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The Muslim view of Jesus, a corrupted Bible, and the great dilemma in the Quran

false gospel

When exactly was the Bible corrupted and where is the evidence for this corruption? Who corrupted it?

According to Islamic teachings, Jesus was both a prophet and a messenger of God. It is also an Islamic belief that the Torah and the gospels were handed down as the word of Allah, but that they were later corrupted. It is hard to sort out exactly when this textual change is supposed to have taken place considering that both the gospels and Paul’s letters date back to around 40-60 AD – and they are texts which contain the same gospel as we have in our modern Bibles today. This means that the corruption must have taken place even sooner than that, right after the death of Jesus, which means that Jesus did not succeed to keep the word of Allah very well. What did Jesus really accomplish on this planet if his urgent message to the after world was corrupted as soon as he died, despite that he had chosen faithful disciples to spread his gospel? How come both Jesus and his first disciples failed so miserably?

1 Cor. 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

Muslims sometimes take Bible verses out of context which they claim are revelations about the upcoming prophet Muhammad. The problem is that the very same Bible passages also tell us that Jesus is the son of God, the final judge etc, and it’s not good hermeneutics to selectively keep and discard verses as you please in order to build up certain preferred doctrines. You can get any outcome in the world with that procedure, depending on your personal agenda. If the Bible is not trustworthy due to being corrupted, why does this not include those verses which are selected as an attempt to prove the prophet Muhammad right? How come we can suddenly trust the Bible in those cases?

Did Christ’s true message get distorted and a false message prevailed over it?sura 61

Why did it take almost 600 years before Allah decided to send another prophet which could set things straight after Jesus total failure to spread the true gospel through his disciples and followers?

Why are there no traces of such “true” (Islam-supporting) gospel message left to the after world – from the time prior to Muhammad? Why can we only find Bible manuscripts and text variants which confirm the same Bible content which we have today? According to Islam, Jesus preached the same gospel as Moses, Abraham, Noah and Muhammad, so why is there no evidence for this in the manuscripts/variants of the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible)? We have NO historical support for that Jews converted to become Muslims, and if they did exist they must have been rather insignificant since they left no trace.

Yet, according to the Quran, Jesus was successful to acquire followers who were Muslims, and God promised Jesus that his (Jesus) followers would be superior to other believers until the day of the resurrection. The true disciples of Jesus would be the ones who prevailed according to the Quran! Allah did not say that Jesus followers would be led astray by Paul soon after the death of Jesus.

Behold! Allah said: “O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee SUPERIOR to those who reject faith, TO THE DAY OF RESURRECTION: Then shall ye all return unto Me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.” (S. 3:55)

O ye who believe! Be ye helpers of Allah: as said Jesus the son of Mary to the Disciples, “Who will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah?” Said the Disciples, “We are Allah’s helpers!” then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved: But We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, AND THEY BECAME THE ONES THAT PREVAILED. (S. 61:14)

If the above verses are reliable, Allah must have helped Christians to spread a false gospel, because we know which gospel message that “prevailed” and was superior among Jesus followers and that is the same gospel message that we can find in our Bibles today. According to historical sources, Christianity became the predominant religion of the world ever since the time of Christ – and we know which gospel “variant” that dominated and spread across the world. That is the gospel that we still have today.

The letters of the apostle Paul were also included in the gospel message which prevailed over all other opposing messages. If Paul’s version of Christianity is a distortion, then the Quran must be wrong for claiming that God had caused Christ’s true followers to prevail. This would also mean that Paul was able to thwart Allah’s plans. Either the true followers of Christ were indeed successful to keep the teachings of Jesus (thus falsifying the Quran which has another message), or the Quran is false since it contradicts the true message of Christ’s followers.

The Quran does not say that Christ’s followers would only prevail from the time of Muhammad’s advent, but from the time that Christ was taken to God and unto the Day of Resurrection. So a victory from the very start. Why then is the Bible supposed to have been corrupted? How do Muslims reconcile the idea that the Quran is true when it is a historical fact that the Christianity that has prevailed until this day is what Paul taught and which is recorded in the New Testament?

What was the point with the virgin birth, the many miracles, the talk about being a Messiah, when Jesus failed to spread the gospel? And why is there big Pauline support from for instance Clement of Rome and Polycarp (both disciples of the apostles) if Paul’s teachings were contrary to the apostles? Both must have known the teachings of the apostles and were able to compare with Paul’s teachings. None of them rebuked him but endorsed his teachings. Clement mentions the death and the persecution and death as the most righteous pillars of the church and brings up Paul as a good example. Polycarp wrote that Paul “accurately and reliably taught the word concerning the truth” (See Michael R. Licona, 2006, Baker Books, Grad Rapids, Michigan, Paul meets Muhammad, p. 75.)

Allah causing Christians to believe in Jesus divinity, death on the cross and resurrection? 

According to the dominant Muslim view (for instance supported by Ibn Kathir) Allah disguised one of Jesus disciples to make him look like Jesus and this person died on the cross. This would mean that Allah is responsible for starting the idea among Jesus followers that Jesus had died on the cross, and it is therefore Allah who is responsible for corrupting the teachings of Jesus. Where else would the idea of Jesus death on the cross derive from? If Allah sometimes tricks people (people who trust in his prophets) into believing falsehood, how can we be sure that he did not do the same thing with Muhammad?

And because of their (the Jews) saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah’s messenger- they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain. But Allah took him up unto Himself. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise. ( S. 4:157-158 Pickthall)

No one can change the word of Allah!bible with cross

If no one can change the word of Allah, then surely Paul – who wrote numerous letters in the New Testament – would not be able to thwart it and even be successful about it? Or was Paul powerful enough to change the word of Allah? Note that it is not only the Quran that is the word of God according to Islam, but also the original versions of the Jewish and Christian scriptures (the gospels and the psalms) – before they allegedly were corrupted.

There is none that can change the Words of Allah. Already hast thou received some account of those Apostles (or: the other Apostles also say so). (S. 6:34)

No change can there be in the Words of Allah. (S. 10:64) 

And recite what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord, there is none who can alter His words; and you shall not find any refuge besides Him. (S. 18:27)

The Quran is CLEAR – which ought to result in that the text means what it appears to say

If the Quran is clear, and if even the hadiths confirm the clear and obvious meaning of the Quran, then who are we to change the straight forward text which likely mean what it says? It is normally the less popular suras (supporting violence) that people try to “change” into something less drastic, but they really should refrain from doing this since the Quran is clear.

Muslims believe that the Quran cannot be translated satisfactory since the content of the Quran was revealed in Arabic and should be read in this language. Translations can therefore only provide a message rather than a proper translation. The Bible, however, does not have this weakness and can easily be translated into various languages while still maintaining the message.

Shall I seek a judge other than Allah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the Book (The Qur’an), explained in detail… (S. 6:114 Hilali-Khan)

Alif Lam Ra. A Book whose verses are set clear, and then distinguished, from One All-wise, All-aware: (S. 11:1)

And We have sent down on thee the Book making clear everything, and as a guidance and a mercy, and as good tidings to those who surrender. (S. 16:89 Arberry)

A Book whereof the Verses are explained in detail; A Qur’an in Arabic for people who know (S. 41:3 Hilali-Khan)

The Torah and the gospels were apparently trustworthy in the time of Muhammad

The Quran states the Bible tells us about the coming of Muhammad and it never suggests that faithful Christians have corrupted their scripture. Why is it that we can we read in the Quran that Muhammad was asked to go to Jews and Christians to get his message confirmed, if their scriptures were corrupted at this point?

And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers. And be not thou of those who deny the revelations of Allah, for then wert thou of the losers. (S. 10:94-95 Pickthall)

Muslims are stuck with a dilemma:

1) If the Jewish and Christians scriptures were corrupted at the time of Muhammad, it would result in Allah asking Muhammad to get his message confirmed by false and corrupted scriptures.

2) If the Jewish and Christian scriptures were not corrupted at this time, then Muhammad would be proven wrong since the Bible contradicts the Quran and Jews and Christians would have told him so.

If the Bible was corrupted at the time of Muhammad, then Allah had all the chances in the world to provide a revelation to Muhammad that the scriptures before him should not be trusted for this reason. Instead we can see that the Torah and the gospels were repeatedly endorsed in the Quran which is “clear”.

Children of Israel … believe in that I have sent down, confirming the revelation that is with you and be not the first to disbelieve in it … and do not confound the truth with vanity and do not conceal the truth wittingly (i.e. concealing the truth against better knowledge). (S. 2:40-42).

We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Apostles. We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened (or confirmed) him with the Holy Spirit. (S. 2:87).

And when there came to them a Book from Allah verifying that which they have, and aforetime they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieve, but when there came to them (Prophet) that which they did not recognize, they disbelieved in him; so Allah’s curse is on the unbelievers. (S. 2:89)

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. (S. 2:101 Shakir)

He has sent down upon thee the Book with the truth, confirming what was before it and He sent down Torah and the Gospel afore time, as guidance to the People and He sent down salvation. (S. 3:3).

God gave the scripture to the Christians and Jews so that they could make known to the whole world and every nation the true knowledge of God: And remember Allah took a Covenant from the People of the Book, to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it (3:187 AYA).

And when God took compact with the Prophets: ‘That I have given you of Book and Wisdom; then there shall come to you a Messenger confirming what IS with you — you shall believe in him and you shall help him; do you agree?’ He said. ‘And do you take My load on you on that condition?’ They said, ‘We do agree.’ God said, ‘Bear witness so, and I shall be with you among the witnesses.’ (S. 3:81)

We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them (3:84 AYA).

Say: ‘Bring you the Torah now and recite (or read) it, if you are men of truth’ (Sura 3:93).

You who have been given the Book, believe in what We have sent down, confirming what IS with you, before We obliterate faces, and turn them upon their backs, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-men, and God’s command is done. (S. 4:47)

O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Apostle, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Apostle and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denieth Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Apostles, and the Day of Judgement, hath gone far, far astray (S. 4:136 AYA).

And unto thee (Muslims) have We revealed the Scripture (the Qur’an) 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. (S. 5:43-48, MP)   

Say: “O People of the Book! Ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord” (S. 5:71 AYA/68 MP).

And this is a Book We have revealed, blessed, verifying that which IS before it, and that you may warn the metropolis and those around her; and those who believe in the hereafter believe in it, and they attend to their prayers constantly. (S. 6:92 Shakir)

Those who follow the Messenger (Mohammed), the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them (S. 7:157 MP).

This Koran could not have been forged apart from God; but it is a confirmation of what IS before it, and a distinguishing of the Book, wherein is no doubt, from the Lord of all Being. (S. 10:37)

In their stories is surely a lesson to men possessed of minds; it is not a tale forged, but a confirmation of what IS before it, and a distinguishing of every thing, and a guidance, and a mercy to a people who believe. (S. 12:111)

They say: “If only he would bring us a miracle from his Lord!” Hath there not come unto them the proof of what is in the former scriptures? (S. 20:133 MP).

Before thee (i.e. Mohammed), also, the Apostles we sent were but men … If you realise this not, ASK of THOSE WHO POSSESS THE MESSAGE. (S. 21:7).

Dispute not with the People of the Book, save in the fairer manner, except for those of them that do wrong; and say: ‘We believe in what has been sent down to us, and what has been sent down to you; Our God and your God is One and to Him we have surrendered.’ (S. 29:45). 

The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah … and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (42:13 AYA).

Yet before it was the Book of Moses for a model and a mercy; and this is a Book confirming, in Arabic tongue, to warn the evildoers, and good tidings to the good-doers. (S. 46:12)

They said: O our people! we have listened to a Book revealed after Musa verifying that which IS before it, guiding to the truth and to a right path: (S. 46:30 Shakir) 

According to the Quran, Jesus started to preach Islam as a baby

baby

Sura 19:[19:22] When she bore him, she isolated herself to a faraway place.[19:23] The birth process came to her by the trunk of a palm tree. She said, “(I am so ashamed;) I wish I were dead before this happened, and completely forgotten.”[19:24] (The infant) called her from beneath her, saying, “Do not grieve. Your Lord has provided you with a stream.[19:25] “If you shake the trunk of this palm tree, it will drop ripe dates for you.*[19:26] “Eat and drink, and be happy. When you see anyone, say, ‘I have made a vow of silence; I am not talking today to anyone.'”[19:27] She came to her family, carrying him. They said, “O Mary, you have committed something that is totally unexpected.[19:28] “O descendant of Aaron, your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother unchaste.”[19:29] She pointed to him. They said, “How can we talk with an infant in the crib?”[19:30] (The infant spoke and) said, “I am a servant of GOD. He has given me the scripture, and has appointed me a prophet.[19:31] “He made me blessed wherever I go, and enjoined me to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat) for as long as I live.[19:32] “I am to honor my mother; He did not make me a disobedient rebel.[19:33] “And peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I get resurrected.”

2 Pet 32 Pet. 3:15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. (NKJV)

1 Cor. 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

2 Cor. 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish

2 Cor. 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Women according to Muhammad in the Quran and in the Hadiths

quran 2

Whitewashing of the Quran is common

It is true that there are a few suras in the Quran which promote a respectful treatment of women, but there are also suras which tell us a completely different story. If you also take the muslim teaching of abrogation into account (where later suras supersede earlier ones should they conflict) we do not get a very nice picture of women. It is common to try to water down these suras by suggesting that they are not as severe as they seem, but the hadiths should correct us about what Islam really teaches.

Below we can see that Muhammad permitted (or commanded) husbands to beat their wives and also allowed them to have sex with female captives. He taught that men were allowed to marry as many as four wives (even if Muhammad himself was excluded from this restriction and married at least nine wives) whereas women could marry maximum one man. Muhammad allowed men to marry young girls who had not yet reached puberty. He taught the inferiority of women’s intellectual abilities and that their afterlife would not be as bright as the afterlife for men. If they even reached Paradise, considering that there would be more women than men in hell.

The three hadiths which are considered most trustworthy and respected among the Sunnis (and among the Ahmadiyyas) are Sahih Al-Bukhari, Shahih Muslim and Sunan Abu Dawood (the last 3 are Jami al-Tirmidhi, Sunan al-Sughra och antingen Sunan ibn Majah eller Muwatta Malik. Sahih means authentic, and there are two lesser degrees which are called “good” and “weak”. (There are also muslims who reject the authority of all hadiths and focus on the Quran only.)

Women are men’s property

S. 2:223 Arberry. Your women ARE A TILLAGE for you; so come unto your tillage AS YOU WISH, and forward for your souls; and fear God, and know that you shall meet Him. Give thou good tidings to the believers. 

Narrated Jabir: Jews used to say: “If one has sexual intercourse with his wife from the back, then she will deliver a squint-eyed child.” So this Verse was revealed:– “Your wives are a tilth unto you; so go to your tilth when or how you will.” (2.223) (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 51)

Narrated Nafi’: Whenever Ibn ‘Umar recited the Qur’an, he would not speak to anyone till he had finished his recitation. Once I held the Qur’an and he recited Surat-al-Baqara from his memory and then stopped at a certain Verse and said, “Do you know in what connection this Verse was revealed?” I replied, “No.” He said, “It was revealed in such-and-such connection.” Ibn ‘Umar then resumed his recitation. Nafi added regarding the Verse:– “So go to your tilth when or how you will.” Ibn ‘Umar said, “It means one should approach his wife in …” (2.223) Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 50)

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “If a husband calls his wife to his bed (i.e. to have sexual relation) and she refuses and causes him to sleep in anger, the angels will curse her till morning.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 54, Number 460) 

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: By Him in Whose Hand is my life, when a man calls his wife to his bed, and she does not respond, the One Who is in the heaven is displeased with her until he (her husband) is pleased with her. (Sahih Muslim, Book 008, Number 3367)

If women are unable to get pregnant they seem rather useless:

Narrated Ma’qil ibn Yasar:
A man came to the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) and said: I have found a woman of rank and beauty, but she does not give birth to children. Should I marry her? He said: No. He came again to him, but he prohibited him. He came to him third time, and he (the Prophet) said: Marry women who are loving and very prolific, for I shall outnumber the peoples by you. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 11, Number 2045)

Usama b. Zaid reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: I have not left after me any (chance) of turmoil more injurious to men than the harm done to the men because OF WOMEN. (Sahih Muslim, Book 036, Number 6603; see also 6604)

S. 33:32-33 Shakir. O wives of the Prophet! you are not like any other of the women; If you will be on your guard, then be not soft in (your) speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease yearn; and speak a good word. AND STAY IN YOUR HOUSES and do not display your finery like the displaying of the ignorance of yore; and keep up prayer, and pay the poor-rate, and obey Allah and His Apostle. Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House! and to purify you a (thorough) purifying. 

 

Permission for men to beat their wivesquran

It is enough for a man to “fear” rebellion in a woman before he finds support in the Quran to beat her, and it does not suggest anywhere that it should be “softly”.

S. 4:34 (Pickthall)—Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret what Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High Exalted, Great.

It seems like “treat women kindly” means that men should treat them well in the matter of food and clothing. Women are said to be prisoners in the hands of men and men are allowed to beat women if they misbehave.

Narrated Amr ibn al-Ahwas al-Jushami
Amr heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say in his farewell address on the eve of his Last Pilgrimage, after he had glorified and praised Allah, he cautioned his followers: ‘Listen! Treat women kindly; THEY ARE LIKE PRISONERS IN YOUR HANDS. Beyond this you do not owe anything from them. Should they be guilty of flagrant misbehaviour, you may remove them from your beds, and BEAT THEM but do not inflict upon them any severe punishment. Then if they obey you, do not have recourse to anything else against them. Listen! You have your rights upon your wives and they have their rights upon you. Your right is that they shall not allow anyone you dislike, to trample your bed and do not permit those whom you dislike to enter your home. Their right is that you should treat them well in the matter of food and clothing. Transmitted by Tirmidhi. (Al-Tirmidhi Hadith, Number 104 ALIM CD-ROM Version)

He ran and I too ran. He came (to the house) and I also came (to the house). I, however, preceded him and I entered (the house), and as I lay down in the bed, he (the Holy Prophet) entered the (house), and said: Why is it, O ‘A’isha, that you are out of breath? I said: There is nothing. He said: Tell me or the Subtle and the Aware would inform me. I said: Messenger of Allah, may my father and mother be ransom for you, and then I told him (the whole story). He said: Was it the darkness (of your shadow) that I saw in front of me? I said: Yes. He struck me on the chest which caused me pain, and then said: Did you think that Allah and His Apostle would deal unjustly with you? … (Sahih Muslim, Book 004, Number 2127)

Narrated Umar ibn al-Khattab: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: A man will not be asked as to why he beat his wife. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 11, Number 2142)

Narrated Abdullah ibn AbuDhubab: Iyas ibn Abdullah ibn AbuDhubab reported the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) as saying: Do not beat Allah’s handmaidens, but when Umar came to the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) and said: Women have become emboldened towards their husbands, he (the Prophet) gave permission to beat them. Then many women came round the family of the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) complaining against their husbands. So the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said: Many women have gone round Muhammad’s family complaining against their husbands. They are not the best among you. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 11, Number 2141)

Narrated AbuSa’id al-Khudri: A woman came to the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) while we were with him. She said: Apostle of Allah, my husband, Safwan ibn al-Mu’attal, BEATS ME when I pray, and makes me break my fast when I keep a fast, and he does not offer the dawn prayer until the sun rises. He asked Safwan, who was present, about what she had said. He replied: Apostle of Allah, as for her statement “he beats me when I pray”, she recites two surahs (during prayer) and I have prohibited her (to do so). He (the Prophet) said: If one surah is recited (during prayer), that is sufficient for the people. (Safwan continued:) As regards her saying “he makes me break my fast,” she dotes on fasting; I am a young man, I cannot restrain myself. The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said on that day: A woman should not fast except with the permission of her husband. (Safwan said:) As for her statement that I do not pray until the sun rises, we are a people belonging to a class, and that (our profession of supplying water) is already known about us. We do not awake until the sun rises. He said: When you awake, offer your prayer. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 13, Number 2453)

So we can see that beating women is not uncommon among muslim men.

Fatima bint Qais (Allah be pleased with her) reported that her husband divorced her with three, pronouncements and Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) made no provision for her lodging and maintenance allowance. She (further said): Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said to me: When your period of ‘Idda is over, inform me. So I informed him. (By that time) Mu’awiya, Abu Jahm and Usama b. Zaid had given her the proposal of marriage. Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: So far as Mu’awiya is concerned, he is a poor man without any property. So far as Abu Jahm is concerned, he is A GREAT BEATER OF WOMEN, but Usama b. Zaid… She pointed with her hand (that she did not approve of the idea of marrying) Usama. But Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Obedience to Allah and obedience to His Messenger is better for thee. She said: So I married him, and I became an object of envy. (Sahih Muslim, Book 009, Number 3526)

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: There are three people whose prayer does not ascend beyond their heads, even to the length of a span: the person who leads people in prayer despite their disapproval; a woman who spends the night (in a state) in which her husband is annoyed with her; and the two brothers who are estranged. Transmitted by Ibn Majah. (Al-Tirmidhi Hadith, Number 347; ALIM CD-ROM Version)

Aisha felt that believing women (muslim women) suffered the most.

Narrated ‘Ikrima: Rifa’a divorced his wife whereupon ‘Abdur Rahman bin Az-Zubair Al-Qurazi married her. ‘Aisha said that the lady (came), wearing a green veil (and complained to her (‘Aisha) of her husband and showed her a green spot on her skin caused by beating). It was the habit of ladies to support each other, so when Allah’s Apostle came, ‘Aisha said, “I have not seen any woman suffering as much as the believing women. Look! Her skin is greener than her clothes!” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 715)

woman leaderWomen are not as bright as men

Muhammad married Khadijah – a skilled business woman – before he became a prophet and started a new religion.

When it comes to inheritance and value of witnesses, two women are equal to one man. That is because women “lack common sense” and “deficiency of her mind”.

S. 4:11 Hilali-Khan Allah commands you as regards your children’s (inheritance); to the male, a portion equal TO THAT OF TWO FEMALES; if (there are) only daughters, two or more, their share is two thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is half. For parents, a sixth share of inheritance to each if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers or (sisters), the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies he may have bequeathed or debts. You know not which of them, whether your parents or your children, are nearest to you in benefit, (these fixed shares) are ordained by Allah. And Allah is Ever AllKnower, AllWise, 

S. 2:282 Arberry O believers, when you contract a debt one upon another for a stated term, write it down, and let a writer write it down between you justly, and let not any writer refuse to write it down, as God has taught him; so let him write, and let the debtor dictate, and let him fear God his Lord and not diminish aught of it. And if the debtor be a fool, or weak, or unable to dictate himself, then let his guardian dictate justly. And call in to witness two witnesses, men; or if the two be not men, then one man AND TWO WOMEN, such witnesses as you approve of, THAT IF ONE OF THE TWO WOMEN ERRS THE OTHER WILL REMIND HER; and let the witnesses not refuse, whenever they are summoned.”

[Muhammad said]: O womenfolk, you should give charity and ask much forgiveness for I saw you in bulk amongst the dwellers of Hell. A wise lady among them said: Why is it, Messenger of Allah, that our folk is in bulk in Hell? Upon this the Holy Prophet observed: You curse too much and are ungrateful to your spouses. I have seen none lacking in common sense and failing in religion but (at the same time) robbing the wisdom of the wise, besides you. Upon this the woman remarked: What is wrong with our common sense and with religion? He (the Holy Prophet) observed: Your lack of common sense (can be well judged from the fact) that the evidence of two women is equal to one man, that is a proof of the lack of common senseSahih Muslim 142. 

The Prophet (the blessing and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Isn’t the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?” The women said: “Yes.” He said: “This is because of the deficiency of her mind.” Sahih Al-Bukhari 2658.

Women are described as those who are clothed with ornaments and are unable to speak plainly, implying that they are intellectually deficient:

S. 43:16-18 Shakir Has He taken daughters to Himself of what He Himself creates and chosen you to have sons? And when one of them is given news of that of which he sets up as a likeness for the Beneficent God, his face becomes black and he is full of rage. What! that which is made in ornaments and which in contention is unable to make plain speech! 

Narrated Abu Musa: Allah’s Apostle said, “Many amongst men reached (the level of) perfection but none amongst the women reached this level except Asia, Pharaoh’s wife, and Mary, the daughter of ‘Imran. And no doubt, the superiority of ‘Aisha to other women is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. a meat and bread dish) to other meals.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 55, Number 623)

See also below

Women have less things to look forward to in afterlife

The number of virgins (not “angels”) which await muslim men (not just martyrs) in Paradise are not specified in number in the Quran, but rather in the hadiths (72 virgins). These untouched young women are described as dark-eyed with big breasts. Paradise seems to describe a place which is appealing to men. Certainly not for women. There are also more women than men in hell. That is because of their deficiency in intelligence and religion. They also lack in good deeds.

S. 78:31-36 Arberry Surely for the godfearing awaits a place of security, gardens and vineyards and maidens with swelling breasts, like of age, and a cup overflowing. Therein they shall hear no idle talk, no cry of lies, for a recompense from thy Lord, a gift, a reckoning,

[Muhammad said], “O women! Give to charity, for I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-Fire were women.” The women asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! What is the reason for it?” He said: “O women! You curse frequently, and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. O women, some of you can lead a cautious man astray.” Sahih Al-Bukhari 1462.

The Prophet said: “I saw paradise and stretched my hands towards a bunch (of its fruits) and had I taken it, you would have eaten from it as long as the world remains. I also saw the Hell-fire and I had never seen such a horrible sight. I saw that most of the inhabitants were women.” The people asked: “O Allah’s Apostle! Why is it so?” The Prophet said: “Because of their ungratefulness.” It was asked whether they are ungrateful to Allah. The Prophet said: “They are ungrateful to their companions of life (husbands) and ungrateful to good deeds.” Sahih Al-Bukhari 1052.

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “The first batch (of people) who will enter Paradise will be (glittering) like the full moon, and the batch next to them will be (glittering) like the most brilliant star in the sky. Their hearts will be as if the heart of a single man, for they will have neither enmity nor jealousy amongst themselves; everyone will have two wives FROM THE HOURIS, (who will be so beautiful, pure and transparent that) the marrow of the bones of their legs will be seen through the bones and the flesh.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 54, Number 476)

Wives will be standing in the corners of a pavilion – without being able to see each other – while the believers will be able to come and enjoy them:

Allah’s Apostle said: “In Paradise there is a pavilion made of a single hollow pearl sixty miles wide, in each corner of which there are wives who will not see those in the other corners; and the believers will visit and enjoy them.” Sahih Al-Bukhari 4879.

Marrying up to four wives for men (but no similar rights for women)muslim marriage

We can see above that there are polygamous marriages also in heaven, just like polygamous marriages are allowed on earth. Since Muhammad is viewed as a perfect role model, Muslims should try to imitate his way of living. Muhammad declared that Allah had permitted men to marry up to four wives, but Muhammad was conveniently provided an exception and had at least 9 wives.

S. 4:1-5 Arberry Mankind, fear your Lord, who created you of a single soul, and from it created its mate, and from the pair of them scattered abroad many men and women; and fear God by whom you demand one of another, and the wombs; surely God ever watches over you. Give the orphans their property, and do not exchange the corrupt for the good; and devour not their property with your property; surely that is a great crime. If you fear that you will not act justly towards the orphans, marry such women as seem good to you, two, three, four (fainkihoo ma taba lakum mina alnnisa-i mathna WA thulatha WA rubaAAa); but if you fear you will not be equitable, then only one, or what your right hands own; so it is likelier you will not be partial. And give the women their dowries as a gift spontaneous; but if they are pleased to offer you any of it, consume it with wholesome appetite. But do not give to fools their property that God has assigned to you to manage; provide for them and clothe them out of it, and speak to them honourable words.

Narrated Aisha: I used to LOOK DOWN upon those ladies who had given themselves to Allah’s Apostle and I used to say, “Can a lady give herself (to a man)?” But when Allah revealed: “You (O Muhammad) can postpone (the turn of) whom you will of them (your wives), and you may receive any of them whom you will; and there is no blame on you if you invite one whose turn you have set aside (temporarily).” (33.51) I said (to the Prophet), “I feel that your Lord hastens in fulfilling your wishes and desires.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 311)

Women do not have a chance to get a divorce the way men do

A woman has the right to ask for a divorce (if there is a strong reason for it – which of course is up to men to sort out) only if the man grants her this right. A man however, does not need to ask his wife for a divorce but has the right to divorce her just by pronouncing it (see sura above). Muhammad wanted to divorce one of his own wives when she was old and ugly according to the hadiths, but she escaped this prospect by offering him some of her rightful nights to his favorite wife Aisha. See more in link in the bottom of the page.

Narrated Thawban: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: If any woman ASKS her husband for divorce without some strong reason, the odour of Paradise will be forbidden to her. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 12, Number 2218)

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said to Abdu Yazid: Divorce her. Then he did so. He said: Take your wife, the mother of Rukanah and his brothers, back in marriage. He said: I have divorced her by three pronouncements, Apostle of Allah. He said: I know: take her back. He then recited the verse: “O Prophet, when you divorce women, divorce them at their appointed periods.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 12, Number 2191)

Narrated Rukanah ibn Abdu Yazid: (Rukanah) divorced his wife absolutely; so he came to the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him). He asked (him): What did you intend? He said: A single utterance of divorce. He said: Do you swear by Allah? He replied: I swear by Allah. He said: It stands as you intended. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 12, Number 2202)

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu’minin: Habibah daughter of Sahl was the wife of Thabit ibn Qays Shimmas. He beat her and broke some of her part. So she came to the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) after morning, and complained to him against her husband. The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) called on Thabit ibn Qays and said (to him): Take a part of her property and separate yourself from her. He asked: Is that right, Apostle of Allah? He said: Yes. He said: I have given her two gardens of mine as a dower, and they are already in her possession. The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: Take them and separate yourself from her. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 12, Number 2220)

Imam Malik records traditions where men can authorize women to pronounce a divorce, but they didn’t have to.

(1129) Nafi’ reported that ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Umar used to say: If a man should authorize his wife in the matter of divorce, she could declare herself divorced any time she liked; but if the husband should object and say: I gave you option of only divorce and swears to it, he would have the right over her until the period of ‘iddah probation.

(1130) Kharija b. Zaid b. Thabit reported that he was sitting with Zaid ibn Thabit when Muhammad b. Abi Atiq came and tears were flowing from his eyes. Zaid said: What is the matter with you? He said: I had given my wife the option of divorce and she has left me. Zaid asked: Why did you give her the authority? He replied: It was my fate. Zaid said: If you wish, you can get her back, for only one divorce has become effective. YOU ARE STILL HER MASTER.

(1131) Qasim b. Muhammad reported: A man of Thaqif gave his wife the option of divorce. She gave herself one divorce. He kept quiet. She then gave herself another divorce. He said: Stones be in your mouth. She then gave herself the third divorce. He said: Stones be in your mouth, and they went quarreling to Marwan b. Hakam. Marwan took an oath from the man to the effect that he had given option only for one divorce and handed her back to him. (Muwatta’ Imam Malik, English translation with exhaustive notes by Professor Muhammad Rahimuddin [Sh. Muhammad Ahsraf Publishers, Booksellers & Exporters, Lahore (Pakistan), reprinted July 2000], pp. 246-247; bold and capital emphasis ours)

Permissible to have sex with female captives (even if these captives are married)

As the Muslim armies raided areas they also captured many women who would often be sold or traded. There was a risk that some women would get pregnant, which would result in a reduced chance to sell them as useful slaves – which was the aim. It is highly unlikely that the women themselves wanted to have sex with the same men who exterminated their husbands (and sometimes also children). This means that it is very likely that Muhammad allowed Muslims to rape their captive women. They are what their right hands possess, so their property.

S. 23:1-6—The Believers must (Eventually) win through—Those who humble themselves In their prayers; Who avoid vain talk; Who are active in deeds Of charity; Who abstain from sex, Except with those joined To them in the marriage bond, Or (the captives) whom Their right hands possess—For (in their case) they are Free from blame.

S. 70:22-30—Not so those devoted To Prayer—Those who remain steadfast To their prayer; And those in whose wealth Is a recognized right For the (needy) who asks And him who is prevented (For some reason from asking); And those who hold To the truth of the Day Of Judgement; And those who fear The displeasure of their Lord—For their Lord’s displeasure Is the opposite of Peace And Tranquility—And those who guard Their chastity, Except with their wives And the (captives) whom Their right hands possess—For (then) they are not To be blamed.

S. 4:24 Y. Ali Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess: Thus hath God ordained (Prohibitions) against you: Except for these, all others are lawful, provided ye seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property, – desiring chastity, not lust, seeing that ye derive benefit from them, give them their dowers (at least) as prescribed; but if, after a dower is prescribed, agree Mutually (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and God is All-knowing, All-wise. 

Allah’s Messenger sent an army to Autas and encountered the enemy and fought with them. Having overcome them and taken them captives, the Companions of Allah’s Messenger seemed to refrain from having intercourse with captive women because of their husbands being polytheists. Then Allah, Most High, sent down regarding that: “And women already married, except those whom your right hands possess (4:24)” (i.e. they were lawful for them when their Idda period came to an end). Sahih Muslim 3432.

We went out with Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) on the expedition to the Bi’l-Mustaliq and took captive some excellent Arab women; and we desired them, for we were suffering from the absence of our wives, (but at the same time) we also desired ransom for them. So we decided to have sexual intercourse with them but by observing azl (withdrawing the male sexual organ before emission of semen to avoid conception). But we said: We are doing an act whereas Allah’s Messenger is amongst us; why not ask him? So we asked Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him), and he said: It does not matter if you do not do it, for every soul that is to be born up to the Day of Resurrection will be born. Sahih Muslim 3371.

We went out with Allah’s Apostle for the invasion of Bun Al-Mustaliq and we received captives from among the Arab captives and we desired women and celibacy became hard on us and we loved to do coitus interruptus [same as “azl” above]. So when we intended to do coitus interruptus, we said: “How can we do coitus interruptus before asking Allah’s Apostle who is present among us? We asked (him) about it and he said: “It is better for you not to do so, for if any soul till the Day of Resurrection is predestined to exist, it will exist.” Sahih Al-Bukhari 4138.

Jabir bin Abdullah (Allah be pleased with them) reported that a person asked Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) saying: I have a slave-girl and I practice azl with her, whereupon Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: This cannot prevent that which Allah has decreed. The person then came (after some time) and said: Messenger of Allah, the slave-girl about whom I talked to you has conceived, whereupon Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: I am the servant of Allah and His Messenger. Sahih Muslim 3384.

If women commit a “flagrant indecency” (up to the man to decide) it is lawful to inherit women against their will and to debar them:

S. 4:19 Arberry O believers, it is not lawful for you to inherit women against their will; neither debar them, that you may go off with part of what you have given them, except when they commit a flagrant indecency. Consort with them honourably; or if you are averse to them, it is possible you may be averse to a thing, and God set in it much good. 

There is much confusion if it is permitted to have intercourse through the woman’s anus. Here is one that therefore clarifies that it is not permitted among the Sunnis. (Clarification needed since other hadits say something else.)

1483. This shows that it is not lawful to have intercourse with one’s wife through her anus. This is the view agreed upon by the whole community. The Shi’ah alone allow intercourse through anus, but this is against the traditions which prohibit this practice. (Sunan Abu Dawud, English translation and Explanatory notes by Prof. Ahmad Hasan, Volume II, p. 579)

muslim womanWomen should always be ready to have sex with their husbands

Muhammad does not seem to think it is anything wrong with looking at a woman with the aim to lust for her. He does not allow men to have sex with anyone else but their wives (and their captive women), so to solve the predicament when having been sexually aroused he immediately finds one of his wives to have sex with her regardless of she is busy or not. So the intention is not to make his wife happy but to satisfy his own desires. If this is the way men generally are requested to solve the problem each time they have been lusting for other women, there could not be room for any rejection from the part of the wife that is supposed to be used for this purpose.

Jabir reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) saw a woman, and so he came to his wife, Zainab, as she was tanning a leather and had sexual intercourse with her. He then went to his Companions and told them: The woman advances and retires in the shape of a devil, so when one of you sees a woman, he should come to his wife, for that will repel what he feels in his heart. (Sahih Muslim, Book 008, Number 3240)

Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas’ud. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) saw a woman who charmed him, so he went to Sawdah who was making perfume in the company of some women. They left him, and after he had satisfied his desire he said, “If any man sees a woman who charms him he should go to his wife, for she has the same kind of thing as the other woman.”Darimi transmitted it. (Al-Tirmidhi Hadith, Number 927; ALIM CD-ROM Version)

By him in Whose Hand lies my life, a woman can not carry out the right of her Lord, till she carries out the right of her husband. And if he asks her to surrender herself [to him for sexual intercourse] she should not refuse him even if she is on a camel’s saddle. Ibn Majah 1854.

Muhammed condones a form av prostitution/fornication/adultery

In theory it would be possible to have brief “marriages” that only last for an hour – and up to three days before they are annulled. There is a dispute whether this custom has been abrogated or not.

S. 4:24 Y. Ali Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess: Thus hath God ordained (Prohibitions) against you: Except for these, all others are lawful, provided ye seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property, – desiring chastity, not lust, seeing that ye derive benefit from them, give them their dowers (at least) as prescribed; but if, after a dower is prescribed, agree Mutually (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and God is All-knowing, All-wise. 

Narrated Abdullah: We used to participate in the holy wars carried on by the Prophet and we had no women (wives) with us. So we said (to the Prophet). “Shall we castrate ourselves?” But the Prophet forbade us to do that and thenceforth he allowed us to marry a woman (temporarily) by giving her even a garment, and then he recited: “O you who believe! Do not make unlawful the good things which Allah has made lawful for you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 139)

Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah and Salama bin Al-Akwa’: While we were in an army, Allah’s Apostle came to us and said, “You have been allowed to do the Mut’a (marriage), so do it.” Salama bin Al-Akwa’ said: Allah’s Apostle’s said, “If a man and a woman agree (to marry temporarily), their marriage should last for three nights, and if they like to continue, they can do so; and if they want to separate, they can do so.” I do not know whether that was only for us or for all the people in general. Abu Abdullah (Al-Bukhari) said: ‘Ali made it clear that the Prophet said, “The Mut’a marriage has been cancelled (made unlawful).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 62, Number 52)

Narrated Abu Jamra: I heard Ibn Abbas (giving a verdict) when he was asked about the Mut’a with the women, and he permitted it (Nikah-al-Mut’a). On that a freed slave of his said to him, “That is only when it is very badly needed and women are scarce.” On that, Ibn ‘Abbas said, “Yes.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 62,Number 51)

Ibn Uraij reported: ‘Ati’ reported that Jabir b. Abdullah came to perform ‘Umra, and we came to his abode, and the people asked him about different things, and then they made a mention of temporary marriage, whereupon he said: Yes, we had been benefiting ourselves by this temporary marriage during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) and during the time of Abu Bakr and ‘Umar. (Sahih Muslim, Book 008, Number 3248)

The word used is “mut’a” even if translators try to change it into for example Hajj-at-Tamatu. The expression still refers to the practice of temporary marriages. Despite the Sunni claim that Mut’a has been cancelled one will still find Shiite Muslims condoning and practicing it,

Narrated ‘Imran bin Husain: The Verse of Hajj-at-Tamatu was revealed in Allah’s Book, so we performed it with Allah’s Apostle, and nothing was revealed in Qur’an to make it illegal, nor did the Prophet prohibit it till he died. But the man (who regarded it illegal) just expressed what his own mind suggested. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 43)

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The temporary marriage applied only in the early days of Islam. A man would come to a settlement where he had no acquaintance and marry a woman for the period it was thought he would stay there, and she would look after his belongings and cook for him. But Ibn Abbas said that when the verse came down, “Except their wives or the captives their right hands possess,” intercourse with anyone else became unlawful. Tirmidhi transmitted it. (Tirmidhi Hadith, Number 942; ALIM CD-ROM Version)

Mut’ah marriage involves a man hiring a woman for a specific amount of money, for a certain period of time, to have sex with her. The scholars agree that this Mut’ah marriage was authorized in the beginning of Islam. It is reported that when the Prophet came to Mecca to perform ‘umrah, the women of Mecca dressed up and adorned themselves. The companions complained to the Prophet that they had not had sex for a long time, so he said to them: ‘Enjoy these women. (At-tafsir al-kabir, S. 4:24)

Men are allowed to marry young girls who have not yet started to menstruatemuslim bride

The waiting period for divorcing women who have not yet menstruated is three months. A woman can only be divorced if she was first married, so the sura therefore assumes that young girls can be married and divorced before they reach puberty. The purpose of this waiting period is to ensure that the wife who is about to be divorced is not pregnant (which a few months waiting period would sort out), and/or to make sure that the father is known (the child from the current husband and not the next husband.) The sura speaks both about wives who have had a history of menstruating and other wives who have not started to menstruate.

S. 65:1, 4 Arberry O Prophet, when you divorce women, divorce them when they have reached their period. Count the period, and fear God your Lord. Do not expel them from their houses, nor let them go forth, except when they commit a flagrant indecency. Those are God’s bounds; whosoever trespasses the bounds of God has done wrong to himself. Thou knowest not, perchance after that God will bring something new to pass… As for your women who have despaired of further menstruating, if you are in doubt, their period shall be three months; and those who have not menstruated as yet. And those who are with child, their term is when they bring forth their burden. Whoso fears God, God will appoint for him, of His command, easiness. 

Narrated Sahl bin Sad: While we were sitting in the company of the Prophet a woman came to him and presented herself (for marriage) to him. The Prophet looked at her, lowering his eyes and raising them, but did not give a reply. One of his companions said, “Marry her to me O Allah’s Apostle!” The Prophet asked (him), “Have you got anything?” He said, “I have got nothing.” The Prophet said, “Not even an iron ring?” He said, “Not even an iron ring, but I will tear my garment into two halves and give her one half and keep the other half.” The Prophet; said, “No. Do you know some of the Quran (by heart)?” He said, “Yes.” The Prophet said, “Go, I have agreed to marry her to you with what you know of the Qur’an (as her Mahr).” ‘And for those who have no courses (i.e. they are still immature). (65.4) And the ‘Iddat for the girl BEFORE PUBERTY is three months (in the above Verse). (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 62, Number 63; emphasis ours)

A renowned Muslim commentator Abu-Ala’ Maududi:

Therefore, making mention of the waiting-period for girls who have not yet menstruated, clearly proves that it is not only permissible to give away the girl at this age but it is permissible for the husband to consummate marriage with her. Now, obviously no Muslim has the right to forbid a thing which the Qur’an has held as permissible. (Maududi, volume 5, p. 620, note 13, emphasis added)

The Quran teaches that there is no waiting period for marriages that have not been consummated. Then there would be no concern for a possible pregnancy or any question of fatherhood. The waiting period only applies in the case of a prepubescent if her husband has actually slept with her.

S. 33:49 O you who believe: When you marry believing women and then divorce them before you have touched them, no period of idda (waiting) have you to count in respect of them: so give them a present and set them free in a graceful manner. 

There are muslim countries where they block websites which are critical against Islam, so the best sites with the most extensive information might be blocked – like this one that I have used as one of my sources. It is my hope that muslims in that case might find other articles where they will see the truth about Islam, and that there is life in Jesus Christ who died for their sins.

Explaining the trinity for muslims

We are told to beware of false prophets

Galatians 1:8-9: But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

Matt. 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

1 John 4:Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Also after the death of Jesus we can read about prophesies, and we are told that prophesying is a gift of the Holy Spirit which we should all seek to get. Anyone can get this gift. When Luke wrote Acts he used the word “prophet” for someone who made prophesies:

Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Acts 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles

Acts 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

It’s rather likely that these prophets lived also when Jesus and John the Baptist were still alive (John the Baptiste, who was another prophet) and if they had the gift of prophesying they apparently didn’t lose this gift when John and Jesus died since they were still called “prophets” in Acts. Anyone who comes along claiming to be a prophet has to be put to the test. Moreover, it doesn’t make much sense to label a person a “prophet” today when the generation of John and Jesus died out, since we have the Comforter who dwells inside us, which is the Holy Spirit and our GUIDE. We also have the both the old and the new testament to correct us:

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

Hebr. 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds

3 things can be 1  (trinity)

1) Add 3 piles of sand together. What do you have now? 1 pile of sand, right? And yet the size of the material remains the same.

2) Separate 1) egg-shell, 2) egg white and 3) egg yolk and place them in different locations in your kitchen. You can still call all these 3 units for 1. You can also mix the 3 units together and make 1 egg nog and pour it out in 3 different cups. You can still say that it’s 1 egg.

3) The universe consists of 1) matter, 2) space and 3) time. Remove one of these three, and you don’t have a universe.

4) Watch a pot of boiling water. You can see steam coming out of it, and the hood over the stove might get wet and be covered with small drops. If you would place the wet hood in the freezer, the drops would turn to ice. You have different variations of water which you can keep together or separate, but it’s still water – H2O. If you take the hood out of the freezer and let the ice melt, you can collect the water and pour it back into the pot. So out of 1 unit of H2O you can get 1) liquid, 2) steam and 3) ice.

Also in the Quran we can read that Allah is shown as a fire in the bush, calling for Moses. Apparently also the Quran suggests that Allah shows up in different forms just like the Biblical God. If Allah according to the Quran can appear as a fire and still be considered as ONE God, why is it difficult to accept that the Biblical God can appear as a fire, a son or a spirit and still be ONE God?

1. Allah called to Moses from a bush on the right side of the valley and said, “O Musa, surely I am Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Cast down your staff” (28:30-31). 2. When Moses approached the burning bush he heard a voice say, “Blessed is whoever is in the fire and whatever is around it and glorified be Allah, the Lord of the worlds. O Moses! Lo! It is I, Allah, the mighty, the wise. Throw down your staff” (27:7-10). 3. The voice said, “Moses, I, even I, am your oming so believers must not follow their evil desires or they will be destroyed. What do you have in your hand? Moses replied that he had a rod that he uses to rest on, prepare food for the sheep and other purposes. Allah said, toss it Moses” (20:11,19).

What is the trinity?

When discussing with muslims the arguments are usually the same. “The trinity is not found in the Bible. How can three persons be in one God? Jesus did not really die on the cross. If Jesus died on the cross, then christians must believe that GOD died and God cannot die. God doesn’t have a son. The Bible is corrupt”, etc. Muslims basically trust what they have been told by other muslims and they believe christians are deceived. Many muslims are not that religious, but they would still regard themselves as muslims “by birth”, and therefore expect also christians to be christians “by birth”. If they are not able to answer a certain proposed contradiction, they are convinced that one of their more learned religious leaders WILL be able to, and live on this hope.

Many of them have difficulties grasping the trinity. But ask yourself this: Is God able to be in any shape he wants? If God wants to be a flower, a fire, a square or a trinity, can he do this, or does he have to ask us for permission first? Surely we must accept that a sovereign God can be in any shape he likes, and that being a trinity is NOT too difficult for GOD? He might have god reasons for wanting to be a trinity, and the Bible explains what those reasons are.

Muslims often start out with saying that they DO know what the trinity is, but they soon reveal that they in reality do not. The common mistake is of course that they make efforts to show that Jesus is not the Father, but christians don’t believe Jesus is his own Father. The Bible explains that the trinity consists of three separate persons who are in the same godhead.

The trinity consists of 1) The Father, 2) The son Jesus Christ and 3) The Holy Spirit. Three separate persons but in the same trinity. The Bible is VERY clear that God is ONE. The three persons in the trinity always move to the same direction and have the same mind.

Jesus didn’t come into the world the first time when he was born of Mary. Jesus has always existed with the Father. Both the Father and son call themselves the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. The trinity with the three persons has always existed and always will. However, Jesus IN FLESH came through Mary about 2,000 years ago. Jesus was born as a human being with the mission to die for us, and while he lived on earth he showed that he was the promised Messiah. Isaiah said about 800 years before Jesus was born, that “Mighty God” would be born by a virgin. Everything is created by, through and for Jesus, and the Bible says that nothing existed before Jesus. When Jesus died on the cross, God the Father did NOT die. It was the Jesus Christ IN FLESH which “died”, but remember that Death could not keep him! He rose again the third day.

Bible verses – the trinity in the Bible

It’s true that the word “trinity” is not in the Bible, but neither is the word “monotheism”. Where does it say the word “trinity” must be found in the Bible before we can accept it as true? Here are SOME verses which show Jesus deity:

Hebrews 1:8, the Father declares of Jesus, “But about the Son He says, ’Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.’

John 20:24-29 Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’

Hebrews 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:— 9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

John 10:30-33 : I and the Father are one.’ Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, ‘I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?’ ‘We are not stoning you for any of these,’ replied the Jews, ‘but for blasphemy,because you, a mere man, claim to be God.

Colossians 2:9 In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily

Romans 9:5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised

John 8:40, 58 I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!

John 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shallbe upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.    

John 9:35-39 “Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of man?’ He answered, ‘And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you.’ He said, ‘Lord, I believe’; and he WORSHIPED HIM. ” 

Matthew 16:27-28 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

Col. 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the reeminence.19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

God is love

The Biblical God tells us to treat others the way we would like to be treated ourselves, and we are asked to pray for our enemies. If your God tells you to harm or kill others for the only reason that they disagree with you, then run for your life to another direction, because you are worshiping a false God.

Turn the other cheek … love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:39, 44)

Put back your sword in its place … for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. (Matthew 26:52)

Mistakes and inconsistencies in the Quran

I’m not going to list all numerous errors and inconsistencies here (just make a search on the net) but here are a couple of examples:

The Samaritans are said to have built the golden calf during the time of Moses, yet at that time there was no place called Samaria or race called Samaritans.

The Quran states that the Blessed Mary, mother of Jesus, was the sister of Aaron, yet the Bible reveals that Miriam was the sister of Aaron and Moses.

The only way out of this dilemma is for Muslims to claim that the Jews and Christians have changed the Bible. But if you ask for examples, they can’t give you any. If you ask WHEN this happened (before or after Muhammed lived) they are not sure of this either. They believe that the Bible has changed, because this is what other muslims have always told them.

Muhammed marrying a 6-year-old girl

The fact that Muhammed married a 6-year-old girl (Aisha) and consummated the marriage when she was 9 is of course troublesome for muslims, but since they are trained to ALWAYS defend Muhammed regardless of what he is guilty of, they will always excuse him. The most common excuse is that girls matured faster during this time, but of course there is NO historical evidence for this and this idea is clearly invented for the only reason to excuse Muhammed. Girls did not mature any faster during Biblical times so why would we believe this changed a few hundred years later, when Muhammed entered the scene? There is NO indication of that girls were mature enough to get married at 6-9 during any time in world’s history. Isn’t this a time when girls should play with dolls? What benefit would a 6-year-old girl get from a marriage? Muhammed is supposed to be perfect in all his ways, and we are to take after him as a role model, so why don’t all muslims take after his practice to marry children? Some muslims DO in fact marry children. Are we to view them as particularly faithful to Muhammed? Had the Quran said that Muhammed married a 4 year old girl, the excuses would be the same,“Girls matured faster in those days”.

According to official Sunni Muslim sources, Muhammad married Aisha when he was around 50 and when she was around 6. Muhammad consummated the marriage to Aisha approximately four years later, or in the second year of his arrival to Medina when the latter was nine years old. In most cases puberty for girls starts at the age of 12, and it is rare for girls to attain puberty prior to that period. There is even data to support the position that specific cultures placed the age of marriage at a little over 12 years of age for this reason. Even if a girl has attained puberty faster does not mean that she is physically ready to consummate a marriage. Moreover, morality does not change over time. Neither should muslims excuse Mohammed by suggesting that “this was the tradition during that time”.  Not only was it NOT a common tradition during this time, but shouldn’t a perfect prophet always be up to date and act correctly no matter which era in lived in? He is supposed to be our example, and now Muhammed is promoting child marriage. When a lawmaker says that killing someone in self-defense is acceptable, the lawmaker must not go out and kill someone in self-defense if his law is to stand. Hence, the argument that Muhammad needed to marry a young girl to establish puberty as the appropriate age for marriage completely fails.

Narrated Ursa:
The Prophet asked Abu Bakr for ‘Aisha’s hand in marriage. Abu Bakr said “But I am your brother.” The Prophet said, “You are my brother in Allah’s religion and His Book, but she (‘Aisha) is lawful for me to marry.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 62, Number 18)

Narrated Hisham’s father:
Khadija died three years before the Prophet departed to Medina. He stayed there for two years or so and then he married ‘Aisha when she was a girl of six years of age, and he consumed that marriage when she was nine years old. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 58, Number 236)

Muhammad died when Aisha was eighteen years old, leaving her a childless widow for the rest of her life. Being childless is regarded as a curse in most cultures. Muhammad also passed on a command forbidding anyone from marrying any of his widows:

Surah 33:53 O ye who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses, – until leave is given you, – for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation: but when ye are invited, enter; and when ye have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet: he is ashamed to dismiss you, but God is not ashamed (to tell you) the truth. And when ye ask (his ladies) for anything ye want, ask them from before a screen: that makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs.Nor is it right for you that ye should annoy God’s Apostle, or that ye should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in God’s sight an enormity

Other young girls and the “waiting period”

When Muhammad came to Medina in the year 623 AD, a girl named Safiyyah was young: perhaps in her mid to late teens, when Muhammad married her. Muhammad died in 632 AD, or roughly two years after marrying Safiyyah. One Muslim website says that she was seventeen when Muhammad married her, meaning that she was roughly twenty when he died. Muhammed  not only took Safiyyah as his wife after killing her family and husband, but he also left her a young widow for the rest of her life!

The waiting period for divorced women who haven’t yet menstruated is three months. With other words these “women” are in fact young girls who haven’t reached puberty! Thus, Islam permits men to marry prepubescent girls and even divorce them if they so choose! A woman can only be divorced if she is married and had her marriage consummated since the Quran expressly teaches that there is no waiting period for marriages that have not been consummated:

 Surah 65:4 And (as for) those of your women who have despaired of menstruation, if you have a doubt, their prescribed time shall be three months, and of those too who have not had their courses; and (as for) the pregnant women, their prescribed time is that they lay down their burden; and whoever is careful of (his duty to) Allah He will make easy for him his affair.

Surah 33:49 O you who believe: When you marry believing women and then divorce them before you have touched them, no period of idda (waiting) have you to count in respect of them: so give them a present and set them free in a graceful manner. 

And for those who have no courses (i.e. they are still immature). And the ‘Iddat for the girl BEFORE PUBERTY is three months (in the above Verse). (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 62, Number 63)

While we were sitting in the company of the Prophet a woman came to him and presented herself (for marriage) to him. The Prophet looked at her, lowering his eyes and raising them, but did not give a reply. One of his companions said, “Marry her to me O Allah’s Apostle!” The Prophet asked (him), “Have you got anything?” He said, “I have got nothing.” The Prophet said, “Not even an iron ring?” He said, “Not even an iron ring, but I will tear my garment into two halves and give her one half and keep the other half.” The Prophet; said, “No. Do you know some of the Quran (by heart)?” He said, “Yes.” The Prophet said, “Go, I have agreed to marry her to you with what you know of the Qur’an  (as her Mahr).”

Upon a divorce, it’s the MAN who decides who the children will belong to. A man is also promised 70 virgins in God’s kingdom. Women are not promised the equivalent, and in islam men and women are not treated equally either on earth or in the next life.

Surah 4:34 Husbands should take full care of their wives, with [the bounties] God has given to some more than others and with what they spend out of their own money. Righteous wives are devout and guard what God would have them guard in the husbands’ absence. If you fear high-handedness from your wives, remind them [of the teaching of God], then ignore them when you go to bed, then hit them. If they obey you, you have no right to act against them. God is most high and great. 

Surah 2:223 Your women are your fields, so go into your fields whichever way you like . . . .

Surah 2:282 The Prophet said, “Isn’t the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a man?” The women said, “Yes.” He said, “This is because of the deficiency of a woman’s mind.” 

Surah 4:24 And forbidden to you are wedded wives of other people except those who have fallen in your hands (as prisoners of war) . . .

Surah 4:3 And if you be apprehensive that you will not be able to do justice to the orphans, you may marry two or three or four women whom you choose. But if you apprehend that you might not be able to do justice to them, then marry only one wife, or marry those who have fallen in your possession. 

Surahs promoting violence

Dr. Muhsin Khan the translator of Sahih Bukhari and the Qur’an into English
writes: “Allah revealed in Sura Bara’at (Repentance, IX) [the order to discard
(all) obligations (covenants, etc), and commanded the Muslims to fight against
all the Pagans as well as against the people of the Scriptures (Jews and
Christians) if they do not embrace Islam, till they pay the Jizia (a tax levied on
the Jews and Christians) with willing submission and feel themselves subdued
(as it is revealed in 9:29). So the Muslims were not permitted to abandon “the
fighting” against them (Pagans, Jews and Christians) and to reconcile with them
and to suspend hostilities against them for an unlimited period while they are
STRONG and have the ability to fight against them. So at first “the fighting” was
forbidden, then it was permitted, and after that it was made obligatory “

How do you distinguish an evil man and a holy man if not by their actions? Jesus warned people of  false prophets and he said you will recognize them by their fruits. Muhammed’s evil actions speak for themselves. Unfortunately, muslims overlook his deeds because they are convinced he was a prophet of God. Are raiding innocent people, massacring unarmed civilians, stealing their belongings, taking their women and children as slaves and raping them a good thing? Muhammed did all those things. He even signed peace treaties, only to break them when he willed.  The sura 9 is called bara’a, precisely because in this sura Allah orders Muhammad to break all his treaties. The non-Muslims had no intentions of waging war against him but he took them by surprise and raided them when they were least expecting. These were shamelessly coward attacks on civilians. Muhammad raped women captured in his raids and allowed his followers to do the same. (Q. 4:24) There was a massacre of the Jewish tribe of Bani Quraiza that has been described in detail in dozens of traditions and books of history written by Muslims themselves. The Quran encourages Muslims to slay the unbelievers wherever they find them (2:191), to not take them as friends and helpers (3:28), fight them and show them harshness (9:123), and smite their heads ( 47:4).

People who call themselves “christians” and who harm and kill others do so AGAINST the Bible, whereas muslims who do the same do so ACCORDING to the Quran.  All the wars and hostilities that Muhammed was engaged in were initiated by himself and his followers just as the Muslims today are the initiators of virtually all hostilities with others. According to the doctrine of abrogation, the later texts supersede the earlier whenever there are inconsistencies. The later suras always abrogate ALL the earlier suras!

Surah 9:29  Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the Religion of truth, from among the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued 

Surah 48:29 Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are harsh against unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other?

Surah 5:51 Don’t take Jews and 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

Surah 2:191 And slay them (the infidels) wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out, for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter

Surah 2:193 And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and Faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression. 

Surah 2:216 Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not 

Surah 4:74 Let those fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. To him who fighteth in the cause of Allah, whether he is slain or gets victory soon shall we give him a reward of great (value) 

Sura 4:89 Seize them and slay them wherever you find them: and in any case take no friends or helpers from their ranks.

Surah 4:95 Allah has granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit at home

Surah 9:5 But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular Prayers and practise regular Charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful

Surah 9:123 Oh you who believe! Murder those of the disbelievers and let them find harshness in you. 

Surah 9:14 Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame.

Surah 9:66 Make no excuses: you have rejected Faith after you had accepted it. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you, for that they are in sin. 

From Hadeeth:
Ibn Ishaq and al-Waqidi report that the prophet said the morning after the murder (of Kab Ibn al’Ashraf), “Kill any Jew you can lay your hands on. (El beddayah wa alnihaya – Ibn Katheer – vol. 4 – in the chapter on killing Ka’ab bin al’Ashraf)

Gen. 16:11And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. 12And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

Gen. 17: 19And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

Gen. 21: 10Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac11And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.12And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. 13And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

Gen. 22:2And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaacwhom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.  3And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.— 12And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.16And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son17That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Jesus is recorded to have performed many miracles in the Bible as well as the Quran, but not so with Muhammed

Muhammed feels that he doesn’t need to prove that he is a prophet in any other way than saying that the Quran was being revealed to him from Allah. Unfortunately, many others make similar claims and we certainly couldn’t believe that all who say they are prophets are true prophets. Jesus warned about false prophets deceiving millions.

Surah 29:48-51 Not before this didst thou recite any Book, or inscribe it with thy right hand, for then those who follow falsehood would have doubted. Nay; rather it is signs, clear signs (ayatun bayyinatun) IN THE BREASTS of those who have been given knowledge; and none denies Our signs but the evildoers. They say, ‘Why have signs (ayatun) not been sent down upon him from his Lord?’ Say: ‘The signs (al-ayatu) are only with God, and I am only a plain warner.’ What, is it not SUFFICIENT for them that We have sent down upon thee the Book that is recited to them? Surely in that is a mercy, and a reminder to a people who believe. 

Apart from the above claim, splitting the moon is the only other option which could serve as a “miracle”. Can you imagine how this earth would look like if it had two moon halves? Splitting the moon is hardly scientific, and it’s hard to see the purpose. People around Muhammed had the right to see some tangible signs/miracles, because we certainly can’t believe every chap who claims to be a prophet. If sura 54:1-2 speaks about an ordinary lunar eclipse, then Muhammed wouldn’t be the source of that.

Sura 54:1-2 The Hour has drawn nigh: the moon is split. Yet if they see a sign they turn away, and they say ‘A continuous sorcery!’ 

Jesus birth was a miracle in itself. Muhammed’s birth was not a miracle. According to the Bible Jesus birth by a virgin was supposed to be a sign for the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14). What would be the reason for a virgin birth according to the Quran?

Surah 19:20-21 She said: “How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?” He said: “So (it will be): Thy Lord saith, ‘that is easy for Me: and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us’: It is a matter (so) decreed.”

Surah 21:91 And (remember) her who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for all peoples

According to the Quran, Jesus spoke from the cradle. Muhammad likely copied the miracle of infant Jesus’ speech from an apocryphal writing named “The Arabic Gospel of the Savior” and combined it with the data he had plagiarized from the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew:

Surah 43:63 When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: “Now have I come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which ye dispute: therefore fear God and obey me. 

Surah 5:110 O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My favour unto thee and unto thy mother; how I strengthened thee with the holy Spirit, so that thou spakest unto mankind in the cradle as in maturity; and how I taught thee the Scripture and Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and how thou didst shape of clay as it were the likeness of a bird by My permission, and didst blow upon it and it was a bird by My permission, and thou didst heal him who was born blind and the leper by My permission; and how thou didst raise the dead, by My permission;…

Two miracles are omitted from this list but found in other places in the Quran: causing a table spread with food to be miraculously lowered from heaven for his disciples (5:112-115), and being able to tell people what they had hidden in their houses (3:49).

The Quran is supposed to confirm the Bible, so the Bible couldn’t have changed before Muhammed’s time

Surah 3:50-52  And (I come) confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful some of that which was forbidden unto you. I come unto you with a sign from your Lord, so keep your duty to Allah and obey me. Lo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path. But when Jesus became conscious of their disbelief, he cried: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah’s helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear thou witness that we have surrendered (unto Him).

Surah 61:6 And when Jesus son of Mary said: O Children of Israel! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah unto you, confirming that which was (revealed) before me in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a messenger who cometh after me, whose name is the Praised One. Yet when he hath come unto them with clear proofs, they say: This is mere magic. 

Surah 5:46 And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah – a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil).  

Is the Torah true only when it agrees with the Quran, and how can we be certain that this is the correct way to look at it? Maybe it’s not a good idea to trust a weak god (Allah) who is not able to protect the other messages he sent. He already failed three times to protect his messages before the Quran. Proving that the Bible is corrupt does not automatically mean that the Quran is preserved; on the contrary it proves that Allah is not mighty enough to preserve all of his revelations. Why is Allah NOW able to protect the Quran and preserve it? An attack on the Bible is nothing more than an attack on Muhammed, indirectly accusing Muhammad of being a liar or mistaken. The very same passage that speaks of Muhammad receiving revelation like some of the messengers before him, also says that there are many other messengers that are not even mentioned in the Quran!

Surah 4:163-164 We have revealed to thee as We revealed to Noah, and the Prophets after him, and We revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, Jesus and Job, Jonah and Aaron and Solomon, and We gave to David Psalms, and Messengers We have already told thee of before, and Messengers We have not told thee of; and unto Moses God spoke directly —

Surah 40:78 We sent Messengers before thee; of some We have related to thee, and some We have not related to thee. It was not for any Messenger to bring a sign, save by God’s leave. When God’s command comes, justly the issue shall be decided; then the vain-doers shall be lost. 

The Quran itself commands Muslims to consult the Holy Bible for evidence and verification ( surahs 10:94; 16:43; 17:101; 21:7.)

Surah 5:47-51 It was We who revealed the Law to Moses, therein was guidance and light … and in their footsteps, We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel, therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him, a guidance and admonition to those who fear Allah. To thee (Mohammed) We sent the Scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety.

Surah 45:16-17 We have given the Children of Israel the scripture, wisdom, and prophethood, and provided them with good provisions; we bestowed upon them more blessings than any other people. We have given them herein clear commandments. Ironically, they did not dispute this until the knowledge had come to them. This is due to jealousy on their part. Surely, your Lord will judge them on the Day of Resurrection regarding everything they have disputed. 

Surah 7:157 those who follow the Messenger, ‘the Prophet of the common folk, whom they find written down WITH THEM in the Torah and the Gospel, … 

Surah 48:29 Muhammad is the Messenger of God, and those who are with him are hard against the unbelievers, merciful one to another. Thou seest them bowing, prostrating, seeking bounty from God and good pleasure. Their mark is on their faces, the trace of prostration. That is their likeness in the Torah, and their likeness in the Gospel: as a seed that puts forth its shoot, and strengthens it, and it grows stout and rises straight upon its stalk, pleasing the sowers, that through them He may enrage the unbelievers. God has promised those of them who believe and do deeds of righteousness forgiveness and a mighty wage. 

These verses take for granted that a true, uncorrupt Gospel was available for examination at the time of Muhammed. Some Muslim commentators even suggest that the source for the above parable is actually Mark 4:27-28! How would Christians of the seventh century have understood the Quran’s clear statements that they were to uphold the Gospel which was with them? Would they have assumed that this Gospel was something other than the four canonical Gospels which they had?

Surah 26:196 And it is surely mentioned in the Psalms of the FORMER PEOPLES. 

Addressing the Christians of Muhammad’s time the Quran’s author exhorts them to uphold the Gospel which Jesus received.

Surah 4:54 Or are they jealous of the people for the bounty that God has given them? Yet We gave the people of Abraham the Book and the Wisdom, and We gave them a mighty kingdom. 

The historical evidence shows that the Torah which was in the possession of both the Jews and Christians is actually the first five Books of the Hebrew Bible, and the Gospel of the Christians is the records of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  The Quran also refers to the Psalms which were given through David and the other messengers.

Surah 6:73, 84-90 So We were showing Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and earth, that he might be of those having sure faith… And We gave to him Isaac andJacob — each one We guided, And Noah We guided before; and of his seed David and Solomon, Job and Joseph, Moses and Aaron — even so We recompense the good-doers — Zachariah and John, Jesus and Elias; each was of the righteous; Ishmael and Elisha, Jonah and Lot-each one We preferred above all beings; and of their fathers, and of their seed, and of their brethren; and We elected them, and We guided them to a straight path. That is God’s guidance; He guides by it whom He will of His servants; had they been idolaters, it would have failed them, the things they did. THOSE ARE THEY TO WHOM WE GAVE THE BOOK, the Judgment, THE PROPHETHOOD; so if these disbelieve in it, We have already entrusted it to a people who do not disbelieve in it. Those are they whom God has guided; so follow their guidance. Say: ‘I ask of you no wage for it; it is but a reminder unto all beings.’ 

Surah 19:30, 34, 41, 49-58 He said, ‘Lo, I am God’s servant; God has given me the Book, and made me a Prophet… That is Jesus, son of Mary, in word of truth, concerning which they are doubting… And mention in the Book Abraham; surely he was a true man, a Prophet… So, when he went apart from them and that they were serving, apart from God, We gave him Isaac and Jacob, and each We made a Prophet; and We gave them of Our mercy, and We appointed unto them a tongue of truthfulness, sublime. And mention in the Book Moses; he was devoted, and he was a Messenger, a Prophet. We called to him from the right side Of the Mount, and We brought him near in communion. And We gave him his brother Aaron, of Our mercy, a Prophet. And mention in the Book Ishmael; he was true to his promise, and he was a Messenger, a Prophet. He bade his people to pray and to give the alms, and he was pleasing to his Lord. And mention in the Book Idris; he was a true man, a Prophet. We raised him up to a high place. These are they whom God has blessed among the Prophets of the seed of Adam, and of those We bore with Noah, and of the seed of Abraham and Israel, and of those We guided and chose. When the signs of the All-merciful were recited to them, they fell down prostrate, weeping. 

Surah 5:71-72. ‘O, People of the Book! Ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.’ It is the revelation that cometh to thee from thy Lord, that increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy … those who believe (in the Qur’an), those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures), and the Sabaeans and the Christians – any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, – on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.  

Surah 5:69 If only they had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness.

Surah 29:45 Dispute not with the People of the Book, save in the fairer manner, except for those of them that do wrong; and say: ‘We believe in what has been sent down to us, and what has been sent down to you; Our God and your God is One and to Him we have surrendered. 

Surah 10:37 This Qur’an could not have been forged apart from God; but it is a confirmation of what is before it …

Surah 46:11 Before it was the Book of Moses for a model and a mercy; and this is a book confirming in Arabic tongue to warn the evil-doers and good tidings to the good-doers.

Surah 6:91 Who sent down the Book that Moses brought as a light and guidance to men? You put it onto parchments, revealing some, and hiding much; and by which you were taught that you knew not, you and your fathers. Say, ‘God”.

Surah 35:31 And what We have revealed to thee of the Book, is the truth, confirming what is before it.

Sura 2:40-42 Children of Israel … believe in that I have sent down, confirming the revelation that is with you and be not the first to disbelieve in it … and do not confound the truth with vanity and do not conceal the truth wittingly (i.e. concealing the truth against better knowledge)

The above texts presuppose that the Torah was available in an unadulterated form during the time of Mohammed.

Surah 2:87 We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Apostles. We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened (or confirmed) him with the Holy Spirit. 

Surah 2:89 And when there comes to them (the Jews) a Book from Allah, confirming what is with them (the Taurat) … they refused to believe in it.

Surah 3:3 He has sent down upon thee the Book with the truth, confirming what was before it and He sent down Torah and the Gospel afore time, as guidance to the People and He sent down salvation.

At least as early as 350 AD, and long before the time of Mohammed, there was a uniform canon of the Bible and nothing has been changed, adulterated, polluted or perverted since.

Sura 21:7 Before thee (i.e. Mohammed), also, the Apostles we sent were but men … If you realise this not, ASK of THOSE WHO POSSESS THE MESSAGE. 

Sura 4:136 BELIEVE IN Allah and His Messenger and the Scripture which He hath revealed unto his Messenger, and THE SCRIPTURE WHICH HE REVEALED AFORETIME. WHOSO DISBELIEVETH IN Allah and His Angles and the Last Day, he verily hath wandered far astray.

Sura 2:285 Each one believeth in Allah and His Angels and His Scriptures and His Messengers – WE MAKE NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN ANY OF HIS MESSENGERS.

Sura 3:93 Say: Bring you the Torah now and recite (or read) it, if you are men of truth

We see clearly that the accusations against Jews and Christians are not that they have corrupted Scripture, but that they have misinterpreted, concealed or disobeyed it.

Sura 6:34 There is none that can change the Words of Allah. Already hast thou received some account of those Apostles (or: the other Apostles also say so).

Muhammed spoken about in the Bible?

Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.

Muhammed was not a “brother” to the jews. Besides, also other cults (like the mormons) claim that their particular prophet is spoken about in this verse.

ISLAM is much like the story of Emperor’s new clothes. The con artists claimed that if someone wouldn’t detect the beauty of the Emperor’s new clothes they were simply stupid, and who wants to be labeled stupid? So despite the fact that people couldn’t even see any clothes, they overlooked this problem and convinced themselves that the clothes were beautiful and even gave remarks as a confirmation of this. The crowd encouraged each other to believe in a lie, and did so until an honest little boy declared the TRUTH which was apparent to all from the start. Muslims need much prayer and there is much joy in heaven each time a muslim repents from his past and become a Bible believing christian.

Muslims should follow “the people of the BOOK” from before them

The people of  “the book”  are christians and jews who follow THE BIBLE. Muslims usually claim that the Bible is corrupted but that doesn’t fit the bill. The Bible was a complete book for many centuries before Muhammed even entered the scene, and he seems to trust it as a complete book.

“If you (Muhammad) are in doubt regarding that which We have revealed to thee, ASK those who READ the book from before you…” S. 10:94

If the Bible is corrupted or lost, this proves that Allah is telling Muhammad to verify his own message, the Quran, on a corrupted source! Therefore by disproving the Bible you would also disprove the Quran.  Even the Quran says to judge based on previous scriptures.

“And I will write down (my mercy) for those who are righteous and give alms and who believe in our signs; who follow the apostle, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in the Torah and the Gospel that IS WITH THEM.”

Here the Quran even claims that Muhammad is found in previous scriptures! So if the Bible was corrupted then we must conclude that Allah is a liar since we wouldn’t be able to find Muhammad in it.  If it is corrupted then it shows that Muhammad is a corrupted prophet being prophesied by a corrupted book.

“And let the People of the Gospel JUDGE by what God has revealed in it. If any fail to judge by what God has revealed, they are licentious.” S. 5:50 “

“If only the People of the Book had believed and been righteous, we should have blotted out their sins and admitted them to gardens of bliss.” “If only they had performed the Torah and the Gospel and all that was revealed to them from their Lord, they would have eaten from above and from under their feet. Among them is a People (umma) on the right course, but evil is that which many of them do…”

“Say,O People of the Book! You are not (founded) on anything until you PERFORM the Torah and the Gospel, and what was revealed to you from your Lord.” S. 5:68-71

Hence to accept Bible corruption, one would be force to conclude that Allah’s revelations can be change by mere human beings.  Also it says that the people of the book (Bible means book) have to perform the Torah.

The words of thy Lord are perfect in truth and in justice; NONE CAN CHANGE HIS WORDS: For He is the one who heareth and knoweth all. S. 6:115

THERE IS NONE THAT CAN ALTER THE WORDS OF ALLAH. Already hast thou received some account of those messengers. S. 6:34

THERE IS NO CHANGING THE WORDS OF GOD; that is the supreme triumph. S. 10:65

And recite that which hath been revealed unto thee of the Scripture of thy Lord. THERE IS NONE WHO CAN CHANGE HIS WORDS, and thou wilt find no refuge beside Him. S.18:27

If the Bible is corrupted or lost then this means that the Quran is incorrect.

“God has bought from the believers their selves and their wealth, and for them is the garden (of Paradise) if they fight in the ways of God: and whether they kill or are killed, the promise of God IS true in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’an, and who is more faithful to his promise than God?” S. 9:111

“To you (Muhammad) We revealed the book in truth,attesting to (the truth of) that which IS between his (its) hands from the scripture (the Torah and Gospel), and guarding it (wa muhaiminan `alaihi)…” S. 5:51

According to the Quran, the promise of God is true in both the Torah and Gospel. Also Allah said that he revealed “THE BOOK”.

“They (the Meccans) say, `Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?’ What! Has not a clear sign come to them in what IS in the former pages (al-suhuf al-aulla )?” S. 20:133

“And before thee (Muhammad), We sent no one, except men, to whom We granted revelation. ASK (plural) the people of the Scripture message, if you don’t know.” S. 21:7

According to the Quran clear proof of God himself is in the former scriptures of the Torah and Gospel and he even commanded Muhammad to ask the people of the scripture if he didn’t know.

Mohammed said, “Whoever changes his Islamic religion, kill him.” (Hadith Al Buhkari vol. 9:57)

“Slay the idolators [non-Muslims] wherever ye find them, and take them captive, and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the last Day…. Go forth, light-armed and heavy-armed, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah! (Sura 9:5,29,41).

So according to the Quran self defence is not a needed excuse for slaying someone else, but it’s enough if he or she is a non-muslim.

Also read “How to explain the trinity for muslims”.