5. Prophets and Scriptures
Islam has 124,000 prophets who have supposedly been sent to mankind but no attempt has been made to give the names of all. There are 6 eminent:
1. Adam, the chosen of Allah;
2. Noah, the preacher of Allah;
3. Abraham, the friend of Allah;
4. Moses, the speaker of Allah;
5. Jesus the word of Allah;
6. Mohammed, the apostle of Allah. The attention is centered on Mohammed who is called Seal of the Prophets. Glory of the Ages, Peace of the World and 200 other titles and names. Tradition has glorified him so now he appears as one who existed before the world. It is said that he worked all kinds of miracles, was of ideal character and the sinless one (in spite of the fact that in the Koran he prays for the forgiveness of sins.)
Muslims also believe that all of these messengers were mortal, human beings endowed with divine revelations and appointed by God to deliver His message. Among these messengers, Muhammad stands the Last Messenger and the crowning glory of the foundation of prophethood.(Quran 2:133-136; 3:89; 4:161-165)
Surely We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh, and the prophets after him, and We revealed to Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq and Yaqoub and the tribes, and Isa and Ayub and Yunus and Haroun and Sulaiman and We gave to Dawood
[4.164] And (We sent) apostles We have mentioned to you before and apostles we have not mentioned to you; and to Musa, Allah addressed His Word, speaking (to him):[4.165] (We sent) apostles as the givers of good news and as warners, so that people should not have a plea against Allah after the (coming of) apostles; and Allah is Mighty, Wise.
[33.40] Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Apostle of Allah and the Last of the prophets; and Allah is cognizant of all things. In keeping with their teachings regarding God's prophets, Muslims accept the writings of all the messengers of God. The Quran makes special reference to the books of Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus (Quran 4:161).
They contend, however, that prior to the time of Muhammad most of these writings were lost or corrupted, thus causing God to send His angel Gabriel with the divine revelation to Muhammad.
The Quran, then is the only complete and authentic Word of God revealing to man, through God's messenger Muhammad, God's will and the right way for man's life. (Quran 2:75-79; 5:13-19, 45-49; 6:91-93; 41:42-45)
How is this similar to Mormonism?
How does this differ from Christianity's view of the Scriptures? Cf. the following verses:
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is
useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work.
2 Peter 1:20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of
Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For
prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke
from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
How much of Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit?
How efficient was it back in Paul's time?6. Man
Read Koran 23.
[23.12] And certainly We created man of an extract of clay, [23.13] Then We made him a small seed in a firm restingplace, [23.14] Then We made the seed a clot, thenWe made the clot a lump of flesh, then We made (in) the lump of flesh bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh, then We caused it to grow into another creation, so blessed be Allah, the best of the creators.
What was man made from?
[7.11] And certainly We created you, then We fashioned you,
then We said to the angels: Make obeisance to Adam. So they did
obeisance except Iblis; he was not of those who did obeisance.
[6:165] He is the One who made you inheritors of the earth, and
He raised some of you above others in rank, in order to test you
in accordance with what He has given you. Surely, your Lord is
efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is Forgiver, Most
Merciful.
[18:29] Proclaim: "This is the truth from your Lord,"
then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him
disbelieve. We have prepared for the transgressors a fire that
will completely surround them. When they scream for help, they
will be given a liquid like concentrated acid that scalds the
faces. What a miserable drink! What a miserable destiny!
How was man special?
Schmeling writes: Islam contends that every
person is born spiritually neutral. He has neither inherited sin
nor inherited value. It teaches an age of accountability from
which time man is responsible for his actions. Man has complete
freedom of the will: free to commit sin and free to do good. (Quran
82:6-8; 41:46; 45:15; 53:32-42}
Man is to submit to the will of God and fulfill the purpose for
which God placed him into the world. This special position in the
world leads the Muslim to place great faith in the potentiality
of good among human beings . This potential for good and the
faith in the mercy of God serves as the basis for their faith in
the salvation of the majority of mankind.
Compare this to Christianity's view:
Genesis 2: the LORD God formed the man from the dust
of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,
and the man became a living being.
Psalm 51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my
mother conceived me.
Ephesians 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions
and sins,
Romans 8:7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit
to God’s law, nor can it do so.
What similarities are there between Christianity’s and Islam’s view of man?
How do the two accounts of creation differ?
How might the Koran version sound appealing to people who claim to be Evolutionists and Creationists at the same time?
How does their view of man differ?
Why is it so hard for religions to swallow Psalm 51 and Ephesians 2 and Romans 8?
7. Final Judgment
The doctrines of the Final Judgment can be regarded as t second great doctrine of Islam, following the teaching about God. This is a very common theme throughout:
Read the Following Suras:
[20:109] On that day, intercession will be useless, except for
those permitted by the Most Gracious, and whose utterances
conform to His will.
[20:110] He knows their past and their future, while none
encompasses His knowledge.
[20:111] All faces will submit to the Living, the Eternal, and
those who are burdened by their transgressions will fail.
[20:112] As for those who worked righteousness, while believing,
they will have no fear of injustice or adversity.
According to these verses, what is the basis for God's judgment?
Are there any second chances?
[76:12] He rewards them for their steadfastness with Paradise,
and silk.
[76:13] They relax therein on luxurious furnishings. They suffer
neither the heat of the sun, nor any cold.
[76:14] The shade covers them therein, and the fruits are brought
within reach.
[76:15] They are served drinks in silver containers and cups that
are translucent.
[76:16] Translucent cups, though made of silver; they rightly
deserved all this.
[76:17] They enjoy drinks of delicious flavors.
[76:18] From a spring therein known as "Salsabeel."
[76:19] Serving them will be immortal servants. When you see
them, they will look like scattered pearls.
[76:20] Wherever you look, you will see bliss, and a wonderful
dominion.
[76:21] On them will be clothes of green velvet, satin, and
silver ornaments. Their Lord will provide them with pure drinks.
[76:22] This is the reward that awaits you, for your efforts have
been appreciated.
[78:31] The righteous have deserved a reward.
[78:32] Orchards and grapes.
[78:33] Magnificent spouses.
[78:34] Delicious drinks.
[78:35] They will never hear in it any nonsense or lies.
[78:36] A reward from your Lord; a generous recompense.
What will heaven be like?
Compare this to Revelation 7: I looked and there
before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from
every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the
throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes
and were holding palm branches in their hands. . . . they are
before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his
temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over
them. 16 Never again will they hunger; never again will they
thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their
shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God
will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Matthew 22:30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor
be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.
They also believe in a hell:
[78:21] Gehenna is inevitable.
[78:22] For the transgressors; it will be their abode.
[78:23] They stay in it for ages.
[78:24] They never taste in it coolness, nor a drink.
[78:25] Only an inferno, and bitter food.
[78:26] A just requital.
[78:27] They never expected to be held accountable.
[78:28] And utterly rejected our signs.
[78:29] We counted everything in a record.
[78:30] Suffer the consequences; we will only increase your
retribution.
What are some differences? Similarities?
[3:102] O you who believe, you shall observe GOD as He should
be observed, and do not die except as Submitters.
[3:103] You shall hold fast to the rope of GOD, all of you, and
do not be divided. Recall GOD's blessings upon you - you used to
be enemies and He reconciled your hearts. By His grace, you
became brethren. You were at the brink of a pit of fire, and He
saved you therefrom. GOD thus explains His revelations for you,
that you may be guided.
[3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is
good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the
winners.
[3:105] Do not be like those who became divided and disputed,
despite the clear proofs that were given to them. For these have
incurred a terrible retribution.
[3:106] The day will come when some faces will be brightened (with
joy), while other faces will be darkened (with misery). As for
those whose faces are darkened, they will be asked, "Did you
not disbelieve after believing? Therefore, suffer the retribution
for your disbelief."
[3:107] As for those whose faces are brightened, they will
rejoice in GOD's mercy; they abide therein forever.
[3:108] These are GOD's revelations; we recite them to you,
truthfully. GOD does not wish any hardship for the people.
[3:109] To GOD belongs everything in the heavens and everything
on earth, and all matters are controlled by GOD.
[3:110] You are the best community ever raised among the people:
you advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and you believe in
GOD. If the followers of the scripture believed, it would be
better for them. Some of them do believe, but the majority of
them are wicked.
[3:111] They can never harm you, beyond insulting you. If they
fight you, they will turn around and flee. They can never win.
[3:112] They shall be humiliated whenever you encounter them,
unless they uphold GOD's covenant, as well as their peace
covenants with you. They have incurred wrath from GOD, and,
consequently, they are committed to disgrace. This is because
they rejected GOD's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly.
This is because they disobeyed and transgressed.
[16:124] The Sabbath was decreed only for those who ended up
disputing it (Jews & Christians). Your Lord is the One who
will judge them on the Day of Resurrection regarding their
disputes.
[16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom
and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible
manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and
He knows best who are the guided ones.
According to these words, what are some specific reasons for a person to be condemned?
Schmeling: All responsibility for man’s salvation is placed upon man through the guidance of God. Man’s actions during his life serve as a manifestation of his faith. A record of his actions is kept by the angels and the jinn who give a report to God on the Day of Judgment. This report evaluated by a merciful God determines whether a person will enter heaven or hell. Each person is completely responsible for his personal salvation thereby excluding any intercessory acts by one on behalf of another. (Quran 10:9-10; 18:28-30; 103:1-3)
Islam teaches that God does not hold any person responsible until he has been shown the Right Way. A person who has never been exposed to Islam is, therefore, not held responsible for not acting according to God’s will. Such a person is only responsible for doing what his logic and conscience directed. Muslims who fail to spread the message of Islam will be held responsible for the ignorance and destruction of those who are ill-informed or uninformed (Quran 3:100-112; 16:102-125) Thus, every Muslim is expected to spread the message of Islam through every available means.
Compare this to what God says: Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
8. Interesting texts on Marriage and Women
Do Not Beat Your Wife*
[4:34] The men are made responsible for the women, and GOD has
endowed them with certain qualities, and made them the bread
earners. The righteous women will cheerfully accept this
arrangement, since it is GOD's commandment, and honor their
husbands during their absence. If you experience rebellion from
the women, you shall first talk to them, then (you may use
negative incentives like) deserting them in bed, then you may (as
a last alternative) beat them. If they obey you, you are not
permitted to transgress against them. GOD is Most High, Supreme.
This is their explanation of the verse:
*4:34 God prohibits wife-beating by using the best psychological approach. For example, if I don't want you to shop at Market X, I will ask you to shop at Market Y, then at Market Z, then, as a last resort, at Market X. This will effectively stop you from shopping at Market X, without insulting you. Similarly, God provides alternatives to wife-beating; reasoning with her first, then employing certain negative incentives. Remember that the theme of this sura is defending the women's rights and countering the prevalent oppression of women. Any interpretation of the verses of this sura must be in favor of the women. This sura's theme is ``protection of women.''
Compare this to the Bible:
Ephesians 5: Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it.
[24:30] Tell the believing men that they shall subdue their
eyes (and not stare at the women), and to maintain their chastity.
This is purer for them. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything they
do.
[24:31] And tell the believing women to subdue their eyes, and
maintain their chastity. They shall not reveal any parts of their
bodies, except that which is necessary. They shall cover their
chests, and shall not relax this code in the presence of other
than their husbands, their fathers, the fathers of their
husbands, their sons, the sons of their husbands, their brothers,
the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters, other
women, the male servants or employees whose sexual drive has been
nullified, or the children who have not reached puberty. They
shall not strike their feet when they walk in order to shake and
reveal certain details of their bodies. All of you shall repent
to GOD, O you believers, that you may succeed.*
How do many Muslims interpret this verse?
1 Timothy 2 simply states: I also want women to dress modestly , with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
Geiger states: Marriage is a kind of slavery, for the wife becomes the slave of her husband and it is her duty absolutely to obey him in everything he requires of her except what is contrary to the laws of Islam. Wife-beating is allowed by the Koran and the method and limitations are explained by the laws of religion. Islamic law allows a man four wives and any number of concubines he is able to support.
This gives us a brief overview of some of the main doctrines of Islam. Next time we'll look at the practices of Islam.