Tag Archives: Muhammad

FOLLOW THE RELIGION OF ABRAHAM

There are three fatal flaws which form the premise for all conclusions in the write-up by A Muhammad (the writer).

FLAW ONE

You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion (l-dīni) – the religion (millata) of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you “Submitters” originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat) and hold fast to GOD; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter. [22:78]

This central verse is neither referenced nor quoted in the write-up!

FLAW TWO

He decreed for you the same religion (l-dīni) decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: “You shall uphold this one religion (l-dīna), and do not divide it.” The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. GOD redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit. [42:13]

The religion of Noah was monotheism or per 23:23 and 7:159, “… worship GOD. You have no other god beside Him.” This is the same religion as Abraham. The writer diminishes and limits it to Creed of Abraham as he seeks to limit Abraham’s role to “… worship GOD. You have no other god beside Him.” However, Abraham is the one who named us submitters and was taught and given the rituals of our religious duties. Prophet Muhammad was commanded to follow the religion of Abraham which includes the rituals of the religious duties.

FLAW THREE

The writer writes, “An immediate reference must be made to 6:114 where it is stated very clearly that all the details of our religion are given in the Quran…”

The Quran details religious law in the Quran. Sura 25 is The Statute Book. Even if we take the word ‘Furqan’ as ‘Criterion’, it will still come out as law. The Quran does not detail the rituals of religious duties. These rituals were given to Prophet Abraham and came to us generation to generation from the time of Abraham. There is nothing in the Quran to indicate that any rituals were given to Prophet Muhammad. This falsehood of all details in the Quran (religious law and rituals of religious duties) was initiated by Edip Yuksel. It is laughable to see his demonstration of ‘the steps of salat from the Quran’ in his website. It is also absurd when the writer attempts to give his version of how to do salat.

We are commanded through a religious law to perform salat. However, the rituals of that religious practice were given to Abraham with the Quran only correcting the corrupted practices. 6:38, 6:19, 7:52, 10:37, 12:111, 18:27 are verses which declare to us that the Quran is fully detailed. Verses 6:114-115 make it clear that the Quran is fully detailed for religious law. The Quran is a book of law.

With the fatal error of taking Quran as fully detailed for everything instead of fully detailed for religious law; this individual and others like him make foolish attempts of how to do salat based on 100% Quran and subsequently redefine words like millat-a-Ibrahim (religion of Abraham) to support their erroneous hypothesis.

In light of the Quran (5:101) – with a scan of the 2nd half of the Quran, a conclusion can be made that messengers bring scriptures (57:25, 35:25). Scrutinizing the whole Quran (In light of the Quran), verse 3:81 makes it clear that prophets bring scriptures and that messengers confirm what exists. 3:81 and other verses make it clear that all prophets are messengers and that all messengers are not prophets.

Similarly, verse 6:114 makes it clear that the Quran is fully detailed for religious law. The Quran does not detail the rituals of the religious duties which were given to Prophet Abraham. That is why we (and prophet Muhammad) follow the religion of Abraham.

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Deen in Arabic translates as, “Religion; judgment; debt that one owes; lending; transaction; subscribe; observe; requital; faith; law; obedience.”

The root word for millat translates as, “to dictate; to embrace a religion; faith; religion; creed.”

DETAILED LOOK AT THE WRITE-UP

1- The Quranic definition of ‘millat Ibrahim’”

“… uphold the Quran, the whole Quran and nothing but the Quran…” refers to upholding the Quran as the only source for religious law. The word ‘furqan’ translates as criterion or ‘standard to distinguish between right and wrong.’

Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed? Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. 6:114
Most blessed is the One who revealed the Statute Book to His servant, so he can serve as a warner to the whole world. 25:1

before that, to guide the people, and He sent down the statute book. Those who disbelieve in GOD’s revelations incur severe retribution. GOD is Almighty, Avenger. 3:4

Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book… 2:185.

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“The Quran has only three names for Salat.”

This statement by the writer is correct but does not give complete truth or picture. The writer ignores the fact that the Quran has five-time frames for five salats but mentions only three by name.

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The first observation is that in all the verses that mention the words ‘millat Ibrahim’ these words are followed by the words ‘he was a monotheist and was not one of the mushrikeen’.

This is not correct. Verses 2:130 and 22:78 are two examples. The writer has an incorrect premise and thus incorrect conclusions.

Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter, he will be with the righteous. 2:130

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“These words, which were uttered by the prophet Joseph, speak of the ‘millat’ of those who were atheists, they did not believe in God nor the Hereafter. Atheists do not have a religion but they have a creed (atheism).”

On what basis does the writer conclude that the two men were atheists and even if they were what difference does that make. On a more nefarious side, the writer fails to mention verse 12:38 which mentions the millat (religion) of Joseph’s ancestors.

He said, “If any food is provided to you, I can inform you about it before you receive it. This is some of the knowledge bestowed upon me by my Lord. I have forsaken the religion of people who do not believe in GOD, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are really disbelievers. 12:37

And I followed instead the religion (millat) of my ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We never set up any idols beside GOD. Such is the blessing from GOD upon us and upon the people, but most people are unappreciative. 12:38

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The writer believes that the word ‘Millat’ in 14:13 does not mean religion. It can only mean religion [Religion: the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods].

[14:9] Have you not heard about those before you – the people of Noah, `Aad, Thamoud, and others who came after them and known only to GOD? Their messengers went to them with clear proofs, but they treated them with contempt and said, “We disbelieve in what you are sent with. We are skeptical about your message; full of doubt.”
[14:10] Their messengers said, “Do you have doubts about GOD; the Initiator of the heavens and the earth? He invites you only to forgive your sins, and to give you another chance to redeem yourselves.” They said, “You are no more than humans like us, who want to repel us from the way our parents used to worship. Show us some profound authority.”
[14:11] Their messengers said to them, “We are no more than humans like you, but GOD blesses whomever He chooses from among His servants. We could not possibly show you any kind of authorization, except in accordance with GOD’s will. In GOD the believers shall trust.
[14:12] “Why should we not trust in GOD, when He has guided us in our paths? We will steadfastly persevere in the face of your persecution. In GOD all the trusters shall trust.”
[14:13] Those who disbelieved said to their messengers, “We will banish you from our land, unless you revert to our religion.” Their Lord inspired them: “We will inevitably annihilate the transgressors.
[14:14] “And we will let you dwell in their land after them. This is (the reward) for those who reverence My majesty and reverence My promise.”

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The writer believes that the word ‘Millat’ in 2:120 does not mean religion – “Since the religion given to all people is one and the same, there would be no reason why the Jews or Christians would not be pleased with the religion given in the Quran, this is assuming that the word ‘millat’ means religion.”

Per 3:19, the only religion approved by God is Submission (Islam). ‘Only religion’ makes it clear that there are other religions (see the definition of the word religion above). Per the rest of the Quran, it is clear that the approved Religion of Submission mandates the worship of God alone. There is no reason why submitting “the Jews or Christians would not be pleased with the religion given in the Quran”. As we know, the Jews, Christians and the Muslims have divided themselves into sects and have their own religions distinct from what is acceptable in 3:19. This is the exact point of the word millat as religion in 2:120. These sects and their beliefs are doctrines which are the basis of their religion. They are not creeds of their religion as the writer attempts to portray.

The only religion approved by GOD is “Submission.” Ironically, those who have received the scripture are the ones who dispute this fact, despite the knowledge they have received, due to jealousy. For such rejectors of GOD’s revelations, GOD is most strict in reckoning. 3:19
[2:119] We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of good news, as well as a warner. You are not answerable for those who incur Hell.
[2:120] Neither the Jews, nor the Christians, will accept you, unless you follow their religion. Say, “GOD’s guidance is the true guidance.” If you acquiesce to their wishes, despite the knowledge you have received, you will find no ally or supporter to help you against GOD.
[2:121] Those who received the scripture, and know it as it should be known, will believe in this. As for those who disbelieve, they are the losers.

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“The word ‘millat’ simply means a creed or a belief, but a religion is a complete and comprehensive set of religious laws which cover all the practices in addition to all the lawful and unlawful activities as prescribed by God.”

On the contrary the word Millat (as per above) means “to dictate; to embrace a religion; faith; religion; creed.”. Millat a Ibrahim or the Religion of Abraham covered all the rituals of the religious practices. Those rituals were given to Abraham (21:73).

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Say, “My Lord has guided me in a straight path (deen) – the perfect religion (millat) of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshipper.” 6:161

The writer objects, “If both words (deen and millat) mean religion, wouldn’t only one of them only be used?”

Both words indeed have religion as one of their meanings. It makes good writing to use separate words for the same meaning in a sentence. The Quran sets the standard for great Arabic writing.

“2- Are we accountable to what was decreed for Abraham.”

The writer acknowledges the practices and the rituals associated with those practices were given to Abraham but bemoans that the Quran does not detail the rituals [see Flaw Three above].

We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers. 21:73

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Based on the following verses (5:44-50) the writer concludes:

  • We must follow the words of the Quran and nothing else.
  • The Quran supersedes previous rituals given too Abraham
  • Different communities were given different rites or methods
  • “…receivers of every Scripture accountable only to what they were given in their Scripture…”

[5:44] We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in GOD’s scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the disbelievers.
[5:45] And we decreed for them in it that: the life for the life, the eye for the eye, the nose for the nose, the ear for the ear, the tooth for the tooth, and an equivalent injury for any injury. If one forfeits what is due to him as a charity, it will atone for his sins. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the unjust.
[5:46] Subsequent to them, we sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the previous scripture, the Torah. We gave him the Gospel, containing guidance and light, and confirming the previous scriptures, the Torah, and augmenting its guidance and light, and to enlighten the righteous.
[5:47] The people of the Gospel shall rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations therein. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the wicked.
[5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny – all of you – then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.
[5:49] You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations to you. Do not follow their wishes, and beware lest they divert you from some of GOD’s revelations to you. If they turn away, then know that GOD wills to punish them for some of their sins. Indeed, many people are wicked.
[5:50] Is it the law of the days of ignorance that they seek to uphold? Whose law is better than GOD’s for those who have attained certainty?

One may write a thesis based on incorrect assumptions. The writer succeeds well in that. As pointed out in the beginning, the Quran is a book of law, a statute book. There is a difference between law and rituals. It is God’s law that we carry out the religious duties, the rituals of which were given to prophet Abraham. That is why at the very beginning of the Quran, believers are defined as those who, besides other attributes, believe in what was revealed before the Quran. What was revealed before were the rituals of those religious practices, given to Prophet Abraham, who also named our religion (22:78). It is precisely why God calls our religion as Religion of Abaraham.

And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain. 2:4

Verses 5:44-50 deal with judgements and rulings. The commandment is to rule, or judge based on the scripture. The Jews are commanded to rule based on the Torah, while the Christians with the Gospel and the Muhammad (Muslims) with the Quran. And indeed, the Quran supersedes the previous scripture as the final arbiter of religious law.

Indeed, verses 5:48 points out different rites for the people of the scripture, an example of which is sabbath decreed for the Christians and Jews (16:124), descendants of Isaaq. [See also 22:67-72 referred to the writer]. We also have the descendants of Ismael for whom the rite of sabbath was not decreed. All the descendants of Abraham were commanded to carry out religious duties.

Thus the writer is correct that we must follow the words of the Quran and nothing else, but he fails to point out (or grasp) that the words are complete for religious law not religious rituals. There is nothing in the verses to conclude that the Quran supersedes previous rituals given to Abraham. While he is correct in stating, “receivers of every Scripture accountable only to what they were given in their Scripture…,” he fails to mention that it is religious law rather than rituals of religious practices (5:12, 10:87).

[22:67] For each congregation, we have decreed a set of rites that they must uphold. Therefore, they should not dispute with you. You shall continue to invite everyone to your Lord. Most assuredly, you are on the right path.
[22:68] If they argue with you, then say, “GOD is fully aware of everything you do.”
[22:69] GOD will judge among you on the Day of Resurrection regarding all your disputes.
[22:70] Do you not realize that GOD knows everything in the heavens and everything on earth? All this is recorded in a record. This is easy for GOD to do.
[22:71] Yet, they idolize beside GOD idols wherein He placed no power, and they know nothing about them. The transgressors have no helper.
[22:72] When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, you recognize wickedness on the faces of those who disbelieve. They almost attack those who recite our revelations to them. Say, “Shall I inform you of something much worse? Hell is promised by GOD for those who disbelieve; what a miserable destiny.”


3- Were the religious practices given to Abraham preserved, and practiced at the time of Muhammad? Were they preserved until today?

Prophet Muhammad learned how to perform salat and the religious practices from his elders as indeed one would presume the writer did. As Quranic verses were revealed, Prophet Muhammad corrected the corrupted inherited rituals. Verses 5:6 and 72:18 are two of numerous examples in which the Quran corrects the inherited corrupted practice. Even today the Muslims can correct their inherited rituals to abide by the Quran corrections with 5:6 and 72:18 as just two examples.

Contrary to the writer’s assertion, prophet Muhammad was commanded to follow the Religion of Abraham. There are numerous verses in the Quran which command us to worship God alone (2:112, 4:36, 8:39, 12:39, 22:31, 39:3, 39:45, 40:12, 40:14, 60:4). It is a futile attempt by the writer to equate millat to creed (“…to follow monotheism and refrain from idol worship…”) when so many verses advocate the worship of God alone and to refrain from idol worship.

The writer also attempts to make a case of “… pure practices as given to Abraham” did not exist at the time of Muhammad. Indeed, all the practices, uncorrupted, did not exist at the time of Muhammad and neither does the Quran make such a claim.
Per 19:59 generations lost the contact prayers. We see the evidence among the descendants of Isaaq, the Christians, and Jews. There are also, in the present day, certain Jews and Christians who carry out salat, as an example, with bowing and prostration.

4- Does the Quran only detail laws that have been changed or corrupted? Is the Quran merely an ‘Amendment book’?

In this section of his write-up, the writer seems to grasp that the Quran is a book of fully detailed law. The crucial factor missing is his conclusion is that rituals which make up religious practices are not part of religious law – they are rituals, not religious law.

The Quran details religious law. The Quran also mentions and provides details of some of the rituals of religious practices. And indeed, we cannot accept any religious law outside the words of the Quran. We accept in accordance with God’s decree and law to practice the Religion of Abraham which details the rituals of the religious practices of our religion.

5- Does the Quran outline only the main concepts while the details are passed down to us from the time of Abraham?

There is nothing much to say here. The Quran is fully detailed for religious law, and the prophet carried on his religious practice rituals as he learned from his elders. When Quran verses were revealed, irrespective of when they were revealed, he would correct his religious practice ritual to correspond with the revealed verses.

6- Do we have any Quranic proof for what was given to Abraham?

“These verses (21:73, 22:27) speak about Salat, Zakat and Hajj in general but do not give the specific details which were given to Abraham in connection to any of these practices.”

“And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations.” 22:27

We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers. 21:73

The verses are specific on Abraham being taught how to observe Salat. We are commanded to follow the Religion of Abraham. We have religious law to observe the religious practices, the details of which were given to prophet Abraham with the Quran clarifying some of the rituals.

7- Should we rely on ‘Universal Acceptance’?

The writer utilizes Dr. Rashad Khalifa’s phrase ‘universal acceptance’ from Appendix 9 of his translation. To remind the writer, the 24434 rakas in salat and 2.5% zakat is universal. It is not the majority.

God’s system of preservation of the rituals is perfect. These rituals have come to us from the time of Abraham with the Quran correcting the corrupted rituals of the religious practices.

VERSES CONTAINING THE WORD MILLAT

[2:120] Neither the Jews, nor the Christians, will accept you, unless you follow their religion (millatahum). Say, “GOD’s guidance is the true guidance.” If you acquiesce to their wishes, despite the knowledge you have received, you will find no ally or supporter to help you against GOD. 2:120

Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous. 2:130

He said, “If any food is provided to you, I can inform you about it before you receive it. This is some of the knowledge bestowed upon me by my Lord. I have forsaken the religion (millata) of people who do not believe in GOD, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are really disbelievers.
“And I followed instead the religion (millata) of my ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We never set up any idols beside GOD. Such is the blessing from GOD upon us and upon the people, but most people are unappreciative.
“O my prison mates, are several gods better, or GOD alone, the One, the Supreme?
“You do not worship beside Him except innovations that you have made up, you and your parents. GOD has never authorized such idols. All ruling belongs to GOD, and He has ruled that you shall not worship except Him. This is the perfect religion (I-dinu), but most people do not know. 12:37-40

VERSES CONTAINING THE WORD DEEN

Abraham was neither Jewish, nor Christian; he was a monotheist submitter (muslim). He never was an idol worshipper. 3:67

Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion (lilddīni) of strict monotheism (ḥanīfan). Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the perfect religion (l-dīnu), but most people do not know. 30:30

All that was asked of them was to worship GOD, devoting the religion (l-dīna) absolutely to Him alone (ḥunafāa), observe the contact prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Such is the perfect religion. 98:5

The Quran

‘The Quran’ by Professor Nicolai Sinai at Oxford University, explores the Quran based on the Quran itself. He explores the Quran with a ‘historical-critical’ method with a close reading of the text and other relevant sources of the period when the Quran was revealed.

THE QURAN THAT CONTAINS THE PROOF


The Proof within the Quran was revealed 1400 years after the revelation of the Quran. God distinguishes the Quran from its Proof in 38:1, 36:69 and Sura 98. Although the verifiable Proof does not adorn the corridors of universities yet, it clears up the following predicaments in the book.

Enigmatic or Isolated letters as in 2:1
Becca instead of Mecca in 3:96
Abrogation of proof rather than verse in 2:106
Basmallah omitted in Sura 9
Final arrangement or recension of the Quran
Examining the placement of 74:31
Purified sheets in 98:2

The Proof within the Quran resolves all of the above. The Quran initials in 29 suras are part of the intricate mathematical structure of the Quran. Mecca is spelled as Becca in 3:96 to preserve the count of the letter ‘M’ or ‘Meem’ in the Sura as a multiple of 19. Verse 2:106 refers to abrogation of a proof or miracle rather than abrogation of a verse as the Arabic word ‘ayah’ is a multiple meaning word of either sign, revelation, verse, proof, miracle.


When we abrogate any miracle, or cause it to be forgotten, we produce a better miracle, or at least an equal one. Do you not recognize the fact that GOD is Omnipotent? 2:106


The missing Basmallah while being a component of the miracle of the Quran also is a forewarning that Sura 9 was altered by addition of two false verses 9:128-129. Professor Nicolai Sinai in his discussion on 9:128 points out the verse ‘even attributes to him (Mohammad) the qualities of kindness and mercy that are elsewhere predicated only of God.’ One proof that the two verses are false is ascribing an attribute used exclusively for God to Muhammad.


The proof within the Quran authenticates the final arrangement of the Quran as we have it now. In addition, the Arabic word ‘ummi’ signifies gentiles or people without scripture, rather than illiterate. Prophet Muhammad wrote down the Quran as it was revealed to him. His copy had instructions for the final placement of each verse.


Professor Nicolai Sinai questions the placement of 74:31 next to small verses. Sura 74 deals with the Proof within the Quran. The sura is entitled ‘The Hidden Secret.’ Verse 74:30 states, ‘Over it is 19’ and verse 74:31 gives five reasons for the proof based on the number 19.


Verse 98:2 refers to the messenger (3:81) after all the prophets reciting purified scripture who brought forth the Proof within the Quran and exposed 9:128-129 as false verses inserted in the Quran.

OTHER TOPICS IN THE BOOK

First and third person reference to God


[41:12] Thus, He completed the seven universes in two days, and set up the laws for every universe. And we adorned the lowest universe with lamps, and placed guards around it. Such is the design of the Almighty, the Omniscient.

In the Quran, God gives credit to the angels when carrying out His commands. There are seven universes, with us (the humans and jinns) confined to the lowest universe. Angels carry out duties in the lowest universe and thus the use of ‘we’ in 41:12 is the form used to acknowledge their participation. The seven universes were completed by God alone and thus ‘He’ is utilized. In all the Quran, ‘we’ is used when participation of the angels is involved. Needless to mention, the ‘days’ in the above verse is simply a yardstick.

Creation of Adam

There is a reference in the Quran to events prior to the creation of Adam such as the feud in 38:69.

Abraham’s attempted sacrifice of his son


[37:102] When he grew enough to work with him, he said, “My son, I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you. What do you think?” He said, “O my father, do what you are commanded to do. You will find me, GOD willing, patient.”
[37:103] They both submitted, and he put his forehead down (to sacrifice him).
[37:104] We called him: “O Abraham.
[37:105] “You have believed the dream.” We thus reward the righteous.


The dream was from Satan. God does not advocate evil (7:28) and such a command will not originate from Him. There is nothing in the Quran which supports a point of view that such a command originated from God.

Polemics for Christians and Jews

The Quran is just as polemical to the traditional Muslims as the perception the author has for Christians and Jews. The Quran advocates monotheism and the absolute worship of God alone. The Christians fail to worship God until and unless the name of Jesus is attached to God in some form or fashion. The same applies to traditional Muslims who cannot separate the association of Muhammad next to God in their prayers and religious activities, in defiance of the Quran. Jews uphold the Mishnah and Gamarra instead of the Torah, while traditional Muslims uphold Hadith and Sunnah instead of the Quran. The Quran explicitly forbids upholding any hadith other than the Quran itself.

[39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.

[17:46] We place shields around their minds, to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their ears. And when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone, they run away in aversion.

[57:14] They will call upon them, “Were we not with you?” They will answer, “Yes, but you cheated your souls, hesitated, doubted, and became misled by wishful thinking, until GOD’s judgment came. You were diverted from GOD by illusions.

Obey God and the messenger

The Quran is a book of law. It is also fully detailed and does not provide freedom to follow any other words as a source of religious law (25:1, 6:112-114, 6:19). Obeying God and the messenger boils down to obeying God whose words are fully detailed in the Quran. The Quran gives examples of mistakes made by Prophet Muhammad as well as other messengers.

Basic law regulating relations with unbelievers

[60:8] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.
[60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors.

Cutting-off of thief’s hand

The commandment in the Quran is to mark the hand of thief, not cut it off. The same word in 5:38 is used in 12:31 and 12:50. It is obvious that the women did not cut-off their hands.

[5:38] The thief, male or female, you shall mark their hands as a punishment for their crime, and to serve as an example from GOD. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

[12:31] When she heard of their gossip, she invited them, prepared for them a comfortable place, and gave each of them a knife. She then said to him, “Enter their room.” When they saw him, they so admired him, that they cut their hands. They said, “Glory be to GOD, this is not a human being; this is an honorable angel.”
[12:50] The king said, “Bring him to me.” When the messenger came to him, he said, “Go back to your lord and ask him to investigate the women who cut their hands. My Lord is fully aware of their schemes.”

[27:76] This Quran settles many issues for the Children of Israel; issues that they are still disputing.

Nicolai Sinai points out the ‘removal’ of Adam’s creation in God’s image. He also points to the preeminence of ‘Inviolable House’ from Jerusalem to Mecca. So too is the case with verses 19:16-33 and other verses about Jesus and Mary of settling issues about them and their appropriate standing.

“Intended Prayer Suras” (last few short Suras)

Although traditional Muslims use these last few Suras in their daily sanctioned prayers, it is not correct, Nicolai Sinai presents one reason in the book. Sura 1 is sanctioned, and its words of prayer are to God. The reasoning presented by the author is that the last few sura’s start with ‘Say’. It makes little sense in a contact (Salat) prayer to God to start with ‘say’ or ‘Proclaim.’

Reversion to Idolatry

In just two decades after the Prophet’s death, the idol worshipers who were defeated by the Prophet in the conquest of Mecca (632 AD) reverted to idolatry. Ironically, this time around their idol was the Prophet himself. Such idol worshipers obviously did not deserve to possess the pure Quran.                                 Dr. Rashad Khalifa, Messenger of God, Appendix 24

In three decades after the death of the Messenger of the Covenant a reversion to idolatry is complete. Like before, the idol is the messenger whose message was – worship God alone by upholding the Quran alone. The reversion to idolatry goes hand in hand with the rejection of the Quran as perfect, complete, fully detailed and the only source of law (2:2, 6:19, 6:114-115).

In their delusion, some of the traditional Muslims do not allow any images or statues, lest they fall prey to idolatry. They are oblivious to another form of idolatry (16:20-21, 3:79, 18:102, 9:31, 9:107) – following as a source of law (6:114-115, 18:27) words other than God’s words in the fully detailed scripture, the Quran. Numerous verses of the Quran point this out with verse 6:19 explicitly stating that following any other words as testimony is idolatry.

Thus, the revertors to idolatry cannot accept that the Quran:

  • Is the Arabic Quran which has 6346 verses
  • Has complete words of God which are the only source of law (6:114-115)
  • Is a Statute Book, bound by Statutory Law and which contains the message (25:1, 21:10)
  • Provides explanations for everything (16:89)
  • Is called Hadith and the only acceptable Hadith (77:50, 7:185, 45:6)

In defiance of God and His Messenger, the revertors equate the messenger’s human words in subheadings, appendices, footnotes, audios, videos, etc. as equivalent to God’s words in the Quran. They take the messenger’s human words as source of law under the guise of ‘obey the messenger’ and ‘authorized explanations’. Thus, they cannot answer the following questions which expose their beliefs and their distinct religion.

QUESTIONS WHICH EXPOSE THE IDOLATRY OF THE REVERTORS

What is your definition of the Quran?
Do you accept that God’s words are complete in the Quran per 6:115?
Do you accept that God’s words in the Quran are the only source of law and fully detailed per 6:114?
Do you accept that the Quran is a Statute Book per 25:1?
Do you accept that the scripture contains the message per 21:10?
Do you accept that the Quran provides explanations for everything per 16:89?
Do you accept that Rashad Khalifa was a human messenger of God?
Do you consider words which make up subheadings, footnotes, appendices, newsletters, books, audios and videos as words of a human or do you consider them as God’s words?
In the AEVQ, do you consider the properly identified words of the translated numbered verses as separate and distinct from footnotes, subheadings, etc.?
Do you consider the subheadings, footnotes, appendices, etc. as a sources of law?
Do you consider the words of subheadings, footnotes, appendices, etc. to be the same or ‘at par’ with the words of God in the Quran?
Do you accept that the Quran is a hadith?
If God’s words in the Glorious Quran can be called hadith, why would Rashad Khalifa’s words in subheadings, footnotes, appendices, newsletters, books, audios and videos; not be called hadith?

Acceptance that God’s words in the Quran are complete, perfect, fully detailed, only source of law and the only hadith leaves no option but to accept that worship of God alone boils down to upholding only His words in the Quran as the only source of law. Indeed, BELIEF in God dictates that we BELIEVE God. This is not acceptable to those who associate (shirk in Arabic) Rashad Khalifa’s words with God words.

OBEY GOD AND HIS MESSENGER

The Mohammedans justify following sources other than Quran under the same guise of ‘obey God and His messenger’. Their sources are called Hadith (narration) and Sunnah (system). The revertors call their additional sources ‘authorized explanations’. They cannot accept the fact that God Himself calls His own words in the Quran, Hadith and admonishes us not to follow any other hadith (45:6).

The following is to demonstrate to the revertors that they don’t obey God, nor do they obey the messenger. This is from the ‘The Great Debate’ video.

Dr. Abdel Rahman Salem: “So, you don’t believe in Hadith and Sunnah. Do you believe in Hadith and Sunnah?”
Dr. Rashad Khalifa: “I believe the Quran is complete, perfect and fully detailed because God said so in the Quran”
Dr. Abdel Rahman Salem: “And we don’t have to use Hadith and Sunnah at all?”
Dr. Rashad Khalifa: “Does not matter – ANY other source”

OBEY GOD AND HIS MESSENGER – IN PRACTICE

When the messenger was alive, the submitters with him would and were expected to treat him as a boss or superior or a person in charge (e.g.: 24:62,63).  The submitters would not take the messenger’s requests lightly. Those wanting to confer with the messenger were obligated to pay to charity before conferring (58:12).  The submitters with the messenger could ask him to judge among their disputes and unhesitatingly accept his judgement. The righteous submitter would readily obey the messenger in mundane daily affairs or not so mundane requests like an invitation to Tucson for a visit.

When it came to religion and worship of God alone, with the messenger, it was always, always the Quran left, right and center. There was never an occasion that we were asked to ‘obey the messenger’ because it was always, ‘what does the Quran say.’ Anyone can verify this from Quran studies and videos. The messenger in various formats including one-to-one talks with submitters consistently reminded us of the following only God’s words in the Quran (6:19, 6:38, 6:114-115, 17:46, 39:45).

FABRICATION AND INNOVATION

As pointed out the messenger, never stated that we should follow him rather than God’s words in the Quran. The revertors have fabricated and innovated the messenger’s words as a source of law calling them ‘authorized explanations’ and under the emblem ‘obey the messenger’.

The revertors then, promptly FAIL to obey the messenger when it comes to the messenger’s own explanations and teachings! Certainly, they have already failed to obey God as pointed out above. (The following is not comprehensive and does not include clear writings by the messenger in the AEVQ, newsletters or his book, “Quran, Hadith & Islam” admonishing us to follow only the words of God in the Quran).

RASHAD KHALIFA ON QURAN ALONE

“We follow God. We follow the word of God alone. The principle is very easy – if it is not in the Quran, we have no consideration for it.
…your criteria is the Quran. If it is not in the Quran don’t believe it, no matter who is talking to you. It is a very simple principle. This is what we follow.
But you must be aware of this principle. It is our principle – if it is not in the Quran, I don’t believe it. It may or may not be correct, but if it is not in the Quran, I am not following it.”- Rashad Khalifa, Friday Sermon, 1989 Conference.

“Quran is the final scripture. It is completion of the message.
The Quran is all you need. In fact, God said the Quran is complete, perfect and fully detailed. If you go to any other source you will be disobeying God.
You devote yourself completely to God alone and devote yourself to the word of God alone, the Quran alone.” – Rashad Khalifa, Essentials of Submission Video.

“We are people who follow the Quran, the whole Quran and nothing but the Quran. Therefore, anybody and this means anybody who brings any information must conform to the Quran, the whole Quran and nothing but the Quran.  And if anyone, I will underline anyone, who comes up with information that is not confirmed by the Quran, we tell him forget it, we don’t accept it. The criterion is preaching, confirming existing scripture, the Quran and nothing else.” – Rashad Khalifa, Khutba announcing his messengership, April 1988.

Additional mentions of Quran alone by Rashad Khalifa.

THE QURANISTS AND THE REVERTORS

The Quranists fail to follow the Quran, since they cannot accept outside the Quran sources such well-established meaning of words and/or distort Arabic words into something alien. They reject what was revealed before the Quran such as religious duties given to Abraham (2:4).

Thus, some of the Quranists believe in 3 salat based on their corruption of the verse 11:114. Their translation of that verse violates Arabic language and word meanings and no other translation supports their translation.

The Quranists have company in their method of fabrication of God’s only acceptable religion. The revertors similarly fail to accept, outside the Quran generally accepted principles, existing for a millennium. They also go one step further.

(1) They outright reject 6:115. They just cannot accept that God’s words are complete in the Quran (if you get them to define the word Quran in the first place).

(2) They reject the Arabic and English grammar rules of “And” vs “OR”

(3) They cannot accept the concept of Statutory law in existence centuries before Jesus. Unlike Common Law, the source always remains the written law in Statutory law. God has explicitly called the Quran, a Statute Book (25:1).

(4) They defy common sense in seeking to obey a dead messenger (while at the same time failing to obey him). There are two major blunders here – they look to the messenger’s words of explanation as a source for religious law in defiance of 6:114-115 (and numerous other verses) and they seek a dead (16:21) messenger to judge in their affairs (4:65).

ABUSED VERSES

The traditional Muslim’s religion is based on the abuse of a handful of verses – 33:56 (praising Mohammad instead of God), 33:21 (Muhammad was a good example and thus you should do what Mohammad did) and 59:7 (Muhammad allows and enjoins).

Christians in a similar fashion abuse a handful verses the most prominent being “only begotten son” written in a later Gospel.

ABUSED VERSES

  1. [81:19] This is the utterance of an honorable messenger.

This verse clearly refers to MOC as the footnote clearly points out and provide mathematical evidence. The abusers focus on the word ‘This’ which clearly refers to the Quran as evidenced by 81:27, 69:40, 69:48, 2:252, 28:59 and 98:2 (A messenger from God, reciting Sacred Scriptures). In defiance of the evidence and common sense the revertors believe the word ‘this’ sanctions them to make the messenger’s words a source of law.

  1. [5:19] O people of the scripture, our messenger has come to you, to explain things to you, after a period of time without messengers, lest you say, “We did not receive any preacher or warner.” A preacher and warner has now come to you. GOD is Omnipotent.

This verse clearly refers to MOC and the abusers focus is on the word ‘explain’.  While the verse clearly states ‘explain things’ rather than ‘explain revelations’ or ‘explain verses’; they set aside the fact that there are 20+ verses which state God explains the revelations (2:230, 2:242, 3:103, 4:26, 5:75, 5:89, 6:46, 6:55, 6:105, 6:126, 7:32, 7:58, 7:174, 9:11, 10:5, 10:24, 13:2, 16:89, 17:12, 24:18, 24:61, 30:28, 57:17, 75:19). God is the only Teacher of the Quran (55:2) and one of God’s means of communication with humans is through inspiration (42:51). God thus explains the Quran to the sincere.

[2:242] [21:61] GOD thus explains His revelations for you, that you may understand.
[3:103] …GOD thus explains His revelations for you, that you may be guided.
[5:75] … Note how we explain the revelations for them and note how they still deviate!
[5:89] …GOD thus explains His revelations to you, that you may be appreciative.
[6:46] … Note how we explain the revelations and note how they still deviate!
[6:55] We thus explain the revelations and point out the ways of the wicked.
[6:65] [57:17] …Note how we explain the revelations, that they may understand.”
[6:105] We thus explain the revelations, to prove that you have received knowledge, and to clarify them for people who know.
[6:126] … We have explained the revelations for people who take heed.
[7:32] [9:11] [10:5] …We thus explain the revelations for people who know.
[7:58] … We thus explain the revelations for people who are appreciative.
[7:174] We thus explain the revelations, to enable the people to redeem themselves.
[10:24] …We thus explain the revelations for people who reflect.
[13:2] … explains the revelations, that you may attain certainty about meeting your Lord.
[24:18] GOD thus explains the revelations for you.
[30:28] …We thus explain the revelations for people who understand.

  1. [98:2] A messenger from GOD is reciting to them sacred instructions.

We don’t hear as much about this verse as the MOC translated it as “A messenger from God, reciting Sacred Scriptures” in appendix two.

  1. [21:27] They never speak on their own, and they strictly follow His commands.

Their obvious focus is on the words, ‘…never speak on their own…’ thus providing themselves the authorization to sanction anything the messenger said as a source of law. The farce here is they promptly disregard numerous teachings of the messenger which do not suit their religion (see above).

  1. [42:51] No human being can communicate with GOD except through inspiration, or from behind a barrier, or by sending a messenger through whom He reveals what He wills. He is the Most High, Most Wise.

This verse informs us that God communicates to a human through inspiration and through a messenger. God’s communication from behind a barrier only applied to Moses since God spoke to him directly. They disregard God’s communication with humans through inspiration and focus solely a ‘sending a messenger through whom He reveals what He wills’. The messenger provided us ‘authorized explanations’, is their proclamation. The ‘authorized explanations’ above by the messenger are promptly set aside together with disobeying God’s words in the Quran.

The following verse makes it clear that the Quran provides all explanations.

[16:89] The day will come when we will raise from every community a witness from among them, and bring you as the witness of these people. We have revealed to you THIS BOOK to provide EXPLANATIONS for EVERYTHING, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the submitters.

  1. [4:150] Those who DISBELIEVE in GOD and His messengers, and seek to make distinction among GOD and His messengers, and say, “We believe in some and reject some,” and wish to follow a path in between;
    [4:151] these are the REAL DISBELIEVERS. We have prepared for the disbelievers a shameful retribution.

[4:152] As for those who BELIEVE in GOD and His messengers, and make no distinction among them, He will grant them their recompense. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Believe it or not, the revertors use verse 4:150-151 to state that there should be no distinction between God and His messengers thus giving themselves a free pass to treat the messenger’s words and God’s words in the Glorious Quran as equal. Thus, they join the company of the Muhammadans who make the same claim. Verses 4:150-151 deals with those who disbelieve.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF REVERSION TO IDOLATRY

Admission Test is a central aspect of the Revertors religion and was never a central aspect of the religion when the messenger was alive. This is for the simple reason that the words ‘Admission Test’, ‘Perfect Health’ and ‘Perfect Wealth’ are not words of the Quran nor are those words in the Quran Index in the AEVQ.

Rashad Khalifa provided a conceptual explanation for tests mentioned in the Quran (29:2, 2:155) with his phrase ‘Admission Test’.

Most submitters do not have a problem with Rashad Khalifa’s explanation that new submitters who claim to believe in God alone will be tested per 29:2 and other verses. In his explanation, primarily in the King of Chaos video (one of the earliest videos produced for the free channel of local city channels), he classifies the three stages a new submitter might go through.

However, the revertors have taken Rashad Khalifa’s words and his explanation and attempt to foolishly and abjectly apply his explanation to the whole Quran. The revertors explain the Quran (or certain aspects/parts of the Quran) in light of what the human messenger said in his conceptual explanation. This is absurd and has led the revertors into setting up a partner with God and into the realm of idolatry.

Most certainly, one is stripped of common sense when they set up a partner next to God and thus shift to the dominion of Satan. Thus, the resultant behavior of revertors as subhuman. Dr. Rashad Khalifa’s niece died of cancer under the age of 40. With terminal cancer she attended two conferences. Some, with beliefs of revertors, did not even extend the courtesy of Salam to her, let alone ask her about her health. Dr. Khalifa’s niece was just example of this subhuman behavior. Other examples include other submitters attending the conference (in similar circumstances like Dr. Khalifa’s niece). The revertors had no qualms in passing judgement of the worst in the Hereafter for submitters who passed away, for according to them, ‘they did not pass the admission test.’ This subhuman behavior was magnified with no consideration of the family and loved ones of the departed.

More than likely, this subhuman behavior by these revertors is reserved for those who claim to worship God alone but exempted for their neighbors or office colleagues who are sick or who lose loved ones.

RELATED LINKS

Admission Test Q&A
Idolatry Q&A
Obey God and His Messenger
Rashad Khalifa on Quran alone
Supporting a point of view from the Quran
Quran Text
Appendices in Rashad Khalifa Translation

The Islamic Jesus

The Islamic Jesus

Mr. Mustafa Akyol, a journalist and moderate Muslim. Quoting the write up in the above write up in Christian Science Monitor, “For starters, all three worship the God of Abraham. This is not breaking news, of course, but author Mustafa Akyol makes the most of this and other commonalities.”

The Quran advocates the absolute worship of God alone (“You shall not worship except God”) and for us not to make distinction among God’s Messengers.

The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: “We make no distinction among any of His messengers.” They say, “We hear, and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny.” [Quran 2:285]

This commandment is repeated in three other verses in the Quran.

The message of all messengers of God including Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad was the same – You shall not worship except God; also known as the First Commandment in the Torah, Gospel and the Quran.

The Arabic word “Islam” translates in English language as “Submission” and thus all messengers including Jesus and Muhammad practiced the Religion of Submission to God.

The Study Quran

Could this Quran curb extremism?

The Study Quran project has a ruinous flaw which is promoted as central to the undertaking – commentary from outside the Quran.

The various sects of Islam have do not attribute their differences to the Quran, but to their own commentary. The commentary is based on sources external to the Quran. These sources known as traditions or Hadith and Sunnah are condemned in the Quran.

The Quran is a fully detailed scripture for religious law. Yes one may comment on the verses, but the comment must be supportable by other verses from the Quran. The source has to be internal rather than external to the Quran. There is a translation which does precisely that.

[Quran 5:101] O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if revealed to you prematurely, would hurt you. If you ask about them in light of the Quran, they will become obvious to you. GOD has deliberately overlooked them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement.

For any study of a verse, the whole verse should be looked, subsequently verses before and after a particular verse and finally in light of the whole Quran prior to drawing any conclusion.

IN LIGHT OF THE QURAN – FREEDOM OF RELIGION

[2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way.

IN LIGHT OF THE QURAN – BASIC RULES FOR ALL FIGHTING

[60:8]  GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.

[60:9]  GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors.

VERSE 47:4

[4:74] If you encounter (in war) those who disbelieve, you may strike the necks. If you take them as captives you may set them free or ransom them, until the war ends. Had GOD willed, He could have granted you victory, without war. But He thus tests you by one another. As for those who get killed in the cause of GOD, He will never put their sacrifice to waste.

Making “Salawaat” on the Prophet is idol worship

“GOD and His angels help and support the prophet. O you who
believe, you shall help and support him, and regard him as he
should be regarded.” 33:56

The verse quoted above is one of the most abused verse in the
Quran. Millions of muslims, having fallen into Satan’s trap use
this verse to commemorate prophet Muhammad, a human; instead of
commemorating our Almighty Creator, God.

This is what verse 33:56 really says:

1. Whenever prophet Muhammad is described as a prophet (Nabi), it
is used exclusively when Muhammad was alive and never after his
death. For example in 49:2 the commandment was not to raise voice
above the voice of the prophet. Obvioulsy the commandment in 49:2
does not apply now. For the reader to verify forhimself/herself I
have found the following to be all the verses which refer to
Muhammad as a Nabi, the verses applicable when he was alive
3:68,79,161; 5:81; 7:157,158; 8:64,65,70; 9:61,73,113,117;
33:1,6,13,28,30,32,38,40,45,50,53,56,59; 49:2; 60:12; 65:1; 66:1,3;
66:8,9.

2. The words YUSALLOON or SALOO or YUSALLEE or SALAT are all
derived from the root word WASALA, the noun being WASL or contact.
“SALLOO ‘ALAYHI” in 33:56 thus means to keep in contact with the
prophet which is only possible when he was alive.

3. Only a few verses before 33:56, we see a powerful commandment to
commemorate God; and that God and His angels support (Yasalloon)
the righteous believers.
“O you who believe, you shall remember GOD frequently.
You shall glorify Him day and night.
He is the One who helps you, together with His angels, to lead you
out of darkness into the light. He is Most Merciful towards the
believers.” 33:41-43

4. The prophet was ordered to MAKE SALAT (keep in contact or
encourage) the believers.
“Take from their money a charity to purify them and sanctify them.
And encourage them, for your encouragement reassures them. GOD is
Hearer, Omniscient. 9:103

PROPHET MUHAMMAD – POWERLESS HUMAN LIKE OTHER HUMANS

“Say, “I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what
GOD wills happens to me.” 7:188, 10:49

PROPHET MUHAMMAD – DEAD

“You (Muhammad) will surely die, just like they will die.” 39:30

NONE OF THE IDOLS CAN DO THE FOLLOWING

“GOD is the One who created you. He is the One who provides for
you. He is the One who puts you to death. He is the One who
resurrects you. Can any of your idols do any of these things? Be He
glorified. He is much too exalted to have any partners. 33:40

THE GREAT CRITERION

“When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not
believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are
mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.” 39:45