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Islam, Religion

Strong Believers – Daniel 3 – NIV

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The Image of Gold and the Blazing Furnace

3 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide,[a] and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. 3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.

4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: 5 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

7 Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

8 At this time some astrologers[b] came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! 10 Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”

25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

Footnotes

  1. Daniel 3:1 That is, about 90 feet high and 9 feet wide or about 27 meters high and 2.7 meters wide
  2. Daniel 3:8 Or Chaldeans
  3. Daniel 3:17 Or If the God we serve is able to deliver us, then he will deliver us from the blazing furnace and

#Faith, #monotheism, #Bible, #Islam; One true #God; #Abraham;

STORY OF NABI IBRAHIM/ABRAHAM – QURAN KAREEM

SURAH AL ANBIYAH- PROPHETS

NABI IBRAHAM/ ABRAHAM WAS SET ON FIRE BY HIS VILLAGE FOR PREACHING aboutAllah/ God;

51. We gave Abraham his integrity formerly, and We knew him well.

52. When he said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoted?” 53. They said, “We found our parents worshiping them.” 54. He said, “You and your parents are in evident error.” 55. They said, “Are you telling us the truth, or are you just playing?”

56. He said, “Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the One who created them, and I bear witness to that.

57. “By God, I will have a plan for your statues after you have gone away.” 58. So he reduced them into pieces, except for their biggest, that they may return to it. 59. They said, “Who did this to our gods? He is certainly one of the wrongdoers.”

60. They said, “We heard a youth mentioning them. He is called Abraham.” 61. They said, “Bring him before the eyes of the people, so that they may witness.” 62. They said, “Are you the one who did this to our gods, O Abraham?” 63. He said, “But it was this biggest of them that did it. Ask them, if they can speak.” 64. Then they turned to one another, and said, “You yourselves are the wrongdoers.”

65. But they reverted to their old ideas: “You certainly know that these do not speak.”

66. He said, “Do you worship, instead of God, what can neither benefit you in anything, nor harm you? 67. Fie on you, and on what you worship instead of God. Do you not understand?”

68. They said, “Burn him and support your gods, if you are going to act.” 69. We said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.”

70. They planned to harm him, but We made them the worst losers.

71. And We delivered him, and Lot, to the land that We blessed for all people. 72. And We granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift; and each We made righteous.

73. And We made them leaders, guiding by Our command; and We inspired them to do good works, and to observe the prayer, and to give out charity. They were devoted servants to Us.

Islam, Religion

Jesus Prayed as a Muslim

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Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch[a] with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on.[b] See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

THE OLD TESTAMENT

In the Jewish tradition, prostration is also mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament). In the Old Testament, there are instances where individuals prostrate themselves before God as an act of reverence and worship. For example, in the book of Genesis, Joseph’s brothers prostrate themselves before him (Genesis 42:6), and in the book of Exodus, Moses and Aaron prostrate themselves before God (Exodus 34:8). Genesis 17:3 states, “And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee…” and Exodus 34:8 states, “Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us.”

Abraham and the Covenant of Circumcision

17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty;[a] walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram,[b] but your name shall be Abraham,[c] for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.”

EXODUS 34-8 -The New Stone Tablets

34 The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3 No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.”

4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

WHO IS ALLAH?/ GOD – QURAN KAREEM

Surah Baqarah – Tranlation – 130. Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except he who fools himself? We chose him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous. 131. When his Lord said to him, “Submit!” He said, “I have submitted to the Lord of the Worlds.” 132. And Abraham exhorted his sons, and Jacob, “O my sons, God has chosen this religion for you, so do not die unless you have submitted.”

133. Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, and he said to his sons, “What will you worship after Me?” They said, “We will worship your God, and the God of your fathers, Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac; One God; and to Him we submit.”

134. That was a community that has passed; for them is what they have earned, and for you is what you have earned; and you will not be questioned about what they used to do.

135. And they say, “Be Jews or Christians, and you will be guided.” Say, “Rather, the religion of Abraham, the Monotheist; he was not an idolater.”

136. Say, “We believe in God; and in what was revealed to us; and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus; and in what was given to the prophets—from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we surrender.”

ESTABLISH PRAYER – IN WORSHIP

 Surah Baqarah – 40. O Children of Israel! Remember My blessings which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your pledge to Me, and I will fulfill My pledge to you, and fear Me. 41. And believe in what I revealed, confirming what is with you; and do not be the first to deny it; and do not exchange My revelations for a small price; and be conscious of Me.

42. And do not mix truth with falsehood, and do not conceal the truth while you know.

43. And attend to your prayers, and practice regular charity, and kneel with those who kneel.

44. Do you command people to virtuous conduct, and forget yourselves, even though you read the Scripture? Do you not understand?

#Muslim, #Prayer, #Bible, #Quotes, #Quran Kareem, Jesus, #Prostration

History, Law, Islam, Religion

Prohibition of Interest/ Riba – Bible and Quran Kareem

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The prohibition of interest (usury, or riba in Islam) forbids charging extra money on a loan, viewing it as exploitative, unjust, or a form of double-charging, with roots in religious texts (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) and early economic philosophy, though modern finance has evolved complex workarounds like profit-sharing or market-rate adjustments, especially in Islamic finance which strictly prohibits guaranteed monetary gain from lending to promote equity and risk-sharing. 

Core Concepts & Reasons

  • Exploitation: Charging interest on money (a consumable good used as a medium of exchange) was seen as getting paid twice for the same thing – the principal and its use, like selling wine and then charging for its use.
  • Social Justice: Prohibition aims to prevent the wealthy from exploiting the needy, fostering charity and discouraging selfishness, creating more equitable economic systems.
  • Religious Mandates:
    • Judaism/Christianity: Biblical texts forbid interest on loans to fellow Israelites, though interpretations varied historically.
    • Islam (Riba): Quranic verses forbid riba (increase/excess), viewing it as unjust gain, making it a major principle in Islamic finance. 

Historical & Modern Context

Early Church: The Catholic Church historically condemned usury, initially applying it mainly to clerics, later extending it to all, with figures like Thomas Aquinas defining it as unjust.

Islamic Finance: Modern Islamic finance avoids riba by using alternative contracts (like profit-sharing or leasing) that align with Sharia law, shifting risk and reward.

Bible – Prohibition of Usury – Quotes

Leviticus 25:37 ESV /

You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.

Deuteronomy 23:20 ESV /

You may charge a foreigner interest, but you may not charge your brother interest, that the Lord your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11 ESV / 500 helpful votes 

“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be. Take care lest there be an unworthy thought in your heart and you say, ‘The seventh year, the year of release is near,’ and your eye look grudgingly on your poor brother, and you give him nothing, and he cry to the Lord against you, and you be guilty of sin. You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

Nehemiah 5:7 ESV /

I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them

Leviticus 25:35-37 ESV /

“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.

Proverbs 22:7 ESV /

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Exodus 22:25-27 ESV /

“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him. If ever you take your neighbor’s cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

Leviticus 25:36 ESV /

Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you.

Matthew 6:24 ESV /

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Luke 6:38 ESV /

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Nehemiah 5:10-11 ESV /

Moreover, I and my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Let us abandon this exacting of interest. Return to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them.”

Matthew 6:12 ESV /

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Ezekiel 18:8-9 ESV /

Does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man, walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.

1 Samuel 2:7 ESV /

The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts.

Matthew 21:12-13 ESV /

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” (Notes – that’s because they were exchanging the Roman coins to Jewish coins on Interest);

Source – https://www.openbible.info/topics/usury

QURAN – INTEREST PROHIBITION – Surah Baqarah – 2:275 – 2:279 – Those who Persist will be in the Fire – they will be there forever;

Surah Baqarah 2:275 -2:279; Those who consume interest will stand ˹on Judgment Day˺ like those driven to madness by Satan’s touch. That is because they say, “Trade is no different than interest.” But Allah has permitted trading and forbidden interest. Whoever refrains—after having received warning from their Lord—may keep their previous gains, and their case is left to Allah. As for those who persist, it is they who will be the residents of the Fire. They will be there forever. –

Allah has made interest fruitless and charity fruitful. And Allah does not like any ungrateful evildoer.

Indeed, those who believe, do good, establish prayer, and pay alms-tax will receive their reward from their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.

O believers! Fear Allah, and give up outstanding interest if you are ˹true˺ believers.

If you do not, then beware of a war with Allah and His Messenger! But if you repent, you may retain your principal—neither inflicting nor suffering harm.

HADEETH: Muslim (1598) narrated that Jaabir said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) cursed the one who consumes riba and the one who pays it, the one who writes it down and the two who witness it, and he said: they are all the same.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: That is, (they are all the same) in terms of being cursed, because they co-operated in that. End quote from Fataawa Noor ‘ala ad-Darb, 16/2

Imam al-Bukhaari (may Allah have mercy on him) referred to this hadith that was narrated by Imam Muslim in the title which he gave to a chapter of his Saheeh, which he called: Chapter on the one who consumes riba, the one who witnesses it and the one who writes it down.

Then he quoted two hadiths in this chapter, one of which was the hadith of ‘Aa’ishah: When the last part of al-Baqarah was revealed, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) recited it, then he forbade trade in alcohol. The second hadith is the hadith of Samurah, according to which the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Last night, I dreamt that two men came to me and took me out to a sacred land, then we set out until we came to a river of blood in which a man was standing, and on the bank of the river there was another man in front of whom were some rocks. The man who was in the river came, and when he wanted to get out, the (other) man threw a rock in his mouth, and sent him back to where he had been. Every time he came and wanted to get out, he threw a rock into his mouth and sent him back to where he had been. I said: ‘What is this?’ He said: ‘The one who you saw in the river is the one who consumed riba.’

#Prohibition, #Riba, #Usury, #Bible, #Islam, #Legislation;

Islam, Religion

The idolatry Origins of Christmas/ Fir Trees Worship- Isaiah

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ISAIAH 10

God and Idols

10 Hear what the Lord says to you, people of Israel. 2 This is what the Lord says:

“Do not learn the ways of the nations
    or be terrified by signs in the heavens,
    though the nations are terrified by them.
3 For the practices of the peoples are worthless;
    they cut a tree out of the forest,
    and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.
4 They adorn it with silver and gold;
    they fasten it with hammer and nails
    so it will not totter.
5 Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
    their idols cannot speak;
they must be carried
    because they cannot walk.
Do not fear them;
    they can do no harm
    nor can they do any good.”

6 No one is like you, Lord;
    you are great,
    and your name is mighty in power.
7 Who should not fear you,
    King of the nations?
    This is your due.
Among all the wise leaders of the nations
    and in all their kingdoms,
    there is no one like you.

Jeremiah 10:3-4 describes the futility and vanity of pagan idol worship, where people cut down a tree, carve it into an idol, and then adorn it with silver, gold, nails, and hammers so it won’t fall, highlighting how these lifeless objects made by human hands are powerless compared to the living God, a stark contrast to genuine worship. It’s a condemnation of idolatry, not necessarily Christmas trees, explaining that these carved, decorated trees are just wood and metal, not gods. 

NORTHERN CLIMATES IDOL WORSHIP

In Northern Climates – some people/ tribes used to worship fir-trees/ ever greens – as they thought the trees were “ever-living” – as they did not loose their needles/ green in winter – so they took the trees as a “god”;

Celebration of December 25th was a Roman Idolatrous Holiday:

“As time passed, all over the world on the 25th of December, the sun was worshipped by these various names: Tammuz, Horus, Osiris, Sol, etc. It was a time for orgies, sacrificing of babies to Baal, drunkenness, and merriment. Semiramis ordered trees to be decorated with little balls representing the sun. God fought this evil holiday by forbidding the Jews to decorate trees as the heathens were doing (Jer. 10:1-4).” (The Force, The Crusaders Vol. 15 by Jack T. Chick, 1983, p. 26).

PAGAN ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas trees have roots in pagan winter solstice traditions in Northern Europe, symbolizing eternal life, fertility, and light over darkness, with evergreens used to decorate homes to ward off evil spirits; however, Christians (the church) later adopted the practice, reassigning meanings to Christ (eternal life, light), and while some view it as idolatry (citing Jeremiah 10:3-4 for carved idols), many modern Christians see it as a cultural tradition, focusing on Christ and celebrating new life without actual worship of the tree itself. 

However the majority of Christians worship Jesus as a “trinity” or “son” of God – while the Hebrew word as “Ebed” / Slave/ Servant of God – tranlated as “son” – so the whole entire Belief system is Idolatrous; Jesus was a Muslim(Submitted to God/ Allah and worshipped God Alone); (Lord’s Prayer – Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.) – means Jesus was seeking to Fulfill God’s Will;

John 5:30 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. – Jesus seeks to please Him (God) who sent him – to fullfil God’s Will;

JESUS TAUGHT MONOTHEISM:

“The most important is, ‘Sh’ma Yisra’el, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad [Hear, O Isra’el, the Lord our God, the Lord is one],

The Greatest Commandment – Mark 12:28-30

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[b]

Note: Notice ; Nabi Eesa/ Prophet Jesus(aleihis/ salam- Peace be upon him) said the Lord your God is One – not three, one of three or a “trinity” – which is nothing but church idolatry invented a few Hundred years after Jesus – by changing the books – and writing in Hebrew, greek, Latin and few Aramaic texts – none of which fully original;

Just to remind the Original belief Prophet Muhammad (sal Sllahu alaihi wa sallam) was brought back to Revive the message – as in “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammad eur Rasul Allah”– there is nothing/ no one Worthy of worship except Allah (God Alone without any parnters) and Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the Last Messenger; eg. – to bring back true monotheism (worhsip of the only one AllMighty God) – and to acknowledge Quran as the Last Divine Revelation for all manking before the Judgement Day.

Pagan Origins & Symbolism

  • Evergreen Significance: Pagans in Germanic, Norse, Celtic, and Roman cultures used evergreens (like firs) to decorate during winter festivals (Saturnalia, Yule) to represent life, fertility, and victory over winter’s darkness.
  • Winter Solstice: Bringing evergreens indoors celebrated the return of light and new life.
  • Early Traditions: Vikings and Saxons used trees for New Year rituals; the medieval “Paradise Tree,” decorated with apples for Adam & Eve’s feast, also influenced the practice into the common days;

#Christmas; #Idolatry; #Worship; #God; #Allah; #Jesus was a Prophet Not “divine” or part of the trinity; #True, #Monotheism;

Islam, Religion

Monotheism – Bible and Quran; why Jesus was a Muslim;

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Islam means Submission to God; and worshipping God Alone (without any Partners);

The Ten Commandments – Exodus 20

20 And God spoke all these words: 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

Now in Quran we do not believe God punishes kids for parents sins or vice-versa; but some of the Bible Verses were changed from the original – Bible comes from the Word Biblos in Greek – and it literally means Book – it is Collection of Books/ Writings- not the literal Word of God – because they do not have a complete original Revelation unlike Quran Kareem);

The Greatest Commandment – Matthew 22:34-40

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Note: Jesus taught to worship God Alone (it was only later around 325 CE – Coucil of Nicea – a Few Hundred years after Jesus where they made the “trinity” the concept of the “son” or God a State religion and changed many of the texts available in Hewbrew and Aramaic); Jesus and the Prophets were upon Monotheism not the “trinity”;

The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional Version)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name;

thy Kingdom come, thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Here the word Father/ Abba means Creator of All; so Jesus was teaching to worship the Father/ God Alone – and make his name Hollowed – Glorified – and the rest if Obvious.

Key aspects of the opening line

“Our Father”: Highlights a relationship with God as a loving, personal parent, and emphasizes a community of faith (“Our”) rather than just “My” relationship.

“who art in heaven”: Acknowledges God’s transcendence and holiness, separating Him from earthly limitations, while still being present.

“hallowed be thy Name”: Calls for reverence and respect for God’s sacred name. 

Significance

  • It serves as a perfect model for prayer, teaching believers what to pray for and how to approach God, focusing on His glory first, then needs

MONOTHEISM IN QURAN KAREEM:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ ٥٦ مَآ أُرِيدُ مِنْهُم مِّن رِّزْقٍۢ وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَن يُطْعِمُونِ ٥٧

Surah Adh-Dhariat – surah 51:56-57 I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me. I seek no provision from them, nor do I need them to feed Me.

Monotheism in Islam, known as Tawhid, is the core principle asserting God (Allah) is indivisibly One, without partners or equals, demanding worship of Him alone and rejecting polytheism (shirk) as the gravest sin. It’s a strict, pure monotheism emphasizing God’s incomparability, uniqueness, and sovereignty, described through His beautiful names, with no intermediaries, forming the foundation of the Islamic faith and worldview. 

Key Aspects of Tawhid/ Monotheism:

Absolute Oneness (Wahdaniyyah): Allah is one and unique; He has no partners, children, spouses, or divisions within His essence. 

Rejection of Shirk: Attributing divinity or partners to God (polytheism, idolatry) is the unforgivable sin in Islam. 

No Intermediaries: Muslims worship Allah directly, without clergy or intermediaries, fostering a personal relationship with God. 

Description by Attributes: God is known through His attributes (like Ar-Rahmān – The Entirely Merciful, Ar-Rahīm – The Especially Merciful) and His “99 Names,” not through physical forms or icons. 

Creator & Sustainer: Allah is the sole creator and sustainer of the universe, which operates under His unified command. 

https://www.islamreligion.com/articles/10334/islamic-monotheism

Surah Nisa’/ Women ayah 48: Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him ˹in worship˺,1 but forgives anything else of whoever He wills. And whoever associates others with Allah has indeed committed a grave sin.

48. God does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives anything less than that to whomever He wills. Whoever associates anything with God has devised a monstrous sin.

49. Have you not considered those who claim purity for themselves? Rather, God purifies whom He wills, and they will not be wronged a whit. 50. See how they devise lies against God. That alone is an outright sin.

51. Have you not considered those who were given a share of the Book? They believe in superstition and evil powers, and say of those who disbelieve, “These are better guided on the way than the believers.” 52. Those are they whom God has cursed. Whomever God curses, you will find no savior for him.

53. Or do they own a share of the kingdom? Then they would not give people a speck. 54. Or do they envy the people for what God has given them of His grace? We have given the family of Abraham the Book and wisdom, and We have given them a great kingdom.

Jesus in Quran Kareem – monotheism Verses/ Ayaat:

Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:72): “The Messiah, son of Mary, said, ‘O Children of Israel, worship Allah—my Lord and your Lord.’ Whoever associates others with Allah in worship will surely be forbidden Paradise by Allah. Their home will be the Fire, and the wrongdoers will have no helpers”.

Surah Maryam (19:36): “And indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the Straight Path”.

Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:117): Jesus denies ever telling people to worship him or his mother as gods, stating, “I never told them anything except what You ordered me to say: ‘Worship Allah—my Lord and your Lord!’

SURAH MAIDAH / The Table Spread:

Verses emphasize belief in God Alone and Not taking Jesus as a Partner to God (Idolatry);

16. God guides with it whoever follows His approval to the ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness into light, by His permission, and He guides them in a straight path.

17. They disbelieve those who say, “God is the Christ, the son of Mary.” Say, “Who can prevent God, if He willed, from annihilating the Christ son of Mary, and his mother, and everyone on earth?” To God belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and what is between them. He creates whatever He wills, and God has power over everything.

18. The Jews and the Christians say, “We are the children of God, and His beloved.” Say, “Why then does He punish you for your sins?” In fact, you are humans from among those He created. He forgives whom He wills, and He punishes whom He wills. To God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and what lies between them, and to Him is the return.

19. O People of the Book! Our Messenger has come to you, making things clear to you—after a cessation of messengers—so that you cannot say, “No preacher has come to us, and no warner.” In fact, a preacher has come to you, and a warner; and God is Capable of everything.

#Monotheism; #Bible; #Quran; #Jesus, #Islam, #Muslim; #Tawheed;

Islam, Religion

Pride is Downfall – and in HellFire

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Mathew 23:8 – 8“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11The greatest among you will be your servant. 

12For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

🔥 Hadith Qudsi 19 – Pride and Greatness Belong to Allah (God) Alone 🔥– HADITH – ISLAM

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Allah, the Most High, said: ‘Pride is My cloak and greatness is My robe. Whoever competes with Me in respect of either of them, I shall cast him into the Hellfire.’” — Narrated by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Ahmad. Also reported with sound chain in Sahih Muslim.

💭 Reflection: This Hadith Qudsi is a stark reminder of the danger of arrogance. Pride and greatness belong only to Allah — when a person tries to claim them, they cross a boundary set by the Divine. True honor is found in humility, submission, and recognizing that everything we have is from Him alone.

#Pride, #Downfall, #Humiliation, #Hell; #Bible, #Quran

Islam, Religion, Uncategorized

HOW TO SPOT HYPOCRITES – BIBLE, QURAN QUOTES

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MATHEW 23 – A Warning Against Hypocrisy

1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

5“Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries a wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.

8“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11The greatest among you will be your servant. 12For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Seven Woes on the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees

13“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. [14] b

15“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.

29“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32Go ahead, then, and complete what your ancestors started!

33“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? 34Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. 35And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36Truly I tell you, all this will come on this generation.

37“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 38Look, your house is left to you desolate. 39For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ c ”

Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar

15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not?”

18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”

21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

HYPOCRITES IN Quran Kareem

Hypocrisy in Islam is a serious sickness and a great crime. It means making an outward display of Islam whilst inwardly concealing disbelief. Hypocrisy is more dangerous than disbelief and the punishment for it is more severe, because it is disbelief mixed with Islam and its harmful effects are greater. Hence Allah will put the hypocrites in the lowest level of Hell, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 

{Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them.} [Al-Nisa/ Women 4:145] 

The hypocrites are always confused, always planning deceit and plots. Although outwardly they appear to be with the believers, inwardly they are with the disbelievers. So sometimes they are inclined towards the believers and sometimes they are inclined towards the disbelievers. 

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “There are four characteristics, whoever has them all is a pure hypocrite, and whoever has one of them has one of the characteristics of hypocrisy, until he gives it up: when he is entrusted with something he betrays that trust, when he speaks he lies, when he makes a covenant he breaks it, and when he disputes he resorts to obscene speech.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (54) and Muslim (58). 

If any of those who believe in Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah/ God) has any of these characteristics, he has fallen into minor hypocrisy to the extent to which he has done such deeds or has that characteristic, because he resembles the hypocrites in some of their actions, even if he is not exactly like them. 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:  The word hypocrisy refers to major hypocrisy which means concealing disbelief, or minor hypocrisy which means behaving differently in private and in public with regard to obligatory duties. … This is well known among the scholars and this is how they interpreted the words of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), “The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he makes a promise he breaks it, and when he is entrusted with something he betrays that trust.”  Narrated by at-Tirmidhi and others. More than one of the early scholars said: A lesser form of kufr, a lesser form of hypocrisy, a lesser form of shirk. “(Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa, 11/140 )

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, most of the hypocrites in my nation are among its reciters.” ( of Quran)

Source: Musnad Ahmad 6633; Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Arna’ut; عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِي قَالَ قَالَ رَسُول اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِنَّ أَكْثَرَ مُنَافِقِي أُمَّتِي قُرَّاؤُهَا 6633 مسند أحمد بن حنبل 11/210 المحدث شعيب الأرناؤوط خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في تخريج المسند

SURAH MUNAFIKUN- THE HYPOCRITES- QURAN TRANSLATION

In the name of Allah/ God, the Gracious, the Merciful.

1. When the hypocrites come to you (Muhammad- saw), they say, “We bear witness that you are God’s Messenger.” God knows that you are His Messenger, and God bears witness that the hypocrites are liars. 2. They treat their oaths as a cover, and so they repel others from God’s path. Evil is what they do.

3. That is because they believed, and then disbelieved; so their hearts were sealed, and they cannot understand.

4. When you see them, their appearance impresses you. And when they speak, you listen to what they say. They are like propped-up timber. They think every shout is aimed at them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. God condemns them; how deluded they are!

5. And when it is said to them, “Come, the Messenger of God will ask forgiveness for you,” they bend their heads, and you see them turning away arrogantly.

6. It is the same for them, whether you ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them; God will not forgive them. God does not guide the sinful people.

7. It is they who say: “Do not spend anything on those who side with God’s Messenger, unless they have dispersed.” To God belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.

8. They say, “If we return to the City, the more powerful therein will evict the weak.” But power belongs to God, and His Messenger, and the believers; but the hypocrites do not know.

9. O you who believe! Let neither your possessions nor your children distract you from the remembrance of God. Whoever does that—these are the losers.

10. And give from what We have provided for you, before death approaches one of you, and he says, “My Lord, if only You would delay me for a short while, so that I may be charitable, and be one of the righteous.”

11. But God will not delay a soul when its time has come. God is Informed of what you do.

#Bible, #Quran, #hypocrites, #Descriptions; #Scholars;

Islam, Library, Religion

Real Birth of Jesus – Mid Fall; Bible and Quran Kareem

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While Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth in December, biblical clues and historical analysis strongly suggest He was likely born in the fall (autumn), around September or October, due to shepherds with flocks outdoors, the census timing, and calculations based on John the Baptist‘s conception, linking to Jewish festivals like Tabernacles. 

Evidence for an Autumn Birth:

  • Shepherds in Fields: Luke 2:8 mentions shepherds tending flocks at night; this would be more plausible in mild autumn weather than cold, snowy winter, when sheep are housed.
  • Priestly Calendar: Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, served in the Jerusalem Temple (Abijah’s course, around June) when Gabriel appeared.
  • John’s Conception/Birth: After Zechariah returned home, Elizabeth conceived (late June/July). John was born about March.
  • Jesus’ Conception/Birth: Mary conceived Jesus six months after John’s conception (late December/early January). Adding nine months to this places Jesus’ birth in September/October.
  • Feast of Tabernacles: An autumn birth coincides with the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth), a major pilgrimage festival when Jerusalem would be crowded, fitting the census narrative. 

Why December 25th?

  • The Bible doesn’t state Jesus’ birth date. December 25th was adopted later (3rd Century AD in North Africa) to coincide with existing winter solstice festivals, a practice sometimes linked to “redeeming” pagan dates. 

Matthew 22:36-40New International Version – Greatest Commandment

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Luke 2: – The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The Rich and the Kingdom of God- Mark 10:18

17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’[a]”

Notes: Prophet Jesus taught to worship God Alone (monotheism/ Islam – Submission to God- no on is Good but God; love/ worship God with all you mind, all your soul and all your mind); “trinity” was a concept in minority later introduced by the church – during Emperor Constantine – 325CE –

Jesus’ Birth – in Quran Kareem –

45. The Angels said, “O Mary, God gives you good news of a Word from Him. His name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, well-esteemed in this world and the next, and one of the nearest.

46. He will speak to the people from the crib, and in adulthood, and will be one of the righteous.”

47. She said, “My Lord, how can I have a child, when no man has touched me?” He said, “It will be so. God creates whatever He wills. To have anything done, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.” 48. And He will teach him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel.

49. A messenger to the Children of Israel: “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I make for you out of clay the figure of a bird; then I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God’s leave. And I heal the blind and the leprous, and I revive the dead, by God’s leave. And I inform you concerning what you eat, and what you store in your homes. In that is a sign for you, if you are believers.”

50. “And verifying what lies before me of the Torah, and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. I have come to you with a sign from your Lord; so fear God, and obey me.”

51. “God is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.”

52. When Jesus sensed disbelief on their part, he said, “Who are my allies towards God?” The disciples said, “We are God’s allies; we have believed in God, and bear witness that we submit.” 53. “Our Lord, we have believed in what You have revealed, and we have followed the Messenger, so count us among the witnesses.”

54. They planned, and God planned; but God is the Best of planners. 55.˹Remember˺ when Allah(God) said, “O Jesus! I will take you1 and raise you up to Myself. I will deliver you from those who disbelieve, and elevate your followers above the disbelievers until the Day of Judgment. Then to Me you will ˹all˺ return, and I will settle all your disputes.

56. As for those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe punishment, in this world and the next, and they will have no helpers. 57. And as for those who believe and do good works, He will give them their rewards in full. God does not love the unjust.”

58. This is what We recite to you of the Verses and the Wise Reminder. 59. The likeness of Jesus in God’s sight is that of Adam: He created him from dust, then said to him, “Be,” and he was. 60. The truth is from your Lord, so do not be of those who doubt.

61. And if anyone disputes with you about him, after the knowledge that has come to you, say, “Come, let us call our children and your children, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, and let us invoke God’s curse on the liars.” 62. This is the narrative of truth: there is no god but God. God is the Mighty, the Wise. 63. But if they turn away—God knows the corrupt.

64. Say, “O People of the Book, come to terms common between us and you: that we worship none but God, and that we associate nothing with Him, and that none of us takes others as lords besides God.” And if they turn away, say, “Bear witness that we have submitted.”

#Jesus, #Birth, #Bible, #Quran Kareem, #Comparative Religion – Monotheism; #Quotes;

Islam, Religion, Uncategorized

Why modern Christianity is Idolatry

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Why Christianity is Idolatry – even by Bible Old Standards

Christians are Idolators even by the Bible standards – like Exodus 20 – The 10 Commandments – they should not make Partners to God/ Allah azza wa Jal (shirk) in Arabic; because in those early days they were worshipping Allah azza wa Jal Alone (God AllMighty in English) they were Muslim (meaning Submitting to God);

-Nabi/ Prophet Jesus himself was a Muslim and preached the Shema (hear,Oh Israel the Lord your God is One)- but Later on – about 325CE – at the Council of Nicea when the Church became a State – they came up with this “son” of God idea – and even the Greek and Latin translations from Aramaic (the Language Jesus actually spoke) – they used “ebed” – Slave/ Servant of God; Islam was Jesus’ religion not modern day Christianity;
Exodus The Ten Commandments
20 And God spoke all these words:
2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

* QURAN KAREEM IS THE FINAL REVELATION IN ORIGINAL ARABIC LANGUAGE: MEANING OF WORSHIP AND STORY OF JESUS IN BRIEF:


Here are some Verses about Jesus – he himself will Deny many people’s Idolatry in Judgement Day:
And ˹on Judgment Day˺ Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you ever ask the people to worship you and your mother as gods besides Allah?” He will answer, “Glory be to You! How could I ever say what I had no right to say? If I had said such a thing, you would have certainly known it. You know what is ˹hidden˺ within me, but I do not know what is within You. Indeed, You ˹alone˺ are the Knower of all unseen.(Surah Maidah 116);

Jesus in Quran Kareem – Surah Maryam(Mary) – 19:30-33:
Sahih International[Jesus] said, “Indeed, I am the servant of Allah . He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.
And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive.
And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant.
And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.
That is Jesus, the son of Mary – the word of truth about which they are in dispute.
It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.
Sahih International[Jesus said], “And indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.”

JESUS CONCEPTION & MISSION, SALVATION(raised to the Heavens Alive) – Surah Al IMRAN (Family of Imran)- Quran Kareem;

42. And (remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of her lifetime).”

43. O Mary! “Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allah, by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irka’i (bow down etc.) along with Ar-Raki’un (those who bow down etc.).”

44. This is a part of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past nations of which you have no knowledge) which We inspire you with (O Muhammad ). You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed.

45. (Remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word [“Be!” – and he was! i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary)] from Him, his name will be the Messiah ‘Iesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.”

46. “He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous.”

47. She said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.” He said: “So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: “Be!” and it is.

48. And He (Allah) will teach him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] the Book and Al-Hikmah (i.e. the Sunnah, the faultless speech of the Prophets, wisdom, etc.), (and) the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel).

49. And will make him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s Leave; and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allah’s Leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe.

50. And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Taurat (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allah and obey me.

51. Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the Straight Path.

52. Then when ‘Iesa (Jesus) came to know of their disbelief, he said: “Who will be my helpers in Allah’s Cause?” Al-Hawariun (the disciples) said: “We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allah).”

53. Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger [‘Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah – none has the right to be worshipped but Allah).

54. And they (disbelievers) plotted [to kill ‘Iesa (Jesus)], and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of the planners.

55. And (remember) when Allah said: “O ‘Iesa (Jesus)! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad , ‘Iesa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur’an] till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute.”

56. “As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.”

Bible #Christianity; #Idolatry; #Monotheism; #Islam; #Jesus;

Islam, Religion

Why Christianity is Not Monotheism

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Numbers 23:19King James Version

19 God is Not a Man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?– Numbers 23:19

Exodus 20King James Version

20 And God spoke all these words, saying,

2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

6 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. – John 5:30;

Based on the Above Quoted Verses – God Is Not a Man – it is pretty Clear that New Testament is way too much modified; Jesus (alaihis Salam/ peace be upon him) was a Prophet – and even the expression of “son” of God is mostly Hebrew for Ebed – Slave/ Servant of God; and most of the verses are modified and not in the Original Aramaic (the Language Jesus actually spoke)- and contradict many monotheistic verses of the Old Testament; so accoding to the Bible – you’re supposed to have only 1 God – worthy of worship – Not to bow down or worship Jesus, Mary, saints or anything else with or along with God/ Allah azza wa Jal and that is pure monotheism;

ALLAH/ GOD ALLMIGHTY IN ISLAM

God in Islam called Allah in the Arabic language -in Quran Kareem and Biblical tranlation is the same AllMighty God (the only one God worthy of worship) in the Bible and can be defined with the following qualities; Muslims consider all prophets Muslim(in Submission to God);

Say, ˹O believers,˺ “We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them. And to Allah we all submit.” – surah Baqarah 2:136;

3:2 Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.

Abridged Explanation of the Quran

Allah is the One Who alone deserves to be worshipped.
He is the One Who lives perfectly without any death or deficiency.
He exists by Himself and is not in need of any of His creation.
The creation only exists through Him and is always in need of Him.

The Messenger ˹firmly˺ believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. They ˹all˺ believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His messengers. ˹They proclaim,˺ “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and obey. ˹We seek˺ Your forgiveness, our Lord! And to You ˹alone˺ is the final return.”

Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who could possibly intercede with Him without His permission? He ˹fully˺ knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them, but no one can grasp any of His knowledge—except what He wills ˹to reveal˺. His Seat1 encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him. For He is the Most High, the Greatest.2 – surah Baqarah 2:255;

Last 3 Ayaat/ verses from Surah Hashr (Gathering in Judgement Day) “He is Allah—there is no god ‘worthy of worship’ except Him: Knower of the seen and unseen. He is the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

He is Allah—there is no god except Him: the King, the Most Holy, the All-Perfect, the Source of Serenity, the Watcher ‘of all’, the Almighty, the Supreme in Might,1 the Majestic. Glorified is Allah far above what they associate with Him ˹in worship˺!

He is Allah: the Creator, the Inventor, the Shaper. He ‘alone’ has the Most Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth ‘constantly’ glorifies Him. And He is the Almighty, All-Wise. (Qur’an 59 – 22/23/24)

#Bible; #monotheism; #Quran Kareem; #God; #Allah; #Definitions;

Islam, Religion

Humility – Bible and Quran

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HUMILITY – BIBLE VERSES:

Numbers 12:3
Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

Exodus 10:3
So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and said to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.’

1 Samuel 2:7
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.

2 Samuel 22:28
You save a humble people,
but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Psalm 95:6
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! (Notice they bow down and prostrate – just like the Muslims ( because they were Muslims/ eg/ worshipped God Alone);

Matthew 23:10–12
Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

Colossians 3:18–19
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

1 Peter 3:3–4
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

HUMILTY IN ISLAM – PRIDE BELONGS TO ALLAH (GOD ALLMIGHTY ALONE)

Abdullah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever has a mustard seed’s weight of pride (arrogance) in his heart, shall not be admitted into Paradise. And whoever has a mustard seed’s weight of faith in his heart, shall not be admitted into the Fire.”

“Verily, for all men and women who have surrendered themselves unto God, and all believing men and believing women, and all truly devout men and truly devout women, and all men and women who are true to their word, and all men and women who are patient in adversity, and all men and women who humble themselves… for them God has readied forgiveness of sins and a mighty reward” (Qur’an33:35).

At-Tirmidhi (1999), Abu Dawood (4091) and Ibn Maajah (59) narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ood that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “No one will enter Paradise in whose heart is an atom’s weight of arrogance and no one will enter Hell in whose heart is an atom’s weight of faith.” A man said: What if I like my clothes to look nice and my shoes to look nice? He said: “Verily Allah loves beauty; rather arrogance means rejecting the truth and looking down on people.”

PRIDE BELONGS TO ALLAH ALONE:

There is no doubt that Kibriyaa’ (Pride/Grandeur) is one of the Attributes of Allah, The Exalted, as stated in the Quran and Sunnah, and that Al-Mutakabbir (The Superior and Supreme in pride and grandeur) is one of His Names. Allah Says (what means): {And to Him belongs [all] grandeur within the heavens and the earth, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.} [Quran 45:37] Al-Qurtubi  may Allaah have mercy upon him said in his Tafseer book: “{to Him belongs [all] grandeur} means that to Him belongs greatness, majesty, immortality, dominion, power, and perfection.” [End of quote]

In the Sunnah, it was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah  may Allaah be pleased with him that the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Allah, The Almighty, Says: “Pride is My Ridaa’ (cloak), and Greatness is My Izaar (lower garment), and whoever claims to share with Me either one of them, I will cast him into Hellfire.” [Ahmad, Abu Daawood and Ibn Maajah]

Moreover, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to say in his Rukoo‘: “Subhaana Thil-Jabarooti wal-Malakooti wal-Kibriyaa’i wal-‘Athamah (which means: Glory be to the Lord of Might, Dominion, Grandeur, and Greatness).” [Ahmad, Abu Daawood, and An-Nasaa’i]

One of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah is Al-Mutakabbir, as stated in the Quran, where Allah Almighty Says about Himself (what means): {…the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior.} [Quran 59:23] [Al-Mutakabbir in this verse is translated as ‘the Superior’]

Briefly, the reported meaning of the divine name Al-Mutakabbir is as follows: “The One Who is Superior and Exalted Above all evil, Who is far Exalted above committing injustice against His slaves. To Him belongs all grandeur, and He is far Exalted above the attributes of His creation, and He shows His Superiority to the insolent created beings who dare to claim to share with Him the attribute of greatness, so He destroys them.”

Al-Munaawi  may Allaah have mercy upon him said in Faydh Al-Qadeer: “Al-Mutakabbir means the One to Whom belongs all Kibriyaa’ (pride/grandeur), The Sovereign, or The Superior Who sees others as inferior to Him. He regards others in the same way a master regards his slaves, and it is inconceivable that this attribute should be ascribed to other than Allah, The Exalted (in this sense). To Him alone belong greatness and grandeur in all respects and from all aspects, and therefore this attribute cannot be used in reference to other than Allah, The Exalted, except in a context of dispraise.” [End of quote]

#Humility, #Pride, #Islam, #Paradise, #Bible, Quran Kareem, #Comparative religion;

Islam, Religion

Stoning to Death – Bible and Islam

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Leviticus 24:16 ESV  

Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.

Leviticus 24:16 ESV / 257 – Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death. Leviticus

20:13 ESV / 237 helpful votes If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.

John 8:3-11 ESV / 230 helpful votes The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” ...

https://www.openbible.info/topics/stoning_to_death – Note: most Christians Never read the whole Bible and have No Idea of Biblical Legislation;

* QURAN KAREEM

Surah Nur – 24:

Those who accuse chaste women ˹of adultery˺ and fail to produce four witnesses, give them eighty lashes ˹each˺. And do not ever accept any testimony from them—for they are indeed the rebellious—

In the name of Allah/ God, the Gracious, the Merciful.

1. A chapter that We have revealed, and made obligatory, and revealed in it clear Verses, that you may take heed. 2. The adulteress and the adulterer—whip each one of them a hundred lashes, and let no pity towards them overcome you regarding God’s Law, if you believe in God and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their punishment.

3. The adulterer shall marry none but an adulteress or an idolatress; and the adulteress shall marry none but an adulterer or an idolater. That has been prohibited for the believers.

4. Those who accuse chaste women, then cannot bring four witnesses, whip them eighty lashes, and do not ever accept their testimony. For these are the immoral.

5. Except for those who repent afterwards, and reform; for God is Forgiving and Merciful.

6. As for those who accuse their own spouses, but have no witnesses except themselves, the testimony of one of them is equivalent to four testimonies, if he swears by God that he is truthful. 7. And the fifth time, that God’s curse be upon him, if he is a liar. 8. But punishment shall be averted from her, if she swears four times by God, that he is a liar. 9. And the fifth time, that God’s wrath be upon her, if he is truthful.

10. Were it not for God’s grace upon you, and His mercy, and that God is Conciliatory and Wise.

HADITH *

‘Abdullah b. ‘Abbas reported that ‘Umar b. Khattab sat on the pulpit of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and said:

Verily Allah sent Muhammad (ﷺ) with truth and He sent down the Book upon him, and the verse of stoning was included in what was sent down to him. We recited it, retained it in our memory and understood it. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) awarded the punishment of stoning to death (to the married adulterer and adulteress) and, after him, we also awarded the punishment of stoning, I am afraid that with the lapse of time, the people (may forget it) and may say: We do not find the punishment of stoning in the Book of Allah, and thus go astray by abandoning this duty prescribed by Allah. Stoning is a duty laid down in Allah’s Book for married men and women who commit adultery when proof is established, or it there is pregnancy, or a confession.

حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو الطَّاهِرِ، وَحَرْمَلَةُ بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، أَخْبَرَنِي يُونُسُ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُتْبَةَ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَبَّاسٍ، يَقُولُ قَالَ عُمَرُ بْنُ الْخَطَّابِ وَهُوَ جَالِسٌ عَلَى مِنْبَرِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ مُحَمَّدًا صلى الله عليه وسلم بِالْحَقِّ وَأَنْزَلَ عَلَيْهِ الْكِتَابَ فَكَانَ مِمَّا أُنْزِلَ عَلَيْهِ آيَةُ الرَّجْمِ قَرَأْنَاهَا وَوَعَيْنَاهَا وَعَقَلْنَاهَا فَرَجَمَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَرَجَمْنَا بَعْدَهُ فَأَخْشَى إِنْ طَالَ بِالنَّاسِ زَمَانٌ أَنْ يَقُولَ قَائِلٌ مَا نَجِدُ الرَّجْمَ فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَيَضِلُّوا بِتَرْكِ فَرِيضَةٍ أَنْزَلَهَا اللَّهُ وَإِنَّ الرَّجْمَ فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ عَلَى مَنْ زَنَى إِذَا أَحْصَنَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاءِ إِذَا قَامَتِ الْبَيِّنَةُ أَوْ كَانَ الْحَبَلُ أَوْ الاِعْتِرَافُ ‏.‏

Reference : Sahih Muslim 1691a
In-book reference : Book 29, Hadith 21
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 17, Hadith 4194
  (deprecated numbering scheme)