Monday 25 October 2021

The Quranic Verse that Exposed the Fraud Who is Muhammad Pt. 2

I continue from where I left off https://answeringislamblog.wordpress.com/2019/05/20/the-quranic-verse-that-exposed-the-fraud-who-is-muhammad-pt-1/.

When the Christians successfully stumped Muhammad by using his own words against him to prove the Deity of Christ, Muhammad needed to find a way out of the dilemma which he had created for himself.

Muhammad did manage to come up with a reply, namely, those passages which refer to Jesus as God’s Word and Spirit are unclear and one should therefore not focus on them!

In his exegesis of Q. 3:7 Ibn Kathir mentions that this text addresses Christians who utilized the Quran to prove that Jesus is divine: 

<So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation> meaning, those who are misguided and deviate from truth to falsehood…

<they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof> meaning, they refer to the Mutashabih, because they are able to alter its meanings to conform with their false interpretation since the wordings of the Mutashabihat encompass such a wide area of meanings. As for the Muhkam Ayat, they cannot be altered because they are clear and, thus, constitute unequivocal proof against the misguided people. This is why Allah said…

<seeking Al-Fitnah> meaning, they seek to misguide their following by pretending to prove their innovation by relying on the Qur’an — the Mutashabih of it — but, this is proof against and not for them. For instance, Christians might claim that [`Isa is divine because] the Qur’an states that he is Ruhullah and His Word, which He gave to Mary, all the while ignoring Allah’s statements…

<He [`Isa] was not more than a servant. We granted Our favor to him.> [43:59], and…

<Verily, the likeness of `Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: “Be!” and he was.> [3:59].

There are other Ayat that clearly assert that `Isa is but one of Allah’s creatures and that he is the servant and Messenger of Allah, among other Messengers. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=563&Itemid=46; bold and underline emphasis ours)

It is obvious from these quotations that the only reason why Muhammad claimed that the Quran contains unclear passages, whose meanings only Allah knows, is because the Christians were using his own words against him, showing how he contradicted himself concerning Jesus. He, therefore, needed a way out of this mess that he created. Prior to that time, Muhammad was constantly boasting how clear and fully detailed the verses of his book were.

[Sidenote: Nor is this the only time that Muhammad had people use his own words against him, thereby causing him great embarrassment. There were other occasions where Muhammad was forced to come up with verses or an argument in order to undo the damage that he had created due to statements which he made in the Quran. Here is one example: https://answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/qi032.html.

Another one would be Q. 9:31, a text which I will be examining in another post.]

Thirdly, it is simply question begging to assume that the texts which refer to the beliefs of Christians are part of the unclear passages of the Quran. In fact, that is not what the Quran claims about these verses but actually makes the exact opposite assertion.

The Quran says that it clearly explains and clarifies to the Jews and Christians the matters in which they differ and dispute over, as well as to bring to light the things which they have hidden from others:

And with those who say ‘We are Christians’ We took compact; and they have forgotten a portion of that they were reminded of. So We have stirred up among them enmity and hatred, till the Day of Resurrection; and God will assuredly tell them of the things they wrought. People of the Book, now there has come to you Our Messenger, MAKING CLEAR TO YOU many things you have been concealing of the Book, and effacing many things. There has come to you from God a light, AND A BOOK MANIFEST whereby God guides whosoever follows His good pleasure in the ways of peace, and brings them forth from the shadows into the light by His leave; and He guides them to a straight path. They are unbelievers who say, ‘God is the Messiah, Mary’s son.’ Say: ‘Who then shall overrule God in any way if He desires to destroy the Messiah, Mary’s son, and his mother, and all those who are on earth?’ For to God belongs the kingdom of the heavens and of the earth, and all that is between them, creating what He will. God is powerful over everything. Say the Jews and Christians, ‘We are the sons of God, and His beloved ones.’ Say: ‘Why then does He chastise you for your sins? No; you are mortals, of His creating; He forgives whom He will, and He chastises whom He will.’ For to God belongs the kingdom of the heavens and of the earth, and all that is between them; to Him is the homecoming. People of the Book, now there has come to you Our Messenger, MAKING THINGS CLEAR TO YOU, upon an interval between the Messengers lest you should say, ‘There has not come to us any bearer of good tidings, neither any warner.’ Indeed, there has come to you a bearer of good tidings and a warner; God is powerful over everything. S. 5:14-19 Arberry

The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) had passed away before him. And his mother was a saintly woman. And they both used to eat (earthly) food. See how We make the revelations CLEAR TO THEM, and see how they are turned away! S. 5:75 Pickthall

The above verses expressly say that the Quran was “revealed” to make some things clear to the Jews and Christians concerning their cherished beliefs such as the Deity of Christ and the divinity of Mary. We will have more to say about the meaning of these texts in the second part of our rebuttal.

And:

And We did not send before you any but men to whom We sent revelation — so ask the followers of the Reminder if you do not know — With clear arguments and scriptures; and We have revealed to you the Reminder that you may make clear to men what has been revealed to them, and that haply they may reflect. S. 16:43-44 Shakir

By Allah, We indeed sent (Messengers) to the nations before you (O Muhammad), but Shaitan (Satan) made their deeds fair-seeming to them. So he (Satan) is their Wali (helper) today (i.e. in this world), and theirs will be a painful torment. And We have not sent down the Book (the Qur’an) to you (O Muhammad), except that you may EXPLAIN CLEARLY unto them those things in which they differ, and (as) a guidance and a mercy for a folk who believe. S. 16:63-64 Hilali-Khan

Since the Quran says that one of its functions is to clarify the differences between the Jews and Christians and to make clear what has been revealed to them, this means that those verses dealing with Christian beliefs are not part of the unclear passages. Rather, these are some of the texts whose meanings are supposed to be perspicuous and therefore cannot be open to multiple interpretations.

After all, if these particular texts were unclear and open to multiple meanings, then they could not provide any clarification for the Christians, but only cause them further confusion. This would, therefore, defeat one of the main functions of the Quran, which was supposedly “sent” to make things clear – not make them more confusing – for the Jews and Christians.

So much for the Quran being the word of God and for Muhammad being his messenger.

Source: https://answeringislamblog.wordpress.com/2019/05/20/the-quranic-verse-that-exposed-the-fraud-who-is-muhammad-pt-2/

IHS

The Quranic Verse that Exposed the Fraud Who is Muhammad Pt. 1

The following passage asserts that the Quran is composed of two sets of verses, one that is clear and unambiguous and another set that is not so clear:

It is He who sent down upon thee the Book, wherein are verses clear (muhkamatun) that are the Essence of the Book, and others ambiguous (mutashabihatun). As for those in whose hearts is swerving, they follow the ambiguous part, desiring dissension, and desiring its interpretation; and none knows its interpretation, save only God. And those firmly rooted in knowledge say, ‘We believe in it; all is from our Lord’; yet none remembers, but men possessed of minds. S. 3:7 Arberry Medina

I am now going to show how this text actually exposes Muhammad as a false prophet.

In the first place, this verse contradicts the repeated assertion of the Quran that it is a scripture which is clear.

Thus doth God MAKE CLEAR His Signs to you: In order that ye may understand. S. 2:242 Y. Ali Medina

Alif Lam Ra. A Book whose verses ARE SET CLEAR (ohkimat), and then distinguished, from One All-wise, All-aware: S. 11:1 Arberry Mecca

1. L. R. These are the Ayats of Revelation, – of a Qur’an that makes things clear. S. 15:1 Y. Ali Mecca

And indeed We know that they (polytheists and pagans) say: “It is only a human being who teaches him (Muhammad).” The tongue of the man they refer to is foreign, while this (the Qur’an) is a clear Arabic tongue. S. 16:103 Hilali-Khan Mecca

We verily, have made it a Qur’an in Arabic, that you may be able to understand (its meanings and its admonitions). S. 43:3 Hilali-Khan Mecca

By the manifest Book (this Qur’an) THAT MAKES THINGS CLEAR, S. 44:2 Hilali-Khan Mecca – cf. Q. 2:187, 219, 266; 3:103, 118; 4:26, 176; 5:89; 24:18, 58-59, 61; 57:17

The Islamic scripture also makes the repeated assertion that it is a book which fully explains all its verses:

And thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) IN DETAIL, that the way of the Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners), may become manifest. S. 6:55 Hilali-Khan Mecca

It is He Who has set the stars for you, so that you may guide your course with their help through the darkness of the land and the sea. We have (indeed) explained IN DETAIL Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, Revelations, etc.) for people who know. It is He Who has created you from a single person (Adam), and has given you a place of residing (on the earth or in your mother’s wombs) and a place of storage [in the earth (in your graves) or in your father’s loins]. Indeed, We have EXPLAINED IN DETAIL Our revelations (this Qur’an) for people who understand. S. 6:97-98

Thus We explain variously the Verses so that they (the disbelievers) may say: “You have studied (the Books of the people of the Scripture and brought this Qur’an from that)” and that We may make the matter clear for the people who have knowledge. S. 6:105 Hilali-Khan

[Say (O Muhammad)] “Shall I seek a judge other than Allah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the Book (The Qur’an), EXPLAINED IN DETAIL.” Those unto whom We gave the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth. So be not you of those who doubt. S. 6:114 Hilali-Khan

And this is the Path of your Lord (the Qur’an and Islam) leading Straight. We have DETAILED Our Revelations for a people who take heed. S. 6:126

Say (O Muhammad): “Who has forbidden the adoration with clothes given by Allah, which He has produced for his slaves, and At-Taiyibat [all kinds of Halal (lawful) things] of food?” Say: “They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) exclusively for them (believers) on the Day of Resurrection (the disbelievers will not share them).” Thus We explain the Ayat (Islamic laws) IN DETAIL for people who have knowledge. S. 7:32 Hilali-Khan Mecca

Certainly, We have brought to them a Book (the Qur’an) which We have explained IN DETAIL WITH KNOWLEDGE, – a guidance and a mercy to a people who believe. S. 7:52 Hilali-Khan

Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) IN DETAIL, so that they may turn (unto the truth). S. 7:174 Hilali-Khan

And this Qur’an is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah (Lord of the heavens and the earth), but it is a confirmation of (the revelation) which was before it [i.e. the Taurat (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.], and A FULL EXPLANATION of the Book (i.e. laws and orders, etc, decreed for mankind) – wherein there is no doubt from the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists). S. 10:37 Hilali-Khan Mecca

But if they repent, perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give Zakat, then they are your brethren in religion. (In this way) We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) IN DETAIL for a people who know. S. 9:11 Medina

Alif Lam Ra. This is a Book, whose verses have been made firm and free from imperfection and then they have been expounded in detail. It is from One Wise, and All-Aware. S. 11:1 Shakir Mecca

Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Qur’an) is not a forged statement but a confirmation of Allah’s existing Books [the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel) and other Scriptures of Allah] and A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF EVERYTHING and a guide and a Mercy for the people who believe. S. 12:111 Mecca

One day We shall raise from all Peoples a witness against them, from amongst themselves: and We shall bring thee as a witness against these (thy people): and We have sent down to thee the Book EXPLAINING ALL THINGS, a Guide, a Mercy, and Glad Tidings to Muslims. S. 16:89 Y. Ali

He sets forth for you a parable from your ownselves, – Do you have partners among those whom your right hands possess (i.e. your slaves) to share as equals in the wealth We have bestowed on you? Whom you fear as you fear each other? Thus do We explain the signs IN DETAIL to a people who have sense. S. 30:28 Hilali-Khan Mecca

A Book whereof the Verses are explained IN DETAIL; A Qur’an in Arabic for people who know. S. 41:3 Hilali-Khan Mecca

Here is another version of this last passage:

A scripture whose verses PROVIDE THE COMPLETE DETAILS, in an Arabic Quran, for people who know. Khalifa

The above verses (most of which were composed in Mecca) go out of their way to affirm that all of the Quran’s passages (not just some) are clear and fully detailed. It is therefore evident from the foregoing texts that Muhammad actually thought that the Quran was a perspicuous book which could be easily understood by the people he was communicating with.

In fact, all throughout his stay in Mecca, and up until his final years in Medina, Muhammad was repeatedly boasting of just how clear and fully detailed his “revelation” was. This means that his audience had been led to believe that all of the verses of the Quran were perspicuous and explained in detail. It wasn’t until Muhammad composed Q. 3:7 in his later years in Medina that these individuals heard for the first time that the Muslim scripture actually contains ambiguous passages whose meanings were known only to Allah.

However, here is where the problem lies for Muslims. There shouldn’t be any passage whose meaning is uncertain in a book which constantly says that it is a clear exposition, one that provides complete details for all of its verses so that others may understand. Yet not only do we find ambiguous and unintelligible passages, Q. 3:7 even admits that such verses do exist and can actually be found in the Quran!

The Muslim scripture is therefore contradicting its own repeated emphasis and insistence that it is a complete revelation whose verses are plainly detailed.

This leads us to our second point. According to the Islamic sources, Q. 3:7 was composed after a Christian group from Najran used Muhammad’s own teachings concerning Jesus against him.

The early 8th-century Muslim biographer Ibn Ishaq wrote:

… ‘The plain verses are the mother of the Book; the rest are obscure.’1

I heard a scholar above suspicion mentioning that these verses were sent down about the people of Najran when they came to the apostle to ask him about Jesus the son of Mary. (Guillaume, The Life of Muhammad, p. 257; bold emphasis ours)

1. Sura 3.5. (Ibid.)

And:

When the two divines spoke to him the apostle said to them, ‘Submit yourselves.’ They said, ‘We have submitted.’ He said: ‘You have not submitted, so submit.’ They said, ‘Nay, but we have submitted before you.’ He said, ‘You lie. Your assertion that God has a son, your worship of the cross, and your eating pork hold you back from submission.’ They said, ‘But who is his father, Muhammad?’ The apostle was silent and did not answer them. So God sent down concerning their words and their incoherence the beginning of the sura of the Family of ‘Imran up to more than eighty verses… (Ibid., p. 272; bold emphasis ours)

Noted Muslim expositor, Ibn Kathir concurs with Ibn Ishaq:

Surah Al `Imran was revealed in Al-Madinah, as evident by the fact that the first eighty-three Ayat in it relate to the delegation from Najran that arrived in Al-Madinah on the ninth year of Hijrah (632 CE). We will elaborate on this subject when we explain the Ayah about the Mubahalah [3:61] in this Surah, Allah willing. We should also state that we mentioned the virtues of Surah Al `Imran along with the virtues of Surat Al-Baqarah in the beginning of the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah

<He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He wills.> meaning, He creates you in the wombs as He wills, whether male or female, handsome or otherwise, happy or miserable. 

<La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Almighty, the All-Wise.> meaning, He is the Creator and thus is the only deity worthy of worship, without partners, and His is the perfect might, wisdom and decision. This Ayah refers to the fact that `Isa, son of Mary, is a created servant, just as Allah created the rest of mankind. Allah created `Isa in the womb (of his mother) and shaped him as He willed. Therefore, how could `Isa be divine, as the Christians, may Allah’s curses descend on them, claim `Isa was created in the womb and his creation changed from stage to stage… (Tafsir Ibn Kathir http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=564&Itemid=46; bold emphasis ours)

And:

The reason for the call to Mubahalah and the revelation of the Ayat from the beginning of this Surah until here, is that a delegation from the Christians of Najran (in Yemen) came to Al-Madinah to argue about `Isa, claiming that he was divine and the son of Allah. Allah sent down the beginning of this Surah until here, to refute their claims, as Imam Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar and other scholars stated. (Q. 3:61 http://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=531&Itemid=46; bold emphasis ours)

These Christians successfully used Quranic verses to prove the Deity of Christ by zeroing in on statements which called Jesus the Word of God which he sent to Mary and a Spirit which proceeds from God himself:

O ye who have received the scriptures, exceed not the just bounds in your religion, neither say of God [any other] than the truth. Verily Christ Jesus the son of Mary [is] the apostle of God, and his word, which he conveyed into Mary, and a spirit [proceeding] from him. Believe therefore in God, and his apostles, and say not, [there are] three [Gods]; forbear [this]; it will be better for you. God is but one God. Far be it from him that he should have a son! Unto him [belongeth] whatsoever [is] in heaven and on earth; and God is a sufficient protector. Christ doth not proudly disdain to be a servant unto God; neither the angels who approach near [to his presence]: And whoso disdaineth his service, and is puffed up with pride, [God] will gather them all to himself, [on the last day]. Q. 4:171-172 Sale

The angels said, ‘Mary, God gives you news of a Word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, who will be held in honour in this world and the next, who will be one of those brought near to God. S. 3:45 Sale – cf. Q. 3:39

Notice how the following version renders this last text:

“Behold,” the angels told Mary, “God has given you the glad news of the coming birth of a son whom He calls His Word, whose name will be Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, who will be a man of honor in this life and the life to come, and who will be one of the ones nearest to God.” Muhammad Sarwar

The Quran is merely echoing some of the things that the inspired Scriptures of God teach concerning Christ.

For instance, the Holy Bible says that Christ is our apostle sent by/from the Father

“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.” Hebrews 3:1

As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” John 17:18

“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’” John 20:21

Christ is also the eternal Word through whom the Father created all things:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind… The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-4, 9-10, 14

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1-3

“He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” Revelation 19:13

Christ is even called a life-giving Spirit:

“So it is written: ‘The first man Adam became a living being’; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.” 1 Corinthians 15:45

Finally, the Holy Bible says that Christ voluntarily humbled himself to become a servant of God:

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 – Cf. Matthew 20:28

“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” Luke 22:27 – cf. John 13:3-17

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:5-8

Hence, there is nothing in Q. 3:45 and 4:171 about Jesus which a Christian would object to.

With the foregoing in perspective, we are ready to proceed to the second part of my discussion https://answeringislamblog.wordpress.com/2019/05/20/the-quranic-verse-that-exposed-the-fraud-who-is-muhammad-pt-2/.

Source: https://answeringislamblog.wordpress.com/2019/05/20/the-quranic-verse-that-exposed-the-fraud-who-is-muhammad-pt-1/

IHS

Islam Testifies: Jesus is Alive in Heaven Whereas Muhammad is Not!

According to the ahadith, both Muhammad and the true prophets of God physically died and their souls are supposed to be alive in their graves. Note, for instance, the following texts and reports:

Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dieth or is slain, ye will turn back on your heels? He who turneth back on his heels doth no hurt to Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful. S. 3:144 Pickthall

The Messiah, son of Marium is but an apostle; apostles before him have indeed passed away; and his mother was a truthful woman; they both used to eat food. See how We make the communications clear to them, then behold, how they are turned away. S. 5:75 Shakir

Thou truly shall die, O Muhammad, and they too shall die: S. 39:30 Rodwell

Aus bin Aus reported:

The Messenger of Allah said, “Among the best of your days is Friday; so supplicate Allah more often for me in it, for your supplications will be displayed to me.” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah! How will our blessings be displayed to you when your decayed body will have mixed with the earth?” He replied, “Allah has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of the Prophets.”

[Abu Dawud].

Sunnah.com reference: Book 15, Hadith 3

Arabic/English book reference: Book 15, Hadith 1399

Abu Hurairah reported:

The Messenger of Allah said, “Do not make my grave a place of festivity, and supplicate Allah for me, for your SUPPLICATION reaches me wherever you are.”

[Abu Dawud].

Sunnah.com reference: Book 15, Hadith 5

Arabic/English book reference: Book 15, Hadith 1401

Abu Hurairah reported:

The Messenger of Allah said, “Whenever someone greets me, Allah returns the soul to my body (in the grave) and I return his greeting.”

[Abu Dawud].

Sunnah.com reference: Book 15, Hadith 6

Arabic/English book reference: Book 15, Hadith 1402 (Riyad as-Salihin, “The Book of Supplicating Allah to Exalt the Mention of Allah’s Messenger,” https://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/15; capital, italicized and underline emphasis mine)

20 The Book of Qiyam Al-Lail (The Night Prayer) and Voluntary Prayers During the Day

(15) Chapter: Mentioning the prayer of Prophet Musa and the different reports from Sulaiman At-Taimi about it

It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said:

“The Messenger of Allah said: ‘On the night on which I was taken on the Night Journey, I passed by Musa and he was praying in his grave.'” 

Grade: SAHIH (Darussalam)

Reference: Sunan an-Nasa’i 1634

In-book reference: Book 20, Hadith 37

English translation: Vol. 2, Book 20, Hadith 1635 (sunnah.com https://sunnah.com/nasai/20/37; capital and underline emphasis mine)

And here’s what a Muslim website states:

4) Anas ibn Malik narrates that the Messenger of Allah said: “The Prophets are alive in their graves performing Salat” (Recorded by al-Bayhaqi in his ‘Hayat al-Anbiya’ and Abu Ya’la in his Musnad).

The above Hadith has been authenticated by many Hadith scholars, such as: Ibn Hajar, al-Haythami, Ali al-Qari, al-Munawi, al-Shawkani and others.

5) Aws ibn Aws narrates the Messenger of Allah as saying: “Send salutations in abundance on me on Friday, as your sending salutations are presented to me. The Companions inquired: “How is it possible that you receive our salutations when your body will have been decayed? The Messenger of Allah said: “Verily Allah has made forbidden on the earth that it eats the bodies of the Prophets” (Recorded by Abu Dawud, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, Darami and others, and authenticated by many, such as Ibn al-Qayyim)…

7) Anas ibn Malik narrates that the Messenger of Allah said: “The Prophets are not kept in their graves for more than forty nights, but they remain worshiping Allah until the trumpet will be blown” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi).

Due to the fact that there are many narrations regarding the living of the Prophets (of which only a few have been reproduced as an example), Imam al-Suyuti is of the view that these narrations have reached the level of certainty (tawatur).

8) The great Hadith master, Hafidh Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani states: “Death will never come to the blessed Messenger of Allah in his grave, rather he will remain alive, due to the fact that the Prophets remain alive in their graves” (Fath al-Bari, 17/22).

9) Imam al-Subki states: “It is from our beliefs that the Prophets are alive in their graves”. (Tabqat al-Shafi’iyya al-Kubra, 6/266).

10) The great Hanafi jurist, Allama Ibn Abidin says: “The Prophets are alive in their graves, as proven from the Hadith” (Rasa’il of Ibn Abidin, 2/203).

11) Imam al-Shawkani (whom the Salafis normally refer to) states: “The Prophet is alive in his grave, as has been established in the Hadith “The Prophets are alive in their graves”. (See: Nayl al-Awtar, 5/101). (Are the Prophets alive in their graves Answered according to Hanafi Fiqh by Daruliftaa.com https://islamqa.org/hanafi/daruliftaa/8533)

Jesus, on the other hand, is said to be physically alive with Allah himself, who is supposed to be above the entire creation:

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 Yusuf Ali

Nay! Allah raised him (in his physical body) towards Him, [after He Himself gave him death (see 3/55; 4/157, 158 5/17, 117, 118 19/33, 34 21/8, 34, 35; 33/40)]. And Allah is All-Powerful, All-Wise [and protected Iesa’s body from lynching, desecration, or exhumation (see 3/55) at the hands of the disbelievers]. S. 4:158 Dr. Kamal Omar https://www.islamawakened.com/quran/4/st48.htm

The following Islamic site candidly admits that, whereas the prophets are dead and buried here on earth, Jesus is still alive with his body and soul in heaven:

It was narrated in an authentic report that the Prophet said: “The Prophets are alive in their graves and they pray.” (Narrated by al-Bazzaar; classed as authentic by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 2790). This prayer is something that they are blessed with just as the people of Paradise are blessed with tasbeeh (glorifying Allaah).

They are in their graves APART FROM ‘EESA (JESUS), WHOM ALLAAH RAISED UP INTO HEAVEN, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared so to them [the resemblance of ‘Eesa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man)], and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e. ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)]:

But Allaah raised him [‘Eesa (Jesus)] up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he is in the heavens). And Allaah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise.”

[al-Nisa’ 4:157-158]

With regard to the Prophets praying behind the Prophet on the night of the Isra’ (Night Journey), they prayed behind him in spirit, but their bodies were in their graves. The same applies to his seeing the Prophets during the Mi’raaj (ascent into heaven), when he saw Adam in the lowest heaven, and ‘Eesa and Yahya in the second heaven, and Yoosuf in the third, and Idrees in the fourth, and Haroon in the fifth, and Moosa in the sixth, and Ibraaheem in the seventh, or vice versa. He saw their souls appear in the shape of their bodies.

Some people say that he saw the same bodies that are buried in the graves, but this view does not carry any weight.

BUT ‘EESA ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN BODY AND SOUL, and the same is said of Idrees.

But with regard to Ibraaheem, Moosa and others, THEY ARE BURIED ON EARTH.

The Messiah will inevitably descend to earth, to the white minaret in the east of Damascus; he will kill the Dajjaal (“Antichrist”), break the cross and kill the pigs, as is proven in the saheeh ahaadeeth (authentic reports). Hence he is in the second heaven even though he is superior to Yoosuf, Idrees and Haroon, because he will descend to the earth before the Day of Resurrection, unlike the other Prophets. And Adam is in the lowest heaven because the souls of his descendents who are blessed (i.e., destined for Paradise) will be shown to him. As for the souls of the doomed (i.e., those who are destined for Hell) the gates of heaven will not be opened for them and they will not enter Paradise until the camel passes through the eye of the needle. So if they will be shown to him, he has to be near them. There is no contradiction in the fact that they prayed behind the Prophet then he met some of them after he was taken up into the heavens, because the souls are like the angels, they may ascend and descend in an instant; they are not like bodies.

Adapted from Majmoo’ al-Fataawa by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, 4/328-329. (IslamQA.com, “The Lives of the Prophets” https://islamqa.info/en/answers/26117/the-lives-of-the-prophets; capital emphasis mine)

And:

‘Eesaa ibn Maryam is alive; he has not died up till now. The Jews did not kill him or crucify him; rather it was caused to appear that way to them. ALLAH TOOK HIM UP TO HEAVEN, BODY AND SOUL, AND UNTIL NOW HE IS IN HEAVEN. The evidence for that is the words of Allah, may He be exalted, concerning the fabrication of the Jews and the refutation thereof (interpretation of the meaning):

Thus Allah, may He be glorified, declared false the words of the Jews when they claimed that they had killed him and crucified him, and He stated that He took him up to Him. That was mercy from Him to him, and was an honour to him, so that he would be one of his signs, an honour that He bestows upon whomever He will of His Messengers. How many signs of Allah there are in the story of ‘Eesaa ibn Maryam, from beginning to end. The implication of the words “But Allah raised him (‘Eesaa (Jesus)) up (WITH HIS BODY AND SOUL) unto Himself” is that Allah, may He be glorified, TOOK ‘EESAA UP NODY AND SOUL, so as to refute the claim of the Jews that they crucified him and killed him, because killing and crucifying have to do with the physical body. Moreover, if He had only taken up his soul, that would not rule out the claim of having killed and crucified him, because taking up the soul only would not be a refutation of their claim. Also the name of ‘Eesaa, in reality, refer to him IN BOTH SOUL AND BODY TOGETHER; it cannot refer to one of them only, unless there is an indication to that effect. Furthermore, taking up both his soul and his body together is indicative of the perfect might and wisdom of Allah, and of His honour and support to whomever He will among His Messengers, according to what He, may He be exalted, says at the end of the verse: “And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise.”

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz, Shaykh ‘Abd ar-Razzaaq ‘Afeefi, Shaykh ‘Abdullah ibn Ghadyaan, Shaykh ‘Abdullah ibn Qa‘ood. End quote from Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa’imah (3/305-306) (IslamQA.com “Did ‘Eesaa die? Where is he now? And a comment on what is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew,” https://islamqa.info/en/answers/110592/did-eesaa-peace-be-upon-him-die-where-is-he-now-and-a-comment-on-what-is-mentioned-in-the-gospel-of-matthew; capital emphasis mine)

Two corrections are necessary at this point. First, the Quran nowhere claims that Idris was taken to heaven or into the presence of Allah. It merely says that he was elevated:

Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a prophet: And We raised him to a lofty station. S. 19:56-57 Yusuf Ali

As such, this can refer to his rank, that Allah exalted Idris in position, not that he took him into heaven.

Secondly, the Muslim scripture doesn’t state that Jesus was taken into heaven; rather, as we saw above, the Quran clearly teaches that Allah took Jesus to be with himself wherever he is at. And since Allah is supposed to be above his throne, which is above the seven heavens and seven earths,

Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He Istawa (rose over) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)! S. 7:54 Hilali-Khan

It is Allah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) Knowledge. S. 65:12 Hilali-Khan

This means that Jesus has been exalted above all creation, making him equal with Allah in his exalted, and therefore superior to all creation, including Muhammad himself!

So Muslims, who do you choose to follow? Muhammad who is dead and buried? Or Jesus, whom even your prophet admitted is alive physically, bodily with Allah above the entire creation?

Source: https://answeringislamblog.wordpress.com/2019/05/21/islam-testifies-jesus-is-alive-in-heaven-whereas-muhammad-is-not/

IHS

Islam’s Doctrine of Imputation of Righteousness and Vicarious Death

In this post, I am going to demonstrate that the primary source documents of Islam affirm vicarious sacrifices, substitutionary atonement and the imputation of a person’s righteous deeds to the account of another.

For example, I’ve already mentioned the so-called authentic narrations of Muhammad where he claims that his deity will actually sacrifice Jews and Christians in hell as a ransom for all the sins committed by the Muslims:

Superiority of the believers in the Oneness of Allah and the punishment of the Jews and Christians

8) Narrated Abu Musa: Allah’s Messenger said: On the Day of Resurrection, my Ummah(nation) will be gathered into three groups. One sort will enter Paradise without rendering an account (of their deeds). Another sort will be reckoned an easy account and admitted into Paradise. Yet another sort will come bearing on their backs heaps of sins like great mountains. Allah will ask the angels though He knows best about them: Who are these people? They will reply: They are humble slaves of yours. He will say: UNLOAD the sins from them AND PUT THE SAME OVER the Jews and Christians: then let the humble slaves get into Paradise by virtue of My Mercy.

(This Hadith IS SOUND and mentioned in Mustadrak of Hakim). (110 Hadith Qudsi (Sacred Hadith), translated by Syed Masood-ul-Hasan, revision and commentaries by Ibrahim m. Kunna [Darussalam Publishers and Distributors], pp. 19-20; capital and underline emphasis ours)

432. Abu Musa al-Ash’ari reported that the Messenger of Allah said, “On the Day of Rising, Allah will hand over a Jew or a Christian to every Muslim and say, ‘HERE IS YOUR REDEMPTION FROM THE FIRE.” [Muslim]

In another variant from him is that the Prophet said, “Some of the Muslims will be brought on the Day of Rising WITH SINS THE SIZE OF MOUNTAINS and Allah will forgive them.” (Al-Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf An-Nawawi Ad-Dimashqi, Riyad as-Salihin (The Meadows of the Righteous), 51. Chapter: On Hope; capital and italic emphasis ours)

(20) CHAPTER. Disbelievers are sent to Hell as SACRIFICE to the Muslims

1937. Abu Musa narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “When it is the Day of Resurrection, Allah will deliver every Muslim a Jew or Christian and say: ‘THAT IS YOUR SACRIFICE FROM HELL-FIRE.’” (The Translation of the Meanings of Summarized Sahih Muslim (Arabic–English), Compiled by Al-Hafiz Zakiuddin Abdul-Azim Al-Mundhiri [Darussalam Publishers & Distributors, First Edition: February 2000], Volume 2, 62– The Book Of Repentance And Allah’s Great Mercy, pp. 1033-1034; capital emphasis ours)

Here is a different translation of the above hadith, along with a couple of others from Sahih Muslim:

Chapter 8: THROWING OF NON-BELIEVERS IN HELL-FIRE FOR BELIEVERS AS DIVINE GRACE AND MERCY

Abu Musa’ reported that Allah’s Messenger said: When it will be the Day of Resurrection Allah would deliver to every Muslim a Jew or a Christian and say: That is your RESCUE from Hell-Fire. (Sahih Muslim, Book 037, Number 6665 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=037&translator=2&start=0&number=6665)

Abu Burda reported on the authority of his father that Allah’s Apostle said: No Muslim would die but Allah would admit IN HIS STEAD a Jew or a Christian in Hell-Fire. ‘Umar b. Abd al-‘Aziz took an oath: By One besides Whom there is no god but He, thrice that his father had narrated that to him from Allah’s Messenger. (Sahih Muslim, Book 037, Number 6666)

Abu Burda reported Allah’s Messenger as saying: There would come people amongst the Muslims on the Day of Resurrection with AS HEAVY SINS AS A MOUNTAIN, and Allah would FORGIVE THEM and He would PLACE IN THEIR STEAD the Jews and the Christians. (As far as I think), Abu Raub said: I do not know as to who is in doubt. Abu Burda said: I narrated it to ‘Umar b. ‘Abd al-‘Aziz, whereupon he said: Was it your father who narrated it to you from Allah’s Apostle? I said: Yes. (Sahih Muslim, Book 037, Number 6668)

Talk about a travesty of justice!

Not only does Muhammad’s lord demand that atonement/expiation be made for the forgiveness of sins, he even goes as far as to eternally torture Jews and Christians as a ransom for all the transgressions committed by Muslims!

To get an idea of the kind of pain that Jews and Christians will have to endure for the evil and wickedness committed by Muhammadans, notice how the following verses depict the punishment of hell:

Surely! Those who disbelieved in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) We shall burn them in Fire. As often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for other skins that they may taste the punishment. Truly, Allah is Ever Most Powerful, All-Wise. S. 4:56 Hilali-Khan

In front of him (every obstinate, arrogant dictator) is Hell, and he will be made to drink boiling, festering water. He will sip it unwillingly, and he will find a great difficulty to swallow it down his throat and death will come to him from every side, yet he will not die and in front of him, will be a great torment. S. 14:16-17 Hilali-Khan

According to these sadistic texts, Jews and Christians will have their skins roasted over and over again, will be forced to drink boiling water, and endure other kinds of sadistic and barbaric tortures forever because of the sins committed by others!

The foregoing shows that, contrary to the assertion made by Muslim theologians and/or apologists, both the Quran and ahadith affirm that Muhammad’s deity does require atonement/expiation for the forgiveness of sins. 

There’s more. Muhammad further taught that the death of Muslim children would deliver their parents from hell,

Narrated Abu Sa’id: The women requested the Prophet, “Please fix a day for us.” So the Prophet preached to them and said, “A woman whose three children died would be screened from the Hell Fire BY THEM.” Hearing that, a woman asked, “If two died?” The Prophet replied, “Even two (would screen her from the (Hell) Fire. ” And Abu Huraira added, “Those children should be below the age of puberty. ” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 341 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=23&translator=1&start=0&number=341)

Narrated Anas bin Malik Allah’s Apostle said, “Any Muslim whose three children died before the age of puberty will be granted Paradise by Allah because of His mercy to them.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 463 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=23&translator=1&start=0&number=463)

4314. It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: The Messenger of Allah said: Any two Muslims for whom three of their children die before reaching puberty, they will be a strong protection for them against the Fire.” Abu Dharr said: Two of my children died, O Messenger of Allah. He said: “And two.” Ubayy Abul-Mundhir, the leader of the prominent Qur’an reciters, said: One of my children died, O Messenger of Allah. He said: “And one, but that (i.e., the reward) is only (for showing patience) when calamity first strikes.”

Comments: [Saheeh because of corroborating evidence and its isnad is da’eef because it is interrupted] (English Translation of Musnad Ahmad Bin Hanbal: Hadith No. 2823 to 4376, Translated by Nasiruddin Al-Khattab, Edited by Huda Al-Khattab [Darussalam Publishers, 2012], Volume 3, p. 578; underline emphasis ours)

And that someone who dies as a martyr in Islam will save seventy family members by his intercession:

Narrated AbudDarda’:

The Prophet said: The intercession of a martyr will be accepted for seventy members of his familyGrade: SAHIH (Al-Albani) (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 14, Number 2516 https://sunnah.com/abudawud/15/46; capital and underline emphasis ours)

Sunan Ibn Majah

The Chapters on Jihad

It was narrated from Miqdam bin Ma’dikarib that the Messenger of Allah said:

“The martyr has six things (in store) with Allah: He is forgiven from the first drop of his blood that is shed; he is shown his place in Paradise; he is spared the torment of the grave; he is kept safe from the Great Fright; he is adorned with a garment of faith; he is married to (wives) from among the wide-eyed houris; and he is permitted to intercede for seventy of his relatives.”

Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)

English reference: Vol. 4, Book 24, Hadith 2799

Arabic reference: Book 24, Hadith 2905 (sunnah.com https://sunnah.com/urn/1276480)

This highlights the efficacious and vicarious nature of a Musilm’s death, in that Allah will forgive and save another soul on the account and for the sake of another who dies in his cause.

The Islamic sources further teach that individuals can perform good deeds on behalf of others, righteous acts which Allah will credit to someone else, such as Hajj by proxy (Hajj-e-Badal):

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Abbas: Al-Fadl (his brother) was riding behind Allah’s Apostle and a woman from the tribe of Khath’am came and Al-Fadl started looking at her and she started looking at him. The Prophet turned Al-Fadl’s face to the other side. The woman said, “O Allah’s Apostle! The obligation of Hajj enjoined by Allah on His devotees has become due on my father and he is old and weak, and he cannot sit firm on the Mount; may I perform Hajj ON HIS BEHALF?” The Prophet replied, “Yes, you may.” That happened during the Hajj-al-Wida (of the Prophet). (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 26, Number 589 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=26&translator=1&start=0&number=589)

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas: Al-Fadl bin ‘Abbas rode behind the Prophet as his companion rider on the back portion of his she camel on the Day of Nahr (slaughtering of sacrifice, 10th Dhul-Hijja) and Al-Fadl was a handsome man. The Prophet stopped to give the people verdicts. In the meantime, a beautiful woman from the tribe of Khath’am came, asking the verdict of Allah’s Apostle. Al-Fadl started looking at her as her beauty attracted him. The Prophet looked behind while Al-Fadl was looking at her; so the Prophet held out his hand backwards and caught the chin of Al-Fadl and turned his face (to the other side in order that he should not gaze at her). She said, “O Allah’s Apostle! The obligation of Performing Hajj enjoined by Allah on His worshipers, has become due (compulsory) on my father who is an old man and who cannot sit firmly on the riding animal. Will it be sufficient that I perform Hajj ON HIS BEHALF?” He said, “YES.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 74, Number 247 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=74&translator=1&start=0&number=247)

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: A woman from the tribe of Juhaina came to the Prophet and said, “My mother had vowed to perform Hajj but she died before performing it. May I perform Hajj ON MY MOTHER’S BEHALF?” The Prophet replied, “Perform Hajj ON HER BEHALF. Had there been a debt on your mother, would you have paid it or not? So, pay Allah’s debt as He has more right to be paid.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 29, Number 77 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=29&translator=1&start=0&number=77)

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: A man came to the Prophet and said to him, “My sister vowed to perform the Hajj, but she died (before fulfilling it).” The Prophet said, “Would you not have paid her debts if she had any?” The man said, “Yes.” The Prophet said, “So pay Allah’s Rights, as He is more entitled to receive His rights.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 78, Number 690 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=78&translator=1&start=0&number=690)

Narrated AbuRazin: A man of Banu Amir said: Apostle of Allah, my father is very old, he cannot perform hajj and umrah himself nor can be ride on a mount. He said: Perform hajj and umrah ON BEHALF OF YOUR FATHER. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 10, Number 1806 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=10&translator=3&start=0&number=1806)

Ibn ‘Abbas reported: A man came to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) and said: Messenger of Allah, my mother has died (in a state) that she had to observe fasts of a month (of Ramadan). Should I complete (them) on her behalf? thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Would you not pay the debt if your mother had died (without paying it)? He said: Yes. He (the Holy Prophet) said: The debt of Allah deserves more that it should he paid. (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2555 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=006&translator=2&start=0&number=2555)

Ibn Abbas reported: A woman came to the Messenger of Allah and said: Messenger of Allah, my mother has died and there is due from her a fast of vow; should I fast on her behalf? Thereupon he said: You see that if your mother had died in debt, would it not have been paid on her behalf? She said: Yes. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Then observe fast on behalf of your mother. (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2557)

Abdullah b. Buraida reported on the authority of his father: When we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah a woman came to him and said: I had gifted to my mother a maid-servant, and now she (the mother) has died. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: There is a definite reward for you and she (the maid-servant) has been returned to you as an inheritance. She (that woman) again said: Fasts of a month (of Ramadan) are due upon her; should I observe them on her behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Observe fasts on her behalf. She (again) said: She did not perform Hajj, should I perform it on her behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Perform Hajj on her behalf. (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2558)

A’isha reported that a man said to Allah’s Apostle: My mother died all of a sudden, and I think if she (could have the opportunity) to speak she would have (made a will) regarding Sadaqa’. Will I be entitled to reward if I give charity on her behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Yes. (Sahih Muslim, Book 013, Number 4002 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=013&translator=2&start=0&number=4002)

A’isha reported that a man came to Allah’s Apostle and said: Allah’s Messenger, my mother died all of a sudden without making any will. I think if (she could have the opportunity) to speak she would have made a Sadaqa. Would there be any reward for her if I give charity on her behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Yes. (Sahih Muslim, Book 013, Number 4003)

Ibn Abbas reported that Sa’d b. Ubida asked Allah’s Messenger for a decision about a vow taken by his mother who had died before fulfilling it. Allah’s Messenger said: Fulfil it on her behalf. (Sahih Muslim, Book 014, Number 4017 https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=014&translator=2&start=0&number=4017)

Seeing that Muhammad believed that his god would impute the righteous deeds of an individual to another, and even saves or pardons individuals because of the death of someone else, on what theological and/or rational basis do Muslims have for rejecting the biblical witness of God crediting the perfect righteousness and vicarious death of his beloved Son to those who would put their trust in him?

After all, if Allah permits martyrs to intercede and save individuals because they gave up their lives in his cause, then how much more will the only true God accept his beloved Son’s perfect and willing sacrifice, as well as his intercession for every sinner who puts his/her faith in Christ?

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

“As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Take and eat it. This is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them. And they all drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many.’” Mark 14:22-24

“‘This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. The bread which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh.’ The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, ‘How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life. And I will raise him up on the last day.’” John 6:50-54

“But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through him. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life. Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Therefore as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death passed to all men, because all sinned. For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not charged when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren’t like Adam’s disobedience, who is a foreshadowing of him who was to come. But the free gift isn’t like the trespass. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. The gift is not as through one who sinned: for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses to justification. For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ. So then as through one trespass, all men were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all men were justified to life. For as through the one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one, many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:8-19

“What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:31-34

“Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death. But he, because he lives forever, has his priesthood unchangeable. Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them. For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath which came after the law appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.” Hebrews 7:23-28

“But Christ having come as a high priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify to the cleanness of the flesh: how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without defect to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:11-15

In light of such Islamic teachings, Muslims have no rational, theological, historical and/or philosophical grounds to reject the inspired witness of the Holy Scriptures that God credits the perfect righteousness and vicarious death of his Son to the account of all those who trust in Christ. The only reason they have for denying this fact of revelation is their unwillingness to accept that Jesus died on the cross and was buried, only to rise again on the third day. Yet that is a discussion for another time.

Source: https://answeringislamblog.wordpress.com/2019/05/14/islams-doctrine-of-imputation-of-righteousness-and-vicarious-death/

IHS