Submission a.k.a. "Islam" in Arabic and Penyerahan in Indonesian The Religion of Abraham Which Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad Followed And who is better in religion than one who follows the religion of Abraham... (Quran: 4:125) Then We revealed to you, [O Muhammad], to follow the religion of Abraham... (Quran: 16:123) Nothing is said to you, [O Muhammad], except what was already said to the messengers before you.... (41:43) David
Copyright 2018 David All rights reserved. ISBN-10: 1986185265 ISBN-13: 978-1986185264
DEDICATION God expects you to use your God-given brain. إ ن ش ر الد و اب ع ند الل ه الص م ال ب ك م ال ذ ين ل ا ي ع ق ل ون Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use their brains to think. (8:22) I dedicate this book to people who use their brain.
Many people will make claims of many things. ه ات وا ب ر ه ان ك م إ ن ك نت م ص اد ق ين - 2:111,27:65 SHOW YOUR PROOF, IF YOU ARE TRUTHFUL!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR David is an American Muslim living in Silicon Valley, California. He has lived in Indonesia and Egypt and has visited many other Islamic countries throughout the Middle East. He is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and holds a masters degree in computer science. David is also familiar with and has performed Quranbased Islamic exorcisms. Fascinated by the mystical powers of the Quran to expel evil jinn living in human bodies and surprised by the proliferation of victims of black magic, David began to examine the Quran. To his surprise, he discovered that much of what the majority of Muslims believe and practice either contradicts or is not even supported by the Quran. His books on Islam are the results of this discovery. Following are all Islamic books written by David. Submission a.k.a. "Islam" in Arabic The Religion of Abraham Which Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad Followed Analysis of Validity of Prophet Muhammad?s Hadith Is It Truly From Muhammad And Is It Valid Islamic Law? Quran-Based Islam Much of what you've been taught about Islam is not supported by the Quran David has also created several online Islamic resources including:
DAVID DestroyBlackMagic.com A website explaining black magic and various Quranic cures based on the teachings of Ben Halima. RemoteRuqyah.com A website about a particular method of doing Islamic exorcisms (ruqyah) remotely using a human medium. RuqyahVerses.com A website that provides step-by-step instructions on doing Islamic exorcisms (ruqyah). QuranDictionary.net A website that shows Quran vocabulary, word-for-word English translations, and Quranic topics. QuranBasedIslam.com A website for this book and other Islamic books I've written. Quranic Clauses A formatting of the Quran where each verse is divided into clauses. vi
CONTENTS Chapter Page 1 READ ME FIRST! 1 2 TL;DR 3 3 THE RELIGION OF SUBMISSION / ISLAM 4 4 GOD S RELIGION IS SUBMISSION (ISLAM) 4 5 THE RELIGION OF SUBMISSION (ISLAM) IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE RELIGION 5 6 GOD S NAME 5 El, Yahweh, Allah 7 YOU CAN CALL GOD BY ANY GOOD NAME 6 Prophet s and Messengers Spread the Religion of Submission (Islam) Each messenger received a revelation to worship the one God A messenger was sent to every community Each messenger spoke the language of his people Each messenger was given the same message 8 QURANIC LIST OF PROPHETS AND MESSENGERS, THEIR PEOPLE, AND BOOKS 8 List of prophets and messengers 9 PROPHET VS MESSENGER 10 Prophets and messengers are not the same thing What is a prophet? Muhammad was a messenger and the last prophet Quran: The Last Scripture (Book)
DAVID Who are messengers? Multiple messengers at any given time Messengers relate God s verses A messenger was sent to every community / nation Each messenger spoke the language of his people The role of a messenger Conclusion 10 ALL MESSENGERS ARE EQUAL 14 God gave some messengers higher ranks over others However, believers in God and His Messengers must consider all messengers equal. Prophet Muhammad was not original or any more special than the other messengers. 11 MUHAMMAD FOLLOWED ABRAHAM S RELIGION 15 Abraham was the founding father of Submission (Islam) Muhammad was specifically told to follow the religion of Abraham Even followers of the Quran are told to follow the religion of Abraham 12 SAME RELIGION, DIFFERENT WAYS AND PRACTICES 16 Origin of Names of Religions The religion of Noah, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses and Jesus is the same The message given to Noah, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses and Jesus is the same Jews, Christians and Muslims Are All Muslims Who Share the Same God viii
SUBMISSION "Deen" (Religion) vs Millat (Ways / Practices of a Religion) Abraham s Way is the Correct Way of God s Religion 13 PEOPLE DIVIDED RELIGION INTO GROUPS AND SECTS 21 The religion of Noah, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses and Jesus is the same so don t be divided God tells people not to divide religion into sects There is supposed to only be one people / community who worships God but people (e.g. Jews, Christians, Muslims) divided their affairs 14 JEWS AND CHRISTIANS ARE TO FOLLOW THE QURAN 22 15 PROPHET MUHAMMAD 23 Muhammad s sole mission was to deliver the message (the Quran) People Didn t and Don t Learn How to Pray from the Hadith The Quran is complete in truth and justice 16 THE RITUALS OF SUBMISSION (ISLAM) 25 The 5 Pillars God taught Abraham the rituals of Submission (Islam), not Muhammad Corrupted practices and their correction People already knew how to pray New practices allowed in the Quran 17 CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE 28 Idolaters (Mushriks / Mushrikeen) Submitters (Muslims) ix
DAVID Believers (Mu mins) Prophet Moses Becomes a Believer Disbelievers (Kafirs) The Walking Dead Idolaters (Mushriks) are not automatically Disbelievers (Kafirs) The People of the Book (Ahl e-kitaab) Some Jews and Christians are righteous Can Believers (Mu mins) Be Friends / Allies with Jews and Christians? At the time of Prophet Muhammad, some People of the Book (Jews and Christians) were Believers (Mu mins) because they believed in the Quran and Prophet Muhammad Most people are Disbelievers (Kafirs) Hypocrites (Munafiqs) The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of Hell 18 TESTIMONY (SHAHADAH) FOR A SUBMITTER (MUSLIM) AND BELIEVER (MU MIN) 35 Testimony to be a Submitter (Muslim) Testimony to be a Submitter (Muslim) and a Believer (Mu min) 19 SUBMITTERS (MUSLIMS) EXISTED BEFORE MUHAMMAD S TIME 37 Prophet Nuh (Noah) was a Submitter (Muslim) Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Is haq (Isaac), Ya kub (Jacob) and Ya kub s sons were Submitters (Muslims) Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) was a Submitter (Muslim) x
SUBMISSION Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) was a Submitter (Muslim) Prophet Isa (Jesus) and his disciples were Submitters (Muslims) People who believed in the previous scriptures (Torah, Injil) were Submitters (Muslims) God named people before Muhammad s time Submitters (Muslims) 20 PEOPLE PRAYED BEFORE MUHAMMAD S TIME 40 Prophet Ibrahim, Lot, Isaac and Jacob prayed Prophet Ishmael instructed his people to pray The Children of Israel (Jews) prayed Maryam (Mary), Mother of Prophet Jesus, prayed Prophet Jesus prayed People prayed at the Kaaba Many other people before Muhammad s time prayed Example Prayer Form Before Muhammad s Time 21 PEOPLE PAID DUES (ZAKAH) BEFORE MUHAMMAD S TIME 43 Prophet Ibrahim, Lot, Isaac and Jacob paid dues (zakah) Prophet Ishmael instructed his people to pay dues (zakah) The Children of Israel (Jews) paid dues (zakah) Prophet Jesus paid dues (zakah) 22 PEOPLE FASTED BEFORE MUHAMMAD S TIME 44 23 PEOPLE PERFORMED THE HAJJ PILGRIMAGE BEFORE MUHAMMAD S TIME 44 xi
DAVID 24 SECTS IN SUBMISSION (ISLAM) 45 xii
READ ME FIRST! The information presented in this book may come as a surprise to most Muslims and probably Jews and Christians. At first glance, a reader might think of it as blasphemy. However, all Muslims, whether Sunni, Shiah, Druze, Alawi, Salafi, or whatever other sect, agree that the Quran is the truth. Therefore, the information provided in this book is purely based on the Quran with references to verses to prove each claim. After reading this book with an unbiased and open mind, Muslims may wonder why the global Muslim community, Islamic scholars, and they themselves never realized the truth that this book proves. I believe the primary reason for this stems from Quran chapter 47 verse 24. آن أ م ع ل ى ق ل وب أ ق ف ال ه ا أ ف ل ا ي ت د ب ر ون ال ق ر Then do they not study / think deeply about / understand the Qur'an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? (47:24) The key word here is tadabbur which means study / think deeply about to understand. Most Muslims are non-arabic speakers. They read the Quran but don t understand what they are reading. They could read translations in their own language but for some reason, they seem to think it s better to read the Arabic Quran without understanding the words. Since the Quran is not written the way today s books are written, even Arabic-speaking readers have a hard time understanding the meaning of it. And anyone who reads the Quran in their own language will still not necessarily understand its meaning because most people don t actually think deeply to understand (tadabbur) each verse. The purpose of this book is to help the reader understand various topics about the religion of Submission (Arabic: Islam) and the Quran so that they can use valid and logical arguments to make better decisions about their beliefs. Before embarking on this journey to learn the truth, it is highly recommended that you prepare yourself in the following ways. Have the intention to discover the truth Set aside all existing bias and traditions that you may have Have an open mind to consider the arguments presented Pretend that you are new to Islam 1
DAVID Have a sincere approach to the Quran by not imposing your own interpretation of it so that it supports your own personal desires Proofs in this book that reference the Quran are shown in parentheses such as (16:123) which means Quran chapter 16 verse 123. All English translations are taken from Sahih International as I find them to be more accurate compared to others I ve read and it tries to keep the word order more or less the same as the original Arabic text. However, the word Allah has been translated to God since Sahih International either forgot to or didn t want to translate Allah to God even though they probably knew that Allah in Arabic means God in English. Do not read this book with the intention to contradict and refute it, nor to believe and take it for granted, but to weigh and consider the proofs detailed herein. And most definitely, do not judge this book based on the length of my beard! Sincerely, David San Francisco Bay Area, USA 2
TL;DR Prophet Abraham is the originator of the religion of Islam Prophets before Prophet Abraham were Submitters (Muslims) but the religion with its specific rituals and practices had not been prescribed until Abraham s time Prophet Abraham asked God to teach him the rituals of Submission (Islam) Islam is not the universal name of the religion Prophet Abraham did not speak Arabic but he was a Muslim "Islam" is only the Arabic translation of the name of Prophet Abraham s religion "Submission" is the English translation of the name of Prophet Abraham s religion "Penyerahan" is the Indonesian translation of the name of Prophet Abraham s religion Prophet Abraham s religion is to worship the one, true God A follower of Prophet Abraham s religion is called a "Submitter" (English), Muslim (Arabic) or Penyerah (Indonesian), depending on your language Jews and Christians (who only believe in the one, true God) are technically Submitters (Muslims) Prophet Muhammad is not the founder of Islam Prophet Muhammad was told to follow Prophet Abraham s religion of Submission (Islam) The Prophet of the Jews (Moses) and the Prophet of the Christians (Jesus) were Submitters (Muslims) following the religion of Prophet Abraham Judaism and Christianity sound like different religions but they are more like sects of the religion of Prophet Abraham because they branched off from true Submission (Islam) Shiah is also a branch of Prophet Abraham s religion of Submission (Islam) People are not supposed to divide the religion of Prophet Abraham but they did so anyway (21:92-93) 3
DAVID THE RELIGION OF SUBMISSION / ISLAM Most people think that Islam is the universal name of a religion. However, Islam is a word in the Arabic language that has a meaning or a description. As such, it can be translated. In English, "Islam" translates to Submission. In Indonesian, Islam translates to Penyerahan. Therefore, Islam or Submission or Penyerahan is a religion where one believes in and submits to the one, true God. A person who submits to this God is called a Muslim which is also just a word in the Arabic language that means a person who follows Islam. The translation of the word Muslim is Submitter in English and Penyerah in Indonesian. Consequently, the word Islam is not the universal name of the religion. It is only the description of the religion in the Arabic language. As such, an English-speaking person can say that their religion is called Submission and an Indonesian-speaking person can say that their religion is called Penyerahan and, by definition, they have the same religion as an Arabic-speaking person who calls their religion Islam. Similarly, a submitter (English) and a penyerah (Indonesian) are also Muslim because those words simply translate to Muslim in the Arabic language. Regardless of what your language is, if you believe in and submit to the one, true God, then you are, by definition, a Muslim / Submitter / Penyerah, whether you want to call the name of your religion Islam or not. Since this book is in English, I will call the religion "Submission (Islam)" and followers of the religion Submitters (Muslims). GOD S RELIGION IS SUBMISSION (ISLAM) إ ن الد ي ن ع ن د الل ه ال إ س ل ا م أ ف غ ي ر الل ه Indeed, the religion in the sight of God is Submission (Islam).... (3:19) 4
SUBMISSION THE RELIGION OF SUBMISSION (ISLAM) IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE RELIGION و م ن ي ب ت غ غ ي ر ال إ س ل ا م ال آخ ر ة م ن ال خ اس ر ي ن دين ا ف ل ن ي ق ب ل م ن ه و ه و ف يأ ف غ ي ر And whoever desires other than Submission (Islam) as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers. (3:85) GOD S NAME "Allah" is not the universal name of God. Allah is a word in Arabic that means God. Therefore, Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians also call God Allah. For example, they would saya Insha Allah which means God willing even though they are Jewish or Christian. The Quran refers to God as Allah because the Quran is in Arabic. Logically, therefore, if the Quran were revealed in English, Allah would be called God and if the Quran were revealed in Indonesian, Allah would be called Tuhan, which is the Indonesian translation of the word Allah. However, translators of the Quran, for some reason, only translate all other Arabic words in the Quran and not the word Allah. El, Yahweh, Allah Prophets Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew God as "El". Prophet Moses knew God as Yahweh. Prophet Muhammad knew God as Allah. "And God spoke to Moses and said to him, I am the Lord (Hebrew: Yahweh) and I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty (Hebrew: 'El Shaddai') but I was not known to them by my name 'Yahweh'" (Exodus 6.2-3) 5
DAVID YOU CAN CALL GOD BY ANY GOOD NAME ق ل اد ع وا الل ه أ ال ح س ن ى و اد ع وا الرح م ن أ ي ا ما ت د ع وا ف ل ه ال أ س م ا ء "Say: "Call upon Allah, or call upon Rahman: by whatever name you call upon Him, (it is well): for to Him belong the most beautiful names.." (17:110 part) Prophet s and Messengers Spread the Religion of Submission (Islam) To inform people about the religion of Submission (Islam), God sent human prophets and messengers. Each messenger received a revelation to worship the one God و م ا أ ر س ل ن ا م ن ق ب ل ك م ن رس ول إ لا ن وح ي إ ل ي ه أ ن ه ل ا إ ل ه إ لا أ ن ا ف اع ب د ون And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, "There is no deity except Me, so worship Me." (21:25) A messenger was sent to every community و ل ق د ب ع ث ن ا ف ي ك ل أ مة رس ول ا أ ن اع ب د وا الله و اج ت ن ب وا الطاغ وت And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship God and avoid Taghut." (16:36 part) 6
SUBMISSION Each messenger spoke the language of his people و م ا أ ر س ل ن ا م ن رس ول إ لا ب ل س ا ن ق و م ه ل ي ب ي ن ل ه م And We did not send any messenger but with the language of his people, so that he might explain to them clearly;. (14:4) Prophet Abraham was not a Jew or Christian (3:67). He probably did not speak Arabic. He spoke the language of his people. Prophet Moses probably spoke Coptic and/or Hebrew because his people probably spoke Coptic and/or Hebrew. Prophet Jesus spoke Aramaic (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/language_of_jesus) because his people spoke Aramaic. Prophet Muhammad spoke Arabic because his people spoke Arabic. Arabic is not a holy language. It just happens to be the language of the last revelation (the Quran) which was revealed to Arabic-speaking people. Each messenger was given the same message The message that was revealed before the Quran is the same as what was revealed in the Quran. This is proven in verse 41:43. ما ي ق ا ل ل ك إ لا م ا ق د ق ي ل ل لر س ل م ن ق ب ل ك إ ن ر ب ك ل ذ و م غ ف ر ة و ذ و ع ق اب أ ل يم Nothing is said to you, [O Muhammad], except what was already said to the messengers before you. Indeed, your Lord is a possessor of forgiveness and a possessor of painful penalty. (41:43) 7
DAVID QURANIC LIST OF PROPHETS AND MESSENGERS, THEIR PEOPLE, AND BOOKS List of prophets and messengers Adam is often regarded as the first prophet but the Quran never specifically says that he is a prophet. The list of names and books below are based on the information available to use in the Quran. It may not be complete. 1. Idris / Enoch o He was a prophet (19:56) 2. Nuh / Noah o He was a prophet (6:89, 4:163) and a messenger (26:107) o He was sent to the people of Noah (26:105) 3. Hud o He was a messenger (26:125) o He was sent to the people of Ad (7:65) 4. Saleh o He was a messenger (26:143) o He was sent to the people of Thamud (7:73) 5. Ibrahim / Abraham o He was a prophet (19:41, 4:163) and a messenger (9:70) o He was sent to the people of Abraham (22:43) o He was given the "Scrolls of Abraham" (87:19) o Ibrahim was not a Jew or a Christian (3:67) 6. Lut / Lot o He was a prophet (6:85-89) and a messenger (37:133) o He was sent to the people of Lot (7:80) 7. Ismail / Ishmael o He was a prophet (19:54, 4:163, 6:85-89) and a messenger (19:54) 8. Is haq / Isaac o He was a prophet (19:49, 4:163) 9. Ya kub / Jacob / Israel o He was a prophet (19:49, 4:163, 19:58) 10. Yusuf / Joseph o He was a messenger (12:50) 11. Ayyub / Job 8
SUBMISSION o He was a prophet (4:163) 12. Shuaib / Jethro o He was a messenger (26:178) o He was sent to the people of Midian (7:85) 13. Musa / Moses o He was a prophet (19:51) and a messenger (19:51) o He was sent to Pharoah and his establishment (43:46) o He was given the Torah (53:36) 14. Harun / Aaron o He was a prophet (19:53, 4:163) 15. Dhul-Kifl / Ezekiel o He was a prophet (21:85-86 chapter of the "prophets") 16. Dawud / David o He was a prophet (17:55, 4:163) and a messenger (4:163) o He was given the Zabur (Psalms) (17:55) 17. Sulaiman / Solomon o He was a messenger (4:163) 18. Ilyas / Elijah o He was a messenger (37:123, 6:85-89) o He was sent to the people of Ilyas (37:124) 19. Al Yasa / Elisha o He was a messenger (6:85-89) 20. Yunus / Jonah o He was a prophet (6:85-89, 4:163) and a messenger (37:139) o He was sent to the people of Yunus (10:98) 21. Zakariya / Zechariah o He was a prophet (6:85-89) 22. Yahya / John o He was a prophet (3:39, 6:85-89) 23. Isa / Jesus / The Messiah o He was a prophet (19:30, 4:163, 6:85-89) and a messenger (4:171) o He was sent to the Children of Israel (61:6) o He was given the Injil (Gospel) (57:27) o His other name was The Messiah (3:45) 24. Muhammad / Ahmad o He was a prophet (33:40) and a messenger (33:40) o He was sent to the Arabs (42:7) for all of mankind (7:158) 9
DAVID o His other name was "Ahmad" (61:6) o He was given the Quran (42:7) o The Quran was revealed in Arabic a. because God wanted to make it easy for Muhammad as an Arabic speaker (19:97) b. so that Muhammad could warn his local community of Arabs (42:7) c. because if it was in another language, the local Arabs would not believe in it (41:44) o The Arabic Quran was revealed to Arabs because if it was revealed to non-arabs, they would not have believed in it (26:198-199) PROPHET VS MESSENGER According to verse 25:33, the Quran is its best explanation (ahsan tafsir). Therefore, in order to understand the difference between a prophet and a messenger, we should look at the various verses that mention the words "prophet" (nabi) and "messenger" (rasul). Prophets and messengers are not the same thing This is proven based on the wording used in verse 22:52. و م ا أ ر س ل ن ا م ن ق ب ل ك م ن ر س ول و ل ا ن ب ي... And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet... (22:52) What is a prophet? In verse 2:213, it s clear that prophets were given scriptures (books). Similar verses are 6:89, 3:79, and 3:81. ك ان الن اس أ م ة و اح د ة ف ب ع ث الل ه الن ب ي ين م ب ش ر ين و م نذ ر ي ن و أ نز ل م ع ه م ال ك ت اب ب ال ح ق ل ي ح ك م ب ي ن الن اس ف يم ا اخ ت ل ف وا ف يه... 10
SUBMISSION Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed.... (22:52) Muhammad was a messenger and the last prophet The Quran never says that there will be no messengers after Muhammad. ما ك ان م ح مد أ ب ا أ ح د م ن ر ج ال ك م و ل ك ن رس ول الله و خ ات م النب ي ين Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets.... (33:40) Quran: The Last Scripture (Book) Since prophets get scriptures (books) and Muhammad was the last prophet, therefore the Quran, which is the scripture (book) given to Muhammad must be the last scripture (book). Like "Islam" which is an Arabic word that means Submission, the word Quran is an Arabic word that means reading or recitation. Based on Arabic grammar, some may argue that it means intense or continuous reading / recitation. Who are messengers? Be definition, a messenger is someone who brings or shares a "message". In the context of the Quran, a messengers shares or relates the message of the Quran. Multiple messengers at any given time In Quran verse 23:51, God tells multiple messengers to do right. By the use of the plural form of the word "messenger", this cannot refer to just prophet Muhammad. It also indicates that Muhammad had helpers around him who were messengers. 11
DAVID ي ا أ ي ه ا الر س ل ك ل وا م ن الط ي ب ات و اع م ل وا ص ال ح ا... [God said], "O messengers, eat from the good foods and work righteousness.... (23:51) We also see plurality of messengers who came to other communities / nations. "The people of Noah rejected the messengers" (26:105) The Ad (people) rejected the messengers (26:123) The Thamud (people) rejected the messengers (26:141) The people of Lut rejected the messengers (26:160) Messengers relate God s verses In verse 7:35, God tells the Children of Adam (all of mankind) that there will be multiple messengers from among humans rehearsing God s verses. There is no mention of an end of the messengers. Therefore, certain people who rehearse God s verses after prophet Muhammad can be a messenger. ي ا ب ن ي آد م إ ما ي أ ت ي نك م ر س ل م نك م ي ق ص ون ع ل ي ك م آي ات ي ف م ن اتق ى و أ ص ل ح ف ل ا خ و ف ع ل ي ه م و ل ا ه م ي ح ز ن ون O children of Adam, if there come to you messengers from among you relating to you My verses, then whoever fears Allah and reforms - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (23:51) A messenger was sent to every community / nation Verse 16:36 indicates that messengers are sent to every community / nation. Since new communities / nations existed after Muhammad s time, then there must be messengers after Muhammad died. 12
SUBMISSION و ل ق د ب ع ث ن ا ف ي ك ل أ مة رس ول ا أ الطاغ وت ن اع ب د وا الل ه و اج ت ن ب وا And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship God and avoid Taghut." (16:36 part) Each messenger spoke the language of his people Verse 14:4 indicates that a messenger speaks the language of his people. Prophet Muhammad only spoke Arabic and he was sent as a messenger for his Arabic-speaking people. Since there are many other languages besides Arabic, there must be many other messengers besides Muhammad, both before and after Muhammad died. و م ا أ ر س ل ن ا م ن رس ول إ لا ب ل س ا ن ق و م ه ل ي ب ي ن ل ه م And We did not send any messenger but with the language of his people, so that he might explain to them clearly;. (14:4) The role of a messenger According to verse 6:48, a messengers job is to only "give good news" and to warn. و م ا ن ر س ل ال م ر س ل ي ن إ لا م ب ش ر ي ن و م نذ ر ي ن ف م ن ف ل ا خ و ف ع ل ي ه م و ل ا ه م ي ح ز ن و ن آم ن و أ ص ل ح And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners. So whoever believes and reforms - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (14:4) Conclusion Based on the analysis above, we can summarize as follows: A prophet is shares good news, warns, and is given a book (scripture) A messenger only shares good news and warns by relating verses in books (scriptures) given to prophets 13
DAVID Muhammad is the last prophet Multiple messengers can exist for any given community / nation both before, during, and after Muhammad s time ALL MESSENGERS ARE EQUAL Christians celebrate Prophet Jesus birthday and they consider him superior to all other prophets. Likewise, some of today s Submitters (Muslims) celebrate Prophet Muhammad s birthday and almost all Submitters (Muslims) consider Muhammad superior to all other prophets. Although God favored some messengers over others, God expects everyone to see all messengers as equal including Prophet Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. God gave some messengers higher ranks over others ت ل ك الر س ل ف ض ل ن ا ب ع ض ه م ع ل ى ب ع ض م ن ه م م ن ك ل م الل ه و ر ف ع ب ع ض ه م د ر ج ات و آت ي ن ا ع يس ى اب ن م ر ي م ال ب ي ن ات و أ ي د ن اه ب ر وح ال ق د س... We have made some of these messengers to excel the others among them are they to whom God spoke, and some of them He exalted by rank / degrees; and We gave clear miracles to Jesus son of Mary, and strengthened him with the Holy spirit. (2:253) و ر ب ك أ ع ل م ب م ن ف ي السم او ات و ال أ ر ض و ل ق د ف ضل ن ا ب ع ض النب ي ين ع ل ى ب ع ض و آت ي ن ا د او ود ز ب ور ا And We have made some of the prophets exceed others [in various ways], and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]. (17:55) However, believers in God and His Messengers must consider all messengers equal. ق ول وا آم نا ب الله و م ا أ نز ل إ ل ي ن ا و م ا أ نز ل إ ل ى إ ب ر اه يم و إ س م اع يل و إ سح اق و ي ع ق وب و ال أ س ب اط و م ا أ وت ي م وس ى و ع يس ى و م ا 14
SUBMISSION أ وت ي النب ي ون م ن رب ه م ل ا ن ف ر ق ب ي ن أ ح د م ن ه م و ن ح ن ل ه م س ل م ون Say: We believe in God and that which had been revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and that which was given to the prophets from their Lord, we do not make any distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him. (2:136) Related verses: 2:285, 3:84, 4:152, 17:55 Prophet Muhammad was not original or any more special than the other messengers. ق ل م ا ك ن ت ب د ع ا م ن الر س ل و م ا أ د ر ي م ا ي ف ع ل ب ي و ل ا ب ك م إ ن أ تب ع إ لا م ا ي وح ى إ ل ي و م ا أ ن ا إ لا ن ذ ير م ب ين Say (O Muhammad), "I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner." (46:9) MUHAMMAD FOLLOWED ABRAHAM S RELIGION Contrary to popular belief, the religion of Submission (Islam) did not begin with Muhammad but rather with Abraham. Abraham was the founding father of Submission (Islam) 15
DAVID م لة أ ب يك م إ ب ر اه ي م ه و س ماك م ال م س ل م ي ن م ن ق ب ل و ف ي ه ذ ا ل ي ك ون الرس و ل ش ه يد ا ع ل ي ك م و ت ك ون وا ش ه د ا ء ع ل ى النا س ف أ ق يم وا الصل ا ة و آت وا الزك ا ة و اع ت ص م وا ب الل ه ه و م و ل اك م ف ن ع م ال م و ل ى و ن ع م النص ير [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. God named you "Submitters" ("Muslims") before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation (the Quran)] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to God. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper. (22:78) Muhammad was specifically told to follow the religion of Abraham ث م أ و ح ي نا إ ل ي ك أ ال م ش ر ك ين ن اتب ع م ل ة إ ب ر اه ي م ح ن يف ا و م ا ك ا ن م ن "Then we inspired you (O Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, monotheism; never was he an idol-worshiper." (16:123) Even followers of the Quran are told to follow the religion of Abraham و م ن أ ح س ن د ين ا م م ن أ س ل م و ج ه ه ل ل ه و ه و م ح س ن و اتب ع م ل ة إ ب ر اه يم ح ن يف ا و اتخ ذ الل ه إ ب ر اه ي م خ ل يل ا And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to God while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And God took Abraham as an intimate friend. (4:125) 16
SUBMISSION و م ن ي ر غ ب ع ن م لة إ ب ر اه يم إ لا م ن س ف ه ن ف س ه و ل ق د اص ط ف ي ن اه ف ي الد ن ي ا و إ نه ف ي ال آخ ر ة ل م ن الصال ح ي ن And who would be averse to the religion of Abraham except one who makes a fool of himself. And We had chosen him in this world, and indeed he, in the Hereafter, will be among the righteous. (2:130) و ق ال وا ك ون وا ه ود ا أ و ن ص ار ى ت ه ت د وا ق ل ب ل م لة إ ب ر اه ي م ح ن يف ا و م ا ك ان م ن ال م ش ر ك ين They say, "Be Jews or Christians [so] you will be guided." Say, "Rather, [we follow] the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth, and he was not of the polytheists." (2:135) SAME RELIGION, DIFFERENT WAYS AND PRACTICES Origin of Names of Religions Many people nowadays think of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as three completely different religions that all originate from Abraham. However, Judaism and Christianity are actually just incorrectly modified versions of Islam (Submission). Judaism is named as such because it originates from the Hebrew word Yehudah (Judah)". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/judaism Judah is the name of an ancient kingdom in present day southern Israel. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kingdom_of_judah Christianity is named as such because it is based on the name of its leader, Jesus Christ. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/christianity Christianity grew out of Judaism and began as a Second Temple Judaic sect in the mid-1st century.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/christianity 17
DAVID Unlike Judaism and Christianity, Islam (Submission) is not named after a kingdom such as Saudi Arabia or a person such as Muhammad. If it did, it might be called Saudi Arabianism or Muhammadism. As explained above, Islam is a word that has a meaning which is "to submit (to one true God)." As a meaningful word, Islam can be translated as "Submission" in English and Penyerahan in Indonesian. Jesus Christ (Prophet Jesus) was a Muslim (3:52) The People of the Book (Jews and Christians) were actually followers of Islam (Submission) as they were also called Muslims (Submitters). (28:52-53) Jews and Christians wrongfully divided their original religion of Submission (Islam) (21:92-93) The Quran always references Jews and Christians as Jews (Yahuud) (e.g. 5:82) Christians (Nasaara) (e.g. 5:82) Children of Israel (e.g. 17:2) People of the Book (Ahli-l-kitaab) (e.g. 3:199) The Quran never mentions that the Jews follow a separate religion called Judaism and that the Christians follow a separate religion called Christianity. Most Jews don t believe that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah and most Christians don t believe that Muhammad is the final messenger of God. However, at the time of Muhammad, there were some Jews and Christians who did believe in Muhammad and the revelation to him (the Quran). و إ ن م ن أ ه ل ال ك ت اب ل م ن ي ؤ م ن ب الل ه و م ا أ نز ل إ ل ي ك م و م ا أ نز ل إ ل ي ه م خ اش ع ين... And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in God, in the revelation to you (Muhammad), and in the revelation to them (Torah, Injil), bowing in humility to God. (3:199) 18
SUBMISSION Though Judaism and Christianity originally were no different than Abraham s religion of Submission (Islam), they have changed a lot, e.g. Christians now believe that Jesus is the son of God, which is clearly a violation of Submission (Islam) as stated in the Quran (4:171) The religion of Noah, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses and Jesus is the same و صى ب ه ن وح ا و الذ ي أ و ح ي ن ا إ ل ي ك و م ا ش ر ع ل ك م م ن الد ين م ا و صي ن ا ب ه إ ب ر اه يم و م وس ى و ع يس ى أ ن أ ق يم وا الد ين و ل ا ت ت ف رق وا ف يه He has ordained for you of religion (Arabic: Deen) what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus - to establish the religion and not be divided therein. (42:13) The message given to Noah, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses and Jesus is the same ما ي ق ال ل ك إ لا م ا ق د ق يل ل لر س ل م ن ق ب ل ك إ ن ر بك ل ذ و م غ ف ر ة و ذ و ع ق اب أ ل يم Nothing is said to you, [O Muhammad], except what was already said to the messengers before you. Indeed, your Lord is a possessor of forgiveness and a possessor of painful penalty. (41:43) Jews, Christians and Muslims Are All Muslims Who Share the Same God 19
DAVID و ل ا ت ج اد ل وا أ ه ل ال ك ت ا ب إ لا ب الت ي ه ي أ ح س ن إ لا الذ ي ن ظ ل م وا م ن ه م و ق ول وا آم نا ب الذ ي أ نز ل إ ل ي ن ا و أ نز ل إ ل ي ك م و إ ل ه ن ا و إ ل ه ك م و اح د و ن ح ن ل ه م س ل م و ن And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him." (29:46) "Deen" (Religion) vs Millat (Ways / Practices of a Religion) Many Muslims use verse 2:120 to infer that the Jews and Christians follow a different religion. ع ن ك ال ي ه و د و ل ا النص ار ى ح ت ى ت تب ع م لت ه م ق ل إ ن ض ى و ل ن ت ر ه د ى الل ه ه و ال ه د ى و ل ئ ن اتب ع ت أ ه و اء ه م ب ع د الذ ي ج اء ك م ن ال ع ل م م ا ل ك م ن الل ه م ن و ل ي و ل ا ن ص ير And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their form of religion (Arabic: Millatahum). Say, "Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance." If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper. (2:120) However, you will see a difference between verse 42:13 and 2:120 in that 42:13 uses the word "deen" whereas verse 42:13 uses the word millatahum. The word "deen" means religion whereas the word millat, in the context of verse 2:120, means way of belief or form of religion. According to the Edward Lanes Lexicon, we see this definition as follows: 20
SUBMISSION The word "millat" is also in verse 16:123 where prophet Muhammad was told to follow Abrahams form of religion (millat). ث م أ و ح ي ن ا إ ل ي ك أ ال م ش ر ك ين ن اتب ع م ل ة إ ب ر اه ي م ح ن يف ا و م ا ك ا ن م ن Then We revealed to you, [O Muhammad], to follow the form of religion (Arabic: millat) of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of those who associate with Allah. (16:123) Abraham s Way is the Correct Way of God s Religion In other words, people can be part of the same "deen" (religion but their way / form millat may be different. The correct way, according to verse 16:123, is the way of Prophet Abraham. This way, according to this verse, is to not join anything with God including partnerships, idols, and intercessors. This way applies to Muslims, Christians and Jews. PEOPLE DIVIDED RELIGION INTO GROUPS AND SECTS The religion of Noah, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses and Jesus is the same so don t be divided ش ر ع ل ك م م ن الد ين م ا و ص ى ب ه ن وح ا و ال ذ ي أ و ح ي ن ا إ ل ي ك و م ا و ص ي ن ا ب ه إ ب ر اه يم و م وس ى و ع يس ى أ ن أ ق يم وا الد ين و ل ا ت ت ف ر ق وا ف يه... He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus - to establish the religion and not be divided therein.... (42:13) God tells people not to divide religion into sects 21
DAVID إ ن الذ ين ف رق وا د ين ه م و ك ان وا ش ي ع ا لس ت م ن ه م ف ي ش ي ء إ نم ا أ م ر ه م إ ل ى الله ث م ي ن ب ئ ه م ب م ا ك ان وا ي ف ع ل ون Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects - you, [O Muhammad], are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only [left] to God; then He will inform them about what they used to do. (6:159) There is supposed to only be one people / community who worships God but people (e.g. Jews, Christians, Muslims) divided their affairs إ ن ه ذ ه أ مت ك م أ مة و اح د ة و أ ن ا ر ب ك م ف اع ب د ون و ت ق طع وا أ م ر ه م ب ي ن ه م ك ل إ ل ي ن ا ر اج ع ون Indeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me. And [yet] they divided their affair among themselves, [but] all to Us will return. (21:92-93) ف ت ق طع وا أ م ر ه م ب ي ن ه م ز ب ر ا ك ل ح ز ب ب م ا ل د ي ه م ف ر ح ون But the people divided their religion among them into sects - each faction, in what it has, rejoicing. (23:53) Despite the clear proof in the Quran, many Jews, Christians and Muslims divide their religion into groups and sects, e.g. Sunni, Shiah, Druze, Alawi, Salafi, etc. JEWS AND CHRISTIANS ARE TO FOLLOW THE QURAN Even though Jews and Christians are technically Submitters (Muslims) and that their books (Torah and Injil) were revelations from God, their books have been replaced by the Quran and they are told to believe in and follow the Quran. 22
SUBMISSION ي ا أ ي ه ا الذ ي ن أ وت وا ال ك ت ا ب آم ن وا ب م ا ن زل ن ا م ص د ق ا ل م ا م ع ك م و ن ل ع ن ه م ك م ا م ن ق ب ل أ ن نط م س و ج وه ا ف ن ر ده ا ع ل ى أ د ب ار ه ا أ ل ع نا أ ص ح ا ب السب ت و ك ان أ م ر الل ه م ف ع ول ا O you who were given the Scripture, believe in what We have sent down [to Muhammad], confirming that which is with you, before We obliterate faces and turn them toward their backs or curse them as We cursed the sabbath-breakers. And ever is the decree of God accomplished. (4:47) ي ا أ ه ل ال ك ت ا ب ق د ج اء ك م ر س ول ن ا ي ب ي ن ل ك م ك ث ير ا م ما ك نت م ت خ ف ون م ن ال ك ت ا ب و ي ع ف و ع ن ك ث ير ق د ج اء ك م م ن الل ه ن ور و ك ت اب م ب ين O People of the Scripture, there has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much. There has come to you from God a light and a clear Book. (5:15) This is similarly mentioned in verses 3:67-68. م ا ك ا ن إ ب ر اه ي م ي ه ود ي ا و ل ا ن ص ر ان ي ا و ل ك ن ك ا ن ح ن يف ا م س ل م ا و م ا ك ا ن م ن ال م ش ر ك ي ن إ ن أ و ل ى النا س ب إ ب ر اه ي م ل لذ ي ن اتب ع و ه و ه ذ ا النب ي و الذ ي ن آم ن وا و الله و ل ي ال م ؤ م ن ي ن Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allah ]. And he was not of the polytheists. Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah ] and this prophet (Muhammad), and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the ally of the believers. (3:67-68) PROPHET MUHAMMAD Muhammad s sole mission was to deliver the message (the Quran) 23
DAVID و إ ن ما ن ر ي نك ب ع ض الذ ي ن ع د ه م أ و ن ت و في نك ف إ نم ا ع ل ي ك ال ب ل اغ و ع ل ي ن ا ال ح س اب And whether We show you part of what We promise them or take you in death, upon you (O Muhammad) is only the [duty of] notification (of the Quran), and upon Us is the account. (13:40) ف إ ن أ ع ر ض وا ف م ا أ ر س ل ن ا ك ع ل ي ه م ح ف يظ ا إ ن ع ل ي ك إ لا ال ب ل ا غ و إ نا إ ذ ا أ ذ ق ن ا ال إ نس ا ن م نا ر ح م ة ف ر ح ب ه ا و إ ن ت ص ب ه م س ي ئ ة ب م ا ق دم ت أ ي د يه م ف إ ن ال إ نس ا ن ك ف ور But if they turn away - then We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], over them as a guardian; upon you is only [the duty of] notification (of the Quran). And indeed, when We let man taste mercy from us, he rejoices in it; but if evil afflicts him for what his hands have put forth, then indeed, man is ungrateful. (42:48) ما ع ل ى الرس و ل إ لا ال ب ل ا غ و الله ي ع ل م م ا ت ب د و ن و م ا ت ك ت م و ن Not upon the Messenger is [responsibility] except [for] notification (of the Quran). And God knows whatever you reveal and whatever you conceal.(5:99) People Didn t and Don t Learn How to Pray from the Hadith Many people argue that Islam originated with Muhammad and that the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad are necessary to explain the details of prayer which are missing from the Quran. However, as we have proven above, (Submission) Islam originated with Abraham Muhammad was instructed to follow the religion of Abraham People prayed ever since the time of Prophet Abraham Logically, God didn t go into detail to describe how to pray because people already knew how to pray ever since Abraham s time. Just like people nowadays learn to pray from the practice being passed on from generation to generation, that too happened since Abraham s time. No 24
SUBMISSION one both past and present learn to pray by reading the hadith. Did you learn to pray from reading the hadith or did you learn from your parents or teachers? The Quran is complete in truth and justice و ت مت ك ل م ال ع ل يم ت ر ب ك ص د ق ا و ع د ل ا لا م ب د ل ل ك ل م ات ه و ه و السم ي ع And the Word of your Lord is complete in truth and justice; there is none to change His Words; He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing. (6:115) و م ا م ن د ابة ف ي ال أ ر ض و ل ا ط ائ ر ي ط ير ب ج ن اح ي ه إ لا أ م م أ م ث ال ك م ما ف رط ن ا ف ي ال ك ت ا ب م ن ش ي ء ث م إ ل ى ر ب ه م ي ح ش ر ون And there is not an animal moving in the earth nor a bird flying on its wings, but they are a nation like you; We have left out nothing in this Book then towards their Lord they will be raised. (6:38) Since God says the Quran is "complete" and He left out nothing, then followers must accept this and not argue that it is incomplete and therefore the hadith are necessary. THE RITUALS OF SUBMISSION (ISLAM) The 5 Pillars The Quran doesn t specifically say that there are 5 pillars but Submitters (Muslims) consider the following to represent the 5 pillars of Islam: 1. Declare submission to the one, true God (Arabic: shahadah) 2. Perform daily prayers (Arabic: salah) 3. Pay dues (Arabic: zakah) 4. Fast (Arabic: sawm) 5. Perform the pilgrimage (Arabic: hajj), if possible God taught Abraham the rituals of Submission (Islam), not 25
DAVID Muhammad Prophet Abraham asked God to teach him these pillars (2:128) and God taught them to him (21:73). ر بن ا و اج ع ل ن ا م س ل م ي ن ل ك و م ن ذ ر يت ن ا أ م ة م س ل م ة ل ك و أ ر ن ا م ن اس ك ن ا و ت ب ع ل ي ن ا إ نك أ ن ت التوا ب الرح ي م (Abraham said) Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. (2:128) و ج ع ل ن اه م أ ئ م ة ي ه د و ن ب أ م ر ن ا و أ و ح ي ن ا إ ل ي ه م ف ع ل ال خ ي ر ا الصل اة و إ يت ا ء الزك ا ة و ك ان وا ل ن ا ع اب د ي ن وإ ق ا م ت And We made them leaders guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakah; and they were worshippers of Us. (21:73) Although Prophets before Abraham were Submitters (Muslims), there is no evidence that they had to perform these pillars except for pillar #1. Since God told Muhammad to follow the religion of Abraham (16:123, 22:78), it s clear that the religion of Submission (Islam) with its five pillars began with Abraham, not with Muhammad. Muhammad was not told to follow the religion of Moses or Jesus as they were just followers of Abraham. Later, we will see proof that people before Muhammad performed these pillars, or were at least instructed to. Corrupted practices and their correction The Quran points out how the Jews, Christians and others corrupted the correct way of performing the rituals of the religion of Submission (Islam). Therefore, the Quran corrected these incorrect practices by reminding people, via the Quran, how to perform them correctly. 26
SUBMISSION و م ا أ نز ل ن ا ع ل ي ك ال ك ت ا ب إ لا ل ت ب ي ن ل ه م الذ ي اخ ت ل ف وا ف ي ه و ه د ى و ر ح م ة ل ق و م ي ؤ م ن و ن And We have not revealed to you the Book, [O Muhammad], except for you to make clear to them that wherein they have differed and as guidance and mercy for a people who believe. (16:64) Some of the corrupted practices that the Quran corrects are: don t say Jesus is the son of God (4:171), make ablution (wudu) in four steps (5:6) etc. People already knew how to pray Many Muslims argue that the Quran is incomplete because it doesn t explain how to pray and therefore the hadith are required. This argument is invalid because 1. God says the Quran is complete (6:115) (6:38) 2. God says the Quran is fully detailed of all things (6:114) (12:111) (41:3) (11:1) 3. God says the Quran is clarification of all things (16:89) 4. God taught Abraham how to pray (21:73). Ever since then, people already knew how to pray and therefore God didn t need to explain in the Quran how to do it again. 5. God told Muhammad to establish prayer and give zakah in Quran chapter 73. This is the 3rd chapter that was revealed to Muhammad. The first and second chapters that were revealed to Muhammad were chapters 96 and 68. Neither one of these three chapters explain to Muhammad how to pray. That makes sense because people at the time (and since prophet Abraham) already knew how to pray. New practices allowed in the Quran Some of the practices that were not part of the original practices taught to Abraham were subsequently allowed in the Quran such as: Sexual relations at night during Ramadan (2:187) Performing tawaf between Safa and Marwa (2:158) 27
DAVID أ ح ل ل ك م ل ي ل ة الص ي ا م الرف ث إ ل ى ن س ائ ك م ه ن ل ب اس لك م و أ نت م ل ب اس له ن ع ل م الل ه أ نك م ك نت م ت خ ت ان و ن أ نف س ك م ف ت ا ب ع ل ي ك م و ع ف ا ع نك م ف ال آن ب اش ر وه ن و اب ت غ وا م ا ك ت ب الل ه ل ك م It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. (2:187 part) إ ن الصف ا و ال م ر و ة م ن ش ع ائ ر الل ه ف م ن ف ل ا ج ن ا ح ع ل ي ه أ ن ي طو ف ب ه م ا و اع ت م ر ت أ ح ج ال ب ي Indeed, as-safa and al-marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs 'umrah - there is no sin upon him for walking between them (performing tawaf). (2:158 part) THE RITUALS OF SUBMISSION (ISLAM) The Quran describes different types of people as follows: Submitters (Muslims) Believers (Mu mins) Idolaters (Mushriks) People of the Book (Ahl E-Kitaab) Disbelievers / Rejectors (Kafirs) Hypocrites (Munafiqs) Idolaters (Mushriks / Mushrikeen) They are polytheists (people who worship more than one God). Mushrikeen comes from the Arabic word "shirk" which, in general, means to share. With respect to the Quran, shirk means sharing others as partners besides God. 28
SUBMISSION Submitters (Muslims) They are monotheists (people who submit to one, true God). They are not necessarily Believers as true belief may not have entered into their hearts yet. Being a submitter is a prerequisite to being a believer. ق ال ت ال أ ع ر اب آم نا ق ل لم ت ؤ م ن وا و ل ك ن ق ول وا أ س ل م ن ا و ل ما ي د خ ل ال إ يم ان ف ي ق ل وب ك م و إ ن ت ط يع وا الله و ر س ول ه ل ا ي ل ت ك م م ن أ ع م ال ك م ش ي ئ ا إ ن الله غ ف ور رح يم The desert Arabs say, "We believe!" Say, "Do not say you believe; but only say, 'We have submitted our wills to God (as Submitters / Muslims),' as belief has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey God and His Messenger, He will not deprive you anything of your deeds: for God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (49:14) Believers (Mu mins) They believe in God, His angels, His books, and His messengers and don t differentiate between any of His messengers. آم ن الر س ول ب م ا أ نز ل إ ل ي ه م ن ر ب ه و ال م ؤ م ن ون ك ل آم ن ب الل ه و م ل ائ ك ت ه و ك ت ب ه و ر س ل ه ل ا ن ف ر ق ب ي ن أ ح د م ن ر س ل ه و ق ال وا س م ع ن ا و أ ط ع ن ا... "The messenger believes in that which has been revealed to him from his Lord and (so do) believers. Each one believes in God and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers - We make no distinction between any of His messengers - and they say: We hear, and we obey.. " (2:285) 29
DAVID Prophet Moses Becomes a Believer Prophet Moses was a Submitter (Muslim) and after seeing a sign from God, he became a Believer (Mu min) و ل ما ج اء م وس ى ل م يق ات ن ا و ك لم ه ر ب ه ق ال ر ب أ ر ن ي أ نظ ر إ ل ي ك ق ال ل ن ت ر ان ي و ل ك ن انظ ر إ ل ى ال ج ب ل ف إ ن اس ت ق ر م ك ان ه ف س و ف ت ر ان ي ف ل ما ت ج لى ر ب ه ل ل ج ب ل ج ع ل ه د ك ا و خ ر م وس ى ص ع ق ا ف ل ما أ ف اق ق ال س ب ح ان ك ت ب ت إ ل ي ك و أ ن ا أ ول ال م ؤ م ن ين "And when Moses came to the place appointed by Us and his Lord spoke to him, He said: "O my Lord! show (Yourself) to me, that I may look upon You." God said: "By no means can you see Me; But look upon the mount; if it remains in its place, then shall you see Me." But when his Lord manifested His glory on the Mount, He made it crumble to dust. And Moses fell down in a swoon / unconscious. When he recovered his senses he said: "Glory be to You! to You I turn in repentance and I am the first to believe." (7:143) Disbelievers / Rejectors (Kafirs) Disbelievers (Kafirs) are people who, after understanding the message of truth (worship the one, true God), deny the truth. They intentionally disbelieve in the one, true God. Kafir comes from the Arabic word "kufr" which means to hide. Kafirs hide the truth and refuse to accept it. They will go to Hell. ت ه م أ م ل م ت نذ ر ه م ل ا إ ن الذ ين ك ف ر وا س و اء ع ل ي ه م أ أ نذ ر ي ؤ م ن ون خ ت م الله ع ل ى ق ل وب ه م و ع ل ى س م ع ه م و ع ل ى أ ب ص ار ه م غ ش او ة و ل ه م ع ذ اب ع ظ يم "As for the Disbelievers, Whether you warn them or you warn them not it is all one for them; they believe not. God has sealed their hearing and their hearts, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be an awful doom" (2:6-7) 30