Revisiting Muhammad’s Supposed Superiority; Part III

” A response to a Muslim Dawagandist” 

Continues from Part II         

Endnotes                             

(1) Here is how the Muslim writers at www.islamqa.com try to explain the contradictory statements found throughout the ahadith, specifically in regards to Muhammad claiming to be the leader of the children of Adam whereas in other reports denying that he is better than certain prophets such as Jonah:

With regard to the other hadeeth - "Do not differentiate between the Prophets" - it may be responded to in five ways. The first is that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said this before he knew that he was the leader of the sons of Adam; then when he came to know he spoke of it.

This is far from being a coherent response since these same Muslims claimed that Muhammad does not speak according to his own desires, but utters only that which comes to him by way of revelation:

The Qur'aan and Sunnah both come from the same source, both are Revelation (wahy) from Allaah. Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. 4. It is only a Revelation revealed. 5. He has been taught (this Qur'aan) by one mighty in power [Jibreel (Gabriel)]" [al-Najm 53:3-5]

How, then, could Allah allow him to make such a statement if it wasn’t true? Why didn’t Allah prevent him from saying something so blatantly wrong (if indeed it was wrong)? Why didn’t he inspire him to speak the truth about his status over the prophets right from the start, thereby preventing him from speaking out of ignorance?

The second is that he said it out of politeness and humility…

It isn’t an act of politeness or humility for Muhammad to lie about the distinction which exists among the prophets, especially when he had no problem boasting about being their leader:

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "I am the leader (qa'id) of the messengers, and this is no boast; I am the seal of the prophets, and this is no boast; and I shall be the first to make intercession and the first whose intercession is accepted, and this is no boast." Darimi transmitted it. (Tirmidhi Hadith Number 1519; ALIM CD-Rom Version)

Now if saying that other prophets were better than him is a sign of humility should we therefore take his claim of being the leader of mankind a sign of his arrogance?

Moreover, didn’t Muhammad call anyone that would say he was better than Jonah a liar?

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever says that I am better than Jonah bin Matta, IS A LIAR." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 128)

And since he bragged about being the leader over the messengers, which by extension implies that he is better than Jonah, doesn’t this make him out to be a liar according to his own words? Where is the politeness and humility in this?

We omit the rest of the other points since they really don’t address anything.

Source: http://answering-islam.org/Responses/Osama/zawadi_mhd_superior.htm

IHS

15 July 2009

The Qur’an Also Agrees: Jesus Is the Most High!
”Another confirmation of Jesus’ high status”

 

In this article and rebuttal we documented from God’s true Word that Jesus is the Divine unique Son of God and the Most High. We looked at passages where both Jesus and the inspired NT writers expressly teach that, after his physical resurrection, Christ ascended to sit at God’s right hand and saw how this basically means that Jesus is exalted over all creation. Here are two such biblical texts:

"and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church," Ephesians 1:19-22

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison… who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him." 1 Peter 3:18-19, 22

Some readers may be quite surprised to discover that the Qur’an agrees with the NT on the point that God exalted Jesus to the highest position there is:

Behold! God said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute. S. 3:55 Y. Ali

Nay, God raised him up unto Himself; and God is Exalted in Power, Wise; - S. 4:158 Y. Ali

These texts are obviously echoing the Biblical teaching that God exalted Jesus to the highest level, to his very own heavenly presence. What makes this all the more interesting is that the Qur’an nowhere says this of any other prophet or messenger.

Even though the Qur’an speaks of people being raised in rank and honour:

Those apostles We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of them God spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs), and strengthened him with the holy spirit. If God had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after clear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to wrangle, some believing and others rejecting. If God had so willed, they would not have fought each other; but God Fulfilleth His plan. S. 2:253 Y. Ali; cf. 6:83, 165; 12:76, 99-100; 19:56-57; 43:32; 56:1-3; 58:11; 94:4

It never mentions someone else being raised to God himself.

{Note how Q. 2:253 mentions Jesus right after it refers to those whom Allah has exalted!}

This is obviously another case where the author of the Qur’an has borrowed Christian terminology and/or theology without realizing the serious implications that this has on the Person and work of Christ, as well as on refuting the Qur’an’s claim that Jesus was no more than a human being. After all, Jesus being taken to God himself is simply another way of saying that Christ has been exalted to the highest place in heaven, to a position that makes him the Most High over all creation!

Further Reading

http://answering-islam.org/Qur’an/Contra/jesus_creator.htm
http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/sura3_7.htm
http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/crucifixion.htm
http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/tabari_on_jesus.htm
http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/preserved-crucifixion.htm
http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/last_prophet.htm

Source: http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/jesus_most_high_q.htm

IHS