About Islam

Coexistence, respect, tolerance . . . Is this a Muslim mindset?

Heaven and Hell:  who goes where?

Jesus in The Qur'an

Muhammad in the Bible??? !!!

Muslim – Christian conflict in Nigeria . . .

On the Integrity of the Christian Beliefs and the Authenticity of the Bible. . .   what about the Koran?

What does the Muslim faith teach about Jesus Christ?

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Question: About Islam

I am from a Christian family.  I lost faith in Christianity as a child but I have always believed in God. 

However, the more I learn of Islam the more I realise that perhaps it is the true way for me to follow.  The reason I am writing to you is to ask your advice on how I can learn more about Islam and the possibility of converting to Islam?

Islam is the last divine revelation, which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad peace, be upon him as a complete system of life devised for the prosperity and guidance of all mankind, by the creator of mankind. 

The teachings of Islam are in tune with the nature of mankind.  The aim of this set of teachings is to help mankind to secure his / her life in this world and prepare and guide him/her for the hereafter that is the eternal life.  Islam addresses all the issues concerning mankind in this world and teaches the human being for preparing for the hereafter.

The last revelation was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him) at the age forty in Mecca .  Before the revelation of Islam to him, Muhammad had already established himself as a noble person amongst people and idol worshippers of Mecca , to the extent that the used refer to him as al-Saadiq - the Truthful - and al-Amin - the Trustworthy - Through his morals and conducts he managed to gain the respect the respect of everyone around him.  Before his mission he conducted his life and his worship according to the Abrahamic teachings, and after his mission Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) approved, according to the teachings of Islam and instruction from Allah, all the previous prophets before him.  God revealed all other divine religions, but they were distorted in the course of time and at the hands of those who had vested interest in doing so. 

The holy book of Islam is the Qur'an, and the Qur'an is precise words of God, which were relayed by Prophet Muhammad whenever they were revealed to him.  The holy Qur'an was collated and complied on the instruction of Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime.  The holy Qur'an addresses many issues of concern to mankind relating to this world as well as the hereafter.  Alongside the word of God is the teaching of Prophet Muhammad which explains in detail the teaching and instruction of God.  At some stage I should go into more detail regarding the holy Qur'an and the Teaching of the Prophet, but I shall stop here and wait to see the particular point you wish to discuss first.

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Question: tolerance, coexistence, respect, . . .

Do you believe it is right that all religions of our world should live together in peace and stop arguing with each other and criticising each other. Let the Christians be Christian... Muslims be Muslim.... and all religions respect each other. Do you believe like I do what matters mainly is like John Lennon said in Imagine... we should love each other mainly and just respect everything.

I do understand lots of people such as Muslim and Christian friends wanting the entire world to be just one religion but surely we can all live in peace and respect each other's views on religion. We can question each other in a friendly and sincere way but respect their individualism, as I believe freedom of choice is essential in this world. Personally I think religion is good but any religious war is bad... its not right for any one to kill anything... its wrong I think - its better things be negotiated democratically rather than war.

Does Islam agree with these things? such as respect for other religions and to live in peace with them. I think its fascinating and amazing that all religions have their own culture... I think its wrong for any person to discriminate any religion but to argue politely over differences and possible things they don't agree with is OK - as long as its not insulting and respect is made for individuals choice.

Is this a Muslim mindset?

Just inquiring

It certainly is.

Freedom is a fundamental principle in Islam.  And part of this freedom is the freedom of expression. And part of that is freedom of belief.   According to the teachings of Islam, and under a true Islamic system of government anyone may believe and practice his belief, and Christians, Jews, etc. and even atheists are accommodated for, and in fact they are referred to as the Thimmi – which is the Arabic for ‘being in the care of' or ‘being the responsibility of' the Islamic government.  So Islam accommodates other religions – even though it does not agree with them – for it believes in freedom in all aspect of man's life. 

Islam believes, and proves, that it is the right path to mankind's prosperity in this world and in the hereafter, but in spite of this Islam respects others and does not force itself on others.  It must be their own choice, and out of their own free will and understanding if anyone wishes to adopt Islam as a way of life for themselves.  Through the holy Qur'an Allah teaches the Muslims to invite others to Islam in a friendly and sincere manner. Allah Almighty tells us in the Holy Qur'an that:

“There is no coercion in religion”  The Holy Qur'an: The Cow (2): 256.

"Do not dispute with the people of the Book save in the fairest way; except for those of them who are evildoers.  And say: "We believe in what has been sent down to us and what has been sent down to you.  Our God and your God is one and to Him we are submissive."  The Holy Qur'an: The Spider (29): 46.

"Invite to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful exhortation; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious . . ." The Holy Qur'an: The Bee (16): 125.

War and violence are severely discouraged in Islam, and it calls for peaceful dialogue and coexistence, and rational debates between the parties involved.  It goes as far as saying:

". . . and either we or you are rightly guidance or in manifest error!" The holy Qur'an, Saba' (34): 24.

You may find some of the books on our site of interest.  I could recommend the following two, which are available in the books section of our site:

"War, Peace, Non-violence: An Islamic perspective" 

"If Islam were to be established"

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Question: Heaven & Hell: Who goes where?

In Islam do Muslims believe only Muslims can get to heaven? Is it possible in the Islam belief that Christians, Buddhists etc. can get to heaven if they have led a good life and are sorry for their sins?

Why is it necessary to pray 5 times a day? Why did Jesus not teach this?

According to Islamic teachings and beliefs, all the divine religions are Islam and all the true and faithful followers of the correct teachings of the true prophets are Muslims.  That is to say the religion that Abraham brought is Islam, the religion that Moses brought is Islam, and the religion that Jesus brought is Islam, etc.  Islam means to be in harmony with the Will of the Creator, and muslim means he who surrenders to, and is in harmony with the Will of the Creator.  So all those who truly followed the correct teachings of Moses were Muslims, and all those who truly followed the true teachings of Jesus were Muslims. {I hope this fundamental definition clarifies the situation for you.}

So as for your question, up until the advent of Islam and the Message revealed to Muhammad, the last Messenger of Allah, all the true followers of the undistorted teachings of Jesus will go to paradise.  After the advent of Islam and the spread of the Message of Prophet Muhammad – which is the last revelation of Allah to mankind – all those who have not heard the Message of Islam will be ‘tested' on the Day of Judgment.  Those who have heard the Message of Islam and studied it, but refuse to accept it would be in trouble, as this refusal in itself is the most serious sin.  This in reference to when you say: “ . . . lead a good life and are sorry for their sins.”  There is no sin greater than not accepting Islam.  This is of course applicable to those who have heard the message of Islam and have studied, but do not accept it, and it is NOT applicable to those whom the message of Islam did not reach and did not have the opportunity to study it.

The use of an example may help the situation. It is practical scenario. 

Imagine one Christian who led a good life and was sorry for his sins etc. He had heard the message of Islam but refused to accept it.  He chose to stick to his own Christian belief of Trinity etc. where God / the Creator of all existence is made of three, and Jesus is divine, and is part of the one god and is the Son of God. 

Now imagine that on the day of judgement, this Christian is looking for that ‘god of three' who will lead him to heaven.  What do you think will happen when he comes across the reality that there is no such a god?  Jesus will be there leading some people to heaven, but he will say to this Christian “I am not divine and not part of god, but a creature of god, and I am a human being.  I submit my will to the will of God” The Holy Spirit will also tell him that “I am not divine, and am not part of god but a creature of god.  I submit my will to the will of God.”   According to his beliefs the trinity was his saviour, and belief in these three as god would lead him to heaven, but on that day he realises that the reality could not be more different. What should he do then?

Needless to say, Jesus will tell him

“I never claimed I was divine.  There is no evidence for this in the Bible.  There is no evidence of the concept of Trinity in the Bible.  I always said I was son of man.  I always said I have nothing of my own.  I can of mine own self do nothing. I am empowered by Him. [John 5:30], [John 6:38].

My relation to God, is the same every other man's relation to God.  If I said “my father” that was applicable to others too, just I told Mary Magdalene:

“I shall go to my Father, and your Father, to my God, and your God.”

[John 20:17.] 

Jesus will continue,

I also told you of "the forthcoming of the Comforter whom you should have followed."

[John 16:7]

Jesus will also tell him

“you also heard the message of Islam, which had no contradiction to my true teachings, why did you not contemplate upon them and take heed?” 

Faced with this reality, what do you think this poor Christian will or could do?

What I am trying to say is that we all have to get our acts together, make sure to choose the right path.

As to why we pray five times a day, in short, it is for us to keep in touch with our creator.

As for Jesus not teaching this as you assume, do you know for a certain and undeniable fact that Jesus did not teach this?  Do you know how Jesus prayed to his god? Have a look at Matthew 26:39:

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” 

{Note “ . . . fell on his face, and prayed  . . . ” – just like the Muslims do today when they pray to their Lord!}

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Question: Does the Christian bible refer to the coming of Muhammad?

I see it refers to the coming of Messiah, which I presume is Jesus, but as far as I can see there is not mention of Muhammad... does Jesus refer to Muhammad?

Yes!  The Christian Bible does refer to the coming of Muhammad, and despite attempts to eliminate all traces of such reference, it is clear in the Bible IF one honestly wants to seek the truth, and all the truth (that the Christian Bible has to offer).  There are traces of this reference in both the Old and the New Testaments.

Deuteronomy 18:18:

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. 

Note:  Jesus is in the same family tree as Moses, the Jews etc. since they are all the descendants of Isaac, whereas Muhammad is regarded as their BRETHREN since he is the descendants of Isaac's brother Ishmael, and therefore Muhammad is regarded as their brethren, and Jesus as their son!!

John 16:7

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. 

Note:  This Jesus talking to his followers etc. Here the Comforter is NOT the Holy Ghost as the latter has been with them (the addressee) and therefore the Comforter is NOT applicable the Holy Ghost, as some commentators have us believe.

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Question: Christian–Muslim tension in Nigeria , how should we approach it?

There has been a lot of tension between the Muslims and Christians in Nigeria , and there are different opinions about how to go about this problem.  Many of the people around me say that we should take a tougher stance against them, but I am nor so sure about that. What is your advice?

It is the teaching of Islam that states that we Muslims must have a good, polite, and gracious attitude towards others whether Muslims or non-Muslims.  We must refrain from violence and adopt peace and non-violence in our daily affairs, conducts, and dealings with others.  Peace always - Islam is derived from peace. 

If and when Muslims went to war, it was a matter of last resort - having exhausted all possible alternatives - and even then it was only on the basis of self defence; as can be seen from the conducts of Rasulollah (S) and Amir-ul-Mu'minin (AS). 

{Look at one of the books that is available online on our website www.shirazi.org.uk. The book is called "War, Peace, Nonviolence: An Islamic perspective" it addresses some of the issues you in Nigeria are facing.  Also look at another book called "If Islam were to be established" Again this should of particular relevance to the Muslims in Nigeria . }

Whatever we do, we must set good examples for others to see, and through the monitoring of the conduct and behaviour of the Muslims, they can then establish for themselves the truth of Islam.  In this way we will attract the non-Muslim to Islam.  And when we invite the non-Muslims or the Christians to Islam, we must use the best possible means in the process . . . Allah Almighty tells us in the Holy Qur'an that:

"Do not dispute with the people of the Book save in the fairest way; except for those of them who are evildoers.  And say: "We believe in what has been sent down to us and what has been sent down to you.  Our God and your God is one and to Him we are submissive."  The Holy Qur'an: The Spider (29): 46.

"Invite to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful exhortation; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious . . ." The Holy Qur'an: The Bee (16): 125.

Although in such verses Allah Almighty is teaching us how to behave towards the non-Muslims in general, the above two particular verses are in relation with how to approach the people of the Book, i.e. the Jews and Christians.  Whether the Muslims are majority or minority, the attitude of the Muslims towards the Christians should be that described in the above verses.  You should live with them in respectful manner, should not have a graceful attitude towards them, should set good examples for them to see and then and only then invite them to Islam in the manner describes in the above verses; with wisdom, and beautiful exhortation, and argue with them in the best ways.

When Rasulollah (S) started his holy mission of preaching Islam to Quraysh who were the pinnacle of atheism and unbelief, the Messenger of Allah had already established himself amongst the then society as al-Saadiq - the Truthful, al-Amin - the Trustworthy, through his exceptionally good manners.  So even for Rasulollah (S) the behaviour, daily conduct, and dealings with others, the non-believers in particular, is of paramount importance. Without such manners one would not succeed to win others to Islam.

Finally I wish to draw your attention to the following verse in dealing with the Jews and Christians - People of the Book:

{Say: "O People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah." If then they turn back, say ye: "Bear witness that we (at least) are muslims (surrendering to Allah's Will)."} 3: 64.

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Question: On the Islamic view of Christianity and the authenticity of the Bible

I am a Christian and I have some questions about the Islamic view of Christianity! I hope you'll answer them for me.

1) Where is the evidence that the Bible ever was corrupted and who did this? If the prophets of God never did these evil things, then why would the temple Scribes ever copy these fabricated manuscripts? The 5%-10% errors are mostly grammar, spelling changes and insignificant words and phrases. The context, stories and doctrines do not change. I would be interested in your proof of Bible corruptions if you have any. I have read many books on the Bible and I have seen God's guiding hand and no corruption.

The evidence for the corruption of the bible is ample, both in the Old and in the New Testaments.  The fact that the Messengers of God to humanity, who are supposed to be role models for the rest of the people, commit atrocious and vile acts is more than enough evidence for the corruption of the Bible.  If we do not accept that the Bible is corrupted, the only option we have in front of us is that the accusations attributed to the prophets of God are true!!!  i.e. they commit incest, or they commit adultery with a married woman, and furthermore plot and execute the murder of the husband of that woman, etc.   In other words we have to accept that God, the creator of all existence, who likes virtue and prohibits us from committing vice, He sends us prophets and messengers who commit such acts that decent individuals and respectable members of a society would not commit.  God sends Prophets and Messengers to guides us to the path that pleases God, by setting good examples in their conduct and behaviour, but instead we are expected to believe that they commit incest, adultery and murder!!!  Reflection and contemplation with an open mind on this matter alone is sufficient for one to arrive at the conclusion of the truth.

Anyhow, the Bible itself tells us that it has been corrupted by some, as seen in [Jeremiah 8:8] when tells us that the pen of the Scribes have turned false.

And also in [Jeremiah 23:31] where God is quoted as saying "They use their tongues and say, "He Says"."

2) If the Old Testament was changed, then why did not Jesus warn us in the New Testament? Jesus studied the Old Testament manuscripts and quoted them often. Jesus never doubted the Old Testament ever. The Dead Sea Scrolls are dated before Jesus was born. These old manuscripts testify to the Bible as it is written today. What do you say?

There are a number of issues here and you have made a number of assumptions, which are not necessarily correct.

First we do not have at our disposal today everything that Jesus said.  So he might have said that the book the Jews were referring to was corrupted.

Second you are ASSUMING that Jesus never doubted the Old Testament.  It is an assumption that you are making and it cannot be substantiated.  Also another question that is raised here is that when it is said that 'he never doubted the 'Old Testament' ', which 'Old Testament' is being referred to?  There is no evidence that the 'Old Testament' that is referred to today is the same as that which Jesus was used to use.  Of course Jesus quoted the 'old testament' . . . he had access to the real thing, the uncorrupted book that Moses brought.  He also brought a new one, the Engele as known in Arabic.

3) We have the manuscripts that are very close to the time that this was written. Do you think that the New Testament is corrupt also? What evidence for corruption do you have? Minor variations do not prove corruption. They prove that people made minor copying errors. This is normal due to the manual method of duplication. It is the small amount of error that makes the Bible a miracle to remain unaltered in doctrine and context.

The scripts that we have today were written during the period 56 to 112 years AFTER Jesus!!! As far as humans, and their memories are concerned these figures are very long time indeed to render any viable and reliable report correctly, and therefore the accuracy of the scripts are very much questionable.

The argument you are putting forward about 'minor variations' and 'minor copying errors' is that of someone who is trying to justify something that is wrong.  How can "a small amount of error" "makes the Bible a miracle"? How small is small? And how minor is minor? And do you know how small the amount of error is? Have you been able to quantify it such that you declare it is "small amount of error"?  to give you an idea how "small" is the amount of error in the New Testament look at the following:

The Bible according Matthew 1: 6-16 declares that there are 25 generations between Jesus and David - the father of Solomon, whereas according to Luke 3:23-31 it declares there are 41 generations between Jesus and David.  Worst still the names of ancestors of Jesus according to Luke are different from those according to Matthew!!!!

4) Muslims often say that God assured the protection of Koran from alteration and Koran also contains some verses which mean that. Koran also states that Bible is corrupted. How can you proof correction and corruption of Koran and Bible respectively without proving it from Christian resources? Also, all scholars agree that the Bible is much older than the Koran. If God is behind this old book, then we should see His protection upon it, right?

We can prove the correction of one and corruption of the other in two ways:

1. Reason and rational/logical analyses

2. Form the evidence available before us.

As for the first means we need to check what have before us is rational, logical, plausible, non-contradictory, etc.  The Qur'an stands up to all such tests without the slightest difficulty.  But in the case of the Bible, one is expected to as far as believing that the Prophets and Messengers of God commit vile and abhorrent acts, as discussed above.

In the second way, we need to see there no ambiguity and contradictions, multiplicity etc.  In the case of the Qur'an there has always been one copy, and we do not have, nor we have ever had more than one version of the Qur'an.  In the case of the Bible, however, not only we have four gospels - out of so many others - they even contradict with one another.  For example, the case of the family tree of Jesus, as stated above.

5) Do you believe that the Bible is perfect in doctrine and it is there for all of mankind to use for guidance?

However, as to your question, No I do not believe that the Bible is perfect.  In fact the Bible itself admits to that!  The Bible itself says that it is not perfect and it is temporal, and the one that is perfect should be followed, and the bible should be done away with.  We have in 1 Corinthian 13:9-10

"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part."

"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

6) What does Koran say about the "people with the book?" Is that the Old Testament?

"People of the Book" are defined as the Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians.

7) How do we know that Mohammed recited the words of God correctly and without error in that first written record of the Koran? Does that first original exist?  Where is the first original text? Was the written method of dictation in 600 AD imperfect or perfect?

We have the Qur'an before us and if there were any errors in the reciting of the words of God, let us see them.  This can be addressed through the rational and logical view point, i.e. we can examine the evidence which is before us, and thoroughly evaluate it to satisfy ourselves that there is nothing which is incorrect, erroneous or contradictory in the Qur'an.  In fact one of the living miracles of the Holy Qur'an is its grammatical perfection and linguistic beauty and eloquence.

On the other hand, we have even evidence form your holy book, the Bible, to that effect, i.e. God promising that:

"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."

[Deuteronomy 18:18]

8) If the Koran says that men should only have no more than 4 wives. What does God think of the prophets who have more than four wives?

This question is not meant out of disrespect. It is an honest question.

If you are referring to the marriage of prophet Muhammad (S), then first we need to establish whether the prophet married more than four after the ruling made by God.  That is to say, it is highly likely that the prophet (S) married more then four at a time when there were no specific limit declared by Allah on the number of wives one may marry.

Secondly, theoretically, even today anyone may marry more then four wives; i.e. one may marry four wives permanently and more than that through temporary marriage.

Thirdly, the reasons for these marriages were not desirous or sexual. For example they were in aid of attracting the women's tribes to Islam.  Through this way when members of a tribe realize that prophet Muhammad (S) has married a woman from their tribe, they would feel less antagonist towards the prophet if not sympathetic towards Islam and the prophet.  In this way great many people who were stubborn and had their prejudice against Islam and were not prepared to listen to the message of Islam were attracted to Islam . . .

Question: What does Islam teach about Jesus Christ?

I am an American.  I am a devout Christian.  I am a Southern Baptist and Sunday School Teacher at my Church.  I have been raised in the Christian faith.  I believe that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah who came to this earth, was crucified, died and buried.  On the third day He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven and is now seated on the right hand of God the Father.  Jesus Christ is our Mediator to the Father.  We also believe that Jesus Christ will come back for His Bride (the redeemed) and take us to heaven with Him to live eternally. 

I would like to know what the Muslim faith teaches about Jesus Christ.  I understand your religion teaches that Muhammad is the great teacher of your faith.  Do you consider Mohammed in the way we Christians consider Jesus Christ? 

I am sorry, but I do not understand the Muslim faith and that is why I am asking.

We the Muslims consider Jesus, peace be upon him, not divine but as a prophet and a messenger of God, just as Muhammad, peace be upon him, is considered as a messenger of God; be it Muhammad is declared in the holy Qur'an as being the last Messenger of God, and the holy Qur'an as the last Divine revelation.  Muhammad, Jesus, and all other prophets or Messengers, peace be upon them all, who are sent by God are regarded in the highest esteem by the Muslims, and that they all convey the same message to mankind; the worship of the One Indivisible God, and be in harmony to His Will.  They are all sent to help mankind to conduct their affairs in this world and in the hereafter.

The Muslims believe that Jesus son of Mary, peace be upon them, was miraculously conceived in the womb of Mary, by the will of God. Again miraculously Jesus spoke from birth and when the people confronted his mother, as she was not married but had a baby, Jesus came to her defence.  He also had the Engele (the ‘Gospel') with him when he was still an infant – another one of his miracle.  Taking our lead from the Qur'an, we believe that although he was raised to the heavens, but Jesus did not die on the cross and therefore did not rise from the dead three days later! In fact this is not only in the Qur'an, but there is evidence in the bible that he did not die on the cross!!!

Jesus said:

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”  [Matthew 12:40] 

And we know that while in the whale's belly, Jonah was not dead, but alive and he was praying, as can be seen from:

“Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly”  [Jonah 2:1]

So this proves that while buried in the heart of the earth, Jesus was NOT dead, but alive, as Jesus compared his case to that of Jonah in the whale's belly.  Of course there are other evidences to this effect.  In [John 20:17] Jesus specifically declares that he has not died . . .

“Jesus saith unto her, touch me not; for I am NOT yet ascended to my Father but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” [John 20:17]

“I am not ascended to my God” is an expression which is still used by the Arabs / Jews to mean, “I am not dead”.  These days one would say, “He has ascended to God” meaning to say that “He has died”. 

To learn more about what the holy Qur'an says about Jesus see "Jesus in the Qur'an".