When people think of Islam they immediately think of Muhammad and the Quran. Although the Quran is the most highly esteemed book in Islam, it is not the only source necessary to define the religion of Islam. The Quran itself indicates that Muhammad life was an example for Muslims to follow. Surah 33:21 of Al-Hilali and Khan’s translation of the Quran states

“Indeed in the Messenger of God (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) God and the Last Day and remembers God much.”

How good of an example Muhammad was is an interesting issue in Islam. Some Muslims go as far as to claim that everything Muhammad said was inspired and they base this on Surah 53:1-5 which states:

Surah 53:1-5 (Hilali and Khan) “By the star when it goes down (or vanishes). Your companion (Muhammad) has neither gone astray nor has erred. Nor does he speak of (his own) desire, It is only a Revelation revealed.”

Though many Muslims take the position that Muhammad was sinless it is an indefensible position since according to Islamic tradition Muhammad uttered verses inspired by Satan, and under a bewitched state said that he had slept with his wives when he had not. (We will cover this in more detail in the chapter entitled “Muhammad’s Example”.) Some Muslims hold the position that this statement applies not to all that Muhammad said but only to the Quran. This position has problems given the obviously false statements in the Quran such as Surah 18:83-90 which says the Sun sets in a muddy pool. To others Muhammad is considered a good example, though not sinless, perfect or always inspired. Though Muslims may disagree to the extent they believe Muhammad’s example should be followed, they all believe Muhammad was an example, and on the basis of these passages of the Quran, Muslims have collected the Hadiths ( or traditions) concerning the statements, actions and beliefs of Muhammad. The traditions come in two forms: The biographies of Muhammad, which are arranged chronologically and the Hadith Collections, which are arranged topically. Many non-Muslims are surprised to find out that over 80% of Islamic law does not come from the Quran but these traditions. Even some of the fundamental teachings of Islam are not found in the Quran, but only in the Hadith. For example, only 3 of the 5 required daily prayers are mentioned in the Quran, the other 2 prayer times are mentioned in the Hadith. Many other important teachings of Islam are found in the Hadith but not in the Quran.

The biography of Muhammad and the chronological development of his teaching is important not just because he is viewed as an example to follow, but also because Islam has the doctrine of abrogating older teachings when they contradict Muhammad’s later teachings. Because neither the Quran or the Hadith collections are arranged chronologically, the biography of Muhammad is crucial in determining which of the verses abrogate and which are abrogated.

If someone desires to read the source material that defines Islam, I recommend starting with the earliest biographies of Muhammad. After having read these biographies the reader will have a better understanding of the context of the statements in the Quran and Hadith.

The Biographies (also known as the Sirat)
{#the-biographies-(also-known-as-the-sirat)}

The earliest biography of Muhammad was written by Ibn Ishaq. Ibn Ishaq was born A.H. 85 (A.H. means after Muhammad’s migration to Medina). This is about 76 years after Muhammad’s death. Ibn Ishaq died in 151 A.H.¹ His work comes to us from two channels: Ibn Hisham’s biography of Muhammad and Tabari’s History. Ibn Hisham took Ibn Ishaq’s biography and removed things as he saw fit. In the following quote from Ibn Hisham notes, Ibn Hisham states his reasons for omitting things from Ibn Ishaq’s account.

“for the sake of brevity, confining myself to the prophet’s biography and omitting some of the things which Ibn Ishaq has recorded in this book in which there is no mention of the apostle and about which the Quran says nothing and which are not relevant to anything in this book or an explanation of it or evidence for it; poems which he quotes that no authority on poetry whom I have met knows of; things which are disgraceful to discuss; matters which would distress certain people; and such reports as al-Bakka’I told me he could not accept as trustworthy – all these things I have omitted…”²

Notice that Ibn Hisham rejected traditions which were considered valid by those who came before him based upon his preconceived notions of: what a prophet should and should not be and do; how certain people might emotionally react to the Hadith; as well as what a contemporary of his thought of the Hadith. Thankfully, Tabari retained many of the portions that Ibn Hisham deleted. Guillaume reconstructed what he could of Ibn Ishaq from Ibn Hisham and Tabari. Modern Muslim biographers often follow the tradition of Ibn Hisham and remove from their biographies everything they think is objectionable, unflattering, or goes against their preconceived notions concerning what a prophet ought to say and do. An example of this is seen in the popular revised biography of Muhammad by Haykal. Haykal tells us his reasons for rejecting the story of the “satanic verses” despite it being well attested to in the earliest sources. In the preface of his 2nd edition Haykal states:

“As for me I did not hesitate to reject the story altogether … In analyzing it I brought together several pieces of evidence. In addition to its denial of the infallibility of the Prophets in their conveyance of their divine messages, this story must also be subject to modern scientific criticism.”³

Notice that Haykal appeals to an apriori belief in “the infallibility of prophets in their conveyance of their divine messages” as a means of rejecting this well established tradition, in which Satan put words into Muhammad’s mouth that were later abrogated. The approach taken by Haykal, may seem to save Muhammad and Islam from some embarrassment, but it is not without problems. According to tradition, a portion of the Quran, Surah 22:52, was sent by Allah to comfort Muahmmad after he had recited verses from Satan thinking they were from Allah. The passage reads as follows:

Surah 22:52 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “Never did We send a Messenger or a Prophet before you, but; when he did recite the revelation or narrated or spoke, Shaitan (Satan) threw (some falsehood) in it. But Allah abolishes that which Shaitan (Satan) throws in. Then Allah establishes His Revelations. And Allah is All- Knower, All-Wise:”

The traditional association of this verse in the Quran with the story of the Satanic verses greatly strengthens the case for the authenticity of the story of the Satanic verses. In order to reject the tradition concerning the Satanic verses, one should provide a more authentic tradition predating Ibn Ishaq, which provides a different explanation and context for the above passage of the Quran. To merely dismiss the story of the Satanic verses without providing stronger evidence to the contrary is nothing more than a rejection of the historical religion of Islam. Since Surah 22:52 flies in the face of Haykal’s assumed axiom of “The infallibility of prophets in their conveyance of their divine messages”. How could Haykal adopt this presupposition and retain a belief in the Quran. Haykal offered not explanation for how he came about this axiom and why he should place it above the historical accounts, and the teaching of the Quran itself. Haykal’s assuming the axiom of “The infallibility of prophets in their conveyance of their divine messages” is in fact a rejection of this verse of the Quran, and the historical religion of Islam.

The Hadith Collections of Sunni Islam
{#the-hadith-collections-of-sunni-islam}

The Sunnis and the Shiites follow different hadith collections. This book focuses on Sunni Hadiths since over 80% of all Muslims are Sunni. Suni Islam has 6 topically arranged hadith collections (Bukhari, Muslim, Dawud, Ibn Majjah, Tirmithi, Al Nassai) with Bukhari’s collection being the most highly esteemed followed by Muslims Hadith collection. The hadith collector Bukhari was born 194 A.H. which is over 180 years after Muhammad died and over a hundred years later than the earliest biographer of Muhammad Ibn Ishaq and about 28 years before the historian Tabari was born. The introduction to Muhammad Muhsin Khan’s translation of the Bukhari’s hadith collection contains the following statements concerning Bukhari’s Hadith collection:

“It is said that Imam Bukhari collected over 300,000 Hadiths and he himself memorized 200,000 of which some were unreliable. He was born at a time when Hadith was being forged either to please rulers or Kings or to corrupt the religion of Islam. It was a great task for him to sift the forged Hadiths from the authentic ones. He labored day and night and although he had memorized such a large number, he only chose approximately 7275 of which there is no doubt about their authority.”⁴

It is interesting to note that Bukhari considered all but about 3% of the traditions he heard to be questionable. Given such a state of affairs it is hard to have confidence in any of these traditions. Especially since the criteria by which he evaluated whether or not a hadith was reliable was based upon the integrity of the alleged chain of transmitters. (The chain of transmitters is known as the “isnad” and the reputation ‘adl.) Muslims classify hadiths based on isnads as follows:

Sahih mean Sound. This is the highest classification
Hasan means good, but not as good as sahih
Dai’f means weak hadith caused by an incomplete isnad or perceived unreliability of one or more of the reporters in the isnad.
Maudu means a hadith that is suspected of being a forgery

Hadiths which have multiple isnad chains are considered more reliable and are called Mu-ta-wa-tir or corroborated, yet corroborated hadiths have the same problems as other hadiths.

Ibn Ishaq, who composed his biography long before Bukhari, often has 3 or more links in his chains. An example of a short link is found of page 112
- Salih b. Kaisan from Urwa b. al-Zubayr from Aisha
Tabari’s history (often has about 5 people in the chain)
- For Example: Ali b. Nasrb. ‘Ali al-Jahdami and ‘Abd al-Warith b. ‘Abd al-Samad b. ‘Abd al-Warith From ‘Abd al=Samad b. ‘Abd al-Warith From Aban al ‘Attar From Hisham b. ‘Urwah From ‘Urwah

There are two main problems with the idea of isnad chains:

When one receives a verbal tradition, they only know for certain who told it to them.
If most of Islamic law is determined by the hadith, one needs to know what constitutes the hadith in order to determine who was and was not a good Muslim. Furthermore, how much information does someone have concerning the character of the people in the chain of transmitters.
According to the Quran, a woman’s testimony is worth half that of a man,

Surah 2:282 (Pickthall’s Translation)“…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.”

The following Sahih hadith from Bukhari’s collection claims women are mentally and spiritually deficient.

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 6 :: Hadith 301 Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: 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."

Despite Islam’s teachings concerning the unreliability and spiritual deficiency of women, many hadith originate with a woman and have a woman as the sole link in an isnad chain. Many hadiths originate with a woman and have no redundancy in the link. If Islam wants to be consistent, they must consider such a link as unreliable. This is a big problem for Islam, since Aisha alone was a single point failure on many Hadiths. Wikipedia states: She narrated 2210 hadiths out of which 316 hadiths are mentioned in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim hadith collections.

Given their trust in the isnad chain criterian, one wonders why modern Muslims reject the New Testament but accept Bukhari’s hadith as being authentic. The New Testament writers either had direct access to Jesus (Matthew, John, Peter, James, Paul, Jude) or interacted with those interacted with Jesus. (Mark, Luke, Writer of Hebrews⁵ ) The New Testament has a Short “Chains” of believers with a good reputation! This problem is compounded by the fact that Bukhari, the one that Sunni Muslims rely upon to evaluate what is and is not a good tradition, believed the Bible was sound.

Overview of the Text of the Quran {#overview-of-the-text-of-the-quran}
1. Introduction to Quran {#introduction-to-quran}

The word Quran means recitation, The Kitab means book. Early Muslims placed emphasis on being able to memorize and recite surahs Muhammad claimed to have received from Gabriel. Although most Muslims today claim the Quran has been perfectly preserved, early Muslims believed some of the Quran had been lost. Early Muslims also had disagreements as to which collection of verses should be regarded as the official Quran. The Caliph Uthman settled this issue by canonizing a version of the Quran compiled by Zaid ibn Thabit and demanding that all others be burned. Uthman’s decree angered many Muslims some of whom believed that the Qurans compiled by Abdullah Ibn Massud or Ubai Ibn K’ab were more reliable than Zaid’s Quran. Many Muslims today are unaware of the Quran’s history, and are quite surprised when presented the source material given in this document.

In addition to the issues concerning the text of the Quran, we will also consider the issue of abrogation. Abrogation is the idea that some portions of the Quran where nullified and no longer binding for Muslims. Some of these nullified passages are no longer in the Quran, others remain in the Quran though they are considered abrogated by other passages in the Quran or teachings not in the Quran but from Hadiths that claim to be derived from lost portions of the Quran. There are many interesting issues related to abrogation that are problematic for the religion of Islam.

The View of Modern Muslims {#the-view-of-modern-muslims}

Most Muslims today believe the Quran compiled by Zaid is the revelation of Allah to man. Muhammad Khan on page vi of the introduction to his translation of Bukhari’s Hadith collection claims:

“The Holy Qur’an is the living miracle bestowed by Allah upon the Prophet and this, Allah’s book was revealed to him through the holy spirit (Gabriel) and today 1400 years have passed and nobody has been able to change a single letter or produce its imitation as it is said in the Qur’an (See Sura Hijr, 15:9)”

A similar claim can be found on page 5 of the 2nd edition of I. A. Ibrahim ‘s A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam:

“The Qur’an is the literal word of God, which He revealed to His Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. It was memorized by Muhammad, who then dictated it to his Companions. They, in turn, memorized it, wrote it down, and reviewed it with Prophet Muhammad. Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad reviewed the Qur’an with the Angel Gabriel once each year and twice in the last year of his life. From the time the Qur’an was revealed, until this day, there has always been a huge number of Muslims who have memorized all of the Qur’an, letter by letter. Some of them have even been able to memorize all of the Qur’an by the age of ten. Not one letter of the Qur’an has been changed over the centuries”

Abrogation {#abrogation}

Certain alleged revelations to Muhammad are believed to abrogate other passages. In the case of contradictions, the later revelations abrogate the prior ones. This doctrine is justified by the following passage in the Quran.

Surah 2:106 Pickthal “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?”

It should be noted that this passage can only serve as a justification for abrogating lost and forgotten passages and replacing them with something like them or better. This passage cannot be logically cited as a justification for making known passages null and void, yet this is done regularly in modern Islamic practice.

Abrogation in Islam can be divided into four cases:

Abrogating Verse is in the Quran
Abrogated verses still in the Quran
Abrogated verses not in the Quran
Abrogating Verse is not in the Quran

Case 4 corresponds to the case where the verses were lost but not replaced, this is problematic because it disproves Surah 2:106.
1. Verses that were not lost but abrogated.
  {#verses-that-were-not-lost-but-abrogated.}

Even though the following two verses are both found in the Quran the second verse is said to abrogate the first verse.

2:256 (Pickthall) “There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejects false deities and believes in Allah has grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.”

Surah 8:39 (Yusaf Ali) “And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily God doth see all that they do.”

Muhammad Muhsin Khan’s translation of Bukhari’s Hadith collection contains a lengthy discussion of the Islamic view of Jihad that every one seeking to understand the subject should read. The following excerpt summarizes the progression.

“So at first ‘the fighting’ was forbidden, then it was permitted and after that it was made obligatory – (1) against those who start ‘the fighting’ against you (Muslims) … (2) And against all those who worship others along with Allah … as mentioned in Sura Al-Bakqra (II), Al’Imran (III), and Bara’at (IX) … and other Suras”⁶

Many of the statements Muhammad made in Mecca were later abrogated after he moved to Medina, gained a powerful following and became ruler over an army

Muslim : Book 43 : Hadith 7173 “Sa'id b. Jubair reported: I said to Ibn Abbas: Will the repentance of that person be accepted who kills a believer intentionally? He said: No. I recited to him this verse of Sura al-Furqan (xix.): ‘And those who call not upon another god with Allah and slay not the soul which Allah has forbidden except in the cause of justice’ to the end of the verse. He said: This is a Meccan verse which has been abrogated by a verse revealed at Medina: ‘He who slays a believer intentionally, for him is the requital of Hell-Fire where he would abide forever,’ and in the narration of Ibn Hisham (the words are): I recited to him this verse of Sura al-Furqan: ‘Except one who made repentance.’”

Oddly enough many abrogated passages are still part of the Quran, they are however no longer binding on Muslims. On page 13 of his book Islam Unveiled, Abdullah Al-Araby notes:

“An example of the abrogation: there are 124 verses that call for tolerance and patience which have been cancelled and replaced by this one single verse: ‘Fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war) …’ Surah 9:5”

A justification for abrogating verses that were not forgotten is found in the following hadith, where a passage was abrogated immediately after it was given since both are recorded in the hadith the abrogated verse has not been forgotten. The Hadith reads as follows:

Bukhari, Volume VI, The book of the Virtues of the Quran, Hadith 512 “Narrated Al-Bara: There was revealed: ‘Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and those who strive and fight in the Cause of Allah.’ The Prophet said, ‘Call Zaid for me and let him bring the board, the inkpot and the scapula bone (or the scapula bone and the inkpot).’ Then he said, ‘Write: ‘Not equal are those Believers who sit…..’, and at that time ‘Amr bin Um Maktum, the blind man, was sitting behind the Prophet, He said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! What is your order for me (as regards the above Verse) as I am a blind man?’ So, instead of the above Verse, the following Verse was revealed:

‘Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) except those who are

disabled (by injury or are blind or lame etc.) and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah.’(4:95)”⁷

It is interesting to note how the revelation was revised after the blind man raised a question!

Cases where the abrogating verse has been lost, but the abrogated verse
was not lost {#cases-where-the-abrogating-verse-has-been-lost,-but-the-abrogated-verse-was-not-lost}

It is well known that stoning adulterers was advocated in sharia law, yet the Quran advocates lashing adulters. Why is that? Well it turns out, that according to the Hadith, there was a verse advocating stoning, that has been lost. The verse in the Quran which advocates lashes for adultery, not stoning, is as follows:

Surah 24:2 (Pickthall) “The adulterer and the adulteress, scourge you each one of them (with) a hundred stripes. And let not pity for the twain withhold you from obedience to Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a party of believers witness their punishment”

Despite the clear teaching of the Quran, Muhammad advocated stoning adulterers. This is seen in the following Hadith:

”(Bukhari :: Book 9 :: Volume 93 :: Hadith 633) Narrated Ibn 'Umar: “A Jew and Jewess were brought to the Prophet on a charge of committing an illegal sexual intercourse. The Prophet asked the Jews, "What do you (usually) do with them?" They said, "We blacken their faces and disgrace them." He said, "Bring here the Torah and recite it, if you are truthful." They (fetched it and) came and asked a one-eyed man to recite. He went on reciting till he reached a portion on which he put his hand. The Prophet said, "Lift up your hand!" He lifted his hand up and behold, there appeared the verse of Ar-Rajm (stoning of the adulterers to death). Then he said, "O Muhammad! They should be stoned to death but we conceal this Divine Law among ourselves." Then the Prophet ordered that the two sinners be stoned to death and, and they were stoned to death, and I saw the man protecting the woman from the stones.” (See also Bukhari book 6, volume 60, number 79)

Incidentally, Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:24 are the passages in the Bible which call for stoning of adulterers. Two reasons are given for why Muhammad advocated stoning when the Quran calls for lashing.

Reason 1: It is possible that Muhammad considered the Torah to be a higher authority than the Quran. This is evidenced by the following passage of the Quran, and statements of Muhammad recorded in his biography

Surah 5:43 (Pickthall) How come they unto you for judgment when they have the Torah, wherein Allah has delivered judgment (for them)? Yet even after that they turn away. Such (folk) are not believers. 5:44 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. Whoever judges not by that which Allah has revealed: such are disbelievers.

Ibn Ishaq page 260 “The apostle entered a Jewish school ... and called them to God. [He was asked], "What is your religion Muhammad?" "The religion of Abraham." [They rejoined] "But Abraham was a Jew." [Muhammad said] "Then let the Torah judge between us." They refused.”

Reason 2: There is a tradition that there once was a verse in the Quran that advocated stoning. And although that verse has been lost, and the verse advocating lashes remains it is believed that stoning abrogates lashing. Hadith 4194 from book 17 of Muslim’s hadith collection discusses the lost verse. It reads:

MUSLIM : Book 17: #4194 “'Abdullah b. 'Abbas reported that 'Umar b. Khattab sat on the pulpit of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and said: Verily Allah sent Muhammad (may peace be upon him) with truth and He sent down the Book upon him, and the verse of stoning was included in what was sent down to him. We recited it, retained it in our memory and understood it. Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) awarded the punishment of stoning to death (to the married adulterer and adulteress) and, after him, we also awarded the punishment of stoning, I am afraid that with the lapse of time, the people (may forget it) and may say: We do not find the punishment of stoning in the Book of Allah, and thus go astray by abandoning this duty prescribed by Allah. Stoning is a duty laid down in Allah's Book for married men and women who commit adultery when proof is established, or it there is pregnancy, or a confession.”

According to hadith 1944 from Sunan Ibn Majah’s collection, this portion of the Quran was lost, along with several others, when a portion of the Quran was eaten by a goat

Sunan Ibn Majah #1944 “It is narrated on the authority of A’ishah that she said: The Holy Verse pertaining to stoning (the adulterers to death), and suckling the young man ten times (in order to make him a foster-son) was revealed (and then it was abrogated), even though it remained written in a document underneath my bed, But, when the Messenger of Allah “Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him” died, and we were busy by (the affairs of) his death (and burial ceremonies), a domestic goat entered and ate it.”(Translated by Mohammad Mahdi al-Sharif, Volume 2, page 204 Publisher : Dar Al-Kotob Al-ilmiyah)

This is problematic for Islam since Surah 15:9 Allah says he is the protector of the Quran yet he could not protect it from a goat.

Case where both the abrogated verse and the abrogating verse were lost
and there was nothing like them that replaced them. {#case-where-both-the-abrogated-verse-and-the-abrogating-verse-were-lost-and-there-was-nothing-like-them-that-replaced-them.}

A clear example of this is the suckling verses which were mentioned in passing in hadith 1944 of Ibn Majad’s collection sited above, and like the stoning verses passed into the belly of a goat never to be seen again. These verses are discussed in many places in the Hadith collections, we will look at a few of the hadiths.

Muslim :: Book 8 : Hadith 3421 Narrated Aisha: It had been revealed in the Qur'an that ten clear sucklings make the marriage unlawful, then it was abrogated (and substituted) by five sucklings and Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) died and it was before that time (found) in the Qur'an (and recited by the Muslims). (Sahih Muslim, book 8, number 3421)

       A similar hadith is found in book 30 of Malik’s collection.

Malik :: Book 30 : Hadith 30.3.17 Yahya related to me from Malik from Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr ibn Hazm from Amra bint Abd ar-Rahman that A'isha, the wife of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Amongst what was sent down of the Qur'an was 'ten known sucklings make haram' - then it was abrogated by 'five known sucklings'. When the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, died, it was what is now recited of the Qur'an." Yahya said that Malik said, "One does not act on this."

The following hadith explains the context of the suckling verses. It is quite an interesting story, and worthy of a slight tangent. Muhammad lusted after his adopted son’s wife, but thought that she was prohibited to him, then he received a revelation that he was supposed to marry her because, Muhammad’s Allah did not consider adopted sons as real sons and his Allah was pleased to have Muhammad’s adopted son, Zaid, divorce her and to give her to Muhammad. When Muhammad’s Allah declared adopted sons were no longer considered legitimate family members, it caused quite a stir with anyone involved in adoption in the Muslim community. Children who were considered members of families were now no longer family members. Part of this problem was mitigated by the suckling verses. The suckling verses said that a person who was breast fed by a family member a certain number of times was declared an official family member. In the earlier suckling verses Allah said 10 breast-feedings were required, in later verses Allah would reduce the requirement to 5 breast-feedings. So if one wanted to adopt someone, this had to be done, even if the person was older. The suckling verses which seemingly repaired some families tore some other apart. It was realized that some happily married couples had the same wet nurse growing up, and because of the suckling verses, they were now considered family members and no longer considered suitable for each other as mates.

The following hadiths contains some interesting information on the suckling verses.

Malik :: Book 30 : Hadith 30.2.12 “Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab that he was asked about the suckling of an older person. He said, ''Urwa ibn az-Zubayr informed me that Abu Hudhayfa ibn Utba ibn Rabia, one of the companions of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who was present at Badr, adopted Salim (who is called Salim, the mawla of Abu Hudhayfa) as the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, adopted Zayd ibn Haritha. He thought of him as his son, and Abu Hudhayfa married him to his brother's sister, Fatima bint al-Walid ibn Utba ibn Rabia, who was at that time among the first emigrants. She was one of the best unmarried women of the Quraysh. When Allah the Exalted sent down in His Book what He sent down about Zayd ibn Haritha, 'Call them after their true fathers. That is more equitable in the sight of Allah. If you do not know who their fathers were then they are your brothers in the deen and your mawali,' (Sura 33 ayat 5) people in this position were traced back to their fathers. When the father was not known, they were traced to their mawla Sahla bint Suhayl who was the wife of Abu Hudhayfa, and one of the tribe of Amr ibn Luayy, came to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, 'Messenger of Allah! We think of Salim as a son and he comes in to see me while I am uncovered. We only have one room, so what do you think about the situation?' The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'Give him five drinks of your milk and he will be mahram by it.' She then saw him as a foster son. A'isha umm al-muminin took that as a precedent for whatever men she wanted to be able to come to see her. She ordered her sister, Umm Kulthum bint Abi Bakr as-Siddiq and the daughters of her brother to give milk to whichever men she wanted to be able to come in to see her. The rest of the wives of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, refused to let anyone come in to them by such nursing. They said, 'No! By Allah! We think that what the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, ordered Sahla bint Suhayl to do was only an indulgence concerning the nursing of Salim alone. No! By Allah! No one will come in upon us by such nursing!' "This is what the wives of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, thought about the suckling of an older person.“”

Bukhari :: Book 3 :: Volume 48 :: Hadith 827 Narrated Uqba bin Al-Harith: That he had married Um Yahya bint Abu Ihab. He said. "A black slave lady came and said, 'I suckled you both.' I then mentioned that to the Prophet who turned his face aside." Uqba further said, "I went to the other side and told the Prophet about it. He said, 'How can you (keep her as your wife) when the lady has said that she suckled both of you (i.e. you and your wife?)" So, the Prophet ordered him to divorce her.

Verses that are not part of the current Quran and were not replaced.
{#verses-that-are-not-part-of-the-current-quran-and-were-not-replaced.}

There are a few of these mentioned in the hadith and the biography. Probably one of the most interesting cases of this was Muhammad’s last revelation. Muhammad wanted to write it down but nobody would cooperate and it was lost and never replaced. What is worse is that according to Muhammad it was something that could have kept the Muslim community from going astray

**Bukhari :: Book 7 :: Volume 70 :: Hadith 573 “**Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: When Allah's Apostle was on his death-bed and in the house there were some people among whom was 'Umar bin Al-Khattab, the Prophet said, "Come, let me write for you a statement after which you will not go astray." 'Umar said, "The Prophet is seriously ill and you have the Qur'an; so the Book of Allah is enough for us." The people present in the house differed and quarrelled. Some said "Go near so that the Prophet may write for you a statement after which you will not go astray," while the others said as Umar said. When they caused a hue and cry before the Prophet, Allah's Apostle said, "Go away!" Narrated 'Ubaidullah: Ibn 'Abbas used to say, "It was very unfortunate that Allah's Apostle was prevented from writing that statement for them because of their disagreement and noise."”

Abrogation an argument against the inspiration of the Quran:
{#abrogation-an-argument-against-the-inspiration-of-the-quran:}

It is interesting that there are many cases where, the abrogated verses were not lost or forgotten, this is not that much of a problem for Islam since the Quran does not say that only lost and forgotten verses would be abrogated. It is however a problem for Islam that there are verses that were lost and have not been replaced by something better or something like them. A couple examples being the stoning verses and the suckling verses. Since these verses were not replaced then the claim of Surah 2:106 is demonstrably false. Since this statement in the Quran is false, why should we trust the other statements.

Quran not Chronological {#quran-not-chronological}

In Jam Al-Quran, Gilchrist uses Islamic sources like as -Suyuti, Al Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur'an, to demonstrate that the surahs of the Quran were not compiled chronologically

“Furthermore no chronological record of the sequence of passages was kept by Muhammad himself or his companions so that, as each of these began to be collected into an actual surah (a ‘chapter’), no thought was given as to theme, order of deliverance or chronological sequence. It is acknowledged by all Muslim writers that most of the surahs, especially the longer ones, are composite texts containing various passages not necessarily linked to each other in the sequence in which they were given. As time went on Muhammad used to say ‘Put this passage in the surah in which so-and-so is mentioned’, or ‘Put it in such-and-such a place’ (as -Suyuti, Al Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur'an, page141). “⁸

The need for a chronology {#the-need-for-a-chronology}

Given conflicting verses in the Quran, such as those that advocate peaceful coexistence and those that advocate violence, there is a need to determine which verse should be followed. Since it is impossible to determine the chronology of the various portions of the Quran from the Quran alone, it is impossible to develop a theology from the Quran alone since one has no way of knowing which verses abrogate others. In order to make sense of the Quran, a means of determining a chronology is essential to Islam. The Hadith collections are filled with sayings and actions attributed to Muhammad but do not give much chronological information. Concerning these Hadith collections William Montgomery Watt wrote

“Hadith do not normally give an indication of chronology, and there is no ‘chronological’ Hadith. Thus, Hadith cannot be used to arrange Hadith chronologically.”⁹

For this reason, the biography of Muhammad, referred to as the Sirat, is essential to Islam.

The order of the Surahs in the Quran
{#the-order-of-the-surahs-in-the-quran}

Many Muslims today believe not only the content but also the ordering of the current copy of the Quran was divinely inspired. The following hadith from Sahih Bukhari indicates that Aisha (one of Muhammad’s wives) thought it was important to know which parts of the Quran came first, but she did not think it was important to put the surahs in a particular order.

“Narrated Yusuf bin Mahk: While I was with Aisha, the mother of Believers, a person from Iraq came and asked, ‘What type of shroud is the best?’ Aisha said, ‘May Allah be merciful to you! What does it matter?’ He said, ‘O mother of the Believers! Show me (the copy of ) your Quran, ‘ She said, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘In order to compile and arrange the Quran according to it, for people recite it with its Suras not in proper order.’ Aisha said, ‘What does it matter which part of it you read first? (Be informed) that the first things that was revealed thereof was a Sura from Al-Mufassal, and in it was mentioned Paradise and the Fire. When the people embraced Islam, the Verses regarding legal and illegal things were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed was: ‘Do not drink alcoholic drinks.’ People would have said, ‘We will never leave alcoholic drinks,’ and if there had been revealed, ‘Do not commit illegal sexual intercourse, ‘they would have said, ‘We will never give up illegal sexual intercourse.’ While I was a young girl of playing age, the following Verse was revealed in Mecca to Muhammad:

‘Nay! But the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter.’

Sura Al-Baqara (The Cow) and Surat An-Nisa (The Women) were revealed while I was with him.’ The Aisha took out the copy of the Quran for the man and dictated to him the Verses of the Suras (in their proper order).”¹⁰

A Popular Modern Muslim View on Text of the Quran
{#a-popular-modern-muslim-view-on-text-of-the-quran}

Many modern fundamentalist Muslims are fond of claiming that the Quran has been completely and accurately preserved. The following quote from the introduction to Muhammad Muhsin Kahn’s English translation of Sahih Bukhari’s Hadith Collection is indicative of this view:

“The Holy Qur’an is the living miracle bestowed by Allah upon the Prophet and this, Allah’s book was revealed to him throught the holy spirit (Gabriel) and today 1400 years have passed and nobody has been able to change a single letter or produce its imitation as is is said in the Qur’an (See Sura Hijr, 15:9)”¹¹

If the compilation of the text and the method of it’s preservation is discussed at all in the modern Islamic literature, it often contains claims similar to that found in the book A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam

Many are not aware of the controversies surrounding the collection and canonization of what they believe to be the text of the Quran. The subject will only be briefly touched upon here, for a more detailed treatment of this subject one can consult Gilchrist’s book Jam Al-Quran¹³.

The formation of the Quran. {#the-formation-of-the-quran.}

The following hadith, from Chapter 7 of volume 6 of Sahih Bukhari, when taken apart, from the Sirat (biography) and the rest of the hadith collection, might give the impression that the Quran was completely revealed many years before Muhammad died.

“Gabriel used to present (recite) the Quran to the Prophet, Fatima said, “The Prophet told me secretly, “ ‘Gabriel used to recite the Quran to me and I to him once a year, but this year he recited the whole Quran with me twice. I don’t think but that my death is approaching.’”¹⁴

The Sirat or biography of Muhammad tells us of many of the occasions on which the Quran was revealed to Muhammad. The Hadith also indicates that Muhammad was continually receiving revelations up until his death. Consequently, a complete collection of his revelations could not have been compiled until after he died. In fact, Sahih Bukhari’s hadith volume 6 number 505 states:

“Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah sent down His Divine Inspiration to His Apostle continuously and abundantly during the period preceding his death till He took him unto Him. That was the period of the greatest part of revelation; and Allah’s Apostle died after that”¹⁵

A similar statement is found in book 43 hadith 7152 of Sahih Muslim’s Hadith collection.

“Anas b. Malik reported that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, sent revelation to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) just before his death in quick succession until he left for his heavenly home, and the day when he died, he received the revelation profusely.”¹⁶

Muslims who believe in the reliability of the hadith collection of Bukhari, may try reconciling the two hadiths by assuming the portions of the Quran Gabriel and Muhammad recited to one another each year were only the portions that had been revealed up to that point. However, this attempt at reconciliation runs into problems with other hadiths. The hadith collections contain conflicting stories in regard to Gabriel appearing to Muhammad.

Gilchrist in his book Jam al Quran references several traditions in regard to Gabriel and the Quran. One has Zaid attending the final review¹⁷, another has Ibn Masud attending the yearly reviews with Gabriel and Muhammad¹⁸. This is problematic considering Bukhari Book 6 Volume 60 Hadith 378 claims Muhammad only saw Gabriel in his true form twice.

General notes on the collections of the Quran.
{#general-notes-on-the-collections-of-the-quran.}

Several prominent Muslims compiled their own Quran collections during and after the life of Muhammad, this would not be of interest except that their collections differed to the point that it caused strife in the Muslim community. There were great disagreements as to what was and was not the Quran. Three of the prominent collections were compiled by Abdullah bin Masud, Ubai bin K’ab, and Zaid bin Thabit. A modification of Zaid’s collection ended up becoming the standard collection used by Muslims today. In Jam al Quran, Gilchrist quotes some early Muslim scholars who did not seem to consider the collections they had to be complete. I have reprinted a couple of those quotes along with his citations here:

It is reported from Ismail ibn Ibrahim from Ayyub from Naafi from Ibn Umar who said: "Let none of you say 'I have acquired the whole of the Qur'an'. How does he know what all of it is when much of the Qur'an has disappeared? Rather let him say 'I have acquired what has survived.'" (as-Suyuti, Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur'an, page524).

Many (of the passages) of the Qur'an that were sent down were known by those who died on the day of Yamama ... but they were not known (by those who) survived them, nor were they written down, nor had Abu Bakr, Umar or Uthman (by that time) collected the Qur'an, nor were they found with even one (person) after them. (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif, page23).”

In this section we will look at several hadith which seem to be consistent with the statements noted by Gilchrist. This is interesting because modern Muslim apologists are often quite insistent that the Quran they have is not only inspired but also complete. The claim for completeness is very important, because if the Quran is incomplete, one wonders why the missing verses were not replaced according to Surah 2:106. And if these missing surahs were later in Muhammad’s life, perhaps they abrogate other portions of the Quran. Since Zaid’s codex is the basis for what most Muslims today call the Quran, we examine it’s compilation.

The Collection of Zaid’s codex. {#the-collection-of-zaid’s-codex.}

In Sahih Bukhari volume VI hadith 512, Muhammad asked someone to get Zaid so he could write down a part of the Quran. In addition, to being a scribe of Muhammad, Zaid was the collector of what would become the official codex of the Quran. The following hadith indicates that there were four people who collected the Quran at the time of Muhammad

“Narrated Qatada: I asked Anas bin Malik, ‘Who collected the Quran at the time of the Prophet?’ He replied, ‘Four, all of whom were from the Ansar: Ubai bin Ka’b, Mu’adh bin Jabal, Zaid bin Thabit and Abu Zaid.’”¹⁹

The next hadith in the collection states:

“Narrated Anas (bin Malik): ‘When the Prophet died, none had collected the Quran but four persons: Abu Ad-Darda. Muadh bin Jabal, Zaid bin Thabit and Abu Zaid. We were the inheritors (of Abu Zaid) as he had no offspring.’”²⁰

Notice that the second list conflicts with the first list and replaces Ubai bin Ka’b with Abu Ad-Darda. While many early Muslims made the case that there were people more knowledgeable about the Quran than Zaid bin Thabit, Zaid was not without credentials.

After Muhammad died, many people left Islam. The successor and first Caliph of Islam, Abu Bakr, went to fight against them because Islam mandates killing apostates²¹. The resulting battles are referred to as the apostate wars. During these wars many of the faithful Muslims died and Abu Bakr and Umar encouraged Zaid to form a written collection of the Quran to prevent the Quran from being forgotten. This story is recorded in the following hadith from Bukhari volume VI number 509 which is attributed to Zaid himself

“Narrated Zaid bin Thabit Abu Bakr As-Siddiq sent for me when the people of Yama-ma had been killed (i.e., a number of the Prophet’s Companions who fought against Musalama). (I went to him) and found ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab sitting with him. Abu Bakr then said (to me), “Umar has come to me and said: ‘Casualties were heavy among the Qurra’ of the Qur’an (i.e. those who knew the Qur’an by heart) on the day of the Battle of Yamama, and I am afraid that more heavy casualties may take place among the Qurra’ on other battlefields, whereby a large part of the Qur’an may be lost. Therefore I suggest, you (Abu Bakr) order that the Quran be collected.’ I said to ‘Umar, ‘How can you do something which Allah’s Apostle did not do?’ ‘Umar said, ‘By Allah, that is a good project.’ ‘Umar kept on urging me to accept his proposal till Allah opened my chest for it and I began to realize the good in the idea which ‘Umar had realized.’ Then Abu Bakr said (to me), ‘You are a wise young man and we do not have any suspicion about you, and you used to write the Divine Inspirations for Allah’s Apostlel So you should search (the fragmentary scripts of) the Quran and collect it (in one book).’ By Allah! If they had ordered me to shift one of the mountains, it would not have been heavier for me than this ordering me to collect the Qur’an. Then I said to Abu Bakr, ‘How will you do something which Allah’s Apostle did not do?’ Abu Bakr replied, ‘By Allah it is a good project.’ Abu Bakr kept on urging me to accept his idea until Allah opened my chest for what He had opened the chests of Abu Bakr and ‘Umar. So I started looking for the Qur’an and collecting it from (what was written on) palm-leaf stalks, thin white stones and also from the men who knew it by heart, till I found the last Verse of Surat At-Tauba (Repentance) with Abi Khuzaima Al-Ansari, and I did not find it with anybody other than him. The Verse is:

Verily there has come unto you an Apostle (Muhammad) from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury of difficulty ….(till the end of Surat-Bara’a (At-Tauba) (9:128-129)

Then the complete manuscripts (copy) of the Quran remained with Abu Bakr till he died, then with ‘Umar till the end of his life, and then with Hafsa the daughter of ‘Umar.”²²

There are several important things to notice from this hadith

Abu Bakr and Umar both feared that much of the Quran may have already been lost.
Zaid himself twice claimed that a written version of the Quran had never been compiled by Muhammad during his lifetime, nor had it been ordered by the leader of the Community.
- Note that in Islam, Muhammad is considered an example for all believers, doing something that Muhammad could have done but chose not to, was problematic for Zaid.
Zaid did not think the collection of the Quran was a trivial thing, instead, he thought it would have been easier if he was asked to sift a mountain! This is particularly astounding comment considering Surah 31:10 of the Quran says mountains hold the earth in place. Zaid would not have thought this difficult if a huge number of Muslims had memorized the Quran letter by letter as A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam has claimed.
While many Muslims did make a great effort to memorize much of what Muhammad recited, not having that in a book form made the memorization more difficult, especially since there are hadiths which claim the Quran was revealed in seven different ways. Hadith 552 of volume 6 of Sahih Bukhari’s collection records Muhammad himself saying the Quran flee’s men’s minds like camels released from their tying ropes. In hadith 558 of the same collection Muhammad acknowledges that even he had forgotten part of the Quran.
Despite being a Qurra (reciter) , a scribe of Muhammad, and one of the greatest experts on the Quran according to the Hadith, Zaid had to turn to many different sources such as fragments of the Quran written on bones or leafs as well as things people remembered. Despite his great credentials, Zaid evidently did not know the entire Quran by heart.
There were people who claimed to know the entire Quran such as Abdullah bin Masud who stated in Bukhari volume 6 number 524
- “Narrated ‘Abdullah (bin Masud): By Allah other than Whom none has the right to be worshipped! There is no Sura revealed in Allah’s Book but I know at what place it was revealed; and there is no Verse revealed in Allah’s Book but I know about whom it was revealed. And if I now that ther is somebody who knows Allah’s Book better than I, and he is at a place that camels can reach, I would go to him.”
There was a portion of the Quran that Zaid says he found only with one person, Abi Khuzaima, note it was not even found with Abdullah bin Masud!

The very next Hadith in Bukhari’s collection tells how Uthman had three Quraishi men modify Zaid’s text, and how he then imposed this modernized version of Zaid’s text upon all Muslims, demanding that other manuscripts which disagreed with the modified text of Zaid should be burnt.

“Narrated Anas bin Malik: Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman came to Uthman at the time when the people of Sham and the people of Iraq were waging war to conquer Arminya and Adharbijan. Hudhaifa was afraid of their (the people of Sham and Iraq) differences in the recitation of the Quran, so he said to Uthman, ‘O chief of the Believers! Save this nation before they differ about the Book (Quran) as the Jew and the Christians did before.’ So Uthman sent a message to Hafsa saying, ‘Send us the manuscripts fo the Quran so that we may compile the Quranic materials in perfect copies and return the manuscripts to you.’ Hafs sent it to Uthman. Uthman then ordered Zain bin Thabit, ‘Abdullah bin Az-Zubair, Sa’id bin Al-As and Abdur Rahman bin Harith bin Hisham to rewrite the manuscripts in perfect copies. Uthman said to the three Quraishi men, ‘In case you disagree with Zaid bin Thabit on any point in the Quran, then write it in the dialect of the Quraish as the Quran was revealed in their tongue.’ They did so, and when they had written many copies, Uthman returned the original manuscripts to Hafsa. Uthman sent to every Muslim province one copy of what they had copied, and ordered that all the other Quranic materials, whether written in fragmentary manuscripts or whole copies be burnt. Zaid bin Thabit added, ‘A Verse from Surat Ahzab was missed by me when we copied the Quran and I used to hear Allah’s Apostle reciting it. So we searched for it and found it with Khuzaima bin Thabit Al-Ansari. (That verse was):

‘Among the Believers are men who have been true in their covenant with Allah.’ (33:23)”²³

The following points can be concluded from the above Hadith

There were significant differences among the first generation of Muslims regarding what was the written text of the Quran.
- The differences were not in mere pronunciation but were in the written text.
- The differences were compared to the differences between the Cannons of the Christians and the Unbelieving Jews that rejected the entire New Testament.
Three Quraishi men were given authority to change any portion of Zaid’s text if they disagreed with any portion, they were only constrained to make sure that the end document was in the dialect of the Quraish. The hadith says “they did so” indicating they exercised their authority in changing the text.
The three Quraishi men were not alone in changing the text. Zaid admitted that his original collection was missing a verse, again this verse was only found with one person, Abi Khuzaima Al-Ansari. Oddly enough, this is the same fellow who also contributed a verse that nobody else knew to Zaid’s first edition.
Obviously this hadith, as well as the hadith preceding it, makes clear that even the Qurra such as Zaid did not have a supernatural memory, that they forgot things, this hadith, like the hadith 509 of Sahih Bukhari quoted earlier, refutes the idea that there was always a huge number of Muslims who had memorized all of the Quran.
The fact that Zaid’s second edition was different from the first edition means that one cannot claim that the text of the Quran was always preserved. Certainly this hadith disproves the claim that “Not one letter of the Qur’an has been changed over the centuries”²⁴ because the text used between Zaid’s first and second editions differs from the Quran of today. Those who believe the current edition is correct must either deny Sahih Hadiths or believe the Islamic community had an incomplete and flawed version of the Quran between the time of the first and second editions.
- It is mentioned here that Uthman returned the original manuscripts to Hafsa. There are some Muslims who claim they have Zaid’s original codex with Uthman’s blood on it, from when he was murdered, yet here it says he did not possess the text but Hafsa did.
1. Other Collections {#other-collections}

In section 3.2 of his book Jam al Quran Gilchrist gives three citations from pages 13 and 14 of Ibn Abi Dawud’s Kitab al Masahif discussing the disagreements that existed concerning which codex of the Quran should be considered authoritative. The citations are as follows:

Citation 1 from page 13: “just as Ubayy ibn Ka'b's codex became the standard text Syria before Uthman's recension, so Ibn Mas'ud's likewise became the standard text for the Muslim ummah in and around Kufa in Iraq (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab, page 13).”
- Citation 2 from page 13: Hudhaifah said "It is said by the people of Kufa, 'the reading of Abdullah (ibn Mas'ud)', and it is said by the people of Basra, 'the reading of Abu Musa'. By Allah! If I come to the Commander of the Faithful (Uthman), I will demand that they be drowned". Abdullah said to him, "Do so, and by Allah you will also be drowned, but not in water". (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif, page13).
- Citation 3 from page 14: Hudhaifah went on to say, "0 Abdullah ibn Qais, you were sent to the people of Basra as their governor (amir) and teacher and they have submitted to your rules, your idioms and your reading". He continued, "0 Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, you were sent to the people of Kufa as their teacher who have also submitted to your rules, idioms and reading". Abdullah said to him, "In that case I have not led them astray. There is no verse in the Book of Allah that I do not know where it was revealed and why it was revealed, and if I knew anyone more learned in the Book of Allah and I could be conveyed there, I would set out to him". (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif, page14).
  1. Abdullah Ibn Masud’s Collection {#abdullah-ibn-masud’s-collection}

Devout Muslims attempted to memorize Surah’s during Muhammad’s lifetime, those who had committed much of the Quran to memory were called Qurra. Chapter 8 of The Virtues of the Quran in Volume 6 of Sahih Bukhari’s hadith collection, hadith 521, deals with the Qurra. In the first Hadith of the chapter, Muhammad instructs Muslims who they should learn the Quran from:

“Narrated Masruq: Abdullah bin Amr mentioned Abdullah bin Masud and said, ‘I shall ever love that man, for I heard the Prophet saying, “Take (learn) the Quran from four: Abdullah bin Masud, Salim, Mu’adh and Ubai bin K’ab.’”²⁵

Similar hadiths are found in Sahih Muslim’s collection such as Book 31 Hadith 6024 where emphasis is placed on Abdullah bin Masud being the chief expert.

“Masruq reported: We used to go to Abdullah b. 'Amr and talk to him, Ibn Numair said: One day we made a mention of Abdullah b. Mas'ud, whereupon he said: You have made mention of a person whom I love more than anything else. I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Learn Qur'an from four persons: Ibn Umm 'Abd (i. e. 'Abdullah b. Mas'ud) he started from him-then Mu'adh b. Jabal and Ubayya b. Ka'b, then Salim the ally of Abu Hudhaifa.”²⁶

Notice in both cases, Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud is listed first and Zaid Ibn Thabit, the primary compiler of the Quran that Muslims use today, is conspicuously absent from these lists. Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud was very confident concerning his knowledge of the Quran this is reflected in hadith 524 of volume 6 of Bukhari’s hadith collection

Bukhari volume 6 #524 “Narrated ‘Abdullah (bin Mas’ud) : By Allah other than Whom none has the right to be worshipped! There is no Sura revealed in Allah’s Book but I know at what place it was revealed; and there is no Verse revealed in Allah’s Book but I know about whom it was revealed. And if I know that there is somebody who knows Allah’s book better than I , and he is at a place that camels can reach, I would go to him.”

Gilchrist²⁷, in his book Jam Al-Quran, records many other differences between Abdullah Ibn Masud’s text and Zaid’s text. In section 3.2 of that book he cites Ibn Abi Dawud’s, Kitab al-Masahif, and Ibn Sa'd’s, Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir, and gives an account of Abdullah Ibn Masud’s reaction to Uthman’s decree that his codex of the Quran should be burned and Zaid’s codex adopted as the official version.

Abdullah ibn Mas'ud said, "I recited from the messenger of Allah (saw) seventy surahs which I had perfected before Zaid ibn Thabit had embraced Islam". (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif, page17).
- "I acquired directly from the messenger of Allah (saw) seventy surahs when Zaid was still a childish youth - must I now forsake what I acquired directly from the messenger of Allah?" (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif, page15).
- "The people have been guilty of deceit in the reading of the Qur'an. I like it better to read according to the recitation of him (Prophet) whom I love more than that of Zayd Ibn Thabit. By Him besides Whom there is no god! I learnt more than seventy surahs from the lips of the Apostle of Allah, may Allah bless him, while Zayd Ibn Thabit was a youth, having two locks and playing with the youth". (Ibn Sa'd, Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir, Volume 2, page444).
- 'Am I,' asks Abdullah, 'to abandon what I acquired from the very lips of the Prophet?' (page 166-167, Abu Bakr `Abdullah b. abi Da'ud, "K. al Masahif", ed. A. Jeffery, Cairo, 1936/1355, page 15) 2. ### Ubai Ibn K’ab’s collection {#ubai-ibn-k’ab’s-collection}

Both in Bukhari volume 6 # 521 and Muslim Book 31 Hadith 6024 list Ubai Ibn K’ab as one of the four people to seek out if one wishes to learn the Quran. In another hadith Ubai bin Ka’b is recognized as the greatest Qurra or recitor of the Quran. Gilchrist refers to a few hadiths dealing with the preeminence of Ubai bin Ka’b.

“There are two very interesting hadith relating to his prominence as an expert on the Qur'an text, the first reading as follows:

‘Affan ibn Muslim informed us ... on the authority of Anas ibn Malik, he on the authority of the Prophet, may Allah bless him; he said: The best reader (of the Qur'an) among my people is Ubayyi ibn Ka'b. (Ibn Sa'd, Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir, Volume 2, page441). In consequence he became known as Sayyidul-Qurra - "the Master of the Readers". Umar himself, the second Caliph of Islam, confirmed that he was in fact the best of all the Muslims in the recitation of the Qur'an (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 6, page489).²⁸

The second hadith in this respect reads as follows:

‘Anas b. Malik reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said to Ubayy b. Ka'b: I have been commanded to recite to you the Sura (al-Bayyinah), which opens with these words Lam yakunal-lathinna kafaruu. He said: Has he mentioned to you my name? He said: Yes, thereupon he shed tears of joy. (Sahih Muslim, Volume 4, page1313).’²⁹

We are not informed as to why Muhammad considered himself especially obliged to commit parts of the Qur'an to Ubayy but these two traditions do serve to show how highly regarded he was as an authority on the Qur'an. Nonetheless his codex also contained a vast number of readings which varied from Zaid's text”

Abdullah Ibn Masud’s Quran believed that a portion of the Quran found in both Zaid and Ubai Ibn K’ab’s text did not belong in the Quran. This is discussed in hadith 547 of volume 6 of Bukhari’s hadith collection.

“Narrated Zirr bin Hubaish: I asked Ubai bin Ka’b, ‘O Abu Al Mundhir! Your brother, Ibn Masud said so-and-so (i.e., the two Mu’awwidhat do not belong to the Quran).’ Ubai said, ‘I asked Allah’s Apostle about them, and he said, “They have been revealed to me, and I have recited them (as part of the Quran),”’ So Ubai added, ‘So we say as Allah’s Apostle has said.’”³⁰

In the above hadith, Ubai Ibn Ka’b argues against Abdullah for the inclusion of the surahs.

While in this instance Ubai bin Ka’b sided with Zaid on the inclusion of some of the two so called “Mu’awwidhat” surahs, Gilchrist points out a number of ways in which Ubai’s text differs from that of Zaid, including the fact that Ubai had two extra Surah’s in his Quran which are not part of Zaid’s text.

“We cannot close on Ubayy, however, without giving some consideration to two extra surahs which we are told belonged to his codex. We are informed that, whereas Ibn Mas'ud omitted the two ‘charm’ surahs from his codex, Ubayy included two extra surahs, al-Hafd (the Haste) and al-Khal' (the Separation) (as-Suyuti, Al-Itqan, page152-153). The narrative continues by stating that Abu Ubaid said:

‘Written in the text of Ubayy ibn Ka'b were the Fatihal-kitab (the Opening Surah) and the Mu'awwi-thatayni (the Charm Surahs) and Allahumma innaa nasta'iinka (the opening words of Suratul-Khal' meaning 'O Allah, we seek your help') and Allahumma ayyaaka na'budu (the opening words of Suratul-Hafd meaning 'O Allah, we worship you')’. (as-Suyuti, Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur'an, page153).

Suyuti goes on to give the full text of these two surahs, stating that they were also found in the codex of Ibn Abbas following the reading of both Ubayy and Abu Musa who also recorded them (Al-Itqan, page154). Both surahs are similar to the Suratul-Fatihah, containing prayers to God for forgiveness and declarations of faith, praise, service and trust in his mercy.”³¹

Hadith 501 from Bukhari Vol 6, referenced earlier, indicates that Umar was aware that Ubai bin Ka’b had things in his Quran that were not in Zaid’s. For the convenience of the reader, the hadith is restated.

“Narrated Ibn Abbas: ‘Umar said “Ubai was the best of us in the recitation (of the Quran) yet we leave some of what he recites.” Ubai says, “I have taken it from the mouth of Allah’s Apostle and will not leave for anything whatever.” But Allah said:

“None of Our Revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten but We substitute something better or similar.”(2:106)’”³²

Umar’s explanation as to why the portions of the Quran that Ubai believed to be part of the Quran and not in Zaid’s codex, falls short for the following reasons,

How can one refer to a verse as “caused to be forgotten” that Ubai, Umar and many others knew?
- The verse was not abrogated by Allah, it was abrogated by Zaid and those who chose his text.
- If one claims it was “caused to be forgotten” or that Zaid and those who preferred his text were acting on behalf of Allah in abrogating these portions, the Quran promises abrogated or forgotten things are replaced, by Allah, with something similar or better. How could this be done after Muhammad has passed away?

One wonders why Ubai’s surahs were rejected while portions of the Quran found only with Abi Khuzaima Al-Ansari accepted (Bukhari volume 6 #509, #510).

Complete or Inspired, can’t have both.
{#complete-or-inspired,-can’t-have-both.}

The fact that the person who the Hadith calls the greatest reciter of the Quran, thought that Zaid’s Quran should have extra Surahs, is extremely problematic for those who believe what is currently called the Quran (Zaid’s redacted codex) is complete, divinely inspired and perfectly preserved. If their beliefs about the Quran are true then the two additional surahs in Ubai’s Quran are not genuine. These same modern Muslims believe the Quran’s claim that the proof of the Qurans inspiration is nobody can write a surah like it. This claim is found in Surah 2:23.

Surah 2:23 Pickthal “And if ye are in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a surah of the like thereof, and call your witness beside Allah if ye are truthful.”

Yet Ubai ibn Ka’b, whom the Hadith calls the greatest reciter of the Quran believed that there were two Surahs that are not in Zaid’s codex that were part of the Quran. If these surahs are not part of the Quran then they disprove it’s inspiration, by virtue of the fact that they were enough like the surahs of the Quran to deceive the greatest reciter of the Quran. For nobody can question the credentials of Ubai bin Ka’b in regards to his expertise in the Arabic language when the Hadith calls him the greatest reciter of the Quran, and one of the foremost experts on its content!

Seven Different Readings of the Quran
{#seven-different-readings-of-the-quran}

Sahih Bukhari volume 6 hadith 514 contains an account where Umar is about to kill someone over a difference in recitation of the Quran. Muhammad listens to both and says that both are acceptable because the Quran was revealed in seven different readings. This hadith reads as follows:

Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab: “I heard Hisham bin Hakim reciting Surat Al-Furqan during the lifetime of Allah's Apostle and I listened to his recitation and noticed that he recited in several different ways which Allah's Apostle had not taught me. I was about to jump over him during his prayer, but I controlled my temper, and when he had completed his prayer, I put his upper garment around his neck and seized him by it and said, "Who taught you this Sura which I heard you reciting?" He replied, "Allah's Apostle taught it to me." I said, "You have told a lie, for Allah's Apostle has taught it to me in a different way from yours." So I dragged him to Allah's Apostle and said (to Allah's Apostle), "I heard this person reciting Surat Al-Furqan in a way which you haven't taught me!" On that Allah's Apostle said, "Release him, (O 'Umar!) Recite, O Hisham!" Then he recited in the same way as I heard him reciting. Then Allah's Apostle said, "It was revealed in this way," and added, "Recite, O 'Umar!" I recited it as he had taught me. Allah's Apostle then said, "It was revealed in this way. This Qur'an has been revealed to be recited in seven different ways, so recite of it whichever (way) is easier for you (or read as much of it as may be easy for you)."”

Some have attributed the different readings to different dialects but this is unlikely for two reasons:

Hisham and Umar were from the same tribe as Muhammad and all spoke the same dialect.
- In Bukhari Vol 6 hadith 510 “Uthman said to the three Quraishi men, ‘In case you disagree with Zaid bin Thabit on any point in the Quran, then write it in the dialect of the Quraish as the Quran was revealed in their tongue.’” (see also hadith 507)

Here is another hadiths dealing with this topic.

Bukhari volume VI #513 Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas: Allah's Apostle said, "Gabriel recited the Qur'an to me in one way. Then I requested him (to read it in another way), and continued asking him to recite it in other ways, and he recited it in several ways till he ultimately

recited it in seven different ways.”

Modern day understanding of seven different readings
{#modern-day-understanding-of-seven-different-readings}

In 322 A.H, Ibn Mujahid, established an official limitations on the permissible readings of the Qur'an. The seven readings established were:

Nafi (Medina), Ibn Kathir (Mecca), Ibn Amir (Damascus), Abu Amr (Basra), Asim, Hamzah and al-Kisai (Kufa).

Warsh (a revision of Nafi) and Hafs (a revision of Asim) became preeminent and the others are no longer used by Muslims. Samuel Green has a good article on www.answering-islam.org dealing with the difference between Warsh and Hafs Quran. Green documents some of the differences in the Qurans and notes that the differences include Letter differences, Diacritical differences Vowel differences.

Below are some of the examples of variation in the Arabic texts

Pre-Islamic Arabia {#pre-islamic-arabia}

Studying pre-Islamic Arabic culture and practices helps us understand the context of the events in Muhammad’s life. Muslims refer to the time before Muhammad as Al Jahiliyah meaning "time of ignorance”. Yet the people of Arabia were not totally ignorant of the Bible. There were many Jews in Arabia, and there were Christians who had come from the surrounding nations. In addition to the Christians and the Jews, the religious landscape of Arabia included: Sabeans and other pagans, as well as various “Christian cults”. Many of the religious practices currently found in Islam were practiced by pagans at the time of Muhammad. These practices include: the veneration of the Kaba; running between the two hills Safa and Marwa; kissing the black stone; fasting during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan; the pagans even used the name Allah to refer to their chief god Hubal. Some of Muhammad’s followers were surprised that Muhammad adopted many of the pagan practices. Muhammad typically associated new explanations for these old practices, for example, Muhammad claimed the running between Safa and Marwa was symbolic of Ishmael’s mother running looking for water. He also claimed Safa and Marwa were “symbols of Allah”.

The Ka’aba and it’s Black Stone {#the-ka’aba-and-it’s-black-stone}

Many of Islam’s rituals and practices involve a building called the Ka’aba. The Ka’aba is a simple square building that contained a black stone which the pagans kissed while walking around the building. In pre-Islamic times, the Ka’aba contained many idols. The chief idol was the idol Hubal. According to Ibn Ishaq’s biography of Muhammad, there were multiple buildings in Arabia that were venerated like the Ka’aba. Ishaq claims they were not venerated to the same extent the Ka’aba, and claimed the reason the Ka’aba was more highly venerated is because the people believed it to be built by Abraham and Ishmael³³. Elsewhere, Ibn Ishaq claims that veneration of the Ka’aba resulted in stone worship because the people took stones from the area about the Ka’aba back with them³⁴, later Ibn Ishaq indicates that in the pagans minds the veneration of the Ka’aba was closely tied with the stones of the Ka’aba, so much so that stealing the stones and placing them somewhere else might result in a diversion of the pilgrimage³⁵. Perhaps the reasons for the pagan pilgrimage and veneration of the Ka’aba was not because the pagans believed it was built by Abraham but because they venerated the stones of the Ka’aba themselves. The Bible never mentions Abraham traveling to Mecca, but has him traveling from Ur (Iraq) up to Canaan land (Israel) and to Egypt and back to Israel. Mecca would be a huge diversion of over 1000 km out of the way from Israel to Egypt or vice versa.

Muhammad, and the Quran, claim the Ka’aba was originally built by Abraham and Ishmael (Surah 2:125-127). Few non-Muslims take this claim very seriously, since the Quran and Hadith often have histories that conflict with recorded history. If it was not difficult enough to believe the Quran’s teaching that the Ka’aba was built by Abraham, the hadith exasperates the problem by claiming the Ka’aba was built 40 years before the construction of the first temple in Jerusalem.

Sahih al-Bukhari 4:636 Narrated Abu Dhaar: I said, "O Allah's Apostle! Which mosque was built first?" He replied, "Al-Masjid-ul-Haram." I asked, "Which (was built) next?" He replied, "Al-Masjid-ul-Aqs-a (i.e. Jerusalem)." I asked, "What was the period in between them?" He replied, "Forty (years)." He then added, "Wherever the time for the prayer comes upon you, perform the prayer, for all the earth is a place of worshipping for you."

Perhaps Muhammad thought Abraham or one of his son’s built the Temple at Jerusalem, but it was built hundreds of years after Abraham by Solomon. Even the tabernacle was constructed at the time of Moses still several hundred years after Abraham. Muhammad told many stories about Bible characters and often gets events greatly confused having characters live in the wrong place at the wrong time. For example: Surah 28:6-8,38 Quran has Haman in Egypt with Pharaoh, this demonstrates again how Islam got everything messed up.

Surah 28:4-8 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 4. Verily, Fir'aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidûn (i.e. those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants, etc.). 5. And We wished to do a favour to those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors, 6. And to establish them in the land, and We let Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and Hâmân and their hosts receive from them that which they feared. 7. And We inspired the mother of Mûsa (Moses), (saying): "Suckle him [Mûsa (Moses)], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers." 8. Then the household of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Verily! Fir'aun (Pharaoh), Hâmân and their hosts were sinners.

Surah 28:38 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 38. Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "O chiefs! I know not that you have an ilâh (a god) other than me, so kindle for me (a fire), O Hâmân, to bake (bricks out of) clay, and set up for me a Sarhan (a lofty tower, or palace, etc.) in order that I may look at (or look for) the Ilâh (God) of Mûsa (Moses); and verily, I think that he [Mûsa (Moses)] is one of the liars."

The Veneration of the Black Stone {#the-veneration-of-the-black-stone}

After the Muslims conquered Mecca and Muhammad practiced the pilgrimage, to the surprise of Muhammad’s close companion, Umar, Muhammad kissed the famous black stone of the Ka’aba.

Bukhari : Book 2 : Volume 26 : Hadith 667 Narrated 'Abis bin Rabia: 'Umar came near the Black Stone and kissed it and said "No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit anyone nor harm anyone. Had I not seen Allah's Apostle kissing you I would not have kissed you."

Tirmithi has a couple of interesting hadiths about the black stone

Tirmithi : The Book of Hajj (113) #961 “Ibn Abbas (R.A.A.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said about the stone, “By Allah (S.W.T.), Allah will resurrect it on the Day of the Resurrection with two eyes with which he will see and a tongue with which he will speak and witness for those who touched him (the Black Stone) truthfully.” Abu E’isa said that this hadeeth is hasan.

Tirmithi : The Book of Hajj (49) # 877 “Ibn Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said, “When the Black Stone descended from Heaven it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam blackened it.” Abu E’isa said that this hadeeth is hasan sahih.

Rebuilding the Ka’aba {#rebuilding-the-ka’aba}

According to the Hadith collection of Bukhari , Muhammad would have liked to rebuild the Ka’aba according to how he believed Abraham had originally built it

Bukhari : Book 2 : Volume 26 : Hadith 655 Narrated 'Aisha: Allah's Apostle said to me, "Were your people not close to the Pre-lslamic period of ignorance, I would have demolished the Ka'ba and would have rebuilt it on its original foundations laid by Abraham (for Quraish had curtailed its building), and I would have built a back door (too)."

The Ka’aba has been destroyed and rebuilt a few times. About 50 years after Muhammad died the Ka’aba was burnt and then rebuilt. In the 17th century the Ka’aba was damaged by flooding and repaired again.

Praying toward the Ka’aba {#praying-toward-the-ka’aba}

Some are surprised to learn that the Muslims originally prayed toward Jerusalem. In the beginning, Muhammad liked to adopt the teachings of the Jews, but after Muhammad was rejected by the Jews of Medina, Muhammad told the Muslims that he had received a revelation from Allah telling him to change the direction of prayer toward the Ka’aba, just as some of the pagans in the area were already doing. Interestingly enough, some pagans were praying at the same prayer times Muhammad told the Muslims they should pray.

Hubal and the Ka’aba {#hubal-and-the-ka’aba}

In pre-islamic times the main god worshipped at the Ka’aba was named Hubal. According to Ibn Ishaq “Hubal was an image in the middle of the Ka’aba, indeed the greatest of their images. It is referred to by Abu Sufyan ibn Harb at the battle of Uhud when he cried ‘Arise Hubal’, i.e. Make your religion victorious!”³⁶ The pagans sought guidance from Hubal by casting arrows at the idol of Hubal. Muhammad’s grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, and the Meccans cast arrows before Hubal at the Ka’aba in an effort to determine whether the treasures he found when he rediscovered the well of Zamzam should go to himself, his tribe or the Ka’aba. (page 64). The following account Tabari’s history³⁷ indicates that Abd al-Muttalib worshipped Hubal as his god

“’Abd al-Muttalib b. Hashim, so it is said – and God knows best – had vowed, when Quraysh made difficulties for him about the digging of Zamzam, that if ten sons were born to him and reached maturity so that they could protect him, he would sacrifice one of them to God (Allah) at the Ka’bah. When he had ten sons grown to maturity and he knew that they would protect him, be brought them together, told them of his vow, and called on them to keep faith with God (Allah) in this matter. They expressed their obedience, and asked what they should do. He replied, “Let every one of you take an arrow, write his name on it, and bring it to me.” They did this, and he went ihnto the presence of Hubal in the interrori of the Ka’bah. Hubal was the greatest of the idols of the Quraysh in Mecca, and stood by a well inside the Ka’bah in which were gather the offerings made to the Ka’bah”

The fact that Abd al-Muttalib worshiped Hubal and named his son “Abdullah” (slave of Allah) indicates that the word “Allah” was either a title or a name for Hubal. While the Quran, Hadith’s and Muslims often use the word Allah as a name for their god, many consider it to be a title meaning “the god” derived from the words “Al” (the) and “Ilah” (god).

Fasting During Ramadan {#fasting-during-ramadan}

The daytime fasting during the month of Ramadan and the sacredness of the month of Ramadan is common both to Islam and the religious practice of the Meccans before Islam. Islam changed the time the month of Ramadan occurs by forbidding the days that are periodically added to a lunar calendar to account for the fact the solar cycle is not an integer number of lunar cycles. If Muhammad was right that the people who add months were guilty of changing the time of Ramadan, in order to correct for it he would have had to figure out how many months they had added over the years to figure out which of the months is Ramadan. If you are unable to do this, the chance of picking the right month for Ramadan would only be one in 12. I know of no alleged revelation dealing with this issue, it seems that Muhammad merely assumed that the Pagans just happened to be on the right month at the time he stopped adding months.

Safa and Marwa {#safa-and-marwa}

Another ritual of Islam has in common with the pre-existing pagan religion is the running between Safa and Marwa . Safa and Marwa are two hills in Mecca. The pagans had one idol representing a man Isaf on one hill and an idol representing a woman Naila on the other and used to run back and forth between the two. Some claim these idols were people who were turned to stone for committing fornication in the Ka’aba other stories claim these idols came with Hubal from Syria. This was considered a pagan practice and many Muslims were reluctant to engage in it until Muhammad and his Allah told them in Surah 2:158 that Safa and Marwa were symbols of Allah and it is no sin to compass them round about. Here is a hadith dealing with that topic

Sahih Muslim, Book 7, Hadith 2923 Hisham b. 'Urwa reported on the authority of his father who narrated from 'A'isha. He said to 'A'isha: I think if a person does not run between al- Safa' and al-Marwa, It does not do any harm to him (so far as Hajj is concerned). She said: Why (do you think so)? I said: For Allah says:" Verily al-Safa' and al-Marwa are among the Signs of Allah" (ii. 158) (to the end of the verse), whereupon she said: Allah does not complete the Hajj of a person or his Umra if he does not observe Sa'i between al-Safa' and al-marwa; and if it were so as you state, then (the wording would have been (fala janah an la yatufu biha) [" There is no harm for him if he does not circumambulate between them']. Do you know in what context (this verse was revealed)? (It was revealed in this context) that the Ansar in the Days of Ignorance pronounced the Talbiya for two idols. (fixedl on the bank of the river which were called Isaf and Na'ila. The people went there, and then circumambulated between al-Safa' and al-Marwa and then got their heads shaved. With the advent of Islam they (the Muslims) did not like to circumambulate between them as they used to do during the Days of Ignorance. It was on account of this that Allah. the Exalted and Majestic, revealed:" Verily al-Safe and al-Marwa are among the Signs of Allah" to the end of the verse. She said: Then people began to observe Sa'i.

Islam removed the idols but kept the basic practice, claiming that it was a remembrance of Hagar looking for water for Ishmael.

Table 3.1 contains a list of the pagan practices Muslims adopted along with the claims on how they allegedly date back to Abraham

Practice	Pagan Meaning	Muslim claims	Issues
Veneration of the Ka’aba	A pagan temple with many idols the chief of which was called Hubal.	Muhammad claimed it was built by Abraham and was originally not a pagan temple but got corrupted	Muhammad claims about the time the Ka’aba was built relative to the temple at Jerusalem do not line up with history. There is no record of Abraham traveling to Mecca.
Kissing the Black Stone	Pagans worshipped stones and thought this sin could take away sin	Tirmithi book of Hajj (49) #877 claims the black stone came from paradise. (113) #961 claims it intercedes at the Resurrection for those who touched it.	When accused of idolatry, Muslims argue a man kissing his wife is not idolatry, so kissing a stone is not necessarily idolatry. While it is true kissing something does not imply worshipping it as deity, the Muslim expects the stone will testify on their behalf to Allah on the day of resurrection. The stone is therefore an intercessor to Allah.
Daylight Fasting during Ramadan	Practiced by the Pagan moon god worshippers		The Biblical view of fasting does not entail fasting only while the sun is out and eating at night.
Running between Safa and Marwa	Originally done by the pagans, who ran between idols on each hill.	Muhammad claimed the hills were “symbols of Allah”, and the practice was a remembrance of Hagar looking for water for Ishmael	There is no historical record of Ishmael or Hagar doing either of these things. How is calling a physical object a “symbol of ones god” different than an idol?
The use of the word Allah	Pagans used the word to refer to Hubal.	Muslims claim the word “Allah” is a title and not a name and the title was mistakenly applied to Hubal.	Muhammad claimed that he worshipped the God of Abraham, yet the Bible uses the name YHVH to refer to God, this name is never found in the Quran. If Allah is not a name, then what is the name of Muhammad’s god?
Throwing stones at a pillar in Mina representing the Devil	Pagans practiced this before Muhammad	Muslims claim the Devil appeared to Abraham here and Gabriel told Abraham to throw stones at him	Again there is no reason to think Abraham was ever in Mina
Praying at the 5 specified times	Sabean pagans prayed at the same times	Muhammad claims Allah told him to pray 50 times but would multiply the good deeds of Muslims by 10 so they only need to pray 5 times a day	The Quran only speaks of praying 3 times. The hadith says 5 times. Is it a mere coincidence that the 5 times chosen by Muslims corresponds to times the Sabeans pagans prayed?

Table 3.1: Common Pagan and Islamic Practices.

One of his critics Nabtal accused Muhammad of “being all ears” and believing whatever stories he heard from others. Rather than deal with the substance of the objection, Muhammad responded by saying that Nabtal looked like Satan, and then told him that Allah planned a painful punishment for Nabtal because he annoyed Muhammad. Let’s read the tradition from page 243 of Guillaume’s translation of Ibn Ishaq’s biography of Muhammad.

From B. Dubay'a b. Zayd b. Malik b. 'Auf b. 'Amr b. 'Auf: Bijad b. 'Uthman b. 'Amir. From B. Laudhan b. 'Amr b. 'Auf: Nabtal b. al- Harith. I have heard that it was of him that the apostle said, 'Whoever wants to see Satan let him take a look at Nabtal b. al-Harith!' He was a sturdy black man with long flowing hair, inflamed eyes, and dark ruddy cheeks. He used to come and talk to the apostle and listen to him and then carry what he had said to the hypocrites. It was he who said: 'Muhammad is all ears: if anyone tells him anything he believes it.' God sent down concerning him: 'And of them are those who annoy the prophet and say he is all ears. Say: Good ears for you. He believes in God and trusts the believers and is a mercy for those of you who believe; and those who annoy the apostle of God for them there is a painful punishment.' (Surah 9:61)³⁸

Some have speculated the racist statements in the Quran about people in hell having black faces were a result of Muhammad generalizing his hatred of Nabtal to a hatred of blacks in general. The Quran classifies those who say the stories in the Quran were fables from men of old as unbelievers who have a painful doom awaiting them.

Pickthal 6:25-27 “Of them are some who listen unto thee, but We have placed upon their hearts veils, lest they should understand, and in their ears a deafness. If they saw every token they would not believe therein; to the point that, when they come unto thee to argue with thee, the disbelievers say: This is naught else than fables of the men of old. And they forbid (men) from it and avoid it, and they ruin none save themselves, though they perceive not. If thou couldst see when they are set before the Fire and say: Oh, would that we might return! Then would we not deny the revelations of our Lord but we would be of the believers!”

This is no small problem for the Muslim because there is a great deal of historical evidence that many of Islam’s stories and practices predated Muhammad. If they acknowledge the obvious historical evidence, they are considered disbelievers with a painful doom according to the Quran. The historical evidence can be found in many books such as The Original Sources of the Qur'an by Rev. W. St. Clair Tisdall and articles on the www.anwering-islam.org web site. This is probably not the easiest topic for Christians to dialogue with Muslims on because it requires knowledge of the historical sources, what is more the Muslim may not believe the historical information that you cite. It is far easier to dialogue with the Muslims based on their Quran, hadith collections, and their biographies of Muhammad. A Muslim can deny every fact of history and still be a Muslim, but if they are confronted with problems internal to their belief system that is far more devastating. After Islam has been disproven, the Muslim should be much more open to receiving the glorious gospel that can give them eternal life.

Muhammad’s lineage {#muhammad’s-lineage}

Muhammad lived in Arabia and would be considered an Arab both in terms of his language and in terms of his region of origin. There is a common myth that the Arabs are descendants of Ishmael. After demonstrating there is no reason to believe this, the lineage of Muhammad is examined.

Are the Arabs Descendants of Ishmael?
{#are-the-arabs-descendants-of-ishmael?}

It is understandable why Arabs might wish to claim to be descendants of Abraham, but is there any justification for this claim? Where did it come from? Is it consistent with Sahih Hadiths and Islamic traditions? How did the Arabs determine genealogies and how trustworthy are the Arab’s genealogies? These questions are addressed in this section.

Ibn Hisham contains the first claim that I am aware of that “all Arabs are descendants of Ishmael” yet he also presents contrary claims.

Ibn Hisham’s note 11 (Taken from page 691 of Guillaume’s “The life of Muhammad” a translation of Ibn Ishaq, with Ibn Hisham’s notes added in the back³⁹) : “Some say Midad. Jurhum was the son of Qahtan from whom all the people of Yaman are descended, the son of ‘Abir b. Shalikh b. Arfakhshadh b. Sam b. Nuh.”

Ibn Hisham’s note 13 (Also taken from page 691 of Guillaume’s “The life of Muhammad”) : “All the Arabs are descended from Isma’il and Qahtan. Some of the people of Yaman claim that Qahtan was a son of Isma’il and so according to them Isma’il is the father of all the Arabs.”

It is interesting this claim was only associated with those from Yaman who were recognized as descendants of Qahtan. They claimed that Qahtan was one of Ishmael’s sons, yet the Bible clearly indicates otherwise.

Genesis 25:13-15 And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa, Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:

Even the “Sahih Hadith” collections indicate not all Arabs are descendants of Ishmael. In fact, Bukhari’s collection states that Ishmael was taught Arabic by Jurhum’s descendants. Consequently this should not be a Muslim view.

Bukhari Volume 4, Book 55, Number 583: Narrated Ibn Abbas: “The first lady to use a girdle was the mother of Ishmael. She used a girdle so that she might hide her tracks from Sarah. Abraham brought her and her son Ishmael while she was suckling him, to a place near the Ka'ba under a tree on the spot of Zam-zam, at the highest place in the mosque. …they (i.e. the Jurhum people) were coming through the way of Kada'. They landed in the lower part of Mecca … The Prophet added, "Ishmael's mother was sitting near the water. They asked her, 'Do you allow us to stay with you?" She replied, 'Yes, but you will have no right to possess the water.' They agreed to that." The Prophet further said, "Ishmael's mother was pleased with the whole situation as she used to love to enjoy the company of the people. So, they settled there, and later on they sent for their families who came and settled with them so that some families became permanent residents there. The child (i.e. Ishmael) grew up and learnt Arabic from them and (his virtues) caused them to love and admire him as he grew up, and when he reached the age of puberty they made him marry a woman from amongst them.”

The earliest biographer of Muhammad, Ibn Ishaq, refers to people who were not descendants of Abraham as Arabs

“‘Ad b. ‘Aus b. Iram b. Sam b. Nuh and Thamud and Jadis the two sons of Abir b. Iram b. Sam b. Nuh and Tasm and Imlaq and Umaym the sons of Lawidh b. Sam b. Nuh are all Arabs.” (Guillaume’s “The life of Muhammad” a translation of Ibn Ishaq with Ibn Hisham’s notes added in the back page 4)

On pages 45-46 of Guillaume’s translation of Ibn Ishaq we read that the descendants of Ishmael were dwelling with those of Jurham in Arabia

“when Ishmael the son of Abraham died, his son Nabit was in charge of the temple as long as God willed, then it was in charge of Mudad* b. Amr al-Jurhumi. The sons of Ishmael and the sons of Nabit were with their grandfather Mudad b. ‘Amr and their maternal uncles of Jurhum – Jurhum and Qatura who were cousins being at that time the people of Mecca. They had come forth from Yaman and travelled together and Mudad was over Jurhum and Samayda’, one of their men, over Qatura’. When they left the Yaman, they refused to go unless they had a king to order their affairs. When they came to Mecca they saw a town blessed with water and trees and, delighted with it, they settled there. Mudad b. ‘Amr with the men of Jurhum settled in the upper part of Mecca in Qu’ayqui’an and went no farther. Samayda’ with Qatura’ settled in the lower part of Mecca in Ajyad the lower part of Mecca, and went no farther. Mudad used to take a tithe from those who entered Mecca from above, while Samayda’ did the same from those who entered from below. Each kept to his own people, neither entering the others territory.” (Guillaume’s “The life of Muhammad” a translation of Ibn Ishaq with Ibn Hisham’s notes added in the back. page45-46)

Also on page 46 of Guillaume’s translation of Ibn Ishaq we read that the descendants of Ishmael were a minority spread out among the Arabs

“Then God multiplied the offspring of Ishmael in Mecca and their uncles from Jurhum were rulers of the temple and judges in Mecca. The sons of Ishmael did not dispute their authority because of their ties of kindred and their respect for the sanctuary lest there should be quarrelling or fighting therein. When Mecca became too confined for the sons of Ishmael they spread abroad in the land, and whenever they had to fight a people, God gave them the victory through their religion and they subdued them.” (Guillaume’s “The life of Muhammad” a translation of Ibn Ishaq with Ibn Hisham’s notes added in the back page 46)

The History of Tabari claims that the first Arabic speakers were Shem’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Abraham was nine generations after Shem.

(History of Tabari. Volume 2, page18) “God made ‘Ad, ‘Ubayl, Thamud, Judays, ‘Imlaq, Tasm, Umaym, and the children of Joktan b. Eber b. Shelah b. Arpachsad b. Shem b. Noah able to understand Arabic.”

(History of Tabari. Volume 2, page17-18) “It is said that ‘Imliq was the first to speak Arabic when they departed from Babylon. They and Jurhum are called the ‘aribah Arabs.”

The Arab genealogies of Muhammad were written over 2000 years after the birth of Ishmael, and they did not have reliable genealogies past Muhammad’s forefather Adnan. In his article “Ishmael is not the father of Muhammad” on the www.answering-islam .org web site, Sam Shamoun presents a quote from Ibn Sa’d’s Kitab al Tabaqat al-Kabir, Volume I, page 4 demonstrating that genealogical information was so scarce and unreliable that Muhammad needed a “revelation” to find out he was from Mudar

Ma'n Ibn 'Isa al-Ashja'i al-Qazzaz (silk-merchant) informed us; he said: Mu'awiyah Ibn Salih informed us on the authority of Yahya Ibn Jabir who had seen some Companions of the Prophet and said: The people of Banu Fuhayrah came to the Prophet and said to him: You belong to us. He replied: Verily, (the archangel) Gabriel has informed me that I belong to Mudar.

The following quote from The History of of Tabari volume 6, page37 demonstrates that Muhammad’s alleged revelatory information about his genealogy was about as far as Muslim scholars could agree upon

“The genealogists do not differ concerning the descent of our Prophet Muhammad as far as Ma’add b. ‘Adnan.” -

Examples of conflicting genealogical traditions past Ma’add b. Adnan

History of Tabari, volume 6 page 38: Al-Zubayr b. Bakkar – Yahya b. al-Miqdad al-Zam’i- his paternal uncle Musa b. Ya’qub b. ‘Abdullah b. Wahb b. Zam’ah-his maternal aunt Umm Salamah, the wife of the Prophet: “I heard the messenger of God say, “Ma’add b. ‘Adnan b. Udad b. Zand b. Yara b. A’raq al-Thara.”

History of of Tabari, volume 6 page 38: Al-Hairht-Muhammad b. Sa’d - Hisham b. Muhammad- Muhammad b. ‘Abd al-Rahman al – ‘Ajlani –Musa b. Ya’qub al-Zami - his paternal aunt – her grandmother Bint al-Miqdad b. al-Aswad al-Bahrani: The Messenger of God said, “Ma’add b. ‘Adnan b. Udad b. Yara b. A’raq al-Thara”

Before Adnan, Muslims have a very difficult time tying Adnan to Abraham. Notice they have only a few names (9 while some say only 6) in a list that should span over a thousand years!

- History of of Tabari volume 6 page38 Ibn Humayd …’Adnan as some genealogists assert, was the son of Udad b. Muqawwam b. Nahur b. Tayrah b. Ya’rub b. Yashjub b. Nabit b. Ismail (Ishmael) b. Ibrahim (Abraham, while others say: ‘Adnan b. Udad b. Aytahab b. Ayyub b. Qaydhar b. Ismail (Ishmael) b. Ibrahim (Abraham) Qusayy b. Kilab traces his descent back to Qaydhar in his poetry. Yet other genealogists say …”

Someone perhaps realized that these numbers were unreasonable made the following claim (Without a chain of transmitters tying this to Muhammad, nor a source for this information)

History of Tabari volume 6, page 40 “A certain genealogist told me that he had found that some Arab scholars had memorized forty ancestors of Ma’add as far as Ismail (Ishmael) in Arabic, quoting Arabic verses as evidence for this, and that he had collated the names they gave with what the People of the Book say and had found that the number agreed but that the actual names differed. He dictated these names to me and I wrote them down. They are as follows; …”

The fellow goes on to list the names and describe some of the more prominent people in the list. (History of Tabari Volume 6, page 40-42) The list suffers credibility when one of the fellows is said to be “the father of the Jinn” (The Jinn being some kind of spirit beings like demons.)

“Aqara ( who is Afa, who is Abqar, the father of the Jinn, to whom the garden of Abqar is ascribed)” History of Tabari Volume 6, page 41

Tabari gives a reason for the discrepancies is a lack of information and what information they had came from Christians and Jews.

“These differences arise because it is an old science, taken from the people of the first Book (the Old Testament).” - History of of Tabari volume 6, page38

The method of solving genealogical questions among Arabs involved casting arrows at the idol Hubal. Thus the source of information that “genealogical experts” like Abu Bakr had at his disposal were the words of his pagan ancestors which were in part based upon the verdicts from casting arrows at the idol Hubal.

History of Tabari Volume IV, page 3 [1075] “Whenever they wanted to circumcise a boy, arrange a marriage, or bury someone who had died, or when they were in doubt as to the descent of one of them, they took him to Hubal together with a hundred dirhams and a slaughtering-camel which they would give to the custodian who used to cast lots with the arrows. Then they would bring forward the person about whom they wished to consult the oracle and would say, ‘O god of ours, this is so-and-so son of so-and-so, about whom we wish to know such-and-such; so reveal the truth concerning him.’ Then they would say to the custodian of the arrows, ‘Cast!’ The latter would cast them, and if it was ‘attached,’ he remained as he was, linked to them neither by descent nor alliance.”

The fact that lots were cast before idols to determine genealogical information seems to indicate there was neither a written record nor a firmly established oral repository. According to Muhammad, Abraham and Ishmael do not approve of this methodology

Bukhari :: Book 4 :: Volume 55 :: Hadith 571 Narrated Ibn Abbas: When the Prophet saw pictures in the Ka'ba, he did not enter it till he ordered them to be erased. When he saw (the pictures of Abraham and Ishmael carrying the arrows of divination, he said, "May Allah curse them (i.e. the Quraish)! By Allah, neither Abraham nor Ishmael practiced divination by arrows."

The genealogical chart below was constructed using the History of Tabari volume 2 and the Torah for the descendants of Arphaxad.)

We can conclude that not all Arabs are descendants of Ishmael. Some Arabs probably are descendants of Ishmael, but it is hard to say who they are since:

1) There were no solid records.

2) Genealogical questions were answered by consulting an idol.

3) Islam’s own sources claim that Ishmael’s descendants were scattered.

Furthermore, there is no reason to believe that Muhammad was a descendant of Ishmael since:

1) Muhammad needed to claim a revelation to justify himself being a descendant of Mudar.

2) There exists no clear link between Mudar and Ishmael.

While it is impossible to verify Muhammad’s claim to be a descendant of Ishmael historically, it is still interesting and useful to know something about Muhammad’s family background. Below are two charts describing Muhammad’s family tree. After the charts I give a brief discussion about why these charts are useful for clearing up some misconceptions about Islam propagated by modern Muslim dawagandists.

![][image1]

![][image2]

Why it is useful to know something about Muhammad’s family tree
{#why-it-is-useful-to-know-something-about-muhammad’s-family-tree}

Muslim apologists often claim the Bible’s record of God’s promise to “bless all the nations of the world through Abraham’s offspring” was a reference to Muhammad. In order to justify their claim Muslims must demonstrate that

Muhammad was a descendent of Abraham through Ishmael
That the promise that Abraham’s descendants would be a blessing to the entire world was a reference to the decedents of Ishmael rather than the descendants of Isaac.
Muhammad was the descendant of Ishmael referenced by this claim

With these requirements in view we will show how to refute these claims made by Muslim apologists are easily refuted.

There are 3 reasons that we state there is no good evidence that Muhammad was even a descendent of Ishmael.

The Islamic genealogies given by Muhammad’s earliest biographers are unreliable because the amount of generations don’t fit the number of years.
The broader general claim that all Arabs including Muhammad are descendants from Abraham is also not substantiated,
Arab genealogy disputes were decided by casting arrows at the idol Hubal and are thus unreliable.

The Bible talks of God making a covenant with Abraham and with Isaac but not with Ishmael.

Genesis 17:15-21 (King James Version) And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

Despite the very clear teaching of scripture, some Muslim apologists will try to make the claims that God promised a prophet to come through Ishmael. Here are some typical claims you can expect to hear, along with a refutation of them

God promised Ishmael he would be a great nation, this must imply that a prophet would come from Ishmael.
1. They have confused the categories of “great nation” and a nation having a prophet.
2. Hebrew word is גּדול gadol – it just means great, large, or powerful etc…
3. Many Nations are called great nations that were not part of the covenant with God but were under a curse from God.
  1. Deuteronomy 7:1 (King James Version) When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;
  2. Greater and mightier than Israel certainly did not imply having more prophets.
4. The promise of making Ishmael a great nation was explained right there in the same text when God said “And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.” The context is Ishmael having a lot of descendants it doesn’t say any thing about having prophets come from him. It does not even say his kids would do anything wonderful in a spiritual sense. They were physically blessed.
Since the Law of Moses, Deuteronomy 21:15-17, states that the oldest son has twice the physical inheritance of other sons. Muslims will say Ishmael had a greater right to God’s covenant with Abraham than Isaac because he was the first born.
1. This argument commits the categorical fallacy, confusing and equating the categories of covenant and birthright. They are two separate things. God can make a covenant with who ever he wishes, nowhere in God’s covenant with Abraham did he specify a rule of inheriting covenant promises.
2. Moses’ law is a different covenant that was not made with Abraham, Isaac, or Ishmael, but with Moses. God is free to make different covenants with different people! Furthermore, the birthright issues discussed in Moses’ law had to do with the inheritance of physical property. It did not transcend that to spiritual capabilities; these things are not even distributed by men but by God. This should be obvious since the oldest Jewish boy in the family is not always twice as intelligent or twice as spiritual as his brothers!
3. If one assumes the first-born children have more right to inherit a covenant than others this would imply that Muhammad had far less right to the covenant promises than other Arabs because his ancestors were not all first born sons.
  1. Muhammad’s father, Abdallah, was the youngest son of his father Abd-al Muttalib or Shayba⁴⁰ al-Harith was Abd al-Muttalib’s oldest son⁴¹
  2. Abd al-Muttalib’s father, Hashim or Amr, (Muhammad’s great grandfather), was the youngest, not the firstborn in his family. The First born was ‘Abd Shams⁴².
  3. Hashim’s father ‘Abd Manaf (al-Mughira) (Muhammad’s great great grandfather) was not the firstborn in his family; ‘Abd al-Dar was.⁴³
Some will claim that Ishmael’s circumcision was proof he inherited the covenant God made with Abraham.
1. Circumcision of Abraham’s household was part of God’s covenant with Abraham, those servants or sons who refused to get circumcised broke God’s covenant with Abraham not God’s covenant with them. God had no covenant with Abraham’s servants, yet they were circumcised. There was no promise that God would make a covenant with their seed after them. They were considered to have broken God’s covenant with Abraham if they did not get circumcised, and needed to be cast away from Abraham’s household. Since the circumcision of the servants did not imply their having a covenant, neither does Ishmael’s circumcision imply that he had a covenant with God. In fact, it is clearly stated in the same chapter that the seed of Abraham, whom God would establish the covenant with, was Isaac not Ishmael.

It should be pointed out to the Muslim that even if there had been a promise of a prophet to come from Ishmael, and even if Muhammad had been a descendant of Ishmael, that would not logically imply that Muhammad was a prophet. We will clearly demonstrate throughout this book that Muhammad did not worship the Biblical God, and that Muhammad was not a prophet of the Biblical God.

Overview of the Life of Muhammad {#overview-of-the-life-of-muhammad}
1. Muhammad’s Early Life {#muhammad’s-early-life}

Muhammad was born a member of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca, in 570 A.D. His father was Abdullah, the youngest son of Abd al-Muttalib, one of the leading members of the tribe; his mother name was Amina. Muhammad’s father died before Muhammad was born. Amina had Muhammad nursed by a Bedouin woman named Halima. Halima nursed him and cared for him until Muhammad was about 4 years old, then she took Muhammad back to his mother at the insistence of her husband who said to her:

“I am afraid that this child has had a stroke, so take him back to his family before the result appears.” So we picked him up and took him to his mother who asked why we had brought him when I had been anxious for his welfare and desirous of keeping him with me. I said to her, “God has let my son live so far and I have done my duty. I am wished.” She asked me what happened and gave me no peace until I told her. When she asked if I feared a demon possessed him, I replied that I did. She answered that no demon had any power over her son who had a great future before him”⁴⁴

The previous quotation was taken from page 72 of A. Guillaume’s translation of Sirat Rasoul Allah.

Also found on the same page is Muhammad’s explanation of this event

“I was suckled among the B. Sa’d b. Bakr, and while I was with a brother of mine behind our tents shepherding the lambs, two men in white raiment came to me with a gold basin full of snow. Then they seized me and opened up my belly, extracted my heart and split it; then they extracted a black drop from it and threw it away; then they washed my heart and my belly with that snow until they had thoroughly cleaned them.”⁴⁵

Amina died shortly thereafter when Muhammad was six, then Muhammad lived two years with his grandfather Abd Al-Muttalib, until he died and his uncle Abu Talib became his guardian. Ibn Ishaq’s biography of Muhammad has several traditions about people “recognizing Muhammad as a prophet” when they saw the large mole on his back. This mole was called “The seal of the prophet”. The following is taken from page 80 and tells how an alleged Monk named Bahira recognizing Muhammad as a prophet “described in his book”

“When Bahira saw him he stared at him closely, looking at his body and finding traces of his description (in the Christian books). When the people had finished eating and gone away, Bahira got up and said to him, ‘Boy, I ask you by al-Lat and al-‘Uzza to answer my question.’ Now Bahira said this only because ha had heard his people swearing by these gods. They allege that the apostle of God said to him, ‘Do not ask me by al-Lat and al-‘Uzza, for by Allah nothing is more hateful to me than these two.’ Bahira answered ‘Then by Allah, tell me what I ask’; he replied, ‘Ask me what you like’; so he began to ask him about hat happened in his sleep (T. waking in his) sleep, and his habits, and his affairs generally, and what the apostle of God told him coincided with what Bahira knew of his description. Then he looked at his back and saw the seal of prophethood between his shoulders in the very place described in his book.”⁴⁶

Notice the claim that a physical description of Muhammad existed in the book of the Christians, and a description that included a large mole on the back. Of course our Muslim friends do not find any such description of a prophet in our Bible. The best that desperate Muslim apologists have been able to come up with is to claim the phrase “the government shall be upon his shoulder” in Isaiah 9:6 is a reference to the mole on Muhammad’s back. This is quickly shown to be absurd for the following reasons: First, it says the government would be on his shoulder not a mole! In addition, the verse gives many titles to this child that Muslims themselves would not ascribe to Muhammad.

Isaiah 9:6–7 (King James Version) “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

Finally, the passage also speaks of this one sitting on the throne of David, hardly something we would say of an Arab. Even if a gentile were to conquer Jerusalem, none would ever regard that person to be sitting on the throne of David.

Muhammad and the Hanif {#muhammad-and-the-hanif}

Growing up it appears that Muhammad was greatly influenced by a group of people called the Hanif, who were neither Christians or Jews but none the less claimed they were following Abraham. The following hadith tells how Muhammad was influenced by a Hanif**⁴⁷** named Zaid bin ‘Amr Nufail. Two versions of the Hadith will be given one has several additional statements that the translator added to the text that are not reflected in the Arab.

Bukhari :: Book 7 :: Volume 67 :: Hadith 407 Narrated 'Abdullah: Allah's Apostle said that he met Zaid bin 'Amr Nufail at a place near Baldah and this had happened before Allah's Apostle received the Divine Inspiration. Allah's Apostle presented a dish of meat (that had been offered to him by the pagans) to Zaid bin 'Amr, but Zaid refused to eat of it and then said (to the pagans), "I do not eat of what you slaughter on your stonealtars (Ansabs) nor do I eat except that on which Allah's Name has been mentioned on slaughtering."

Sam Shamoun has pointed out in his article Muhammad and Idolatry on http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/idolatry.htm that the words in parentheses are not in the Arabic text. With the parenthetical remarks removed it certainly gives the impression that Muhammad himself practiced idolatry before he began speaking against it. Let’s look at the hadith strictly translated from the Arabic without additional verbiage added by the translator.

Bukhari :: Book 7 :: Volume 67 :: Hadith 407 Narrated 'Abdullah: Allah's Apostle said that he met Zaid bin 'Amr Nufail at a place near Baldah and this had happened before Allah's Apostle received the Divine Inspiration. Allah's Apostle presented a dish of meat to Zaid bin 'Amr, but Zaid refused to eat of it and then said, "I do not eat of what you slaughter on your stonealtars nor do I eat except that on which Allah's Name has been mentioned on slaughtering."

Another Hadith (Bukhari Book 5 Volume 58 #169) has Muhammad with Zaid bin ‘Amr Nufail and they are both refusing to eat this meat. Perhaps this demonstrates Zaid’s influence on Muhammad. It should be mentioned that the hadith quoted above contradicts a tradition given in The History of al-Tabari where Muhammad claims that he was twice tempted to participate in heathen practices but was both times prevented from doing so by his god.⁴⁸ According to Sunni Islam, Sahih Hadiths like those in Bukhari’s collection take precedence over non-Sahih traditions.

While it is interesting to know something about Muhammad’s early influences, it is far more important for us to discuss with our Muslim friends what Muhammad did after he claimed to be a prophet. There is so much evidence from the Quran and Hadith that he was not a prophet of the one true God we should stick with those things because they will be the most helpful to those trapped in Islam.

Muhammad and Khadijah {#muhammad-and-khadijah}

At the age of 25 Muhammad married a 40 year old female merchant named Khadijah. Page 47-48 of Volume 6 of Tabari’s History records how they met

“”Khadijah btl. Khuwaylid b. Asad b. ‘Abd al-‘Uzza b. Qusayy was a wealthy and respected merchant. She used to employ men to engage in trade with her property and gave them a share of the profits. For Quraysh were a trading people. When she heard of the Messenger of God’s truthfulness, reliability, and nobility of character, she sent for him and prposed to him that he should go to Syria and engage in trade with her property”⁴⁹

It is interesting to note that Khadijah was a business woman who was able to employ men as she wished, it seems that women had more rights before Islam than after. According to the following tradition, from the next page of Tabari’s History, it was Khadijah who proposed to Muhammad.

“They also say that Khadijah sent a message to the Messenger of God inviting him to take her, meaning that they should marry. She was a highly respected woman, and the whole of Quraysh would have been eager to marry her and would have spent much money to that end had they aspired to it. She called her father to her house, plied him with wine until he was drunk and, slaughtered a cow, anointed him with perfume and clothed him in a striped robe, then she sent for the Messenger of God and his uncles and when they came in her father married him to her. When her father recovered from his intoxication, he said “What is this meat, this perfume, and this garment?” She replied, “You have married me to Muhammad b. ‘Abduallah.” “I have not done so, “ he said, “Would I do this, when the greatest men of Mecca have asked for you and I have not agreed?””⁵⁰

Muhammad did not marry any other woman while Khadijah was alive. Muhammad and Khadijah had 4 daughters and 2 sons, both of their sons died as infants.

Muhammad’s Adopted Son {#muhammad’s-adopted-son}

Muhammad adopted a slave of Khadijah named Zayd bin Harith. He remained Muhammad’s adopted son until about five years after Muhammad migrated to Medina. After seeing the beauty of Zaid’s wife while visiting his house, (A beauty he would not have been allowed to see were she not considered his relative.) Muhammad said Allah told him that adopted sons are not real sons and at Allah’s insistence Zayd divorced his wife so Muhammad could marry her. This is recorded in Surah 33:36-38

Surah 33:36 (Pickthall) “And it becomes 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 whoever is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he truly goes astray in error manifest. 33:37 And when you saidst unto him on whom Allah has conferred favour and you have conferred favour: Keep your wife to thyself, and fear Allah. And you did hide in your mind that which Allah was to bring to light, and you did fear mankind whereas Allah has a better right that you should fear Him. So when Zeyd had performed that necessary formality (of divorce) from her, We gave her unto you 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. 33:38 There is no reproach for the Prophet in that which Allah makes his due. That was Allah's way with those who passed away of old - and the commandment of Allah is certain destiny”

This passage implies that Muhammad knew but hid in his heart that Allah wanted Zaid to divorce his wife so Muhammad could marry her. This is very contrary to the Bible which says that God hates divorce, and the 10 commandments clearly state that a man is not supposed to covet his neighbors wife. In this “revelation” Zayd lost his wife but was still recognized by Allah as Muhammad’s adopted son. This would soon change with the following “revelation” which completely abolished adoption.

Surah 33:4-5 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 4. God has not put for any man two hearts inside his body. Neither has He made your wives whom you declare to be like your mothers' backs, your real mothers. [Az-Zihâr is the saying of a husband to his wife, "You are to me like the back of my mother" i.e. You are unlawful for me to approach.], nor has He made your adopted sons your real sons. That is but your saying with your mouths. But God says the truth, and He guides to the (Right) Way. 5. Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with God. But if you know not their father's (names, call them) your brothers in faith and Mawâlîkum (your freed slaves). And there is no sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend. And God is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

After this alleged revelation, Zayd has lost both his wife and his adopted father, this is kind of sad when one considers that Zayd was a kidnapped slave adopted by Muhammad, and when Zayd’s birth father sought him and found him, he told his father he preferred to continue living with Muhammad rather than returning with his true father. Zayd would have been better off to follow the Biblical command to honor his father, rather than honoring Muhammad, then it would have gone well with him.

The Consequences of Abolishing Adoption
{#the-consequences-of-abolishing-adoption}

Muhammad and his Allah’s declaration that adopted sons were not real sons caused quite a stir. It meant people no longer felt comfortable with their adopted sons living with them, when asked what to do about this Muhammad and his Allah told people that if the child had been suckled by a family member a sufficient number of times that made them a member of the family. While this helped with people were adopted as infants, for people who were adopted when older the problem remained. Muhammad’s solution for this was to advise that the adult or adolescent child be breast-fed by a family member.

As you can see this caused a bit of a controversy. At the time of Muhammad’s death his child bride, Aisha, was only 18. She could not remarry because Muhammad said marriage to his wives after his death was forbidden. When Aisa wanted to see a man she would have a family member breast feed the man so he would be declared a brother.

There were other problems with Muhammad and Allah’s solution; if a married couple had the same wet nurse when they were babies, they were now declared brother and sister and not allowed to be married. Oddly enough, these suckling verses are not found in the current version of the Quran but are part of the lost portions of the Quran referenced in the Hadith. According to Ibn Majah’s Hadith collection this portion of the Quran was lost because it was eaten by a goat.

We will discuss this and other issues concerning the textual history of the Quran in another chapter.

Muhammad’s “Call” {#muhammad’s-“call”}

Muhammad, now wealthy because of Khadijah, used to take days off at a time and practice acts of devotion, often in caves. On one such occasion Muhammad experienced what is now referred to as his call. The history of Tabari (Volume 6, page 71-72) describes the experience as follows:

“Muhammad the messenger of God said, “Gabriel came to me as I was sleeping with a brocade cloth in which was writing. He said, “Recite!” and I said, “I cannot recite.” He pressed me tight and almost stifled me, until I thought that I should die. The he let me go, and said, “Recite!” I said, “What shall I recite!” only saying that in order to free myself from him, fearing that he might repeat what he had done to me. He said: “Recite in the name of your Lord who creates! He creates man from a clot of blood. Recite: And your Lord is the Most Bountiful, He who teaches by the pen, teaches man what he knew not.” I recited it, and then he desisted and departed. I woke up, and it was as though these words had been written on my heart. There was no one of God’s creation more hateful to me than a poet or a madman, I could not bear to look at either of them. I said to myself, “Your humble servant (meaning himself) is either a poet or a madman, but Quraysh shall never say this of me. I shall take myself to a mountain crag, hurl myself down from it, kill myself, and find relief in that way.” I went out intending to do that, but when I was halfway up the mountain I heard a voice from heaven saying, “O Muhammad, your are the Messenger of God and I am Gabriel.” I raised my head to heaven, and there ws Gabriel in the form of a man with his feet set on the horizon saying “O Muhammad, you are the Messenger of God and I am Gabriel. “ I stood looking at him and this distracted me from what I had intended, and I could go neither forward nor back. I turned my face away from him to all points of the horizon, but wherever I looked I saw him in exactly the same form. I remained standing there, neither going forward nor turning back until Khadijah sent her messengers to look for me. They went as far a Mecca and came back to her, while I was standing in the same place. At last Gabriel left me and I went back to my family. When I came to Khadijah, I sat down with my thigh next to hers, and she said to me, “Abu al-Qasim, where have you been? I sent messengers to look for you all the way to Mecca and back.” I said to her, “I am either a poet or a madman,” but she answered, “May God save you from that, Abu al-Qasim! God would not do that to you, considering what I know of your thruthfulness, your great trustworthiness, your good character, and your good treatment of your kinfolk. It is not that, cousin. Perhaps you did see something.” “Yes,” I said, and then told her what I had seen. “Rejoice, cousin, and stand firm,” she said. “By Him is whose hand is Khadijah’s soul, I hope that you may be the prophet of this community.”⁵²

Muhammad’s call is unlike any Biblical prophet in several ways: No Biblical prophet was assaulted by the angel that gave them revelation; None of the Biblical prophets feared they were demon possessed or an ecstatic poet; None of the Biblical prophets tried to commit suicide in an effort to “find relief” from interacting with a good angel like the angel Gabriel.

Apparently, Muhammad was the only one who could see Gabriel, this is unlike other appearances of angels who appeared in the form of men and were visible to the men they appeared to. One could understand nobody seeing Gabriel during Muhammad’s dream but it is odd that when he “appeared” to Muhammad while Muhammad was awake and others present could not see Gabriel, yet Muhammad could interact with both the people around him and Gabriel at the same time. This seems unlike anything described in the Bible. The following account from page 107 of Guillaume’s translation of Ibn Ishaq’s biography gives us some insight into how Muhammad was persuaded by his wife Khadijah that he was not demon possessed but a prophet.

“ Isma'il b. Abu Hakim, a freedman of the family of al-Zubayr, told me on Khadija's authority that she said to the apostle of God, 'O son of my uncle, are you able to tell me about your visitant, when he comes to you ?' He replied that he could, and she asked him to tell her when he came. So when Gabriel came to him, as he was wont, the apostle said to Khadija, 'This is Gabriel who has just come to me.' 'Get up, O son of my uncle,' she said, 'and sit by my left thigh'. The apostle did so, and she said, 'Can you see him?' 'Yes,' he said. She said, 'Then turn round and sit on my right thigh.' He did so, and she said, 'Can you see him?' When he said that he could she asked him to move and sit in her lap. When he had done this she again asked if he could see him, and when he said yes, she disclosed her form and cast aside her veil while the apostle was sitting in her lap. Then she said, 'Can you see him?' And he replied, 'No.' She said, 'O son of my uncle, rejoice and be of good heart, by God he is an angel and not a satan.'”⁵³

Ibn Ishaq also records how Khadijah went to her paternal cousin Waraqah bin Nawfal bin Asad to ask about Muhammad’s experience.

“Khadija had told Waraqa b. Naufal b. Asad b. 'Abdu'l-'Uzza, who was her cousin and a Christian who had studied the scriptures and was a scholar, what her slave Maysara had told her that the monk had said and how he had seen the two angels shading him. He said, 'If this is true, Khadija, verily Muhammad is the prophet of this people. I knew that a prophet of this people was to be expected. His time has come,' or words to that effect.”⁵⁴

Notice that like Bahira, the monk who supposedly recognized Muhammad was a prophet by the mole on his back according to an unspecified Christian book, Waraqa’s statement that a prophet from the Arabs was expected does not include any particular reference. Certainly no Muslim scholar has produced an authentic Christian commentary from before 570 A.D. that mentions a prophet was expected to come from Arabia or a that a coming prophet would have a large mole on his back. If Waraqa was some sort of a Christian, he was not only woefully ignorant of the Bible but also a man given to rash speculation apart from the scripture. Such a man has no real credibility in the sight of learned people, but he had a great impact on Muhammad. The fact that Muslims would cite him as an authority or refer to him as a scholar shows the poor state of learning among the people and a desperate attempt to fabricate some kind of Judeo Christian heritage. Sahih Bukhari’s hadith collection volume 1 book 1 #3 states that Waraqa died a few days after hearing about Muhammad’s experience. If you ask a Muslim who was the first male outside of Muhammad to believe in him some will say Abu Bakr others claim it was Ali. Nobody claims it was Waraqa bin Nawfal. If these accounts of Waraqa’s profession are true then in all likelihood he was the first male Muslim. Not only that, but his teaching that Muhammad was foretold in the Bible had a great impact on Muhammad and Islam. When Muhammad started publically preaching his message 3 years later until the day he died, a central claim of his was that he was a prophet foretold in the Bible, and his “revelation” confirmed the revelations given to the Jews and the Christians. When he encountered Christians and Jews who rejected his teaching and tried to reason with him from the scriptures, he accused them of concealing what they knew about him. The following Surah goes so far as to say that Christians and Jews recognized Muhammad just as clearly as they would their own son.

Surah 6:20 (Sarwar) “The People of the Book know him (Muhammad) just as well as they know their own children, but those who have lost their souls will not believe.”

Muhammad also accused them of not portraying accurately to the Arabs the sense of what was written in their books. While Muhammad believed in the Torah and the Gospel he did not believe the people of the book were always accurately teaching from them.

One other thing that bears noting we see here that Muhammad was suicidal

believing himself to be demon possessed. According to Ibn Ishaq’s biography of Muhammad and At-Tabari’s history, suicidal tendencies is something Muhammad wrestled with multiple times in his life. The Quran itself contains accounts of Allah telling Muhammad he is not mad and not to kill himself. Muhammad was worried about many things, being demon possessed, being rejected, not knowing what Allah would do with him on the day of Judgment, and wondering if Allah hated him or had forsaken him. When Muhammad tried to kill himself because he had not heard from Gabriel in awhile it is claimed the Surah 93:3 was revealed “Your Lord has neither forsaken you nor hates you.”

The Meccan’s view of Muhammad and the Quran
{#the-meccan’s-view-of-muhammad-and-the-quran}

Muslims claim the Quran is so uniquely beautiful that it’s beauty itself is a proof it is from God. Non-Muslims reject this for two reasons. First of all, many do not believe the Quran is beautiful, secondly this claim commits the categorical fallacy confusing the categories of literary beauty and inspiration. Should we believe Shakespeare’s plays to be inspired because they are widely held to be the most beautiful ever written? If we met the most beautiful woman should we believe her to be a prophetess because she is so beautiful? Can we claim that we are more likely to be speaking the truth than someone else because we are better looking? Or because our speech is more rhythmic?

The Early Meccans understood the Arabic of Muhammad’s time better than any today and they were not under to profess it’s beauty like modern Muslims, Muhammad did not have an army backing him until he moved to Medina. The people of Mecca did not consider the Quran beautiful or even unique, those who were kind merely said that it sounded like tales they heard before, others mocked and laughed at the Quran and called it the ranting’s of a madman, mixed up dreams, or a message from Satan. The Quran itself in the verses below describes the typical responses people had to the Quran and Muhammad and his Allah’s attempts to refute them

They Mocked both Muhammad and the Quran
1. Surah 9:64-65 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 64. The hypocrites fear lest a Sûrah (chapter of the Qur'ân) should be revealed about them, showing them what is in their hearts. Say: "(Go ahead and) mock! But certainly God will bring to light all that you fear." 65. If you ask them (about this), they declare: "We were only talking idly and joking." Say: "Was it at God , and His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger1 that you were mocking?"
They thought the Quran was a forgery, evidently they heard something like it before
1. Surah 12:111 (Al-Hilali and Khan). “Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Qur'an) is not a forged statement but a confirmation of the God's existing Books [the Taurât (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel) and other Scriptures of God] and a detailed explanation of everything and a guide and a Mercy for the people who believe.”
2. Surah 16:24 (Al-Hilali and Khan) And when it is said to them: "What is it that your Lord has sent down (unto Muhammad)?" They say: "Tales of the men of old!"
3. Other relevant passages include: 11:13, 25:4, 52:33-34, 68:15, 83:13, 9:61
The Quran was considered the work of a Madman
1. Surah 15:6 6. (Al-Hilali and Khan) “And they say: "O you (Muhammad) to whom the Dhikr (the Qur'ân) has been sent down! Verily, you are a mad man.”
2. Other relevant passages include: Surah 34:8, 37:36, 81:22 Allah had to reassure Muhammad that he was not a madman in Surah 68:2 and Surah 69:40-47.
Some thought the Quran was the words of Satan
1. Surah 81:25 (Al-Hilali and Khan) And it (the Qur'ân) is not the word of the outcast Shaitân (Satan).
People laughed at the Quran
1. Surah 53:59-60 (Al-Hilali and Khan) Do you then wonder at this recital (the Qur'ân)?
  60. And you laugh at it and weep not,
People called it fairy tales and mixed up false dreams
1. Surah 21:5 5. (Al-Hilali and Khan) Nay, they say:"These (revelations of the Qur'ân which are inspired to Muhammad) are mixed up false dreams! Nay, he has invented it! Nay, he is a poet! Let him then bring us an Ayâh (sign as a proof) like the ones (Prophets) that were sent before (with signs)!"
Based on the number of converts in Mecca and the Qurans own record of the people’s reaction to the Quran, it is clear that most people who heard it did not think it was so beautiful that it had to be inspired. It was not just non-Muslims who disparaged the Quran when they heard it, Muhammad himself, the example of for all Muslims to follow, first thought the Quran was from Satan and that he was possessed or some ecstatic poet. Muhammad’s own reaction was similar to other critiques of the Quran. He did not this is so beautiful the Quraysh are such lovers of poetry they will love to hear this and will shower me with respect for being a great poet. One can only conclude the argument that the Quran is so beautiful it must be from heaven, is not something based on his own actions that Muhammad believed. Can one really fault others for having the same reaction to the Quran that Muhammad first had? The vast majority of the Meccans did not profess the beauty of the Quran until they were forced to when Muhammad came to Mecca with his army. Such a confession is not very convincing. Neither is the testimony of Muslims today who are under a death threat if they leave Islam. They have to confess that the Quran is beautiful or their lives are in danger.

Muhammad took the mocking of the Quran and the rejection of his claim to prophethood hard, and was so discouraged he contemplated suicide. Muhammad’s Allah reassured him in several verses in the Quran
1. Surah 18:6 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “Perhaps, you, would kill yourself (O Muhammad SAW) in grief, over their footsteps (for their turning away from you), because they believe not in this narration (the Qur'an).”
2. Surah 26:3 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “It may be that you (O Muhammad SAW) are going to kill yourself with grief, that they do not become believers [in your Risalah (Messengership) and in your Message of Islamic Monotheism].”
3. Surah 35:8 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “Is he, then, to whom the evil of his deeds made fair-seeming, so that he considers it as good (equal to one who is rightly guided)? Verily, Allah sends astray whom He wills, and guides whom He wills. So destroy not yourself (O Muhammad SAW) in sorrow for them. Truly, Allah is the All-Knower of what they do!”
1. The Muslims in Mecca {#the-muslims-in-mecca}

The Muslims in Mecca were a religious minority and were not very popular. Muhammad’s influential uncle Abu Talib protected Muhammad. After about 5 or 6 years of preaching his message Muhammad only had about 100 followers. A few of the notable followers were Abu Bakr, his best friend; his nephew Ali; Hamza and Umar two of the most powerful warriors in Mecca; and Abdullah Ibn Massud the top expert in the Quran and the first man who had the courage to recite the Quran publically. Because the tension between Muhammad’s followers and the rest of the tribe, about a dozen men and their families left Mecca and lived in Abyssinia. At this point in time, Muhammad was not calling upon Muslims to engage in violent acts against unbelievers. During the time Islam was an unpopular religious minority, Muhammad preached that people should practice religious tolerance, while at the same time promising that people would have a painful doom for rejecting his message. Surah 2 contains a popular example of peaceful Meccan surah.

Surah 2:256. (Al-Hilali and Khan) “There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Tâghût and believes in God, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And God is All-Hearer, All-Knower.”

On page 222 of Guillaume’s translation of Ibn Ishaq’s biography of Muhammad, Abu Jahl summarized Muhammad’s message to the Meccans as follows:

“Yazid b. Ziyad on the authority of Muhammad b. Ka’b. al-Qurazi told me that when they were all outside his door Abu Jahl said to them: ‘Muhammad alleges that if you follow him you will be kings of the Arabs and the Persians. Then after death you will be raised to gardens like those of the Jordan. But if you do not follow him you will be slaughtered, and when you are raised from the dead you will be burned in the fire of hell.’”⁵⁵

Later when Muhammad moved to Medina and had an army backing him, the first verse about fighting war “revealed” to Muhammad

Surah 2:190 (Al-Hilali and Khan) And fight in the Way of God those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, God likes not the transgressors. [This Verse is the first one that was revealed in connection with Jihâd, but it was supplemented by another (V.9:36)].

Later when the Muslims achieved dominance, came the following verses

Surah 9:29. (Al-Hilali and Khan) Fight against those who (1) believe not in God, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by God 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.

Surah 9:36. (Al-Hilali and Khan) Verily, the number of months with God is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by God on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred, (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islâmic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein, and fight against the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of God) collectively , as they fight against you collectively. But know that God is with those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious -- see V.2:2).

Typically, Muslims scholars have had two different approaches in dealing with the obvious contradictory teachings in these verses

Some say the later verses abrogate the earlier peaceful verses
Some say the lesson to be taken from this is to preach tolerance and patience when you are a religious minority, then when you get the upper hand and use violence to spread the religion. 9. ## Satanic Verses {#satanic-verses}

In 619, the 49th year of Muhammad’s life, three significant events happened.

Muhammad’s uncle and protector Abu Talib died.
Khadijah died
Muhammad, succumbing to temptations and pressures from his tribe, recites the famous satanic verses and commits shirk (ascribes partners to Allah), which is the greatest sin of the Islamic religion.

Page 111 of Volume 6 of Tabari’s history records the account of the Satanic verses:

History of Tabari [1192-1193], volume 6, page 111) “Al-Qasim b. al-Hasan—al-Husayn b. Daud—Hajja—Abu Mashar—Muhammad b. Ka’b al-Qurazi and Muhammad b. Qays: The Messenger of God was sitting in a large gathering of Quraysh, wishing that day that no revelation would come to him from God which would cause them to turn away from him. Then God revealed:

By the Star when it sets, your comrade does not err, nor is he deceived …

and the Messenger of God recited it until he came to:

Have you thought upon al-Lat and al-‘Uzza and Manat, the third, the other?

when Satan cast on his tongue two phrases:

These are the high flying cranes; verily their intercession is to be desired.

He uttered them and went on to complete the surah. When he prostrated himself at the end of the surah, the whole company prostrated themselves with him. Al-Walid b. al-Mughirah raised some dust to his forehead and bowed over that, since he was a very old man and could not prostrate himself. They were satisfied with what Muhammad had uttered and said, “We recognize that it is God who gives life and death, who creates and who provides sustenance, but if these gods of ours intercede for us with him, and if you give them a share, we are with you.”

That evening Gabriel came to him and reviewed the surah with him, and when he reached the two phrases which Satan had cast upon his tongue he said, “I did not bring you these two.” Then the Messenger of God said, “I have fabricated things against God and have imputed to Him words which He has not spoken.” Then God revealed to him:

‘And they indeed strove hard to beguile you away from what we have revealed to you, that you should invent other than it against us…’

to the words:

‘and then you would have found no helper against us’ (Surah 17:73,75)

He remained grief-stricken and anxious until the revelaition of the verse:

‘Never did we send a messenger or a prophet before you to the word … God is knower, wise” (Surah 22:52)

The full quotations of the verses referenced in the above tradition are given below.

The passage dealing with the Quraysh’s attempt to entice Muhammad into accepting their gods

Surah 17:73. (Al-Hilali-Khan) Verily, they were about to tempt you away from that which We have revealed (the Qur'ân) unto you (O Muhammad), to fabricate something other than it against Us, and then they would certainly have taken you a friend! 74. And had We not made you stand firm, you would nearly have inclined to them a little. 75. In that case, We would have made you taste a double portion (of punishment) in this life and a double portion (of punishment) after death. And then you would have found none to help you against Us.

The Quran’s account of Allah’s attempt to Comfort Muhammad regarding his recital of the Satanic Verses

Surah 22:52 (Aisha Bewley) “We did not send any Messenger or any Prophet before you without Shaytan insinuating something into his recitation while he was reciting. But Allah revokes whatever Shaytan insinuates and then Allah confirms His Signs – Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise –”

Surah 22:52 (Ali Quli Qara'i) “We did not send before you any apostle or prophet but that when he recited [the scripture] Satan interjected [something] in his recitation. Thereat Allah nullifies whatever Satan has interjected, [and] then Allah confirms His signs, and Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.”

After this the Satanic revelation was replaced with a repudiation of it.

53:19-23 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 19. Have you then considered Al-Lât, and Al-'Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs) 20. And Manât (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? 21. Is it for you the males and for Him the females? 22. That indeed is a division most unfair! 23. They are but names which you have named, you and your fathers, for which God has sent down no authority. They follow but a guess and that which they themselves desire, whereas there has surely come to them the Guidance from their Lord!

The Satanic verses are a great embarrassment to Muslims, yet the story is firmly anchored not only in Islamic tradition but by the very words of the Quran, especially Surah 22:52. While the Quraysh did not permanently change Muhammad’s religious views, as Surah 17 points out, Muhammad was enticed to invent a lie against Allah and ascribe partners to Allah. These are the worst things that someone can do according to Islam. Below is a list of some of the theological problems the Satanic verses cause Muslims.

The Quran calls Muhammad an example for all Muslims,

Surah 33:21. (Al-Hilali and Khan) Indeed in the Messenger of God (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) God and the Last Day and remembers God much.

Yet here he commits shirk (ascribing partners with Allah) and fabricates a lie against Allah. According to the following surah that makes Muhammad the worst person and someone who deserves Hell.

Surah 29 68. (Al-Hilali and Khan) And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against God or denies the truth (Muhammad and his doctrine of Islâmic Monotheism and this Qur'ân), when it comes to him? Is there not a dwelling in Hell for disbelievers (in the Oneness of God and in His Messenger Muhammad)?
Muslims often like to claim that Muhammad is a fulfillment of the “prophet like unto Moses” mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy, yet this could not be the case since that passage disqualifies those who speak in the name of other gods.

Deuteronomy 18:20 (King James Version 1900) 20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

Muhammad never spoke in the name of the God of the Bible, he never used the divine name, YHVH, but instead called his god Allah, and in this case even spoke in the names of Al-Lat, Al-Uzza and Manat!

Muhammad’s foster nurse thought he was demon possessed, Muhammad himself feared he was possessed and even contemplated suicide because of it, many of the people of Muhammad’s day thought that, now he admits that Satan had power over him and put words into his recitation, The following hadith, from the sahih collection of Bukhari, tells us that Muhammad was bewitched.

Sahih Al-Bukhari, volume VII, number 658 "Narrated Aisha: A man called Labid bin al-A’sam from the tribe of Bani Zaraiq worked magic on Allah’s Apostle until Allah’s Apostle started imagining that he had done a thing that he had not really done. One day or one nigh he was with us, he invoked Allah and invoked for a long period, and then said, ‘O Aisha! Do you know that Allah has instructed me concerning the matter I have asked him about? Two men came to me and one of them sat near my head and the other replied, ‘He is under the effect of magic.’ The first one asked, ‘Who has worked the magic on him?’ The other replied, ‘Labid bin Al-Asam’ …" (See also 660)

Obviously Satan had some power over Muhammad, yet the following passage indicates that Satan has no power over those who are rightly guided

S. 15:39-43 (Yusuf Ali) 39"(Iblis) said ‘O my Lord! Because Thou hast put me In the wrong, I will make (wrong) fair-seeming to them on the earth, and I will put them all in wrong. – 40"Except Thy servants among them, sincere and purified (By thy grace).’ 41(God) said: ‘This (Way of My sincere servants) is indeed a way that leads straight to me. 42For over My servants no authority shalt thou have, except such as put themselves in the wrong and follow thee. 43And verily, Hell is the promised abode for them all! To it are seven gates: for each of those gates is a (special) class of sinners assigned.’"

According to these Islamic traditions Muhammad was deceived by Satan and was bewitched by a sorcerer. Thus, it is clear Satan exercised some degree of authority over him. Since Surah 15:42-43 states that Satan has no authority over Allah’s servants, but Satan only has authority over those who put themselves in the wrong and follow Satan, and that the followers of Satan will be cast into hell. One can logically deduce whom Muhammad followed and where he is today. In light of this, why would anyone who believes the Quran and Hadith want to follow Muhammad?

The recitation from Satan sounded to Muhammad like it was from Allah, so Allah’s revelations are not so uniquely beautiful that they can be distinguished from a revelation from Satan. Furthermore, if Muhammad was tricked about that passage, perhaps he was tricked about other passages and he never realized it.
While the Bible contains many stories of prophets doing sinful things it never contains a story of a prophet thinking something is scripture from God only to decide later that it is from Satan. 10. ## The Death of Khadijah and Muhammad’s other Marriages {#the-death-of-khadijah-and-muhammad’s-other-marriages}

Khadijah died when Muhammad was 50 and she was 65. Muhammad had no other wives while Khadijah was alive, but after she died Muhammad married many women. A couple months after Khadijah’s death Muhammad married Sauda, and got engaged to Aisha, the 6 year old daughter of Abu Bakr. According to the most respected hadith collections Muhammad consummated his marriage to Aisha when she was 9 years old and he was 53.

Sahih Bukhari volume V, nos. 234 Narrated Aisha: The Prophet was engaged to me when I was a girl six years old...I was playing in a swing with some of my girl friends...Unexpectedly Allah’s Apostle came to me in the afternoon and my mother handed me over to him. At that time I was a girl of nine years of age.

Sahih Bukhari vol V, number 236 The Prophet...married Aisha when she was a girl of six years of age and consummated that marriage when she was nine years old.”

Many Muslims are quite embarrassed by the behavior of their 53 year old so-called prophet’s consummating a marriage to a 9 year old girl. Some offer the excuse that Allah ordained this because Aisha would live so long after Muhammad’s death and could remember so many things that he did and said. This explanation is hard to take very seriously. First of all, why does Allah need to sanction child molestation in order to preserve a historical record? They had pens back in those days, couldn’t he have married a woman who knew how to write, then the record would have been preserved by an eye witness, this is much better than the 200 years of hearsay evidence, called isnad chains, on which the hadith collections are based. Finally, why not have a man record Muhammad’s thoughts and deeds, since the Quran and hadith teach that women are mentally and spiritually deficient⁵⁶ and their testimony is worth half that of a man⁵⁷. In marrying a 9 year old girl, Muhammad set the precedence for other grown men to marry physically immature minors who could then be divorced and married off again to some other grown man after their waiting period or iddah is over. This is discussed in the following passage of the Quran

Surah 65:4 (Sherali ) “And if you are in doubt as to the prescribed period for such of your women as have despaired of monthly courses, then know that the prescribed period for them is three months, and also for such as do not have their monthly courses yet. And as for those who are with child, their period shall be until they are delivered of their burden. And whoso fears ALLAH, HE will provide facilities for him in his affair.”

It is obvious the Quran assumes these prepubescent girls have had sex with their husbands since the Quran teaches that there is no waiting period for marriages that have not been consummated:

Surah 33:49 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “O you who believe! When you marry believing women, and then divorce them before you have sexual intercourse with them, no 'Iddah [divorce prescribed period, see (V.65:4)] have you to count in respect of them. So give them a present, and set them free i.e. divorce, in a handsome manner.”

Since Muhammad is supposed to be an example to all Muslims, his actions recorded in Sahih hadiths and these passages from the Quran, not only allow and regulate marriage to prepubescent girls, but also encourage it.

The Night Journey {#the-night-journey}

Things were not going well for Muhammad in Mecca. He was trying to bounce back from his compromise with polytheism, he had relatively few converts, he was regularly mocked and insulted. His beloved wife Khadijah and his uncle, and protector, Abu Talib had passed. Muhammad then made a bad situation worse by claiming to have had a journey during the middle of the night to the temple at Jerusalem.

Ibn Ishaq’s Life of Muhammad p182-183 “In his story al-Hasan said: 'The apostle and Gabriel went their way until they arrived at the temple at Jerusalem. There he found Abraham, Moses, and Jesus among a company of the prophets. The apostle acted as their imam in prayer. Then he was brought two vessels, one containing wine and the other milk. The apostle took the milk and drank it, leaving the wine. Gabriel said: "You have been rightly guided to the way of nature3 and so will your people be, Muhammad. Wine is forbidden you." Then the apostle returned to Mecca and in the morning he told Quraysh what had happened. Most of them said, "By God, this is a plain absurdity! A caravan takes a month to go to Syria and a month to return and can Muhammad do the return journey in one night?" Many Muslims gave up their faith;”

Muhammad’s night vision is problematic for several reasons, of course he claimed to have covered a huge amount of ground in one night, but an even worse problem is the fact the temple at Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. and had not existed there for over 500 years. No wonder many Muslims left their faith. This is not the first blunder Islam had in regards to the chronology of the temple. The following hadith states the temple was built 40 years after the Ka’aba, keep in mind Muslims claims Abraham built the Ka’aba, but according to history the temple was built hundreds of years after Abraham during the reign of King Solomon.

Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 55, Number 585: Narrated Abu Dhar: I said, "O Allah's Apostle! Which mosque was first built on the surface of the earth?" He said, "Al-Masjid-ul-Haram (in Mecca)." I said, "Which was built next?" He replied "The mosque of Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem)." I said, "What was the period of construction between the two?" He said, "Forty years." He added, "Wherever (you may be, and) the prayer time becomes due, perform the prayer there, for the best thing is to do so (i.e. to offer the prayers in time)."

When Abu Bakr heard about the “Night Vision” he thought it sounded so preposterous that the people who told him were making up lies about Muhammad. Though his belief was such it did not matter what Muhammad said Abu Bakr was committed to following him. For this he was awarded with the honored title Siddiq (truthful).

Ibn Ishaq’s Life of Muhammad Page 183 “some went to Abu. Bakr and said, "What do you think of your friend now, Abu Bakr ? He alleges that he went to Jerusalem last night and prayed there and came back to Mecca." He replied that they were lying about the apostle; but they said that he was in the mosque at that very moment telling the people about it. Abu. Bakr said, "If he says so then it is true. And what is so surprising in that ? He tells me that communications from God from heaven to earth come to him in an hour of a day or night and I believe him, and that is more extraordinary than that at which you boggle!" He then went to the apostle and asked him if these reports were true, and when he said they were, he asked him to describe Jerusalem to him.' Al-Hasan said that he was lifted up so that he could see the apostle speaking as he told Abu Bakr what Jerusalem was like. Whenever he described a part of it he said, 'That's true. I testify that you are the apostle of God' until he had completed the description, and then the apostle said, 'And you, Abu Bakr, are the Siddiq.' 1 This was the occasion on which he got this honorific.”

Muhammad’s night journey contained statements that are very important to Islam. Muhammad claimed he was told Muslims should pray 50 times a day, but since Allah rewards every good deed as 10 good deeds. Muslims only need to pray 5 times a day.

Bukhari:: Book 9 :: Volume 93 :: Hadith 608 Narrated Anas bin Malik: “…Allah said, "The Word that comes from Me does not change, so it will be as I enjoined on you in the Mother of the Book." Allah added, "Every good deed will be rewarded as ten times so it is fifty (prayers) in the Mother of the Book (in reward) but you are to perform only five (in practice)."…”

This greater weighting of good deeds sounds nice but has some horrible implications. It allows sin to be paid for with pennies on the dollar! How is this just? Under such a system someone could steal 10$ from you and return 1$ and be even in the sight of Allah, while still having 9$ of your money!

Muhammad’s visit to At-Ta’if {#muhammad’s-visit-to-at-ta’if}

Not having much success in Mecca, Muhammad brought his message to the Thaqif tribe, who were known for their veneration of the pagan goddess Al-Lat. The people of At-Ta’if rejected Muhammad and his message and mocked him. Undaunted Muhammad claimed to have met many Jinn⁵⁸ who were converted after hearing the Quran recited. Muhammad’s claim that many of the Jinn converted and liked the Quran may be an attempt to gain credibility, but conversion of Jinn is unverifiable. In a similar manner, throughout the Quran, Muhammad and his Allah called as witnesses inanimate objects, future days, and other things that could not give a testimony. There are a huge number of things that alledgedly testify on behalf of Muhammad, unfortunately for him, no one has heard their testimony. In the verse below Muhammad appeals to a future resurrection to testify to people who would die long before the day of resurrection. This is as ineffectual as appealing to Bahira’s unspecified books, or the conversion of Jinn. This topic is covered in more detail in Appendix A

Sura 75:1-4: (Yusuf Ali) I do call to witness the Resurrection Day; And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit: (Eschew Evil). Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones? Nay, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers.

Muhammad never read the Bible but claimed he was foretold in the Bible, when people who had read the Bible disagreed, he accused them of concealing the truth. He contradicted the Bible while claiming he was confirming it. He then tried to buttress his claims of being a prophet with stories of going on an overnight journey to Jerusalem’s temple (which was destroyed about 500 years prior) and even up to heaven and meeting prophets who paid him great respect. He then claims that the Jinn heard his message and believed it. On top of all of this he admitted that some of his statements had come from Satan when he thought they had come from Allah.

The Khazraj Believe {#the-khazraj-believe}

Though there were few Meccan Muslims, and they were decreasing in number after Muhammad’s night journey claims, a very important event happened that completely turned things around for Muhammad. Some Arabs from the Khazraj tribe went on the pilgrimage to Mecca and after hearing Muhammad’s message thought he was the prophet the Jews were waiting for and decided to follow him. The Khazraj was a tribe living in Yathrib, (Yathrib would later be called Al-Medina or “The City”). There were several Jewish tribes living around Yathrib. Ibn Ishaq records the story.

Life of Muhammad Page 198 “Jews used to say to them, 'A prophet will be sent soon. His day is at hand. We shall follow him and kill you by his aid as 'Ad and Iram perished.' So when they heard the apostle's message they said one to another: 'This is the very prophet of whom the Jews warned us. Don't let them get to him before us!' Thereupon they accepted his teaching and became Muslims, saying, 'We have left our people, for no tribe is so divided by hatred and rancour as they. Perhaps God will unite them through you. So let us go to them and invite them to this religion of yours; and if God unites them in it, then no man will be mightier than you.' Thus saying they returned to Medina as believers.”

These people from Medina went back and persuaded their tribe to follow Muhammad. At the pilgrimage the next year they told Muhammad of their success in converting their tribesmen. While meeting with Muhammad at Aqabah just outside of Mecca, they took an oath to totally submit, follow and defend Muhammad. This is known as the First Pledge of Aqabah. Muhammad sent one of his followers with them to teach them and the next pilgrimage 70 Muslims from Yathrib pledged allegiance to Muhammad and Muhammad pledged to leave Mecca and be their leader in Yathrib. This was known as the second pledge of Aqabah. Most of the Muslims left in small groups while Muhammad, Abu Bakr and Ali stayed back for a little while. Muslims who moved to Medina are called “the emigrants” (al-muhajirun), and the Muslims of Yathrib are called “the helpers” (al-ansar). Muhammad was concerned because his tribe considered him a traitor and was afraid that he would attack them along with the support of his new found helpers. Their concerns were not unreasonable and are based upon the words of Muhammad recorded in his earliest biography.

Life of Muhammad page 222 “Yazid b. Ziyad on the authority of Muhammad b. Ka’b. al-Qurazi told me that when they were all outside his door Abu Jahl said to them: ‘Muhammad alleges that if you follow him you will be kings of the Arabs and the Persians. Then after death you will be raised to gardens like those of the Jordan. But if you do not follow him you will be slaughtered, and when you are raised from the dead you will be burned in the fire of hell.’”⁵⁹

On the previous page of the same book captures the concern of the Quraysh.

“When the Quraysh say that the apostle had a party and companions not of their tribe and outside their territory, and that his companions had migrated to join them, and knew that they had settled in a new home and had gained protectors, they feared that the apostle might join them, and since they knew that he had decided to fight them. So they assembled in their council chamber, the house of Qusayy b. Kilab where all important business was conducted, to take counsel what they should do in regard to the apostle, for they were now in fear of him.”

Because of Muhammad’s repeated threats against them, they formed a counsel to determine what to do about Muhammad. According to Ibn Ishaq’s biography and Ibn Kathir, Satan himself came to the Quraysh deceiving them by appearing to be an “eminent old man” and persuading them to take a warrior from each clan and kill Muhammad together so no clan can be blamed to the exclusion of the others. Their actions against Muhammad could be viewed by the Muslims as double crossing since they were members of Muhammad’s tribe, in like manner Muhammad’s threats of their destruction for refusing to follow him can be considered double crossing, rebellious and traitorous. Ibn Kathir recounts a story “Jibril came to the Prophet and commanded him not to sleep in his bed that night and conveyed to him the news of their plot.” This story is found in Ibn Ishaq (page 222) and the History of Tabari (volume 6. page 140-144). Tabari states

“Then Gabriel came to the Messenger of God and said, “Do not spend this night in the bed in which you usually sleep.” When the first third of the night had gone past, the young men gathered at his door and waited for him to go to sleep so they could fall upon him. When the Messenger of God saw them there he said to ‘Ali b. Abi Talib, “Sleep on my bed and wrap yourself up in my green Hadrami cloak; nothing unpleasant will befall you from them.” The Messenger of God used to sleep in that cloak when he went to bed.” ( History of of Tabari volume 6 page 142)

We see here that Muhammad and Allah deceive the Quraysh by having Ali lie in Muhammad’s bed wrapped in his cloak. We also see Allah directly deceiving people in the following passage

Then the Messenger of God came out, took a handful of dust and said, “Yes, I do say that, and you are one of them.” Then God took away their sight so they could not see him and Muhammad began to sprinkle dust on their heads while reciting the following verses from Surat Ya’ Sin: Ya’ Sin. ‘By the wise Qur’an, you are the one of those sent on a straight path’ … to the words: ‘and we have set a barrier before them and a barrier behind them, and have covered them so that they do not see.’ By the time he had finished reciting these verses he had put dust on the heads of every one of them, after which he went to where he wished to go.” (History of Tabari volume 6 oage 143)

One can’t help but wonder why, if these people were disabled, Muhammad didn’t take Ali with him, but, the brave prophet of Islam deceived his young nephew Ali by saying “nothing unpleasant will befall you from them” When according to Tabari’s history this clearly was not the case

(History of Tabari volume 6. Page 144) “When morning came the group of people who were lying in wait for the Messenger of God went into his house. ‘Ali rose from his bed, and when they came close to him they recognized him and said, “Where is your companion?” He replied, “I do not know. Do you expect me to keep watch over him? You told him to leave and he has left.” They scolded him and beat him. Then they took him to the mosque and imprisoned him for a while but after this they left him alone.”

So there is no shortage of double crossing and deception by the Quraysh, by Muhammad, by Satan and by Allah. In regards to this situation the following verse from the Quran was given.

Surah 8:30 (Al-Hilali and Kahn) “And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you (O Muhammad SAW) to imprison you, or to kill you, or to get you out (from your home, i.e. Makkah); they were plotting and Allah too was planning, and Allah is the Best of the planners.”

The above passage of the Quran and Surah 3:54 repeat have caused quite a stir

Surah 3:54 (Al-Hilali and Kahn) “And they (disbelievers) plotted [to kill 'Iesa (Jesus)], and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of the planners.”

Notice the last part of the verses are the same and contain the statement “and Allah is the best of all planners” This is given below in Arabic.

		![MakaraLine2][image3]

Notice Allah refers to himself as “Hayur Al-Makereen” which correctly translated means “Allah is the greatest of all deceivers.” Or “Allah is the greatest of all double crossers” This is verified by looking up the root letters (Meem, Kalf, and Rah) in an Arabic Dictionary such as Al-Mawrid (below).

To deceive, delude, cheat, double-cross, dupe	![MKR 2_BW.jpg][image4]
Cunning, craftiness, slyness, wiliness, double-dealing, deception, deceit, artifice, guile	![MKR 2_BW.jpg][image5]

Abu Bakr affirmed this passage and testified to the deceptive character of Allah. His statements below are taken from the "Successors of the Messenger" by Khalid Muhammad Khalid, page 70:

For those of you who don’t read Arabic Abu Bakr, though promised paradise by Allah and his apostle, while weeping says, "By Allah! I would not feel safe from the deception (same Arabic word) of Allah, even if I had one foot in paradise." The testimony of Abu Bakr is consistent with the Quran which tells Muslims that they should not feel secure against the Makr or deception of Allah.

Surah 7:99 (Pickthall) "Are they then secure from Allah's scheme (Makr)? None deemeth himself secure from Allah's scheme (Makr) save folk that perish."

The word translated "scheme" by Pickthall is the same Arabic word (Meem, Kaaf, Rah or Makr) which the dictionary tells us means deception. The Arabic of Surah 7:99 is given below.

Abu Bakr being a true believer in Islam could not feel safe from Allah’s deception (Makr) even though he was promised paradise by Allah and his apostle Muhammad!

Muslims have had quite a hard time explaining why anyone should follow a god who boasts of being the greatest double crosser or deceiver. This is an ontological statement about Allah, made by Allah, and it does not engender trust in Allah. This will be examined in more detail in chapter 6, where Muhammad’s Allah is contrasted with the God of the Bible.

Muhammad arrives at Medina {#muhammad-arrives-at-medina}

Upon arriving in Mecca Muhammad decided where the mosque should be by letting the reigns of his she camel go and seeing where she stopped. In The History of Tabari Volume 7 page 4, Muhammad states regarding the she camel “Let her reigns go for she is commanded (by God).”⁶⁰ The Quran also talks about a She-camel prophet in several places⁶¹. In Tabari’s history Muhammad is also recorded as saying to Ali “”Shall I tell you who are the most wretched of men? Ahmar of Thamud who slaughtered the she-camel, and the person who will strike you on this” – indicating the side of his head”. Of all the wicked people who ever lived, or would ever live, Judas, Nimrod, Herod, Pilate, Hitler, Stalin, Marx, Pol Pot etc… Muhammad identifies a man who killed a Camel as being more evil than those who conspired to kill Jesus. Perhaps Muhammad thought there was something really special about she camels in general. The choosing of the mosque location was not the only important event the first year in Medina, Muhammad also consummated his marriage to Aisha and the Muslims began expeditions to intercept caravans coming from Mecca.

Muhammad and the Jews {#muhammad-and-the-jews}

Muhammad seemed convinced he was foretold in the Bible and sought to persuade the Jews he was the one they were waiting for. This is evidenced by the following accounts from Ibn Ishaq’s Life of Muhammad

Life of Muhammad page 256 The apostle wrote to the Jews of Khaybar according to what a freedman of the family of Zayd b. Thabit told me from 'Ikrima or from Sa'Id b. Jubayr from Ibn 'Abbas: 'In the name of God the compassionate the merciful from Muhammad the apostle of God friend and brother of Moses who confirms what Moses brought. God says to you, O scripture folk, and you will find it in your scripture "Muhammad is the apostle of God; and those with him are severe against the unbelievers, merciful among themselves. Thou seest them bowing, falling prostrate seeking bounty and acceptance from God. The mark of their prostrations is on their foreheads. That is their likeness in the Torah and in the Gospel like a seed which sends forth its shoot and strengthens it and it becomes thick and rises straight upon its stalk delighting the sowers that He may anger the unbelievers with them. God has promised those who believe and do well forgiveness and a great reward."2 I adjure you by God, and by what He has sent down to you, by the manna and quails He gave as food to your tribes before you, and by His drying up the sea for your fathers when He delivered them from Pharaoh and his works, that you tell me, Do you find in what He has sent down to you that you should believe in Muhammad ? If you do not find that in your scripture then there is no compulsion upon you. "The right path has become plainly distinguished from error"3 so I call you to God and His prophet' (page 256)

Life of Muhammad page 260 “The apostle entered a Jewish school ... and called them to God. [He was asked], "What is your religion Muhammad?" "The religion of Abraham." [They rejoined] "But Abraham was a Jew." [Muhammad said] "Then let the Torah judge between us." They refused.” (oage 260)

Life of Muhammad page 268 “[Four Jews came to Muhammad and said]: "Do you not allege that you follow the religion of Abraham and believe in the Torah which we have and testify that it is the truth from God?" He replied, "Certainly, but you have sinned and broken the covenant contained therein and concealed what you were ordered to make plain to men, and I dissociate myself from your sin." They said, "We hold by what we have. We live according to the guidance and the truth and we do not believe in you and we will not follow you." So God sent down concerning them: "Say, O scripture folk, you have no standing until you observe the Torah and the Gospel and what has been sent down to you from your Lord ...." (Surah 5:68). “⁶² (oage 268)

The Jews rejected him and repeatedly told him he was not foretold in their books. When informed that he was not foretold in the Bible, Muhammad never responded by claiming the Bible was corrupt or not authoritative, instead he responded by making one or more of following four claims

1) They were concealing things they knew from their books,

2) They had forsaken their covenant with their God concerning Muhammad

3) They were taking words out of context

4) They were lying about what was actually in their Bible.

Muhammad and Allah never responded by giving them chapter and verse to demonstrate to all that the people of the book were concealing passages. Neither of Muhammad or Allah exegeted any passages to prove their position. It would be understandable why Muhammad, who was unable to read the Torah and the Gospel, would be limited to accusations of lying and assaults on the character of those who insisted he was not foretold in the scriptures, but why would that be the case with Allah? If Muhammad’s Allah was really all knowing, why didn’t Allah just say in such and such a place it talks of Muhammad and then when the Jews objected he could respond to them and prove them wrong from the text. This is what Jesus did with the Pharisees and the scribes. Without any solid evidence being brought forth one can understand why the Jews would dismiss Muhammad and his Allah. They had proven nothing to them. Some may argue that there were people who did recognize Muhammad from their sacred books, after all there are stories of people who supposedly recognized Muhammad’s physical description from “their books” (Bahira, Waraqa, Abdullah, etc…) but again there is never any specific reference to a specific part of a specific sacred book, there is not a single quotation of scripture in the Quran given to prove Muhammad and Allah’s case. Contrasting Jesus to Muhammad, Jesus answered his enemies from scripture and confounded them with questions; Muhammad failed to reference specific scriptures to prove his case and was confounded by the questions of the Jews.

Life of Muhammad oage 239 “About this time the Jewish rabbis showed hostility to the apostle in envy, hatred, and malice, because God had chosen His apostle from the Arabs. They were joined by men from al-Aus and al-Khazraj who had obstinately clung to their heathen religion. They were hypocrites, clinging to the polytheism of their fathers denying the resurrection; yet when Islam appeared and their people flocked to it they were compelled to pretend to accept it to save their lives. But in secret they were hypocrites whose inclination was towards the Jews because they considered the apostle a liar and strove against Islam. It was the Jewish rabbis who used to annoy the apostle with questions and introduce confusion, so as to confound the truth with falsity. The Quran used to come down in reference to these questions of theirs, though some of the questions about what was allowed and forbidden came from the Muslims themselves.”

Later Muslims would search the Bible to try to find something they could claim was a reference to Muhammad. Their claims concerning the meaning of the Bible passages have been refuted by Christians; some of these passages are dealt with in the section on Muhammad and the Bible.

Muhammad and the Najran Delegation and The Quran on Jesus
{#muhammad-and-the-najran-delegation-and-the-quran-on-jesus}

A delegation of professed Christians came from Najran to meet with Muhammad. Many believe they belonged to a heretical sect called Nestorians. This seems to be the occasion for many of the portions of the Quran that speak of Jesus. The Quran contains many statements about Jesus and his mother Marry that are of interest to the Christian for the following reasons:

They give us an understanding of how Islam’s Jesus is different from the true Biblical Jesus
1. The Quran says Jesus was not crucified,
2. The Quran says Jesus was not the son of Allah
The Author of the Quran did not understand Christianity and rebuked Christians for things they don’t believe
1. The Quran’s objection to the idea that Jesus is the Son of God is based on an anthropomorphic understanding of the word son that no Christian would apply to Jesus. The Quran’s mistaken notion is evident from the following surah
  1. 6:100-101 (Pickthal) “Yet they ascribe as partners unto Him the jinn, although He did create them, and impute falsely, without knowledge, sons and daughters unto Him. Glorified be He and High Exalted above (all) that they ascribe (unto Him). The Originator of the heavens and the earth! How can He have a child, when there is for Him no consort, when He created all things and is Aware of all things?
  2. 72:3 (Yusufali) 'And Exalted is the Majesty of our Lord: He has taken neither a wife nor a son.
2. The Quran attacks tri-theism with Allah, Mary and Jesus being gods. Christians have always rejected tri-theism
  1. Surah 5:70-75 (Pickthall) 5:70 We made a covenant of old with the Children of Israel and We sent unto them messengers. As often as a messenger came unto them with that which their souls desired not (they became rebellious). Some (of them) they denied and some they slew. 5:71 They thought no harm would come of it, so they were willfully blind and deaf. And afterward Allah turned (in mercy) toward them. Now (even after that) are many of them willfully blind and deaf. Allah is Seer of what they do. 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! whoever ascribes partners unto Allah, for him Allah has forbidden paradise. His abode is the Fire. For evil-doers there will be no helpers. 5:73 They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no God save the One God. If they desist not from so saying a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve. 5:74 Will they not rather turn unto Allah and seek forgiveness of Him? For Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 5:75 The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) had passed away before him. And his mother was a saintly woman. And they both used to eat (earthly) food. See how We make the revelations clear for them, and see how they are turned away!
The author of the Quran thought Jesus’ mother Mary was the sister of Moses and Aaron and the daughter of Imram.
1. Surah 3:35-39 (Pickthall) (Remember) when the wife of 'Imran said: My Lord! I have vowed unto You that which is in my belly as a consecrated (offering). Accept it from me. Lo! You, only You, are the Hearer, the Knower! 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 Your protection for her and for her offspring from Satan the outcast. 37 And her Lord accepted her with full acceptance and vouchsafed to her a goodly growth; and made Zachariah her guardian. Whenever Zachariah went into the sanctuary where she was, he found that she had food. He said: O Mary! Whence comes unto you this (food)? She answered: It is from Allah. Allah gives without stint to whom He will. 38 Then Zachariah prayed unto his Lord and said: My Lord! Bestow upon me of Your bounty goodly offspring. Lo! You are the Hearer of Prayer. 39 And the angels called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: Allah gives you glad tidings of (a son whose name is) John, (who comes) to confirm a word from Allah lordly, chaste, a prophet of the righteous.
2. Surah 19:27-28 (Pickthall) 27Then she brought him to her own folk, carrying him. They said: O Mary! You have come with an amazing thing. 28O sister of Aaron! Your father was not a wicked man nor was your mother a harlot.
3. Surah 66:12 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “And Maryam (Mary), the daughter of 'Imran who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (the sleeve of her shirt or her garment) through Our Ruh [i.e. Jibrael (Gabriel)], and she testified to the truth of the Words of her Lord [i.e. believed in the Words of Allah: "Be!" and he was; that is 'Iesa (Jesus) - son of Maryam (Mary); as a Messenger of Allah], and (also believed in) His Scriptures, and she was of the Qanitin (i.e. obedient to Allah).”
1. Muhammad’s Response to the Hypocrites and Other Critics
  {#muhammad’s-response-to-the-hypocrites-and-other-critics}

With such an unconvincing and unscholarly form of argumentation being given to prove Muhammad was foretold in the Bible, it is not surprising that Arabs as well as Jews began to have their doubts about Muhammad. Those Arabs that embraced Islam but doubted Muhammad after getting to know him better were called hypocrites. In addition to the Jews and the hypocrites, there were other people who were critics of Muhammad. One was named Nabtal. Ibn Ishaq recorded what Muhammad had to say about Nabtal

Life of Muhammad page 243 “I have heard that it was of him that the apostle said, 'Whoever wants to see Satan let him take a look at Nabtal b. al-Harith!' He was a sturdy black man with long flowing hair, inflamed eyes, and dark ruddy cheeks. He used to come and talk to the apostle and listen to him and then carry what he had said to the hypocrites. It was he who said: 'Muhammad is all ears: if anyone tells him anything he believes it.' God sent down concerning him: 'And of them are those who annoy the prophet and say he is all ears. Say: Good ears for you. He believes in God and trusts the believers and is a mercy for those of you who believe; and those who annoy the apostle of God for them there is a painful punishment.‘”22 Sura 9. 61

Again it is interesting to note that Muhammad does not deal with Nabtal’s objection, he just says he looks like Satan and told him that Allah had promised him a painful punishment. Interestingly enough we can see that Muhammad borrowed from all kinds of sources, on one occasion in Mecca Muhammad and Allah borrowed a false idea from one of Muhammad’s other critics named Abdullah. Muhammad claimed Allah gave him the following revelation:

Surah 21:98. (Sherali) “It will be said to them, `Surely, you and that which you worship beside ALLAH are the fuel of Hell. To it you will all come.”

Abdullah expressed that he could have silenced Muhammad by asking "Is everything which is worshipped besides God in Gehenna with those who worship it? We worship the angels; the Jews worship 'Uzayr; and the Christians worship Jesus Son of Mary.”⁶³ Adbullah was right about Arabs worshipping angels, and Christians worshipping Jesus, but wrong about Jews worshipping Uzayr, but the point stands just as well. According to the statement in the Quran, Jesus, and the Angels the Qurash worshipped are fuel for Gehenna. Yet the Muslims believe Jesus is a prophet! Abdullah had in fact refuted Islam, Muhammad heard about it and responded by saying Ezra, and Jesus, and Angels would not be in hell. Allah and Muhammad, being all ears, clung to Abdullah’s misguided notion that Jews worship Ezra. Muhammad’s statements are recorded in the Sahih hadith in which Muhammad talks about what will happen to those who worship others besides Allah on the Day of Judgment

Bukhari : Book 6 : Volume 60 : Hadith 105 “…Then the Jews will be called upon and it will be said to them, 'Who do you use to worship?' They will say, 'We used to worship Ezra, the son of Allah.' It will be said to them, 'You are liars, for Allah has never taken anyone as a wife or a son. What do you want now?' They will say, 'O our Lord! We are thirsty, so give us something to drink.' They will be directed and addressed thus, 'Will you drink,' whereupon they will be gathered unto Hell (Fire) which will look like a mirage whose different sides will be destroying each other….”

Here Muhammad claimed Jews not only worship Ezra but claim he is the product of a physical relationship between their God and a wife. I have never heard of any Jew having this belief apart from the Quran and Hadith. It is strange that Muhammad would claim this is a characteristic of Jews in general. Like Muhammad, Allah would make the same mistake

Surah 9:30-31 (Pickthall) “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) fights against them. How perverse are they! 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 God. There is no God save Him. Be He Glorified from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him)!

Ibn Ishaq claims the above verse came as the result of interaction between Muhammad and a Jew named Malik.

Life of Muhammad, page 269 “Sallam and Nu'man b. Aufa and Mahmiid b. Dihya and Sha's and Malik came and said to him: 'How can we follow you when you have abandoned our Qibla and you do not allege that 'Uzayr is the son of God ?' So God sent down concerning these words: 'The Jews say that 'Uzayr is the son of God and the Christians say the Messiah is the son of God. That is what they say with their mouths copying the speech of those who disbelieved aforetime. God fight them! How perverse they are' to the end of the passage”⁶⁴

A truthful and knowing God would not make a generalization from one or two Jews to Jews in general.

The Muslim Expeditions and Raids {#the-muslim-expeditions-and-raids}

First Hamza led an expedition to intercept a Meccan caravan only to have the fighting stopped by Majdi b. Amr Al-Juhani, then Ubaydah led an expedition that resulted in an exchange of arrows at a watering hole but no hand to hand combat. In the second year after arriving in Medina, Muhammad commanded to go to Nakhlah and spy on the Quraysh, the men came across a Meccan caravan. Tabari’s history records how the Muslims reacted

History of Tabari, Volume 7, page 19 “The (Muslims) consulted one another concerning them, this being the last day of Rajab, and said, “By God, if you leave these people alone today, they will get into the Haram [the sacred territory of Mecca] and be out of your reach there, and if you kill them (today) you will have killed them in the sacred month.” They hesitated and were afraid to advance upon them, but then they plucked up courage and agreed to kill as many of them as they could and to seize what they had with them.”⁶⁵

Those who perpetrated this action saved 1/5th of the booty for Muhammad. Later this would become a rule for all Muslim raids, wars and jihads. Muhammad was at first angry with the men telling them that he only told them to spy on the Quraysh on this expedition. Later his god, Allah, would tell him

Surah 2:217 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “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 Al-Fitnah 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."”

It is interesting to note the Quran calls these months sacred and considers fighting in those months a transgression, yet the Quran does not say why these months are considered sacred. The Bible does not have any such tradition. As far as we can tell this seems to be a pagan tradition that Muhammad’s god Allah has recognized.

The Changing of the Qiblah (The Direction of Prayer)
{#the-changing-of-the-qiblah-(the-direction-of-prayer)}

The Jews were a great source of frustration and disappointment to Muhammad. He claimed to be a prophet in accordance with the Biblical prophets. His wife Khadijah and her relative Waraqa convinced him that he was foretold in the Bible. Yet the Jews continually told Muhammad that he was not foretold in the Bible, and they were not expecting a prophet to come from among the Arabs. Muhammad accused them of willfully concealing what they knew about him in their books. Like the Jews, the Muslims used to pray toward Jerusalem, but about sixteen months (some say eighteen) after arriving in Mecca, and experiencing the mocking and rejection of the Jews, Muhammad no longer wished to pray toward Jerusalem. The following tradition from Tabari’s History, Muhammad’s god Allah was happy to accommodate his wish.

“According to Yunus b. ‘Abd al-A’la – Ibn Wahb _ Ibn Zayd: The Prophet turned toward Jerusalem for sixteen months, and then it reached his ears that the Jews were saying, “By God, Muhammad and his companions did not know where their Qiblah was until we directed them.” This displeased the Prophet and he raised his face toward Heaven, and God said, “We have seen the turning of your face to Heaven.”” (The History of Al-Tabari: The Foundation of the Community, translated by M. V. McDonald, annotated by W. Montgomery Watt [State University of New York Press (SUNY), Albany 1987], Volume VII, page 24-25; bold emphasis ours) For more info see

http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/qiblah.htm

The quote is from the Quran and the rest of the verse reads:

“Surah 2:144-147 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “Verily! We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad's SAW) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid- al-Harâm (at Makkah). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction. Certainly, the people who were given the Scriptures (i.e. Jews and the Christians) know well that, that (your turning towards the direction of the Ka'bah at Makkah in prayers) is the truth from their Lord. And Allâh is not unaware of what they do. 145And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) all the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction), nor are you going to follow their Qiblah (prayer direction). And they will not follow each other's Qiblah (prayer direction). Verily, if you follow their desires after that which you have received of knowledge (from Allâh), then indeed you will be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.). Those to whom We gave the Scripture (Jews and Christians) recognise him (Muhammad1 or the Ka'bah at Makkah) as they recongise their sons. But verily, a party of them conceal the truth while they know it -- [i.e. the qualities of Muhammad which are written in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)]. (This is) the truth from your Lord. So be you not one of those who doubt.”

There are a few interesting things in this passage, first Allah changes the direction of prayer to please Muhammad, secondly the Quran claims the people of the scripture knew that this was from their Lord. How on earth would the people of the scriptures know this? The motivation for Allah’s changing the directions was not based upon the Bible, but only to please Muhammad? Why would the people of the scriptures assume their God would want to change their religion to suit Muhammad? This seems quite odd, especially when the Bible says God is not a respecter of persons, and even Jesus came not to do his own will but that of the Father. Apparently in Islam Allah came to do the will of Muhammad. Muhammad did not want to pray in the same direction as the Jews because he was mad at them for continually rejecting his claims to prophethood and insisting he was not foretold in the Bible. Muhammad’s response was not to quote some scriptures and exegete them, explaining how he fulfilled the scriptures; it was merely to accuse the Jews of lying and say they recognized him as they would their own sons. Why didn’t Allah reveal to Muhammad the passages he would need to prove his case to the Jews, or at least silence them by means of their scriptures? This is the approach that Jesus and his followers took. Instead Allah just tells Muhammad he will accommodate his desire to pray in a different direction. This is not the only time Muhammad’s Allah seemed to command whatever Muhammad wanted. We already saw how Muhammad’s Allah gave him a “revelation” to have his adopted son Zaid divorce his wife so Muhammad could marry her. Later Muhammad’s Allah would tell him to go ahead and take more than four wives, that he could take any woman who offered herself to him, and that he could set aside the turn of any of his wives whenever he wanted.

Surah 33:50-51 (Pickthal) “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. Thou canst defer whom thou wilt of them and receive unto thee whom thou wilt, and whomsoever thou desirest of those whom thou hast set aside (temporarily), it is no sin for thee (to receive her again); that is better; that they may be comforted and not grieve, and may all be pleased with what thou givest them. Allah knoweth what is in your hearts (O men), and Allah is ever Forgiving, Clement.”

Muhammad’s child bride Aisha noted Allah’s propensity to please Muhammad

Muslim : Book 8 : Hadith 3454 “Hisham reported on the authority of his father that 'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) used to say: Does the woman not feel shy of offering herself to a man? Then Allah the Exalted and Glorious revealed this verse:" You may defer any of them you wish and take to yourself any you wish." I ('A'isha said): It seems to me that your Lord hastens to satisfy your desire.”

While it seems odd that Allah would make Muhammad exempt from rules given to the rest of humanity, it gets even stranger if we read a bit further on in Surah 33:56

Surah 33:56 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “Allah sends His Salat (Graces, Honours, Blessings, Mercy, etc.) on the Prophet (Muhammad SAW) and also His angels too (ask Allah to bless and forgive him). O you who believe! Send your Salat on (ask Allah to bless) him (Muhammad SAW), and (you should) greet (salute) him with the Islamic way of greeting (salutation i.e. As-Salamu 'Alaikum).”

In Arabic, Salat means prayer, invocation, or supplication or the act of bowing and prostrating before someone. All of these actions require an object to which one prays, invokes, makes supplication, bows, and prostrates. Therefore, this is extremely problematic for Muslims. Many Muslims today follow the second part of Surah 33:56 which gives a command to pray on Muhammad. After saying Muhammad’s name many Muslims will say “Salla-llahu 'wassalam” some will say “peace be upon him” if they are English speakers but it has been pointed out by many this is a mis-translation of the Arabic. Anis Shorrosh⁶⁶ and Sam Shamoun⁶⁷ have both pointed this out. Some Muslims have stopped saying this after the name of Muhammad for fear of committing Shirk, yet it is part of the Quran!

The Battle of Badr {#the-battle-of-badr}

Abu Sufyan, one of the Meccans who rejected and opposed Islam, was traveling with a great caravan from Syria containing a great amount of their wealth. When Muhammad heard about this he called the Muslims to attack them and plunder the caravan. It turned out that there were many Quraysh ready to defend the caravan and the Muslims were outnumbered about two to one. Despite being outnumbered the Muslims suffered only 14 casualties whereas the Meccans suffered 70. Included among the dead of the Quraysh was Abu Jahl, one of the Meccans who staunchly opposed Muhammad. Muhammad did not personally engage in the combat but stayed in a shelter with Abu Bakr and prayed while others fought. After the battle was over Muhammad left his shelter and stood over a well where the dead bodies of some of his adversaries had been cast and he began calling out to them, mocking them. When the Muslims marveled at his behavior, Muhammad gave an interesting answer recorded in the following hadith

Sahih Bukhari : Book 5 : Volume 59 : Hadith 360 “Narrated Ibn Shihab: These were the battles of Allah's Apostle (which he fought), and while mentioning (the Badr battle) he said, "While the corpses of the pagans were being thrown into the well, Allah's Apostle said (to them), 'Have you found what your Lord promised true?" 'Abdullah said, "Some of the Prophet's companions said, "O Allah's Apostle! You are addressing dead people.' Allah's Apostle replied, 'You do not hear what I am saying, better than they.' The total number of Muslim fighters from Quraish who fought in the battle of Badr and were given their share of the booty, were 81 men." Az-Zubair said, "When their shares were distributed, their number was 101 men. But Allah knows it better."”

In addition to those who were killed, several were taken captive among them `Uqba ibn Abu Mu`ayt and An-Nadr ibn al-Harith were executed but others were sold back to the Quraysh. Allah would later rebuke Muhammad for letting the hostages live saying

Surah 8:67 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “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 God desires (for you) the Hereafter. And God is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”

Muhammad had a special hatred toward his critics. `Uqba ibn Abu Mu`ayt had mocked Muhammad in his poems and An-Nadr ibn al-Harith claimed to have better poetry.

Life of Muhammad, page 136 “Now al-Nadr b. al-Harith was one of the satans of Quraysh; he used to insult the apostle and show him enmity. He had been to al-Hira and learnt there the tales of the kings of Persia, the tales of Rustum and Isbandiyar. When the apostle had held a meeting in which he reminded them of God, and warned his people of what had happened to bygone generations as a result of God's vengeance, al-Nadr got up when he sat down, and said, 'I can tell a better story than he, come to me.' Then he began to tell them about the kings of Persia, Rustum and Isbandiyar, and then he would say, 'In what respect is Muhammad a better story-teller than I?'

Ibn 'Abbas, according to my information, used to say eight verses of the Quran came down in reference to him, 'When our verses are read to him, he says fairy tales of the ancients';1 and all those passages in-the Quran in which 'fairy tales' are mentioned.

When Al-Nadr said that to them, they sent him and 'Uqba b. Abu Mu'ayt to the Jewish rabbis in Medina and said to them, 'Ask them about Muhammad; describe him to them and tell them what he says, for they are the first people of the scriptures and have knowledge which we do not possess about the prophets.' They carried out their instructions, and said to the rabbis, 'You are the people of the Taurat, and we have come to you so that you can tell us how to deal with this tribesman of ours.' The rabbis said, 'Ask him about three things of which we will instruct you; if he gives you the right answer then he is an authentic prophet, but if he does not, then the man is a rogue, so form your own opinion about him. Ask him what happened to the young men who disappeared in ancient days, for they have a marvellous story. Ask him about the mighty traveller who reached the confines of both East and West. Ask him what the spirit is. If he can give you the answer, then follow him, for he is a prophet. If he cannot, then he is a forger and treat him as you will.' The two men returned to Quraysh at Mecca3 and told them that they had. a decisive way of dealing with Muhammad, and they told them about the three questions.”⁶⁸

What should be taken from this is that both al-Nadr and Uqba were both two people who did not believe in Muhammad and actively opposed him. It is hard to take any Jew seriously who would put forth such a silly test notice there is no reference to fulfilling prophecies or speaking according to the scripture or anything like that instead they Jews asked Muhammad about some boys in a cave, a great traveler and only the last question was theological it had to do with defining what “The Spirit” is. Muhammad, Gabriel and Allah’s response is given in the following passages in the Quran

In response to the question of the young men who disappeared Muhammad, Gabriel and Allah said they slept in a cave for over 300 years!

Surah 18:9-27 (Pickthall) 18:9 “Or deem you that the People of the Cave and the Inscription are a wonder among Our portents? 18:10 When the young men fled for refuge to the Cave and said: Our Lord! Give us mercy from Your presence, and shape for us right conduct in our plight. 18:11 Then We sealed up their hearing in the Cave for a number of years. 18:12 And afterward We raised them up that We might know which of the two parties would best calculate the time that they had tarried. 18:13 We narrate unto you their story with truth. Lo! they were young men who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance. 18:14 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 God beside Him, for then should we utter an enormity. 18:15 These, our people, have chosen (other) gods beside Him though they bring no clear warrant (vouchsafed) to them. And who does greater wrong than he who invents a lie concerning Allah? 18:16 And when you 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. 18:17 And you might 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 guides, he indeed is led aright, and he whom He sends astray, for him you will not find a guiding friend. 18:18 And you would 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 you had observed them closely you had assuredly turned away from them in flight, and had been filled with awe of them. 18:19 And in like manner We awakened them that they might question one another. A speaker from among them said: How long have you tarried? They said: We have tarried a day or some part of a day, (Others) said: Your Lord best knows what you 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. 18:20 For they, if they should come to know of you, will stone you or turn you back to their religion; then you will never prosper. 18:21 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 knows best concerning them. Those who won their point said: We truly shall build a place of worship over them. 18:22 (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 knows them save a few. So contend not concerning them except with an outward contending, and ask not any of them to pronounce concerning them. 18:23 And say not of anything: Lo! I shall do that tomorrow, 18:24 Except if Allah will. And remember your Lord when you forget, and say: It may be that my Lord guides me unto a nearer way of truth than this. 18:25 And (it is said) they tarried in their Cave three hundred years and add nine. 18:26 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 makes none to share in His government. 18:27 And recite that which has been revealed unto you of the Scripture of your Lord. There is none who can change His words, and you will find no refuge beside Him.

In response to the question regarding the traveler, Muhammad, Gabriel and Allah told us the story of D’hul Qarnayn who according to the Quran went to the setting place of the sun and the rising place of the sun and found that the sun set in a muddy pond. This is also from Surah 18

Surah 18:83-101 (Pickthall) 18:83 “They will ask you of Dhu'l-Qarneyn. Say: I shall recite unto you a remembrance of him. 18:84 Lo! We made him strong in the land and gave him unto every thing a road. 18:85 And he followed a road 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. We said: O Dhu'l-Qarneyn! Either punish or show them kindness. 18:87 He said: As for him who does wrong, we shall punish him, and then he will be brought back unto his Lord, Who will punish him with awful punishment! 18:88 But as for him who believes and does right, good will be his reward, and We shall speak unto him a mild command. 18:89 Then he followed a road 18:90 Till, when he reached the rising-place of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had appointed no shelter therefrom. 18:91 So (it was). And We knew all concerning him. 18:92 Then he followed a road 18:93 Till, when he came between the two mountains, he found upon their hither side a folk that scarce could understand a saying. 18:94 They said: O Dhu'l-Qarneyn! Lo! Gog and Magog are spoiling the land. So may we pay you tribute on condition that you set a barrier between us and them? 18:95 He said: That wherein my Lord has established me is better (than your tribute). Do but help me with strength (of men), I will set between you and them a bank. 18:96 Give me pieces of iron - till, when he had levelled up (the gap) between the cliffs, he said: Blow! - till, when he had made it a fire, he said: Bring me molten copper to pour thereon. 18:97 And (Gog and Magog) were not able to surmount, nor could they pierce (it). 18:98 He said: This is a mercy from my Lord; but when the promise of my Lord comes to pass, He will lay it low, for the promise of my Lord is true. 18:99 And on that day we shall let some of them surge against others, and the Trumpet will be blown. Then We shall gather them together in one gathering. 18:100 On that day we shall present hell to the disbelievers, plain to view, 18:101 Those whose eyes were hoodwinked from My reminder, and who could not bear to hear.”

Concerning the Spirit Muhammad, Gabriel and Allah skirted the question by saying the people who asked didn’t know much

Surah17:85-86 (Pickthall) 17:85 “They are asking you concerning the Spirit. Say: The Spirit is by command of my Lord, and of knowledge you have been vouchsafed but little. 17:86 And if We willed We could withdraw that which We have revealed unto you, then would you find no guardian for you against Us in respect thereof.”

Even though the questions the Jews told them to ask were not Biblical tests for a prophet, they did certainly reveal that Muhammad was not a prophet. Muhammad, Gabriel and Allah’s historical narrative about Dhul Qarneyn reaching the setting place of the sun and finding that it set in a muddy pool make this very clear. This is covered in more detail in chapter 11, which deals with Islam and Science.

Muhammad’s Increased Hostility toward the Jews
{#muhammad’s-increased-hostility-toward-the-jews}

After Badr, Muhammad felt vindicated and emboldened so he went into the market of the Jewish tribe called Banu Qaynuqa and said

Life of Muhammad, Page 363 “'O Jews, beware lest God bring upon you the vengeance that He brought upon Quraysh and become Muslims. You know that I am a prophet who has been sent— you will find that in your scriptures and God's covenant with you.' They replied, 'O Muhammad, you seem to think that we are your people. Do not deceive yourself because you encountered a people with no knowledge of war and got the better of them; for by God if we fight you, you will find that we are real men!'”⁶⁹

Muhammad had a treaty with the Banu Qaynuqa but desired to attack them. Once again, Allah was right there for his prophet giving him a justification for his attack. This is recorded in the history of Tabari, Vol 7, page 86

“According to Al-Zuhri –‘Urwah: Gabriel brought the following verse down to the Messenger of God: “And if thou fearest treachery from any folk, then throw back to them their treaty fairly,”⁷⁰ When Gabriel had finished delivering this verse, the Messenger of God said “I fear the Banu Qaynuqa.” Urways says: It was on the basis of this verse that the Messenger of God advanced upon them.”⁷¹

Muhammad besieged them, and after 15 days they surrendered to Muhammad. Muhammad wanted to kill them fulfilling the doom he promised them in the marketplace but Abdullah Ibn Ubayy grabbed Muhammad by the collar and said “I will not let you go until you treat my mawali (an equal a friend of ally) well. Four hundred men without armour and three hundred with coats of mail, who defended me from the Arab and non-Arab alike and you would mow them down in a single morning?” When Muhammad recognized Abdullah would not let him go he said “Let them go, may God curse them, and may he curse [Abd Allah b. Ubayy] with them.”. Muhammad did not like the fact that Abdullah was a protector and a sworn ally of the Qaynuqa. Once again Allah legislated according to the desires of Muhammad and such a relationship was now forbidden by Islam with the “revelation” of the following verse:

Surah 5:51 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliya' (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliya' to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as Auliya', then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers and unjust).”

Muhammad’s wrath against the Jews did not end with the deportation of Banu Qaynuqa. He was infuriated by the fact the Jews had rejected him. Their rejection was both humiliating and a threat to his power, since the Arabs had accepted him as a prophet under the assumption that he was the one the Jews were waiting for. Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf added insult to Muhammad’s injury by composing verses mocking Muhammad. Muhammad asked his followers who would be willing to rid him of Ka’b. A man named Muhammad bin Maslamah volunteered but said ““O Messenger of God,” he said, “we shall have to tell lies.” “Say what you like,” he replied. “You are absolved in the matter.””⁷² After lying to lure Ka’b into a trap and killing him Muhammad bin Maslamah noted “Our attack upon God's enemy cast terror among the Jews, and there was no Jew in Medina who did not fear for his life.” Ibn Ishaq record’s how Muhammad then advocated the killing of Jews in general.

Life of Muhammad, page 369 “The apostle said, 'Kill any Jew that falls into your power.' Thereupon Muhayyisa b. Mas'vid leapt upon Ibn Sunayna (579), a Jewish merchant with whom they had social and business relations, and killed him. Huway-yisa was not a Muslim at the time though he was the elder brother. When Muhayyisa killed him Huwayyisa began to beat him, saying, 'You enemy of God, did you kill him when much of the fat on your belly comes from his wealth?' Muhayyisa answered, 'Had the one who ordered me to kill him ordered me to kill you I would have cut your head off.' He said that this was the beginning of Huwayyisa's acceptance of Islam. The other replied, 'By God, if Muhammad had ordered you to kill me would you have killed me ?' He said, 'Yes, by God, had he ordered me to cut off your head I would have done so.' He exclaimed, 'By God, a religion which can bring you to this is marvellous!' and he became a Muslim.”⁷³

The Battle of Uhud {#the-battle-of-uhud}

One year after Badr, the Meccans came back to avenge themselves of the attacks Muhammad and his raiders had made on their people and their caravans. Once again the Muslims were outnumbered, but after a victory at Badr and a belief that Allah would make them victorious they were more than happy to engage in battle. This time it did not fare so well for the Muslims. The Muslims were routed and Muhammad was injured. There were rumors among the Quraysh that Muhammad had died otherwise they probably would have sought him out to kill him. Muhammad’s uncle Hamza was killed and mutilated. The history of Tabari, Volume 7, page 133 records Muhammad reaction to seeing Hamza’s mutilated body

“’If God gives me victory over Quraysh at any time, I shall mutilate thirty of their men!’ When the Muslims saw the grief and rage of the Messenger of God at what had been done to his uncle, they said, ‘By God, if one day we are victorious over them, we shall mutilate them in a way which none of the Arabs has ever mutilated anybody.’”⁷⁴

Muhammad had promised victory at Uhud but the Muslims had lost, Muhammad claimed it was because the Muslims did not stand firm and that Allah had allowed the defeat to test them.

The Exile of the Banu Nadir {#the-exile-of-the-banu-nadir}

Muhammad voided the covenant he had with the Jewish tribe Banu Nadir when he found out two members of the tribe wanted to kill him. Muhammad then besieged their city and after a couple weeks the Banu Nadir agreed to burn their weapons, and go into exile taking only what they could carry on their camels.

The Battle of the Trench {#the-battle-of-the-trench}

The Banu Qurayzah was the only remaining Jewish tribe in Medina, they had good reason to be leery of Muhammad, they sent messengers to the Quraysh, and a tribe called Ghatafan (sometimes called the confederates) asking them to join with them in fighting against Muhammad. When Muhammad learned of this he commanded the Muslims to build a trench around the city. The trench kept Medina from being invaded, but there was none the less a siege that was proving very successful. The Muslims were suffering greatly when Nu’aym Mas’ud, a recent convert to Islam from Ghatafan, asked permission from Muhammad to work deceit on his countrymen and their allies because they were unaware he was a Muslim. Nu’aym went to the Jews and told them they should demand hostages from the Quraysh and the Ghatafan since they had much more at stake, they liked the idea and made the request. Nu’aym then went to the Ghatafan and the Quraysh and told them the Jews were going back with Muhammad and as a term for peace have offered a certain number of heads of the Quraysh and the Ghatafan as proof of peace. He told them, do not send any men to them. The alliance began to deteriorate, and eventually the Quraysh and Ghatafan left. This is where the statement “war is deception” became popular among the Muslims.

The Slaughter of the Banu Qurayzah and Other Raids
{#the-slaughter-of-the-banu-qurayzah-and-other-raids}

When the Quraysh and the Ghatafan left, Muhammad besieged Banu Qurayzah. The Qurayzah surrendered to Muhammad and he put their fate in the hands of Sa’d bin Mu’adh who chose to kill every man and enslave the women and children. After the slaughter of the Banu Qurayzah, the Muslims continued performing raids and attacking other tribes, among the raids was an attack on an Arab tribe called Banu Mustaliq where Muhammad took a captive woman named Juwayriya as a wife resulting in over a hundred families that were taken hostage, being freed, because they were now related to Muhammad.

The Treaty with the Meccans {#the-treaty-with-the-meccans}

Muhammad desiring to participate in the pilgrimage at Mecca headed out with a band of somewhere between 1300-1900 men to meet the Quraysh they met outside of town and Muhammad negotiated a 10 year peace treaty with the Quraysh. Part of the terms of the treaty were that if any of the Quraysh came to Muhammad they would be returned, but if any of the Muslims came to the Quraysh, they would not be returned. Although it was an unpopular treaty with the Muslims, Muhammad claimed the treaty was a great victory and promised the Muslims much booty. With the Quraysh out of the picture and Medina firmly in his control Muhammad felt much safer attacking other tribes and settlements. One of the main settlements attacked was a predominantly Jewish settlement at Khaybar. After conquering Khaybar, Muhammad took a Jewish captive named Zaynab bint al_Harith as a wife, later she served Muhammad a dinner soaked with poison, Muhammad took a bite before proclaiming the food poisoned. When Muhammad died a couple years later some would say he never really recovered from the poisoning. After the treaty with the Meccans, Muhammad also sent out notices to the surrounding rulers inviting them to join Islam, this is largely ignored with the exception of Egypt which sent him two slaves. One of them, named Miriam, was taken by Muhammad as a concubine/wife. For this reason the Coptics in Egypt fared better than many Christians in other lands because they were considered Muhammad’s relatives.

Muhammad’s Return to Mecca {#muhammad’s-return-to-mecca}

Muhammad marched on Mecca with an army some say was as big as 10,000 men. Those who had been bitter enemies of Islam were offered the choice of conversion or death. Abu Sufyan Muhammad’s arch rival hesitantly embraced Islam and was allowed to live. Apostates were granted death without any choice. Muhammad visited the Kaba and commanded all the idols be destroyed except for the icons of Jesus and Mary. Muhammad practiced the pilgrimage in the same manner he had when it was a pagan shrine of which Hubal was the chief god. He even kissed the black stone. These actions surprised some Muslims but Muhammad associated new meanings with many of the old practices of the pagan Quraysh; of course he claimed the new meanings were the original meanings and they had been lost.

Muhammad’s Continued Conquests {#muhammad’s-continued-conquests}

Muhammad conquered both Meccan and Medina and was now ready to face his next great rival the Ta’if. The Ta’if had mocked and rejected Muhammad when he came to them before moving to Medina. The Ta’if assembled a large force and fought with a 12,000 strong Muslim army. It was a fierce battle with large casualties on both sides, but eventually the Muslims prevailed. To gain the favor of the recently converted Quraysh, Muhammad gave a disproportionate share of the booty to them. Muhammad also claimed to receive many revelations such as Surah 9:29 and

Surah 9:29 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allah, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.”

Muhammad’s Death {#muhammad’s-death}

After a few raids, Muhammad returned to Medina. Much of the rest of Arabia embraced Islam out of fear, those Christians and Jews who did not accept Islam paid an oppressive tax called the Jizya tax. Later Muhammad decided Christians and Jews should not be allowed on the Arabian peninsula. Muhammad claimed of headaches and claimed thought the poison he had been given a couple years back at Khaybar was still causing him pain. Just before he died Muhammad asked for a pen to write something that would ensure the Muslims would not go astray. His companions thought him delirious and did not give him the pen he requested.

After Muhammad {#after-muhammad}

After Muhammad died, Abu Bakr took over as leader of the Muslim community, after him it was Umar, then Uthman, then Ali. The leader of the Muslim community is called the Caliph. There were many who thought Ali should take over for Muhammad, and that only his descendants should be leaders. This is the view of the Shi’a Muslims, a significant minority of Muslims, numbering about 15%. The Sunni sect, which comprises about 80% of the Muslims, considers Abu Bakr the correct choice to succeed Muhammad, and views the first four Caliphs as rightly guided. This manual focuses on Sunni Islam, however any argument based only on the Quran will be effective against both Sunni’s and Shi’a.

The Example of Muhammad {#the-example-of-muhammad}

Surah 33:21 of Quran says (Nobel Quran) “ Indeed in the Messenger of God (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) God and the Last Day and remembers God much”. It is on the basis of this passage of the Quran, Muslims have collected the hadiths (traditions) concerning the statement actions and beliefs of Muhammad. Some traditions are regarded as authentic and sound these hadiths are referred to as Sahih. In what follows, we examine some of the things the sound hadith collections claim Muhammad did, believed and said that make it very difficult for non-Muslims, and even some Muslims, to believe that Muhammad was a good example. Some Muslims are so embarrassed by what Muhammad did they end up claiming those hadiths are not sound traditions. When they do this, you should ask them on what basis do you reject these hadiths? Do you believe the chain of oral transmitters contains people who were not good Muslims? If so who in the chain was not a good Muslim? Chances are they will not even know who any of the people in the chain of transmitters is. It is also good to ask them if they have a more reliable tradition which would indicate these statements about Muhammad are not true. I doubt they will be able to produce such a hadith but if they do, ask them for the chain of transmitters, and why they consider the chain of transmitters more reliable. If they object to the tradition based on the assumption that a prophet would never do such a thing or say such a thing. Then point out to them they have rejected the historical Muhammad in favor of a Muhammad they have created in their own mind.

11 things that make it hard to believe Muhammad was a good example
{#11-things-that-make-it-hard-to-believe-muhammad-was-a-good-example}

Would a 50 year old “example to all believers” have sex with a 9 year old girl?

Bukhar volume V, nos. 234 Narrated Aisha: The Prophet was engaged to me when I was a girl six years old...I was playing in a swing with some of my girl friends...Unexpectedly Allah’s Apostle came to me in the afternoon and my mother handed me over to him. At that time I was a girl of nine years of age.

Bukhar vol V, number 236 The Prophet...married Aisha when she was a girl of six years of age and consummated that marriage when she was nine years old.

Muhammad set the precedence for other grown men to marry prepubescent girls, who could then be divorced and married off again to some other grown man after their waiting period or iddah is over:

Surah 65:4 (Sher Ali) “And if you are in doubt as to the prescribed period for such of your women as have despaired of monthly courses, then know that the prescribed period for them is three months, and also for such as do not have their monthly courses yet. And as for those who are with child, their period shall be until they are delivered of their burden. And whoso fears ALLAH, HE will provide facilities for him in his affair.”

Some Muslims, anxious to make an excuse for Islam and the Quran, claim that women below the ages of puberty were allowed to be married but not slept with; yet, if this were the case, there would not be any waiting period for a divorced prepubescent girl since Surah 33:49 states there is no waiting period for a woman who has not had sex with her husband.

Muhammad had a bad attitude toward black people.

Muhammad considered a dream about a black woman a bad omen

Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 87, Number 161: Narrated 'Abdullah: “ The Prophet said, "I saw (in a dream) a black woman with unkempt hair going out of Medina and settling at Mahai'a, i.e., Al-Juhfa. I interpreted that as a symbol of epidemic of Medina being transferred to that place (Al-Juhfa)."”

Muhammad had many critics, most of them were Arabs, one of Muhammad’s critics was a black man named Nabtal. Muhammad answered Nabtal’s criticism not by refuting his arguments but by saying that Nabtal looked like Satan.

Ibn Ishaq p 243 **“**From B. Dubay'a b. Zayd b. Malik b. 'Auf b. 'Amr b. 'Auf: Bijad b. 'Uthman b. 'Amir. From B. Laudhan b. 'Amr b. 'Auf: Nabtal b. al- Harith. I have heard that it was of him that the apostle said, 'Whoever wants to see Satan let him take a look at Nabtal b. al-Harith!' He was a sturdy black man with long flowing hair, inflamed eyes, and dark ruddy cheeks.”

Islam claims that the Biblical prophets originally taught Islam, the Bible however tells a completely different story. Because of this, the Muslims invented their own history including fabricated stories about the Biblical prophets which recasts them as Islamic prophets. The main source of these fables, outside of the Quran, is Al-Tabari’s history. Al-Tabari’s history gives a story about the “Islamic Noah”, which does not correspond to the “Biblical Noah”. In the Islamic story, the Islamic Noah prays to Allah asking Allah to curse black people.

History of Tabari, volume 2, page 21 “It is related by Damrah b. Rabi’ah – Ibn ‘Ata’ – his father: Ham begat all those who are black and curly –haired, while Japheth begat all those who are full-faced with small eyes, and Shem begat everyone who is handsome of face with beautiful hair. Noah prayed that the hair of Ham’s descendants would not grow beyond their ears, and that wherever his descendants met the children of Shem, the latter would enslave them.”

Note: The Islamic prophet prays that blacks would always be enslaved by the children of Shem (The Arabs, Jews and others). Thus the Muslims role in slave trading was done with the full support of the prayers of an Islamic prophet. If all Islamic prophets are sinless, as some Muslims claim, then one must assume that the “Islamic Noah’s” prayer was a righteous and good prayer. This explains the “Arab” Muslims attacking the non-Arab black Muslims in Darfur. 2. This presents an idea that everyone other than the descendants of Shem is either ugly or has ugly hair. This is consistent with the statement Abd El-Schafi attributes to Malik Ibn Anas on oage161 of his book *Behind the Veil Unmasking Islam * "The master does not have the right to force the female slave to wed an ugly black slave if she is beautiful and agile unless in case of utmost necessity" (refer to Ibn Hazm. Volume 6, Part 9. oage469) 3. Sahih Bukhari, Book 9, Volume 89, Hadith 256 Narrated Anas bin Malik: “Allah's Apostle said, "You should listen to and obey, your ruler even if he was an Ethiopian (black) slave whose head looks like a raisin." “ 1. Of course the following Hadith indicates a non-Arab is not likely to become Caliph.
```
  2. Sahih Bukhari, Book 9, Volume 89, Hadith 254 Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
     “Allah's Apostle said, "This matter (caliphate) will remain with the
     Quraish even if only two of them were still existing." “
```

In fairness to Noah, the Bible never records him saying racist prayers like this. It appears to be another of Muhammad’s unbiblical ideas that Islam retroactively attributes to those it considered prophets.

The Quran itself contains several statements claiming that people in paradise will have white faces and those in hell will have black faces.

Surah 3:106 (Pickthall) “On the Day when (some) faces will be whitened and (some) faces will be blackened; and as for those whose faces have been blackened, it will be said unto them: Disbelieved you after your (profession of) belief? Then taste the punishment for that you disbelieved. 3:107 And as for those whose faces have been whitened, in the mercy of Allah they dwell for ever.”

While some try to avoid the embarrassing content of this passage by adopting a metaphorical interpretation claiming that blackness of face was a metaphor for someone being angry, and the whiteness of someone’s face portrays joy. Yet is not this alleged metaphor itself an insult to a dark skinned person? Will the face of a Bengali, or an African have to be changed to look like a white Arab just to get into heaven, are we to believe that dark skin is analogous with despair and light skin with joy?

Muhammad was a white slaver who owned black slaves

In America, some Islamic propagandists claim Islam is the black man’s religion, some even say Muhammad was a black man. These Islamic propagandists often tell black Americans that Christianity is the white slavers religion and Islam is the black man’s religion and if they want to be true to their skin color they should become a Muslim. Having been given the “Islam is the black man’s religion” sales pitch both by Muslims and followers of the pseudo-Islamic cult called “Nation of Islam” over and over again, black Americans are often surprised to find out the following things a) Muslims were involved in selling black slaves to the west before the Christian abolitionists convinced the west to end slavery. b) Slavery is still practiced today in the Islamic world, for example in Northern Sudan where black people from the south are captured and sold into slavery to Muslims both inside and outside of Northern Sudan. c) Muhammad himself was a white man who own black slaves, he even abused some of his black slaves.

Muhammad was a white man

The fact that Muhammad himself was a white man is established by the following hadiths:

Bukhari volume 1, number 63 While we were sitting with the Prophet in the mosque, a man came riding on a camel. He made his camel kneel down in the mosque, tied its foreleg and then said, “Who among you is Mohammed?” At that time the Prophet was sitting among us leaning on his arm. We replied, “The white man reclining on his arm.”

Bukhari volume IV, number 744 Narrated Ismasil bin Abi Khalid: I heard Abu Juhaifa saying, “I saw the Prophet and Al-Hasan bin Ali resembled him.” I said to Abu Juhaifa, “Describe him (i.e. Allah’s Apostle) for me.” He said, “He was white and his beard was black with some white hair in it. He promised to give us 13 young she-camels, but he died before we got them.” (see also Bukhar volume II, number 122 Bukhar volume II. number 141)

Muhammad's black slave Mahran

Muhammad's black slave Mahran recalls his interaction with Muhammad:

In his book Behind the Veil Unmasking Islam, Abd El Schafi cites many Islamic sources dealing with Muhammad’s ownership and treatment of slaves as well as Islam’s view of blacks. Two such quote are given below along with the references

"The apostle of God and his companions went on a trip. (When) their belongings became too heavy for them to carry, Muhammad told me, `Spread your garment.' They filled it with their belongings, then they put it on me. The apostle of God told me, `Carry (it), for you are a ship.' Even if I was carrying the load of six or seven donkeys while we were on a journey, anyone who felt weak would throw his clothes or his shield or his sword on me so I would carry that, a heavy load. The prophet told me, `You are a ship"' (see Ibn Qayyim, poage 115-116; al-Hulya, Volume 1, page 369, quoted from Ahmad 5:222).Tabari also records this episode (in his Chronicles, Volume 2 page 216, 217, 218)

Muhammad the Slave Trader

The following tradition discusses Muhammad’s slave trading activities

"Muhammad had many male and female slaves. He used to buy and sell them, but he purchased (more slaves) than he sold, especially after God empowered him by His message, as well as after his immigration from Mecca. He (once) sold one black slave for two. His name was Jacob al-Mudbir. His purchases of slaves were more (than he sold). He was used to renting out and hiring many slaves, but he hired more slaves than he rented out.” Islamic scholar Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya "Zad al-Ma'ad" (Part I, page 160),

Muhammad, the first person to reject Islam

In Surah 9:32 the Quran tells us who the worst of all people are

**9:32 Yusufali “**Who, then, doth more wrong than one who utters a lie concerning Allah, and rejects the Truth when it comes to him; is there not in Hell an abode for blasphemers?”

This is very problematic when you consider that Muhammad initially attributed his first “revelation” from Allah to demon possession, believing the Islamic Gabriel to be a demon, himself to be demon possessed, and that portion of the Quran to be from a demon rather than from Allah. (Muhammad himself did not believe it was so beautiful that it had to have come from Allah.)

Ibn Ishaq’s “Sirat Rasul Allah,” The Life of Muhammad translated by A. Guillaume, page 106: (Muhammad Speaking) “Now none of God’s creatures was more hateful to me than an (ecstatic) poet or a man possessed: I could not even look at them. I thought, Woe is me poet or possessed — Never shall the Quraysh say this of me! I will go to the top of the mountain and throw myself down that I may kill myself and gain rest.”

If Islam was true, then Muhammad would have been guilty of rejecting the truth when it first came to him. According to the Quran that makes Muhammad the worst kind of creature. So the Quran both claims that: Muhammad was an example to all believers, and that Muhammad does the most wrong. Maybe the Allah of the Quran wants people to do as much wrong as possible? Since Muhammad initially attributed the work of Gabriel (Islam’s “holy spirit”) to Satan. Thus Muhammad committed blasphemy against Islam’s holy spirit. The Bible says blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven. (Matthew 12:31)

Muhammad tried to commit suicide,

We just read a quote from Ibn Ishaq indicating that Muhammad was suicidal and tried to commit suicide. There were other times as well that Muhammad was suicidal. Islamic history tells us that each time Muhammad was at the point of suicide Gabriel would tell him that he was a prophet of Allah and prevented him from suicide. If Muslims wanted to follow Muhammad’s example they too would attempt to commit suicide, and only stop themselves if Gabriel prevents them by telling them they are a prophet. It should also be pointed out that Muhammad did not try to kill other people when he attempted suicide, so although attempting suicide is following the example of Muhammad, attempting to take others with you in a suicide attempt is not following Muhammad’s example. For more on Muhammad’s suicide attempts read the quote from Ibn Ishaq in point 4 and the History of Tabari [1155], volume 6, page 76

Muhammad said verses from Satan were from Allah.

Muhammad was offered many benefits from the Quraysh tribe in Mecca if he would acknowledge al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat, which they referred to as “the daughters of Allah”⁷⁵. Muhammad then stated a “revelation” stating that al-Lat, al-Uzzah and Manat were valid intercessors for Allah. Later he confessed this revelation was not from Allah, but from Satan, and that Satan had fooled him. The story is recorded in the history of Tabari, volume 6, page 111:

“Al-Qasim b. al-Hasan—al-Husayn b. Daud—Hajja—Abu Mashar—Muhammad b. Ka’b al-Qurazi and Muhammad b. Qays: The Messenger of God was sitting in a large gathering of Quraysh, wishing that day that no revelation would come to him from God which would cause them to turn away from him. Then God revealed:

By the Star when it sets, your comrade does not err, nor is he deceived …

       and the Messenger of God recited it until he came to:

Have you thought upon al-Lat and al-‘Uzza and Manat, the third, the other?

       when Satan cast on his tongue two phrases:

These are the high flying cranes; verily their intercession is to be desired.

‘And they indeed strove hard to beguile you away from what we have revealed to you, that you should invent other than it against us…’” (Surah 17:73)

Muslims often deny the veracity of this story, but it is well attested in Islamic history, and even has two verses in the Quran that were revealed in conjunction with the story: Surah 17:73 and Surah 22:52-53. The passage from Surah 17 was already quoted in the previous hadith, lets now look at Surah 22:52-53.

Surah 22:52 (Al Hilali and Khan) “Never did We send a Messenger or a Prophet before you, but; when he did recite the revelation or narrated or spoke, Shaitan (Satan) threw (some falsehood) in it. But Allah abolishes that which Shaitan (Satan) throws in. Then Allah establishes His Revelations. And Allah is All- Knower, All-Wise: 53 That He (Allah) may make what is thrown in by Shaitan (Satan) a trial for those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy and disbelief) and whose hearts are hardened. And certainly, the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.) are in an opposition far-off (from the truth against Allah's Messenger and the believers).”

in order to justify Muhammad, the Quran in Surah 22:52 claims all prophets did something similar, thus Islam teaches that not only was Muhammad deceived by Satan but all Islamic prophets and messengers were. The Quran also claims Jesus was sinless, how could the Islamic Jesus be sinless while attributing the statements of Satan to Islam’s Allah. According to the Quran, Muhammad’s behavior was not only a bad example but the most evil.

**9:32 Yusufali “**Who, then, doth more wrong than one who utters a lie concerning Allah, and rejects the Truth when it comes to him; is there not in Hell an abode for blasphemers?”

Muslims may point out that Surah 34:8 of Noble Quran claims Muhammad never invented a lie about Allah.

Surah 34:8 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “Has he (Muhammad) invented a lie against God, or is there a madness in him? Nay, but those who disbelieve in the Hereafter are (themselves) in a torment, and in far error.”

This is not a proof against the satanic verses happening; it is yet another example of the Quran being inconsistent in what it teaches. Muhammad not only repeated the lie Satan put on his lips but he also claimed it was from Allah. If that was not true, then he clearly invented a lie against Allah. Again this makes Muhammad among the worst of all creatures according to the Quran.

Surah 6:93 (Rashad) Who is more evil than one who fabricates lies and attributes them to GOD, or says, "I have received divine inspiration," when no such inspiration was given to him, or says, "I can write the same as GOD's revelations?" If only you could see the transgressors at the time of death! The angels extend their hands to them, saying, "Let go of your souls. Today, you have incurred a shameful retribution for saying about GOD other than the truth, and for being too arrogant to accept His revelations.

Even more problematic for the Muslims, is the fact the Quran claims that the one who is rightly guided by Allah cannot be led astray.

39:37 Yusufali And such as Allah doth guide there can be none to lead astray. Is not Allah Exalted in Power, (Able to enforce His Will), Lord of Retribution?

In addition to his experience being deceived by Satan into speaking Satanic verses, in the name of Islam’s Allah, the most respected hadith collection contains accounts of Muhammad being bewitched and led astray.

(Al-Bukhari, volume VII, number 658). "Narrated Aisha: A man called Labid bin al-A’sam from the tribe of Bani Zaraiq worked magic on Allah’s Apostle until Allah’s Apostle started imagining that the had done a thing that he had not really done. One day or one night he was with us, he invoked Allah and invoked for a long period, and then said, ‘O Aisha! Do you know that Allah has instructed me concerning the matter I have asked him about? Two men came to me and one of them sat near my head and the other replied, ‘He is under the effect of magic.’ The first one asked, ‘Who has worked the magic on him?’ The other replied, ‘Labid bin Al-Asam’ …" (see also number 660)

Muhammad’s statement of the Satanic verses along with his bewitchment and the above passage of the Quran, implies that Muhammad was at times under the influence of Satan, and hence not guided by Allah. According to the following passage, all those misled by Satan, end up in Hell

Surah 15:39-43 (Yusuf Ali) 39“(Iblis) said ‘O my Lord! Because Thou hast put me In the wrong, I will make (wrong) fair-seeming to them on the earth, and I will put them all in wrong. – 40“Except Thy servants among them, sincere and purified (By thy grace).’ 41(God) said: ‘This (Way of My sincere servants) is indeed a way that leads straight to me. 42For over My servants no authority shalt thou have, except such as put themselves in the wrong and follow thee. 43And verily, Hell is the promised abode for them all! To it are seven gates: for each of those gates is a (special) class of sinners assigned.’”

Thus, according to Islamic traditions, Muhammad was deceived by Satan and was bewitched by a sorcerer. Thus it is clear that Satan exercised some degree of authority over him. Since Surah 15:42-43 states that Satan has no authority over Allah’s servants, but Satan only has authority over those who put themselves in the wrong and follow Satan, and that the followers of Satan will be cast into hell. One can logically deduce who Muhammad followed and where he is today. In light of this why would anyone want to follow Muhammad?

Muhammad’s example as a judge

Let’s look at the following sahih hadith and consider the consequences that would result if all judges followed Muhammad’s example:

Sahih Bukhari, Book 8, Volume 82, Hadith 812 Narrated Anas bin Malik: While I was with the Prophet a man came and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I have committed a legally punishable sin; please inflict the legal punishment on me'.' The Prophet did not ask him what he had done. Then the time for the prayer became due and the man offered prayer along with the Prophet, and when the Prophet had finished his prayer, the man again got up and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I have committed a legally punishable sin; please inflict the punishment on me according to Allah's Laws." The Prophet said, "Haven't you prayed with us?' He said, "Yes." The Prophet said, "Allah has forgiven your sin." or said, "....your legally punishable sin."

The implication of this is that you can commit all kinds of crimes but if you pray before the legal authorities catch you, or better yet if you pray with them, then you don’t have to worry at all about earthly retribution.

If Allah’s Apostle is an example to all believers, this includes the leader of an Islamic court system, Caliphs, Governors. They should follow this example. The result would be lawlessness, not justice.

Muhammad wore women’s clothing

The fact that Muhammad wore his wife’s clothes is recorded in the following hadith

“… So Um Salamah went and talked with the prophet but he did not respond to her. When the group asked her what the prophet said she told them that he did not respond. So they asked her to go talk to him again until he responds… then the prophet said to her, “Do not hurt me with Aisha, for the inspiration did not come upon me when I was IN A WOMAN’S GARMENT (fee thawb imra’ah) EXCEPT THAT OF AISHA.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Number 2393) For more information read Sam Shamoun’s article on the www.answering-islam.org website.⁷⁶

Muhammad feared men rather than Allah

In the following passage of the Quran, Muhammad is rebuked by Allah for fearing men rather than doing what Allah told him to do. What did Allah tell him to do? Take his adopted sons wife and later declare adoption in general to be invalid.

Surah 33:37 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 37. And (remember) when you said to him (Zaid bin Hârithah; the freed-slave of the Prophet ) on whom God has bestowed Grace (by guiding him to Islâm) and you (O Muhammad too) have done favour (by manumitting him) "Keep your wife to yourself, and fear God." But you did hide in yourself (i.e. what God has already made known to you that He will give her to you in marriage) that which God will make manifest, you did fear the people (i.e., Muhammad married the divorced wife of his manumitted slave) whereas God had a better right that you should fear Him. So when Zaid had accomplished his desire from her (i.e. divorced her), We gave her to you in marriage, so that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the believers in respect of (the marriage of) the wives of their adopted sons when the latter have no desire to keep them (i.e. they have divorced them). And God's Command must be fulfilled.

Muhammad offered food to idols

Before Muhammad claimed to be a prophet he offered up food to idols. Because the translator of the hadith is embarrassed by that, he added words in parentheses to attempt to give a different impression to those who read the English translation.

Here is the complete quote with the added parenthetical statements

Sahih Bukhari Book 7: Vol 67: Number 407 Narrated 'Abdullah: “Allah's Apostle said that he met Zaid bin 'Amr Nufail at a place near Baldah and this had happened before Allah's Apostle received the Divine Inspiration. Allah's Apostle presented a dish of meat (that had been offered to him by the pagans) to Zaid bin 'Amr, but Zaid refused to eat of it and then said (to the pagans), "I do not eat of what you slaughter on your stonealtars (Ansabs) nor do I eat except that on which Allah's Name has been mentioned on slaughtering."”

Here is the translation without the added phrases not found in the Arabic text

Sahih Bukhari Book 7: Vol 67: Number 407 Narrated 'Abdullah: “Allah's Apostle said that he met Zaid bin 'Amr Nufail at a place near Baldah and this had happened before Allah's Apostle received the Divine Inspiration. Allah's Apostle presented a dish of meat to Zaid bin 'Amr, but Zaid refused to eat of it and then said, "I do not eat of what you slaughter on your stonealtars nor do I eat except that on which Allah's Name has been mentioned on slaughtering."”

Some Muslims will admit that Muhammad offered food to idols before he was a prophet, and will claim that Muhammad was only a good example after he became a prophet. Most are completely unaware of this hadith.

Muhammad used stones to wipe himself; you should abandon toilet paper

The following hadith contains a command from Muhammad, that I can only venture to guess most Muslims do not obey

Sunan Ibn Majah volume 1. Page 144 The book of Purification and its ways. Section 16 # 315 “It is narrated on the authority of Khuzaimah Ibn Thabit: The Messenger of Allah “Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him” said: “To clean ones private parts, three stones should be used, and there should be no dung among them.” 2. Muhammad’s example is given in #313. #316 says “not to use less than three stones”

We could mention many more things, such as Muhammad taking his adopted son’s wife ( http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/zaynab.htm) but Muslims can’t take their adopted sons wives because Muhammad made adoption null and void.

Theological problems with the idea that Muhammad’s example should be
followed {#theological-problems-with-the-idea-that-muhammad’s-example-should-be-followed}

Muhammad did not compile the Quran

In Sahih Bukhari’s hadith collection Volume 6, Book 61, Number 509 we read that Zaid objected to the idea of compiling the Quran into a book saying "How can you do something which Allah's Apostle did not do?"

Zaid’s objection was never logically addressed by Abu Bakr or Umar in the Hadith, maybe he was forced to do it!
The Muslim community has shamefully gone against Muhammad’s example by printing and distributing Qurans!

How can Muhammad be an example to all believers and yet say if he goes astray then it will only be his own loss?

Surah 34:49-50 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 49. Say (O Muhammad): "The truth (the Qur'ân and God's Inspiration) has come, and Al-Bâtil [falsehood -- Iblîs (Satan)] can neither create anything nor resurrect (anything)." 50. Say: "If (even) I go astray, I shall stray only to my own loss. But if I remain guided, it is because of the Inspiration of my Lord to me. Truly, He is All-Hearer, Ever Near (to all things)."

Notice that Allah tells Muhammad to say “If I go astray, I shall stray only to my own loss”
1. Why would Allah tell Muhammad to say “if I go astray” unless Allah wanted everyone to know it was possible for Muhammad to go astray.
2. Why would Allah have him say “I shall stray only to my own loss” unless Allah does not consider it acceptable for people to follow whatever Muhammad said and did, but wants them to make their decisions independent of Muhammad’s words and actions.
How can Muhammad be an example to all believers if he was allowed to do things that would be sinful for his followers to do?

Have more than 4 wives Surah 33:50 (Noble Quran) O Prophet (Muhammad)! Verily, We have made lawful to you your wives, to whom you have paid their Mahr (bridal money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage), and those (captives or slaves) whom your right hand possesses -- whom God has given to you, and the daughters of your 'Amm (paternal uncles) and the daughters of your 'Ammah (paternal aunts) and the daughters of your Khâl (maternal uncles) and the daughters of your Khâlah (maternal aunts) who migrated (from Makkah) with you, and a believing woman if she offers herself to the Prophet, and the Prophet wishes to marry her; a privilege for you only, not for the (rest of) the believers. Indeed We know what We have enjoined upon them about their wives and those (captives or slaves) whom their right hands possess, -- in order that there should be no difficulty on you. And God is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Why should Muhammad be considered the ultimate example to follow when according to the Quran and hadith he was a sinner and according to the Quran and hadith several others were sinless.
1. The testimony is unambiguous Muhammad was a sinner. We already read some examples of his sins, making up lies about Allah, claiming he had a revelation from Allah which was actually from Satan, He feared men rather than Allah, etc.. Unlike many of his followers Muhammad recognized he was a sinner and according to Bukhari’s Sahih hadith collection he asked for forgiveness 70 times a day
  1. Bukhari : Book 8 : Volume 75 : Hadith 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."”
2. According to the Quran Jesus was sinless Surah 19:19 (Pickthal) “He said: I am only a messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless son.”
3. According to the Hadith MANY men reached perfection, and two women, wouldn’t that mean they were a better example to follow than Muhammad?
  1. Bukhari : Book 7 : Volume 65 : Hadith 329 Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari: “The Prophet said, "Many men reached perfection but none among the women reached perfection except Mary, the daughter of ' Imran, and Asia, Pharoah's wife. And the superiority of 'Aisha to other women is like the superiority of Tharid to other kinds of food.”
    1. Note according to the hadith MANY men and 2 women are said to be perfect, yet Muhammad was a sinner and remained a sinner repenting 70 times a day. Weren’t these other people better examples than Muhammad?
    2. The fact that 2 women are considered perfect but Muhammad was not is particularly interesting since Islam teaches women are mentally and spiritually deficient.
      1. Bukhari : Book 1 : Volume 6 : Hadith 301 Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: “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."”
1. Discussing Muhammad’s Example with Muslim Apologists
  {#discussing-muhammad’s-example-with-muslim-apologists}

When dealing with a Muslim apologist, you will find they are often very willing to excuse any wretched behavior of Muhammad. But they cannot escape the theological implications of Muhammd’s being deceived by Satan and bewitched, nor can they give an answer to the other theological issues raised. You can point out to them what they would be doing if they really wanted to follow Muhammad’s example.

They would reject Islam and consider it demonic before accepting it.
They would be trying to commit suicide by jumping off precipices, and only stop themselves if their Allah sent an angel to personally tell them to stop.
They would not teach their children how to read since they claim Muhammad had no interest in learning how to read.
They would not publish the Quran because Muhammad never did it. (This was Zayd Ibn Thabit’s initial objection to the collection of the Quran)
They would follow Muhammad’s example and reverence and never denigrate the books of the Christians or the Jews.
Muslim apologists would have to change their apologetic approach, they would use only the “proofs” that Muhammad used. If they were sufficient for that time, why would they not work today?
- They would offer as the chief item of proof of Muhammad’s prophethood the very thing that persuaded Muhammad himself, that Muhammad no longer saw the Angel/Demon when Khadija took off her clothes
- They would appeal to the dream Muhammad had about outweighing a large number of people,
- They would first consider the Quran to be the work of a demon, then proclaim it is so beautiful that only Allah could make Surahs like the Quran,
- The claim that he was found in the scriptures of the Jews and Christians which they had with them.
  - More specifically his physical description, (i.e. the mole on his back)
  - They would claim the Bible foretold a prophet named Ahmed.
  - They would not accuse the Christians and Jews of having lost or corrupted scriptures, but would accuse them of concealing scriptures about Muhammad
  - They would claim that Jews and Christians, by means of their current scriptures can recognize Muhammad as clearly as their own children.
- But Muslims are not so bold as Muhammad, they just can’t bring themselves to affirm the Bible while contradicting it like Muhammad did.

Allah is not the God of the Bible {#allah-is-not-the-god-of-the-bible}
1. The Name of the God of the Bible and the name of the God of Islam
  {#the-name-of-the-god-of-the-bible-and-the-name-of-the-god-of-islam}

The God of the Bible’s name is YHVH (pronounced Yahveh). Rather than write out the divine name, YHVH, Bible translators used the “the LORD” with all capital letters on the word LORD.

Exodus 3:15 (AV)15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

The God of the Bible makes clear that this is His name forever. While Muslims claim to worship the God of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus, yet their god is called Allah and the God of the Bible is called YHVH. Some Muslims will respond by saying Allah is not the name of their god but a title derived from two words Al and Ilah (Al = The, ilah = god). A good question to ask our Muslim friends is “If Allah is not a name but a title, then what is the name of your God?” Most will be at a loss to tell you. Even if one regards Allah as a title it does not explain why Allah, the alleged writer of the Quran, though claiming to be the God of the Bible, never identifies himself as YHVH. This is particularly problematic in the light of the scripture above which says YHVH is God’s name forever. Furthermore, the Bible says YHVH is a jealous God who does not like to give His glory to anyone else

Exodus 20:5 (AV)5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Isaiah 42:8 (AV) 8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Muslims often say the Quran has 99 names for Allah, some of them are:

Al-Malik –the king, or possessor, Sura 43:77;

Al-Jabbar –the all-compelling, Sura 59:23;

Al-Kahar –the dominant, the irresistible Sura 13:16;

Al-’alim –the knowing, Sura 35:43;

Al-Muthill –the one who leads astray, Sura 4:90, 142; 17:99; 18:6 … a common phrase in the Quran for Allah.

Though the Quran has many names for Islam’s god, “YHVH” is not one of those names. The god of the Quran really comes off as ignorant of the Bible and the Bible’s God. Allah argues that the Jews and Christians are concealing things in their scriptures but doesn't know enough about the Bible to quote the passages they are allegedly concealing. Contrast this with Jesus who when He disagreed with the Pharisees or Sadducee’s, He quoted specific passages in the T’nach (Old Testament) to prove his point. Allah seems unable to quote specific scriptures, and worse than that, Allah gets his Bible stories mixed up. Allah has the Samaritans building a golden calf when the Jews are coming out of Egypt despite the fact the Samaritans did not even come into existence until several hundred years after the exodus of the Jews from Egypt.

One might say that Allah didn’t want to use a Hebrew name when talking with Arabs, yet Allah did not hesitate to use the Hebrew names and words such as: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Moses, David, … Messiah, Mary etc… So this argument does not seem to hold water.

The Trinity vs Islam’s god {#the-trinity-vs-islam’s-god}

The God of the Bible is triune. The Trinity is defined as one divine nature shared by three persons: The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christians believe the 2nd person of the Trinity, The Son, took an additional human nature separate from the divine nature that He shared with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Christians refer to the Son’s taking of the additional human nature as the incarnation. The Quran makes every attempt to let us know that it’s god Allah is not a trinity. Since the Quran is not the work of God, but a fallible uninspired creature, we are not surprised to find it has grievous errors in it. The Quran’s rejection of the Trinity and its internal inconsistencies are listed below

The Quran claims Allah has no partners

Allah repeatedly uses the 1st person plural pronoun to refer to himself in the Quran (See Appendix at the end of the chapter)
The Quran claims there is something eternal besides it’s god Allah (the Quran)

The Quran rejects the Trinity although it does not understand it.

It thinks the Trinity is the Father, the Mother and the Son (Surah 4:171; 5:17; 5:70-75; 5:116-117)

The Quran claims that Allah has no son

But part of the reasoning is based on the idea that Allah doesn’t have a female consort (Surah 6:101, 112:1-4) 3. ## Islam’s god, Allah, is the Greatest Deceiver {#islam’s-god,-allah,-is-the-greatest-deceiver}

The Bible calls Satan the “father of lies” in John 8:44, and in revelation 12:9 Satan is called the one which “deceiveth the whole world”. It is shocking and amazing when Christians find out the Quran calls the god of Islam, Allah, the “KHayru Al-Makereen” which correctly translated means “the greatest of all deceivers.”

The passage Surah 3:54 is given below in Arabic.

The fact the word Makereen means deceivers is verified by looking up the root letters (Meem, Kalf, and Rah) in an Arabic Dictionary such as Al-Mawrid (below).

To deceive, delude, cheat, double-cross, dupe
Cunning, craftiness, slyness, wiliness, double-dealing, deception, deceit, artifice, guile	![MKR 2_BW.jpg][image6]

Muhammad, Abu Bakr and Umar all understood the deceitful character of Allah. Despite the fact they were all promised paradise by Allah they all feared they would be cast into hell. Not only because they were told the character of Allah in Surah 3:54, but because Surah 7:99 makes absolutely clear that only an infidel would regards themselves safe concerning Allah’s MaKR i.e. deception, double crossing, and guile.

Surah. 7:99 Pickthall "Are they then secure from Allah's scheme (Makr)? None deemeth himself secure from Allah's scheme (Makr) save folk that perish."

The word translated "scheme" by Pickthall is the same Arabic word (Meem, Kaaf, Rah or Makr) which the dictionary tells us means deception. The Arabic of Surah 7:99 is given below.

Muhammad, Abu Bakr and Umar didn’t feel safe from Allah’s deception
{#muhammad,-abu-bakr-and-umar-didn’t-feel-safe-from-allah’s-deception}

Many Hadiths make it clear that Muhammad, Abu Bakr and Umar were promised paradise.

Dawud :: Book 40 : Hadith 4631 Narrated Sa'id ibn Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl: Abdullah ibn Zalim al-Mazini said: I heard Sa'id ibn Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl say: When so and so came to Kufah, and made so and so stand to address the people, Sa'id ibn Zayd caught hold of my hand and said: Are you seeing this tyrant? I bear witness to the nine people that they will go to Paradise. If I testify to the tenth too, I shall not be sinful. I asked: Who are the nine? He said: The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said when he was on Hira': Be still, Hira', for only a Prophet, or an ever-truthful, or a martyr is on you. I asked: Who are those nine? He said: The Apostle of Allah, AbuBakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Talhah, az-Zubayr, Sa'd ibn Abu Waqqas and AbdurRahman ibn Awf. I asked: Who is the tenth? He paused a moment and said: it is I. (See also Sahih Bukhari Volume 5, Book 57, Number 23)

As we shall see, Muhammad, Abu Bakr and Umar, being faithful Muslims knew they could not consider themselves safe from Allah’s مكر even though they had been promised paradise by Allah.

Muhammad felt unsafe regarding Allah’s MKR

46:8-9 (Pickthall) “Or say they: He has invented it? Say (O Muhammad): If I have invented it, still you have no power to support me against Allah. He is Best Aware of what you say among yourselves concerning it. He suffices for a witness between me and you. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. 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.”

Some claim Surah 46:9 was abrogated by Surah 48:2 which they claim states that Muhammad’s past and future sins had been forgiven. But the verse does not actually say this.

Surah 48:1-2 (Pickthall) “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,” (This occurred at Medina)

Sura 110, composed later, shows that Allah hadn’t removed all of Muhammad’s sins:

Surah 110:1-3 (Pickthall) “When Allah's succour and the triumph comes 110:2 And you see mankind entering the religion of Allah in troops, 110:3 Then hymn the praises of your Lord, and seek forgiveness of Him. Lo! He is ever ready to show mercy.”

The following hadith also demonstrates that Muhammad was uncertain that Allah would fulfil his promise of paradise

Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 58, Number 266 Narrated 'Um al-'Ala: “An Ansari woman who gave the pledge of allegiance to the Prophet that the Ansar drew lots concerning the dwelling of the Emigrants. 'Uthman bin Maz'un was decided to dwell with them (i.e. Um al-'Ala's family), 'Uthman fell ill and I nursed him till he died, and we covered him with his clothes. Then the Prophet came to us and I (addressing the dead body) said, "O Abu As-Sa'ib, may Allah's Mercy be on you! I bear witness that Allah has honored you." On that the Prophet said, "How do you know that Allah has honored him?" I replied, "I do not know. May my father and my mother be sacrificed for you, O Allah's Apostle! But who else is worthy of it (if not 'Uthman)?" He 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. That made me sad, and when I slept I saw in a dream a flowing stream for 'Uthman bin Maz'un. I went to Allah's Apostle and told him of it. He remarked, "That symbolizes his (good) deeds."

The following hadith reveals Muhammad himself was afraid he would be sent to hell.

(Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23, Number 454) Narrated Masruq: 'Aisha said that a Jewess came to her and mentioned the punishment in the grave, saying to her, "May Allah protect you from the punishment of the grave." 'Aisha then asked Allah's Apostle about the punishment of the grave. He said, "Yes, (there is) punishment in the grave." 'Aisha added, "After that I never saw Allah's Apostle but seeking refuge with Allah from the punishment in the grave in every prayer he prayed." (See Also 458,459)

If Muhammad believed he was saved from Allah’s wrath and was guaranteed paradise then he would not have had to pray in terror every prayer! Some will say that Muhammad was just being humble, but the humility explanation has two problems:

Others were already aware of these promises because Muhammad told them, if he didn’t want to brag then why didn’t he refrain from speaking about it in the first place? 2. This argument commits the categorical fallacy, it confuses the category unbelief with humility. By expressing fear that Allah would not keep his promise to them, they were expressing unbelief in the propositional statements revealed by Allah. If it is an act of humility not to believe the allegedly revealed statement “You will be in paradise”, would it not also be an act of humility to disbelieve the allegedly revealed statement “Allah has no partners”? Unbelief in a revealed statement is not an act of humility, in fact it is quite the opposite it is calling into question the words of the one who revealed it. If a Muslim was capable of refuting the evidence that Muhammad was uncertain of his salvation, they would prove that according to Surah 7:99 Muhammad was an infidel since he felt safe in regards to Allah’s مكر. That would also be devastating to the religion of Islam. 2. #### Abu Bakr felt unsafe regarding Allah’s MKR

Page 99 of the English version of The Successors of the Apostle speaking of Abu Bakr states

“Although he had such a faith, which was too great to suffice all the inhabitants of the earth, he was afraid that his heart might go astray. So he used to utter, while weeping: “Would that I have been a bitten tree!” whenever he was reminded of his present position in Allah’s sight, he would say: “By Allah! I would not rest assured and feel safe from Allah’s punishment, even if one of my feet was in Paradise.”

The Arabic is

Although the commentator suggests a reason why Abu Bakr wept and said that he wished he was not even a person but a tree and feared Allah’s punishment even if he was in paradise, we must keep in mind that this commentator was not a prophet and could not observe the inward motivation for Abu Bakr’s statements. He was, however, capable of noting when Abu Bakr would say this. He noted that Abu Bakr would say this whenever he was reminded of his position in the Allah’s sight. It also should be noted that the Arabic translator mistranslated the word لمكر (This is the same word Marakra) as punishment. Before analyzing the facts it is necessary to summarize them

Abu Bakr was promised paradise by Allah through his apostle Muhammad in Sahih Bukhari Volume 5, Book 57, Number 23 2. Every time Abu Bakr was reminded of this he would:
1. Weep
2. Say he wished he was an impersonal object (a tree)
3. Say he did not feel safe from Allah’s "مكر" even if he had one foot in paradise
4. Abu Bakr knew the Quran in Surah 3:54 calls Allah the “KHayru Al-Makereen”
5. Abu Bakr knew the Quran Surah 7:99 states “No one can feel secure from the مكر of Allah, except those doomed to ruin”

Abu Bakr himself tells us why he was crying and wishing he was never even a person. He says nothing of fearing that he would go astray. He makes clear that the cause of his concern is not his own character but that of Allah. For he said: “I would not rest assured and feel safe from Allah’s مكر”. His fear was not borne out of a reverence but out of a distrust of Allah’s promise of blessing. Someone should not consider disbelief in Allah’s promise a sign of humility, people are often recipients of gifts they do not deserve, anyone who is promised a gift believes they will get it if they believe in the power and integrity of the one promising it. Disbelief in such a promise is a sign of unbelief in the one promising. Allah and the Quran would agree that Abu Bakr had good reason to doubt Allah’s promise; in fact he would be an infidel if he didn’t.

Umar felt unsafe regarding Allah’s MKR

Page 131-132 of The Successors of the Messenger states:

**“**One day, he (Umar) said to Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari who was sitting with him: ‘O Abu Musa! Would you be pleased if our embracing Islam and Emigration with the Messenger of Allah ‘Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him’, in addition to the martyrdom (of some) of us and all of what we did with him should not be recorded fro us, in return for our being saved (from the fire of Hell) only with the necessary requirements (of a Muslim), neither to have (extra reward), nor to bear (any bad deeds)?’

Abu Musa replied: ‘No by Allah, O Umar! Indeed, we did much more effort, offered prayers, observed fasts, did a lot of good things, and at our hands, multitudes of people embraced Islam; and we expect the reward of all of that.” Umar answered him, with tears falling on his cheeks, as if they were scattered pearls: ‘As for me, I would like that all of that should not be recorded for me, provided that I would be saved (from the fire of Hell), neither having (extra) good, nor bearing any evil.’

You should consider what extent he feared Allah, and felt shy of His Glory. No doubt, the Messenger of Allah ‘Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him,’ had given him the glad tiding of being admitted in Paradise.”

Like Abu Bakr, Umar was terrified he would go to hell despite being promised paradise by Allah and his apostle. Clearly, Umar does not have much confidence in that promise, otherwise he would not be so afraid of going to hell.

In personal discussions with a Muslim apologist, he stated that all Muslims are going to paradise but some have to go through hell first for different lengths of time. He said this is why Abu Bakr was scared he would be cast into hell while having one foot in paradise. First of all this seems to be an unconventional position. The classic manual of Islamic sacred law by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri called The Reliance of the traveler oage995 states:

(‘Abd al-Oahir Baghdadi:) The scholars of Ahl al-Sunna and all the previous righteous of the Muslim Community are in unanimous agreement (ijma’) that paradise and hell are eternal, and that the bliss of the inhabitants of paradise and the torment of the unbelievers in hell will endure forever (Usul al-din (y23), 238)
The Quran states: 2:81-82 Khan “Yes! Whosoever earns evil and his sin has surrounded him, they are dwellers of the Fire (i.e. Hell); they will dwell therein forever. And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah swt- Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will dwell therein forever.”

This poses the following questions: If all Muslims are guaranteed paradise then what was so special about the 10 guys being promised paradise for sure? Especially since they were afraid they would have to go through hell first?

When exactly is the day of judgment in this chain of events? Is it before you are sentenced to temporary hell, during or after you get to paradise?
- Doesn’t the hadith about Abu Bakr say he was scared Allah would cast most of his body from paradise to hell? This doesn’t fit the Hell then paradise concept.
- Umar wished he had no good or bad deeds and was spared of hell fire, Abu Bakr wished he was a bitten tree and not even a man, this is not really consistent with a finite time in hell followed by an infinite time in paradise, since that would still be an infinite net positive but Umar and Abu Bakr both seemed to think non-existence would be better than their eternal fate. (Note having done no good or bad deeds is non-existance.)
- If Non-existence and existing as a tree are preferred to existing as men in the minds of the rightly guided Caliphs, who have been promised paradise, why would any one want to follow a Muhammad? Why do Muslims have children knowing that non-existence is better? Why don’t they plant trees instead? 2. ### The Deception of Isalm’s Allah in Creation {#the-deception-of-isalm’s-allah-in-creation}

Consider the following creation account from the Quran

*Surah 7:19-27 (Pickthall)* 7:19 And (unto man): O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Garden and eat from whence you will, but come not near this tree lest you become wrong-doers. 7:20 Then Satan whispered to them that he might manifest unto them that which was hidden from them of their shame, and he said: Your Lord forbade you from this tree only lest you should become angels or become of the immortals. 7:21 And he swore unto them (saying): Lo! I am a sincere adviser unto you. 7:22 Thus did he lead them 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? 7:23 They said: Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If you forgive us not and have not mercy on us, surely we are of the lost! 7:24 He said: Go down (from hence), one of you a foe unto the other. There will be for you on earth a habitation and provision for a while. 7:25 He said: There shall you live, and there shall you die, and thence shall you be brought forth. 7:26 O Children of Adam! We have revealed unto you raiment to conceal your shame, and splendid vesture, but the raiment of restraint from evil, that is best. This is of the revelations of Allah, that they may remember. 7:27 O Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you as he caused your (first) parents to go forth from the Garden and tore off from them their robe (of innocence) that he might manifest their shame to them. Lo! he sees you, he and his tribe, from whence you see him not. Lo! We have made the devils protecting friends for those who believe not.

Lets take notice of a few things:

Islam’s Allah warns Adam not to even come near the tree lest they become wrong-doers.
Satan told Adam that he was a sincere advisor to him and encouraged him to eat of the fruit of the forbidden tree.
After Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, Allah rebukes them and reminds them that he had previously told them that “Satan is an open enemy to you”.
The children of Adam (us) are told by Allah “Let not Satan seduce you as he caused your (first) parents to go forth from the Garden.
Allah then says “We have made the devils protecting friends for those who believe not.”

Interestingly enough, if Adam had followed Allah’s advice and had not followed Satan’s advice, according to the following Hadith he would have been destroyed.

Muslim :: Book 37 : Hadith 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. (See also Muslim :: Book 37 : Hadith 6622)

Thus according to Islam, Allah dealt deceitfully with Adam, asking him to obey when obeying Islam’s Allah would have resulted in his annihilation. Allah deceived Adam by telling him that Satan was an “open enemy to him”, when in fact according to the above Hadith it was Satan’s advice that saved Adam from Annihilation. According to Islam, Adam did not believe Allah and it turned out that Satan was a protector of Adam. Interestingly enough devils are called protecting friends of the unbelievers. Yet the same Quran says a faithful Muslim has no protector and should not consider himself safe from Allah’s deceptive plotting.

The Deception of Isalm’s Allah in the Crucifixion of Jesus and the Spread
of Christianity {#the-deception-of-isalm’s-allah-in-the-crucifixion-of-jesus-and-the-spread-of-christianity}

The Quran clearly teaches that Jesus did not die by crucifixion.

4:157 Pickthal “And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger - they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain”.

The Quran also teaches that Allah made it appear to people that Jesus was crucified. So according to Islam, we have Jesus not being crucified, but Allah himself making it appear to people of that time, that Jesus was in fact crucified. Well Allah did such a thorough job of making it look like Jesus was crucified that Jesus’ loyal followers went to their death preaching, not only that Jesus was crucified, but that he was crucified to pay for their sins. This is the clear teaching of the New Testament. Now some Muslims will object and claim the new testament has been corrupted by unbelievers, yet if this were true, that would again prove Allah to be deceitful since in Surah 3:55 Allah tells Jesus “I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the day of the resurrection”. If the New Testament has been corrupted then unbelievers not only had superiority over those who followed Jesus, but they had superiority to such an extent that they were able to distort the New Testament. So a distorted New Testament means Allah lied when he made this promise to Jesus. Historical accounts indicate that many of Jesus’ disciples and loyal followers were put to death for preaching that Jesus was crucified, died, was buried and rose again. Hence it was not just the unbelievers that Allah deceived concerning Jesus’ crucifixion but the believers as well. Why would Allah deceive the loyal followers of Jesus, whom the Quran claims is a prophet of Allah? If Allah would deceive Jesus’ loyal followers regarding what they thought they saw and heard, how can we be sure he didn’t deceive Muhammad’s loyal followers concerning what they thought they heard Muhammad saying and saw him doing? Since it was the followers of Muhammad who compiled the Quran, Hadith and Sirat, how can we trust their sense perception and memory given that Allah deceived the sense perception and memory of prophet Jesus’ loyal followers? If Muhammad deceived the loyal followers of Jesus into thinking he was crucified for their sins, when according to Islam he was not, then Allah tricked the loyal followers of his prophet into starting a religion based upon something that never happened. Then Allah gave these loyal followers superiority so they could spread this message all over the world.

Muslim apologists have offered the following explanations for Surah 3:54’s

claim that Allah is the “Khayru al-makereen” and other evidence of Allah being a deceiver. {#muslim-apologists-have-offered-the-following-explanations-for-surah-3:54’s-claim-that-allah-is-the-“khayru-al-makereen”-and-other-evidence-of-allah-being-a-deceiver.}
The word Makereen does not mean deceivers
The Christian is taking this statement out of context
The word Makereen means deceivers but words have a different meaning when applied to Islam’s god.
The word Makereen means deceiver today, but words change their meaning over time and Makareen used to mean something else at the time of Muhammad.

We will address all of these explanations and show why they are not sound.

The claim the word Makereen does not mean deceivers
{#the-claim-the-word-makereen-does-not-mean-deceivers}

Well who am I to believe, the Muslim apologist or all the Arabic lexicons and dictionaries known to mankind? And if the Quran is filled with words that only 21st century Muslim apologists know what they mean, then how did the Muslims before the 21st century know what to believe? If the words of Allah’s book have meanings contrary to their common usage, and these meanings are nowhere defined in his “revelations” then how can Allah be considered anything but a deceiver?

Assume for a second the lexicons were all wrong and the word Makereen really meant plotters, rather than deceiver or double crosser. If a Muslim is making that claim, ask him or her the question “Does Islam’s Allah plot good or bad for the faithful Muslim?” If they respond by saying bad then you can ask “Why should I follow Islam’s Allah and trust him if he is plotting bad for me?”. If they say “Allah plots good for the faithful Muslim” then you can ask them the question “If I am a faithful Muslim can I feel safe in regard to Allah’s plotting?” If they say no then point out they are contradicting their previous statement that Allah plots good for the faithful Muslim. If they say yes then ask them again “So you are saying that If I become a faithful Muslim I can feel safe in regards to what Allah plots for me” If they say no, then say “Why should I become a Muslims?” If they say yes, ask them “Do you feel safe in regards to Allahs plotting?” If they say yes, then show them Surah 7:99 which says

Surah. 7:99 Pickthall "Are they then secure from Allah's scheme (Makr)? None deemeth himself secure from Allah's scheme (Makr) save folk that perish."

The word translated "scheme" by Pickthall is the same Arabic word (Meem, Kaaf, Rah or Makr) which the dictionary tells us means deception. The Arabic of Surah 7:99 is given below.

So even if all the lexicons were wrong, and the root letters Meem, Kaaf Rah meant plotter, it would not help the Muslim apologist in any way because the Quran says that a loyal Muslim could never feel safe in regards to what Allah is plotting for him. This indicates that Islam’s Allah is in fact a great deceiver. Unlike the God of the Bible who is “a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”⁷⁷.

Are the Christians taking the statement in Surah 3:54 out of context?
{#are-the-christians-taking-the-statement-in-surah-3:54-out-of-context?}

The context of Surah 3:54 is Allah allegedly deceiving people to believe Jesus died by crucifixion when according to Islam he didn’t. Thus, as we have mentioned earlier, the Quran has Allah deceiving the loyal followers of his prophet, having them start a religion based on his deception and then to make matters worse he gives these people superiority over the unbelievers until the day of the resurrection. It does not look like the context helps the Muslim apologist at all. How could Muhammad claim he was confirming that which was before him when Allah in Surah 3:54 is called the greatest deceiver and the Bible says that God cannot lie?

Do words have a different meaning when applied to Allah
{#do-words-have-a-different-meaning-when-applied-to-allah}

A prominent Muslim apologist claimed Makereen has a different meaning when applied to Allah. Below are a few problems with this position.

The passage says Allah is the greatest of all makereen. Makereen describes not just Allah, but all members of a class of which Allah is the greatest member. If someone is the greatest member of a set they must be a member of that set. This fact alone makes this argument intractable. The Muslim apologist would have a single usage of an adjective which modifies a group have a different meaning for different members of a group, this is quite strange.
Neglecting for a moment the logical impossibility of this explanation, let us consider the broader discussion of applying descriptive language to one’s god. Typically adjectives change the strength of their character when applied to greater beings, but not the basic character of the word, for example, the word “good” might be applied as an adjective to a dog, a man, and God. Certainly the word good got much stronger as it was applied to greater beings. None the less, the word good did not have a transformation of its basic character when applied to different types of beings. Good may mean something different in each case but in each case it was something good. If the word makereen becomes stronger in its meaning as applied to greater beings then the problem for the Muslim apologist becomes even stronger with that change.
Again neglecting the logical impossibility of the apologist’s explanation, consider the logical consequences of the claim that words have a different meaning when applied to Allah. If a word, such as makereen, is transformed from something horrible to something good when applied to Allah and there is no analogy with its usage as applied to men. If this hermeneutical approach is correct, then the phrase “no partners” when applied to Allah also has a different meaning its normal sense and any different meaning results in the conclusion that Allah has partners. Thus shirk is a logical consequence of adopting this approach to interpreting the Quran.
If words are allowed to radically change the basic character by the fact that they are associated with Allah then how could one ever have any revelation about Allah in human language? Before such a “revelation” could be understood it would be necessary that mankind would be given a new set of meanings for words when applied to Allah, and perhaps a new set of grammatical rules as well. But this is actually impossible as well. To see this consider the following statement. “X means Y when applied to Allah”. At first glance it might seem that this has defined what X means when applied to Allah but it has just changed the name of the unknown quantity. I defined X’s meaning when applied to Allah in terms of Y’s meaning when applied to Allah, but I don’t know what Y means when applied to Allah. This problem goes on forever, without any progress. So there is a big problem in finding what the terms mean when applied to Allah. If however only some words had a different meaning when applied to Allah and we were allowed to stipulate new definitions of terms then the problem could be handled, but how can one really call a book a “revelation” if the meanings of the words used in that book have no relation to their previously understood meanings? How is it that one would even know that a word applied to Allah has a radically different type of meaning that it has when applied to man? Could not such a bold assumption, if not based in revelation, be considered an act of unbelief, an attempt to reject what Allah has revealed about himself? I know of no record of Muhammad telling us any secret new meanings of words. If one believes that these meanings were revealed after Muhammad then they are in effect saying that they believe in prophets after Muhammad with the authority to change the meanings of words in the Quran. 4. ### Arguments concerning the changing meaning of the words of the Quran over time. {#arguments-concerning-the-changing-meaning-of-the-words-of-the-quran-over-time.}

All acknowledge that languages change over time, and that some words in a language change their meaning. But one cannot decide a word has changed its meaning merely because they don’t like the implication of a statement in an ancient text. Otherwise the text becomes completely subjective and ceases to be useful for revelation. For example: If one person can say the word "مكر" changed it’s meaning because they do not like the implications of its current meaning , then a polytheist has the same freedom to claim that the words translated “no partners” had a different meaning as well.

Historical evidence must be given to prove the change in meaning. Historical evidence should consist of statements demonstrating the word is repeatedly used in contexts where the current understanding of the meaning does not make sense within the context. We have already seen how Abu Bakr used the word "مكر" and even if someone is a Shiite and does not like Abu Bakr, they none the less has to recognize that Abu Bakr probably had a better understanding of the Arabic of his day than anyone alive today. We have also shown apart from the use of the word "مكر" that Islam’s Allah was considered untrustworthy by Abu Bakr, Umar and Muhammad. We have also shown that Islam’s Allah dealt treacherously with Adam and how the Quran claims Allah deceived the loyal followers of Jesus and used them to deceive most of the world. This should be sufficient for any reasonable person to establish that Islam’s Allah is a deceiver. None the less we will now have a brief examination of the use of the word "مكر" in several places in the Quran.

The use of the word "مكر" in the Quran.

Surah 3:54 – the context is the betrayal of Jesus, and the statement

Could logically be rendered they deceived and they double crossed but Allah is the greatest deceiver. Since according to Islam Allah deceived these people into believing that they had crucified Jesus!

Surah 7:99 – The context deals with a prophet coming to a group of people that struggled and Allah helped them and made them prosperous. Later descendants went astray and their prosperity “deceived” them into thinking that God’s wrath is not eminent. It is used twice, first of the specific people “did they feel secure against Allah’s "مكر"?” Then the general universal statement “But no one can feel secure from the "مكر" of Allah, except those doomed to ruin!” Since according to Surah 14:4 of the Quran (given below) it is Allah who directly misleads people who go astray after receiving a clear message from a prophet. It is evidenced that Allah used their prosperity as a means of deceiving them. Once again the rendering of “deception” for the word "مكر" clearly fits the context.

Surah 14:4 (Khan’s translation) And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people, in order that he might make (the Message) clear for them. Then Allah misleads whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. 3. Surah 8:30 – The context is how Muhammad’s tribesmen were plotting to keep him in bonds or to slay him. Ibn Kathir claims that Satan himself came to the Quraysh deceiving them by appearing to be an “eminent old man”. Their actions against Muhammad could be viewed by the Muslims as double crossing since they were members of Muhammad’s tribe. Ibn Kathir recounts a story “Jibril came to the Prophet and commanded him not to sleep in his bed that night and conveyed to him the news of their plot.” This story was first found in Ibn Ishaq (oage222) and the History of Tabari (v.6. p 140-144). Tabari states

“Then Gabriel came to the Messenger of God and said, “Do not spend this night in the bed in which you usually sleep.” When the first third of the night had gone past, the young men gathered at his door and waited for him to go to sleep so they could fall upon him. When the Messenger of God saw them there he said to ‘Ali b. Abi Talib, “Sleep on my bed and wrap yourself up in my green Hadrami cloak; nothing unpleasant will befall you from them.” The Messenger of God used to sleep in that cloak when he went to bed.” ( History of of Tabari volume 6 page 142)

So we can see here Muhammad and Allah deceive the Quraysh by having Ali lie in Muhammad’s bed wrapped in his cloak. We also see Allah directly deceiving people in the following passage from the History of Tabari, volume 6, page 143

“Then the Messenger of God came out, took a handful of dust and said, “Yes, I do say that, and you are one of them.” Then God took away their sight so they could not see him and Muhammad began to sprinkle dust on their heads while reciting the following verses from Surat Ya’ Sin: Ya’ Sin. ‘By the wise Qur’an, you are the one of those sent on a straight path’ … to the words: ‘and we have set a barrier before them and a barrier behind them, and have covered them so that they do not see.’ By the time he had finished reciting these verses he had put dust on the heads of every one of them, after which he went to where he wished to go.”

“When morning came the group of people who were lying in wait for the Messenger of God went into his house. ‘Ali rose from his bed, and when they came close to him they recognized him and said, “Where is your companion?” He replied, “I do not know. Do you expect me to keep watch over him? You told him to leave and he has left.” They scolded him and beat him. Then they took him to the mosque and imprisoned him for a while but after this they left him alone.” (History of Tabari volume 6. oage144)

So there is no shortage of deception by the Quraysh, by Muhammad, by Satan and by Allah

Surah 13:42. Note the word deceive (Meem, Kalf, Rah) translated plotted and plotting.

Surah 13:42 Pickthal “Those who were before them plotted (root =Meem Kalf Rah); but all plotting (root = Mem Kalf Rah) is Allah's. He knoweth that which each soul earneth. The disbelievers will come to know for whom will be the sequel of the (heavenly) Home.”

The previous verse in the surah indicates the context involves the taking land from the disbelievers. It is appropriate to quote the following hadith concerning war

(Dawud : Book 14 : Hadith 2631) Narrated Ka'b ibn Malik: “When the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) intended to go on an expedition, he always pretended to be going somewhere else, and he would say: War is deception.”

Again we see nothing in the context of this passage to indicate the accepted meaning of the word “ مكر“ is not appropriate.

The God of the Bible the god of Islam and the 10 Commandments
{#the-god-of-the-bible-the-god-of-islam-and-the-10-commandments}

Daniel Scot in his book window into the Quran gave the following table showing how Allah affirmed the 10 commandments and then contradicts the ten commandments. Mr. Scot has a couple of extra rows in his table dealing with The two great commandments, and the Ten Commandments as a whole.

The Ten Commandments in the Old Testament	The Ten Commandments in the New Testament	Quranic version or Confirmation of the commands	Quranic contradiction of the commandments
1st Commandment No other gods besides YHVH Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 6:4-5	I Cor. 8:4-6; I Tim. 2:5 One God: The Holy Trinity Matt. 28:19, 2 Cor. 13:14	Surah 112:1-4; 59:22-24; 17:22; 4:171; 16:51	Other gods acknowledged in the original Quran. See J.M. Rodwell footnote on Surah 53:19 and G. Sale and E. Palmer’s trans. Footnote for Sura 22:52; as well as in classic Islamic writings by early Muslims. The Trinity is misunderstood by Allah (Surah 5:116) and denied (Surah 4:171; 5:17, 71-73⁷⁸
The 2nd Command Exodus 20:4-6 No Idols	Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:23; I Cor. 8:4; 10:7; 2 Cor. 6:16	Surah 4:48, 116; 35:40; 48:6	Surah 4:80; 48:9-10; 3:3 32: Allegiance to Muhammad linked to allegiance to Allah; Surah 3:96-7; 5:2, 97; 22:26; Veneration of the black stone of the Ka’bah during pilgrimage.⁷⁹
The 3rd Command. Exodus 2):7 Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God	Matt. 5:33-37; 6:7-8; James 5:12; Col. 3:17, 23;	Surah 2:224; 3:62-63	Muslims take oath in the name of Allah. However, in Surah 66:2 “Surely Allah hath ordained for you to have absolution from your oaths”.
The 4th Command. Exodus 20:8-11 DoKeep the Sabbath	Mark 2:27-28 Matt. 11:28; Heb. 4:1-11	Surah 4:154; 2:65;	Surah 16:124; 62:9-11; 43:32 work apportioned; No day of rest for workers
The 5th Command Exodus 20:12 Honor Parents	Matt. 15:4-6; 19:19; Mark 10:19; Eph. 6:2-3	Surah 17:23-25; 4:36; 2:83; 6:152; 46:15-18;	Surah 9:23, 123 Don’t befriend non-Muslim parents and deal harshly with those who are near to you…
The 6th Command Exodus 20:13 Do not murder	Matt. 5:21,22,43-44; 19:18; Rom. 13:9; James 3:9; I John 3:12	Surah 17:31, 33; 5:32; 6:151; 4:29,36; 60:12; Kindness Surah 31:18-19 Humility	Allah grants killing for various reasons⁸⁰
The 7th Command Exodus 20:14 Do not commit adultery	Matt:5:27,28; I Cor. 6:9; I Tim. 5:2; Heb. 13:4	Surah 17:32; 24:3-5; 60:12; 16:90; 25:68	Surah 24:33 See note on limited prostitution and various other cases⁸¹
The 8th Command Exodus 20:15	Mark 10:19; Matt. 19:18; Luke 18:20; James 5:4; Eph. 4:28	Surah 5:38,39 amputation of thief’s hand; 17:34-35; 6:152; 60:12	Surah 4:94 See note on stealing booty from non-Muslims after killing them. Surah 9:120; 48:18-20;
The 9th Command Exodus 20:16 Do not give false testimony	Matt. 5:37; 19:18; Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9	Surah 45:7; 33:35; 60:12 lying and falsehood forbidden	Surah 3:28; 16:106; 66:2 Deception (Taquiyya) permitted
The 10th Command Exodus 20:17 Do not covet	Luke 12:15; Rom. 7:7; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3,5; James 3:14-16; 4:1,2,5; Heb. 13:5	Surah 4:32, 37; 25:67; 5:42 Covet not, envy not; greed forbidden	Surah 48:1-2, 19-21; 8:60; promise of booty an incentive in Jihad; Surah 4:94; 33:19-20; Muhammad greedily took property off the Jews; Surah 59:2-8

Allah’s Deception is a consequence of Islam’s different view of
omnipotence {#allah’s-deception-is-a-consequence-of-islam’s-different-view-of-omnipotence}

There is a fundamental difference in the Islamic and the Christian view of omnipotence that sheds great light on this subject. We will start by reviewing the Christian view then look at the Islamic view of omnipotence and it’s implications.

The Bibliscal View of God’s Omnipotence
{#the-bibliscal-view-of-god’s-omnipotence}

The Bible teaches that YHVH cannot deny Himself.

2 Timothy 2:13 “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself”

The Biblical God cannot deny himself. He has a nature and he lives according to his nature. His nature determines and constrains his actions. He remains faithful, because he cannot deny himself. Because the Biblical God has a nature, He cannot do things against his nature. Therefore the Bible says it is impossible for the Biblical God to lie.

Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began”

God inability to lie is not the result of God being constrained by an external personal entity, or being constrained by an external impersonal entity like a moral law or an external rule. That would make god a law receiver, but the Bible says there is one lawgiver and God is the lawgiver. (James 4:12). The Bible teaches that it is impossible for God to lie, because it is contrary to His nature, and He cannot deny Himself.

The Christian considers God to be omnipotent or “all-powerful” because God is able to do whatever God wishes to do, There is no external power, person or rule constraining God. But there are things God cannot do because God is constrained to act consistent with his nature.

The Islamic view of Omnipotence and Deception.
{#the-islamic-view-of-omnipotence-and-deception.}

Unlike Christianity, Islam teaches that Allah is not constrained to a nature. Islam’s Allah can do anything in any circumstance. Islam believes it’s Allah has what some call “The power of contrary choice”. Since Allah can do anything, there is no certainty that Allah will keep his word, he can do the opposite of what he said he would do. This makes Allah’s promises of little value. This is why those who knew Allah best did not trust Allah. As we have seen, according to Islam Allah tricked the loyal followers of Jesus, and deceived Adam at creation.

Most religions consider it a serious matter when one denies the religions beliefs concerning the attributes of their god. With that in mind you can better understand why someone would be considered an infidel for believing they are safe from Allah’s Makr. (Surah 7:99) If one stated they were safe from Allah’s Makr they would be claiming there was something Allah could not do. It would be denying that Allah could harm them, it would in effect be denying the Islamic view of omnipotence.

This Islamic idea of omnipotence means they believe Allah can do anything in any situation; some refer to this as “the power of contrary choice”. However this also implies that, Allah, can change with time, and is therefore mutable, and seemingly subject to time. This in turn raises an interesting question, If Allah lives in time then is a time god exercising authority over Allah? Since space and time are tied together, this implies that Allah to be spatially varying and subject to a space as well. One might argue that Allah is a demigod under space-time.

Responding to those who claim Allah is the God of the Bible
{#responding-to-those-who-claim-allah-is-the-god-of-the-bible}

Even though Islam’s god, Allah has a different name than the God of the Bible, different character, and is even called the “Khayr ul Makareen” (Greastest of All Deceivers) in the Quran (A name given to Satan in John 8:44). It is not uncommon to hear ignorant people say Muslims and Christians worship the same God. While one might understand how an ignorant person who does not know anything of the Quran, Hadith, Sirat or the Bible might draw such a foolish statement out of the well of their own ignorance, some are quite surprised to find this is the official position of the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican II. The Roman Catholic Scholars are not ignorant of the Quran, Hadith, Sirat or the Bible. The Roman church even claims to be infallible interpreters of the Bible. The refutation of them will demonstrate two things: first that Islam’s Allah is not merely a less clearly understood expression of YHVH of the Bible, but is radically different in it’s attributes; second, this will prove, once again that the Roman Catholic Church is a fallible institution and an apostate church. Lest I be falsely accused of making this up I give you the references and the quotations

From DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH LUMEN GENTIUM SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY POPE PAUL VI, ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964, Chapter II On The People Of God. Section 16

“But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Mohamedans, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind.”⁸²

From DECLARATION ON THE RELATION OF THE CHURCH TO NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS NOSTRA AETATE PROCLAIMED BY POPE PAUL VI ON OCTOBER 28, 1965. Section 3.

“The Church regards with esteem also the Moslems. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all- powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth,(5) who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, His virgin Mother; at times they even call on her with devotion. In addition, they await the day of judgment when God will render their desserts to all those who have been raised up from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.

Since in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Moslems, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom.”⁸³

These declarations of the Roman church, not only further confirmed in the minds of Bible believing protestants, the idea that the Roman church is an apostate church, but caused Roman Catholics to question if the church had become an apostate. The Roman Catholic apologist Fr. Brian W. Harrison, O.S. Attempts to deal with this in an article entitled Muslims Worship the One True God Only Their ‘Receiving Apparatus’ Is Defective

“In recent years many self-styled "traditionalist" Catholics have expressed shock that Pope John Paul II has stated on various occasions—usually during his apostolic journeys to nations with a strong Muslim presence—that the followers of Islam, together with Christians, worship "the one true God." But the Holy Father has done nothing more than restate the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, which said, "The Church also views with esteem the Muslims, who worship the one and only God, living and subsistent, merciful and omnipotent, the Creator of heaven and earth" (Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions 2).

Some "traditionalist" Catholics cite these statements of the Council and the Pope as evidence for the sedevacantist position, which holds that the See of Peter is vacant, i.e., that there has been no true pope since Vatican II. Their thinking is that since Allah is a false god, the statements of Paul VI and John Paul II to the contrary constitute public heresy—even apostasy and idolatry—which is incompatible with their being true popes.”⁸⁴

Mr. Harrison’s argument is that the Muslims worship the same God they just have a lesser understanding of that God. Yet this is not consistent with the scripture, which states:

1 John 2:22-23 (AV) 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

While Muslim’s admit that Jesus is the Messiah, they deny he is the Son, the Bible indicates they therefore do not have the Father. From the following passages it is clear that the world at large, including the Muslims world, does not have the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus, it does not denigrate the Son of God to the status of an ordinary prophet of YHVH, let alone a prophet of Islam’s god Allah.

John 14:16–17 (AV) 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 16:14–15 (AV) 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

If this were not enough to convince one that Muslims lack the Holy Spirit, perhaps bearing in mind that many Muslims claim their holy spirit is their angel Gabriel. Mr. Harrison and other Roman Catholics have attempted to defend the Roman church’s position by saying that because Muslims believe in a god who is not a creature and is not finite they do not fall under the condemnation of Romans 1 and therefore worship the Biblical God however a less clear version of that God. Before addressing this it is worth printing Roman’s 1

Romans 1:18–25 (King James Version) “18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”

There are several errors in this line of reasoning:

Just because some thing is not condemned in Romans 1, does not mean it is acceptable. A statement “idols that look like creatures are false gods” does not in any way imply all false gods are idols that look like creatures. Also there are many other scriptures outside of Romans 1 that condemn religious beliefs and practices such as the passages in 1 John already cited.
The Muslims do hold the truth of God in unrighteousness by rejecting the Son of God and are condemned for this in 1 John 2:22-23. Which clearly states they do not have the Father.
If someone conceives of a god that is infinite and the creator of all things, it in no way implies that the god they created in their own mind is the same as the God of the Bible. The god of Islam has many attributes that are not shared by the God of the Bible. One great difference pointed out in this chapter is that the God of the Bible cannot lie and the god of Islam is the greatest of all deceivers (a name given to Satan in the Bible.). According to this line of reasoning if a nut case proclaimed that he was the infinite, uncreated and the creator of all things, his followers would be worshipping the same god as the Roman Catholic Church!

Mr. Harrison again makes an argument to the effect that Moses, Noah, Abraham and others had a less clear understanding of the God of the Bible than the Apostles and those who have the light of the New Testament Scriptures yet they worshipped the Biblical God. He then claims the Muslims fall into this same category of people, people who have a lesser understanding of the Biblical God, yet still worship the Biblical God.

While I would grant that with greater amounts of scripture, the people of God have greater clarity about God. The concept of God taking the form of a man is woven throughout the Old Testament. There are countless instances of theophanies beginning with the LORD walking in the Garden of Eden. Psalms 2 and proverbs talks of the Son of God, and Isaiah speaks of a coming child being called the mighty God, the everlasting father etc… Nowhere in any of the scriptures is there any indication that the Old Testament saints believe their God was remotely similar in character to the god of Islam. The god of Islam is called the greatest of all deceivers (Surah 3:54) and consequently states that no believing Muslim who put their trust in their Allah could feel safe from him (Surah 7:99). This is the antithesis of the God of the Bible. In fact the book of Hebrews states

Hebrews 11:6 (King James Version 1900) 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

If you asked a Muslim if he believed the Triune God of the Bible exists they would probably say no, secondly in their religion they can not feel confident that their god is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. This has been demonstrated earlier in this chapter. We cannot equate the spirit of truth with the spirit of error, the god of Islam with the God of the Bible, YHVH who cannot lie, with the greatest of all deceivers. Despite the great difference in the teaching about Allah in the Quran and YHVH in the Old Testament, Mr. Harrison puts the Muslims in the category of the Jews mentioned by Paul in Romans 10:2, rather than pagans.

Romans 10:1–4 (King James Version 1900) “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Oddly enough this passage clearly teaches that these Jews are unsaved. Later in the same discussion it refers to these unbelieving Jews as blind (Romans 11:25). While we would agree that unbelieving Jews and Muslims are both blind and unsaved, we see nothing in this passage about them actually worshipping God. In fact, their blindness may be tied back to Romans 1 and we can understand that these people suppressing the knowledge of the God of the Bible have become vain in their own imaginations worshipping a god they have created for themselves. If the Jews of Jesus’ day were called guilty of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit by attributing Jesus’ miraculous works to Satan, what shall we say of the Roman Catholic Church’s equating the God of the Bible with someone the Quran calls the greatest of all deceivers. Jews or Muslims who reject the Biblical Trinitarian God, have rejected the true God, they do not worship the true God, they are unsaved. If they do not repent, and put their trust in the merits of Christ alone, when they appear before God they will be told “depart from me ye workers of iniquity I never knew you.”

Concisely stated, Fr. Brian W. Harrison is guilty of the logical fallacy of asserting the consequent.

Asserting the consequent is when someone takes a true proposition that A implies B, then tries to infer from that proposition that B implies A. One example of to demonstrate the folly of this line of reasoning is “All thumbs are fingers” (Thumb implies finger) while this is true, “All fingers are thumbs” is not true.

While it is true that

All who worship the true God lack a perfect understanding of God but believe their God is all powerful and all knowing.

It is not true that

All who lack a perfect understanding of God but believe their god is all powerful and all knowing worship the true God.

Refuting Claims that the God of the Bible is also a Deceiver
{#refuting-claims-that-the-god-of-the-bible-is-also-a-deceiver}

After realizing they can’t get away from the fact their god is a deceiver, some Muslims will argue that the Bible’s God is also a deceiver. They often cite the following passage

2 Chronicles 18:19–23 (King James Version) 19 And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner. 20 Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? 21 And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so. 22 Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil against thee. 23 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee?

Clearly God sent a lying spirit to deceive rebellious Ahab. Since God is sovereign, this was both ordained by God and part of God’s plan as are all things, as it is written in the scripture

Ephesians 1:11 (King James Version) 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Having said this, it is bad logic to try to infer that God is a lying spirit from the fact that God sends lying spirits. It is not required to be a lying spirit in order to send a lying spirit. Some may ask the question where did the lying spirit come from? Since God created all things, God either created a lying spirit or a spirit that He knew would decay into a lying spirit. It is important to point out that the Bible teaches that God created the world out of nothing, hence there is no reason to believe that created beings share the attributes of the creator. God can create an evil being if He so desires without being evil Himself, as creator he has the right to do that, this is made clear in Romans 9.

Romans 9:19–25 (King James Version)19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

Just as God can send a lying spirit without being a lying spirit so God can also harden hearts

Romans 9:14–18 (King James Version)14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

and send a strong delusion.

2 Thessalonians 2:3–12 (King James Version) 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

The Bible makes very clear that God does not lie in

Numbers 23:19 (King James Version)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?

and

Titus 1:1–3 (King James Version) Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

Whereas the god of Islam actually lies and deceives people, and his loyal followers cannot feel safe from his deception (Surah 7:99), The God of the Bible cannot lie but does send lying spirits with strong delusions on those who don’t love the truth, and hardens the heart of people like Pharaoh. There is no need for insecurity for those that come to YHVH through the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 6:37 (King James Version)37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

And

Romans 10:12–13 (King James Version) 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

2 Timothy 1:7 (King James Version)7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Muslim apologists will sometimes blaspheme and say that the Bible equates Satan with YHVH. They try to support their claim by pointing to two passages; one where Satan is said to provoke David the other where YHVH is said to provoke David

2 Samuel 24:1 (King James Version 1900) And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

1 Chronicles 21:1 (King James Version 1900) And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

The Muslim makes the wrong inference, they take the two propositions

Satan provoked David to number Israel
YHVH moved David to number Israel

And attempt to come to the conclusion the Bible equates YHVH and Satan. However this does not follow from the two propositions. In order to arrive at their conclusion the Muslim apologist has to assume a 3rd premise that namely

There is only one being who moved or provoked David to number Israel.

The 3rd premise is not found in the Bible so the Muslim apologists conclusion is unwarranted from the text.

The proper understanding of how the two statements interact is as follows

YHVH used Satan to provoke David to number the people.

This is very similar to YHVH sending a lying spirit. This is not a problem for Christians since we believe YHVH is the ultimate cause of all things, and we recognize that God uses agents to accomplish His plan. Just like God used Joseph’s wicked brothers for Josephs benefit, they were wicked because they meant it to Joseph for evil, however God meant it for good. The same is true about the crucifixion of the LORD Jesus, the most wicked vile and evil crime that men would ever commit was carried out by wicked men with wicked hands but according to what God had before ordained that they should do.

Acts 2:22–24 (King James Version 1900)22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Acts 4:25–28 (King James Version 1900) 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Yet though it is mentioned that wicked men killed Messiah the Bible also recognizes that YHVH himself was the ultimate cause

Isaiah 53:10 (King James Version 1900)10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

Oh what a comfort the Christian has that no evil thing is the result of an accident. There is no such thing as angels or men acting autonomously from God. There is no senseless violence or evil in God’s universe, instead God is causing all things to work for the good for those that love Him and are the called according to His purpose. We join with our brother Paul in rejoicing

Romans 8:28–34 (King James Version 1900)28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

What a comfort this thought must have been to Paul when he thought of all the evil he had done, and had been done and was being done to him, to know that God would ultimately even use that for His glory and the benefit of the elect, and to know that our sovereign God was in control over all things and thus has predestinated the salvation of His people.

Having explained this, it is also worthwhile to point out to our Muslim friends the Quran has similar statements regarding its Allah and it’s Satan. In Surah 27:4 Allah makes the deeds of the unbeliever seem fair seeming to them, this is what Satan is said to do in Surah 15:39. Also 27:24 says Satan makes evil deeds fair seeming. This is what you can bring up whenever Muslims point out that God and Satan are both said to be causes of David numbering people. Clearly it was God sending Satan, so God is the ultimate cause and Satan is the intermediate cause.

Summary {#summary}

We have seen that Islam’s god never calls himself by the name of the God of the Bible, but calls himself the greatest of all deceivers. We have seen those who knew him best, in part because he warned them that they should never feel safe from his deception, considered Islam’s Allah a deceiver. We have seen examples of Islam’s god’s deception to Adam and in the crucifixion of Jesus. We have looked at the excuses Muslim apologists come up with to try to explain away this issue and found them lacking. We have shown that the attempts to equate the God of the Bible with the god of Islam by the apologists of the Roman church are counter to scripture and based on bad logic. We explained that although the Bible says that YHVH does send lying spirits, did ordain lying spirits to exist and be sent, He is not a lying spirit, and in fact, cannot lie. We have also shown that those who turn to Christ need not have any fear deception from YHVH, but should have a strong confidence in God and His mercy through Christ.

Discussing the Fall, Sin and the Atonement with Muslims
{#discussing-the-fall,-sin-and-the-atonement-with-muslims}
1. Islam’s view of the Fall {#islam’s-view-of-the-fall}

Muslims and Christians have different Gods, different views of forgiveness and different stories of the fall of mankind into sin. Christians believe that Adam’s sin was imputed to the whole human race and in addition, we inherited a sinful nature from our parents in much the same way a crack baby inherits an addition to crack. Muslims often reject the notion of original sin. We will examine some serious problems with the Muslim story of the fall; but first lets look at some relevant passages from the Quran and hadith.

Surah 2:34-39 (Pickthall) 2:34 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. 2:35 And We said: O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Garden, and eat you freely (of the fruits) thereof where you will; but come not near this tree lest you become wrong-doers. 2:36 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. 2:37 Then Adam received from his Lord words (of revelation), and He relented toward him. Lo! He is the relenting, the Merciful. 2:38 We said: Go down, all of you, from hence; but truly there comes unto you from Me a guidance; and whoever follows My guidance, there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. 2:39 But they who disbelieve, and deny Our revelations, such are rightful Peoples of the Fire. They will abide therein.

Muslim, Book 37, Hadith 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. (See also Muslim :: Book 37 : Hadith 6622)

Apart from the disagreement over original sin, the Christian is left with a number of questions regarding the Islamic account of the fall:

Why would Adam believe Satan was a good advisor to him when Satan refused to bow down to him and all the other angels did?
Why would Adam be tempted to become like the angels when the angels were commanded to bow down to him?
Why does Allah say that Iblis was a bad advisor and enemy to Adam for encouraging Adam to sin, when if Adam did not sin Allah would have “swept him out of existence” and replaced him with a sinner he could forgive.
How is it just for Allah to wish to punish and annihilate sinless people?
Why were they commanded to prostrate before Adam if none has the right to be worshipped but Allah?
- Was Iblis the only one of the angels who didn’t commit Shirk?
Why did not bowing down to Adam make Iblis a disbeliever in Allah?
Why didn’t Adam and Eve get restored to paradise?
- Why couldn’t that bad deed be annulled by a good deed (Surah 11:114) such as those listed in “Forgiveness and Justice in Islam”
Why are the “children of Adam” told to “conceal their shame” if they did not inherit shame?
Why weren’t their children born in paradise? For this there seems only 2 possibilities:

They are innocent people suffering from the effects of their parent’s sin
- This proves innocent people can suffer for other peoples sin.
- Keep in mind the Hadith says all children are born Muslims with a true faith.
  - Bukhari, Book 2, Volume 23, Hadith 440 Narrated Ibn Shihab: The funeral prayer should be offered for every child even if he were the son of a prostitute as he was born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone). If his parents are Muslims, particularly the father, even if his mother were a non-Muslim, and if he after the delivery cries (even once) before his death (i.e. born alive) then the funeral prayer must be offered. And if the child does not cry after his delivery (i.e. born dead) then his funeral prayer should not be offered, and he will be considered as a miscarriage. Abu Huraira, narrated that the Prophet said, "Every child is born with a true faith (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) but his parents convert him to Judaism or to Christianity or to Magainism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?" Then Abu Huraira recited the holy verses: 'The pure Allah's Islamic nature (true faith i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone), with which He has created human beings.' " (30.30).
They are suffering from because they inherited a sin nature from their parents.
- Proving the doctrine of original sin.
- In addition to the imputation of the offense of Adam to his offspring, the Quran seems to indicate that man has a sinful nature
  - Surah 100:6-11 (Pickthall) 6Lo! man is an ingrate unto his Lord 7And lo! he is a witness unto that; 8And lo! in the love of wealth he is violent. 9Knows he not that, when the contents of the graves are poured forth 10And the secrets of the breasts are made known, 11On that day will their Lord be perfectly informed concerning them.
- The Quran teaches that all people were made from one soul, some might assume that we inherit the sinful tendencies from the sinful soul from which we allegedly were created.
  - Surah 4:1 (Arberry) “Mankind, fear your Lord, who created you of a single soul, and from it created its mate, and from the pair of them scattered abroad many men and women.”
  - Strictly speaking to assume this would be to commit the genetic fallacy, but if something comes from something else then it is not unreasonable to assume that it maintains some of it’s properties.
1. How Could Someone Bear Someone Else’s Burden of Sin?
  {#how-could-someone-bear-someone-else’s-burden-of-sin?}

Perhaps one of the greatest stumbling blocks to Muslims is the idea that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, is the idea that Jesus could bear someone else’s sin. Muslims appeal to various passages in the Quran as a basis for rejecting the Christian view of atonement. While the Christian feels under no obligation to reconcile their beliefs with uninspired books like the Quran and Hadith, it is worth pointing out to the Muslims that the teaching of the Quran is confusing and often contradictory in regards to this topic. Some passages from the Quran and Hadith presented below demonstrate the inconsistency.

Conflict #1

Surah 2:46 -51 (Pickthall) “Who know that they will have to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are returning. 2:47 O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures. 2:48 And guard yourselves against a day when no soul will in aught avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be received from it, nor will they be helped. 2:49 And (remember) when We did deliver you from Pharaoh's folk, who were afflicting you with dreadful torment, slaying your sons and sparing your women: that was a tremendous trial from your Lord. 2:50 And when We brought you through the sea and rescued you, and drowned the folk of Pharaoh in your sight. 2:51 And when We did appoint for Moses forty nights (of solitude), and then you chose the calf, when he had gone from you, and were wrong-doers. 2:52 Then, even after that, We pardoned you in order that you might give thanks.”

While some Muslims claim Surah 2:48 which states “And guard yourselves against a day when no soul will in aught avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be received from it, nor will they be helped.” rejects the idea of salvation by grace but reading down a few verses in Surah 2:52 it talks of Allah pardoning people. Surah 2:52 states “Then, even after that, We pardoned you in order that you might give thanks.” Pardoning is hardly a reward for works. I will leave it for the Muslims to either reconcile the teachings in this passage or admit that it is contradictory and reject the Quran. The following passage from the Hadith claims all need to be pardoned

Sahih Muslim : Book 39: Hadith 6769 Jabir reported: “I heard Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: None of you would get into Paradise because of his good deeds alone, and he would not be rescued from Fire, not even I, but because of the Mercy of Allah.” (See also Muslim book 39, #6760-6764)

Furthermore, the following Hadith seems to indicate that some people go to paradise without even doing one good deed

Muslim : Book 1 : Hadith 352 : Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported: “Some people during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Messenger of Allah! shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection? The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Yes, and added: Do you feel any trouble in seeing the sun at noon with no cloud over it, and do you feel trouble in seeing the moon (open) in the full moonlit night with no cloud over it? They said: No, Messenger of Allah! He (the Holy Prophet) said: You will not feel any trouble in seeing Allah on the Day of Resurrection any more than you do in seeing any one of them. When the Day of Resurrection comes a Mu'adhdhin (a proclaimer) would proclaim: Let every people follow what they used to worship. Then all who worshipped idols and stones besides Allah would fall into the Fire, till only the righteous and the vicious and some of the people of the Book who worshipped Allah are left. Then the Jews would be summoned, and it would be said to them: What did you worship? They will say: We worshipped 'Uzair, son of Allah. It would be said to them: You tell a lie; Allah had never had a spouse or a son. What do you want now? They would say: We feel thirsty, O our Lord! Quench our thirst. They would be directed (to a certain direction) and asked: Why don't you go there to drink water? Then they would be pushed towards the Fire (and they would find to their great dismay that) it was but a mirage (and the raging flames of fire) would be consuming one another, and they would fall into the Fire. Then the Christians would be summoned and it would be said to them: What did you worship? They would say: We worshipped Jesus, son of Allah. It would be said to them: You tell a lie; Allah did not take for Himself either a spouse or a son. Then it would be said to them: What do you want? They would say: Thirsty we are, O our Lord! Quench our thirst. They would be directed (to a certain direction) and asked: Why don't you go there to get water? But they would be pushed and gathered together towards the Hell, which was like a mirage to them, and the flames would consume one another. They would fall Into the Fire, till no one is left except he who worshipped Allah, be he pious or sinful. The Lord of the Universe, Glorified and Exalted, would come to them in a form recognisable to them and say; What are you looking for? Every people follow that which they worshipped. They would say: Our Lord, we kept ourselves separate from the people in the world, though we felt great need of them; we, however, did not associate ourselves with them. He would say: I am your Lord. They would say: We take refuge with Allah from thee and do not associate anything with Allah. They would repeat it twice or thrice, till some of them would be about to return. It would be said: Is there any sign between you and Him by which you will recognise Him? They would say: Yes. and the things would be laid bare. Those who used to prostrate themselves before God of their own accord would be permitted by God to prostrate themselves. But there would remain none who used to prostrate out of fear (of people) and ostentation but Allah would make his back as one piece, and whenever he would attempt to prostrate he would fall on his back. Then they would raise their heads and He would assume the Form in which they had seen Him the first time and would say: I am your Lord. They would say: Thou art our Lord. Then the bridge would be set up over the Hell and intercession would be allowed and they will say: O God, keep safe, keep safe. It was asked: Messenger of Allah, what is this bridge? He said: The void in which one Is likely to slip. There would be hooks, tongs, spits like the thorn that is found in Najd and is known as Sa'dan. The believers would then pass over within the twinkling of an eye, like lightning, like wind, like a bird, like the finest horses and camels. Some will escape and be safe, some will be lacerated and let go, and some will be pushed into the fire of Hell till the believers will find rescue from the Fire. By One in Whose hand is my life, there will be none among you more eager to claim a right than the believers on the Day of Resurrection for (saying their) brethren in the Fire who would say: O our Lord, they were fasting along with us, and praying and performing pilgrimage. It will be said to them: Take out those whom you recognise. Then their persons would be forbidden to the Fire; and they would take out a large number of people who had been overtaken by Fire up to the middle of the shank or up to the knees. They would then say: O our Lord I not one of those about whom Thou didst give us command remains in it. He will then say: Go back and bring out those in whose hearts you find good of the weight of a dinar Then they will take out a large number of people. Then they would say: O our Lord! we have not left anyone about whom You commanded us. He will then say: Go back and bring out those in whose hearts you find as much as half a dinar of good. Then they will take out a large number of people, and would say: O our Lord! not one of those about whom Thou commanded us we have left in it. Then He would say: Go back and in whose heart you find good to the weight of a particle bring him out. They would bring out a large number of people, and would then say: O our Lord, now we have not left anyone in it (Hell) having any good in him. Abu Sa'id Khudri said: If you don't testify me in this hadith, then recite if you like:" Surely Allah wrongs not the weight of an atom; and if it is a good deed. He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward" (al-Qur'an, iv. 40). Then Allah, Exalted and Great, would say: The angels have interceded, the apostles have interceded and the believers have interceded, and no one remains (to grant pardon) but the Most Merciful of the mercifuls. He will then take a handful from Fire and bring out from it people who never did any good and who had been turned into charcoal, and will cast them into a river called the river of life, on the outskirts of Paradise. They will come out as a seed comes cut from the silt carried by flood. You see it near the stone or near the tree. That which is exposed to the sun is yellowish or greenish and which is under the shade is white. They said: Messenger of Allah! it seems as if you had been tending a flock in the jungle. He (the Holy Prophet) said: They will come forth like pearls with seals on their necks. The inhabitants of Paradise would recognise them (and say): Those are who have been set free by the Compassionate One. Who has admitted them into Paradise without any (good) deed that they did or any good that they sent in advance Then He would say: Enter the Paradise; whatever you see in it is yours. They would say: O Lord, Thou hast bestowed upon us (favours) which Thou didst not bestow upon anyone else in the world. He would say: There is with Me (a favour) for you better than this. They would say: O our Lord! which thing is better than this? He would say: It is My pleasure. I will never be angry with you after this”

Conflict #2

Sometimes Muslims cite Surah 53:38 as a reason why they reject the notion that Jesus could bear the sins of mankind.

Surah 53:38-39 (Yusaf Ali) “Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another; That man can have nothing but what he strives for;”

Yet in the same passage promises something that can’t be earned, forgiveness

Surah 53:32 (Yusaf Ali) “Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds, only (falling into) small faults, -- verily thy Lord is ample in forgiveness.”

Now these two passages are not in direct conflict. I suppose it is possible that if one who does not have their own burdens to bear, they could bear the burdens of another. This is what Christians believe about Jesus. Christians do not believe a wicked sinner like Cain could die in our place though, this is where we part company with Islam. In Surah 5 of the Quran it appears that the Islamic prophet Abel was under the impression that his sins could be placed upon his wicked brother Cain

Surah 5:29 (Al-Hilali and Khan) "Verily, I intend to let you draw my sin on yourself as well as yours, then you will be one of the dwellers of the Fire, and that is the recompense of the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers).“

There are however some translations that translate this quite differently

Surah 5:29 Pickthal Lo! I would rather thou shouldst bear the punishment of the sin against me and thine own sin and become one of the owners of the fire. That is the reward of evil-doers.

To determine which reading is right it is necessary to look at the Arabic text of Surah 5:29

The transliteration of the Arabic is

Innee oreedu an tabooa biithmee waithmika fatakoona min ashabi alnnari wathalika jazao al*thth*alimeena

Gramatical analysis of Surah 5:29

We’re focusing on a compound word "ithmee;" that is the first thing that Abel wishes Cain would bear.
- The first part is the noun "ithm," which means sin.
- The second part is the affixed pronoun "ee," which is first person singular.
Generally, a pronoun affixed to the end of a noun is to be interpreted as being in the genitive position, i.e. a possessive pronoun: so this word would literally mean "my sin."
There are circumstances in modern Arabic where a trailing noun in the genitive position that follows a verbal noun can be interpreted as a direct object, and not a possessive.
It is odd that Pickthall finds no problem interpreting "ithmi-ka" as "thy sin," while "ithmi-i" (the exact same grammatical construction; just with a different pronoun) must be interpreted not as "my sin" but rather as "the sin committed against me”
- This is especially odd since the word "against" is nowhere in the Arabic text! Interpreters and translators have supplied it.
The literal translation is "I wish that you would carry my sin and your sin..."

Some commentaries (Al-Jalalayn's and Ibn 'Abbas's) explain that the sense is that "Abel" was refusing to be the first to lift his hand against his brother, even though "Cain" had just expressed his intention to kill him. Instead, Abel preferred to let Cain bear both the sin of murdering him, and whatever other sins Cain had. This explanation does not fit the Arabic text. This interpretation seems pretty forced, in this case the speaker is not very smart if he makes sentences like "I wish you would bear the sin and your sin" oh and by the way "the sin" is a subset of "your sin".

In addition to the above passage, the hadith also contains a passage talking about people bearing other peoples sins

Muslim : Book 37 : Hadith 6668 “Abu Burda reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: There would come people amongst the Muslims on the Day of Resurrection with as heavy sins as a mountain, and Allah would forgive them and He would place in their stead the Jews and the Christians. (As far as I think), Abu Raub said: I do not know as to who is in doubt. Abu Burda said: I narrated it to 'Umar b. 'Abd al-'Aziz, whereupon he said: Was it your father who narrated it to you from Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him)? I said: Yes.”

Sacrifices in Islam {#sacrifices-in-islam}

The gospel is about the greatest sacrifice. Sacrifices in various cultures are a corruption of the Biblical teaching. It is a race memory dating back to Noah offering sacrifices and before that back to Adam. Sacrifices are an important part of Islamic rituals, particularly the rituals of Eid al-Adha. Reviewing this material with our Muslim neighbors can be a good lead in to sharing the gospel with them. Lets begin our study by examining the following scriptures from the Quran.

Surah 5:27 (Pickthall) “But recite unto them with truth the tale of the two sons of Adam, how they offered each a sacrifice, and it was accepted from the one of them and it was not accepted from the other... “

Surah 22:32-38 (Yusaf Ali) 32Such (is his state): and whoever holds in honour the symbols of God, (in the sacrifice of animals), such (honour) should come truly from piety of heart. 33In them ye have benefits for a term appointed: in the end their place of sacrifice is near the Ancient House. 34. To every people did We appoint rites (of sacrifice), that they might celebrate the name of God over the sustenance He gave them from animals (fit for food). But your God is One God. submit then your wills to Him (in Islam): and give thou the good news to those who humble themselves, -- 35To those whose hearts when God is mentioned, are filled with fear, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed upon them. 36The sacrificial camels we have made for you as among the symbols from God. in them is (much) good for you: then pronounce the name of God over them as they line up (for sacrifice): when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat ye thereof, and feed such as (beg not but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility: thus have We made animals subject to you, that ye may be grateful. 37It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches God. it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you, that ye may glorify God for His Guidance to you and proclaim the good news to all who do right. 38Verily God will defend (from ill) those who believe: verily, God loveth not any that is a traitor to faith, or show ingratitude.”

After leaving the garden, humans had to offer sacrifices, and the Islam considers sacrifices important enough that Surah 22:34 says that Allah gave all nations sacrificial rites. Surah 22:32,36 Says the sacrificial animals are “symbols from Allah”. Some translations say Symbols of Allah. What do these symbols represent? Surah 22:37 Says that their “blood and meat could not reach Allah but your devotion can”. While these sacrifices that we offer may not be able to reach Allah, according to the Quran and hadith there once was a sacrifice that was so special that Muslims celebrate it every year on Eid Al-Adha. When Abraham offered up his son. The Qurans account of this event is given below

Surah 37:100-113 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 100"My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous." 101So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. 102. And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: "O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to God), so look what you think!" He said: "O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Inshâ' God (if God will), you shall find me of As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.)." 103Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of God), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); 104And We called out to him: "O Abraham! 105You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!" Verily! Thus do We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers -- see V.2:112). 106Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial 107And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram); 108. And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. 109. Salâmun (peace) be upon Ibrâhim (Abraham)!" 110. Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers -- see V.2:112). 111Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves. 112And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishâque (Isaac) a Prophet from the righteous. 113We blessed him and Ishâque (Isaac), and of their progeny are (some) that do right, and some that plainly wrong themselves.”

The previous passage refers to the son of Abraham being ransomed with a great sacrifice. Muslim commentators such as Ibn Kathir claim the ram came from paradise. The Quran does not say which son Abraham offered up. The Bible clearly states that it was Isaac. Most Muslims today believe the son offered to up was Ishmael. Christians view Isaac’s voluntarily allowing himself to be placed on the altar as a foreshadowing of Jesus, and an evident token that both Isaac and Abraham believed in the resurrection. According to the Bible, Abraham was already promised the Messiah would come through Isaac believing that God could not lie and since Isaac was childless, Abraham knew that God would raise him up after he was sacrificed in order to fulfill his promise that the Messiah would come through Isaac.

No such parallel exists in Islam, largely because Allah the god of Islam is not a promise keeper but the greatest of all deceivers. The Quran and the Hadith do not teach the same thing as the Bible, and we should never give that impression to anyone. Having said that, there are many things in Eid Al-Adha that is a very good opportunity to ask Muslims the following questions:

Why did Allah provided a ram from paradise instead of Abraham’s son?
Why is the ram is called a tremendous sacrifice?
What does it mean when it says Abraham’s son was “ransomed” with a “tremendous sacrifice”?
What was so tremendous about this ram? Was it more tremendous than the son of Abraham?
What would happen if Abraham and his son rejected this tremendous sacrifice offered by God?
The ram is called “the atonement”; what did the death of the ram atone for?

Muslims generally do not have good answers for these questions. After asking them these questions you can tell them what Christians believe concerning Abraham’s offering up his son Isaac and how it is a foreshadowing of Jesus the Lamb of God from heaven who takes away the sin of the world.

Sharing the Gospel with Muslims {#sharing-the-gospel-with-muslims}

It is often helpful to review some of the things that the Quran says about Jesus. These things can be helpful in limiting the arguments we get from Muslims when we share with them things about Jesus they tend to object to. It is good in establishing that they themselves should consider Jesus greater than an ordinary prophet for the following reasons:

Jesus called the Word of Allah- Surah 3:45
- Ask them “Is the word of Allah eternal?”
Jesus called a Spirit from Allah – Surah 4:171
- Ask them “Can you separate someone from their spirit?”
Jesus was born of a Virgin – Surah 3:45-48
Jesus was Sinless – Surah 19:19
Jesus is in Heaven – Surah 4: 158
Jesus will judge – 4:159
Jesus was confirmed by John the Baptist - Surah 3:39

After going over these points ask them concerning the first two statements

Jesus called the Word of Allah- Surah 3:45
- Ask them “Is the word of Allah eternal?”
Jesus called a Spirit from Allah – Surah 4:171
- Ask them “Can you separate someone from their spirit?”

It is also good to point out to them that Many Muslims have the wrong understanding of the Christian’s view of Jesus being the son of God and of the Trinity. It is very important that we deal with this issue.

In the previous chapter it was established that the god of Islam is not the God of the Bible. The Quran presents a different picture of it’s god and also attempts to criticize the God of the Bible, however the Quran’s criticism is based upon a flawed understanding of the Trinity and the incarnation. For this reason Muslims often misunderstand what the Christians believe about the Trinity and about Jesus being the Son of God.

Clearing up a misunderstanding about the Christian view of God.

{#clearing-up-a-misunderstanding-about-the-christian-view-of-god.}
Make sure they understand that Christians believe in one God.
1. We believe God the Father shares His nature with the Word of God and The Spirit of God.
2. We believe the Word of God has always been with God
3. We believe the Spirit of God has always been with God
  1. If they object to this ask them how they can separate God from His Word or from His Spirit?
4. When Christians say the Father is God, The Word is God, and The Holy Spirit is God they do not mean it in an equative sense but in an qualitative sense. (i.e. the car is red, the table is oak here “is” is used in a qualitative or attributive sense whereas “two plus two is four” uses the word in an equating sense.)
We believe that the Word of God has an eternal nature but also took on a temporal nature. To help the Muslims understand this concept we can ask them about their views of the Quran.
1. Ask a Muslim if they believe the Quran is eternal? (Most Muslims do) Does it have a physical temporal nature as well? If the physical temporal nature was destroyed (i.e. someone burned a Quran) would it destroy the eternal nature?
2. We believe the word of God took on a human nature at many times in the Bible and appeared to people and then at the Birth of Jesus the Word of God took on an additional human nature which was separate from the Divine nature He shared with the Father and the Spirit.
3. The human nature got tired, slept, ate food, etc… The human nature was not the divine nature.
4. In every action the human nature adopted by the Word of God was obedient and subject to the Divine Nature that was shared by The Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit.
  1. Sadly the Quran seems not to understand the dual nature of the Messiah
    
    Pickthall Surah 5:75 The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) had passed away before him. And his mother was a saintly woman. And they both used to eat (earthly) food. See how We make the revelations clear for them, and see how they are turned away!
We also call the Word of God the Son of God

This term Son of God is not literal, We do not believe that God had a wife and kids. When Surah 6:101 states

Pickthall 6:101 The Originator of the heavens and the earth! How can He have a child, when there is for Him no consort, when He created all things and is Aware of all things?

It should not be viewed by a Muslim as an attack of the Christian position since this is not what Christians believe. If you believe it is intended as an attack on the Christian position then you must believe that Allah of the Quran is ignorant of the Christian position. It may be helpful to the Muslims to point out that Ali was called the “son of dust” yet this was not literal, he was not the product of male and female dust.

Bible believing Christians do not worship Mary, the Mother of Jesus, though some misguided people do.

Having cleared up these things we now share with them that Jesus was the Lamb of God that was sacrificed for us satisfying God’s sense of justice and mercy. By Jesus, the Lamb of God from Heaven, taking upon the sins of mankind and the punishment for that sin, satisfied God’s sense of justice and provided a way for God to be just in demonstrating mercy. Christians believe the animal sacrificed in the place of Abraham’s son was a symbol of Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

John called Jesus the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29, 1:36)
Jesus fulfilled the prophecies in Isaiah, which the dead sea scrolls proved were preserved.

It may be useful to tell the Muslims that the Quran talks of Jesus’ death and ressurection in Surah 19:15

Pickthall Surah19:15 Peace on him the day he was born, and the day he dies and the day he shall be raised alive!

The Quran also speaks of people wrongly thinking they killed Jesus (Surah 4:157)

4:157 And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger - they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.

There are two ways this can be interpreted one is to believe that Jesus did not die at all, the other is to believe that these people did not kill Jesus but Jesus willingly laid down his life.

John 10:17-18 (Jesus Speaking) “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”

Most Muslims have interpreted it the first way. Christians believe that Jesus died but was raised and that Jesus was not overpowered but died willingly.

Muslim Objections: {#muslim-objections:}
1. Objection 1: Allah would not kill his prophet
  {#objection-1:-allah-would-not-kill-his-prophet}

Although this is something common to hear Muslims say, it is contrary to the teaching of the Quran. To show this we will give two examples:

Allah let his she camel prophet be killed – Surah 7:73-79
Allah let other prophets be killed

(Noble Quran) Surah 3:21. Verily! Those who disbelieve in the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of God and kill the Prophets without right, and kill those men who order just dealings, ... announce to them a painful torment.

Ibn Kathir had the following comments on Surah 3:21

“This Ayah chastises the People of the Book for the transgression and prohibitions they committed by their denials in the past and more recent times, of Allah's Ayat and the Messengers. They did this due to their defiance and rejection of the Messengers, denial of the truth and refusal to follow it. They also killed many Prophets when they conveyed to them what Allah legislated for them, without cause or criminal behavior committed by these Prophets, for they only called them to the truth.

Objection 2: Muslims Objection to the idea that Jesus died on a cross
{#objection-2:-muslims-objection-to-the-idea-that-jesus-died-on-a-cross}

The Quran clearly teaches that Jesus did not die by crucifixion.

Common Ground

The Quran says it appeared that Jesus died by crucifixion but Jesus did not, while the Bible say it appeared that Jesus died by crucifixion because he did. Muslims and the Christians have common ground in that both agree that it appeared that Jesus died by crucifixion. What are the logical implications of this undisputed fact?

If it appeared that Jesus died by crucifixion, then all should agree that all empirical evidence available to someone on the scene, when processed logically, should lead a person to the conclusion that Jesus died by crucifixion. If this is not the case then the Quran is false in saying that it appeared that way.
Historical accounts, based on empirical observations, should therefore lead any to the inescapable conclusion that Jesus died by crucifixion. If there were other explanations then one could not legitimately claim that Allah really made it appear that Jesus died by crucifixion.
1. If a Muslim claims the empirically based historical accounts could be interpreted another way, he is denying the Quran’s claim that Allah made it appear that Jesus died by crucifixion.
It is a waste of time for Christians to go over the details of the historical accounts to show that the only logical conclusion one could reach based solely upon the empirically derived historical evidence is that Jesus died by crucifixion. A true Muslim should concede that point but would claim that there is an additional source of historical information not having it’s origins in empirical observation, namely the Quran. The Muslim will typically claim the Quran is more reliable than the empirically based accounts. 2. #### The Final Question

The question then becomes: Is the Quran a more reliable source of history than the Bible and all valid empirically based historical accounts? Should we believe the Quran over the Bible and the accounts of eye witnesses? Many Muslims state that the Quran is more reliable than anything, the reason being, it is the word of Allah. Do they have a good cause for believing this or not? In what follows I list some of the objections Christians have raised.

According to Ibn Kathir, Surah 3:52-54 also speaks of the crucifixion of Jesus and it states

3:52-54 Pickthal “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). 53 Our Lord! We believe in that which Thou hast revealed and we follow him whom Thou hast sent. Enrol us among those who witness (to the truth). 54 And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.”

In Arabic Surah 3:54 reads

Allah refers to himself as “Hayur Al-Makereen” which correctly translated means “Allah is the greatest of all deceivers.” This is easily verified by looking up the root letters (Meem, Kalf, and Rah) in an Arabic Dictionary such as Al-Mawrid (below left). If one is still in doubt as to the meaning of the term Makereen consider Abu Bakrs’ testimony to the deceptive character of Allah taken for the “Successors of the Messenger” by Khalid Muhammad Khalid page 70 (below right). For those of you who don’t read Arabic, Abu Bakr, though promised paradise by Allah and his apostle, with tears in his eyes says “By Allah! I would not feel safe from the deception (same Arabic root Meem, Kalf, and Rah) of Allah, even if I had one foot in paradise.”

![MKR 2_BW.jpg][image7]

The testimony of Abu Bakr is consistent with surah 7:99 of the Quran, which tells Muslims that they should not feel secure against the makra or deception of Allah.

Surah 7:99 (Pickthal) “Are they then secure from Allah's scheme (makra) ? None deemeth himself secure from Allah's scheme (makra) save folk that perish.”

The word translated “scheme” by Pickthal is the same Arabic root word (Meem, Kalf, Rah or Makra) which the dictionary tells us means deception. The Arabic of Surah 7:99 is given below.

Abu Bakr could not feel safe from Allah’s deception (Makra) even though he was promised paradise by Allah and his apostle Muhammad! Since according to the Quran and Abu Bakr, Allah is the greatest of all deceivers, why should we believe his words at all? Let alone above all historical and empirical evidence?

Jesus’ loyal followers believed he died by crucifixion and most of them sacrificed their lives for the propagation of that message. According to the Quran it is because Allah tricked people into believing that Jesus was crucified when he really was not. Allah just made it appear that way. If Allah deceived the loyal followers of prophet Jesus regarding what they thought they saw and heard, then what assurance do we have that Allah didn’t likewise deceive the loyal followers of Muhammad concerning what they thought they recalled Muhammad saying and doing? And why should we then place such stock in the collection of a book which relied upon empirical observations of the loyal followers of one of Allah’s prophets if Allah is the greatest of all deceivers and is fond of deceiving the loyal followers of his prophets?
1. Perhaps the deception of Allah may be blamed for the violent disagreements that early Muslims had over whose codex of the Quran was superior. (This problem was only settled when Uthman resorted to burning all the Qurans that disagreed with his preferred version.) Some may point to the fact that Bukhari had to reject over 90% of the hadith’s he collected because he considered them spurious. Obviously there were some problems with people being deceived regarding what they thought they recalled Muhammad saying and doing!
In Surah 18:83-91, Allah himself gives a historical account of Dhu'l-Qarneyn whom Allah says reached both the rising and the setting of the sun, and found it set in a muddy pool. Are we likewise to take this historical narrative of the Quran over all empirical evidence and believe that the sun sets in a Muddy pool? Are we also to believe that Dhu'l-Qarneyn actually reached the place where the sun rose and the place where it sets? If this historical narrative is not taken seriously, why should the crucifixion narrative be taken seriously?
There is a long list of historical errors in the Quran such as a Samiritan existing at the time of Moses (Surah 20:83-97) and Jews believing Ezra is the son of Allah (Surah 9:30) etc… This being the case, why should we consider the Quran to be an accurate source of history?
Given that Surah 3:55 states that the true followers of Jesus will have superiority over the disbelievers, how can a good Muslim believe that the true followers of Jesus were overpowered by the unbelievers to the extent that the unbelievers corrupted the believers scriptures rendering them false and misleading?

Surah 3:55 Pickthal (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.
The Quran itself says that Christians have no standing unless they judge by the gospel.

Surah 5:47 “Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah has revealed therein. Whoever judges not by that which Allah has revealed: such are evil-livers.”

We are asked to choose between two witnesses: the Quran, a book which claims to be the words of the greatest of all deceivers, and which says the sun sets in a muddy pool; or the testimony of the Gospel which the Quran says we must believe and whose conclusions are the only logical conclusions one is able to make based upon the empirical evidence. Will you side with the Bible and the historical evidence, or follow the greatest of all deceivers? The choice is yours.

The previous chapter deals extensively with the deceptiveness of Allah and Chapter 8 deals extensively with Muhammad’s affirmation of the Christian scriptures for more on this read those sections. 3. ### Objection 3: The 3 Days and 3 Nights {#objection-3:-the-3-days-and-3-nights}

The Muslims get hung up on Jesus saying that He would be 3 days and 3 nights in the grave and the Bible saying He rose on the 3rd day. They are unaware of the fact this is a Hebrew idiom. This can be demonstrated from reading the book of Esther

Esther 4:16-5:1 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him. Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

Interestingly enough the Arabs seemed to have the same idiom

Muslim, Book 22, Hadith 4862 Salama b. al-Akwa' reported Allah's Messenger (way peace be upon him) having said: He who sacrifices (animal) among you nothing should be left in his house (out of its flesh) on the morning of the third day. When it was the next year they (his Companions) said: Should we do this year as we did daring the previous year? Thereupon he said: Don't do that, for that was a year when the people were hard pressed (on account of poverty). so I wanted that the (flesh) might be distributed amongst them.

Muslim :: Book 22 : Hadith 4861 Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) having said: O people of Medina, do not eat the flesh of sacrificed animals beyond three days. Ibn al-Muthanni said: Three days. They (the Companions of the Holy Prophet) complained to the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) that they had children and servants of theirs (to feed), whereupon he said: Eat, and feed others, and store, and make it a provision of food.

Muslim :: Book 22 : Hadith 4855 Ibn 'Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) forbade that the flesh of sacrificial animals be eaten beyond three (days) Salim (son of Ibn Umar) said: Ibn 'Umar did not eat the flesh of the sacrificial animals beyond three (days). Ibn Abu 'Umar said:" Beyond three days."

Objection 4 Do Christian enjoy a license to sin?
{#objection-4-do-christian-enjoy-a-license-to-sin?}

The Christians’ view of atonement involves the past, present and future sins of God’s elect being imputed to Jesus’ account and his human nature experienced God’s wrath against us being poured out on Him, in our place, and as a result God no longer deals with us according to our sins but lovingly disciplines us and corrects us so we can be partakers of holiness. Many Muslims have said this is unjust, and gives Christians a “license to sin” since their “former and latter” sins are forgiven. I can’t help but wonder what it is that this person would like a license to do, if they did not believe they were constrained by a threat of hell? Are they so set in a desire to do evil that no promise of reward, nor threat less than hell itself could serve as a deterrent to them? Sometimes this question says something about the person asking it. If they had a “license to sin” would they want to employ it night and day breaking God’s commandments? Do they love sin and merely want to escape the punishment of it? Do they believe that would bring them joy or benefit? The same Bible that tells me my sins are forgiven, tells me:

1) God’s commandments are for my benefit, and there are rewards for obedience

2) That sin is bad for me and will make me miserable

3) That God will discipline me for my disobedience and His discipline is not pleasant

4) If we truly believe we have been forgiven then we should respond in thankful and loving obedience. These four points are outlined below to help you explain this in the event any of your Muslim friends ask you about this.

God’s commandments are not grievous they are really good, and good for us! Why would I want to break them?

1 John 5:3 (King James Version) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

psalm 19:7-11 (King James Version) 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. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Sin is not good for us, it is a form of bondage

John 8:34 (King James Version) Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Sin made Cain miserable, and sin comes to master us when we commit it.

Genesis 4:4-7 (King James Version) And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

The way of the transgressor is hard

Proverbs 13:15 (King James Version) Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

Example: unworthily partaking of a ceremony recounting the sacrifice of Jesus, caused people to get sick and die.

1 Corinthians 11:29-32 (King James Version) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many *are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep**.* For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Just because our salvation is not lost, does not mean there are no consequences, God disciplines His children and when God disciplines His children it can be very tough

Hebrews 12:5-11 (King James Version) And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

psalm 38:1-5 (King James Version) A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. (Read the rest of the Psalm on your own)

psalm 39:11 (King James Version) When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.

The joy of ones salvation can be taken but not their salvation

psalm 51:12 (King James Version) Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

He who is forgiven much loves much, and is thankful, that should reflect in our attitude.

Luke 7:36-50 (King James Version) And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. 7. ## Justice and Mercy in Islam {#justice-and-mercy-in-islam}

The fact that Muslims claim the Christians view of the atonement gives them a license to sin not only indicates a lack of Bible understanding but seems strange objections in light of the logical consequences of the statements in the Islamic materials referenced in this section.

Islam teaches that people are rewarded based upon their works

{#islam-teaches-that-people-are-rewarded-based-upon-their-works}

Surah 23:101-103 (Pickthall) 101 “And when the trumpet is blown there will be no kinship among them that day, nor will they ask of one another. 102 Then those whose scales are heavy, they are the successful. 103 And those whose scales are light are those who lose their souls, in hell abiding.”

However The Book of Faith (Kitab Al-Iman) Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 352 mentions people who get pulled out of hell and brought to paradise without good works. (This seems to be a contradiction to the surah 23:103 of the Quran which says “And those whose scales are light are those who lose their souls, in hell abiding.” (Pickthal)

**The Book of Faith (Kitab Al-Iman) Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 352 “**Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported: Some people during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Messenger of Allah! shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection? The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Yes, and added: Do you feel any trouble in seeing the sun at noon with no cloud over it, and do you feel trouble in seeing the moon (open) in the full moonlit night with no cloud over it? They said: No, Messenger of Allah! He (the Holy Prophet) said: You will not feel any trouble in seeing Allah on the Day of Resurrection any more than you do in seeing any one of them. When the Day of Resurrection comes a Mu'adhdhin (a proclaimer) would proclaim: Let every people follow what they used to worship. Then all who worshipped idols and stones besides Allah would fall into the Fire, till only the righteous and the vicious and some of the people of the Book who worshipped Allah are left. Then the Jews would be summoned, and it would be said to them: What did you worship? They will say: We worshipped 'Uzair, son of Allah. It would be said to them: You tell a lie; Allah had never had a spouse or a son. What do you want now? They would say: We feel thirsty, O our Lord! Quench our thirst. They would be directed (to a certain direction) and asked: Why don't you go there to drink water? Then they would be pushed towards the Fire (and they would find to their great dismay that) it was but a mirage (and the raging flames of fire) would be consuming one another, and they would fall into the Fire. Then the Christians would be summoned and it would be said to them: What did you worship? They would say: We worshipped Jesus, son of Allah. It would be said to them: You tell a lie; Allah did not take for Himself either a spouse or a son. Then it would be said to them: What do you want? They would say: Thirsty we are, O our Lord! Quench our thirst. They would be directed (to a certain direction) and asked: Why don't you go there to get water? But they would be pushed and gathered together towards the Hell, which was like a mirage to them, and the flames would consume one another. They would fall Into the Fire, till no one is left except he who worshipped Allah, be he pious or sinful. The Lord of the Universe, Glorified and Exalted, would come to them in a form recognisable to them and say; What are you looking for? Every people follow that which they worshipped. They would say: Our Lord, we kept ourselves separate from the people in the world, though we felt great need of them; we, however, did not associate ourselves with them. He would say: I am your Lord. They would say: We take refuge with Allah from thee and do not associate anything with Allah. They would repeat it twice or thrice, till some of them would be about to return. It would be said: Is there any sign between you and Him by which you will recognise Him? They would say: Yes. and the things would be laid bare. Those who used to prostrate themselves before God of their own accord would be permitted by God to prostrate themselves. But there would remain none who used to prostrate out of fear (of people) and ostentation but Allah would make his back as one piece, and whenever he would attempt to prostrate he would fall on his back. Then they would raise their heads and He would assume the Form in which they had seen Him the first time and would say: I am your Lord. They would say: Thou art our Lord. Then the bridge would be set up over the Hell and intercession would be allowed and they will say: O God, keep safe, keep safe. It was asked: Messenger of Allah, what is this bridge? He said: The void in which one Is likely to slip. There would be hooks, tongs, spits like the thorn that is found in Najd and is known as Sa'dan. The believers would then pass over within the twinkling of an eye, like lightning, like wind, like a bird, like the finest horses and camels. Some will escape and be safe, some will be lacerated and let go, and some will be pushed into the fire of Hell till the believers will find rescue from the Fire. By One in Whose hand is my life, there will be none among you more eager to claim a right than the believers on the Day of Resurrection for (saying their) brethren in the Fire who would say: O our Lord, they were fasting along with us, and praying and performing pilgrimage. It will be said to them: Take out those whom you recognise. Then their persons would be forbidden to the Fire; and they would take out a large number of people who had been overtaken by Fire up to the middle of the shank or up to the knees. They would then say: O our Lord I not one of those about whom Thou didst give us command remains in it. He will then say: Go back and bring out those in whose hearts you find good of the weight of a dinar Then they will take out a large number of people. Then they would say: O our Lord! we have not left anyone about whom You commanded us. He will then say: Go back and bring out those in whose hearts you find as much as half a dinar of good. Then they will take out a large number of people, and would say: O our Lord! not one of those about whom Thou commanded us we have left in it. Then He would say: Go back and in whose heart you find good to the weight of a particle bring him out. They would bring out a large number of people, and would then say: O our Lord, now we have not left anyone in it (Hell) having any good in him. Abu Sa'id Khudri said: If you don't testify me in this hadith, then recite if you like:" Surely Allah wrongs not the weight of an atom; and if it is a good deed. He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward" (al-Qur'an, iv. 40). Then Allah, Exalted and Great, would say: The angels have interceded, the apostles have interceded and the believers have interceded, and no one remains (to grant pardon) but the Most Merciful of the mercifuls. He will then take a handful from Fire and bring out from it people who never did any good and who had been turned into charcoal, and will cast them into a river called the river of life, on the outskirts of Paradise. They will come out as a seed comes cut from the silt carried by flood. You see it near the stone or near the tree. That which is exposed to the sun is yellowish or greenish and which is under the shade is white. They said: Messenger of Allah! it seems as if you had been tending a flock in the jungle. He (the Holy Prophet) said: They will come forth like pearls with seals on their necks. The inhabitants of Paradise would recognise them (and say): Those are who have been set free by the Compassionate One. Who has admitted them into Paradise without any (good) deed that they did or any good that they sent in advance Then He would say: Enter the Paradise; whatever you see in it is yours. They would say: O Lord, Thou hast bestowed upon us (favours) which Thou didst not bestow upon anyone else in the world. He would say: There is with Me (a favour) for you better than this. They would say: O our Lord! which thing is better than this? He would say: It is My pleasure. I will never be angry with you after this”

According to the Quran good deeds can annul bad deeds.

{#according-to-the-quran-good-deeds-can-annul-bad-deeds.}

Surah 11:114 (Pickthall) “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. “

Does this mean that a firefighter could annul for killing people by saving the lives of other people by pulling them from a burning building? Would you think a Judge was just to let a man who killed your mother go free because he had saved someone else’s life?

Sin annulled by being generous {#sin-annulled-by-being-generous}

Bukhari :: Book 3 :: Volume 41 :: Hadith 576 Narrated Hudhaifa: “ I heard the Prophet saying, "Once a man died and was asked, 'What did you use to say (or do) (in your life time)?' He replied, 'I was a business-man and used to give time to the rich to repay his debt and (used to) deduct part of the debt of the poor.' So he was forgiven (his sins.)" Abu Masud said, "I heard the same (Hadith) from the Prophet."”

Allah weighs your good deeds greater
{#allah-weighs-your-good-deeds-greater}

Surah 4:40 (Pickthall) “ Lo! Allah wrongs not even of the weight of an ant; and if there is a good deed, He will double it and will give (the doer) from His presence an immense reward.”

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 2 :: Hadith 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."”

The factor of 10 was the basis for Muslims praying 5 times a day instead of 50.

This greater weighting of good deeds sounds nice but has some horrible implications. It allows sin to be paid for with pennies on the dollar! How is this just? Under such a system, I could steal 10$ from you and return 1$ and be even in the sight of Allah. Under such a system a brave firefighter could save one life and kill 10 people and be even in the sight of Allah. Note in Christianity every sin is paid for, but for the one who trusts in Jesus, their sin was paid for by Jesus not themselves!

Allah rewards wicked thoughts if they are not carried out.
{#allah-rewards-wicked-thoughts-if-they-are-not-carried-out.}

Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 76 :: Hadith 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) ."”

A perplexing consequence of this is the case of the injured or incarcerated man who continually dreamed of evil would be continually rewarded by Allah for not actually carrying out the wicked things his heart desired to do. This is the same reward that an unjustly incarcerated man who continually dreamed of doing good would get. The Bible does not have this problem since it makes clear that God judges the thoughts of men’s hearts, and considers “the thought of foolishness sin.” (Proverbs 24:9)

“An Islamic License to Sin?” {#“an-islamic-license-to-sin?”}

If a Muslim objects that the Christians’ assurance of forgiveness of future sins gives someone a “license to sin” what does the Muslim make of the following hadiths that promise forgiveness of former and latter sins.

Taking the pilgrimage: Dawud :: Book 10 : Hadith 1737 Narrated Umm Salamah, Ummul Mu'minin: She heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say: If anyone puts on ihram for hajj or umrah from the Aqsa mosque to the sacred mosque , his former and latter sins will be forgiven, or he will be guaranteed Paradise. The narrator Abdullah doubted which of these words he said.

Give thanks for your food and clothing: Dawud :: Book 32 : Hadith 4012 Narrated Mu'adh ibn Anas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If anyone eats food and then says: "Praise be to Allah Who has fed me with this food and provided me with it through no might and power on my part," he will be forgiven his former and later sins. If anyone puts on a garment and says: "Praise be to Allah Who has clothed me with this and provided me with it through no might and power on my part," he will be forgiven his former and later sins.

Don’t blow yourselves up guys! {#don’t-blow-yourselves-up-guys!}

There are easier ways to receive a promise of forgiveness in Islam. Here are a few of them

Fast during Ramadan

Bukhari :: Book 3 :: Volume 32 :: Hadith 231 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven ."

Take a bath and go to the mosque

Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 13 :: Hadith 8 Narrated Salman-Al-Farsi: The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumua prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutba, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven." (See Also Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 1867)

Chant some words over and over

Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 1243 Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: If anyone extols Allah after every prayer thirty-three times, and praises Allah thirty-three times, and declares His Greatness thirty-three times, ninety-nine times in all, and says to complete a hundred:" There is no god but Allah, having no partner with Him, to Him belongs sovereignty and to Him is praise due, and He is Potent over everything," his sins will be forgiven even If these are as abundant as the foam of the sea.

Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 75 :: Hadith 414 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever says, 'Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi,' one hundred times a day, will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea.

Perform a perfect ablution and prayer

Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 76 :: Hadith 441 Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: I brought water to Uthman bin 'Affan to perform the ablution while he was sitting on his seat. He performed the ablution in a perfect way and said, "I saw the Prophet performing the ablution in this place and he performed it in a perfect way and said, "Whoever performs the ablution as I have done this time and then proceeds to the mosque and offers a two-Rak'at prayer and then sits there (waiting for the compulsory congregational prayers), then all his past sins will be forgiven." The Prophet further added, "Do not be conceited (thinking that your sins will be forgiven because of your prayer)."

Muslim :: Book 2 : Hadith 438 Humran. the freed slave of 'Uthman. said: I heard from 'Uthman b. 'Affan and he was in the courtyard of the mosque, when the Mu'adhdhin (announcer of the prayer) came to him at the time of afternoon prayer. So the ('Uthman) called for the ablution water and performed ablution and then said: By Allah, I am narrating to you a hadith. If there were not a verse in the Book of Allah, I would have never narrated it to you. I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) say: If a Muslim performs ablution and does it well and offers prayer, all his (sins) daring the period from one prayer to another would be pardoned by Allah.

Read Surah 67

Dawud :: Book 6 : Hadith 1395 Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A surah of the Qur'an containing thirty verses will intercede its reader till he will be forgiven. That is: "Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the sovereignty" (Surah 67).

Timing is crucial

Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 809 Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: When the Imam says:" Allah listens to him who praises Him." you should say:" O Allah, our Lord for Thee is the praise." for if what anyone says synchronises with what the angels say, his past sins will be forgiven.

Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 75 :: Hadith 411 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "When the Imam says 'Amin', then you should all say 'Amin', for the angels say 'Amin' at that time, and he whose 'Amin' coincides with the 'Amin' of the angels, all his past sins will be forgiven."

Shake hands with another Muslim

Dawud :: Book 41 : Hadith 5192 Narrated Al-Bara' ibn Azib: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If two Muslims meet, shake hands, praise Allah, and ask Him for forgiveness, they will be forgiven.

Be buried close to the right city

Bukhari :: Book 4 :: Volume 56 :: Hadith 676 Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The Prophet said, "Amongst the men of Bani Israel there was a man who had murdered ninety-nine persons. Then he set out asking (whether his repentance could be accepted or not). He came upon a monk and asked him if his repentance could be accepted. The monk replied in the negative and so the man killed him. He kept on asking till a man advised to go to such and such village. (So he left for it) but death overtook him on the way. While dying, he turned his chest towards that village (where he had hoped his repentance would be accepted), and so the angels of mercy and the angels of punishment quarreled amongst themselves regarding him. Allah ordered the village (towards which he was going) to come closer to him, and ordered the village (whence he had come), to go far away, and then He ordered the angels to measure the distances between his body and the two villages. So he was found to be one span closer to the village (he was going to). So he was forgiven."

Pray during the Night of Power

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 2 :: Hadith 34 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven."

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 2 :: Hadith 36 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said: "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven."

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) is to be found in the last 10 nights of Ramadan – Allegedly the night M. received his first “revelation”

Die in Allah’s cause (Why this is so wildly popular given the other options is beyond my understanding!)

Muslim :: Book 20 : Hadith 4649 It has been reported on the authority of 'Amr b. al-'As that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: All the sins of a Shahid (martyr) are forgiven except debt.

Even the earthly consequences of a legally punishable sin are removed by prayer

Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 82 :: Hadith 812 Narrated Anas bin Malik: While I was with the Prophet a man came and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I have committed a legally punishable sin; please inflict the legal punishment on me'.' The Prophet did not ask him what he had done. Then the time for the prayer became due and the man offered prayer along with the Prophet, and when the Prophet had finished his prayer, the man again got up and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I have committed a legally punishable sin; please inflict the punishment on me according to Allah's Laws." The Prophet said, "Haven't you prayed with us?' He said, "Yes." The Prophet said, "Allah has forgiven your sin." or said, "....your legally punishable sin."

The implication of this is that you can commit all kinds of crimes but if you pray before the legal authorities catch you, or better yet if you pray with them, then they you don’t have to worry at all about earthly retribution. 2. If Allah’s Apostle is an example to all believers this includes the leader of an Islamic court system, Caliphs, Governors. They should follow this example. The result is lawlessness, not justice. 8) ## Allah would also punish sinless people by annihilation {#allah-would-also-punish-sinless-people-by-annihilation}

Is that Just? Does it contradict Surah 23:101-103 which we quoted earlier in the section?

While all these promises of forgiveness in response to doing trivial deeds may sound soothing to the Muslim ears, unfortunately no promise is any better than the character of the one who gave it to you. And we saw in the section on Allah that surah 3:54 and surah 8:30 of the Quran that Allah refers to himself as the Khyru al Makereen ( the greatest of all deceivers, tricksters and double crossers) we are also told in surah 7:99 that only an infidel could feel safe from Allah’s Makr (deception, double crossing). Thus no matter how great the promise may sound, if the one promising you these things is the greatest of all deceivers it is pretty much worthlless. That is why Abu Bakr, Muhammad and Umar were all terrified of being cast into hell by Allah even though they were all promised paradise by Allah

The Islamic Dilemma: The Quran and Hadith affirm the Bible
{#the-islamic-dilemma:-the-quran-and-hadith-affirm-the-bible}

The Quran refers to the Torah and the Gospel as inspired scripture. Early Muslims made attempts to interpret the Quran in a manner consistent with the Bible, but ultimately failed because the books contradict one another. Many modern day Muslim apologists claim the Torah and Gospel affirmed by the Quran are long lost books. They claim the Torah and the Gospel we have today are corrupted versions of those original books and contain parts that are true and parts that have been corrupted and are not true. They also claim the original versions of the Torah and the Gospel taught Islam. This position has several problems:

There is no historical evidence of a lost gospel or a lost torah which teach Islam.
If the Muslim claims the Bible was corrupted during or after the lifetime of Muhammad then all we need to do is consult copies of the Bible predating Muhammad to get the true Torah and Gospel.
If the Muslim claims the Bible was corrupted before the time of Muhammad the subsequent material can be used to show the Muslim is being inconsistent with the teachings of Allah and Muhammad as expressed in the Quran and Hadith.
None of the early generations of Muslims believed the Bible was corrupted or lost, only until several hundred years after Muhammad’s death did Muslims start to teach this.
1. The Terms Torah and Gospel {#the-terms-torah-and-gospel}

The terms Torah and Gospel had specific meanings at the time of Muhammad, they referred to literal books in the possession of the Jews and the Christians. To ascribe to these words a meaning foreign to the common usage of the time requires an explicit redefining of the terms. Since new definitions are not stipulated in the Quran, then we have no reason to assume that new definitions should be stipulated later by innovators who wish to change the meaning of the Quran. Not only does the Quran fail to stipulate a new definition making the words “Torah” and “Gospel” to refer to lost books, it indicates that both the Torah and the Gospel were not lost books, but in the possession of the Jews and the Christians at the time of Muhammad.

Surah 7:157 (Pickthall) “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.”

Muslim apologists who change the meanings of “Torah” and “Gospel” from their every day usages to mean lost books of which the current books called “Torah” and “Gospel” are grossly corrupted versions need to give evidence for that new definition.

If one is allowed to change the meaning of terms used in the Quran, they can make the Quran mean anything you like. For example the term “No Partners” could be redefined to mean “The pantheon of Greek gods”. Another consequence of redefining terms after the fact is the revelation really occurs at the point in time the new definitions are stipulated, before that the Quran is confusing collection of symbols wrongly associated with meanings that are natural to the ears of Muhammad and those around him but foreign to the “true” meanings that only innovative so-called “Muslim apologists” would find out years later. In such a scenario, the “Muslim apologists” are really the “true” prophets since they provide the basis for revelation of the concepts. The Quran claims it was “revealed” in pure Arabic, if so one wonders why Muslim apologist need to redefine words?

More on the term “the Gospel” at the time of Muhammad
{#more-on-the-term-“the-gospel”-at-the-time-of-muhammad}

Sam Shamoun points out⁸⁵ that from early on in its history the Church began referring to the four canonical Gospels as the Gospel (singular) since these Gospels were viewed as four witnesses to the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. As the late NT scholar F. F. Bruce explained:

“At a very early date it appears that the four Gospels were united in one collection. They must have been brought together very soon after the writing of the Gospel according to John. This fourfold collection was known originally as ‘The Gospel’ singular, not ‘The Gospels’ in the plural; there was only one Gospel, narrated in four records, distinguished as ‘according to Matthew’, ‘according to Mark’, and so on. About A.D. 115 Ignatius, bishop, of Antioch, refers to ‘The Gospel’ as an authoritative writing, and as he knew more than one of the four ‘Gospels’ it may well be that by ‘The Gospel’ sans phrase he means the fourfold collection which went by that name.” (Bruce, The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? [Intervarsity Press; Downers Grove Il., rpt. 1992], CHAPTER III - THE CANON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, page ;)”

14 Points that demonstrate Islam originally did not teach the Torah and
the Gospel were lost or Corrupted {#14-points-that-demonstrate-islam-originally-did-not-teach-the-torah-and-the-gospel-were-lost-or-corrupted}

Muhammad believed in a physical copy of the Torah present at that time, and Muhammad and Allah both believed it was a higher authority than Muhammad.
1. The evidence from the Quran
Surah 5:43 (Pickthall) “How come they unto you for judgment when they have the Torah, wherein Allah has delivered judgment (for them)?

Notice Allah asks why would someone come to Muhammad when they have the Torah. The implication is the Torah is more authoritative than Muhammad. In fact, Muhammad told to ask the people of the scripture if he was in doubt

Surah 16:43-44 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “And We sent not (as Our Messengers) before you (O Muhammad SAW) any but men, whom We inspired, (to preach and invite mankind to believe in the Oneness of Allah). So ask of those who know the Scripture [learned men of the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], if you know not.” 44With clear signs and Books (We sent the Messengers). And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad SAW) the reminder and the advice (the Qur'an), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought.”

The evidence from the hadith

Muhammad’s reverence for the Torah of his day, as recorded in the following hadith, clearly indicates he did not believe it was a corrupt book

Dawud :: Book 38 : Hadith 4434 Narrated Abdullah Ibn Umar: “A group of Jews came and invited the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) to Quff. So he visited them in their school. They said: Abul Qasim, one of our men has committed fornication with a woman; so pronounce judgment upon them**. They placed a cushion for the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) who sat on it and said: Bring the Torah. It was then brought. He then withdrew the cushion from beneath him and placed the Torah on it saying: I believed in thee and in Him Who revealed thee.** He then said: Bring me one who is learned among you. Then a young man was brought. The transmitter then mentioned the rest of the tradition of stoning similar to the one transmitted by Malik from Nafi'(No. 4431).”

Notice Muhammad confessed belief in an actual physical copy of the Torah in existence during his day. He even thought that physical copy of the Torah was more worthy of the cushion than himself. More details of this account are given in the following hadith:

Dawud : Book 38 : Hadith 4433 Narrated Al-Bara' ibn Azib: “The people passed by the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) with a Jew who was blackened with charcoal and who was being flogged. He called them and said: Is this the prescribed punishment for a fornicator? They said: Yes. He then called on a learned man among them and asked him: I adjure you by Allah Who revealed the Torah to Moses, do you find this prescribed punishment for a fornicator in your divine Book? He said: By Allah, number If you had not adjured me about this, I should not have informed you. We find stoning to be prescribed punishment for a fornicator in our Divine Book. But it (fornication) became frequent in our people of rank; so when we seized a person of rank, we left him alone, and when we seized a weak person, we inflicted the prescribed punishment on him. So we said: Come, let us agree on something which may be enforced equally on people of higher and lower rank. So we agreed to blacken the face of a criminal with charcoal, and flog him, and we abandoned stoning. The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) then said: O Allah, I am the first to give life to Thy command which they have killed. So he commanded regarding him (the Jew) and he was stoned to death. Allah Most High then sent down: "O Apostle, let not those who race one another into unbelief, make thee grieve..." up to "They say: If you are given this, take it, but if not, beware!...." up to "And if any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) unbelievers," about Jews, up to "And if any do fail to judge by (the right of) what Allah hath revealed, they are no better than) wrong-doers" about Jews: and revealed the verses up to "And if any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel." About this he said: This whole verse was revealed about the infidels.”

Notice that Muhammad asked the Jews what they found to be the prescribed punishment for a fornicator in their “divine book”. He did not call it a corrupted book, or a lost book. This story is also recorded in Bukhari’s Sahih hadith collection

Bukhari : Book 9 : Volume 93 : Hadith 633 Narrated Ibn 'Umar: “A Jew and Jewess were brought to the Prophet on a charge of committing an illegal sexual intercourse. The Prophet asked the Jews, "What do you (usually) do with them?" They said, "We blacken their faces and disgrace them." He said, "Bring here the Torah and recite it, if you are truthful." They (fetched it and) came and asked a one-eyed man to recite. He went on reciting till he reached a portion on which he put his hand. The Prophet said, "Lift up your hand!" He lifted his hand up and behold, there appeared the verse of Ar-Rajm (stoning of the adulterers to death). Then he said, "O Muhammad! They should be stoned to death but we conceal this Divine Law among ourselves." Then the Prophet ordered that the two sinners be stoned to death and, and they were stoned to death, and I saw the man protecting the woman from the stones. (See Hadith No. 809, Volume 8)”

Muhammad asked the Jews to “bring here the Torah”, how could they have done this if the Torah was lost? How could they be called truthful for reciting from the Torah if it was corrupted? If Muhammad is an example to all believers shouldn’t Muslims also use the Torah as a basis of judgment? Shouldn’t they want the Torah to be read in their presence?

It is also interesting to notice that Muhammad went punished the adulterers according to the commandments of the Torah, even though it disagreed with the teachings of the Quran as recorded in the following surah

Surah 24:2 (Pickthall) “The adulterer and the adulteress, scourge you each one of them (with) a hundred stripes. And let not pity for the twain withhold you from obedience to Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a party of believers witness their punishment”

Some Muslims will point out that there is a tradition that there was once a verse in the Quran that advocated stoning of adulterers. But according to the following hadith that portion of the Quran was eaten by a goat and is no longer in existence.

Sunan Ibn Majah #1944 “It is narrated on the authority of A’ishah that she said: The Holy Verse pertaining to stoning (the adulterers to death), and suckling the young man ten times (in order to make him a foster-son) was revealed (and then it was abrogated), even though it remained written in a document underneath my bed, But, when the Messenger of Allah “Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him” died, and we were busy by (the affairs of) his death (and burial ceremonies), a domestic goat entered and ate it.”⁸⁶

It is worth noting that Muhammad thought so highly of the Torah that he removed the cushion he himself was sitting on, and placed it there and he thought so much less of the Quran that he left it lying around underneath the cushion his wife slept on in a place where a goat could eat it.

Evidence from the Biography of Muhammad

The following quotes from the earliest biographer of Muhammad again indicate that Muhammad considered the Torah to be more authoritative than he was to the extent that the Torah should be used to judge the veracity of his statements and his claims to being a prophet.

Ibn Ishaq page 260 “The apostle entered a Jewish school ... and called them to God. [He was asked], "What is your religion Muhammad?" "The religion of Abraham." [They rejoined] "But Abraham was a Jew." [Muhammad said] "Then let the Torah judge between us." They refused and so God sent down concerning them [sura 3:23-24].”

Clearly, Muhammad was willing to have the Torah be a judge over him, his alleged revelation, and his claim to being a prophet.

Ibn Ishaq page 268 [Four Jews came to Muhammad and said]: "Do you not allege that you follow the religion of Abraham and believe in the Torah which we have and testify that it is the truth from God?" He replied, "Certainly, but you have sinned and broken the covenant contained therein and concealed what you were ordered to make plain to men, and I dissociate myself from your sin." They said, "We hold by what we have. We live according to the guidance and the truth and we do not believe in you and we will not follow you." So God sent down concerning them: "Say, O scripture folk, you have no standing until you observe the Torah and the Gospel and what has been sent down to you from your Lord ...." (See Surah 5:68).

Muhammad again did not waiver or qualify his confidence in the Torah.

The Quran refers to the Scriptures of the Christians and Jews as the Words of Allah Surah 2:136. And the Quran also says the Words of Allah cannot be altered: Surah 18:27, 6:115, 10:64-65, 48:23, 50.28-29.

Surah 2:136 (Pickthall) “Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.”

Surah 2:285 (Khan) “The Messenger (Muhammad SAW) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say, "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers" - and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all)."”

Surah 4:136 (Khan) “O you who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and the Book (the Qur'an) which He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down to those before (him), and whosoever disbelieves in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, then indeed he has strayed far away.”

Surah 18:27 (Pickthall) “And recite that which has been revealed unto you of the Scripture of your Lord. There is none who can change His words, and you will find no refuge beside Him.”
No true believer would corrupt the word of God. If the Bible was corrupted, then the unbelievers had such a great superiority over the true followers of Jesus that they were able to corrupt their holy book. This is in direct contradiction with Surah 3:55 of the Quran in which Jesus is told the day he is raised that His true followers will have superiority over the unbelievers until the day of the resurrection.

Surah 3:55 (Pickthall) “(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.”
If the Bible was corrupted, then the Quran must also be corrupted since the Hadith states the followers of Muhammad would have the same thing happen to them that happened to the Christians and the Jews. (Step by step inch by inch)
1. Muslim : Book 34 : Hadith : 6448 Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: You would tread the same path as was trodden by those before you inch by inch and step by step so much so that if they had entered into the hole of the lizard, you would follow them in this also. We said: Allah's Messenger, do you mean Jews and Christians (by your words)" those before you"? He said: Who else (than those two religious groups)?
How could Jesus be “a revelation for mankind” as Surah 19:21 claims if his book and his teachings have been corrupted or lost? And how could the Torah and the Gospel be a “guide to mankind” (Surah 3:3) if it has been lost or corrupted

Surah 19:21 (Pickthall) “He said: So (it will be). Your Lord says: It is easy for Me. And (it will be) that We may make of him a revelation for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained.”

Surah 3:3 (Pickthall) “He has revealed unto you (Mohammed) the Scripture with truth, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, even as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. 4 Aforetime, for a guidance to mankind; and has revealed the Criterion (of right and wrong). Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, theirs will be a heavy doom. Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong).”
If the scriptures were corrupted and “Allah tasks not a soul beyond its scope” (Surah 2:286) How could he tell people to
1. Bring the Torah (3:93-94)

Surah 3:93-94 (Noble Quran, Al-Hilali and Khan) “All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for himself before the Taurât (Torah) was revealed. Say (O Muhammad): "Bring here the Taurât (Torah) and recite it, if you are truthful."
94. Then after that, whosoever shall invent a lie against God, ... such shall indeed be the Zâlimûn (disbelievers).”

Keep refreshing your knowledge of the Sacred books

Muslim : Book 4 : Hadith 1725 'Abdullah is reported to have said: Keep refreshing your knowledge of the sacred books (or always renew your knowledge of these sacred books) and sometimes he would mention the Qur'an for it is more apt to escape from men's minds than animals which are hobbled, and the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: None of you should say: I forgot such and such a verse, but he has been made to forget.

How could the believers say they believe in the scriptures and they “hear and obey” the scriptures if they never heard the true scriptures because they were corrupted?

Surah 2:285 (Pickthal) “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.”
If the scriptures were lost before the time of Muhammad, how could the people of the scripture in Muhammad’s time be described as:
1. Having received the scripture and casting the scripture behind their backs
Surah 2:101 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah (i.e. Muhammad Peace be upon him ) confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the Scripture threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they did not know!”
1. Why would the people of the book be rebuked for casting the scripture behind their backs if it was corrupted? Given that they were rebuked, why do the Muslim apologists and Islamic governments cast the scriptures behind their back today?
2. How could the people of Muhammad’s day be described as knowingly concealing the truth of the scripture (Surah 2:40-42)
Surah 2:40-42 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “40O Children of Israel! Remember My Favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill (your obligations to) My Covenant (with you) so that I fulfill (My Obligations to) your covenant (with Me), and fear none but Me. 41And believe in what I have sent down (this Qur'ân), confirming that which is with you, [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], and be not the first to disbelieve therein, and buy not with My Verses [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] a small price (i.e. getting a small gain by selling My Verses), and fear Me and Me Alone. (Tafsir At-Tabarî, Volume I, Page 253). 42And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth [i.e. Muhammad Peace be upon him is God's Messenger and his qualities are written in your Scriptures, the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] while you know (the truth) .”
Muhammad thought that his Quran was a confirmation of the prior books but different in that it was in the Arabic tongue.

Surah 46:12 (Pickthall) “When before it there was the Scripture of Moses, an example and a mercy; and this is a confirming Scripture in the Arabic language, that it may warn those who do wrong and bring good tidings for the righteous”.

The Quran repeatedly claims that it confirms the Scriptures the Jews and the Christians possess Surah 2:89, 2:91, 2:101, 3:81, 4:47, 7:157. Why would Allah and the Quran want to confirm a corrupt book.

Notice these passages do not say the Quran confirms a portion of what they possess. 2. The passages do not say the Quran confirms the part that happens to agree with it.
1. Statements aandb could be said about any book.

The Quran says that Jesus’ message confirmed the Torah which came before it, this is why Christians consider the Torah and the whole of the T’nach (Old Testament) part of their Bible. We understand the sense in which Jesus confirmed the Torah, it is clear that Muhammad claimed to “confirm” the previous revelations in the same sense that Jesus confirmed the revelations that took place before the incarnation.

Surah 61:6 (Sarwar) “Jesus, son of Mary, said to the Israelites, "I am the Messenger of God sent to you. I confirm the Torah which is in existence and give you the glad news of the coming of a Messenger who will come after me named Ahmad." When this Messenger came to them with all the proofs (to support his truthfulness), they said, "He is simply a magician".

We also notice that in this passage of the Quran has Allah saying that Jesus said the Torah was in existence during his day.

The Quran claims that people read the scriptures with a correct reading at the time of Muhammad. This would be hard to do if they had been corrupted.

Surah 2:121 (Pickthal) “Those unto whom We have given the Scripture, who read it with the right reading, those believe in it. And whoso disbelieveth in it, those are they who are the losers.”
If the scriptures of the Christians and the Jews was corrupted then one wonders why Allah asked the Christians and Jews to judge by them.

Surah 5:43-49 (Pickthall) “How come they unto you for judgment when they have the Torah, wherein Allah has delivered judgment (for them)? Yet even after that they turn away. Such (folk) are not believers.5:44 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. Whoever judges not by that which Allah has revealed: such are disbelievers. 5:45 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 whoever forgoes it (in the way of charity) it shall be expiation for him. Whoever judges not by that which Allah has revealed: such are wrong-doers. 5:46 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). 5:47 Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah has revealed therein. Whoever judges not by that which Allah has revealed: such are evil-livers. 5:48 And unto you 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 has revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which has come unto you. 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 has given you (He has made you as you are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah you will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein you differ. 5:49 So judge between them by that which Allah has revealed, and follow not their desires, but beware of them lest they seduce you from some part of that which Allah has revealed unto you. And if they turn away, then know that Allah's Will is to smite them for some sin of theirs. Lo! many of mankind are evil-livers.”

A prominent “so-called Muslim” apologist claims that there is guidance and light in the Torah and Gospel and there is truth therein but that there is also much falsehood, and that the Christians and the Jews were only to judge by the truth therein. He then said the true part of the Gospel and the Torah could be determined by seeing which parts of them did not conflict with the Quran, then that part could be used to determine the truth of the Quran. There are some serious problems with this approach.

Any book judged by this methodology would pass, it is not a criteria for judgment but a tautology. Book X is judged consistent with the portion of the Bible that is consistent with Book X. This statement will always be true whether Book X is the Quran, the Vedas, or Dr. Seuss. This is not much of a criteria for judgment, either this is a flawed interpretation of the Quran or the author of the Quran was fond of both cryptic and very shoddy argumentation.
- It exchanges the basis of judgment and that which is judged, and thereby one who adopts this method is in violation of the Quran and is condemned as an “evil liver” in 5:49 because of allowing the Gospel to judge they judge the Gospel.
- Interestingly enough this passage ends with the following warning “beware of them lest they seduce you from some part of that which Allah has revealed unto you”. Is this not what the prominent so-called Muslim apologist has done?
- This proposed idea of viewing the Quran as more authoritative than the Torah goes against the example of Muhammad recorded in the Hadith Bukhari : Book 9 : Volume 93 : Hadith 633 and Dawud : Book 38: Hadith 4433. Recall Surah 24:2 prescribes lashing for those who commit adultery, the Torah prescribes stoning, before deciding what should be done Muhammad had the Jews read to him the Torah and followed the Torah inspite of the fact that the Quran says differently.

The Christians and the Jews were asked to judge by the Torah and Gospel. If they are to judge by lost books, then they have been asked to do something beyond the scope of their souls’ abilities. This would imply that the Quran is false since it claims that Allah never tasks a soul beyond its scope (Surah 2:286).

Surah 2:286 (Pickthall) “Allah tasks not a soul beyond its scope. For it (is only) that which it has earned, and against it (only) that which it has deserved. Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget, or miss the mark! Our Lord! Lay not on us such a burden as you did lay on those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us, absolve us and have mercy on us, You, our Protector, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk.”

Muhammad claims that there was certain proof, that he was written in the scriptures of the Christians and the Jews. If the scriptures of the Christians and the Jews were corrupted at the time of Muhammad, no certain proof could be drawn from them. Logically one must conclude that Muhammad and Allah believed the Bible was not corrupted.
1. Surah 20.133 (Pickthall) “And they say: If only he would bring us a miracle from his Lord! Hath there not come unto them the proof of what is in the former scriptures?
2. 13:43 They who disbelieve say: You are no messenger (of Allah). Say: Allah, and whoever has knowledge of the Scripture, is sufficient witness between me and you.”
The Quran repeatedly called the Torah and Gospel scripture and it commanded people to believe in Allah’s scriptures and messengers, notice that both of them are plural.

Surah 4:136 (Pickthall) “O you who believe! Believe in Allah and His messenger and the Scripture which He has revealed unto His messenger, and the Scripture which He revealed aforetime. Whoever disbelieves in Allah and His angels and His scriptures (Kutubihi) and His messengers and the Last Day, he truly has wandered far astray.”

Surah 3:112 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “Indignity is put over them wherever they may be, except when under a covenant (of protection) from Allah, and from men; they have drawn on themselves the Wrath of Allah, and destruction is put over them. This is because they disbelieved in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah and killed the Prophets without right. This is because they disobeyed (Allah) and used to transgress beyond bounds (in Allah's disobedience, crimes and sins).”

Those who reject Allah’s revelations are considered disbelievers

Surah 5:44 (Pickthal) “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.”

Those who reject the revelations of Allah are promised a heavy doom

Surah 3:4 (Pickthal) “Aforetime, for a guidance to mankind; and hath revealed the Criterion (of right and wrong). Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, theirs will be a heavy doom. Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong).”

Other verses promising doom for those who reject verses (Ayat) Surah 3:4,21, 7:9, 7:36-37, 7:40-41, 7:51-52, 7:72, 7:177-178, 7:182, 8:54. Surah 7:64 says people in Noah’s day denied verses and were doomed , According to Surah 7:136 Many Egyptians killed for rejecting verses. Surah 7:175 says throwing away verses is of the devil (and I might add modern Muslim apologists). Surah 6:21 (Pickthal) “Who doth greater wrong than he who inventeth a lie against Allah or denieth His revelations? Lo! the wrongdoers will not be successful.”

The Jews of Muhammad’s day were condemned for believing only a part of their scriptures in Surah 2:83-85.

Surah 2:83-85 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “And (remember) when We took a covenant from the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none but God (Alone) and be dutiful and good to parents, and to kindred, and to orphans and Al-Masâkîn(the poor), [Tafsir At-Tabarî, Volume 10, Page 158 (Verse 9:60)] and speak good to people [i.e. enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, and say the truth about Muhammad Peace be upon him ], and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât. Then you slid back, except a few of you, while you are backsliders. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubî, Volume 2, Page 392). 84. And (remember) when We took your covenant (saying): Shed not the blood of your people, nor turn out your own people from their dwellings. Then, (this) you ratified and (to this) you bear witness. 85. After this, it is you who kill one another and drive out a party of you from their homes, assist (their enemies) against them, in sin and transgression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, although their expulsion was forbidden to you. Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And God is not unaware of what you do.”

This would signify one of two things:

The scriptures were completely reliable. 2. Allah condemns people who don’t believe in corrupted scriptures.

This renders the argument that the Bible is corrupted meaningless because regardless of whether the Bible is corrupted you must accept all of it or face Allah’s curse.

Examination of passages in the Quran and Hadith used by Modern so-called
Muslim apologists who claim Islam taught the Torah and Gospel are corrupt. {#examination-of-passages-in-the-quran-and-hadith-used-by-modern-so-called-muslim-apologists-who-claim-islam-taught-the-torah-and-gospel-are-corrupt.}

Below are passages so-called Muslims cite to claim the Bible is corrupted. It is incumbent upon these so-called Muslims to show the following things

The changes were to the physical texts and not to verbal recitations or written translations.
The changes corrupted the scriptures worldwide.
That these passages as understood by the Muslim apologists are in harmony with the above points.

Failure to do any of these would result in either, admission that Islam acknowledges the veracity of the Bible, or that the Islamic source material is a mess of contradictions and the religion of Islam is in disarray.

Surah 2:75-80 (Pickthall) “Have you any hope that they will be true to you when a party of them used to listen to the word of Allah, then used to change it, after they had understood it, knowingly? 76And when they fall in with those who believe, they say: We believe. But when they go apart one with another they say: Prate you to them of that which Allah has disclosed to you that they may contend with you before your Lord concerning it? Have you then no sense? 77Are they then unaware that Allah knows that which they keep hidden and that which they proclaim? 78Among them are unlettered folk who know the Scripture not except from hearsay. They but guess. 79Therefore woe be unto those who write the Scripture with their hands and then say, "This is from Allah," that they may purchase a small gain therewith. Woe unto them for that their hands have written, and woe unto them for that they earn thereby. 80And they say: The Fire (of punishment) will not touch us save for a certain number of days. Say: Have you received a covenant from Allah - truly Allah will not break His covenant - or tell you concerning Allah that which you know not?””
1. These people were alive at the time of Muhammad
2. They heard the word of Allah, they did not read it, It could well be that it is talking of listening to Muhammad’s message.
3. They changed what they heard, and understood.
4. Among the group that heard were unlettered folk (i.e. they could not understand Hebrew.) Their only knowledge of the Torah was hearsay
5. These folk wrote, claiming what they wrote was from Allah, since they could not read Hebrew, it is unlikely that they wrote in Hebrew, but probably Arabic. Changing a Hebrew text would mean very little to Muhammad’s followers, it would hardly necessitate a warning to Muhammad’s followers.
6. Even if a small group of people in Muhammad’s time wanted to change the Torah, they would not be able to change it everywhere!

For the previously stated reasons, this passage is of no help to those who wish to argue that the Bible was corrupt at the time of Muhammad.

Surah 3:78-79 (Pickthall) “78And lo! there is a party of them who distort the Scripture with their tongues, that you 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. 79It is not (possible) for any human being unto whom Allah had given the Scripture and 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 you faithful servants of the Lord by virtue of your constant teaching of the Scripture and of your constant study thereof.”
1. This passage is sometimes cited as evidence of the scriptures being corrupted,
2. These people only verbally distorted the scripture.
  1. Bukhari :: Book 9 :: Volume 93 :: Hadith 632 Narrated Abu
    Huraira: The people of the Scripture used to read the Torah in Hebrew and explain it to the Muslims in Arabic. Then Allah's Apostle said, "Do not believe the people of the Scripture, and do not disbelieve them, but say, 'We believe in Allah and whatever has been revealed...' (3.84) (See also Bukhari :: Book 6 :: Volume 60 :: Hadith 12 )
3. They lied knowingly; hence, they knew what the scripture really said. That would not be possible unless the scripture was accessible to them.
4. These people are exhorted to serve the Lord by constantly studying and teaching the scriptures, why would they be so exhorted if the books were corrupt?
5. In light of this, why is the Bible banned in Muslim countries?
Surah 5:12-15 (Pickthall) “12Allah made a covenant of old with the Children of Israel and We raised among them twelve chieftains, and Allah said: Lo! I am with you. If you establish worship and pay the poor-due, and believe in My messengers and support them, and lend unto Allah a kindly loan, surely I shall remit your sins, and surely I shall bring you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow. Whoever among you disbelieves after this will go astray from a plain road.13And because of their breaking their covenant, We have cursed them and made hard their hearts. They change words from their context and forget a part of that whereof they were admonished. You will not cease to discover treachery from all save a few of them. But bear with them and pardon them. Lo! Allah loves the kindly. 14And with those who say: "Lo! we are Christians," We made a covenant, but they forgot a part of that whereof they were admonished. Therefor We have stirred up enmity and hatred among them till the Day of Resurrection, when Allah will inform them of their handiwork. 15O People of the Scripture! Now has Our messenger come unto you, expounding unto you much of that which you used to hide in the Scripture, and forgiving much. now has come unto you light from Allah and plain Scripture,”
1. The passage deals with a covenant made by Allah with Israel.
2. The passage seems to be addressed to the Jews of Muhammad’s day when the Muslims needed money.
3. The passage claims the Jews broke the covenant by: Having a hard heart; Forgetting part of what they were admonished; Changing words from their proper context. But in order for these people to change words from the proper context, they had to be in the proper context to start!
4. Nothing indicates a corruption of the text.
5. This story is mentioned in the Hadith: Bukhari : Book 5 : Volume 58 : Hadith 281 Narrated Ibn Abbas: They, the people of the Scriptures, divided this Scripture into parts, believing in some portions of it and disbelieving the others. (See 15:91)
  1. Ibn Ishaq⁸⁷ clarifies this “[Some Jews and Christians disputed before Muhammad, accusing each other of having no standing before God. The Jews denied Jesus and the Gospel, while the Christians denied Moses and the Torah.] So God sent down concerning them [sura 2:113], i.e. each one reads in his book the confirmation of what he denies, so that the Jews deny Jesus though they have the Torah in which God required them by the word of Moses to hold Jesus true; while in the Gospel is what Jesus brought in confirmation of Moses and the Torah he brought from God: so each one denies what is in the hand of the other.”
Bukhari : Book 9 : Volume 92 : Hadith 461 Narrated Ubaidullah: Ibn 'Abbas said, "Why do you ask the people of the scripture about anything while your Book (Quran) which has been revealed to Allah's Apostle is newer and the latest? You read it pure, undistorted and unchanged, and Allah has told you that the people of the scripture (Jews and Christians) changed their scripture and distorted it, and wrote the scripture with their own hands and said, 'It is from Allah,' to sell it for a little gain. Does not the knowledge which has come to you prevent you from asking them about anything? No, by Allah, we have never seen any man from them asking you regarding what has been revealed to you!"
1. The context is a “verbal discussion” Ibn Abbas did not say don’t ask to see their text! Keep in mind. The Muslims relied on the Jews to read their text and explain it to the Arabs in Arabic.
Bukhari : Book 9 : Volume 93 : Hadith 632 Narrated Abu Huraira: The people of the Scripture used to read the Torah in Hebrew and explain it to the Muslims in Arabic. Then Allah's Apostle said, "Do not believe the people of the Scripture, and do not disbelieve them, but say, 'We believe in Allah and whatever has been revealed...' 2. This Hadith is a reference to a passage of the Quran
1. Surah 2:78-79 (Pickthall) “Among them are unlettered folk who know the Scripture not except from hearsay. They but guess. 79Therefore woe be unto those who write the Scripture with their hands and then say, "This is from Allah," that they may purchase a small gain therewith. Woe unto them for that their hands have written, and woe unto them for that they earn thereby”
2. We have already addressed this passage and found that the people that were doing this were
  1. Ignorant of the Hebrew and did not have direct access to the text but only had hearsay information.
  2. Localized and incapable of corrupting all scripture everywhere
  3. The writing of “scripture” with their own hands
3. The Narrator, Ibn Abbas, does not appeal to a statement of Muhammad but expresses his own opinion.
4. Ibn Abbas elsewhere stated that he believed the Torah and the Injil had been perfectly preserved.
  1. LV. The words of Allah Almighty, "It is indeed a Glorious Qur'an preserved on a Tablet." (85:21-22) "By the Mount and an Inscribed Book" (52:1-2): Qatada said that "mastur" means "written". "Yasturun" (68:1) means "they inscribe", and the Umm al-Kitab (43:4) is the whole of the Qur'an and its source. [He said that] "ma talfizu" (50:18) means: "He does not say anything but that it is written against him." Ibn 'Abbas said, "Both good and evil are recorded," and "yuharrufuna" (4:46) means "they remove". NO ONE REMOVES THE WORKS[sic] OF ONE OF THE BOOKS OF ALLAH ALMIGHTY, BUT THEY TWIST THEM, INTEPRETING THEM IMPROPERLY. "Dirasatihim: (6:156) means "their recitation" "Wa'iyya" (69:12) is preserving, "ta'iha" (69:12) means to "preserve it". "This Qur'an has been revealed to me by inspiration that I may warn you," meaning the people of Makka, "and all whom it reaches"(6:19) meaning this Qur'an, so he is its warner. (Aisha Bewley, Sahih Collection of al-Bukhari, 100. Book of Tawhid (the belief that Allah is One in His Essence, Attributes and Actions); source; capital and underline emphasis ours) ⁸⁸
5. Notice the above hadith is from Bukhari’s Book of Tawhid. Since Bukhari did not include hadiths he thought were theologically flawed, we conclude Bukhari agreed with the statements credited to Ibn Abbas. If one trusts Bukhari to judge the validity of Muslim traditions, how is it that they do not trust him when he believed in the preservation of the Torah and Gospel? Are those who claim the Gospel and Torah are corrupted of the opinion that Bukhari lacked discernment, was a heretic and/or did not understand the very traditions he was trusted to collect? For more on this topic see
  1. http://answering-islam.org/authors/shamoun/rebuttals/zawadi/torah_quran.html
6. Either Ibn Abbas was fickle or undecided about the scriptures, or he was consistent and in Bukhari : Book 9 : Volume 92 : Hadith 461 he referred to what was said not what was in their written copies. It is likely that this is a reference to what was being said not the text, because it is unlikely that Ibn Abbas knew Hebrew, consequently could not know they were changed.
1. Conclusion {#conclusion}

Both Allah and Muhammad believed the Torah and the Gospel at the time of Muhammad were inspired revelations from Allah. Any Muslim who rejects the inspiration of the Bible rejects verses from Allah according to the Quran and are promised a painful doom. The passages that Muslim apologists appeal to in an effort to support their argument, when closely examined, do not actually support their case.

The Quran in Conflict with the Bible and Itself (These are by no means and
exhaustive lists but sufficient to demonstrate the claims.) {#the-quran-in-conflict-with-the-bible-and-itself-(these-are-by-no-means-and-exhaustive-lists-but-sufficient-to-demonstrate-the-claims.)}
1. The Quran mentions crazy things that never happened
  {#the-quran-mentions-crazy-things-that-never-happened}

Surah 2:55-56 Jews told to remember when they were all struck dead by a thunderbolt in the wilderness and then raised to life. Why would the Jews remember such an event when it is not recorded in their Bible?

Surah 2:55-56 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “And (remember) when you said: "O Mûsa (Moses)! We shall never believe in you till we see God plainly." But you were seized with a thunderbolt (lightning) while you were looking. Then We raised you up after your death, so that you might be grateful.”

It is hard to know if the following passage is a reference to the same story or just another made up tale.

Surah 2:243 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “Did you (O Muhammad) not think of those who went forth from their homes in thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them, “Die”. And then He restored them to life. Truly, Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, but most men thank not.”

According to Surah 2:63, a mountain held over the Jews, and some Jews were turned into monkeys.

Surah 2:63-65 (Al-Hilali and Khan). “And (O Children of Israel, remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying): "Hold fast to that which We have given you, and remember that which is therein so that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious -- see V.2:2). Then after that you turned away. Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of God upon you, indeed you would have been among the losers. And indeed you knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday). We said to them: "Be you monkeys, despised and rejected."”
Surah 17:101 Quran claims Pharaoh calls Moses bewitched.

Surah 17:101 (Al-Hilali and Khan) And indeed We gave to Musa (Moses) nine clear signs. Ask then the Children of Israel, when he came to them, then Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said to him: "O Musa (Moses)! I think you are indeed bewitched."

It was common for Muhammad to recast Bible characters in his own image. Muhammad was called bewitched and possessed so he claimed the same thing happened to Moses or another prophet. This was a way of defending his prophethood. When he had the Satanic verses he claimed that all of the prophets had a similar experience.
Surah 26:49; 7:123-124 Crucifixion during Moses’ day; 12:41 Crucifixion at the time of Joseph? In Egypt? 20:71 Pharoah crucifies people. The following is a passage retelling the story of Josephs interpreting of dreams in prison in Egypt

Surah 12:41. (Al-Hilali and Khan) "O two companions of the prison! As for one of you, he (as a servant) will pour out wine for his lord (king or master) to drink; and as for the other, he will be crucified and birds will eat from his head. Thus is the case judged concerning which you both did inquire."

The Egyptians of Mose’s time executed people by impaling them on a pointed stake, centuries later the Romans executed people by fastening them to a cross. For more information on this there is a good article by Andrew Vargo on www.answering-islam.org entitled Crucifixion Or 'Crucifiction' In Ancient Egypt? http://www.answering-islam.org/Responses/Saifullah/crucifixion2.htm

Surah 28:6-8,38 Quran has Haman in Egypt with Pharaoh, this demonstrates again how Islam got everything messed up.
1. Surah 28:4-8 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 4. Verily, Fir'aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidûn (i.e. those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants, etc.). 5. And We wished to do a favour to those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors, 6. And to establish them in the land, and We let Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and Hâmân and their hosts receive from them that which they feared. 7. And We inspired the mother of Mûsa (Moses), (saying): "Suckle him [Mûsa (Moses)], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers." 8. Then the household of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Verily! Fir'aun (Pharaoh), Hâmân and their hosts were sinners.
2. Surah 28:38 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 38. Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "O chiefs! I know not that you have an ilâh (a god) other than me, so kindle for me (a fire), O Hâmân, to bake (bricks out of) clay, and set up for me a Sarhan (a lofty tower, or palace, etc.) in order that I may look at (or look for) the Ilâh (God) of Mûsa (Moses); and verily, I think that he [Mûsa (Moses)] is one of the liars."
Surah 27:16 -17 Solomon and David allegedly knew the language of Birds

Surah 27:16-17 **(Al-Hilali and Khan) “**And Sulaimân (Solomon) inherited (the knowledge of) Dawûd (David). He said: "O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace (from God)." And there were gathered before Sulaimân (Solomon) his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards).”
Surah 33:69 Talks of Allah clearing Moses of what people alledge, Bukhari’s Hadith claims this was done by having a stone take Moses’ clothes and Moses had to chase it naked so that all could see he did not have a hernia Bukhari 4/3404 (O.P. 616).
1. Surah 33:69 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 69. O you who believe! Be not like those who annoyed Mûsa (Moses), but God cleared him of that which they alleged, and he was honourable before God.
2. Bukhari :: Book 4 :: Volume 55 :: Hadith 616 Narrated Abu Huraira:Allah's Apostle said, "(The Prophet) Moses was a shy person and used to cover his body completely because of his extensive shyness. One of the children of Israel hurt him by saying, 'He covers his body in this way only because of some defect in his skin, either leprosy or scrotal hernia, or he has some other defect.' Allah wished to clear Moses of what they said about him, so one day while Moses was in seclusion, he took off his clothes and put them on a stone and started taking a bath. When he had finished the bath, he moved towards his clothes so as to take them, but the stone took his clothes and fled; Moses picked up his stick and ran after the stone saying, 'O stone! Give me my garment!' Till he reached a group of Bani Israel who saw him naked then, and found him the best of what Allah had created, and Allah cleared him of what they had accused him of. The stone stopped there and Moses took and put his garment on and started hitting the stone with his stick. By Allah, the stone still has some traces of the hitting, three, four or five marks. This was what Allah refers to in His Saying:-- "O you who believe! Be you not like those Who annoyed Moses, But Allah proved his innocence of that which they alleged, And he was honorable In Allah's Sight." (33.69)

Of course this story is embarrassing for Islam on multiple levels. 1) It is a story of Moses that is not recorded in the Bible or any account gathered through empirical observation. 2) It has a stone stealing Moses’ clothes and running 3) It has Moses asking a stone to give him his clothes 4) It has him hitting the stone for “making him” run naked after it.

Surah 74:31 The so-called proof that Muhammad is a prophet is that this Quran gives the same number for the number of angels as the Bible specifies. (There is no number specified in the Bible but the Quran seem to indicate 19 (in parentheses, I am not sure if it is in the Arabic). The Quran shows itself to be false in multiple ways: It claims the Bible gives a number for the number of angels It claims it gives the same number
1. Surah 74:31 (Al-Hilali and Khan) 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 God intends by this (curious) example ?" Thus God 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.
Surah 18:60 Jews are asked to “remember” a Crazy story about Al-Khidr that is not in the OT; where was it from, if it predates the Quran, if not why should the Jews “remember” it? How are they supposed to remember a crazy story they never heard?

Surah 18:60-82 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) said to his boy-servant: "I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling." But when they reached the junction of the two seas, they forgot their fish, and it took its way through the sea as in a tunnel.. So when they had passed further on (beyond that fixed place), Mûsa (Moses) said to his boy-servant: "Bring us our morning meal; truly, we have suffered much fatigue in this, our journey.". He said:"Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the rock? I indeed forgot the fish, none but Shaitân (Satan) made me forget to remember it. It took its course into the sea in a strange (way)!". [Mûsa (Moses)] said: "That is what we have been seeking." So they went back retracing their footsteps.. Then they found one of Our slaves, unto whom We had bestowed mercy from Us, and whom We had taught knowledge from Us.. Mûsa (Moses) said to him (Khidr) "May I follow you so that you teach me something of that knowledge (guidance and true path) which you have been taught (by God)?". He (Khidr) said: "Verily! You will not be able to have patience with me!. "And how can you have patience about a thing which you know not?". Mûsa (Moses) said: "If God will, you will find me patient, and I will not disobey you in aught.". He (Khidr) said: "Then, if you follow me, ask me not about anything till I myself mention it to you.". So they both proceeded, till, when they embarked the ship, he (Khidr) scuttled it. Mûsa (Moses) said: "Have you scuttled it in order to drown its people? Verily, you have committed a thing "Imra" (a Munkar -- evil, bad, dreadful thing).". He (Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you, that you would not be able to have patience with me?". [Mûsa (Moses)] said: "Call me not to account for what I forgot, and be not hard upon me for my affair (with you).". Then they both proceeded, till they met a boy, he (Khidr) killed him. Mûsa (Moses) said: "Have you killed an innocent person who had killed none? Verily, you have committed a thing "Nukra" (a great Munkar -- prohibited, evil, dreadful thing)!". (Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?". [Mûsa (Moses)] said: "If I ask you anything after this, keep me not in your company, you have received an excuse from me.". Then they both proceeded, till, when they came to the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to entertain them. Then they found therein a wall about to collapse and he (Khidr) set it up straight. [Mûsa (Moses)] said: If you had wished, surely, you could have taken wages for it!". (Khidr) said: "This is the parting between me and you, I will tell you the interpretation of (those) things over which you were unable to hold patience.. "As for the ship, it belonged to Masâkîn (poor people) working in the sea. So I wished to make a defective damage in it, as there was a king after them who seized every ship by force.. "And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief.. "So we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in righteousness and near to mercy.. "And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the town; and there was under it a treasure belonging to them; and their father was a righteous man, and your Lord intended that they should attain their age of full strength and take out their treasure as a mercy from your Lord. And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of those (things) over which you could not hold patience." 2. ## Quran makes error in describing events {#quran-makes-error-in-describing-events}
Surah 11:38-47 Says one of Noah’s sons died in the flood.

Surah 11:38-47 (Pickthall) And he was building the ship, and every time that chieftains of his people passed him, they made mock of him. He said Though you make mock of Us, yet We mock at you even as you mock; 39 And you shall know to whom a punishment that will confound him comes, and upon whom a lasting doom will fall. 40 (Thus it was) till, when Our commandment came to pass and the oven gushed forth water, We said: Load therein two of every kind, a pair (the male and female), and your household, save him against whom the word has gone forth already, and those who believe. And but a few were they who believed with him. 41 And he said: Embark therein! In the name of Allah be its course and its mooring. Lo! my Lord is Forgiving, Merciful. 42 And it sailed with them amid waves like mountains, and Noah cried unto his son - and he was standing aloof - O my son! Come ride with us, and be not with the disbelievers. 43 He said: I shall betake me to some mountain that will save me from the water. (Noah) said: This day there is none that saves from the commandment of Allah save him on whom He has had mercy. And the wave came in between them, so he was among thedrowned. 44 And it was said: O earth! Swallow your water and, O sky! be cleared of clouds! And the water was made to subside. And the commandment was fulfilled. And it (the ship) came to rest upon (the mount) Al-Judi and it was said: A far removal for wrongdoing folk! 45 And Noah cried unto his Lord and said: My Lord! Lo! my son is of my household! Surely Your promise is the truth and You are the Most Just of Judges. 46 He said: O Noah! Lo! he is not of your household; lo! he is of evil conduct, so ask not of Me that whereof you have no knowledge. I admonish you lest you be among the ignorant. 47 He said: My Lord! Lo! in You do I seek refuge (from the sin) that I should ask of You that whereof I have no knowledge. Unless You forgive me and have mercy on me I shall be among the lost.
Surah 23:27 Of Noahs flood it says water gushes forth from the oven
1. Surah 23:23-27 (Pickthall) 23”And We truly sent Noah unto his folk, and he said: O my people! Serve Allah. You have no other God save Him. Will you not ward off (evil)? 24But the chieftains of his folk, who disbelieved, said: This is only a mortal like you who would make himself superior to you. Had Allah willed, He surely could have sent down angels. We heard not of this in the case of our fathers of old. 25He is only a man in whom is a madness, so watch him for a while. 26He said: My Lord! Help me because they deny me. 27Then We inspired in him, saying: Make the ship under Our eyes and Our inspiration. Then, when Our command comes and the oven gushes water, introduce therein of every (kind) two spouses, and your household save him thereof against whom the Word has already gone forth. And plead not with Me on behalf of those who have done wrong. Lo! they will be drowned.”
The story of Jesus’ Birth in the Quran contradicts the story in the Bible
1. Surah 19:16-34 (Pickthall) 16And make mention of Mary in the Scripture, when she had withdrawn from her people to a chamber looking East. 17And had chosen seclusion from them. Then We sent unto her Our Spirit and it assumed for her the likeness of a perfect man. 18She said: Lo! I seek refuge in the Beneficent One from you, if you are God-fearing. 19He said: I am only a messenger of your Lord, that I may bestow on you a faultless son. 20She said: How can I have a son when no mortal has touched me, neither have I been unchaste? 21He said: So (it will be). Your Lord says: It is easy for Me. And (it will be) that We may make of him a revelation for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained. 22And she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place. 23 And the pangs of childbirth drove her unto the trunk of the palm-tree. She said: Oh, would that I had died ere this and had become a thing of nothing, forgotten! 24Then (one) cried unto her from below her, saying: Grieve not! Your Lord has placed a rivulet beneath you. 25And shake the trunk of the palm-tree toward you, you will cause ripe dates to fall upon you. 26So eat and drink and be consoled. And if you meet any mortal, say: Lo! I have vowed a fast unto the Beneficent, and may not speak this day to any mortal. 27Then she brought him to her own folk, carrying him. They said: O Mary! You have come with an amazing thing. 28O sister of Aaron! Your father was not a wicked man nor was your mother a harlot**. 29Then she pointed to him. They said: How can we talk to one who is in the cradle, a young boy? 30 He spoke: Lo! I am the slave of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and has appointed me a Prophet,** 31 And has made me blessed wheresoever I may be, and has enjoined upon me prayer and almsgiving so long as I remain alive, 32And (has made me) dutiful toward her who bore me, and has not made me arrogant, unblest. 33Peace on me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive! 34 Such was Jesus, son of Mary: (this is) a statement of the truth concerning which they doubt.
2. Several parts of this account contradict the Bible’s account
  1. Surah 19:23 Has Mary giving birth under a palm tree rather than a manger
  2. Surah 19:28 Calls Mary the sister of Aaron, apparently Allah thought Moses’ sister Miriam was Jesus mother.
  3. Surah 19:29 The first miracle performed by Jesus is talking as a newborn, whereas the Bible (John 2) says Jesus’ first miracle was at the Wedding in Cana
Surah 26:196 Allah claims the Quran is contained in the former scriptures;

Surah 26:192-197 (Pickthall) “And lo! it is a revelation of the Lord of the Worlds, Which the True Spirit has brought down Upon your heart, that you may be (one) of the warners, In plain Arabic speech. And lo! it is in the Scriptures of the men of old. Is it not a token for them that the doctors of the Children of Israel know it?”
1. if that is true how could Muhammad say that his was a new revelation, except to say it is a translation into plain Arabic (V195).
2. Of course it is clearly not contained in the Bible!
3. If this were true then Muhammad was repeating tales told by the ancients. But surah 6:25-27 of the Quran states this is what the unbelievers say
  
  Pickthal 6:25-27 “Of them are some who listen unto thee, but We have placed upon their hearts veils, lest they should understand, and in their ears a deafness. If they saw every token they would not believe therein; to the point that, when they come unto thee to argue with thee, the disbelievers say: This is naught else than fables of the men of old. And they forbid (men) from it and avoid it, and they ruin none save themselves, though they perceive not. If thou couldst see when they are set before the Fire and say: Oh, would that we might return! Then would we not deny the revelations of our Lord but we would be of the believers!”
4. It was claimed that the learned scholars of the children of Israel knew this (26:197) yet it is not in their commentaries, nor is the Quran contained in the TNK or even the Talmud!
5. Muslims can’t argue that the original books of the Jews have been corrupted, because otherwise the scholars would not be able to know that it was contained in it.
Surah 3:33-50 Confuses Mariam the sister of Moses with Jesus’ mother, it also has a number of other things wrong with it

Surah 3:33-50 (Pickthall) “Lo! Allah preferred Adam and Noah and the Family of Abraham and the Family of 'Imran above (all His) creatures. 34 They were descendants one of another. Allah is Hearer, Knower. 35 (Remember) when the wife of 'Imran said: My Lord! I have vowed unto You that which is in my belly as a consecrated (offering). Accept it from me. Lo! You, only You, are the Hearer, the Knower! 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 Your protection for her and for her offspring from Satan the outcast. 37 And her Lord accepted her with full acceptance and vouchsafed to her a goodly growth; and made Zachariah her guardian. Whenever Zachariah went into the sanctuary where she was, he found that she had food. He said: O Mary! Whence comes unto you this (food)? She answered: It is from Allah. Allah gives without stint to whom He will. 38 Then Zachariah prayed unto his Lord and said: My Lord! Bestow upon me of Your bounty goodly offspring. Lo! You are the Hearer of Prayer. 39 And the angels called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: Allah gives you glad tidings of (a son whose name is) John, (who comes) to confirm a word from Allah lordly, chaste, a prophet of the righteous. 40 He said: My Lord! How can I have a son when age has overtaken me already and my wife is barren? (The angel) answered: So (it will be). Allah does what He will. 41 He said: My Lord! Appoint a token for me. (The angel) said: The token unto you (shall be) that you shall not speak unto mankind three days except by signs. Remember your Lord much, and praise (Him) in the early hours of night and morning. 42 And when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah has chosen you and made you pure, and has preferred you above (all) the women of creation.43 O Mary! Be obedient to your Lord, prostrate thyself and bow with those who bow (in worship). 44 This is of the tidings of things hidden. We reveal it unto you (Mohammed). You were not present with them when they threw their pens (to know) which of them should be the guardian of Mary, nor were you present with them when they quarreled (thereupon). 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). 46 He will speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the righteous. 47 She said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal has touched me? He said: So (it will be). Allah creates what He will. If He decrees a thing, He says unto it only: Be! and it is. 48 And He will teach him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel, 49 And will make him a messenger unto the Children of Israel, (saying): Lo! I come unto you with a sign from your Lord. Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Allah's leave. I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Allah's leave. And I announce unto you what you eat and what you store up in your houses. Lo! herein truly is a portent for you, if you are to be believers. 50 And (I come) confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful some of that which was forbidden unto you. I come unto you with a sign from your Lord, so keep your duty to Allah and obey me.
Surah 19:7-14 contains a Quranic account of the Birth of John the Baptist, it differs from the Bible and claims that John was sinless, and that nobody was named John before him. This is clearly not true- Bible says nobody in his family. In fact King David’s best friend was named John. Furthermore the Bible does not portray John as being sinless.

Surah 19:7-14 (Pickthall) 7 (It was said unto him): O Zachariah! Lo! We bring you tidings of a son whose name is John; we have given the same name to none before (him). 8 He said: My Lord! How can I have a son when my wife is barren and I have reached infirm old age? 9 He said: So (it will be). Your Lord says: It is easy for Me, even as I created you before, when you were nothing. 10 He said: My Lord! Appoint for me some token. He said: Your token is that you, with no bodily defect, shall not speak unto mankind three nights. 11 Then he came forth unto his people from the sanctuary, and signified to them: Glorify your Lord at break of day and fall of night. 12 (And it was said unto his son): O John! Hold fast the Scripture. And we gave him wisdom when a child. 13 And compassion from Our presence, and purity; and he was devout, 14 And dutiful toward his parents. And he was not arrogant, rebellious.
Surah 20:85-87,95 Allah says the Samaritan (As Samiri) built the golden calf and led the Israelites astray at the time of Moses. After the split of the nation of Israel the northern kingdom was called Israel and one of it’s kings, Omri, made Samaria the capital city. At the time of the split a calf was made, and in Hosea 8 Israel is rebuked for the calf of Samaria. It appears Muhammad was quite confused.

Surah 20:85-95 (Pickthall) 85 He said: Lo! We have tried your folk in your absence, and As-Samiri has misled them. 86 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 you wish that wrath from your Lord should come upon you, that you broke tryst with me? 87 They said: We broke not tryst with you 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 proposed. 88 Then he produced for them a calf, of saffron hue, which gave forth a lowing sound. And they cried: This is your god and the god of Moses, but he has forgotten. 89 See they not, then, that it returns no saying unto them and possesses for them neither hurt nor use? 90 And Aaron indeed had told them beforehand: O my people! You are but being seduced therewith, for lo! your Lord is the Beneficent, so follow me and obey my order. 91 They said: We shall by no means cease to be its votaries till Moses return unto us. 92 He (Moses) said: O Aaron! What held you back when you did see them gone astray,

93 That you follow me not? Have you then disobeyed my order? 94 He said: O son of my mother! Clutch not my beard nor my head! I feared lest you should say: You have caused division among the Children of Israel, and have not waited for my word. 95 (Moses) said: And what have you to say, O Samiri?

There was a calf idol made by the people of Samaria, but this was after King Solomon died, which was hundreds of years after Moses.

Surah 40:24 Pharoah and Haman and Korah all call Moses a sorcerer and a liar, yet Haman was not a contemporary of Pharoah, Korah and Moses. The gets worse in 40:36 when Pharoah instruct Haman to build the tower of Babel something which happened hundreds of years before Moses!

Surah 40:26-39 (Pickthall) 26 And Pharaoh said: Suffer me to kill Moses, and let him cry unto his Lord. Lo! I fear that he will alter your religion or that he will cause confusion in the land. 27 Moses said: Lo! I seek refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every scorner who believes not in a Day of Reckoning. 28 And a believing man of Pharaoh's family, who hid his faith, said: Would you kill a man because he says: My Lord is Allah, and has 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 threatens you will strike you. Lo! Allah guides not one who is a prodigal, a liar. 29 O my people! Yours is the kingdom to-day, you 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. 30 And he who believed said: O my people! Lo! I fear for you a fate like that of the factions (of old); 31 A plight like that of Noah's folk, and A'ad and Thamud, and those after them, and Allah wills no injustice for (His) slaves. 32 And, O my people! Lo! I fear for you a Day of Summoning, 33 A day when you will turn to flee, having no preserver from Allah: and he whom Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide. 34 And truly Joseph brought you of old clear proofs, yet you ceased not to be in doubt concerning what he brought you till, when he died, you said: Allah will not send any messenger after him. Thus Allah deceives him who is a prodigal, a doubter. 35 Those who wrangle concerning the revelations of Allah without any warrant that has come unto them, it is greatly hateful in the sight of Allah and in the sight of those who believe. Thus does Allah print on every arrogant, disdainful heart. 36 And Pharaoh said: O Haman! Build for me a tower that haply I may reach the roads, 37 The roads of the heavens, and may look upon the God of Moses, though truly 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. 38 And he who believed said: O my people! Follow me. I will show you the way of right conduct. 39 O my people! Lo! this life of the world is but a passing comfort, and lo! the Hereafter, that is the enduring home. 3. ## Allah and Muhammad’s Ignorance of the Bible and The Teachings of Jews and Christians {#allah-and-muhammad’s-ignorance-of-the-bible-and-the-teachings-of-jews-and-christians}
Jews worship Ezra and Rabbis, Christians worship monks?

Surah 9:30 Jews say Ezra is the Son of God? 9:31 claims Jews and Christians took Rabbis and monks to be lords besides Allah

Surah 9:30-31 (Pickthall) 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) fights against them. How perverse are they! 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 God. There is no God save Him. Be He Glorified from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him)!

Quran does not understand the dietary laws of the OT

Surah 5:5 claims the food that is lawful to the people of the book is the same as the Muslims. Halal is not equal to kosher. And Christians don’t have to worry about the dietary constraints. Once again Allah shows his ignorance. If he is saying the Christians and the Jews have to abide by a new law , Halal, then why does he make a distinction in the foods of the people of the book and the Muslims?

Surah 5:5 (Pickthall) 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 you give them their marriage portions and live with them in honour, not in fornication, nor taking them as secret concubines. Whoever denies the faith, his work is vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter.

Quran doesn’t realize the Bible teaches parents to discipline their children.

Surah 5:18 The injustice of Allah is demonstrated in his reasoning. He says that Christians and Jews claims to be the children of Allah are false. The proof offered is that Allah punishes them for their sins. The assumption being that Allah would not punish his children if they were sinners. So the Islamic Allah is not just in regards to his children.

Surah 5:18 The Jews and Christians say: We are sons of Allah and His loved ones. Say: Why then does He chastise you for your sins? No, you are but mortals of His creating. He forgives whom He will, and chastises whom He will. Allah's is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, and unto Him is the journeying.

Too Bad Allah didn’t know what the Bible says

Proverbs 3:11–12 (King James Version 1900)11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; Neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Again in the New Testament

Hebrews 12:6–8 (King James Version 1900)6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Allah has it completely backwards from YHVH. Those who YHVH does not chasten are not his children.

Quran claims Israel had kings before Moses.

Surah 5:20 Allah tells Moses to remind his people (the Jews) about the prophets he had sent them and how he had “made you kings” Only problem is the Jews did not have any kings before Before Moses.

Surah 5:20 (Pickthall) 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.

Allah doesn’t understand Christians view of the Messiah

Surah 5:72 “Surely, they have disbelieved who say Allah is the Messiah” – Christians never say God is the Messiah, we say Messiah is God, because we recognize that Messiah has 2 natures and one of which is the divine nature (which He shares with 2 other persons) When we say Messiah is God we are using the word “is” in the attributive sense and not the equative sense, consequently the order of the terms cannot be reversed this is why Muslims look ignorant when they try to use this verse as an argument against Christian doctrine.

Quran’s misunderstanding of the Son of God

Surah 19:35 says “Allah does not beget a son” – I don’t think Allah understands our view of the incarnation, Christians do not believe the Son is begotten in a biological sense. In fact the Greek word really means one of a kind.

Surah 39:4 says “Had Allah willed to take a son he could have chosen whom he would out of those he created.” This indicates the following things

When Islam talks about Allah not having a son it is not talking about the same kind of thing Christianity means by the “Son of God”. The Quran talks of a created son, The Biblical Son of God is eternal 2. It is possible for Allah to adopt a created being as a son, but humans cannot adopt sons since Islam abolished adoption?
1. If this verse is applied against the Christian it indicates one of two things is possible:
  1. They are applying a verse to the Christians that Allah did not intend to be applied to them.
  2. They are applying the verse as Allah intended but Allah is ignorant concerning the Christian beliefs and is guilty of committing the straw man logical fallacy.

Islam’s misunderstanding of the Trinity

Surah 4:171 says Christians have 3 gods.

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.

Surah 5:73-75 says we believe Allah is the 3rd of 3. Apparently it thinks we believe in (Jesus, Mary and Allah)

5:73 They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no God save the One God. If they desist not from so saying a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve. 5:74 Will they not rather turn unto Allah and seek forgiveness of Him? For Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 5:75 The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) had passed away before him. And his mother was a saintly woman. And they both used to eat (earthly) food. See how We make the revelations clear for them, and see how they are turned away!

The above passage cannot be used against Christianity because it is not a sound argument against the Christian view of the incarnation. The argument is that Mary and Jesus are not gods because they used to eat food. First of all, Christians do not believe Mary is a God, Second Jesus had two natures, we do not believe the divine nature ate food, but we do believe the human nature did. Surah 5:116 is another passage indicating Islam’s flawed understanding of the Trinity.

5:116 And when Allah says: O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you say unto mankind: Take me and my mother for two gods beside Allah? he says: Be glorified! It was not mine to utter that to which I had no right. If I used to say it, then You knew it. You know what is in my mind, and I know not what is in Your Mind. Lo! You, only You, are the Knower of Things Hidden?

Allah ignorant of the Biblical view of divine sonship. This ignorance is displayed in Surah 6:101 “How can he have children when He has no wife” – This is either not directed at Christians or it is proof that Allah is ignorant. Take your pick. Even if one does not believe this is a misguided attack on Christianity, this is problematic for the Muslim when you consider in 39:4 Allah says if he wanted to he could have a son by adopting a son from his creation. Hence Allah can have a son presumably without having a wife.

Contradictions in the Quran {#contradictions-in-the-quran}

The Quran contains a huge number of internal inconsistencies. www.Answering-Islam.org has a long list of them on their site. Below is a small subset of the contradictions listed on the answering-islam’s site.

Who Was the First Muslim?
1. Muhammad [6:14, 163],
  1. Surah 6:14 (Pickthall) Say: Shall I choose for a protecting friend other than Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who feeds and is never fed? Say: I am ordered to be the first to surrender (unto Him). And be not you (O Mohammed) of the idolaters.
  2. Surah 6:162-163 (Pickthall) Say: Lo! my worship and my sacrifice and my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the Worlds. 163 He has no partner. This am I commanded, and I am first of those who surrender (unto Him).
2. Moses [7:143],
  1. Surah 7:143 (Pickthall) And when Moses came to Our appointed tryst and his Lord had spoken unto him, he said: My Lord! Show me (Your Self), that I may gaze upon You. He said: You will not see Me, but gaze upon the mountain! If it stand still in its place, then you will 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 You! I turn unto You repentant, and I am the first of (true) believers.
3. Abraham [2:127-133, 3:67]
  1. Surah 2:127-133 (Pickthall) 2:127 And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, (Abraham prayed): Our Lord! Accept from us (this duty). Lo! You, only You, are the Hearer, the Knower. 2:128 Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our seed a nation submissive unto You, and show us our ways of worship, and relent toward us. Lo! You, only You, are the Relenting, the Merciful. 2:129 Our Lord! And raise up in their midst a messenger from among them who shall recite unto them Your revelations, and shall instruct them in the Scripture and in wisdom and shall make them grow. Lo! You, only You, are the Mighty, Wise. 2:130 And who forsakes the religion of Abraham save him who befools himself? Truly We chose him in the world, and lo! in the Hereafter he is among the righteous. 2:131 When his Lord said unto him: Surrender! he said: I have surrendered to the Lord of the Worlds. 2:132 The same did Abraham enjoin upon his sons, and also Jacob, (saying): O my sons! Lo! Allah has chosen for you the (true) religion; therefore die not save as men who have surrendered (unto Him). 2:133 Or were you present when death came to Jacob, when he said unto his sons: What will you worship after me? They said: We shall worship your God, the God of your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac, One God, and unto Him we have surrendered.
  2. Surah 3:67 (Pickthall) 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.
4. Adam, the first man who also received inspiration from Allah [2:37]?
  1. Surah 2:37 (Pickthall) Then Adam received from his Lord words (of revelation), and He relented toward him. Lo! He is the relenting, the Merciful.
Can Allah be seen and did Muhammad see his Lord?
1. Yes [S. 53:1-18, 81:15-29],
  1. (Pickthall) 53:1 By the Star when it sets, 53:2 Your comrade errs not, nor is deceived; 53:3 Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. 53:4 It is nothing save an inspiration that is inspired, 53:5 Which one of mighty powers has taught him, 53:6 One vigorous; and he grew clear to view 53:7 When he was on the uppermost horizon. 53:8 Then he drew near and came down 53:9 Till he was (distant) two bows' length or even nearer, 53:10 And He revealed unto His slave that which He revealed. 53:11 The heart lied not (in seeing) what it saw. 53:12 Will you then dispute with him concerning what he sees? 53:13 And truly he saw him yet another time 53:14 By the lote-tree of the utmost boundary, 53:15 Near unto which is the Garden of Abode. 53:16 When that which shrouds did enshroud the lote-tree, 53:17 The eye turned not aside nor yet was overbold. 53:18 Truly he saw one of the greater revelations of his Lord.
  2. (Pickthall) 81:15 Oh, but I call to witness the planets, 81:16 The stars which rise and set, 81:17 And the close of night, 81:18 And the breath of morning 81:19 That this is in truth the word of an honoured messenger, 81:20 Mighty, established in the presence of the Lord of the Throne, 81:21 (One) to be obeyed, and trustworthy; 81:22 And your comrade is not mad. 81:23 Surely he beheld Him on the clear horizon. 81:24 And he is not avid of the Unseen. 81:25 Nor is this the utterance of a devil worthy to be stoned. 81:26 Whither then go you? 81:27 This is nothing else than a reminder unto creation, 81:28 Unto whomsoever of you wills to walk straight. 81:29 And you will not, unless (it be) that Allah wills, the Lord of Creation.
2. No [6:102-103, 42:51].
  1. Surah 6:102-103 (Yusaf Ali) 102. That is God, your Lord! there is no god but He, the Creator of all things: then worship ye Him: and He hath power to dispose of all affairs. 103. No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.
  2. Surah 42:51 (Yusaf Ali) 51. It is not fitting for a man that God should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by the sending of a messenger to reveal, with God's permission, what God wills: for He is Most High, Most Wise.
3. This is an odd thing it is not fitting for a man to see Allah so angels like jibril are middle men, yet angels were told to bow down to adam. Do you get the feeling that none of this makes any sense.
What will people in Hell eat?
1. Nothing but a bitter "Dhari"
  1. Sura 88:1-7 (Yusaf Ali) , 1. Has the story reached thee of the overwhelming (Event)? 2. Some faces, that Day, will be humiliated, 3. Labouring (hard), weary, -- 4. The while they enter the Blazing Fire, -- 5. The while they are given, to drink, of a boiling hot spring, 6. No food will there be for them but a bitter Dhari' 7. Which will neither nourish nor satisfy hunger.
2. Nothing except the corruption from the washing of wounds
  1. Surah. 69:30-37 (Yusaf Ali), 30. (The stern command will say): "Seize ye him, and bind ye him, 31. "And burn ye him in the Blazing Fire. 32. "Further, make him march in a chain, whereof the length is seventy cubits! 33. "This was he that would not believe in God Most High. 34. "And would not encourage the feeding of the indigent! 35. "So no friend hath he here this Day. 36. "Nor hath he any food except the corruption from the washing of wounds, 37. "Which none do eat but those in sin."
3. But they will also eat from the tree of Zaqqum ?
  1. Surah 37:58-66 (Yusaf Ali), 58. "Is it (the case) that we shall not die, 59. "Except our first death, and that we shall not be punished?" 60. Verily this is the supreme achievement! 61. For the like of this let all strive, who wish to strive. 62. Is that the better entertainment or the Tree of Zaqqum? 63. For We have truly made it (as) a trial for the wrong-doers. 64. For it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-Fire: 65. The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of devils: 66. Truly they will eat thereof and fill their bellies therewith.
  2. These 3 verses are all contradictory.
How many days did Allah need to destroy the people of Aad?
1. One day
  1. Surah 54:18-19 (Yusaf Ali) 18. The 'Ad (people) (too) rejected (Truth): then how terrible was My Penalty and My Warning? 19. For We sent against them a furious wind, on a Day of violent Disaster,
2. Several days [41:16; 69:6,7]
  1. Surah 41:15-16 (Yusaf Ali) 15. Now the 'Ad behaved arrogantly through the land, against (all) truth and reason, and said: "Who is superior to us in strength?" What! did they not see that God, Who created them, was superior to them in strength? But they continued to reject Our Signs! 16. So We sent against them a furious Wind through days of disaster, that We might give them a taste of a Penalty of humiliation in this life; but the Penalty of a Hereafter will be more humiliating still: and they will find no help.
  2. Surah 69:6-8 (Yusaf Ali) 6. And the 'Ad, they were destroyed by a furious Wind, exceedingly violent; 7. He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession: so that thou couldst see the (whole) people lying prostrate in its (path), as they had been roots of hollow palm-trees tumbled down! 8. Then seest thou any of them left surviving?
Six or eight days of creation? Sura 7:54, 10:3, 11:7, and 25:59 clearly state that God created "the heavens and the earth" in six days. But in 41:9-12 the detailed description of the creation procedure adds up to eight days. (This topic also includes many Muslim responses and further discussion.)
1. Surah 7:54 (Yusaf Ali) 54. Your Guardian-Lord is God, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority): He draweth the night as a veil o'er the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession: He created the sun, the moon, and the stars, (all) governed by laws under His command. Is it not His to create and to govern? Blessed be God, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds!
2. Surah 41:9-12 (Yusaf Ali) 9. Say: Is it that ye deny Him Who created the earth in two Days? And do ye join equals with Him? He is the Lord of (all) the Worlds. 10. He set on the (earth), mountains standing firm, high above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth, and measure therein all things to give them nourishment in due proportion, in four Days, in accordance with (the needs of) those who seek (Sustenance). 11. Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We do come (together), in willing obedience." 12. So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge.
Heavens or Earth? Which was created first?
1. First earth and then heaven [2:29],
  1. Surah 2:29 (Yusaf Ali) 29. It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.
2. Heaven first then earth [79:27-30].
  1. Surah 79:27-30 (Yusaf Ali) 27. What! Are ye the more difficult to create or the heaven (above)? ((God)) hath constructed it: 28. On high hath He raised its canopy, and He hath given it order and perfection. 29. Its night doth He endow with darkness, and its splendour doth He bring out (with light). 30. And the earth, moreover, hath He extended (to a wide expanse);
What was man created from?
1. A clot 96:1-2 Read: In the name of your Lord Who creates, 2 Creates man from a clot.
2. water [21:30, 24:45, 25:54],
  1. Surah 21:30 (Pickthall) Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and we made every living thing of water? Will they not then believe?
  2. Surah 24:45 (Pickthall) Allah has created every animal of water. Of them is (a kind) that goes upon its belly and (a kind) that goes upon two legs and (a kind) that goes upon four. Allah creates what He will. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things
  3. Surah 25:54 (Pickthall) And He it is Who has created man from water, and has appointed for him kindred by blood and kindred by marriage; for your Lord is ever Powerful.
3. "sounding" (i.e. burned) clay [15:26],
  1. Surah 15:26-28 (Pickthall) 15:26 Truly We created man of potter's clay of black mud altered, 15:27 And the jinn did We create aforetime of essential fire. 15:28 And (remember) when your Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am creating a mortal out of potter's clay of black mud altered
4. dust [3:59, 30:20, 35:11],
  1. Surah 3:59 (Pickthall) 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.
  2. Surah 30.20 (Pickthall) And of His signs is this: He created you of dust, and behold you human beings, ranging widely!
  3. Surah 35:11 (Pickthall) Allah created you from dust, then from a little fluid, then He made you pairs (the male and female). No female bears or brings forth save with His knowledge. And no-one grows old who grows old, nor is aught lessened of his life, but it is recorded in a Book, Lo! that is easy for Allah.
5. a drop of thickened fluid [16:4, 75:37]
  1. Surah 16:4 (Pickthall) He has created man from a drop of fluid, yet behold! he is an open opponent.
  2. Surah 75:37-38 (Pickthall) Was he not a drop of fluid which gushed forth? 75:38 Then he became a clot; then (Allah) shaped and fashioned 75:39 And made of him a pair, the male and female.
Is intercession on the Day of Judgment intercession possible?
1. No:
  1. Surah 2:122-123 (Pickthall) O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures. 2:123 And guard (yourselves) against a day when no soul will in aught avail another, nor will compensation be accepted from it, nor will intercession be of use to it; nor will they be helped.
  2. Surah 2:254 (Pickthall) O you who believe! spend of that wherewith We have provided you ere a day come when there will be no trafficking, nor friendship, nor intercession. The disbelievers, they are the wrong-doers.
  3. Surah 6:51 (Pickthall) 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).
  4. Surah 82:18-19 (Pickthall) 82:18 Again, what will convey unto you what the Day of Judgment is! 82:19 A day on which no soul has power at all for any (other) soul. The (absolute) command on that day is Allah's.
2. Yes:
  1. Surah 20:109 On that day no intercession avails save (that of) him unto whom the Beneficent has given leave and whose word He accepts
  2. Surah 34:23 (Pickthall) No intercession avails with Him save for him whom He permits. Yet, when fear is banished from their hearts, they say: What was it that your Lord said? They say: The Truth. And He is the Sublime, the Great.
  3. Surah 43:86 (Pickthall) And those unto whom they cry instead of Him possess no power of intercession, saving him who bears witness unto the Truth knowingly.
  4. Surah 53:26 (Pickthall) And how many angels are in the heavens whose intercession avails nothing save after Allah gives leave to whom He chooses and.
3. Each position can be further supported by ahadith.
Can slander of chaste women be forgiven?
1. Yes
  1. Surah 24:4-5 (Pickthall) And those who accuse honourable women but bring not four witnesses, scourge them (with) eighty stripes and never (afterward) accept their testimony - They indeed are evil-doers - 24:5 Save those who afterward repent and make amends. (For such) lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
2. No
  1. Surah 24:23 (Pickthall) Lo! as for those who traduce virtuous, believing women (who are) careless, cursed are they in the world and the Hereafter. Theirs will be an awful doom
Abrogation?
1. Nothing can change Allah’s words
  1. Surah 6:115 (Pickthall) Perfected is the Word of your Lord in truth and justice. There is nothing that can change His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
  2. Surah 6:34 (Pickthall) Messengers indeed have been denied before you, and they were patient under the denial and the persecution till Our succour reached them. There is none to alter the decisions of Allah. Already there has reached you (somewhat) of the tidings of the messengers (We sent before).
  3. Surah 10:64 (Pickthall) 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.
2. Allah’s words are replaced
  1. Surah 2:106 (Pickthall) 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. Know you not that Allah is Able to do all things?
  2. Surah 16:101 (Pickthall) And when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation, - and Allah knows best what He reveals - they say: Lo! you are but inventing. Most of them know not. 16:102 Say: The holy Spirit has delivered it from your Lord with truth, that it may confirm (the faith of) those who believe, and as guidance and good tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allah).
1. Conclusion {#conclusion-1}

The Quran contradicts the Bible it claims to confirm, and contradicts itself. Were it not for death threats to those who leave the religion, this religion would have died out years ago under the weight of these contradictions and the foolishness of it’s teachings.

Muhammad in the Bible? {#muhammad-in-the-bible?}
1. Introduction {#introduction}

Because the Quran claims Muhammad was foretold in the Bible. Muslims make all kinds of attempts to find him in the Torah and the Gospels. Sometimes they have to change the wording of the Bible to try to find Muhammad. The most popular Muslim author who tried to find Muhammad in the Bible was a fellow who went by the name of Abdul Ahad Dawud. Because his popularity among Muslims, I often focus on refuting his arguments.

Were there prophets promised from Ishmael?
{#were-there-prophets-promised-from-ishmael?}

Muslims often claim that God made a covenant with Ishmael that through him and his descendants all nations would be blessed. Furthermore they claim that this is a promise of Muhammad coming from Ishmael’s descendants. Their arguments are based upon the facts stated in the Bible plus some other presuppositions.

Facts stated in the Bible

Ishmael was Abrahams first born son
Ishmael was circumcised when God made his covenant with Abraham
Those who were not circumcised were cut off from Abrahams household for “breaking the covenant”
God promised to make of Ishmael a great nation
The laws of Moses, given hundreds of years after Abraham, made it mandatory that the firstborn son would get a better share in the inheritance of the fathers material wealth.
God promised Abraham’s descendants would possess the land from the land “from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates”.

The Muslims conclusion is stated and accompanied by a justification in Abdul Ahad Dawud Muhammad in the Bible oage30-31

“There are three distinct points which every true believer in God must accept as truths. The first point is that Ishmael is the legitimate son of Abraham, his firstborn, and therefore his claim to birthright is quite just and legal. The second point is that the Covenant was made between Abraham as well as his only son Ishmael before Isaac was born. The covenant and the institution of circumcision would have no value or signification unless the repeated promise contained the divine words, “Throughout thee all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,” and especially the expression, the Seed “that shall come out from the bowels, he will inherit thee” (Gen. xv.4). This promise was fulfilled when Ishmael was born (Gen. xvi.), and Abraham had the consolation that his chief servant Eliezer would no longer be his heir. Consequently we must admit that Ishmael was the real and legitimate heir of Abraham’s spiritual dignity and privileges. The prerogative that “by Abraham all the generations of the earth shall be blessed”, so often repeated – and was the patrimony of Ishmael. The inheritance to which Ishmael was entitled by birthright was not the tent in which Abraham lived or a certain camel upon which he used to ride, but to subjugate and occupy forever all the territories extending from the Nile to the Euphrates, which were inhabited by some ten different nations (xvii. 18-21). These lands have never been subdued by the descendants of Isaac, but by those of Ishmael. This is an actual and literal fulfillment of one of the conditions contained in the Covenant. The third point is the Isaac was also born miraculously and specially blessed by the Almighty, that for his people the land of Canaan was promised and actually occupied under Joshua.” oage30-31

Justifications for the conclusion are given by Abdul Ahad Dawud. Notice Mr. Dawud makes many assumptions not derived from statements in the Biblical text.

“The covenant and the institution of circumcision would have no value or signification unless the repeated promise contained the divine words, “Throughout thee all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,” and especially the expression, the Seed “that shall come out from the bowels, he will inherit thee” (Gen. xv.4).”
1. It is not logical to say that something had a particular signification or no signification at all. This is a false dichotomy.
2. Given this line of reasoning one would have to conclude that since Abraham’s male servants were also circumcised they must also have received both of these promises otherwise their circumcision was meaningless?
3. If it was meaningless why did God command it? I would say that the circumcision was meaningful to Abraham but not necessarily to all who had to be circumcised whether they liked it or not.
4. God did not say the inhabitants of the earth would be blessed by each of Abraham’s descendants.
The second argument is as follows: Ishmael was the firstborn son of Abraham, and must be a fulfillment of the promise of God to Abraham in Genesis 15:4 King James Version “And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.”
1. This does not logically follow: Abraham had other children besides Ishmael. Dawud commits the fallacy of asserting the consequent. From Gen. 15:4 heir implies out of Abe's bowels, but out of Abe's bowels does not imply heir.
2. The Bible specifically says that Isaac would be the lone heir. Abraham’s other children received gifts but were not heirs.
  1. Genesis 21:9-13 King James Version And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
  2. Genesis 25:1-6 King James Version Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim. And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.
Dawud also has to assume that Ishmael was the heir not only of a physical inheritance but also spiritual things. Dawud claims the descendants of Ishmael were given the right to subjugate the people from the Nile to the Euphrates in fulfillment of Genesis 15:18 King James Version “In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates” Dawud claims that Israel never possessed the land from the Nile to the Euphrates but the Arabs did, and claimed that is proof that Ishmael’s was in part a fulfillment of this promise.
1. Nowhere is Dawud’s assertion stated in any text of the Bible.
2. There is no solid evidence that the Arabs who possessed this land were descendants of Ishmael. Even if they were it does not prove
  1. That they were promised it forever in fulfillment of the promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:18.
3. Though some might argue the descendants of Isaac never possessed all of this land to date, that does not mean they will not in the future.
  1. Some argue they did fulfill this when they left Egypt and entered Canaan.
Abdul Ahad Dawud claims: “The God who made the Covenant with Ishmael thus prescribes the law of inheritance, namely: If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other despised, and each one has a son, and if the son of the despiced wife is the first-born, that son, and not the son of the beloved wife, is entitled to the brightright. Consequently the firstborn shall inherit twice that of his brother (Duet. Xxi. 15-17)” Muhammad in the Bible p 34 (I have not corrected Abduls spelling errors) . Another Muslim apologist, Faisal Siddiqui in his book The Bible’s last prophet argues from the law of Moses, Deuteronomy 21:15-17, that Ishmael had a greater right to God’s covenant with Abraham than Isaac because he was the first born. “Not only does this establish, without doubt, the birthright of the firstborn, Ishmael in our case, it further gives him a double birthright (Badawi, Muhammad in the Bible). Any attempt to exclude Ishmael from God’s covenant would be contrary to this Biblical law.” oage26 of The Bible’s Last Prophet.
1. If the blessings of partaking in a covenant with God and having prophets from your line were things inherited by firstborns, as Faisal and Dawud claim, then Muhammad had less right to the covenant promises than other Arabs because his ancestors were not all first born sons. (See Chart)
  1. Muhammad’s father Abdallah was the youngest son of his father Abd-al Muttalib or Shayba Tabari Volume VI oage1 and page4 (see also page 1 [1073])
    1. al-Harith was Abd al-Muttalib’s oldest son (Tabari. Volume 6 page 15 [1088])
  2. Abd al-Muttalib’s father, Hashim or Amr, was the youngest, not the firstborn in his family. The first born was ‘Abd Shams. (Tabari. Volume 6 page 16 [1089])
  3. Hashim’s father ‘Abd Manaf (al-Mughira) was not the firstborn in his family; ‘Abd al-Dar was. (I.I. page55 also Tabari volume 6 page 25 )
The promise that Ishmael would be made a great nation is proof that he would be part of Abraham’s covenant
1. The scripture tells us differently
  1. Genesis 17:19-21 King James Version And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
  2. In Gen. 21:9-13 quoted above it states that God will make Ishmael a great nation but the verses preceding it make clear that Isaac is Abraham’s heir, and that “in Isaac shall thy seed be called”.
2. Great nation means a large nation. It has no connection with prophethood or covenant.
  1. Many Nations are called great nations that were not part of the covenant with God, were in fact under the judgment of God and there is no evidence that they had a prophet sent to them.
    1. Deuteronomy 7:1 (King James Version) “When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou”
    2. Hebrew word is גּדול gadol – it just means great, large, or powerful etc
Final Problem. Although I do not believe a prophet was promised to come through the line of Ishmael, even if there were such a promise, it would not imply that it would be Muhammad
1. Islam claims Ishmael was a prophet; Surah 2:136 (Pickthall) “Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.”
2. Islam itself claims other descendants of Ishmael received revelations. For example ‘Abdul Matalib claimed to have a supernatural visitor who revealed to him that he should dig up ZamZam (Ibn Ishaq page 62)
3. Muhammad was a false prophet who taught crazy things like the sun sets in a muddy pool (See Surah 18)
4. Muhammad’s god was not the Biblical God, his god Allah is the greatest of all deceivers. (See Chapter 6)

Summary: God never promised anything to Ishmael other than to make of him a great nation.

Muhammad was not Shiloh mentioned in Genesis 49:10
{#muhammad-was-not-shiloh-mentioned-in-genesis-49:10}

Genesis 49:10 is understood by Christians to be a prophecy concerning Jesus. Muhammad repeatedly claimed he was foretold in the Torah, although Muhammad and Allah never cited a specific verse in the Torah. Those who believe in Islam attempt to find Muhammad foretold somewhere in the Torah, some have suggested Genesis 49:10 speaks about Muhammad and not about Jesus. In this section, we explain the Christian interpretation then answer the objections and claims put forth by Muslims. First let us look at the passage in question.

Genesis 49:9-12 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.

While some differ on the precise meaning of the word Shiloh (some saying it is a proper name, others saying it means “to whom it belongs” and others suggesting it means peaceable or quiet.) John Gill points out that the Jews as well as the Christians understood it to be a reference to the Messiah.

“all the three Targums interpret of the Messiah, as do many of the Jewish writers, ancient and modern ; and is the name of the Messiah in their Talmud, and in other writings”

Thus the scepter or ruling authority was to stay in Judah until Shiloh came. At the time this was given Joseph was the recognized leader of Israel’s children, later Moses a Levite and Joshua an Ephriamite would be their leaders, then several o f the judges, then Saul a of Benjamin, before finally the scepter would come to Judah with David being the first ruler from the tribe of Judah.

The scepter was a walking stick, cut off of the stems or branches of trees, and decorated with gold, or studded with golden nails. The Sceptre is the Messiah, the “Rod of Jesse” and the Branch

Isaiah 11:1 (King James Version) And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (King James Version) Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

The New Testament scriptures recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy in that they recognize Him as the rightful ruler, and unto him the nations are gathered

Luke 1:30-33 (King James Version) And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Matthew 25:31-32 (King James Version) When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Revelation 11:15 (King James Version) 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Messiah Jesus has a huge following among the Gentiles

Luke 2:25-32 (King James Version) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Ephesians 2:11-14 (King James Version) Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
John 12:32 (King James Version) And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Gill notes that the scepter did not depart from Israel until Jesus came

“till the Messiah came there should be in the tribe of Judah, either a king, a sceptre bearer, as there was unto the captivity; or a governor, though under others, as there were unto the times of Christ under the Babylonians, Persians, Grecians, and Romans; such as Gedaliah, Zorobabel, and particularly the sanhedrim, a court of judicature, the members of which chiefly consisted of the tribe of Judah, and the נשיא, or prince of it, was always of that tribe, and which retained its power to the latter end of Herod's reign, when Christ was come; and though it was greatly diminished, it had some power remaining, even at the death of Christ, but quickly after had none at all:”

The fact that the scepter clearly departed from Judah after the death of Christ, should make it very difficult for any to claim there is one coming later who would be the “Shiloh” mentioned in this passage.

Abdul Ahad Dawud’s objections to the traditional Christian interpretation
of this passage, and my responses. {#abdul-ahad-dawud’s-objections-to-the-traditional-christian-interpretation-of-this-passage,-and-my-responses.}

Dawud claims that Jesus repudiated the idea that he was a son of David in the scripture below, thus claiming that Jesus is not really from the tribe of Judah.

Mark 12:35-37 (King James Version) And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.
1. Jesus’ key question is how could David call one of his descendants “Lord”. This question is answered by Peter’s confession concerning who Jesus the Messiah is
Matthew 16:16-17 (King James Version) And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
1. The key is Jesus is the Son of God, not merely an ordinary descendent of David.
2. This is an odd objection from Mr. Dawud, since he claims this person is Muhammad who is also not a member of the tribe of Judah and not a descendent of David. Dawud however often raises objections without any concern for consistency with his own arguments.
Dawud objects to Jesus being the fulfillment of this passage claiming that Jesus was not a law giver since he did not directly author any written laws. He further argues that Jesus did not come to abolish the laws of Moses but to fulfill them. He effectively claims that Jesus brought no new laws.
1. Students of the Bible immediately recognize Dawud’s objection as being factually in error on a few accounts.
  1. Jesus did in fact give new laws
    1. John 13:34 (King James Version) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
    2. Matttew 5:21-26 (King James Version) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
    3. The fact that these laws were not written by Jesus does not null and void the fact they were given by Jesus.
    4. Once again Dawud doesn’t seem to care that his objection is detrimental to his own argument; he puts forth this as an objection while it is well known that Muhammad did not write down the Quran or hadith. In fact, there are questions about how much Muhammad could even write. Consider the following hadith from Sahih Bukhari’s collection
  Volume 6, Book 60, Number 201: Narrated Zaid bin Thabit Al-Ansari:
  
  who was one of those who used to write the Divine Revelation: Abu Bakr sent for me after the (heavy) casualties among the warriors (of the battle) of Yamama (where a great number of Qurra' were killed). 'Umar was present with Abu Bakr who said, 'Umar has come to me and said, The people have suffered heavy casualties on the day of (the battle of) Yamama, and I am afraid that there will be more casualties among the Qurra' (those who know the Qur'an by heart) at other battle-fields, whereby a large part of the Qur'an may be lost, unless you collect it. And I am of the opinion that you should collect the Qur'an.“ Abu Bakr added, "I said to 'Umar, 'How can I do something which Allah's Apostle has not done?' 'Umar said (to me), 'By Allah, it is (really) a good thing.'…”
Dawud claims Jesus never dreamed of assuming a royal scepter; he claims this is demonstrated by the fact he told his followers to pay tribute unto Cesar and left when people tried to make him king.
1. Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world
  1. John 18:36 (King James Version) 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Dawud claims Genesis 49:10 could not refer to Jesus since there are prophets like Agabus (Acts 11:28) mentioned after Jesus in the Bible.
1. It should be pointed out to Mr. Dawud that there is nothing in the text saying there would be no prophets after Shiloh. So his objection is nonsensical. It is like saying Jesus did not fulfill the prophecy since he was not Japanese and did not drive a Toyota. The passage has nothing to do with that.
Dawud objects that Jesus did not come to bring peace so he could not be Shiloh since Shiloh comes from a root meaning peaceful or tranquil. Dawud cites the following scripture:

Matthew 10:34-39 (King James Version) Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
1. Certainly Jesus did not come to give peace to everyone in the world. He did not bring peace to the unbelievers who reject the message of God. The type of peace that Jesus brought was a different kind of peace
John 14:27 (King James Version) “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 16:32-33 (King James Version) “Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Surely Jesus did not bring peace to everyone, but He brought peace to many. Think of the lady who came to Jesus at Simon the Pharisee's house Luke 7:36-7:50; Consider the peace that Jesus brought to the demoniac.
Dawud claims “The text clearly implies that Shiloh is to be a total stranger to the tribe of Judah and even to all the other tribes”. In order to make the text “clearly imply” Dawud’s claims it was necessary for Dawud to change the text.

“The predictions clearly indicates that when Shiloh comes the scepter and the lawgiver will pass away from Judah; this can only be realized if Shiloh be a stranger to Judah. If Shiloh be a descendant of Judah, how could those two elements cease to exist in that tribe? It could not be a descendant of any of the other tribes either, for the scepter and the lawgiver were for all Israel, and not for one tribe only. This observation explodes the Christian claim as well. For Jesus is a descendant of Judah at least from his mothers side.” Page 58
1. Dawud’s logic is horribly flawed saying the sceptre will not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes makes no statement about what happens after Shiloh comes, nor does it make any statements to the effect that Shiloh is not a member of the tribe of Judah. If Dawud has to read things into the text in order to make an argument then he does not have much of an argument.
Dawud claims that Jesus did not come to gather the nations he only came to gather the Jewish people. He cites the following scriptures in defense of his point

Matthew 15:22-28 (King James Version) And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Matthew 10:5-6 (King James Version) These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
1. Before his crucifixion Jesus focused primarily on the nation of Israel. He did receive believing Gentiles a few examples are: The centurions son was healed (Matt. 8:5-13); The Canaanite woman who wanted the crumbs from the Jews table (Matt. 15:22-28); The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). After His death he would draw all men to Him.
  
  John 12:32-33 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.
After His death Jesus instructed his disciples to go into all the world preaching the gospel.

Matthew 28:18-20 (King James Version) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen 2. ### Refutation of Dawud’s claim that Shiloh is a reference to Muhammad. {#refutation-of-dawud’s-claim-that-shiloh-is-a-reference-to-muhammad.}
Dawud claims Muhammad was the one to whom the sceptre belonged and that he took the sceptre from Israel. “Muhammad came with military power and the Qur’an to replace the old Jewish worn out sceptre.” ( page 55) He claimed Muhammad crushed the last vestages of the Jewish principality of Quriehda and Khaibar. Dawud states “He (Muhammad) seized the scepter and the law from the Jews: fortified the former and perfected the latter.” (page 56).
1. The sceptre departed from Judah long before Muhammad came on the scene. Judah ceased being a recognizable tribe long before Muhammad. Dawud’s own argument against the Jews that Muhammad cannot be Shiloh.
  1. “In the first place it is very plain that the scepter and the legislator would remain in the tribe of Judah so long as the Shiloh does not appear on the scene. According to the Jewish claim Shiloh has not come yet. It would follow, therefore, that both the Royal Sceptre and the Prophetical Succession were still in existence and belonged to that tribe. But both these institutions have been extinct for over thirteen centuries” page 57-58
  2. “The tribe of Judah has disappeared with its royal authority and its sister –the prophetical succession.” - page 58
  3. “To prove yourself to be an Israelite , you need hardly trouble yourself about it, anybody will recognize you, but you can never prove yourself to belong to one of the twelve tribes” page 58
Dawud’s line of reasoning is inconsistent. First he argues based on the Jewish claim that Shiloh has not come yet that the royal succession existed at the time of Muhammad, however there are Jews alive today who do not believe Shiloh has come yet, however he goes on to say that Shiloh has obviously come inspite of what Jewish people may claim because the Jewish tribes are not recognizable. Yet how are the tribes any less recognizable today than they were a hundred years before the birth of Muhammad? What is more Muhammad did not take control from Judah he took control from the Quraish tribe. The Jews didn’t run any country from 70 A.D. until 1948. Oddly enough Muslims are always running around claiming that the “Zionists” are controlling almost the entire world. If that were true then stop claiming that the sceptre has passed from the Jews!
Dawud claims Muhammad brought peace – (root of Shiloh is peace). He claims that previous to his call Muhammad was quiet, peaceful, trustworthy. The Meccans allegedly gave him the title of “Amin” from a verb to mean firm constant and secure. Which Dawud claims is equivalent to Shiloh.
1. Muhammad can hardly be described as peaceful and tranquil. He was terrified he would be cast into hell (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23, Number 454, 458,459). He said that he didn’t know what Allah would do with him on the day of judgment (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23, Number 334).
2. He was terrified whenever there was an eclipse because he thought it might be the day of judgment (Bukhari Volume 2, Book 18, Number 167). He was not at peace because he did not trust the deception of Allah (Surah 7:99). Muhammad did not give peace to his close followers either since they also believed in Surah 7:99. Muhammad was called many things by the Meccans they also called him a mad man and a false prophet and accused him of being a traitor and disrupting the peace of the tribe.
3. The Meccans called Muhammad a Madman
  1. Surah 15:6 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “And they say: "O you (Muhammad) to whom the Dhikr (the Qur'ân) has been sent down! Verily, you are a mad man.”
  2. Other relevant passages include: Surah 34:8, 37:36, 81:22 Allah had to reassure Muhammad that he was not a madman in Surah 68:2 and Surah 69:40-47.
Claims that Muhammad was an apostle of God, and that the word “Shiloh” in the text is a typo and the word should have been Shilot which is derived from shalach “to send, deligate”. He claims this speaks of Muhammad who was called the apostle of Allah. (Apostle also means sent).
1. It is interesting Mr. Dawud takes the same word and claims two different meanings for it to arrive at two different arguments. This is a rather strange line of reasoning. Furthermore there are any number of people who have taken the title apostle for themselves. Muhammad was not the first and not the last to make that claim either. Besides Muhammad’s god (Allah) is not the same god as the god of the Bible. Muhammad was not sent by YHVH but by the one he called Allah.
Claims that Muhammad gathered all nations to him.
1. First of all, during his lifetime Muhammad just gathered the people of the Arabian peninsula. Second, do you really want to claim that the Muslims are gathered unto Muhammad, and not unto Allah? Muhammad himself testified of this “I’ve never offered Islam to anyone but that he was reluctant (to accept it at first): said The Messenger of Allah “Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him”, “except for Abu Bakr, who did not hesitate (to embrace it).” - The Successors of the Messenger page 3 Translated by Muhammad Mahdi Al-Sharif. The fact that many were not willing followers of Muhammad was demonstrated by the Apostate wars.
1. Muhammad is not the Prophet like unto Moses
  {#muhammad-is-not-the-prophet-like-unto-moses}

Muslim Apologists claim Muhammad was the prophet like unto Moses mentioned in Deuteronomy. This section will mention some of the similarities and differences between Muhammad and Moses, and why Christians do not believe Muhammad was the prophet like unto Moses. First, let us look at the passage of interest

Deuteronomy 18:18-22 (King James Version) “ I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”

Typical similarities between Moses and Muhammad claimed by Muslim
Apologists: {#typical-similarities-between-moses-and-muhammad-claimed-by-muslim-apologists:}

1) Both had normal births. 2) Both had normal deaths. 3) Both led armies. 4) Both were political leaders. 5) Both were rejected by their people but later became their accepted leaders. 6) Both brought new laws to their people 7) Both emigrated before ultimately obtaining power 8) Both had successors that conquered Palestine.

Comments on similarities

Points 1-7 are superficial similarities having nothing to do with being a prophet. In fact, these points are true of a vast number of rebels who overthrew their governments. A Biblical example is Jeroboam (1 Kings 11-15). Modern day examples include: Pol Pot, Mao Tse-tung, and Fidel Castro. All of these men had natural births and deaths, were married were parents, emigrated before assuming power, at first were not recognized as the leaders of their people, they all led armies, and ultimately established themselves as political leaders who brought new laws to their people, and were statesmen. Castro and Mao Tse-tung have more in common with Moses, since they had surviving descendants from their male line. Jeroboam⁸⁹, and Muhammad had male descendants but no descendants from their male line survived. I believe, Pol Pot has a daughter but no sons. The 8th point is irrelevant because it is a similarity between their successors and not Moses and Muhammad. Even if their successor were identical, that would not make Muhammad like Moses.

Muhammad not like Moses {#muhammad-not-like-moses}

**Moses performed miraculous signs Muhammad didn’t: “**Why are not (signs) sent to him, like those which were sent to Moses?” Surah 28.48
Moses spoke directly with God Muhammad didn’t a) "And to Moses Allah spoke directly" (Surah 4.164) b) Bukhari’s Volume 4 book 54 number 457 Narrated Aisha: “Whoever claimed that (the Prophet) Muhammad saw his Lord, is committing a great fault, for he only saw Gabriel in his genuine shape in which he was created covering the whole horizon.” Also in Bukhari Volume 6 book 60, number 378 “Narrated Masruq: I said to 'Aisha, "O Mother! Did Prophet Muhammad see his Lord?" Aisha said, "What you have said makes my hair stand on end ! Know that if somebody tells you one of the following three things, he is a liar: Whoever tells you that Muhammad saw his Lord, is a liar."…”
Moses never thought he was demon possessed Muhammad did. Ibn Ishaq’s “Sirat Rasul Allah,” The Life of Muhammad translated by A. Guillaume, page 106 (Muhammad Speaking) “Now none of God’s creatures was more hateful to me than an (ecstatic) poet or a man possessed: I could not even look at them. I thought, Woe is me poet or possessed — Never shall the Quraysh say this of me! I will go to the top of the mountain and throw myself down that I may kill myself and gain rest.”
Moses never attempted to commit suicide, Muhammad did. See point 3 and History of Tabari [1155] volume 6. page76
Moses did not go senile Muhammad did: Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23, Number 471: Volume 2, Book 23, Number 471: Narrated 'Aisha: During his sickness, Allah's Apostle was asking repeatedly, "Where am I today? Where will I be tomorrow?" And I was waiting for the day of my turn (impatiently). Then, when my turn came, Allah took his soul away (in my lap) between my chest and arms and he was buried in my house.
Moses never said verses from Satan but Muhammad had the Satanic Verses:

**History of Tabari [1192-1193] p108-110 “**Ibn Humayd – Salamah – Muhammad b. Ishaq – Yazid b. Ziyad al-Madani – Muhammad b. Ka’b al-Qurazi: When the Messenger of God saw how his tribe turned their backs on him and was grieved to see them shunning the message he had brought to them from God, he longed in his soul that something would come to him from God which would reconcile him with his tribe. With his love for his tribe and his eagerness for their welfare it would have delighted him if some of the difficulties which they made for him could have been smoothed out, and he debated with himself and fervently desired such an outcome. The God revealed:

By the Star when it sets, your comrade does not err, nor is he deceived, nor does he speak out of (his own) desire … and when he came to the words:
```
  “Have you though upon al-Lat and al-Uzza and Manat, the third, the
```

other?

Satan cast on his tongue, because of his inner debates and what he desired

to bring to his people, the words:

“These are the high-flying cranes; verily their intercession is accepted

with approval.”

When the Quraysh heard this, they rejoiced and were happy and delighted at

the way in which he spoke of their gods, and they listened to him, while the Muslims, having complete trust in their Prophet in respect of the messages which he brought from God, did not suspect him of error, illusion, or mistake. When he came to the prostration, having completed the surah, he prostrated himself and the Muslims did likewise following their Prophet, trusting in the message which he had brought and following his example….The Quraysh left delighted by the mention of their gods which they had heard, saying, “Muhammad has mentioned our gods in the most favorable way possible, stating in his recitation that they are the high-flying cranes and that their intercession is received with approval.”…”Then Gabriel came to the Messenger of God and said, ‘Muhammad, what have you done? You have recited to the people that which I did not bring to you from God, and you have said that which was not said to you.’ Then the Messenger of God was much grieved and feared God greatly, but God sent down a revelation to him, for He was merciful to him, consoling him and making the matter light for him, informing him that there had never been a prophet or a messenger before him who desired as he desired and wished as he wished but that Satan had cast words into his recitation, as he had cast words on Muhammad’s tongue. Then God cancelled what Satan had thus cast, and established his verses by telling him that he was like other prophets and messengers and revealed:

‘Never did we send a messenger or a prophet before you but that when he

recited (the Message) Satan cast words into his recitation (umniyyah). God abrogates what Satan casts. Then God established his verses. God is knower, wise.’⁹⁰

Thus God removed the sorrow from his Messenger, reassured him about that

which he had feared and cancelled the words which Satan had cast on his tongue…Those two phrases which Satan cast on the tongue of the Messenger were in the mouth of every polytheists…”

Moses never spoke in the name of Allah, Al-at, Al-Uzzah, and Manat or other gods, Muhammad did, and hence disqualified himself. Recall Deuteronomy 18:20 “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.”
Moses was never bewitched but Muhammad was (Al-Bukhari, volume VII, number 658) (see also number 660) Burkhari volume VII. number 658 “Narrated Aisha: A man called Labid bin al-A’sam from the tribe of Bani Zaraiq worked magic on Allah’s Apostle until Allah’s Apostle started imagining that the had done a thing that he had not really done. One day or one nigh he was with us, he invoked Allah and invoked for a long period, and then said, ‘O Aisha! Do you know that Allah has instructed me concerning the matter I have asked him about? Two men came to me and one of them sat near my head and the other replied, ‘He is under the effect of magic.’ The first one asked, ‘Who has worked the magic on him?’ The other replied, ‘Labid bin Al-Asam’…”.
Moses believed he was a prophet before his wife, Muhammad’s wife was the first to believe he was a prophet. History of Tabari [1151], translated by W. Montgomery Watt, volume 6, page72 “When I came to Khadijah, I sat down with my thigh next to hers, and she said to me, “Abu al-Qasim, where have you been? I sent messengers to look for you all the way to Mecca and back.” I said to her, “I am either a poet or a madman,” but she answered, “May God save you from that, Abu al-Qasim! God would not do that to you, considering what I know of your thruthfulness, your great trustworthiness, your good character, and your good treatment of your kinfolk. It is not that, cousin. Perhaps you did see something.” “Yes,” I said, and then told her what I had seen. “Rejoice, cousin, and stand firm,” she said. “By Him is whose hand is Khadijah’s soul, I hope that you may be the prophet of this community.”
God persuaded Moses that he was a prophet by miraculous signs of a burning bush that was not consumed (Exodus 3:2) and other miraculous signs (Exodus 4) Muhammad was persuaded by his wife Khadija taking off her clothes Ibn Ishaq’s "Sirat Rasul Allah," The Life of Muhammad, translated by A. Guillaume, page 107“ Isma'il b. Abu Hakim, a freedman of the family of al-Zubayr, told me on Khadija's authority that she said to the apostle of God, 'O son of my uncle, are you able to tell me about your visitant, when he comes to you ?' He replied that he could, and she asked him to tell her when he came. So when Gabriel came to him, as he was wont, the apostle said to Khadija, 'This is Gabriel who has just come to me.' 'Get up, O son of my uncle,' she said, 'and sit by my left thigh'. The apostle did so, and she said, 'Can you see him?' 'Yes,' he said. She said, 'Then turn round and sit on my right thigh.' He did so, and she said, 'Can you see him?' When he said that he could she asked him to move and sit in her lap. When he had done this she again asked if he could see him, and when he said yes, she disclosed her form and cast aside her veil while the apostle was sitting in her lap. Then she said,'Can you see him?' And he replied, 'No.' She said, 'O son of my uncle, rejoice and be of good heart, by God he is an angel and not a satan.'”
Muhammad said he was different from all other prophets: Bukhari Volume 1, Book 7, Number 331: Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: The Prophet said, "I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me….”
Muhammad’s god not like Moses’ God : Allah is called the greatest of all deceivers Surah 3:54 Makareen translated plotter or schemer means deceivers, double crossers. Moses God does not lie or go back on his word. "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?" Numbers 23:19 For more on this see the chapter contrasting Allah with the God of the Bible.
Moses didn’t abrogate his own revelations Muhammad did. 2:106 (Pickthal) “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?”

We could list many other things such as Moses never married the wife of his adopted son, Moses was a Jew, Moses was literate (Mark 12:19, John 5:46) Muhammad was not, The description of Moses revelations are quite different than those of Muhammad, etc.. Yet there is something more fundamental:

Before discussing whether Muhammad was “the prophet like unto Moses” mentioned in Deuteronomy, Muslims must first prove that Muhammad was a prophet. The Quran, Hadith, and Sirat that make it very difficult for Christians to believe Muhammad was a prophet. Muhammad and Allah said the sun set in a muddy pool Surah 18:86; Samaritans built the golden calf at the time of Moses (Sura 20:85-95), (the Samaritans didn’t exist until after the Assyrian captivity many hundreds of years after Moses). Muhammad and Allah were ignorant of the Christian religion, claiming we worship the father the mother and the son (Sura 5:73-75,116); and ignorant of the Jews religion, claiming they believed Ezra was the son of God (Surah 9:30)

Refutations to Muslim Apologists Objections to Jesus being the Prophet
like unto Moses {#refutations-to-muslim-apologists-objections-to-jesus-being-the-prophet-like-unto-moses}
1. Objection 1

Muslim Apologists Claim the Passage Could not be Speaking about a Jew. Faisal Siddiqi on page 15 of his book “The Bibles Last Prophet” claims:

“Moses is not told that the Messenger shall be from the Jews. Rather, he is informed that the new Prophet will be from their brethren. Because of this emphasis on the word ‘brethren’, the prophecy can not be fulfilled by any of the Prophets descended from Isaac. Hence it cannot apply to Jesus Christ who, being a Jew, was from his lineage. We must look for a Prophet among the brethren family of the Ishmaelite Arabs. Here we find only Muhammad.””

Response to Objection 1

Let’s look again at the passage

Deuteronomy 18:15 (King James Version) The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

From the midst of thee, of thy brethren is a reference to their fellow Jews. The Jews knew they should expect a Jewish prophet from among them. They wondered if John the Baptist might be that prophet.

John 1:19-21 “And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.”

Once again we see Muslim Apologists make claims that refute their own arguments. They argue that “The Prophet” is a reference to Muhammad, then they claim “The Prophet” comes from the “brothers of the Jews” and not the Jews. There are several problems with that

This is obviously not the meaning from among your brethren.
The Jews are descendants of Jacob, Jacobs brother was Esau, and Muhammad was not a descendant of Esau. The Edomites are referred to as the brothers of the Jewish people
1. Deuteronomy 2:4 And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:
2. Deuteronomy 23:7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother:
Ishmael’s descendants were never referred to in the Bible as the brothers of the Jews.
Ishmael was one of many uncles of Jacob not his brother.
There is no evidence the Arabs are descendants of Ishmael, and there is strong evidence against that view
There is no evidence that Muhammad in particular was a descendent of Ishmael. 3. #### Objection 2

Muslims argue that the Jews in John 1:19-21 distinguished between Elijah, the Christ and the Prophet, so Christ and “The Prophet” could not refer to the same person

John 1:19–22 (King James Version 1900) 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

Response to Objection 2

The Jews were not infallible interpreters of scripture, Jesus refuted them often.

The Apostle Peter applies the prophecy in Deuteronomy 18.18 to Jesus in Acts 3:19–24

Acts 3:19–24 (King James Version 1900) Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

In Acts 7:37, Stephen, the early Christian martyr, claims Jesus fulfilled Deuteronomy 18:18. While some unbelieving Jews may not have recognized Jesus, the believing Jews did. It should be pointed out Jesus was not only referred to as “the Prophet” like unto Moses but also was referred to as “The Christ” in the Bible. (Note even the Quran calls Jesus the Messiah). Obviously, Titles are not mutually exclusive. Jesus has many titles such as the Son of God (John 10:36), and he is called prophet (Matt. 13:57), and the Lamb of God (John 1:29)

Objection 3

Muslims claim that Jesus did not bring a law to his people, like Moses and Muhammad did. They reference the following verse in the Bible.

Matthew 5:17–19 (King James Version 1900) “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Response to Objection 3

It is bad logic to assume that not abolishing the old law, implies not bringing any new laws. Clearly one can augment a series of laws with new legislation. Jesus gave a deeper understanding of God’s law consistent with the prior law.

Matthew 5:27-28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Jesus gave a new commandment

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

If a Muslims apologist insists upon using bad logic then show him how it can also be used against him. According to Islam Muhammad’s commandments were nothing new, but all prior prophets taught the same message.

Surah 2:40-41 (Pickthal) O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you, and fulfill your (part of the) covenant, I shall fulfill My (part of the) covenant, and fear Me. And believe in that which I reveal, confirming that which you 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.

Note if that is true then the Quran should teach the Trinity, praying to YHVH instead of Allah, instead it says people have to pray in Arabic, make a pilgrimage, fast during Ramadan. This is not an echoing of the New Testament.

Muhammad is not the Desire of the Nations mentioned in Haggai 2
{#muhammad-is-not-the-desire-of-the-nations-mentioned-in-haggai-2}

We present the facts concerning the Christian view of this passage, examine the arguments of Abdul Ahad Dawud as presented on pages 22-27 of his book “Muhammad in the Bible” Answer his objections and refute his claims.

Haggai 2:6-9 (King James Version) For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

Christians view “the desire of the nations” to be a reference to the Messiah, some claim this is a reference to gold and silver which would eventually adorn the 2nd temple. John Gill states this is not a reference to desirable things (i.e. gold and silver)

“The desire of all nations shall come; not the desirable things of all nations, or them with them, as their gold and silver; and which is the sense of Jarchi, Kimchi, and Aben Ezra; but this is contrary to the syntax of the words, to the context, Hag_2:8, and to facts; and, if true, would not have given this temple a greater glory than Solomon's”

Christians believe the glory of the Lord that would fill the temple is Christ. The fact that the 2nd Temple was destroyed means it could not speak of someone who came after the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D.

Dawud objects to the Christian interpretation on the grounds that he believes Jesus did not give peace in the temple. Dawud appeals to following scriptures.

Matthew 10:34-39 (King James Version) Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Luke 19:41-44 (King James Version) “And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Dawud also points to the fact that Jesus had many arguments at the temple. As Christians we acknowledge that Jesus did not bring peace to everyone in the world. He did not bring peace to the unbelievers who reject the message of God, but He did bring peace to God’s people.

Romans 1:7 (King James Version) To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 (King James Version) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

The type of peace that Jesus brought was a different kind of peace
John 14:27 (King James Version) “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 16:32-33 (King James Version) “Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Examples of Jesus bringing peace include the lady who came to Jesus at Simon the Pharisee's house Luke 7:36-7:50. The peace Jesus brought to the demoniac in Luke 8. And when he was just a child Jesus brought peace to a couple of His people at the temple.

Luke 2:25–32 (King James Version 1900) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

The fact that many people at the temple believed Jesus’ preaching caused the chief priests and the scribes to go after Jesus in the garden rather than at the temple when He was preaching.

Luke 20:19 (King James Version) “And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.”
Luke 22:2 (King James Version) “And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.”
Luke 22:52-53 (King James Version) “Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Jesus’ followers are still bringing peace, Peter and John healed a man and preached the gospel in the temple. Acts 3-4. Jesus’ disciples continue to travel around the world bringing peace to people who need peace with God.

Acts 13:48 (King James Version) “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.”

Dawud’s claims the passage speaks of Muhammad.
{#dawud’s-claims-the-passage-speaks-of-muhammad.}

To support this he claims he gives the following arguments:

The word desire is a reference to Muhammad because the Hebrew root letters sound like the Arabic root letters for Muhammad.
Muhammad brought glory to the Temple by visiting it on the night journey
Muhammad brought Islam which means peace
Muhammad is the desire of the nations
1. Dawud’s First Claim

The word “Desire” or חֶמְדָּה comes from a root חמד . In Arabic the word with similar sounding root letters means “to praise”. Based on this Dawud claims “The kinship, the relation and resemblance between the two tetrograms Himda and Ahmd, and the identity of the root hmd from which both substantives are derived, leave not a single particle of doubt that the subject in the sentence ‘and the Himda of all nations will come’ is Ahmad; that is to say Muhammad.” Convinced of his interpretational method, he goes on to say “There is not the remotest etymological connection between himda and any other names of ‘Jesus,’ ‘Christ,’ ‘Savior,’ not even a single consonant in common between them.”

Examination of Dawud’s First Claim

Dawud’s method of interpretation is a bit odd, and when applied consistently throughout the Bible has disastrous consequences for Mr. Dawud. We give a few examples below:

Muhammad = Saul? Consider the following passage 1Sa 9:20 “And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire (חמדּה) of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house?” is there an etymological connection between the word desire (חֶמְדָּה) here and the name Saul (שָׁאוּל֙) ? Do they even have one consonant in common?
Muhammad = Ezekiels Wife? Ezekiel 24:16-18 (King James Version)16 “Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire (מַחמַד ) of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. 17 Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men. 18 So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.” This case the word is even closer to Muhammad’s name than the other case. 3. #### Dawud’s 2nd Claim

“The temple of Zorobabel was to be more glorious than that of Solomon because, as Mallakhi prophesied, the great Apostle or Messenger of the Covenant, the ‘Adonai’ or the Seyid of the messengers was to visit it suddenly, as indeed Muhammad did during his miraculous night journey, as stated in the Qur-an!”

Response to Dawud’s 2nd Claim

Obviously, Muhammad never visited this temple, it was destroyed in 70 A.D.
Other Muslim apologists recognize this problem and claim that Muhammad visited the site where the temple was. They claim the word Masjid, in the hadiths can refer to any place of prostration and need not be a building. It is odd to think of there being a single place of prostration in Jerusalem it not being a building and called “the masjid”.
Even if Muhammad had visited the site of the 2nd temple, how could that make the 2nd temple more glorious than the 1st temple since they shared the same location? The passage contrasts two temples, Haggai 2:9 “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former”
Since Muhammad did not come to the temple the reference to Malachi 3 likewise cannot apply to Muhammad.

The Night Journey

Muhammad’s night journey is recorded in the hadiths and pages 181-187 of Ibn Ishaq. Muhammad claimed he traveled to the temple at Jerusalem and “the 7 heavens” on a winged beast named Buraq which was half donkey and half mule. He claimed to have met prophets in each of the 7 heavens. Muhammad would describe not only the 7 heavens but some very interesting things above the seven heavens. In Dawud’s hadith collection book 40 hadith 4705 Muhammad claimed that above the 7 heavens were eight giant goats, and above them was a lote tree which was very close to where Allah was (Bukhari, book 9, volume 93, #608). In addition to all of this, Muhammad claims that night his chest was opened and washed with Zam zam water (Bukhari , Book 4, Volume 54, Hadith 429). Considering that in Dawud’s hadith collection book 40 #4075 Muhammad claims the distances between the heavens is on the order of 71,72 or 73 years, it is astounding that Muhammad would claim that he physically traveled this distance in part of a night. He must not have been gone too long because his wife testified that he was asleep with her the whole night (Ibn Ishaq page183). One can’t help but wonder how Muhammad and Baruq breathed as they traveled through space, one wonders how it is they did not get cold or hot as they traveled. Ibn Ishaq records (on pages 182-183) many Muslims lost their faith when Muhammad made these claims.

Muhammad claimed the proof his night vision really happened was that he stole water from people who were camping out and scared their camels.

““He did tell them and they were amazed and asked what proof he had. He replied that he had passed the caravan of so-and-so in such-and-such a valley and the animal he bestrode scared them and a camel bolted, "and I showed them where it was as I was on the way to Syria. I carried on until in Dajanan2 I passed by a caravan of the Banii so-and-so. I found the people asleep. They had a jar of water covered with something. I took the covering off and drank the water replacing the cover. The proof of that is that their caravan is this moment coming down from al-Baida' by the pass of al-Tan'Im3 led by a dusky camel loaded with two sacks one black and the other multihued". The people hurried to the pass and the first camel they met was as he had described. They asked the men about the vessel and they told them that they had left it full of water and covered it and that when they woke it was covered but empty. They asked the others too who were in Mecca and they said that it was quite right: they had been scared and a camel had bolted, and they had heard a man calling them to it so that they were able to recover it.”” Ibn Ishaq page 184

The hadith contains conflicting accounts of Muhammad’s story. If the hadith process is reliable as Muslims claim, then the inconsistencies can be traced to Muhammad.

Heaven	Bukhari Book 4 Volume 54 #429 Malik bin Sasaa	Bukhari Book 5 Volume 58 #227 Abbas bin Malik	Muslim Book 1 #309 and 314 Anas b. Malik	Bukhari Book 9 Volume 93 Hadith 608 Anas bin Malik:
1	Adam	Adam	Adam	Adam
2	Jesus and Yahya	Jesus and Yahya	Jesus and Yahya	Idris
3	Joseph	Joseph	Yusuf
4	Idris (Enoch)	Idris (Enoch)	Idris	Aaron
5	Aaron	Harun (Aaron)	Harun
6	Moses	Moses	Musa	Abraham
7	Abraham	Abraham	Ibrahim	Moses

Dawud’s 3rd Claim

“the word, shalom, not a condition, but a living and active force and a definitely established religion, then this prophecy must be admittedly true and fulfilled in the person of Ahmed and the establishment of Islam. For himda and shalom – or shlama have precisely the same significance respectively as Ahmed and Islam.”

Response to Dawud’s 3rd Claim

Recall verse 9 of the passage reads “Haggai 2:9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.” Muhammad hardly brought Peace to the Jews, to Jerusalem, or the temple. In fact he urged people not to be friends with the Jews.

Surah 5:51 (Yusufali) O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.

If the Muslims think Jesus was unqualified because they claim Jesus did not bring peace to the world, what about Muhammad? Consider how many Jews Muhammad had killed. Not only did Muhammad fail to bring peace to the Jews, Muhammad himself lacked peace. According to Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23, Number 454, 458,459, he was terrified he would be cast into hell. In Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23, Number 334 he said that he didn’t know what Allah would do with him on the day of judgment. Bukhari Volume 2, Book 18, Number 167 indicates he was terrified whenever there was an eclipse because he thought it might be the Day of Judgment. Muhammad didn’t even give peace to his most loyal followers like Abu Bakr who according to the hadith was promised paradise by Allah but at his death he was terrified because he did not trust the deceitfulness of Allah. He stated "I swear to God that I do not feel safe from God’s cunning (deceitfulness) even if one of my feet is already inside paradise" (refer to the successors of the Apostle, Khalid Muhammad Khalid, page 114). It is not suprising given what the Quran says about Allah in Surah 7:99.

Dawud’s Final Claim:

Muhammad is the desire of the nations.

Response to Dawud’s final claim:

I believe the following quote will suffice to demonstrate that even among Muhammad’s followers most did not desire him. “I’ve never offered Islam to anyone but that he was reluctant (to accept it at first): said The Messenger of Allah “Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him”, “except for Abu Bakr, who did not hesitate (to embrace it).” - The Successors of the Messenger page 3, translated by Muhammad Mahdi Al-Sharif. If this is not enough, consider that right after he died before Islam spread far from Arabia large numbers of Muslims apostatized.

Muhammad is not the Comforter Promised in the Gospel of John; it is the
Holy Spirit. {#muhammad-is-not-the-comforter-promised-in-the-gospel-of-john;-it-is-the-holy-spirit.}

Muslim Apologists often claim Muhammad was the Comforter that Jesus promised would come in the Gospel according to John. This section discusses why Christians do not believe Muhammad was the Comforter. Then answers Muslim objections in regards to the Biblical claim that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter.

**Surah 7:157 “**Those who follow the Apostle, the unlettered Prophet, will find him mentioned in the (books) with them, in the Tawraat and the Injil.” (Surah 7.157)

The Quran states the Injil (Gospel) and Tauraat (Torah) were with the people of Muhammad’s day. If the Injil and Tauraat were corrupted as some so-called Muslims say either the Author of the Quran was unaware of it, gave credence to corrupt books, or did not believe that these books of God have been lost or corrupted. Since we have copies of the Bible before the time of Muhammad. We can be assured that we have access to the true Gospel. We have devoted a whole section on the topic of Islam accepting the Bible.

A Note on the Text (Paracletos and Periklutos)
{#a-note-on-the-text-(paracletos-and-periklutos)}

Many Muslim apologists claim the word translated “Comforter” (Paracletos) should be Periklutos ("Praised") Muslims like to make this substitutions because Periklutos is closer to the meaning of Ahmad. This is a desperate attempt to find a fulfillment of the claim of

Surah 61.6 “And remember Jesus, son of Mary, said "O Children of Israel! I am a messenger of Allah to you, confirming what is before me from the Tawraat, and announcing tidings of a messenger to follow me whose name shall be Ahmad".”

Muslim apologists point out that Ahmad means praised in Arabic has the same root letters as Muhammad. Muslims who try to change the Bible in order to create a prophecy of Muhammad are in fact admitting that the Bible as it stands does not predict Muhammad. What is more by attempting to change the Bible they are in effect attempting to prove one verse of the Quran at the expense of the following passages of the Quran

Pickthall 2:136 Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.

Pickthall 18:27 And recite that which has been revealed unto you of the Scripture of your Lord. There is none who can change His words, and you will find no refuge beside Him.

The word παρακλητος or comforter does not accurately describe Muhammad Robertson’s Word Pictures states: “Another Comforter (allon paraklēton). Another of like kind (allon, not heteron), besides Jesus who becomes our Paraclete, Helper, Advocate, with the Father (see 1 John 2:1 Romans 8:26) This old word (Demosthenes), from parakaleō, was used for legal assistant, pleader, advocate, one who pleads another’s cause” Note: It never means "one who is praised". New Testament usage παρακλητος is never used to describe one of the former prophets, but used the Greek word for prophet, προφητης (prophetes). The only other place the word παρακλητος occurs is in 1 John 2:1 where it is translated “advocate” and applied to Jesus. For more on this word see Jochen’s article.⁹¹

Oddly enough, although there are no early variants of the New Testament which have “Periklutos” instead of “Paracletos”. There is a variant of this passage of Surah 61:6 which has nothing to do with the word Ahmad

Gilchrist notes there are variants of Surah 61:6 One of the early codices of the Qur’an, which Uthman ordered to be burnt, came from the expert reciter Ubayy ibn Ka’b, Surah 61.6 read somewhat differently. He omitted the conclusion "his name will be Ahmad" (ismuhu ahmad) and in its place records Jesus as saying that he was announcing a prophet who would bear the seal of Allah from his prophets and messengers (khatumullaahu bihil-anbiyaa’ wal-rusuli). The seal of Allah was a reference to the mole on his back!⁹²

The Passages of Interest

John 14:16-18 King James Version And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

John 14:26 King James Version But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26 King James Version But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:7-13 King James Version Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Below is a list a few of the things said of the comforter in the Injil, which the you will find with the Christians, that disqualify Muhammad from being the comforter. This will serve as an outline for this paper.

The comforter will abide with Jesus’ disciples, dwell with them and be with them forever (John 14:16-17)
The comforter is called the Holy Ghost (John 14:26)
The comforter was sent by Jesus from the Father (John 15:26) Muhammad was not sent by Jesus from the Father; Muhammad came from Abdullah, and claimed to be sent by Allah.
He would show you things to come (John 16:13)
The comforter is called The Spirit of Truth (John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13) who would guide Jesus’ disciples into all truth (John 16:13)
He would not speak of Himself (John 16:13)
Muhammad brought no comfort to the followers of Jesus
Muhammad did not even bring comfort to his followers
The word another means like Jesus, but Muhammad was not like Jesus 2. ### Reasons why Christians do not believe the comforter was Muhammad {#reasons-why-christians-do-not-believe-the-comforter-was-muhammad}
Muhammad did not “come to” Jesus’ disciples (John 16.7), nor did he abide with them for ever (John 14:16) nor could it be said that he dwelleth with them or was in them as was promised in John 14:17. Muhammad came to Arabia six centuries later.
The text explicitly identifies the comforter with the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost:

Muhammad had a devil attached to himself: Sahih Muslim Book 39 #6759: A'isha the wife of Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him), reported that one day Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) came out of her (apartment) during the night and she felt jealous. Then he came and he saw me (in what agitated state of mind) I was. He said: A'isha, what has happened to you? Do you feel jealous? Thereupon she said: How can it he (that a woman like me) should not feel jealous in regard to a husband like you. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: It was your devil who had come to you, and she said: Allah's Mes- senger, is there along with me a devil? He said: Yes. I said: Is devil attached to everyone? He said: Yes. I (Aisha) again said: Allah's Messenger, is it with you also? He said: Yes, but my Lord has helped me against him and as such I am ab solutely safe from his mischief.

He was bewitched Al-Bukhari, volume VII, number 660 and number 658

Muhammad was not sent by Jesus from the Father; Muhammad came from Abdullah, and claimed to be sent by Allah.
Muhammad did not know what was going to happen in the future

Bukhari Book 6 Volume 60 Hadith 378 **“**Narrated Masruq: I said to 'Aisha, "O Mother! Did Prophet Muhammad see his Lord?" Aisha said, "What you have said makes my hair stand on end ! Know that if somebody tells you one of the following three things, he is a liar: Whoever tells you that Muhammad saw his Lord, is a liar." Then Aisha recited the Verse: 'No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Courteous Well-Acquainted with all things.' (6.103) 'It is not fitting for a human being that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration or from behind a veil.' (42.51) 'Aisha further said, "And whoever tells you that the Prophet knows what is going to happen tomorrow, is a liar." She then recited: 'No soul can know what it will earn tomorrow.' (31.34) She added: "And whoever tell you that he concealed (some of Allah's orders), is a liar." Then she recited: 'O Apostle! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord..' (5.67) 'Aisha added. "But the Prophet saw Gabriel in his true form twice."

The hadith contains an example of on of Muhammad’s false predictions. Muhammad prophesied that the wife with the longest hand would be the first one to die after him; this turned out not to be the case.

Volume 2, Book 24, Number 501: Narrated 'Aisha: Some of the wives of the Prophet asked him, "Who amongst us will be the first to follow you (i.e. die after you)?" He said, "Whoever has the longest hand." So they started measuring their hands with a stick and Sauda's hand turned out to be the longest. (When Zainab bint Jahsh died first of all in the caliphate of 'Umar), we came to know that the long hand was a symbol of practicing charity, so she was the first to follow the Prophet and she used to love to practice charity. (Sauda died later in the caliphate of Muawiya). Notice how they had to reinterpret the prediction because it did not come to pass.

The text explicitly identifies the comforter with the Holy Spirit or the “Spirit of truth” in each passage. It states that this Spirit of Truth would guide the true followers of Jesus into all truth. Muhammad is not the Spirit of truth as evidenced by:
1. He recited satanic verses : History of Tabari [1192-1193], volume 6, pages 108-110 **History of Tabari [1192-1193] pages 108-110 “**Ibn Humayd – Salamah – Muhammad b. Ishaq – Yazid b. Ziyad al-Madani – Muhammad b. Ka’b al-Qurazi: When the Messenger of God saw how his tribe turned their backs on him and was grieved to see them shunning the message he had brought to them from God, he longed in his soul that something would come to him from God which would reconcile him with his tribe. With his love for his tribe and his eagerness for their welfare it would have delighted him if some of the difficulties which they made for him could have been smoothed out, and he debated with himself and fervently desired such an outcome. The God revealed:
“By the Star when it sets, your comrade does not err, nor is he deceived, nor does he speak out of (his own) desire … and when he came to the words:
```
  “Have you though upon al-Lat and al-Uzza and Manat, the third, the
```

other?

Satan cast on his tongue, because of his inner debates and what he desired

to bring to his people, the words:

     “These are the high-flying cranes; verily their intercession is

accepted with approval.”

When the Quraysh heard this, they rejoiced and were happy and delighted at

‘Never did we send a messenger or a prophet before you but that when he

recited (the Message) Satan cast words into his recitation (umniyyah). God abrogates what Satan casts. Then God established his verses. God is knower, wise.’⁹³

Thus God removed the sorrow from his Messenger, reassured him about that

which he had feared and cancelled the words which Satan had cast on his tongue…Those two phrases which Satan cast on the tongue of the Messenger were in the mouth of every polytheists…” 2. The many false statements in the Quran and Hadith 1. Earthquakes come from the side of Satan’s head Volume 2, Book 17, Number 147: Narrated Ibn 'Umar: (The Prophet) said, "O Allah! Bless our Sham and our Yemen." People said, "Our Najd as well." The Prophet again said, "O Allah! Bless our Sham and Yemen." They said again, "Our Najd as well." On that the Prophet said, "There will appear earthquakes and afflictions, and from there will come out the side of the head of Satan."

   2. **Non-Muslims have 7 intestines:** Sahih Muslim Book 23 : Hadith 5113
      “Ibn 'Umar reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as
      saying that a non-Muslim eats in seven intestines whereas a Muslim
      eats in one intestine.” For a full account of how Allah’s apostle
      determined this see Muslim Book 23 : Hadith 5120

   3. **The sun sets in a muddy pool** “When he (Zul-qarnain) reached the
      setting of the sun, he found that it set in a pond of murky water.”
      Surah. 18:86

   4. **Jews believe Ezra is the Son of God**“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\!” Surah 9:30 (Pickthall)

3. **Muhammad was incapable of guiding us into all truth since he claimed to
   be ignorant of the unseen.**

7:188 Pickthal “Say: For myself I have no power to benefit, nor power to

hurt, save that which Allah willeth. Had I knowledge of the Unseen, I should have abundance of wealth, and adversity would not touch me. I am but a warner, and a bearer of good tidings unto folk who believe.” 1. Muhammad stated his adversity was proof that he had no knowledge of the unseen.

2. Muhammad never saw his lord, (Bukhari Book 6 Volume 60 \# 378 quoted
   above), Since he was unseen, Muhammad had no knowledge of him.

3. Since Muhammad had no knowledge of his lord, how is he considered a
   prophet, let alone one who could guide us into all truth\!

4. **The Quran itself says that Allah was the one who would watch over them
   and be a witness to all things, not Muhammad.**

5:117 Yusufali "Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me

to say, to wit, 'worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord'; and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou wast the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things.

Muhammad spoke often of himself – The instances are plentiful, several hadiths in this article contain instances of Muhammad speaking of himself
Jesus’ disciples were Jewish Christians, Muhammad did not bring comfort to Christians or Jews nor did he come along side of them as an advocate or helper. Surah 5:51 of the Quran states: “O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends …”( Yusufali)
Muhammad could not comfort his loyal followers
1. Muhammad claimed to be given the right of intercession on the day of judgment
  1. Bukhari Volume 1, Book 7, Number 331: Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: The Prophet said, "I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me…4) I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection)….”
2. But neither he nor his loyal followers had much confidence that his intercession would be accepted
  1. 72:20-22 Pickthal “Say (unto them, O Muhammad): I pray unto Allah only, and ascribe unto Him no partner. Say: Lo! I control not hurt nor benefit for you. Say: Lo! none can protect me from Allah, nor can I find any refuge beside Him
  2. Sahih Muslim volume 1 # 398 and 402 Abu Huraira reported: When the verse “And warn your nearest kindred” was revealed, the messenger of Allah called his tribe. So they gathered and he gave them the general warning. Then he said, ‘Oh Fatima (his daughter), rescue yourself from hell fire, for I have no power to protect you from Allah in anything except this, that I would sustain relationship with you. Ask me what ever you like, but I cannot avail you at all against Allah.”
  3. **One might argue that Muhammad did bring comfort to his followers and was a successful advocate for many, in fact he promised several of his followers paradise: (Bukhari volume 5 book 57 number 23) “**Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ashari: I performed ablution in my house and then went out and said, "Today I shall stick to Allah's Apostle and stay with him all this day of mine (in his service)." I went to the Mosque and asked about the Prophet . They said, "He had gone in this direction." So I followed his way, asking about him till he entered a place called Bir Aris. I sat at its gate that was made of date-palm leaves till the Prophet finished answering the call of nature and performed ablution. Then I went up to him to see him sitting at the well of Aris at the middle of its edge with his legs uncovered, hanging in the well. I greeted him and went back and sat at the gate. I said, "Today I will be the gatekeeper of the Prophet." Abu Bakr came and pushed the gate. I asked, "Who is it?" He said, "Abu Bakr." I told him to wait, went in and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Abu Bakr asks for permission to enter." He said, "Admit him and give him the glad tidings that he will be in Paradise." So I went out and said to Abu Bakr, "Come in, and Allah's Apostle gives you the glad tidings that you will be in Paradise" Abu Bakr entered and sat on the right side of Allah's Apostle on the built edge of the well and hung his legs n the well as the Prophet did and uncovered his legs. I then returned and sat (at the gate). I had left my brother performing ablution and he intended to follow me. So I said (to myself). "If Allah wants good for so-and-so (i.e. my brother) He will bring him here." Suddenly somebody moved the door. I asked, "Who is it?" He said, "'Umar bin Al-Khattab." I asked him to wait, went to Allah's Apostle, greeted him and said, 'Umar bin Al-Khattab asks the permission to enter." He said, "Admit him, and give him the glad tidings that he will be in Paradise." I went to "Umar and said "Come in, and Allah's Apostle, gives you the glad tidings that you will be in Paradise." So he entered and sat beside Allah's Apostle on the built edge of the well on the left side and hung his legs in the well. I returned and sat (at the gate) and said, (to myself), "If Allah wants good for so-and-so, He will bring him here." Somebody came and moved the door. I asked "Who is it?" He replied, "Uthman bin Affan." I asked him to wait and went to the Prophet and informed him. He said, "Admit him, and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise, I asked him to wait and went to the Prophet and informed him. He said, "Admit him, and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise after a calamity that will befall him." So I went up to him and said to him, "Come in; Allah's Apostle gives you the glad tidings of entering Paradise after a calamity that will befall you. "Uthman then came in and found that the built edge of the well was occupied, so he sat opposite to the Prophet on the other side. Said bin Al-Musaiyab said, "I interpret this (narration) in terms of their graves."
    1. Muhammad’s intercession and promises failed to comfort Abu Bakr : Abu Bakr was promised paradise by Muhammad and Allah. In The Successors of the Apostle, (page 99), Khalid Muhammad Khalid reports the level of comfort this brought to Abu Bakr “he (Abu Bakr) used to utter while weeping: “Would that I have been a bitten tree!” Whenever he was reminded of his position in Allah’s sight, he would say: “By Allah,! I would not rest assured and feel safe from Allah’s punishment, even if one of my feet was in paradise.” The Arabic here says (page 70 of the Arabic version of the same book):
ويقول وهو يبكي : "يا ليتني كُنت شجرة تُغضَد" ..!!

فإذا ذُكٌر بمقامه عند اللّه أجاب:

-"واللّه لأ اَمنُ لمكر اللّه ، ولو كانت إحدى قَدَميً في الجنة" ..

من هنا كان قزله "لست بخير كم" تعبيراً أميناً عن طنيعته، وفقهه .

ومن هنا كان نَأيُه الشديد عن كل مظا هر الزهْو والأستعلإ .

The words لمكر اللّه which are translated “Allah’s punishment” would be better translated “Allah’s deception”. Al-Mawrid’s dictionary has the following definition for the root of لمكر , مكر, in Al-Mawrid’s dictionary:

To deceive, delude, cheat double-cross, dupe مَكَرَ (بِ) : خَدَعَ

Muhammad failed to comfort Umar: Like Abu Bakr, Umar was also promised paradise by Allah and his apostle, but on page 131 of Khalid Muhammad Khalid’s successors of the apostle we read the following discussion between Umar and Abu Musa:

**“**One day, he (Umar) said to Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari who was sitting with him: ‘O Abu Musa! Would you be pleased if our embracing Islam and Emigration with the Messenger of Allah ‘Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him’, in addition to the martyrdom (of some) of us and all of what we did with him should not be recorded fro us, in return for our being saved (from the fire of Hell) only with the necessary requirements (of a Muslim), neither to have (extra reward), nor to bear (any bad deeds)?’

Abu Musa replied: ‘No by Allah, O Umar! Indeed, we did much more effort, offered prayers, observed fasts, did a lot of good things, an dat our hands, multitudes of people embraced Islam; and we expect the reward of all of that.” Umar answered him, with tears falling on his cheeks, as if they were scattered pearls: ‘As for me, I woul like that all of that should not be recorded for me, provided that I would be saved (from the fire of Hell), neither having (extra) good, nor bearing any evil.’

You should consider what extent he feared Allah, and felt shy of His Glory. No doubt, the Messenger of Allah ‘Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him,’ had given him the glad tiding of being admitted in Paradise. He was stronger than any (worldly) desire or longing so much as if he was entirely guiltless and sinless. But in spite of all of tha, he always used to frear Allah, feel shy of him and be careful (lest he might displease him).” 3. Muhammad was a man greatly in need of an advocate or comforter himself 1. He was terrified he would be cast into hell:
```
Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23, Number 454, Narrated Masruq: 'Aisha said that
```

a Jewess came to her and mentioned the punishment in the grave, saying to her, "May Allah protect you from the punishment of the grave." 'Aisha then asked Allah's Apostle about the punishment of the grave. He said, "Yes, (there is) punishment in the grave." 'Aisha added, "After that I never saw Allah's Apostle but seeking refuge with Allah from the punishment in the grave in every prayer he prayed." (See Also 458,459) 2. He said that he didn’t know what Allah would do with him on the day of judgment.

    Bukhari Volume 2, Book 23, Number 334 “Narrated Kharija bin Zaid bin

Thabit: Um Al-'Ala', an Ansari woman who gave the pledge of allegiance to the Prophet said to me, "The emigrants were distributed amongst us by drawing lots and we got in our share 'Uthman bin Maz'un. We made him stay with us in our house. Then he suffered from a disease which proved fatal when he died and was given a bath and was shrouded in his clothes, Allah's Apostle came I said, 'May Allah be merciful to you, O Abu As-Sa'ib! I testify that Allah has honored you'. The Prophet said, 'How do you know that Allah has honored him?' I replied, 'O Allah's Apostle! Let my father be sacrificed for you! On whom else shall Allah bestow His honor?' The Prophet said, 'No doubt, death came to him. By Allah, I too wish him good, but by Allah, I do not know what Allah will do with me though I am Allah's Apostle. ' By Allah, I never attested the piety of anyone after that."”

          3) **He was terrified whenever there was an eclipse or strong wind
             because he thought it might be the day of judgement**:

    Bukhari Volume 2, Book 18, Number 167 “Narrated Abu Musa: The sun

eclipsed and the Prophet got up, being afraid that it might be the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgment). He went to the Mosque and offered the prayer with the longest Qiyam, bowing and prostration that I had ever seen him doing. Then he said, "These signs which Allah sends do not occur because of the life or death of somebody, but Allah makes His worshipers afraid by them. So when you see anything thereof, proceed to remember Allah, invoke Him and ask for His forgiveness."”

          4) **He was terrified that he was demon possessed and sought to
             commit suicide in hopes of gaining peace**

    Ibn Ishaq’s “Sirat Rasul Allah,” _The Life of Muhammad_ translated by A.

Guillaume, page 106 (Muhammad Speaking) “Now none of God’s creatures was more hateful to me than an (ecstatic) poet or a man possessed: I could not even look at them. I thought, Woe is me poet or possessed — Never shall the Quraysh say this of me! I will go to the top of the mountain and throw myself down that I may kill myself and gain rest.”

The word for “another” is “allos” (another of the same kind) and not “hetros” (another of a different kind) that means the comforter must be like Jesus. Muhammad was not like Jesus, so he could not be the comforter.
1. Muhammad himself said he was not like any other prophet
  1. Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 7 :: Hadith 331 Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: “ The Prophet said, "I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me.
1. Allah made me victorious by awe, (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month's journey.

2. The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a thing to perform Tayammum, therefore anyone of my followers can pray wherever the time of a prayer is due.

3. The booty has been made Halal (lawful) for me yet it was not lawful for anyone else before me.

4. I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection).

5. Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all mankind. 2. Note the last item contradicts the Quran which says of Jesus
1. Surah 19:20 (Pickthall) “She said: How can I have a son when no mortal has touched me, neither have I been unchaste? 19:21 He said: So (it will be). Your Lord says: It is easy for Me. And (it will be) that We may make of him a revelation for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained.”
2. Surah 3:45 (Pickthall) “(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). 3:46 He will speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the righteous.”
3. When discussing Deuteronomy 18 Muslim Apologists go out of their way to indicate that Muhammad is not like Jesus
4. Muhammad was a sinner, Sahih Al-Bukhari in Volume 8 Hadith # 319 Narrated by Abu Huraira: “I heard Allah Apostle saying: ‘By Allah I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to him in repentance more then 70 times a day.’ ” The Quran agrees that Jesus was sinless Sura 19:19: The angel said: I am only a messenger from the Lord that I am bestowing on you (Mary) a sinless (Zakia) son.
5. Muhammad spoke in the name of Allah, al-lat, al-Uzzah, and Manat, Jesus and the Holy Spirit spoke and speak in the name of YHVH
6. Even the Quran notes the differences between Muhammad and Jesus, Jesus is called the Word of God and a Spirit from God. Muhammad is never called a spirit from God. Quran calls Jesus a "spirit from him" (ruhun-minhu), a title given to no other human being in the book (Surah 58.22). According to the Quran, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both spirits sent by God, but Muhammad is not.
7. Muhammad confessed he had a Satan, Jesus and the Holy Spirit do not have a satan. (see above)
8. Muhammad was bewitched, Jesus delivered people who were bewitched and possessed.
9. Muhammad never healed anyone, Jesus and the Holy Spirit healed many. 3. ### Responses to Muslim arguments that the Comforter is not the Holy Spirit {#responses-to-muslim-arguments-that-the-comforter-is-not-the-holy-spirit}
  1. Objection 1

The use of “allos” for another: Some Muslims claim since “allos” (another of the same kind) and not “hetros” (another of a different kind) was used this can’t speak of the Holy Spirit since they allege the Holy Spirit is so different than Jesus. They then claim that it must mean Muhammad. 2. #### The Christian Response:
We do believe the Jesus is very much like the Holy Spirit, and like the Father.
Jesus and the Holy Spirit and the Father all share the same divine nature.
While Jesus has an additional human nature not shared by the Holy Spirit and the Father, it is clear from Jesus statements that “The Comforter” or “The Spirit of Truth” was not a physical material entity.
The Comforter’s similarity to Jesus is in regard to spiritual things not carnal fleshly things.
The only thing that Jesus and Muhammad had in common was they both had human natures, their character and lives were so fundamentally different. Muhammad could never be said to be “like” Jesus using the word “allos” but would require the word “hetros”
From a logical Standpoint

Our claim is consistent with our theology and consistent with our scripture.

Our claim need not be consistent with things we do not consider true. (i.e. the Quran, the Muslim Jesus or the Muslim Holy Spirit)

We point out at times that the Quran or hadith agrees with the Christian position

Example:

In Facing the Muslim Challenge Gilchrist pointed out the Qur’an speaks of only two called Spirits from God. spirit from him" (ruhun-minhu) Jesus (Surah 58.22, 4:171). and a spirit sent from Allah to strengthen the hearts of true believers (Surah 58:22)

Objection 2

The use of the masculine article Jesus used the masculine gender no less than eight times. Some Muslims argue that, this is evidence that Jesus could not be speaking about the Holy Spirit but must be speaking about a man. 4. #### Christian Response:
In the Bible, God and the Holy Spirit are referred to in the masculine gender.

Deuteronomy 10:20–22 (King James Version 1900). Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen. Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the Lord thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.
One wonders why would Muslims be objecting the to use of any article when Allah in the Quran applies the masculine article to himself, as well as the plural article! (Is Allah committing Shirk?) The Qur’an speaks of Allah using the masculine gender seven times in Surah 59.22-24.

"He is Allah and there is no god besides whom he is"

it begins and ends with the masculine huwa ("he is") and not the neutral hiya ("it is").

If Allah can nonetheless be spoken of in the masculine gender in the Qur’an, how can a Muslim claim the Holy Spirit cannot be spoken of in the same terms?

If the Spirit cannot be referenced by a masculine pronoun how can Muhammad be claimed to be the comforter when the comforter is called the Spirit of truth? 7. ## Conclusion {#conclusion-2}

We have examined the passages Muslim apologists claim speak of Muhammad, we have laid their arguments in the balance and found them lacking. We have also given a successful defense of the Christian positions against the Muslim claims. Muhammad was not foretold as a prophet in the Bible, the Bible does however tell us that deceivers would wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived.

Islam’s Conflicts with Empirical Observations
{#islam’s-conflicts-with-empirical-observations}
1. Empirical Science and Evaluating a Philosophy
  {#empirical-science-and-evaluating-a-philosophy}

Science is derived from a word meaning knowledge. Empirical science has been very effective in modeling how things operate. Historical science has been very ineffective in telling us how things got here. The models from empirical science have been used by engineers and technicians to build bridges, buildings, spacecrafts, rockets, medicine, etc… The historical scientists have brought us all kinds of ideas that have proven a disaster, they gave us the Piltdown man, the Nebraska man, etc…

Islam is not evaluated based on it consistency with the unreliable ideas of humanistic historical scientists who often have an apriori commitment to naturalism which Islam does not share. Events that are portrayed as miracles in Islamic literature such as the splitting of the moon, and Jews being turned into apes and monkeys are not portrayed in Islam as natural phenomena and it is meaningless to criticize Islam on the basis that its alleged supernatural events are not natural events. In this section, Islam is evaluated based on its statements concerning natural repeatable phenomenon such as where the sun sets, how the earth is structured, the nature of rivers, oceans, rain, hail, and how a human develops in the womb.

Islam and the Sun {#islam-and-the-sun}

Surah 18:83-91 (Pickthal) “They will ask thee of Dhu'l-Qarneyn. Say: I shall recite unto you a remembrance of him. Lo! We made him strong in the land and gave him unto every thing a road. 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. He said: As for him who doeth wrong, we shall punish him, and then he will be brought back unto his Lord, Who will punish him with awful punishment! But as for him who believeth and doeth right, good will be his reward, and We shall speak unto him a mild command. Then he followed a road Till, when he reached the rising-place of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had appointed no shelter therefrom. So (it was). And We knew all concerning him.”

There are a few important things to note about this passage

This is a historical narrative, and Allah is doing the narration. The account is not the words of Dhu’l-Qarneyn, this is made clear by the fact that Dhu’l-Qarneyn is referred to in the 3rd person “he followed a road 86Till, when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring”. The fact that the narrator is Allah is made clear by phrases such as “We made him strong in the land and gave him unto every thing a road” and “We knew all concerning him”
The story is therefore told from the perspective of Allah, not Dhu’l-Qarneyn. Any explanation which says this is merely what Dhu’l-Qarneyn thought he saw or found is not being true to the text of the Quran.
The text of the Quran clearly states that Dhu’l-Qarneyn reached the setting place of the sun and found the sun setting in a muddy spring and that Dhu’l-Qarneyn reached the rising place of the sun and found it rising on a people for whom Allah appointed no shelter from the sun.
The story has the following errors:
- One cannot reach the setting place of the sun or the rising place of the sun. If you are at a place where you see the sunrise you are not at the place where it is rising. Likewise, if you are at a place where you see the sunset you are not at the place where it is setting.
- The Sun does not set in a muddy pool.
There is a hadith by Abu Dharr which has Muhammad making similar claims concerning the sunset
- Sunan Abu Dawud 3991—Abu Dharr said: I was sitting behind the Apostle of Allah who was riding a donkey while the sun was setting. He asked: Do you know where this sets? I replied: Allah and his Apostle know best. He said: It sets in a spring of warm water.
- “Abu Dharr (one of Muhammad’s close companions) was with Muhammad during the sunset. Muhammad asked him: ‘Do you know, O Abu Dharr where this sun sets?’ He answered; ‘God and His apostle know better.’ Muhammad said: ‘It sets in a spring of slimy water’” - Zamakhshari The Kahshaf (3rd Edition, Volume 2 page 743, 1987) ⁹⁴
Tabari and al-Baydawi both understood this passage in a literal sense
- “The sun sets in a slimy spring: that is, a well which contains mud. Some of the readers of the Quran read it, ‘…a hot spring’, thus the spring combines the two descriptions. It was said that Ibn ‘Abbas found Mu’awiya reading it (as) hot. He told him, ‘It is muddy,’ Mu’awiya sent to Ka’b al-Ahbar and asked him. ‘Where does the sun set?’ He said in water and mud and there were some people. So he agreed with the statement of ibn al-‘Abbas. And there was a man who composed a few verses of poetry about the setting of the sun in the slimy spring.”– Baydawi The Lights of Revelation (page 399)
- Tabari went so far as to say the pool where the sun sets contains lime (see the Concise Interpretation of Tabari page 19 of part 2)1
  1. Analysis of Modern Muslim Reponses
    {#analysis-of-modern-muslim-reponses}

This passage describes only what Dhu’l-Qarneyn thought he saw.
1. This story was told by Allah from Allah’s perspective not Dhu’l-Qarneyn.
The raising of the sun is an idiom for going east and the setting of the sun is an idiom for going west
1. West and East are directions; the text said Dhu’l-Qarneyn reached the place of the rising of the sun and the place of the setting of the sun. One does not reach a direction, but a destination! Those who claim reaching the setting-place or rising-place of the sun are idioms, must show that they were idioms at the time of Muhammad. If one is allowed to make up idioms after the fact and apply them to a document, one can make that document mean anything they want. When a document can mean anything, it means nothing in particular and ceases to be a revelation. The existence of the hadith by Abu Dharr indicates Muhammad was not aware that these phrases were idioms. When asked to choose between the understanding of Muhammad and that of a 20th century Muslim, a good Muslim must echo the words of Abu Dharr who said “God and His apostle know better.” Some Muslims will challenge the authority of this hadith, if so, one has to ask on what basis is it challenged. They should be asked to produce a more authentic hadith that supports their position. They should also be asked to provide an Islamic Scholar whose writings predate Tabari that was aware of this alleged idiom. If they cannot provide that then they have no historical basis for their position.
This is clearly figurative language
1. Historical narratives typically don’t contain a lot of figurative language. Why was it not clear to Muhammad, Tabari, al-Baydawi etc.. that this was figurative language?
Dhu’l-Qarneyn merely reached a beach arriving at the time of the sunset, and traveled to another place, and arrived at the time of the sunrise.
1. The context is Allah giving Dhu’l-Qarneyn a road to various destinations. It does not necessitate Allah making a special road for someone to see a sunset at a beach. This explanation does not explain the statement that the sun sets in a muddy spring. Again this interpretation is at odds with Muhammad’s statements in the hadith narrated by Abu Dharr, and the word translated spring, is Aynin which means spring or well not ocean or sea.
Clearly you cannot reach the place where the sun rises or sets therefore this is not what the Quran means.
1. This is a classic case of circular reasoning. One assumes the Quran has no demonstrably false statements then when they encounter one, they say that statement does not mean what it says because the Quran has no demonstrably false statements. Since the argument does not start with the text, its alleged meaning is not derived from the text, the meaning cannot be said to have been revealed by the one who gave the text.
Allah is merely quoting an old fable to teach a moral point
1. The first problem is identifying the alleged moral? This explanation has Allah giving credibility to a false fable by not only quoting it without giving any disclaimers in regard to it’s truthfulness, but buttressing the story by claiming to have empowered Dhul-Qarnayn! This casts doubt on all teachings of the Quran and particularly the historical narratives in the Quran.
2. Ibn Ishaq’s Life of Muhammad (Guillaume’s translation pages 136-139) states rabbis from Medina prescribed the test “’Ask him about three things of which we will instruct you; if he gives you the right answer then he is an authentic prophet, but if he does not, then the man is a rogue, so form your own opinion about him. Ask him what happened to the young men who disappeared in ancient days, for they have a marvelous story. Ask him about the mighty traveler who reached the confines of both East and West. Ask him what the spirit is.’” (page 136) Muhammad waited 15 days for Gabriel to answer “This delay caused the apostle great sorrow, until Gabriel brought him the Chapter of the Cave, in which he reproaches him for his sadness, and told him the answers of their questions, the youths, the mighty traveler, and the spirit.” ( page 137). On page 139, we read “And He said about what they asked him in regard to the mighty traveler, ‘And they will ask you about Dhul-Qarnayn; say I will recite to you a remembrance of him, …’” Referring to portions of the Quran as pre-existent fables places one in the category of an unbeliever according to Surah 6:25-27 of the Quran
Pickthal 6:25-27 “Of them are some who listen unto thee, but We have placed upon their hearts veils, lest they should understand, and in their ears a deafness. If they saw every token they would not believe therein; to the point that, when they come unto thee to argue with thee, the disbelievers say: This is naught else than fables of the men of old. And they forbid (men) from it and avoid it, and they ruin none save themselves, though they perceive not. If thou couldst see when they are set before the Fire and say: Oh, would that we might return! Then would we not deny the revelations of our Lord but we would be of the believers!” 3. ## Embryology and the Quran {#embryology-and-the-quran}

In the Chapter on the Quran in conflict (Chapter 9), we saw that the Quran has conflicting statements about what man was created from:

A clot (Surah 96:1-2);
Water (25:54; 21:30; 24:45);
Clay (15:26,28,33; 17:61;32:7);
Dust (3:59; 30:20; 35:11);
A drop of fluid (semen, seed or sperm):
- 16:4; 32:8; 35:11; 53:46; 56:58; 75:37; 76:2; 77:20; 80:19; 86:6-7
Surah 86:6-7 (Yusufali) “He is created from a drop emitted Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs”

The above conflicting list is enough to make someone doubt the inspiration of the Quran, but clever Muslim apologists are always trying to turn a weakness into a strength and the way they attempt to do it is with this passage

Sura 23:13-14 "placed him as (a drop of) sperm (nutfah) in a place of rest, firmly fixed; then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood (alaqa); then out of that clot We made a (foetus) lump (mudghah), then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature."

This passage is elaborated on in the Hadith

Bukhari :: Book 4 :: Volume 55 :: Hadith 549 Narrated Abdullah: (Abdullah Ibn Masud) “Allah's Apostle, the true and truly inspired said, "(as regards your creation), every one of you is collected in the womb of his mother for the first forty days, and then he becomes a clot for an other forty days, and then a piece of flesh for an other forty days. Then Allah sends an angel to write four words: He writes his deeds, time of his death, means of his livelihood, and whether he will be wretched or blessed (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into his body. So a man may do deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell) Fire, so much so that there is only the distance of a cubit between him and it, and then what has been written (by the angel) surpasses, and so he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise and enters Paradise. Similarly, a person may do deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise, so much so that there is only the distance of a cubit between him and it, and then what has been written (by the angel) surpasses, and he starts doing deeds of the people of the (Hell) Fire and enters the (Hell) Fire." See Also Bukhari Book 8, Volume 77; # 593; Book 9, Volume 93, #546; Book 4, Volume 54, #430; Muslim Book 33, #6390;

Lets look at the stages:

Nutfah – semen (40 days)
Alaqa – clot (40 days)
Mudghah – lump of meat (40 days)
Bones
Bones clothed with flesh
Another Creature

The Nutfah Stage

The Qur'an does not mention sperm or eggs; it says nutfah. Nutfah can be translated semen or possibly germinal fluid but that is a stretch. Surah 86:6 claims that during the act of sexual intercourse before which a man is created, the "gushing fluid" or semen issues from between the loins and ribs.

Surah 86:5-7 (Yusaf Ali) 5Now let man but think from what he is created! He is created from a drop emitted Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs: Surely ((God)) is able to bring him back (to life)!”

Obviously, this surah is bad science, sperm comes from the testicles not from the between the backbone and the ribs. Many suspect Muhammad got this from Hippocrates (5th century B.C. 1000 years before Muhammad). Hippocrates taught semen comes from all the fluid in the body, diffusing from the brain into the spinal marrow, Then passes through the kidneys and via the testicles into the penis⁹⁵

The typical Muslim response is to say the testicles which produces the sperm originates from the area between the loins and ribs, that is why it says the sperm comes from there. This is a ridiculous argument, this is like a guy who was born and lived his whole life in Mecca Saudi Arabia traveling to Egypt and saying he came from England, then justifying the claim because his mother was born in England.

The Alaqa Stage

The root Letters of Alaqa are Ayn Lam Qaf. Muslims make much about this word, claiming that it means “a leach like clinging substance”. Everybody knows the embryo cling and not just during the period of time between 40 and 80 days, but the whole time. Perhaps they make much of this to distract us from the fact that most translators translated the word clot. Lactantius gives a list of how this word was translated he notes it was clot (Pickthall, Maulana Muhammed Ali, Muhammed Zafrulla Khan, Hamidullah); Small lump of blood (Kasimirski); Leech-like clot (Yusuf Ali); Leech, suspended thing or blood clot (Moore); Red clot – Ibn Kathir on Surah 23; Qamus al-Muheet Arabic Dictionary (Compiled, by Muhammed Ibn-Yaqub al-Firuzabadi ,AD 1329-1415) says alaqa means a clot of blood. - Al Munjid fil Lugha wala'aam (Dar Al Mashreq sarl, Lebanon, 1987) Everyone knows the embryo clings not only during the stage the Quran calls it an Alaqa.

Mudghah Stage

Mudghah means a mouthful of meat. One would have to wait around 8 weeks before the embryo was the size of chewed flesh (if a mouthful is defined as being 20-30mm wide). Muhammad claims that the mudghah stage occurs between the 80th and 120th day of the pregnancy. By this time the foetus is considerably larger than a lump of flesh the size of which a man can chew. At this stage the baby looks very human-like and totally unlike meat.

The Skeleton Stage-Creature Stage

After the Mudghah stage the Quran claimed “then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature." So Islam has a skeleton being formed first with flesh being added to the bones. However, in real life the muscle, flesh and bones come from mesoderm. The develop simultaneously not sequentially. To make matters even worse the bones finish developing last. The bones continue to develop long after the child is born.

Islam on Genetics {#islam-on-genetics}

Muhammad allegedly proved he was a prophet by explaining why a baby sometimes looked like the father and sometimes like the maternal uncle

Bukhari : Book 4 : Volume 55 : Hadith 546 Narrated Anas: “When 'Abdullah bin Salam heard the arrival of the Prophet at Medina, he came to him and said, "I am going to ask you about three things which nobody knows except a prophet: What is the first portent of the Hour? What will be the first meal taken by the people of Paradise? Why does a child resemble its father, and why does it resemble its maternal uncle" Allah's Apostle said, "Gabriel has just now told me of their answers." 'Abdullah said, "He (i.e. Gabriel), from amongst all the angels, is the enemy of the Jews." Allah's Apostle said, "The first portent of the Hour will be a fire that will bring together the people from the east to the west; the first meal of the people of Paradise will be Extra-lobe (caudate lobe) of fish-liver. As for the resemblance of the child to its parents: If a man has sexual intercourse with his wife and gets discharge first, the child will resemble the father, and if the woman gets discharge first, the child will resemble her." On that 'Abdullah bin Salam said, "I testify that you are the Apostle of Allah." 'Abdullah bin Salam further said, "O Allah's Apostle! The Jews are liars, and if they should come to know about my conversion to Islam before you ask them (about me), they would tell a lie about me." The Jews came to Allah's Apostle and 'Abdullah went inside the house. Allah's Apostle asked (the Jews), "What kind of man is 'Abdullah bin Salam amongst you?" They replied, "He is the most learned person amongst us, and the best amongst us, and the son of the best amongst us." Allah's Apostle said, "What do you think if he embraces Islam (will you do as he does)?" The Jews said, "May Allah save him from it." Then 'Abdullah bin Salam came out in front of them saying, "I testify that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah." Thereupon they said, "He is the evilest among us, and the son of the evilest amongst us," and continued talking badly of him.”

We understand today that the baby’s looks are determined based upon genetics not timing of the intercourse. Hence Muhammad was a false prophet.

Islam on the Digestive System {#islam-on-the-digestive-system}

Muslim :: Book 23 : Hadith 5113 Ibn 'Umar reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying that a non-Muslim eats in seven intestines whereas a Muslim eats in one intestine.

Bukhari : Book 7 : Volume 65 : Hadith 305 Narrated Nafi': “Ibn 'Umar never used to take his meal unless a poor man was called to eat with him. One day I brought a poor man to eat with him, the man ate too much, whereupon Ibn 'Umar said, "O Nafi'! Don't let this man enter my house, for I heard the Prophet saying, "A believer eats in one intestine (is satisfied with a little food), and a kafir (unbeliever) eats in seven intestines (eats much food)." 6. ## Islam and Poison {#islam-and-poison}

The Wings of a Fly

Bukhari volume IV, number 537 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “If a house fly falls into the drink of anyone of you, he should dip it (into the drink) because one of its wings has a disease and the other wing has the cure (for that disease).

Burkhari volume VII, number 673 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “If a fly falls in the vessel of any of you, let him dip all of it into the vessel and then throw it away, for in one its wings there is a disease and in the other wing there is healing.”

Eat Ajwa dates and be immune from poison

Bukhari :: Book 7 :: Volume 71 :: Hadith 664 Narrated Saud: “I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "If Somebody takes seven 'Ajwa dates in the morning, neither magic nor poison will hurt him that day."”

Muslim apologists sometimes like to take a bottle of poison to a debate and tell the Christian that they should drink it. They cite the following passage from the King James Bible (The passage below is not in some of the other English translations because it is not in some of the Greek texts they are based on)

Mark 16:17-18 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

All Christians believe that God has preserved His word, but some believe it was preserved in the Textus Receptus and others believe it was preserved in a different manner either by a different text or an aggregate of collected text. Many of those who do not believe the Textus Receptus is the best text of the Bible will dismiss this argument by saying this passage is not in the text they believe in. Others who do believe the Textus Receptus is the true text will often say that one should not tempt the Lord, in a similar manner as Jesus said when he was told to cast himself down from the temple. This is actually a golden opportunity to turn the tables on your Muslim friend, give him some Ajwa dates, quote the hadith and ask him to prove Sahih Bukhari is authentic and Muhammad is a prophet.

Muhammad on Water {#muhammad-on-water}

Long before Muhammad there was the philosopher Thales, who thought that everything came from water. Years later it seems that Allah and Muhammad picked up on this idea.

Surah 21:30 (Pickthal) “Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and we made every living thing of water? Will they not then believe?”

Surah 24:45 (Pickthal) “Allah hath created every animal of water. Of them is (a kind) that goeth upon its belly and (a kind) that goeth upon two legs and (a kind) that goeth upon four. Allah createth what He will. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.”

According to the Quran everything was made from water, yet water is only hydrogen and oxygen, this is absurd and bad science. Not only this but as we saw earlier Allah claimed he made man from clay in another part of the Quran.

Allah is unfamiliar with the normal operation of the weather. Allah claimed rain came between the clouds and not from the clouds in Surah 24:43 and the part about hail mountains coming from the sky. We have never seen that. He claimed rain in Surah 25:48 that rain is pure water, when in fact it picks up what is in the air on its way down.

Surah 24:43 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “See you not that Allah drives the clouds gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap of layers, and you see the rain comes forth from between them. And He sends down from the sky hail (like) mountains, (or there are in the heaven mountains of hail from where He sends down hail), and strike therewith whom He will, and averts it from whom He wills. The vivid flash of its (clouds) lightning nearly blinds the sight.”

Surah 25:48 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain), and We send down pure water from the sky,

Allah says there are two types of water, that never mix

Surah 25:53 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “And it is He Who has let free the two seas (kinds of water), one palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter, and He has set a barrier and a complete partition between them.

Surah 55:19-20 (Al-Hilali and Khan) “He has let loosed the two seas (the salt water and the sweet) meeting together. Between them is a barrier which none of them can transgress.

Allah says there is a barrier and a complete partition between them. This is not true! Sweet water flows into the oceans and eventually mixes. Sure it take a little while for them to mix like it does for any body of liquid flowing into another, but they mix otherwise the region of sweet water would continually be growing since it is continually flowing into the salty water.

Islam on the Earth (Spread out flat with Mountains to hold it down)
{#islam-on-the-earth-(spread-out-flat-with-mountains-to-hold-it-down)}

Surah 15:19 (Pickthall) And the earth have We spread out, and placed therein firm hills, and caused each seemly thing to grow therein.

Commentators recognized the words spread out to mean flat

20:53 Made the earth spread out like a bed
50:7 Earth spread flat
78:6-7 Earth made like a bed and mountains like pegs
79:30-32 The earth spread flat, and the mountains are fixed
13:3 Spread out the earth – Some say this is flat in Arabic.
27:61 Earth is a “fixed abode”
21:31 Claims mountains are there to keep the earth from shaking but they are actually the result of the earth shaking when the plates would collide and one go on top of the other they formed mountains!
31:10 claims mountains prevent earthquakes (Bad Science)

Sam Shamoun in his article “The Quran and the Shape of the Earth”⁹⁶ shows the early Islamic scholars understood this was a denial of the spherical shape of the earth

Bad Animal Anatomy {#bad-animal-anatomy}

Surah 16:66 “We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretions and blood, pure milk; palatable to the drinkers” - Cow milk doesn’t come from the belly nor is it between blood and excretions?

Islam and the Stars {#islam-and-the-stars}

Stars are to protect from devils

Surah 37:6-8 The purpose of stars is to protect from devils listening to higher up angels talk. If they try they will get pelted with stars from every side. (See also 67:5)
1. Surah 37:6 (Pickthall) Lo! We have adorned the lowest heaven with an ornament, the planets; 7 With security from every froward devil. 8 They cannot listen to the Highest Chiefs for they are pelted from every side,
2. Surah 67:5 (Pickthal) And truly We have beautified the world's heaven with lamps, and We have made them missiles for the devils, and for them We have prepared the doom of flame. 67:6 And for those who disbelieve in their Lord there is the doom of hell,
This is really odd especially since Satan is portrayed as:
1. Fire - how would a star damage fire? Surah 38:76
Surah 38:76 (Pickthall) He (Satan) said: I am better than him (Adam). You created me of fire, whilst him You did create of clay. 2. A being who lives in people’s noses when they sleep.

Bukhari : Book 4 : Volume 54 : Hadith 516 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "If anyone of you rouses from sleep and performs the ablution, he should wash his nose by putting water in it and then blowing it out thrice, because Satan has stayed in the upper part of his nose all the night."
1. An invisible being that urinates in people ears if they sleep during prayer.
  
  Bukhari : Book 4 : Volume 54 : Hadith 492 Narrated 'Abdullah: It was mentioned before the Prophet that there was a man who slept the night till morning (after sunrise). The Prophet said, "He is a man in whose ears (or ear) Satan had urinated."
1. Conclusion {#conclusion-3}

There are many more examples that one could give to show the Quran contains many absurd and false statements that contradict empirical observation. Those who wish to study this more should go to http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Science/index.htm

Answering Muslim Objections to the Trinity
{#answering-muslim-objections-to-the-trinity}
1. Defining Terminology {#defining-terminology}

The Trinity is often misunderstood by our Muslim friends. The Trinity is defined as one divine being shared by three persons (The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit). This article will address some basic questions that Muslims have raised and then addresses specific questions a Muslim apologist raised in a dialogue with a Christian apologist.

Some Muslim apologists, who are ignorant of the doctrine of the Trinity, have asked the questions: Is Jesus God? Is the Father God? Is the Holy Spirit God? When the Christian answers yes to each question, the Muslim replies by saying you have three gods. The Christian disagrees with this conclusion because they have a different usage of the word “is”. To see this consider the following examples of the use of the word “is”.

1) Bill is the President of company X. The words Bill and the President of Company X are interchangeable, they refer to the same being. (Equating, i.e. equates two nouns)

2) The floor is concrete. The words floor and concrete are not interchangeable; concrete is a description of the nature of the floor. (Qualitative, i.e. makes a statement about something’s nature. The term “The Floor” is a noun the term “concrete” is an adjective)

When Christians say Jesus is God, they use the word “is” in the qualitative sense, and the use the word God as an adjective. They mean Jesus shares in the divine nature. Since the Father and the Holy Spirit share the same divine nature. We can answer yes to each of the Muslims questions. The Muslim apologist assumes the word “is” is being used in an equating sense.

The Muslim’s confusion is in part due to the fact Christians use the word God in multiple ways, one to refer to the divine nature, a second to refer to one of the three persons that share the divine nature, and third as the Trinity. With this in mind, the so-called “rational objections to the Trinity” put forth by an Muslim apologist named Yahya can be easily clarified.

Answering the so-called “Rational objections to the Trinity”
{#answering-the-so-called-“rational-objections-to-the-trinity”}

God’s nature – God cannot take the form of anything, because he cannot be broken down into atoms.
1. The Christian view is not that God became man, but that the 2nd person of the Godhead took on an additional nature, that of a man. Thus, all questions about the infinite becoming finite are based on ignorance of the Christian position, and commit the straw man logical fallacy.
God has no Ousia
1. When Christians use the word substance in applying it to God we don’t mean matter, we mean nature, certainly Muslims do not deny God has a nature or attributes
If a person has a will, then there are then three wills within the Trinity. How can one being have 3 different wills?
1. How can one being have one will, how can two being have two wills, how can a square be green, this is a ridiculous question, there is nothing other than an apriori assumption on the apologist’s part that a being has only one will.
God depends upon nothing for his existence. Therefore, if Jesus is God he does not need anything therefore He does not need the Father
1. Christians believe Jesus shares The Divine nature with the Father, and the Holy Spirit. The Trinitarian being is God, when we say Jesus is God we do not believe Jesus is the Trinity, we believe He has the attributes and nature shared by all members of the Trinity. Because Christians use the word God in multiple ways this is understandably confusing for Muslims. God = The Trinity, when we say, “Jesus is God”, we do not mean “Jesus is the Trinity”, we mean that Jesus shares the divine nature and attributes. God does not depend upon anything external for existence. Does Jesus depend upon the divine nature? The divine nature is not something external to Jesus or the Father that they depend upon it is what they are. Christians could likewise ask does your Allah’s nature need his personality? Is Allah’s nature dependent upon his personality?
If the Christians say Jesus is part of God you have broken down and compounded God therefore God is not God
1. Christians do not say that Jesus is part of God we don’t believe the divine nature can be broken down into parts. For example, the attribute of all powerful could not be separated from all knowing and make sense out of either of them.
If Jesus is fully God, it is impossible for him to be fully man, because the infinite cannot become finite and remain infinite
1. This is an either or fallacy. Jesus did not have one nature but two. One human and one divine. I can see where this confuses Muslims since we say Jesus is human, and Jesus is Divine, it might be clearer to Muslims if Christians were more careful to use unambiguous language and said, “Jesus has a human nature” and “Jesus has a Divine Nature”.
The Muslim apologist wrongly claims the Trinity is either 3 self sufficient Gods– stand alone not dependent upon each other or 3 interdependent gods – each one being limited. Having created a false dichotomy from a straw man he then goes on to attack the straw man by way of the false dichotomy.
1. Mr Y. is broke; I rely on the moderator for money, Moderator relies on Mr X for money, Mr X relies on Mr. Y for money. They need someone else to bail them out of the situation they cannot be God. Claim if the 3 depend upon one another they need another source and cannot be God.
  1. This assumes:
    1. The existence of an external entity which is depended upon, and that each member depends upon the same external entity, by assuming this it is impossible for this to be analogous to God in any way.
    2. His analogy is flawed because in his analogy he references 3 persons that do not share the same nature, and unless the Muslim apologist is committing Shirk, I do not believe he is claiming these persons have or share in a divine nature.
  2. None of this applies to the Christian view of the Trinity. We believe God is three persons sharing a single divine nature which is not divisible. That which they all depend upon is their own indivisible shared nature. If the Muslim apologist thought about this more carefully, I do not believe he would raise the objection that the persons of the Trinity are not God because they depend upon their own shared nature.
Why is Jesus called the Son if he is equal – why not called brother
1. This is only an issue of nomenclature. Fathers and Sons share the same type of nature as do brothers.
Do we need separate personalities to carry out separate functions
1. God’s attributes are not determined by human necessities, human imaginations, etc... This is the folly of rationalism, which Yahya appeals to. If rationalism was a valid epistemological method, then we would not need revelation. It is odd to think of a Muslim even taking this position. This question is effectively asking “does God need to be 3 persons to carry out separate functions?” I don’t think one should attempt to reason from what one does in the context of a finite universe to what one is, otherwise, you would never claim that God is infinite, since interacting in a finite universe does not require the assumption of an infinite cause.
If each is able to carry out the workload but they divide the labor then they are 3 gods and that decided to cooperate.
1. Again, the difficulty that I believe the Muslim apologist is having here is not recognizing that the persons of the Trinity share a nature. When the Trinity works it does so out of the shared nature, which is undivided.
Is there a place where God has no power then he is not God, Does the Son have power over the Father if not then He is not God.
1. There seems some confusion over “place” and “person”. The attributes of the 3 persons of the Trinity are what we call the single indivisible divine nature. One of the attributes is all powerful. If there were three natures then this would be a reasonable question, but since they share a nature and one attribute of which is “all powerful”, it is akin to a Christian asking a Muslim “Does Allahs nature have power over his personality?”
Whichever one has power over them, that one is God. If they all have the same power they are limited by each others power and being limited none is God.
1. All three persons share the same divine nature which includes the fact it is all knowing and all powerful.
2. The wills of all three persons are compatible in a perfect sense. Hence there is no need for an arbitrating entity controlling who is able to appropriate the Divine nature, since there is no internal conflict in the persons of the Trinity.
If the sum of them is God then God is a God above the 3 demigods
1. I think I answered this in the definition of the Trinity, there is one being, three persons.
1. Examination of John 1:1 {#examination-of-john-1:1}
  1. Background on Greek Grammar {#background-on-greek-grammar}

Greek does not have to rely on word order to determine the subject, the object. These are distinguished by the endings of the words.
This allows a different word order without effecting the meaning.
Word order is not altogether unimportant 0. Sometimes words are moved to the front of a sentence to add emphasis.
1. Another case is when the word order corresponds to a Colwell construction.
  1. Colwell’s Construction and Rule
Collwel’s construction occurs when a anarthrous predicate nominative (A predicate nominative without the definite article.) precedes the equative verb.
Colwell's rule states "Definite predicate nouns which precede the verb usually lack the article." (The definiteness of a predicate nominative can be achieved via the definite article or by changing the word order.) 2. #### The Converse of Colwell’s Rule
Definition of Converse. If a rule says A implies B. The converse of that rule is B implies A.
Generally speaking, if a rule is true it does not mean it’s converse is true. Examples 0. “If it is raining hard then the ground will be wet” may be a sound rule but that does not mean “if the ground is wet then it has rained hard” The ground could be wet because it was sprayed with a hose.
It should be noted that the converse of Colwell's rule is not true. The presence of an anarthrous preverbal predicate nominative does not imply the predicate nominative is definite. 0. Daniel Wallace in his book The Basics of New Testament Syntax page117 states "A general rule about the construction (Colwell's construction) can now be stated: An anarthrous preverbal PN is normally qualitative, sometimes definite, and rarely indefinite. Two subsequent studies on Colwell's construction concluded that they could not find any indefinite anarthrous preverbal PN's in the NT. It is entirely possible that ther are some in the NT, but this is obviously the most poorly attested semantic force for such a construction." 3. #### Colwell Constructions with Qualitative Meanings
John 1:14 "The Word became flesh” we would never say "The Word became the flesh" nor "The Word became a flesh" rather flesh is a quality which the Word took upon himself.
1 John 4:8 "God is love" we would not say "God is a love" or "God is the love" we use the word "love" in a qualitative sense.

John 1:1
"The Word was with God and the Word was God” uses a Colwell Construction.
When we say that Jesus is God we don't mean Jesus is the Trinity, we are not modalists, we mean that Jesus has the divine nature, He has the quality of God.
This is important because some push a false dichotomy saying it must be either "the Word is a god" or "the Word is The God” But there are 3 possibilites. (Definite, Indefinite, and Qualitative) 0. The indefinite is the JW heresy.
1. The definite is the modalist heresy.
2. The qualitative is the Biblical understanding.
3. Arianism and Islam {#arianism-and-islam}
In Chapter 8 of the Manual, we demonstrated from Islamic sources that Muhammad claimed to be confirming teaching of the Old Testament prophets, Jesus and His apostles, is very problematic for Islam. In Chapter 6 we clearly demonstrated that Islam’s Allah is not at all like YHVH. Why was Muhammad’s teaching in conflict with the Christians if he believed Jesus was a prophet? This is a difficult issue for Muslims to answer. Some respond by claiming Jesus and his apostles were all Muslims, but that they were overthrown and their beliefs and holy books were lost. This is very problematic since the Quran claims the true followers of Jesus would have victory over the unbelievers until the day of resurrection.

Surah 3:55 (Pickthall) “(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.”

What is more the writer of the Quran claimed that the holy books of the Christians and the Jews were available at the time of Muhammad.

Surah 7:157 (Pickthal) “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.”

These passages of the Quran are huge problems for Muslims who take this position. Another problem is the lack of any historical evidence of a group of “Christians” who taught something remotely similar to Islam. Some of the Muslims, knowing only that the Arians did not believe in the Trinity, claimed they the “real followers of Jesus” and that they believed what the Muslims believe. A look at the Arian Creed tells us a very different story. The following English translation of the Arian creed is taken from pages 126-127 of E. Calvin Beisner’s book God in Three Persons.

“We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, and in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, who was begotten from Him before all ages, God the Word, by whom all things were made, whether things in heaven or things on earth; He came and took upon Him flesh, suffered and rose again, and ascended into heaven, whence He will again come to judge the quick and the dead. We believe in the Holy Ghost, in the resurrection of the body, in the life to come, in the kingdom of heaven, and in one Catholic Church of God, established throughout the earth. We have received this faith from the Holy Gospels, in which the Lord says to His disciples. ‘Go forth and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.’ As they are taught by the whole Catholic Church and by the sacred Scriptures, as we believe in every point, let God be our judge, both now and in the day which is to come.”

From the Arian creed we can list several ways in which the Arian were in conflict with Islam

Jesus is begotten from God before all ages.
Jesus is called “God the Word”
Jesus “suffered and rose again.”
Jesus will come again to judge the quick and the dead.
“We have received this faith from the Holy Gospels”
Refers to the Christian Scriptures as “The sacred Scriptures”

In Robert Morey’s book the Trinity Evidence and Issues has a whole section devoted to Arianism. Some of the points he mentions are:
The Arians did not believe in the Eternality of Jesus.
They believed Jesus and the Holy Spirit were both created beings.
Arius viewed the Father as the “monad” and Jesus as a demi-god.

If the Arians were true Muslims as some Muslim apologists would have you believe, one wonders why they did not teach the following doctrines:

The Arians did not teach Muslim prayer 5x a day toward Mecca.
The Arians did not teach about the pilgrimage
The Arians did not teach about fasting during Ramadan
The Arians did not teach that Ishmael was a prophet
The Arians did not advocate kissing the black stones or throwing stones at a pillar that represents the devil.
The Arians made no mention of Muhammad coming.

Not only did the Arians differ considerably from Islam’s teachings, they also can’t trace their teachings back before Arius who lived from A.D. 260 to A.D. 336. Arianism began when Arius started objecting to Bishop Alexander who was taught the deity of Christ and believed in the Trinity. Arianism did not need to be dealt with before Arius attacked the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity. 5. ## Questions to ask Muslims {#questions-to-ask-muslims}

The following are some questions to ask Muslims that may help them understand the Trinity better.

Do you believe the Word of Allah is eternal? (most Muslims would say yes)
Can you destroy a physical copy of the words of Allah without destroying the word of Allah? If so does the word of Allah have a material temporal form and also an eternal form?
Does the eternal form of the word of Allah differ in nature from Allah or do they share the same nature? If they differ in nature, then why is the word of Allah called the word of Allah?
Do you believe Jesus is the Word of Allah?

The False Gospel of Barnabas (Gospel of Barnabas )
{#the-false-gospel-of-barnabas-(gospel-of-barnabas-)}

The Gospel of Barnabas is a forgery written over 1000 years after Jesus lived but put forth by some Muslim apologists because it’s teaching is closer to that of Islam. The problem for Muslims with the gospel of Barnabas is twofold:

It is an obvious forgery
It contradicts the Quran
1. Dealing with Muslims Arguments about the False Gospel of Barnabas
  {#dealing-with-muslims-arguments-about-the-false-gospel-of-barnabas}

The fastest way to dispense with the gospel of Barnabas is to ask the Muslim the following questions in the question tree

History of Gospel of Barnabas {#history-of-gospel-of-barnabas}

1734 AD: George Sale translated and published the Qur’an; he first drew the attention of Christians to a gospel attributed to Barnabas.
He mentioned a Spanish translation of Gospel of Barnabas (no longer exists);
Italian translation: in the library of Prince Eugene of Savoy;
1907 AD: Lonsdale and Laura Ragg translated in English and published with notes proving Sale’s view that is a forgery.
1973 AD: Ragg’s English translation was first published in the Islamic world;
Approximately 100,000 copies were printed in Pakistan;
Brought excitement for Muslims to see the proof from Christian origins that Jesus was the ‘Isa of Islam’ and Muhammad was the final messenger of God. 3. ## Various View Scholar’s view of the “Gospel of Barnabas” {#various-view-scholar’s-view-of-the-“gospel-of-barnabas”}
1. Important facts {#important-facts}
According to our knowledge none of Jesus’ disciples went by the name of Barnabas (Matt. 10:2-4; Mk. 3:13-19).
There was no Gospel written by Barnabas; the evidence from the book indicates that it was written by some new Muslim convert in 1300-1350 AD. 2. ### Common opinions held by uniformed Muslims: {#common-opinions-held-by-uniformed-muslims:}
Christians have hidden the gospel of Barnabas.
Gospel of Barnabas is an illuminating book, which proves that Jesus was a true prophet of Islam
Muslims from Indian Subcontinent and African nations claim that the Gospel of Barnabas is the ‘True Gospel’ 3. ### Motivation for some Muslim’s favorable view of G.O.B: {#motivation-for-some-muslim’s-favorable-view-of-g.o.b:}
Gospel of Barnabas claims Jesus never claimed to be the Son of God;
Gospel of Barnabas claims Jesus predicted the coming of prophet Muhammad by name. 4. ## Teachings of the Gospel of Barnabas: {#teachings-of-the-gospel-of-barnabas:}

Jesus denied that He was the Son of God:
1. The Gospel of Barnabas repeats the incident where Jesus asked his disciples … who the world thought he was … Peter’s response – ‘You are the Son of God’ (Matt. 16:13-20) G.O.B tells: “… Be gone and depart from, because you are the devil and seeks to cause me offence!” … “I have won from God a great curse against those who believe this.” (Paragraph 70, p 88)
Judas was Crucified in Place of Jesus:
1. The Gospel of Barnabas teaches that when Judas arrived with soldiers to arrest Jesus, God sent four angels to take Jesus out of the world into the third heaven while Judas “was so changed in speech and in face to be like Jesus” that Barnabas and the other disciples believed him to actually be Jesus. Judas was accordingly crucified in his place (Gospel of Barnabas Paragraph 216, page 263).
Jesus predicted the coming of Muhammad by name:
1. Jesus in his statement said, “he would first have to endure the infamy that he had been crucified: “But when Mohammad shall come, the sacred messenger of God, that infamy shall be taken away” (Gospel of Barnabas Paragraph 112, p 142).
Some of The reasons of forgery of the Gospel of Barnabas
1. Author’s ignorance of geography of Israel:
  1. ‘Nazareth is at the shore of Lake Galilee‘;Another example: “Having arrived at the city of Nazareth the seamen spread through the city all that Jesus had wrought (Paragraph 20, pages 22-23). [Nazareth is up in the hills and not on the shores of the lake, Capernaum was on the shores].
  2. 'Jesus goes up to Capernaum', one of the lowest towns on the earth's surface;
  3. 'Jesus went by boat to Jerusalem’!
Author’s ignorance of the local or historical situation:
1. 'Jesus and the disciples observed 40 days of lent' (Lent was celebrated 400 years later)!
2. 3. 'Jesus was born when Pilate was Governor (Paragraph 3, page 4), whereas Pilate was Governor at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion.
3. Title "Virgin" is given to Mary, (this occurred 400 years later
4. 'Jesus observed five daily prayers‘:
  1. Dawn - Paragraph 89,106; pages 113,133;
  2. Midday – Paragraph 155,156: pages 200,201; 163: page 211;
  3. Evening – Paragraph 61: p 78;
  4. Evening when first star appears – Paragraph 100: p 126;
  5. Midnight – Paragraph 83: p 105.
  6. (no such Jewish custom; nothing like it before Islam came in).
Theological ignorance:
1. Muhammad is clearly called the Messiah (Gospel of Barnabas Paragraph 97, p 123).
2. The Qur’an and the Bible gives this title to Jesus.
3. In introduction of the Gospel of Barnabas, Jesus is called Christ and in Paras 42, p 54 and 82 p 103-104 "Barnabas" denies that Jesus is the Messiah.
4. Eve ate an "apple" in paradise (Paras 40; 41, pp 51-54); whereas in the Bible, Eve ate an unspecified fruit.
5. 'Ishmael was offered on the altar by Abraham' Paragraph 99, p126. The Bible says Isaac (Genesis 22:2). Ishmael is the Islamic tradition.
6. Teaching of nine heaven and paradise as the tenth Pare 105, p132, and 178, p 223-224; is taken from Dante's ‘Divine Comedy’ who lived from 1245-1321 AD.
Sources of the Gospel of Barnabas: It is not hard to prove to Muslims that this gospel was first compiled many centuries after the times of both Jesus and Muhammad. Three of examples of medieval influences will be considered here.
1. The Centenary Year of Jubilee:
  1. Leviticus 25:11; jubilee year was to be observed twice a century when slaves would be liberated and debts cancelled.
  2. In the middle ages a pope changed it to once every 100 years
2. Quotations from Dante’s Inferno:
3. He wrote a well-known classic “Divina Comedia” – the ‘Divine Comedy’; a fantasy about hell, purgatory and heaven. Various passages in the Gospel of Barnabas depend on his work such as:
  1. ‘Readily and with gladness they went to their death, so as not to offend against the law of God given by Moses his servant, and go and serve false and lying gods.’ (Gospel of Barnabas Paragraph 23, p 27)
  2. In its descriptions of heaven and hell, the Gospel of Barnabas follows Dante exactly while contradicting the Qur’an. According to Gospel of Barnabas Jesus is said to have declared to Simon Peter:
    1. “Know you therefore that hell is one, yet have seven centres one below another. Hence, even as sin is of seven kinds, for as seven gates of hell has Satan generated it: so there are seven punishments therein.” (Gospel of Barnabas , Paragraph 135, page 171).
The Medieval European Environment of Gospel of Barnabas :
1. The author sketches the environment of Italy in summer, when he makes Jesus speak of how beautiful the world is in summer-time when the harvest and fruit abound (Paragraph 169, pages 217-218).
  1. In Palestine, the rain falls in winter and the fields are dried out in summer.
2. The storing of wine in wooden wine-casks (Paragraph 152, p 195), a common practice in medieval Europe but not in first-century Palestine where wine was stored in skins (Matt. 9:17).
3. Another example: “Having arrived at the city of Nazareth the seamen spread through the city all that Jesus had wrought (Paragraph 20, p 22-23).
  1. [Nazareth is up in the hills and not on the shores of the lake, Capernaum was on the shores].

In spite of so many blunders in the "Gospel“, some Muslims not only believe that it is "true Gospel" but they are fully determined to propagate it.

How The Gospel of Barnabas Contradicts the Quran
{#how-the-gospel-of-barnabas-contradicts-the-quran}

Denies Jesus as the Messiah, (Paragraphs: 42; 82; 83; 96; 97; 198; 206).
Mary giving birth to Jesus without pain, (Paragraph 3/5).
Some believers sent to hell for 70,000 years (Paragraph 137,176); the Quran says believers would not be harmed even by the weight of an ant (Sura 4: 40).
Nine heavens (Paragraph 178,223) but the Qur’an tells 7 heavens (Sura 2: 29).
To be content with only one wife, (Paragraph 115,146), the Qur’an allows up to 4 wives (Sura 4: 3).
Does not approve of burnt scarifies (Paragraph 66/84; 67/84-85) but the Qur’an confirms such sacrifices (Sura 2: 67-72) and the Bible (Num. 19: 1-10).
All the above mentioned evidence and sources prove that the Gospel of Barnabas is a forgery compiled in southern Europe probably some time around 14th century after Christ. 6. ## Additional reasons to be sceptical of the Gospel of Barnabas: {#additional-reasons-to-be-sceptical-of-the-gospel-of-barnabas:}
The lack of any mention of John the Baptist called Yahya Ibn Zakariya in the Qur’an.
The statement that Jewish sacrifices did not come from God even though almost every one of the New Testament writers mention them hundreds of times – the Qur’an mentions them at least three times.
The fact that pseudo-Barnabas calls himself one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and Thomas is omitted from the list of apostles – a statement which disagrees with all four of the writers of the Gospels. 7. ## Conclusion: {#conclusion:}

The Gospel of Barnabas is a fraud – Christians and Muslims should agree on this.

Appendix A: The Witnesses Called by Allah in the Quran and their Responses
{#appendix-a:-the-witnesses-called-by-allah-in-the-quran-and-their-responses}

The Islamic Allah calls various witnesses on his behalf against those who do not believe his alleged revelation. We will look at some of these witnesses and ask ourselves how do these witnesses testify in a meaningful way on behalf of Allah?

The setting of the Stars {#the-setting-of-the-stars}

Surah 56:75 (Yusufali) Furthermore I call to witness the setting of the Stars,-
- Here a series of events that happens from time to time is called to witness on behalf of Muhammad’s god Allah.
- Since there is no testimony of the setting of the Starts testifying on behalf of Allah, one would have to conclude they do not heed what Allah says. If the setting stars do not want to witness on behalf of Allah and they are commanded to in the Quran, why should I obey Allah?,
- Some will claim the setting stars do testify on behalf of Allah, in which case I would ask how so? Do they speak Arabic, the alleged “language of heaven”? If not, why not? What did this event ever say? How could it even testify of Islam’s Allah?
- In the same sense any other “want to be deity” can claim the setting of the stars testifies of their god as well
- If you want to argue like Allah and someone does not believe a claim you make, just call to witness the sunrise, the sunset, the rain, the moon and the stars etc…
- If you do not like this article I call to witness the planet Jupiter, the shells by the sea, and the tires of the nearest car. Case closed; if you accept the testimony of Allah’s witnesses mine are just as good if not better.
1. Everything is called to witness (What you see and What you see not)
  
  {#everything-is-called-to-witness-(what-you-see-and-what-you-see-not)}
  
  Surah 69:38-39 (Yusufali) So I do call to witness what ye see, And what ye see not,
- What you see and what you see not is equal to everything that exists or ever will exist or did exist. This would include all of Muhammad’s critics like Nabtal, Nadair, as well as his modern critics like Solomon Rushdie etc…
- Since everything did not respond to Islam’s Allah, and some testified against him what does that say about these calls? Is creation in contempt of Allah’s court? Does part of it testify against him?
1. Every place is now called to witness
  {#every-place-is-now-called-to-witness}

Surah 70:40 (Yusufali ) Now I do call to witness the Lord of all points in the East and the West that We can certainly-

Consider that most if not all of these points never responded to Allah’s call to witness. Can you explain how a hill just outside of Nashville, Tennessee is a witness to Allah? How about the spot next to it. Seems like they too are in contempt of Allah’s court.
- How are points in space supposed to testify anyways?
- If he gave us a particular point it might be some geocaching exercise where we find a secret message, but it is not, it is all points. Well looking around me, I don’t see the points in the room or the things in the room testifying on behalf of Islam’s Allah.
  - Might as well say “I call to witness the trash bin in my kitchen” to which your critic may respond “Oh yeah well I call to witness the toilet seat and the microwave oven”
1. The Resurrection Day {#the-resurrection-day}

Having called to witness all things, and then all points without much success, Islam’s Allah focuses on a particular time and calls it to witness, now not wanting to be disproven before the end of life on earth he calls to witness the last day, the day of the resurrection. Now he calls this day to witness to those who don’t believe in the existence of that day; not a real convincing argument at least not until that day comes. Maybe the Quran’s calls “witness” that can’t testify until the Day of Judgment because it does not want to be falsifiable or testable until that day.

Surah 75:1-3 (Yusufali) I do call to witness the Resurrection Day; And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit: (Eschew Evil). Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones?

The Retrograde Motion of the Planets:

{#the-retrograde-motion-of-the-planets:}

The Quran teaches retrograde motion of the planets, and calls such retrograde planets to testify!
- Surah 81:15 (Yusuf Ali) So verily I call to witness the planets - that recede,
- Surah 81:15 (Sherali) Nay ! I call to witness those that recede while advancing,
1. A Period of Time {#a-period-of-time}

Surah 81:17-19 (Sherali) And I call to witness the night as it draws to a close, And the dawn as it begins to breathe, (or Yusufali And the Dawn as it breathes away the darkness;-) That this is, surely, the word revealed to a noble Messenger,

A Different Period of Time {#a-different-period-of-time}

Surah 84:16-22 (Sherali) But nay ! I call to witness the glow of sunset, And the night and all that it envelops, And the moon when it becomes full, That you shall, assuredly, pass on from one stage to another. So what is the matter with them that they believe not, And when the Qur'an is recited unto them, they do not bow in submission; On the contrary, those who disbelieve reject it.

Allah evidently thinks this appeal to inanimate objects and future days should be sufficient to cause people to believe. But why should people believe Allah is sovereign when the witnesses he calls refuse to take the stand for him? Why should one assume Allah is all knowing when he doesn’t know better than to call witnesses that can’t communicate? 8. ## A city {#a-city}

Surah 90:1-7 ( Yusufali) I do call to witness this City;- And thou art a freeman of this City;- And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;-Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance! Thinketh he that none beholdeth him?

Allah Swears by Another {#allah-swears-by-another}

Surah 70:40-43 (Pickthal) But nay! I swear by the Lord of the rising-places and the setting-places of the planets that We verily are Able To replace them by (others) better than them. And we are not to be outrun. So let them chat and play until they meet their Day which they are promised, The day when they come forth from the graves in haste, as racing to a goal,

Conclusions: {#conclusions:}

Since nobody can demonstrate how these witnesses testify for Allah’s alleged revelation, it would seem these “witnesses” do not obey Allah.
If these “witnesses” do not think enough of Allah obey him why should we?
Why would a Muslim claim the Torah and Gospel are corrupt when they are merely refusing to testify on behalf of the Quran just like the other witnesses Allah called?

Appendix B Problems with the Quran’s applying Plural Pronouns to
Islam’s Allah {#appendix-b-problems-with-the-quran’s-applying-plural-pronouns-to-islam’s-allah}
1. Plural Pronouns and the Bible {#plural-pronouns-and-the-bible}

The Bible describes God as three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) who share a single Divine Nature. Since the Biblical God, YHVH, is Trinitarian, we would not be surprised to see both singular and plural words used to describe the God of the Bible. We are not alarmed when we see passages where God uses a plural pronoun to refer to Himself. Below are a few examples:

Genesis 1:26–28 (Authorized Version) And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Genesis 11:6–7 (Authorized Version). And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.

Plural Pronouns and Islam {#plural-pronouns-and-islam}

While it is not surprising to see in a Bible that uses plural pronouns to refer to a Trinitarian God, we are surprised to find plural pronouns repeatedly applied to Islam’s Allah in the Quran, when Islam claims it’s Allah is an absolute unity. Most of the time when “Allah” speaks, he uses the word “we” to refer to himself. This is yet one more indication that the Quran contradicts itself. Muslim apologists often claim Allah’s using a plural pronoun is a plurality of majesty, but this explanation causes many problems for the Muslim.

Facts: {#facts:}

1) The Quran refers to Allah using the plural pronoun equivalent to the English “we”
2) Muslims claim that Arabic⁹⁷ is the language of heaven, and the Quran is eternal.

3) A plural pronoun typically references a plurality of persons.

Modern Muslim Claims: {#modern-muslim-claims:}

Muslims claim that in Allah’s heavenly language, the plural pronoun can be used to reference a single person but add majesty to that person by talking of that person as if they were more than one person.
1. Implications of the Heavenly Language Claim:
  {#implications-of-the-heavenly-language-claim:}
A Muslim could not consider the idiosyncrasies of the Arabic language a mere accidental human convention, but it was structured that way by Allah for a purpose.
The Arabic of the Arabs at the time of Muhammad, cannot be considered as a mere product of their culture but something that Allah had purposefully developed in their culture, so they would
1. associate the correct meanings with the words
2. adopt Allah’s understanding of grammatical rules
If Allah did not build into the culture of the Arabs at the time of Muhammad the correct understanding of word associations and grammatical rules so that their Arabic was aligned with the “heavenly” Arabic, then the Quran ceased to be a revelation to the Arabs, and for that matter mankind.
If the modern Muslim claims concerning the “plurality of majesty” are true then
1. The language treats a plurality of persons as more majestic than a single person.
  1. This makes sense for finite beings, but not for a being with omni attributes
  2. By applying a “plurality of majesty” to himself, Allah is conceding he would be more majestic if he was multi-personal.
  1. Questions for the Muslims {#questions-for-the-muslims}
If the ultimate majesty is not multi-personal, why does the “heavenly language” use a plurality of Majesty to refer to Allah?
Why would a singular entity with omni attributes need to prop himself up with a plurality of majesty?
If Muslims think Christians commit shirk by claiming the true God is one being, yet multi-personal, why don’t they accuse Allah of committing shirk for using a plurality of majesty, which infers multiple persons are more majestic than a single person.

The Muslim answer that the Arabic language just happened to use a plural to make a singular entity seem more majestic, overlooks the fact Islam claims the Arabic language is the language of heaven. This poses a greater question of why heaven would consider a plural as more majestic than a singular if the being who is supposedly the ultimate in majesty is singular in person. A logical consequence of the “plurality of majesty” being applied to Allah by Allah in the “language of heaven” is that Shirk is built into the “language of heaven” by the will and choice of Allah in order to express what Allah desires to express about himself. Keep in mind this is not Allah using a corrupted human construct, but a divine construct of the heavenly language being used by humans.

http://www.answering-islam.org/authors/shamoun/rebuttals/abualrub/mhd_crossdressing3.html

http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/bible_authentic2.htm

http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Bible/ibnabbas.html

Introduction to The life of Muhammad a translation of Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul-Allah by A. Guillaume Oxford University Press page xiii ↩
Ibn Hisham’s notes appended to The life of Muhammad a translation of Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul-Allah by A. Guillaume Oxford University Press page 691 ↩
Preface to Second Edition of The life of Muahammad by Haykal American Trust Publications 1993 Translated from the 8th Edition by Ismail Ragi A. al Faruqi page lxxxi ↩
Introduction to The translation of the meaning of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Muhammad Muhsim Khan. Published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. page xv ↩
Hebrews 2:3 King James Version “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” ↩
The Call to Jihad (Fighting for Allah’s cause) in the Holy Quran page xxv of the introduction to The Translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume I by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. Published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah Al Nabawiya. ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of the virtues of the Quran, Chapter 4, hadith 512, page 480-481, published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA ↩
Jam' Al-Qur'an - The Codification of the Qur'an Text A Comprehensive Study of the Original Collection of the Qur'an Text and the Early Surviving Qur'an Manuscripts by John Gilchrist MERCSA, 1989 P.O. Box 342 Mondeor, 2110 Republic of South Africa. Reprinted in England by T.M.F.M.T. P.O. Box 986 Rowley Regis, Warley West Midlands B65 9DU UK. Quotation 1 of the free e-version is available at www.answering-islam.org\Gilchrist\Jam\index.html ↩
Foreward to Muhammad at Mecca, History of Tabari volume 6 by W. Montgomery Watt p xviii ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of the virtues of the Quran Chapter 6 hadith 515 pages 483-484. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
The Miracles of the Prophet Muhammad page vi of the introduction to The Translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume I by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. Published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah Al Nabawiya. ↩
A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam by I. A. Ibrahim Second Edition Published by Darussalam Publishers and Distributors P.O. Box 22743, Riyadh 11416 K. S. A. page 5 Also available in the U.S.A from Darussalam Houston P.0. Box 79194 Houston, Tx 77279. ↩
Jam' Al-Qur'an - The Codification of the Qur'an Text A Comprehensive Study of the Original Collection of the Qur'an Text and the Early Surviving Qur'an Manuscripts by John Gilchrist MERCSA, 1989 P.O. Box 342 Mondeor, 2110 Republic of South Africa. Reprinted in England by T.M.F.M.T. P.O. Box 986 Rowley Regis, Warley West Midlands B65 9DU UK. A free e-version is available at www.answering-islam.org\Gilchrist\Jam\index.html ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of the virtues of the Quran Chapter 7 page 485. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of the virtues of the Quran Chapter 1 hadith 505 page 474. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
*Muslim :: Book 43 : Hadith 7152 (GET PAGE NUMBER FOR THIS HADITH AND PUBLISHER INFO)* ↩
Gilchrist in Jam al Quran claims this is stated in the following references page 194, Jalal al Din `Abdul Rahman b. abi Bakr al Suyuti, "al Itqan fi `ulum al Qur'an", Halabi, Cairo, 1935/1354, pt 1, page 50 ↩
Gilchrist in Jam al Quran claims this is stated in Ibn Sa'd, Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir, Volume 2, p.441 ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of the virtues of the Quran Chapter 8 hadith 525 page 488. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of the virtues of the Quran Chapter 8 hadith 526 page 488-489. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
The proof of this is given in the following hadih: “Narrated 'Ikrima: Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to 'Ali and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn 'Abbas who said, ‘If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah's Apostle forbade it, saying, “Do not punish anybody with Allah's punishment (fire).” I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah's Apostle, “Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.”’” Taken from The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume IX LXXXIV The book of obliging the reverters from Islam Chapter 2 hadith number 57 p 45. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of the virtues of the Quran Chapter 3 hadith 509 page 477-478. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of the virtues of the Quran Chapter 3 hadith 510 page 478-479. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam by I. A. Ibrahim Second Edition Published by Darussalam Publishers and Distributors P.O. Box 22743, Riyadh 11416 K. S. A. page 5 ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of the virtues of the Quran Chapter 8 hadith 521 page 486-487. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
Sahih Muslim Book 31 Hadith 6024 ↩
Jam' Al-Qur'an - The Codification of the Qur'an Text A Comprehensive Study of the Original Collection of the Qur'an Text and the Early Surviving Qur'an Manuscripts by John Gilchrist, pages 67-72, MERCSA, 1989 P.O. Box 342 Mondeor, 2110 Republic of South Africa. Reprinted in England by T.M.F.M.T. P.O. Box 986 Rowley Regis, Warley West Midlands B65 9DU UK. A free e-version is available at www.answering-islam.org\Gilchrist\Jam\index.html ↩
See also Bukhari Volume 6 Hadith 501 (quoted later in this chapter) ↩
Sahih Muslim, Book 31, Hadith 6032 ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of the virtues of the Quran Chapter 8 hadith 527 pages 489. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
Jam' Al-Qur'an - The Codification of the Qur'an Text A Comprehensive Study of the Original Collection of the Qur'an Text and the Early Surviving Qur'an Manuscripts by John Gilchrist, Chapter 3 See pages 72-78 for the complete discussion including the quoted section, MERCSA, 1989 P.O. Box 342 Mondeor, 2110 Republic of South Africa. Reprinted in England by T.M.F.M.T. P.O. Box 986 Rowley Regis, Warley West Midlands B65 9DU UK. A free e-version is available at www.answering-islam.org\Gilchrist\Jam\index.html ↩
The translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan volume VI The book of Commentary (Interpretation of the Quran) Surat An-Nas (Mankind) CXIV hadith 501 page 472. published by Dar AHYA Us-Sunnah AL NABAWIYA. ↩
English translation of Sirat Rasoul Allah (Life of Muhammad) by Ibn Ishaq translated by Guillaume page 38. This strikes me as a bit odd, not only since there is not reason to believe Abraham ever traveled to Arabia, but also because there is little reason to believe the pagans who rejected the religion of Abraham would venerate something they believed to be built by him. ↩
English translation of Sirat Rasoul Allah (Life of Muhammad) by Ibn Ishaq translated by Guillaume page 35 ↩
English translation of Sirat Rasoul Allah (Life of Muhammad) by Ibn Ishaq translated by Guillaume page 41 ↩
English translation of Sirat Rasoul Allah (Life of Muhammad) by Ibn Ishaq translated by Guillaume page 64 ↩
History of Tabari volume VI Translated by W. Montgomery Watt and M. V. McDonald State University of New York Press page 2-3 ↩
A. Guillaume’s The Life of Muhammad an English Translation of Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah page 243 ↩
Guillaume reconstructed Ibn Ishaq’s biography of Muhammad using works that extensively quoted Ibn Ishaq such as Ibn Hisham’s biography and Tabari’s history. Ibn Hisham compiled his biography by taking out various things from Ibn Ishaq’s biography that he did not like. Ibn Hisham also added many notes in what he kept of Ibn Ishaq’s biography.) ↩
History of Tabari, SUNY Press Volume VI p.1 and p.4 (see also page 1 [1073]) ↩
History of Tabari, SUNY Press Volume 6 page 15 [1088] ↩
History of Tabari, Suny Press. Volume 6 page 16 [1089]) ↩
Guillume’s English Translation of Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah (Life of Muhammad) page 55. See also History of Tabari, SUNY Press, volume 6, page 25 ↩
The Life of Muhammad (A Translation of Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah) by A. Guillaume. Page 72. ↩
The Life of Muhammad (A Translation of Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah) by A. Guillaume. Page 72. ↩
The Life of Muhammad (A Translation of Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah) by A. Guillaume. Page 80. ↩
Hanif were people who claimed to be neither Christian or Jew yet some how claimed to follow Abraham. ↩
The History of al-Tabari, Translated by W. Montgomery Watt and M.V. McDonald, volume 6 page 47. ↩
The History of al-Tabari, Translated by W. Montgomery Watt and M.V. McDonald, volume 6 page 47-48 ↩
The History of al-Tabari, Translated by W. Montgomery Watt and M.V. McDonald, volume 6 page 49 ↩
Translated by Mohammad Mahdi al-Sharif, Volume 2, page 204 Publisher : Dar Al-Kotob Al-ilmiyah ↩
History of Tabari, translated by W. Montgomery Watt, volume 6, p.71-72 ↩
Ibn Ishaq’s "Sirat Rasul Allah," The Life of Muhammad, translated by A. Guillaume, page 107 ↩
The Life of Muhammad, Translated By Guillaume from Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah. Page 83 ↩
Life of Muhammad Translated to English from Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah by A. Guillaume p.222 ↩
Bukhari : Book 1 : Volume 6 : Hadith 301Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: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." ↩
Quran Surah 2:282 (Pickthal) “ … And call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at hand) then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses, so that if the one erreth (through forgetfulness) the other will remember. …” ↩
See Surah 72 for the account of this. In Islam Jinn are spirits and can be either good or bad. ↩
Life of Muhammad Translated to English from Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah by A. Guillaume p.222 ↩
History of Tabari, Translated by M. V. McDonald, Volume 7, page 4 ↩
Surah 11:64,54:27-30,91:13-14 ↩
Life of Muhammad Translated by A. Guillaume from Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah page 256, 260, 268 ↩
Life of Muhammad translated by A. Guillaume from Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah page 163 ↩
Life of Muhammad translated by A. Guillaume from Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah page 269 ↩
The History of Al-Tabari, volume 7, page 19 Translated by W.V. McDonald. State University of New York Press, Albany 1987. ↩
Islam Revealed: A Christian Arab's View of Islam, Dr. Anis A. Shorrosh, [Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1988], page 179 ↩
http://answering-islam.org/Responses/Menj/pbuh.htm ↩
Life of Muhammad, Translated by A. Giullaume from Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah page 136 ↩
Life of Muhammad translated by A. Guillaume from Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah page 363 ↩
Quran Surah 8:58 ↩
History of al-Tabari VII The Foundation of the Community page 86. Translated by M.V. McDonald into English from Arabic. SUNY press 1987. ↩
History of al-Tabari VII The Foundation of the Community page 95. Translated by M.V. McDonald into English from Arabic. SUNY press 1987. ↩
Life of Muhammad translated by A. Guillaume from Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasoul Allah page 369 ↩
History of al-Tabari VII The Foundation of the Community page 133. Translated by M.V. McDonald into English from Arabic. SUNY press 1987. ↩
The Meccans believed were these were intercessors for their god Hubal who they referred to as Allah. ↩
↩
Hebrews 11:6 ↩
Guillaume, A. The Life of Muhammad: a translation of Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah. 1995pp. 161-167, 165-166. ff. and Watt and McDonald. The History of Al-Tabari: Volume VI 1998 pp.105-108 ↩
See section on pre-islamic Arabia. For actual reference see Mr. Scot’s book ↩
Surah 9:5; 8:39,67; 2:191; killing; Surah 9:29-30 fight Jews and Christians if they do not convert, demand protection money, and humiliate them. Surah 5:51; 3:28; 60:13; 58:14 Avoid friendship with Christians, Jews, non-Muslims, Surah 8:12-13; 5:33-34. Honour killing for opposing Allah and Muhammad. ↩
Surah 4:3, polygamy; Surah 4:20 exchange wife; Surah 4:24 temp. marriage; Surah 70:29, 30; unlimited concubines Surah 33:37 marriage to adopted son’s wife. ↩
DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH LUMEN GENTIUM SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY POPE PAUL VI ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964, Chapter II On The People Of God. Section 16 ↩
DECLARATION ON THE RELATION OF THE CHURCH TO NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS NOSTRA AETATE PROCLAIMED BY POPE PAUL VI ON OCTOBER 28, 1965. Section 3. ↩
http://archive.catholic.com/thisrock/2003/0301fea4.asp ↩
↩
Translated by Mohammad Mahdi al-Sharif, Volume 2, page 204 Publisher : Dar Al-Kotob Al-ilmiyah ↩
The Life of Muhammad (A Translation of Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah) by A. Guillaume. Page 258. ↩
↩
This was a judgment of God against Jeroboam prophesied in I Kings 14:10; the fulfillment is recorded in I Kings 15:27-30. ↩
Surah 22:52 (see also 22:53) ↩
For more information read “Who really is the Paracletos?”: http://www.answering-islam.org/Responses/Shabir-Ally/paracletos.htm ↩
Ibn Ishaq is filled with claims that the Bible foretold the coming of a prophet with a mole on his back matching the description of Muhammad but no Biblical passages substantiate this either. ↩
Surah 22:52 (see also 22:53) ↩
See Behind the Veil Unmasking Islam by Abd El Schafi p171-173 ↩
See Hippocratic Writings (Penguin Classics, 1983) page 320 ↩
http://www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/whale\_nun.htm ↩
Interesting fun fact: According to Tabari before the Tower of Babel everyone spoke Syriac ↩

Understanding and Refuting Islam

Understanding and Refuting Islam

Read in Your Language

Islamic Source Materials {#islamic-source-materials}

The Biographies (also known as the Sirat)

The Hadith Collections of Sunni Islam

Overview of the Text of the Quran {#overview-of-the-text-of-the-quran}

Introduction to Quran {#introduction-to-quran}

The View of Modern Muslims {#the-view-of-modern-muslims}

Abrogation {#abrogation}

Verses that were not lost but abrogated.

Cases where the abrogating verse has been lost, but the abrogated verse

Case where both the abrogated verse and the abrogating verse were lost

Verses that are not part of the current Quran and were not replaced.

Abrogation an argument against the inspiration of the Quran:

Quran not Chronological {#quran-not-chronological}

The need for a chronology {#the-need-for-a-chronology}

The order of the Surahs in the Quran

A Popular Modern Muslim View on Text of the Quran

The formation of the Quran. {#the-formation-of-the-quran.}

General notes on the collections of the Quran.

The Collection of Zaid’s codex. {#the-collection-of-zaid’s-codex.}

Other Collections {#other-collections}

Abdullah Ibn Masud’s Collection {#abdullah-ibn-masud’s-collection}

Complete or Inspired, can’t have both.

Seven Different Readings of the Quran

Modern day understanding of seven different readings

Pre-Islamic Arabia {#pre-islamic-arabia}

The Ka’aba and it’s Black Stone {#the-ka’aba-and-it’s-black-stone}

The Veneration of the Black Stone {#the-veneration-of-the-black-stone}

Rebuilding the Ka’aba {#rebuilding-the-ka’aba}

Praying toward the Ka’aba {#praying-toward-the-ka’aba}

Hubal and the Ka’aba {#hubal-and-the-ka’aba}

Fasting During Ramadan {#fasting-during-ramadan}

Safa and Marwa {#safa-and-marwa}

Muhammad’s lineage {#muhammad’s-lineage}

Are the Arabs Descendants of Ishmael?

Examples of conflicting genealogical traditions past Ma’add b. Adnan

Why it is useful to know something about Muhammad’s family tree

Overview of the Life of Muhammad {#overview-of-the-life-of-muhammad}

Muhammad’s Early Life {#muhammad’s-early-life}

Muhammad and the Hanif {#muhammad-and-the-hanif}

Muhammad and Khadijah {#muhammad-and-khadijah}

Muhammad’s Adopted Son {#muhammad’s-adopted-son}

The Consequences of Abolishing Adoption

Muhammad’s “Call” {#muhammad’s-“call”}

The Meccan’s view of Muhammad and the Quran

The Muslims in Mecca {#the-muslims-in-mecca}

The Night Journey {#the-night-journey}

Muhammad’s visit to At-Ta’if {#muhammad’s-visit-to-at-ta’if}

The Khazraj Believe {#the-khazraj-believe}

Muhammad arrives at Medina {#muhammad-arrives-at-medina}

Muhammad and the Jews {#muhammad-and-the-jews}

Muhammad and the Najran Delegation and The Quran on Jesus

Muhammad’s Response to the Hypocrites and Other Critics

The Muslim Expeditions and Raids {#the-muslim-expeditions-and-raids}

The Changing of the Qiblah (The Direction of Prayer)

The Battle of Badr {#the-battle-of-badr}

Muhammad’s Increased Hostility toward the Jews

The Battle of Uhud {#the-battle-of-uhud}

The Exile of the Banu Nadir {#the-exile-of-the-banu-nadir}

The Battle of the Trench {#the-battle-of-the-trench}

The Slaughter of the Banu Qurayzah and Other Raids

The Treaty with the Meccans {#the-treaty-with-the-meccans}

Muhammad’s Return to Mecca {#muhammad’s-return-to-mecca}

Muhammad’s Continued Conquests {#muhammad’s-continued-conquests}

Muhammad’s Death {#muhammad’s-death}

After Muhammad {#after-muhammad}

The Example of Muhammad {#the-example-of-muhammad}

11 things that make it hard to believe Muhammad was a good example

Theological problems with the idea that Muhammad’s example should be

Discussing Muhammad’s Example with Muslim Apologists

Allah is not the God of the Bible {#allah-is-not-the-god-of-the-bible}

The Name of the God of the Bible and the name of the God of Islam

The Trinity vs Islam’s god {#the-trinity-vs-islam’s-god}

Muhammad, Abu Bakr and Umar didn’t feel safe from Allah’s deception

Muhammad felt unsafe regarding Allah’s MKR

Umar felt unsafe regarding Allah’s MKR

The Deception of Isalm’s Allah in the Crucifixion of Jesus and the Spread

Muslim apologists have offered the following explanations for Surah 3:54’s