Christianity

““CHRISTIANITCHRISTIANITY”Y”

(Maseehiyah)(Maseehiyah)A brief introductory outline for A brief introductory outline for Islamic students of Madrasah Islamic students of Madrasah

Aljuneid Al-Islamiyyah. Aljuneid Al-Islamiyyah. By Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj IsmailBy Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail

(PERGAS)(PERGAS)

MESSAGE FROM THE QUR’ANMESSAGE FROM THE QUR’AN

“Call thou (all mankind) unto thy Sustainer’s path with wisdom and

goodly exhortation, and argue with them in the most kindly manner : for

behold, thy Sustainer knows best as to who strays from His path, and best knows He as to who are the rightly

guided.” (Surah an-Nahl: 16: 125)

MESSAGE FROM THE QUR’ANMESSAGE FROM THE QUR’AN

“There shall be no coercion (force) in matters of faith. Distinct has now become the right way from

(the way of ) error” (Surah al-Baqarah: 2: 256)

MESSAGE FROM THE QUR’ANMESSAGE FROM THE QUR’AN “ O People of the Book ! Do not overstep the

bounds [of truth] in your religious beliefs, and do not say of Allah anything but the truth. The Christ Jesus, son of Mary, was but Allah’s messenger - [the fulfilment of] His promise which He had conveyed unto Mary - and a soul created by Him. Believe then, in Allah and His messengers, and do not say, “[God is ] a trinity.” Desist [from this assertion] for your own good,. Allah is but One God; utterly remote is He, in His glory, from having a son; unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and none is as worthy of trust as Allah.”

(Surah an-Nisa’: 4: 171)

““CHRISTIANITY (AS IS NOW CHRISTIANITY (AS IS NOW KNOWN) IS KNOWN) IS NOT THENOT THE

RELIGION OF JESUSRELIGION OF JESUS A.S. BUT A.S. BUT A A RELIGION RELIGION CREATEDCREATED FROM FROM THE LIFE AND ‘DEATH’ OF THE LIFE AND ‘DEATH’ OF

JESUS.”-JESUS.”-

Not merely the Islamic Not merely the Islamic perspective but perspective but

acknowledged too by other acknowledged too by other historians, theologians and historians, theologians and

objective scholars.objective scholars.

WHEN AND HOW THE WHEN AND HOW THE TERM “CHRISTIANITY” TERM “CHRISTIANITY”

CAME ABOUT?CAME ABOUT?

Jesus a.s. was sent to the Israelite (Bani Jesus a.s. was sent to the Israelite (Bani Israel).Israel).

“ “ He (Jesus) answered: ‘I was sent only He (Jesus) answered: ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel’ to the lost sheep of the House of Israel’ ” (” (Mathew:15:24Mathew:15:24))


CAME ABOUT?CAME ABOUT?Jesus a.s. was sent in continuation of prophethood Jesus a.s. was sent in continuation of prophethood amongst the Israelite (Bani Israel) and enjoined them to amongst the Israelite (Bani Israel) and enjoined them to follow the Law.follow the Law.

“ “Think not that I have come to abolish the law Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets, I have come not to abolish and the prophets, I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly, I say to you, till heaven but to fulfill. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.” pass from the law until all is accomplished.” ((Mathew:5:17Mathew:5:17))



Jesus a.s. spoke “Aramaic” (a Jesus a.s. spoke “Aramaic” (a Hebrew dialect) almost similar to Hebrew dialect) almost similar to Arabic.Arabic.



He was referred to with the title He was referred to with the title ““MessiahMessiah” (Hebrew) which is the ” (Hebrew) which is the equivalent to “equivalent to “al-Maseehal-Maseeh” in ” in Arabic - in both languages it Arabic - in both languages it means “means “the anointed onethe anointed one” from ” from the root word ‘masaha’ – i.e. “to the root word ‘masaha’ – i.e. “to wipe, rub over with, anoint”.wipe, rub over with, anoint”.



The word “The word “messiahmessiah” was later ” was later translated into Greek which is translated into Greek which is ““KristosKristos” (which has the meaning of ” (which has the meaning of ‘the anointed’). And from this Greek ‘the anointed’). And from this Greek word it was kept in use, even in word it was kept in use, even in English with the Latinized spelling English with the Latinized spelling “C“Christhrist”. From this we get the word ”. From this we get the word ““ChristiansChristians”.”.


CAME ABOUT?CAME ABOUT? we are told that many years after Jesus we are told that many years after Jesus time (circa 100 CE), at a place called time (circa 100 CE), at a place called Antioch, the remnant followers of Jesus, was Antioch, the remnant followers of Jesus, was ridiculed, persecuted and mocked by their ridiculed, persecuted and mocked by their enemies. These Greek people started to enemies. These Greek people started to refer them (followers of the prophet Jesus refer them (followers of the prophet Jesus a.s. at that time) as “a.s. at that time) as “these are Christiansthese are Christians”, ”, implying wrongly that they “worshipped implying wrongly that they “worshipped Jesus” – whereas they were of the Judaic Jesus” – whereas they were of the Judaic tradition that believed in monotheism (One tradition that believed in monotheism (One God).God).



“… “… the real founder of the real founder of Christianity is actually Paul…”Christianity is actually Paul…”

(Michael S Hart “The 10 Most influential (Michael S Hart “The 10 Most influential personality in History”)personality in History”)


CAME ABOUT?CAME ABOUT?Jesus a.s. came for the Jews but Paul was Jesus a.s. came for the Jews but Paul was interested to popularize this teaching amongst interested to popularize this teaching amongst the Hellenized world (Romans and Greek). the Hellenized world (Romans and Greek). Scholars considered him to be a Hellenized Jew Scholars considered him to be a Hellenized Jew (i.e. a Jew strongly influenced by Greek culture (i.e. a Jew strongly influenced by Greek culture and ways of life). He was not amongst the and ways of life). He was not amongst the original disciples of Jesus. He original disciples of Jesus. He was originally a was originally a persecutor but then later convertedpersecutor but then later converted, claiming , claiming to have seen a ‘vision’.to have seen a ‘vision’.


CAME ABOUT?CAME ABOUT? After Paul’s ‘conversion’ to this religion, After Paul’s ‘conversion’ to this religion, he offered interpretations of what the he offered interpretations of what the religion should be, which included religion should be, which included changing the Jewish ways with that of changing the Jewish ways with that of Greek and Roman ideas to gain converts Greek and Roman ideas to gain converts amongst the gentiles (non-Jews).amongst the gentiles (non-Jews).


CAME ABOUT?CAME ABOUT?The strictly The strictly monotheisticmonotheistic faith of the faith of the religion amongst the Bani Israel were religion amongst the Bani Israel were compromised into adapting and adopting compromised into adapting and adopting the the TrinitarianTrinitarian belief and other practices of belief and other practices of the pagan Mediterranean religions of the the pagan Mediterranean religions of the Greek, Roman, Persian and Egyptian. Greek, Roman, Persian and Egyptian.



Thus we saw a split amongst Thus we saw a split amongst those who claimed to be the those who claimed to be the followers of Jesus teachings.followers of Jesus teachings.



In 325 CE, the conflict between the In 325 CE, the conflict between the Unitarian versus the *Unitarian versus the *PaulinePauline Trinitarian Trinitarian was ruthlessly ended by the decree of king was ruthlessly ended by the decree of king Constantine at the Council of Nicea.Constantine at the Council of Nicea.

* * PaulinePauline – from teachings of Paul – from teachings of Paul



Through subsequent Synods and Councils Through subsequent Synods and Councils organized by the Church, new creed and organized by the Church, new creed and beliefs were adopted.beliefs were adopted.

Those who opposed the Church’s ruling Those who opposed the Church’s ruling were condemned as heretics and were condemned as heretics and persecuted. Thus Pauline doctrines persecuted. Thus Pauline doctrines became dominant.became dominant.

BRIEF OUTLINE ON HISTORICAL BRIEF OUTLINE ON HISTORICAL

DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIANITYDEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIANITY

Jesus a.s. Hawaariyuun r.m.

true followers accepted

Prophet Muhammad’s s.a.w. coming as fulfilment ofJesus’ a.s. prophecy

innovations by Paul leading to split between “Unitarian” and “Trinitarian”

Paul’s (a Hellenized Jew - Saul) “conversion” (circa 100 A.D.)

Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire Western Roman Empire(Decline of Byzantine Empire) (Orthodox Church) (Roman Catholic) Headed by: Patriach Headed by: Pope

BRIEF OUTLINE ON HISTORICAL BRIEF OUTLINE ON HISTORICAL

DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIANITYDEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIANITY Christianity created by Paul leading to the triumph of the “Trinitarian” theology

Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire Western Roman Empire

(Decline of Byzantine Empire) (Orthodox Church) (Roman Catholic)Headed by: Patriarch

Headed by: PopeSyrian, Coptics ,Greek,Maronite, etc. (Roman Catholic became dominant)

Protestant movement - Roman Catholic - “started by a monk named Martin Luther.”

- “Anglican - break away from Pope’s rule”- others viz. Methodist, Dutch Reform etc.- “The Born again movements: viz. Pentecostal, Assembly of God, etc- cult movements : Moonies, Jehovah Witness, Mormons etc

ISLAMIC CALL TO CHRISTIANSISLAMIC CALL TO CHRISTIANS

““Say: ‘O People of the Book! Come unto Say: ‘O People of the Book! Come unto that tenet which we and you hold in that tenet which we and you hold in common: that we shall worship none but common: that we shall worship none but Allah (the One and only God), and that we Allah (the One and only God), and that we shall not ascribe divinity to any besides shall not ascribe divinity to any besides Him, and that we shall not take human Him, and that we shall not take human beings for our lords besides Allah.”beings for our lords besides Allah.”

((Qur’an: Surah aa-li ‘Imraan: 3: 64Qur’an: Surah aa-li ‘Imraan: 3: 64))

CONCEPT OF GODCONCEPT OF GOD

Say: “He is the One God: God Say: “He is the One God: God the Eternal, the Uncaused the Eternal, the Uncaused Cause of All Being, He begets Cause of All Being, He begets not, neither is He begotten: not, neither is He begotten: and there is nothing that and there is nothing that could be compared with Him.”could be compared with Him.”

((Qur’an: Surah al-Ikhlas: 112)Qur’an: Surah al-Ikhlas: 112)

““... O Jesus, son of Mary! Did ... O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you say unto mankind: Take you say unto mankind: Take me and my mother as gods me and my mother as gods besides Allah? {Jesus} besides Allah? {Jesus} answered:”… I speak unto answered:”… I speak unto them only that which You them only that which You commanded me: worship commanded me: worship Allah, my Lord and your Allah, my Lord and your Lord...”Lord...”

((Qur’an: al-Maa-idah: 5: 116Qur’an: al-Maa-idah: 5: 116))

The Father is fully God.The Father is fully God.The Son is fully God.The Son is fully God.The Holy Spirit is fully God.The Holy Spirit is fully God.They are not three gods but One.They are not three gods but One.(extracted from (extracted from Apostolic creedApostolic creed))

NoteNote: The Christians emphasized : The Christians emphasized the above that “they (i.e. the the above that “they (i.e. the Father, the Son and the Holy Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) are distinct but not Spirit) are distinct but not separate”.... whatever that separate”.... whatever that means !?! (note how confused means !?! (note how confused they are ! Even linguistically they are ! Even linguistically this assertion is preposterous)this assertion is preposterous)

ISLAM CHRISTIANITY



NoteNote: The Christians emphasized : The Christians emphasized the above that “they (i.e. the the above that “they (i.e. the Father, the Son and the Holy Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) are distinct but not Spirit) are distinct but not separate”.... whatever that separate”.... whatever that means !?! (note how confused means !?! (note how confused they are ! Even linguistically they are ! Even linguistically this assertion is preposterous)this assertion is preposterous)

CHRISTIANITY

Distinct but not separate? Distinct but not separate? then what about then what about : :

“.... And Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the SPIRIT OF GOD descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo a voice from heaven saying: This is my beloved SON, with whom I am well pleased.”

(Matthew 3: 13-17)

REFUTATIONS FROM THEIR BIBLE



NoteNote: The Christians emphasized the : The Christians emphasized the above that “they (i.e. the Father, the above that “they (i.e. the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) are distinct Son and the Holy Spirit) are distinct but not separate”.... whatever that but not separate”.... whatever that means !?! (note how confused they means !?! (note how confused they are ! Even linguistically this assertion are ! Even linguistically this assertion is preposterous)is preposterous)

CHRISTIANITY

It (Apostolic creed) was not It (Apostolic creed) was not Jesus’ teachingJesus’ teaching::

These doctrines (Apostolic creed) are not These doctrines (Apostolic creed) are not what Jesus teach but innovations and what Jesus teach but innovations and conjectures of the Church. If we refer to conjectures of the Church. If we refer to their Bible, there is no explicit (clear i.e. their Bible, there is no explicit (clear i.e. without need for interpretations) without need for interpretations) sayings of Jesus concerning Trinity or sayings of Jesus concerning Trinity or about himself claiming to be God. about himself claiming to be God. Whereas Jesus explicitly teaches Whereas Jesus explicitly teaches Tauhiid, e.g. :Tauhiid, e.g. :

“And one of the scribes come up and asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered ‘Hear O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One!”

(Mark 12: 28-29)





CHRISTIANITY

It (Apostolic creed) was not It (Apostolic creed) was not Jesus’ teachingJesus’ teaching::

These doctrines (Apostolic creed) are not These doctrines (Apostolic creed) are not what Jesus teach but innovations and what Jesus teach but innovations and conjectures of the Church. If we refer conjectures of the Church. If we refer to their Bible, there is no explicit (clear to their Bible, there is no explicit (clear i.e. without need for interpretations) i.e. without need for interpretations) sayings of Jesus concerning Trinity or sayings of Jesus concerning Trinity or about himself claiming to be God. about himself claiming to be God. Whereas Jesus explicitly teaches Whereas Jesus explicitly teaches Tauhiid, e.g. :Tauhiid, e.g. :

“Jesus says: ‘Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven,

but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”

(Matthew 7: 21 )





CHRISTIANITY

Jesus affirms himself as messenger even though he can do miracles:

(Jesus said)”...I thank you Father that you listen to me. I know that you always listen to me, but I say this for the sake of the people here so that they will believe that You sent me.”

(John 11: 41)

(Jesus said) “I can do nothing on my own authority.”

(John 8 : 28)

(Jesus said) ”... the deeds I do by my father’s authority.”

(John 10 : 25)



.... teaching Trinity ?.... teaching Trinity ?

““...Jesus said to them, go ...Jesus said to them, go forth and make forth and make disciples of them and disciples of them and baptize them in the baptize them in the name of the Father, of name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy the Son and of the Holy spirit...” spirit...”

((Gospel of Matthew 28: Gospel of Matthew 28: 1919))

Some Christian would quote Some Christian would quote this to justify..this to justify..

CHRISTIANITYSimple explanation in Simple explanation in

Matthew 28: 19:These words does not mean that Jesus teaches Trinity, rather the use of the phrase “..in the name of ” signify authoritative basis for preaching.”. Example an ambassador acting on behalf of the government and country will sign “in the name of the head of state and the country, but writing his own name.” The teaching of the religion is with the authority sanction by God, His angel and His Messenger. Just as it is wrong to say that the ambassador is also literally the country, thus it would be wrong to say that the Messenger is also God.

REBUTTALSREBUTTALS

ALLAH’S WARNING FOR MUSLIM ALLAH’S WARNING FOR MUSLIM REGARDING JEWS AND REGARDING JEWS AND

CHRISTIANSCHRISTIANS ““For, never will the Jews be pleased with thee, nor For, never will the Jews be pleased with thee, nor

yet the Christians, unless thou follow their own yet the Christians, unless thou follow their own creeds. Say ‘Behold, Allah’s guidance is the only creeds. Say ‘Behold, Allah’s guidance is the only true guidance’. true guidance’.

And, indeed, if thou should follow their errant And, indeed, if thou should follow their errant views after all the knowledge that has come unto views after all the knowledge that has come unto thee, thou would have none to protect thee from thee, thou would have none to protect thee from Allah, and none to bring thee succour.”Allah, and none to bring thee succour.”

((Qur’an: al-Baqarah: 2: 120Qur’an: al-Baqarah: 2: 120))

COMPARISON BETWEEN BASIC BELIEFS OF ISLAM vis-à-vis CHRISTIANITY

ISLAMISLAM

““Tauhiid” Tauhiid” (Absolute (Absolute Oneness)Oneness)

CHRISTIANITYCHRISTIANITY

““Trinity”Trinity”

(Three in (Three in One - one One - one in three)in three)

ConceConcept of pt of GodGod


ISLAMISLAM

““A A righteous righteous servant servant

and and messenger messenger of Allah”of Allah”


““literally the literally the son of God; son of God;

a divine being a divine being and at the and at the

same time a same time a man”man”

Jesus Jesus a.s.a.s.


ISLAMISLAM

““Justice and Justice and the Mercy the Mercy

and and forgivenesforgiveness of Allah”s of Allah”


““Original Original Sin which Sin which requires requires

blood blood redemptioredemption by God”n by God”

Concept Concept of of

“salvati“salvation”on”


ISLAMISLAM

““Adherence to Adherence to Divine Law”Divine Law”(Shari’ah)(Shari’ah)

iman - ’amal - ihsaniman - ’amal - ihsan


““generally generally does not does not

emphasize emphasize on law but on law but

harp on harp on Love” Love”

Way of Way of LifeLife


ISLAMISLAM

““only one only one Al-Al-

Qur’an”Qur’an”

-has remained preserved in its original recitations and language.


“ “ many many versions versions of the of the Bible”Bible”

- doctrines formulated by the Church authority based on Paul’s letters and other writings after Jesus a.s.

PrimarPrimary y

source source of the of the

teachinteachingsgs

ISLAMIC CALL TO CHRISTIANSISLAMIC CALL TO CHRISTIANS

“ “And they claim, “None shall ever And they claim, “None shall ever enter paradise unless he be ‘a Jew’ or enter paradise unless he be ‘a Jew’ or ‘a Christian’. Such are their wishful ‘a Christian’. Such are their wishful beliefs! Say: beliefs! Say: Produce an evidenceProduce an evidence for for what you are claiming, if what you what you are claiming, if what you say is true!”say is true!”

((Qur’an Surah al-Baqarah: 2 :111Qur’an Surah al-Baqarah: 2 :111))

What is the What is the Bible?Bible?

They the Christians will offer the Bible as their evidence

The Bible ...… some The Bible ...… some facts.facts.

The name The name “Bible”“Bible” is not found in the Bible. is not found in the Bible. This term This term “Bible”“Bible” comes from the Greek comes from the Greek

work work “Biblion”“Biblion” which means “collection of which means “collection of writings or book”.writings or book”.

The total number of books that make up The total number of books that make up the Bible differ between the Catholic’s the Bible differ between the Catholic’s (they have 73 books) and Protestant (they have 73 books) and Protestant Christian’s (only accept 66 books).Christian’s (only accept 66 books).


It can be divided into 2 parts:It can be divided into 2 parts:Old testamentOld testament – Jewish writings written – Jewish writings written originally in Hebrew, compiled over a originally in Hebrew, compiled over a period of 2,000 years; many of its authors period of 2,000 years; many of its authors are unknown.are unknown.New TestamentNew Testament – the oldest manuscripts – the oldest manuscripts written in Koine Greek (not Aramaic which written in Koine Greek (not Aramaic which was the language that Jesus spoke), was the language that Jesus spoke), comprise of the 4 Gospels and letters comprise of the 4 Gospels and letters written by Paul and others.written by Paul and others.


The most popular Bible e.g. The most popular Bible e.g. the King James the King James (the Authorized version)(the Authorized version) and the Latin and the Latin Vulgate in used was based on an ancient Vulgate in used was based on an ancient text. Since then, they have discovered text. Since then, they have discovered more ancient texts, and Christian biblical more ancient texts, and Christian biblical scholars have to revise their Bible to scholars have to revise their Bible to ensure accuracy. And they admit that ensure accuracy. And they admit that there has been interpolations done to the there has been interpolations done to the Bible. Bible.


Their admission:Their admission:

““Yet the King James version has serious Yet the King James version has serious defects. ….. And discovery of many biblical defects. ….. And discovery of many biblical manuscripts more ancient than those on manuscripts more ancient than those on which the King James version was based which the King James version was based made it apparent that these defects were so made it apparent that these defects were so many as to call for a revision.”many as to call for a revision.”

((Forward in the New Revised Standard version of the BibleForward in the New Revised Standard version of the Bible))

What Allah have said is true..!What Allah have said is true..!

““And behold, there are indeed some among them And behold, there are indeed some among them who distort the Book (of revelation) with their who distort the Book (of revelation) with their tongues, so as to make you think that [what they tongues, so as to make you think that [what they say] is from the Book (revelation), the while it is say] is from the Book (revelation), the while it is not from the Book (revelation); and who say, not from the Book (revelation); and who say, “This is from God,” the while it is not from God: “This is from God,” the while it is not from God: and thus do they tell a lie about God, being well-and thus do they tell a lie about God, being well-aware (that it is a lie).”aware (that it is a lie).”

((Qur’an: Surah aa-li ‘Imraan: 3: 78Qur’an: Surah aa-li ‘Imraan: 3: 78))

What Allah have said is true..!What Allah have said is true..!

““Woe, then, unto those who write Woe, then, unto those who write down, with their own hands, down, with their own hands, [something which they claim to be] [something which they claim to be] divine revelation, and then say ‘This divine revelation, and then say ‘This is from God’……..”is from God’……..”

((Qur’an: Surah al-Baqarah: 2: 79Qur’an: Surah al-Baqarah: 2: 79))

Summary : what is the Bible?Summary : what is the Bible?

It is a collection of writings.It is a collection of writings. Generally it contains recordings of Generally it contains recordings of

the history of the Jewish people. the history of the Jewish people. Written and re-written by scribes Written and re-written by scribes (especially when the Jews lost these (especially when the Jews lost these during their enslavement by Persians during their enslavement by Persians and Romans or because the and Romans or because the recordings tended to fade). recordings tended to fade).


It It maymay contain words of prophets; some contain words of prophets; some eye-witness or even hearsay accounts of eye-witness or even hearsay accounts of what had happened; it what had happened; it maymay contain contain quotations of perhaps revelations from quotations of perhaps revelations from God; it God; it maymay contain interpretations and contain interpretations and interpolations of people regarding the interpolations of people regarding the religion; etc.religion; etc.

Biblical scholars admit that many were Biblical scholars admit that many were written by anonymous (unknown) person written by anonymous (unknown) person or persons; sometimes conveniently or persons; sometimes conveniently attributed to certain prophets.attributed to certain prophets.


The Gospels (according to Mark, Mathew, The Gospels (according to Mark, Mathew, Luke and John) are Luke and John) are notnot the same as what the same as what we Muslims refer to as the “we Muslims refer to as the “Injeel” of Injeel” of Prophet Jesus a.sProphet Jesus a.s..

The Pentateuch (first 5 Books said to be The Pentateuch (first 5 Books said to be the book of Moses : the Torah) is the book of Moses : the Torah) is notnot the the same as what we Muslims refer to as the same as what we Muslims refer to as the ““Taurat” of Prophet Moses a.sTaurat” of Prophet Moses a.s..


The Psalm (of David) is The Psalm (of David) is notnot the same as the same as what we Muslims refer to as the “what we Muslims refer to as the “Zabur” Zabur” of Prophet David a.sof Prophet David a.s..

As the collections called the Bible have As the collections called the Bible have been tampered with and interpolations been tampered with and interpolations made by people, we cannot be certain of made by people, we cannot be certain of its total reliability and authenticity.its total reliability and authenticity.

For Muslims, the Qur’an is the “Furqaan” For Muslims, the Qur’an is the “Furqaan” (Criterion to determine what for us, is the (Criterion to determine what for us, is the Truth and what is not).Truth and what is not).


Revisions have been made to the Revisions have been made to the Bible when a much older manuscripts Bible when a much older manuscripts were found. Still these manuscripts were found. Still these manuscripts are not those dated to the time of are not those dated to the time of Jesus a.s. (because these were Jesus a.s. (because these were written in Greek, whereas Jesus a.s. written in Greek, whereas Jesus a.s. never spoke Greek but Aramaic).never spoke Greek but Aramaic).

So when we Muslims say we So when we Muslims say we Believe in the Taurat, Zabur and Believe in the Taurat, Zabur and

Injeel, Injeel, we do not mean we we do not mean we believe in the Biblebelieve in the Bible!!

Only the Qur’an has remained the Only the Qur’an has remained the only authentic Book of revelations only authentic Book of revelations

from Allah, still preserved exactly as from Allah, still preserved exactly as it was “recited”, in the original it was “recited”, in the original

language as when it was revealed.language as when it was revealed.

SIMPLE MESSAGE FOR SIMPLE MESSAGE FOR CHRISTIANS TO CHRISTIANS TO

CONSIDERCONSIDER “ “Are you actually following the Are you actually following the religion of Jesus?”religion of Jesus?” “ “What was the religion that Jesus What was the religion that Jesus preached?”preached?” “ “And if he were to come back today, And if he were to come back today, who will he recognize as people who will he recognize as people belonging to his flock?” – “Christians or belonging to his flock?” – “Christians or Muslims?”Muslims?”


CONSIDERCONSIDER Jesus a.s. followed the law. Even in Jesus a.s. followed the law. Even in dietary rules for example he dietary rules for example he abstained abstained from eating and touching of the flesh of from eating and touching of the flesh of swineswine..

““These are the living things which you shall not eat …. And These are the living things which you shall not eat …. And the swine … of their flesh the swine … of their flesh you shall not eatyou shall not eat, and their , and their carcasses carcasses you shall not touchyou shall not touch; they are unclean to you.”; they are unclean to you.” ((Leviticus:11:8Leviticus:11:8))

Who still

observ

es this?

Christia

ns or M

uslims?


CONSIDERCONSIDER Jesus a.s. follow the law. One of the Jesus a.s. follow the law. One of the important commandment (a covenant) for important commandment (a covenant) for all male Jews was to be all male Jews was to be circumcisedcircumcised..

““And at the end of eight days, when And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcisedhe was circumcised, , he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”he was conceived in the womb.” ((Luke:2:21Luke:2:21))

Who still

observ

es this?

Christia

ns or M

uslims?


CONSIDERCONSIDER Jesus a.s. is recorded to have prayed. Jesus a.s. is recorded to have prayed. And the And the manner of his prayingmanner of his praying was was described:described:

““Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go yonder to and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go yonder to pray….. And going a little farther pray….. And going a little farther he fell on his face and he fell on his face and prayedprayed, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; , ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt’ ”nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt’ ”

((Mathew:26:36-40Mathew:26:36-40))


CONSIDERCONSIDER Just like the prophets of old Just like the prophets of old their manner of prayingtheir manner of praying was was also described:also described:

““Then Abram (Abraham) Then Abram (Abraham) fell on his facefell on his face …” …” ((Genesis : 17 : 3Genesis : 17 : 3))


CONSIDERCONSIDER Just like the prophets of old Just like the prophets of old their their manner of prayingmanner of praying was also described: was also described:

““Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tent of of the assembly to the door of the tent of meeting, and meeting, and fell on their facesfell on their faces …” …”

((Numbers 20: 6Numbers 20: 6))

Who still

observes t

his?

Christia

ns or M

uslims?


CONSIDERCONSIDER It was the practice ofIt was the practice of Jesus a.s. and Jesus a.s. and his disciples to greet one another with a his disciples to greet one another with a standard greeting of peace standard greeting of peace “Shalomalekum”:“Shalomalekum”:

““On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them ““Peace be with youPeace be with you”..” ”..” ((John:20:19John:20:19))

Who still

observes t

his?

Christia

ns or M

uslims?


CONSIDERCONSIDER Jesus a.s. never teaches “Trinity” but Jesus a.s. never teaches “Trinity” but rather he affirmed the continuous rather he affirmed the continuous message of all prophets from God i.e. message of all prophets from God i.e. “Tauhiid”:“Tauhiid”:

“And one of the scribes come up and asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered ‘Hear O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One!”

(Mark 12: 28-29)

Who still

observes t

his?

Christia

ns or M

uslims?

There is no such thing as There is no such thing as the Original Sin…the Original Sin…

Because God Because God is Most Just is Most Just and Mercifuland Merciful

Is original sin compatible with standard of God’s Is original sin compatible with standard of God’s justice mentioned in their own book?justice mentioned in their own book?

““The soul that sinneth it shall die. The son shall The soul that sinneth it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity (sins) of the father, neither not bear the iniquity (sins) of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity (sins) of the son, shall the father bear the iniquity (sins) of the son, the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” upon him.”

((Ezekiel 18: 20Ezekiel 18: 20))

How can man be assured of eternal life ? according How can man be assured of eternal life ? according to their book :to their book :

““But the But the wicked will turn from all his sins that he wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes and do hath committed, and keep all my statutes and do that which is lawful and rightthat which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, , he shall surely live, he shall not die.”he shall not die.”

((Ezekiel 18 : 21Ezekiel 18 : 21))

(Note the concept of ‘taubah’ here : consistent with Islam. (Note the concept of ‘taubah’ here : consistent with Islam. Unfortunately Christians have replaced this with ‘blood Unfortunately Christians have replaced this with ‘blood redemption’)redemption’)

How can man be assured of eternal life ? according How can man be assured of eternal life ? according to their book :to their book :

““““Jesus says : ‘Not everyone who says to me Jesus says : ‘Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but but he who does the will of my Father who is in he who does the will of my Father who is in heavenheaven” * ” *

((Matthew 7 : 21Matthew 7 : 21 ) )

( * ( * IslamIslam : : means submission of God’s willmeans submission of God’s will ) )

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

““Behold this is indeed the truth of the Behold this is indeed the truth of the matter, and there is no deity whatever save matter, and there is no deity whatever save

God (Allah); and verily God (Allah) – He God (Allah); and verily God (Allah) – He alone is almighty, truly wise. And if they alone is almighty, truly wise. And if they turn away [from this truth] – behold, God turn away [from this truth] – behold, God

(Allah) has full knowledge of the spreaders (Allah) has full knowledge of the spreaders of corruption.”of corruption.”

((Qur’an: aali –’Imraan: 3 62Qur’an: aali –’Imraan: 3 62))

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

““Behold, the only [true] religion Behold, the only [true] religion (Deen) in the sight of God (Allah) (Deen) in the sight of God (Allah)

is ‘is ‘Al-IslamAl-Islam’ (religion of self-’ (religion of self-surrender unto His Will).surrender unto His Will).

((Qur’an: aali –’Imraan: 3 62Qur’an: aali –’Imraan: 3 62))

Christianity

Education

Transcript of Christianity