Jesus is regarded as a great prophet in Islam, but not the son of God. The Quran discusses Jesus's miraculous birth to Mary and emphasizes that God created Jesus without a father. It recounts the story of Mary conceiving Jesus and withdrawing to a distant place until giving birth. When Mary brought the newborn Jesus to her people, they were astonished and accused her of wrongdoing, which Jesus defended her against as a child. The Quran refutes that Jesus is the son of God, affirming he is the servant and prophet of God, and was born of the virgin Mary.

1. TheTruthAbout
BY
Dr. ManehHammad
al-Johani
Tb CooFEflyc For f Cdd|# b
Oicr Cdt
nlyldi.rJ.lbrA||. F|sl oto.l.Dd
Tel.:
2dm28. .
2SfieaEt
POBor
5l5U
English
82

2. tsLAHtC STUOTES
ISLAMIC STUDIES
NO. 1
NO.
THETRUTHABOUT
THE TRUTH ABOUT
JESUS
IE$US
BY
BY
Dr. Mlnch Hemmrd Al-Johrnl
Dr. Maneh Hammad AI-Johanl

3. PREFACE
PREFAGE
The controvsrsy the pcrsonality
The controversy about the personality of Jesus Christ is the major
Jcsus is thc
lifference between Islam and Christianity. This difference keeps the followers
lifferencc betwecn and differcnce keepsthe followers
.r the two religions apart. Muslims look at Jesus Christ as a great Prophet of
lf thc religions Jesus as a grcat
:Iod and love and respect him as much as they love and respect Abraham,
iod and love and respcct as much as thcy love and respcct
~oses and Muhammad. Christians on the other hand consider Jesus as God or
Vloses and Christians thc othcr hand considcr Jcsusas
,on
.on of God. a concept that Muslims cannot accept. Islam teaches that Jesus
God, a conccpt acsept. teachcs Jesus
lever made such a claim for himself. As a matter of fact all the cardinal
rcver made such a himsclf. a mattcr fact
loctrines of Christianity that are rejected by Islam center around the
loctrines are rejected center the
.ersonality of Jesus. Specifically these are:
rcrsonality Jesus. Specifically these arc:
. The Trinity
Trinity
~'. The Divinity of Jesus
!..The Jesus
~. The Divine Sonship of Christ
l. Sonship
k Original Sin. and
f. Sin, and
i. Atonement.
f. Atonement.
It is clear that all these dogmas are the result of over-exhalting Jesus Christ
is clcar thcsedogmasare the rcsult over-exhaltingJesusChrist
rbove wants bc. Thesediffercncesfocusing personality
lbove what God wants him to be. These differences focusing on the personality
)f Jesus have overshadowed the many similaritic:s between Christianity and
rf Jesus haye overshadowcdthe many similaritics between Christianity and
slam. Some examples are the moral system and the emphasis on humane
slam. Some examples are the moral system and the emphasis humane
)rinciples. They have even over-shadowed the beliefs that Muslims associate
rrinciples. have even over-shadowed the beliefs Muslims associatc
vith Jesus Christ such as the Virgin Birth of Jesus, being able to speak in the
vith Jesus such as the Jesus,being able spcak the
;radle,
:radle, performing miracles, and the second coming of Jesus Christ.
miracles,and the second coming JesusChrist.
articles prcsenting
The following two articles aim at presenting a true picture of Jesus in Islam
picture Jcsus lslam
.nd explaining why the Christians deviated from his original teachings. The first
,nd explaining the Christiansdcviated his original teachings. Thc first
Irticle also indicates that many scholars and thinkers, who are still within the
rrticle also indicatcs many scholarsand thinkers, are the
Christianity,arc gradually coming
old of Christianity, are gradually coming to agree with the Islamic points of
agrce the lslamic points
'iew about Jesus, many cases
'iew about Jesus, in many cases without realizing it. This corresponds to my
realizing corresponds
onviction that the more scientific and biblical studies advance, the more they
the more scientificand biblical studiesadvance,the morc they
vill agree Islam. other words,thc Islamic
viii agree with Islam. In other words, the Islamic truth is more evident with the
is more evident the
)assage time. the
lassage of time. God in the Holy Quran hints to this in the following verse:
Quran hints the verse:
We shall show them Our signs in the horizons and in themselves, till it
shall show signs horizons and in themselves,
s clear to them that it is the truth. (41:531
them it (41 :53)
lt. J.
M.J.

4. It{TFODUCTIOTU
INTRODUCTION
Thc lslamic view Jcsus lics bctwecntwo cxtrems. The Jcws, who
The Islamic view of Jesus lies between two extremes. The Jews, who
rcjcctedJcsusas a Prophet God, calledhim an impostor.The Christianson
rejected Jesus as a Prophet of God., called him an impostor. The Christians on
the other hand, considerhim to bc the son God and wonhip him as such.
the other hand, consider him to be the son of God and worship him as such.
Islamconsidcrs Jesus onc thc grcat Prophets God and respccts as
as him
Islam considers Jesus as one of the great Prophets of God and respects him as
much as Abraham, Mosesand Muhammad.This is in conformity with the
much as Abraham, Moses and Muhammad. This is in conformity with the
Islamicpoint of vicw thc oncness God,theoncncss Divineguidancc, and
Islamic point ofview of the oneness of God, the oneness of Divine guidance, and
the complimcntary role thc subscqucnt mcssages God'smcsscngcrs.
the complimentary role of the subsequent messages of God's messengers. The Thc
csscnce lslam,whichis thc willingsubmission the to God,wls revealcd
essence of Islam, which is the willing submission to the will of God, was revealed
to Adam who passed on to his chidlrcn. followingrevelations Noah,
to Adam who passed it on to his chidlren. All fohowing revelations to Noah,
to
Abraham,Moses, Jesus and finally Muhammadwerein conformitywith that
Abraham, Moses, Jesus and finally Muhammad were in conformity with that
messagc addition somcelaboration definetherelationbetween man and
message in addition to some elaboration to define the relation between man and
God, man and man, man and his environment, and live.according God's
God, man and man, man and his environment, and to live.according to God's
instructions. Thus, any contradiction among revealed r~ligions is viewed by
instruc'tions. Thus, any contradictionamong rcvealcdreligionsis viewcdby
Islam as a man-madc elcmentintroduced into thcscreligions. The position
Islam as a man-made element introduced into these religions. The position of
Jesus the threemajor religions: Judaism, Christianityand Islam,shouldnot
Jesus in the three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, should not
be an cxoeption.
be an exception.
Although the Qur'an docsnot prcscnta dctailedlife-account Jcsus,
Although the Qur'an does not present a detailed life-account of Jesus, it
highlightsthe important aspccts his birth, his mission,his asccnsion
highlights the important aspects of his birth, his mission, his ascension to
to
heaven and passess judgcmcntson the Christian beliefs concerning him.
hcaven and passessjudgements on thc Christianbcliefsconcerning him.
MARY
The Qura'nicaccount Jesus startswith the conception his mother,
The Qura'nic account of Jesus starts with the conception of his mother,
Mary. Thc wife Imran, Mary's mother,vowedto dedicate child to the
hcr
Mary. The wife of Imran, Mary's mother, vowed to dedicate her child to the
scrvice God the temple.Zacharia,who took charge Mary, used find
service of God in the temple. Zacharia, who took charge of Mary, used to fiRd
food with Mary. Whenheasked howshcgot she
hcr that wasfrom
food with Mary, When he asked her how she got it she answered that it was from
answercd
God. The Quranicverscs read:
God, The Quranic verses read:
When 'Lord, you, dedication,
lmran said. have
When the wife of Imran said, 'Lord, I have vowedto you, in dedication,
within womb. Pleaseaccept mq yott are the
what is within my womb. Please accept it from me, you are the Hearer and
shegave hirth 'Lord,l
Knowe,', And when she gave birth to her she said, 'Lord, I have given birth
Knower'. And she said, havegiven
ta her, female... And have namcd her dnd commend
to her, a female... And I have named her Mary and commend her to You toYou
seed, protacttham the accursedSatan.' Lord received
with her seed, to protect them from the accursedSatan. ' Her Lordreceived
the child with gracious favour, and by His goodness she grew up comely,
favour, goodnasssDa comely,
charge of hel Whenever Zacharia
Zacharis taking charge of her. Whenever Zacharia went to her in the
Zacharia
senctuary, provisioned 'Mary', said, 'how comes this
sanctuary, he found her provisioned.. 'Mary', he said, 'how comas this to
'From
youT 'From God', sha answa red. Truly Godprovisions for whomsoever He
you?' God, she answered. Truly God provisions whomsoevar
will without reckoning. (3:35-71
will without reckoning. (3:35·7)
- 5 s_
_-

5. GLAD TIDINGS AND JESUS'S BIRTH
GLAD TIDINGS AND JESUS·S BIRTH
Whcn Mary bccameIa womrn, thc Holy Spirit (the Archangcl Gabricl)
When Mary became woman, the Holy Spirit (the Archangel Gabriel)
appcaredto her as ra mrn bringing her the ncwsof a son.We readthe following
appeared to her as man bringing her the news of a son. We read the following
dialoguein thc Qur'an bctwecnMary and thc angcls:
dialogue in the Qur'an between Mary and the angels:
'MEry, God gives you good
Whan the angels said, ·Mary. God gives Yougood tidings of a Word
When dngels said, of a Word
from Him whose name is A'fsssre Jesus. son of MarY;high honoured shall
from Him whose iamers Messiah Jesus, son ofMary; high honouredshall
h
he he in this world and thd next. near stationed to God. He shall speak to
he be in world and the next, near stationed to God. He shall speak to
cradle. and of age.and righteoushe shall be.''Lord', saidMary'
man in the cradle,and of age. and righteous he shallbe. • ·Lord·. saidMary.
men in
'how shatt have a son seeing no mortal has touched me?· 'Even so' he
·how shall II have a son seeing no mortal has touched me7 ·Even so· he
said. 'God creates what He will.'• When He decrees a thing He does but say
said,·God creates will. decrees does sa|
u
to it. "Be"n and it is.' (3:45-7)
to it, uBe • and it is.'(3:45'4
Mary conccivcd child miraculopsly retircdto a distantplacewhere
conceived the
the miraculoJ,lsly and retired
and distant place wherc
shcawaitedhcr dclivery.The Qur'anin a chapter
she awaited her delivery. The Qur'an chapter entitled'Mary'tellsus how
entitled 'Mary' tells us how
Mary felt and what the Jcwstold her when shebrought the child home:
felt and what the Jews her when she brought the child home:
She concaived him and withdrew with him to a distant place. And the
Sheconceived him withdrew with him place. And
birthpangs surprised her bY the trunk of the palm-tree.She said. ·would I
birthpangssurprised by the trunk the palm-tree. She said,'would
had died before this. and become a thing forgotten.' The one from below
had hefore this, hecome forgotten. • The
'Do
her cal:~d to hp.... ·00 not grieve; see, your Lord hasset below you I rivulet
tal!.td he,, see. Lordhas set a
and shake you thepalmtrunk, there shallcometumbling upon
and shake toward you the palmtrunk, and there shall come tumbling upon
you dateslresh ripe. Eattherefore. drink, and be comforted;and if
you dates fresh and ripe. Eat therefore, and drink. andbe comforted; andif
mortal, say,"l have vowed All'Merciful fast,
you should see any mortal. say, "1 have vowed to the All-Merciful a fast,
you should see
today wilt not speak any man." Then shebrought
and today I will not speak to any man. " Then she brought the child to her
'Mdry, you have surely
folk carrying him; and they said. 'Mary. you have surely committed a
folk they said,
monstrous thing. Aaron, Your was not wicked man,
monstrous thing. Sister of Aaron, your father was not a wicked man, nor
was your mother a woman unchaste. • Mary pointed to the child; but they
was your mother a woman unchaste.' pointed to the child; they
'How shall we speak to one who is still in the cradle. a little child?' He
said, 'How shattwe speakto one who is stitlinthe cradle,a little child?'He
said,
'Lo. am God's servant;God hasgiven me the Bookand made me a
said. 'Lo, II am God's servant; God has given me the Book and made me a
said,
Prophet.Blessed hasmade me, wherever may be;and He hasenioined
Prophet. Blessed He has made me, wherever II may be; andHe has enjoined
Ha
me to pray, and to give the alms, so long as live, and likewiseto cherish
me to pray. and to give the alms, so long as II live. and likewise to cherish
my mother; He has not made me arrogant or wicked. Peace he upon me,
my mother; He has not made me arrogant or wicked Peace be upon me,
th,edaV was born, and the day die, and the day am raised up alive-'
the day II was born, and the day II die. and the day II am raised up alive.'
(19:22-23)
(l9:22'23)
NOT THE SON OF GOD
NOT THE SON OF GOD
In the same chapter, following the above quotation, God assured
In the same chapter, following the above quotation, God assured
Muhammadand the wholeworld that what wasmentioned aboveis fhe truth
Muhammad and the whole world that what was mentioned above is the truth
might not bclicve Jcsus not thc sonof
it. is
about Jesus although the Christians might not believe it. Jesus is not the son of
about Jesus althoughthe Christians
God. Hc was,obviouslyenough,the son of Mary. The verses continue:
God. He was, obviously enough, the son of Mary. The verses continue:
-6-

6. Thatis Jesus, son of Mary, in word of truth, concerning which they are
That Jesus, son ofMary, oftruth,
doubting. lt is not for God to take a son unto Him, Glory be to Himl When He
doubting. It Godto take Him. Himl
decrees a thing, He but says to it "8e", and it is. (l9:34-Sl
decrees thing. but says "Be", is. (19:34-5)
After this strong statementabout thc nature of Jesus,God directed
this strong statement about the nature Jesus, God directed
Muhammad call the Christians a fair dcal:to worshipthe one God:
Muhammad to call the Christians to fair deal: worship the one God:
Surely God is my Lord, andyour Lord, so sarveHim. Ihis rs the straight
Surely Lard,and your Lord, serve Him. This is straight
path. f l9:36)
path. (19:36)
The rejection of the idea God having son is reported laterin thc samc
The rejection the idcaof God havinga sonis rcported later the same
chapter with even stronger words:
chaptcrwith cvcnstrong€r words:
'The All-merciful
And they say, 'The All-merciful has taken unto Himself a son.' You
And say, taken son.' You
have indeed advancedsomething hideous. The heavens dre well nigh rent
advanced hideous. The heavensare
of it and the earth split asunder, and the mountains well nigh fall down
the split asunder, the mountains
crashing for that they have attributed to the All-merciful a son: and it
crashing that they have the son:
behoves not the All-merciful to take a son. None is there in the heavens
behoves the All-merciful take son.None there heavens
earth comes the as servant.(l9:88-931
and earth but he comes to the All-merciful as a servant. (19:88-93)
The Qur'an recognizes fact that Jesus
the had no humanfather but this
The Qur'an recognizes the fact that Jesus had no human father but this
docs not make him the son God God Himself.By this criterionAdam
does not make him the son of God or God Himself. By this criterion Adam
would havebeen more entitled be the son God because he had neithcra
he
would have beenmore entitled to be the son of God because had neither a
fathernor a mother. So,the Qur'an draws attention themiraculous
to creation
father nor a mother. So, the Qur'an draws attention to the miraculous creation
of both in the following verse:
both the followingverse:
likenesso/ Jesus, God's sight, r'sas likeness;He
Truly the likeness of Jesus, in God's sight. is as Adam's likeness: He
fruly
him, "8e", was. (3:59)
created him of dust. then said He unto him, "Be", and he was. (3:59)
created ol dust, then said He
The Qur'an rejccts concept the Trinity as stronglyas rejects
the the
The Qur'an rejects the concept of the Trfnity as strongly as it rejects the
sonship Jesus.This is bccause God is One. This is the cssence all
sonship of Jesus. This is because God is One. This is the essence of all
Thrce,by reason and by simplearithmetic, notare
monotheistic revelations. Three, by reason and by simple arithmetic, are not
monotheistic rcvelations.
one.The Qur'anaddresses Christians thc followingvcrses thc chapter
the in in
one. The Qur'an addresses the Christians in the following verses in the chapter
cntitled*'Women".
entitled "Women".
People the Book, go not beyond bounds your religion,
People of the Book, go not beyond the bounds in your religion. and saysay
as to God but the Truth. TheMessiah, Jesu,s, of Mary, was only the
san
not as to God but the Truth. The Messiah. Jesus, son ofMary, was only the
Messenger of God, and His Word that He committed to Mary, and a spirit
Messenger God, His Word that He committed to Mary, a spirit
from Him. So believe God and His Messengers, sdy not.'Three',
from Him. So believe in God and His Messengers, and say not. 'Three',
you. God One God. Glory be to - He
Refrain. better is it for you. God is only One God. Glory be to Him - that He
Refrain, better is
should have a sonl To Him belongsall that is in the heavensand in the
should have a son! To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and in the
earth, God suffices for a guardian.
earth, God suffices for a guardian.
The Messiah will not disdainto be a servantof God,neither the angels
The Messiah will not disdain to be a servant of God, neither the angels
who are closeto Him. Whosoaverdisdainslo serva Him and waxesproud,
who are close to Him. Whosoever disdains to serve Him and waxes proud,
_7_
-7 -

7. He will .ssuredly muster them to Him, .11 of them.
Ha will issuradly mustcr thcm dl them.
thc bcliavcrt , do dccds righteousnass,He will paythem
As for the believers, who do deeds of righteousness, He willpay them
thair rewards and He will givc thcm mora, of His bounty; as
their rewards in full, andHe willgive them more, ofHis bounty; liS for them them
who disdain lind wax proud, them He will punish with a SIlVllre
disdain and wax proud. thcm Hc will punish E scvcrc
punishment, and thllY shall not find for them, aparl from God, a friend or
punishment, thay shall find lor apart God, efriand
helpar. l4:t 7l -Jl
helper. (4:171-3)
The vcrses continuc draw theattcntionof pcople, pcople, the proof
The verses continue to draw the attention ofpeople, all people, to tbe proof
which Muhammadbrought.God knowsthat pcoplefrequentlyinhcrit certain
which Muhammad brought. God knows that people frequently inherit certain
ideas and bcliefs which include, among other things, the mistakesand
ideas and beliefs which include, among other things, the mistakes and
interpretations prcviousgenerations. They haveno way discovcring
interpretations of previous generations. They have no way of discovering suchsuch
mistakcs thcmsclvcs. Thus God prescntsthc Qur'an as a
mistakes for themselves. Thus God presents the Qur'an as a proof to such such
peoplc.He says:
people. He says:
o men manifest proof hasnaw come toyou
O men, a manifestproofhas now come to you from your Lord; We have
Lord; We have
sent you clear light.
sent down to you a clear light. As for those who believe in God, and hold
those believe God,
fast Him, Ha will surely admit them Him, and bounty,
fast to Him, He will surely admit them to mercy from Him, andbounty, and
guide straight path. l4:173-51
will guide them to Him on a straight path. (4:173-5)
The dcnial Jesus's divinity (and that matter Mary's divinity) is
The denial of Jesus's divinity (and for that matter Mary's divinity) is
presented the Qur'anasa topic dialogue the Day of Judgemcnt
at
presented in the Qur'an as a topic of dialogue at the Day ofJudgement between
betwcen
God Alniighty and Jesus. the mcsscngers the nationswillbcgathcred
and
God Almighty and Jesus. All the messengers and the nations will be gathered in
hont God and Hc ask the messengcrs thcy wercrcccived their
how
front of God and He will ask the messengers how they were received by their
pcoplcsand what they said them. Among thosc who are going
peoples and what they said to them. Among those who are going to be be
qucstioncd Jcsus:
is
questioned is Jesus:
'O you sdy
And when God said, '0 Jesus son of Mary, did you say unto men, men,
And God said, Jesus Mary,
"Take mother gods, dpart from God7" He said,'ToYou he
"Take me and my mother as gods, apart from God?" He said, 'To You be
lt not tu say have to. lf said it, Yw
gloryl It is not mine to say what I have no right to. If I indeed said it, You
*new it. soul, and do
knew it, knowing what is within my soul, 8nd I do not know what is within
Your soul; You thc unseen.
Your soul," You know the things unseen. I only said to them what You did Yw
command me: "serve God, your was witnegs
command me: "serve God, my Lord and your Lord." And I was a witness
them, whila but when Yw
over them, while I remained among them; but when You did t8ke me to take
Yanrsnlf,Yw Ywr*lt the Watchgr You witness
YourseN, You were YourseN the WatchJfJr over them; You are the witness of
everything. lf Yw them, areYwr seruants,ilYw forgivethem,
everything. If You punish them, they are Your servants, if You forgive them,
You are the Almighty, the All-wise.' God said,'This day the
You are the Almighty, the All-wise.' God said, 'This is the day the truthful
shall protited truthfulnass.For await gardensunderneath
shall be profited by their truthfulness. For them awaitgardens underneath
rivers therein forevar, heing wall-pleased
which rivers flow, therein dwelling forever, God being well-pleased with
well-plcased with Him; That mighty tiumph'.
them and they well-pleased with Him: That is the mighty triumph'.
(5:tt&t9)
(5:116-19)
JESUS',SMtSSlOt{
JESUS'S MISSION
Now onc might ask If thc Qur'an dcnicr thc and thc sonrhip
Now one might ask : If the Qur'an denies the Trinity and the sonship of
Jcsus,what was thc real mission Jcsusaccording thc Qur'an?
Jesus, what was the real mission of Jesus accordins to the Qur'an?
-8-

8. Jesuswas a link in a long chain of prophets and messengcrs
Jesus was a link in a long chain of prophets and messengers sent by God to
scnt by God to
various societiesand nations whenever they neededguidance or deviated from
various societies and nations 'whenever they needed guidance or deviated from
the teachingsof God, Jesuswas espcciallyprcpared by God to be sent ro thc
the teachings of God. Jesus was especially prepared by God to be sent to the
Jews who had dcviated from the teachingsof Mosesand other Messengers.
Jews who had deviated from the teachings of Moses and other Messengers. As As
hc was miraculously supported by God in conception,birth and childhood, hc
he was miraculously supported b.y God in conception, birth and childhood, he
was also supportedby numcrousmiraclesto prove that he wasa m€ssenger
was also supported by numerous miracles to prove that he was a messenger from
from
God. However, the majority of the Jews rejectedhis ministry. The Qur'an tells
God. However, the majority of the Jews rejected his ministry. The Qur'an tells
us aboutJesus'smission the following verses
us about Jesus's mission in the following verses which are a continuation of the
in which are a continuation the
verscsquoted earlier in which the.glad tiding was brought to Mary:
verses quoted earlier in which the, glad tiding was brought to Mary:
And He wilt teach
And He will teach him the 800k, the wisdom, the Torah, the Gospel
the Book, the wisdont, the Torah, the Gospel
him Messenger the childrbn israel saying, "l
and make him a Messenger to the child/en of israel saying, "1 have come to
you with a sign from your Lord I will create for you out of clay as the
with Lord. will
likeness bird; will breathe
likeness of a bird: then I wl?1 breathe into it, and it will be a bird, by the
it. witl hy
power God. will also heal
power of God. I will also heal the blind and the leper and bring to life the
hlind hring tife
dead, the power God. t will inform
dead, by the power of God. I will inform you too of the things you eat, and
things eat, and
what
what you treasure up in your houses. Surely in that is a sign for you if you
houses. Surely that sign if
Likewise will confirm the uuth
are believers. Likewise I will confirm the t."uth of the Torah that is before
the Tarah rs
me. and make lawful
me, and to make lawful to you certain things that before were forbidden
certain things that before were forbidden
you.
unto you. I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: so fear God, and
with from Lord; God, and
Surely
obey me. Surely God is my Lord and your Lord; so serve Him. This is a
Lard serye fhis
straight path", (3:45-51 l
straight path". (3:45-51)
another verse the Qur'an, Jesusco.nfirmed validity the
In another verse of the Qur'an, Jesus cqnfirmed the validity of the Torah
the
which was revealed Mosesand he also brought the glad tidings thc coming
which was revealed to Moses and he also broughtthe glad tidings of the coming
messenger aftcr
of a final messenger after him. This is clearly indicated in the following verse:
is clearly indicated the versc:
'chiklren
And when Jesus son of Mary said, 'children of Israel, I am indeed the
And when Jesas son of Mary of lsrael, indeed the
Messenger to you, confirming the Torah that is before me, andgiving good
Messenger confirming the that before and giving good
tidings of a Messenger who shall come after me, whose name shall be the
of Messenger who shall name shall the
praised one (note that this is translation of Ahmad which is Prophet
(note that this is translation Ahmad which is Prophet
M u hamma d ' snam e) ( 61: 6)
Muhammad's name). (61:6)
The messe nger.of whom Jesus gaveglad tidingsis referred in both the old
The messenger.ofwhom Jesus gave glad tidings is referred to the old
and new tcstamentsrof Bible.The old testament
and new testaments~of the Bible.
the testament containsseveral
contains several prophecies
prophecies
that apply only to fhe Prophet Muhammad. I quote only one of thosewhich
that apply the Prophet Muhammad. I quote one those which
applies to none except Prophct Muhammad. This prophecy which was
applies none except Prophet Muhammad. This prophecy which was
addressedto Moses said that God will send among the 'brethren' of the
addressed Moses said that send among the "brethren' the
Israelites, prophet like Moseswho will be a foundcr,a leader,and an exemplar
Israelites, a prophet like Moses be founder, leader, and exemplar
of a community of believers. rcad this in the following verses Deut. Ch.
of community believers. We read this the following verses of Deut.
of
r8:
18:
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren;
will raise them 8 prophet like from among brethren;
_9_

9. and II witt put My words in his mouth, and he shall spaat tothem all that II
and will put My words in hismouth" and he shall speak to them allthat
command him. And whoever will not give heedto My words which he shall
command him. And whoever will giva heed to My words which he shall
speak in My name, II Myself will reguire it of him. (Deut l8:18-2O)
in My nam8~ MyseH will require it of him. (Deut 18:18-20)
Any onc who is familisr with Prophet Muhammad's lifc, can easily secthat
Anyone who is familiar with Prophet Muhammad's life, see that
no onc fits thc above description better than Prophet Muhammad. It was
no one the better than Prophet Muhammad. It was
Prophct Muhammad, not Jesus, who like Moses was born from ordinary
Prophet Muhammad, not Jesus, who like Moses was born from ordinary
parcnts, got marricd, founded a faithful community, establisheda great law and
parents, married, faithful community, established
died death.
dicd a natural death.
Carcful study of thc New Tcstament shows that this same prophet is
Careful of the Testament shows same
referred Jesus 14:16,17:
referred to by Jesusin John 14:16,17:
And t witt pray the Father, and He will give you another Counselor, to
And I will pray the and will give dnother
be with
ba with for ever~ even the Spirit of
you for ever, even the Spirit of truth.
l^ater in John specificdcscription of this Spirit of Truth and his role is given
Later specific description ofthis Spirit of Truth given
a s we r c ad in J oh n 16: :1 3 ,1 4 .:
as we read John 1 6 13,14.:
When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for
When the Spirit of fruth comes~ he will guide you into a/l the truth, fOI
his own authority~ but whatever
ne will not speak on hfs own authority, but whatever he hears he will
ne witt not speak hears will
speak and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify
speak and witl dectare the things will glorify
Me...
Me...
the conclusionusuallyattributed
The terms of the prophecy do not warrant the conclusion usually attributed
terms the prophecy
to this prophecy, namely that it refers to the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost
this prophecy, namely that refers the Ghost. Thc Ghost
cxplanation is excluded a previous versc which reads:
explanation is excludelt by a previous verse in John which reads:
Nevertheless / tell truth: fi rs advantages that
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantages that I go
away, for if I do not go away, the counselor will not come to you.
if not counselor will not come you.
is clcar the Bible that the Ghost used visit men beforeand
It is clear from the Bible that the Holy Ghost used to visit men before and
the Jesus. was Ghost beforc he was
during the life-time of Jesus. John was filled with the Holy Ghost before he was
the
and Jesushimsclf reccivedthc Ghost the shape a dove.
born and Jesus himself received the Holy Ghost in the shape of a dove.
The characteristics counselor, as can be derived the prophecy,
The characteristics of this counselor, as can be derived from the prophecy,
are the following:
are thc
1. He will not come until Jesus leaves.
l. Hc not come Jesusleaves.
2. He will stay forever, with the believers.
2. He stay forever, the believers.
3. He will glorify Jesus.
3. Hc will glorify Jesus.
4. He will speak what he hears from God.
4. Hc will speak what he hears from God.
are applicable only to Prophet Muhammad, as the
These characteristics are applicable only to Prophet Muhammad, as the
Thesc characteristics
following brief remarks show:
following bricf remarks show:
J.
l. that cameafter Jcsus.There
Prophet Muhammad was the only messenger that came after Jesus. There
Prophct Muhammad was the only mcsscnger
was a period of six centuriesbetweenthem.Jesus'smission limited to
was
was a period of six centuries between them Jesus's mission was limited to
thc "lost sheepof the children of Israel", but Muhammad's was a universal
the Mlost sheep ofthe children of Israel", but Muhammad's was a universal
_10_
_t0_

10. message. This explains the second characteristic.
mcssagc.This explains thc sccond characteristic-
2.
2. Only Prophet Muhammad's messagewas intcndcd by God to be a
Only Prophet Muhammad's message was intended by God to be a
universal and everlastingmessage.This agreeswith the statemcntthat thc
universal and everlasting message. This agrees with the statement that the
counselor will stay forever with the faithful.
will with the
3.
3. No other prophet glorified Jesusas much as Prophet Muhammad did.
glorified Jesus as as Prophet Muhammad
The Jews called him an impostor and accused mothcr of immorality.
Jews called accused his mother of
They tricd to crucify him. Prophet Muhammad consideredJesus asgreat
tried to considered Jesusas great
Prophet and the "Word of God". The Qur'an attributedto him miracles
Prophet and the "Word of Qur'an attributed miracles
that are not menti<,ned the Bible. Mary is consideredthe most chastc
are mentiuned in Bible. considered chaste
woman and the best of all women in paradisc. Thus did Muhammad
and best of women paradise.
really Jesus.
really glorify Jesus.
4.
4. The fourth characteristic appliesneatlyto Prophct Muhammad.Thc
characteristic also applies neatly Prophet Muhammad. The
also
Qur'an was revealedto Prophet Muhammad through the angelGabriel.
Qur'an was revealed Prophet angel Gabriel.
When thc angelfinishedrecitingthe Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad usedto
the angel finished reciting the Qur'an, Prophet used
convey verbatimto his companions what he heardfrom the angel without
convcy verbatim his companions what he heard the angelwithout
adding, changing forgetting anything. Qur'an also describes
adding, changing or forgetting anything. The Qur'an also describes
Prophet Muhammad saying "He does not speak out of his own fancy. He
Prophet Muhammad saying"Hi does speak his own fancy.He
utterswhat is revealed (53:4,5). we comparethis with, *He
utters what is revealed to him." (53:4,5). If we compare this with, "He will
tf
speak his own authority", we seethe strikingsimilaritybetween the
not speak on his own authority", we see the striking similarity between the
the counselorand those Prophet Muhammad. These
characteristics of the counselor and those of Prophet Muhammad. These
characteristics
predict unequivocal
and other prophecies in the old and new testaments predict in unequivocal
and other prophecies the old and newtestaments
termsthe advent ProphetMuhammad who is rejected the Jewsand
terms the advent of Prophet Muhammad who is rejected by the Jews and
and bias rather than
Christians on the basis of misunderstanding and bias rather than on the
Christians the basis misunderstanding thc
basis carefulstudy the Bible,the Qur'an and modern findingsin the
basis of careful study of the Bible, the Qur'an and modern findings in the
field of comparative religion.
field comparativc religion.
JESUS RAISED TO HEAVEN
JESUS RAISED TO HEAVEN
*the straight
It is a sad fact of history that not many follow "the straight path", to which
many
It is a sad fact history
people wcre called by Jesus. He was followed by a few disciples who wcre
people were called by Jesus. He was followed by a few disciples who were
only that, but thc non-bclicvcrsplottcd (as
inspired by God to support him. Not only that, but the non-believers plotted (as
inspired by God to support him.
they did to Muhammad six ccnturies later) to kill Jesus,but God had a bctter
they did to Muhammad six centuries later) to kill Jesus, but God had a better
plan for him and his followcrs as thc Qur'an tclls us in thc following verscs:
plan for him and his followers as the Qur'an tells us in the following verses:
'who will
And when Jesus perceived their unbelief, he said, 'wfJo will be my
And when Jesus perceived their unbelief, he said, be my
helpers in the cause of Godl The Apostles said, 'we will be helpers of God. '
helpers in the cause of G od? fhe Apostles said,'we will be helpers of G od.'
We believe in God; be witness of our suhmission. Lord, we believc in that
We believe in God; be witness of our submission. Lord, we believe in that
_11_
- ll -

11. Youhave scnt down, and we followthe Messenger. lnscribe us therefore
You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger. Inscribe us therefore
those hcar witness.' devised. God devised,
with those who bear witness. ' And they devised, and God devised, and
God is the best devisers.When God said.'Jesus. will take you to me
God is the best of devisers. When God said, 'Jesus, II will take you to me
will raise you to Me, you those whodo notbelieve.
and will raise you to Me, and II will purify you of those who do not believe. II
will
will set unbelievers till Ressurrection Day.
will set your followers above the unbelievers till the Ressurrect;on Day.
above
Then you return, decide between you, as
Then unto Me shall you return, and I will decide between you, as to what
you were variance on. unbelievers, punish
you were at variance on. As for the unbelievers, I will punish them with a
punishment this world and the next; they have
terrible punishment in this worldand the next; they shall have no helpers. '
helpers.'
(3:52-6)
As thc aboveverses indicate,Jesuswas raiscdto heaven
As the above verses indicate, Jesus was raised to heaven before he died.
beforche died.
This means that according the Qur'anhewasnot crucified. wastheplan
This means that according to the Qur'an he was not crucified. It was the plan of
thc enemies Jesusto put him deathon thc cross, God saved
the enemies of Jesus to put him to death on the cross, but God saved him and
but him and
somebody elsewas crucified.This plot and the falseaccusation Mary arc
somebody else was crucified. This plot and the false accusation of Mary are
considered thc Qur'an to be some thc sins the non-believing
by
considered by the Qur'an to be some of the sins of the non-believing Jews. All
Jews.
this is clear in thc following quomtion:
this is clear in the following quotation:
And unbelief,
And for their unbelief, and their uttering against Mary a mighty
against
their saying, 'We slew
calumny, and for their saying, 'We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary,
the Messenger God'... yet they slayhim,
the Messenger of God'... yet they did not slay him, neither crucified him,
crucified him,
likeness that was shown them. Those who are
only a likeness of that was shown to them. Those who are at variance variance
concetning
concf:tning him surely are in doubt regarding him, they have no
except
knowledge of him, except the following of surmise; and they did not slay slay
ol certainty... indeed; God
him of certainty... no indeed,' God raised him up to Him; God is Almighty,
God
There not one the people
All-wise. There is not one of the people of the Book but will assuredly
Book assuredly
his ddath, tha f,essunection
believe in him before his death, and on the Ressurrection Day he will be II
will a
witness againstthem. (4:t 56-91
witness against them. (4:156·9)
Who was the personcrucified instead Jesus?
Who was the person crucified instead of Jesus? The Qur'an does not
The Qur'an does not
elaborate this point nor does give any answcrto this question.
on
elaborate on this point nor does it give any answer to this question. The
The
interpreters the Qur'an have suggested few names.But
interpreters of the Qur'an have suggested a few names. But all these are
a theseare
individualguesses supported thc Qur'an the sayings the Prophct
individual guesses not supported by the Qur'an or the sayings of the Prophet
not by
Muhammad.
Muhammad.
This means that Jcsus comcbackbeforethe Day of Judgement.
This means that Jesus will come back before the Day ofJudgement. Again
Again
thc SecondComing is clcarly mentioned thc Qur'an. However,thc
the Second Coming is not clearly mentioned in the Qur'an. However, the
explanators the Qur'an understood last vcrsc the abovequotation:
the
explanators of the Qur'an understood the last verse of the above quotation:
there is not one of the people of the Book but will assuredly believe in him
not ona ol Eook will assurcdlybelieva
before his dcath,
belore his death, and on the Resurrection Day he willbe a witness against
the ResurrectionDay will he witness against
tham, to mcanthat Jcsus comcbackandall theChristians theJcwswill
them, mean Jesus will come back and the Christians andthe Jews
and
believein him bcfore he dies. This undcrstandingis supportedby authentic
believe before he dies. This understanding supported authentic
Bylngs of thc Prophct Muhammad.
sayings the Prophet Muhammad.
_ 12_
-12-

12. P OI N TS TO B E CO NS I DER ED
POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED
After rcading this prescntation a believing Christian might say .This is
After reading this presentation a believing Christian might say "This is
what the Muslims, whom we always considered as heathens or infidcls, say
what the Muslims, whom we always considered as heathens or infidels, say
about Jcsus." But the point of view which the Qur'an presentsdeserves
about Jesus." But the point of view which the Qur'an presents deserves serious
serious
consideration, to say thc least, by those who are really concerned about God,
consideration, to say the least. by those who are really concerned about God,
faith and even Christianity itself for the following reasons:
faith and even Christianity itself for the following reasons:
l.
I. The Qur'an is the last vcrsion of God's revelarionand what it saysis the
The Qur'an is the last version of God's revelation and what it says is the
ultimate truth. This might not mean much for those who do not believein
ultimate truth. This might not mean much for those who do not believe in
the Qur'an as such. However, the history of the Qur'an, modern textuai
the Qur'an as such. However, the history of the Qur'an, modern textuai
criticism and scicntific researchof the content of this scripture lcave no
criticism and scientific research of the content of this scripture leave no
about the
doubt about the truth it contains. The frequently made statements that
contains. The frequently made statementsthat
the Qur'an is the word
the Qur'an is the word of Muhammad who copied his information from
Muhammad who copiecihis from
Jcwish and Christian sourcesis made by people who
Jewish and Christian sources is made by people who do not know the
not thc
history
history of the world, the Qur'an or Muhammad. The first Arabic
the the Qur'an Muhammad. Thc first Arabic
translation the Bible appeared
translation of the Bible appeared two centuries after Muhammad's
c€nturies Muhammad's
mission. If we add
mission. If we add to this Muhammad's illiteracy and the scarcity of
this Muhammad's illiteracy and the scarcity
religious books any languageoutsidechurchesand temples the sixth
religious books in any language outside churches and temples in the sixth
ccntury we can understand the absurdity
century we can understand the absurdity of this allegation.
this allcgation.
2.
2. The oneness and universality of God's message requires that people
onenessand universality God's messagcrequires people
accept the mcssengcrs God. Rcjecting one
accept all the messengers of God. Rejecting one of them amounts to
thcm amounts
rejccting
rejecting them all. The Jews reject Jesus's mission and Muhammad's
Jcws reject Jesus's mission
mission; the Christians reject Muhammad's mission; whereas the
mission; the Christians reject Muhammad's mission; whereas the
accept thcnt all,
Muslims accept them all, but reject incorrect historical interpretations
reject incorrect historical intcrpretations
and human elements these missions.
and human elements in these missions.
3..
3 Becauseof the Qur'an, Muslims love and rcspectJesusas they love and
Because the lovc and respect Jesus as they love and
respcctthe Prophet Muhammad. Morcover, the Qur'an rcports some of
respect the Prophet Moreover, the Qur'an reports some
Jesus's miracles which are not reported in the present gospcl. For
Jesus's miracles are reported the present gospel.
example,the Qur'an tells that Jcsusspokcin thc cradleand wasable to tell
example, tells Jesus spoke the cradle was able
pcople what they ate or trcasuredin their houses,to mcntion just a few.
people treasured houses, mention few.
4.
4. It is common knowledge that the divinity of Jesus was introduced by
It knowledge of Jesus was introduced
Saint Paul and his followers and was establishcdon thc dead bodics of
followers was established the dead bodies of
millions of Christians through history which evokcd thc Castillo's well-
of Christians evoked the Castillo's
known remark "To burn a man is not to provc a doctrine."
known "To burn not to prove doctrine."
5.
S. Thc choicc of the present four gospels was imposcd in the conferenceof
The choice of the present four gospels was imposed in the conference of
Nicca 325 C.E. undcr thc auspiccs of thc pagln Empcror Constsntinc for
Nicea C.E. under the auspices of the pagan Emperor Constantine for
-13- _
_13

13. politicel purpolcs. Litcrally, hundreds of gorpelc and religious writinp
political purposes. Literally, of gospels writings
wcrt considcred apocqryha, i.c. books of doubtful aufhenticity. Some of
were considered apocrypha, i.e. books of doubtful authenticity. of
those books were written Jesus's If they were not more
thorc books wcrc writtcn by Jesus's disciples. If thcy wcrc not morc
authcntic than the four gospcls they were of equal authcnticity. Some of
authentic than four lospels they of authenticity. of
them still arc availablc such as the Gospel of Barnabas and the
still are available Gospel of Barna6as
Shepherd of Hermas which agrcc with the Qut'an.
thapherd of Hermas which agree with Qur'an.
6. Thc Unitarian concept and thc humanness of Jssus is not only held by
The Unitarian the humanness of Jesus not only
Muslims brrt also by Jewsand by somc early groups of christianity suchas
blt also Jews some ofchristianity such as
the Ebionites. Cerinthians, the Basilidians, the Capocratians and thc
thc Ebionites, the Cerinthians, thc Basilidians,thc C;apocratians the
Hypisistarians to namc scveral early sccts.The Arians, Paulicians and
Hypisistarians name several sects. Paulicians
Goths also acccptcd Jcsus as a prophet of God. Evcn in the modcrn age
accepted Jesus as of Even modern age
thcrc are churchcs in Asia, in Africa, the Unitarian church, and Jehova
there are churches Africa. church. Jehova
Witnesses who do not worship Jesus as God.
Witnesscs Jesus as
7..
7 Most scrious studies of the Bible have shown that it contains a large
serious studies of have contains large
additions which neither Jesus the writers the gospels
podion of additions which neither Jesus nor the writers of the gospels
portion
said. church, as Heinz said, *put words
said. The church. as Heinz Zahrnt said, "put words into the mouth of
the
Jesus he nevcr spoke actions he ncver
Jesus which he never spoke and attributed actions to him which he never
somc members
performed." Those conclusions were arrived at by some members of the
performed." Those conclusions were
the specialists.
church. However, they are kept secret or available only to the specialists.
church. Howevcr, thcy arc kept sccrct available
One .those, has shown most what the church saysabout
One of ,those, who has shown that most of what the church says about
Jesus is baseless is Rudolf Augustein in his book Jesus Son of Man,
Jesusis basclcss is Augustein his Son of
(published in Germany 1912 and translated into English 1911).
(published Gcrmany 1972and translated English 1977).
8..
8 The problem presentChristianity is the personality Jesuswhich is
The problem with present Christianity is the personality of Jesus which is
completely misunderstood Jesus's nature,, mission and claimed death and
completelymisundcrstood,Jesus's nature missionand claimcd death and
rcsurreCtion, are challengedby studies the field. One thosc is a
resurreCtion, are all challenged by studies in the field. One of those is a
lncarnate which appeared I977 (edited
book entitled The Myth of God Incarnate which appeared 1977 (edited
entitlcd The Myth
by John Hick) and written by seven theologian scholars in England. Their
John and written seventheologianscholars England.
conclusion is that Jcsus,was*a man approved specialrole
conclusion is that Jesus .was "a man approved by God, for special role
God,
withiq the divinc purpose, and..... the later conception as God
withiQ the divine purpose. and..... the later conception of him as God
incarnate .... is a mythological poetic way of expressinghis significance
incarnate .... is a mythological or poetic way ofexpressing his significance
for us."
us."
refutc thc findings
The best George Carey could say in his attempt to refute the findings of
Thc bcst Gcorgc C-areycould say in his attcmpt
those theologians is that unless one takes Jesus as God Incarnate one
those theologians is that unless one takcs Jesusas God Incarnatc one
won't bc able to understandJesus'smission or explain its impact on
won't be able to understand Jesus's mission or explain its impact on
people.This definitely is avery weakargumentbecause great prophcts
people. This definitely is a very weak argument because all great prophets
all
such as Abraham, Moses, and Muhamqad have had a tremcndous
such as Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad have had a tremendous
impact on peoplc and nonc of thcm claimed hc was God or a son of
impact on people and none of them claimed that he was God or a son of
God.
God.
_ 114_
_ 4_

14. 9..
9 concept thc Trinity is coursc, available cven thc prcsent
The concept of the Trinity is not, of course, available even in the present
Bible. There are statem~nts which negate it such as "The Lord our God is
Biblc. Therc arc statemqnts negate such as'The Lord is
one Lord (Math. 12:29)
one Lord (Math. 12:29) and many others.
others.
t0.
10. It is worth noting that Jesus never claims divinity even in the present text
is noting Jesusncver claims evcn the prcsenttcxt
of the Bible. The expression "Son of God" cannot be said to have come
thc Biblc. cxprcssion God" cannot bc said have comc
from Jesus himself. Hasting in The Dictionary of the Bible says
Jesus himsclf. fhe Dictionary of the BrDle says
"Whethcr Jesusused
"Whether Jesus used it of himself is doubtful."ln my reading of the Bible,
himsclf is doubttul." In rcading the Bible,
found instances
I found only two instances in John Chapter 5 and II where Jesus uses "son
Chapter and I I whereJesususes
rcfer himself. instanceswere used
of God" to refer to himself. Other instances were used by others. Even
others. Even
those arc vcry limited. Howcver, cvcn thc "son
those are very limited. However. even if the title "son of God" was used by
wasused
Jesus himself one should remember the following points:
Jesushimself one should rcmember thc points:
a biblical scholar said,*semitic usage nev€rhaveall.owed literal
a) As a biblical scholar said. "semitic usage would never have allowed literal
sensc eventhough such an expression be interpretcdliterally the
sense even though such an expression would be interpreted literally in the
Hellenistic world of Jesus followers".
Hellenistic Jesusfollowers".
The Tcstamcnt Greck words uscd are pias and paida,
b) The New Testament Greek words used for "son" are piss and paida,
which means 'servant' or 'son in the sense of servant. are translated son in
which means'servant' or'son the sense servant, translated
are
reference to Jesus and servant in reference to others in some translations
reference Jesusand refcrencc others sometranslations
thc Biblc (Mufassir, P. l5).
of the Bible (Mufassir, P. IS).
c) The title "son
c) The title "son of man" which is a self-designation of Jesus and occurs 81
man" which is a self-dcsignation Jesus and occurs8l
times the gospclsis thc clearest
times in the gospels is the clearest description and emphasis by Jesus on
descriptionand emphasis Jesuson
his humanity. The classical interpretationgiven this title is that is
his humanity. The classical interpretation given to this title is that it is
used emphasizcthe human side
used to emphasize the human side of Jesus. Now the question which
Jcsus. thc question which
suggests itself is : Do contemporary Christians emphasize this aspect of
suggests itsclf is contemporaryChristiansemphasize this aspect
Jesus?
Jesus?
THE POPE CONTRADICTS THE BIBLE
T HE POPE CO NT RA DI CT S T H E BIB L E
Biblical account Jesus's crucillxion is
The traditional Biblical account of Jesus's crucifixion is that he was
he was
the orders and plans pricst and
arrested and crucified by the orders and plans of the chief priest and
arrested and crucified the
Jewish elders. This account was denied in the 1960's by the highest
Jewish clders. This account was denied the 1960's thc highest
Catholic Christianauthority, the Pope. He issued statemcnt which he
Catholic Christian authority, the Pope. He issued a statement in which he
a
said the Jews had nothing withJesus'scrucifixion.
said the Jews had nothing to do with Jesus's crucifixion. This definitely
This definitcly
does contradict thc Biblical account.You might say This is a political
does contradict the Biblical account. You might say:: This is a political
decree. agrees what Muslims are saying: thc church had
decree. This agrees with what Muslims are saying: the church had
introduced many elements into christianity and was influenced by many
introduccd many elements christianity and was influenced many
factors which madc its view christianity not
factors which made its view of christianity not only changeable but, by
changeable but,
and large, contradict the early forms of christianity.
and large, contradict the early forms christianity.
_ 15_
- 15-

15. RELIGION VS.. SCIENCE
RE LI G I O N V S SC IEN C E
Thc religious vicws concerning Cod, the Bible, and Man's rclation to God
The religious views concerning God, the Bible, and Man's relation to God
which the church prescnted forccd people into an unfortunate choicc: cithcr
which the church presented forced people into an unfortunate choice: either
scienceor God. Most cducated people have come to the conclusion that onc
science or God. Most educated people have come to the conclusion that one
tnn't bc a scientist or an educated person and be a christian. Thus many
can't be a scientist or an educated person and be a christian. Thus many
philosophers,scientists
philosophers, scientists and the majority of the people lost hope of reconciling
and the majority of the people lost hopc of reconciling
rcligion and scinence.
religion and scinence. This unfortunate understanding later on was generalized
This unfortunate undcrstandinglater on was generalized
includeeyeryreligion as a result the inlfuence wcsterncivilization, whiclr
to include every religion as a result of the inlfuence of western civilization, which
was mainly christian. This whole issuewould not have risen the first place
was mainly christian. This whole issue would not have risen in the first place if
the teachings Jcsuswere not distorted tamperedwith. This is because,
the teachings of Jesus were not distorted or tampered with. This is because, as as
Islam views the mattcr, there is no contradictiori whatsoeverbetweenreligion
Islam views the matter, there is no contradiction whatsoever between religion
and science. Scientific facts are
and science. Scientific facts are just one source of our knowledge of God. The
one source knowledge God. The
othcr sourccis rcvelationas is containedir-r original teachings Jesus
other source is revelation as it is contained i" the original teachings of Jesus and
the irnd
ihe presenttcxt the Qur'an. Both religion and true scientificknowledgeare
in the present text of the Qur'an. Both religion and true scientific knowledge are
the samc sourcc: God. So He won't contradict Himself.
from the same source: God. So He won't contradict Himself.
Thus, concepts
Thus, concepts like the Trinity, The Son of God, Original Sin. the
thc The son God, original sin. the
Atoncment,etc.,which
Atonement,etc.,which were the product of distorti-on and mis-understanding in
werethe product distortionand mis-understanding
the history Christianity,drove peoplc away
the history of Christianity, drove people away not only from Christianity but
Christianity
also from other religions, including Islam, which is not afflected with these
also other religions, including Islam, which is afflected these
problems. This is due the fact that many peoplc
problems. This is due to the fact that many people think that because Islam is a
because Islam is
religion (the meaning the very
religion (the meaning of the very word is limited in western languages) it must be
is limited westernlanguages) must be
$imilar Christianity. Very few people
similar to Christianity. Very few people will have the interest and the ability to
havethe interestand the tu
discover the falsehood
discover the falsehood of this assumption.
assumption.
EVIDENCES FOR THE QUR'ANtC A C C O U N T
E V I D E N C E S F O R T H E O U R ' A N I C ACCOUNT
T'his implicit assumption is one of the causes of hesitation and
This assumption is one of the causes hesitation and
unwillingnessof many people to accept the Qur'anic view of Jesus.This is in
unwillingness many people accept the Qur'anic view Jesus. is
spite of thc fact that this point of vielv is supported by:
spite the fact vic;.w is supported by:
a) early history Christianity continued three decades aftcr
The early history of Christianity which continued for threc decades after
Jesus's disappearance as sect
as Judaism.
Jesus'sdisappcarance a sect within Judaism.
b) Thc practiccof many Christian sectsand scholarsthroughout the history
The practice of Christian sects and scholars the
of Christianity.
Christianity.
c) The findings of many Biblical scholarsand scientificrescarchwhich was
findings of Biblical scholars and scientific research was
applied to the Bible.
applied the Bible.
_ t 616_
_ _

16. d)
d) The instinct of many peoplc (some of whom think they are Christians)
The instinct of many people (some of whom think they are Christians)
who belicve in the One God, but can't acceptJcsusas God or Thc Son'of
who believe in the One God, but can't accept Jesus as God or The Son'of
God.
God.
It is worth noting that the main differcnces bctween thc Qur'anic account
It is worth noting that the main differences between the Qur'anic account
and what modern researchand scholars have found is that the Qur'an said what
and what modern research and scholars have found is that the Qur'an said what
it says now about Jesus and his rnission fourtecn centurics ago and never
it says now about Jesus and his mission fourteen centuries ago and never
changcd its stand.
changed its stand.
R E ASONS HO LDI NG P E O P L E F R OM ISL A M
REASONS HOLDING PEOPLE FROM ISLAM
Some of the other reasonswhich might account for the rejcction of the
Some of the other reasons which might account for the rejection of the
Qur'anic account include:
Qur'anic account include:
a)
a) The time-honored brasagainstIslam which was partly the product the
The time-honored bias against Islam which was partly the product of the
Crusades and the product the Arab-lsraeli conflict in the Middle
Crusades and partly the product of the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle
East.
East.
b)
b) Confusion. people although they
Confusion. Many people although they do not accept Christianity. do
not accept Christianity,
not where the
not know where the truth is.
is.
c)
c) Social Pressure
Social Pressure and Academic Reputation. Many people were afraid
Reputatian. people were afraid
acccpt Islam bccause
to accept Islam because they felt they would be mocked, alienated from
they felt they would be mocked, alienated
their relativesand peers thcy openly rejectedChristianity and accepted
their relatives and peers if they openly rejected Christianity and accepted
Islam. At the academiclevcl, especially
Islam. At the academic level, especially among orientalists, if one writes
among orientalists, one writes
favourably about Islam and the
favourably about Islam and the Qur'an no body will review his work,
rcview his
quote even consider
quote from it or even consider it a scholarly work. He could be even
scholarly work. Hc could be evcn
destroyed professionally. The Washington Post (January 5, 1978)
dcstroyed professionally. The washington Post (January i, l97E)
reported that a Universityof Richmond Professor,Dr. Robert Alley lost
reported University Richmond Professor, lost
thc chairmanship of the Department of Religion there becausche holds
the chairmanship the Department Religion there because he holds
the view that Jcsusneverclaimed to be the son of God. Afterconsidcrable
the view Jesus never claimed be the son of After considerable
rcsearchinto newly found ancient documents,Dr. Alley concludedthat:
research newly ancient documents. concluded that:
The (Eiblelpassages whereJesus ralts about the son of God are
The (Bible) passages where Jesus talks of are
later additions..... what the church said about him. Such a ctaim of
Jater what the church said about him. Such claim of
deity for himself would not have been consistent with his entire life-
deity for himself would not have been consistent with his entire life-
style as lt/e can reconstruct. For the first three decades a{terJesus'
stlla as we can reconstruci For three after Jesus'
death Christianity continued as a sea within Judaism. The first
death Christianity continued as sect within Judaism.
three decades of its existence of the church were within the
three decades of its of church were within the
synagogue. That would have been bevond belief if they lthe
synagogue. would have beyond belief if they (the
followers) had boldlv proclaimed the deity of Jesus.
followers) had boldly proclaimed of
_t 717_
- -

17. ISLAM: THE NATURAL CALL
l8tAif : THE IIIATURAL CALL
Dcspitc thescfactors, and some others which II did not mention, there have
Despite these factors, and some others which did not mention, there have
beenmany peoplewho havc submittedto truth. The Islamic point of view about
been many people who have submitted to truth. The Islamic point of view about
Jesusand othcr major issuesstrikes thosc who getintroduccd to it assomething
Jesus other major issues strikes those who get introduced to it as something
which makes lot of sense and somethingwhich they hold implicitly without
which makes a lot of sense something which they hold implicitly without
knowing it. This, and othcr characteristicsmade lslam the fastest growing
it. other characteristics made Islam the fastest growing
religion in thc world throughout history. lt appealseven to faithful Christians
religion in the world history. It appeals even Christians
because discover
bccausethey discover that:
a) lslam does not abolish Jesus,it rather puts him in the right position in the
Islam does abolish Jesus, puts position
long line of men who brought real salvation to humanity. In reality they
of salvation humanity. In reality they
arc adding a new dimension to their understandingof God, prophct-
are dimension understanding of prophet.
revelation.
hood, and revclation.
b)
5) When Christianity and Judaism (or for that matter any religion) are
Judaism religion) are
lookcd at from the tslamic perspectivethey fit in neatly in thc universal
looked Islamic perspective neatly the universal
framcwork of the oncness God and Hip plansfor mankind. Moreover,
framework of the oneness of and Hi,S plans mankind. Moreover,
onc will understand clearly why there ar€ some gaps or discrepancicsin
one will understand there are some gaps discrepancies
the Biblical account about certain issues.
thc Biblical account about certain issues.
c) Islam docs consider the the long chain revelation. lt
lslam does consider itself the final link in thc long chain of revelation.It
promisesthe followcrs previousfaiths Ereat rewards they add belief
promises the followers of previous faiths great rewards if they add belief in
Islam belief Prophct said,
Islam to their belief in their previous faith. The Prophet Muhammad said,
previousfaith.
is revealed
"He who has believed in his religion then believed in what is revealed to
has believed his religion then believed
me will be rewarded twice (by God)." That is once for believing in his faith
me be rewardedtwice God).''fhat is oncc believing his faith
and the other recognizing and bclieving Islam.
and the other for recognizing truth and believing in Islam.
God's great prophets.
To sum up, Islam considers Jesus as one of God's great prophets. His
sum up, Islam considersJcsus as one
and lead man his
mission was to preach the Oneness of God and to lead man to his Lord. He never
mission was preachthe Onencss ncver
be other than a servant and a Mcssenger God. Thc
claimed to be other than a servant and a Messenger of God. The Qur'anic
claimed
account his and mission is supported overwhclming evidence.
account of his life and mission is supported by overwhelming evidence. The
Jesus. He
Muslims do believe in and are awaiting the Second Coming of Jesus. He will
believe and are awaiting the Second
come back as God the non-christians, as Jesus,God's servant.
come back not as God to judge the non-christians, but as Jesus, God's servant.
His is correct the misconccption people have dcvelopedabout
His coming is to correct the misconception which people have developed about
his pcrsonality and his mission. According to a saying of the PrOphet
his personality and his mission. According to a saying of the Prpphet
Muhammad, he will stay for forty years which is going to be the happiest years
Muhammad, he will stay for forty years which is going to be the happiest years
of life on this earth. At that timc everybody will beleivein him as the mcss€ngct,
of life on this earth. At that time everybody will beleive in him as the messenger,
not the Son of God. However, what about thosc who will not be able to livc till
not the Son of God. However, what about those who will not be able to live till
his second -coming? They better do it now!
his second coming? Thcy better do it now!
_18-
- 18_

18. FURTHERREADINGS ISTAM
FURTHER READ·INOS ON ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY
CHRISTIANIW
M. M. Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Our'an
Pickthall, The the Glorious Aur'dn
T. B. Irving, et aI., The Our'an : Basic Teachings
T. B. Irving, et al., The Aur'an Easic Teachings
HamudaAbdulati, lslam Focus
Hamuda Abdulati, Is/am in Focus
Qutb, lslam : The MisunderstoodReligion
M. Qutb, Is/am: The Misunderstood Religion
Bawany,lslam : The First
B. A. Bawany, Islam: The First and Final Religion
B.
Maurice Bucaillc,The &ible, THe O,ur'an
Maurice Bucaille, The Bible, THe Our'an and Science
Science
Mauricc Bucaille, fhe
Maurice Bucaille, The Origin of Man
Lordsaleand laura Ragg, The Gospel Barnabas
Lordsale and Laura Ragg, The Gospel of Barnabas
MuhammadAta-ur-Rahman, Jesus : Prophet lslam
Muhammad Ata-ur-Rahman. Jesus: A Prophet of Is/am
Rudolf Augustein,
Rudolf Augustein. Jesus Son of Man
Jesus Son
John Hick (ed), The God lncarnate
John Hick (ed). The Myth of God Incarnate
S. S. Mufassir,Jesus the Q,ur'an.
S. S. Mufassir. Jesus in the Qur'an.
Some these booksand othersabout Islamcan be obtained
Some of these books and others about Islam can be obtained from:
from:
World Assembly Muslim Youth (WAMY)
World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY)
P. O. Box 10845
P. O. Box 10845
Tel. (01)4et1663
Tel. (01)4641663
Riyadh I1443,SaudiArabia
Riyadh '11443, Saudi Arabia
the nearest IslamicCenterin your part the world.
Or the nearest Islamic Center in your part of the world.
_19_
-19-

19. rt{TRoDucTtorI
INTRODUCTION
Thc lrlamic rocount Jccur'r and mislion ir quitc rcaronebleand puts
The Islamic account of Jesus's life and mission is quite reasonable and puts
Jcrur hir plape rmong thc grcat mceccngcrg God
Jesus in his right place among the peat messenaen of God to humanity. humanity.
Although the lthmic vicw Jeuu aSrccs whet mrny pcoplc inrtinctively
Althoup the Islamic view of Jesus agrees with what many people instinctively
is romctimes rcjcctcd becaurc this is what lrlam reys about him.
think, it is sometimes rejected because this is what Islam says about him.
Howcvcr,thosewho comc Islam an opcn mind and freefrom bits
However, those who come to Islam with an open mind and free from bias will
subr1it thc logc and belicvabillty thc Isbmic accountof Jesus.
subm,it to the logic and believability of the Islamic account ofJesus. The Islamic
The Islamic
position is erpociallyappreciated thore who havestrugglcd
by
position is especially appreciated by those who have struggled with the various
the various
Christian dogmasthat sre ccntcredaround thc pcrronality JesusChrist.
Christian dogmas that are centered around the penonality of Jesus Christ.
Thc following is a lcttcr which receivcdfrom one the vicwerswho
The following is a letter which I received from one of the viewers who
follow my program:
follow my program: ISLAM IN PERSPECTIVE, televised by the Saudi
PERSPECTIVE, tclevisedby the Saudi
Arabian Telcvision, Sccond Channel.
Arabian Television, Second Channel. It is a response to a two-episode
is a r€$ponsc a two-episodc
discussion Jegus callcd:JESUS
discussion of Jesus called: JESUS IN ISLAM. I include this letter here for the
includethis lettcr here the
following rcasons:
following reasons:
l.
I. The writer is an expeft on this topic as a studcnt religion and an
The writer is an expert on this topic as a student of religion and an
objcctiveseeker truth.
objective seeker of truth.
2.
2. The writcr wasa belicvingChristianwho knowsChristians'feelings
The writer was a believing Christian who knows Christians' feelings and
and
beliefconcerning
belief concerning Jesus Christ.
JesusChrist.
3.
3. Thc writer's explanation how the ChristiansdeviatedfromJesus's
The writer's explanation of how the Christians deviated from Jesus's
instructionsand missionis quite plausiblcand accounts the prescnt
instructions and mission is quite plausible and accounts for the present
Christianbeliefabout Jesus.
Christian belief about Jesus.
would like thank thc writer hcr kind pcrmission includeherletter
I would like to thank the writer for her kind permission to include her letter
this publication.
in this publication.
t. J.
M.J.
_20_
-20-

20. CHRISTIANS THE SON GOD?
WHY DO CHRISTIANS CLAIM THAT JESUS IS THE SO'{ OF GOD?
Dear sir,
Dcer rir,
Arsalamo Alrilum rile Rahmrtullah
Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah
OPINION REGAR.DINGTHE DISCUSSIONON YOUR PROGRAM
OPINION REGARDING DISCUSSION PROGRAM
I nas vcry intcrcstodin your discussionon TV sinccthis is a topic which
was very interested discussion since is a which
ha-/e discussed rnany times, both as studcnt of religion, and outsidc the
I hevc discucsGd many times, as student relliion, and outside the
lcarning cnvironment, in many parts of thc world.
lcarDinI environment, many parts of the world.
As sn English Muslim convcrt, now living in Saudi Arabia, | find the sharp
an Enalish convert, liviDI Saudi I the sharp
contrat between societies, thought-provoking from many new points.
contrut betwecnsocieties, thoulht-provokinl many new points.
Focussingupon thc naturc of Jesusand Mary as cxplainedin thc Koran,
Focussinl upon the nature Jesus and as explained the Koran,
the Gospel the New Testamcnt,wc $oe tu,o opposingvicws -
and in the Gospel of the Ncw Testament, we see two oPposinl views - that of
rnd
is'Sonof God'andthat thc Koran neglectingall
Christian teachinl that Jesus is 'Son ofGod' and that of the Koran neglecting all
Chrigtiantcachingthat Jcsus
ruch cleims. thcn, becomes ncaessary ask thc qucstion
such claims. It then, becomcsnecessary to ask the question WHY was it was
nccccsary thc eerly Christhns makesucha claim about Jcsus,whenafter
necessary for the early Christians to make such a claim about Jesus, when after
all he never made any such claim himselfl
ell hc ncvcr rnadc any such himself?
answerbecomes clear if we study the basisfor the
It is my opinion that answer bccomec
tt clcar if wc study thc basis thc
uponGod and
reliaions of Islam and Christianity. As Muslims we base faith upon God and
rcligions Is}rm and Christianity.As Muslimswc base our
alone,and upon thc Koran God'sword His ProphctMuhammad
upon Him alone, and upon the Koran - God's word to His Prophet Muhammad
upon
whom we also bclievc as I truc Prophct
(PBUH) in whom we also believe - as a true Prophet of the one God. the one God.
Muhammad (PBUH) is God's scnfant, raitMul and obcdicnt and
Muhammad (PBU H) is God's servant, - faithful and obedient and totally
human hc rcmainsthe instrument God'spurposc lcad His peopleback
human - he remains the instrument of God's purpose to lead His people back to
Him apin.
again.
Now, asI total contrast turn Christianity a religionbuilt not around
wc
Now, as a total contrast we tum to Christianity - a reliaion built not around
thcre vvrs no'book'until 150ycarsaftcrJesus'sdcath.
God, or His book - for there was no 'book' until ISO years afterJesus's death.
God, His book
Christianity becamebuitt around thc personality Jcsushimsclf. By leying
Christianity became built around the personality of Jetus himself. By laying
uponthe magncticand wonderfulpcrsonalityof Jesus
more and more stress upon the magnetic and wonderful personality ofJesus and
morc and morestress and
unableand un-willing dcscribcthc Prophet'scffcctupon who came him
unable and un-willing to describe the Prophet's effect upon all who came to him
evcrydaytcrms morc and morcattributcsarc addcd his rcputation- a man
in everyday terms - more and more attributes are added to his reputation - a man
who could perform miraclcs,bring back thc dead lifc, hcalthc lcpcr,curcthc
who could perform miracles, bring back the dead to life, heal the leper, cure the
is indecda wondcrful man - blesscd God - born by
by
blind - all by God's will, is indeed a wonderful man - blessed by God - born by
blind God's
God's do His scrvioc. after his dcath,thc'magicd'personalitymust
God's will to do His service. But after his death, the 'magical' personality must
But
bc kept dive and 'Son God'Eppcar$ suitably qualify his actions.
be kept alive and 'Son of God' appears to suitably qualify all his actions.
stronglyflavouredby theGreco-Roman gods,all'super
Living in a society, strongly flavoured by the Greco-Roman gods, aU 'super
Living a socicty,
hum8n,' thc cducatcdcarly Chrirtians mustsurelyalso havebeeninfluenccd
human; the educated early Christians must surely also have been influenced in
thought by their surroundings.Paul himsclf, onc thc grcat teachcn
thouJbt by their surroundings. Paul himself, one of the great teachers of
_ 2 21 _
_ t -

21. Christianity, was a Hellenized Jew, who never saw or met Jesus during his
Christienrty, wrs Hellcnizcd Jcw, saw Jcsus during
lifetime. Vet many of his reported sayings show the influence of the times in
lifetime. Yet of saylngs of timcs
hc 'The Living Lord'was vcry real
which he lived. 'The Living Lord' was very real to him.
him,
The miraculous nature ofJesus's birth, also could help to give credence to
miraculous ofJesus'sbirth, credence
as son is I* I :
the idea of Jesus identity as son of God. But it is child-like in its 1+ 1 = 2 type
idea of Jesus typc
i.G.,God Mary - Mary
philosophy. i.e., G~ blew into the womb of Mary - Mary had Jesus, therefore
Jcsus,thcrefore
God is Jesus's father and Jesus is His son.
isfcsus'sfathcr Jesus is son.
t#hat
What Christians fail to see, and to understand is that in Jesus's birth and
scc, undcrstand is inJesus'sbirth
conception we see a touching and wonderful revelation ofthe Kindness of9od.
$ee revelation of thc Kindnessof God.
We are told by both K.oran and Christian writings that Mary was a young
are Koran Mary wari
woman of exceptional purity of both mind and body, brought into the world
exccptional of thc
already pledged as God's servant, blcssed
already pledged as God's servant, blessed by God, while in His service in the
servicc
synagogue so that she herself could produce small 'miraculous' occurrences by
synagoguc so she herself small'miraculou$' occurrences
God's will. How natural then, that God, having chosen her to be the vehicle by
choscn hcr be vehicle
which His new Prophet should be born on earth - chooses a means by which
bc chooses means
none of her blessed purity is touched. She serves her God, but in so doing He in
nonc blesscd is touched. She serves so
His infinite kindness preserves her prec;ious purity. Surely this needs no
infinite kindness preserves precious needs
embellishment - claims 'Sonship'
embellishment - no claims to 'Sonship' of God. God's creation yes, but not Son
God's creation yes,
by Paternity. That is obviously not the intention.
The fact that so much time elapsed before any of the sayings of Jesus or his
so elapsedbefore sayings Jesus his
teachings were written, also allows for the "Oral tradition', by which they were
teachings were also thc "Oral tradition', were
passed on, to have substantially changed the original. And yet through the three
passcd have substantially changcd yct three
synoptic gospels (John being written last and obviously full of religious dogma)
gospels being writtcn last religious
altcration - picture Jesusas quiet,
Mathew, Luke and Mark despite any alteration - a picture of Jesus as a quiet,
and Mark despite
magnetic personality - great
yet magnetic personality - a Prophet inspired by God, with a great love o.f 8/1 of a//
humanity, sent to sharpen out awareness of God, in all the aspects of life; Jesus
s€nt sharpen awarenessof aspectsof Jesus
tries opcn cycs'and hearts greater awarcness - an unselfish
tries to open our eyes' and our hearts to a greater awareness of God - an unselfish
appraisal of ourselves from our thoughts, to our actions, and to enlarge Faith
appraisal of oursclves thoughts, actions, enlarge
and Trust in God. Only by so doing by the simple Faith and Trust of a child is
and God. so the simple and is
God's Kingdom come - this idea is repeatcdmany times
God's K.ingdom to come on Earth - this idea is repeated many times in many of
his reported sayings. His closeness to God was evident from the strength that he
his reportcd sayings. closeness was evident the strcngth he
praycrs, he was givcn pcrform miracles.
drew from prayers, and the power he was given by God, to perform miracles.
Yet in all this power and in the performance of God's wonders NEVER does he
performance God's wonders NEVER does he
'Son" we are
proclaim himself Son of God. In Jesus sense of the word 'Son" we are all
himself Jesus scnse the
children of God, His sons and daughters, here on earth, and as such Jesus taught
children sonsand daughters,here earth,and assuchJesustaught
peoplc 'Our
the people to pray to 'Our Father, which art in Heaven'.
Heaven'.
Of the actual volume of words he spoke or must have spoken in his
actual volume words he spoke must have spoken his
teachings only a pitiable few, and not all reliable, have been recorded. Jesus
teachings pitiable few, and reliable, have becn recorded. Jesus
_ 2 22_
_ 2 _