The Complete Infidel’s Guide to the Koran

If Robert Spencer had titled his book as a ‘Guide to Islam as practiced today’, the contents of the book will reflect a viewpoint which makes sense. His ‘..Guide to the Koran’ is not a guide to the Koran, but a guide to the words of various humans of his choosing.

Robert Spencer failed to point out the following from the Koran:

  • The Koran is the only source of law or the only criterion per 6:114
  • The Koran is a fully detailed scripture per 6:11410:37
  • The words of God in the Koran are complete per 6:115
  • No words can abrogate God’s words in the Koran per 6:115 and 10:37
  • Koran is Hadith per 7:18512:11139:2345:652:3468:4477:50
  • The Koran is the only acceptable Hadith per 77:5045:67:185
  • The Arabic word sunnah (system) refers only to God’s sunnah and never as the Prophet’s sunnah per 17:7733:6248:23
  • That God is the Teacher of the Koran per 55:2

Thus, Robert Spencer cannot present the Koran on its own but relies on words other than God words in the Koran to draw conclusions about the Koran. He has company for his trickery. Most of the Muslim scholars too cannot accept the Koran on its own. They too, like Robert Spencer rely on Hadith, other than the Koran to draw their conclusions. Yet he claims, “This book is designed to present 100 percent accurate view of the Koran.” Incredible!

Which Hadith, beside this, do they believe in? [7:185, 77:50]
GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, .. [39:23]
The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:115]

There is a trove of treasure for Western writers like Robert Spencer as well as Eastern writers, in books of Hadith written 200+ years after the revelation of the Koran. Those books are fiction and contain all kinds of nonsense which are utilized in this book and indeed utilized by others like Osama Bin Laden.

As stated above, the Koran is complete and fully detailed as the only source of law.

Let Robert Spencer write on the Koran based exclusively on the words of the Koran!

On the naming of his book, Robert Spencer states, “An infidel, as far as the Koran is concerned, is anyone who refuses to submit to Allah as the one true god and to recognize Muhammad as his prophet”.

This is what the Koran says:

Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who (1) believe in GOD and (2) believe in the Last Day, and (3) lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [5:69, 2:62]

The Koran gives freedom to the Christians and Jews to follow their scriptures in 5:46-47 and they will be judged upon their scriptures.

Robert Spencer favorite words in the Koran seem to be specifically the out of context words from verse 9:5, “..and seize them, and besiege them and lie in wait for them in each and every ambush.” Needless to say that these verses applied at the time when Prophet Muhammad was alive.

[9:4]  If the idol worshipers sign a peace treaty with you, and do not violate it, nor band together with others against you, you shall fulfill your treaty with them until the expiration date. GOD loves the righteous.
[9:5]  Once the Sacred Months are past, (and they refuse to make peace) you may kill the idol worshipers when you encounter them, punish them, and resist every move they make. If they repent and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), you shall let them go. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
[9:6]  If one of the idol worshipers sought safe passage with you, you shall grant him safe passage, so that he can hear the word of GOD, then send him back to his place of security. That is because they are people who do not know.
[9:7]  How can the idol worshipers demand any pledge from GOD and from His messenger? Exempted are those who have signed a peace treaty with you at the Sacred Masjid. If they honor and uphold such a treaty, you shall uphold it as well. GOD loves the righteous.
[9:8]  How can they (demand a pledge) when they never observed any rights of kinship between you and them, nor any covenant, if they ever had a chance to prevail. They pacified you with lip service, while their hearts were in opposition, and most of them are wicked.

The Koran is clear that we should stand up for our rights per 42:39 and 42:41. The so-called violent verses is addressed here.

There is no support in the Koran for an Islamic State or for political Islam.

Freedom and specifically freedom of religion is God’s gift to humans in the Koran.

There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. [2:256]

Proclaim: “This is the truth from your Lord,” then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve. [18:29]

Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers? [10:99]

“THE HADITH ILLUMINATES THE KORAN”

Robert Spencer has various segments in the book with the above title. As pointed out above, no hadith (narration) other than the Koran itself can be a source of law. Thus, no comment needs to be made on these segments.

“HOW’S THAT AGAIN?”

Robert Spencer has various segments with the title, ‘How’s that again?’ seeking to show contradictions within the Koran. He fails hopelessly, as the words of these verses demonstrate. Here is our translation of the verses he refers to as contradicting verses. Anyone can verify the translation and the Arabic in various tools on the web.

There is no abrogation of any words of the Koran

The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:115]
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]

Robert Spencer falsely claims that ‘Muhammad did see Allah’

No visions can encompass Him, but He encompasses all visions. He is the Compassionate, the Cognizant. [6:103]
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. [42:51]
Dictated by the Most Powerful. Possessor of all authority. From His highest height. At the highest horizon. [53:5-7]
Are you doubting what he saw? He saw him in another descent. [53:12-13]


Satan is a fallen angel in the Koran

Satan is addressed as an angel (2:347:1115:2917:6118:5020:11638:71) prior to his fall. By definition, a jinn is a fallen angel (18:50).

We said to the angels, “Fall prostrate before Adam.” They fell prostrate, except Satan. He became a jinn, for he disobeyed the order of His Lord. Will you choose him and his descendants as lords instead of Me, even though they are your enemies? What a miserable substitute! [18:50]

Who was the first Muslim?

Another vain attempt to show a contradiction. The English translation of the Arabic word Allah is God. For the Arabic word, Islam, the English word is Submission. The descriptive word Muslims translates as Submitter.

The Koran is clear that every messenger of God advocated the Religion of Submission – the absolute worship of God alone within the confines of the first commandment.

Say, “Shall I accept other than GOD as a Lord and Master, when He is the Initiator of the heavens and the earth, and He feeds but is not fed?” Say, “I am commanded to be the most devoted submitter, and, `Do not be an idol worshiper.’ ” [6:14]

Say, “My Lord has guided me in a straight path – the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper.” Say, “My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe. “He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit.” [6:161-163]

As Abraham raised the foundations of the shrine, together with Ismail (they prayed): “Our Lord, accept this from us. You are the Hearer, the Omniscient. “Our Lord, make us submitters to You, and from our descendants let there be a community of submitters to You. Teach us the rites of our religion, and redeem us. You are the Redeemer, Most Merciful. [2:127-128]


Allah commands Muhammad to say: “If I am astray, I only stray to the loss of my soul” (34:50)

Say, “If I go astray, I go astray because of my own shortcomings. And if I am guided, it is because of my Lord’s inspiration. He is Hearer, Near.” [34:50]

The Koran does point out mistakes made by Muhammad as well as other messengers (one exception of a messenger with no mistakes listed in the Koran is Jesus). Verse 33:21 is one of the abused verses by the Muslims by which they try to justify the books of Hadith (in defiance of the Koran as pointed out above). We agree with Robert Spencer that millions of Muslims souls are at risk if they look to words other than God’s words in the Koran as a source of law.

The unbelievers once damned to hell

All verses of the Koran describing hell are allegorical. It will be foolish to draw definite literal conclusions by those verses.

They will have no food except the useless variety. [88:6]
Nor any food, except the bitter variety. [69:36]
Is this a better destiny, or the tree of bitterness? We have rendered it a punishment for the transgressors. It is a tree that grows in the heart of Hell. Its flowers look like the devils’ heads. They will eat from it until their bellies are filled up. [37:62-66]

Shirk, the association of partners with Allah

For Robert Spencer to know, idolatry maintained till death is an unforgivable sin in the Koran.

GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offense. [4:48]

The people of the scripture challenge you to bring down to them a book from the sky! They have asked Moses for more than that, saying, “Show us GOD, physically.” Consequently, the lightning struck them, as a consequence of their audacity. Additionally, they worshiped the calf, after all the miracles they had seen. Yet, we pardoned all this. We supported Moses with profound miracles. [4:153]

Allah has sent prophets – “warners” – to every nation on earth

We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of good news, as well as a warner. Every community must receive a warner. [35:24]

They said, “He fabricated it.” Indeed, this is the truth from your Lord, to warn people who never received a warner before you, that they may be guided. [32:3]


The Koran instructs children to be good to their parents

We enjoined the human being to honor his parents. His mother bore him, and the load got heavier and heavier. It takes two years (of intensive care) until weaning. You shall be appreciative of Me, and of your parents. To Me is the ultimate destiny. If they try to force you to set up any idols beside Me, do not obey them. But continue to treat them amicably in this world. You shall follow only the path of those who have submitted to Me. Ultimately, you all return to Me, then I will inform you of everything you have done. [31:14-15]

You will not find people who believe in GOD and the Last Day befriending those who oppose GOD and His messenger, even if they were their parents, or their children, or their siblings, or their tribe. For these, He decrees faith into their hearts, and supports them with inspiration from Him, and admits them into gardens with flowing streams wherein they abide forever. GOD is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. These are the party of GOD. Most assuredly, GOD’s party are the winners. [58:22]

And We did try Solomon..

We thus put Solomon to the test; we blessed him with vast material wealth, but he steadfastly submitted. He said, “My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingship never attained by anyone else. You are the Grantor.” [38:34-35]

The Koran tells Muslim men, “Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters)..

Do not marry idolatresses unless they believe; a believing woman is better than an idolatress, even if you like her. Nor shall you give your daughters in marriage to idolatrous men, unless they believe. A believing man is better than an idolater, even if you like him. These invite to Hell, while GOD invites to Paradise and forgiveness, as He wills. He clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may take heed. [2:221]

Today, all good food is made lawful for you. The food of the people of the scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. Also, you may marry the chaste women among the believers, as well as the chaste women among the followers of previous scripture, provided you pay them their due dowries. You shall maintain chastity, not committing adultery, nor taking secret lovers. Anyone who rejects faith, all his work will be in vain, and in the Hereafter he will be with the losers. [5:5]

Muslims should not seek peace when they have the upper hand…

Those who disbelieve and repel from the path of GOD, then die as disbelievers, GOD will never forgive them. Therefore, you shall not waver and surrender in pursuit of peace, for you are guaranteed victory, and GOD is with you. He will never waste your efforts. This worldly life is no more than play and vanity. But if you believe and lead a righteous life, He will reward you, without asking you for any money. [47:34-36]
If they resort to peace, so shall you, and put your trust in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [8:61]


SOME OTHER TOPICS IN THE BOOK

“OVER IT IS NINETEEN”


[74:30]  Over it is nineteen.
[74:31]  We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, “What did GOD mean by this allegory?” GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people.
[74:32]  Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon.
[74:33]  And the night as it passes.
[74:34]  And the morning as it shines.
[74:35]  This is one of the great miracles.


Robert Spencer will be glad to know that the verses above refer to the mathematical miracle of the Koran revealed to the computer literate generation.

“TAKE THE KORANIC CHALLENGE”

Say, “If all the humans and all the jinns banded together in order to produce a Koran like this, they could never produce anything like it, no matter how much assistance they lent one another.” [17:88]

The challenge, Robert Spencer, is to produce a book which sets a standard for literature as well as mathematically structured.

“THOSE WHOM YOUR RIGHT HAND POSSESSES”

One of the most abused expression in the Koran is the statement about “Ma Malakat Aymanukum”, which translates word for word as “What your right hand possesses”.  


“MUHAMMAD: IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM”

On the contrary, the Koran commands us not to make any distinction among God’s messengers.

Muhammad was no more than a messenger like the messengers before him. Should he die or get killed, would you turn back on your heels? Anyone who turns back on his heels, does not hurt GOD in the least. GOD rewards those who are appreciative. [3:144]

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.” [2:285]

Say, “We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.” [3:85]

“THE KORAN ON WOMEN: CROOKED AND INFERIOR”

Another falsehood by Robert Spencer. Women issues are discussed in detail here.

“CAN THE KORAN BE REINTERPRETED?”

It is not a matter of interpretation, Robert Spencer. As mentioned above, Why don’t you write on the Koran based exclusively on the words of the Koran! That will be the first step.


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