Chapter Twenty
Christians
Preface Comparison with the Bible
The Qur'an has many things to say on the subject of Christians which is illustrated by the thirty-eight verses in this collection. Some people are surprised to find that Mohammed began his proclamations about six hundred years after the ascension of Jesus Christ. There were Christians practicing their faith and studying the Holy Bible while the youthful Mohammed searched for his beliefs. There were also numerous Jewish communities.
As shared before, Mohammed was aware of the two monotheistic faiths, but his tribe was in charge of the Kaaba, a large building filled with idols in Mecca. His tribe believed that their chief deity was named “Allah.” When Mohammed announced that Allah was the one and only “Creator of the Worlds,” he hoped that both the Christians and Jews would welcome him as a prophet equal to Abraham, David and Jesus.
His first verses demonstrated this hope. The Jews and Christians were honored as “People of the Book (Bible).” The verses Mohammed recited built the credibility of the Qur'an on the foundation of the Bible. When both faiths rejected Mohammed and his verses, the Qur'an began to attack them and their beliefs. This is why there are contradictions in what the Qur'an teaches about Christians and Jews. A quick comparison between the first verse cited below and the last demonstrate this fact. In 2:62 the Qur'an claims that Christians and Jews have a reward waiting for them on the Judgment Day. In 98:6 they are called the worst creatures on earth.
The Qur'an Says ...
Reward Awaits Jews and Christians
Those who are Muslims, Jews, Christians and Sabaeans have a reward awaiting them with their Lord and should have no fear or grief because they believe in Allah, the Last Day and do what is right (2:62).Upright Disciples
Some people of the Bible recite the Holy Scriptures during the night and fall prostrate in worship. They believe in Allah and the Last Day and are righteous. They will be rewarded (3:113-115).Knowing God Personally
There is one God. The Christians and Jews know him as they know their own sons. But others have lost their souls through idol worship, inventing falsehoods about Allah, sinful behavior and denying the revelations (6:20-22).Doubters Directed to Christians and Jews
"If you (Mohammed) doubt the reliability of the Qur'an, you should ask those who are reading the Bible, which was revealed prior to your life (10:94).Bible Studied by Christians and Jews
Those who inherited the Scriptures have studied them well and know not to say something about Allah that is not true (7:169). The Christians and Jews disagree yet they study the same Bible (2:113).Followers of Jesus Complimented
Jesus, the son of Mary, followed in a long line of prophets and apostles. He was given the Gospel and Allah put compassion and mercy in the hearts of his followers (57:27).Same God
Tell the people of the Bible that you (Muslims) believe in the Scriptures which were given them and your Qur'an. Tell them that your Allah and their God are the same and that you are submitted to Him (29:46).Hope for Christians and Jews
If the people of the Bible would believe and keep from evil, they would be pardoned. If they had observed what is revealed in the Torah and the Gospel, they would be rewarded (5:65,66). They will not be guided until they follow what is taught in the Torah and the Gospel (5:68).Jews Are Enemies - Christians Are Humble
Jews and pagans are the fiercest in their opposition to Islam, but the most affectionate are those who call themselves “Christians.” They have priests and monks and they are not proud. Tears come to their eyes when they hear the reading of the Qur'an because they recognize that it is true. But those who disbelieve and deny Allah’s revelations are going to the fires of hell (5:82-86).Denominations
There were no denominational parties among the Jews or Christians until after the arrival of Mohammed who “recited” simple teaching; to worship and obey Allah alone, pray regularly and pay the alms-tax which is the only true religion (98:4-5). The Children of Israel divided into factions just after they settled in the land of Israel when knowledge was given them (10:93).Allah Has no Son
Those who believe that Allah has a son must be admonished since this is a monstrous blasphemy and falsehood (18:4-6). Allah has never begotten a son and there are no deities beside him (23:91). Jews say that Ezra is the son of Allah while the Christians say the Messiah is the son of Allah. May Allah destroy them. They are both perverted. They worship rabbis, monks and the Messiah, the son of Mary, as Lords besides Allah in opposition to the monotheistic command given them (9:30, 31).Monks
The institution of monasticism was not from Allah but a man made attempt to please Allah. The monks were not successful in their attempt but some were rewarded for their belief. Many were rebellious evil doers (57:27).Fight against Christians
Muslims, fight everyone who rejects Islam, even Christians and Jews, until they pay regular financial tribute with willing submission and feel themselves completely subjected to their Islamic conquerors (9:29).Claim to Paradise
The Jews and Christians claim that they alone will be admitted to Paradise. This is wishful thinking (2:111).Stop Saying, “Three”
People of the Bible should not exaggerate. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, his word he cast to Mary and a spirit from him. So believe in Allah and his messengers and stop saying “three”. Allah is only one. He is too transcendent and majestic to have a son. The Messiah is not ashamed to be a slave of Allah (4:171,172, 5:72,73).Defined as Unbelievers
Unbelievers are the ones who say that Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary (5:17).Avoid Befriending Jews or Christians
The Muslim who takes Christians or Jews as friends is one of them (5:51).Both Jews and Christians Most Evil Creatures
The Christians, Jews and idol worshipers, who do not believe in Mohammed or the Qur'an, are going to burn forever in hell and are the worst creatures on earth (98:6).
