Abraham in Quran (1) the first mention of Abraham is challenging

The first mention of Abraham in the Quran is unique and challenging the Pre-Islamic Arabs, the Jews, the Christians, the Scientists of Archeology and the Religious Study Scholars of in order to encourage them to look for the truth.

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The Noble Quran is not a human book; it is the book revealed by Allah.

If an author or editor tries to mention the great Prophet Abraham, he will begin saying Abraham was born in … and his father was …, he married …, he begat two sons, whose names are …, he travelled to …etc.

Nevertheless, Allah is not like us to say that!

The Almighty Creator knew that the Quran would revealed on an Arabic man (Muhammad)

The Almighty Creator knew that the surrounding media, culture and people’s belief around his last Prophet Muhammad classified into three major groups:

1)    The Arabs

2)    The Jews

3)    The Christians

Allah knew that all of them know, respect and love the great Prophet Abraham.

The Arabs believed that they are Abraham’s descendants through his first son Ishmael.

The Jews and Christians believed that they are Abraham’s descendants through his second son Isaac.

All of them present the great respect and love of Abraham.

Now look how Allah mentions Abraham for the first time in the Quran.

The meanings of the verses 87:14-19:

Indeed, the successful is the one who Purifies himself and cleanses his heart by means of his adherence to faith; and mentions the Name of his Lord, saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Greatest) and then prays

Listen to how the Muslims mentions the Name of Allah before they pray.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_LN0hznp-A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oolV-slw_AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ3kktD5gvk

Back to the verses that say:

However, you (man) prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter while the hereafter is better and more lasting and the Paradise it entails is the best and everlasting.

Nevertheless, what about Abraham?

The verses say:

Truly this, the success of those who purify themselves and the hereafter being better, is in the former scrolls, the books revealed before the Quran.

Strictly, this is in the book of Abraham and Moses.

This is how the Quran first mentions the great Prophet Abraham.

This first mention is unique in its style and purpose.

In addition, this first mention is challenging.

• It is challenging to the Pre-Islamic Arabs who were idolaters and denying the Afterlife; they thought that they were following Abraham’s religion.
• It is challenging to the Jews and Christians who believed in the Book of Moses (the Genuine Torah); the Quran says to them where the above meanings in your present Torah are?
• It is challenging to the Scientists of Archeology and the Scholars of Religions; the Quran says to them where the Book of Abraham is? Where the Book revealed unto the great Prophet Abraham is?

The verse 87:19 is the first verse of the Quran that mentions Abraham.

It follows that the unique first mention of Abraham in the Quran is challenging to: the Pre-Islamic Arabs,

• The Jews,
• The Christians,
• The Scientists of Archeology and
• The Scholars of Religions

In order to encourage them to look for the truth.

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The verses 87:14-19 in different translations:

QARIB:

Prosperous is he who purifies himself, and remembers the name of his lord, so he prays.

But you prefer the present life, but the everlasting life is better, and more enduring.

Surely, this is in the ancient scrolls, the scrolls of Abraham and Moses.

SHAKIR:

He indeed shall be successful who purifies himself, and magnifies the name of his lord and prays

Nay! You prefer the life of this world, while the hereafter is better and more lasting

Most surely, this is in the earlier scriptures, the scriptures of Ibrahim and Musa

PICKTHAL:

He is successful who groweth, and remembereth the name of his lord, so prayeth,

But ye prefer the life of the world although the hereafter is better and more lasting.

Lo! This is in the former scrolls. The books of Abraham and Moses.

YUSUFALI:

But those will prosper who purify themselves, and glorify the name of their guardian-lord, and (lift their hearts) in prayer.

Day (behold), ye prefer the life of this world; but the hereafter is better and more enduring.

And this is in the books of the earliest (revelation), – the books of Abraham and Moses.

 

Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Khalil wrote this article.

Angels in Islam (28) is Gabriel the enemy of Jews?

The Jews claimed that Gabriel is their enemy because he did not come with good and that if it had been Michael they would have believed in Muhammad.

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Omar ibn al-Khattab was one of Muhammad best friends.

He was astonished how the Genuine Torah and the Quran confirm each other.

The conversation between Omar ibn al-Khattab and the chief rabbi?

Said ‘Omar ibn al-Khattab:

‘I used to go to the Jews upon their study of the (genuine) Torah and was amazed to see the conformity of the Quran with the Torah and of the Torah with the Quran.

On one occasion they said: ‘O ‘Omar! We do not like anyone more than we like you’.

Omar asked: ‘And why is that?’

They said: ‘Because you come to us and mix with us’.

Omar said: ‘I come to you only because of my amazement at how the different parts of the Book of Allah strengthen each other, and how the Quran is in conformity with the Torah and how the Torah is in conformity with the Quran’.

They said: who among the Angels came to your prophet?

Omar said: Gabriel

Omar continued: ‘I adjure you by Allah and by that which was revealed to you of Scripture, do you know that he is Allah’s Messenger?’

Their chief said to them: ‘He has implored you by Allah, so do tell him’.

They said: ‘You are our chief; you tell him’.

Their chief said: ‘We do know that he is Allah’s Messenger!’

Omar said: ‘You are the one who shall be subject to the worst form of destruction if you all know that he is Allah’s Messenger and then do not follow him’.

Their chief rabbi said: Let us go to him to ask him some questions at first

The Jews came to the Prophet, and said: ‘O Muhammad! We would like to ask you about a few things; we shall follow you if you answer them.

They asked him about many things like faith, deeds. Afterlife etc.

The Prophet Muhammad answered them according to what inspired to him from Allah.

The Jews looked at each other, they were confused about what to say, should they say: Now we believe in you O Muhammad as the promised last prophet found in Torah?

Their chief rabbi said: Who, among the Angels, comes to you? For there is not a single prophet except that an angel comes to him with a message and revelation from his Lord, glorified and majestic is He, so who is the angel who comes to you?’

Muhammad said: ‘it is Gabriel’.

Their chief rabbi said: ‘That is the one who comes down with war and fighting. He is our enemy. If you had said: Michael, who comes down with rain and mercy, we would have followed you’.

It follows that the Jews claimed that Gabriel did not come with good, that they did not love him, and that if it had been Michael they would have believed in Muhammad.

And so Allah revealed the verses 2:97-98 that mean:

Say O Muhammad not to Jews only but to mankind

Gabriel is the Angel who brought the Quran down upon your heart by Allah’s permission and command

The revealed Quran is confirming the scriptures before it (e.g. the Genuine Torah)

The Quran brought down upon your heart by Gabriel is a guidance from error and good tidings, of Paradise, for the believers

Who is an enemy to Gabriel is automatically an enemy to Allah and to the entire Angels.

Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel, let him die in exasperation

Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His Angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael then surely Allah is an enemy to him

Anyone who is an enemy to Allah’s Angels, Gabriel, and Michael etc. is but an unbeliever and he will dwell in the Eternal Hell forever!

The Jews said Gabriel did not bring good, what good is greater than the Quran that descended through him?’ Does it not suffice them that Allah sent down the Quran upon you O Muhammad?

The thing is Gabriel came down many times to punish the Jews when they, many times, disobeyed Allah. But, did he do it by his own or by Allah’s permission and command?

The one who is perfectly doing his Job is an enemy only to those who hate the truth!

Nevertheless, does the enmity of the Jews harm Gabriel?

The Real Gabriel’s size is more than 100 times the total earth’ size!

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The verses 2:97-98 in different translations:

QARIB:

-Say: ‘whoever is an enemy of Gabriel, indeed, he has brought it down by the permission of Allah to your heart, confirming what was before it and a guidance and glad tidings to the believers.

-Whoever is an enemy of Allah, his Angels, his messengers, Gabriel, and Michael indeed Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers. ‘

SHAKIR:

-Say: whoever is the enemy of Jibreel– for surely he revealed it to your heart by Allah’s command, verifying that which is before it and guidance and good news for the believers

-Whoever is the enemy of Allah and his Angels and his messengers and Jibreel and Meekaeel, so surely Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers

PICKTHAL:

-Say (o Muhammad, to mankind): who is an enemy to Gabriel! For he it is who hath revealed (this scripture) to thy heart by Allah’s leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers;

-Who is an enemy to Allah, and his Angels and his messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, lo! Allah (himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers.

YUSUFALI:

-Say: whoever is an enemy to Gabriel-for he brings down the (revelation) to thy heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe,-

-Whoever is an enemy to Allah and his Angels and messengers, to Gabriel and Michael, – lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject faith.

Angels in Islam (11) neither Jesus nor the Angels disdain

In the Quran, the Angels are Allah’s honored slaves

In the Bible, the Angels are sons of God who married the daughters of the People!

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Throughout the history, man was confused about the nature of the Angels.

The scholars and the philosophers have four different belief concerning the nature of Angels and who they are:

1)    The first party believes that they are the sons of God

2)    The second party believes that they are the daughters of God

3)    The third party believes that they are God

4)    The fourth party believes that they are partners of God

 

The Quran denies, rebuts and disproves all of the above belief.

In the previous article, we have seen how the Quran denies the Bible’s claim that the Angels are the sons of God who married the daughters of the People!(Genesis 6:2)

 

In addition, the Christians claim that Jesus is the son of God.

The verses 4:171 – 173 denies also this claim and gives fertile guidance to the Christians,

The verses give the following Ten fertile guidance:

1) O People of the Gospel, do not go beyond the bounds, in your religion and do not say about Allah except the truth, such as exalting Him above any associations with a partner or a son:

2) The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, was only the Messenger of Allah, and not as you claim, that he is the son of God, while Allah has no son.

3) So believe in Allah and His messengers, and do not say ‘Three’.

4) Refrain, from this and say what, it is better for you, [to say], which is the profession of His Oneness. Verily, Allah is but the only One God.

5) Glory be to Him, transcending the possibility, that He should have a son!

To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and in the earth, as possessions, creatures and servants including the Angels,

6) And such sovereignty is not compatible with the prophet hood of Jesus.

Allah suffices as a Guardian, a Witness to this.

7) The Messiah, Jesus, would never disdain, scorn or reject haughtily, to be a slave of Allah, neither would the Angels who are close and favored, to Allah, disdain to be servants of Allah.

this is a splendid digression [to the matter of the angels], and it is mentioned as a refutation of those who claim that they [the angels] are son(s) of gods, just as He refuted the Christians who claim that which is the subject of the address to them [above].

Then the Quran says:

8) Whoever disdains to be slave of Allah, whoever disdains to worship Allah, and waxes proud, Allah will assuredly gather all of them to Him in the Day of Judgment.

9) As for those who believed, who did righteous deeds, He will pay them in full their wages, the reward for their deeds, and He will give them more of His bounty, what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no man’s heart has ever wished for; and

10) As for them who disdain and are too proud, to worship Him, He will chastise them with a painful chastisement, which is the chastisement of the Eternal Fire, and they shall not find for themselves, besides Allah, that is, other than Him, any friend, to ward it off them, or helper, to protect them from it.

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The verses 4:171 – 173 in two different translations

PICKTHAL:

171) O people of the scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and his word which he conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from him. So believe in Allah and his messengers, and say not “three” – cease! (It is) better for you! – Allah is only one Allah. Far is it removed from his transcendent majesty that he should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as defender.

172) the messiah will never scorn to be a slave unto Allah, nor will the favoured angels. Whoso scorneth his service and is proud, all such will he assemble unto him;

173) Then, as for those who believed and did good works, unto them will he pay their wages in full, adding unto them of his bounty; and as for those who were scornful and proud, them will he punish with a painful doom. And they will not find for them, against Allah, any protecting friend or helper.

YUSUFALI:

171) O people of the book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a messenger of Allah, and his word, which he bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from him: so believe in Allah and his messengers. Say not “trinity”: desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah: glory be to him: (far exalted is he) above having a son. To him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a disposer of affairs.

172) Christ disdaineth nor to serve and worship Allah, nor do the angels, those nearest (to Allah): those who disdain his worship and are arrogant,-he will gather them all together unto himself to (answer).

173) But to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, he will give their (due) rewards, – and more, out of his bounty: but those who are disdainful and arrogant, he will punish with a grievous penalty; nor will they find, besides Allah, any to protect or help them.

In Quran, Allah sent a Prophet to every nation

It is interesting that the Bible which is a historical book declares that all the Prophets sent by the Lord God were Israelites who were in the area of Iraq, Palestine and Egypt.  On the other hand, the Quran which is not a historical book challenges the Historians and declares that Allah sent a Prophet to every ancient nation.  Hence, the Historian have to find out who are the prophets sent to America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. 

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The Bible talks about the Pre-Flood Era and the Increasing Corruption on Earth which provoked God’s wrath so that He flooded the earth.  The Bible says:

When man began to multiply on the face of the Earth and daughters were born to them, the Sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they married them.

Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, his days shall be 120 years. The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the Sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.

The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the LORD said, “I will wipe off man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.”  But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

Herein, there are some points; they are:

1)    Why only daughters were born unto man?

2)    Who are the Sons of God and how many they were?

3)    Also, nothing can or could, will or would grieve Allah.  Also, Allah has no heart; He is not like us or like anything else.

4)    Is man’s age 120 years as the Lord God has decided?

5)    Allah never ever repents of anything He did, He does and/or He will do.

6)    Moreover, although the Biblical God has Spirit, Allah has no Spirit; He is not like us.

7)    In addition, although the Biblical God has heart (and blood vessels and blood consequently), Allah has no heart; He is not like us or like anything else.

On the other hand, the Quran does not talk about the Increasing Corruption on Earth in the Pre-Flood Era, but it talks about the corruption of mankind from the time of creation of man up till now.  After Adam’s fall, Allah gave him and his offspring consequently an advice (Verses 20:121-123 and verses 2:38-39); hereupon, Allah sent Prophets to every nation on the Earth and He ends the Prophethood with the last Prophet, Muhammad (Verses 43:6-7 and verses 35:24-25).

After Adam’s fall, Allah gave him and his offspring consequently an advice

The meanings of the verses 20:121-123

And Adam disobeyed his Lord and so he erred, by [his] eating from the tree.

Then his Lord chose him, He brought him close [to Him], and relent to him,

Then Allah chose him, He accepted his repentance, overlooked his sin and guided him to seek repentance regularly.

[N.B., In the Bible, the Lord has not accepted Adam’s repentance; that is why He sent his son to the Earth.] 

And Allah said, ‘Go down both of you, that is, Adam and Eve, including all of your progeny, from it, from the Garden, all together, some of you, some of the progeny, being enemies of others, because of some wronging others. Yet if there should come to you guidance (a Scripture, a Messenger, and/ or a Prophet) from Me, then whoever follows My guidance, shall not go astray in the life of this world nor come to grief in the Hereafter.

The meanings of the verses 2:38-39

Allah said to Adam, Eve, and Satan, ‘Go down from the Heaven, all together. Then Allah mentioned Adam’s progeny, from hence; when and whenever it comes to you, from Me a guidance, whoever follows My guidance, believing in me and performing deeds in obedience of Me, no fear shall befall them, neither shall they grieve, in the Hereafter, since they will be admitted into Paradise.

But those who disbelieve, and deny our guidance, they will be the rightful owners of the Eternal Fire; they will abide therein forever, they will remain perpetually in hell: never to die or be released from it.

Allah sent Prophets to every nation on the Earth and He ends the Prophethood with the last Prophet, Muhammad

The meanings of the verses 43:6-7

Allah asks the Historian this Question  

And how many a prophet did Allah send among the ancients!  O Muhammad, Allah knew that they would not believe, but Allah nonetheless did not leave the bygone nations without messengers and Scriptures!  And never came to these past nations a Prophet but they used to mock their Prophets, in the same way that your people deride you O Muhammad.

It follows that, in contrary to the Bible which states that all the Prophets were Israelites, every ancient nation had its own Prophet; the historians and researchers have to dig through the history to explore the prophets sent to America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. 

It should be emphasized that Allah sent a Prophet (Idris); the scholar said that he was an Egyptian Prophet sent to the Ancient Egypt before the Flood (Verses 19:56-57). Idris is not mentioned in the Bible.

The meanings of the verses 35:24-25

Lo! Allah has sent you O Muhammad with the Truth, with the Quran, as a bearer of glad tidings, announcing Paradise for whoever believes in Allah, and as a Warner from the Fire for whoever disbelieves in Allah; and there is not a nation except that they had a warning messenger. In other words, there is not a nation or a community before you O Muhammad but a Warner has passed among them to warn them.

And if they deny you O Muhammad, those before them also denied their messengers who brought them manifest signs, miracles and with scriptures.  In other words, the messengers before Muhammad came unto their nations with clear proofs of Allah’s Sovereignty; they came to them with commands, prohibitions and signs, and with the Scripture expositing the lawful and the unlawful.

It is interesting that the Bible which is a historical book declares that all the Prophets sent by the Lord God were Israelites who were in the area of Iraq, Palestine and Egypt.  On the other hand, the Quran which is not a historical book challenges the Historians and declares that Allah sent a Prophet to every ancient nation.  Hence, the Historian have to find out who are the prophets sent to America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. 

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The Bible (King James Version)

Genesis 6:1-7

1) And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

2) That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

3) And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

4) There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

5) And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6) And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

7) And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

8But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

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The Quran (Pickthal translation)

Verses 43:6-7 

6) How many a prophet did we send among the men of old (the ancients)!

7) And never came there unto them a prophet but they used to mock him.

Verses 35:24-25

24) Lo! We have sent thee with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings and a Warner; and there is not a nation but a Warner hath passed among them.

25) And if they deny thee, those before them also denied. Their messengers came unto them with clear proofs (of Allah’s sovereignty), and with the psalms and the scripture giving light.

Verses 20:121-123

121) … and Adam disobeyed his lord, so went astray.

122)  Then his lord chose him, and relented toward him, and guided him.

123)  He said: go down hence, both of you, one of you a foe unto the other. But when there come unto you from me guidance, then whoso followeth my guidance, he will not go astray nor come to grief.

Verses 2:38-39

38) We said: go down, all of you, from hence; but verily there cometh unto you from me guidance; and whoso followeth my guidance, there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.

39) But they who disbelieve, and deny our revelations, such are rightful peoples of the fire. They will abide therein.

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Back to my question to the smart and interested reader:

Are the Scholars truthful when they claim that the Quran quoted from the Bible?

 

Written by Professor Dr. Ibrahim Khalil, Articlebase.com

http://www.articlesbase.com/literature-articles/in-quran-allah-sent-a-prophet-to-every-ancient-nation-2544398.html

What the British author: S. H. Leeder said about Islam (1)

In his book, the British author: S. H. Leeder said “The relationship between the father and his sons is one of the pleasantest features of Islamic life. “To please your father is to please God, and to displease your father is to displease God,” said the Prophet Mohammed; and the teaching is taken to heart.”

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In his book: “Veiled mysteries of Egypt and the religion of Islam (1913)”, the British author: S. H. Leeder said in the introduction of his book: “There has always been a veil of mystery over the religion of I slam, from its very first days.”

What Leeder said about the gentleness and simplicity in Islam?

 “There is a great deal in the religion of Islam which teaches consideration for .others, and leads to gentleness and simplicity of conduct, which, with a remarkable absence of censoriousness, produces what we call gentlemen. And no national decadence, or falling behind in the race for intellectual and material attainment and advantage, has obliterated this.

The men of the family with whom we are staying, in the culture of mind they show in all the relationships of life and I speak now after a friendship which ripened into close intimacy recalled for me the fine qualities which marked the early Moslems.

Here was a father and five sons, living together in a patriarchal dignity, the father ruling with a firm and wise benevolence, and the sons filling their part with filial respect and affection, all conscious of their duty to their dependents and their neighbors, following a family tradition of many generations.

They are known as men faithful to their word, whatever may be the cost, and equally faithful to their self-respect, whatever the inducements to depart from it. The Bey would have been a Pasha, when titles were on sale, if he had not possessed qualities above the temptations of personal aggrandizement in the East a sore temptation indeed. It was my happiness with these friends to bridge the gulf of reticence which the different forms of Eastern and Western pride create to separate men of different races, and causes them to misjudge each other from across the gulf.

The relationship between the father and his sons is one of the pleasantest features of Egyptian life.

“To please your father is to please God, and to displease your father is to displease God,” said the Prophet Mohammed; and the teaching is taken to heart.

I never was in any family where the sons, of whatever age, did not rise when their father entered a room, waiting for him to be seated; an air of respect coming over them which prevents any slackness of good manners in his presence. His slightest wish is a law obeyed with quiet grace. The youngest son of this particular family sits by his father’s side at meals, and waits upon him as a most attentive servant. A father is seldom or never harsh to his sons; he reasons with them in a way that assumes intelligence, and a perfect desire to consider his wishes on their part.

An undutiful son is very rare amongst Moslems. The deplorable decline of respect paid to the aged in Western lands has no echo in the East.

“Nothing more greatly surprises the European traveller,” Mr. Stanley Lane-Poole admits,” than the polite and gentlemanlike manners of Egyptians of all classes. They always do the right thing in the most courteous, graceful, and self-possessed manner, and intentional rudeness to an older man, or a superior in rank, is almost unknown.”

Why Do Priests & Preachers Enter Islam? The story of conversion of the Preacher Yusuf Estes (10)

Doesn’t it bother you to have left the way of peace, justice and love for a religion of hatred, violence and oppression toward women and others?

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How a preacher or priest in Christianity can ever go to Islam?

How could a preacher have turned his back on the perfect plan of salvation of Jesus Christ on the cross for you sins and converted to Islam?

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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

The ex- American preacher Yusuf Estes continues saying:

Now as I promised here are the answers to the questions many have asked me connected with my choice of Islam:

Question:

8. “Doesn’t it bother you to have left the way of peace, justice and love for a religion of hatred, violence and oppression toward women and others?”

Answer:

All the prophets, peace be upon them all, called the people to worship Almighty God as One God and One Lord. As such, those who did not want to submit to Almighty God would combat them and treat them with hostilities, even unto death, as Paul had done while still being a Pharisee. The prophets, peace be upon them all, did encourage their followers to live in peace and deal with people in justice and certainly love is the highest form of emotion a human can have for another human being.

Yet at the same time, believers have to defend themselves, their families and the religion itself, lest those who are not believers should remove belief from the very face of the earth. Islam, like Christianity preaches a message of peace and tolerance – to a point. But when this is no longer possible without totally compromising and loosing one’s way of life and belief system, then there is no alternative except to engage in open combat against those who are combating against the believers.

Jesus called upon his followers to sell their coats and buy swords. He explained that he did not come with peace, but rather a sword. He and his companions were engaged in mortal combat with their enemies, the Pharisees when one of the priests slaves had his ear cut by the sword. Jesus then told them to put down their swords. This is mentioned in the Bible.

The word “sword” appears over 200 times in the Bible – but even though the Arabic language has more than a dozen words for sword, there is not a single occurrence of any of these words anywhere in the Quran.

Combat is ordered in the Quran, only under very specific and limited conditions and it is nothing more than what we would today call “The War on Terrorism.” Fighting against all acts of organized aggression, oppression, persecution and terrorism is an obligation on all believers. But it certainly has limits and women, children, elderly and any innocents are not to killed or injured during such occasions. Treatment of prisoners is not to be humiliating or torture of any kind. Even the dead of the enemy are to be buried with dignity and respect.

Now since writing my story and publishing here on the internet many other websites have picked up this story and it had become a famous example of how “Priest and Preachers Are Coming to Islam.”

Again, I thank you for visiting. And I thank our Christian friend for his email. If he hadn’t sent it, I probably would still not have completed this task of putting down the story once and for all of how my family, friends and myself all came to Islam.

Please feel free to share this story with others. You should print it out and make copies for everyone. Give them our links, add our story to your website or blog page, and send out emails to everyone you know. Maybe it could make a difference for others like us, God Willing.

May Allah guide you on your journey to all truth? Ameen. And May He open your heart and your mind to the reality of this world and the purpose of this life, ameen.

Peace to you and Guidance from Allah the One Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.

Your friend,

Yusuf Estes, Chaplain Yusuf Estes

Why Do Priests & Preachers Enter Islam? The story of conversion of the Preacher Yusuf Estes (8)

1. “How could you have turned your back on the perfect plan of salvation of Jesus Christ on the cross for you sins?”

2. “Do you consider you were really “saved” and that you had in fact, been “born again?”

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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Now as I promised here are the answers to the questions many have asked me connected with my choice of Islam:

1. “How could you have turned your back on the perfect plan of salvation of Jesus Christ on the cross for you sins?”

The ex- American preacher Yusuf Estes answers this question by saying:

Your question implies you have not considered the similarities and teachings of the Bible and the Quran.

“ISLAM” means – “Surrender, submit and obey your Lord in sincerity and peace.” Whoever is trying to do this, is a “MUSLIM.” If someone believes in Almighty God as One God and One Lord and wants to commit their life to serving Him and obeying His Commandments, then that person will be in the right way and they will be “saved” according to God’s Mercy. No one can take the sins of another and the guilty must stand accused for what they have done. It will be up to Almighty God to Forgive or Punish according to His Judgment on that Day.

According to the remains of the translations of the Bible [see: “Bible, A Closer Look”] Jesus, peace be upon him, did not preach a message of salvation by worshipping him. This was something added later by Saul (who later became Paul). We find clear statements indicating salvation would come only through acknowledging Almighty God as One God and worshipping Him with all the heart, mind and strength. Jesus, peace be upon him, taught his followers to worship “My God and your God, My Lord and your Lord.”

Again, according to the remains of the English translation of the Bible, we see the one on the cross crying out a very blasphemous statement, “Eli! Eli! Lama sabachthani?” (Which being translated means, “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?”) This statement on the cross clearly indicates the one on the cross is not pleased with the situation nor does he consider it right or just. Therefore, one would have to conclude this was not something Jesus approved of nor did he accept, or else someone else was on the cross in his place. Either way you look at it, the one on the cross did not accept this as a plan of salvation.

The Quran is absolutely in agreement with these teachings and Muslims do worship the same God and Lord of Jesus, Moses, Abraham and Adam, peace be upon them all. The Quran states in many places, no one will be taken to task for the sins of another, nor can anyone carry the burden of another. We will all be on our own on that Day. And I ask Allah to have Mercy and Forgiveness for all those who believe in Him, ameen.

I consider that I have not left the teachings of Jesus Christ, peace be upon him. On the contrary, I feel much closer to Jesus, peace be upon him, and I look forward to His return on earth more than ever before. Now I am worshipping the same God he worships and I serve the same Lord he serves, in the very same way he does. Jesus prayed to Almighty God and taught his followers to do the same. I am simply doing what he commanded to the best of my ability and ask Almighty God to accept it.

 

2. “Do you consider you were really “saved” and that you had in fact, been “born again?”

Answer:

The Baptists have a statement, “Once saved, always saved.” I asked one of them about this and he agreed it was true. Then I mentioned at one time I had become a Baptist (in my teen years) but now I was a Muslim. I had also been “saved” and baptized at the age of 12. I had accepted the very statement of Jesus being the way, the light and the truth and no man coming on to the Father except by him. I understood these statements to mean I must follow Jesus and his teachings. Therefore, I read the Bible for myself and did not let others tell me what to think about what I was reading.

The Bible states that Jesus prayed for salvation for himself in the garden of Gethsemane in this way, “Let this cup pass from me, even so, Thy Will be done.” This prayer was repeated by Jesus, peace be upon him, a number of times and it is mentioned in more than one Gospel. Yet, according to Biblical accounts, the cup did not pass from him and his prayers were NOT ANSWERED. Islam teaches us his prayers were answered and he did not have to endure the cruel treatment and death on the cross, but rather he was taken up while still alive and is with Almighty God even now and ready to return in the Last Days to bring victory to the believers.

Additionally, we find Jesus, peace be upon him, teaching his disciples to pray like this, “Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and Glory, forever and ever, ameen.” Every Muslim I have met accepts every single word of this pray with the exception of calling “Allah” our “Father.” Muslims consider it better to call on Almighty God by His Names, which we do consider to be “Hallowed.”

 

Written by: Chaplain Yusuf Estes

To be continued.

Why Do Priests & Preachers Enter Islam? The story of conversion of the Preacher Yusuf Estes (7)

·         Another Catholic Priest Makes Shahadah

·         Orthodox Arch Bishop leaves church for Islam

·         Daughter of Hindu Pundit (Religious Leader) –

·         Hundreds – Thousands – Still Coming

·         Why? Good question.

·         Nine Steps to Purify the Heart

·         ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

——————————-

How a preacher or priest in Christianity can ever go to Islam?

How could a preacher have turned his back on the perfect plan of salvation of Jesus Christ on the cross for you sins and converted to Islam?

The ex-preacher American Yusuf Estes continues saying:

 

Another Catholic Priest Makes Shahadah

The very next year I met a former Catholic priest who had been a missionary for 8 years in Africa. He learned about Islam while he was there and entered into Islam. He then changed his name to Omar and moved to Dallas Texas.

 

Any more? Again – Yes! Orthodox Arch Bishop leaves church for Islam

Two years later, while in San Antonio, Texas I was introduced to a former Arch Bishop of the Orthodox Church of Russia who learned about Islam and gave up his position to enter Islam.

 

Daughter of Hindu Pundit (Religious Leader) – Accepts Islam – Helping thousands to Islam

I met a woman in New York who wanted to make our CDs about “What Is Islam?” After giving her permission several years ago, I have learned she has produced and distributed over 600 thousand of these to the non-Muslims in America. May Allah reward her and keep her strong in her efforts, amen.

 

Hundreds – Thousands – Still Coming

And since my own entrance into Islam and becoming a chaplain to the Muslims throughout the country and around the world, I have encountered many more individuals who were leaders, teachers and scholars in other religions who learned about Islam and entered into it. They came from Hindus, Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Greek and Russian Orthodox, Coptic Christians from Egypt, non-denominational churches and even scientists who had been atheists.

 

Why? Good question.

The combination always seems to be the same; people are sincerely seeking the truth and are willing to put their different prejudices and biases out of their minds and begin to ask God for His Guidance in their lives.

So, now you have the introduction to the story of my coming into Islam and becoming Muslim. There is more on the Internet about this story and there are more pictures there as well. Please take the time to visit it and then please take the time to email me and let us come together to share in all truths based on proofs for understanding our origins and our purpose and goals in this life and the Next Life.

 

9 Steps to Purify the Heart

May I suggest to the seeker of truth do the following NINE STEPS to purification of the heart?

1)   Clean – your mind, your heart & soul – remove all prejudices & biases.

2)   Thank God – for what you have – every moment of every day.

3)   Read – a good translation of the meaning of the Holy Quran in a language that they can understand best. (http://islamtomorrow.com/downloads/)

4)   Reflect on the meanings & consider the bounties of your Lord.

5)   Seek – Forgiveness From God & Learn to Forgive others.

6)   Ask – in your heart for Guidance from Above.

7)   Open – your heart and mind.

8)   Continue – to do this up for a few months. And be regular in it.

9)   Avoid – the poison of evil while your heart is opening for the “rebirth of your soul.”

 

Remember: Clean; Thank; Read; Reflect – then:

“Seek, and ye shall find. Ask, and it shall be given thee. Knock, and it shall be opened.” Then: Continue & Avoid

The rest is between you and the Almighty Lord of the Universe. If you truly love Him, then He already Knows it and He will deal with each of us according to our hearts.

 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Now as I promised here are the answers to the questions many have asked me connected with my choice of Islam:

1. “How could you have turned your back on the perfect plan of salvation of Jesus Christ on the cross for you sins?”

Answer: Your question implies you have not considered the similarities and teachings of the Bible and the Quran.

“ISLAM” means – “Surrender, submit and obey your Lord in sincerity and peace.” Whoever is trying to do this, is a “MUSLIM.” If someone believes in Almighty God as One God and One Lord and wants to commit their life to serving Him and obeying His Commandments, then that person will be in the right way and they will be “saved” according to God’s Mercy. No one can take the sins of another and the guilty must stand accused for what they have done. It will be up to Almighty God to Forgive or Punish according to His Judgment on that Day.

 

Written by: Chaplain Yusuf Estes

To be continued.

What lessons Allah teaches His Servants?

Among the sayings the Prophet Muhammad relates from his Lord (May He be glorified) is that

Allah said:

 

·         “My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another.

·        My servants, all of you are astray except for those I have guided, so seek guidance of Me and I shall guide you.

·        My servants, all of you are hungry except for those I have fed, so seek food of Me and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are naked except for those I have clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I shall clothe you.

·        My servants, you sin by night and by day, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness of Me and I shall forgive you.

·        My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me.

·        My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any one man of you, that would not increase My kingdom in anything. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one man of you, that would not decrease My kingdom in anything.

·        My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the entire human beings and the jinn, to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decreases the sea if put into it.

·        My servants, it is but your deeds that I reckon up for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself.'”

 

This saying was:

1) Said on the authority of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, one of Muhammad’s companions (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

2) Narrated by the authors of At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and Muslim

Allah Asks (32): Are not they tried once or twice every year?

In the Noble Quran, Allah is asking mankind some important questions.
It seems compulsory for the serious one who is looking for the truth to have a look at those questions and if possible to answer them.
Allah’ questions are many in the Quran.

In this series, these questions are randomly picked.
—————
In verses 9:126-129 of the Noble Quran, Allah asks mankind this question: do they not see that they are tried every year once or twice?
It is noticeable that mankind anywhere and everywhere is tested at least once a year with disasters and catastrophes e.g. Hurricane, Flood, Earthquakes, drought, misfortune famine, diseases etc.
However, still they do not repent of their disbelief nor do they remember or do they heed admonition.
—————

Verses 9:126-129 of the Noble Quran give the question of this article and talk about it.
The meanings of the verses 9:126-129

Verse 9:126 says:
Do they not see that they are tested, afflicted and tried every year once or twice?
It is noticeable that mankind anywhere and everywhere is tested at least once a year with drought, disaster, catastrophe, misfortune and/or diseases.
Still they do not repent of their disbelief nor do they remember or do they heed admonition.

 

Verse 9:127 says:
And whenever a Surah is revealed, whenever the Angel Gabriel brings down a Surah exposing the fault of the hypocrites and the Prophet Muhammad used to recite to them; they, the hypocrites look one at another as who should say: Dos anybody among the sincere believers see you? Then they turn away from the prayer, the sermon, the Truth and guidance.
Allah turns away their hearts from the Truth and guidance.
It is also said: they swerved from the truth and guidance, and so Allah swerved their hearts from the truth and guidance because they are a folk who understand not, nor believe in the command of Allah.

 

Verse 9:128 says:
Verily there has come to you a messenger from among yourselves, O man, that is, Muhammad; for whom it is grievous, hard, that you should suffer, that is, your suffering, your experiencing hardship and encountering harm [is hard on him]; who is full of concern for you, that you should be rightly guided; to the believers full of pity, profoundly compassionate, merciful, desiring good for them.

 

Verse 9:129 says:
Now, if they turn away from faith, repentance and that which you have told them O Muhammad; say: Allah suffices me my trust is in Allah.
There is no God save Him; there is no protector or helper except Him.
In Him have I put my trust, I put my trust in and rely on Him, and
He is Lord of the Tremendous Throne.
—————

Verses 9:126-129 in different translations:

 

QARIB:

126) Do they not see how once or twice every year they are tried? Yet still they neither repent nor remember.
127) whenever a chapter is sent down, they glance at each other, (asking): ‘does anyone see you? ‘Then they turn away. Allah has turned away their hearts, for they are nations who do not understand.
128) Indeed, there has come to you a messenger from your own, he grieves for your suffering, and is anxious about you, and is gentle, merciful to the believers.
129) Therefore, if they turn away, say: ‘Allah is sufficient for me. There is no god except he. In him I have put my trust. He is the lord of the mighty throne. ‘

SHAKIR:

126) Do they not see that they are tried once or twice in every year, yet they do not turn (to Allah) nor do they mind
127) And whenever a chapter is revealed, they cast glances at one another: does any one see you? Then they turn away: Allah has turned away their hearts because they are a people who do not understand
128) Certainly a messenger has come to you from among yourselves; grievous to him is your falling into distress, excessively solicitous respecting you; to the believers (he is) compassionate,
129) But if they turn back, say: Allah is sufficient for me, there is no god but he; on him do I rely, and he is the lord of mighty power

PICKTHAL:

126) See they not that they are tested once or twice in every year? Still they turn not in repentance, neither pay they heed.
127) And whenever a Surah is revealed, they look one at another (as who should say): doth anybody see you? Then they turn away. Allah turneth away their hearts because they are a folk who understand not.
128) There hath come unto you a messenger, (one) of yourselves, unto whom aught that ye are overburdened is grievous, full of concern for you, for the believers full of pity, merciful.
129) Now, if they turn away (o Muhammad) say: Allah sufficeth me. There is no Allah save him. in him have I put my trust, and he is lord of the tremendous throne.

YUSUFALI:

126) See they not that they are tried every year once or twice? yet they turn not in repentance, and they take no heed

127) Whenever there cometh down a Sura, they look at each other, (saying), “doth anyone see you?” then they turn aside: Allah hath turned their hearts (from the light); for they are a people that understand not.

128) Now hath come unto you a messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieves him that ye should perish: ardently anxious is he over you: to the believers is he most kind and merciful.

129) But if they turn away, say: “Allah sufficeth me: there is no god but he: on him is my trust, – he the lord of the throne (of glory) supreme!”