As an advocate of interfaith dialogue, particularly between Christians and Muslims, I’m often faced with the issue of conversion. People ask me, “If you admire Prophet Muhammad so much, why don’t you convert to Islam? Why don’t you accept him as “the seal”? I see these questions popping up on my Twitter and Facebook feeds more than you might imagine.
Basically, me admiring Prophet Muhammad isn’t “enough” for Muslims; in their eyes, I must take a few concrete steps towards Islam to be fully recognized as a “true believer.” Otherwise, I’m just a weirdo Christian who respects Muhammad, but doesn’t recognize him as a “the man.” Christians, on the other hand, have called me “pseudo Catholic” and “infidel” for my positive writings about Muhammad. For these Islamophobes, I’m quite simply a heretic. There’s no way around it. Perhaps my work is irritating to Muslims and Christians because I’m pushing a few traditional boundaries and making people question the very heart of their religious traditions and identities.
Here’s the main issue according to popular narratives: Muslims must recognize Jesus as a prophet of God, as laid out explicitly in the Qur’an. Muslims aren’t at risk of anything when they say “I believe in Jesus.” However, if we switched the situation (“I’m a Christian. I believe in Muhammad as a prophet”), people might start to question my credibility as a self-professed Christian. People might say, “Jesus is the only way. You’ve turned your back on God. You’re no longer Christian.”
I’m writing this piece to explain why I disagree with the idea that Christians can’t recognize Muhammad as a prophet. Really, what is in question here is the definition of “prophet.” “Prophet” can be defined as “a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God.” Outside of the dictionary, I’ve always understood “prophet” to mean a messenger of a Higher Power who works on earth to bring justice and peace to humanity.
Let me say this right off the bat: I fully recognize Muhammad’s greatness. He was an exceptional person; he might even be the greatest and most influential human being ever to walk the face of the earth. Prophet Muhammad brought love, peace, and much more to a part of the world that had little of these things.
One of the most overlooked aspects of Muhammad’s character is his fierce anti-racist stance. He made the unprecedented move of considering both white people and black people as equals in the eyes of God. Yet many Christians still refuse to recognize Muhammad as an “inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God” (read: a prophet). The issue for some Christians, perhaps, is that Muhammad claims to have the last and universal truth. This rubs some Christians the wrong way. Only Jesus can make this claim.
In conversations I’ve had with Muslims, a frequent topic of discussion is Muhammad is “the seal of the prophets.” They add that both Moses and Jesus predicted his arrival. Christians, however, find it difficult to “find” Muhammad in their Bible. While some Muslims cite John (14: 16-17) as proof that Jesus predicted the coming of Muhammad, many Christians find it difficult to interpret this verse as the “truth.” Perhaps they’re in denial, though it doesn’t even matter. Christians don’t buy it.
Nonetheless, Christians argue that it is “anti-Christian” to say that Muhammad is a prophet. Because Jesus is the clear-cut revelation of God as noted in the Bible, Christians (the argument goes) must not accept any other figure besides him. However, I see nothing “anti-Christian” in recognizing Muhammad as a prophet. As I mentioned earlier, I like to view the word “prophet” as having a very broad meaning. In fact, I don’t even like to place it in the realm of “religion,” especially not in the Abrahamic tradition. To me, a prophet is someone who has valuable insight and intuition, who is sensitive about the well-being of others regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
I realize that some Muslims may not be happy with me putting Muhammad on par with other prophets. To be honest, I don’t see Muhammad as the “final prophet.” That’s too limiting for me, but it’s also why I’m able to consider him to be a prophet on equal footing with Jesus and others. To be clear, neither Jesus or Muhammad is the “final prophet” in my mind. I can’t imagine a Higher Power that stops allowing prophets on earth. This world of ours is broken, and so prophets will emerge as the days move forward. I don’t believe in “seals” either. Nothing is “sealed.” My views on life in general are too infinite for that kind of “truth.”
With that being said, both Muslims and Christians will say that I’m “confused” or “insane.” How can you be a Christian if you say Muhammad is a prophet? Why, then, are you not a Muslim? What are the boundaries of your religious identity? Are you both Christian and Muslim? What is going on with you?
I understand. It’s confusing, but life is messy, and “religion” perhaps even more so. A clarification is in order: Do I believe in everything that Prophet Muhammad said according to the Qur’an and hadiths? No, I don’t, but I also don’t believe in everything that Jesus or Moses said according to the Gospel or Talmud. Things kind of cancel out, even out. I accept aspects of both, but neither in their entirety.
When I read the Qur’an, I don’t interpret it as a book for Muslims, but rather for all human beings. The Qur’an (5:47) requests people to “discern what God has sent down to him.” The word “discern” is a crucial one. Literally, discern means to “perceive something.” My mind tells me that Jesus and Muhammad have equally valuable messages. Both men shared some “truths,” but let’s be real: they were human beings. They were prone to error. They made some mistakes. They missed some things.
Let me wrap this up by returning to the question: Is Prophet Muhammad worthy of admiration among Christians? I believe he is. His central concern was to lead mankind on the “right path.” By right path, I mean justice, mercy, compassion, love, tranquility, and peace. For these reasons, I elevate him to “prophet status.”
In conclusion, as a Christian, I don’t see my “religion” or “faith” as having a rigid set of principles. The meaning of my religion and faith changes from time to time, from moment to moment. “Christianity” has gone through a similar process. What it means to be Christian today differs significantly from what it might have meant in the 1st or 15th centuries. In short, my religion is fluid. My code is not set in stone, and to be honest, it never will be. I’ll always allow space for new ideas, new people, new movements. I’ll always find a way to make things “Christian.” That’s the beauty of “religion” – it can always be made relevant to our current situations.
To push that boundary of “Christian identity” is to pave the way for a future that makes more room for the “Other.” Isn’t that what prophets expect of us anyways?
craigconsidinetcd.com 
Interesting. I like the unbiased approach you use to define things. Although I would want you to embrace Islam as you can expect from a Muslim, but before that I’d advise you to stop fearing what others say about you. Whatever your faith is, it is with you. Its only between you and Allah. May Allah guide you to the right path. Ameen.
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good
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Interesting. YET, Being a Christian means accepting Jesus’s teaching and having faith that Jesus is the Lord of all lords. At the same pattern, being a Muslims means Accepting Mohammad as the last prophet and believe that Allah is the One true God. In your case, if I am not mistaken, you neither think so about Jesus (and Christian faith) nor Mohammad (and Islam). What are you then? To me, that makes you a MORON.
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taking a step back and examining and comparing two religions makes you a moron? lol I think you have it backwards. Those who follow without question are MORONS, like you……
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May the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of the Almighty be upon you.
You believe in one God.
You believe that Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is God’s messenger.
That is enough.
Moses, Jesus and Muhammad inter alia (May Peace Be Upon Them All) were inspired by the same God with the same message. Unlike the Gospel or Talmud, the All Knowing Almighty pledged to protect the revelations contained within the Noble Quraan for all of Mankind until the end of “time”.
May The Almighty bless you with His Hidaya while you engage on the areas of the Noble Quraan and Hadiths that you do not believe in, Aameen.
May the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of the Almighty be upon you.
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Total BS
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We have plenty of Muslims in the world, some think and have new ideas. These are the most valuable among the 1.6 billion Muslims. I don’t think we need you so we can have one more to add. We rather need your intellect, your thought process, your daring new ideas whether they are right or wrong, it does not matter, as long as you are daring to think and talk about it. Our problem as Muslims, if you have not figure it out yet for yourself yet, is that we were discouraged from thinking for around one thousand years, while cultural ideas were continuing to accumulate. We need people who’ll challenge us to think. You are doing that with your audience and that is doing the trick. whether you come in or stay out, it does not matter to me, because I am getting from you what I need. It only concerns you.
Please continue to discern things for yourself and continue to write your thoughts. Hopefully it will become contagious and more of us will start thinking about what Islam means to them, here and now, not as a heritage but as a choice the’re making today for themselves.
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Dr Considine tells us:
‘The Qur’an (5:47) requests people to “discern what God has sent down to him.” The word “discern” is a crucial one.’
Well, perhaps it would be if it was there. However, here is the word for word version plus 50 translations:
http://www.islamawakened.com/quran/5/47/default.htm
You will notice that the word “discern” appears in none of them. Which translation is he using? Perhaps he made his own up. It would explain why he has such a confused view of both Mohammed (who he sees as wise and just, despite all the blood) and Islam (which he sees as benign and inclusive).
In fact the verse tells Christians to judge according to their gospel, just as Mohammed tells Muslims to judge according to his teachings. And yet Dr Considine says “I don’t interpret it as a book for Muslims, but rather for all human beings”. How does he make that out? The Koran is absolutely a book for Muslims.
Far from being all things to all believers in the Abrahamic religions, Mohammed’s Islam radically separates Muslims from everyone else. Here is Mohammed just a few verses later, making his views on interfaith inclusivity crystal clear:
(5:51) O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
Please Dr Considine, screw your head back on the right way. You are only misleading those innocents who take your words at face value.
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In the name of Allah (God, Lord) the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Dear ECAW,
I think you did a great job in explaining your disagreement. But I see that you have missed several of them. So let me confirm some of them and clarify the others.
In order to clarify what that little piece of the Surat (Chapter) 5: Ayat [translates as a Sign, not exactly a verse, but it is a different topic] 47 is all about. We should look into the entire passage that includes several Ayat’s in this Surat. I would say starting from 44 until 60.
Please follow this link (http://al-quran.info/#5) and roll down to 5:(44-60) in order to verify my sources. Underneath I will copy each ayat and I will give explanations of those verses in square braces like that [ ].
1) 5:44:
We [says Allah (God, Lord, The Higher Power), by We referring to his Majesty but not plurality] sent down the Torah containing [in its true initial scripture] is guidance [description of canons and responsibilities] and light [foundations of Tawhid (Monotheism), narratives about prophets and eternity]. The prophets [of God of those times], who had submitted (judged) by it for the [believers] Jews, and so did the rabbis and the scribes, as they were charged to preserve [from people’s interference with it, from distortion and alterations] the Book of Allah [Torah] and were witnesses to it [that it is from God indeed, that is why they took care of it]. So do not fear the people, but fear Me, and do not sell My signs for a paltry gain [do not exchange The Truth even if it is something great, valuable or important for you, because any of the worldly riches comparing to Divine Scripture or Truth is nothing, insignificant; do not distort My signs seeking the worldly benefits] . Those who do not judge by [according to] what Allah has sent down [Divine Laws that were given to Moses, Jesus and Mohammad (Peace be upon them all)] — it is they who are the faithless.
So, here Allah [God, Lord, The Higher Power of the worlds], clearly states that yes, Torah which was sent to Jews through Moses (Peace be upon him) is indeed from Allah [God, Lord, The Higher Power].
2) 5:45
And in it We prescribed for them [to those who were before you]: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, and an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and retaliation for wounds*. Yet whoever remits it out of charity, that shall be an atonement for him. Those who do not judge by what Allah has sent down —it is they who are the wrongdoers.
*Bible, Deuteronomy 19:21
This Ayat (Sign [verse]) is revealed as the confirmation as a verification that God indeed knows what is said in the other scriptures.
3) 5:46
And We followed [after] them [sons of Israel (Jews)] with Jesus son of Mary, to confirm that which was before him of the Torah*, and We gave him the Evangel containing (1) guidance [description of canons and responsibilities] and (2) light [foundations of Tawhid (Monotheism), narratives about prophets and eternity], confirming what was before it of the Torah, and as (3) guidance [that leads to the next and the conclusive messenger of the Creator, prophet Muhammad] and advice for the Godwary.
*Check the Bible, Mathew ch. 5, v. 17-20.
4) 5:47
Let the people of the Evangel judge by what Allah (God, Lord) has sent down in it. Those who do not judge by what Allah has sent down [God’s Laws that were given to Moses, Jesus and Muhammad] —it is they who are the transgressors.
As one famous Muslim speaker said that “if a true Christian follows 100% exactly and entirely, absolute teachings of Jesus (Peace be upon him), then that person should go to Heaven because he would become a Muslim”. For example, in many verses in the Bible, pig’s flesh and alcoholic beverages are prohibited but most of the Christians still consume them, whereas most Muslims do not.
I know this is another topic already but if you are curious, please watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgrK7ZUOa0E
5) 5:48
We have sent down to you [Muhammad] the Book [The Holy Quran] with the truth, (1) confirming what was before it of the Book [Torah and Evangel] and as a guardian over it. [The last revelation confirsm the previous ones and restores the lost or distorted meanings and understandings].
So judge between them [people] by what Allah has sent down, and do not follow their desires against the truth that has come to you. [do not play their games, do not trust them entirely because they have already distorted the scriptures, so they might distort you (your followers)].
For each [community] among you We had appointed a code [of law (shariah)] and a path and had Allah wished He would have made you one community, but [His purposes required] that He should test you in respect to what He has given you [God divided people into races, nations, languages, and eventually religions, because that is according to God’s plan]. So take the lead in all good works [compete in good deeds]. To Allah shall be the return of you all [all people], whereat He will inform you concerning that about which you used to differ [even now, you do not have to agree with me while reading this, and if you do not agree, on The Day, God will inform us on what were our mistakes and were the reasons why differed in opinions and beliefs].
(continue bellow…)
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Amir,
Responding to your comment: “Which clearly means that Jesus (May Allah’s (God’s) Peace be upon him) is not God. He is a human being, on of the mightiest messengers of God, but not God.”
Oh, really? Because Craig Considine makes the proclamation, “Jesus was only a human”, makes it the truth? Jesus was True God and True man, not a flawed sinner, like Mohammad and the rest of us. Of course I know that a Muslim will grasp at anything that denies the deity of Christ. Just consider the source you are using for this information. Mr. Considine is a Christian who denies the deity of Christ, whose religion “changes from moment to moment”; not exactly a person I’d rely on for expert hard and fast information. Who knows what he’ll believe tomorrow.
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6) 5:49
Judge between them by what Allah has sent down, and do not follow their desires. Beware of them lest they should beguile you from part of what Allah has sent down to you. But if they turn their backs [on you], then know that Allah desires to punish them for some of their sins, and indeed many of the people are transgressors [they easily violate the limits of the spirituality and morality].
7) 5:50
Do they seek the judgement of [pagan] ignorance [means they still want to live like pagans without even realizing that, they want to worship false idols and creations but not The Creator]? But who is better than Allah in judgement for a people who have certainty? [But believers are convinced that there is no other entity who could Judge except for God]
8) 5:51
O you who have faith! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for allies: they are allies of each other. Any of you who allies with them is indeed one of them. Indeed Allah does not guide the wrongdoing lot.
Could also be translated as:
O you who believe! Do not make your “awliyā’ ” from Jews and Christians. Ones are awliyā’ for others. Those of you who will take them as your patrons, then you are from among them. Indeed Allah does not guide the wrongdoing [the oppressors, tyrants, obvious sinners] lot.
Here, it is very important to note that the word awliyā’ does not mean the literal ‘friend’. In Arabic language the awliyā’, “waliyuLlah”, “awliyauLlah” is often referred to saint people, meaning those who are spiritually, metaphysically are close to God. The same extreme closeness (soulmates) is assumed in the relationships between people. Do not make them your awliyā’ – means, let them not be so extremely close friends of yours, for the sake of who you can abandon (reject) the most important, valuable – your faith and believes.
Just as mentioned in The Qur’an people of the Book (Christians, Jews) other non-Muslims can also be companions, friends, business partners, neighbors to Muslims. Establishing the peaceful, friendly and neighborly relationships is not prohibited but vice versa is encouraged by Ayahs and hadiths [check for example, Az-Zuhaili V. at-Tafsir al-munir, V. 3, p. 578-581]. That’s how it was during the Prophet Muhammad’s [May God’s Peace and Blessings be upon him] times, the relationships were honest, honorable but not hearty close. After all, close intimate friendship with a human, who does not follow the commandments of the true One and Only Creator, can distant a person from the commandments and weaken the impregnability of ones faith.
Prophet Muhammad (May God’s Peace and Blessings be upon him) has said: “A human being [adopts] the belief of his “halila” (very close, bosom friend), that is why may each and every one of you look at who is your “halila” [hadith from Abu Khuraira; ahadith of Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi, V. 9, p 486, h. #3447 and others].
9) 5:52
Yet you see those in whose hearts is a sickness rushing to them, saying, ‘We fear lest a turn of fortune should visit us.’ Maybe Allah will bring about a victory, or a command from Him, and then they will be regretful for what they kept secret in their hearts,
10) 5:53
and the faithful will say, ‘Are these the ones who swore by Allah with solemn oaths that they were with you?!’ Their works have failed, and they have become losers.
11) 5:54
O you who have faith! Should any of you desert his religion, Allah will soon bring a people whom He loves and who love Him, [who will be] humble towards the faithful, stern towards the faithless, waging jihād in the way of Allah, not fearing the blame of any blamer. That is Allah’s grace which He grants to whomever He wishes, and Allah is all-bounteous, all-knowing.
12) 5:55
Your guardian is only Allah [The One and Only, Creator of anything and everything], His Apostle [Muhammad], and the faithful who maintain the prayer and give the zakat [charity] while bowing down [before God: and do it all with a sense of tender awe before Him].
13) 5:56
Whoever takes for [as] his guardians Allah, His Apostle and the faithful [should know that] the confederates of Allah [comparing to the followers of the Satan, sooner or later] are indeed the victorious [now and in the future].
14) 5:57
O you who have faith! Do not take those who take your religion in derision and play [they laugh at the religion, take it not seriously and depreciatingly], from among those who were given the Book before you, and the infidels, as [closest] friends (awliyā’), and be wary of Allah, should you be faithful.
15) 5:58
When you call to prayer, they take it in derision and play. That [their discourtesy, bad form] is [simply] because they are a people who do not apply reason [do not use their spiritual intellect or spiritually devastated; do not understand what they are doing].
16) 5:59
Say [speak to them], ‘O People of the Book [Christians and Jews]! Are you vindictive toward us1 [Muslims] for any reason except that we have faith in Allah [God, Lord of the Heavens and the Earth, who is Transcendent and entirely incomprehensible to human’s mind] and in what has been sent down to us, and in what was sent down before [Bible, Torah], and that [you hate us simply because] most of you are [obvious]transgressors [who have never read neither Torah nor Bible nor Qur’an in their original languages that they have been sent down in; they live the way they want, the way it is convenient to them and their desires and they have the anger towards everyone, who are not like them] ?!’
17) 5:60
Say [to them], ‘Shall I inform you concerning something worse than that as a requital from Allah [in the hereafter]? Those whom Allah has cursed and with whom He is wrathful, and turned some of whom into apes and swine, and worshippers1 of the Rebel [idols, false gods]! Such are in a worse situation, and more astray from the right way.’
Finally.
Dr. Considine says the following:
“My mind tells me that Jesus and Muhammad have equally valuable messages. Both men shared some “truths,” but let’s be real: they were human beings. They were prone to error. They made some mistakes. They missed some things.”
Which clearly means that Jesus (May Allah’s (God’s) Peace be upon him) is not God. He is a human being, on of the mightiest messengers of God, but not God.
P.S. Sorry for such thorough analysis.
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Amir/spiritualintellectual
Thankyou for your reply but I’m sorry to say I cannot see what bearing it has on Dr Considine’s contention and my objection. It just seems like run of the mill dawah text which I imagine you copied and pasted from an Islamic site. I did try, honest.
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Amir,
Responding to your comment: “Which clearly means that Jesus (May Allah’s (God’s) Peace be upon him) is not God. He is a human being, on of the mightiest messengers of God, but not God.”
Oh, really? Because Craig Considine makes the proclamation, Jesus is not True God and True Man, that makes it truth? Jesus was not a flawed sinner, like Mohammad and the rest of us. Of course I know that a Muslim will grab on to any statement that denies the deity of Christ. Just consider the source you are using for this information. A Christian who denies the deity of Christ, whose religion ‘changes from moment to moment’ is not one I’d listen to for expert advice. Who knows what he’ll believe to be the truth tomorrow.
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Karen,
Why a perfect God transform himself to an imperfect man!!? Jesus mission cute short and Paul took over and brought to the Christian faith the dogma of trinity that no one ever could explained!!! We know the Nisea creed 325AD when a bunch of priests elected God!!! and so on,, Mohammed came to bring back people to the first message that Abraham, Moses and other prophets brought. Islam make a perfect sense to me.
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In the name of Allah (God, Lord) the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Dear ECAW,
I think you did a great job in explaining your disagreement. But I see that you have missed several important points. So let me confirm some of them and clarify the others.
In order to clarify what that little piece of the Surat (Chapter) 5: Ayat [translates as a Sign, not exactly a verse, but it is a different topic] 47 is all about. We should look into the entire passage that includes several Ayat’s in this Surat. I would say starting from 44 until 60.
Please follow this link (http://al-quran.info/#5) and roll down to 5:(44-60) in order to verify my sources. Underneath I will copy each ayat and I will give explanations of those verses in square braces like that [ ].
1) 5:44:
We [says Allah (God, Lord, The Higher Power), by We referring to his Majesty but not plurality] sent down the Torah containing [in its true initial scripture] is guidance [description of canons and responsibilities] and light [foundations of Tawhid (Monotheism), narratives about prophets and eternity]. The prophets [of God of those times], who had submitted (judged) by it for the [believers] Jews, and so did the rabbis and the scribes, as they were charged to preserve [from people’s interference with it, from distortion and alterations] the Book of Allah [Torah] and were witnesses to it [that it is from God indeed, that is why they took care of it]. So do not fear the people, but fear Me, and do not sell My signs for a paltry gain [do not exchange The Truth even if it is something great, valuable or important for you, because any of the worldly riches comparing to Divine Scripture or Truth is nothing, insignificant; do not distort My signs seeking the worldly benefits] . Those who do not judge by [according to] what Allah has sent down [Divine Laws that were given to Moses, Jesus and Mohammad (Peace be upon them all)] — it is they who are the faithless.
So, here Allah [God, Lord, The Higher Power of the worlds], clearly states that yes, Torah which was sent to Jews through Moses (Peace be upon him) is indeed from Allah [God, Lord, The Higher Power].
2) 5:45
And in it We prescribed for them [to those who were before you]: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, and an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and retaliation for wounds*. Yet whoever remits it out of charity, that shall be an atonement for him. Those who do not judge by what Allah has sent down —it is they who are the wrongdoers.
*Bible, Deuteronomy 19:21
This Ayat (Sign [verse]) is revealed as the confirmation as a verification that God indeed knows what is said in the other scriptures.
3) 5:46
And We followed [after] them [sons of Israel (Jews)] with Jesus son of Mary, to confirm that which was before him of the Torah*, and We gave him the Evangel containing (1) guidance [description of canons and responsibilities] and (2) light [foundations of Tawhid (Monotheism), narratives about prophets and eternity], confirming what was before it of the Torah, and as (3) guidance [that leads to the next and the conclusive messenger of the Creator, prophet Muhammad] and advice for the Godwary.
*Check the Bible, Mathew ch. 5, v. 17-20.
4) 5:47
Let the people of the Evangel judge by what Allah (God, Lord) has sent down in it. Those who do not judge by what Allah has sent down [God’s Laws that were given to Moses, Jesus and Muhammad] —it is they who are the transgressors.
As one famous Muslim speaker said that “if a true Christian follows 100% exactly and entirely, absolute teachings of Jesus (Peace be upon him), then that person should go to Heaven because he would become a Muslim”. For example, in many verses in the Bible, pig’s flesh and alcoholic beverages are prohibited but most of the Christians still consume them, whereas most Muslims do not.
I know this is another topic already but if you are curious, please watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgrK7ZUOa0E
5) 5:48
We have sent down to you [Muhammad] the Book [The Holy Quran] with the truth, (1) confirming what was before it of the Book [Torah and Evangel] and as a guardian over it. [The last revelation confirsm the previous ones and restores the lost or distorted meanings and understandings].
So judge between them [people] by what Allah has sent down, and do not follow their desires against the truth that has come to you. [do not play their games, do not trust them entirely because they have already distorted the scriptures, so they might distort you (your followers)].
For each [community] among you We had appointed a code [of law (shariah)] and a path and had Allah wished He would have made you one community, but [His purposes required] that He should test you in respect to what He has given you [God divided people into races, nations, languages, and eventually religions, because that is according to God’s plan]. So take the lead in all good works [compete in good deeds]. To Allah shall be the return of you all [all people], whereat He will inform you concerning that about which you used to differ [even now, you do not have to agree with me while reading this, and if you do not agree, on The Day, God will inform us on what were our mistakes and were the reasons why differed in opinions and beliefs].
6) 5:49
Judge between them by what Allah has sent down, and do not follow their desires. Beware of them lest they should beguile you from part of what Allah has sent down to you. But if they turn their backs [on you], then know that Allah desires to punish them for some of their sins, and indeed many of the people are transgressors [they easily violate the limits of the spirituality and morality].
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Interesting that you believe that communication with the creator should continue into the future. This belief is shared by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who also believe that Allah continues to keep in touch with his creation. See http://www.alislam.org
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Yes, the crux of the matter is the definition of the word ‘Prophet’. A Muslim of course believes that if we consider Mohammad (peace be on him) to be a Prophet that automatically means that we should believe in the book he transmitted to us, the word of God, the Qur’an. And the Qur’an of course clearly states that Jesus in a Prophet (peace be on him). Anyway, thanks for the respect that you are showing for Mohammad, our Prophet, peace be on him.
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Thanks for this article, Craig. Ever since I started reading about Islam and interacting with Muslims, I’ve met plenty of Muslims who congratulate me and constantly mention the intertexuality of the Qur’an and the Bible and the ‘orthopraxical’ and doctrinal commonalities we have. I have yet to hear a Muslim disparage Christians individually or Christian civilization, and they always encourage my search. On the other hand, I have received tons of hate comments and hate mail from Christians repeating the usual bigotries about Islam. Never do they provide me any evidence to stick with Christianity; they just disparage Muhammad and Islam.
I think I’m starting to see which the true religion of peace is.
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Notice how All the hate comments are from ‘so called’ Christians.
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Being a born Muslim, I’ve been going back and forth about how my views are “too Christian for a Muslim” and “too Muslim for a Christian” (because I dated a Christian, and been to church a few times thanks to his urges) and I’m tired of the thought of why can’t I be both?
And I relate thoroughly to your feelings regarding religion.
In no way do I feel that one or two religion is more right than the other, so Submission to God is what we should strive for, which I feel, should be an umbrella term for every other religion out there — Abrahamic or not.
So this is refreshing, and it makes me feel like I belong in the world, somewhere, even if that’s difficult to find. Thank you for your thoughts on this, I needed to read it the most these last few nights.
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Reblogged this on zirkunia.
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If “son of God” is a literal for Christians. Then how do they explain “Our Father” vs “My father” when he taught his disciples to pray and “Children of God” in the sermon on the Mount and so forth. Jesus (may he be blessed) was a great Prophet only and no more of a son or part of God than the rest of the righteous. And I think he made that quite clear.
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Hi, i am from india. I am a muslim and i am not mcking any claim to great intellect on religious matters. Anyway the point i am trying to make here is that most of us follow the religion we are born into. Christianity, 33%, Islam, 24% and Hinduism, 13%, Buddhism, 8%, are the four largest religions in the world. Together we can create a world of love, peace and prosperity. If we disparage and hate each other, we are pitted against a greater number who will hate us back. So I would like to say all my friends above that…… LET’S AGREE TO DISAGREE BUT DISAGREE TO DISRESPECT……
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As a Muslim, I don’t care if you are a Muslim or a Jew or whoever, but I do care if you are not feeling well that’s cuz I care for humanity. This is an outstanding post, Craig! Keep it up brother!
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Dr Craig, with all respect, I remind you of this Hadith
ّIt is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed:
By Him in Whose hand is the life of Muhammad, he who amongst the community of Jews or Christians hears about me, but does not affirm his belief in that with which I have been sent and dies in this state (of disbelief), he shall be but one of the denizens of Hell-Fire.
Sahih Muslim
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Reblogged this on Blogging Theology and commented:
Fascinating..
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How superficial this is. First of all, there’s no point in recognizing Mohammad as a prophet of God, if you don’t mean the same thing by that as muslims do: the messenger who received revelations that were later recorded in the quran. If you have a different interpretation of the concept of a ‘prophet’, you’re just playing a semantic game that has no value. That would be misleading, as your recognition doesn’t agree with muslims anyway, so what’s the point of it?
So, I’ll assume your interpretation of him as a ‘prophet’ means you accept the quran as valid revelation. Here’s where it’s getting problematic. In the gospel, Jesus decares to be the Son of God, he declares to be one with God and later Paul declares he is equal to God. The quran both calls Jesus a prophet, but it also calls His claims – in the eyes of Mohammad – are ‘shirk’. Mohammad also says Jesus never died on the cross, nor did He raise from the dead. To regard Mohammad as a prophet, you have to deny the gospel first. I’m afraid that’s exactly what you’ve done.
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