Words of the Prophet

Q...Those who follow a radically violent interpretation of Islam have become a force to be reckoned with in the world; but are those who espouse terror as part of their ideology following the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed?

Those of you who have tried to read and comprehend the writings of Mohammed will understand when I say it can be very, very difficult! Over the course of 10 to 15 years I made many attempts to read and understand the Koran, failing badly each time; until I discovered a system which proved to be quite workable.

In my study of the Bible I had learned to separate one subject, one thought, or one verse, in order to concentrate my search for understanding. I decided to try the same thing with the Book of the Koran and it worked beyond my wildest dreams! I would like to share with you some of what I was able to discover -- from a Christian point of view!

In my personal study-paper on “Mohammed and the Scriptures” I have recorded many passages from the Koran and have made individual comments for each of them. The format of this blogsite is not ideal for the recording of the entire study-paper so what I shall try to do is provide a selection of those passages and comments for you to consider.

I apologize in advance if my inability to go into long explanations causes any confusion.

Excerpts from “Mohammed and the Scriptures”

“In preparing this work I found myself developing a profound respect for what I believe Muhammad was trying to do. I believe he wanted to know all he could about the one true God and His teachings; and tried to accept as much as he could from the learned men of his day. I believe Mohammad saw the error and confusion which existed in their teaching and tried to come to a more perfect, personal understanding. That he fell short of perfection seems undeniable; nevertheless, he should bear no more condemnation than that which is due to the leaders of the Christian community for the confusion they have created in their teaching of God’s Word.”

“I believe Muhammad also recognized that whereas God had sent at least one prophet to every other nation in the world, someone able to teach the people in their own language, no prophet had ever been sent to the Arabic speaking peoples. Throughout the writings of the Qur’an Muhammad repeatedly tells us he had been sent to his own people to bring them the words of God in their own “Arabic” language.”

“Muhammad’s respect and reverence for the Almighty Creator God should not be denigrated; instead, it should be acknowledged by all peoples and by all religions. Notice the following:

Sura 2.255 “Allah is He besides Whom there is no god, the Everliving, the Self-subsisting by Whom all subsist; slumber does not overtake Him nor sleep; whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is His; who is he that can intercede with Him but by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot comprehend anything out of His knowledge except what He pleases, His knowledge extends over the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of them both tires Him not, and He is the Most High, the Great.”

In the following pages I have tried to select verses of the Koran for their interest and/or instructive value. For each selection I have tried to “Note” a comment that would be either helpful or thought provoking. The selection of certain verses is a principle taught by the Koran to assist those who would be believers and worshippers of God/Allah: e.g.

Sura 73.20 “…He has turned to you (mercifully), therefore read what is easy of the Quran. He knows that there must be among you sick, and others who travel in the land seeking of the bounty of Allah, and others who fight in Allah’s way, therefore read as much of it as is easy (to you)…”

When a passage of the Koran is quoted, it will be prefaced by the number of the Sura and the verse or verses. Any word or words found within round brackets have been inserted by the producers of that version of the Koran in order to give clarification to the passage. Wherever I have added my own word or words into a verse you will find it/them placed within square brackets and italicized: e.g.

Sura 3.84 “Say: We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us, and what was revealed to Ibrahim [Abraham] and Ismail [Ishmael] and Ishaq [Isaac] and Yaqoub [Jacob/Israel] and the tribes, and what was given to Musa [Moses] and Isa [Jesus] and to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make any distinction between any of them, and to Him do we submit.”

The following are the verses selected:

Sura 2.62 Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.
Note: Mohammed and the Koran certainly make allowance for those who are followers of Christ, those who are Jews, those who believe in the Last Day, and those who try to do good [works] in their lives. Why are there individuals among those who call themselves Muslim, who would by violence take it upon themselves to do that which God has not decreed?

Sura 2.65 And certainly you have known those among you who exceeded the limits of the Sabbath, so We said to them: Be (as) apes, despised and hated.
Note: Reference is made in this verse to the Sabbath! To what Sabbath does the Prophet refer? Most Christians look to Sunday; the first day of the week as their Sabbath. The people of modern Islam consider Friday to be their Sabbath; the sixth day of the week. The Jews [and some Christians] look to the Sabbath of “the Book”; the seventh-day Sabbath that begins with sunset at the end of the sixth day and lasts until sunset at the end of the seventh day. It should be remembered that according to the teachings of the “qur’an,” “the Jews were the keepers of the Book” -- to them was entrusted the oracles of God. Notice what is written about the Sabbath in the following verse from Sura 62:

Sura 62.9 “O you who believe; when the call is made for prayer on Friday, then hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trading; that is better for you, if you know.”
Note: If this verse is made in reference to Friday being the Sabbath I would point out that at the time of the call to prayer, the faithful are commanded to “leave off trading”! Does this not suggest that “they were trading” up until the time of the call to prayer -- “trading on the Sabbath”? Surely this would be against all Islamic teaching! On the other hand, if reference is being made to a Friday evening call to prayer then this verse becomes far more understandable. The seventh-day Sabbath of God begins on Friday evening and lasts until Saturday evening -- was the original message of the Qur’an that when the Friday evening call to prayer was heard Muslims should leave off trading “because the Sabbath was about to begin?”

Sura 2.87 And most certainly We gave Musa [Moses] the Book and We sent apostles after him one after another; and We gave Isa, the son of Marium [Jesus, the son of Mary], clear arguments and strengthened him with the holy spirit, What! Whenever then an apostle came to you with that which your souls did not desire, you were insolent so you called some liars and some you slew.
Note: Here we have a specific reference to “the Book” being given to Moses. The question must then be asked: “How much understanding do the Muslims of today have about that which is written in “the Book” of Musa [Moses]; and the “clear arguments” of Isa, the son of Marium [Jesus, the son of Mary]?” For that matter: this same question could be asked of most of today’s professing Christians and Jews!

Sura 2.97 Say: Whoever is the enemy of Jibreel [Gabriel] -- for surely he revealed it to your heart by Allah’s command, verifying that which is before it and guidance and good news for the believers.
Sura 2.98 Whoever is the enemy of Allah and His angels and His apostles and Jibreel [Gabriel] and Meekaeel [Michael], so surely Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers.
Note: According to the Prophet Mohammed, the Archangel Gabriel was the source of the revelation he received. Whatever the source of this revelation, that which was revealed to Mohammed seems to have been an understanding of the words and commandments of God as they were recorded in “the Book.” Mohammed is telling us, as he does throughout the Koran, that his words and his teachings “are a revealing of the Book”! We should constantly remind ourselves that the word “Koran” comes from the Arabic word “qur’an” meaning “recitations.” Mohammed did not write a book! When he makes reference to “the Book” he is not referring to the Koran! Many years passed after the death of Mohammed before his followers compiled a collection of his “recitations,” his “qur’an”; it is this compilation of his recitations that has become known as the book of the Koran.

Sura 2.101 And when there came to them an Apostle from Allah verifying that which they have, a party of those who were given the Book threw the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they knew nothing.
Note: This verse apparently refers to those of the children of Israel who rejected the words of God as they were recorded in “the Book of Allah” (i.e. the Scriptures); it almost certainly does not refer to Mohammed himself and his teachings.

Sura 2.113 And the Jews say: The Christians do not follow anything (good) and the Christians say: The Jews do not follow anything (good) while they recite the (same) Book. Even thus say those who have no knowledge, like to what they say; so Allah shall judge between them on the day of resurrection in what they differ.
Note: I have no doubt these words of the Koran would have been true in the days of Mohammed and they are still true today! There are many hundreds of different and differing sects within professing Christianity; each looks to the Bible as their source for truth and understanding. Unfortunately, the same can be said of differences in the Jewish religion and of the followers of Islam! There is a virtual Babylon of religious belief in the world today; this makes it even more imperative that the individual strive to work out his or her own salvation -- with fear and trembling!

Sura 2.121 Those to whom We have given the Book read it as it ought to be read. These believe in it; and whoever disbelieves in it, these it is that are the losers.
Note: Can there be any doubt that this “Book” the Prophet refers to is the book that was given to Moses; the book that was given by God into the care of the children of Israel? Please notice that at the time Mohammad speaks these words, he states unequivocally that it is still possible to “…read [the Book] as it ought to be read”!

Sura 2.135 And they say: Be Jews or Christians, you will be on the right course. Say: Nay! (we follow) the religion of Ibrahim [Abraham], the Hanif [the upright], and he was not one of the polytheists.
Note: Abraham is often referred to as “The Father of the Faithful”: this would be true whether we were discussing Islam, Judaism, or Christianity. Since [by definition] the word “Islam” means “the submission or surrender to God/Allah,” there should be no doubt that Abraham was [by definition] a follower of Islam. Since [by definition] the word “Muslim” means “a follower of Islam,” there should be no doubt that Abraham was [by definition] a Muslim. Does this mean that Abraham was a follower of the religion we refer to today as “the religion of Islam”? That would depend entirely on how much that religion of today adheres to the teachings of God. By the same token, it is very doubtful whether Abraham would have been able to follow the teachings of Christianity or Judaism as it was practiced in the days of Muhammad or as it is practiced in the world of today.

Sura 2.149 And from whatsoever place you come forth, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque; and surely it is the very truth from your Lord, and Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.
Note: The “Sacred Mosque” referred to in this passage is almost certainly the Kaaba, located in the city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic tradition, the Kaaba was also referred to as the House of God and was built at God’s command by the prophet Ibrahim [Abraham of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles] and his son Ismail [Ishmael: son of Abraham by Hagar]. In these more modern times the Kaaba is preserved as a small sanctuary near the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca. For those who hold to the possibility that many of the teachings of Mohammed come directly from ancient biblical scriptures, consider the words recorded in the Psalms of David 5:7 “But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; in fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple!”
Also: I have heard some Christian preachers suggest that the Muslim practice of facing east when they pray is a hold-over from sun worship. As is so often the case, these preachers are incorrect in both their understanding and their condemnation. Muslims only face east to pray when they themselves are located geographically west of Mecca. Anyone living east of Mecca must of necessity face west when they pray. Those individuals located north of Mecca would face south; and those located south of Mecca would face north. Understanding and compassion are two of the most vital characteristics necessary for the true believer whether he be Christian, Jew, or Muslim -- these characteristics are unfortunately in very short supply among many followers of our modern-day Babylon of religious beliefs.

Sura 2.286 Allah does not impose upon any soul a duty but to the extent of its ability; for it is (the benefit of) what it has earned and upon it (the evil of) what it has wrought: Our Lord! do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake; Our Lord! do not lay on us a burden as Thou didst lay on those before us, Our Lord do not impose upon us that which we have not the strength to bear; and pardon us and grant us protection and have mercy on us, Thou art our Patron, so help us against the unbelieving people.
Note: Occasionally my best response to a passage from the Koran will be to quote a corresponding passage from the Bible; this is such an occasion: 1st Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Sura 3.3 He has revealed to you the Book with truth, verifying that which is before it, and He revealed the Tavrat [Law of Moses] and the Injeel [Gospel of Jesus] aforetime, a guidance for the people, and He sent the Furqan [a criterion of judgment between right and wrong].
Sura 3.4 Surely they who disbelieve in the communications of Allah they shall have a severe chastisement; and Allah is Mighty, the Lord of retribution.
Note: My reaction to these verses is one of wonder, of pleasure, and of hope! This passage seems to contain an element of reconciliation for the religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism; however, according to modern-day Islamic teaching that which came before the words of Muhammad has little or no value for true believers. While it is true that perversions have been done by many translators of the inspired ancient biblical manuscripts, it is my belief that the substance of Holy Scripture has been passed down to us by Almighty God in a way that is still of great value to anyone seeking truth and a path to righteousness.

Sura 5.51 O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.
Note: This verse is best understood in context; in fact you would be wise to study all of the verses from 5.44 to 5.54 in order to more perfectly understand. Mohammed is telling believers that most Christians and Jews -- have rejected the teaching of the Book! He admits in Sura 2.62 and repeats in Sura 5.69 [quoted below] that there are those, even among Christians and Jews who have followed God/Allah; but the believers must be careful to determine who they are. These verses do not contradict each other; they do in fact compliment each other.

Sura 5.69 Surely those who believe and those who are Jews and the Sabians and the Christians whoever believes in Allah and the last day and does good -- they shall have no fear nor shall they grieve.
Note: This is a repeat of the verse found at Sura 2.62 and it further explains the previous passage. Muslims are not being told to shun all Christians and Jews; only those who have -- rejected the teaching of the Book!
Also: If you read this verse very carefully you will see that Muhammad believed there was no need for Christians and Jews to convert to Islam!

I must cut short this discussion even sooner that I had hoped; perhaps you have been motivated to take some time of your own to look into the writings of Muhammad. If you take it slowly, choosing no more that a few verses at a time to study more carefully, you should derive as much understanding and satisfaction as I did. Good luck with it!

Note: This coming Sunday evening begins the annual Day of Atonement. While this day is kept as a solemn day of fasting, meditation, and prayer, the prophetic message revealed by it is one of incredible promise. It is my hope and my prayer that this day will be as fulfilling for you as I expect it to be for me.

Two weeks from now I hope to begin a five-part series dealing with my understanding of “The Unpardonable Sin.” This was a very difficult paper for me to write because much of the subject matter includes an understanding of many Bible truths that diametrically oppose the teachings of the ministry.

With this in mind: next week I hope to offer one of my “Open Letters to the Ministry.” These are letters I have written in the past but have never sent; some of them have been in my computer files for several years. The letter I have in mind is entitled: “Ezekiel Thirty-Four” and I hope it will act as an introduction to the following week’s message of “The Unpardonable Sin.”