Monday, August 4, 2014
Just a Thought: Muhammad received the initial Qur'an in a Cave: #1...
Just a Thought: Muhammad received the initial Qur'an in a Cave: #1...: Muhammad received the initial Qur'an in a Cave: Muhammad claimed the angel Gabriel transmitted the entire Koran to him from Allah whil...
Muhammad & Allah Fickle? #15
Muhammad & Allah Fickle?
Hoping to garner Jewish support for those military campaigns, Muhammad had yet another vision that his Allah wanted Muslims to do their praying (salla or sallatun) facing (Qibla) the then Christian city of Jerusalem.
Muhammad stopped this practice when he realized there was no hope that the Jews would join Islam. Henceforth Muhammad and his Allah stopped the practice of facing Jerusalem and ordered all prayers to henceforth be said while facing in the direction of Mecca. Yusuf Ali points out in footnote 141, commenting on Surah 2:142, Muhammad chose Jerusalem for this purpose, but later on, when they proved stubborn in rejecting his apostleship, he came up with a complete change in the direction of prayer; that is, towards Mecca rather than Jerusalem.
In Surah 2:106 the Qur'an teaches, "And for whatever verse We abrogate or cast into oblivion, We bring a better or the like of it; knowest thou not that God is powerful over everything?" But didn't Allah say in Surah 10:65, "There is no changing in the Words of Allah," after this abrogation clause?
Apparently then, the Qur'an teaches that some verses that Allah has brought down have been abrogated - that is, they are no longer binding or applicable. Apparently, Allah changed his mind about some of the verses he gave through his prophet. In this Allah is different to the God of the Bible, "with whom there is no shadow of turning" (James 1:17), who is "the Lord, who changeth not" (Malachi 3:6), whose Word "endureth forever". The real God has infinite wisdom and cannot contradict Himself.
The Islamic Doctrine of Abrogation - is a Contradiction in the extreme. It basically says -on one hand Allah is firm and unchanging in what he says - but on the other hand if it helps Muhammad's cause or Muhammad's life style, Allah will change his words to suit Muhammad. This is a doctrine which is spurned by many Muslims who believe it reflects most unfavorably on the supposed textual perfection of the Qur'an. The uninspired Muhammad sometimes forgot his own revelations, and had to do a "tap dance" and quickly issue new "revelations" that excused and justified himself. See Surahs 2:106 above, and also 87:6-7, and 6:68
The fact is that there are 225 verses in the Muslim Qur'an, which are cancelled out by later ones
The biggest contradiction in the Qur'an (Koran) is that it says the Qur'an can be contradicted at any time. God can change his mind, and change verses in the Qur'an, with or without telling Muslims. This principle is called the "Doctrine of Abrogation."
The doctrine arose from a practical dilemma. Muhammad wanted to marry his daughter in law, but he had already "revealed" the suras that prohibit Muslims from marrying their daughters in law. Muhammad's solution was the doctrine of abrogation - the idea that Allah, through Muhammad, can change his mind about anything at anytime and Muslims have to shut up and obey:
Furthermore, this Muslim doctrine of abrogation extends so far as to dismiss all previous revelation, given in the Jewish-Christian Bibles. Thus Muslims see no problem in that the Qur'an has re-written biblical history with stories and historical accounts that contradict the Bible. To deal with the contradiction between the Bible and the Qur'an, Muslims throughout history have claimed that the Jews and Christians have corrupted their Bible so that the original Bible no longer exists. No matter what evidence for the truth and reliability of the Bible and Torah is provided, Muslims refuse to face the possibility of the truth of the present Bible as we know it.
As related in Zamakh-shari, part I, p. 303 - Muhammad very frequently stated something to his followers with the claim that it was revealed to him through the angel Gabriel. Just as frequent though, Muhammad would tell them that God had changed his mind and invalidated it. Thus the infidels used to say, "Muhammad utters something today and abolishes it tomorrow" (refer to ).
In Asbab al-Nuzul, p. 19, the Suyuti says that,
"Ibn ’Abbas himself said, ‘Sometimes the revelation used to descend on the prophet during the night and then he forgot it during daytime, thus God sent down this verse: 2:106." ( that says, "Whatever communications We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it.")
Is it acceptable or sensible to think that God changes His mind during the night? Ibn ’Abbas is not the only one who insists on that because ibn ’Umar says,
"Two men read a Surah which the apostle of God had taught them, yet one night they rose up to pray but they failed to remember one word of it. The next morning, they went to the apostle of God and related it to him. He told them, ‘It is one of those, which have been abrogated, thus, forget about it.."’ (Refer to the Itqan, 3:74).
There is no changing the words of God;
that is the mighty triumph.
-- Surah 10:64
And recite what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord,
there is none who can alter His words;
and you shall not find any refuge besides Him.
-- Surah 18:27
Compare the above with these:
Whatever communications We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it. Do you not know that Allah has power over all things?
-- Surah 2:106
When Muhammad was accused by his opponents of giving contradictory statements in the Qur’an, as a result, he is said to have received the following revelation that Allah replaced some of the text of the Qur’an with a later text:
And when We exchange a verse in place of another verse --
and God knows very well what He is sending down --
they say, 'Thou art a mere forger!'
Nay, but the most of them have no knowledge.
-- Surah 16:101
Hoping to garner Jewish support for those military campaigns, Muhammad had yet another vision that his Allah wanted Muslims to do their praying (salla or sallatun) facing (Qibla) the then Christian city of Jerusalem.
Muhammad stopped this practice when he realized there was no hope that the Jews would join Islam. Henceforth Muhammad and his Allah stopped the practice of facing Jerusalem and ordered all prayers to henceforth be said while facing in the direction of Mecca. Yusuf Ali points out in footnote 141, commenting on Surah 2:142, Muhammad chose Jerusalem for this purpose, but later on, when they proved stubborn in rejecting his apostleship, he came up with a complete change in the direction of prayer; that is, towards Mecca rather than Jerusalem.
In Surah 2:106 the Qur'an teaches, "And for whatever verse We abrogate or cast into oblivion, We bring a better or the like of it; knowest thou not that God is powerful over everything?" But didn't Allah say in Surah 10:65, "There is no changing in the Words of Allah," after this abrogation clause?
Apparently then, the Qur'an teaches that some verses that Allah has brought down have been abrogated - that is, they are no longer binding or applicable. Apparently, Allah changed his mind about some of the verses he gave through his prophet. In this Allah is different to the God of the Bible, "with whom there is no shadow of turning" (James 1:17), who is "the Lord, who changeth not" (Malachi 3:6), whose Word "endureth forever". The real God has infinite wisdom and cannot contradict Himself.
The Islamic Doctrine of Abrogation - is a Contradiction in the extreme. It basically says -on one hand Allah is firm and unchanging in what he says - but on the other hand if it helps Muhammad's cause or Muhammad's life style, Allah will change his words to suit Muhammad. This is a doctrine which is spurned by many Muslims who believe it reflects most unfavorably on the supposed textual perfection of the Qur'an. The uninspired Muhammad sometimes forgot his own revelations, and had to do a "tap dance" and quickly issue new "revelations" that excused and justified himself. See Surahs 2:106 above, and also 87:6-7, and 6:68
The fact is that there are 225 verses in the Muslim Qur'an, which are cancelled out by later ones
The biggest contradiction in the Qur'an (Koran) is that it says the Qur'an can be contradicted at any time. God can change his mind, and change verses in the Qur'an, with or without telling Muslims. This principle is called the "Doctrine of Abrogation."
The doctrine arose from a practical dilemma. Muhammad wanted to marry his daughter in law, but he had already "revealed" the suras that prohibit Muslims from marrying their daughters in law. Muhammad's solution was the doctrine of abrogation - the idea that Allah, through Muhammad, can change his mind about anything at anytime and Muslims have to shut up and obey:
Furthermore, this Muslim doctrine of abrogation extends so far as to dismiss all previous revelation, given in the Jewish-Christian Bibles. Thus Muslims see no problem in that the Qur'an has re-written biblical history with stories and historical accounts that contradict the Bible. To deal with the contradiction between the Bible and the Qur'an, Muslims throughout history have claimed that the Jews and Christians have corrupted their Bible so that the original Bible no longer exists. No matter what evidence for the truth and reliability of the Bible and Torah is provided, Muslims refuse to face the possibility of the truth of the present Bible as we know it.
As related in Zamakh-shari, part I, p. 303 - Muhammad very frequently stated something to his followers with the claim that it was revealed to him through the angel Gabriel. Just as frequent though, Muhammad would tell them that God had changed his mind and invalidated it. Thus the infidels used to say, "Muhammad utters something today and abolishes it tomorrow" (refer to ).
In Asbab al-Nuzul, p. 19, the Suyuti says that,
"Ibn ’Abbas himself said, ‘Sometimes the revelation used to descend on the prophet during the night and then he forgot it during daytime, thus God sent down this verse: 2:106." ( that says, "Whatever communications We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it.")
Is it acceptable or sensible to think that God changes His mind during the night? Ibn ’Abbas is not the only one who insists on that because ibn ’Umar says,
"Two men read a Surah which the apostle of God had taught them, yet one night they rose up to pray but they failed to remember one word of it. The next morning, they went to the apostle of God and related it to him. He told them, ‘It is one of those, which have been abrogated, thus, forget about it.."’ (Refer to the Itqan, 3:74).
There is no changing the words of God;
that is the mighty triumph.
-- Surah 10:64
And recite what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord,
there is none who can alter His words;
and you shall not find any refuge besides Him.
-- Surah 18:27
Compare the above with these:
Whatever communications We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or like it. Do you not know that Allah has power over all things?
-- Surah 2:106
When Muhammad was accused by his opponents of giving contradictory statements in the Qur’an, as a result, he is said to have received the following revelation that Allah replaced some of the text of the Qur’an with a later text:
And when We exchange a verse in place of another verse --
and God knows very well what He is sending down --
they say, 'Thou art a mere forger!'
Nay, but the most of them have no knowledge.
-- Surah 16:101
Muhammad received the initial Qur'an in a Cave: #14
Muhammad received the initial Qur'an in a Cave:
Muhammad claimed the angel Gabriel transmitted the entire Koran to him from Allah while he was living in the Hira Cave. At first Muhammad feared he had been overtaken by a "Jinn", a troubling spirit (see picture below). But Muhammad's wife Khadijah encouraged him that his visions were indeed from God and that he had been chosen as his special messenger. Amr ibn Sharhabil says Muhammad mentioned to his wife Khadijah that he feared he was possessed by demons and wondered whether others might consider him possessed by jinn (Pfander 1910:345). He says Muhammad said; “ When I went into seclusion I heard a voice. By Allah I feared that something wrong was going to happen.” Also revealing is the report by Al Waqidi that Muhammad had such an aversion to the form of the cross that he would break everything brought into the house with a shape of the cross on it (Nehls 1990:61).
When Muhammad began to preach his new religion in 610 A.D. the leaders of Mecca were strongly opposed. In 622 A.D. Muhammad was approached by the elders from a town located some 250 miles north of Mecca who asked Muhammad to be their ruler. Muhammad accepted on the conditions that they would also accept him as a prophet and that he could bring his followers. The exodus to this town, later known as Medina is known by Muslims as the "hijra". The Meccans attacked the Medinans several times, but the Medinans always managed to drive them off. In 627 A.D. the Meccans were defeated by Muhammad's forces, and the Muslims returned to Mecca and cleansed the "kaba" of all its idols. Muhammad continued to rule Medina, where he died in 632 A.D.
Muslims should be reminded of Muhammad's own humanity, fickleness and unworthiness. Muhammad was extremely close to Jews in the beginning of his campaigns of rape, plunder, and murder. In those days, Muhammad realized he could only capture Mecca and Medina with Jewish help.
Muhammad claimed the angel Gabriel transmitted the entire Koran to him from Allah while he was living in the Hira Cave. At first Muhammad feared he had been overtaken by a "Jinn", a troubling spirit (see picture below). But Muhammad's wife Khadijah encouraged him that his visions were indeed from God and that he had been chosen as his special messenger. Amr ibn Sharhabil says Muhammad mentioned to his wife Khadijah that he feared he was possessed by demons and wondered whether others might consider him possessed by jinn (Pfander 1910:345). He says Muhammad said; “ When I went into seclusion I heard a voice. By Allah I feared that something wrong was going to happen.” Also revealing is the report by Al Waqidi that Muhammad had such an aversion to the form of the cross that he would break everything brought into the house with a shape of the cross on it (Nehls 1990:61).
When Muhammad began to preach his new religion in 610 A.D. the leaders of Mecca were strongly opposed. In 622 A.D. Muhammad was approached by the elders from a town located some 250 miles north of Mecca who asked Muhammad to be their ruler. Muhammad accepted on the conditions that they would also accept him as a prophet and that he could bring his followers. The exodus to this town, later known as Medina is known by Muslims as the "hijra". The Meccans attacked the Medinans several times, but the Medinans always managed to drive them off. In 627 A.D. the Meccans were defeated by Muhammad's forces, and the Muslims returned to Mecca and cleansed the "kaba" of all its idols. Muhammad continued to rule Medina, where he died in 632 A.D.
Muslims should be reminded of Muhammad's own humanity, fickleness and unworthiness. Muhammad was extremely close to Jews in the beginning of his campaigns of rape, plunder, and murder. In those days, Muhammad realized he could only capture Mecca and Medina with Jewish help.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Just a Thought: Would a true and righteous God do this? #13
Just a Thought: Would a true and righteous God do this? #13: Muhammad is infatuated with adopted son's wife. Takes her for himself. According to the Qur'an (Koran): Muhammad adopted Zaid (...
Would a true and righteous God do this? #13
Muhammad is infatuated with adopted son's wife. Takes her for himself.
According to the Qur'an (Koran):
Muhammad adopted Zaid (aka: Zayd) because Muhammad had no sons. Zaid married a stunningly beautiful woman named Zainab (aka: Zaynab). Once when Muhammad was visiting Zaid's home he accidentally saw Zaibab in scanty attire. Muhammad was overcome with lust. In the Koran we are told that it was Allah who caused Muhammad's heart to desire Zainab. And that it was Allah's Will for Zaid to divorce his wife so that Muhammad could marry her. Muhammad married Zainab in June 626 A.D. This Allah therefore desires lust and coveting a "neighbor's" wife. Naturally, his followers began to murmur about their pious prophet acting this way. So, lo and behold yet another Surah was miraculously given some months after the fact from Allah that absolved Muhammad personally (Surah 33:37).
There are three obstacles to Zaid's proposal to relinquish his wife to Muhammad. (1) The Islamic stance regarding the evil of divorce; (2) The Quranic limitation of four wives per man; and (3) the strong social principle that no distinction should be made between adopted sons and sons by birth. After Muhammad took Zaid's wife he did a quick razzle-dazzle to cover his tracks. He conveniently received another revelation (Surah 33:4-5, 40) that said; henceforth adopted sons should retain the name of their natural fathers and that Muhammad had no blood tie to Zaid. Muhammad promptly changed Zaid's name from Zaid ibn Muhammad, back to Zaid ibn Harithah. (The Quran Unveiled, pg 20)
Surah 33:37-38 (Noble Qur'an) Behold! Thou didst say to one who had received the grace of Allah and thy favour: "Retain thou (in wedlock) thy wife, and fear Allah." But thou didst hide in thy heart that which Allah was about to make manifest: thou didst fear the people, but it is more fitting that thou shouldst fear Allah. Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved with the necessary (formality) (their marriage) with them. And Allah's command must be fulfilled. There can be no difficulty to the Prophet in what Allah has indicated to him as a duty. It was the practice (approved) of Allah amongst those of old that have passed away. And the command of Allah is a decree determined.
Or, was it more of Muhammad's scheming, and making up the rules to get his own way with this beautiful woman? We note elsewhere where Muhammad laid with a 9 year old girl (Ayisha) when Muhammad was in his 50's, and also a beautiful 17 year old Jewish girl (Safiyah) - one day after Muhammad had her family massacred. Although Muhammad fixed the legal number of wives as 4 for his followers, Muhammad let it be known that Allah gave Muhammad himself the special privilege of any number of wives. Muhammad again miraculously received a Surah giving himself the privilege of cohabitating with his female slaves.
In the Jewish-Christian Bible Jewish Kings were chastised, disciplined and ostracized by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for this sort of coveting behavior that the Islamic Allah applauds. This behavior issue is another reason that Allah is not the One and true God. Wouldn't one expect the true Lord to insist on good Christian behavior? The true just God of the Bible simply would not give Muhammad special dispensation over others. Would a just God exempt one man (Muhammad) from the law. All the while expecting other men to keep it? The Prophets of God were never given the right to sidestep God's laws. Remember, this was supposedly a divinely directed law, Muhammad was under obligation to obey. Jesus said; "Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." (Matthew 19:9)
Does Allah desire you live in Paradise? Or, your torment in Hell?
how can Muslims miss what Allah really has in store for them?
Whereas, Yahweh (I Am) has provided eternal salvation and life to those who believe in Jesus (Isa); because Jehovah's wrath has already been poured out on Jesus, for the sins of those who trust and believe in Jesus...
Consider what Allah really desires: The Islamic Qur'an says that Allah desires to lead people astray (Surah 6:39 , 126). He does not help those who are led astray by him (Surah 30:29) and desires to use them to populate hell (Surah 32:13).
Just a Thought: Didn't Allah have a Basic Education? #11
Just a Thought: Didn't Allah have a Basic Education? #11: Didn't Allah have a Basic Education? - It just doesn't add up: Surah 4:11-12 and 4:176 state the Qur'anic inheritance law. Whe...
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Just a Thought: Didn't Allah have a Basic Education? #11
Just a Thought: Didn't Allah have a Basic Education? #11: Didn't Allah have a Basic Education? - It just doesn't add up: Surah 4:11-12 and 4:176 state the Qur'anic inheritance law. Whe...
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