The Family of Imram (Âl-'Imrân)

In the name of Allah, Gracious, Merciful.

¹A.L.M.

²Allah! there is no allah but He, the living, the self subsisting, eternal.

³It is He who sent down to you in truth the book confirming what went before it, and He sent down the Law and the Gospel before this as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion.¹

⁴Then those who reject faith in the signs of Allah, will suffer the severest penalty and Allah is exalted in might, Lord of retribution.

⁵From Allah verily, nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.²

Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim

¹Alif Laa Mim.

²Allahu la ilaha illa huwa lhayyul qayyumu.

³Nazzala alaikal kitaba bilhaqqi musaddiqal lima baina yadaihi wa anzala Taurata wal Injil.

⁴Min qablu hudan linnasi wa anzala lfurqana innallazina kafaru bi ayatillahi lahum azabun shadidun wallahu azizun zuntiqamin.

⁵Innallaha la yakhfa alaihi shaiun filarddi wa la fi samai.

1. What does ‘Step by Step’ mean? If by this a logical and systematic sequence is implied, then the Qur’an is far from it, if it means, a chronological revelations of both past and future events, the Qur’an has again failed, but if it means that the Qur’anic revelation were given one at a time without any logical and systematic sequence or chronology, the Qur’an is correct. Except that it does not confirm the truth contained in the Old Covenant nor the New Covenant. As we saw in chapter two how historical facts have been distorted, misapplied and misinterpreted, confirmation is the last thing on the mind of Allah.

2. That is the true mark of God, among other things He knows everything, of the past, present and the future. As we leaf through the pages of the Qur’an, this quality characteristic is woefully missing. What is evident is that Allah knowledge of leaves much to be desired.

⁶He it is who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no allah but He, the exalted in might, the wise.

⁷He it is who has sent down to you the book, in it are verses basic or fundamental, they are the foundation of the book, others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof, that is allegorical seeking discord and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge. Say, “We believe in the book, the whole of it is from our Lord,” and none will grasp the message except men of understanding.³

⁸“Our Lord,” let not our hearts deviate now after You have guided us but grant us mercy from Your own presence, for You are the grantor of bounties without measure.

⁶Huwal lazi yusawwirukum fil arhami kaifa yashau la ilaha illa huwal azizul hakimu.

⁷Huwal lazi anzala alaikal kitaba minhu ayatun muhkamatun hunna ummul kitabi wa ukharu mutashabihatun fa ammal lazina fi qulubihim zaigun fa yattabiuna ma tashabaha minhubtigaa tawilihi wa ma yalamu tawilahu illallahu wa rasikhuna fil ilmi yaquluna amanna bihi kullum minindi rabbina wa ma yazzakaru illa ulul albabi.

⁸Rabbana la tuzig qulubana bada iz hadaitana wa hab lana mil ladunka rahmahtan innaka antal wahabu.

[Commentary continues below.]

⁹“Our Lord, You are He that will gather mankind together against a day about which there is no doubt: for Allah never fails in His promise.”

¹⁰Those who reject faith neither their possessions nor their progeny will avail them nothing against Allah, they are themselves but fuel for the fire.

¹¹No better than that of the people of Pharaoh and their predecessors, they denied Our signs and Allah called them to account for their sins. For Allah is strict in punishment.

¹²Say to those who reject faith, “Soon will you be vanquished and gathered together to hell an evil bed indeed.”⁴

⁹Rabbana innaka jamiun nasi li yaumil la raiba fihi innallaha la yukhliful miada.

¹⁰Innal lazina kafaru lan tugniya anhum amwaluhum wa la auladuhum minallahi shaian wa ulaika hum waqudun nari.

¹¹Kadabi ali Firauna wallazina min qablihim kazzabu bi ayatina fa bi zunubihim wallahu shadidul iqabi.

¹²Qul lillazina kafaru satuglabuna wa tuhsharuna ila jahannama wa bisal mihadu.

4. A fact to note is that the faith mentioned here is exclusively the faith of Islam and in none other than Allah, therefore the afore-mentioned punishment is directed to Jews, Christians and pagans.

By rightly interpreting the word, there is some truth in the statement, because Islam means submission to the will of Allah. However, as it is understood today, Islam has come to mean submission to the exclusive message and teachings of Muhammad. Herein lies erroneousness of the passage. The Islamic creed (Shahada) of ‘there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger makes this very obvious. It is a counterfeit rendition of John 17:3; 3: And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

[Commentary continues below.]

¹³“There has already been for you a sign in the two armies that met, one was fighting in the cause of Allah the other resisting Allah, these saw with their own eyes twice their number. But Allah does support with His aid whom He pleases. In this is a warning for such as have eyes to see.”⁵

¹⁴Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet, women and sons, heaped up hoards of gold and silver, horses branded, and cattle and well tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life, but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals.

¹³Qad kana lakum ayatun fi fiatainiltaqata fiatun tuqatilu fi sabilillahi wa ukhra kafiratu yaraunahum mislaihim rayal aini wallahu yuayyidu binasrihi man yashau inna fi zalika laibratalliulilabsari.

¹⁴Zuyyina linnasi hubbu shahawati minan nisai wal banina wal qanatiril muqantarati mina zahabi wal fiddati wal khailil musawwamati wal anami wal harsi zalika mataul hayati dunya wallahuindahu husnu lmaabi.

5. Although it is referred to as combat, it is right to say, in the light of the following hadith transmission that it was an invasion as with many of the other so-called battles.  Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 5.702 narrated by Abdullah bin Kab bin Malik:

I failed to take part in the Ghazwa of Badr, but Allah did not admonish anyone who had not participated in it, for in fact, Allah’s Apostle had gone out in search of the caravan of Quraish till Allah made them (i.e. the Muslims) and their enemy meet without any appointment. I witnessed the night of Al-’Aqaba (pledge) with Allah’s Apostle when we pledged for Islam, and I would not exchange it for the Badr battle although the Badr battle is more popular amongst the people than it (i.e. Al-’Aqaba pledge). As for my news (in this battle of Tabuk), I had never been stronger or wealthier than I was when I remained behind the Prophet in that Ghazwa...

Though the pagans knew that Muhammad and his band of followers were in need of supplies and would do anything to them including treachery and ambush, they were ill prepared for any of the battles fought against them. The Muslims had a cause to fight, they had been run out of town by their own people, they were, by and large poor and lowly with retribution on their minds. In that case then they were always prepared or preparing for an attack on the ‘unbelievers’.

¹⁵Say, Shall I give you glad tidings of things far better than those? For the righteous are gardens in nearness to their Lord with rivers flowing beneath, therein is their eternal home, with companions pure and the good pleasure of Allah. For in Allah’s sight are His servants.⁶

¹⁶Those who say, “Our Lord, we have indeed believed, forgive us then our sins and save us from the agony of the fire.”

¹⁷Those who show patience firmness and self control, who are true, who worship devoutly, who spend, and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.

¹⁸There is no allah but He, that is the witness of Allah, His angels and those endued with knowledge standing firm on justice. There is no allah but He, the exalted in power, the wise.

¹⁵Qul aunabbiukum bi khairim min zalikum lillazina taqau inda rabbihim jannatun tajri min tahtihal anharu khalidina fiha wa azwajum mutahharatu wa ridwanum minallahi wallahu basirum bilibadi.

¹⁶Allazina yaquluna rabbana innana amanna fagfir lana zunubana wa qina azaban nari.

¹⁷Asuabirina wa sadiqina wal qanitina wal munfiqina wal mustagfirina bil ashari.

¹⁸Shahidallahu annahu la ilaha illa huwa wal malaikatu wa ulul ilmi qaimam bil qisti la ilaha illa huwa lazizul hakimu.

6. The Muslim idea of Heaven (Paradise) is far different from the Jedeo-Christian concept, for instance according to Fiqh-us Sunnah Fiqh 4.95

Some souls are in the form of green birds who roam around freely in Paradise. ...The souls of some martyrs are prevented from entering Paradise on account of their debts or some other similar thing.

This is supported by a report by Ibn Hanbal in his Musnad from Muhammad ibn Abdallah ibn Jahsh that

“A man came to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and asked, ‘O Allah’s Prophet! What would I have if I am killed in the cause of Allah?’ The Prophet, peace be upon him, replied, ‘Paradise.’ But, when the man got up to go, the Prophet added, ‘Unless you have some debts to pay. Gabriel has informed me about it just now’.... I have seen your companion locked out at the gate of Paradise.”

Other souls are restricted to their graves as is evident from the hadith about the martyr who had stolen a cloak (He had stolen it out of the spoils of war before their proper distribution).

When he was killed, the people asked, “Will he have bliss in Paradise?” The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “By Him in whose hand is my soul, the cloak which he stole causes a fire to flare over him in his grave.”

The abode of others is at the gate of Paradise, as described in a hadith by Ibn ‘Abbas that,

“The abode of martyrs is in a green dome, on a bright river, near the gate of Paradise. Their provision comes from Paradise in the morning and in the evening.’’ (Ahmad)

This does not apply to Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, whose hands were transformed into wings, and with these he flies wherever he wishes in Paradise.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 8.550 narrated by Abu Huraira; ‘I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “From my followers there will enter Paradise a crowd, seventy thousand in number whose faces will glitter as the moon does when it is full.” On hearing that, ‘Ukasha bin Mihsan Al-Asdi got up, lifting his covering sheet, and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Invoke Allah that He may make me one of them.” The Prophet said, “O Allah, make him one of them.” Another man from the Ansar got up and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Invoke Allah to make me one of them.” The Prophet said (to him), “‘Ukasha has preceded you.”

If only 70,000 people are going to heaven and there are over 1.25 billion Muslims, what will happen to the rest?’

Sahih Muslim Hadith 6798 narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah:

I heard Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) as saying that the inmates of Paradise would eat and drink but would neither spit, nor pass water, nor void excrement, nor suffer catarrh. It was said: Then, what would happen with food? Thereupon he said: They would belch and sweat (and it would be over with their food), and their sweat would be that of musk and they would glorify and praise Allah as easily as you breathe.

Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 6153 narrated by Abu Hurayrah Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“I saw Ja’far flying in Paradise along with the angels.”

Obviously the Qur’anic description of Paradise is far different than the concept of Paradise in heaven. In fact, the Qur’an uses heaven, paradise and Garden of bliss interchangeably.

¹⁹The religion before Allah is Islam, the people of the book did not dissent therefrom, except through envy of each other after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account.⁷

²⁰So if they dispute with you, say, “I have submitted my whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me.” And say to the people of the book and to those who are unlearned, “Do you submit yourselves?” If they do they are in right guidance but if they turn back your duty is to convey the message, and in Allah’s sight are His servants.

¹⁹Inna dina indallahi lislamu wa makhtalafal lazina utul kitaba illa minbadi ma jaahumul ilmu bagyam bainahum wa man yakfur bi ayatillahi fa innallaha sariul hisabi.

²⁰Fa in hajjuka fa qul aslamtu wajhiya lillahi wa manittabaani wa qullillazina utul kitaba walummiyyina aaslamtum fain aslamu fa qadi htadau wa in tawallau fa innama alaika lbalagu wallahu basirun bilibadi.

7. Differences of strong opinions exist within Judaism and Christianity with regards to heaven and hell. Some teach we would be allowed to marry, others say no, others teach that the wicked will not be punished for all eternity, their teaching is much opposed. There are those who in fact discount every heavenly encounter as false, and they are vehemently opposed by others. So for Allah to say that none of the people of the Book (Jews and Christians) dissent from it is total fabrication.

[Commentary continues below.]

²¹As to those who deny the signs of Allah and in defiance of right slay the prophets and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to them a grievous penalty.⁸

²²They are those whose works will bear no fruit in this world and in the hereafter nor will they have anyone to help.⁹

²³Have you not turned your vision to those who have been given a portion of the book? They are invited to the book of Allah to settle their dispute but a party of them turn back and decline.

²⁴This is because they say, “The fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days,” for their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.

²¹Innal lazina yakfuruna bi ayatillahi wa yaqtulunan nabiyyina bi gairi haqqin wa yaqtulunal lazina yamuruna bil qisti minan nasi fabashshirhum biazabin alimin.

²²Ulaikallazina habituat amaluhum fi dunya wal akhirahti wa ma lahum min nasirina.

²³Alam tara ilal lazina utu nasiban minal kitabi yaduna ila kitabillahi liyahkuma bainahum summa yatawalla fariqum minhum wa hum muriduna.

²⁴Zalika bi annahum qalu lan tamassanan naru illa ayyamam madudatin wa garrahum fi dinihim ma kanu yaftaruna.

8. The reference is about the reception of those who received the earlier prophets and rebelled against God as we read in Matthew 21:33; which begins as, “Hear another parable...” The story is about a householder who had a vineyard but let it out to husbandmen (farmhands) and went into a far country. From there he sent his servants at harvest time to go and collect some fruits for him, but the husbandmen abused the servants of the householder, beating one (Jer. 37::15; 38:6) killing another (Jer. 26;20-23) and stoning yet another one (II Chronicles 24:21). Again he (the householder) sent other servants, even more than the first time, and the husbandmen did unto them likewise (II Kings 17:13, II Chron, 36:16, 18; Neh. 9:26). Last of all, instead of reverencing his son, the husbandmen slew him (Matt 27:15-31). The fact Muslim claim the story of the “rejected Stone” for Muhammad is immaterial at this time.

9. Reference is to those who maltreated and killed the prophets sent to them.

²⁴This is because they say, “The fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days,” for their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.

²⁵But how will they fare when We gather them together against a day about which there is no doubt and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned without favor or injustice?

²⁶Say, “O Allah! Lord of power, you gives power to whom you pleases and you strips off power from whom you pleases, you endues with honor whom you pleases, and you brings low whom you pleases, in your hand is all good. Verily, over all things you have power.

²⁷“You causes the night to gain on the day and you causes the day to gain on the night, you brings the living out of the dead and you brings the dead out of the living, and you gives sustenance to whom you pleases without measure.”

²⁴Zalika bi annahum qalu lan tamassanan naru illa ayyamam madudatin wa garrahum fi dinihim ma kanu yaftaruna.

²⁵Fa kaifa iza jamanahum li yaumil la raiba fihi wa wuffiyat kullu nafsim ma kasabat wa hum la yuzlamuna.

²⁶Qulillahumma malikal mulki tutil mulka man tashau wa tanziul mulka mimman tashau wa tuizzu man tashau wa tuzillu man tashaubiyadikal khairu innaka ala kulli shaiin qadirun.

²⁷Tulijul laila fi nahari wa tulijun nahara fil laili wa tukhrijul hayya minal mayyiti wa tukhrijul mayyita minalhayyi wa tarzuqu man tashau bi gairi hisabin.

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁸Let not the believers take for friends or helpers unbelievers rather than believers, if any do that in nothing will there be help from Allah, except by way of precaution that you may guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you Himself for the final goal is to Allah.

²⁹Say, “Whether you hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it all. He knows what is in the heavens and what is on earth. And Allah has power over all things.

²⁸La yattakhizil muminuna lkafirina aulayaa min dunil muminina wa man yafal zalika fa laisa minallahi fi shaiin illa an tattaqu minhum tuqahtan wa yuhazzirukumullahu nafsahu wa illallahil masiru.

²⁹Qul in tukhfu ma fi sudurikum au tubduhu yalamhullahu wa yalamu mafi samawati wa ma filardi wallahu ala kulli shaiin qadirun.

[Commentary continues below.]

³⁰“On the day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you Himself. And Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him.

³¹Say, “If you love Allah follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins, for Allah is forgiving, merciful.”

³²Say, “Obey Allah and His apostle,” but if they turn back, Allah loves not those who reject faith.

³³Allah chose Adam, and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran, above all people.

³⁴Offspring one of the other, and Allah hears and knows all things.

³⁰Yauma tajidu kullu nafsin ma amilat min khairim muhdara wa ma amilat min suin tawaddu lau anna bainaha wa bainahu amadam baidan wa yuhazzirukumullahu nafsahu wallahu raufum bil ibadi.

³¹Qul inkuntum tuhibbunallaha fattabiuni yuhbibkumullahu wa yagfirlakum zunubakum wallahu gafuru rahimun.

³²Qul atiullaha wa rasula fa in tawallau fa innallaha la yuhibbul kafirina.

³³Innallahastafa Adama wa Nuha wa ala Ibrahima wa ala Imrana alal alamina

³⁴Zurriyyatam baduha min baddin wallahu samiun alimun.

[Commentary continues below.]

³⁵Behold, a woman of Imran said, “O my Lord, I dedicate unto you what is in my womb for your special service, so accept this of me for you hears and knows all things.”¹¹

³⁶When she was delivered she said, “O my Lord! behold, I am delivered of a female child.” And Allah knew best what she brought forth, and nowise is the male like the female. I have named her Mary and I commend her and her offspring to your protection from the evil one, the rejected.¹²

³⁷Right graciously did her Lord accept her, He made her grow in purity and beauty, to the care of Zakariya was she assigned. Every time that he entered her chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said, “O Mary, whence comes this to you?” She said, “From Allah, for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure.”

³⁵Iz qala timraatu Imrana rabbi inni nazartu laka ma fibatni muharraran fa taqabbal minni innaka anta samiul alimu.

³⁶Falamma wadaatha qalat rabbi inni waduatuha unsa wallahu alamu bima waduaat wa laisa zakaru kalunsa wa inni sammaituha Maryama wa inni uizuha bika wa zurriyyataha mina shaitanir rajimi.

³⁷Fataqabbalaha rabbuha bi qabulin hasanin wa ambataha nabatan hasanan wa kaffalaha Zakariyya kullama dakhala alaiha Zakariyyal mihraba wajada indaha rizqan qala ya Maryamu anna laki haza qalat huwa min indillahi innallaha yarzuqu ma yashau bi gairi hisabin.

11. Imran is the same Amron, the father of Aaron, Miriam and Moses, however the story being here is erroneously attributed to Mary the mother of Jesus who was not of the family of Amron nor of the tribe of Levi. Elizabeth was of the tribe of Levi, the assumption as to the identity of Mary is due to the fact that she was a cousin to Elizabeth was a descendant of Levi. Mary on the other hand was from the tribe of Judah.

12. The assertion is that Mary had prayed for a son to be dedicated to the service of God and when she had a daughter, she took her to the high priest (Zachariah) for the service of God. Verse 37 appears to be misconstrued from the story of Hannah, Eli, and Samuel according to 1 Samuel.

[Commentary continues below.]

³⁸There Zakariya prayed to his Lord saying, “O my Lord, grant unto me from you a progeny that is pure, for you are He that hears prayer.”

³⁹While he was standing in prayer in the chamber the angels called unto him, “Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a word from Allah and noble, chaste, and a prophet of the company of the righteous.”

⁴⁰He said, “O my Lord! how shall I have a son seeing I am very old and my wife is barren?” “The answer was therefore, does Allah accomplish what He wills.”

³⁸Hunalika daa Zakariyya rabbahu qala rabbi hab li mil ladunka zurriyyatan tayyibahtan innaka samiud duai

³⁹Fa nadathul malaikatu wa huwa qaimu yusalli fil mihrabi annallaha yubashshiruka bi Yahya musaddiqam bi kalimati minallahi wa sayyidan wa husuran wa nabiyyan mina sualihina.

⁴⁰Qala rabbi anna yakunu li gulamuw wa qad balaganiyal kibaru wamraati aqirun qala kazalikallahu yafalu ma yashau.

[Commentary continues below.]

⁴¹He said, “O my Lord, give me a sign.” The answer was, “Your sign shall be that you shall speak to no man for three days except with signals. Then celebrate the praises of your Lord again and again and glorify Him in the evening and in the morning.”¹³

⁴²And behold, the angels said, “O Mary, Allah has chosen you and purified you, chosen you above the women of all nations.”¹⁴

⁴³“O Mary, worship your Lord devoutly, prostrate yourself and bow down with those who bow down.”

⁴⁴This is part of the tidings of the things unseen which We reveal unto you by inspiration, you were not with them when they cast lots with arrows as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary, nor were you with them when they disputed.¹⁵

⁴¹Qala rabbijal li ayahtan qala ayatuka alla tukalliman nasa salasata ayyamin illa ramzan wazkur rabbaka kasiran wa sabbih bilashiyyi wal ibkari.

⁴²Wa iz qalatil malaikatu ya Maryamu innallaha stafaki wa tahharaki wastafaki ala nisail alamina.

⁴³Ya Maryamu qnuti li rabbiki wasjudi warkai maar rakiina.

⁴⁴Zalika min ambail gaibi nuhihi ilaika wa ma kunta ladaihim iz yulquna aqlamahum ayyuhum yakfulu Maryama wa ma kunta ladaihim iz yakhtasimuna.

13. Verses 38-41 talks about events leading up to the birth of John the Baptizer, according to verse 38, Zachariah prayed for a son, verse 39 says the angels called to him, verse 41 says he would not be able to speak for three days. In the Bible, the same story is found in the Gospel according to Luke 1:5-20:

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, and they lived blamelessly according to all of the commandments and regulations of the Lord. They had no children because Elizabeth was barren and because both of them were getting on in years. When Zechariah was serving with his division of priests in God's presence, he was chosen by lot to go into the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense, according to the custom of the priests. And the entire congregation of people was praying outside at the time when the incense was burned.

An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the incense altar. When Zechariah saw him, he was shaken, and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, "Stop being afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many people will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will never drink wine or any strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring many of Israel's descendants back to the Lord their God. He is the one who will go before the Lord with the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, and to prepare the people to be ready for the Lord." Then Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I know this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years." The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. But because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at the proper time, you will become silent and unable to speak until the day this happens."

According to the Biblical account, it was one angel who came to Zachariah and not angels, he came, not called, the sign was for the length of the pregnancy until the birth of the baby. So we see that although the appeared to be relaying the truth it has woven into fabrications in accordance with the religious speculations of his day. Just as he was not sure if it was the Spirit that appeared unto him on mount Hira or an angel, even so he has once again confused the angel Gabriel with the angels.

14. Because of the dedication of Mary by her mother to the service of Allah, it was therefore not surprising that God would choose her to be the mother of Jesus by miraculous conception.

15. The casting of lots to determine which of the priests should be entrusted with the care of Mary is a non-scriptural element, there is no scriptural hint in any of the Biblical Books as to Mary being raised by a Priests. The fact that she was a virgin was nothing out of the ordinary, because in those days it was a taboo to engage in pre-marital sex. The choice of her by God may have been due to the fact that she was a virtuous and pious young lady. Just as God choose prophets on account of their godliness even so, Mary was chosen on account of her godliness.

⁴⁵Behold, the angels said “O Mary, Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him, his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the hereafter, and of those nearest to Allah.¹⁶

⁴⁶“And He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity and he shall be of the righteous.”¹⁷

⁴⁷She said, “O my Lord, how shall I have a son when no man has touched me?” He said, “Even so, Allah creates what He wills, when He has decreed a plan He but says to it “Be” and it is.¹⁸

⁴⁸“And Allah will teach him the book and wisdom, the Law and the Gospel.¹⁹

⁴⁵Iz qalatil malaikatu ya Maryamu innallaha yubashshiruki bi kalimatin minhu ismuhul Masihu Isa bnu Maryama wajihan fi dunya wal akhirati wa minal muqarrabina.

⁴⁶Wa yukallimun nasa fil mahdi wa kahla wa mina salihina.

⁴⁷Qalat anna yakunu li waladu wallam yamsasni basharun qala kazalikillahu yakhluqu ma yashau iza qada amran fa innama yaqulu lahu kun fayakunu.

⁴⁸Wa yuallimuhul kitaba wal hikmata wa Taurata wal Injila.

16. Jesus is called the Messiah, not a messiah. His Messiahship is established, also His deity is mentioned in that He is referred as the Word of God, in the Gospel of John (1:1-3, 14) several centuries before the birth of Muhammad, had used the term Word, Logos from the Greek in describing Jesus Christ. Since the Qur’an has used a similar reference for Jesus, it behooves us to consult other theologians in order to properly understand the deity of Christ.

W. E. Vine defines the word logos as the expression of thought. He argues that, ‘Not the mere name of an object, as embodying a conception or idea, a saying by God and by Christ-hence, the phrase, “the word of the lord,” i.e., the revealed word of God is used as a direct revelation given by Christ.

In the statement, it is clear that whatever God does is basically through His Word and by His Word and since we know that God is self sufficient, we can say that the unity of God is here maintained. God is one and He is to be known through his Word.

Dr. Donald Guthrie says, “The term Logos was used among the stoics in describing the principle of divine reason (Logos supermatikos), which causes the natural creation to grow.” According to Philo, a Greek philosopher, it is the instrument through which the world was created.

Dr. J. N. Birdsall, says “The Word possesses a like power to the God who speaks it and affects His will without hindrance.” “The title declares Christ’s eternity and absolute deity - in the beginning was the Word and... the Word was God.”

Nothing known by man concerning God is undisclosed by incarnate deity. Christ as the Word constituted the complete and ultimate divine revelation. God has spoken with finality in His son (Word) who was Himself God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Creator.

H. H. Halley: conclusion of the subject is that “Jesus is here called THE WORD. That is, Jesus was God’s expression of Himself to mankind. Jesus was God... vJesus is God’s message to mankind.”

Word is the expression of a being, according to John the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The writer of Hebrews, a book in the Bible, chapter 1:1-3, introduces his work by saying that ‘God, having spoken in former times in fragmentary and varied fashion to our forefathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by a Son whom he appointed to be the heir of everything and through whom he also made the universe. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact likeness of his being, and he holds everything together by his powerful word. After he had provided a cleansing from sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Highest Majesty...’

The Epistle to the Colossians, 1:14-17, speaks of the same idea, thus; ‘In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether they are kings, lords, rulers, or powers. All things have been created through him and for him. He himself existed before all things, and by him all things hold together.’

The Messiahship of Jesus is not is not to be taken literal, because His exceeds that of an anointing on a king, or priest. In fact, unlike them, He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and more so, He was sinless according to Qur’an 19:19; He said: “No I am only a messenger from your Lord to announce to you the gift of a holy son.”

17. Please refer to verse 46 and notes on Qur’an 19:29-33.

18. In this verse the reference to the Holy Spirit is omitted because in Islam, the Holy Spirit is synonymous with the Angel Gabriel, any reference to Him would imply copulation, therefore the Lukan account is not rendered. That same account also suggests the deity of Christ which is blasphemous in Islam; Luke 1:30-35;

Then the angel told her, "Stop being afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his forefather David. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end." Mary asked the angel, "How can this be, since I have not had relations with a man?" The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come over you, and the power of the Most High will cover you. Therefore, the child will be holy and will be called the Son of God.

19. The Muslims claim that the Gospel contained in the New Covenant is not the original Gospel and that the Bible is therefore false. Look at it this way. The accounts of the Gospels in the New Covenant were close to the ministry of Christ; the Qur’an was “revealed” over 630 years later when there was no more eyewitnesses to the accounts to verify or ascertain the truth of the Message brought by Muhammad in regards to past revelations from. We have already seen how portions of Biblical stories have been twisted by Allah and Muhammad, how can we trust the latest accusation?

⁴⁹“And an apostle to the Children of Israel, I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I make for you out of clay as it were the figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave, and I heal those born blind and the lepers and I quicken the dead by Allah’s leave, and I declare to you what you eat and what you store in your houses. Surely therein is a sign for you if you did believe.²⁰

⁵⁰And to attest the Law which was before me and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. So fear Allah and obey me.²¹

⁴⁹Wa rasulan ila bani Israila anni qad jitukum bi ayatim mi rabbikum anni akhluqu lakum mina tini ka haiati tuairi fa anfukhu fihi fa yakunu tairan bi iznillahi wa unabbiukum bima takuluna wa ma taddakhiruna fi buyutikum inna fi zalika la ayatal lakum in kuntum muminina

⁵⁰Wa musaddiqal lima baina yadayya mina Taurati wa liuhilla lakum badal lazi hurrima alaikum wa jitukum bi ayatin mi rabbikum fattaqullaha wa atiuni.

20. According to George Sale, commenting on the phrase ““by the command of Allah”“ as found in the above passage, he said, quoting from Al-Beidawy and others in his {Sale’s} translation of the Qur’an, that The commentators observe that these words {by the Command of Allah} are added here and in the next sentence, lest it should be thought Jesus did these miracles by His own power, or was God.

So this addition was to refute the deity of Christ in the Qur’an. Nevertheless, the facts are that Jesus is God. To support the fact the Qur’an is not as complete as Muslims would have us believe, here is what Islamic historians and scholars have to say. According to Kitabul Sunan by Shahi Muslim, page 740, it is related by ibn-Mayah that:

“After the death of Muhammad, Zaid-ibn-Thabith was ordered to compile and write down the Qur’an {Mishkat ul Masssabih}. It is attested that at least three revelations were left out. One of these, according to Muhammad’s wife, Aisha,

whom he resided at the time of his death, was kept under their bed but was eaten by a domestic animal, “of the verses the Almighty revealed, there was the verse of stoning to death. The Messenger of Allah stoned to death and after him we also stoned one who commits adultery. The verse was thus: “The old man and the old woman, if they have committed adultery, they stone them both assuredly.” {Mishkat ul Masabih ll, page 534, Shahi Muslim pages 912, 920}

Gerhard Nehls in Christians Ask Muslims quotes Alfred Guillaume’s Book, Islam, pages 57-60, thus;

Before an authorized version was established the caliph Uthman, there were four rival versions in use. These have long since disappeared but we are told hat they differed from the authorized version, me containing more and others containing lesser chapters than the later. When men who have learned version came into conflict with those who possessed a rival version, it was feared that scriptural exegesis would pursue the course it had taken among the Jews and the Christians, who at that time accused one another of compiling and falsifying the sacred text. Uthman then entrusted a commission in which Zayd took a prominent place with the task of preparing as text which everyone must accept. Uthman sent out one of this newly established original to every country and ordered that every other compilation or version of the Qur’an be burned with the exception of Hafsah’s copy which was left for her by her father {Mishkat ul Masabih lll, page 708-9.

The attempt was a clever way at discrediting Christian theology, however, it failed terribly because God always preserves His Revelation and would not let do with whatever he pleases.

21. The sign mentioned here is believed to be the creation of the birds. According to George Sale, this verse is of spurious origin, as in relation to other things, it is more apocryphal than, which cast doubts as to its authenticity.

⁵¹“It is Allah who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a way that is straight.”

⁵²When Jesus found unbelief on their part he said, “Who will be my helpers to Allah?” Said the disciples, “We are Allah’s helpers, we believe in Allah and bear witness that we are Muslims.”²²

⁵³“Our Lord, we believe in what you have revealed and we follow the apostle, then write us down among those who bear witness.”

⁵⁴And they plotted and planned and Allah too plotted and Allah is the best of those who plot is Allah.²³

⁵¹Innallaha rabbi wa rabbukum fabuduhu haza siratu mustaqimun.

⁵²Falamma ahassa isa minhumulkufra qala man ansari ilallahi qalal hawariyyuna nahnu ansarullahi amanna billahi washhad bi anna muslimuna.

⁵³Rabbana amanna bima anzalta wattabauna rasula faktubna maa shahidina.

⁵⁴Wa makaru wa makarallahu wallahu khairul makirina.

22. The Apostles as we know were chosen after Jesus spent some time praying all night. The question of Him asking the Disciples who will be my helpers as alleged here was not the case at all. This is the report of Luke on the matter; Luke 6: 12-14:

Now it was in those days that Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night in prayer to God. When daylight came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also called apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholemew,

23. This verse is best understood in the life of Muhammad who was faced with the unbelieving Arabs who plotted against his life and is believed that Allah revealed their diabolic to him and he was able to escape to Medina with his life.

⁵⁵Behold, Allah said, “O Jesus, I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you of those who blaspheme, I will make those who follow you superior to those who reject faith to the day of resurrection, then shall you all return unto Me and I will judge between you of the matters wherein you dispute.²⁴

⁵⁶As to those who reject faith I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the hereafter nor will they have anyone to help.

⁵⁷And as to those who believe and work righteousness Allah will pay them their reward, but Allah loves not those who do wrong.

⁵⁸This is what We rehearse unto you of the signs and the message of wisdom.

⁵⁵Iz qalallahu ya Isa inni mutawaffika wa rafiuka ilayya wa mutahhiruka minallazina kafaru wa ja ilul lazi nattabauka fauqallazina kafaru ila yaumi lqiyamahti summa ilayya marjiukum fa ahkumu bainakum fima kuntum fihi takhtalifuna.

⁵⁶Fa ammalazina kafaru fa uazzibuhum azaban shadidan fi dunya wal akhirahti wa ma lahum min nasirina.

⁵⁷Wa ammalazina amanu waamilu sualihati fa yuwaffihim ujurahum wallahu la yuhibbu tualimina.

⁵⁸Zalika natluhu alaika mina l ayati wa zikril hakimi.

24. This verse also establishes the Superiority of Christ. The Qur’an here says that Allah will exalt the followers of Jesus until the day of resurrection. Though the passage also raises questions in regards to His death, it is understood that His term on earth ended. The word often debated in this regard is the word mutawaffika. However in reference to the testimony when the asserted that He spoke from the cradle, he had mentioned in Qur’an 19:33 “So Peace is on me the day I was born the day that I die and the Day that I shall be raised up to life (again)”!that ‘peace was on Me... the day I shall die and the day. Muslim s refute His death because it contradicts Qur’anic teachings that He did not die (Qur’an 4:157).

[Commentary continues below.]

⁵⁹This similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam, He created him from dust then said to him, “Be” and he was.²⁵

⁶⁰The truth comes from Allah alone, so be not of those who doubt.

⁶¹If anyone disputes in this matter with you now after knowledge has come to you say, “Come, let us gather together our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then let us earnestly pray and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie.”²⁶

⁶²This is the true account, there is no allah except Allah, and He is indeed the exalted in power, the wise.

⁶³But if they turn back Allah has full knowledge of those who do mischief.

⁵⁹Inna masala Isa indallahi ka masali Adama khalaqahu min turabin summa qala lahu kun fa yakunu.

⁶⁰Al haqqu mi rabbika fala takum minal mumtarina.

⁶¹Faman hajjaka fihi min badi ma ja aka minal ilmi faqul taalau nadu abnaana wa abnaakum wa nisa ana wa nisa akum wa anfusana wa anfusakum summa nabtahil fa najal lanata llahi alal kazibina.

⁶²Inna haza lahuwal qasasul haqqu wa ma min ilahin illallahu wa innallaha lahuwal azizul hakimu.

⁶³Fa in tawallau fa innallaha alimun bil mufsidina

25. Please refer to verse 59. Allah likens Jesus to Adam, in doing so an egregious error is committed, which borders on ignorance, because likening Jesus to Adam is like comparing apples and oranges.

Adam was made from the dust of the ground Gen. 2:7, Jesus is a product of miraculous conception Luke 1:35, Adam came to life after God breathed into him Gen.2:7, Jesus came to life at the Word of God spoken through the angel Quran 3:45, Adam failed when he was tempted by the serpent Genesis 3, Jesus overcame the devil and all his temptation Matthew 4:1-11, Adam died and was buried here Genesis 5:5, Jesus died and was raised to heaven Qur’an 3:55.

Adam will stand in judgment, Jesus will be the Judge (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 4.657 narrated by Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Apostle said, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, surely (Jesus,) the son of Mary will soon descend amongst you and will judge mankind justly (as a Just Ruler); he will break the Cross and kill the pigs and there will be no Jizya (i.e. taxation taken from non-

Muslims). Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it, and a single prostration to Allah (in prayer) will be better than the whole world and whatever is in it”).

This confession of Muhammad is in agreement with John 5:22: For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: and also the words of Paul, 2 Corinthians 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. The truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt.

26. Please refer to verse 61. Satan is a master calling the bluff of others. This challenge is even today being by Muslim as a way to intimidate any Christian who may dare to stand with them in debate.]

⁶⁴Say, “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, “Bear witness that we are Muslims.”²⁷

⁶⁵People of the book, why dispute about Abraham when the Law and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have you no understanding?²⁸

⁶⁶Ah, you are those who fell to disputing in matters of which you had some knowledge, but why dispute in matters of which you have no knowledge? It is Allah who knows and you who know not.

⁶⁴Qul ya ahlal kitabi taalau ila kalimatin sawa in bainana wa bainakum alla nabuda illallaha wa la nushrika bihi shaia wa la yattakhiza baduna badan arbabam min dunillahi fa in tawallau fa qulushhadu bi anna muslimuna.

⁶⁵Ya ahlal kitabi lima tuhajjuna fi Ibrahima wa ma unzilati Tauratu wal Injilu illa min badihi afala taqiluna.

⁶⁶Ha antum haulai hajajtum fima lakum bihi ilmun falima tuhajjuna fima laisa lakum bihi ilmun wallahu yalamu wa antum la talamuna.

27. Muhammad and Allah are having a hard time trying to convince the Jews and the Christians that we worship the same God. Incidentally, it is not true, although some ignorant Christian leaders have given the green light to Muslim on account that we worship the same and thus have emboldened Muslims in their in this claim. We shall at the subject of Allah later in this book to see if indeed he is worth our service.

28. This is a case of the kettle calling the pot black. Abraham is the father of Isaac and Ishmael, which means they should both know something about Abraham, although Isaac should be given the upper hand because he was with Abraham until his death whereas Ishmael left home until the death of Abraham, Genesis 25:6: 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. This included Ishmael who was the son of Hagar, Sarah’s maid.

The Law given to Moses who was a descendant of Abraham through  Isaac, Jacob and Levi, the

Gospels came much later. However, that does not mean that its accounts are wrong, because, here is which came over 600 years after the Gospel and claiming to be given a true account of events which equally they have no knowledge. The Jews and the Christians have an edge in the matter.

⁶⁷Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian but he was true in faith and bowed his will to Allah and he joined not gods with Allah.²⁹

⁶⁸Without doubt among men the nearest of kin to Abraham are those who follow him as are also this apostle and those who believe, and Allah is the protector of those who have faith.

⁶⁹And it is the wish of a section of the people of the book to lead you astray. But they shall lead astray but themselves and they do not perceive.

⁷⁰O people of the book, why reject the signs of Allah of which you are witnesses?

⁷¹O people of the book, why do you clothe truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you have knowledge?³⁰

⁶⁷Ma kana Ibrahimu ya Hudiyya wa la Nasaraniyya wa lakin kana hanifan musliman wa ma kana minal mushrikina.

⁶⁸Inna aula nasi bi Ibrahima lallazinattabauhu wa hazan nabiyyu wallazina amanu wallahu waliyyul muminina.

⁶⁹Waddat tuaifatun min ahlil kitabi lau yudillunakum wa ma yudilluna illa anfusahum wa ma yashuruna.

⁷⁰Ya ahlal kitabi lima takfuruna bi ayatillahi wa antum tashhaduna.

⁷¹Ya ahlal kitabi lima talbisunal haqqa bil batili wa taktumunal haqqa wa antum talamuna.

29. This is a true case of misunderstanding of terms. What is Judaism, Christianity and Islam, they are all religious terms denoting ones allegiance to the God of creation. Allah has succeeded in given both Judaism and Christianity a diminutive application while making Islam transcend time when in actual fact Islam is a seventh century religion much younger than Judaism and Christianity. Was Abraham a Muslim with the current application, definition and history or is his Islamhood of one that fears God and adheres to His teachings just like Judaism and Christianity implies?

30. The query that the people of the Book (i.e. Jews and Christians) conceal the truth is not the same as corrupting the Book as some Muslims claim. This is even an assumption based on his own idiosyncratic view and opinion.

Because he was absolutely convinced that the Bible talks about him, therefore when the Jews and Christians consistently denied him as their prophet he came out with this allegation. It is as Sun Myun Moon accusing Christians for concealing the truth about him.

The answer to the question is an emphatic and resounding “No!” in all respect. Choose any subject relevant to Judaism and Islam and you will two differing conclusions. Was it Isaac or Ishmael that was to be sacrificed? Judaism says it was Isaac. Islam says it was Ishmael. Do the same test with Christianity and Islam and once again, you get two conclusions. Islam has refused to accept anything taught by Judaism and Christianity as the truth. The reason is quite simple, to accept that would mean to reject what Muhammad was pandering to the people of Arabia.

⁷²And a section of the people of the book say, “Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers but reject it at the end of the day, perchance they may turn back.”

⁷³And believe no one unless he follows your religion. Say, “True guidance is the guidance of Allah, lest a revelation be sent to someone like unto that which was sent unto you. Or that those should engage you in argument before your Lord.” Say, “All bounties are in the hand of Allah, He grants them to whom He pleases, and Allah cares for all and He knows all things.”

⁷⁴For His mercy He specially chooses whom He pleases, for Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.

⁷²Wa qalat tuaifatum min ahlil kitabi aminu billazi unzila alallazina amanu wajhan nahari wakfuru akhirahu laallahum yarjiuna.

⁷³Wa la tuminu illa liman tabia dinakum qul innal huda hudallahi ayyuta ahadum misla ma utitum au yuhajjukum inda rabbikum qul innal fadla biyadillahi yutihi ma yashau wallahu wasiun alimun.

⁷⁴Yakhtassu bi rahmatihi ma yashau wallahu zul fadlil azimi.

[Commentary continues below.]

⁷⁵And among the people of the book are some who if entrusted with a hoard of gold will pay it back, others who if entrusted with a single silver coin will not repay it unless you constantly stand demanding because they say “There is no call on us with these ignorant.” But they tell a lie against Allah and they know it.³¹

⁷⁶No. Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright verily, Allah loves those who act aright.

⁷⁷As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own plighted word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the hereafter, nor will Allah speak to them or look at them on the day of judgment nor will He cleanse them, they shall have a grievous penalty.³²

⁷⁵Wa min ahlil kitabi man in tamanhu bi qintarin yuaddihi ilaika wa minhum man in tamanhu bi dinaril la yuaddihi ilaika illa ma dumta alaihi qa iman zalika bi annahum qalu laisa alaina fil umiyyina sabilun wa yaquluna alallahil kaziba wa hum yalamuna.

⁷⁶Bala man aufa bi ahdihi wattaqa fa innallaha yuhibbul muttaqina.

⁷⁷Innal lazina yashtaruna biahdillahi wa aimanihim samanan qalilan ulaika la khalaqa lahum fil akhirati wa la yukallimuhumullahu wa la yanzuru ilaihim yaumal qiyamati wa la yuzakkihim wa lahum azabun alimun.

31. Please refer to verse 75. There is an unfaithful element in all the various religions of the world, and of course there are some very loyal and faithful followers in all of them as well. Perhaps you know of some Muslims, Jews or Christians who are disloyal and unfaithful in their business dealings, do not make a sweeping generalization of their religion because of those you know.

32. [Note omitted. Author's error.]

[Commentary continues below.]

⁷⁸And there is among them a section who distort the book with their tongues, you would think it is a part of the book but it is no part of the book, and they say “That it is from Allah” but it is not from Allah, it is they who tell a lie against Allah and they know it.

⁷⁹It is not that a man to whom is given the book and wisdom and the prophetic office should say to people, “Be my worshipers rather than Allah’s,” on the contrary, “Be worshipers of Him who is truly the Lord of all, for you have taught the book and you have studied it earnestly.”

⁷⁸Wa inna minhum la fariqan yalwuna alsinatahum bil kitabi litahsabuhu minal kitabi wa ma huwa minalkitabi wa yaquluna huwa min indillahi wa ma huwa min indillahi wa yaquluna alallahil kaziba wa hum yalamuna.

⁷⁹Ma kana libasharin ayutiyahullahul kitaba wal hukma wa nubuwwata summa yaqula linnasi kunu ibadan li min dunillahi wa lakin kunu rabbaniyyina bima kuntum tuallimunal kitaba wa bima kuntum tadrusuna.

[Commentary continues below.]

⁸⁰And would he not instruct you to take angels and prophets for Lords and patrons. What, would he bid you to unbelief after you have bowed your will to Allah?³³

⁸¹And behold, Allah took the covenant of the prophets saying, “I give you a book and wisdom, then comes to you an apostle confirming what is with you, do you believe him and render him help.” Allah said, “Do you agree and take My covenant as binding on you?” They said, “We agree.” He said, “Then bear witness and I am with you among the witnesses.”

⁸²If any turn back after this they are perverted transgressors.

⁸⁰Wa la yamurakum an tattakhizu l malaikata wanabiyyina arbaban ayamurukum bil kufri bada iz antum muslimuna.

⁸¹Wa iz akhazallahu misaqan nabiyyina lama ataitukum min kitabi wa hikmatin summa jaakum rasulun musaddiqul lima maakum latuminunna bihi wa latansurunnahu qala aaqrartum wa akhaztumala zalikum isri qalu aqrarna qala fashhadu wa ana maakum mina shahidina.

⁸²Faman tawalla bada zalika fa ulaika humul fasiquna.

33. By this verse the implication is that those who worship angel, departed saints and prophets etc. were so led of God. The statement is far from the truth. God never at any time instructed mankind to worship any of these entities, mankind on the other hand due to his misconception of divine things chose, as in the worship of idols, to worship these heavenly and revered entities.

[Commentary continues below.]

⁸³Do they seek for a religion other than that of Allah? While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have willingly or unwillingly bowed to His will and to Him shall they all be brought back.

⁸⁴Say, “We believe in Allah and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in books given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord; we make no distinction between one and another among them and to Allah do we bow our will.”

⁸⁵And if anyone desires a religion other than Islam never will it be accepted of him, and in the hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost.³⁴

⁸³Afagaira dinillahi yabguna wa lahu aslama man fi samawati walardi tauan wa karhaw wa ilaihi yurjauna.

⁸⁴ Qul amannu billahi wa ma unzila alaina wa ma unzilaala Ibrahima wa Ismaila wa Ishaqa wa Yaquba wal asbati wa ma utiya Musa wa Isa wa nabiyyuna mi rabbihim la nufarriqu baina ahadin minhum wa nahnu lahu muslimuna.

⁸⁵Wa ma yabtagi gairal islami dinan fala yuqbala inhu wa huwa fil akhirati minal khasirina.

34. This makes Islam an exclusive religion, in that, it does not acknowledge any religious group except those who adhere to the teachings of al Islam (Muhammad). If the definition is the only criteria to the true religion, then Islam may have been it, because by definition Islam means ‘submission to the will of God’ However, those we know as Muslim do not submit to the will of God, but the will and teachings of Muhammad. For instance, Muhammad broke almost all of the ten commandments brought by Moses, leaving an example to his followers that it was alright to do so.

1) The law of no other god ― Muslims insist that Allah is the only God.

2) No worship of images ― Muslims worship the black stone.

3) Not taking the Lord’s name in vain ― Swearing by Allah is a common thing among Muslims.

4) Thou shall not kill ― Muhammad personally led 27 invasions and planned 39 more (ibn Hisham V..III, page 78 Siratur’l Rasul).

5) Thou shall not steal ― Several caravans of camels and other valuables were taken by Muhammad and the Muslims (Mizan-ul-Hagg page 356).

6) Thou shall not bear false witness ― Muhammad claims to be sent by god.

7) Thou shall not covet ― He coveted Zainab, his adopted son’s wife (Qur’an 33). Now if this is too strong a statement then we will say he disobeyed Allah because he claimed that he should have married her in the first place according to Qur’an 33:36-38. This is in spite of the fact that he had 22 wives, though it is claimed that the Qur’an stipulates only four (Qur’an 4:3; Islamic Invasion, page 86).

⁸⁶How shall Allah guide those who reject faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the apostle was true, and that clear signs had come unto them? But Allah guides not a people unjust.

⁸⁷Of such the reward is that on them is the curse of Allah, of His angels, and of all mankind.

⁸⁸In that will they dwell, nor will their penalty be lightened nor respite be their lot.

⁸⁹Except for those that repent after that and make amends, for verily, Allah is forgiving, merciful.³⁵

⁹⁰But those who reject faith after they accepted it and then go on adding to their defiance of faith, never will their repentance be accepted, for they are those who have gone astray.

⁸⁶Kaifa yahdillahu qauman kafaru bada imanihim wa shahidu annar rasula haqqu wa jaahumul bayyinatu wallahu la yahdil qauma zalimina.

⁸⁷Ulaika jazauhum annaalaihim lanatallahi wal mala ikati wan nasi ajmaina.

⁸⁸Khalidina fiha la yukhaffafu anhumul azabu wa la hum yunzaruna.

⁸⁹Illal lazina tabu minn badi zalika wa aslahu fa innallaha gafuru rahimun.

⁹⁰Innallazina kafaru bada imanihim summa zudadu kufral lan tuqbala taubatuhum wa ulaika humu ddalluna.

35. Physician heal thyself, it will be in the interest of Muslims to repent and embrace the teachings of the people of the book, in relation to the salvation of their souls, and make amends with regard to their theological stance on the matter. By the grace of God I had unlearn a whole lot of things as a former Muslim in order to embrace Christianity and its theology, with a better understanding of both religions than most, I am glad I made the switch.

[Commentary continues below.]

⁹¹As to those who reject faith and die rejecting, never would be accepted from any such as much gold as the earth contains, though they should offer it for ransom. For such is a grievous penalty and they will find no helpers.

⁹²By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give of that which you love, and whatever you give, of a truth Allah knows it well.

⁹³All food was lawful to the children of Israel except what Israel made unlawful for itself before the Law was revealed. Say, “Bring the Law and study it if you are men of truth.”³⁶

⁹¹Innallazina kafaru wa matu wa hum kuffarun fala yuqbala min ahadihim milul ardi zahaban wa lawiftada bihi ulaika lahumazabun alimun wa ma lahum min nasirina.

⁹²Lan tanalul birra hatta tunfiqu mimma tuhibbuna wa ma tunfiqu min shaiin fainnallaha bihi alimun.

⁹³Kullu tuaami kana hillal libani Israila illa ma harrama Israilu ala nafsihi min qabli an tunazzala taurahtu qul fatu bi Taurati fatluha in kuntum sadiqina.

36. The Children of Israel are the descendants of Adam through Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, God had always instructed mankind on their dietary intake from Genesis 2:16-17 when He told Adam and Eve what they should eat and what they should not eat. In Genesis 9:1-4:

God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. ... Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

Also in Genesis 32:30-32

After Jacob’s encounter with the Angel, the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank.

In the instruction of the Passover in Exodus 34:18: leavened bread was forbidden to the Children of Israel. The culmination of all this is what Moses gave in Leviticus chapter 11 about what they eat and what was forbidden to them. So for the Qur’an to say that all foods were lawful to the Children of Israel before Moses is a sign of ignorance on the part of the Allah who revealed it.

⁹⁴If any after this invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed unjust wrongdoers.³⁷

⁹⁵Say, “Allah speaks the truth, follow the religion of Abraham, the sane in faith, he was not of the pagans.”

⁹⁶The first house appointed for men was that at Bakka, full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings.³⁸

⁹⁷In it are manifest signs, the station of Abraham, whoever enters it attains security, pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey, but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of his creatures.³⁹

⁹⁴Fa maniftara alallahil kaziba min badi zalika fa ulaika humu tualimuna.

⁹⁵Qul sadaqallahu fattabiu millata Ibrahima hanifan wa ma kana minal mushrikina.

⁹⁶Inna awwala baitin wudia linnasi lallazi bi bakkata mubarakan wa hudal lilalamina.

⁹⁷Fihi ayatum bayyinatum maqamu Ibrahima wa man dakhalahu kana aminan wa lillahi ala nasi hijjul baiti manistataa ilaihi sabilan wa man kafara fa innallaha ganiyyun anilalamina.

37. This makes Muhammad an unjust wrong-doer indeed.

38. The first house of worship appointed for man by whom? There has been several places of worship by the people of the world. Each culture had their own place of worship, however when it comes to the really first place of the worship of the One True God, the first place of worship was built by King Solomon of Judah, the son of David. Prior to this Temple being built, the Jews worshiped in a makeshift tent known as the Tabernacle, other cultures like those of Ephesus had the temple of Diana, the Philistines had the shrine of Dagon, the pre Islamic Arabs had the Kaabah in Mecca and so on and so forth.

39. The Ahmadis claim that Jesus was buried in Kashmir in the Punjab region of Indo-Pakistan. Therefore if the Sunnis and other Muslims claim that Abraham worshiped in the Kaabah, it amounts to the same incredible fabrication. In short, it is chasing after the wind.

⁹⁸Say, “O people of the book, why do you reject the signs of Allah when Allah is Himself witness to all you do?”

⁹⁹Say, “O people of the book, why do you obstruct those who believe from the path of Allah, seeking to make it crooked while you were yourselves witnesses? But Allah is not unmindful of all that you do.”

¹⁰⁰O you who believe, if you listen to a faction among the people of the book they would render you apostates after you have believed.⁴⁰

⁹⁸Qul ya ahlal kitabi lima takfuruna bi ayatillahi wallahu shahidun ala ma tamaluna.

⁹⁹Qul ya ahlal kitabi lima tasudduna an sabilillahi man amana tabgunaha iwaja wa antum shuhadau wa mallahu bi gafilin amma tamaluna.

¹⁰⁰Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu in tutiu fariqam minallazina utul kitaba yaruddukum bada imanikum kafirina.

40. This has given rise to Muslim parents and guardians forbidden their wards from possessing a copy of the Bible, or even going to Church functions at the penalty of severe corporal punishment. Muslim dependents found with copies or portions of the Bible are beaten mercilessly and some of them even suffer ejection from their homes for this ‘crime’. A