I have a few questions

[JAG]

Hey guys, first off I will go ahead and tell you I am a Christian. Then i will go ahead and tell you that I know next to nothing about Islam, so please excuse my ignorance.

I am very interested in two things really.

1) What are the major differences between Christianity and Islam

2) Does the Quran (Koran) mention Jesus in it, and if so can you give me some passages where He is?

I appreciate this a lot, i've been meaning to get some knowledge about Islam for a while now and I'm glad i found this site.

-James

 

[- Qatada -]

Hey JAG.


Thanks for your interest in Islaam, and your sincerety in wanting to learn.


I think i'll link you to some sites which may answer your questions in detail;


http://beconvinced.com

The Story of Jesus, Son of Mary
http://www.islamonline.net/english/introducingislam/Belief/Messengers/article03.shtml



Hope you benefit from them insha Allaah (God willing), they will describe the Islamic perspective on the honorable servant and Messenger of God, Jesus son of Mary (peace be upon him), and they will also discuss the similarities between Islaam and Christianity, and maybe even why they are so similar.



Once you've checked them out, please don't hesitate to ask if you ever have any questions!





Peace.

 

[Umm Yoosuf]

Hi

2) Does the Quran (Koran) mention Jesus in it, and if so can you give me some passages where He is?

There is a whole chapter in the Qur’an dedicated to Mary (Maryam) and Jesus (‘Isa). That chapter is called Maryam.

http://www.tafsir.com/Default.asp

 

[Muslim Woman]

[FONT=&quot]Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh (May the peace, mercy and blessings of God Almighty be upon you)[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]%%%%%[/FONT]

1) What are the major differences between Christianity and Islam

Christians believe Jesus (p) is God and Holy Spirit is also God . Muslim believe Jesus (p) is a blessed Prophet of God Almighty & Holy Spirit (p ) is an angel.

We respect them but don't worship them. We don't associate partner with God. In Islam ,it's the most major sin.....result is eternal
hell firemg:



2)

Does the Quran (Koran) mention Jesus in it,

yap .....many times. Do u know Quran has a chpater titled Mary (p) ? We respect her a
lot :sunny:

and if so can you give me some passages where He is?

ok , wait pl. ...need to do a google search

 

[Muslim Woman]

salaam/peace;


The Koran
27 matches.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Cow



[2.87] And most certainly We gave Musa the Book and We sent apostles after him one after another;


and We gave Isa, the son of Marium, clear arguments and strengthened him with the holy spirit, What!


whenever then an apostle came to you with that which your souls did not desire, you were insolent so you called some liars and some you slew.





[2.136] Say: We believe in Allah and (in) that which had been revealed to us, and (in) that which was revealed to Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq and Yaqoub and the tribes, and (in) that which was given to Musa and Isa, and (in) that which was given to the prophets from their Lord, we do not make any distinction between any of them, and to Him do we submit.



[2.253] We have made some of these apostles to excel the others among them are they to whom Allah spoke, and some of them He exalted by (many degrees of) rank; and We gave clear miracles to Isa son of Marium, and strengthened him with the holy spirit. And if Allah had pleased, those after them would not have fought one with another after clear arguments had come to them, but they disagreed; so there were some of them who believed and others who denied; and if Allah had pleased they would not have fought one with another, but Allah brings about what He intends.
The Family of Imran



[3.45] When the angels said: O Marium, surely Allah gives you good news with a Word from Him (of one) whose name is the '. Messiah, Isa son of Marium, worthy of regard in this world and the hereafter and of those who are made near (to Allah).



[3.52] But when Isa perceived unbelief on their part, he said Who will be my helpers in Allah's way? The disciples said: We are helpers (in the way) of Allah: We believe in Allah and bear witness that we are submitting ones.
[3.55] And when Allah said: O Isa, I am going to terminate the period of your stay (on earth) and cause you to ascend unto Me and purify you of those who disbelieve and make those who follow you above those who disbelieve to the day of resurrection; then to Me shall be your return, so l will decide between you concerning that in which you differed.




[3.59] Surely the likeness of Isa is with Allah as the likeness of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him, Be, and he was.
[3.84] Say: We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us, and what was revealed to Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq and Yaqoub and the tribes, and what was given to Musa and Isa and to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make any distinction between any of them, and to Him do we submit.
The Women
[4.157] And their saying: Surely we have killed the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, the apostle of Allah; and they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them so (like Isa) and most surely those who differ therein are only in a doubt about it; they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow a conjecture, and they killed him not for sure.




[4.159] And there is not one of the followers of the Book but most certainly believes in this before his death, and on the day of resurrection he (Isa) shall be a witness against them.
[4.163] 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
[4.171] 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 Marium is only an apostle of Allah and His Word which He communicated to Marium and a spirit from Him; believe therefore in Allah and His apostles, and say not, Three. Desist, it is better for you; Allah is only one God; 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.
The Dinner Table



[5.46] And We sent after them in their footsteps Isa, son of Marium, verifying what was before him of the Taurat and We gave him the Injeel in which was guidance and light, and verifying what was before it of Taurat and a guidance and an admonition for those who guard (against evil).
[5.78] Those who disbelieved from among the children of Israel were cursed by the tongue of Dawood and Isa, son of Marium; this was because they disobeyed and used to exceed the limit.



[5.110] When Allah will say: O Isa son of Marium! Remember My favor on you and on your mother, when I strengthened you I with the holy Spirit, you spoke to the people in the cradle and I when of old age, and when I taught you the Book and the wisdom and the Taurat and the Injeel; and when you determined out of clay a thing like the form of a bird by My permission, then you breathed into it and it became a bird by My permission, and you healed the blind and the leprous by My permission; and when you brought forth the dead by My permission; and when I withheld the children of Israel from you when you came to them with clear arguments, but those who disbelieved among them said: This is nothing but clear enchantment.




[5.112] When the disciples said: O Isa son of Marium! will your Lord consent to send down to us food from heaven? He said: Be careful of (your duty to) Allah if you are believers.
[5.114] Isa the son of Marium said: O Allah, our Lord! send i down to us food from heaven which should be to us an ever-recurring happiness, to the first of us and to the last of us, and a sign from Thee, and grant us means of subsistence, and Thou art the best of the Providers.
[5.116] And when Allah will say: O Isa son of Marium! did you say to men, Take me and my mother for two gods besides Allah he will say: Glory be to Thee, it did not befit me that I should say what I had no right to (say); if I had said it, Thou wouldst indeed have known it; Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I do not know what is in Thy mind, surely Thou art the great Knower of the unseen things.




The Cattle
[6.85] And Zakariya and Yahya and Isa and Ilyas; every one was of the good;



Marium
[19.34] Such is Isa, son of Marium; (this is) the saying of truth about which they dispute.




The Clans




[33.7] And when We made a covenant with the prophets and with you, and with Nuh and Ibrahim and Musa and Isa, son of Marium, and We made with them a strong covenant



The Counsel


[42.13] He has made plain to you of the religion what He enjoined upon Nuh and that which We have revealed to you and that which We enjoined upon Ibrahim and Musa and Isa that keep to obedience and be not divided therein; hard to the unbelievers is that which you call them to; Allah chooses for Himself whom He pleases, and guides to Himself him who turns (to Him), frequently.



Ornaments of Gold


[43.63] And when Isa came with clear arguments he said: I have come to you indeed with wisdom, and that I may make clear to you part of what you differ in; so be careful of (your duty to) Allah and obey me:



The Iron


[57.27] Then We made Our apostles to follow in their footsteps, and We sent Isa son of Marium afterwards, and We gave him the Injeel, and We put in the hearts of those who followed him kindness and mercy; and (as for) monkery, they innovated it-- We did not prescribe it to them-- only to seek Allah's pleasure, but they did not observe it with its due observance; so We gave to those of them who believed their reward, and most of them are transgressors.





The Ranks


[61.6] And when Isa son of Marium said: O children of Israel! surely I am the apostle of Allah to you, verifying that which is before me of the Taurat and giving the good news of an Apostle who will come after me, his name being Ahmad, but when he came to them with clear arguments they said: This is clear magic.



[61.14] O you who believe! be helpers (in the cause) of Allah, as~ Isa son of Marium said to (his) disciples: Who are my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We are helpers (in the cause) of Allah. So a party of the children of Israel believed and another party disbelieved; then We aided those who believed against their enemy, and they became uppermost.

http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/k/koran/koran-idx?type=simple&q1=Isa&size=First+100

 

[JAG]

Hey thanks, that helped alot, i also found a thread stickeyed on this board that helped too.

So in Islam, no one believes Jesus was crucified?

I suppose my next question would have to be about the Islamic afterlife, or dealings with sin.

Is there such thing as sin in Islam, and if so, how do you deal with it?

 

[- Qatada -]

Hey thanks, that helped alot, i also found a thread stickeyed on this board that helped too.

That's kool.

So in Islam, no one believes Jesus was crucified?

I suppose my next question would have to be about the Islamic afterlife, or dealings with sin.

Is there such thing as sin in Islam, and if so, how do you deal with it?

The main concept in Islaam (which means submission to God) is that ALL the Prophets of God have called to the worship and obedience of our Creator and Sustainer Alone.


This has been explained in another post so i'll just mention it here;

Let's start off with the fact that the majority of the world believes in a God, or 'Higher being.' The difference between islaam and all other faiths is that instead of just recognizing that there is a God, we believe that the Creator created us with the purpose of submitting to Him, worshipping Him alone sincerely without any associates.


These associates can be stone idols, it can be humans (or human legislations) it can be a person's desires etc.



Islaam call's to the worship of God, known as Allaah in arabic. If you're confused about why God is Allaah in arabic, realise that people from spain call God - Dios, the french call God - Dieu etc. Similarly the way of saying God in arabic is Allaah.


Allaah has sent messengers to convey the same message of calling to the worship of God since the beginning of time, since Adam (peace be upon him) the first person to ever live. All the messengers came to call to Allaah's worship, and this is the purpose of our creation - to worship Allaah, without no associates, so no idols, no humans, no law which opposes the law which Allaah has revealed to His messengers.


We as muslims believe that Noah, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad (peace be upon them all) were prophets. There have been a total of 124,000 prophets that have come to mankind to call to the worship of Allaah Alone. However, the majority of mankind has fallen astray, because they do believe in a Creator, but they reject the fact that He should be worshipped alone, and that His law should be established for mankind.


You as a christian may feel that Jesus is God, but we don't believe that God would humiliate himself on the earth by His own creation. That is blasphemy according to all faiths. Because God is All Powerful, and the creation can not harm Him whatsoever.



Any deeds we do, we do them sincerely to gain Allaah's Mercy, and if we gain it - we will enter the eternal paradise which all the prophets have called to also. However, if someone rejects the worship of the One God - without any associates, they will be punished in the hellfire. This is the only sin which God does not forgive [if one dies in that state], why should He, if the person is saying that a stone is God? Or a human is God etc.



We all will die and be raised back on the day of recompense, when Allaah/God will judge between us on all that we did. No-one will be judged unfairly because Allaah is the Most Just. Allaah can bring the dead back to life, the same way He brings the dead earth (plants, flowers etc.) back to life by sending down rain.



If you feel that God is being unfair to His servants by punishing those that associate partners with Him, then the justice for this will also be balanced out. Allaah will ask those who associated partners with Him to ask the one's they worshipped for reward. So if someone worshipped a stone idol, they will ask that for recompense on the day of judgement (obviously the stone won't be able to do anything.) If someone worships a human, even if the human is pious, the person will have to get their reward from this human [but obviously everything is dependant on the Creator.] The one's who worshipped God Alone, sincerely without no associates - they will be rewarded by Allaah, the Exalted with an eternal paradise where they can have all that they desire, and more.



If anyone feels that it is unjust, then they have to stop being unjust to their own Creator. If Allaah created man so he should worship Him, then why worship the stone idol, or why worship a human when you can turn towards your Creator who gives you all you have, and will reward you more if you turn to Him sincerely in worship?

And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: "If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allâh), I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily! My Punishment is indeed severe."

[Qur'an Chapter Abraham 14: 7]




​

The basic concept in Islaam in regard to sin is that every son/daughter of Adam is prone to commit sin, but the best of sinners are those who learn from their error and repent to Allaah sincerely to forgive them.


We do not believe in the concept of the 'original sin' - since Adam and Eve repented to Allaah (after they ate from the tree) so He forgave them.

Similarly, all the children of Adam are born pure and sinless. Yet if they do sin, no-one else bears their sins except their own souls. However, Allaah is so Merciful that He is willing to forgive the one who does wrong, so long as this person intends not to do that evil again. Yet still, if this person falls into error again - they should continue to repent and intend not to do the sin again. Since only those who disbelieve despair of the Mercy of Allaah.



This whole life is a test, a trial between good and evil. Will we remain sincere to Allaah by continuously trying to do good? Or will we become arrogant and reject Allaah and His blessings? Without a doubt, those who are thankful to Him and accept His Messengers', and do good to please Him - their reward is with Him, the Rich, All Praised. Those who reject His blessings and turn them into disbelief - then they will be punished for their own evils in the hellfire, which is a place for those who were too arrogant, and denied the favours of Allaah.



Just imagine, if Allaah has given you so much good throughout your life (like your eye sight, your hearing, the food you eat, the clothes you wear, anything you can ever imagine you have in this life) - then if you are thankful to Allaah, you are a believer, and you submit yourself to Allaah, then know that Allaah has an even greater reward in store for you in Paradise (since Paradise is the original home of the family of Adam - peace be upon him.)

If He has given you so much good in this life without you striving for it, imagine the great good He will have for you if you did strive for His reward of Paradise!




If you ever have anymore questions, or unsure of anything i said - please don't hesitate to ask.






Peace.

 

[Muslim Woman]

salaam/peace;

some more links
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...h-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503546388

Murad - United Kingdom​

Title

Status of Jesus in Islam​

Question

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. What is the status of Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) in Islam? ​

Date

21/Jun/2007​

Name of Counsellor

Muzammil Siddiqi​

Topic

Muslim Belief​

Answer​

Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

First of all, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you have in us. We hope our efforts meet your expectations.

As regards your question, it is an established fact that all the Prophets and Messengers of God were sent as light bearers to humanity; they all came with the purpose of upholding the truth, maintaining justice and bringing man closer to his Lord. In accomplishing this task, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), as well as other Prophets of God, had to undergo a series of difficulties, hardships and torment to make people grasp and believe in the message brought to them. As members of the human family, we should show all forms of respect to Allah's Prophets and Messengers. We should in anyway project any of Allah's Prophets or Messengers in a bad way. Rather, we should follow their guidance and stick to their footsteps in order to achieve steadfastness and uprightness in our lives.
Delving deeper in this issue,Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, President of the Fiqh Council of North America, stated in his Khutbah at the Islamic Society of Orange County (California, USA) on Shawwal 15, 1423/December 20, 2002:

Almighty Allah says: (Say ye: we believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and we bow to Allah (in Islam).) (Al-Baqarah 2: 136)

(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 honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.) (Aal `Imran 3: 45)

We believe in all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah. We respect and honor all of them without any discrimination. We believe that all Prophets preached the message of tawhid (monotheism) and all of them invited human beings to worship Allah alone and live a righteous life. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was not the only Prophet of God, but he was the last and final Prophet of God. Prophet Muhammad is not the founder of Islam; all Prophets were Muslims and they followed the way of Islam.
It may be a surprise to many people in America that we Muslims also believe in Jesus. Although we do not celebrate Christmas, but we do respect and honor the person in whose name this festival is observed. We believe that Jesus was one of the great Prophets of God. In the Qur’an he is called ‘Isa. He is also known as al-Masih (the Christ) and Ibn Maryam (Son of Mary). He has many other beautiful names and titles in the Qur’an. He is a highly respected religious figure. Every Muslim honors him, respects him and loves him. His mother is also highly respected, loved and honored. There are hundreds of thousands of Muslim men all over the world who feel proud and blessed to have the name `Isa; as there are thousands of Muslim women who feel honored and blessed to be called Maryam.

Unlike the Gospels or the New Testament in general, the subject matter of the Qur’an is not Jesus. The Qur’an speaks in detail about God, God’s will for human beings and about many of God’s Prophets and Messengers. Yet, all the basic facts about Jesus’ life are mentioned in the Qur’an. The Qur’an says in several places that Mary was a pious virgin who devoted her life in prayer and divine service. The angel of God one day visited her and gave her the good news of the birth of a blessed child. This was a miraculous birth as Mary was not a married woman. The virgin birth is clearly mentioned in the Qur’an and no recognized Muslim authority has ever disputed this claim. However, Muslim and Christian interpretations differ on the meaning of virgin birth. For Christians it was the sign of incarnation, the coming to earth of the Son of God. For Muslims it was a special miracle. For every Prophet a particular miracle was given according to the needs and challenges of his time. Since Jesus’ contemporaries used to deny the existence of spirit, they were shown the presence and the power of divine spirit by this unique birth. Jesus also performed many other miracles, such as raising of the dead to life, healing the blind and lepers, speaking about the hidden things. All these miracles show that material is not the only thing; there is something beyond the material that must be recognized. Jesus reminds us about the power of Divine Spirit. The Qur’an emphasizes that Jesus performed all his miracles only by the permission of God.

The message of Jesus was basically the same as the message of other prophets of God. He was sent to invite people to the worship of One God, to do the righteous deed and be kind and loving to others. He reminded his people to pay attention not only to the letter of the laws but also to the spirit of the laws.

The Qur’an says that Jesus was mistreated, denied and rejected by his people just as other prophets were also mistreated. Some of his contemporaries opposed him and tried to crucify him. It is also reported in the Christian Bible that Jesus prayed to God to save him from his enemies and remove the “cup of death” from him. (“If thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Mark 14:36 and Luke 22:42) God accepted Jesus’ prayer and saved him from crucifixion or death on the cross. He was lifted up to heaven (An-Nisaa’: 157-158). Jesus is yet to fulfill his Messianic role. Muslims believe that Jesus will come back to earth before the end of time and will restore peace and order, struggle against the Anti-Christ (Dajjal) or demonic forces, and bring victory for truth and righteousness. The true followers of Jesus will prevail over those who deny him, misrepresent him and reject him.

Muslims and Christians differ in their Theology (views about God) and their Christology (views about Christ), but they both believe in the same God and in the same Jesus. There should be better understanding and better relations among them.
​

Taken, with slight modifications, from www.pakistanlink.com
​

Related Questions

-
Status of Jesus in Islam


Jesus: Is He God in Human Form?

Islamic View of Jesus​

Muhammad (p) & Jesus (p) :Common Ground​

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​

 

[ummzayd]

I am very interested in two things really.

1) What are the major differences between Christianity and Islam

2) Does the Quran (Koran) mention Jesus in it, and if so can you give me some passages where He is?

-James

Hi James, it's good to have you here, I think you will find many Muslims here who are delighted to be asked about Islam and happy for the opportunity to explain the faith. I have found the moderators to be extremely knowledgeable masha'Allah (masha'Allah is something we say when admiring something about a person).

I was a Christian, but became Muslim about 9 yrs ago. I have found the biggest differences between Islam and Christianity to be 1) the different beliefs about who Jesus was (peace be upon him) and 2) the Christian concept of original sin and the need for atonement through sacrifice, which is unheard of in Islam. In Islam, we believe every person is responsible only for their own sins, and it is only necessary to sincerely ask for forgiveness, and God will forgive. No sacrifice required.

peace to you

 

[JAG]

Wow, thanks guys, all of that helped a lot. I am very intriged about your faith.

I still have a few more questions though.

1) I understand Islam doesn't say Jesus is God, but does it say Jesus is the Son of God?

2) How much of the New Testiment do Muslims believe in? All of it? None of it? Or just the parts that are also in the Quran?

3) Where is Islam in relation to Judaism. I have always learned that it stemed from Isaac and Ishmael - Isaac carried on Judaism, Ishmael's decendents were Muslim.

4) I really know next to nothing about Muhammad. Can you explain his story to me?

 

[- Qatada -]

Wow, thanks guys, all of that helped a lot. I am very intriged about your faith.

Wow that's really good

I still have a few more questions though.

Sure, lets see:

1) I understand Islam doesn't say Jesus is God, but does it say Jesus is the Son of God?

We don't believe that Allaah/God has children. Since there is none like Him, and He has no Partners. Since God doesn't have partners, He doesn't have children. I know you might say that it isn't 'literal' - but why say that God has children then?


Allaah says in His final revelation (translation of the meaning);

Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;

Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;

He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;

And there is none comparable unto Him.

[Qur'an Surah Ikhlaas (chapter of Sincerety - 112)



​

So Allaah is One, and the Only true God. He is Eternal and never dies, and we all depend upon Him. He doesn't beget (have children), and He wasn't born either. And there is none like Him.




So what is the Islamic stance on Jesus son of Mary (peace be upon him)?


Allaah says in the Qur'an (translation of the meaning):

The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was.

The Truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt.


[Qur'an 3: 60-1]



​

Jesus was born of a virgin birth, his mother gave birth to him even though she was a virgin. Now you may ask how this was, but this shows that Allaah is able to do all things.

You might ask though, how come he was born without a father, that must be really special. Without a doubt it is special, yet it still doesn't take Jesus (peace be upon him) to the level of Allaah, since Adam was also created without a mother or a father.


Jesus is the true Messiah/Christ, and he will return near the end times.


I've explained that in depth abit here;

http://www.islamicboard.com/794662-post4.html
http://www.islamicboard.com/794680-post8.html

2) How much of the New Testiment do Muslims believe in? All of it? None of it? Or just the parts that are also in the Quran?

We believe that the Gospel (Injeel) was revealed to Jesus (peace be upon him) from Allaah/God. Today this isn't existant, and we hear the Gospel of Mark, John, Matthew etc. but we never hear any mention of the Gospel of Jesus! Which then makes you question their claim.


However, there may be some parts of the teachings of Jesus still within some of the Christian texts. Yet we don't have any clear proof, the Christians can't even agree on a common copy among their different denominations. Allaah sent the final revelation to His final servant and Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him.) The Qur'an is the Criterion to distinguish between the truth and the falsehood, and it has been authentically preserved for us throughout the centuries.

3) Where is Islam in relation to Judaism. I have always learned that it stemed from Isaac and Ishmael - Isaac carried on Judaism, Ishmael's decendents were Muslim.

Islaam means submission to God, anyone who submits to God is therefore a Muslim (one who submits to God.)


We as Muslims know that Abraham didn't call himself a Jew, nor did any of the other Prophets boast of being Jews. Rather, they were happy in serving God, they submitted to God in the way He wanted them to worship Him, therefore they were Muslims (ones who submit to God.)



Islaam was and has been the religion of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Moses, Jesus son of Mary, Muhammad (peace be upon all the prophets of God.) Like stated before, all 124,000 Prophets of God. All calling to the worship of God Alone, in the way that He wanted to be worshipped.

Their social laws may have been slightly different, however, they all submitted to God in the way He wanted to be worshipped. The final Messenger of God/Allaah is Muhammad (peace be upon him) who is also a direct descendant of Prophet Abraham. And he came for all of humanity, and after him there will be no more Messengers. Rather, Allaah will preserve the message which was sent to Him till the end times.

4) I really know next to nothing about Muhammad. Can you explain his story to me?

You can read his biography from here God willing:

http://www.islamicboard.com/prophet-muhammad-p/1715-biography-prophet-muhammad-saws.html




If you ever have anymore questions, or need anything clarified - please don't hesitate to ask!





Peace.

 

[Muslim Woman]

Salaam/peace;

Wow, thanks guys, all of that helped a lot. I am very intriged about your faith.

it takes to time to appear post here .....so boring

I gave link here

Things in Islam I am curious about

http://www.islamicboard.com/compara...s-islam-i-am-curious-about-43.html#post797034

 

[JAG]

So wait...is the Quran dated back further than the Torah?

A lot of that makes sense, up until the point you dismiss Abraham as being a Jew.

 

[- Qatada -]

So wait...is the Quran dated back further than the Torah?

No, no. The Torah was revealed to Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) who came before Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him.) Therefore the Torah was revealed before the Qur'an.

A lot of that makes sense, up until the point you dismiss Abraham as being a Jew.

To be Jewish by blood isn't something wrong or disliked, however - being Muslim (submitting to God) is more important don't you agree?


In regard to Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), Allaah says (translation of the meaning):

Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to Allah's (Which is Islam), and he joined not gods with Allah.

Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, as are also this Prophet and those who believe: And Allah is the Protector of those who have faith.


[Qur'an 3: 67-8]


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Is there any authentic mention of Prophet Abraham being a jew? I'm not sure if it's mentioned by anyone, so i can't say who says it. But if one was to say that he is Jewish because he was the father of Isaac, then wouldn't he also be 'Arab because he is the father of Ishmael?


From the knowledge that i do have, Prophet Abraham came from the area which is known as Iraq today. And Allaah knows best.




Regards.

 

[ummzayd]

So wait...is the Quran dated back further than the Torah?

A lot of that makes sense, up until the point you dismiss Abraham as being a Jew.

Abraham (peace be upon him) was from Ur of Chaldees (in Mesopotamia, now known as Iraq). So he was an Iraqi!

He lived before Judah, from whom the name of 'Jews' comes. He came from a tribe of idol worshippers, but sought after the One God. He was the great-grandfather of Judah, so how can he be said to be 'of the tribe of Judah'? ie Jewish.

Abraham (peace be upon him) is called a 'Hebrew' in the bible, which is not synonymous with 'Jew'. maybe you can research the meaning of 'Hebrew' for yourself if you are interested?

I hope that makes sense to you.

peace

 

[JAG]

If you look up the definition of Judaism, it says it is traced back to Abraham. I understand that you could techincally say he submitted to the One True God. And I understand how he could be called the first Muslim since his son was Ishmael, but wasnt that the son born of a concubine Hagar?

 

[- Qatada -]

If you look up the definition of Judaism, it says it is traced back to Abraham.

Yes, they may. But if you've read the verses which i mentioned in my former post, it is a direct response to those who claimed he was a Jew. Did he call himself a Jew? Do they have proof for that, or do they just place that idea in their books? I can assure you that you'll find no authentic evidence which states him saying that he was one. Although they may say it. It's almost like a time paradox.

As sister umzayd stated in the previous post also;

He lived before Judah, from whom the name of 'Jews' comes. He came from a tribe of idol worshippers, but sought after the One God. He was the great-grandfather of Judah, so how can he be said to be 'of the tribe of Judah'? ie Jewish.

I understand that you could techincally say he submitted to the One True God. And I understand how he could be called the first Muslim since his son was Ishmael,

That's kool that you understand.

but wasnt that the son born of a concubine Hagar?

The scholars have stated that he was married to her. But just for arguments sake - if she was to be a concubine and give birth to a son. Is that something to be looked down upon?

God doesn't look at your status in the sight of people, or how much wealth you have etc. Rather - He looks at your hearts, and your piety. So if one was to argue that he 'is the son of a concubine' therefore, he 'can't be praised or loved in the sight of God', then that claim is unjust and also insulting. And i'm sure you agree that if any of us were living some centuries previously, and one was to use that as an insult to make us seem inferior in the sight of God - we wouldn't like it either.


What is the right upon a slave?


The Messenger of Allaah, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said;

"Those slaves are your brothers, only God gave you an upper hand over them. So let that who has his brother (i.e. slave) under him give him the same food he himself eats, and the same clothing as he himself wears. The master may not give his brother a task that is beyond his ability. If he does give him such task, let him lend him a hand."


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He (peace be upon him) also said:

' If a man hits or beats his slave, his atonement is the freeing of that slave.

Reported by Muslim and Abu Dawood.



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There are more narrations of the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him):

'Umar bin Al-Khattab once walked in Makkah and saw some slaves standing aside waiting, while their master ate. He was angry at this and inquired of the master :

"Why do some masters regard themselves as superior to their slaves ? "
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Then he ordered the slaves to advance and eat.



A man once entered the house of Salman, may God be pleased with him, and saw him kneading his dough. "What are you doing, Abu 'Abdullah? " " I have sent my servant on an errand, " he answered. " So I didn't like to give him some more work." This is some of what Islam did for slaves !


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The Islamic position on Slavery: A refutation of doubts
http://www.load-islam.com/artical_de...Misconceptions




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That is just the opinions if for arguments sake, one was to say that she was a concubine. Yet as i've stated earlier, she was the wife of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him.)




And Allaah knows best.





Regards.

 

[Woodrow]

If you look up the definition of Judaism, it says it is traced back to Abraham. I understand that you could techincally say he submitted to the One True God. And I understand how he could be called the first Muslim since his son was Ishmael, but wasnt that the son born of a concubine Hagar?

Muslim is not a race. It is a person who submits to Allah(swt). Ishmael can be called the first Arab but he was not the first Muslim. The First Human Muslim we know of is Adam(PBUH).

There seems to be much confusion among people that Muslim=Arab and Arab=Muslim. But, that is far from the case. Only about 15% of the world's Muslims are Arab and not all Arabs are Muslim. There are also Arabs that are Jewish, Christian, Sabeean, Hindu, etc.

 

[Grace Seeker]

Abraham (peace be upon him) was from Ur of Chaldees (in Mesopotamia, now known as Iraq). So he was an Iraqi!

He lived before Judah, from whom the name of 'Jews' comes. He came from a tribe of idol worshippers, but sought after the One God. He was the great-grandfather of Judah, so how can he be said to be 'of the tribe of Judah'? ie Jewish.

Abraham (peace be upon him) is called a 'Hebrew' in the bible, which is not synonymous with 'Jew'. maybe you can research the meaning of 'Hebrew' for yourself if you are interested?

I hope that makes sense to you.

peace

I think the confusion over Abraham doesn't have to do with how he saw himself. He clearly would not have seen himself as either Jewish or Arab as the concepts did not even exist at his time. But today he is claimed by both Jews and Arabs who, of course, want to consider him one of their own.

As having to be of the tribe of Judah to be Jewish, I don't think that it is necessary. Yes, I understand that this is where we generally think of the term as coming from (though if one reads the posts in the "ask a Jew" thread, I believe I read a different answer there about that a few months back). But that does not take into account that today we have people who are of the tribe of Benjamin (and this would included King David) and of the tribe of Levi (for example all those with the last name of Cohen) who are also considered Jews. So, the term "Jew", as used today, includes more than just the descendants of Judah.

 

[rubiesand]

Hi Jag, welcome to the forum. You asked a few posts back about the story of Muhammad (peace be upon him). Here is a quote from a short but sweet outline of the story written by Hamza Yusuf, who is a convert to Islam:


The Prophet of Islam was born in the city of Mecca, Arabia, into a poor but noble branch of an aristocratic clan known as Quraysh, a people who despised treachery, lies and stupidity, while honouring bravery in battle, generosity in partying, and cleverness in poetry.

Some families, were so ashamed of their baby girls, that they would bury them alive instead of suffering the possible indignity of future dishonour. The religion of the Arabs at the time was a hodge-podge of superstition, divination and idolatry. To them, man's life ended with his death and his afterlife was based on his military exploits might be immortalized by a poets tongue.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born into this world on April 9th, 570, Christian era in the lunar month of Rabi'a al-Awwal. His father, Abdallah died during his mother’s pregnancy. And for the first four years he was raised in the relative purity of the desert by a Bedouin woman named Halimah. After which he returned to his mother, Aminah. But in his seventh year, his mother died leaving him in the care of his grandfather.

At the age of twenty-five, he was employed as a commercial agent by Lady Khadijah, a successful widow from his own clan. She soon recognized his honesty and good nature and proposed marriage. Although fifteen years younger than she was, he accepted her proposal, and fathered six of his seven children with her.

At the age of forty, it had become his custom to escape the idolatry of Meccan society by seeking solitude in a cave on the mountain known as "the Mountain of Light." In the solitary confines of his small cave a voice pierced his consciousness declaring: "Recite!"

Alarmed and shivering he fled to his wife, begging her to wrap him in a cloak. He feared for his sanity, concerned that a desert spirit or poetic muse might be pursuing him. More revelations soon followed and Muhammad came to the understanding that he was not only a prophet in a long line of prophets, but that he was the last of them who was sent with a universal message.

As the days passed his revelations increased and they were powerfully rhythmic punctuated with intoxicating messages that challenged listeners to reflect on everyday miracles such as the alternation of the night and day

These revelations revealed to Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, came to be known as the Qur'an, the Muslim holy book. For thirteen years he invited his clan to worship one God, sit with slaves in spiritual solidarity, respect women as soul-full equals and the source of human mercy, care for the widow, the orphan, the weak and the oppressed.

At first people ridiculed his message and accused him of attempting "to make the gods one." His message threatened his people’s financial control of the markets of Mecca where pilgrims from all over Arabia came to spend their wealth.

When his clan failed to stop his preaching they plotted to kill him in his sleep. But he was warned by the Angel Gabriel and told to flee in the cover of darkness to Madina with his beloved friend and lifelong companion Abu Bakr.

Setting out, the two sought refuge in a cave to escape the skilled trackers of Mecca hot on their trail. The bounty hunters quickly came upon the cave, but a spider’s web had already covered the entrance and a dove with her young rested in a nest above it.

When the posse left and the two felt safe again, they continued their journey to the city of Yathrib. And as they entered it the young girls and children of Bani Najjar came out chanting lines of poetry which is still sung all over the world in remembrance of this auspicious occasion.

The name Yathrib was changed to Medina, city of hope. It became a city founded on the brotherhood of virtue. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, enacted a treaty uniting the once warring groups. He secured the rights of the Jewish minority by granting them full citizenship and freedom to practice their religion without constraint.

Days after his arrival in Medina he began the construction of a mosque, a sanctuary of prayer and meditation, in the centre of the city. And he had his companions; the Muslims create their own marketplace in order to ensure economic strength.

The Meccans, sensing that a rising power was now emerging in the peninsula, plotted ways of subverting the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his growing community of believers.

And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who had practiced a strict pacifism in Mecca for thirteen years and disliked the use of coercive force, was now given permission by God to defend against any attacks by his enemies. The Qur'an declared, "Fighting has been prescribed for you and you detest it, but perhaps you detest something and in it is much good. And perhaps you love something and in it is much harm, and God knows and you do not know." [Qur'an 2:216].

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Never desire to meet your enemies, rather ask God for peace and well-being; but should you be forced to meet them, then act courageously." [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Muslims are not ashamed of their Prophet’s teaching about war. On the contrary, for us it is a great source of pride. He was courageous as a great lion against the strong and oppressive yet gentle as a shepherd with the weak and the oppressed.

The true object of war fought for God should always be peace. What the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, taught is that Muslims fight for a just cause only. In this world, there are only two choices: two sides, truth and justice or falsehood and oppression. You don’t have to be a Muslim to understand that.

After years of conflict between members of his clan and his followers, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had a revelation that he should visit the sacred mosque. In the eighth year after his migration to Medina the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, set out for Mecca but his adversaries refused to allow him in. They sent out an arbitrator to strike an agreement that would bring the stand-off to an end. And on every point of this treaty the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, compromised his own position in pursuit of peace.

On the journey back to Medina some of the companions were deeply troubled by what had just taken place and disappointed that they were thwarted from visiting the sanctuary. When asked to explain, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, replied, "Did I say it was going to be this year?"

And so the following year, in accordance with the treaty, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his followers performed a pilgrimage completely unmolested. But soon his clan the Quraysh broke their end of the deal, massacring another clan with alliance to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, attacking them even in the sacred precinct. Abu Sufyan, the head of the Prophet’s enemies, attempted to restore the truce but it was too late. News of the massacre enraged the believers and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, summoned all of the Muslims capable of bearing arms to march on Mecca. When the nearly ten thousand Muslims arrived on the outskirts of the city, the Quraysh realized they did not stand a chance and people either fled or stayed in their homes.

And so it was, after years of persecution, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, marched triumphant into the city of his birth at the head of the largest army ever assembled in Arabian history. With his head bowed in humility he declared a general amnesty and granted war criminals refuge.

His overwhelming magnanimity of character led to a mass conversion among the citizens of Mecca. Even Abu Sufyan, his archenemy, embraced the religion of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. In the months that followed, almost all of Arabia dispatched representatives to swear allegiance to this Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and to enter in the faith of Islam. In a period of twenty-three years Muhammad, peace be upon him, had succeeded in uniting a feuding people trapped in cycles of violence into one people with a sense of destiny and a mission that would transform the world.

He elevated the low, and he lowered the elevated that they might meet in that middle place known as brotherhood. He infused in them a love of learning unleashing a creative power that would lead to some of the most extraordinary scientific breakthroughs in human history.

He died on the same day he was born, in the same house he had lived in for ten years in Medina, on a small bed made of leather stuffed with palm fibres, in the arms of his beloved wife Aishah. His dying words were, "Treat your women well, and do not oppress your servants, the prayer, the prayer, don’t be neglectful of the prayer. O God, my highest companion, O highest companion."



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