Islam 3rd addition to Judaism & Christianity

[Ladybug3478]

Hello,

If Islam is the third and correct part to the previously revealed Judaism and Christianity - wouldn't it be safe to say that someone should have a precise understaning of Judaism and Christianity? Also, the Quran is written for a people who were familiar with Judaism and Christianity and so, the Quran reads as a book taking this into consideration, right? So, is it encouraged for people to study the other two religions? If so, are specific Torah and New Testament/ Injil translations recommended? Or is such knowledge left to the Scholars to research and understand and then hand down?? Is it recommended or required for a Scholar to have an understanding of the two preceding religions (Judaism and Christianity)? Again, one of the main reasons I ask is because the Quran was revealed to an audience who were already familiar with the other two religions and if Islam is the 3rd revelation - is it safe to say that to have a full and complete understanding one must familiarize oneself with the other two.



Thanks

 

[mhamzah]

Quran does not say that Jews and Christians possess Torah and Injeel, rather they possess scripture, in which is truth apart from what scribes have written from their own hand and attributed it to God (same claim can be found in the bible itself Jeremiah 8:8).

Islam is not the part of Judaism and Christanity, religion with God is only one, Islam (submission to will of Allah). Message of all the Prophets (pbut) was one. Thats is why Jews and Christians are told in the Quran not to committ excess in their religion and not attributed to God what have been written by men.

Gospel (good news) or Injeel was a message given by Allah to Jesus (pbuh), while Torah (law) was to Moses (pbuh). The bible is a collection of writings by many different authors. The bible consists of 66 small books.

Hope this is helpful.


What the Gospels Mean to Muslims

http://www.geocities.com/alummah2000/WhatBibleMeansToMuslims.html

Salam Alakum,

 

[BigAk]

Hi LadyBug... It's good to see you around.

I think all your questions are excellent. I really believe that you'll find all your answer when you listen to the following few lectures by Br. Gary Miller. Here's his link. Go down to the bottom of the page. You can right click on any of his lectures and select "Save Target As" then play them locally on your computer.. They are excellent at answering all your questions above.

http://mydeviant.com/miller/gary_miller.html

.

 

[Ladybug3478]

Hello,

Well, at first I told myself to hold all questions till after listening to Dr. Gary Miller's reference in case it answers my questions. But, I'll ask some anyway.

Ayman,

You mentioned that the 'words' Judaism and Christianity cannot be found in the Torah or New Testament. Can you please explain to me what you are thinking? What does Islam teach about the relevance of mentioning these 'words' in the writtings(Torah & New Testament)? Also, what are you saying - 'it is the message and covenant'? What message are you trying to relate about message and covenant? Thanks for your help.

Also, about Paul...does anyone know how he was able to send his 'letters to the churches' while imprisoned? Had this question in my head for a bit.

Regards

 

[Hard Rock Moslem]

Ayman,

You mentioned that the 'words' Judaism and Christianity cannot be found in the Torah or New Testament. Can you please explain to me what you are thinking?

Hi Lady, let me help you if you don't mind. Some of it I'm not sure how to put words into sentence. I let my other brothers/sisters to answer. What brother Ayman mentioned is true, he is not speaking out of his own mind. There is no where in the old or new testament did mentioned the word "judaism" or "christianity".

But the word "Islam" was mentioned in the Qur'an several times as it is (directly) e.g:

O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaytan (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy.(Qur'an: 2.208)

Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Signs of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account. (Qur'an: 3.19)

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. (Qur'an: 3.85)

What does Islam teach about the relevance of mentioning these 'words' in the writtings(Torah & New Testament)?

It is He Who has sent down the Book (the Qur’an) to you (Muhammad) with truth, confirming what came before it. And he sent down the Tauraat (Torah) and the Gospel.(Qur'an: 3.3)

It was confirmed by Allah that He did sent down Tauraat and the Gospel (Injeel). If original Tauraat and Injeel do exist today we muslim can only give our imaan to aqidah part of the Tauraat (not Torah / old testament) and Injeel (not bible) because all Prophets are coming with the same divine message (that "there is no God but Allah"). We can't give our imaan for shariah (law of Mosses) from the original Tauraat and Injeel as there are only relevant to people of Prophet Musa and Prophet Isaa's time (may peace be upon them).

Allah knows best.

All praise and thanks to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds.

 

[Ladybug3478]

Hello,

So, Islam means submission, right? When the Quran was revealed, was the word 'Islam' referring only to the required submission as a description of what was expected? When and how did Islam become the name of a relgion? I will reflect on it more but, am still attempting to get a better understanding.

And, I don't understand the relevance of what Judaism or Christianity is called as long as it is followed correctly. Example...There was a Moses (PBUH) and a Torah and the Jews knew what was expected of them. So, if Jesus(PBUH) was a Jew and did all that the Torah required - does it really matter what Judaism was called?

Thanks for your help

 

[Mohsin]

:salam2:

JazakAllah khairan brother Ayman, I love the simplicity and preciseness in your answers.

Ladybug, I think the notion that Islam is the 3rd part comes from all three religions relating themselves to Abraham (PBUH). (I have read it many times at many places that Islam is the third of Abrahamic religions.)

Allah SWT gave the answer to this doubt himself in Quran,

O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Ibrâhim (Abraham), while the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) were not revealed till after him? Have you then no sense? (65) Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have knowledge. Why do you then dispute concerning that of which you have no knowledge? It is Allâh Who knows, and you know not. (66) Ibrâhim (Abraham) was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa (Islâmic Monotheism - to worship none but Allâh Alone) and he was not of Al-Mushrikûn (polytheists)[] (67) Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrâhim (Abraham) are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Muhammad SAW) and those who have believed (Muslims). And Allâh is the Walî (Protector and Helper) of the believers. (68)

These verses clears the doubt about Abraham and what his religion was but still Allah SWT in his mercy told us more. He SWT told us at another place in the Quran,

And who turns away from the religion of Ibrâhim (Abraham) (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism) except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous. (130) When his Lord said to him, "Submit (i.e. be a Muslim)!" He said, "I have submitted myself (as a Muslim) to the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)." (131) And this (submission to Allâh, Islâm) was enjoined by Ibrâhim (Abraham) upon his sons and by Ya'qûb (Jacob), (saying), "O my sons! Allâh has chosen for you the (true) religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islâm (as Muslims - Islâmic Monotheism)." (132) Or were you witnesses when death approached Ya'qûb (Jacob)? When he said unto his sons, "What will you worship after me?" They said, "We shall worship your Ilâh [] (God - Allâh), the Ilâh (God) of your fathers, Ibrâhim (Abraham), Ismâ'il (Ishmael), Ishâq (Isaac), One Ilâh (God), and to Him we submit (in Islâm)." (133)

 

[mhamzah]

So, Islam means submission, right? When the Quran was revealed, was the word 'Islam' referring only to the required submission as a description of what was expected? When and how did Islam become the name of a relgion? I will reflect on it more but, am still attempting to get a better understanding.

For Definition of Islam and Muslims refer to:

http://islamtomorrow.com/definition.asp​

Throughout History Allah swt has sent messenger to mankind revealing His Will to humans. Human have an option either to obey Allah and His messenger and submit to Him on His terms or follow their own desires. On the Day of Judgement they will be judged based on that. The criteria to be successful in this life and the next has been given in Surah AL-Asr (c:103; v:1-3).

By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),
Verily Man is in loss,
Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy

For example Moses (pbuh) was given the the Torah (Law) and he asked his people to follow the commandements. Those who did were submitting their will to the will of Allah, as that is what Allah wanted them to do. The same goes for Jesus (pbuh) and his followers and the rest of the Prophet. Thus they were Muslim and were following Islam.

Brother Ayman has already explained the point, I'll just mention the verse of the Quran.

When Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said: "Who will be My helpersto (the work of) Allah?" Said the disciples: "We are Allah's helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims. (3:52)


And, I don't understand the relevance of what Judaism or Christianity is called as long as it is followed correctly. Example...There was a Moses (PBUH) and a Torah and the Jews knew what was expected of them. So, if Jesus(PBUH) was a Jew and did all that the Torah required - does it really matter what Judaism was called?

Detail answer to your question is given in Gary Miller's lectures one of the brother mentioned.

When a religion is named after the tribe or the messenger than the emphasis shifts from the message to the the messenger or the tribe he belonged to. Christian scholars themselves try to find answer to the questions as to when and how the preacher (Jesus - pbuh) became preached. Jesus (pbuh) talked about God and the one's after him talked about Jesus (pbuh). Thus to many it matter more as to how Jesus (pbuh) looked like than what his message was.

However, if Christian mean one who follows the Christ, than Muslims are Christian in a sense that they follow Jesus (pbuh). But don't you think if God wants us to call ourselves Muslim and He has named the religion 'Islam', than we should only call ourselves only Muslim and our religion as Islam? Wouldn't it be going against the Will of Allah if we chose for ourselves a name other than what Allah wants us to call ourselves with?

Salam Alakum,

 

[Rashadi]

Hello,

So, Islam means submission, right? When the Quran was revealed, was the word 'Islam' referring only to the required submission as a description of what was expected? When and how did Islam become the name of a relgion? I will reflect on it more but, am still attempting to get a better understanding.

And, I don't understand the relevance of what Judaism or Christianity is called as long as it is followed correctly. Example...There was a Moses (PBUH) and a Torah and the Jews knew what was expected of them. So, if Jesus(PBUH) was a Jew and did all that the Torah required - does it really matter what Judaism was called?

Thanks for your help

Greetings LaduBug, God is the one who makes the religion and ordains it. It is also God who named us Muslims and the religion Islam. This was the case for the previous prophets too. The followers of Moses(as) were not Jews but Muslims who were children of Israel. The word Jews and Judaism was later adopted and so it because like a tribal or ethnic religion. The followers of Jesus(as) were also not Christians nor was their religion Christianity. They were Muslims and also children of Israel. Christianity and Christian were both adopted but never used by the followers of Jesus(as) but those who came much later who never knew him. Islam is unique because it is not named after a person, place, tribe, ethnicity, etc. Even the sun, moon, plants, animals, etc are Muslims(in submission to God) and this is not something other religions can claim.

No where does the Bible say Christianity or Judaism is the true religion but it is obvious that God must be worshiped without partners and obedience to his messengers is also a must. The religion of Moses, Ibrahim, Jesus, and all of the prophets(peace be upon them) was all one and the same. It was a religion or way of life which called for a total submission to the will of God with obedience, sincerity and in peace(Islam). It is also important to mention that modern Judaism is different from the religion as practiced by the followers of Jesus(as), or the previous prophets. The modern Judaism is a Hellenized version and it was reformed to its present stage.

As for Christianity, this was never a single united religion but there were many sects, denominations and churches. Each church had its own authority and was independent from the others. However, the actuall followers of Jesus(as) should never be mistaken with Christians because the two are comletely different. Christianity just as Judaism are only nicknames and do not have any authority from God nor from the prophets. The most important of all is that all worship is for God alone and this was the prime message of Jesus, Moses and all prophets(peace be upon them). It was after Jesus left and when Paul started Christianity that Jesus was turned into a deity and was worshiped. The followers of Jesus(as) never susbscribed to such a thing and they wouldn't dare blaspheme the law giver(God).

I hope this helps you understand the point better and forgive me if I sounded insulting.

 

[hana*]

hello ladybug,

islam came to all mankind and not just to those who had a prior knowledge of judiasm and christianity. it answers beautifally the questions of the athiests and those who worshipped many gods, in addition to the jews and christians. so the quran came for us all.

islam not only means submission but means peace. whoever submitts to the ONE GOD and obeys Him is a muslim. so in reallity, all the prophets were muslims as they submitted to One God. in the Quran Allah says that today i have perfected youre religion for you and I (God) have chosen Islam for you as youre religion. no other religion does it say that in their scriptures. also nowhere in the bible does the word christianity appear, neither did prophet jesus (AS) call himself a christian.

 

[Ladybug3478]

Hello,

I have learned from this post and would like to thank you all for your time and shared knowledge.

Thanks

 

[mhamzah]

First use of word 'Christians'

:salam2:

We also took a covenant from those who said: 'We are Christians';36 but they forgot a good portion of the teaching they had been imparted with. Wherefore We aroused enmity and spite between them till the Day of Resurrection, and ultimately Allah will tell them what they had contrived.


*36. Some are of the opinion that the word Nasara (meaning Christians) is derived from Nasirah (Nazareth), the birth-place of the Messiah. In fact this word is not derived from Nasirah (Nazareth) but from the word nusrah, and the basis of this derivation is the question posed by the Messiah to his disciples: 'Who are my supporters (ansari) in the way of God?' In response to this they had said: 'We are the supporters (ansar) (in the way) of God.' Christian authors have been misled by the resemblance between the words Nasirah and Nasara into believing that the name of the sect founded in the early history of Christianity, and contemptuously characterized as either Nazarenes or Ebonites served as the basis of the Qur'anic designation of the Christians. But here the Qur'ijo categorically states that they had declared that they were 'Nasara' and it is obvious that the Christians never called themselves 'Nazarenes'.

In this connection it should be recalled that Jesus never called his followers 'Christians' for he had not come to found a new religion named after him. His mission was to revive the religion of Moses and of all the Prophets who preceded him as well as of the one who was to appear after him. Hence, he neither formed any cult divorced from the Israelites and the followers of the Mosaic Law nor designated his followers by any distinctive name. Likewise, his early followers neither considered themselves to be separate from the Israelite community nor developed into an independent group nor adopted any distinctive symbol and name. They worshipped in the temple of Jerusalem along with other Jews and considered themselves to be followers of the Mosaic Law (see Acts 3:1-10; 21: 14-15,21).

Later on the process of alienation began to operate on both sides. On the one hand, Paul, one of the followers of Jesus, declared independence from the Mosaic Law holding that faith in Christ was all that one needed for salvation. On the other hand, the Jewish rabbis declared the followers of Christ to be heretics and excommunicated them. Despite this, for some time the new sect had no distinct appellation of its own. The followers of Christ variously described themselves as 'disciples', as 'brethren', as 'those who believed', and as 'saints' (see Acts 2: 44; 4: 32; 9: 26; 11: 29; 13: 52; 15: 1; 23: 1 and Romans 15: 25 and Colossians 1: 2). The Jews sometimes designated them as 'Galileans' and as 'the sect of Nazarenes' (see Acts 24: 5; Luke 13: 2). These nicknames, which were originally contrived in,.ojder to ridicule them, referred to Nazareth, the home town of Jesus in the district of Galilee. These names, however, did not gain sufficient popularity to become the permanent names of the followers of Christ. They were called 'Christians' for the first time by the people of Antioch in 43 A.D. or 44 A.D. when Paul and Barnabas went there and began to preach their religion (Acts 11: 26).

This appellation was flung at them by the opponents of the followers of Christ precisely in order to tease them by using an appellation which was unacceptable to them. But when their enemies began to call them consistently by this name their leaders reacted by saying that if they were called Christians because of their allegiance to Christ they had no reason to be ashamed of it (1 Peter 4: 16). It was thus that the followers of Christ also gradually began to call themselves by the same name which had originally been conferred upon them sarcastically. In the course of time the Christians ceased to realize that theirs had originally been a derogatory appellation chosen for them by outsiders rather than by themselves.

The Qur'an, therefore, does not refer to the followers of Christ as Christians. It reminds them rather that they belong to those who responded to the query of Jesus: 'Who are my supporters (ansari) in the way of God?' by saying that they were his ansar (supporters) in God's cause. (See Surah al-Saff 61: 14 - Ed.) It is an irony of fate that far from feeling grateful at being referred to by a dignified appellation Christian missionaries take offence at the fact that the Qur'an designates them as Nasara rather than as 'Christians'


ACTS 11:26 - And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

1 PETERS 4:16 - Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.


Source:

King James Version
Tafsir: Tafheem Ul Quran (Towards understanding the Quran) by Syed Abul A'ala Maududi
Gary Miller

 

[salahdin]

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful



Allah 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 ye 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. Whoso among you disbelieveth after this will go astray from a plain road. (12) And 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. Thou wilt not cease to discover treachery from all save a few of them. But bear with them and pardon them. Lo! Allah loveth the kindly. (13) And 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. (14) O People of the Scripture! Now hath Our messenger come unto you, expounding unto you much of that which ye used to hide in the Scripture, and forgiving much. now hath come unto you light from Allah and plain Scripture, (15) Whereby Allah guideth him who seeketh His good pleasure unto paths of peace. He bringeth them out of darkness unto light by His decree, and guideth them unto a straight path. (16) They indeed have disbelieved who say: Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. Say: Who then can do aught against Allah, if He had willed to destroy the Messiah son of Mary, and his mother and everyone on earth? Allah's is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them. He createth what He will. And Allah is Able to do all things. (17) The Jews and Christians say: We are sons of Allah and His loved ones. Say: Why then doth He chastise you for your sins? Nay, ye are but mortals of His creating. He forgiveth whom He will, and chastiseth 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. (18) AL- MAEDA (5:12-18)


Al-Maeda

How come they unto thee for judgment when they have the Torah, wherein Allah hath delivered judgment (for them)? Yet even after that they turn away. Such (folk) are not believers. (43) 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 barter not My revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers. (44) 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 whoso forgoeth it (in the way of charity) it shall be expiation for him. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are wrong-doers. (45) 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). (46) Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers. (47) And unto thee 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 hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. 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 hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ. (48) AL- MAEDA(5:43-48)

 

[mhamzah]

Jazaaka Allaahu Khayran, brother, for this informative post while you are busy

This poses a question: Does verses 2:62 and 5:69 then apply only to the early followers of Jesus, peace be upon him and not Christians in general? Not too many Christians today reject Paul and adhere only to what Jesus taught. I think not because God quotes the Christians in 9:30, "And the Nasaara said Christ is the son of God," which rules out the disciples who said, "Our Lord, we have believed what You sent down and followed the messenger, so record us among the witnesses." (3:53)
[/B]

And by the same token, does the expression "Those who apologized with humility" (Allazheena Haadu) apply only to the early Jews who followed Moses, peace be upon him? Not too many Jews today reject the Talmud and adhere strictly to what Moses taught.

:salam2:

Verses in Question and others related to this:

Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muْammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

For all those who believe in Allah and in the Last Day and do good deeds - be they either believers, Jews, Sabaeans or Christians - neither fear shall fall upon them, nor shall they have any reason to grieve. (5:69)

Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration. They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous. Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right. (3:113-115)

And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in Allah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in humility to Allah: They will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is swift in account. (4:199)

But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what hath been revealed to thee and what was revealed before thee: And (especially) those who establish regular prayer and practise regular charity and believe in Allah and in the Last Day: To them shall We soon give a great reward. (4:162)

The Jews say, "Ezra is the son of Allah "; and the Christians say, "The Messiah is the son of Allah ." That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved [before them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded? (9:30)

The fact that the early disciples of Jesus, peace be upon him, believed in him as a messenger not not as God incarnate is well documentated and is affirmed by the Quran, so we need not go into it.

Christians have all sorts of beliefs, there is virtually nothing in Christanity that all Christians agree on, indeed it is confirmed by verse 3:113-115 (not all of them are alike). The reason is given in the Quran itself. Qur'an refers to the authentic scriptures and the forgeries in their possession (3:77).

Indeed, those who exchange the covenant of Allah and their [own] oaths for a small price will have no share in the Hereafter, and Allah will not speak to them or look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them; and they will have a painful punishment. (3:77)

Thus among them are those who believe in the authentic scripture and not the forgeries attributed to Allah written by men including Paul. Verse 4:162 and 199 refers to those among them people of the book who believe in the last revelation (of course this cannot refer to the disciple of Jesus and Moses, peace be upon them).

Having said that majority of them consider Jesus, peace be upon him as God incarnate or son of God and they have indeed disbelieved. I am sure I have read a verse in the Quran which either say 'most of them are disbelievers' or 'most of them have 'transgressed'