in. Thus my soul commended to me. (Moses) said: Then go! and lo! in this life it is for thee to say: Touch me not! and lo! there is for thee a tryst thou canst not break. Now look upon thy god of which thou hast remained a votary. Verily we will burn it and will scatter its dust over the sea.”
8
Sura 28:38, “And Pharaoh said: O chiefs! I know not that ye have a god other than me, so kindle for me (a fire), O Haman, to bake the mud; and set up for me a lofty tower in order that I may survey the god of Moses; and lo! I deem him of the liars.”
9
Sura 66:12, “And Mary, daughter of 'Imran, whose body was chaste, therefor We breathed therein something of Our Spirit. And she put faith in the words of her Lord and His scriptures, and was of the obedient.”
10
Sura 3:32-35, “Say: Obey Allah and the messenger. But if they turn away, lo! Allah loveth not the disbelievers (in His guidance). Lo! Allah preferred Adam and Noah and the Family of Abraham and the Family of 'Imran above (all His) creatures.” 11
Sura 36:37-38, “And the sun runneth on unto a resting-place for him. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wise.” 12
Sura 2:187, “It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are raiment for you and ye are raiment for them. Allah is Aware that ye were deceiving yourselves in this respect and He hath turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So hold intercourse with them and … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 145 … (references continued from previous page)… seek that which Allah hath ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becometh distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expoundeth His revelation to mankind that they may ward off (evil).” 13
Sura 5:116, “And when Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Didst thou say unto mankind: Take me and my mother for two gods beside Allah? he saith: Be glorified! It was not mine to utter that to which I had no right. If I used to say it, then Thou knewest it. Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I know not what is in Thy Mind. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Knower of Things Hidden?” 14
Sura 4:171, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One Allah. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.”
15
Sura 5:73, “They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no Allah save the One Allah. If they desist not from so saying a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve.” 16
Sura 6:12, “Say: Unto whom belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth? Say: Unto Allah. He hath prescribed for Himself mercy, that He may bring you all together to the Day of Resurrection whereof there is no doubt. Those who ruin their souls will not believe.”
17
Sura 10:100, “It is not for any soul to believe save by the permission of Allah. He hath set uncleanness upon those who have no sense.” 18
Sura 31:15, “But if they strive with thee to make thee ascribe unto Me as partner that of which thou hast no knowledge, then obey them not. Consort with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who repenteth unto Me. Then unto Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what ye used to do.”
19
Sura 9:23, “O ye who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for friends if they take pleasure in disbelief rather than faith. Whoso of you taketh them for friends, such are wrong-doers.” 20
Sura 4:78, “Wheresoever ye may be, death will overtake you, even though ye were in lofty towers. Yet if a happy thing befalleth them they say: This is from Allah; and if an evil thing befalleth them they say: This is of thy doing (O Muhammad). Say (unto them): All is from Allah. What is amiss with these people that they come not nigh to understand a happening?” 21
Sura 4:79, “Whatever of good befalleth thee (O man) it is from Allah, and whatever of ill befalleth thee it is from thyself. We have sent thee (Muhammad) as a messenger unto mankind and Allah is sufficient as Witness.” 22
Sura 25:68, “And those who cry not unto any other god along with Allah, nor take the life which Allah hath forbidden save in (course of) justice, nor commit adultery - and whoso doeth this shall pay the penalty.” 23
Sura 60:12, “O Prophet! If believing women come unto thee, taking oath of allegiance unto thee that they will ascribe no thing as partner unto Allah, and will neither steal nor commit adultery nor kill their children, nor produce any lie that they have devised between their hands and feet, nor disobey thee in what is right, then accept their allegiance and ask Allah to forgive them. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” 24
Sura 24:33, “And let those who cannot find a match keep chaste till Allah give them independence by His grace. And such of your slaves as seek a writing (of emancipation), write it for them if ye are aware of aught of good in them, and bestow upon them of the wealth of Allah which He hath … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 146 … (references continued from previous page)… bestowed upon you. Force not your slave-girls to whoredom that ye may seek enjoyment of the life of the world, if they would preserve their chastity. And if one force them, then (unto them), after their compulsion, lo! Allah will be Forgiving, Merciful.” 25
Sura 70:29-32, “And those who preserve their chastity Save with their wives and those whom their right hands possess, for thus they are not blameworthy; But whoso seeketh more than that, those are they who are transgressors; And those who keep their pledges and their covenant.” 26
Sura 2:256, “There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.” 27
Sura 9:5, “Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” 28
Sura 8:39, “And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do.” 29
Sura 8:65, “O Prophet! Exhort the believers to fight. If there be of you twenty steadfast they shall overcome two hundred, and if there be of you a hundred (steadfast) they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are a folk without intelligence.”
30
Sura 8:67, “It is not for any prophet to have captives until he hath made slaughter in the land. Ye desire the lure of this world and Allah desireth (for you) the Hereafter, and Allah is Mighty, Wise.” 31
Sura 5:30, “But (the other's) mind imposed on him the killing of his brother, so he slew him and became one of the losers.” 32
Sura 9:5, “Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” 33
Sura 8:39, “And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do.” 34
Sura 8:65, “O Prophet! Exhort the believers to fight. If there be of you twenty steadfast they shall overcome two hundred, and if there be of you a hundred (steadfast) they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are a folk without intelligence.”
35
Sura 8:67, “It is not for any prophet to have captives until he hath made slaughter in the land. Ye desire the lure of this world and Allah desireth (for you) the Hereafter, and Allah is Mighty, Wise.” 36
Sura 2:191, “And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers.”
37
Sura 2:217, “They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th months of the Islamic calendar). Say, "Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) with Allah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and AlFitnah is worse than killing. And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion (Islamic Monotheism) if they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever."” 38
Sura 6:14, “Say: Shall I choose for a protecting friend other than Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who feedeth and is never fed? Say: I am ordered to be the first to surrender … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 147 … (references continued from previous page)… (unto Him). And be not thou (O Muhammad) of the idolaters.” 39
Sura 6:161-164, “Say: Lo! As for me, my Lord hath guided me unto a straight path, a right religion, the community of Abraham, the upright, who was no idolater. Say: Lo! my worship and my sacrifice and my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the Worlds. He hath no partner. This am I commanded, and I am first of those who surrender (unto Him).” 40
Sura 39:11-12, “Say (O Muhammad): Lo! I am commanded to worship Allah, making religion pure for Him (only). And I am commanded to be the first of those who are Muslims (surrender unto Him).” 41
Sura 30:30, “So set thy purpose (O Muhammad) for religion as a man by nature upright - the nature (framed) of Allah, in which He hath created man. There is no altering (the laws of) Allah's creation. That is the right religion, but most men know not.”
42
Sura 7:172, “And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! Of this we were unaware.” 43
Sura 2:127, “And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, (Abraham prayed): Our Lord! Accept from us (this duty). Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower. Our Lord! And make us submissive unto Thee and of our seed a nation submissive unto Thee, and show us our ways of worship, and relent toward us.” 44
Sura 3:67, “Abraham was not a Jew, nor yet a Christian; but he was an upright man who had surrendered (to Allah), and he was not of the idolaters.” 45
Sura 3:52, “But when Jesus became conscious of their disbelief, he cried: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah's helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear thou witness that we have surrendered (unto Him).” 46
Sura 3:52, “But when Jesus became conscious of their disbelief, he cried: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah's helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear thou witness that we have surrendered (unto Him).” 47
Sura 5:110-111, “When Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! … ; And when I inspired the disciples, (saying): Believe in Me and in My messenger, they said: We believe. Bear witness that we have surrendered (unto Thee) "we are Muslims".” 48
Sura 27:30-31, “Lo! it is from Solomon, and lo! it is: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; Exalt not yourselves against me, but come unto me as those who surrender.” 49
Sura 27:42, 44, “So, when she came, it was said (unto her): Is thy throne like this? She said: (It is) as though it were the very one. And (Solomon said): We were given the knowledge before her and we had surrendered (to Allah). Sura 27:44 It was said unto her: Enter the hall. And when she saw it she deemed it a pool and bared her legs. (Solomon) said: Lo! it is a hall, made smooth, of glass.” 50
Sura 7:143, “And when Moses came to Our appointed tryst and his Lord had spoken unto him, he said: My Lord! Show me (Thy Self), that I may gaze upon Thee. He said: Thou wilt not see Me, but gaze upon the mountain! If it stand still in its place, then thou wilt see Me. And when his Lord revealed (His) glory to the mountain He sent it crashing down. And Moses fell down senseless. And when he woke he said: Glory unto Thee! I turn unto Thee repentant, and I am the first of (true) believers.” 51
Sura 28:7, “And We inspired the mother of Moses, saying: Suckle him and, when thou fearest for him, then cast him into the river and fear not nor grieve. Lo! We shall bring him back unto thee and shall make him (one) of Our messengers.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 148 … (references continued from previous page)… 52
Sura 7:121-122, “Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”
53
Sura 40:28-38, “And a believing man of Pharaoh's family, who hid his faith, said: Would ye kill a man because he saith: My Lord is Allah, and hath brought you clear proofs from your Lord? If he is lying, then his lie is upon him; and if he is truthful, then some of that wherewith he threateneth you will strike you. Lo! Allah guideth not one who is a prodigal, a liar. O my people! Yours is the kingdom to-day, ye being uppermost in the land. But who would save us from the wrath of Allah should it reach us? Pharaoh said: I do but show you what I think, and I do but guide you to wise policy. And he who believed said: O my people! Lo! I fear for you a fate like that of the factions (of old); A plight like that of Noah's folk, and A'ad and Thamud, and those after them, and Allah willeth no injustice for (His) slaves. And, O my people! Lo! I fear for you a Day of Summoning, A day when ye will turn to flee, having no preserver from Allah: and he whom Allah sendeth astray, for him there is no guide. And verily Joseph brought you of old clear proofs, yet ye ceased not to be in doubt concerning what he brought you till, when he died, ye said: Allah will not send any messenger after him. Thus Allah deceiveth him who is a prodigal, a doubter. Those who wrangle concerning the revelations of Allah without any warrant that hath come unto them, it is greatly hateful in the sight of Allah and in the sight of those who believe. Thus doth Allah print on every arrogant, disdainful heart. And Pharaoh said: O Haman! Build for me a tower that haply I may reach the roads, The roads of the heavens, and may look upon the god of Moses, though verily I think him a liar. Thus was the evil that he did made fairseeming unto Pharaoh, and he was debarred from the (right) way. The plot of Pharaoh ended but in ruin. And he who believed said: O my people! Follow me. I will show you the way of right conduct.” 54
Sura 22:78, “And strive for Allah with the endeavour which is His right. He hath chosen you and hath not laid upon you in religion any hardship; the faith of your father Abraham (is yours). He hath named you Muslims of old time and in this (Scripture), that the messenger may be a witness against you, and that ye may be witnesses against mankind. So establish worship, pay the poor-due, and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protecting friend. A blessed Patron and a blessed Helper!” 55
Sura 2:140, “Or say ye that Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know best, or doth Allah? And who is more unjust than he who hideth a testimony which he hath received from Allah? Allah is not unaware of what ye do.” 56
Sura 3:81, “Sura 3:81 When Allah made (His) covenant with the prophets, (He said): Behold that which I have given you of the Scripture and knowledge. And afterward there will come unto you a messenger, confirming that which ye possess. Ye shall believe in him and ye shall help him. He said: Do ye agree, and will ye take up My burden (which I lay upon you) in this (matter)? They answered: We agree. He said: Then bear ye witness. I will be a witness with you.” 57
Sura 4:6, “Prove orphans till they reach the marriageable age; then, if ye find them of sound judgment, deliver over unto them their fortune.” 58
Sura 65:4, “And those of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the 'Iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubts (about their periods), is three months, and for those who have no courses [(i.e. they are still immature) their 'Iddah (prescribed period) is three months likewise, except in case of death] . And for those who are pregnant (whether they are divorced or their husbands are dead), their 'Iddah (prescribed period) is until they deliver (their burdens), and whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him. (The Noble Qur’an Translated by Al-Hilali and Khan).” 59
Sura 2:221, “Wed not idolatresses till they believe; for lo! a believing bondwoman is better than an idolatress though she please you; and give not your daughters in marriage to idolaters till they believe, for lo! a believing slave is better than an idolater though he please you. These invite unto the Fire, and Allah inviteth unto the Garden, and unto forgiveness by His grace, and expoundeth His revelations to mankind that haply they may remember.” … (references continued overleaf)…
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Sura 5:5, “This day are (all) good things made lawful for you. The food of those who have received the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And so are the virtuous women of the believers and the virtuous women of those who received the Scripture before you (lawful for you) when ye give them their marriage portions and live with them in honour, not in fornication, nor taking them as secret concubines. Whoso denieth the faith, his work is vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter.” 61
Sura 2:106, “Nothing of our revelation (even a single verse) do we abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in place) one better or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that Allah is Able to do all things?”
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Sura 16:101, “And when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation, - and Allah knoweth best what He revealeth - they say: Lo! thou art but inventing. Most of them know not.” 63
Sura 10:65, “And let not their speech grieve thee (O Muhammad). Lo! power belongeth wholly to Allah. He is the Hearer, the Knower.” 64
Sura 2:106, “Nothing of our revelation (even a single verse) do we abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in place) one better or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that Allah is Able to do all things?”
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Sura 6:68, “And when thou seest those who meddle with Our revelations, withdraw from them until they meddle with another topic. And if the devil cause thee to forget, sit not, after the remembrance, with the congregation of wrong-doers.”
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Sura 2:122, “O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures.” 67
Sura 2:47, “O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures.” 68
Sura 44:30-32, “And We delivered the Children of Israel from the shameful doom; (We delivered them) from Pharaoh. Lo! he was a tyrant of the wanton ones. And We chose them, purposely, above (all) creatures.” 69
Sura 45:16, “And verily we gave the Children of Israel the Scripture and the Command and the Prophethood, and provided them with good things and favoured them above (all) peoples.” 70
Sura 62:6, “Say (O Muhammad): O ye who are Jews! If ye claim that ye are favoured of Allah apart from (all) mankind, then long for death if ye are truthful.” 71
Sura 5:60, “Shall I tell thee of a worse (case) than theirs for retribution with Allah? (Worse is the case of him) whom Allah hath cursed, him on whom His wrath hath fallen and of whose sort Allah hath turned some to apes and swine, and who serveth idols. Such are in worse plight and further astray from the plain road.” 72
Sura 2:65, “And ye know of those of you who broke the Sabbath, how We said unto them: Be ye apes, despised and hated!” 73
Sura 98:6, “Verily, those who disbelieve (in the religion of Islam, the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) from among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and Al-Mushrikun will abide in the Fire of Hell. They are the worst of creatures.” 74
Sura 3:55, “(And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ.” 75
Sura 2:62, “Lo! Those who believe (in that which is revealed unto thee, Muhammad), and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabaeans - whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 150 … (references continued from previous page)… right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.” 76
Sura 98:6, “Lo! those who disbelieve, among the People of the Scripture and the idolaters, will abide in fire of hell. They are the worst of created beings.” 77
Sura 4:48, “Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin. Sura 4:116 Lo! Allah pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered far astray.”
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Sura 4:116, “Lo! Allah pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered far astray.” 79
Sura 6:76-78, “When the night grew dark upon him he beheld a star. He said: This is my Lord. But when it set, he said: I love not things that set. And when he saw the moon uprising, he exclaimed: This is my Lord. But when it set, he said: Unless my Lord guide me, I surely shall become one of the folk who are astray. And when he saw the sun uprising, he cried: This is my Lord! This is greater! And when it set he exclaimed: O my people! Lo! I am free from all that ye associate (with Him).” 80
Sura 4:153, “The people of the Scripture ask of thee that thou shouldst cause an (actual) Book to descend upon them from heaven. They asked a greater thing of Moses aforetime, for they said: Show us Allah plainly. The storm of lightning seized them for their wickedness. Then (even) after that) they chose the calf (for worship) after clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty) had come unto them. And We forgave them that! And We bestowed on Moses evident authority.” 81
Sura 10:94, “And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers.” 82
Sura 5:47, “Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers.”
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Sura 9:30, “And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah. That is their saying with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved of old. Allah (Himself) fighteth against them. How perverse are they!” 84
Sura 2:65, “And ye know of those of you who broke the Sabbath, how We said unto them: Be ye apes, despised and hated!” 85
Sura 98:6, “Lo! those who disbelieve, among the People of the Scripture and the idolaters, will abide in fire of hell. They are the worst of created beings.” 86
Sura 6:115-116, “Perfected is the Word of thy Lord in truth and justice. There is naught that can change His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower. If thou obeyedst most of those on earth they would mislead thee far from Allah's way. They follow naught but an opinion, and they do but guess.” 87
Sura 10:65, “And let not their speech grieve thee (O Muhammad). Lo! power belongeth wholly to Allah. He is the Hearer, the Knower.” 88
Sura 18:27-28, “And recite that which hath been revealed unto thee of the Scripture of thy Lord. There is none who can change His words, and thou wilt find no refuge beside Him. Restrain thyself along with those who cry unto their Lord at morn and evening, seeking His Countenance; and let not thine eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, who followeth his own lust and whose case hath been abandoned.” 89
Sura 48:23, “It is the law of Allah which hath taken course aforetime. Thou wilt not find for the law of Allah aught of power to change.” … (references continued overleaf)…
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Sura 2:41-42, “And believe in that which I reveal, confirming that which ye possess already (of the Scripture), and be not first to disbelieve therein, and part not with My revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto Me. Confound not truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth.”
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Sura 3:71, “O People of the Scripture! Why confound ye truth with falsehood and knowingly conceal the truth?” 92
Sura 3:78, “And lo! there is a party of them who distort the Scripture with their tongues, that ye may think that what they say is from the Scripture, when it is not from the Scripture. And they say: It is from Allah, when it is not from Allah; and they speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly.” 93
Sura 4:46, “Some of those who are Jews alter words from their places and say, We have heard and we disobey; and (say), Hear without being made to hear, and (say), Raina, distorting with their tongues and slandering religion. And if they had said, We hear and we obey, and hearken, and (understand), it would have been better for them and more upright; but Allah has cursed them on account of their disbelief, so they believe not but a little.” 94
Sura 2:106, “Nothing of our revelation (even a single verse) do we abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in place) one better or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that Allah is Able to do all things?”
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Sura 16:101, “And when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation, - and Allah knoweth best what He revealeth - they say: Lo! thou art but inventing. Most of them know not.” 96
Sura 22:52, “Never sent We a messenger or a prophet before thee but when He recited (the message) Satan proposed (opposition) in respect of that which he recited thereof. But Allah abolisheth that which Satan proposeth. Then Allah establisheth His revelations. Allah is Knower, Wise.” 97 98
Titus 1:2, “in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago.”
John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”
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Share the Gospel with Muslims - 153
Jesus in the Qur’an
Jesus has impacted history uniquely. Jesus [‘Isa or ‘Iesa] is claimed to be the promised Messiah by both Christians (John 1:411, 4:25-302, Acts 3:203, Ephesians 2:12,134) and Muslims (Sura 3:455, 4:171-1726). It is important to understand who Jesus was and who He claimed to be when He took on the role of Messiah. Messiah means ‘anointed one’ in Hebrew and Aramaic Even today, Jews still wait for the Messiah, but Christians and Muslims know who the Messiah is: Jesus, son of the virgin Mary. The Messiah was unique among all the prophets of God, only He is considered anointed by God - no other prophet had this type of Divine anointing. In fact, John the Baptist declared that he wasn’t worthy to untie the Messiah’s sandals (John 1:277). Let’s look at what the Qur’an says about the qualities of this Messiah.
Jesus was Born of a Virgin Jesus was born of a virgin. He had no earthly father. Sura 21:91: ‘And (remember) her [Mary] who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for all peoples.’ (see Sura 3:45, 478; 4:1719 and Matthew 1:2310; Isaiah 7:1411)
Jesus was Sinless Sura 3:46, ‘He [Jesus] will speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the righteous.’
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 154 Sura 3:46 says that Jesus was righteous from childhood to manhood. In other words, He never sinned. The Bible says Jesus challenged His enemies to prove that He had committed even one sin: John 8:46, “Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?” (see Isaiah 53:912; Hebrews 4:1513; 7:2614; I Peter 1:1915; 2:2216; and Revelation 19:1117) Many Muslims believe that God’s prophets were all without sin, but reading the Qur’an carefully reveals that this is not the case. Prophets confessed their sins and were asked to repent of them— prophets such as: • • • • • •
Adam (Sura 2:33-3718; 7:2319, 189-19020; 20:119-12121) Noah (Sura 11:46-4822) Abraham (Sura 2:26023; 6:75-7924; 21:57-6525; 26:69-8226) Moses (Sura 26:18-2127; 28:15-1628) Aaron (Sura 7:150-15129; 20:92-9430) Muhammad (Sura 4:105-10631; 40:5532; 47:1933; 48:1-234; Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 31935 and 407)
The Qur’an, however, does record that Jesus was sinless - Sura 19:19, “(The angel) said: ‘I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.’” (see Sura 3:3636; Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 50637, 64138, 651-65239) The word “righteous” comes from the word meaning to purify. What purpose did God have in keeping Jesus sinless? What did Jesus need to purify? In answer to these questions, we read in the Gospels that Jesus came to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-2140).
Jesus Performed Many Miracles Sura 5:11041 records that Jesus healed lepers and blind people and even raised the dead.
Jesus is a Sign of God for ALL Mankind See Sura 21:9142; 19:2143 and 43:6144.
Jesus is Illustrious in this World and the Hereafter Sura 3:45, ‘(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah gives you glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).’ Note this carefully - the Qur’an reveals that Jesus is illustrious in this world and the Hereafter. He has been highly exalted by Allah!
Jesus is the World of God and the Spirit of God Look again at Sura 3:45. Note this time that Jesus (‘Iesa) is a word from/of God [kalam-at-ullah]. If someone is the Word of God, what does this mean?! Sura 66:12, ‘And Mary, daughter of 'Imran, whose body was chaste, therefore We breathed therein something of Our Spirit [Ruhullah]. And she put faith in the words of her Lord and His scriptures, and was of the obedient.’ (see Sura 21:9145 and 4:17146 and Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 64447) What does it mean to have something of the Spirit of God? Is anyone else called the Word of God or the Spirit of God? These two unique titles are given to Jesus only and no one else.
Jesus taught what Muhammad was commanded to believe the Torah and Gospels. Sura 2:28548 and 4:13649 commands Muhammad and all Muslims to believe in the Scriptures (plural) that God had sent to the prophets before Muhammad. How can you believe in them without reading or knowing what is in them?
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 155 Sura 5:43-4750 commands Muslims to judge the Christians and Jews by the Gospel [Injil] and the Torah. How can Muslims evaluate Christians if they haven’t read these books? Sura 3:50, “And I [Jesus] have come confirming that which was before me of the Taurât (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allâh and obey me.” (see Sura 2:4151; 2:9752; 3:353; 6:9254; 43:61-6355; 46:1256) In Sura 3:50, Jesus says that he came to confirm the Torah for His followers. The Christians have the Torah in their Bibles and read it and apply the principles to their lives. Do you read the Torah? Do you obey Jesus? Can you obey Jesus without knowing His teachings? If the commandment to worship only one God was found in the Scriptures from Moses’ time (Deuteronomy 6:457), what was the new teaching that Jesus brought? Where can you find the teachings of Jesus?
Allah promises Paradise to Jesus’ Followers Sura 3:55, “(And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering you and causing you to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing you of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow you above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me you will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein you used to differ.” This aya (or verse) teaches two things: 1. Jesus is in heaven (see also Sura 19:31, 3358). 2. Everyone who follows Jesus will be first in God’s mind. While Muslims can be sure that Jesus is in Heaven, they cannot be certain that anyone else will surely go to Paradise because even Muhammad didn’t know what Allah would do with him: Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 266, “...He [Muhammad] said, "As to him, by Allah, death has overtaken him [Uthman bin Maz'un], and I hope the best for him. By Allah, though I am the Apostle of Allah, yet I do not know what Allah will do to me," By Allah, I will never assert the piety of anyone after him....”
The Followers of Jesus In pledging support for Jesus, the disciples of Jesus said: Sura 3:53, “Our Lord! We believe in that which Thou hast revealed and we follow him [Jesus] whom Thou hast sent. Enroll us among those who witness (to the truth).”
Conclusion Muslims pray many times a day. They repeat and pray Sura 1, al-Fatihah [The Opening], where they seek guidance for the straight path (see cover). Jesus teaches in His Injil [Gospels] that He is the straight path. John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."” The only person whom we know to be in Heaven is Jesus; not even Muhammad was sure where he would go. If Jesus is the path or the way, and you follow Him, where will you finish? “And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me [Allah]: this is a Straight Way. Let not the Evil One hinder you: for he is to you an enemy avowed. When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: "Now have I come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which ye dispute: therefore fear Allah and obey me."” - Sura 43:61-62 The content here will probably have raised some questions in your mind. Muslims are commanded to read and believe the Scriptures that God gave Christians and Jews. If you think they have been corrupted, doesn’t God say that His word cannot be changed? (Sura 6:11559; 10:64-6560; 18:2761; 48:2362). If you’d like more information regarding the authenticity of the Bible, please contact us. Perhaps you need to find a copy of the Torah and Injil [Gospels] and read them for yourself.
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References 1
John 1:41, “He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ).” 2
John 4:25-30, ‘The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ); when he comes, he will show us all things." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am he." Just then his disciples came. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but none said, "What do you wish?" or, "Why are you talking with her?" So the woman left her water jar, and went away into the city, and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" They went out of the city and were coming to him.”
3
Acts 3:20, “and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,”
4
Ephesians 2:12,13, “remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ.”
5
Sura 3:45, “(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).” 6
Sura 4:171-172, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender. The Messiah will never scorn to be a slave unto Allah, nor will the favoured angels. Whoso corneth His service and is proud, all such will He assemble unto Him;” 7
John 1:27, “even he that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose.”
8
Sura 3:45, “(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah). Sura 3:47 She [Mary] said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath touched me? He said: So (it will be). Allah createth what He will. If He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.” 9
Sura 4:171, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.”
10
Matthew 1:23, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us).” 11
Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Imman'u-el.” 12
Isaiah 53:9, “And they made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his month.” … (references continued overleaf)…
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Hebrews 4:15, “For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” 14
Hebrews 7:26, “For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;”
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I Peter 1:19, “but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ:” 16
I Peter 2:22, “who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:”
17
Revelation 19:11, “And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon, called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” 18
Sura 2:33-37, “He said: O Adam! Inform them of their names, and when he had informed them of their names, He said: Did I not tell you that I know the secret of the heavens and the earth? And I know that which ye disclose and which ye hide. And when We said unto the angels: Prostrate yourselves before Adam, they fell prostrate, all save Iblis. He demurred through pride, and so became a disbeliever.” And We said: O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the garden and eat from it a plenteous (food) wherever you wish and do not approach this tree, for then you will be of the unjust. But the Shaitan made them both fall from it, and caused them to depart from that (state) in which they were; and We said: Get forth, some of you being the enemies of others, and there is for you in the earth an abode and a provision for a time. Then Adam received (some) words from his Lord, so He turned to him mercifully; surely He is Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful.”
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Sura 7:23, “They said: Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If thou forgive us not and have not mercy on us, surely we are of the lost!” 20
Sura 7:189-190, “ He it is Who did create you from a single soul, and there from did make his mate that he might take rest in her. And when he covered her she bore a light burden, and she passed (unnoticed) with it, but when it became heavy they cried unto Allah, their Lord, saying: If thou givest unto us aright we shall be of the thankful. But when He gave unto them aright, they ascribed unto Him partners in respect of that which He had given them. High is He Exalted above all that they associate (with Him).”
21
Sura 20:119-121, “And that you shall not be thirsty therein nor shall you feel the heat of the sun. But the Shaitan made an evil suggestion to him; he said: O Adam! Shall I guide you to the tree of immortality and a kingdom which decays not? Then they both ate of it, so their evil inclinations became manifest to them, and they both began to cover themselves with leaves of the garden, and Adam disobeyed his Lord, so his life became evil (to him).” 22
Sura 11:46-48, “He said: O Noah! Lo! he is not of thy household; lo! he is of evil conduct, so ask not of Me that whereof thou hast no knowledge. I admonish thee lest thou be among the ignorant. He said: My Lord! Lo! in Thee do I seek refuge (from the sin) that I should ask of Thee that whereof I have no knowledge. Unless Thou forgive me and have mercy on me I shall be among the lost. It was said (unto him): O Noah! Go thou down (from the mountain) with peace from Us and blessings upon thee and some nations (that will spring) from those with thee. (There will be other) nations unto whom We shall give enjoyment a long while and then a painful doom from Us will overtake them.” 23
Sura 2:260, “And when Abraham said (unto his Lord): My Lord! Show me how Thou givest life to the dead, He said: Dost thou not believe? Abraham said: Yea, but (I ask) in order that my heart may be at ease. (His Lord) said: Take four of the birds and cause them to incline unto thee, then place a part of them on each hill, then call them, they will come to thee in haste, and know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.” 24
Sura 6:75-79, “Thus did We show Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth that he might be of those possessing certainty: When the night grew dark upon him he beheld a star. He said: This is my Lord. But when it set, he said: I love not things that set. And when he saw the moon … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 158 … (references continued from previous page)… uprising, he exclaimed: This is my Lord. But when it set, he said: Unless my Lord guide me, I surely shall become one of the folk who are astray. And when he saw the sun uprising, he cried: This is my Lord! This is greater! And when it set he exclaimed: O my people! Lo! I am free from all that ye associate (with Him). Lo! I have turned my face toward Him Who created the heavens and the earth, as one by nature upright, and I am not of the idolaters.” 25
Sura 21:57-65, “And, by Allah, I shall circumvent your idols after ye have gone away and turned your backs. Then he reduced them to fragments, all save the chief of them, that haply they might have recourse to it. They said: Who hath done this to our gods? Surely it must be some evil-doer. They said: We heard a youth make mention of them, who is called Abraham. They said: Then bring him (hither) before the people's eyes that they may testify. They said: Is it thou who hast done this to our gods, O Abraham? He said: But this, their chief hath done it. So question them, if they can speak. Then gathered they apart and said: Lo! ye yourselves are the wrong-doers. And they were utterly confounded, and they said: Well thou knowest that these speak not.” 26
Sura 26:69-82, “And recite to them the story of Ibrâhim (Abraham). When he said to his father and his people: "What do you worship?" They said: "We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted." He said: "Do they hear you, when you call (on them)? "Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?" They said: "Nay, but we found our fathers doing so.” He said: "Do you observe that which you have been worshipping, You and your ancient fathers? Verily! They are enemies to me, save the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists). Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me. And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink. And when I am ill, it is He who cures me. And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again). And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense, (the Day of Resurrection).” 27
Sura 26:18-21, “(Pharaoh) said (unto Moses): Did we not rear thee among us as a child? And thou didst dwell many years of thy life among us, And thou didst that thy deed which thou didst, and thou wast one of the ingrates. He said: I did it then, when I was of those who are astray. Then I fled from you when I feared you, and my Lord vouchsafed me a command and appointed me (of the number) of those sent (by Him).” 28
Sura 28:15-16, “And he [Moses] entered the city at a time of carelessness of its folk, and he found therein two men fighting, one of his own caste, and the other of his enemies; and he who was of his caste asked him for help against him who was of his enemies. So Moses struck him with his fist and killed him. He said: This is of the devil's doing. Lo! he is an enemy, a mere misleader. He said: My Lord! Lo! I have wronged my soul, so forgive me. Then He forgave him. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
29
Sura 7:150-151, “And when Moses returned unto his people, angry and grieved, he said: Evil is that (course) which ye took after I had left you. Would ye hasten on the judgment of your Lord? And he cast down the tablets, and he seized his brother by the head, dragging him toward him. He said: Son of my mother! Lo! the folk did judge me weak and almost killed me. Oh, make not mine enemies to triumph over me and place me not among the evil-doers. He said: My Lord! Have mercy on me and on my brother; bring us into Thy mercy, Thou the Most Merciful of all who show mercy.” 30
Sura 20:92-94, “He (Moses) said: O Aaron! What held thee back when thou didst see them gone astray, That thou followedst me not? Hast thou then disobeyed my order? He said: O son of my mother! Clutch not my beard nor my head! I feared lest thou shouldst say: Thou hast caused division among the Children of Israel, and hast not waited for my word.” 31
Sura 4:105-106, “Lo! We reveal unto thee [Muhammad] the Scripture with the truth, that thou mayst judge between mankind by that which Allah showeth thee. And be not thou a pleader for the treacherous; And seek forgiveness of Allah. Lo! Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” 32
Sura 40:55, “Then have patience (O Muhammad). Lo! the promise of Allah is true. And ask forgiveness of thy sin, and hymn the praise of thy Lord at fall of night and in the early hours.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 159 … (references continued from previous page)… 33
Sura 47:19, “So know (O Muhammad) that there is no God save Allah, and ask forgiveness for thy sin and for believing men and believing women. Allah knoweth (both) your place of turmoil and your place of rest.” 34
Sura 48:1-2, “Lo! We have given thee (O Muhammad) a signal victory, That Allah may forgive thee of thy sin that which is past and that which is to come, and may perfect His favour unto thee, and may guide thee on a right path.” 35
Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 319, “Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying." By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."
36
Sura 3:36, “And when she was delivered she said: My Lord! Lo! I am delivered of a female - Allah knew best of what she was delivered - the male is not as the female; and lo! I have named her Mary, and lo! I crave Thy protection for her and for her offspring from Satan the outcast.” 37
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 506, “Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "When any human being is born. Satan touches him at both sides of the body with his two fingers, except Jesus, the son of Mary, whom Satan tried to touch but failed, for he touched the placenta-cover instead.” 38
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 641, “Narrated Said bin Al-Musaiyab: Abu Huraira said, "I heard Allah's Apostle saying, 'There is none born among the off-spring of Adam, but Satan touches it. A child therefore, cries loudly at the time of birth because of the touch of Satan, except Mary and her child." Then Abu Huraira recited: And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from the outcast Satan”
39
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith Nos. 651-652, “Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "I am the nearest of all the people to the son of Mary, and all the prophets are paternal brothers, and there has been no prophet between me and him (i.e. Jesus)." Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one."
40
Matthew 1:20-21, “But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 41
Sura 5:110, “When Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My favour unto thee and unto thy mother; how I strengthened thee with the holy Spirit, so that thou spakest unto mankind in the cradle as in maturity; and how I taught thee the Scripture and Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and how thou didst shape of clay as it were the likeness of a bird by My permission, and didst blow upon it and it was a bird by My permission, and thou didst heal him who was born blind and the leper by My permission; and how thou didst raise the dead by My permission; and how I restrained the Children of Israel from (harming) thee when thou camest unto them with clear proofs, and those of them who disbelieved exclaimed: This is naught else than mere magic;” 42
Sura 21:91, “And she who was chaste, therefore We breathed into her (something) of Our Spirit and made her and her son a token for (all) peoples.” 43
Sura 19:21, “He said: So (it will be). Thy Lord saith: It is easy for Me. And (it will be) that We may make of him [Jesus] a revelation for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained.” 44
Sura 43:61, “And lo! verily there is knowledge of the Hour. So doubt ye not concerning it, but follow Me. This is the right path." 45
Sura 21:91, “And she who was chaste, therefore We breathed into her (something) of Our Spirit and made her and her son a token for (all) peoples.” 46
Sura 4:171, “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 160 … (references continued from previous page)… His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.” 47
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 644, “Narrated 'Ubada: The Prophet said, "If anyone testifies that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone Who has no partners, and that Muhammad is His Slave and His Apostle, and that Jesus is Allah's Slave and His Apostle and His Word which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit created by Him, and that Paradise is true, and Hell is true, Allah will admit him into Paradise with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were few." (Junada, the sub-narrator said, " 'Ubada added, 'Such a person can enter Paradise through any of its eight gates he likes.")” 48
Sura 2:285, “The messenger believeth in that which hath been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) believers. Each one believeth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers We make no distinction between any of His messengers - and they say: We hear, and we obey. (Grant us) Thy forgiveness, our Lord. Unto Thee is the journeying.”
49
Sura 4:136, “O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His messenger and the Scripture which He hath revealed unto His messenger, and the Scripture which He revealed aforetime. Whoso disbelieveth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers and the Last Day, he verily hath wandered far astray.”
50
Sura 5:43-47, “How come they unto thee for judgment when they have the Torah, wherein Allah hath delivered judgment (for them)? Yet even after that they turn away. Such (folk) are not believers. Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light, by which the prophets who surrendered (unto Allah) judged the Jews, and the rabbis and the priests (judged) by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And barter not My revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers. And We prescribed for them therein: The life for the life, and the eye for the eye, and the nose for the nose, and the ear for the ear, and the tooth for the tooth, and for wounds retaliation. But whoso forgoeth it (in the way of charity) it shall be expiation for him. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are wrong-doers. And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah - a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil). Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers.” 51
Sura 2:41, “And believe in that which I reveal, confirming that which ye possess already (of the Scripture), and be not first to disbelieve therein, and part not with My revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto Me.” 52
Sura 2:97, “Say (O Muhammad, to mankind): Who is an enemy to Gabriel! For he it [Gabriel] is who hath revealed (this Scripture) to thy heart by Allah's leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers;” 53
Sura 3:3, “He hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture with truth, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, even as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel.” 54
Sura 6:92, “And this is a blessed Scripture which We have revealed, confirming that which (was revealed) before it, that thou mayst warn the Mother of Villages and those around her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe herein, and they are careful of their worship.” 55
Sura 43:61-63, “And lo! verily there is knowledge of the Hour. So doubt ye not concerning it, but follow Me. This is the right path. And let not Satan turn you aside. Lo! he is an open enemy for you. When Jesus came with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), he said: I have come unto you with … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 161 … (references continued from previous page)… wisdom, and to make plain some of that concerning which ye differ. So keep your duty to Allah, and obey me.” 56
Sura 46:12, “When before it there was the Scripture of Moses, an example and a mercy; and this [Qur’an] is a confirming Scripture in the Arabic language, that it may warn those who do wrong and bring good tidings for the righteous.” 57
Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”
58
Sura 19:31, 33, “And hath made me blessed wheresoever I may be, and hath enjoined upon me prayer and almsgiving so long as I remain alive, Sura 19:33 Peace on me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!”
59
Sura 6:115, “Perfected is the Word of thy Lord in truth and justice. There is naught that can change His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
60
Sura 10:64-65, “Theirs are good tidings in the life of the world and in the Hereafter - There is no changing the Words of Allah - that is the Supreme Triumph. And let not their speech grieve you; surely might is wholly Allah's; He is the Hearing, the Knowing.”
61
Sura 18:27, “And recite that which hath been revealed unto thee of the Scripture of thy Lord. There is none who can change His words, and thou wilt find no refuge beside Him.” 62
Sura 48:23, “It is the law of Allah which hath taken course aforetime. Thou wilt not find for the law of Allah aught of power to change.”
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 162
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 163
The Messiah in Prophecies
In the quest to know how we ought to live, we need to look carefully to see where God directs our attention. The Scriptures record many hundreds of prophecies that point to Jesus [Isa]. Since the Qur’an records that Jesus told people to “fear Allah and obey Me” [Jesus] (Sura 43:631), and that in Sura 7:1582, Muslims are told to believe in Jesus and His Scriptures [Torah and Gospels], it is important for Muslims to know what the prophets in the Torah said about Jesus. It is also important because Muhammad looked up to Jesus (the sinless one; Sura 19:193 and Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 6516524). So, What about Jesus in the Prophecies? It was difficult for many Jews to accept Jesus as their promised Messiah. Some claimed he was Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets (Matthew 16:145). Some tried to make Him king. Others said he was performing miracles with the help of Satan or that he was John the Baptist who has risen from dead. Some, however, acknowledged Jesus as whom he claimed to be - the promised Messiah. Those who were earnestly seeking after God in the Jewish Torah recognized that the Messiah had two major, yet seemingly contradictory, roles. The first and foremost is the ‘Suffering Messiah’ and the other is the ‘Ruling Kingly Messiah’. The way to the crown is through the cross. The Messiah being the Word of God is of infinite magnitude, but He has to suffer for our salvation as was predicted by the Prophets over centuries before His birth.
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 164 The O.T Prophecies about Jesus
The Prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament
He is descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah, Genesis 12:36; 18:187; 21:128; 26:49; 28:1410; 49:8, 1011
Matthew 1:1-312; Luke 3:33-3413; Acts 3:2514; Romans 9:715; Galatians 3:1616
His virgin birth, Isaiah 7:1417
Matthew 1:2318
His birth in Bethlehem, Micah 5:219
Matthew 2:1-620
He came to do the will of the Father, Psalm 40:6-821
Hebrews 10:722; John 4:3423; 5:3024; 6:3825, 4026; 8:2927; 12:49-5028; 14:3129; 15:1030
He will do miracles, Isaiah 35:5-631
Matthew 11:4-632; John 7:3133; 15:2434
Shall open the eyes of the blind Isaiah 42:735
Matthew 11:536
He stills the storm Psalm 65:737; 107:24-3038
Matthew 8:2639; Mark 4:35-4140
Christ the light that shines in the darkness, Psalm 112:441
Luke 1:7942
His ministries in Galilee, Isaiah 9:143
Matthew 4:12-1744
The people who walk in darkness have seen great light, Isaiah 9:245
Luke 1:7946
He shall speak in parables, Psalm 78:1-247
Matthew 13:348, 34-3549; Mark 3:2350; 4:251
He heals and forgives sins, Psalm 103:3-452
Matthew 9:2-653; Mark 2:6-1054; Luke 5:192555; Ephesians 1:756
Even the suckling will give praise unto Him, Psalm 8:257
Matthew 21:1658
He is the good Shepherd, Isaiah 40:1159
John 10:1160
Christ the Corner Stone, Isaiah 28:1661
Matthew 21:4262; I Peter 2:6-863
Christ was rejected as the corner stone, Psalm 118:2264
Matthew 21:42-4365; Luke 20:17-1966; I Peter 2:6-767; Roman 9:3368; Acts 4:1169
They substitute His love with hate, Psalm 109:4-570
John 1:1171
The Gentiles (non-Jews) will seek Him, Isaiah 11:1072
John 12:18-2173
The Gentiles will believe on Him, Psalm 22:2774; Isaiah 65:175
Matthew 28:1976; Philippians 2:10-1177; Romans 10:2078
A light to the Gentiles, Isaiah 49:679
Luke 2:3280; Acts 26:17-1881
The suffering of Christ on the cross Isaiah 52:13-1482
Matthew 27:28-5483; Philippians 2:6-1184
Forsaken by His Disciples, Zechariah 13:785
Matthew 26:31,5686; Mark 14:5087
False witnesses accuse Him, Psalm 27:1288, 35:1189
Matthew 26:62-6390; 27:12-1491
Betrayed by a friend, Psalm 41:992
Mark 14:10-1193, 17-2194, 43-4695
Sold for 30 pieces of silver, Zechariah 11:121396
Matthew 26:1597; 27:398
Money thrown on the Temple floor, Zechariah 11:1399
Matthew 27:5100
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 165 Money to be returned for a potter’s field, Zechariah 11:13101
Matthew 27:3-10102
Smitten and spat upon, Isaiah 50:6103
Matthew 26:67104; Mark 14:65105, 15:19106; John 19:1-3107
Crucified with sinners, Psalm 22:13-16108; Isaiah 53:1-12109
Matthew 27:38110; Mark 15:27-28111; Luke 23:33112; John 19:18113
His hands and feet pierced, Psalm 22:16114; also see Zechariah 12:10115
John 19:37116; also see Luke 23:33117
His severe thirst but given vinegar to drink, Psalm 69:3, 21118
Matthew 27:34119, 48120
Casting lots for His garment, Psalm 22:18121
John 19:23-24122
His job/mission was completed, Psalm 22:31123
John 19:30124
He shall be cut off, but His death is not for Himself, Daniel 9:26125
John 18:14126; Matthew 27:50127; II Corinthians 5:21128
He poured out His soul unto death, Isaiah 53:12129
John 10:15-18130
His side pierced, Zechariah 12:10131
John 19:34132, 37133; 20:25-27134
None of His bones will be broken, Psalm 34:20135
John 19:31136, 36137
Buried with rich, Isaiah 53:9138
Matthew 27:57-60139
His resurrection is predicted, Psalm 16:10140; Acts 2:26-32141
John 20:17142
His ascension is foretold, Psalm 68:1143, 18144
Luke 24:51145; Ephesians 4:4,12146
His millennium kingdom, Isaiah 11:1-9147
Revelation 20:1-10148; John 10:16149
Jesus Will Return as a Judge of All There are many yet unfulfilled prophecies about Jesus. Jesus has promised to return and receive His followers, but He is also returning as the judge (John 5:22-23150). Where are you today? There is only one name given to men, by which you can be saved (Acts 4:12151). Jesus came to save sinners like you and me. God has promised that all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21152). In fact, the name ‘Jesus’ means ‘God’s salvation.’ (Matthew 1:21153). We can’t stress enough the importance of understanding that the Bible, the Torah and Gospels, they are authentic and have not been corrupted as some Muslims claim. For further information, see our tract on the Authenticity of the Bible. Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I admit that my good works can’t take away my sins and I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Cleanse me from my sins with your precious blood, and help me to walk according to your will. Thank you for providing a way for me to draw near to You. Amen.
References 1
Sura 43:63, “When Jesus came with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), he said: I have come unto you with wisdom, and to make plain some of that concerning which you differ. So keep your duty to … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 166 … (references continued from previous page)… Allah, and obey me.” 2
Sura 7:158, “Say: O people! surely I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, of Him Whose is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth there is no god but He; He brings to life and causes to die therefore believe in Allah and His messenger, the Ummi Prophet who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him so that you may walk in the right way.” 3
Sura 19:19, “He said: I am only a messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless son.”
4
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 651-652, “Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "I am the nearest of all the people to the son of Mary, and all the prophets are paternal brothers, and there has been no prophet between me and him (i.e. Jesus). 652 Allah's Apostle said, "Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.” 5
Matthew 16:14, “And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli'jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 6
Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you and him who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves.” 7
Genesis 18:18, “seeing that Abraham shall become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by him?”
8
Genesis 21:12, “But God said to Abraham, "Be not displeased because of the lad and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your descendants be named.”
9
Genesis 26:4, “I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give to your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves.”
10
Genesis 28:14, “and your descendants shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and by you and your descendants shall all the families of the earth bless themselves.”
11
Genesis 49:8, “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you. 10: The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” 12
Matthew 1:1-3, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram” 13
Luke 3:33-34, “the son of Ammin'adab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor” 14
Acts 3:25, “You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God gave to your fathers, saying to Abraham, `And in your posterity shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” 15
Romans 9:7, “and not all are children of Abraham because they are his descendants; but "Through Isaac shall your descendants be named.” 16
Galatians 3:16, “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, "And to offsprings," referring to many; but, referring to one, "And to your offspring," which is Christ.” 17
Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Imman'u-el.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 167 … (references continued from previous page)… 18
Matthew 1:23, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us).” 19
Micah 5:2, “But you, O Bethlehem Eph'rathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” 20
Matthew 2:1-6, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.” 21
Psalm 40:6-8, “Sacrifice and offering thou dost not desire; but thou hast given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering thou hast not required. Then I said, "Lo, I come; in the roll of the book it is written of me; I delight to do thy will, O my God; thy law is within my heart.” 22
Hebrews 10:7, “Then I said, `Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God,' as it is written of me in the roll of the book.” 23
John 4:34, “Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.” 24
John 5:30, “I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” 25
John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me”
26
John 6:40, “For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” 27
John 8:29, “And he who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.” 28
John 12:49-50, “For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has bidden me.” 29
John 14:31, “but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go hence.” 30
John 15:10, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” 31
Isaiah 35:5-6, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.” 32
Matthew 11:4-6, “And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.” 33
John 7:31, “Yet many of the people believed in him; they said, "When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?” 34
John 15:24, “If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father.” 35
Isaiah 42:7, “to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 168 … (references continued from previous page)… prison those who sit in darkness.” 36
Matthew 11:5, “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.” 37
Psalm 65:7, “who dost still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples.” 38
Psalm 107:24-30, “They saw the deeds of the LORD, His wondrous works in the deep. For He commanded, and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drunken men, and were at their wits' end. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress; He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet, and He brought them to their desired haven.” 39
Matthew 8:26, “And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”
40
Mark 4:35-41, “On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care if we perish?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?" And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?” 41
Psalm 112:4, “Light rises in the darkness for the upright; the LORD is gracious, merciful, and righteous.” 42
Luke 1:79, “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 43
Isaiah 9:1, “But there will be no gloom for her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zeb'ulun and the land of Naph'tali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.” 44
Matthew 4:12-17, “Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Caper'na-um by the sea, in the territory of Zeb'ulun and Naph'tali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zeb'ulun and the land of Naph'tali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles -- the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 45
Isaiah 9:2, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” 46
Luke 1:79, “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 47
Psalm 78:1-2, “Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old” 48
Matthew 13:3, “And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow.”
49
Matthew 13:34-35, “All this Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed he said nothing to them without a parable. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”
50
Mark 3:23, “And he called them to him, and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan?” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 169 … (references continued from previous page)… 51
Mark 4:2, “And he taught them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them:”
52
Psalm 103:3-4, “who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,” 53
Matthew 9:2-6, “I will be glad and exult in thee, I will sing praise to thy name, O Most High. When my enemies turned back, they stumbled and perished before thee. For thou hast maintained my just cause; thou hast sat on the throne giving righteous judgment. Thou hast rebuked the nations, thou hast destroyed the wicked; thou hast blotted out their name for ever and ever. The enemy have vanished in everlasting ruins; their cities thou hast rooted out; the very memory of them has perished.” 54
Mark 2:6-10, “Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic.” 55
Luke 5:19-25, “but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?" When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, "Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, `Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, `Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the man who was paralyzed -- "I say to you, rise, take up your bed and go home." And immediately he rose before them, and took up that on which he lay, and went home, glorifying God.” 56
Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” 57
Psalm 8:2, “By the mouth of babes and infants, thou hast founded a bulwark because of thy foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.” 58
Matthew 21:16, “and they said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, `Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast brought perfect praise'?” 59
Isaiah 40:11, “He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” 60
John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
61
Isaiah 28:16, “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: `He who believes will not be in haste.'”
62
Matthew 21:42, “Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?” 63
I Peter 2:6-8, “For it stands in scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame." To you therefore who believe, he is precious, but for those who do not believe, "The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner," and "A stone that will make men stumble, a rock that will make them fall"; for they stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.” 64 65
Psalm 118:22, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.”
Matthew 21:42-43, “Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 170 … (references continued from previous page)… marvelous in our eyes'? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.” 66
Luke 20:17-19, “But he looked at them and said, "What then is this that is written: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner'? Every one who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but when it falls on any one it will crush him." The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people; for they perceived that he had told this parable against them.” 67
I Peter 2:6-7, “For it stands in scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame." To you therefore who believe, he is precious, but for those who do not believe, "The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner,” 68
Romans 9:33, “As it is written, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone that will make men stumble, a rock that will make them fall; and he who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
69
Acts 4:11, “This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner.” 70
Psalm 109:4-5, “In return for my love they accuse me, even as I make prayer for them. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” 71
John 1:11, “He came to his own home, and his own people received him not.”
72
Isaiah 11:10, “In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign to the peoples; him shall the nations seek, and his dwellings shall be glorious.” 73
John 12:18-21, “The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. The Pharisees then said to one another, "You see that you can do nothing; look, the world has gone after him." Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Beth-sa'ida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 74
Psalm 22:27, “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him.” 75
Isaiah 65:1, “I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, "Here am I, here am I," to a nation that did not call on my name.”
76
Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” 77
Philippians 2:10-11, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 78
Romans 10:20, “Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, "I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
79
Isaiah 49:6, “He says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” 80
Luke 2:32, “A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.”
81
Acts 26:17-18, “Delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles -- to whom I send you to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” 82
Isaiah 52:13-14, “Behold, my servant shall prosper, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. As many were astonished at him -- his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the sons of men.”
83
Matthew 27:28-54, “And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe upon him, and plaiting a crown … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 171 … (references continued from previous page)… of thorns they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they spat upon him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man of Cyre'ne, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Gol'gotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews." Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, `I am the Son of God.'" And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, la'ma sabach-tha'ni?" that is, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "This man is calling Eli'jah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Eli'jah will come to save him." And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split; the tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe, and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!” 84
Philippians 2:6-11, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
85
Zechariah 13:7, “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me," says the LORD of hosts, "Strike the shepherd, that the sheep may be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.” 86
Matthew 26:31, 56, “Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of me this night; for it is written, `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'” :56, “But all this has taken place, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook him and fled.” 87
Mark 14:50, “And they all forsook him, and fled.”
88
Psalm 27:12, “Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.” 89
Psalm 35:11, “Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I know not.”
90
Matthew 26:62-63, “And the high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" But Jesus was silent. And the high priest said to him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 91
Matthew 27:12-14, “But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge; so that the governor wondered greatly.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 172 … (references continued from previous page)… 92
Psalm 41:9, “Even my bosom friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” 93
Mark 14:10-11, “Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.” 94
Mark 14:17-21, “And when it was evening he came with the twelve. And as they were at table eating, Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." They began to be sorrowful, and to say to him one after another, "Is it I?" He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 95
Mark 14:43-46, “And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him and lead him away under guard." And when he came, he went up to him at once, and said, "Master!" And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him.”
96
Zechariah 11:12-13, “Then I said to them, "If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them." And they weighed out as my wages thirty shekels of silver. Then the LORD said to me, "Cast it into the treasury" -- the lordly price at which I was paid off by them. So I took the thirty shekels of silver and cast them into the treasury in the house of the LORD.” 97
Matthew 26:15, “And said, "What will you give me if I deliver him to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.” 98
Matthew 27:3, “When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders.”
99
Zechariah 11:13, “Then the LORD said to me, "Cast it into the treasury" -- the lordly price at which I was paid off by them. So I took the thirty shekels of silver and cast them into the treasury in the house of the LORD.” 100
Matthew 27:5, “And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself.” 101
Zechariah 11:13, “Then the LORD said to me, "Cast it into the treasury" -- the lordly price at which I was paid off by them. So I took the thirty shekels of silver and cast them into the treasury in the house of the LORD.”
102
Matthew 27:3-10, “When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money." So they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.”
103
Isaiah 50:6, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” 104
Matthew 26:67, “Then they spat in his face, and struck him; and some slapped him.”
105
Mark 14:65, “And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to strike him, saying to him, "Prophesy!" And the guards received him with blows.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 173 … (references continued from previous page)… 106
Mark 15:19, “And they struck his head with a reed, and spat upon him, and they knelt down in homage to him.” 107
John 19:1-3, “Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe; they came up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck him with their hands.” 108
Psalm 22:13-16, “They open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax, it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; thou dost lay me in the dust of death. Yea, dogs are round about me; a company of evildoers encircle me; they have pierced my hands and feet.” 109
Isaiah 53:1-12, “Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to bruise him; he has put him to grief; when he makes himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand; he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous; and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” 110
Matthew 27:38, “Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left.”
111
Mark 15:27, “And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.”
112
Luke 23:33, “And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left.”
113
John 19:18, “There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.”
114
Psalm 22:16, “Yea, dogs are round about me; a company of evildoers encircle me; they have pierced my hands and feet.” 115
Zechariah 12:10, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of compassion and supplication, so that, when they look on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a first-born.”
116
John 19:37, “And again another scripture says, "They shall look on him whom they have pierced.”
117
Luke 23:33, “And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left.”
118
Psalm 69:3, 21, “I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.”: 21, “They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 174 … (references continued from previous page)… drink.” 119
Matthew 27:34, “They offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.”
120
Matthew 27:48, “And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink.”
121
Psalm 22:18, “They divide my garments among them, and for my raiment they cast lots.”
122
John 19:23-24, “When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." This was to fulfil the scripture, "They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” 123
Psalm 22:31, “And proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, that he has wrought it.”
124
John 19:30, “When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished"; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
125
Daniel 9:26, “And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off, and shall have nothing; and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war; desolations are decreed.” 126
John 18:14, “It was Ca'iaphas who had given counsel to the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.”
127
Matthew 27:50, “And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.”
128
II Corinthians 5:21, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 129
Isaiah 53:12, “Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
130
John 10:15-18, “As the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father.”
131
Zechariah 12:10, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of compassion and supplication, so that, when they look on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a first-born.”
132
John 19:34, “But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.”
133
John 19:37, “And again another scripture says, "They shall look on him whom they have pierced.”
134
John 20:25-27, “So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.”
135
Psalm 34:20, “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”
136
John 19:31, “Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 175 … (references continued from previous page)… the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.” 137
John 19:36, “For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, "Not a bone of him shall be broken.”
138
Isaiah 53:9, “And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.”
139
Matthew 27:57-60, “When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathe'a, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed.” 140
Psalm 16:10, “For thou dost not give me up to Sheol, or let thy godly one see the Pit.”
141
Acts 2:26-32, “Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope. For thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let thy Holy One see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou wilt make me full of gladness with thy presence.' "Brethren, I may say to you confidently of the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.”
142
John 20:17, “Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”
143
Psalm 68:1, “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him!”
144
Psalm 68:18, “Thou didst ascend the high mount, leading captives in thy train, and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.”
145
Luke 24:51, “While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.”
146
Ephesians 4:4, 12, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call.” 12“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
147
Isaiah 11:1-9, “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The sucking child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”
148
Revelation 20:1-10, “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years were ended. After that he must be loosed for a little while. Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 176 … (references continued from previous page)… whom judgment was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be loosed from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations which are at the four corners of the earth, that is, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. And they marched up over the broad earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city; but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” 149
John 10:16, “And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.”
150
John 5:22-23, “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” 151
Acts 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
152 153
Acts 2:21, “And it shall be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Matthew 1:21, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 177
Glorified Messiah in Prophecies
It is important that we diligently seek after the Truth of His revealed Word and we know that, if we do, God will guide us. The Scriptures, in fact, record many hundreds of prophecies that point to Jesus [Isa]. Since the Qur’an records that Jesus told people to “fear Allah and obey Me” (Sura 43:631), and that in Sura 7:1582 Muslims are told to believe in Jesus and His Scriptures [Torah and Gospels], it is important for Muslims to know what the prophets in the Torah say about Jesus. (However, many believe that the Gospel [Injil] has been corrupted—but to find out how we can know that the Scriptures have not been corrupted, see our tract on the Authenticity of the Bible.) So, who is the Glorified Jesus? It was difficult for many Jews to accept Jesus as their Messiah (Greek ‘Christ’). Some of them thought that He was a great teacher, a prophet, or miracle worker while others said he was performing miracles with the help of Satan. Still others - such as King Herod - said that Jesus was John the Baptist who had risen from the dead. While some tried to make Him their earthly king, others acknowledged Him for who He really was, the promised Messiah. Those who were earnestly seeking after God and seriously searching the Old Testament, recognized that the Messiah had two major roles. These might at first appear to contradict each other. The first and foremost is that of the ‘Suffering Messiah’ and the other is of the ‘Ruling Kingly Messiah’. Most Jewish teachers of the Law were seeking the Kingly Messiah and so overlooked His role as the
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 178 suffering servant who would save. The way to the crown is through the cross! Now, the idea of the messiah being the Word of God is of infinite magnitude, but He first had to suffer for our salvation as predicted by the Prophets over centuries before His birth. The following references are not an exhaustive list: The Old Testament Prophecies about the Glorified Messiah
The Prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament
The Messiah is from eternity; Isaiah 9:63
John 1:14
His glory and incarnation shall be seen; Psalm 102:195, 216; Isaiah 35:47; 40:58, 99
Matthew 1:2110; John 1:111,14
The Prophet Isaiah saw His glory; Isaiah 6:512
John 12:40-4113
The Messiah will purify His people; Ezekiel 36:2514; Isaiah 52:1515
Acts 2:38-3916; 22:1617; Titus 3:5618; Hebrews 9:13-1419
Seed of a woman, and born of a virgin Genesis 3:1520; Isaiah 7:1421
Matthew 1:22-2322
Descendent of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and David; Genesis 3:1523; Genesis 12:324; 17:1925; 18:1826; 21:1227; 26:428; 28:1429; 49:830,1031; Psalm 132:1132
Matthew 1:1-333; Luke 3:23-3434; Acts 3:2535; Romans 9:736; Galatians 3:1637; 4:438
The desire of all nations shall come to His temple; Haggai 2:739
Luke 2:2240
The salvation which the people were waiting for; Genesis 49:1041
Luke 2:2642,3043; I Peter 1:1044
A Prophet like unto Moses; His word must be hearkened to; Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-1945
John 5:45-4746; John 12:48-5047
Kings will come and pay Him homage and bring gifts; Psalm 72:1048
Matthew 2:10-1149
The Anointed One, anointed by the Holy Spirit; Psalm 2:2, 650; Psalm 45:551; Isaiah 11:252; Isaiah 60:1-253
Matthew 1:2154; 2:255; Luke 4:1856; Acts 2:3657; 4:2758; Hebrews 1:959; Revelation 14:160
Birth of The Messiah in Bethlehem; Micah 5:261
Matthew 2:1-662
Christ will do marvelous work among His people; He will do miracles; Christ stills the storm; Psalm 65:763; 107:24-3064; Isaiah 29:1465; 35:5-666
Matthew 8:2667; 11:4-668; Mark 4:354169; I Corinthians 1:18-2570
Christ will purify His people and bring a new covenant; Jeremiah 31:31-3371; Ezekiel 36:2572
Acts 2:38-3973; Hebrews 8:6-1374
Christ is the salvation which the people were waiting for; Genesis 49:1075; Isaiah 46:12-1376
Luke 2:26,3077; Romans 10:878; I Peter 1:1079
Christ is the redeemer and mighty to save; Psalm 130:7-880
John 3:1681; Ephesians 1:782
A priest forever after the order of Melchizedek; Psalm 110:483
Hebrews 6:2084
He is the Lord who redeems; Psalm 103:485; Isaiah 25:986; 43:1187; Isaiah 45:2188; Hosea 1:789; Hosea 13:490; Zechariah 9:1691
Acts 4:1292; Romans 11:2693; I Peter 1:18-1994
Salvation is given by calling on the name of the Lord; Joel 2:3295
Acts 2:2196
He will justify many and bear their iniquities; sins are
Romans 5:18-1999; Acts13:38-41100; I
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 179 forgiven for His sake; Isaiah 43:2597; Isaiah 53:1198
Peter 2:24101; I John 2:12102
The Redeemer despised; His humiliation and exaltation; Psalm 8:5-6103; Isaiah 49:7104
John 8:48105; Hebrews 2:9106
The resurrection of Christ is seen; Psalm 118:15,17107; Hosea 13:14108
Luke 24:5-7109; I Corinthians 15:5455110; Ephesians 1:7111
The Messiah will open eyes of the blind; Isaiah 42:7112
Matthew 11:5113
Kiss the Son the kiss of acceptance; Psalm 2:12114
John 1:12115; 3:36116; Revelation 6:16-17117
Elijah the prophet will be sent before the Lord; Malachi 4:5118
Luke 1:17119; Matthew 11:14120; 17:10-13121
The glorified King (the chief shepherd); Psalm 24:7122
I Peter 5:4123
Christ will sit on the throne of David; Hosea 3:4-5124
Romans 11:25-26125
The millennium kingdom; Isaiah 11:1-9126; Ezekiel 37:24127
John 10:16128; Matthew 9:36129
His Kingdom shall be forever; Psalm 89:3-4130,29131,37132
Luke 1:32-33133
Christ the Lawgiver, King and Judge of all the earth; Genesis 18:25134; Isaiah 33:22135
John 5:22-23136
All those who go down to dust shall bow before Him; Psalm 22:29137
Philippians 2:10138
Christ the Son and Lord of David; Psalm 110:1139
Matthew 22:21-45140; Mark 16:19141; Acts 2:34-35142
All power is given to Him; the Lord’s power; Psalm 2:8143; Psalm 78:65144
Matthew 28:18145; Mark 4:38-41146
Different titles of Christ; The I Am; Isaiah 43:10147; Isaiah 47:4148; 48:12149
John 6:35; 8:12,28,58; 10:9,12; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1; Colossians 1:14150
Christ is the First and the Last; the Intercessor; Isaiah 44:6151; 59:16152
Hebrews 7:25153; Revelation 1:17154
Shall be called the Lord Our Righteousness; Jeremiah 23:6155
I Corinthians 1:30156
Christ the Lord of host; the Sun of Righteousness; the Prince of Peace; Isaiah 9:6157; Amos 9:6158; Malachi 4:2159
Luke 1:78-79160; John 16:33161; I Peter 2:6162
He is God (Make straight in the desert a highway for our God); Isaiah 40:3163
Matthew 3:3164; John 20:28165
It is very clear that the Glorified Messiah is the same as the Suffering Messiah who, according to Isaiah 52:12, says: He Himself bore the sin of many (Matthew 26:28166; Hebrews 9:28167), and interceded for the transgressors (Hebrews 7:25168; Ephesians 1:7169). Hebrews 4:15 adds, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” This is great news for those who accept the Messiah as their Lord and Saviour! Furthermore, He has promised to return and receive His followers, but He is also returning as the judge (John 5:22-23170). Remember! God has only given one name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12171). Jesus came to save sinners such as you and me.
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 180
References 1
Sura 43:63, “When Jesus came with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), he said: I have come unto you with wisdom, and to make plain some of that concerning which you differ. So keep your duty to Allah, and obey me.”
2
Sura 7:158, “Say (O Muhammad): O mankind! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah to you all - (the messenger of) Him unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no Allah save Him. He quickeneth and He giveth death. So believe in Allah and His messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, who believeth in Allah and in His Words, and follow him that haply ye may be led aright.” 3
Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
4
John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
5
Psalm 102:19, “That he looked down from his holy height, from heaven the LORD looked at the earth.” 6
Psalm 102:21, “That men may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, and in Jerusalem his praise.”
7
Isaiah 35:4, “Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”
8
Isaiah 40:5, “And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” 9
Isaiah 40:9, “Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!”
10
Matthew 1:21, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
11
John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
12
Isaiah 6:5, “And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” 13
John 12:40-41, “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes and perceive with their heart, and turn for me to heal them." Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke of him.”
14
Ezekiel 36:25, “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.”
15
Isaiah 52:15, “o shall he startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they shall see, and that which they have not heard they shall understand.”
16
Acts 2:38-39, “And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him.”
17
Acts 22:16, “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 181 … (references continued from previous page)… 18
Titus 3:5-6, “he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” 19
Hebrews 9:13-14, “For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”
20
Genesis 3:15, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
21
Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Imman'u-el.” 22
Matthew 1:22-23, “All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us).”
23
Genesis 3:15, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
24
Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves.”
25
Genesis 17:19, “God said, "No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.”
26
Genesis 18:18, “Seeing that Abraham shall become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by him?”
27
Genesis 21:12, “But God said to Abraham, "Be not displeased because of the lad and because of your slave woman; whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your descendants be named.”
28
Genesis 26:4, “I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give to your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves.”
29
Genesis 28:14, “And your descendants shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and by you and your descendants shall all the families of the earth bless themselves.”
30
Genesis 49:8, “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you.”
31
Genesis 49:10, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.”
32
Psalm 132:11, “The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: "One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.”
33
Matthew 1:1-3, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram,”
34
Luke 3:23-34, “Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 182 … (references continued from previous page)… son of Jan'na-i, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathi'as, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Nag'ga-i, the son of Ma'ath, the son of Mattathi'as, the son of Sem'e-in, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, the son of Jo-an'an, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerub'babel, the son of Sheal'ti-el, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elma'dam, the son of Er, the son of Joshua, the son of Elie'zer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eli'akim, the son of Me'le-a, the son of Menna, the son of Mat'tatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Bo'az, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon, the son of Ammin'adab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,” 35
Acts 3:25, “You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God gave to your fathers, saying to Abraham, `And in your posterity shall all the families of the earth be blessed.'”
36
Romans 9:7, “And not all are children of Abraham because they are his descendants; but "Through Isaac shall your descendants be named.”
37
Galatians 3:16, “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, "And to offsprings," referring to many; but, referring to one, "And to your offspring," which is Christ.”
38
Galatians 4:4, “But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” 39
Haggai 2:7, “And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the LORD of hosts.”
40
Luke 2:22, “And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.”
41
Genesis 49:10, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.”
42
Luke 2:26, “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.”
43
Luke 2:30, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”
44
I Peter 1:10, “The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about this salvation.”
45
Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19, “ “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren -- him you shall heed.”: 18-19, “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not give heed to my words which he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.” 46
John 5:45-47, “Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; it is Moses who accuses you, on whom you set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
47
John 12:48-50, “He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has bidden me.”
48
Psalm 72:10, “May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!”
49
Matthew 2:10-11, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 183 … (references continued from previous page)… into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” 50
Psalm 2:2, 6, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying.” :6, “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
51
Psalm 45:5, “Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.”
52
Isaiah 11:2, “And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.” 53
Isaiah 60:1-2, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.”
54
Matthew 1:21, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
55
Matthew 2:2, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.”
56
Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,” 57
Acts 2:36, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
58
Acts 4:27, “For truly in this city there were gathered together against thy holy servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel.”
59
Hebrews 1:9, “Thou hast loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, thy God, has anointed thee with the oil of gladness beyond thy comrades.”
60
Revelation 14:1, “Then I looked, and lo, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.”
61
Micah 5:2, “But you, O Bethlehem Eph'rathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.”
62
Matthew 2:1-6, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.”
63
Psalm 65:7, “who dost still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples.”
64
Psalm 107:24-30, “they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep. For he commanded, and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drunken men, and were at their wits' end. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 184 … (references continued from previous page)… 65
Isaiah 29:14, “therefore, behold, I will again do marvelous things with this people, wonderful and marvelous; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hid.” 66
Isaiah 35:5-6, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.”
67
Matthew 8:26, “And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”
68
Matthew 11:4-6, “And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.” 69
Mark 4:35-41, “On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care if we perish?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?" And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?” 70
I Corinthians 1:18-25, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart." Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
71
Jeremiah 31:31-33, “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant which they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
72
Ezekiel 36:25, “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.”
73
Acts 2:38-39, “And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him.”
74
Hebrews 8:6-13, “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry which is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second. For he finds fault with them when he says: "The days will come, says the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they did not continue in my covenant, and so I paid no heed to them, says the Lord. This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 185 … (references continued from previous page)… them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach every one his fellow or every one his brother, saying, `Know the Lord,' for all shall know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." In speaking of a new covenant he treats the first as obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” 75
Genesis 49:10, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.”
76
Isaiah 46:12-13, “Hearken to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from deliverance: I bring near my deliverance, it is not far off, and my salvation will not tarry; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”
77
Luke 2:26, 30, “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.” :30, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”
78
Romans 10:8, “But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach).”
79
I Peter 1:10, “The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about this salvation.”
80
Psalm 130:7-8, “O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”
81
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
82
Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” 83
Psalm 110:4, “The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchiz'edek.”
84
Hebrews 6:20, “Where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchiz'edek.”
85
Psalm 103:4, “Who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.”
86
Isaiah 25:9, “It will be said on that day, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
87
Isaiah 43:11, “I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior.”
88
Isaiah 45:21, “Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me.”
89
Hosea 1:7, “But I will have pity on the house of Judah, and I will deliver them by the LORD their God; I will not deliver them by bow, nor by sword, nor by war, nor by horses, nor by horsemen.”
90
Hosea 13:4, “I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and besides me there is no savior.”
91
Zechariah 9:16, “On that day the LORD their God will save them for they are the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land.”
92
Acts 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 186 … (references continued from previous page)… 93
Romans 11:26, “And so all Israel will be saved; as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob".” 94
I Peter 1:18-19, “You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” 95
Joel 2:32, “And it shall come to pass that all who call upon the name of the LORD shall be delivered; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.”
96
Acts 2:21, “And it shall be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
97
Isaiah 43:25, “I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”
98
Isaiah 53:11, “he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous; and he shall bear their iniquities.”
99
Romans 5:18-19, “Then as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man's obedience many will be made righteous.”
100
Acts 13:38-41, “Let it be known to you therefore, brethren, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him every one that believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest there come upon you what is said in the prophets: `Behold, you scoffers, and wonder, and perish; for I do a deed in your days, a deed you will never believe, if one declares it to you.'”
101
I Peter 2:24, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” 102
I John 2:12, “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his sake.”
103
Psalm 8:5-6, “Yet thou hast made him little less than God, and dost crown him with glory and honor. Thou hast given him dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.” 104
Isaiah 49:7, “Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the servant of rulers: "Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
105
John 8:48, “The Jews answered him, "Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 106
Hebrews 2:9, “But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one.” 107
Psalm 118:15, 17, “Hark, glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.” :17, “I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD.”
108
Hosea 13:14, “Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from Death? O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your destruction? Compassion is hid from my eyes.”
109
Luke 24:5-7, “And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 187 … (references continued from previous page)… Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.” 110
I Corinthians 15:54-55, “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?”
111
Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” 112
Isaiah 42:7, “To open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.” 113
Matthew 11:5, “The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.” 114
Psalm 2:12, “kiss his feet, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” 115
John 1:12, “All who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.” 116
John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him.” 117
Revelation 6:16-17, “Calling to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand before it?”
118
Malachi 4:5, “Behold, I will send you Eli'jah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes.” 119
Luke 1:17, “And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Eli'jah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” 120
Matthew 11:14, “And if you are willing to accept it, he is Eli'jah who is to come.”
121
Matthew 17:10-13, “And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Eli'jah must come?" He replied, "Eli'jah does come, and he is to restore all things; but I tell you that Eli'jah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.”
122
Psalm 24:7, “Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.”
123
I Peter 5:4, “And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory.” 124
Hosea 3:4-5, “For the children of Israel shall dwell many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or pillar, without ephod or teraphim. Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and they shall come in fear to the LORD and to his goodness in the latter days.”
125
Romans 11:25-26, “Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brethren: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles come in, and so all Israel will be saved; as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob".” … (references continued overleaf)…
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Isaiah 11:1-9, “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The sucking child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” 127
Ezekiel 37:24, “My servant David shall be king over them; and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall follow my ordinances and be careful to observe my statutes.”
128
John 10:16, “And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.”
129
Matthew 9:36, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” 130
Psalm 89:3-4, “Thou hast said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: `I will establish your descendants for ever, and build your throne for all generations.'” 131
Psalm 89:29, “I will establish his line for ever and his throne as the days of the heavens.”
132
Psalm 89:37, “Like the moon it shall be established for ever; it shall stand firm while the skies endure.”
133
Luke 1:32-33, “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
134
Genesis 18:25, “Far be it from thee to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from thee! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” 135
Isaiah 33:22, “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our ruler, the LORD is our king; he will save us.” 136
John 5:22-23, “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.”
137
Psalm 22:29, “Yea, to him shall all the proud of the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and he who cannot keep himself alive.” 138
Philippians 2:10, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” 139
Psalm 110:1, “The LORD says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool.’”
140
Matthew 22:21-45, “They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." When they heard it, they marveled; and they left him and went away. The same day Sad'ducees came to him, who say that there is no … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 189 … (references continued from previous page)… resurrection; and they asked him a question, saying, "Teacher, Moses said, `If a man dies, having no children, his brother must marry the widow, and raise up children for his brother.' Now there were seven brothers among us; the first married, and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother. So too the second and third, down to the seventh. After them all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, to which of the seven will she be wife? For they all had her." But Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, `I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead, but of the living." And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching. But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sad'ducees, they came together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, to test him. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets." Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, "What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The son of David." He said to them, "How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, `The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I put thy enemies under thy feet'? If David thus calls him Lord, how is he his son?"” 141
Mark 16:19, “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.”
142
Acts 2:34-35, “For David did not ascend into the heavens; but he himself says, `The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet.'” 143
Psalm 2:8, “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.” 144
Psalm 78:65, “Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a strong man shouting because of wine.”
145
Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
146
Mark 4:38-41, “But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care if we perish?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?" And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?”
147
Isaiah 43:10, “You are my witnesses,” says the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.”
148
Isaiah 47:4, “Our Redeemer -- the LORD of hosts is his name -- is the Holy One of Israel.”
149
Isaiah 48:12, “Hearken to me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I called! I am He, I am the first, and I am the last.”
150
Colossians 1:14, “In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
151
Isaiah 44:6, “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.”
152
Isaiah 59:16, “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intervene; then his own arm brought him victory, and his righteousness upheld him.”
153
Hebrews 7:25, “Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 190 … (references continued from previous page)… 154
Revelation 1:17, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand upon me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last,”
155
Jeremiah 23:6, “In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: `The LORD is our righteousness.'” 156
I Corinthians 1:30, “He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.”
157
Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
158
Amos 9:6, “Who builds his upper chambers in the heavens, and founds his vault upon the earth; who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out upon the surface of the earth -- the LORD is his name.”
159
Malachi 4:2, “But for you who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go forth leaping like calves from the stall.”
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Luke 1:78-79, “Through the tender mercy of our God, when the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
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John 16:33, “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
162
I Peter 2:6, “For it stands in scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
163
Isaiah 40:3, “A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
164
Matthew 3:3, “For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” 165
John 20:28, “Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God’!”
166
Matthew 26:28, “for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
167
Hebrews 9:28, “so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” 168
Hebrews 7:25, “Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
169
Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace”
170
John 5:22-23, “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” 171
Acts 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 191
The Messiah & His Deity
Since the Qur’an records that Jesus told people to fear Allah and obey him [i.e. Jesus] (Sura 43:631), and Muslims are told to believe in Jesus and His Scriptures [Torah and Gospels] (Sura 7:1582), it is important for Muslims to know this unique person. Allah teaches that Jesus not only performed miracles but, being the word of God, raised the dead and created birds (Sura 5:1103; 4:1714; 3:455, 496). Furthermore, Muhammad looked up to Him as the sinless one (Sura 19:197; 3:368; Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 651-6529).
So, Who is Jesus? In our other tracts concerning the Messiah we have listed well over a hundred prophecies from the prophets of the Old Testament and have shown how those were fulfilled in the New Testament, thus giving affirmation that Jesus is the long-promised Messiah. It is not easy to comprehend the complex nature of the concept of Messiah—complex things are difficult to understand! So, for a better comprehension of the person of Jesus the Messiah, let us consider the following:
Messiah the Word of God Jesus is revealed as the “Word of God”, and everything was created by that Word (John 1:1-310, 1411). It is obvious that the Word of any person is uniquely related to that person. In daily life we express
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 192 ourselves by our words in joy, sorrow or hurt, and by our approval or disapproval of things. Our words show our true self which people cannot know by any other means. Similarly, God expresses Himself by His Word. He created and sustains the whole universe by His Word (Hebrews 1:1-312). To believe that there was any time when God was without His Word suggests that God was dumb! God does everything by His Word and the Bible teaches that the Word of God is eternal and has always existed with God. In this way, Jesus the Messiah is Eternal (Isaiah 9:613) and through Him all things were created (Colossians 1:15-1714).
Pre-existence of the Messiah Jesus the Messiah, the eternal Word of God, not only existed before He was born as a human but also appeared to many people in Old Testament (O.T.) times. Jesus Himself speaks of His glory with the Father before the creation of the world (John 17:515), and He told the Jews that “before Abraham was, I am” and that Abraham was glad to see Him, (John 8:52-5916; see Genesis 18:1-3317). The Apostle John also records that the Prophet Isaiah saw His glory and wrote about Him (John 12:4118; Isaiah 6:1-1319). These are what are known as theophanies (God manifesting Himself) or epiphanies (the glory of God manifested) and there are numerous accounts of these manifestations to people, such as: 1. Genesis 2:18-2220; 3:8-921, 2122 - to Adam and Eve. 2. Genesis 32:2823, 3024 - Jacob wrestled with the Lord! 3. Exodus 3:2-6, “The Angel of the LORD appeared to Moses and said: “I am the God of your father – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” 4. Joshua 5:1425 - Joshua worshiped the Captain of the host of the Lord; 5. Isaiah 6:526; John 12:4127 - Isaiah saw Him 6. Ezekiel 1:25-2828 - Ezekiel worshiped the Son of Man 7. Daniel 3:24-2529 - King Nebuchadnezzar saw the Fourth man like the Son of God. If, as we have seen above, Jesus was indeed known to Abraham and Isaiah, it is reasonable to assume that these theophanies were visitations of the Messiah who was Deity.
Attributes of the Messiah We learn from the Scriptures that all God the Father has belongs to the Messiah as well, and that He therefore deserves the same honor as the Father (John 5:2330;16:1531). There are many characteristics and attributes of the Messiah which can be associated with God alone—characteristics such as: The Creator of heaven, the earth and human beings GOD - Psalm 102:24-2732; Malachi 2:1033; Proverbs 16:434 JESUS - John 1:1-235; Hebrews 1:10-1236; Colossians 1:1637 The Mighty God GOD - Habakkuk 1:12-1338; Isaiah 10:20-2139 JESUS - Isaiah 9:640 The First and the Last GOD - Isaiah 44:641; 41:442; 48:1243 JESUS - Revelation 1:7-844; 22:13-1645 The Everlasting God GOD - Psalm 90:246; Habakkuk 1:1247 JESUS - Micah 5:248 The Unchangeable God GOD - Malachi 3:649 JESUS - Hebrews 13:850 The Omnipresent – present everywhere GOD - Psalm 139:751; Jeremiah 23:2452 JESUS - Matthew 18:2053; 28:2054; John 3:1355; Ephesians 4:1056 The Omniscient – the all seeing
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 193 GOD - Psalm 147:557; Proverbs 15:358 JESUS - John 21:1759; 16:3060; Colossians 2:361 The Omnipotent – the all powerful GOD - Genesis 17:162; Jeremiah 32:1763; Matthew 19:26 64 JESUS - Matthew 28:1865; Hebrews 1:366; Revelation 1:867
Worship of the Messiah In Jewish religion, the True God and none else can be worshipped. However, a study of the New Testament (N.T.) reveals that many devout Jews who realized that Jesus was the Messiah worshiped Him - as did many gentiles (non-Jews). The Scriptures also declare that at the end of the ages every human being will worship Him. We need also to note that Jesus never ever forbade anyone from worshiping Him. Following is a list of some of the incidents in the Scriptures where Jesus is worshiped as God: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Wise men (Matthew 2:1-2, 1168) A leper (Matthew 8:1-269) A ruler (Matthew 9:18ff70) Disciples (Matthew 14:30f71) A Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:22-2572) A man with an unclean spirit (Mark 5:1-673) After resurrection, the disciples (Luke 24:50-5274)
The Messiah –The Son of God There are many people who consider only some aspects of Jesus’ life and neglect others, and thereby conclude that this Man cannot also be God. For this reason we ask you to consider the following table carefully. The Messiah as Son of God
The Messiah as Man
Eternal Father or Father of eternity (Isaiah 9:675; Micah 5:276; John 1:1-277)
He was born as a baby (Matthew 1:21-2:1178; Luke 2:1-1579)
He is always the same (Hebrews 13:880)
He grew physically and spiritually (Luke 2:5281)
He was able to feed 5,000 men plus women and children with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:15-2182)
He was hungry (Matthew 4:283)
He gives living water (John 4:1484)
He was thirsty (John 19:2885)
He was able to still the storm (Luke 8:22-2586)
He was tired and was sleeping during a sea storm (Mark 4:36-4187)
He raised the dead after four days by commanding the dead to come out of the grave (John 11:43-4488)
He wept at the death of a friend (John 11:3589)
He answers prayers (John 14:13-1490)
He prayed (Luke 22:4191)
He gives rest to all who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-2992)
He was exhausted (John 4:693)
He forgave sins (Matthew 9:294; Mark 2:595; Luke 5:2096, 23-2497)
He offered Himself as the sacrifice for sins (Ephesians 5:298; Hebrews 7:2799; 9:14100)
He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelations 19:6101)
He was a Servant (Philippians 2:7-8102)
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The Saviour/Redeemer Messiah Sin causes separation between God and Man; sin is the cause of all evil, of all suffering and of all problems in this world. The first step toward solving these problems is restoration of a right relationship with God. The Bible teaches that people who have not repented of their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour are God’s enemies and spiritually dead. Without realizing this, all religions try to bridge the gap between man and God. One of the very major differences between the God of the Bible and other gods is His claims to be the only Saviour of the Messiah humankind. Isaiah 43:11 says, “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” Isaiah 53 tells us that will redeem mankind by His own Holy blood! So the God who claims to be the only Saviour saves His people by the atoning sacrifice of His Son, because there was no other means of paying the price of rebelling against the Almighty God, who is absolutely Holy and absolutely Just. This Holy and Just God always takes sin very seriously and also knows that no sinner can save him/herself. For that reason, He sent Jesus the Messiah, the Holy Word of God Himself of infinite value, to save mankind. Jesus came to save sinners such as you and me. God has promised that all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21103; Romans 10:9104). To receive this salvation, you must confess Jesus as Lord and agree with God that you are a sinner who deserves death; and that Jesus the Messiah paid the price for your sins on the cross and bought you with His holy precious blood. Now you have a further opportunity to find out more, as God has given you the means and the ability to search for the truth.
References 1
Sura 43:63, “When Jesus came with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), he said: I have come unto you with wisdom, and to make plain some of that concerning which you differ. So keep your duty to Allah, and obey me.”
2
Sura 7:158, “Say: O people! surely I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, of Him Whose is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth there is no god but He; He brings to life and causes to die therefore believe in Allah and His messenger, the Ummi Prophet who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him so that you may walk in the right way.” 3
Sura 5:110, “When Allah says: O Jesus, son of Mary! … how I strengthened you with the holy Spirit, so that you spoke unto mankind in the cradle as in maturity; … and how you did shape of clay as it were the likeness of a bird by My permission, and did blow upon it and it was a bird by My permission, and you did heal him who was born blind and the leper by My permission; and how you did raise the dead by My permission.”
4
Sura 4:171, “O followers of the Book! do not exceed the limits in your religion, and do not speak (lies) against Allah, but (speak) the truth; the Messiah, Isa son of Mary is only a messenger of Allah and His Word which He communicated to Mary and a spirit from Him; believe therefore in Allah and His messengers, and say not, Three. Desist, it is better for you; Allah is only one Allah; far be It from His glory that He should have a son, whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is His, and Allah is sufficient for a Protector.” 5
Sura 3:45, “Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah” 6
Sura 3:49, “Then the angels called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: That Allah gives you the good news of Yahya verifying a Word from Allah, and honorable and chaste and a prophet from among the good ones.” … (references continued overleaf)…
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Sura 19:19, “He said: I am only a messenger of your Lord, that I may bestow on you a faultless son.” 8
Sura 3:36, “And when she was delivered she said: My Lord! … and lo! I have named her Mary, and lo! I crave Your protection for her and for her offspring from Satan the outcast.” 9
Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 651-652, “Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "I am the nearest of all the people to the son of Mary, and all the prophets are paternal brothers, and there has been no prophet between me and him (i.e. Jesus).” 10
John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” 11
John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
12
Hebrews 1:1-3, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” 13
Isaiah 9:6, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” 14
Colossians 1:15-17, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” 15
John 17:5, “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” 16
John 8:52-59, “The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, as did the prophets; and you say, `If any one keeps my word, he will never taste death.' Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you claim to be?" Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is your God. But you have not known him; I know him. If I said, I do not know him, I should be a liar like you; but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad. The Jews then said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." So they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.” 17
Genesis 18:1-33, “Abraham had three visitors and one of them was Jesus; Abraham pleaded for Sodom before Jesus…” (for full story, read in the Bible) 18 19
John 12:41, “These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.”
Isaiah 6:1-13, “In the year that King Uzzi'ah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim; each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" Then flew one of the seraphim to me, having in his hand a burning coal which he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 196 … (references continued from previous page)… and your sin forgiven." And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." And he said, "Go, and say to this people: `Hear and hear, but do not understand; see and see, but do not perceive.' Make the heart of this people fat, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts and turn and be healed." Then I said, "How long, O Lord?" And he said: "Until cities lie waste without inhabitant, and houses without men, and the land is utterly desolate, and the LORD removes men far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land. And though a tenth remain in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth or an oak, whose stump remains standing when it is felled." The holy seed is its stump.” 20
Genesis 2:18-22, “Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." So out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; and the rib which the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.” 21
Genesis 3:8-9, “They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?” 22
Genesis 3: 21, “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.”
23
Genesis 32:28, “He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” 24
Genesis 32:30, “So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.” 25
Joshua 5:14, “And he said, "No; but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and worshiped, and said to him, "What does my lord bid his servant?"”
26
Isaiah 6:5, “Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I swell in the midst of a people unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.” 27
John 12:41, “Isaiah said these things when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.”
28
Ezekiel 1:25-28, “…And from above the expanse that was over their heads was a likeness like a sapphire stone, the likeness of a throne. And on the likeness of the throne was a likeness looking like a man on it from above. And I saw Him looking like the color of polished bronze, looking like fire all around within it. From the likeness of His loins even upward, and from the likeness of His loins even downward, I saw Him, looking like fire, and it had brightness all around…” 29
Daniel 3:24-25, “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was amazed. And he rose up in haste and spoke and said to his advisers, Did we not throw three men bound into the middle of the fire? They answered and said to the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Behold! I see four men loose, walking in the middle of the fire, and there is no harm among them. And the form of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” 30
John 5:23, “so that all should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” 31
John 16:15, “All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and will announce it to you.” 32
Psalm 102:24-27, “I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days; Your years are … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 197 … (references continued from previous page)… through the generation of generations. Of old You have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They shall perish, but You shall endure; yea, all of them shall become old like a garment; like a robe You shall change them, and they shall be changed; but You are He, and Your years shall have no end.” 33
Malachi 2:10, “Is there not one Father to us all? Has not one God created us? Why do we act deceitfully, each man with his brother, to profane the covenant of our fathers.” 34
Proverbs 16:4, “Jehovah has made all for His purpose; yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.”
35
John 1:1-2, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” 36
Hebrews 1:10-12, “And, "Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end.” 37
Colossians 1:16, “for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities -- all things were created through him and for him.” 38
Habakkuk 1:12-13, “Are You not from everlasting, O Jehovah my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O Jehovah, You have ordained them for judgment; and, my Rock, You have established them for correction. You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and can not look upon vexation.” 39
Isaiah 10:20-21, “In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean upon him that smote them, but will lean upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God.” 40
Isaiah 9:6, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” 41
Isaiah 44:6, “So says Jehovah, the King of Israel, and His redeemer Jehovah of Hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and besides Me there is no God.”
42
Isaiah 41:4, “Who has planned and done it, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, Jehovah, am the first and the last; I am He.” 43
Isaiah 48:12, “Listen to me, O Jacob and Israel, My called; I am He; I am the first, I also am the last.” 44
Revelation 1:7-8, “Behold, He comes with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, and those who pierced Him will see Him, … I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” 45
Revelation 22:13-16, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and every one who loves and practices falsehood. "I Jesus have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.” 46
Psalm 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God.” 47
Habakkuk 1:12, “Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them as a judgment; and thou, O Rock, hast established them for chastisement.” … (references continued overleaf)…
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Micah 5:2, “And you, Bethlehem Ephratah, you being least among the thousands of Judah, out of you He shall come forth to Me, to become Ruler in Israel, He whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.” 49
Malachi 3:6, “For I am Jehovah, I change not. Because of this you sons of Jacob are not destroyed.” 50
Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.”
51
Psalm 139:7, “Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence?”
52
Jeremiah 23:24, “Can anyone hide himself in secret places so that I shall not see him? says Jehovah. Do I not fill the heavens and earth? says Jehovah.” 53
Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.” 54
Matthew 28:20, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” 55
John 3:13, “And no one has ascended up to Heaven except He who came down from Heaven, the Son of Man who is in Heaven.” 56
Ephesians 4:10, “He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.” 57
Psalm 147:5, “Great is our LORD, and of great power; There is no limit to His understanding.”
58
Proverbs 15:3, “The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”
59
John 21:17, “He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.” 60
John 16:30, “Now we know that you know all things, and need none to question you; by this we believe that you came from God.”
61
Colossians 2:3, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
62
Genesis 17:1, “And when Abram was ninety-nine years old, Jehovah appeared to Abram and said to him, I am the Almighty God! Walk before Me and be perfect.” 63
Jeremiah 32:17, “Ah, Lord Jehovah! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and stretched out arm. Nothing is too great for You.” 64
Matthew 19:26, “But Jesus looked on them and said to them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 65
Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority is given to Me in Heaven and in earth.” 66
Hebrews 1:3, “who being the shining splendour of His glory, and the express image of His essence, and upholding all things by the word of His power, through Himself cleansing of our sins, He sat down on the right of the Majesty on high” 67
Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” 68
Matthew 2:1-2, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem … wise men came from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He who is born king of the Jews? For we … have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:11 And coming into the house, they saw the child … And they fell down and worshiped Him. … 69
Matthew 8:1-2, “When He had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And … (references continued overleaf)…
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 199 … (references continued from previous page)… behold, a leper came and worshiped him.” 70
Matthew 9:18 ff, “While He spoke these things to them, behold, a certain ruler came and worshiped Him” 71
Matthew 14:30f, “But seeing that the wind was strong, he was afraid. And beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me! And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him; and said to him, Little-faith! Why did you doubt? And when they had come into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, Truly You are the Son of God.” 72
Matthew 15:22-25, “And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me.” 73
Mark 5:1-6, “And they came … to the country of the Gadarenes. … immediately a man with unclean spirits met Him out of the tombs, who had his dwelling among the tombs. And no one could bind him, no, not with chains because he had often been bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. … he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying and cutting himself with stones. And when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshiped Him.”
74
Luke 24:50-52, “And He led them out as far as Bethany. And lifting up His hands, He blessed them. And it happened as He blessed them, He withdrew from them and was carried up into Heaven. And worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” 75
Isaiah 9:6, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” 76
Micah 5:2, “And you, Bethlehem Ephratah, you being least among the thousands of Judah, out of you He shall come forth to Me, to become Ruler in Israel, He whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.” 77
John 1:1-2, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” 78
Matthew 1:21-2:11, Read the Bible for full details of Jesus Christ’s birth, visit of wise men from the east and reaction of King Herod to Christ’s birth. 79
Luke 2:1-15,. Birth of Jesus Christ and visitation of the shepherds.
80
Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.”
81
Luke 2:52, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
82
Matthew 14:15-21, “… His disciples came to Him, saying, The place is deserted and the time has already gone by. Send the crowd away so that they may … buy food for themselves. But Jesus said to them,… you give them something to eat. And they said …, We have here only five loaves and two fish. And He said, Bring them here to Me.… He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to Heaven He blessed and broke, and gave the loaves to His disciples. And the disciples gave to the crowd. And they all ate and were filled. And they took up twelve hand baskets full from the fragments that remained.… were about five thousand men, besides women and children.” 83
Matthew 4:2, “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterwards hungry.”
84
John 4:14, “but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” 85
John 19:28, “After this, knowing that all things were now accomplished, …Jesus said, I thirst.” … (references continued overleaf)…
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Luke 8:22-25, “… on a certain day that He went into a boat with His disciples.… But as they sailed, He fell asleep. And a storm of wind came onto the lake. And they were being filled with water … And they came to Him and awakened Him, saying, Master, Master, we are perishing! Then being aroused, He rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. … And being afraid, they marveled, saying to one another, Who then is this One? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” 87
Mark 4:36-41, “… as He was in the boat. … And there arose a windstorm, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was now full. And He was … asleep on a headrest. And they awakened Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we perish? And He awakened and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. … And they feared exceedingly and said to one another, What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” 88
John 11:43-44, “And saying these things, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, Here! Outside! And he who had died came out, bound hand and foot with sheets, and his face was bound with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Untie him and let him go!’” 89
John 11:35, “Jesus wept.”
90
John 14:13-14, “And whatever you may ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” 91
Luke 22:41, “And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw. And He kneeled down and prayed.” 92
Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
93
John 4:6, “Jesus said …, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.”
94
Matthew 9:2, “And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven’." 95
Mark 2:5, “And seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, Child, your sins are forgiven to you.”
96
Luke 5:20, “And seeing their faith, He said to him, Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
97
Luke 5:23-24, “Which is easier, to say, `Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, `Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the man who was paralyzed -- "I say to you, rise, take up your bed and go home.” 98
Ephesians 5:2, “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.”
99
Hebrews 7:27, “who does not need, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice daily, first for his own sins and then for the people's sins. For He did this once for all, when He offered up Himself.” 100
Hebrews 9:14, “how much more shall the blood of Christ (who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God) purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
101
Revelations 19:6, “And I heard as the sound of a great multitude, and as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of strong thunders, saying, Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigns!” 102
Philippians 2:7-8, “but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
103
Acts 2:21, “And it shall be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” … (references continued overleaf)…
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Romans 10:9, “because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
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Reference Index
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 203
Hadith References Abu Dawud Book 1, Hadith No. 1511 ..................................................................................................................105 Abu Dawud, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 2105 .....................................................................................................................83 Abu Dawud, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 4092 .....................................................................................................................83 Abu Dawud, Book 13, Hadith No 2955 ..................................................................................................................74 Abu Dawud, Book 19, Hadith No. 3000 .................................................................................................................74 Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 1.................................................................................................................................36 Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 2........................................................................................................................122, 123 Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 3...............................................................................................................................124 Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 17...................................................................................................................41, 50, 135 Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 24...............................................................................................................................61 Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 35...............................................................................................................................62 Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 39.............................................................................................................................103 Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 189............................................................................................................................122 Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 301................................................................................................................80, 81, 125 Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 504......................................................................................................................41, 140 Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 54..............................................................................................................................126 Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 413............................................................................................................................112 Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 541.............................................................................................................................80 Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 544............................................................................................................................123 Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 425............................................................................................................................117 Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 826......................................................................................................................80, 125 Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 829............................................................................................................................123 Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 860.............................................................................................................................82 Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 881.............................................................................................................................74 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 112.............................................................................................................................41 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 176.............................................................................................................................54 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 220......................................................................................................................62, 116 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 283.............................................................................................................................40 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 361.............................................................................................................................46 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 384.............................................................................................................................73 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 386.............................................................................................................................74 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 438............................................................................................................................122 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 455............................................................................................................................102 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 461............................................................................................................................123 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 506............................................................................................................................159 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 514.............................................................................................................................42 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 641............................................................................................................................159 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 644............................................................................................................................160 Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 651-652 ....................................................................................................159, 166, 195 Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 170............................................................................................................................123 Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 266..............................................................................................................28, 112, 155 Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 288............................................................................................................................103 Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 369............................................................................................................................103 Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 397............................................................................................................................116 Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 618............................................................................................................................122 Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 659............................................................................................................................124 Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 715............................................................................................................................126 Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 716.............................................................................................................................90 Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith No. 13.............................................................................................................................103 Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith No. 139.............................................................................................................................82 Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadith No. 508............................................................................................................................122 Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 13...............................................................................................................................82 Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 17...............................................................................................................................79 Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 51...............................................................................................................................83 Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 52...............................................................................................................................82 Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 64...............................................................................................................................83 Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 67...............................................................................................................................83 Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 577........................................................................................................................16, 42 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 319....................................................................................................105, 126, 139, 159 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 335............................................................................................................................ 42 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 407..............................................................................................................................28 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 412.............................................................................................................................42 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 474........................................................................................................................16, 43
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 204 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 498.............................................................................................................................37 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 597.............................................................................................................................36 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 611.............................................................................................................................36 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 794............................................................................................................................106 Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 805............................................................................................................................112 Bukhari, Vol. 9, Hadith No. 37.............................................................................................................................107 Bukhari, Vol. 9, Hadith No. 507.............................................................................................................................42 Muslim, Book 1, Hadith No. 398 ............................................................................................................................46 Muslim, Book 1, Hadith No. 402 ............................................................................................................................46 Muslim, Book 19, Hadith No. 4294 ........................................................................................................................74 Muslim, Book 26, Hadith No. 5449 ........................................................................................................................40 Muslim, Book 26, Hadith No. 5452 ........................................................................................................................40 Muslim, Book 26, Hadith No. 5456 ........................................................................................................................40 Muslim, Book 33, Hadith No. 6421 .......................................................................................................................137 Muslim, Book 37, Hadith No. 6621 ................................................................................................................69, 137 Muslim, Book 37, Hadith No. 6622 ................................................................................................................69, 136 Muslim, Book 42, Hadith No. 7065 ........................................................................................................................74 Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 398 ......................................................................................................................28, 112 Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 398-402.....................................................................................................................127 Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 402 ..............................................................................................................................28 Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 402 ............................................................................................................................112 Muslim, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 3240 ....................................................................................................................81, 126 Muslim, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 3247 ............................................................................................................................82 Muslim, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 4235 ............................................................................................................................50 Muslim, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 4436 ..........................................................................................................................116 Muslim, Vol. 4, Book 37, Hadith No. 6621 ............................................................................................................40 Muslim, Vol. 4, Book 37, Hadith No. 6622 ............................................................................................................40 Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 5793 ..........................................................................................................................121 Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 6600 ............................................................................................................................81 Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 7150 ..........................................................................................................................115 Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 308........................................................................................................................................42 Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 318........................................................................................................................................41 Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1067......................................................................................................................................38 Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1494......................................................................................................................................38
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 205
Bible References Genesis 1:27 ................................................................................................................................................57, 80, 83 Genesis 2:18-22.....................................................................................................................................................196 Genesis 3: 21 .........................................................................................................................................................196 Genesis 3:15 ..........................................................................................................................................................181 Genesis 3:8-9.........................................................................................................................................................196 Genesis 5:2 ..............................................................................................................................................................83 Genesis 12:3 ..................................................................................................................................................166, 181 Genesis 17:1 ..........................................................................................................................................................198 Genesis 17:19 ........................................................................................................................................................181 Genesis 17:7 ..........................................................................................................................................................137 Genesis 18:1-33.....................................................................................................................................................195 Genesis 18:18 ................................................................................................................................................166, 181 Genesis 18:25 ........................................................................................................................................................188 Genesis 21:12 ................................................................................................................................................166, 181 Genesis 26:4 ..................................................................................................................................................166, 181 Genesis 28:14 ................................................................................................................................................166, 181 Genesis 32:28 ........................................................................................................................................................196 Genesis 32:30 ........................................................................................................................................................196 Genesis 49:10 ........................................................................................................................................181, 182, 185 Genesis 49:8 ..................................................................................................................................................166, 181 Exodus 3:2-6 .........................................................................................................................................................192 Exodus 19:6...........................................................................................................................................................136 Exodus 20:17...........................................................................................................................................................37 Exodus 34:6...........................................................................................................................................................137 Leviticus 11:45........................................................................................................................................................37 Leviticus 19:2....................................................................................................................................................37, 69 Leviticus 20:6........................................................................................................................................................124 Numbers 15:31 ......................................................................................................................................................140 Numbers 19:1-2.....................................................................................................................................................136 Numbers 23:19 .............................................................................................................................49, 68, 97, 133, 138 Deuteronomy 6:4...................................................................................................................................................161 Deuteronomy 7:9...................................................................................................................................................137 Deuteronomy 10:19.................................................................................................................................................75 Deuteronomy 18:15...............................................................................................................................................182 Deuteronomy 18:18-19 .........................................................................................................................................182 Deuteronomy 32:43...............................................................................................................................................136 Joshua 5:14............................................................................................................................................................196 I Samuel 15:20 ........................................................................................................................................................97 I Samuel 15:29 ......................................................................................................................................................133 II Samuel 7:28 .........................................................................................................................................................68 I Kings 19:7.............................................................................................................................................................23 II Kings 5:2-3 ..........................................................................................................................................................22 Psalm 2 ..................................................................................................................................................................135 Psalm 2:12 .............................................................................................................................................................187 Psalm 2:2 ...............................................................................................................................................................183 Psalm 2:6 ...............................................................................................................................................................183 Psalm 2:8 ...............................................................................................................................................................189 Psalm 8:2 ...............................................................................................................................................................169 Psalm 8:5-6............................................................................................................................................................186 Psalm 15:1-3............................................................................................................................................................49 Psalm 15:4 .........................................................................................................................................................50, 68 Psalm 16:10 ...........................................................................................................................................................175 Psalm 19:7-11..........................................................................................................................................................95 Psalm 22:13-16......................................................................................................................................................173 Psalm 22:16 ...........................................................................................................................................................173 Psalm 22:18 ...........................................................................................................................................................174 Psalm 22:27 ...........................................................................................................................................................170 Psalm 22:29 ...........................................................................................................................................................188 Psalm 22:31 ...........................................................................................................................................................174 Psalm 23 ................................................................................................................................................................133 Psalm 24:7 .............................................................................................................................................................187 Psalm 27:12 ...........................................................................................................................................................171 Psalm 31:5 ...............................................................................................................................................................69
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 206 Psalm 33:6 .............................................................................................................................................................31 Psalm 34:20 ...........................................................................................................................................................174 Psalm 35:11 ...........................................................................................................................................................171 Psalm 36:5 .............................................................................................................................................................138 Psalm 37:28 ...........................................................................................................................................................134 Psalm 40:6-8..........................................................................................................................................................167 Psalm 41:9 .............................................................................................................................................................171 Psalm 45:5 .............................................................................................................................................................183 Psalm 51:6 .............................................................................................................................................................140 Psalm 65:7 .....................................................................................................................................................168, 183 Psalm 68:1 .............................................................................................................................................................175 Psalm 68:18 ...........................................................................................................................................................175 Psalm 69:3 .............................................................................................................................................................173 Psalm 69:21 ...........................................................................................................................................................173 Psalm 72:10 ...........................................................................................................................................................182 Psalm 78:1-2..........................................................................................................................................................168 Psalm 78:65 ...........................................................................................................................................................189 Psalm 89:3-4..........................................................................................................................................................188 Psalm 89:29 ...........................................................................................................................................................188 Psalm 89:33 ...........................................................................................................................................................138 Psalm 89:37 ...........................................................................................................................................................188 Psalm 90:2 .............................................................................................................................................................197 Psalm 102:19 .........................................................................................................................................................180 Psalm 102:21 .........................................................................................................................................................180 Psalm 102:24-27....................................................................................................................................................196 Psalm 103:3-4........................................................................................................................................................169 Psalm 103:4 ...........................................................................................................................................................185 Psalm 107:24-30............................................................................................................................................168, 183 Psalm 109:4-5........................................................................................................................................................170 Psalm 110:1 ...........................................................................................................................................................188 Psalm 110:4 ...........................................................................................................................................................185 Psalm 112:4 ...........................................................................................................................................................168 Psalm 118:15 .........................................................................................................................................................186 Psalm 118:17 .........................................................................................................................................................186 Psalm 118:22 .........................................................................................................................................................169 Psalm 119:142 .......................................................................................................................................................136 Psalm 119:160 .......................................................................................................................................................136 Psalm 130:7-8........................................................................................................................................................185 Psalm 132:11 .........................................................................................................................................................181 Psalm 139:24 .........................................................................................................................................................133 Psalm 139:7 ...........................................................................................................................................................198 Psalm 147:5 ...........................................................................................................................................................198 Proverbs 3:5.............................................................................................................................................................49 Proverbs 15:3.........................................................................................................................................................198 Proverbs 16:4.........................................................................................................................................................197 Proverbs 30:4.................................................................................................................................................114, 135 Ecclesiastes 7:20 .....................................................................................................................................................50 Isaiah 6:5 .......................................................................................................................................................180, 196 Isaiah 6:1-13..........................................................................................................................................................195 Isaiah 7:14 .............................................................................................................................................156, 166, 181 Isaiah 9:1 ...............................................................................................................................................................168 Isaiah 9:2 ...............................................................................................................................................................168 Isaiah 9:6 ....................................................................................................................... 102, 180, 190, 195, 197, 199 Isaiah 10:20-21......................................................................................................................................................197 Isaiah 11:10 ...........................................................................................................................................................170 Isaiah 11:1-9..................................................................................................................................................175, 188 Isaiah 11:2 .............................................................................................................................................................183 Isaiah 25:9 .............................................................................................................................................................185 Isaiah 28:16 ...........................................................................................................................................................169 Isaiah 29:14 ...........................................................................................................................................................184 Isaiah 30:18 ...........................................................................................................................................................134 Isaiah 33:22 ...........................................................................................................................................................188 Isaiah 35:4 .............................................................................................................................................................180 Isaiah 35:5-6..................................................................................................................................................167, 184
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 207 Isaiah 40:11 ...........................................................................................................................................................169 Isaiah 40:3 .............................................................................................................................................................190 Isaiah 40:5 .............................................................................................................................................................180 Isaiah 40:8 .............................................................................................................................................................138 Isaiah 40:9 .............................................................................................................................................................180 Isaiah 41:4 .............................................................................................................................................................197 Isaiah 42:1-4..........................................................................................................................................................134 Isaiah 42:7 .....................................................................................................................................................167, 187 Isaiah 43:10 ...........................................................................................................................................................189 Isaiah 43:11 ...................................................................................................................................................185, 194 Isaiah 43:25 ...........................................................................................................................................................186 Isaiah 44:6 .....................................................................................................................................................189, 197 Isaiah 45:21 ...........................................................................................................................................................185 Isaiah 46:12-13......................................................................................................................................................185 Isaiah 47:4 .............................................................................................................................................................189 Isaiah 48:12 ...................................................................................................................................................189, 197 Isaiah 49:6 .............................................................................................................................................................170 Isaiah 49:7 .............................................................................................................................................................186 Isaiah 50:6 .............................................................................................................................................................172 Isaiah 52:13-14......................................................................................................................................................170 Isaiah 52:15 ...........................................................................................................................................................180 Isaiah 53:11 ...........................................................................................................................................................186 Isaiah 53:1-12........................................................................................................................................................173 Isaiah 53:12 ...................................................................................................................................................136, 174 Isaiah 53:9 .............................................................................................................................................138, 156, 175 Isaiah 59:16 ...........................................................................................................................................................189 Isaiah 60:1-2..........................................................................................................................................................183 Isaiah 61:8 .............................................................................................................................................................134 Isaiah 65:1 .............................................................................................................................................................170 Isaiah 65:6 .............................................................................................................................................................134 Jeremiah 4:28 ..........................................................................................................................................................49 Jeremiah 9:24 ........................................................................................................................................................134 Jeremiah 23:24 ......................................................................................................................................................198 Jeremiah 23:6 ........................................................................................................................................................190 Jeremiah 24:7 ........................................................................................................................................................137 Jeremiah 31:31-33.................................................................................................................................................184 Jeremiah 31:34 ......................................................................................................................................................137 Jeremiah 32:17 ......................................................................................................................................................198 Ezekiel 1:25-28 .....................................................................................................................................................196 Ezekiel 18:4...........................................................................................................................................................134 Ezekiel 34:11...........................................................................................................................................................50 Ezekiel 36:25.................................................................................................................................................180, 184 Ezekiel 36:26...........................................................................................................................................................51 Ezekiel 37:24.........................................................................................................................................................188 Daniel 3:16-30.........................................................................................................................................................22 Daniel 3:24-25.......................................................................................................................................................196 Daniel 3:25 ............................................................................................................................................................114 Daniel 9:26 ............................................................................................................................................................174 Hosea 1:7...............................................................................................................................................................185 Hosea 3:4-5 ...........................................................................................................................................................187 Hosea 13:14...........................................................................................................................................................186 Hosea 13:4.............................................................................................................................................................185 Joel 2:32 ................................................................................................................................................................186 Amos 9:6 ...............................................................................................................................................................190 Micah 5:2.......................................................................................................................................167, 183, 198, 199 Habakkuk 1:12 ......................................................................................................................................................197 Habakkuk 1:12-13.................................................................................................................................................197 Haggai 2:7 .............................................................................................................................................................182 Zechariah 11:12-13 ...............................................................................................................................................172 Zechariah 11:13.....................................................................................................................................................172 Zechariah 12:10.............................................................................................................................................173, 174 Zechariah 13:7.......................................................................................................................................................171 Zechariah 9:16.......................................................................................................................................................185 Malachi 2:10..........................................................................................................................................................197
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 208 Malachi 2:16............................................................................................................................................................84 Malachi 3:6............................................................................................................................................132, 138, 198 Malachi 3:6........................................................................................................................................................37, 97 Malachi 4:2............................................................................................................................................................190 Malachi 4:5............................................................................................................................................................187 Matthew 1:1-3 ...............................................................................................................................................166, 181 Matthew 1:20-21 ...................................................................................................................................................159 Matthew 1:21.........................................................................................................................................176, 180, 183 Matthew 1:22-23 ...................................................................................................................................................181 Matthew 1:23.................................................................................................................................................156, 166 Matthew 2:1-2 .......................................................................................................................................................104 Matthew 2:1-2 .......................................................................................................................................................198 Matthew 2:1-6 ...............................................................................................................................................167, 183 Matthew 2:2...........................................................................................................................................................183 Matthew 2: 7-10 ....................................................................................................................................................104 Matthew 2:10-11 ...................................................................................................................................................182 Matthew 2:12.........................................................................................................................................................114 Matthew 3:16-17 ...................................................................................................................................................102 Matthew 3:17.........................................................................................................................................................135 Matthew 3:3...........................................................................................................................................................190 Matthew 4:12-17 ...................................................................................................................................................168 Matthew 4:2...........................................................................................................................................................199 Matthew 4:23.........................................................................................................................................................108 Matthew 5:27-28 .....................................................................................................................................................37 Matthew 5:28.......................................................................................................................................37, 48, 83, 113 Matthew 5:44............................................................................................................................................................61 Matthew 5:43-44 .....................................................................................................................................................58 Matthew 5:44.............................................................................................................................................55, 75, 105 Matthew 5:46-47 .....................................................................................................................................................53 Matthew 5:48...................................................................................................................................................43, 136 Matthew 8:1-2 .......................................................................................................................................................198 Matthew 8:26.................................................................................................................................................168, 184 Matthew 8:5-13 .....................................................................................................................................................106 Matthew 9:18.........................................................................................................................................................199 Matthew 9:2...........................................................................................................................................................200 Matthew 9:2-6 .......................................................................................................................................................169 Matthew 9:36.........................................................................................................................................................188 Matthew 10:32.........................................................................................................................................................19 Matthew 10:33.........................................................................................................................................................19 Matthew 10:34.........................................................................................................................................................61 Matthew 11:14.......................................................................................................................................................187 Matthew 11:28-29 .................................................................................................................................................200 Matthew 11:4-6 .............................................................................................................................................167, 184 Matthew 11:5.................................................................................................................................................168, 187 Matthew 12:34.........................................................................................................................................................37 Matthew 13:3.........................................................................................................................................................168 Matthew 13:34-35 .................................................................................................................................................168 Matthew 14:15-21 .................................................................................................................................................199 Matthew 14:22-36 .................................................................................................................................................109 Matthew 14:30.......................................................................................................................................................199 Matthew 15:22-25 .................................................................................................................................................199 Matthew 15:29-31 .................................................................................................................................................106 Matthew 16:14.......................................................................................................................................................166 Matthew 16:26.........................................................................................................................................................27 Matthew 16:27........................................................................................................................................................134 Matthew 17:5.........................................................................................................................................102, 114, 135 Matthew 17:10-13 .................................................................................................................................................187 Matthew 18:20.......................................................................................................................................................198 Matthew 19:26.......................................................................................................................................................198 Matthew 21:16.......................................................................................................................................................169 Matthew 21:42.......................................................................................................................................................169 Matthew 21:42-43 .................................................................................................................................................169 Matthew 22:21-45 .................................................................................................................................................188 Matthew 24:35.......................................................................................................................................................138
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 209 Matthew 25:41.........................................................................................................................................................51 Matthew 26:10.......................................................................................................................................................111 Matthew 26:15.......................................................................................................................................................172 Matthew 26:28.......................................................................................................................................................190 Matthew 26:31.......................................................................................................................................................171 Matthew 26:50-52 ...................................................................................................................................................90 Matthew 26:52.......................................................................................................................................................113 Matthew 26:56.......................................................................................................................................................171 Matthew 26:62-63 .................................................................................................................................................171 Matthew 26:67.......................................................................................................................................................172 Matthew 27:3.........................................................................................................................................................172 Matthew 27:3-10 ...................................................................................................................................................172 Matthew 27:4,19, 24 .............................................................................................................................................104 Matthew 27:5.........................................................................................................................................................172 Matthew 27:12-14 .................................................................................................................................................171 Matthew 27:28-54 .................................................................................................................................................170 Matthew 27:34.......................................................................................................................................................173 Matthew 27:38.......................................................................................................................................................173 Matthew 27:45.......................................................................................................................................................104 Matthew 27:48.......................................................................................................................................................174 Matthew 27:50.......................................................................................................................................................174 Matthew 27:57-60 .................................................................................................................................................175 Matthew 28:18...............................................................................................................................................189, 198 Matthew 28:18-20 ...................................................................................................................................................16 Matthew 28:19...............................................................................................................................................139, 170 Matthew 28:20.......................................................................................................................................................198 Mark 2:5 ................................................................................................................................................................200 Mark 2:6-10...........................................................................................................................................................169 Mark 3:1-5.............................................................................................................................................................106 Mark 3:23 ..............................................................................................................................................................168 Mark 4:2 ................................................................................................................................................................168 Mark 4:35-41.........................................................................................................................................108, 168, 184 Mark 4:36-41.........................................................................................................................................................200 Mark 4:38-41.........................................................................................................................................................189 Mark 5:1-20...........................................................................................................................................................109 Mark 5:1-6.............................................................................................................................................................199 Mark 5:19 ................................................................................................................................................................21 Mark 5:19-20...........................................................................................................................................................23 Mark 6:56 ..............................................................................................................................................................106 Mark 7:21-23...........................................................................................................................................................51 Mark 14:10-11.......................................................................................................................................................172 Mark 14:17-21.......................................................................................................................................................172 Mark 14:43-46.......................................................................................................................................................172 Mark 14:50 ............................................................................................................................................................171 Mark 14:65 ............................................................................................................................................................172 Mark 15:19 ............................................................................................................................................................172 Mark 15:27 ............................................................................................................................................................173 Mark 16:19 ............................................................................................................................................................189 Luke 1:17...............................................................................................................................................................187 Luke 1:26-35 .........................................................................................................................................................114 Luke 1:32-33 .........................................................................................................................................................188 Luke 1:78-79 .........................................................................................................................................................190 Luke 1:79...............................................................................................................................................................168 Luke 2:1-15 ...........................................................................................................................................................199 Luke 2:4-15 ...........................................................................................................................................................104 Luke 2:22,..............................................................................................................................................................182 Luke 2:26.......................................................................................................................................................182, 185 Luke 2:30.......................................................................................................................................................182, 185 Luke 2:32...............................................................................................................................................................170 Luke 2:52...............................................................................................................................................................199 Luke 3:23-34 .........................................................................................................................................................181 Luke 3:33-34 .........................................................................................................................................................166 Luke 4:18...............................................................................................................................................................183 Luke 4:31-37 .........................................................................................................................................................110
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 210 Luke 5:17-26 .........................................................................................................................................................112 Luke 5:19-25 .........................................................................................................................................................169 Luke 5:20...............................................................................................................................................................200 Luke 5:23-24 .........................................................................................................................................................200 Luke 6:27, 35.........................................................................................................................................................105 Luke 6:45.................................................................................................................................................................37 Luke 7:11-17 .........................................................................................................................................................107 Luke 8:22-25 .........................................................................................................................................................200 Luke 8:49-56 .........................................................................................................................................................107 Luke 10:20.............................................................................................................................................................113 Luke 13:11.............................................................................................................................................................105 Luke 17:11-19 .......................................................................................................................................................105 Luke 20:17-19 .......................................................................................................................................................170 Luke 21:33.............................................................................................................................................................138 Luke 22:41.............................................................................................................................................................200 Luke 22:49-51 .........................................................................................................................................................62 Luke 22:50, 51.......................................................................................................................................................106 Luke 23:33.............................................................................................................................................................173 Luke 23:34.......................................................................................................................................................55, 116 Luke 23:44-46 .......................................................................................................................................................104 Luke 24:46-53 .......................................................................................................................................................107 Luke 24:50-52 .......................................................................................................................................................199 Luke 24:51.............................................................................................................................................................175 Luke 24:5-7 ...........................................................................................................................................................186 John 1:1 ...................................................................................................................................................29, 114, 180 John 1:1-2 ..............................................................................................................................................................197 John 1:1-2 ..............................................................................................................................................................199 John 1:1-3 ..............................................................................................................................................................195 John 1:11 ...............................................................................................................................................................170 John 1:12 .....................................................................................................................................29, 57, 80, 151, 187 John 1:14 ...............................................................................................................................................................195 John 1:18 ...............................................................................................................................................................139 John 1:27 ...............................................................................................................................................................156 John 1:38-42............................................................................................................................................................23 John 1:41 ...............................................................................................................................................................156 John 3:13 ...............................................................................................................................................................198 John 3:16 ...............................................................................................................................................127, 132, 185 John 3:36 ...............................................................................................................................................................187 John 4:14 ...............................................................................................................................................................199 John 4:25-30..........................................................................................................................................................156 John 4:34 ...............................................................................................................................................................167 John 4:46-54..........................................................................................................................................................106 John 4:6 .................................................................................................................................................................200 John 5:18 ...............................................................................................................................................................114 John 5:19 ...............................................................................................................................................................103 John 5:22, 27 .........................................................................................................................................................117 John 5:22-23..........................................................................................................................................176, 188, 190 John 5:23 .......................................................................................................................................................102, 196 John 5:25 ...............................................................................................................................................................102 John 5:30 ...............................................................................................................................................................167 John 5:45-47..........................................................................................................................................................182 John 6:1-21............................................................................................................................................................109 John 6:38 ...............................................................................................................................................................167 John 6:40 ...............................................................................................................................................................167 John 6:47 ...............................................................................................................................................................132 John 7:19-20..........................................................................................................................................................124 John 7:31 ...............................................................................................................................................................167 John 8:1-11............................................................................................................................................................111 John 8:29 ...............................................................................................................................................................167 John 8:46 .......................................................................................................................................................104, 154 John 8:48 ...............................................................................................................................................................186 John 8:52-59..........................................................................................................................................................195 John 9:16 ...............................................................................................................................................................104 John 10:11 .............................................................................................................................................................169
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 211 John 10:14 .............................................................................................................................................................137 John 10:15-18........................................................................................................................................................174 John 10:16 .....................................................................................................................................................176, 188 John 10:28 .............................................................................................................................................................132 John 10:30 .............................................................................................................................................................133 John 11:25-27........................................................................................................................................................102 John 11:35 .............................................................................................................................................................200 John 11:43-44........................................................................................................................................................200 John 12:18-21........................................................................................................................................................170 John 12:40-41........................................................................................................................................................180 John 12:41 .....................................................................................................................................................195, 196 John 12:48-50........................................................................................................................................................182 John 12:49-50........................................................................................................................................................167 John 13:34 .............................................................................................................................................................105 John 13:35 .............................................................................................................................................................116 John 14:2 ...............................................................................................................................................................112 John14:6 ................................................................................................................................................................133 John 14:6 .............................................................................................................................................29, 68, 73, 155 John 14:6-9............................................................................................................................................................139 John 14:9 .......................................................................................................................................................133, 137 John 14:13-14........................................................................................................................................................200 John 14:31 .............................................................................................................................................................167 John 15:10 .............................................................................................................................................................167 John 15:24 .............................................................................................................................................................167 John 16:15 .............................................................................................................................................................196 John 16:30 .............................................................................................................................................................198 John 16:33 .............................................................................................................................................................190 John 17:5 ...............................................................................................................................................................195 John 18:14 .............................................................................................................................................................174 John 18:36 .........................................................................................................................................................61, 75 John 19:1-3............................................................................................................................................................173 John 19:18 .............................................................................................................................................................173 John 19:23-24........................................................................................................................................................174 John 19:28 .............................................................................................................................................................199 John 19:30 .............................................................................................................................................................174 John 19:31 .............................................................................................................................................................174 John 19:34 .............................................................................................................................................................174 John 19:36 .............................................................................................................................................................175 John 19:37 .....................................................................................................................................................173, 174 John 20:17 .............................................................................................................................................................175 John 20:25-27........................................................................................................................................................174 John 20:28 .....................................................................................................................................................102, 190 John 21:17 .............................................................................................................................................................198 Acts 1:1-11 ............................................................................................................................................................107 Acts 2:21........................................................................................................................................143, 176, 186, 200 Acts 2:26-32 ..........................................................................................................................................................175 Acts 2:34-35 ..........................................................................................................................................................189 Acts 2:36................................................................................................................................................................183 Acts 2:38-39 ..................................................................................................................................................180, 184 Acts 3:20................................................................................................................................................................156 Acts 3:25........................................................................................................................................................166, 182 Acts 4:11................................................................................................................................................................170 Acts 4:12................................................................................................................................................176, 185, 190 Acts 4:27................................................................................................................................................................183 Acts13:38-41 .........................................................................................................................................................186 Acts 22:16..............................................................................................................................................................180 Acts 26:17-18 ........................................................................................................................................................170 Acts 26:2-29 ............................................................................................................................................................21 Romans 1:21............................................................................................................................................................37 Romans 3:23............................................................................................................................................................37 Romans 3:25..........................................................................................................................................................136 Romans 5:12............................................................................................................................................................36 Romans 5:18-19 ....................................................................................................................................................186 Romans 5:8..............................................................................................................................................................29
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 212 Romans 6:23....................................................................................................................................................29, 132 Romans 8:15..........................................................................................................................................................137 Romans 8:34..................................................................................................................................................112, 136 Romans 8:9-11 ......................................................................................................................................................133 Romans 9:7....................................................................................................................................................166, 182 Romans 9:33 ..........................................................................................................................................................170 Romans 10:8..........................................................................................................................................................185 Romans 10:9....................................................................................................................................................29, 201 Romans 10:20........................................................................................................................................................170 Romans 11:25-26 ..................................................................................................................................................187 Romans 11:26........................................................................................................................................................186 Romans 12:14............................................................................................................................................57, 61, 115 Romans 13:1-4 ........................................................................................................................................................58 Romans 13:1-7 ........................................................................................................................................................51 Romans 13:1-8 ........................................................................................................................................................57 I Corinthians 1:18....................................................................................................................................................23 I Corinthians 1:18-25 ............................................................................................................................................184 I Corinthians 1:21....................................................................................................................................................23 I Corinthians 1:30..................................................................................................................................................190 I Corinthians 7:3-5 ..................................................................................................................................................84 I Corinthians 13:1....................................................................................................................................................12 I Corinthians 15:54-55 ..........................................................................................................................................187 I Corinthians 15:6..................................................................................................................................................102 II Corinthians 5:21 ................................................................................................................................................174 Galatians 3:16................................................................................................................................................166, 182 Galatians 3:26........................................................................................................................................................139 Galatians 3:28..............................................................................................................................................55, 80, 83 Galatians 4:4..........................................................................................................................................................182 Galatians 4:6..................................................................................................................................................137, 139 Galatians 6:10..........................................................................................................................................................58 Ephesians 1:7......................................................................................................................... 127, 169, 185, 187, 190 Ephesians 2:12,13 .................................................................................................................................................156 Ephesians 2:8-9 .......................................................................................................................................................61 Ephesians 4:10.......................................................................................................................................................198 Ephesians 4:12.......................................................................................................................................................175 Ephesians 4:30.........................................................................................................................................................48 Ephesians 4:4.........................................................................................................................................................175 Ephesians 5:2.........................................................................................................................................................200 Ephesians 5:21.........................................................................................................................................................84 Ephesians 5:25...................................................................................................................................................77, 83 Ephesians 5:28.........................................................................................................................................................84 Ephesians 5:31.........................................................................................................................................................84 Ephesians 5:33.........................................................................................................................................................84 Ephesians 6:15.........................................................................................................................................................16 Philippians 2:3.........................................................................................................................................................75 Philippians 2:6-11 .................................................................................................................................................171 Philippians 2:7-8 ...................................................................................................................................................200 Philippians 2:10.....................................................................................................................................................188 Philippians 2:10-11 ...............................................................................................................................................170 Colossians 1:14 .....................................................................................................................................................189 Colossians 1:15-17 ................................................................................................................................................195 Colossians 1:16 .....................................................................................................................................................197 Colossians 2:13 .....................................................................................................................................................135 Colossians 2:3 .......................................................................................................................................................198 Colossians 3:19 .......................................................................................................................................................83 I Thessalonians 5:15..............................................................................................................................................105 I Timothy 3:16.......................................................................................................................................................102 I Timothy 5:2...........................................................................................................................................................83 I Timothy 5:8...........................................................................................................................................................84 I Timothy 5:21...................................................................................................................................................58, 80 II Timothy 2:13 .....................................................................................................................................................138 II Timothy 4:1 .......................................................................................................................................................116 II Timothy 4:2 .........................................................................................................................................................16 II Timothy 4:4 ........................................................................................................................................................132
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 213 Titus 1:2.................................................................................................................................................................151 Titus 3:5-6 .............................................................................................................................................................181 Hebrews 1:10-12 ...................................................................................................................................................197 Hebrews 1:1-2 .......................................................................................................................................................139 Hebrews 1:1-3 .......................................................................................................................................................195 Hebrews 1:3...........................................................................................................................................................198 Hebrews 1:9...........................................................................................................................................................183 Hebrews 2:9...........................................................................................................................................................186 Hebrews 4:15.........................................................................................................................................................157 Hebrews 4:15-16 .....................................................................................................................................................29 Hebrews 6:20.........................................................................................................................................................185 Hebrews 7:21...........................................................................................................................................................49 Hebrews 7:25........................................................................................................................... 29, 112, 136, 189, 190 Hebrews 7:26.........................................................................................................................................................157 Hebrews 7:27.........................................................................................................................................................200 Hebrews 8:6-13 .....................................................................................................................................................184 Hebrews 9:13-14 ...................................................................................................................................................181 Hebrews 9:14.........................................................................................................................................................200 Hebrews 9:28.........................................................................................................................................................190 Hebrews 10:7.........................................................................................................................................................167 Hebrews 11:6...........................................................................................................................................................50 Hebrews 12:14.........................................................................................................................................................58 Hebrews 13:20.......................................................................................................................................................138 Hebrews 13:8...........................................................................................................................................37, 198, 199 James 1:5-6..............................................................................................................................................................23 James 1:17 .......................................................................................................................................................68, 132 James 2:10 .............................................................................................................................................................140 James 2:1-10............................................................................................................................................................58 James 3:9-13..........................................................................................................................................................115 James 3:17 .........................................................................................................................................................58, 80 I Peter 1:10 ....................................................................................................................................................182, 185 I Peter 1:15-16.......................................................................................................................................................136 I Peter 1:16 ........................................................................................................................................................37, 69 I Peter 1:18-19.......................................................................................................................................................186 I Peter 1:19 ............................................................................................................................................................157 I Peter 2:22 ............................................................................................................................................................157 I Peter 2:24 ............................................................................................................................................................186 I Peter 2:6 ..............................................................................................................................................................190 I Peter 2:6-7...........................................................................................................................................................170 I Peter 2:6-8...........................................................................................................................................................169 I Peter 3:15 ..............................................................................................................................................................21 I Peter 3:7 ................................................................................................................................................................83 I Peter 4:5 ..............................................................................................................................................................117 I Peter 5:4 ..............................................................................................................................................................187 I Peter 5:5 ................................................................................................................................................................23 I John 1:9.......................................................................................................................................................131, 135 I John 2:12.............................................................................................................................................................186 I John 2:1-2..............................................................................................................................................................47 I John 2:2,..............................................................................................................................................................136 I John 2:15...............................................................................................................................................................37 I John 4:10.......................................................................................................................................................47, 136 I John 5:1...............................................................................................................................................................139 I John 5:11-13........................................................................................................................................................132 I John 5:12.............................................................................................................................................................113 I John 5:5-13..........................................................................................................................................................102 I John 5:6.................................................................................................................................................................68 Revelation 1:17 .....................................................................................................................................................190 Revelation 1:7-8 ....................................................................................................................................................197 Revelation 1:8 .......................................................................................................................................................198 Revelation 6:16-17 ................................................................................................................................................187 Revelation 14:1 .....................................................................................................................................................183 Revelation 19:6....................................................................................................................................................200 Revelation 19:11 ...................................................................................................................................................157 Revelation 20:1-10 ................................................................................................................................................175
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 214 Revelation 21:7 .............................................................................................................................................137, 139 Revelation 21:8 ...............................................................................................................................................65, 140 Revelation 22:13-16..............................................................................................................................................197 Revelation 22:15 ...............................................................................................................................................49, 68
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 215
Qur'anic References Sura 2:33-37 ..........................................................................................................................................................157 Sura 2:35-37 ............................................................................................................................................................16 Sura 2:41....................................................................................................................................................90, 96, 160 Sura 2:41-42 ....................................................................................................................................................96, 151 Sura 2:47................................................................................................................................................................149 Sura 2:59..................................................................................................................................................................96 Sura 2:62..........................................................................................................................................................56, 149 Sura 2:65........................................................................................................................................................149, 150 Sura 2:78..................................................................................................................................................................97 Sura 2:90..................................................................................................................................................................48 Sura 2:97................................................................................................................................................................160 Sura 2:106................................................................................................................................................49, 149, 151 Sura 2:117................................................................................................................................................................30 Sura 2:122........................................................................................................................................................57, 149 Sura 2:127..............................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 2:140..............................................................................................................................................................148 Sura 2:186..............................................................................................................................................................136 Sura 2:187..............................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 2:190..............................................................................................................................................................132 Sura 2:191........................................................................................................................................................39, 146 Sura 2:193................................................................................................................................................................90 Sura 2:195..............................................................................................................................................................132 Sura 2:216................................................................................................................................................60, 105, 108 Sura 2:217..................................................................................................................................................40, 62, 146 Sura 2:221..............................................................................................................................................................148 Sura 2:223................................................................................................................................................81, 111, 126 Sura 2:224-225 ........................................................................................................................................................68 Sura 2:228-230 ......................................................................................................................................................111 Sura 2:256..........................................................................................................................................60, 68, 105, 146 Sura 2:260..............................................................................................................................................................157 Sura 2:276..............................................................................................................................................................132 Sura 2:282........................................................................................................................................................80, 125 Sura 2:284..........................................................................................................................................16, 37, 135, 139 Sura 2:285..............................................................................................................................................................160 Sura 3:129................................................................................................................................................16, 135, 139 Sura 3:132..............................................................................................................................................................114 Sura 3:14..........................................................................................................................................................81, 126 Sura 3:144................................................................................................................................................................48 Sura 3:151..............................................................................................................................................................116 Sura 3:157-158 ........................................................................................................................................................62 Sura 3:176................................................................................................................................................................48 Sura 3:181................................................................................................................................................................54 Sura 3:28......................................................................................................................................................52, 55, 67 Sura 3:3..................................................................................................................................................................160 Sura 3:31-33 ..........................................................................................................................................................114 Sura 3:32................................................................................................................................................................132 Sura 3:32-35 ..........................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 3:36..................................................................................................................................................29, 159, 195 Sura 3:45................................................................................................................................. 30, 113, 154, 156, 194 Sura 3:46................................................................................................................................................................153 Sura 3:47..........................................................................................................................................................30, 156 Sura 3:49................................................................................................................................................................194 Sura 3:50........................................................................................................................................................107, 155 Sura 3:52................................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 3:53................................................................................................................................................................155 Sura 3:54......................................................................................................................................39, 49, 65, 131, 133 Sura 3:55................................................................................................................................................108, 149, 155 Sura 3:59..................................................................................................................................................................30 Sura 3:61........................................................................................................................................................115, 139 Sura 3:67................................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 3:71..........................................................................................................................................................96, 151 Sura 3:78..........................................................................................................................................................96, 151 Sura 3:79..................................................................................................................................................................48
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 216 Sura 3:81................................................................................................................................................................148 Sura 3:83..................................................................................................................................................................57 Sura 3:85..................................................................................................................................................................55 Sura 4:3........................................................................................................................................38, 48, 81, 113, 125 Sura 4:6..................................................................................................................................................................148 Sura 4:13................................................................................................................................................................114 Sura 4:20..................................................................................................................................................81, 111, 126 Sura 4:24........................................................................................................................................38, 48, 81, 83, 113 Sura 4:31..................................................................................................................................................................41 Sura 4:34..................................................................................................................................................82, 111, 113 Sura 4:40..................................................................................................................................................................41 Sura 4:46..........................................................................................................................................................97, 151 Sura 4:48................................................................................................................................... 16, 49, 135, 139, 150 Sura 4:59................................................................................................................................................................114 Sura 4:69................................................................................................................................................................114 Sura 4:74................................................................................................................................................................113 Sura 4:76..........................................................................................................................................................60, 113 Sura 4:78................................................................................................................................................................145 Sura 4:79................................................................................................................................................................145 Sura 4:80..........................................................................................................................................................12, 114 Sura 4:82................................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 4:84................................................................................................................................................................103 Sura 4:88......................................................................................................................................................39, 50, 66 Sura 4:94..................................................................................................................................................................57 Sura 4:105-106 ......................................................................................................................................................158 Sura 4:111................................................................................................................................................................48 Sura 4:112..........................................................................................................................................................43, 50 Sura 4:116...................................................................................................................... 16, 43, 49, 54, 135, 140, 150 Sura 4:129........................................................................................................................................................81, 125 Sura 4:136..............................................................................................................................................................160 Sura 4:142........................................................................................................................................................36, 133 Sura 4:143..........................................................................................................................................................39, 66 Sura 4:144................................................................................................................................................................52 Sura 4:144-45 ..........................................................................................................................................................57 Sura 4:153..............................................................................................................................................................150 Sura 4:171..................................................................................................30, 96, 113, 134, 138, 145, 156, 159, 194 Sura 4:171-172 ......................................................................................................................................................156 Sura 4:172..............................................................................................................................................................137 Sura 5:5..................................................................................................................................................................149 Sura 5:17................................................................................................................................................................139 Sura 5:20..................................................................................................................................................................57 Sura 5:30................................................................................................................................................................146 Sura 5:39..................................................................................................................................................41, 134, 140 Sura 5:43-47 ..........................................................................................................................................................160 Sura 5:43-48 ............................................................................................................................................................97 Sura 5:46..................................................................................................................................................................93 Sura 5:47....................................................................................................................................................54, 96, 150 Sura 5:51..............................................................................................................................................52, 55, 67, 105 Sura 5:60................................................................................................................................................................149 Sura 5:68-69 ............................................................................................................................................................96 Sura 5:69..................................................................................................................................................................57 Sura 5:72................................................................................................................................................................139 Sura 5:72-73 ............................................................................................................................................................54 Sura 5:73........................................................................................................................................................134, 145 Sura 5:80-81 ............................................................................................................................................................52 Sura 5:90-91 ............................................................................................................................................................38 Sura 5:92................................................................................................................................................................114 Sura 5:110..............................................................................................................................................107, 159, 194 Sura 5:110-111 ......................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 5:116................................................................................................................................................49, 138, 145 Sura 5:118........................................................................................................................................................49, 137 Sura 6:12................................................................................................................................................................145 Sura 6:14................................................................................................................................................................146 Sura 6:18..........................................................................................................................................................49, 137
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 217 Sura 6:39..................................................................................................................................................................66 Sura 6:51................................................................................................................................................................136 Sura 6:61..................................................................................................................................................................49 Sura 6:68................................................................................................................................................................149 Sura 6:73..................................................................................................................................................................30 Sura 6:75-79 ..........................................................................................................................................................157 Sura 6:76-78 ..........................................................................................................................................................150 Sura 6:92................................................................................................................................................................160 Sura 6:94................................................................................................................................................................136 Sura 6:106-108 ......................................................................................................................................................125 Sura 6:107-109 ......................................................................................................................................................105 Sura 6:108................................................................................................................................................................60 Sura 6:115..................................................................................................................................................84, 90, 161 Sura 6:115-116 ................................................................................................................................................96, 150 Sura 6:126................................................................................................................................................................66 Sura 6:152-153 ........................................................................................................................................................65 Sura 6:160................................................................................................................................................................41 Sura 6:161-164 ......................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 7:8............................................................................................................................................................40, 134 Sura 7:9....................................................................................................................................................................41 Sura 7:22-23 ............................................................................................................................................................16 Sura 7:23................................................................................................................................................................157 Sura 7:99..................................................................................................................................................................49 Sura 7:121-122 ......................................................................................................................................................148 Sura 7:143..............................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 7:150-151 ......................................................................................................................................................158 Sura 7:157..............................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 7:158..............................................................................................................................................166, 180, 194 Sura 7:167..............................................................................................................................................................114 Sura 7:172..............................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 7:178..........................................................................................................................................................39, 66 Sura 7:178-179 ......................................................................................................................................................133 Sura 7:179................................................................................................................................................................36 Sura 7:186..........................................................................................................................................................39, 66 Sura 7:189-190 ......................................................................................................................................................157 Sura 7:194........................................................................................................................................................49, 137 Sura 7:199................................................................................................................................................................60 Sura 8:12................................................................................................................................................................116 Sura 8:24................................................................................................................................................................115 Sura 8:30......................................................................................................................................39, 50, 66, 133, 138 Sura 8:39..........................................................................................................................................40, 105, 108, 146 Sura 8:41................................................................................................................................................................108 Sura 8:51..................................................................................................................................................................49 Sura 8:55..................................................................................................................................................................57 Sura 8:56-57 ..........................................................................................................................................................108 Sura 8:60................................................................................................................................................................103 Sura 8:65................................................................................................................................................................146 Sura 8:67................................................................................................................................. 60, 103, 108, 116, 146 Sura 8:67-68 ..........................................................................................................................................................116 Sura 8:73..................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 8:74..................................................................................................................................................................60 Sura 9:5............................................................................................................................ 40, 55, 60, 68, 88, 105, 146 Sura 9:23....................................................................................................................................................40, 52, 145 Sura 9:29........................................................................................................................................60, 68, 72, 88, 105 Sura 9:30..........................................................................................................................................................54, 150 Sura 9:31................................................................................................................................................................139 Sura 9:33..................................................................................................................................................................90 Sura 9:44............................................................................................................................................................60, 62 Sura 9:51............................................................................................................................................................36, 66 Sura 9:80..................................................................................................................................................................57 Sura 9:81..................................................................................................................................................................62 Sura 9:94-95 ............................................................................................................................................................62 Sura 9:120................................................................................................................................................................57 Sura 9:123..........................................................................................................................................................52, 55
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 218 Sura 10:18..............................................................................................................................................................136 Sura 10:64................................................................................................................................................................96 Sura 10:64-65 ............................................................................................................................................84, 90, 161 Sura 10:65......................................................................................................................................................149, 150 Sura 10:94........................................................................................................................................................54, 150 Sura 10:94-95 ....................................................................................................................................................90, 94 Sura 10:100 ...........................................................................................................................................................145 Sura 11:114 .............................................................................................................................................41, 134, 140 Sura 11:46-48 ........................................................................................................................................................157 Sura 13:7................................................................................................................................................................106 Sura 13:11................................................................................................................................................................51 Sura 13:27..........................................................................................................................................................39, 66 Sura 13:31..................................................................................................................................................36, 66, 133 Sura 13:39......................................................................................................................................................132, 138 Sura 14:4..................................................................................................................................................................66 Sura 15:49..............................................................................................................................................................137 Sura 16:40................................................................................................................................................................31 Sura 16:78................................................................................................................................................................36 Sura 16:91................................................................................................................................................................68 Sura 16:93................................................................................................................................................................66 Sura 16:94................................................................................................................................................................68 Sura 16:101 ............................................................................................................................. 49, 132, 138, 149, 151 Sura 16:125 .............................................................................................................................................................57 Sura 17:13................................................................................................................................................................66 Sura 17:15..........................................................................................................................................................43, 50 Sura 17:86......................................................................................................................................................132, 138 Sura 17:97................................................................................................................................................................66 Sura 18:10-27 ..........................................................................................................................................................56 Sura 18:17..............................................................................................................................................................133 Sura 18:27..................................................................................................................................................84, 91, 161 Sura 18:27-28 ..................................................................................................................................................96, 150 Sura 18:85-86 ........................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 18:86..............................................................................................................................................................142 Sura 19:19.......................................................................................................................... 17, 29, 104, 154, 166, 195 Sura 19:21..............................................................................................................................................................159 Sura 19:31..............................................................................................................................................................161 Sura 19:33......................................................................................................................................................108, 161 Sura 19:34........................................................................................................................................................30, 114 Sura 19:35................................................................................................................................................................31 Sura 19:67-71 ........................................................................................................................................................113 Sura 19:71-72 ..................................................................................................................................................51, 132 Sura 19:92..............................................................................................................................................................135 Sura 19:92-93 ..........................................................................................................................................................48 Sura 19:93........................................................................................................................................................80, 137 Sura 19:95..............................................................................................................................................................136 Sura 20:85-87 ........................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 20:92-94 ........................................................................................................................................................158 Sura 20:95-97 ........................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 20:119-121 ....................................................................................................................................................157 Sura 21:47........................................................................................................................................................41, 134 Sura 21:57-65 ........................................................................................................................................................158 Sura 21:91............................................................................................................................... 30, 114, 138, 153, 159 Sura 22:52..............................................................................................................................................................151 Sura 22:78..............................................................................................................................................................148 Sura 23:101-103 ..............................................................................................................................................41, 134 Sura 24:31................................................................................................................................................................79 Sura 24:33..................................................................................................................................................37, 38, 145 Sura 24:4..................................................................................................................................................................82 Sura 24:54..............................................................................................................................................................115 Sura 25:52..........................................................................................................................................................51, 55 Sura 25:68..............................................................................................................................................................145 Sura 26:151 .............................................................................................................................................................52 Sura 26:18-21 ........................................................................................................................................................158 Sura 26:69-82 ........................................................................................................................................................158
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 219 Sura 26:82................................................................................................................................................................17 Sura 26:214 .............................................................................................................................................................28 Sura 27:18-19 ........................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 27:30-31 ........................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 27:42..............................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 27:44..............................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 28:7................................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 28:15-16 ..................................................................................................................................................17, 158 Sura 28:38..............................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 28:59..............................................................................................................................................................138 Sura 29:46..................................................................................................................................................48, 54, 129 Sura 30:29................................................................................................................................................................66 Sura 30:30........................................................................................................................................................36, 147 Sura 31:15..............................................................................................................................................................145 Sura 32:4................................................................................................................................................................136 Sura 33:1-2 ..............................................................................................................................................................55 Sura 33:5..................................................................................................................................................................36 Sura 35:8..................................................................................................................................................................66 Sura 33:21..............................................................................................................................................................115 Sura 33:26..............................................................................................................................................................116 Sura 33:36..............................................................................................................................................................115 Sura 33:36-38 ..........................................................................................................................................................17 Sura 33:37........................................................................................................................................................38, 113 Sura 33:50................................................................................................................................................................48 Sura 33:52..............................................................................................................................................................111 Sura 33:59................................................................................................................................................................78 Sura 33:71..............................................................................................................................................................115 Sura 34:46..............................................................................................................................................................125 Sura 36:8-10 ............................................................................................................................................................66 Sura 36:37-38 ........................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 36:82................................................................................................................................................................31 Sura 37:142 .............................................................................................................................................................17 Sura 38:24-25 ..........................................................................................................................................................17 Sura 39:11-12 ........................................................................................................................................................147 Sura 39:23................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 39:57........................................................................................................................................................36, 133 Sura 40:28-38 ........................................................................................................................................................148 Sura 40:33................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 40:33-34 ..........................................................................................................................................................50 Sura 40:34................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 40:55..............................................................................................................................................104, 126, 158 Sura 40:68................................................................................................................................................................31 Sura 40:74................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 41:44................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 42:44................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 42:46................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 43:61..............................................................................................................................................................159 Sura 43:61-62 ........................................................................................................................................................155 Sura 43:61-63 ........................................................................................................................................................160 Sura 43:63..............................................................................................................................................165, 180, 194 Sura 44:30-32 ........................................................................................................................................................149 Sura 45:14................................................................................................................................................................60 Sura 45:16..............................................................................................................................................................149 Sura 46:8-9 ..............................................................................................................................................................16 Sura 46:9................................................................................................................................................112, 126, 139 Sura 46:12..............................................................................................................................................................161 Sura 46:29-31 ................................................................................................................................................110, 124 Sura 47:4..................................................................................................................................................................72 Sura 47:19................................................................................................................................. 17, 27, 104, 126, 159 Sura 47:32................................................................................................................................................................48 Sura 47:33..............................................................................................................................................................115 Sura 47:35................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 48:1-2 ......................................................................................................................................................17, 159 Sura 49:14..............................................................................................................................................................115
Share the Gospel with Muslims - 220 Sura 49:15..........................................................................................................................................................60, 62 Sura 48:16-17 ..........................................................................................................................................................61 Sura 48:23....................................................................................................................................84, 91, 96, 150, 161 Sura 50:28-29 ..........................................................................................................................................................96 Sura 51:49..............................................................................................................................................................144 Sura 52:24................................................................................................................................................................39 Sura 52:29..............................................................................................................................................................125 Sura 53:2-4 ......................................................................................................................................................12, 104 Sura 53:32................................................................................................................................................35, 134, 140 Sura 56:17................................................................................................................................................................39 Sura 56:18..........................................................................................................................................................38, 51 Sura 56:22-40 ....................................................................................................................................................39, 51 Sura 58:14-15 ..........................................................................................................................................................52 Sura 59:13..............................................................................................................................................................108 Sura 60:1..................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 61:9..................................................................................................................................................................90 Sura 60:12..............................................................................................................................................................145 Sura 62:6................................................................................................................................................................149 Sura 64:8................................................................................................................................................................115 Sura 64:14..............................................................................................................................................................111 Sura 65:4..........................................................................................................................................................81, 148 Sura 66:12..............................................................................................................................................138, 144, 154 Sura 66:1-2 ..............................................................................................................................................................68 Sura 66:2..................................................................................................................................................................39 Sura 68:12..............................................................................................................................................................115 Sura 68:2................................................................................................................................................................124 Sura 68:8..................................................................................................................................................................52 Sura 70:29-30 ..........................................................................................................................................................82 Sura 70:29-32 ........................................................................................................................................................146 Sura 72:11..............................................................................................................................................................124 Sura 72:1-15 ..........................................................................................................................................................110 Sura 72:1-5 ............................................................................................................................................................135 Sura 74:31................................................................................................................................................................67 Sura 76:17..........................................................................................................................................................38, 51 Sura 76:19................................................................................................................................................................39 Sura 76:5............................................................................................................................................................38, 51 Sura 78:34..........................................................................................................................................................38, 51 Sura 81:22-25 ........................................................................................................................................................125 Sura 85:4-11 ............................................................................................................................................................56 Sura 87:6-8 ....................................................................................................................................................132, 138 Sura 95:4-5 ......................................................................................................................................................36, 133 Sura 98:5..................................................................................................................................................................36 Sura 98:6..................................................................................................................................................54, 149, 150 Sura 108:1-3 ..........................................................................................................................................................115 Sura 109:1-6 ..................................................................................................................................................105, 125 Sura 109:6................................................................................................................................................................60 Sura 111:1-5 ..........................................................................................................................................................115 Sura 112:3-4 ..........................................................................................................................................................135 Sura 113:2..............................................................................................................................................................132 Sura 114:1-6 ..........................................................................................................................................................111
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on Christianity and understanding of its basic truths. At the same time, get to know his/her level of understanding of Islam; get to know how seriously they follow Islam and what their beliefs and traditions are. Always be prepared to share the Gospel. Presenting one of these tracts is no substitute for sharing the Gospel; these tracts are designed to strengthen believers in Jesus and to challenge Muslims about their faith and understanding of Islam and Muhammad. Lift Jesus high - by your attitudes, words and deeds and do not fear, because no one can compare with Him, even from the Qur’an! Do not distribute these tracts indiscriminately. The ideal way is that the Muslim first comes to know you and witnesses Christ working through you first hand. These tracts are intense, and a person needs considerable motivation to read one. They will challenge core beliefs and the person will throw the tract away without a motivating factor of your witness pressing them to read. Discuss the topic, explore the issues; do not simply hand out a tract and think that your work is done.
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Muslims usually want to know God; this is your opportunity to share the love of God. Do not be arrogant; it is not the strength of your arguments that will win the person, but the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Discuss and do not preach. Muslims have many misunderstandings, so clarify rather than preach. Remember that most Muslims will not have the years of learning, teaching and terminology that you have, so don’t use complicated terms.
May you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ; may He grant you wisdom and boldness in sharing the lifechanging Gospel of God. We hope and pray that you will be blessed by reading and using these tracts and that the Lord Jesus will draw many people to Himself through these tracts and your love for Muslims.
Your motivation is love … … The love of Jesus Christ compels us to share the Gospel with Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and everyone else who lives and breathes. Remember that, whilst they reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so did you at one stage. Our goal is to make Jesus Christ not just acceptable, but irresistible. He is the only Saviour for the entire human race. The tracts attempt to highlight the standard of Allah/ Muhammad and the standard of Jesus Christ. Some other pointers: • Do not enter a debate - for the simple reason that it becomes a contest of wills. Discuss, answer his/her questions, but do not argue; in winning an argument, you may lose a soul. • In general share with people of the same sex (i.e., male to male and female to female). Muslims often already view Christians as sexually immoral, so do not put yourself in such a compromising position; we are to avoid even the appearance of evil. • Train yourself to answer from the Qur’an and not just from logic or the Bible. Provoke him/her to think. • When asked what you think about his/her beliefs, be very wise and ensure you don’t compromise the Gospel. Avoid insulting Muhammad, Islam, Allah etc. • Show respect even though you may not agree with what he/she believes.
How to use the Tracts
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
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A guide to: 1. understanding the purpose of these tracts. 2. understanding the very basics of Islam. 3. using these tracts effectively.
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We hope and pray that this series of tracts will be uplifting to you and to those with whom you share the truth. Allow us to explain our purpose in publishing these tracts and to give you some general guidelines in our approach. Purpose Our approach and purpose have many facets: 1. To bring awareness of various aspects of Islamic teachings from the Qur’an, ahadith [plural for Hadith], Muhammad’s practice and life, and their outworking in the lives of Muslims today, and to contrast these with the teachings and practice of Jesus, and their outworking in the lives of Christians today. 2. To challenge the notion of pluralism and multiculturalism. Not all beliefs teach the same things but everyone’s beliefs about good and bad and right and wrong, are the primary motivations behind our actions. Where these differing beliefs are incompatible, conflict will result. It is important to identify these areas and to attempt to resolve areas of potential conflict. In the long run society will self-destruct if the real issues are covered up in the name of pluralism, tolerance and multiculturalism. 3. To stimulate the hearts and minds of Christians and Muslims to know and follow the real Jesus—the Jesus of the Bible. 4. To answer questions about Islamic faith, teaching and practice in an objective fashion. General Information These tracts are an attempt to show the real teaching of Islam and of the real Muhammad, the founder of Islamic faith, in the light of the teachings of the Qur’an, Hadith (pl. ahadith), and earliest biographies of Muhammad by classic Muslim scholars. This is important because, just as Christians are told to follow the example of Jesus Christ, so too, Muslims are told to follow the example of their prophet Muhammad. Islam teaches that Muhammad did everything by inspiration and in obedience to Allah (Sura 53:2-4); thus obedience to Muhammad is obedience to Allah (Sura 4:80). Obviously then, it will be necessary to observe the life and practice of Jesus and of Muhammad if we are to truly to understand Christianity and Islam. Just as Christians differ in their devotion and zeal to become like Jesus, Muslims differ in their devotion and zeal
to become like Muhammad. Just as some Christians have much Biblical knowledge whilst others have little, Muslims also vary in their knowledge of the Qur’an, ahadith, and Muhammad’s life and practice. Additionally, it is important to recognize that, just as Christians have different denominations, varying in orthodoxy and practice, so do Muslims. Islam is not a monolithic faith; there are a variety of beliefs, teachings and practices amongst Muslims. There are many sects: Sunni (approx. 80%), Shia (approx. 15%), Alawi, Alevi, Ismaili, Druze, Bohra and Ahmedi. Sufis are not a sect as such, but are mystics and represented in all sects. Ummah refers to the Islamic community in general. Islam means ‘submission to Allah,’ and a Muslim is someone who has submitted. NOTE: Islam and Christianity share many similar teachings. However, the majority of these teachings have only a superficial similarity. The real difference comes in the practices and examples set by Muhammad and Jesus. The only effective way to evaluate a religion is not to look at its followers who differ in their zeal and knowledge, but to look at the teaching and example set by their founder. To differentiate between the real and counterfeit currency you need to focus on the differences, because focusing on similarities and ignoring the difference can be very deceptive. The Authoritative Texts Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an, Hadith and earliest biographies of Muhammad. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different translations). A Sura (or Surah) is identical to the concept of a chapter so a reference to Sura 1:6 is a reference to chapter one, verse (aya) 6: ‘Guide us to the Straight Way.’ The Qur’anic chapters are not organized according to chronology, but to the size of the chapter, with the exception of Sura 1. Within each chapter, there is minimal organisation. This means that careful study is required and caution must be applied as some passages have been abrogated (cancelled out) by later revelations, and there is rarely an indication from the text itself that this is the case. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called a Hadith. There are six authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. There are many other lesser ahadith that are not considered authoritative. The majority of Muslims believe the “authentic” ahadith as true accounts of the sayings and practices of Muhammad, but there is a small minority who consider them myths.
The Framework of Islamic Living The framework of a Muslim’s life is directed by the five pillars: confession of faith (the Shahada), prayer (Salat—5 times a day), alms (Zakat) to purify their earnings and help the poor, fasting (Swam), and pilgrimage (Hajj). Some Muslims believe Jihad to be another pillar of Islam, however one must always remember that Muslims are not a monolithic, united, group. They vary in their understanding and commitment to Islamic faith, teaching and practice. How to use these tracts 1. Pray. Prayer is vitally important to protect your own mind and heart; for getting wisdom; and remembering that it is the righteousness of Jesus Christ that redeems and clothes you. Pray also for the commitment that it will take to follow this through. Pray for love (1 Corinthians 13:1) for the person with whom you share the Gospel. 2. Read carefully the tract that you intend to use; read all the accompanying references. In this way, you can identify the context and are less susceptible to charges of context wresting. 3. Ask us to clarify any point, and get more information and related material. It is impossible to include all the relevant references, examples, arguments, and other material in a two-page tract. Be as equipped as you possibly can. 4. Know the Biblical position intimately and spend more time in Scripture and prayer, rather than studying Islamic material. 5. Pray that the Holy Spirit will: • enlighten the mind of your friend to the truth; • free them from spiritual, cultural and social bondages that will prevent them from following the truth; • convict them of their need of a saviour, and the righteousness of Jesus Christ; • free you from fear of Muslims and give you a love for them; and • give you boldness, wisdom and opportunity in sharing the truth. Be prepared to explain Christianity Just as there are myths about Islam, so too Muslims have many misconceptions about Christianity, the concepts of the Trinity and Mary being chief among them. Be prepared to explain these concepts in detail. It would be helpful, when talking to your friend, to find out his views
the Son of God. That is not to say they don’t respect Him, but in their mind, to associate someone with Allah is blasphemy and unforgivable (Sura 4:48 ,116). It is critical to gently teach your friend that no Christian believes that Jesus is the result of a physical, sexual union between God and Mary. In fact, Christians, will find this just as abhorrent as Muslims will. The sonship of Jesus refers to an eternal intimate relationship between the Father and Jesus. If your friend calls himself ‘a son of the oneness of Allah,’ they will have a similar idea. Thus, it is very important to understand the doctrine of the Trinity and how to explain it in such a way that it opposes the idea of belief in three (3) gods. Also, you need to understand the Mulsim’ s views on Mary, the mother of Jesus.
evangelism.
Notes:
How to effectively share the Gospel with Muslim inquirers
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Muslims do believe that Jesus was sinless and that He ascended into heaven (unlike Muhammad), and will return at the end of the age. Even though they believe that Jesus was sinless, they also believe that all the prophets were sinless. You need to gently show them that Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jonah, David, and Muhammad all sinned (Sura 2:35-37; 7:22-23; 26:82; 28:15-16; 37:142; 38:24-25; 47:19; 48:1-2; 33:36-38). The Qur’an records Jesus as being sinless (Sura 19:19), therefore do not be afraid to exalt Jesus. Our Scriptures, Muslims believe, have been corrupted. (See our tract on the Authenticity of the Bible for further insight and help.) They believe that the Qur’an is perfect and infallible because it was revealed letter by letter by Allah to an illiterate prophet. Thus, they believe that the Qur’an is perfect in every way, although they will allow that some of the ahadith may contain errors. In Islam the concept of original sin and the gravity of sin are completely different from that of Christianity. In Islam, there is no inherited sin and sin is a relatively minor thing that is easily forgiven. The idea of someone atoning for your sins is repugnant to Muslims, and especially the idea of a sinless person dying in your stead. Finally, be genuine and prayerful in your approach. It is important that Muslims see the character of Christ Jesus in you. Give them a copy of the Gospel according to Luke or John and encourage them to read it for themselves. Do not denigrate the Qur’an, Allah or Muhammad, as we would not like it if they denigrated Jesus. Above all, trust that Holy Spirit will work in your friend’s life— in His time, not yours! We hope and pray that these tracts will be useful in understanding Islam and
Sharing the Gospel
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
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Sharing your faith is essential as a believer, it is not an optional extra. Jesus commanded his disciples to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Additionally you are, along with Timothy, told to preach the Gospel in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2) and told to have “your feet shod with the Gospel of Peace” (Ephesians 6:15). There are many other passages that make it abundantly clear that you are required to share the Gospel. Of course, beyond all that, the love of Jesus compels you to share the grace of God with others. Let us say at the outset that there is no ‘saving formula’ no special rules, sayings, arguments, tracts or prayers that will guarantee that an unbeliever becomes a Christian. Secondly, people are not saved through the earnestness of your beliefs, fervor, or arguments, but as the Holy Spirit convicts them of their need for a saviour, and the righteousness of Jesus. These are not things that you can do; it is a sovereign work of God - which leads us to ponder how to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Muslims: 1. Prayer. Because only the Holy Spirit can save someone, we need to spend time in prayer. Revivals in a country or in a heart never came without prayer. 2. Love. You must love the person with whom you want to share the Gospel. If you don’t love them, remembering that, while you were an enemy of God, Christ loved you enough to die for you, then go back to step one and ask that the love of Jesus will fill your heart and also fill you with compassion for the lost and dying. 3. Hospitality. There are numerous examples in Scripture where people were hospitable. In fact, through the example and teachings of Jesus, we know that God expects us to be hospitable. Being hospitable, welcoming people into our homes, sharing our lives, is exactly what Jesus wants to do with Muslims. Share male to male, and female to female, or else you open up the charge of immorality! Do not make friends just to share the Gospel, be genuine in your desire to care for them. Remember that we are to be a blessing to the world in word and deed. 4. Understand them. Seek to understand their customs, beliefs, food, clothing and values. Understand that how they communicate is probably very different from the way you do. Seek to understand their attitude to Christ and Christianity, Allah, Muhammad
and Islam. Where are they in their search for truth? 5. ‘Know thyself.’ Understand your own culture from a Biblical perspective. How close is our “Christian” country to the standard that Jesus demands? Prepare your testimony. 6. Identify points in common. Islam and Christianity do have some common teachings due to Muhammad’s exposure to Judaism and Christianity. 7. Dialogue not debate. Do not preach! Debating pits you against him. Remember you are for him and are praying for him. Arguments that you win are likely to be souls that you lose. Pray continually. Salvation is a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit; it cannot be timed, rushed or manipulated. Overcoming decades of false teaching is an extremely difficult thing you are asking them to do; coupled with the fact that, if they convert, there is the strong possibility that their own families will reject them, and in some cases attempt to kill them. This is a monumental hurdle, something through which only the Holy Spirit can carry them. Pray that He will guide them and protect them. Salvation As you engage with the Muslim in love, and as they learn that they can trust you completely, ask probing questions regarding salvation: 1. On what basis do you expect to go to heaven? 2. If you have sinned, how should a just and moral God deal with you? 3. What does the Qur’an teach about forgiveness? 4. Do you have assurance that God will accept you? • Muhammad had no assurance (Sura 46:8,9); • Abu Bakr had no assurance; • Allah only forgives whom he wants to forgive (Sura 2:284; 3:129 etc); • Allah sends astray whom he wants (see tracts on The Straight Path, Sin, and Truth); • Good deeds bring no assurance (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 577 and Vol. 8, Hadith No. 474). 5. May I tell you what the Bible says on these things?
God and Spirit Muslims do not like to attribute any earthly characteristics to Allah. Thus, to say that Allah must act in a righteous manner is to limit Allah’s sovereignty. The God of the Bible, on the other hand, says that He only acts in a righteous manner, in love, truth, holiness, and justice. God desires to know us and wants us to call Him ‘Father.’ He wants fellowship and goes to great lengths to have fellowship with us because He is love. This concept is completely foreign to a Muslim. The Christian God is Spirit, infinite, uncreated, uncaused, eternal, omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. His nature is always and completely love, justice, holiness and mercy. He cannot be seen or comprehended by sinful man. When differences emerge When entering topics that have potential for argument, agree on the following rules. 1.
Listen, without interruption, unless there is something that isn’t clearly understood. Ask genuine questions related to the topic under discussion.
2.
Do not criticize each other despite differences.
3.
Only agree with each other when you believe the point being made is true.
4.
Discussions of this nature are often complex, so only deal with one topic at a time – write other topics or questions down to discuss later.
5.
Summarize what you have learnt from each other at the end of the discussion.
Other Challenges Logical: Westerners and many others do not follow the same reasoning patterns as Muslims. This is important to understand. Westerners follow logic laws: a + b = c, whereas Muslims usually follow associative laws. For example: Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country; you come from Saudi Arabia; you must be a Muslim. Or, Christianity is a Western religion; you are a Westerner; you must be a Christian. This different way of thinking will cast many a spanner in your discussions with him, through no fault of his. Remember to keep praying and ask that the Lord will open the eyes of his heart. Theological: Muslims do not accept that Jesus Christ is
as his strict observance of the law. But he also told some of the negative aspects as well, i.e. that he killed the saints! He told of his conversion and his subsequent life after seeing Jesus—an inspiring and courageous presentation! Use this page to make notes and prepare your own testimony. Write Scriptural references that you know that will support your story. Remember! Your testimony should be only 3-5 minutes and is about how Jesus has been faithful to His Word. Introduction: Think to positively affirm the person with whom you are about to share. Speak truthfully and with appreciation. Before conversion: Thoughts about God/Jesus, works, sin, the Church:
_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Positive Qualities:
_________________________________ _________________________________ Negative Qualities:
_________________________________ _________________________________ Conversion: How you realised the need for Jesus alone:
_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ How you trusted Jesus:
_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________
Results of Conversion: Fruit of salvation initially:
_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________
Preparing Your Testimony Of Him [Jesus] all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.—Acts 10:43
Fruit of salvation now:
_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________
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How you know that you have peace, fellowship with God the forgiveness of sins, and assurance of Heaven.
_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ May the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified through this testimony and many people testify that God really is with you!
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
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For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard.—Acts 22:15
How to prepare an effective testimony when sharing with Muslims.
Your testimony is not a story about you as much as it is about how God met you, and is and has been molding you. In other words, you are privileged to have the living God working in your life and should be eager to share that good news with others. Jesus told His disciples to bear witness of Him to all the earth. Be honoured to be a witness of the grace of God! Furthermore, Jesus says in Matthew 10:33, ‘But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.’ In Matthew 10:32 Jesus promises, ‘Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.’ The disciples undoubtedly were called upon frequently to testify how Jesus had changed them; Paul frequently told what God had done. Jesus himself told people to testify about what He had done (Mark 5:19). And you are commanded to always be ready to answer unbelievers. In short, your testimony is a testimony to the power and faithfulness of God in your life (1 Peter 3:15). Your testimony is not a substitute for the Gospel even though it may concisely contain the Gospel. There are numerous dangers in confusing the two. If your testimony is particularly spectacular or powerful, and the person with whom you are sharing doesn’t have a similar experience, they may think they are not saved. 1. Read numerous examples of testimonies from Scripture (Acts 26:2-29; 1 Samuel 1:9-2:4; 2 Kings 5:2-3; Daniel 3:16-30; John 1:38-42; Mark 5:19-20; etc). 2. Ask God for guidance and wisdom (James 1:5-6); 3. Talk about your past—things that people can relate to and understand. Find an interesting opening line to capture attention. 4. How did you come to know that you were in need of a Saviour? How did you know that only Jesus could be that Saviour? Quote relevant Scripture verses. 5. What were the main hindrances for you to become a Christian? 6. How has God changed your life? What are the differences now? 7. How do you know that you have the forgiveness of sins? How does God enable you to overcome sin? How are you aware that you have fellowship with God? How do you know that you are going to heaven when you leave this earth?
8. Ensure God gets the glory, not you! 9. Practice, practice, practice. Prepare two or three different versions that emphasise different aspects of your life and conversion. Then practice, practice, practice. 10. Introduce this material to a few people from your Church/Bible study/cell group or other Christian friends, and have people prepare and share their testimony with each other. Later extend your group and again have each one share his/her testimony. Possible Pitfalls There are some potential pitfalls in developing a personal testimony. Consider the following tips carefully:
have the testimony as a Christian who is led by Jesus. Without the Gospel, no one can be saved. The Bible says that God has chosen the “foolishness” of the Gospel to save (1 Corinthians 1:18, 21 etc) so that, apart from the presentation of the Gospel, the conviction of their sin and the righteousness that comes through Jesus, they cannot be saved. The general structure of your testimony should provide a before and after snapshot—how you were convicted of your sin, how you knew that Jesus alone could atone for you, plus how God is working in you today. Final points:
1. Don’t speak negatively about other Christians, the Church or Christian organizations. Remember you aren’t a perfect Christian. Do mention false assumptions or beliefs that you had about the Church if this is appropriate.
1. Pray that God’s holiness and glory will be revealed through your testimony both in words and deeds. This is to be our priority as we have been bought at a great price and are no longer our own. It must be evident in our lives or we make God a liar and the Gospel becomes fiction to your hearer.
2. This is your testimony and not a sermon. It should be natural, concise and yours. Remember it is the Lord working in your life; it doesn’t matter whether it is spectacular or not. (1 Kings 19:7ff cf. Mark 1:16-18).
2. Be humble. You are also a sinner. The difference between you and them is that God has opened your heart. Pray that He will open their hearts.
3. Try to avoid jargon. Words that you may think are easy to understand, i.e., Bible. (There are many people today, even in the West, who do not know what a Bible is, nor that Christians consider it the Word of God.) 4. Make sure it is not more than 3-5 minutes. 5. Use your testimony at appropriate times and junctures. Do not foist your testimony on people who are unwilling to hear it. Generally speaking, strangers, acquaintances and friends do not ask for your testimony without you letting them know that you are a Christian and speaking to them in such a way as to impart a knowledge of God and His love for them. This is frequently done through times of struggle, encouragement, kindnesses, practical help etc. Living your testimony is not the same, and will never be the same, as telling someone. Imagine that your neighbour’s house is on fire. Do you first run inside your home, have a shower and put on clean clothes, have a shave etc., and then parade up and down outside their house, trying to entice them out by your lifestyle? NO! If you have concern for them you will shout at the top of your voice that they are in danger and need to get out. Simply being good will never bring someone into the Kingdom; you must
3. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). When Jesus was confronted with someone who was proud of their status, achievements etc, He always used the law. When Jesus was confronted with someone who knew of their state before God, He used grace. Pray that the Lord will show the person his/her need for Jesus Christ and convict him/her that righteousness is found in Jesus alone—He is the only Saviour for all! 4. It is God who works in you and through you. You cannot live a life that is pleasing to God apart from His enabling. Since the God of this universe lives in you, He can and will give you the courage and ability to testify about Him since that is His revealed will for everyone. God is glorified most when we are weak and rely on His grace and power!! 5. Pray that the Lord will give you boldness, wisdom and the opportunity to share what He has done! 6. Be genuine.
Refresh your memory by reading the example of Paul before King Agrippa (Acts 26:2-29). Paul appealed to the knowledge that Agrippa had of the law; he told some positive aspects of his own life before conversion - such
is both creative and eternal. Furthermore regarding the Word of God, the Holy Bible says: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Before you say that the Holy Bible has been corrupted, you need to ask yourself: Can a mortal man change the words of the Almighty? Before you say that Christians worship three gods, you need to ask yourself; Do Christians really worship three gods? Have you ever read the Holy Bible? A suspect should be considered innocent until proven guilty! Salvation in the Holy Bible ...But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) But as many as received Him [Jesus], to them gave he power to become the sons of God, to them that believe on his name. (John 1:12) Jesus said: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) But even though we are sinners, guilty before a Holy God, God loves us very much, and has lavished His love upon us by sending Christ Jesus, the Word of God, into this world to identify with us as a man, and to die in our place as payment for our sins! Even while we were still in our sins, enemies of God, He did this for us! What a marvellous love God has for us; He paid our ransom by the voluntary death of Jesus on the cross! For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) The penalty for our sin is death, but Jesus, being sinless, and the eternal Word of God, came into this world to die for our sins. Were Jesus only sinless and a perfect prophet, He could only have died for
the sin of one person. But being the eternal Word of God, his sacrifice is able to pay for the sins of all mankind He also offers us the gift of eternal life and invites us to live with Him for eternity! Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and rose again on the third day, victorious over death, winning the ultimate victory in history; but each one of us must choose to receive this free gift. If you refuse to receive this gift, you cannot enjoy the benefits of the gift. A gift is given, not earned – indeed, the giver would have the right to be offended if you attempted to offer some form of payment. You cannot put God in your debt! God desires us to humbly receive this gift with a thankful heart. To “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord” means that you must agree with God that: 1) you are a sinner and that you deserve to die; 2) You cannot save yourself from hell fire; 3) The Lord Jesus paid the penalty for your sins on the cross and He bought you with His precious blood; and 4) You need Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. If you wish to receive the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ by faith, you need only to open your heart and ask God in your own words, similar to the following: Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I admit that my good works can’t take away my sins and I receive You as my Lord and Saviour. Cleanse me from my sins with your precious blood, and help me to walk according to your will. Thank you for providing a way for me to draw near to You. Amen.
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages Mizan ul Haqq Email:
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The Straight Path
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
Sometimes, in the busyness of our daily lives, we forget that our lives are mere wisps in the span of time. We forget that there is an eternity and a God to whom we must give an account. On Judgement Day, who are you trusting to gain your entry to heaven? Where will you be? The path you are treading, will it take you to Heaven or Hell? Scripture says: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). All People Are Sinners This is why Muhammad was commanded by Allah to pray for his own sins and the sins of others. So know (O Muhammad) that there is no God save
before, and You are the One Who delays them, and You are the Omnipotent.” Sahih Al-Bukhari in Vol. 8 Hadith #319: Narrated
by Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day." You cannot save yourself Even Muhammad, knew that obedience does not guarantee entry to heaven. We read in the Qur’an: “Say: I am no new thing among the messengers (of
Allah), nor know I what will be done with me or with you. I do but follow that which is inspired in me, and I am but a plain Warner.” (Sura 46:9) Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol. 5 Hadith #266: ...He
[Muhammad] said, "As to him, by Allah, death has overtaken him, and I hope the best for him. By Allah, though I am the Apostle of Allah, yet I do not know what Allah will do to me." By Allah, I will never assert the piety of anyone after him. Muhammad Cannot Save You The word ‘saviour’ does not appear in the Qur’an. For someone to save a drowning person, the saviour must be able to swim. Not just passably well, but well enough for two people. From the above quotes we have seen that Muhammad couldn’t “swim” for himself, so he can’t save you either.
Allah, and ask forgiveness for your sin and for believing men and believing women. Allah knows (both) your place of turmoil and your place of rest. (Sura 47:19)
When we read in Sura 26:214, “And warn your nearest kindred”, we see that Muhammad was commanded to warn his relatives. To understand this verse let us look at the following Hadith:
Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol. 8 Hadith #407: Narrated
Sahih Muslim Vol. 1 Hadith #398 and 402: Abu
by Abu Musa: “The prophet used to call upon Allah saying: “O my Lord! Forgive my sins and my ignorance and my exceeding the limits (boundaries) of righteousness in all my deeds and what you know better than I. O Allah! Forgive my mistakes, those done intentionally or out of my ignorance or (without) or with seriousness, and I confess that all such mistakes are done by me. O Allah! Forgive my sins of the past and of the future which I did openly or secretly. You are the One Who makes things go
Huraira reported: When this verse was revealed: “And warn your nearest kindred” (26:214), the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) called the Quraish; so they gathered and he gave them a general warning. O sons of Hashim (name of Muhammad’s great grand father), rescue yourselves from Fire; O sons of ‘Abd al Muttalib (name of Muhammad’s grand father), rescue yourselves from Fire; O Fatimah (name of Muhammad’s most beloved daughter), rescue yourself from Fire, for I have no power
(to protect you) from Allah in anything except this that I would sustain relationship with you. O Safiya (aunt of the Messenger of Allah) I can’t avail you at all against Allah; O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad , ask me whatever you like, but I can’t avail you at all against Allah. The nature of Allah makes assurance of salvation even more difficult. Abu Baker the first Rightly Guided Caliph said: “I swear to Allah that I do not feel safe from Allah’s cunning (deceit) even if one of my feet is already in Paradise.” (Khalid Muhammad Khalid, Successors of the Apostle, p. 114, quoted by Anwar al-Jundi, Mizan al-Islam, p. 170). Muhammad tells people to rescue themselves from fire, but as we have already seen, Muhammad could not save himself; he did not know what Allah would do to him. Who is sinless, who can save us? The Qur’an says that Jesus was sinless: “The angel said: I am only a messenger from the Lord that I am bestowing on you (Mary) a sinless/pure (Zakia) son.” (Sura 19:19) Satan did not touch Jesus and His mother Mary (Sura 3:36). The Holy Bible says: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One [Jesus] who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) “Therefore He [Jesus] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25) The Qur’an says that Jesus is the Word of God and Spirit of God (Sura 3:45; 4:171; 19:34; 21:91); as such, He has immense value! God creates everything through His Word (Sura 2:117; 3:47, 59; 6:73; 16:40; 19:35; 36:82; 40:68). The Holy Bible confirms the same in Psalm 33:6. Therefore, The Word
to death for murdering an unbeliever (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 283). Muhammad permitted sorcery although it is listed as a great sin (Muslim, Book 26, Hadith No. 5449, 5452, 5456). In keeping with this attitude to the great sins, Muhammad forbade children from obeying or even being near their parents, if their parents were unbelievers (Sura 9:23). Despite all these irregularities, Allah sought to emphasize the necessity of sin when his messenger said: ‘By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if you were not
to commit sin, Allah would sweep you out of existence and He would replace (you by) those people who would commit sin and seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would have pardoned them’ (Muslim, Vol. 4, Book 37, Hadith No. 6622 & 6621). This shows how serious Allah regards sin. If you do not sin, Allah will wipe you out and replace you with people who will sin. It is then incumbent upon Muslims to sin, so that they will repent and seek Allah. How then, can Muslims get into Heaven? Allah weighs their sins and good deeds in a balance (Sura 7:8, 9; 21:47; 23:101-103). If the good deeds outweigh the bad deeds, then entry is assured.. To aid a Muslim in this venture, Allah proclaims: ‘Those who avoid great sins (see Sura 4:31) … except the small sins, verily, your Lord is of vast forgiveness …’ (Sura 53:32). Good deeds remove sinful deeds (Sura 5:39; 11:114; Bukhari, Vol. 1. Hadith No. 504). Punishment now, means no punishment after death (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 17). Additionally, every letter of the Qur’an that is read in Arabic, accredits the reader with ten good deeds recorded (at-Tirmidhi, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 2327). Good deeds can be multiplied many times, up to 700 times (Sura 4:40; 6:160; Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 40) and are easily obtained (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith
No. 112, 514; Vol. 8, Hadith No. 335, 412, No. 9, Hadith No. 507). Reciting the confession of faith is recorded as ten good deeds (at-Tirmidhi, No. 308). All this gives the impression that sin is easily forgiven and seems to convey the certainty of entry into heaven. However Muhammad, under Allah’s inspiration, revealed that good deeds will never get you into heaven (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 577 and Vol. 8, Hadith No. 474) for Allah may not forgive you (Sura 4:116). The last Rightly Guided Caliph said: “I swear to Allah that I do not feel safe from Allah’s cunning (deceit) even if one of my feet is already in Paradise.” (Khalid Muhammad Khalid, Successors of the Apostle). Summary As we have seen, sin is not a serious issue in Islam, and even great sins are forgiven easily. Christianity, however, never changes the standard, and forgiveness is never obtained by doing good works. It is the heart and mind that needs to be changed. In Christianity, forgiveness of sin is only available through the atoning death of Jesus Christ (Islam forbids atonement, Sura 4:112; and see 17:15 etc). The God of the Bible and the God of Islam too often have different standards regarding holiness; Allah has an arbitrary standard and requires Muslims to sin; Yahweh (Jehovah) requires perfection of heart, mind, soul and body (Matthew 5:48) —they can never be contaminated by sin and still enter heaven without atonement by the blood of Lord Jesus. Only faith in the righteousness of Christ offers forgiveness now and a certain hope of heaven. To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
Sin in Christianity & Islam
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah, and their prophet has said on this topic.
Many people think that all religions teach the same set of moral values with only minor variations. Factual understanding of the major doctrines of Jesus and Allah/Muhammad reveal superficial similarities but also that the teachings are often very different. As a result, the actions that stem from these beliefs are also different. The Source of Sin In Islam, the origin of sin is Allah. Islam claims that humans were created in a state of equilibrium; sinless at birth (Sura 16:78; Pickthall 30:30 & 98:5) and with pure Islamic faith (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 597). The Qur’an makes it perfectly clear that no person is really free to choose good or evil, Allah leads people astray. Sura 7:178, ‘Whomsoever Allâh guides, he is the
guided one, and whomsoever He sends astray, those! They are the losers.’ (see also Sura 7:179; 13:31 95:4-5; 4:142; 39:57). Thus, in Islam, Adam did not bring sin into the world. Indeed Allah had destined Adam to sin—40 years before he created him (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 611; see also Sura 9:51). In Christianity, humans are believed to be born sinners by virtue of Adam’s sin We inherit a sinful nature (Romans 5:12), and so people commit sin because they are sinners. Definition of Sin In Islam, sin is sometimes intention of heart (except
unbelief) (Sura 33:5; Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 1; cf 2:284); but other times it is only wrong actions (Bukhari Vol. 8, Hadith 498). The Qur’an recognizes that all living persons are inherently good, and it is their actions and devotion to Allah that enables them to obtain salvation. Even demons are capable of regaining salvation (Ibn Kathir on 55:71 and At-Tabari 23:65) In Christianity, sin includes actions, but is primarily wrong thoughts, desires and inclinations, a rebellious defiance of God (Exodus 20:17; Matthew 5:28; Romans 1:21; 1 John 2:15) as these are the source of your actions (Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45). The Seriousness of Sin In Christianity, there is no changing standard regarding sin: the standard is always God’s holiness. Be holy for I am Holy (Leviticus 11:45; 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16); I the Lord do not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8); and All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). For example, adultery is completely forbidden (Matthew 5:27-28), whereas in Islam, limited prostitution is permitted (Sura 24:33; 4:24; 33:37). Unlike Christianity Islam does not consider all sin equally wrong. Sins are divided into different categories, but are most usefully separated into greater and lesser sins. There are several lists of great sins (albeit conflicting), which can be summarized as: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
To join partners in worship with Allah; To practice sorcery; Murder without just (legal) cause; To charge usury (money lent at high interest); To consume the property of an orphan; To be a coward in battle; To be undutiful to one's parents; To give a false witness (lying); To kill your child lest he should share your food with you (i.e. poverty); 10. To commit illegal sexual intercourse with the wife of your neighbour (a.k.a., adultery);
11. Alcohol; and 12. Gambling. Even though these are listed as great sins, they are obviously not seen as very serious according to Muhammad’s teachings. As seen above, though adultery is forbidden, prostitution (Sura 24:33) and limited (temporary) marriage are permissible (Sura 4:24). Thus, in Islam, the seriousness, and even the definition of sin varies. For example, alcohol is forbidden on earth (Sura 5:90-91) but in Islamic Paradise, alcohol is allowed (Sura 56:18; 76:5, 17; 78:34). On earth, Islam forbids more than 4 wives (excepting temporary wives, and concubines) and adultery (Sura 4:3), but in Islamic Paradise, 72 virgins (at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1067, 1494 [Alim Software]; see Sura 56:22-40; Ibn Kathir on 55:72) and boys (Sura 52:24; 56:17; 76:19). Lying is generally forbidden, but the doctrine of AlTaqiyya [legal right of a Muslims to deceive nonMuslims] permits lying. Muhammad believed that lying was acceptable and said, ‘Allah willing, if ever I take an oath to do
something, and later on I find that it is more beneficial to do something different, I will do the thing which is better, and give expiation for my oath.’ (Bukhari, Vol. 4., Hadith No. 361). Allah had taught in the Qur’an that, Muslims are not bound by their oaths (Sura 66:2). Lying is permitted because Allah can deceive. In fact, Allah calls himself the greatest of deceivers [Allaahu Khayrul-maakiriin]. (Sura 3:54; 8:30) and leads people astray (Sura 4:88, 143; 7:178,186; 13:27, etc). Murder, even though it is a great sin, is actually commanded to prevent or remove alFitnah [opposition (Sura 2:191 and 2:217) or disbelief (Sura 8:39)]. Muslims are even commanded to slay unbelievers if they do not convert (Sura 9:5 etc.). Thus, the great sin of murder is commanded if unbelievers do not convert or when Al-Fitnah exists. No Muslim should be put
condition, and tells us where to get the necessary righteousness; the Law in Islam tells you to jump higher with no assistance at all. Salvation Christianity teaches that there is a broken relationship between God and mankind that needs restoration. Any soul that sins shall die in the lake of fire. The only way is through atonement, a life given to redeem your own. In Christianity, the only sinless one, the Son of God, Jesus Christ was given as that atonement: “This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10). “...if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One, and he himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2).
Heaven and Hell Heaven, to a Christian, is to be with Jesus. While an actual place, the Christian cherishes the fact that it is with Jesus they spend eternity. In the Christian Heaven, there is no sin or sinner. The lake of fire is reserved for Satan and his angels, and sinners (Matthew 25:41). Islamic Heaven [Paradise], has seventy-two (72) virgins for the lowliest person (Sura 56:22-40; Ibn Kathir on 55:22-40). There will be free-flowing wine in abundance (Sura 56:18; 76:5, 17; 78:34). Demons [Jinn], will also be in Paradise (Ibn Kathir, commenting on Sura 55:5674). Obedience to Governments Christians are commanded to obey the government because they have been ordained by God (Romans 13). Muslims on the other hand are required to disobey, and not to submit to non-Muslims (Sura 25:52; 26:151; 33:1; 68:8 etc). They are not to take infidels/kafir [unbelievers/non-Muslims] as friends or Allah’s wrath will be upon them (Sura 3:28; 4:144; 5:51, 80-81; 9:23, 123; 58:14-15).
Islam offers guidance , but not salvation. In Islam, there is no broken relationship and no need of a mediator. Atonement is something you do to atone for sin (such as broken, intentional oaths, having sex during a fast etc), usually a “payment” of some nature, including punishment imposed by others who caught you. Thus atonement is limited to this world, so if you are punished now, or provide your own atonement via some payment, Allah will not punish you in the hereafter (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 17; Muslim, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 4235). So, for a sinless, innocent prophet like Jesus [Isa] to atone for your sin is an insult to Allah and forbidden in the Qur’an (Sura 4:112; 17:15 ?? etc).
Summary These differences are only the proverbial, tip of the iceberg. Although there are superficial similarities on some teachings, the fundamentals of the faiths of Christianity and Islam couldn’t be more different; they are mutually exclusive and diametrically opposed. Although many people think that Christians, Jews and Muslims worship the same God, exploring the natures of Allah and Yahweh (Jehovah), reveals them to be completely different beings. As a result, the practices of its followers are completely different.
Thus, the God of the Bible guarantees salvation, but Allah saves who he wills (see earlier section on trust). In fact, Allah guarantees that every Muslim will pass through hell (Sura 19:71-72).
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
In Christianity, you cannot truly follow God unless He has changed what is in your heart (Mark 7:21-23; Ezekiel 36:26). In Islam, you cannot truly follow Allah, until you change your own heart (Sura 13:11).
Islam & Christianity
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah, and their prophet has said on this topic.
Islam and Christianity have many similar teachings, such as to not commit adultery, murder, lie, steal, etc. This leads many people to think that Islam and Christianity are equally good, or equally true; even the Qur’an proclaims that the God of the Bible (Yahweh) and the God of the Qur’an (Allah) are the same (Sura 29:46). However, just as different words can mean different things to different people, so too, when a Muslim and Christian talk, even though they use the same terminology, their meanings are substantially different. For example, in Christianity, adultery starts in the heart. Jesus said that, “whoever looks at a woman with lust in his heart has committed adultery with her.” (Matthew 5:28). Adultery refers not only to the physical act, but also to the heart attitude. In Islam, adultery is having sex with someone whom your right hand doesn’t possess (Sura 4:3; 33:50; 4:24 etc). Thus a Muslim is allowed to have up to four wives, temporary marriages, exchange wives, and have sex with slave girls, without having committed adultery. In Christianity, sin is rebellion against God’s rightful place of authority; it pains and grieves God (Ephesians 4:30). All sinners will go to the lake of fire, unless they have their sins atoned for. In Islam, although sin is transgression of Allah’s law, sin has no impact on Allah (Sura 3:144, 176; 4:111; 47:32). Sahih Muslim records,
“Allah's Messenger said: If you were not to
commit sins, Allah would have swept you out of existence and would have replaced you by another people who have committed sin, and then asked forgiveness from Allah, and He would have granted them pardon.” (Book 37, Hadith No. 6621, 6622). The Nature of God Beyond attitudes to sin, there are completely different ideas about the nature of God. The Christian God is a personal God, who reveals His name, expresses a desire to live in us and through us; Christians are God’s children and His friends. In Islam, everyone is a slave to Allah (Sura 19:92-93; 2:90; 3:79; 5:118; 6:18, 61; 7:194; 8:51). Allah cannot be your Father; it is unforgivable to associate anyone with Allah (4:48, 116). So to consider yourself a child of Allah, to call him ‘Father,’ in a real and personal way, is to blaspheme. Furthermore, the concept of the “Trinity” is abhorrent to Muslims, who believe that the Trinity is: God, Jesus and Mary (Sura 5:116) rather than the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as Christians believe. As a result, they completely misrepresent and misunderstand the Christian understanding of the Trinity. The Muslim concept is akin to 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 (simple unity). Because God is infinite not finite, the Christian concept is a complex unity like infinity + infinity + infinity = infinity. Trust The God of the Bible does not change (Numbers 23:19; Jeremiah 4:28; Hebrews 7:21); but Allah is not bound by anything (2:106; 16:101; 7:99). As a result, the God of the Bible, Yahweh can be trusted and desires us to trust Him (Proverbs 3:5 etc.), but no one can trust Allah: Even Abu Bakr, the first Rightly Guided Caliph, said, “I swear to Allah that I do not feel safe from Allah's cunning even if one of my feet is already inside paradise...." (Khalid Muhammad Khalid, Successors of the Apostle). Since Allah is not bound by any form of morality and the life of Muhammad exemplified this, sin is an elastic and relativistic concept (for more information,
see our tract on Sin in Christianity and Islam). Christianity forbids all forms of lying and deceit, all liars will be in hell (Psalm 15:1-3; Revelation 22:15). Islam permits deception in certain circumstances because Allah claims thirty times in the Qur’an that he misleads/sends astray people and that he is the greatest deceiver [Allaahu Khayrulmaakiriin] (Sura 3:54; 8:30). Allah says that he leads people astray (Sura 4:88, 40:33-34 etc). Christianity requires that believers keep the oaths they made, even if it hurts (Psalm 15:4). Muhammad believed that lying was acceptable and even taught how to expiate [make amends for] an oath, ‘Allah willing, if ever I take an oath to do
something, and later on I find that it is more beneficial to do something different, I will do the thing which is better, and give expiation for my oath.’ (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 361) Revelation The purposes of the Bible and the Qur’an are substantially different. The Bible, although it contains many commands, is only a means to an end; the theme throughout is that mankind cannot be righteous without the help of God (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Hebrews 11:6; Ezekiel 34:11). Thus, Christians run to Jesus for atonement of sin and a transformed heart which hates sin in the inner most place. The function of the Qur’an is, as many Israelites thought and think about the Torah, is to show one how to earn favour with Allah/God through obedience. Thus, the Bible records God reaching down to save man from their sin, whereas Islam testifies that men are responsible for their own salvation. Muhammad implored, ‘...O Fatimah (name of Muhammad’s most
beloved daughter), rescue yourself from Fire, for I have no power (to protect you) from Allah in anything...’ (Muslim, Book 1, Hadith No. 398 and 402). The Law in Christianity teaches our helpless
their friends in preference to believers. Whoever does that has no connection with Allah unless (it be) that you but guard [al-Taqiyya—legal deception] yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. Allah bids you beware (only) of Himself. Unto Allah is the journeying.’ Also see Sura 4:144-45. Sura 5:51, ‘O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who takes them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guides not wrongdoing folk.’ ALLAH COMMANDS MUSLIMS TO FIGHT NONMUSLIM NEIGHBOURS Sura 9:123, ‘O you who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him).’ Sura 9:5, ‘Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.’
MUSLIMS MUST NOT OBEY NON-MUSLIMS Sura 25:52, ‘So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them herewith with a great endeavour.’ Sura 26:151, ‘And obey not the command of the prodigal [their chief: leader who were polytheists, criminals and sinners, The Noble Qur’an]. Sura 33:1-2 ‘… and obey not the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Lo! Allah is Knower, Wise. And follow that which is inspired in you from your Lord. Lo! Allah is Aware of what you do.’ Sura 68:8, ‘Therefore obey not you the rejecters [unbelievers].’ DID JESUS PREACH SUCH HATRED? No! In fact, as he was being crucified, He prayed for His enemies, “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34) and Jesus tells his followers, ‘But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’ (Matthew 5:44). Christians are told to bless those who curse them, to bless and not to curse (Romans 12:14) and are told to obey the government (Romans 13:1-8). .
Violence is a by-product of the sinful nature of our humanity, which stems from mankind’s thinking that someone is better than another. However, Yahweh, the God of the Bible, created man and woman in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:27) and, in Christ, all who accept Him as their Lord and Saviour, are adopted into His family (John 1:12). Regardless of race, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:28. God condemns partiality (1 Timothy 5:21; James 2:110; 3:17) and the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ teaches: Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-44) Live in peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14) Obey the governing authorities (Romans 13:1-4). Do good to all … (Galatians 6:10)
Jews & Christians in Islam
Now you have an opportunity to find out more for yourself, as God has given you the means and the ability to search for the truth. Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7
Notes:
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
People everywhere need people! We need to have friends. Our relationships, to a large extent, show who we really are. How we relate to people with whom we agree, or disagree, shows what is in our heart; it reflects who we are and what we believe. Islam’s approach to relationships is the very opposite to Christianity’s. Jesus said, ‘If you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Do not even tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the unbelievers do the same?’ (Matthew 5:46-47). Islam, and the agents of multiculturalism, present Islam as a tolerant and peaceful faith having the answers for the world’s problems. However, much of what is presented as ‘true’ Islam, is in fact, a very limited and distorted view of what the Qur’an, Hadith and the life of Muhammad really teach. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF MUHAMMAD’S TEACHING Christians and Jews are Believers In Sura 85:4-11, an historical reference to king Dhu Nawas’ massacring the Christians of Najran, and in 18:10-27, Christians are called believers; in Sura 2:62 and 5:69 Allah said that Jews, Christians and Sabaeans [star worshippers] will not grieve in the Last Day [the Day of Judgment]. In Sura 2:122 and 5:20 Allah said that the children of Israel are preferred above all, prophets and kings among them. Christians and Jews are Disbelievers Sura 5:72-73 ‘They surely disbelieve who say: Lo!
Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah (himself) said: O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Lo! whoever ascribes partners unto Allah, for him Allah has forbidden paradise. His abode is the Fire. For evil-doers there will be no helpers. They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no God except the One God. If they stop not from so saying, a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve.’ Sura 4:116 says that Christians cannot be forgiven because they are polytheists [believe in more than one God]: ‘Lo! Allah pardons not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardons all except that to whom He will. Whoever ascribes partners unto Allah has wandered far astray.’ Go to Christians and Jews for Wisdom Sura 10:94: ‘And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture [Jews and Christians] (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers.’ Sura 5:47, ‘Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers.’ Christians and Jews are Deluded Apes Sura 9:30, ‘And the Jews say: 'Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allâh, and the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allâh. That is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allah's curse be on them [Jews & Christians]: how they are deluded away from the Truth!’ Sura 98:6, ‘Lo! those who disbelieve, among the People of the Scripture [Jews and Christians] and the idolaters, will stay in fire of hell. They are the worst of created beings.’ (also see Sura 8:55). Be Nice to Christians and Jews Sura 29:46 ‘And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islâmic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong, and say (to
them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilâh (God) and your Ilâh (God) is One (i.e. Allâh), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims).”’ (See also Sura 16:125). Fight, Kill, Loot and Despoil Christians and Jews Sura 3:181, ‘Truly Allah heard the saying of those [Jews in Al-Medina] who said, (when asked for contributions to jihad): "Allah, forsooth, is poor, and we are rich!" We shall record their saying with their slaying of the prophets wrongfully and We shall say: Taste you the punishment of burning!’ Bukhari, Vol.4 , Hadith 176: “‘Allah's Apostle said, "You (i.e. Muslims) will fight the Jews till some of them will hide behind stones. The stones will (betray them) saying, 'O 'Abdullah (i.e. slave of Allah)! There is a Jew hiding behind me; so kill him.'“ Looting and despoiling Christians and Jews are considered good works (Sura 9:120; 4:94). Early in Muhammad’s career, Allah taught that Jews and Christians were believers; later in Muhammad’s career, Allah taught they were unbelievers, and could not repent to turn to Allah, even if Muhammad prayed 70 times for them (Sura 9:80). WHY ALLAH AND MUHAMMAD CHANGE THEIR MINDS? The ‘kind’ teachings about Jews and Christians were made when Muhammad’s followers were few and poor; when his forces had grown in strength and he had become wealthy, Allah declared that no other religion would be accepted (thus, Judaism and Christianity were accursed) and he became very militant. ALLAH ACCEPTS NO RELIGION OTHER THAN ISLAM Sura 3:85, ‘If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah) never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).’ [Yousaf Ali’s Trans.] (also see Sura 3:83) MUSLIMS MUST NOT BEFRIEND NON-MUSLIMS Sura 3:28, ‘Let not the believers take disbelievers for
Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith 24, ‘Narrated Ibn Umar: Allah’s Messenger said : ‘I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger)…’ According to Sura 2:217, to turn men away from Allah is worse than killing. So killing an infidel who turns people away from Islam, is permitted at any time. Furthermore, Timridhi’s Hadith 402 says The Prophet (peace be upon him and grant him peace) said: A martyr does not suffer when he is slain any more than one of you suffers from being bitten by an ant. Muhammad himself wanted over and over again to be martyred, according to Bukhari Vol 1. Hadith 35. Note also Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith 220 that says: ‘Allah’s apostle said, “I have been made victorious through terror.”’ In al-Tabari IX p.42: An unbeliever, ‛Amr b. Umayyah said, “We have been dealt a situation from which there is no escape. You have seen what Muhammad has done. Arabs have submitted to him and we do not have the strength to fight. You know that no herd is safe from him. And no one even dares go outside for fear of being terrorized.” These are just a small sampling of passages from the Qur’an; he personally led more than 27 battles in 9 years (Ibn Kathir, Albedayah wa-Nehayah, Vol. 4, p. 179). There are hundreds more verses that show that Muhammad was a practitioner of what he preached— Violent jihad for Allah. THE JIHAD OF JESUS IS DIFFERENT By contrast, as we observe the teachings of Jesus we note immediately that sinners flocked to Him, and loved to be near Him. They had no fear of death from Him. It is true that Jesus did say, "Do not suppose that I
have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). However, he was referring to Christians becoming victims of the sword of godless men. When a disciple on one
occasion used a sword to attack Jesus’ enemies, Jesus actually healed the injured man, and rebuked his disciple (Luke 22:49-51). Whereas Muhammad sought to force unbelievers to submit, Jesus sought to conquer men’s hearts. “Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."“ (John 18:36). Jesus taught his disciples not to resist even an evil person (Matthew 5:39), to bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14), and to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Mathew 5:44). The message of Allah/Muhammad and the message of Jesus are the complete opposite. Muhammad offered no assurance of salvation, only the possibility of Allah’s mercy, while Jesus died to offer salvation for you as a free gift of God; it is not something you can earn. Ephesians 2:8,9 says, “It is by grace you (have been) saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast”. We have brought you this message because we care about you and would love to see you in heaven. When you stand before the Lord, you will not be able to plead ignorance. The choice is yours to make, and you alone are responsible for your decision.
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
Jihad
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
Sometimes, in the busyness of daily living, we forget that our lives are mere wisps in the span of time. Life is very uncertain, it can terminate at any time, especially at this time when there are so many wars and terrorist activities. Islamic terrorists claim their authority from the Qur’an and Muhammad’s life—though moderates claim that such teachings are not found in Islam, or are a misunderstanding of the texts. It is important to evaluate the claims of both these groups and the best way to evaluate the authenticity of a practice or religion is to examine the teachings, the life and the practice of its founder - in this case, Muhammad. TEACHINGS OF MUHAMMAD According to Ibn Is’haq 326, “Allah said, ‘No Prophet before Muhammad took booty from his enemy nor prisoners for ransom.’ Muhammad said, ‘I was made victorious with terror. The earth was made a place for me to clean. I was given the most powerful words. Booty was made lawful for me. I was given the power to intercede. These five privileges were awarded to no prophet before me.’” When Muhammad was weak and needy, he advocated peace but, when he had money and an army, he planned and fought at least sixty-seven wars against Christians and Jews and others. A cursory examination of the explanations of Islamic terrorists almost invariably shows that they are motivated by jihad—a holy war against unbelievers (infidel or
kafir). Many will argue that jihad means ‘self-struggle,’ but as Walid Shoebat, a former Islamic terrorist, now Christian, puts it, “so does ‘Mein Kampf,’ by Adolf Hitler”. There are differing types of Jihad, but many seek to subdue the world to Allah, preferably with its consent, but if necessary, forcibly. There are many verses in the Qur’an that convey the impression that Allah and Muhammad are peaceloving. However, the majority of these come from the Meccan period, when Islam was weak. The later teachings are far more violent, the most famous of which are Sura 9:5 and 9:29—known as ‘the Sword verses’. Sura At-Tauba 9:5 ‘Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.’ Sura 9:29 ‘Fight against those who believe not (1) in Allâh, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allâh and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islâm) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.’ Noted Islamic scholar, Anwar ul Haqq, in his book Abrogation in the Qur’an, has identified more than 100 verses abrogated by these two—such as: Sura 2:256 ‘There is no compulsion in religion...’ Sura 6:108 ‘Revile not those unto whom they pray beside Allah lest they wrongfully revile Allah through ignorance. Thus unto every nation have We made their deed seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return, and He will tell them what they used to do.’ Sura 7:199 ‘Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant.’ Sura 45:14 ‘Tell those who believe, to forgive those who do not look forward to the Days of Allah: It is for Him to recompense (for good or ill) each People according to what they have earned.’
Sura 109:6 ‘Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion.’ LATER TEACHINGS OF MUHAMMAD— JIHAD IS OBLIGATORY As Muhammad grew in power, he beagn to teach that if Muslims do not engage in Jihad they will go to hell and suffer a painful doom (Sura 48:16-17, 9:81, 9:9495). Paradise is promised for those who die for Allah (Sura 3:157, 158). True Muslims take part in Holy War (Sura 49:15, 9:44). There are said to be as many as 480 exhortations for jihad in the Qur’an. Here are but a few: Sura 2:216 ‘Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that you hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, you know not.’ Sura 8:67 “Allah said, ‘A prophet must slaughter before collecting captives. A slaughtered enemy is driven from the land. Muhammad, you craved the desires of this world, its goods and the ransom captives would bring. But Allah desires killing them to manifest the religion.’” Sura 9:44 ‘Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask no leave of you lest they should strive with their wealth and their lives. Allah is Aware of those who keep their duty (unto Him).’ Sura 8:74 ‘Those who believed and left their homes and strove for the cause of Allah, and those who took them in and helped them - these are the believers in truth. For them is pardon, and bountiful provision.’ Sura 49:15 ‘The (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive [take part in Jihad] with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere.’ Sura 4:76 ‘Those who believe do battle for the cause of Allah; and those who disbelieve do battle for the cause of idols. So fight the minions of the devil. Lo! the devil's strategy is ever weak.’
Bāri, 10:544, quoted in Ibn Kathir, Tafsir, Vol. 2, p. 141-143). He also argues that Muslims can even deny that they are Muslims and deny Islam, the Qur’an and Muhammad, in the interest of self preservation. They can lie to promote a social ‘good’ i.e. promote Islam. (Imamovic, Outlines of Islamic Doctrine, p. 346). As such, treaties are not binding (Sura 47:35; 2:224-225; 66:1-2, ccf: 16:91, 94) and used to provide time to regroup and rearm. Ghazali, the most famous and highly regarded Muslim scholar of all times, states that lying is obligatory when the goal is obligatory and it cannot be reached by telling the truth (Ahmad ibn Naqib alMisri, (1368), Reliance of the Traveller, translated by Nuh Ha Mim Keller (1994), r.8.2, p. 745). Dawah (Islamic evangelism) is obligatory; if Islam cannot be spread with the truth, they are obliged to lie. According to Ghazali, Muhammad taught people to retract truthful confessions of sins so they could avoid punishment; lying is also permissible if the consequences of telling the truth are more damaging than the damage by lying (ibid., p. 746). The ultimate purpose of Taqiyya is to confuse and split the enemy, so that they can be conquered for Allah. A perfect example of this is when Sura 2:256 is quoted, ‘there is no compulsion in religion,’ but they fail to cite Sura 9:5, 29, (and others) which abrogate 2:256. Today, unbelievers only have the choice of converting, paying protection money or facing humiliation by Muslims or death. On the one hand, the Qur’an in numerous places condemns falsehood, but as we have seen, not only do Allah and Muhammad practice lying, but Muhammad also taught his followers how to lie and deceive. Unfortunately for Muslims, the long history of lying has caused many Muslims to believe their own lies. (Irshad Manji, The Trouble with Islam, Random House, Sydney, 2003, p.3)
Truth in the Bible The Bible teaches the exact opposite. It does not condone or allow for deceit of any kind (Revelation 22:15). Believers are commanded to keep their oaths even to their own detriment (Joshua 9; Psalm 15:4). In fact, Yahweh, the God of the Bible, says that He is not a man, that He would not lie (Number 23:19). The Bible describes Jesus as Truth (John 14:6), the Holy Spirit as Truth (1 John 5:6) and the Father has not the slightest deceit in Him (James 1:17; 2 Samuel 7:28; Psalm 31:5). Jesus IS truth. Believers are to be Holy as God is Holy (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16 etc.).
Truth in Islam
In the New Testament period, the seriousness of sin and lying was highlighted when God killed some people who lied (Acts 5). The Bible declares that: “all liars will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.” (Revelation 21:8) However, in Islam, if you do not sin, Allah will kill you and replace you with people who will sin (Muslim, Book 37, Hadith No. 6622 & 6621). We have brought you this message because we love you and desire to see you know the truth; we want you to know that you can have your mind, body, heart and soul cleansed by Jesus. For more information, read our tract on Salvation in Islam. Now you have an opportunity to find out for yourself, as God has given you the means and the ability to search for the truth.
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
Sura ‘Al-Fatihah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
The value and importance of truth is proclaimed in almost every religion. In Christianity, all liars will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8); Islam lists lying as one of the great sins (Sura 6:152-153). But do all religions agree on the importance of truth? Is truth flexible? Is truth in the eye of the beholder? The Grand Mufti of Egypt, Sheikh Muhammad Sayyed Tantawi, (also the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University in Cairo, the oldest Islamic University), who is seen as the highest spiritual authority by most Sunnis worldwide has often made contradictory statements: In 2004, he was quoted in the Italian daily Avennire as saying: “Islam forbids suicide and considers human life a precious gift”. However, on IslamOnline in 2002, he argued that “Suicide operations and the killing of Israeli civilians, even women and children, are permitted and indeed should be intensified.”. How can such a highly regarded scholar, make such statements? He is not the only one. The former Mufti of Australia, Sheik Taj El-Din Al-Hilali,, on a trip to Egypt in early 2004, he praised and encouraged martyrdom operations, and then promptly denied it on his return, claiming it was a mistranslation. Similarly, his comments in 2006 regarding women deserving rape was dismissed as mistranslation and misunderstanding. In a weekly sermon in April 2002, Al-Azhar Sheikh Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi, the highest-ranking
cleric in the Sunni Muslim world, called the Jews “the enemies of Allah, descendants of apes and pigs.” Yet he is the Patron of the U.K.-based Three Faiths Forum working for mutual understanding between Muslims, Christians and Jews. The claim that difficulties in translating from Arabic to English makes communication with non-Arab speakers difficult or impossible, is another tactic used in subterfuge. The President of Iran who wants to “push Israel in to the sea,” also claims mistranslation and misunderstanding. A common thread is beginning to emerge. Throughout history, Islamic forces have deceived other groups, making them think Islam and Muslims are peace-loving, only later to find the opposite. For example: in A.D. 635, Damascus fell to Muslims because they used the Bishop of Damascus to deceive the population opening the city gates at night Many Christians in Egypt welcomed the Islamic forces because Muhammad’s wife was Egyptian (and they thought they would get preferential treatment), but especially because they would be delivered from the persecution of the Byzantines. However, 1400 years of severe persecution followed and continues today where Christians are routinely murdered, kidnapped and tortured. Rather than pass this off as nothing to be concerned about, we should ask whether there is something in Islam that allows flexibility in the “Great Sin.” If so, we must look carefully at the teachings of Allah/ Muhammad and the practices of Muhammad. Allah claims thirty times in the Qur’an that he misleads/sends astray people and that he is the greatest deceiver [Allaahu Khayrul-maakiriin] (Sura 3:54; 8:30). Allah says that he leads people astray (Sura 4:88, 143; 6:39, 126; 7:178,186; 9:51; 13:27, 31; 14:4; 16:93; 17:13, 97; 30:29; 35:8; 36:8-10; 39:23; 40:33,34,74; 42:44,46; 74:31). Even the first, Rightly Guided Caliph said, “I swear to Allah that I do not feel safe from Allah's cunning even if one of my feet is already inside paradise...." (Khalid Mu-
hammad Khalid, (2005) p. 99).
Successors of the Messenger,
Muhammad believed that lying was acceptable and even taught how to expiate [make amends for] an oath, ‘Allah willing, if ever I take an oath to do some-
thing, and later on I find that it is more beneficial to do something different, I will do the thing which is better, and give expiation for my oath.’ (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 361) Muhammad saw nothing wrong in practicing duplicity. It was his common practice to say one thing and do exactly the opposite if something appealed to him otherwise. He sent men to kill people unawares in their homes and also gave them permission to tell lies in order to deceive the people being killed. (A. Guillaume, The Life of Muhammad, Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 143) Imam Jafar Sadiq said: “You belong to a religion that whosoever conceals it, Allah will honour him and whosoever reveals it, Allah will disgrace and humiliate him.” (Ahmad Abdullah Salamah, The Sunni and Shia Perspective of The Holy Qur’an). This is called al-Taqiyya [legal deception]. Sura 3:28 and others, record that Muslims cannot take unbelievers for real friends (else they will cease to be true Muslims), ‘Let not the believers take the disbelievers as
Auliyâ (supporters, helpers, etc.) instead of the believers, and whoever does that will never be helped by Allâh in any way, except if you indeed fear a danger from them. And Allâh warns you against Himself (His Punishment), and to Allâh is the final return.’ Also see Sura 60:1; 4:144; 5:51; 8:73. In other words, Muslims can outwardly pretend to be your friend, to guard against you, to strengthen themselves against you. Some Muslims will argue that this is only in Shi’a Islam, but Ibn Kathir, a highly regarded Sunni scholar records, as an argument for Taqiyya, “We smile in the face of some people although our hearts curse them.” (Fath Al-
Allah revealed to Muhammad, (Sura 47:4) ‘So, when you meet (in Jihâd in Allâh's Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islâm), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allâh to continue in carrying out Jihâd against the disbelievers till they embrace Islâm (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allâh's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allâh, He will never let their deeds be lost.’ (Brackets and explanations in the original). In the face of the ongoing threat of tyranny, many people simply converted to Islam to avoid the jizyah and the harsh conditions imposed. This practice of dhimmitude was not only practiced in Muhammad’s time but continued right up to the 19th century. The jizyah tax was finally removed from Christians in Egypt in 1855 (http://www.coptic.net/ EncylopediaCoptica/). Babur (1483-1530), the founder of the Mughal Empire, who is trumpeted as an example of Muslim tolerance, recorded the following in his autobiographical “Baburnama,” about infidel prisoners of a jihad campaign: "Those who were brought in alive [having surrendered] were ordered beheaded, after which a tower of skulls was erected in the camp." [The Baburnama -Memoirs of Babur, Prince and Emperor, translated and edited by Wheeler M. Thacktson, Oxford University Press,1996, p. 188. Emphasis added.] Is Dhimmitude Found in the Bible? In fact, we find there is no counterpart in the Christian or Jewish Scriptures to this teaching in Islam. To the contrary, Jews were commanded to love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the
land of Egypt (Deuteronomy 10:19). Christians are supposed to consider others better than themselves (Philippians 2:3). And they feel no compulsion to fight as Muslims do because Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Christians aim to follow the teaching of Jesus, who told them to love (their) enemies and do good to those who persecute (them ) (Matthew 5:44). Christians and Jews may not always have lived up to this ideal but, unlike the teaching of Islam, they have no justification for discriminatory behaviour. Interestingly, it is reported by Ibn Jubayr that the crusading Franks treated their Muslim subjects akin to dhimmis—but these Muslim peasants were treated far better by the Franks than they had been by their own Muslim superiors! You may have been told that the Injil (Gospels) has been corrupted, and therefore we recommend that you refer to our tract Authenticity of the Bible. We also recommend that you look at what the Qur’an teaches about Jesus in our tract Contrasting Jesus and Muhammad. Muhammad offered the possibility of salvation by means of good works; Jesus died to offer sure salvation for you, by means of a gift of God; it is not something you can earn. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and also said: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6).
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
Dhimmitude
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English.
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah, and their prophet has said on this topic.
You may have wondered what Dhimmitude it is all about! There are many people both in the West and in Islamic countries who are unaware of the Islamic teaching about the dhimmi. Dhimmi is an Arabic word and it means “protected one”. The dhimma provides and details the legal, social and economic status of free non-Muslims in the Islamic state. In Islam the world is divided into two “houses”. Dar al-Islam (the house of submission) encompasses all countries that are under Islamic rule. Dar al-Harb (the house of war) includes all other countries who are not yet in submission to Allah’s law (Shari’ah). In Reliance of the Traveller (w43.2 and 43.5, p. 944, 946-7) dar al-Harb is defined as ‘enemy lands.’ Despite modern trends to interpret these two houses as being situational (i.e., if a Muslim is able to freely practice his religion, then he is in dar al-Islam, even though the government is not Islamic), the traditional interpretation is that it depends on whether the government implements Shari’ah or not. Dar al-Hudna (house of calm) refers to countries or areas under truce, bought by the non-Muslims (primarily Jews and Christians) at a price. If the harbis (inhabitants of dar al-Harb) refuse to pay tribute, hostilities resume until they become dhimmi, dead or Muslim! Traditionally, Islam has viewed the willingness to agree to Hudna as a weakness to be exploited. When a country moves from dar al-Harb to dar al-
Islam, the non-Muslims who surrender (and refuse to convert) become dhimmi under a ‘pact of protection,’ (dhimma). Being “protected” may give the impression that Islam has treated Christians and Jews well by virtue of their being ‘People of the Book’. However, the “pact of protection” imposes severe restrictions on what a dhimmi can do, wear, say, go or work, etc. In fact, the word dhimma implies that there is a debt by the dhimmi to the Muslim conquerors. Al-Mawardi, an 11th century Islamic jurist and theologian, said that the head-tax [Jizyah] on dhimmis was either a sign of contempt, because of their unbelief, or a sign of the mildness of Muslims, who granted the dhimmis peace (instead of killing or enslaving them), so that humble gratitude was the expected response. Sura 9:29 provides the basis of the dhimma - Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allâh, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allâh and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islâm) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. Some Muslims will argue, from the context of the previous verses, that it was only for a specific group of people. However, traditional interpretation has shown that Muslim scholars and authorities have applied it consistently to other groups such as magicians - not just Christians: Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 384; Malik, Book 17, Number 17.24.42 and others; Muslim, Book 42, Hadith No. 7065; Abu Dawud, Book 13. Hadith No 2955). Muhammad was commanded by Allah to fight until they converted or died, or submitted to being a dhimmi (Sura 9:29 etc; Muslim, Book 19, Hadith No. 4294; Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 386 etc). The conditions are simple: they must pay the Jizyah willingly, and feel themselves subdued (i.e., know that they have fewer rights than Muslims) and feel humbled; Ibn Kathir adds disgraced, humiliated and belittled. Jizyah is a tribute or tax that is paid to
maintain their freedom to practice their religion and have trade (Abu Dawud, Book 19, Hadith No. 3000). Muslims will often tell you that it was just a nominal small fee; Muhammad, however, charged 50% of their income (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 881 etc; Ibn Ishaq, The Life of Muhammad, p. 515; in Spain, the minimum was 20%, but mostly went as high as 80% (Dozy, Spanish Islam, p. 234). The Pact of Umar The Pact of Umar (the second Caliph) was created so that Muslims could retain control of the newly captured lands, whilst the majority of the population were yet non-Muslims. Below is just a sample of the dhimma from Ibn Kathir’s account of the Pact of Umar. Dhimmis: • Cannot build or restore monasteries, churches, or sanctuaries; • Are not allowed to teach their children the Qur'an, publicize practices of Shirk (disbelief in Allah), invite anyone to Shirk (invite to become a Christian by sharing the Gospel) or prevent any of their fellows from embracing Islam, if they chose to do so [Emphasis added]; • They must respect Muslims by moving from the places they were sitting in if they chose to sit in them; • Must not imitate their clothing, caps, turbans, sandals, hairstyles, speech, nicknames and title names, or ride on saddles, hang swords on the shoulders, collect weapons of any kind or carry these weapons; • Cannot erect crosses on the outside of churches and books, in public, in Muslim fairways and markets; • They must cut the front of their hair, wear their customary clothes wherever they are, wear belts around their waists. If any of these were broken, Muslims are/were allowed to do with them what they do to people of defiance and rebellion, i.e. fight, kill and enslave them.
daughter of Abu Bakr, that girls past the age of menstruation must cover themselves, excepting their hands and face (Abu Dawud, Vol. 3, Hadith 4092). Marriage Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith. 17: When I got married, Allah's Apostle said to me, "What type of lady have you married?" I replied, "I have married a matron' ... Allah's Apostle said, "Why didn't you marry a young girl so that you might play with her and she with you?' Muhammad said that the silence of a virgin indicates that she wants to marry (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 67). Ayatollah Khomeini said that marrying a girl before menstruation was a “divine blessing” and that girls should be married before they menstruate (Taheri, 1986, pp. 90-91). Muhammad married a 6year-old girl (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith 64) and had many wives. Some say that temporary wives are forbidden but Muhammad permitted temporary marriage when his warriors needed them (Sura 4:24; Bukhari, Vol 7. Hadith 51). The first caliph continued to allow them; only the second caliph forbade the practice, but the last ‘rightly guided’ caliph again allowed temporary marriages. The price (dowry) of a temporary marriage is two handfuls of dates or flour (Abu Dawud, Vol. 2, Hadith. 2105). General Women, dogs and donkeys can annul the prayers of a man, according to Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith 490 and 493. But the Bible says that Husbands are to honour their wives and, if they are angry with their wives, their prayers will not be heard (1 Peter 3:7). Muhammad’s most beloved wife, Aisha, said “O womenfolk, if you knew the rights that your husbands have over you, every one of you would wipe the dust from her husband's feet with her face.” [Al-Hashimi, M., The Ideal Muslimah, (1996), chapter 4]. Muhammad taught that, “God permits you to shut them [your wives] in separate rooms and to beat
them, but not severely. Treat women well, for they are [like] domestic animals (awan) with you and do not possess anything for themselves.” [The History of alTabari, Volume IX, pg 113.]
Women in Islam
Christians have a completely different view of the value and rights of a woman. The Holy Bible says that in Jesus Christ, there is neither male nor female, slave nor free...(Galatians 3:28). All believers have equal value and rights because men and women are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27; 5:2). Husbands are commanded to: love their wives as Jesus loves the Church and died for her (Ephesians 5:25); not to be angry with or harsh with them (Colossians 3:19); love their wives as their own bodies (Ephesians 5:28,33); and to be kind to their wives (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). There is not a single command that suggests or encourages a husband to beat or be harsh with his wife. Husbands and wives are commanded to submit to one another in Christ (Ephesians 5:21), but husbands must provide for their wives (1 Timothy 5:8). Husband and wife are considered to be one flesh before God (Ephesians 5:31); as such, God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). The treatment of men and women in the Bible and Qur’an are completely different. The content here will probably have raised some questions in your mind. Muslims are commanded to read and believe the Scriptures that God gave Christians and Jews. If you think they have been corrupted, doesn’t God say that His word cannot be changed? (Sura 6:115; 10:64-65; 18:27; 48:23). If you’d like more information regarding the authenticity of the Bible, please contact us at the bottom of the page.
Sura ‘Al-Fatihah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
According to Christian belief, a husband is commanded to “love his wife just as Jesus loves His Church and gave His life for her” (Ephesians 5:25). But, as people turn away from the Bible, the suffering of women and others increases. Some have claimed Biblical authority for mistreating women, but there is not a single passage in Scripture that encourages people to be harsh with their wives. The foundation for equality in Western civilisation, irrespective of race, religion or gender is that: 1. Yahweh, the God of the Bible, created man and woman in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:27); 2. In Christ, all who accept Him as their Lord and Saviour are adopted into His family (John 1:12 Galatians 3:28); 3. God condemns partiality (1 Timothy 5:21; James 3:17). In Islamic teaching Allah claims that he created all human beings as his slaves (Sura 19:93), and as such, no-one is or can be a child of Allah. As a result, there is no equality of people before Islamic law in the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith. Islamic law considers women as deficient. A woman’s witness [in court] is worth half a man’s (Sura 2:282; Bukhari Vol. 3, Hadith 826); women are deficient in intelligence and religious practices (Bukhari Vol. 1, Hadith 301; Vol. 3, Hadith 826; Vol. 2, Hadith 541); women are referred to as a possession such as gold, silver, horses and cattle (Sura 3:14); a woman is to be used like a field according to the husband’s desires (Sura 2:223); a man can exchange one of his wives for another (Sura
4:20); and a woman comes in the form of a devil (Sahih Muslim Vol. II, Hadith 3240). The teaching of Islam on women is that: • women will be the majority in hell (Bukhari Vol. 1, Hadith 301; also Muslim Vol. 4, Hadith 6600); • the best of women are neither to be seen by, nor to see, a man (Ghazali quoted this Hadith in Ihya’ ‘Uloum ed-Din Vol. II Kitab Adab al-Nikah. Beirut: Dar al-Kotob al-‘Elmeyah. p. 53); • A man can marry up to four wives (Sura 4:3, 129); • a man can have a child wife (Sura 65:4 ‘The Noble Qur’an’); men can have temporary wives (Sura 4:24; Bukhari Vol. 7, Hadith 13A, 52; Sahih Muslim Vol. 2, Hadith 3247, Bukhari, Vol 6, 139); • men are commanded to beat their wives (Sura 4:34); • a man can have any number of concubines (Sura 70:29-30); • men are better than women (Sura 4:34). The above teaching is a license for Muslim men to oppress women. Some Christian men oppress their wives also, but they have no Scriptural basis for their actions. Rape and Adultery In 1979, Pakistan adopted the Hudood Ordinances which are essentially Sharia law. These laws almost completely blur the distinction between rape and adultery. Adultery is proven if a person admits to having sex with someone to whom they are not married. Under this law non-Muslims cannot testify against Muslims; the witnesses must be adult, male and Muslim—since a woman’s testimony is of only half the value of a man’s (Sura 24:4). Consequently, if a woman cannot provide sufficient witnesses, she is admitting (under law) to adultery. The Pakistan Human Rights Commission (PHRC) estimates that a rape occurs every 8 minutes and that there are more than 1500 honour killings annually. Former Mufti of Australia, Sheik al Hilali, stated that if a woman does not cover herself properly, she is the one at fault if she is raped. The Assyrian International News Agency (Dec 27, 2005) reported that Lebanese Sheik Faiz Mohammed
said that women had no one to blame but themselves; the Islamic mufti of Denmark and a panel headed by an Egyptian scholar, Sheik Yusaf al-Qaradawi, claimed female rape victims should be punished if they were dressed immodestly when they were raped: "For her to be absolved from guilt, a raped woman must have shown good conduct." (Telegraph, 11 July 2004) In Indonesia, in 1998, human rights groups documented the testimony of over 100 Chinese women who were gang raped during the riots that preceded the fall of President Suharto. Many of them were told: "You must be raped, because you are Chinese and non-Muslim." This is in accordance with Sura 33:59, ‘O Prophet! Tell ... the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested’ [Yusuf Ali’s Translation]. At one time, Muhammad ordered a man who had committed adultery be given lashes, and the woman stoned to death (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 860). But Jesus tells men that if they so much as look at a woman with lust, they are guilty of adultery (Matthew 5:28). In this light, Christians are told to treat younger women as their sisters and older women as their mothers (1 Timothy 5:2). The Veil In Saudi Arabia, March 2002 saw 15 girls dead and more than 40 other girls injured at the Girls' Intermediate School No. 31 in Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. The girls were locked inside when an accidental fire started. The fire-fighters tried to open the doors but were prevented by the muttawa (religious police), who wouldn’t let the girls outside the building without their veils (Newsweek, July 22, 2002)!!! The Qur’an (Sura 24:31) says “that they [women] should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands”. Muhammad, the prophet of Allah, told Asma, the
935
Genoa was attacked
976
Fresh expeditions into Italy
1010
Cosenza (Southern Italy) fell
1015
Sardinia
In 1017, Mujahid bin ‘Abd Allah (Muslim ruler in Sardinia) sent the Pope a message saying he would attack in the Spring. Rather than waiting, the Pope took the battle to him and when Benedict arrived in Sardinia he found Mujahid crucifying Christians. Mujahid fled. As you can see, the notion that Christians, Jews and Muslims lived in harmony under Islamic rule is a lie. This list is just a small sampling of events during the “Golden Age of Islam.” Muslims continued to battle non-Muslims after the first Crusade in 1095, culminating in the battle at the gates of Vienna in 1683. This shows how far the Muslim armies had advanced; they did not conquer these lands in peace; there was no peaceful coexistence. The Caliph Umar instructed ’Arfajah, a commander in his army, “Summon the people to God; those who respond to your call, accept it from them, (assume their conversion is genuine) but those who refuse must pay the Jizya (poll tax) out of humiliation and lowliness. If they refuse this, it is the sword without leniency. Fear God with regard to what you have been entrusted.” (The History of al Tabari, The Battle of al-Qadisiyyah and the Conquest of Syria and Palestine (vol. 12). [2383] p.167). Some peoples (such as the Christians in Egypt) did welcome the Muslim forces, for they saw them as a better alternative to their Byzantine (Eastern Roman) oppressors. They were soon proved wrong. In many places, the Jizya (protection money) payable by nonMuslims was up to 80% of their income (Muhammad imposed 50% on many conquered peoples) and the Pact of Umar was enforced with irregular brutality. As previously mentioned, the first Crusaders were not bent on destroying Islam. They often passed through Muslim territory and even provided armed
escorts to Muslim traders because their goal was to secure their Holy Sites in Jerusalem, not attack Islam. And although parts of the Crusades were brutal and even severely criticized by Christians themselves, they did not match the ferocity that Muslims had shown in the previous 500 years.
The Crusades
The Muslim armies were merely following Allah’s revelation that Islam will conquer all other religions (Sura 2:193; 9:33; 61:9 etc). Christians had followed the example of Jesus, turning the cheek, until it became too much to bear. Muhammad is well known as the ‘Prophet of the Sword’ (he fought and planed 81 battles) and commanded the use of the sword, forcing people to become Muslims, even though Allah hates people who only pretend to be Muslim. Muslim armies killed and conquered in obedience to Allah and the Qur’an; Christians killed and attacked in disobedience to Jesus.
And Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you have come for." Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. - Matthew 26:50-52. The content here will probably have raised some questions in your mind. Muslims are commanded to read and believe the Scriptures that God gave Christians and Jews (Sura 10:94-95; 2:41). If you think they have been corrupted, doesn’t Allah say that His word cannot be changed? (Sura 6:115; 10:64-65; 18:27; 48:23). If you have any questions, please contact us. To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. According to Islamic belief, the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions) and Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their prophet or Allah have said on this topic.
Misunderstanding about the relationship between Islam and Christianity often stems from ignorance of the Crusades. The West is told that Muslims, Christians and Jews happily and peacefully coexisted until the Crusades. Is this true? Conditions in Palestine Michael the Syrian, the 12th century Jacobite patriarch of Antioch, reproducing earlier contemporary sources in his famous Chronicle, summarized the prevailing conditions for Christians in Palestine, as follows: As the Turks were ruling the lands of Syria and Palestine, they inflicted injuries on Christians who went to pray in Jerusalem, beat them, pillaged them, levied the poll tax at the gate of the town and also at Golgotha and the [Holy] Sepulchre; and in addition, every time they saw a caravan of Christians, particularly of those from Rome and the lands of Italy, they made every effort to cause their death in diverse ways. And when countless people had perished as a result, the kings and counts were seized with [religious] zeal and left Rome; troops from all these countries joined them, and they came by sea to Constantinople [First Crusade (1096-99)]. (The Decline of Eastern Christianity Under Islam, 1996, p. 292-293). The first Crusade in 1095, 463 years after Muhammad’s death, was a response to the pleas of Christians in the Holy Land. The Christians, who had once been a majority now found themselves as oppressed minorities. Given that Muhammad died in
the year AD 632, it is worthwhile looking at the intervening years to see how Christians, Muslims and Jews managed to peacefully co-exist.
Death of Muhammad (A.D. 632) 633
Mesopotamia fell
Peaceful co-existence with Muslims As Muhammad lay on his death bed, he commanded his followers to expel non-Muslims from the Arabian Peninsular (Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 716). No exception was made.
635
Damascus
638
Jerusalem
645
Alexandra
649
Cyprus
The Caliph Umar is famous for his Pact of Umar which details, amongst other things, instructions for humiliating and degrading Christians and Jews if they refused to convert to Islam. The pact was based on Sura 9:29 and 9:5, commands from Allah and his prophet Muhammad. (See also Ibn Kathir Tafsir, Sura 9:29).
673
Constantinople was attacked
693
Whole of quered
711
Invasion of Spain
721
Sargossa fell
732
Poitiers
734
Avignon
743
Lyons
813
Port of Rome was sacked
826
Crete (till 961)
837
Naples was sacked
838
Marseilles
Sura 9:29 ‘Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya (protection money) with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.’ Sura 9:5 ‘Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.’ The states along the edge of the Mediterranean, from the death of Muhammad to the first Crusade, endured 463 years of bloody incursions by Muslim forces intent on booty (precious stones, metals and slaves), the spreading Islam and the destruction of churches and Christianity. They overran Syria, North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia and most of Spain. They had regular incursions into France and Italy and much of the Adriatic. Historian Paul Stenhouse lists the following Muslim conquests prior the first Crusade in 1095. (‘Crusades in Context,’ Annuls Australia, July 2007).
Christian North Africa con-
842-859 Sicily 846
Rome was sacked again.
870
Malta 223 years away from the first crusade.
878
Syracuse fell (9 month siege; very few survivors)
889
Toulon (North Italy)
902
Sacked and destroyed Thessaly, in Central Greece
In 921 a large band of Englishmen, on pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles in Rome, were crushed to death under rocks rolled down on them by Saracens in the passes of the Alps.
If that is true, there is a substantial problem for Islam: the Gospels (of Muhammad’s time) proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God, if the Qur’an contradicts this, then its trustworthiness is in doubt because the God of the Bible does not change (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:20; Malachi 3:6). But, as we have already shown, the Qur’an internally contradicts itself regarding the Bible. Reponses to These Islamic Charges The internal contradiction in the Qur’an can be explained by changes in attitude toward Christians and Jews. Early in Muhammad’s career, when he was weak and needy, he taught that Muslims should treat Christians and Jews with respect but, as Muhammad grew in power, his attitude changed and he sought to kill Christians and Jews. (See our tract: Jews and Christians in Islam.) Questions to Ask Yourself 1. If the Bible was changed why does the Qur’an call Muslims to believe the Taurat [Torah], Injil [Gospels], and Zabur [Pslams]? 2. God claims that no-one can change his Word. What happened to this statement? 3. When the Bible was changed did God notice it? 4. If God wished, could He have preserved His Word? 5. If God did not, or could not, preserve His Word (the Bible), how and why should we believe that He has preserved the Qur’an? 6. Where is it expressly written in the Qur’an, that the earlier Holy Books were changed in their written form? 7. If the Bible was changed why would Allah have commanded Muhammad to judge Jews by Torah, and judge Christians by the Injil (Sura 5:43-48)? In other words, how could Muhammad or Muslims judge them according to the Bible if it wasn’t authentic? 8. With the hundreds of copies and different translations, how could anyone have changed all of them?
9.
10.
11. 12.
When, and up to what time was the true uncorrupted Bible in circulation? Where is the original one now? If Christians and Jews have two different religions, what’s the purpose of their conspiracy? Why would Christians corrupt their own Bible? Why would Christians die for a book they know is corrupted? How do you know it was changed?
Authenticity of the Bible
The Bible says in Psalm 19:7-11, “The Law of the
LORD is perfect, converting the soul. The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes... in keeping them there is great reward”. The Teachings of the TORAH [the Law of God] are God’s system of Instructions by which men are taught the Knowledge of God and they themselves are directed how to walk so as to please God, redeemed from their crooked paths. How then can men say that the Great God, the Creator of Heaven and earth, would allow His Laws to be tampered with? He watches over His Word to make sure that it comes to pass so He cannot be called a liar; God says that what He says He will do. His testimony and trustworthiness depends on the authenticity of the Bible.
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
own Scriptures concerning the truth of Allah’s teaching.
as to what We have revealed unto thee, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee: the Truth hath indeed come to thee from thy Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt’ (See also 2:41).
The New Testament (NT) Some Muslims say that the Injil [Gospels] spoken of by the Qur’an is not the New Testament (NT). It is not the four Gospels now received as canonical, they argue. It is a single gospel which Jesus received and which He taught. Only fragments survive in the canonical Gospels. They say that the text has been forged or tampered with.
From the dictionary we see that ‘authenticity’ means the state or quality of being original or genuine with this genuineness established beyond doubt. Other synonyms are “real”, “authoritative” and “trustworthy”, as opposed to being false or a sham.
The Qur’an claims that no one can change the Word of God. (Sura 6:115/116; 10:64; 18:27/28; 48:23; 50:28-29). In spite of this, Islamic scholars teach Muslims that the Jews corrupted the words of the Scriptures (Sura 2:41-42, 59; 3:71, 3:78; 4:46) and some do not know the Scriptures at all (Sura 2:78). An Islamic theologian says, “While Muslims need to believe in the Torah, the Zabur [Psalms] and the Injil [Gospel], nevertheless they have been tampered with.”
There are literally hundreds of New Testament copies that predate Muhammad, ensuring an accurate transmission from the original Gospels. The test for the historicity of the NT surpasses all other ancient texts. The Gospels available at the time of Muhammad are identical to the Gospels contained in the New Testament today. Muslim rejection of the New Testament text is contrary to overwhelming manuscript evidence.
This is contradictory. Allah and Muhammad would not have asked Muslims to refer to and judge with a corrupted version of the Torah & New Testament. The Gospel and Torah that was available at the time of Muhammad must have been considered authentic. So now, let’s examine whether the Scriptures have been changed since A.D. 600.
Superior Revelation? Sometimes there are ambiguities in the views that Muslims have about the Bible. A well known Muslim reformer, Muhammad Abduh writes, “The Bible, The New Testament and the Qur’an are three concordant Books; religious men study all three and respect them equally. Thus the Divine teaching is completed, and the true religion shines across the centuries.” Others say, “Judaism lays stress on justice and right, Christianity on love and charity and Islam on brotherhood and peace.”
The Bible is not just one book but is a collection of sixty-six books divided into Old and New Testaments. How did the various books come to be written? Who wrote them? When? And how did these in particular come to be found in the Bible? What was Allah’s view regarding the Bible? Islamic Teaching Concerning the Bible Islamic teaching is internally contradicting. On the one hand, it gives very high regard to the Scriptures, and on the other hand, it claims they are corrupted. The Qur’an gives the Judeo-Christian Scriptures
such noble titles as, ‘the Book of God,’ ‘the Word of God,’ ‘a light and Guidance to man,’ ‘a decision on all matters,’ ‘the Gospel with its guidance and light confirming the preceding Law,’ and “a Guidance and warning to those who fear God.” Sura 5:46 teaches that the Gospel and the Torah
come from God: ‘And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.’ See also Sura 5:47, 68 and 69. Surah 5:47 commands Christians to check their
Sura 4:171 teaches that Jesus was a Messenger of God. Allah told Muhammad to go to Christians and Jews for advice, because they had the Scriptures of God. Sura 10:94-95 O Muhammad, ‘If thou wert in doubt
The Old Testament (OT) The Old Testament, which contains thirty-nine books of the Christian Bible, is also the Holy Scriptures of the Jewish People. They were first written down in Hebrew, with minor portions written in Aramaic, the ancient languages of the Jews. Until 1947, the oldest manuscripts of the Old Testament (OT) were from the ninth and tenth centuries A.D. In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered near Qumran. By 1956, more than 800 scrolls had been found. These scrolls were dated between 200 B.C. and 68 A.D. These scrolls are virtually identical to copies of scrolls found in the ninth-century manuscripts. The careful copyists had made very few, if any, errors or alterations to the text over one thousand years. In other
words, the OT that we have today is the same as the Scriptures Muhammad was encouraged to check against his own revelation.
Some reject almost the entire Old Testament while others quote from the Tawrat (Torah) to give bad reports of the Banu Isra’il as proofs against the Jews and their religion. There are Muslims that do believe in the accuracy of the Bible, yet claim that the Qur’an superseded all previous revelations based on the concept of progressive revelation. According to them, the Qur’an is the last of the God-given Scriptures to have come down.
The life, teaching and practice of Jesus Christ and the life, teaching and practice of Muhammad stand in stark contrast. In fact, it is impossible to follow the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad at the same time: they are diametrically opposed. Christianity teaches its followers to bless and not to curse (Romans 12:14) and that one cannot praise God and curse others with the same mouth (James 3:9-13); Muhammad cursed his own uncle for opposing him (Sura 111:1-5; 3:61; 108:1-3; Muslim Vol. 4; Hadith 7150; Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 397). Jesus did not even curse those who crucified Him, but asked the Father to forgive them (Luke 23:34) while Mohammad ordered people killed because they mocked him (Muslim Vol. 3; Hadith 4436 and many others). Jesus teaches that Christians’ love for one another will show the world that they are His disciples (John 13:35). Muhammad taught that he was made victorious through terror (Sura 3:151; 8:12; 8:67-68; 33:26; Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 220). Jesus won people through love, Muhammad won people through fear. The difference cannot be clearer. When it comes to the life, practice and teachings of Jesus, no one can compare.
you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). To “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord” means that you must agree with God that: 1) you are a sinner and that you deserve to die; 2) you cannot save yourself from hell fire; 3) the Lord Jesus paid the penalty for your sins on the cross and He bought you with His precious holy blood; 4) you need Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. If you wish to receive the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ by faith, you need only to open your heart and ask God in your own words similar to the following: Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I admit that my good works can’t take away my sins and I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Cleanse me from my sins with your precious blood, and help me to walk according to your will. Thank you for providing a way for me to draw near to You. Amen. Now you have an opportunity to find out more for yourself—as God has given you the means and the ability to search for the truth
Which religion are you following? Since both Jesus and Muhammad claimed to be following God, they must believe in different Gods. Which God do you want to follow?
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Both Islam and Christianity preach that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5; John 5:22, 27 and Bukhari Vol. 3, Hadith No. 425) Which standard will Jesus hold you to? The life and practice of Muhammad or His own life and practice? Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins - as affirmed by Matthew 20:28: “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. He did this because we can never, by our own efforts, reach God’s perfect standard. He died so that our sins may be forgiven. He rose again after three days, victorious over death, winning the ultimate victory in history; but each one of us must choose to accept this free gift. If you refuse to accept the gift, you cannot enjoy the benefits of the gift. A gift is given, not earned – indeed, the giver would have the right to be offended if you attempted to offer some form of payment. God desires us to humbly receive his gift with a thankful heart. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead,
Contrasting Jesus & Muhammad
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
Many people believe that all religions are equal and that the founders of the religions all taught much the same thing. Let us take a moment then to examine Christianity and Islam to see if this is true. The best way, in fact, to evaluate a particular religion is to look at the life, practice and teaching of its founder. Jesus: The birth and life of Jesus were foretold by the Old Testament in more than 300 prophecies. He was born of a virgin and led a pure and sinless life. He commenced his ministry at 30 years of age and preached a message of repentance, peace and love by pursuing the righteousness of God. His ministry was attested to by miracles. As He died on a Roman cross 3½ years later, He asked God to forgive His enemies; He was buried but came back to life and was seen by more than 500 people before He ascended into Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:6). Jesus claimed to be the Son of God (e.g. John 5:25; 11:25-27; Matthew 3:16-17; 17:5), and He received worship due only to God (John 5:23; 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 5:5-13). Note also the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6. Muhammad: Muhammad was born about 570 years after the birth of Jesus. At the age of 40 he began to receive revelations from an angel called Gabriel who had six hundred wings (Bukhari Vol. 4; Hadith 455). He preached a message of peace for the first 13 years of his ministry in Mecca. When he fled to Medina, he prayed toward Jerusalem (Bukhari Vol. 6; Hadith 13; Vol. 9; Hadith 358; Vol. 1; Hadith No. 39) to win the favour of the Jews. However, when the Jews rejected him he began to receive more violent revelations, e.g. Sura 8:67. Throughout his life, he planned and participated in 27 battles (Ibn Kathir, Albedayah wa-Nehayah, Vol. 4, p. 179) and he encouraged his people to fight in battle (Sura 4:84; 8:60; Bukhari, Vol 5. Hadith No. 288 amongst many others) and assassinate opponents including nursing mothers (Ibn Ishaq, p. 676; Bukhari, Vol 5. Hadith No. 369). Muhammad died in A.D. 632.
The following table is a comparative chart of the lives of Jesus and Muhammad. The references given are not exhaustive.
Jesus
Muhammad
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Jesus only did what He saw God the Father doing (John 5:19)
•
Muhammad always obeyed Allah’s inspirations (Sura 53:2-4)
•
His birth and death were signified by signs in heaven (Matthew 2:1-2, 7-10; Luke 2:4-15; Matthew 27:45; Luke 23:44-46)
•
His birth and death were not signified by signs in heaven and are not even mentioned in the Qur’an
•
Jesus was sinless (Matt 27:4,19, 24; John 8:46; 9:16; see also Sura 19:19)
•
Muhammad prayed for forgiveness 70 times a day (Sura 40:55, 47:19; Bukhari; Vol. 8; Hadith 319 and Abu Dawud Vol. 1; Hadith 1511)
•
Jesus forbade violence and preached peace throughout his whole life (John 13:34; Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35; 1 Thessalonians 5:15)
•
Muhammad commanded peace when he was weak at the start (Sura 2:256; 109:1-6; 6:107-109), but violence when he grew powerful (Sura 9:29; 2:216; 8:39; 9:5; 5:51 The Noble Qurán)
•
Jesus healed all sicknesses (Luke 13:11; 17:11-19; 22:50, 51; John 4:46-54; John 9; Matt 8:5-13; 15:29-31; Mark 3:1-5; 6:56)
•
Muhammad performed no miracles, according to the Qur’an (Sura 13:7). Muhammad made people lame (Bukhari, Vol 8, Hadith 794; Vol. 9, Hadith 37 and many others)
•
Jesus raised people from the dead (John 11; Luke 7:11-17; 8:49-56; Sura 3:50; Sura 5:110)
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Muhammad didn’t raise anyone from the dead, rather in scores of battles/ holy wars he caused death of thousands.
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Jesus ascended into heaven (Luke 24:46-53; Acts 1:1-11; Sura 3:55; 19:33)
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Muhammad stayed where he was buried
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Jesus won people by love, truth and miracles (e.g. Matthew 4:23ff)
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Muhammad won people by fear, the sword, violence, threats and booty (Sura 8:39, 41, 67; 9:5, 56-57; 2:216; 59:13 etc).
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Jesus had power over nature (Mark 4:35-41; John 6:1-14; 6:15-21; Matthew 14:22-36)
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Muhammad had no power over nature
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Jesus cast out demons (Mark 5:1-20; Luke 4:31-37)
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Muhammad was visited by Jinn/demons who promised to promote Islam (Sura 46:29-31; also see 72:1-15); he was also afraid of demons (Sura 114:1-6)
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Jesus protected women (Matthew 26:10, John 8:1-11)
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Muhammad brought pain and suffering to women (Sura 4:34, 4:20; 2:223; 33:52; 64:14; 2:228-230)
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Jesus forgave people’s sins (Luke 5:17-26) and intercedes for His people (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25)
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Muhammad didn’t know his eternal destiny or anyone else’s (Sura 46:9; Bukhari Vol. 5 Hadith No. 266; Muslim Vol. 1 Hadith No. 398 and No. 402); stoned for adultery (Bukhari Vol. 2; Hadith 413; Vol. 8; Hadith 805)
•
Jesus guarantees heaven for His people (John 14:2; 1 John 5:12; Luke 10:20).
•
Muhammad guarantees hell for His people for an unspecified period of time (Sura 19:71-72)
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Jesus forbade adultery & violence (Matthew 26:52, 5:28)
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Muhammad married his adopted son’s wife, allowed temporary marriages and commanded violence (Sura 33:37; 4:24, 74, 76, 3, 34).
•
Jesus was claimed to be the Word of God the Spirit of God and the Son of God (Sura 3:45; 4:171; 19:34; 21:91); (John 1:1; John 5:18 etc) and was foretold by the Prophets (Daniel 3:25; Psalm 2:12; Proverbs 30:4; Luke 1:26-35; Matthew 17:5 etc.).
•
Muhammad was not foretold by the Prophets, he performed no miracles, did not ascend into heaven, and he tortured and killed people, but still claimed to be the perfect example to follow. (Sura 3:31-33, 132; 4:13, 59, 69, 80; 5:92; 7:167; 8:24, 46; 24:54; 33:21, 36, 71; 47:33; 49:14; 64:12; 68:4)
Muhammad’s Teachings on Women His views on women are well documented. For instance, a woman’s witness [in court] is worth half that of a man’s (Sura 2:282; Bukhari Vol. 3, Hadith 826); women are deficient in intelligence and religious devotion (Bukhari Vol. 1, Hadith 301; Vol. 3, Hadith 826; Vol. 2, Hadith 541); women are referred to as a possession—along with gold, silver, horses and cattle (Sura 3:14); a woman is to be used like a field according to the husband’s desires (Sura 2:223); a man can exchange one of his wives for another (Sura 4:20); a woman comes in the form of a devil (Sahih Muslim Vol. II, Hadith 3240). Muhammad’s Jihad During his first 13 years there were little more than a hundred followers (and these were mostly poor), so he began raiding the caravans and weaker tribes to gain a quick return. In the desert, "annexing" a neighbour's property was a quick way to improve one's status. Muhammad called it jihad—"an effort in the way of Allah", "a means of achieving his mission and establishing Allah's kingdom on earth.” As noted by Malik in his book, The Qur’anic Concept of War (pp.99-103), in the next 9 years Muhammad planned 81 battles, and took an active part in many of these. Continuing rejection by the Jews caused him to expel them from Medina. Their wealth was divided amongst the Muslims, and the most beautiful women were taken for the prophet. However, as many as 600-900 of the Jews, such as of the tribe of Bani Qurayza, were unfortunate enough to be slaughtered rather than exiled!
Vol.8, Hadith 319) and he did so, even on his death bed (Bukhari Vol.5, Hadith 715). In spite of such intense and frequent prayers, still he had no assurance of salvation even for himself or his close relatives (Muslim vol.1, Hadith 398-402).
The Life of Muhammad
This is in stark contrast to the legacy of Jesus the Messiah. John 3:16 makes it plain that God “so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. The follower of the Lord Jesus Christ is assured of salvation with God whereas the follower of Muhammad can never have such assurance. According to Muslim tradition, the Prophet of Islam is the best example to follow but, despite the fact that he fought many battles for Allah and prayed fervently for the forgiveness of his sins, he had no assurance of Allah’s favour or of a home in Paradise. Every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, on the other hand, has a 100% guarantee of salvation before a holy God. The testimony of Ephesians 1:7 is that “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace”. The difference is obvious and it is Jesus’ atoning work that is missing in Islam. Whereas Muhammad left a legacy of jihad, a believer in Jesus Christ can depend on Christ’s perfect redemptive work. Reader, we urge you to consider Jesus!
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Salvation and Muhammad The Qur’an and Hadith make it clear that Muhammad did not have any assurance of eternal salvation. In Sura 46:9 Muhammad was told to inform people that he did not know what his destiny or that of anybody else would be. He was commanded to ask for the forgiveness of his sins and the sins of his followers (Sura 47:19; 40:55). Accordingly, Muhammad used to pray for forgiveness more than seventy times a day (Bukhari,
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
Six hundred years before Muhammad, the Prophet Jesus proved His prophethood by His exemplary life and teaching. Indeed, the worth of religious belief is dependent on the worthiness of its author. In the study before us we wish to apply this test to the life of Muhammad, the author of Islam. Muhammad’s Early Years Muhammad was said to be born in Mecca on June 8th, 570 AD and died 62yrs. later on June 8th, 632, (though there is no consensus over these dates). He was orphaned at the age of 6yrs. and reared for two years by his grandfather until the latter’s death. His uncle, Abu-Talib, then reared him. At the age of 12, Muhammad was mentored by a Nestorian monk who, it is said, recognised that Muhammad was to be a prophet—because of a big mole on his back (see Muslim 4:5793; Bukhari 1:189; Ibn Ishaq in A Life of Muhammad p.80,96,97,726). Muhammad gained employment with a wealthy merchant widow named Khadijah. He married her at the age of 25 when she was 40. Together they had 4 sons and 4 daughters. However, only the daughters survived to maturity. Birth of Islam At 40yrs. of age, Muhammad began to retire to a cave in Mount Hira to meditate. This was a popular custom at that time and, whilst the majority of the population worshipped many idols, Muhammad, influenced by Zeid-ibn-Amr, a Hanefite
(monotheistic worshippers), began to express his hatred of such idols. During these times of meditation Muhammad first experienced his revelations, which he claimed were given to him in a dream by the angel Gabriel. It is said that, in the first revelation, Gabriel gave him a cloth on which appeared writing and commanded him "read" or "recite". During these revelations Muhammad claims to have experienced the following:the ringing of bells (Bukhari Vol. 1, Hadith 2; Vol. 4, Hadith 438); rapid heart beat (Bukhari Vol. 1, Hadith 3); a red face; (Bukhari Vol. 5, Hadith 618, Vol. 6, Hadith 508); heavy breathing (Bukhari Vol. 6, Hadith 508); he sometimes suddenly fell down or lay down (Bukhari Vol. 4, Hadith 461, Vol. 5, Hadith 170); he would sweat profusely (Bukhari Vol. 1, Hadith 2, Vol. 2, Hadith 544; Vol. 3, Hadith 829); sometimes he dreamt (Bukhari Vol. 1, Hadith 3; Vol. 5; Hadith 659). Because of such experiences Muhammad was of the view that he must have been demon possessed or that he was going mad. He asked his wife, Khadijah, and her cousin, Waraqa bani Naufal, if this was the case, to which they replied that these revelations were truly from Allah. Jesus, by contrast, received his revelations through a life of prayerful dependence upon God. His opponents accused him of demon possession, but they were themselves opposed to the law of God (John 7:19,20). Rejection of Muhammad During the first few years, Muhammad was keen to receive the approval of the Jews and began to pray towards Jerusalem and hold to the fasting of Ashura (Yom Kippur). But the Jews were adamant that contacting Jinn (demons) was forbidden (e.g. Leviticus 20:6) while Muhammad’s Allah actually sent demons to him (Sura 46:29-31 also see 72:1ff). Muhammad thereafter changed his position and
began praying in the direction of the Ka’bah (in Mecca) rather than Jerusalem. Fasting during the month of Ramadan replaced the fast of Ashura. During the course of his ‘received’ revelations he would be in a trance and many Meccans believed at the time that he actually was possessed by demons or had gone mad—an accusation that had to be countered (Sura 68:2; 81:22-25; 52:29; 34:46). They subsequently taunted and ill-treated him and his followers. Because of this and other factors, least of which was Muhammad’s lack of knowledge of the Bible, the first 3 years of the birth of Islam was seen as a time of compromise. This period of time, though brief, gave rise to the “Satanic Verses” - and a number of verses that contained permission for non-Muslims to worship their own gods (Sura 109:1-6; 6:106-108). (Jesus, you will note, knew his Bible well and quoted it at will, e.g. Matthew 4.) Marriage and Muhammad Muhammad taught that a Muslim man can have up to 4 wives if he treats them justly; otherwise he should not have more than one wife (Sura 4:3, 129). Muhammad had more than four wives but did not marry his second wife, Sawda Bint Zam`a, until his first wife had died. He then married a number of women - mostly widows or divorcees. He married his favourite wife, Aisha Bint Abu Bakr, when she was only 6years old and consummated this marriage when she was 9. Other wives include Hafsa Bint `Umar, Zainab Bint Khuzaima, Ummu Salama, Zainab Bint Jahsh, Juwairiyya Bint alHarith, Safiyya Bint Huyay, Ummu Habiba, Mariam the Copt, and the last woman he married was Maimuna Bint al-Harith. In addition, Muhammad married other women but, for various reasons, did not consummate some of these marriages. There were also many concubines and slaves belonging to Muhammad, mostly gained as spoils of war. His sexual prowess was well known amongst his followers. In fact, the Ahadith teach that he was as good as thirty men!
Yahweh’s Word stands forever and does not change (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:33; Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6); whereas Allah abrogates or changes his words (Sura 28:59, 16:101, 13:39; 17:86; 87:6-8). It is difficult to trust a God who changes his preferred people, his methodology or standards. Allah does as he pleases, leading people in the right way or leading them astray: Sura 3:54 And they cheated/deceived and God
cheated/deceived, and God (is) the best (of) the cheaters/deceivers. [Translated by Mohamed Ahmed and Samira Ahmed] (see also Sura 8:30) The word used in 3:54, ‘makara’, means to deceive, delude, cheat, double-cross and dupe. Allah is thus seen as the best of deceivers, the premier schemer and the conniving one. By contrast, Isaiah, speaking of Yahweh, says that there is no deceit in God’s mouth (Isaiah 53:9). Allah has no son, Yahweh has a son The Bible states that God is triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is a difficult concept to understand; it is not 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 nor 1 + 1 + 1 = 1; rather it is a complex unity more like: infinity + infinity + infinity = infinity. Christians do not worship three gods and they consider it blasphemy to suggest it. Muslims get their understanding of the Trinity from the Qur’an (Sura 4:171; 5:116; 21:91; 66:12). Muhammad evidently heard about the Trinity from Christian heretics and not from the Gospels [Injil] themselves (Matthew 28:19 etc). Perhaps the biggest and most critical difference is that Allah denies having a son, and will not forgive people who say that he does (Sura 5:17, 72; 3:61; 9:31 etc). Yahweh, by contrast, does have a son, and it is only through the son (Jesus), that people like you and I can become children of God (John 1:18; 14:6-9; Galatians 3:26; 4:6; Hebrews 1:1-2; 1 John 5:1; Revelation 21:7 etc) and have eternal life. Jesus’ being called the Son of God is not referring to his parenthood but to his eternal intimate relationship with the Father.
Summary Mohammad prayed frequently for the forgiveness of his sins, but there was no assurance that his sins were forgiven and that he would go to heaven (Sura 46:9; Bukhari Vol. 8, Hadith No. 319). This is understandable since Allah does not always forgive sin (Sura 2:284; 3:129; 4:48, 116 etc.). By contrast, Yahweh reveals,
Allah vs. Yahweh
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9). Yahweh is described as a just and holy God (Psalm 51:6) who punishes all sin because, ultimately, sin is against God (Numbers 15:31). In fact, from Yahweh’s perspective, if you have broken just one law, you’ve broken all of the law (James 2:10) because you have despised God and put yourself in His place as ruler of your life. Thus, unlike Allah (Sura 53:32; 5:39; 11:114; Bukhari, Vol. 1. Hadith 17, 504), Yahweh does not allow punishment or good deeds in this life to substitute for punishment in the next (Revelation 21:8). Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and rose again on the third day, victorious over death; but each one of us must choose to receive this free gift. If you refuse to receive this gift, you cannot enjoy the benefits of the gift. God desires us to humbly receive this gift with a thankful heart. If you wish to receive the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ by faith, you need only to open your heart and ask God in your own words. See our tract, The Straight Path, for more information. To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
Multiculturalism and tolerance are the slogans of today. Dissenting voices are dismissed with patronising half-truths and complete falsehoods. This has happened to the extent that many people believe that Allah (the god of the Qur’an and Islam) is the same as Yahweh [Jehovah] (the god of the Bible and Christianity). Although Christians and Muslims claim the God of Abraham as their own, closer examination reveals that Allah and Yahweh are vastly different. In the Bible and the Qur’an, both Yahweh and Allah respectively are described as Creator, One, Ruler, Revealer, Loving and Forgiving, and as Judge. The Qur’an claims that Allah and the God of the Bible are identical: Sura 29:46, “And argue not with the People of
the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which has been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our God and your God is One, and unto Him we surrender.” [Pickthall’s trans.]
Yahweh
Allah
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Creates only good (Genesis 1; 1 Timothy 4:4; James 1:17)
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Creates good and evil (Sura 4:78; 113:2)
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Loves all mankind (John 3:16)
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Loves Muslims (Sura 2:195; 2:190; 2:276; 3:32)
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Does not change (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17)
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Changes his mind frequently (Sura 16:101, 13:39; 17:86; 87:6-8 etc.)
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Guarantees heaven for believers (John 6:47; 10:28; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11-13; etc)
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Guarantees hell for a time for believers (Sura 19:71-72).
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Does not lie; He stands by His promises (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29)
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Lies when convenient (Sura 3:54; 8:30)
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Leads people in the path of life (Psalm 23; 139:24; John 14:6)
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Leads astray whom he wills (Sura 7:178-179; 13:31 95:4-5; 4:142; 39:57; 18:17)
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Is a complex unity: such as infinity + infinity + infinity = infinity (John 10:30; 14:9; Romans 8:9-11)
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Is a simple unity (Sura 4:171; 5:73)
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Demands eternal justice (Ezekiel 18:4; Isaiah 65:6; Psalm 37:28; Isaiah 30:18; 42:1-4; 61:8; Jeremiah 9:24; Matthew 16:27)
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Doesn’t demand eternal justice (Sura 7:8; 21:47; 23:101103; 53:32; 5:39; 11:114; Bukhari, Vol. 1. Hadith No. 17, 504 etc)
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Always forgives believers (Colossians 2:13; 1 John 1:9)
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Forgives believers when he pleases (Sura 2:284; 3:129; 4:48, 116 etc.)
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Has a son (Psalm 2; Proverbs 30:4; Matthew 3:17; 17:5)
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Does not have a son (Sura 112:3-4, Sura 72:1-5; 19:92)
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Provides atonement and intercession (Deuteronomy 32:43; Isaiah 53:12; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25)
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Many times refuses atonement and intercession (Sura 2:186; 6:51, 94; 10:18; 32:4; 19:95 etc)
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Hates sin (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Numbers 19:12; Exodus 19:6; Psalm 119:142, 160; Matthew. 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15-16)
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Demands sin (Muslim, Book 37, Hadith No. 6622 & 6621; Book 33 Hadith No. 6421)
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Is a personal God (Jeremiah 24:7; 31:34; John 10:14; 14:9; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; Revelation 21:7)
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Is unknowable and impersonal; a master of slaves (Sura 4:172; 5:118; 6:18; 7:194; 15:49; 19:93)
In the light of this teaching in the Qur’an, Muslims claim that Christians have misrepresented Allah as a three-fold God and that they should revert to the original simplicity of the oneness (Tawhid) of Allah.
please read the tract Authenticity of the Bible.) It would be reasonable to expect that what Allah reveals in the Qur’an and what Yahweh reveals in the Bible should be identical; the Qur’an should confirm the facts of the Bible and its teachings. However, a study of the Bible and the Qur’an shows that the apparent similarities mentioned above have very different meanings for each faith.
The Bible is much older than the Qur’an, and numerous proofs exist to show that the Bible has not been changed/tampered with over the centuries, as many Muslims claim. (For further information,
Indeed, as you can see from the table above, Yahweh and Allah are very different in many aspects. The Christian claims should be examined: Do Christians believe that God, Jesus and Mary are the Trinity?
What are the proofs for the Authenticity of the Bible? (For further information on some elements in the table, read our tracts on, Sin in Christianity and Islam, Truth in Islam, The Trinity and The Straight Path.) Deception and Truth The God of the Bible has a consistent standard of righteousness. Repeatedly, He tells people to trust Him because He is a covenant-keeping, faithful God (Genesis 17:7; Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 36:5; 89:33; 2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 13:20).
Internal Contradictions Muhammad claimed to be the first Muslim (Sura 6:14, 161-164; 39:11-12). But in Sura 30:30 and 7:172 everyone is born a Muslim and many people are described as Muslims: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (2:127-133;3:67); Jesus (Sura 3:52); the disciples of Jesus (3:52; 5:110-111); Solomon (27:30-31, 42-44); Moses the first of believers (7:143); Moses’ mother (28:7); Aaron (7:121-122); others at the same time as Moses and Aaron (40:28-35, 36-38) and all Jews before they went astray (22:78) etc. In fact, all the prophets were Muslims (see Sura 2:140; 3:81).
Muslims are to get truth and wisdom confirmed from Christians and Jews (Sura 10:94 and 5:47), but in Sura 9:30; 2:65; and 98:6, Christians and Jews are deluded!
On the one hand there is a minimum age of marriage (Sura 4:6) [usually regarded as puberty or 15 years of age], but Sura 65:4 contains directives for the divorce of girls who are too immature to menstruate. Sura 2:221 forbids Muslims marrying non-Muslims but Sura 5:5 allows it.
Conclusion These are just some of a plethora of internal contradictions. If God can so change his mind, his promises cannot be trusted with certainty. The God of Christians, however, cannot lie (Titus 1:2 etc.) and promises eternal life (Titus 1:2 and others). More than that, he promises that you can become a child of His (John 1:12). God makes many promises throughout Scripture, and asks to be held to them. The most important promise in Scripture is that “all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21).
According to Sura 2:106 and 16:101, Allah changes his revelations with something better; but in 10:65, there is no change in the word of Allah. Sura 2:106 teaches that Allah causes people to forget his commandments/revelation whereas Sura 6:68 says the devil causes them to forget Allah’s command not to sit with disbelievers. In Sura 2:122; 2:47; 44:30-32; 45:16; Allah prefers Jews above all people, but in 62:6, it appears that he disapproves of them, threatening them with death and turning them into pigs and monkeys (Sura 5:60; 2:65; 98:6 etc). Sura 3:55 teaches those who follow Jesus [Christians] are above those who disbelieve till the Last Day and 2:62 teaches that Christians will not grieve on the Day of Judgment—but in 98:6 Allah reveals that Christians are the worst of all creatures and abide in hell. In Sura 4:48, 116 teaches that Allah can forgive every sin except ascribing a partner to him; but in 6:76-78 Abraham ascribed a star, the moon, and the sun to Allah, but Allah still forgave him. Moreover, in 4:153, the Israelites worshiped the calf and Allah forgave them.
Contradictions in the Qur’an
The Qur’an claims that none can change the Word of God. (Sura 6:115-116; 10:65; 18:27-28; 48:23). However, as seen earlier, the Qurán teaches that the Jews corrupted the words of the Scriptures (Sura 2:41/42; 3:71, 3:78, 4:46) and even Allah needed to change his words (Sura 2:106; 16:101) Sura 22:52 admits that Satan sometimes influences the content of the revelation, but Allah abolishes it.
Notes:
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
overheard a conversation between ants. This is scientifically impossible as ants use smell, not sound, to communicate and the context of the story indicates that this is not a miracle of Allah!
Islam teaches that the Qur’an is perfect in every respect. Muslims believe that Muhammad was illiterate (Sura 7:157) and that it was therefore not possible humanly speaking for him to produce such a work. Moreover, Allah teaches that it contains no contradiction, and that these facts prove that the Qur’an is of divine origin (Sura 4:82).
Historical Contradictions Sura 20:85-87, 95-97 reveals that a Samaritan molded the calf that the Israelites worshiped in Moses’ time. This is an historical impossibility as Samaritans wouldn’t exist for another 500-700 years. Sura 28:38 states that Haman was a chief minister of Pharaoh in Egypt. Historically, Haman was the minister of a Persian King, Ahasuerus, called King Xerxes I by the Greeks. He lived about a thousand years after the time of Moses, but the Qur’an says this Persian minister, Haman, lived in Egypt at the time of Moses. Sura 66:12 reveals that Mary [the Biblical Miriam and sister of Aaron and Moses] is the same as the virgin Mary [the mother of Jesus]. Some Muslim scholars try to explain that Mary was only a sister/ daughter in a figurative sense because Aaron and Mary were both saints. To the ill-informed, it sounds plausible, but in fact this is not the case at all. Sura 3:32-35 relates that Imran’s [the father of Aaron] family was one of the preferred above all creation. Imran’s wife fell pregnant and gave birth to Mary, who became mother of Jesus. More than 1500 years separated Mary the mother of Jesus, and Miriam [Aaron and Moses’ sister].
This tract aims to provide a small selection of verses (due to the limited space) to challenge the assumption that the Qur’an is perfect. Special note: Within Islam, there is a doctrine called Abrogation (substituting one teaching for another); but even abrogated verses are, in our view, still examples of contradictions. For more information on Abrogation in Islam and its contrast with the Old and New Testaments please refer to our tract Authenticity of the Bible. Since Muslims the world over consider the Qur’an their book from Allah we need to check out its claims. The numerous contradictions it contains can be categorized into six (6) groups: 1. Scientific Contradictions 2. Historical Contradictions 3. Geographical Contradictions 4. Theological / Ethical Contradictions 5. Contradictions with the Biblical statement 6. Internal Contradictions Scientific Contradictions Sura 27:18-19 records that King Solomon
Sura 51:49 reveals that everything was made in pairs. Whilst there are many things that are made in pairs, there are many that have no counterpart, and there are species where there is only one gender such as starfish and sea anemones. Sura 18:85-86 reveals that the Sun sets in a muddy pool.
Geographical Contradictions Sura 36:37/38 reveals that the sun goes to a place of rest at night. Baidawi said that the phrase, ‘the sun runs to a fixed resting place’, means to a certain limit at which its daily cycle comes to an end. Sura 18:86 Till, when he reached the setting-place of the
sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring, and found a people thereabout. Even school children know that it is the earth that moves, not the sun. Sura 2:187 commands Muslims to fast between sunrise and sunset. How is this possible near the North and South Poles when the sun doesn’t go below the horizon for months at a time? Theological/Ethical Contradictions Sura 5:116; 4:171 and 5:73 reveal that Christians allegedly believe that there are three gods: God, Mary and Jesus. Consequently, Muhammad repeated over and over that God is one. However, no Christian believes that there are three Gods. In fact, they expressly deny it, while affirming their belief in the Trinity. Sura 6:12 reveals that people are to be blamed for belief and disbelief but, in Sura 10:100, Allah is responsible. In Sura 31:15, a Muslim is permitted to keep some sort of kindly relation with non-Muslim parents. However, in Sura 9:23, a Muslim is not allowed to befriend unbelieving parents. Sura 4:78 reveals that both good and evil come from Allah; but in Sura 4:79 only good comes from Allah. Adultery is forbidden in Sura 25:68 and 60:12. But in Sura 24:33, Allah allows non-forced prostitution and concubines in Sura 70:29-32. There is no compulsion in Islam according to Sura 2:256; but in Sura 9:5, 8:39, 65, and 67, Allah commands Muslims to fight against unbelievers until they either convert or die. Murder is forbidden in Sura 5:30 etc, but murder for the sake of Allah is permitted against unbelievers, e.g. Sura 9:5; 8:39, 65, 67; 2:191, 217 Contradictions with the Bible Because Muslims believe that the Christian Bible is corrupt, they have no problem with the Qur’an contradicting the Bible - but this denies that Allah is capable of protecting his word.
In Sura 3:50, Jesus says that he came to confirm the Torah for His followers. The Christians have the Torah in their Bibles and read it and apply the principles to their lives. Do you read the Torah? Do you obey Jesus? Can you obey Jesus without knowing His teachings? If the commandment to worship only one God was found in the Scriptures from Moses’ time (Deuteronomy 6:4), what was the new teaching that Jesus brought? Where can you find the teachings of Jesus? Allah promises Paradise to Jesus’ Followers Sura 3:55, “(And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering you and causing you to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing you of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow you above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me you will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein you used to differ.” This aya (or verse) teaches two things: 1. Jesus is in heaven (also Sura 19:31, 33). 2. Everyone who follows Jesus will be first in God’s mind. While Muslims can be sure that Jesus is in Heaven, they cannot be certain that anyone else will surely go to Paradise because even Muhammad didn’t know what Allah would do with him: Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 266, “...He [Muhammad] said, "As to him, by Allah, death has overtaken him [Uthman bin Maz'un], and I hope the best for him. By Allah, though I am the Apostle of Allah, yet I do not know what Allah will do to me," By Allah, I will never assert the piety of anyone after him….” The Followers of Jesus In pledging support for Jesus, the disciples of Jesus said: Sura 3:53, “Our Lord! We believe in that which Thou hast revealed and we follow him [Jesus] whom Thou hast sent. Enroll us among those who witness
(to the truth).” Conclusion Muslims pray many times a day. They repeat and pray Sura 1, al-Fatihah [The Opening], where they seek guidance for the straight path (see cover). Jesus teaches in His Injil [Gospels] that He is the straight path.
Jesus in the Qur’an
John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."” The only person whom we know to be in Heaven is Jesus; not even Muhammad was sure where he would go. If Jesus is the path or the way, and you follow Him, where will you finish? Sura 43:61-62, “And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me [Allah]: this is a Straight Way. Let not the Evil One hinder you: for he is to you an enemy avowed. When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: "Now have I come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which ye dispute: therefore fear Allah and obey me."” The content here will probably have raised some questions in your mind. Muslims are commanded to read and believe the Scriptures that God gave Christians and Jews. If you think they have been corrupted, doesn’t God say that His word cannot be changed? (Sura 6:115; 10:64/5; 18:27; 48:23). If you’d like more information regarding the authenticity of the Bible, please contact us at the bottom of the page. Perhaps you need to find a copy of the Torah and Injil [Gospels] and read them for yourself. To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah, and their prophet has said on this topic.
Jesus in the Qur’an Jesus has impacted history uniquely. Jesus [‘Isa or ‘Iesa] is claimed to be the promised Messiah by both Christians (John 1:41, 4:25-30, Acts 3:20, Ephesians 2:12,13) and Muslims (Sura 3:45, 4:171172). It is important to understand who Jesus was and who He claimed to be when He took on the role of Messiah. Messiah means ‘anointed one’ in Hebrew and Aramaic Even today, Jews still wait for the Messiah, but Christians and Muslims know who the Messiah is: Jesus, son of the virgin Mary. The Messiah was unique among all the prophets of God, only He is considered anointed by God - no other prophet had this type of Divine anointing. In fact, John the Baptist declared that he wasn’t worthy to untie the Messiah’s sandals (John 1:27). Let’s look at what the Qur’an says about the qualities of this Messiah. Jesus was Born of a Virgin Jesus was born of a virgin. He had no earthly father. Sura 21:91: ‘And (remember) her [Mary] who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for all peoples.’ (see Sura 3:45, 47; 4:171 and Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14) Jesus was Sinless Sura 3:46, ‘He [Jesus] will speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the righteous.’ Sura 3:46 says that Jesus was righteous from
childhood to manhood. In other words, He never sinned. The Bible says Jesus challenged His enemies to prove that He had committed even one sin:
O Mary! Lo! Allah gives you glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).’
John 8:46, “Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?” (see Isaiah 53:9; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22; and Revelation 19:11)
Note this carefully - the Qur’an reveals that Jesus is illustrious in this world and the Hereafter. He has been highly exalted by Allah!
Many Muslims believe that God’s prophets were all without sin, but reading the Qur’an carefully reveals that this is not the case. Prophets confessed their sins and were asked to repent of them—prophets such as: • Adam (Sura 2:33-37; 7:23, 189-190; 20:119-121 • Noah (Sura 11:46-48) • Abraham (Sura 2:260; 6:75-79; 21:57-65; 26:69-
82) • Moses (26:18-21; 28:15-16) • Aaron (Sura 7:150-151; 20:92-94) • Muhammad (Sura 4:105-106; 40:55; 47:19; 48:1-
2; Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 319 and 407) The Qur’an, however, does record that Jesus was sinless. Sura 19:19, “(The angel) said: ‘I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.’” (see Sura 3:36; Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 506, 641, 651-652) The word “righteous” comes from the word meaning to purify. What purpose did God have in keeping Jesus sinless? What did Jesus need to purify? In answer to these questions, we read in the Gospels that Jesus came to save people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-21). Jesus Performed Many Miracles Sura 5:110 records that Jesus healed lepers and blind people and even raised the dead. Jesus is a Sign of God for ALL Mankind See Sura 21:91; 19:21 and 43:61. Jesus is Illustrious in this World and the Hereafter Sura 3:45, ‘(And remember) when the angels said:
Jesus is the World of God and the Spirit of God Look again at Sura 3:45. Note this time that Jesus (‘Iesa) is a word from/of God [kalam-at-ullah]. If someone is the Word of God, what does this mean?! Sura 66:12, ‘And Mary, daughter of 'Imran, whose body was chaste, therefore We breathed therein something of Our Spirit [Ruhullah]. And she put faith in the words of her Lord and His scriptures, and was of the obedient.’ (see Sura 21:91 and 4:171 and Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 644) What does it mean to have something of the Spirit of God? Is anyone else called the Word of God or the Spirit of God? These two unique titles are given to Jesus only and no one else. Jesus taught what Muhammad was commanded to believe the Torah and Gospels. Sura 2:285 and 4:136 commands Muhammad and all Muslims to believe in the Scriptures (plural) that God had sent to the prophets before Muhammad. How can you believe in them without reading or knowing what is in them? Sura 5:43-47 commands Muslims to judge the Christians and Jews by the Gospel [Injil] and the Torah. How can Muslims evaluate Christians if they haven’t read these books? Sura 3:50, “And I [Jesus] have come confirming that which was before me of the Taurât (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allâh and obey me.” (see Sura 2:41; 2:97; 3:3; 6:92; 43:61-63; 46:12)
The O.T Prophecies about Jesus
The Prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament
• Smitten and spat upon, Isaiah 50:6
• Matthew 26:67; Mark 14:65, 15:19; John 19:1-3
• Crucified with sinners, Psalm 22:13-16; Isaiah 53:112
• Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27-28; Luke 23:33; John 19:18
• His hands and feet pierced, Psalm 22:16; also see Zechariah 12:10
• John 19:37; also see Luke 23:33
• His severe thirst but given vinegar to drink, Psalm 69:3, 21
• Matthew 27:48, 34
• Casting lots for His garment, Psalm 22:18
• John 19:23-24
• His job/mission was completed, Psalm 22:31
• John 19:30
• He shall be cut off, but His death is not for Himself, Daniel 9:26
• John 18:14; Matthew 27:50; II Corinthians 5:21
• He poured out His soul unto death, Isaiah 53:12
• John 10:15-18
• His side pierced, Zechariah 12:10
• John 19:34, 37; 20:25-27
• None of His bones will be broken, Psalm 34:20
• John 19:31, 36
• Buried with rich, Isaiah 53:9
• Matthew 27:57-60
• His resurrection is predicted, Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:2632
• John 20:17
• His ascension is foretold, Psalm 68:1, 18
• Luke 24:51; Ephesians 4:4,12
• His millennium kingdom, Isaiah 11:1-9
• Revelation 20:1-10; John 10:16;
Jesus Will Return as a Judge of All There are many yet unfulfilled prophecies about Jesus. Jesus has promised to return and receive His followers, but He is also returning as the judge (John 5:22-23). Where are you today? There is only one name given to men, by which you can be saved (Acts 4:12).
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I admit that my good works can’t take away my sins and I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Cleanse me from my sins with your precious blood, and help me to walk according to your will. Thank you for providing a way for me to draw near to You. Amen.
Jesus came to save sinners like you and me. God has promised that all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21). In fact, the name ‘Jesus’ means ‘God’s salvation.’ (Matthew 1:21).
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles
We can’t stress enough the importance of understanding that the Bible, the Torah and Gospels, that they are authentic and have not been corrupted as some Muslims claim. For further information, see our tract on the Authenticity of the Bible.
To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
The Messiah in the Prophecies
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
The O.T Prophecies about Jesus
The Prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament
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He is descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah, Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 21:12; 26:4; 28:14; 49:8, 10.
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Matthew 1:1-3; Luke 3:33-34; Acts 3:25; Roman 9:7; Galatians 3:16.
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His virgin birth, Isaiah 7:14
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Matthew 1:23
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His birth in Bethlehem, Micah 5:2
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Matthew 2:1-6
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He came to do the will of the Father, Psalm 40:6-8
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Hebrews 10:7; John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38, 40; 8:29; 12:49-50; 14:31; 15:10.
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He will do miracles, Isaiah 35:5-6
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Matthew 11:4-6; John 7:31; 15:24
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Shall open the eyes of the blind Isaiah 42:7
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Matthew 11:5
In the quest to know how we ought to live, we need to look carefully to see where God directs our attention.
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He stills the storm Psalm 65:7; 107:24-30
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Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:35-41
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Christ the light that shines in the darkness, Psalm 112:4
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Luke 1:79
The Scriptures record many hundreds of prophecies that point to Jesus [Isa]. Since the Qur’an records that Jesus told people to “fear Allah and obey Me” [Jesus] (Sura 43:63), and that in Sura 7:158, Muslims are told to believe in Jesus and His Scriptures [Torah and Gospels], it is important for Muslims to know what the prophets in the Torah said about Jesus. It is also important because Muhammad looked up to Jesus (the sinless one; Sura 19:19 and Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 651-652).
• •
His ministries in Galilee Isaiah 9:1 The people who walk in darkness have seen great light Isaiah 9:2
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Matthew 4:12-17 Luke 1:79
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He shall speak in parables, Psalm 78:1-2
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Matthew 13:3, 34-35; Mark 3:23; 4:2
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He heals and forgives sins Psalm 103:3-4
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Matthew 9:2-6; Mark 2:6-10; Luke 5:19-25; Eph 1:7
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Even the suckling will give praise unto Him, Psalm 8:2
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Matthew 21:16
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He is the good Shepherd, Isaiah 40:11
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John 10:11
So, What about Jesus in the Prophecies? It was difficult for many Jews to accept Jesus as their promised Messiah. Some claimed he was Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets (Matt 16:14). Some tried to make Him king. Others said he was performing miracles with the help of Satan or that he was John the Baptist who has risen from dead. Some, however, acknowledged Jesus as whom he claimed to be - the promised Messiah.
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Christ the Corner Stone, Isaiah 28:16
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Matthew 21:42; I Pet 2:6-8
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Christ was rejected as the corner stone, Psalm 118:22 They substitute His love with hate, Psalm 109:4-5
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Matthew 21:42-43; Luke 20:17-19; I Peter 2:6-7; Roman 9:33; Acts 4:11 John 1:11
Those who were earnestly seeking after God in the Jewish Torah recognized that the Messiah had two major, yet seemingly contradictory, roles. The first and foremost is the ‘Suffering Messiah’ and the other is the ‘Ruling Kingly Messiah’. The way to the crown is through the cross. The Messiah being the Word of God is of infinite magnitude, but He has to suffer for our salvation as was predicted by the Prophets over centuries before His birth.
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The Gentiles (non-Jews) will seek Him, Isaiah 11:10
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John 12:18-21
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The Gentiles will believe on Him, Psalm 22:27; Isaiah 65:1
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Matthew 28:19; Philippians 2:10-11; Rom 10:20
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A light to the Gentiles, Isaiah 49:6
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Luke 2:32; Acts 26:17-18
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The suffering of Christ on the cross Isaiah 52:13-14
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Matthew 27:28-54; Philippians 2:6-11
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Forsaken by His Disciples, Zechariah 13:7;
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Matthew 26:31,56; Mark 14:50
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False witnesses accuse Him, Psalm 27:12, 35:11
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Matthew 26:62-63; 27:12-14
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Betrayed by a friend, Psalm 41:9
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Mark 14:10-11, 17-21, 43-46
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Sold for 30 pieces of silver, Zechariah 11:12-13
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Matthew 26:15; 27:3
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Money thrown on the Temple floor, Zechariah 11:13
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Matthew 27:5
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Money to be returned for a potter’s field Zechariah 11:13
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Matthew 27:3-10
The O.T Prophecies about Messiah, the King
The Prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament
• Kiss the Son the kiss of acceptance; Psalm 2:12
• John 1:12; 3:36; Revelation 6:16-17
• Elijah the prophet will be sent before the Lord; Malachi 4:5
• Luke 1:17; Matthew 11:14; 17:10-13
• The glorified King (the chief shepherd); Psalm 24:7
• I Peter 5:4
• Christ will sit on the throne of David; Hosea 3:4-5
• Romans 11:25-26
• The millennium kingdom; Isaiah 11:1-9; Ezekiel 37:24
• John 10:16; Matthew 9:36
• His Kingdom shall be forever; Psalm 89:3-4,29,37
• Luke 1:32-33
• Christ the Lawgiver, King and Judge of all the earth; Genesis 18:25; Isaiah 33:32
• John 5:22-23
• All those who go down to dust shall bow before Him; Psalm 22:29
• Philippians 2:10
• Christ the Son and Lord of David; Psalm 110:1
• Matthew 22:21-45; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:34-35
• All power is given to Him; the Lord’s power; Psalm 2:8; Psalm 78:65
• Matthew 28:18; Mark 4:38-41
• Different titles of Christ; The I Am; Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 47:4; 48:12
• John 6:35; 8:12,28,58; 10:9,12; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1; Colossians 1:14
• Christ is the First and the Last; the Intercessor; Isaiah 44:6; 59:16
• Hebrews 7:25; Revelation 1:17
• Shall be called the Lord Our Righteousness; Jeremiah 23:6
• I Corinthians 1:30
• Christ the Lord of host; the Sun of Righteousness; the Prince of Peace; Isaiah 9:6; Amos 9:6; Malachi 4:2
• Matthew 11:29-31; Lk 1:78-79; John 16:33; I Peter 2:6
• He is God (Make straight in the desert a highway for our God); Isaiah 40:3
• Matthew 3:3; John 20:28
It is very clear that the Glorified Messiah is the same as the Suffering Messiah who, according to Isaiah 52:12, says: He Himself bore the sin of many (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:28), and interceded for the transgressors (Hebrews 7:25; Ephesians 1:7). Hebrews 4:15 adds, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” This is great news for those who accept the Messiah as their Lord and Saviour! Furthermore, He has promised to return and receive His followers, but He is also returning as the judge (John 5:22-23). Remember! God has only given one name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus came to save sinners such as you and me.
Glorified Messiah in Prophecies
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7
Now you have an opportunity to find out more for yourself.
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English.
Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. The Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
The O.T Prophecies about the Glorified Messiah
The Prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament
• The Messiah is from eternity; Isaiah 9:6
• John 1:1
• His glory and incarnation shall be seen; Psalm 102:19, 21; Isaiah 35:4; 40:5, 9
• Matthew 1:21; John 1:1,14
• The Prophet Isaiah saw His glory; Isaiah 6:5
• John 12:40-41
• The Messiah will purify His people; Ezekiel 36:25; Isaiah 52:15
• Acts 2:38-39; 22:16; Titus 3:5-6; Hebrews 9:13-14
• Seed of a woman, and born of a virgin Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14;
• Matthew 1:22-23
It is important that we diligently seek after the Truth of His revealed Word and we know that, if we do, God will guide us. The Scriptures, in fact, record many hundreds of prophecies that point to Jesus [Isa]. Since the Qur’an records that Jesus told people to “fear Allah and obey Me” (Sura 43:63), and that in Sura 7:158 Muslims are told to believe in Jesus and His Scriptures [Torah and Gospels], it is important for Muslims to know what the prophets in the Torah say about Jesus.
• Descendent of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and David; Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:3; 17:19; 18:18; 21:12; 26:4; 28:14; 49:8,10; Psalm 132:11
• Matthew 1:1-3; Luke 3:23-34; Acts 3:25; Romans 9:7; Galatians 3:16; 4:4
• The desire of all nations shall come to His temple; Haggai 2:7
• Luke 2:22
• The salvation which the people were waiting for; Genesis 49:10
• Luke 2:26,30; I Peter 1:10
• A Prophet like unto Moses; His word must be hearkened to; Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19
• John 5:45-47; John 12:48-50
• Kings will come and pay Him homage and bring gifts; Psalm 72:10
• Matthew 2:10-11
(However, many believe that the Gospel [Injil] has been corrupted—but to find out how we can know that the Scriptures have not been corrupted, see our tract on the Authenticity of the Bible.)
• The Anointed One, anointed by the Holy Spirit; Psalm 2:2, 6; Psalm 45:5; Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 60:1-2
• Matthew 1:21; 2:2; Luke 4:18; Acts 2:36; 4:27; Hebrews 1:9; Revelation 14:1
• Birth of The Messiah in Bethlehem; Micah 5:2
• Matthew 2:1-6
So, who is the Glorified Jesus? It was difficult for many Jews to accept Jesus as their Messiah (Greek ‘Christ’). Some of them thought that He was a great teacher, a prophet, or miracle worker while others said he was performing miracles with the help of Satan. Still others - such as King Herod - said that Jesus was John the Baptist who had risen from the dead. While some tried to make Him their earthly king, others acknowledged Him for who He really was, the promised Messiah. Those who were earnestly seeking after God and seriously searching the Old Testament, recognized that the Messiah had two major roles. These might at first appear to contradict each other. The first and foremost is that of the ‘Suffering Messiah’ and the other is of the ‘Ruling Kingly Messiah’. Most Jewish teachers of the Law were seeking the Kingly Messiah and so overlooked His role as the suffering servant who would save. The way to the crown is through the cross! Now, the idea of the messiah being the Word of God is of infinite magnitude, but He first had to suffer for our salvation - as predicted by the Prophets over centuries before His birth. The following references are not an exhaustive list:
• Christ will do marvellous work among His people; He will do miracles; Christ stills the storm; Psalm 65:7; 107:24-30; Isaiah 29:14; 35:5-6
• Matthew 8:26; 11:4-6; Mark 4:35-41; I Corinthians 1:18-25
• Christ will purify His people and bring a new covenant; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Ezekiel 36:25
• Acts 2:38-39; Hebrews 8:6-13
• Christ is the salvation which the people were waiting for; Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 46:12-13
• Luke 2:26,30; Romans 10:8; I Peter 1:10
• Christ is the redeemer and mighty to save; Psalm 130:7-8
• John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7
• A priest forever after the order of Melchizedek; Psalm 110:4
• Hebrews 6:20
• He is the Lord who redeems; Psalm 103:4; Isaiah 25:9; 43:11; Isaiah 45:21; Hosea 1:7; Hosea 13:4; Zechariah 9:16
• Acts 4:12; Rom 11:26; I Peter 1:18-19
• Salvation is given by calling on the name of the Lord; Joel 2:32
• Acts 2:21
• He will justify many and bear their iniquities; sins are forgiven for His sake; Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 53:11
• Romans 5:18-19; Acts13:38-41; I Peter 2:24; I John 2:12
• The Redeemer despised; His humiliation and exaltation; Psalm 8:5-6; Isaiah 49:7
• John 8:48; Hebrews 2:9
• The resurrection of Christ is seen; Psalm 118:15,17; Hosea 13:14
• Luke 24:5-7; I Corinthians 15:54-55; Ephesians 1:7
• The Messiah will open eyes of the blind; Isaiah 42:7
• Matthew 11:5
The Messiah –The Son of God There are many people who consider only some aspects of Jesus’ life and neglect others, and thereby conclude that this Man cannot also be God. For this reason we ask you to consider the following table carefully. The Messiah as Son of God
The Messiah as Man
Eternal Father or Father of eternity Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; John 1:1-2).
was born as a baby Matthew 1:21-2:11; Luke 2:1-15
He is always the same - Hebrews 13:8
grew physically and spiritually - Luke 2:52
He was able to feed 5,000 men plus women and children with five loaves and two fish - Matthew 14:15-21
was hungry - Matthew 4:2
He gives living water - John 4:14
was thirsty - John 19:28
He was able to still the storm -Luke 8:22-25
was tired and was sleeping during a sea storm - Mark 4:36-41
He raised the dead after four days by wept at the death of a friend commanding the dead to come out of - John 11:35 the grave - John 11:43-44 He answers prayers - John 14:13-14
prayed - Luke 22:41
am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” Isaiah 53 tells us that the Messiah will redeem mankind by His own Holy blood! So the God who claims to be the only Saviour saves His people by the atoning sacrifice of His Son, because there was no other means of paying the price of rebelling against the Almighty God, who is absolutely Holy and absolutely Just. This Holy and Just God always takes sin very seriously and also knows that no sinner can save him/herself. For that reason, He sent Jesus the Messiah, the Holy Word of God Himself of infinite value, to save mankind. Jesus came to save sinners such as you and me. God has promised that all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9). To receive this salvation, you must confess Jesus as Lord and agree with God that you are a sinner who deserves death; and that Jesus the Messiah paid the price for your sins on the cross and bought you with His holy precious blood. Now you have a further opportunity to find out more, as God has given you the means and the ability to search for the truth.
He gives rest to all who come to Him was exhausted - John 4:6 - Matthew 11:28-29 He forgave sins - Matthew 9:2; Mark offered Himself as the sacri2:5; Luke 5:20, 23-24 fice for sins - Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 7:27; 9:14 He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords - Revelations 19:6
was a Servant - Philippians 2:7-8
The Saviour/Redeemer Messiah Sin causes separation between God and Man; sin is the cause of all evil, of all suffering and of all problems in this world. The first step toward solving these problems is restoration of a right relationship with God. The Bible teaches that people who have not repented of their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour are God’s enemies and spiritually dead. Without realizing this, all religions try to bridge the gap between man and God. One of the very major differences between the God of the Bible and other gods is His claims to be the only Saviour of humankind. Isaiah 43:11 says, “I, even I,
Notes:
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages
The Messiah - His Deity
Sura ‘Al-Fatihah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words
Mizan ul Haqq
of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
Email:
[email protected]
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
Since the Qur’an records that Jesus told people to fear Allah and obey him [i.e. Jesus] (Sura 43:63), and that in Sura 7:158 Muslims are told to believe in Jesus and His Scriptures [Torah and Gospels], it is important for Muslims to know this unique person. Allah teaches that Jesus not only performed miracles but, being the word of God, raised the dead and created birds (Sura 5:110; 4:171; 3:45, 49). Furthermore, Muhammad looked up to Him as the sinless one—Sura 19:19; 3:36; Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 651-652. So, Who is Jesus? In our other tracts concerning the Messiah we have listed well over a hundred prophecies from the prophets of the Old Testament and have shown how those were fulfilled in the New Testament, thus giving affirmation that Jesus is the long-promised Messiah. It is not easy to comprehend the complex nature of the concept of Messiah—complex things are difficult to understand! So, for a better comprehension of the person of Jesus the Messiah, let us consider the following: Messiah the Word of God Jesus is revealed as the “Word of God”, and everything was created by that Word (John 1:1-3, 14). It is obvious that the Word of any person is uniquely related to that person. In daily life we express ourselves by our words in joy, sorrow or hurt, and by our approval or disapproval of things. Our words show our true self which people cannot know by any other means. Similarly, God expresses Himself by His Word. He created and sustains the
whole universe by His Word (Hebrews 1:1-3). To believe that there was any time when God was without His Word suggests that God was dumb! God does everything by His Word and the Bible teaches that the Word of God is eternal and has always existed with God. In this way, Jesus the Messiah is Eternal (Isaiah 9:6) and through Him all things were created (Colossians 1:15-17). Pre-existence of the Messiah Jesus the Messiah, the eternal Word of God, not only existed before He was born as a human but also appeared to many people in Old Testament (O.T.) times. Jesus Himself speaks of His glory with the Father before the creation of the world (John 17:5), and He told the Jews that “before Abraham was, I am” and that Abraham was glad to see Him, (John 8:52-59; see Genesis 18:1-33). The Apostle John also records that the Prophet Isaiah saw His glory and wrote about Him (John 12:41; Isaiah 6:1-13). These are what are known as theophanies (God manifesting Himself) or epiphanies (the glory of God manifested) and there are numerous accounts of these manifestations to people, such as: 1. Genesis 2:18-22; 3:8, 9, 21 - to Adam and Eve. 2. Genesis 32:28, 30 - Jacob wrestled with the Lord! 3. Exodus 3:2-6 - The Angel of the LORD appeared to Moses and said: “I am the God of your father – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” 4. Joshua 5:14 - Joshua worshiped the Captain of the host of the Lord; 5. Isaiah 6:5; John 12:41 - Isaiah saw Him 6. Ezekiel 1:25-28 - Ezekiel worshiped the Son of Man 7. Daniel 3:24-5 - King Nebuchadnezzar saw the Fourth man like the Son of God.
If, as we have seen above, Jesus was indeed known to Abraham and Isaiah, it is reasonable to assume that these theophanies were visitations of the Messiah who was Deity. Attributes of the Messiah We learn from the Scriptures that all God the Father has belongs to the Messiah as well, and that He therefore deserves the same honour as the Father (John 5:23;16:15). There are many characteristics
and attributes of the Messiah which can be associated with God alone—characteristics such as: The Creator of heaven, the earth and human beings GOD - Psalm 102:24-27; Malachi 2:10; Proverbs 16:4 JESUS - John 1:1-2; Hebrews 1:10-12; Colossians 1:16
The Mighty God GOD - Habakkuk 1:12-13; Isaiah 10:20-21 JESUS - Isaiah 9:6
The First and the Last GOD - Isaiah 44:6; 41:4; 48:12 JESUS - Revelation 1:7-8; 22:13-16
The Everlasting God GOD - Psalm 90:2; Habakkuk 1:12 JESUS - Micah 5:2
The Unchangeable God GOD - Malachi 3:6 JESUS - Hebrews 13:8
The Omnipresent – present everywhere GOD - Psalm 139:7; Jeremiah 23:24 JESUS - Matthew 18:20; 28:20; John 3:13; Ephesians 4:10
The Omniscient – the all seeing GOD - Psalm 147:5; Proverbs 15:3 JESUS - John 21:17; 16:30; Colossians 2:3)
The Omnipotent – the all powerful GOD - Genesis 17:1; Jeremiah 32:17; Matthew 19:26; JESUS - Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 1:8)
Worship of the Messiah In Jewish religion, the True God and none else can be worshipped. However, a study of the New Testament (N.T.) reveals that many devout Jews who realised that Jesus was the Messiah worshiped Him - as did many gentiles (non-Jews). The Scriptures also declare that at the end of the ages every human being will worship Him. We need also to note that Jesus never ever forbade anyone from worshiping Him. Following is a list of some of the incidents in the Scriptures where Jesus is worshiped as God: Wise men - Matthew 2:1-2, 11; A leper - Matthew 8:1-2 A ruler - Matthew 9:18ff ; Disciples - Matthew 14:30f A Canaanite woman - Matthew 15:22-25 A man with an unclean spirit - Mark 5:1-6 After resurrection, the disciples - Luke 24:50-52
thing of eating forbidden fruit had such serious consequences. What will you give in exchange for your soul? Any offense is too great for you to pay because it is committed against the Lord God Almighty, the One who dwells in unapproachable light and in whom there is no sin and cannot look upon sin. (Habakkuk 1:13). What can you do to receive forgiveness? Nothing!! Everything you have has been given to you by God, including your own body and soul. He already owns them and you have defiled them with sin. The Prophet Isaiah said that all our good works are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Someone might be prepared to die in your place, but being created from dust, they have limited value too. The depth of your sin, which is against the infinite God, requires something of immeasurable value. A few pieces of gold or dollars will never appease God for what you have done. There is only one thing that the Qur’an and Bible say that has infinite value, the Word of God. The Word of God, because it comes from God, is beyond value. Allah says that Jesus is the Word of God (Sura 3:45; 4:171). So Jesus has infinite value because everything seen and unseen is created by the Word of God. The Bible says that Jesus came to redeem you from the punishment due for your sin. (For more information about the authenticity of the Bible, see the publication, The Authenticity of the Bible). That’s why the prophet Job says, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” (Job 19:25). He also said that “I know that my body will not remain in hell, because the ransom has been paid.” (Job 33:24). Jesus knew that the offence against God was something you could never repay. But he knew that, being the Word of God, God would accept a willing sacrifice from him. Jesus suffered and died and bore the punishment you deserve.
This is an amazing victory! Jesus did not stay in the grave, but rose again, as foretold by the prophets (Psalm 49; 16:10; Acts 2:31; etc). No one has ever defeated death and hell. Satan thought he had victory over the Word of God, but Jesus rose to demonstrate his power over life and death. He now lives so that you may have life with God.
Sin, Judgement & Righteousnesss
You are now faced with a choice: you either repent of your sins and defiance against a just and holy God and ask Him to accept the sacrifice of the Word of God in your place OR you reject the sacrifice of Jesus and bear the consequences of your sin. But!?! Some people think that becoming a Christian is a cheap way out because it costs us nothing. This is not true at all; the sacrifice is very costly; the Word of God - Jesus Christ - died for our sin (Matthew 20:28; John 1:29; 11:25-26, 51) All true Christians will hate sin because they know what it cost for their sins to be forgiven. They have seen the great love that Jesus had for them and cannot help but strive against sin. The content here will probably have raised some questions in your mind. Muslims are commanded to read and believe the Scriptures that God gave Christians and Jews. If you think they have been corrupted, doesn’t God say that His word cannot be changed? (Sura 6:115; 10:64-65; 18:27; 48:23). If you’d like more information regarding the authenticity of the Bible, please contact us.
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages Mizan ul Haqq Email:
[email protected]
Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
Just what will happen on judgment day can be confusing. In some places, Muhammad said that he will intercede for all Muslims and get them into heaven; but he also tells his favourite daughter, his aunt and uncles that they must save themselves from Hell, because he can’t intercede for them on judgment day (Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 398402) and will not assert the piety of anyone (Bukhari Vol. 5 Hadith No. 266). How can someone ensure that they will enter paradise? Before we consider this question, we need to understand sin because we know that Allah is concerned about sin. If you break the leg of an ant, there is a wrong action against the ant, but the sin is small because the “person” to whom it is directed is small. But if you break the leg of the son of the President or Prime Minister, the sin is greater; you have sinned not just against the son, but you’ve also attacked the family of the President and the President’s honour; he will not be content with a basketful of dates, good works or money. According to the Qur’an, the only sin of Satan was that he refused to bow to Adam, and for that he was thrown out of heaven. Satan sinned against God by refusing to honour His creation. Adam’s only sin was to eat the fruit forbidden to him. For that sin, he was thrown out of the Garden and even after repentance, was not allowed back into Paradise— and not him, but any of his descendants or the
prophets, including Muhammad. This shows that the small sins have big consequences because sin is against God and that God hates sin. Like the President who demands justice for the sin against his son and against himself, God, who created everything, will demand justice for sins against other people but, because he made everyone, each sin is also a sin against God. Unlike the President, God is holy and has infinite value so your sin against God and the people he has made, is much more serious. That is why no sinner can pay a ransom for their sin, or another’s sin (Sura 17:15; 35:18). The prophet Joseph, when tempted by Pharaoh's wife, declared that he would not commit adultery and sin against God. The prophet David, King of Israel, committed sin and, although the sin was apparently against a human, David confessed his sin to God and said, “against you, and you only, have I sinned.” David knew that the depth of His sin was enormous. But it is even worse. ‘Isa [Jesus] says that if you even look at a woman with lust in your heart, you have already committed adultery (Matthew 5:28). You have sinned against God and the woman he created. God also says “Do not covet.” That means you should not even think about or desire things God doesn’t want you to have. But Muhammad said, “Allah fixed the very portion of adultery which a man will indulge in. There would be no escape from it. The adultery of the eye is the lustful look and the adultery of the ears is listening to voluptuous (song or talk) and the adultery of the tongue is licentious speech and the adultery of the hand is the lustful grip (embrace) and the adultery of the feet is to walk (to the place) where he intends to commit adultery and the heart yearns and desires which he may or may not put into effect.” (Muslim, Book 33, Hadith No. 6422. See also Hadith No. 6421). Muhammad prayed more than 70 times a day for the forgiveness of his own sin, (Sura 47:19; Bukhari Vol. 8 Hadith No. 319, 407), took part in many holy
battles and still could not be sure to enter paradise (Sura 46:9; Bukhari Vol. 5 Hadith No. 266). As he lay on his death bed, Muhammad pleaded with Allah to forgive his sin (Bukhari, vol. 5, Hadith No. 715). He also said that good works won’t get you to heaven. Jesus said: “I say to you that anyone who is angry with a brother will be subjected to judgment. And whoever insults a brother will be brought before the council, and whoever says 'Fool' will be sent to fiery hell.” (Matthew 5:22). The Bible also says that if you’re angry with your brother, you are the same as a murderer (see also 1 John 3:15). How many times do you need to kill to be a murderer? Sin is very serious and cannot be dismissed lightly. The Bible says in Revelation 21:8 that “...all liars will have their part in the lake of fire which burns with fire and brimstone.” How many times do you need to lie to become a liar? Your actions come from within demonstrate the state of your soul.
you
and
What will you give in exchange for your soul? The Qur’an records that even if the whole world were burnt as a sacrifice, it could not atone for the sin of anyone (Sura 39:47; 57:15). No good works can pay for your sin. (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 577; Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 470-474; Muslim, Book 39, Hadith No. 6769). Allah says in the Qur’an that no laden soul can help other sinners (Sura 6:164; 17:15; 35:18; 39:7). That means that no sinner can intercede or pay the ransom for another sinner. Some people think that their sin is very small. This is because they have not thought about who their sin is against. Your sin against an ant is small, your sin against the son of the President is greater; your sin against the President himself, is greater still. But because God is infinite and has infinite value, the sin against Him is infinite and every sin is against Him. You are a creation defying your creator whenever you sin. That’s why the simple
Christmas Quiz What does the name “Jesus” mean? The birth of Jesus was spectacular; angels appeared and there were signs in the heavens that God was doing something special for mankind. The Gospel (Injeel) records (Luke 1:31 and Matthew 1:21) that when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, the mother of Jesus, she was told that she should call the child “Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” The name ‘Jesus’ means “God saves”. We all know that it is our sin that will prevent us from seeing heaven. Even Muhammad prayed for the forgiveness of his own sin more than seventy times a day (Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol. 8 Hadith #319). Sura Muhammad (47:19): “So know (O Muhammad) that Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), and ask forgiveness for your sin [this is a big sin - lithanbika], and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women…. .” Because of his sin, Muhammad didn’t know if he would see Paradise: Sura Al-Ahqaf (46:9) “...nor do I know what will be done with me or with you….” Muhammad couldn’t save himself and can’t save even his favourite family: Sahih Muslim Vol. 1 Hadith #398 and 402: Abu Huraira reported: …O Fatimah (name of Muhammad’s most beloved daughter), rescue yourself from Fire, for I have no power (to protect you) from Allah in anything.” Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol. 5 Hadith #266 records: ...He [Muhammad] said, “By Allah, though I am the Apostle of Allah, yet I do not know what Allah will do to me," By Allah, I will never assert the piety of anyone after him.”
So, if you can’t save yourself and Muhammad can’t save you, who can? According to the prophets and the angel Gabriel, Jesus came to save his people from their sins. Jesus is more than a prophet, he is the Word of God and the Saviour!
Emmanuel – God with us A major prophet in the Old Testament (Isaiah 7:14) gave another name for the Messiah born of a virgin, Emanuel, which means ‘God with us.’ (see also Matthew 1:23) Many Muslims believe that Jesus never claimed to be God. But in the Injeel (John 10:30-33), Jesus said: “I and the Father are one.” 31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”
God’s Word doesn’t change Allah told Christians to follow the Injeel. Sura Al-Maeda (5:68) “Say (O Muhammad) "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! You have nothing (as regards guidance) till you act according to the Taurât (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel)…” Muhammad told Christians that they should judge his words by the Injeel: Sura Al-Maeda (5:47): “Let the people of the Injeel (Gospel) judge by what Allâh has revealed therein. And whosoever does not judge by what Allâh has revealed (then) such (people) are the Fâsiqûn (the rebellious i.e. disobedient (of a lesser degree) to Allâh.” (this is reaffirmed in verse 48). Allah says his word can’t be changed: Sura Al-Anaam (6:115): “And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” Sura Yunus (10:64): “For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present world (i.e. righteous dream seen by the person himself or shown to others), and in the Hereafter. No change can there be in the Words of Allâh, this is indeed the supreme success.” If Allah’s words can’t be changed, this means that the Injeel that the Christians read at the time of Muhammad is the same Injeel today.
Have you obeyed Allah by reading and believing the Injeel? If you have any questions, or would like to know more, please contact the person who gave you this pamphlet.
The O.T Prophecies about Messiah, the King
The Prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament
• The judgment of God upon Christ: Ps 89:38,40
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II Cor 5:21
• He was despised: Ps 89:41-42
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Mk 15:29
• He did not fight back: Ps 89:43-44
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Jn 18:10-11
• False witness against Him: Ps 109 2-4
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Mk 14:56-57
• They substitute His love hate: Ps 109:4-5
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Jn 1:11
• He was ridiculed: Ps 109:25
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Mt 27:39
• The resurrection of Christ is seen: Ps 118:15,17
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Lk 24:5-7
• Christ was rejected as the corner stone: Ps 118:22
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Mt 21:42-43; Lk 20:17-19; I Pet 2:7; Rom 9:33; Acts 4:11
• The plowers plowed upon His back: Ps 129:3
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Mt 27:26
• Christ the redeemer: Ps 130:7-8
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Eph 1:7
• Rejected by His people: Is 1:4
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Acts 7:51-52
• His virgin birth: Is 7:14
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Mt 1:23
• Anointed by the Holy Spirit: Is 11:2
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Lk 4:18
• Righteousness will be His girdle: Is 11:5
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Rev 1:13-16
• The Gentiles will seek Him: Is 11:10
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Jn 12:18-21
• Christ shall be as rivers of water in a dry place: Is 32:2
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Jn 7:37-38
• He will do miracles: Is 35:5-6
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Mt 11:4-6
• He is meek and humble: Is 42:1-4
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Mt 12:18-21
• Shall open the eyes of the blind: Is 42:7
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Mt 11:5
• He is the only Saviour: Is 43:11
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Acts 4:12
Throughout history, there have been many mighty people who had done great exploits, won many wars, invented many useful inventions or very destructive weapons of mass destruction. Some have done and some are still doing humanitarian charity works, fight against poverty, and hunger. The list of such works goes on and on, but one thing has never been achieved by any human beings is to defeat death. Jesus Christ is the only One who ever overcame death. He suffered to pay the substitutionary penalty for the sin of all mankind. Every one can have perfect assurance of salvation and peace with God by accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour by praying the following in your own words from your heart. Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, I admit that my good works can’t take away my sins and I accept you as my Lord and “Saviour. Cleanse me from my sins with your precious holy
Now you have an opportunity to find out for yourself, as God has given you the means and the ability to search for the truth. I am offering you a copy of the Holy Bible and “The Life of the Messiah” DVD absolutely FREE, just by contacting us at the address at the bottom of the page. To read the Holy Bible online visit: http://www.ibs.org/bibles To watch the Jesus Film online visit: http://www.jesusfilm.org/ languages
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The Suffering Messiah Prophesied
Sura ‘Al-Fatihiah’ (The Opening) 1:1-7 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we ask for help. Show us the straight path, The path of those whom You have favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Your anger nor of those who go astray.
Jesus said: “...and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Warning—This pamphlet contains words of the Qur’an in Arabic and English. Please use appropriately.
NOTE: Authoritative Islamic texts are the Qur’an and Hadith. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the revealed word of Allah (verse numbers differ slightly in different versions). Sura always stands for a chapter in the Qur’an. Islamic belief is that Muhammad is the perfect example to be followed by all Muslims. Whatever he said, practiced or approved is called Hadith. There are six different sets of authentic ahadith (Hadiths): Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Sunnan Ibn Majah and Sunnan Nasa’i. This pamphlet is intended to show the teachings and examples of Muhammad, and is not intended to be offensive to Muslims; many Muslims may have little real knowledge of what their god, Allah and their prophet has said on this topic.
The O.T Prophecies about the Glorified Messiah
The Prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament
• Christ from the seed of the woman: Gen 3:15
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Gal 4:4
• Christ the descendant of Abraham, Isaac,
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Mt 1:1-2; Acts 3:25; Rom 9:7; Gal 3:16; Lk 3:23-24;
• Christ the judge of all the earth: Gen 18:25
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Jn 5:22, 23
• Christ is the salvation which the people were waiting for: Gen 49:10
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Lk 2:26,30; I Pet 1:10
• His body will not see corruption (the resurrection of Christ is seen):
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Acts 2:31-34 Acts 13:32-38
In the quest to know how we ought to behave, we need to look and see where God directs our attention. Muhammad and by implication Muslims are commanded to judge Christians by the Gospel (Sura 5:47-48), but many believe that the Gospel [Injil] has been corrupted. To find out more about why the Scriptures have not been corrupted see our tract on the Authenticity of the Bible. The Scriptures record many hundreds of prophecies that point to Jesus [Isa]. Since the Qur’an records that Jesus told people to fear Allah and obey Me [Jesus] (Sura 43:63), and that in Sura 7:158, Muslims are told to believe in Jesus and His Scriptures [Torah and Gospels], it is important for Muslims to know what the prophets in the Torah said about Jesus. It is also important because Muhammad looked up to Jesus (the sinless one (Sura 19:19; 3:36)) (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 651-652). What about the Suffering Messiah? For various reasons, it was difficult for many Jews to accept Jesus as their promised Messiah. Once Jesus asked His disciples what did people say about Him. Matthew 16:14 “And they [disciples] replied, Some say that thou [Jesus] art John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” There are other opinions listed elsewhere, others said he was performing miracles with the help of Satan, others like king Herod said the Jesus is John the Baptist who has risen from dead. Some tried to make Him king, still other acknowledged Him who really He was, the promised Messiah. The question arises why all people did not acknowledge Him who really He was?
• The mocking of the crucified: Ps 22:7
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Mt 27:39
• His agony on the cross: Ps 22:14
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Mt 27:28-54
• His severe thirst: Ps 22:15
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Jn 19:28
• His pierced hands and feet, His severe agony: Ps 22:16-17
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Jn 19:34; Jn 20:27; Lk 23:33-35
• Casting lots for His garment: Ps 22:18
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Jn 19:23-24
• His agony from both Jews and Gentiles: Ps 22-20-21
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Heb 2:14
• His resurrection is predicted: Ps 22:22
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Jn 20:17
• The job was completed: Ps 22:31
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Jn 19:30
• He committed His spirit to the Father: Ps 31:5
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Lk 23:46
• None of His bones will be broken: Ps 34:20
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Jn 19:31-36
• False Witnesses were against Him: Ps 35:11-12
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Mt 26:59
• Hated without a cause: Ps 69:4
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Jn 15:25
• His friends stood afar off: Ps 38:11-12
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Lk 23:49
• He opened not His mouth: Ps 38:13-14
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Mk 15:4-5; I Pet 2:22-23
• He came to do the will of the Father: Ps 40:6-8
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Heb 10:7
• His friend has lifted his heel against Him: Ps 41:9
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Jn 13:18
Those who were earnestly seeking after God and seriously searching the Old Testament recognized that the Messiah had two major roles. These might appear to contradict each other. The first and foremost role is the ‘Suffering Messiah’ and the other is the Ruling Kingly Messiah’. The way to the crown is through the cross. The Messiah being the Word of God is of infinite magnitude, but He has to suffer for our salvation as was predicted by the Prophets over centuries before His birth. Let us look at some of the Prophecies concerning HIS sufferings. The references given in the following table are not exhaustive.
• Betrayed by His friend and not an enemy: Ps 55:12-14
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Jn 13:18
• Christ’s ascension is foretold: Ps 68:1
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Lk 24:51
• His severe thirst on the cross: Ps 69:3
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Mt 27:48
• Hated without a cause: Ps 69:4
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Jn 15:25
• Given vinegar in His thirst: Ps 69:21
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Mt 27:34
• The wrath of God was on Him: Ps 88:4-5,8
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1 John 2:2
Jacob and Judah: Gen 12:3; 18;18; 17:19; 21:12 ; 26:4; 28:14; 49:8,10
Ps 16:10