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By Br. Naser Al-Moghamis
The Source of Religion
What the Bible Says
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17)
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, @@... They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." (Acts 10:44-47)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place .. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them...
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ... this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
In the last days. God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. (Acts 2:1-17)
... Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. (Acts21:8,9)
What the Qur'an Says
And who can be more unjust than he who invents a lie against Allah, or says: "a revelation has come to me" whereas no revelation has come to him in anything; and who says, "I will reveal the like of what Allah has revealed." And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the agonies of death, while the angels are stretching forth their hands (saying): "Deliver your souls! This day you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used to utter against Allah other than the truth. And you used to reject His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) with disrespect. (Qur'an, 6:93)
They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their Lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah), and (they also took as their Lord) the Messiah, son of Mary, while they were commanded to worship none but One God, there is no god but He. Praise and glory is to Him from having the partners they associate (with Him)." (Qur'an, 9:31)
Commentary
People cannot know Allah's Will and cannot know the right way of belief and worship by their own means. Therefore, Allah has sent His Messengers to all nations. Those Messengers were specially chosen and prepared by Allah Himself to convey His Divine
Message and guide people to the Right Way. The Muslim believes in all the Prophets and makes no distinction between one another because the religion taught by all the Prophets was pure Islam (the submission to the Will of Allah).
When people deviate from the teachings of the Prophets and depend on themselves and their limited knowledge, they stray from the Right Path and sink into paganism and idol worship.
Some people take the sun as their god, some worship idols and some worship a man as their god besides Allah, and all these people believe that they are right!
According to the Bible, Allah's revelation was not restricted to the Prophets only. The Holy Spirit guided and inspired the Church and its members because the promised gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the followers of Christ at Pentecost (Acts 2:1).
Furthermore, the gift of the Holy Spirit was not limited to the apostles of Prophet Jesus Christ (pbuh), but was given to all the believers, men and women, young and old, Israelites and non-Israelites; and consequently people were able to prophesy and speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit was speaking through them (Matthew 10:19,20; Acts 8:14-17; Acts 10:44-47; Acts 11:1- Acts 2:1-41)
What are the results of this loose concept of inspiration?
Tens of gospels were written and preached. Each one of them contradicts the other (Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4)
Many people appointed themselves as apostles of Christ. Each one of them preached a different gospel and cursed other apostles and accused them of being false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13)
Christianity has been divided into hundreds of sects and denominations and every one of them claims to be implementing the Will of Allah through the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians overlooked the teachings of Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and followed the teachings of Paul who never saw Jesus (pbuh) and never consulted the disciples of Prophet Jesus (pbuh) (Gafatians 1:11-16). Paul wrote more Books of the Bible than any other author, while Prophet Jesus (pbuh) did not write a single word. Paul's letters have no reference to the teachings of Prophet Jesus (pbuh). In fact, Paul's teachings contradict the teachings of Prophet Jesus (pbuh).
The teachings of Prophet Jesus (pbuh) have been replaced with what people saw in dreams. The Law of Allah which was revealed to Prophet Moses (pbuh) and approved by Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was replaced with dreams. The Law of Allah forbids the pig and abominable things, (Leviticus 11:7,8; Isaiah 66:17). However, a dream of Peter cancelled this law and consequently all animals, reptiles and birds were allowed. (Acts 11:5-9). Furthermore, Paul described the "Law of Allah" as "the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2)- and said: "Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law" (Galatians 3: 25)
Prophet Jesus (pbuh) taught the Oneness of Allah and confirmed that he was just a Messenger, and the disciples followed his teachings. However, by the end of the first century and as a result of the alleged inspiration of the Holy Spirit, most Christians exalted Prophet Jesus (pbuh) into the divine sphere, and afterwards in the fourth century the doctrine of Trinity was invented and Prophet Jesus (pbuh) became their god besides Allah.
The Muslim rejects this dogma for many reasons:
Muslims believe in Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and in the original Gospel revealed to him. They also believe that the true followers of Prophet Jesus (pbuh) were righteous people and are praised in the Qur'an in many Verses (5:82; 57 27 61 -14; 3:82). However, those followers were not Prophets and did not have the authority to change the religion of Prophet Jesus (pbuh) or replace his Gospel with what their own hands wrote.
The books of the New Testament have many contradictions. If the Holy Spirit was inspiring the writers of these books, then the books should be consistent!
If what people see in dreams represents the actual Will of Allah, then all people are Prophets because all people dream! If people could prophesy, make laws and change the Law of Allah according to their dreams and according to the alleged inspiration of the Holy Spirit, then why did Allah send His Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and reveal His Gospel to him?
The New Testament Books contain many mistakes such as the confirmation that the generation of disciples would not pass away until the kingdom of God comes (Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:30-35; Mark 9:1). This incorrect prophecy proves that the Holy Spirit did not inspire the writers.
In Islam, dreams and personal insight are not considered sources of legislation. The concept of revelation in Islam is different; the revelation which represents the Will of Allah is what Allah revealed in the Qur'an and what He revealed to His Messenger Muhammad (pbuh). Islamic Law is based on the Qur'an and on the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who was guided by inspiration from Allah. No one can change the Law of Allah and the teachings of His Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Muslim scholars have no right either to change the Law of Allah or to make laws which Allah has not ordained. Their function is to inform people of what Allah and His Prophet said, explain the Law of Allah and guide people to the right path of Allah following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Faith and Deeds
What the Bible Says
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
... a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ... for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! (Galatians2:16-21)
Contradicting Verses from the Bible
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? (James 2:14)
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17)
...a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. (James 2:24)
What the Qur'an Says
It will not be in accordance with your desires (Muslims), nor the desires of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), whosoever does wrong, will have the recompense thereof, and will not find against Allah any protecting friend or helper. And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a believer, such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them (Qur'an,4:123,124)
As for those who disbelieved, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it to be water, until he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing; but he finds Allah with him, Who will pay him his due (Hell). And Allah is Swift in taking account. (Qur'an, 24:39)
Commentary
Paul says" if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." He also says that man is justified by faith.
On the contrary, James says, "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" and "a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone".
The best comment on this contradiction is what Allah says in the Qur'an:
Do they not consider the Qur'an with care? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradiction. (Qur'an, 4:82)
When Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was asked about the way to have eternal life, he did not say anything about the belief in crucifixion or resurrection. He said, "Obey the Commandments"
(Matthew 19:17). He urged on his disciples the importance of deeds, "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20). Therefore, Faith, if it is not accompanied by good deeds, is dead.
Both Muslims and true Christians, who followed in the footsteps of Prophet Jesus (pbuh), believe that a person is justified by faith and deeds.
The Original Sin
What the Bible Says
For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous (Romans 5:19)
...Christ died for our sins... (1 Corinthians 15:3)
... God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. (1 Corinthians 1:21-25)
... If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18)
Contradicting Verses from the Bible
The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.
But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the offences he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live.
Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Declares the Sovereign Lord... (Ezekiel 18:20-23)
What the Qur'an Says
Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray. Then his Lord chose him and turned to him with forgiveness and gave him guidance. (Qur'an, 20:121,122)
Or is he not informed of what is in the Pages (Scripture) of Moses. And of Abraham who fulfilled (all that Allah ordered him to do or convey): that no burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another. And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad). (Qur'an, 53:36-39)
Commentary
The Qur'an says, "And He it is Who accepts repentance from His slaves, and forgives sins, and He knows what you do". The Bible says," But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just
and right, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the offences he has committed will be remembered against him .. Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked"?
The Qur'an confirms that both Adam and Eve repented of their sin and Allah forgave them. Even if Allah did not forgive them, does that mean the inheritance of sin and that all humans are born in sin!
The dogma of the Original Sin was only one of the inventions of Paul and it is against the Bible, the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophets. It is against Allah's Law and all human laws. Prophet Jesus (pbuh) never taught this dogma!
The Bible says, " The son will not share the guilt of the father".
The Qur'an says," No burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another. And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad)".
Human laws do not punish the son for the crime of the father.
Every one of us believes that the son should not be held responsible for what the father does.
Why do we then reject all that and follow Paul. Paul himself admitted that this dogma was foolishness; so, why do we become fools and accept it?
Crucifixion
What the Bible Says
...Christ died for our sins... (1 Corinthians 15:3)
For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)
Contradicting Verses from the Bible
The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the offences he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live. Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord (Ezekiel 18:20-23)
What the Qur'an Says
And because of their saying (in boast), "We killed the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary," the Messenger of Allah, but they killed him not, nor crucified him but the likeness of him was put on another man (and they killed that man). And those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely, they killed him not. But Allah raised him up into Himself. And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise. And there is not one of the People of the Scripture but will believe in him (Jesus (pbuh), as only a Messenger of Allah and a human being) before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness against them. (Qur'an, 4:157-159)
Commentary
The Qur'an confirms that Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was not crucified but Allah saved his life and raised him up to heaven. Careful study of the Bible also proves that Jesus (pbuh) was not crucified; and even if Jesus (pbuh) was crucified, does that save humans?
Does the killing of an innocent man and a great Messenger of Allah save evildoers? Does Allah say that? Did Jesus (pbuh) say that? Did any Prophet say that? Is that logical?
When Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was asked about the way to have eternal life, he said, "Obey the Commandments" (Matthew 19:17). He did not say anything about the belief in crucifixion or resurrection.
Islam rejects this dogma for the following reasons:
This dogma is an accusation of lack of mercy against Allah. Allah is not bloodthirsty and He does not demand bloodshed to forgive the sins of the people who repent. The Qur'an says, "And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them." (Qur'an, 20:82)
If Allah, according to the Bible, does not take any pleasure in the death of the wicked and forgives them if they repent, then how does Allah take pleasure in the killing of the great Prophet Jesus (pbuh) who was the best and the most righteous one on earth at that time, for a sin committed by someone else? This is the height of injustice and harshness.
Islam declares that no person bears the sins of another; no one is saved by the suffering and crucifixion of another one. Salvation is a personal responsibility. It can be achieved by the belief in the One and Only true God, Allah, and by following His Commands.
This dogma necessitates that all the people before the time of Jesus (pbuh) including the Prophets and their followers could not be saved because they did not believe that Prophet Jesus (pbuh) died for their sins!
Allah says in the Qur'an: "And those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture". The truthfulness of this Verse is realized by comparing the narratives of the alleged crucifixion in the four gospels, which differ starkly. For the sake of brevity, only three contradictions are listed:
According to Matthew 27:32, Jesus carried his own cross.
According to John 19:17, Simon carried the cross.
According to Matthew 27:44, the two criminals insulted Jesus.
According to Luke 23:39, one of the criminals insulted Jesus but the other defended him
According to Matthew 28:2, after the resurrection: Two women saw one angel sitting on the stone
According to Luke 24:3, Many women saw two men standing beside them
According to John 20:12, one woman saw two angels sitting where Jesus' body had been
According to Mark 16:5, Three women saw one man sitting on the right side of the Tomb
The reason for these contradictions is that the disciples did not witness the alleged crucifixion as, according to the Bible, they all had forsaken Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and run away. (Mark 14:50)
After the alleged crucifixion, Jesus (pbuh) met the disciples and proved to them that he was alive and had not been crucified. He did eat food to prove that he was not a spirit:
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he (Jesus) said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have ... And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. (Luke 24:37-43) (KJV)
These verses are clear evidence that Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was not crucified and resurrected because Prophet Jesus (pbuh) proved that he was not a spirit, and according to the Bible, the resurrected body is spiritual:
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:... It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) (KJV)
Forgiveness
What the Bible Says
When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned ... and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin, (Leviticus 5:5,6)
... Receive the Holy Spirit. If you (the disciples) forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven... (John 20:22,23)
If a person sins and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord's commands, even though he does not know it, he is guilty and will be held responsible. He is to bring to the priest
as a guilt offering a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value. In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the wrong he has committed unintentionally, and he will be forgiven. (Leviticus 5:17,18)
... The sin offering is to be slaughtered before the Lord ... The Priest who offers it shall eat it... (Leviticus 6:25,26)
What the Qur'an Says
And He it is Who accepts repentance from His slaves, and forgives sins, and He knows what you do. (Qur'an, 42:25)
And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks Allah's forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 4:110)
And there is no sin for you in the mistakes that you make unintentionally, but what your hearts deliberately intend. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 33:5)
Commentary
The Bible states that if a person commits a sin unintentionally, he is guilty and will be held responsible. In Islam, sins committed unintentionally are forgiven.
In Islam there is no confession except to Allah alone. The Muslim can ask Allah for forgiveness without the mediation of saints or priests Muslim scholars do not have the authority to accept acts of worship or forgive sins on behalf of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself did not claim this authority. When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) asked Allah to forgive some hypocrites, Allah Said to him in the Qur'an:
Ask forgiveness for them (O Muhammad), or ask not forgiveness for them; if you ask forgiveness for them seventy times, Allah will not forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger, and Allah guides not those who are perversely rebellious. (Qur'an, 9:80)
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said to his daughter Fatimah:
" O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad! Rescue yourself from Hell, I can benefit you nothing before Allah".
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