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Introduction
Here, some very popular questions the dear Muslims may have, are responded to in a peaceable way – all in hope that the responses might be helpful to you.
Contents;
■ Popular Question:
Do you think the Quran is true?
■ Question:
The 3-in-1 ‘trinity’:
The Quran says that there is no such thing as the ‘trinity’ – is this a good thing?
■ Question:
The Quran says ‘that G-d does not have a Son…’ – what does that mean?
■ Question:
Does the Quran really say that they did not really kill Jesus at the crucifixion?
■ Popular Question;
The Bible says ‘…here are two swords…It is enough…’ – Is this allowing violence?
■ Popular Question;
Is Muhammad a real prophet from G-d?
■ Topic:
Circumcision, the Quran, and the Bible
■ Topic:
The Sabbath, the Quran, and the Bible
■ Popular Questions:
Why not have ‘Ishmael’ in the title, when speaking of ‘the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…’?
+
And why should we seek to do the commandments given to Moses for Israel
(The Ten Commandments and the rest)
– as we believe in God, and also in Jesus?
■ Question:
Is it necessary then to even read the Quran?
■ Popular Question;
Do you think the Quran is true?
Answer;
The Quran is a very hard to understand text in any language – and especially in English, to an English ear.
The Bible (Genesis through Revelation) shares and explains how a person of any culture or nation can live forever without end after this life, by repenting to God, believing in Christ, repenting, being baptized, and upholding the Law of Moses.
The Quran actually states that it believes what was given to Moses and Jesus – and that is a good thing if that were truly so;
‘Say, “We believe in God, and in what was revealed to us; … and in what was given to Moses, and Jesus… We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we submit.”’
(Q2:136 Clear Quran. Also see Q3:84)
The Bible agrees here in the sense that a believer is to;
a) believe in God,
b) believe in Christ (Messiah) and listen to what he has said,
c) observe the Law of Moses (the Ten Commandments and the rest)
The Quran verse above includes more text when read in it’s entirety, and this will be addressed a little later here a little later, below – for the most part however, the goal is to seek forgiveness from God, believe in Christ, and learn and observe God’s good commandments. This means everlasting life.
■ The 3-in-1 ‘trinity’:
The Quran says that there is no such thing as the ‘trinity’ – is this a good thing?
Yes, it is good that it says this.
One of the major matters the Quran speaks of is that G-d is one, and therefore He is not 3-in-1;
‘…believe in God and His messengers, and do not say, “Three.” Refrain—it is better for you. God is only one…’
(Q4:171 Clear Quran)
‘They disbelieve those who say, “God is the third of three.” But there is no deity except the One God….’
(Q5:73 Clear Quran)
The Bible (Genesis through Revelation) agrees, where it says;
‘God is not man…or a son of man…’
(Numbers 23:19 ESV)
And the Messiah (Christ) is known as the son of man – thus he is not God;
‘…the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.’
(John 3:14-15 ESV).
■ The Quran says that G-d does not have a Son… – what does that mean?
If a person today reads the Quran and sees it says that G-d has;
‘…no son…never had a partner’ (Q25:2 Clear Quran)
and that,
‘He is far above from having a son…’ (Q4:171, John 14:28)
– that this means Jesus is not God, in it’s correct context.
This is true, and this is what the Bible also says.
However, what a person should understand is that when the Bible says that the Lord Jesus is God’s Son – this simply means that Jesus was created by God (ref. Proverbs 8:12, 8:22-23 NASB [‘wisdom’ here is Jesus] -> Luke 7:35, Matthew 11:19 [Jesus refers to himself as being called ‘wisdom’], John 14:28 [Jesus confirms that G-d is greater than he).
And this is exactly what the following suras (verses) are trying to communicate;
‘…God is only one God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son…’
(Q4:171 Clear Quran)
He to whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, who took to Himself noson, who never had a partner in His kingship; who created everything and determined its measure.
(Q25:2 Clear Quran).
So in summary here, God has a created son (many sons and daughters for that matter ref. Numbers 15:38, 2 Corinthians 6:18) – however, He has no equal or equal partner, as He is above all;
‘one God and Father of all, who is over all…’
(Ephesians 4:6 NIV)
Hoping it is fruitful.
■ Does the Quran really say that they did not really kill Jesus at the crucifixion?
No, it does not.
Despite the Scriptually correct explanation of the Q4:157, and Q4:158 here which follows – sadly most dear Muslims today do not believe that the Quran actually says that people killed Jesus at the crucifixion, and then God raised him back to life from the dead.
One big passage that a dear Muslim reads about this topic is;
And for their saying, “We have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of God.” In fact, they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them as if they did. Indeed, those who differ about him are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it, except the following of assumptions. Certainly, they did not kill him.
(Q4:157 Clear Quran)
Explanation:
In Q4:157 when it says,
‘….they did not kill him…’ by way of ‘…crucify[ing] him…’;
This simply means that the Lord Jesus Christ’s body did die, however, he was made alive in the Spirit (he lived in the spirit realm).
The next sura (verse) confirms this when it says God literally raised him up after he had physically died there;
Rather, God raised him up to Himself. God is Mighty and Wise.
(Q4:158 Clear Quran).
This is why the Bible says at the crucifixion, the following;
‘…He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—’
(1 Peter 3:18-19 NIV)
When Jesus was made alive in the spirit straight after the crucifixion, he honoured his word and also had a kind meal with a former, forgiven sinner;
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43 NIV
Hoping this is of help to you hear;
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9 ESV.
Hoping it is fruitful with you.
■ Popular Question;
The Bible says ‘…here are two swords…It is enough…’ – Is this allowing violence?
Physical violence is absolutley forbidden by the risen Lord Jesus Christ (Mtt 5:44 KJV).
With regard to the verse ‘…here are two swords…It is enough…’
And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
Luke 22:38 ESV
Explanation;
This ‘bring two swords’-type verse is essentially saying this;
The world will get dangerous for those who believe in Christ, when compared to how it was on earth during the time when Christ walked it.
This is the expression and meaning behind the ‘…here are two swords…It is enough…’ line.
This context is also in agreement with this verse which says;
‘…lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.’
(Matthew 24:12 ESV)
Here is some more of the ‘two swords’ passage, which will better help a person understand the above explanation is referring to how life will get harder for believer;
And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.
…For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”
And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”’
(Luke 22:35-36, 22:37 22:38 ESV)
Here is a parellel verse which shows us again, that Christ has instructed peace and not violence from his people – as those who live by the sword will eventually perish;
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.
Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
Matthew 26:51-52 ESV
Here is the account again in another place,
And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.
Luke 22:49-51 ESV
So with regard to violence and weopons, the risen King Messiah has said;
‘…“No more of this!”…’
(Luke 22:51 ESV)
This is the context of it.
Further Support
In further support of the explanation here, is 2 Corinthians 11:20-21, which is telling us that bearing (being peacefully patient) with people by ‘turning the other cheek’ (ref. Mtt 5:38-39), and not engaging in violence – is a praiseworthy way of conducting oneself.
It says;
‘In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!…’
(2 Corinthians 11:20-21 NIV)
Hoping it is fruitful with you.
■ Popular Question;
Is Muhammad a real prophet from G-d?
If dear, zealous Muhammad believed Q2:136 and Q3:84, meaning that he believed in God, and what was given to Moses and Jesus – then dear Muhammad would be peaceable with his enemies (Matthew 5:44 KJV), and even be referred to as an Israelite. (Ephesians 2:19, Galatians 6:15-16).
Despite secular historical reports making false claims on what ‘Christianity’ actually is, and being very inaccurate – it is perhaps worthwhile noting that secular reports state that zealous Muhammad may have coordinated military battles, and engaged in military combat on numerous occaisions;
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_career_of_Muhammad
https://www.historynet.com/muhammad-the-warrior-prophet .htm
Though the Quran is hard to understand, it does feature words like ‘kill’ and ‘fight’ in certain verses;
And kill them wherever you overtake them, and expel them from where they had expelled you. Oppression is more serious than murder. But do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque, unless they fight you there. If they fight you, then kill them. Such is the retribution of the disbelievers.
Q2:191 Clear Quran
and,
‘…Some of them you killed, and others you took captive.’
(Q33:26 Clear Quran)
Whether ‘kill’ in the Quran in certain places simply means ‘make new believers/converts peacefully’ or not – is hard to say.
Such an interpretation is arrived at, if we keep in mind that the document says ‘….we believe in what was given to Moses and Christ…’ (par. Q2:136, Q3:84).
Either way, the ‘God of Abraham…’ monotheistic nature of the Quran is a good thing – however, if we truly believe in what was given to Moses and the risen King Jesus – then we will believe the everlasting gospel and bless our enemies; not waging malicious war or participating in battle with them.
The instructions from the Messiah (Christ) – which came from God, are;
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Matthew 5:44 KJV.
Hoping that all good things go well.
Salaam, shalom.
■ Circumcision, the Quran, and the Bible
According to what was given Moses, circumcision is on the 8th day;
‘…every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised…’
(Genesis 17:12 NIV)
If one believed in G-d, believed in Christ, and upheld the Law of Moses – such a person is typically known as born again if they recieved refreshing/renewal from above (Acts 3:19, Ezekiel 36:26-28), and is technically deemed an Israelite, as per Holy Scripture.
The law of Moses states that God’s male people are to be circumcised on their 8th day of age (Genesis 17:11-12).
It then tells us that when Abraham recieved this instruction, he went and got circumcised that very day – despite he being ninety nine years of age (Genesis 17:26, 17:24-25).
Of Abraham and his son Ishmael it says,
Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Genesis 17:24-25 ESV
Explanation
Peacefully, just because Ishmael was 13 years old when he got circumcised – it does not mean that from now on all sons of Ishmael are to be circumcised at 13 years of age from now on.
How do we know?
We know because faithful Abraham was 99 years of age when he was circumcised – and this by no means tells a son of Abraham to go and get circumcised at 99 years of age.
Rather, the commandment for all seeking to be found believing in God and in Christ (John 14:1), is to circumcise our children on their 8th day of age (Genesis 17:12).
Hoping it is fruitful.
■ The Sabbath, the Quran, and the Bible
The Quran states that people who break that believers who break the Sabbath, are cursed;
‘…We cursed the Sabbath-breakers. The command of God is always done.’
(Q4:47 Clear Quran)
This means that the Sabbath is a good thing.
All people seeking to be found believing in God and His created son the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah), recieving everlasting life without end – are instructed clearly; that with this faith, a believer observes the Law of Moses;
Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
Romans 3:31 ESV
‘…we uphold the Torah.’
Kehliah in Rome 3:31 (OJB)
This means, that gentiles who are still turning to God, or are experienced believers – will be observing the Sabbath. It is a holy rest day, where there is no work.
The Sabbath begins before evening Friday, and concludes after evening Saturday – by customary instruction, at nightfall.
Of new gentiles (people of the nations) whom have believed, it tells us of four initial sinful things to abstain from, and that believers will ideally hear/read the law of Moses on the Sabbath;
Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
Acts 15:19-21 ESV
More on this instructions found in this passage known as ‘The Letter To The Gentiles’, can be found here;
‘The Letter to the Gentiles’ – Where New Repentant Believers Start (Acts 15 and 21);
■ Popular Questions:
Why not have ‘Ishmael’ in the title, when speaking of ‘the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…’?
+
And why should we seek to do the commandments given to Moses for Israel
(The Ten Commandments and the rest)
– as we believe in God, and also in Jesus?
Answers:
With regard to the Name, we know the following for sure;
• God is the God of Abraham (Exodus 3:6).
• Abraham certainly then had two sons Ishmael and Isaac (Genesis 16:15, 21:3).
• G-d promised that he would bless and make a nation from Ishmael (Genesis 21:13).
However,
• The biggest blessings that the Holy Scriptures encourage and instruct a person to seek – are found by believing in Christ (Messiah), and belong to Israel;
‘…a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah…’
(Jeremiah 31:31 NIV)
Some of the biggest blessings for those who believe in Christ, that are found in the New Covenant – are complete forgiveness, being closer to G-d, and everlasting life without end (Isaiah 28:16, John 3:16).
• This New Covenant is made for Judah and Israel only;
‘…I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah…’
(Jeremiah 31:31 NIV)
And this is why believers in Christ (Messiah) are instructed by God to;
‘…uphold the Law…’
(Romans 3:31 ESV – [Law = Torah]).
– and not another set of religious rules.
• All those who believe in God and in Lord Jesus, automatically become known as citizens of Israel;
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Ephesians 2:19 ESV
‘…the Israel of God.’
(Galatians 6:16 KJV) (also see Isaiah 42:6, 56:6-7).
What About Those Who Do Not Believe In Christ?;
Commentator(s) such as IBN Ezra on Isaiah 65:20, perhaps tend to state that Isaiah 65:17-20 tells us people above who do not believe in Christ, might be living lives up to almost 1,000 years, depending on the person – give or take;
‘“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth…
No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the young man shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.’
(Isaiah 65:17-18, 65:20 ESV)
It is our hope that you seek beyond maximum (saving grace, complete forgiveness, newness, and everlasting life) – entering through the narrow gate which leads to everlasting life;
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13-14 ESV
– believing, repenting, being baptized, seeking newness (Ezekiel 36:26-28), learning and upholding the law of Moses (the Ten Commandments, and the rest).
With this faith, a new believer ideally begins abstaining from the sinful things listed in Acts 15:19-21, as they observe the Sabbath, a day of rest.
Salaam and shalom.
■ Is it necessary then to even read the Quran?
If a person believes in God, and also in Christ (Messiah) (John 14:1), and what was given to Moses (the Law of Moses),
If a person is non-trinitarian (a monotheist),
And if such a person understands that the Gospel (good news) of everlasting life and forgiveness of sins, by faith in Christ – is an everlasting gospel, as per the Scripture;
‘…an eternal gospel…’
(Revelation 14:6 ESV)
‘…there is still a blessing in it,’… I will not destroy them all.’
(Isaiah 65:8 NIV)
– nothing else is required;
If any other documentation disagrees with Holy Scripture, takes away from learning and doing God’s good commandments (Rom 7:12), and/or leads you around in circles and philosophy; then it should peacably be deemed excess.
Why? The main goal of the Gospel is to bring people of all nations to God by believing in Christ, repentance, and baptism.
These people recieve forgiveness and everlasting life, and these blessings are part of what is known as the ‘new covenant’ (Jeremiah 31:31) – which is only for Israel (Jeremiah 31:31, 31:33-34, Hebrews 8:8, 8:10, 8:12, Zechariah 8:23, Genesis 22:18, Galatians 3:29, John 3:14-16).
Hoping it is fruitful.
Shalom.
May the Holy G-d bless you beyond maximum, believing in His risen Son the Lord Jesus Christ (Adonai Yehoshua/Yeshua HaMoshiach). Amen.
Clear Quran content from http://www.ClearQuran.com is shared under Creative Commons 3.0 licence. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/
It is supplied here purely for reference to explain it in context when compared with the Holy Scriptures (Genesis through Revelation). Shalom, Salaam.
Copyright disclaimers:
“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.”
“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
“Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. http://www.Lockman.org “
“Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. http://www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ “
The Orthodox Jewish Bible Copyright Artists for Israel Intl Used by permission © The Orthodox Jewish Bible fourth edition, OJB. Copyright 2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.