Islam: A Study of the Muslim Religion

By Mark Mayberry
This is the entire series.

Preliminary Considerations

Introduction

This is the first in an extended series of lessons on Islam. We will consider the Muslim religion, its founder, Mohammad, its holy book, the Quran, its distinctive doctrines and practices, and the threat it currently poses, both to world peace and individual liberty. To lay the groundwork for such a study, let us note certain preliminary considerations.

Love vs Hatred

We should love our fellowmen, the wicked and worldly, denominationalists, and also misguided proponents of non-Christian religions, including adherents of the Muslim faith (Matt. 5:43-45; 22:34-40; 1 Cor. 13:4-7). However, interpersonal relationships are of secondary importance. Let us love the truth of God, as revealed in the Holy Bible, above all else (Matt. 13:44; John 17:17; 2 John 1-2).

Matthew 5:43-45 … 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (NASB95)

Matthew 22:34-40 … 34 But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. 35 One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 “This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 “The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (NASB95)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 … 4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (NASB95)

Matthew 13:44 … 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (NASB95)

John 17:17 … 17 “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. (NASB95)

2 John 1-2 … 1 The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: (NASB95)

Agreement vs Disagreement

As a starting point, let us recognize areas of agreement between Christianity and Islam. For example, both reject idolatry, and affirm the existence of One True God (Acts 14:8-15; 17:22-28; 1 Cor. 8:4-6). Furthermore, both emphasize the importance of prayer, benevolence, self-discipline, self-denial, etc.

Acts 14:8-15 … 8 At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be made well, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he leaped up and began to walk. 11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like men and have come down to us.” 12 And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. (NASB95)

Acts 17:22-28 … 22 So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. 23 “For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. 24 “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; 26 and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ (NASB95)

1 Corinthians 8:4-6 … 4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. (NASB95)

Nevertheless, let us also acknowledge the undeniable contradictions between these two faiths. All religions are not the same; all faiths are not equal; all paths do not lead to the same end. Islam and Christianity are radically different systems of faith; despite superficial similarities, at their core, they are essentially incompatible (Matt. 12:30; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 1 John 2:18-24).

Matthew 12:30 … 30 “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters. (NASB95)

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 … 14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. 18 “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. (NASB95)

1 John 2:18-24 … 18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. (NASB95)

Allegiance vs Compromise

Let us manifest an unwavering allegiance to Jesus Christ, His church, and the exclusivity of the Christian message (John 14:6; Eph. 2:14-18; Jude 3-4). We should not seek accommodation with Islam based upon a compromise of Christian principles, or a misrepresentation of its message (Matt. 15:1-3; 2 Pet. 3:14-18; 2 John 7-11).

John 14:6 … 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (NASB95)

Ephesians 2:14-18 … 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. (NASB95)

Jude 3-4 … 3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (NASB95)

Matthew 15:1-3 … 1 Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” 3 And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? (NASB95)

2 Peter 3:14-18 … 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (NASB95)

2 John 7-11 … 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. (NASB95)

Success vs Failure

While radical Islam is the source of much suffering and sorrow in this present age, let us humbly recognize that misdirected zealotry, leading to violence, has been manifested by all religions (Acts 26:9-18). Civil government has a legitimate responsibility of confronting terrorism (Rom. 13:1-7). Nevertheless, let us not forget that Christians are commanded to seek and save the lost, even those from whom we would otherwise be estranged (Luke 19:1-10).

Acts 26:9-18 … 9 “So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 “And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 “And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities. 12 “While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13 at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. 14 “And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 “And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 ‘But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; 17 rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ (NASB95)

Romans 13:1-7 … 1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. (NASB95)

Luke 19:1-10 … 1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. 3 Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly. 7 When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (NASB95)

Conclusion

Muslims have a mistaken understanding of God, rejecting the concept of Three-In-One, i.e., that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit collectively compose the Godhead. Muslims have a mistaken understanding of Jesus Christ, affirming that He is a prophet, but denying that He is the Son of God who died on the cross for our sins. Muslims have a mistaken understanding of Sacred Scripture, not recognizing that with the completion of the New Testament, the canon of Holy Writ was fixed and final. Muslims have a mistaken understanding of spiritual fellowship, denying the essentiality of the church which Christ established, affirming the importance of Islamic associations. Muslims have a mistaken understanding of the family, substituting polygamy for monogamous marriage, and otherwise degrading the inherent dignity of women. Muslims have a mistaken understanding of society, rejecting pluralistic freedoms, and promoting Sharia law wherever they might dwell. In future lessons, we will consider these doctrinal differences in greater detail.

Nevertheless, let us love Muslims as individuals created in the image of God. We should educate ourselves regarding their distinctive views, and be prepared to lead them to the truth. Jesus, not Muhammad, is God’s spokesman for today (Heb. 1:1-4; 3:4-6).

Hebrews 1:1-4 … 1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. (NASB95)

Hebrews 3:4-6 … 4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. 5 Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; 6 but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. (NASB95)

The Five Pillars of Islam

Introduction

The Five Pillars of Islam serve as the foundation of Muslim life. What do they involve? (1) belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad; (2) establishment of obligatory daily prayers; (3) setting aside a proportion of one’s wealth to assist the needy; (4) self-purification and self-restraint through fasting; and, finally, (5) pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are physically and financially able to do so.

Creedal Recitation/Shahadah

Muslims must engage in a creedal recitation of the Shahadah: “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger.” They not only oppose polytheism, but also the concept of the Trinity, denying the deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Muhammad is not the only messenger of Allah, but he is considered the greatest and final prophet. In contrast, note the rich Biblical doctrine of the Godhead, and the primacy that is placed upon the person of Jesus Christ (Gen. 1:26; John 1:1-3, 14; Heb. 1:1-4).

Genesis 1:26 … 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (NASB95)

John 1:1-3 … 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (NASB95)

John 1:14 … 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NASB95)

Prayers/Salat

Muslims are required to pray five times a day: at dawn, noon, afternoon, evening and night. Such prayers are compulsory for everyone over the age of ten. They are also required to attend Friday prayer services at the mosque. Before reciting prayers, uttered in Arabic, worshippers must engage in washing rituals. Such prayers involve specific words, and a series of postures (standing, kneeling, hands and face on the ground, etc.), performed while the believer faces Mecca. In contrast, the New Testament emphasizes the simple, practical and personal nature of prayer (Matt. 6:5-13; 1 Cor. 14:13-19; 1 Tim. 2:8; 1 Thess. 5:16-18).

Matthew 6:5-13 … 5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. 9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. 11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread. 12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’ (NASB95)

1 Corinthians 14:13-19 … 13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. 16 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified. 18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; 19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. (NASB95)

1 Timothy 2:8 … 8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. (NASB95)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 … 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NASB95)

Alms Giving/Zakat

Muslims are expected to engage in alms giving/zakat, sharing at least 2 ½ percent of their income with others. Such gifts benefit widows, orphans and the sick. In some countries these offerings are mandatory, sometimes given to the mosque, sometimes to the government, but should not be confused with an income tax. In contrast, the New Testament emphasizes unspecified generosity associated with Christian benevolence, and the willing spirit associated with such giving (Matt. 6:1-4; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:1-6; 9:6-7).

Matthew 6:1-4 … 1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 “But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. (NASB95)

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 … 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. (NASB95)

2 Corinthians 8:1-6 … 1 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4 begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5 and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. (NASB95)

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 … 6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NASB95)

Fasting/Sawm

Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, when Muhammad allegedly received his first revelations from Allah. However, this restriction only applies to daylight hours; food and drink are permitted between sunset and sunrise. In contrast, the New Testament emphasizes the personal, circumstantial and non-ritualistic nature of fasting (Matt. 6:16-18; 9:14-15; Acts 13:1-3; 14:23).

Matthew 6:16-18 … 16 “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. (NASB95)

Matthew 9:14-15 … 14 Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. (NASB95)

Acts 13:1-3 … 1 Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (NASB95)

Acts 14:23 … 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (NASB95)

Pilgrimage/Hajj

Muslims are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once during their lifetime, if they can afford it. This visit to Mecca lasts seven days, and involves participation in various rituals. Mecca was the birthplace of Muhammad, and the city to which he returned after his exile in Medina. Only Muslims are allowed in this holy city. Abraham allegedly built the temple in Mecca (the Ka’ba) after God/Allah provided the ram as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac. In contrast, the New Testament deemphasizes worship location in favor of manifesting proper attitude and obedient actions (Mal. 1:11; John 4:15-24; 1 Cor. 1:1-2; 1 Tim. 2:8).

Malachi 1:11 … 11 “For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord of hosts. (NASB95)

John 4:15-24 … 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” 16 He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.” 19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 “Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (NASB95)

1 Corinthians 1:1-2 … 1 Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: (NASB95)

1 Timothy 2:8 … 8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. (NASB95)

The Quran vs The Bible

Introduction

In this section, we compare the Quran, the holy book of Islam, with the Bible, the Sacred Scriptures of Judaism and Christianity. First, let us note the characteristics of divine truth, as revealed in the Old and New Testaments. Second, let us examine the contradictions of Islam. Third, let us consider the consequences of such discrepancies.

Characteristics of Divine Truth

Biblical Truth is Consistent

Divine truth, as revealed in the Bible, is consistent (Psa. 119:86, 160; Prov. 30:5).

Psalm 119:86 … 86 All Your commandments are faithful; They have persecuted me with a lie; help me! (NASB95)

Psalm 119:160 … 160 The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting. (NASB95)

Proverbs 30:5 … 5 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. (NASB95)

Biblical Truth is Sufficient

Divine truth, as revealed in the Bible, is sufficient (John 16:12-15; Eph. 1:3-12; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

John 16:12-15 … 12 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 “He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 “All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. (NASB95)

Ephesians 1:3-12 … 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. (NASB95)

2 Timothy 3:16-17 … 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (NASB95)

Biblical Truth is Complete

Divine truth, as revealed in the Bible, is complete (Acts 20:25-32; 1 Cor. 13:8-13; Jude 3-4).

Acts 20:25-32 … 25 “And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. 26 “Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. 28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 32 “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (NASB95)

1 Corinthians 13:8-13 … 8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (NASB95)

The Assertions of the Quran

Claims of Connection and Continuity

The Quran accepts the validity of the Bible as it existed at the time of Muhammad, referring to Jews and Christians as “People of the Book.” It affirms a connection with the Bible. The Quran is said to be a Book from God, confirming, building upon, and fulfilling the Jewish and Christian Scriptures (Surah 2:136; 2:87-89; 3:3-4; 3:81; 3:84-85; 4:47).

Surah 2:136 … Say, [O believers], “We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants [al-Asbat, i.e. the 12 tribes of Israel descended from Jacob] and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.”

Surah 2:87-89 … And We did certainly give Moses the Scripture [i.e., the Torah] and followed up after him with messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Pure Spirit [i.e., the angel Gabriel]. But is it [not] that every time a messenger came to you, [O Children of Israel], with what your souls did not desire, you were arrogant? And a party [of messengers] you denied and another party you killed. And they said, “Our hearts are wrapped” [i.e., covered or sealed against reception of Allah’s word]. But, [in fact], Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so little is it that they believe. And when there came to them a Book [i.e., the Quran] from Allah confirming that which was with them – although before they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieved – but [then] when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it; so the curse of Allah will be upon the disbelievers.

Surah 3:3-4 … He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Criterion [i.e., the Quran]. Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah will have a severe punishment, and Allah is Exalted in Might, the Owner of Retribution.

Surah 3:81 … And [recall, O People of the Scripture], when Allah took the covenant of the prophets, [saying], “Whatever I give you of the Scripture and wisdom and then comes to you a messenger confirming what is with you, you [must] believe in him and support him.” [Allah] said, “Have you acknowledged and taken upon that My commitment?” They said, “We have acknowledged it.” He said, “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.”

Surah 3:84-85 … Say, “We have believed in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants [al-Asbat], and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.” And whoever desires other than Islam as religion – never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.

Surah 4:47 … O you who were given the Scripture, believe in what We have sent down [to Muhammad], confirming that which is with you, before We obliterate faces and turn them toward their backs or curse them as We cursed the sabbath-breakers. And ever is the matter [i.e., decree] of Allah accomplished.

Contradictions and Confusion

Nonetheless, despite the claims of continuity and confirmation, there are many contradictions between the Bible and the Quran. Let us, therefore, consider some of these disparities.

Disparities in History

The Quran teaches that one of Noah’s sons was counted among the unbelievers and died in the flood (Surah 11:42-43). However, the Bible teaches that Noah’s three sons entered into the ark, were delivered from destruction, and helped repopulate the earth (Gen 9:18-19).

Genesis 9:18-19 … 18 Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem and Ham and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated. (NASB95)

Muslims count themselves as descendants of Abraham through Ishmael who was the son of promise. In the Quran, Abraham tells Isaac, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.” (Surah 37:102). However, according to the Bible, Abraham answers Isaac’s question, “Where is the lamb?” by saying, “God will provide…” (Gen. 22:7-8). The Quran also presents a dramatically different picture of Jacob, Moses and Aaron, the nation of Israel, etc.

Genesis 22:7-8 … 7 Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. (NASB95)

Differences in Doctrine

There are radical differences in doctrine between Islam and Christianity. Regarding the marital relationship, the Quran contradicts both the Old and New Testaments (Surah 2:229-230 vs. Gen. 2:24; Deut. 24:1-4; Matt. 19:9). In latter lessons, we will consider these topics in greater detail, along with Islam’s teaching on salvation, heaven and conversion.

Surah 2:229-230 Divorce is twice. Then [after that], either keep [her] in a reasonable manner or release [her] with good treatment. And it is not lawful for you to take what you have them unless both fear that they will not be able to keep [within] the limits of Allah [i.e., deal fairly with each other.] But if you fear that they will not keep [within] the limits of Allah, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself. These are the limits of Allah, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah – it is those who are the wrongdoers [i.e., the unjust]. And if he has divorced her [for the third time], then she is not lawful to him afterward until [after] she marries the husband of another than him. And if he [i.e., the second husband] divorces her, there is no blame upon them [i.e., the woman and her first husband] if they return to each other if they think that they can keep to the limits of Allah. These are the limits of Allah, which He makes clear to a people who know [i.e., understand].

Genesis 2:24 … 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. (NASB95)

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 … 1 “When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out from his house, 2 and she leaves his house and goes and becomes another man’s wife, 3 and if the latter husband turns against her and writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, or if the latter husband dies who took her to be his wife, 4 then her former husband who sent her away is not allowed to take her again to be his wife, since she has been defiled; for that is an abomination before the Lord, and you shall not bring sin on the land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance. (NASB95)

Matthew 19:9 … 9 “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (NASB95)

Distortions of Jesus

The Quran makes a number of statements and assertions regarding Jesus Christ. Some of what it says is consistent with the Sacred Scriptures; some of what it says contradicts Biblical teaching.

Muhammad evidenced little understanding of Jesus Christ. The Quran’s claims about Jesus also evidence confusion and a corruption of the gospel message. Although the Quran contains over 6,000 verses, Jesus is named in a mere 28 passages. In contrast, His presence is felt throughout the Holy Bible, and His name occurs in 948 verses of the New Testament.

The Quran accurately teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin (Surah 19:20-21; 19:30).

Surah 19:20-21 … She said, “How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?” He said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, “It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.’”

Surah 19:30 … [Jesus] said, “Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.”

Despite the clear affirmations of Sacred Scripture (Matt. 3:17; 16:16-18), the Quran denies that Jesus is the Son of God and declares the Trinity concept to be false (Surah 4:171; 5:116; 9:30).

Surah 4:171 … O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion, or say about Allah, except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which he directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, “Three”; desist – it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.

Surah 5:116 … And [beware the day] when Allah will say, “O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, ‘Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah?” He will say, “Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen.

Surah 9:30 … The Jews say, “Ezra is the son of Allah”; and the Christians say, “The Messiah is the son of Allah.” That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before [them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?

The Quran teaches that Allah sent Jesus as an Apostle and Prophet (Surah 2:87; 2:253; 3:45; 19:34-35; 33:7-8).

Surah 2:87 “And We did certainly give Moses the Scripture [i.e. the Torah] and followed up after him with messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Pure Spirit [i.e., the angel Gabriel]. But is it [not] that every time a messenger came to you, [O Children of Israel], with what your souls did not desire, you were arrogant? And a party [of messengers] you denied and another party you killed.

Surah 2:253 … Those messengers – some of them We caused to exceed others. Among them were those to whom Allah spoke, and He raised some of them in degree. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs, and We supported him with the Pure Spirit [i.e., Gabriel]. If Allah had willed, those [generations] succeeding them would not have fought each other after the clear proofs had come to them. But they differed and some of them believed and some of them disbelieved. And if Allah had willed, they would not have fought each other, but Allah does what He intends.

Surah 3:45 … [And mention] when the angels said, “O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary – distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah].

Surah 19:34-35 … 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! [i.e., far removed is He from any such need]. When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.”

Surah 33:7-8 … And [mention, O Muhammad], when We took from the prophets their covenant and from you and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus, the son of Mary; and We took from them a solemn covenant. That He may question the truthful about their truth. [i.e., that He may ask the prophets what they conveyed to their people and what response they received. “The truthful” may also refer to those who believed in the message conveyed by the prophets and imparted it to others.] And He has prepared for the disbelievers a painful punishment.

The Quran accurately teaches that Jesus is an example of virtue and wisdom (Surah 43:57; 43:63).

Surah 43:57 … And when the son of Mary was presented as an example, immediately your people laughed aloud.

Surah 43:63 … And when Jesus brought clear proofs, he said, “I have come to you with wisdom [i.e. prophethood] and to make clear to you some of that over which you differ, so fear Allah and obey me.”

The Quran accurately teaches that Jesus performed miracles, signs and wonders, although it includes fictitious examples of the same (Surah 5:110).

Surah 5:110 [The Day] when Allah will say, “O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit [i.e., the angel Gabriel] and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and [remember] when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind [from birth] and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, “This is not but obvious magic.”

The Quran affirms that Jesus received and taught the same message as Muhammad. This message was earlier delivered to Adam, Abraham, Noah, Moses and the other prophets (Surah 2:136; 3:3-4; 3:84; 4:163-164; 42:13).

Surah 2:136 … Say, [O believers], “We have believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants [al-Asbat, i.e. the 12 tribes of Israel descended from Jacob] and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.”

Surah 3:84 … Say, “We have believed in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants [al-Asbat], and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.”

Surah 4:163-164 … Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him. And We revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Descendants, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]. And [We sent] messengers about whom We have related [their stories] to you before and messengers about whom We have not related to you. And Allah spoke to Moses with [direct] speech.

Surah 42:13 … He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus – to establish the religion and not be divided therein…

Despite the clear teaching of Scripture (Luke 23:33), and supportive evidence from extra-Biblical sources (Josephus, Antiquities 18:33), the Quran denies that Jesus was crucified (Surah 4:157). Islamic tradition says someone else died in the place of Jesus, perhaps Judas Iscariot, or Simon, who carried the cross.

Surah 4:157 … And [for] their saying, “Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.” And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. [Footnote: Another meaning is “And they did not kill him, being certain [of his identity],” i.e., they killed another assuming it was Jesus (upon whom be peace).

The Quran teaches that as vindication against His enemies, Jesus was raised to heaven with Allah (Surah 3:55).

Surah 3:55 … [Mention] when Allah said, “O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify [i.e., free] you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you [in submission to Allah alone] superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ.

The Quran teaches that Jesus predicted the ministry of Muhammad (Surah 61:6).

Surah 61:6… And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, “O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad [Footnote: another name of Prophet Muhammad]. But when he came to them with clear evidences, they said, “This is obvious magic.”

The Quran teaches that disciples of Jesus were called Muslims (Surah 3:52). In contrast, the New Testament affirms that disciples were called Christians (Acts 11:25-26; 1 Pet. 4:15-16).

Surah 3:52 … But when Jesus felt [persistence in] disbelief from them, he said, “Who are my supporters for [the cause of Allah]? The disciples said, “We are the supporters for Allah. We have believed in Allah and testify that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].

Acts 11:25-26 … 25 And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (NASB95)

1 Peter 4:15-16 … 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. (NASB95)

Conclusion

True prophecy comes to pass just as the inspired messenger foreshadowed. If the prophecy fails, the prophet is rightly counted as false (Deut. 18:22; Jer. 28:1-17). By the same token, if a later prophet contradicts an earlier prophet, both cannot be true. One or the other is false. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, does not claim to be an independent revelation; rather, it affirms the validity of the Bible, and claims to build upon its teaching. Nevertheless, the Quran contradicts the teaching of the Bible. Therefore, based upon this internal contradiction, the rules of reason and revelation affirm that the Quran cannot be true (Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Pet. 3:14-18).

Deuteronomy 18:22 … 22 “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (NASB95)

Jeremiah 28:1-17 … 1 Now in the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, in the fifth month, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet, who was from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the Lord in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying, 2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3 ‘Within two years I am going to bring back to this place all the vessels of the Lord’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. 4 ‘I am also going to bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles of Judah who went to Babylon,’ declares the Lord, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’ ” 5 Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and in the presence of all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord, 6 and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord confirm your words which you have prophesied to bring back the vessels of the Lord’s house and all the exiles, from Babylon to this place. 7 “Yet hear now this word which I am about to speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people! 8 “The prophets who were before me and before you from ancient times prophesied against many lands and against great kingdoms, of war and of calamity and of pestilence. 9 “The prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet comes to pass, then that prophet will be known as one whom the Lord has truly sent.” 10 Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke it. 11 Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Even so will I break within two full years the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations.’ ” Then the prophet Jeremiah went his way. 12 The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying, 13 “Go and speak to Hananiah, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord, “You have broken the yokes of wood, but you have made instead of them yokes of iron.” 14 ‘For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, “I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they will serve him. And I have also given him the beasts of the field.” ’ ” 15 Then Jeremiah the prophet said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen now, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie. 16 “Therefore thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This year you are going to die, because you have counseled rebellion against the Lord.’ ” 17 So Hananiah the prophet died in the same year in the seventh month. (NASB95)

Galatians 1:6-9 … 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! (NASB95)

Contrasting Views of Marriage

Introduction

In this section, consider the contrasting views of marriage as set forth in the Quran and the Bible. Note the base and carnal approach of the former, and the exalted and ennobling effects of the latter.

Regarding Polygamy

The Quran

The Quran allows men to marry multiple wives, up to a maximum of four (Surah 4:3; cf. 2:187, 223).

Surah 4:3 … “And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses [i.e., slaves]. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].

Surah 2:187 … It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your women [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves [i.e., Prior to this revelation, marital relations were unlawful during nights preceding fasting. Some were unable to refrain and secretly disobeyed, but they did not deceive Allah.], so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you [i.e., offspring]. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night [i.e., sunset]. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits of Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His verses [i.e., ordinances] to the people that they may become righteous.

Surah 2:223 … Your women are a place of cultivation [i.e., sowing of seed] for you, so come to your place of cultivation however you wish and put forth [righteousness] for yourselves. And fear Allah and know that you will meet Him. And give good tidings to the believers.

Allah endorsed Muhammad’s polygamous practices (Surah 33:6, 28-33, 50).

Surah 33:6 … The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers…

Surah 33:28-33 … O Prophet, say to your wives, “If you should desire the worldly life and its adornment, then come, I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you should desire Allah and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter – then indeed, Allah has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward.” O wives of the Prophet, whoever of you should commit a clear immorality – for her the punishment would be doubled two fold, and ever is that, for Allah, easy. And whoever of you devoutly obeys Allah and His Messenger and does righteousness – We will give her her reward twice; and We have prepared for her a noble provision. O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech. And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance…

Surah 33:50 … O Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those your right hand possesses from what Allah has returned to you [of captives] and the daughters of your paternal uncles and the daughters of your paternal aunts and the daughters of your maternal uncles and the daughters of your maternal aunts who emigrated with you and a believing woman if she gives herself to the Prophet [and] if the Prophet wishes to marry her; [this is] only for you, excluding the [other believers. We certainly know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and those their right hands possess [but this is for you] in order that there will be upon you no discomfort [i.e., difficulty]. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.

The Bible

In contrast, consider the teaching of Sacred Scripture: Marriage is a lifelong relationship between a man and a woman (Gen. 2:18-24; Matt. 19:3-6).

Genesis 2:18-24 … 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” 19 Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22 The Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. (NASB95)

Matthew 19:3-6 … 3 Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” 4 And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” (NASB95)

Polygamy, introduced by the ungodly descendants of Cain, is a corruption of God’s plan and purpose for marriage (Gen. 4:16-24).

Genesis 4:16-24 … 16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. 17 Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son. 18 Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael became the father of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech. 19 Lamech took to himself two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 22 As for Zillah, she also gave birth to Tubal-cain, the forger of all implements of bronze and iron; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. 23 Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, Listen to my voice, You wives of Lamech, Give heed to my speech, For I have killed a man for wounding me; And a boy for striking me; 24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.” (NASB95)

Polygamy and concubinage never contribute to domestic tranquility (Gen. 29:16-30).

Genesis 29:16-30 … 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 And Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful of form and face. 18 Now Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19 Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than to give her to another man; stay with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her. 21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my time is completed, that I may go in to her.” 22 Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast. 23 Now in the evening he took his daughter Leah, and brought her to him; and Jacob went in to her. 24 Laban also gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid. 25 So it came about in the morning that, behold, it was Leah! And he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served with you? Why then have you deceived me?” 26 But Laban said, “It is not the practice in our place to marry off the younger before the firstborn. 27 “Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you shall serve with me for another seven years.” 28 Jacob did so and completed her week, and he gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife. 29 Laban also gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maid. 30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and indeed he loved Rachel more than Leah, and he served with Laban for another seven years. (NASB95)

Regarding Divorce

The Quran

The Quran allows men to divorce their wives without sinning (Surah 4:20-21, 128-130).

Surah 4:20-21 … But if you want to replace one wife with another and you have given one of them a great amount [in gifts], do not take [back] from it anything. Would you take it in injustice and manifest sin? And how could you take it while you have gone in unto each other and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?

Surah 4:128-130 … And if a woman fears from her husband contempt or evasion, there is no sin upon them if they make terms of settlement between them – and settlement is best. And present in [human] souls is stinginess [i.e., holding on to self-interests]. But if you do good and fear Allah – then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted. And you will never be able to be equal [in feeling] between wives, even if you should strive [to do so]. So do not incline completely [toward one] and leave another hanging [i.e., neither divorced nor enjoying the rights of marriage]. And if you amend [your affairs] and fear Allah – then indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful. But if they separate [by divorce] Allah will enrich each [of them] from His abundance. And ever is Allah Encompassing and Wise.

Allah even suggested that Muhammad divorce his untrustworthy wives (Surah 66:3-5).

Surah 66:3-5 … And [remember] when the Prophet confided to one of his wives a statement; and when she informed [another] of it and Allah showed it to him, he made known part of it and ignored a part. And when he informed her about this, she said, “Who told you this?” He said, “I was informed by the Knowing, the Acquainted.” If you two [wives] repent to Allah, [it is best], for your hearts have deviated. But if you cooperate against him – then indeed Allah is his protector, and Gabriel and the righteous of the believers and the angels, moreover, are [his] assistants. Perhaps his Lord [i.e., the Prophet Muhammad, MM], if he divorced you [all], would substitute for him wives better than you – submitting [to Allah], believing, devoutly obedient, repentant, worshipping, and travelling – [ones] previously married and virgins.

The Bible

In contrast, consider the teaching of Sacred Scripture: Denouncing the unjustified dissolution of the marital union, God says, “I hate divorce” (Mal. 2:13-16).

Malachi 2:13-16 … 13 “This is another thing you do: you cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and with groaning, because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. 14 “Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 “But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit. And what did that one do while he was seeking a godly offspring? Take heed then to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. 16 “For I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the Lord of hosts. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” (NASB95)

With but one exception, Jesus condemned unscriptural divorce and remarriage (Matt. 5:31-32; 19:3-9).

Matthew 5:31-32 … 31 “It was said, ‘Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce’; 32 but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (NASB95)

Matthew 19:3-9 … 3 Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” 4 And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” 7 They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give her a certificate of divorce and send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. 9 “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (NASB95)

Regarding Women

The Quran

According to the Quran, women have similar rights to men, but men possess more rights and are a degree above them (Surah 2:228).

Surah 2:228 … Divorced women remain in waiting [i.e., do not remarry] for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this [period] if they want reconciliation. And due to them [i.e., the wives] is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

Regarding witnesses to a legal debt or contract, a woman is worth half that of a man (Surah 2:282).

Surah 2:282 … O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specific term, write it down. And let a scribe write [it] between you in justice… And bring to witness two witnesses from among your men. And if there are not two men [available], then a man and two women from those whom you accept as witnesses – so that if one of them [i.e., the women] errs, then the other can remind her…

The inheritance of a male is twice that of a female (Surah 4:11).

Surah 4:11 … Allah instructs you concerning your children [i.e., their portions of inheritance]: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females…

All married women are forbidden (as wives, i.e., polyandry) except those who are slaves or war captives, whose former marriages are discounted (Surah 4:24).

Surah 4:24 … And [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hand possesses [i.e., slaves or war captives who had polytheistic husbands].

Men are in charge of women, and may beat defiant wives into submission (Surah 4:34).

Surah 4:34 … Men are in charge of women by [right of] what [qualities] Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband’s] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [women] from whom you fear defiance – [first] admonish them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand.

Like children, women are incapable of wise planning (Surah 4:98-99).

Surah 4:98-99 … Except for the oppressed among men, women, and children who cannot devise a plan nor are they directed to a way – For those it is expected that Allah will pardon them, and Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.

Men must not accuse honorable women, except by four witnesses; however, a man can accuse his wife of adultery, without witnesses, if he swears four times, so that his multiple oaths count as multiple witnesses (Surah 24:4-7).

Surah 24:4-7 … And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses – lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly disobedient. Except for those who repent thereafter and reform, for indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. And those who accuse their wives [of adultery] and have no witnesses except themselves – then the witness of one of them [i.e., the husbands who have been betrayed] [shall be] four testimonies [swearing] by Allah that indeed, he is of the truth. And the fifth [oath will be] that the curse of Allah be upon him if he should be among the liars.

For true believers of Allah, wives and children are counted as enemies and viewed as trials (Surah 64:14-15).

Surah 64:14-15 … O you who have believed, indeed, among your wives and your children are enemies to you, so beware of them. But if you pardon and overlook and forgive – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. Your wealth and your children are a trial, but Allah has with Him a great reward.

Additionally, women must fully cover themselves in public (Surah 33:59).

Surah 33:59 … O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters, and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments [i.e., the jilbab, which is defined as a cloak covering the head and reaching to the ground, thereby covering the woman’s entire body.] That is more suitable that they will be known [as chaste believing women] and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.

If men spoke to Muhammad’s wives, they must do so from behind a curtain, and no one could ever marry one of his wives after him (Surah 33:53).

Surah 33:53 … O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.

The Bible

In contrast, consider the teaching of Sacred Scripture:

Ponder the pronounced praise afforded worthy women (Prov. 31:10-31).

Proverbs 31:10-31 … 10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. 26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates. (NASB95)

Note the sincere and sacrificial love that is required of husbands (Eph. 5:25-33).

Ephesians 5:25-33 … 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. (NASB95)

Mark the exalted position afforded Christian wives (1 Pet. 3:1-6).

1 Peter 3:1-6 … 1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. (NASB95)

Contrasting Views of Essential Doctrines

Introduction

Let us consider several other areas of disagreement between Islam and Christianity. Specifically, we will now focus upon the issues of salvation, heaven, and the means by which faith is advanced.

Regarding Salvation

The Quran

Islam teaches that men merit salvation by pursuing a path of good works (Surah 23:102-103).

Surah 23:102-103 … And those whose scales are heavy [with good deeds] – it is they who are the successful. But those whose scales are light – those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally.

The Bible

However, the Holy Bible affirms that sin is a universal problem (Isa. 59:1-8; Rom. 3:9-23).

Isaiah 59:1-8 … 1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken falsehood, Your tongue mutters wickedness. 4 No one sues righteously and no one pleads honestly. They trust in confusion and speak lies; They conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity. 5 They hatch adders’ eggs and weave the spider’s web; He who eats of their eggs dies, And from that which is crushed a snake breaks forth. 6 Their webs will not become clothing, Nor will they cover themselves with their works; Their works are works of iniquity, And an act of violence is in their hands. 7 Their feet run to evil, And they hasten to shed innocent blood; Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity, Devastation and destruction are in their highways. 8 They do not know the way of peace, And there is no justice in their tracks; They have made their paths crooked, Whoever treads on them does not know peace. (NASB95)

Romans 3:9-23 … 9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 10 as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one; 11 There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; 12 All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave, With their tongues they keep deceiving,” “The poison of asps is under their lips”; 14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness”; 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood, 16 Destruction and misery are in their paths, 17 And the path of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (NASB95)

Salvation is made possible, not through meritorious works, but through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Rom. 4:1-8; Eph. 2:1-10).

Romans 4:1-8 … 1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered. 8 “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.” (NASB95)

Ephesians 2:1-10 … 1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (NASB95)

Regarding Heaven

The Quran

According to Muslim teaching, heaven is a garden of bliss, where faithful men are promised the companionship of young and beautiful women (Surah 37:48-49; 38:52-53; 52:20; 55:54-57, 70-77; 56:22-24, 35-40; 78:31-34; etc.).

Surah 37:48-49 … And with them will be women limiting [their] glances [i.e., chaste and modest, looking only at their mates], with large, [beautiful] eyes, as if they were [delicate] eggs, well-protected.

Surah 38:52-53 … And with them will be women limiting [their] glances [to their mates alone] and of equal age. This is what you, [the righteous], are promised for the Day of Account.

Surah 52:20 … They will be reclining on thrones lined up, and We will marry them to fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes.

Surah 55:54-57 … [They are] reclining on beds whose linings are of heavy silk, and the fruit of the two gardens is hanging low, so which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? In them are women limiting [their] glances [to their own mates, i.e., being chaste and modest], untouched [literally, they have not been caused to bleed by loss of virginity] before them by man or jenni – so which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

Surah 55:70-77 … In them are good and beautiful women – So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? – Fair ones reserved in pavilions – So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? – Untouched before them by man or jinni – So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? – Reclining on green cushions and beautiful fine carpets. So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

Surah 56:22-24 … And [for them are] fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes, the likeness of pearls well-protected, as reward for what they used to do.

Surah 56:35-40 … Indeed, We have produced them [i.e., the women of Paradise] in a [new] creation and made them virgins, devoted [to their husbands] and of equal age, for the companions of the right [who are ] a company of the former peoples and a company of the later peoples.

Surah 78:31-34 … Indeed, for the righteous is attainment – gardens and grapevines and full-breasted [companions] of equal age and a full cup.

The Bible

However, Jesus Christ affirms there is no marriage in heaven (Matt. 22:23-33; Mark 12:24-25; Luke 20:34-36).

Matthew 22:23-33 … 23 On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, 24 asking, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother as next of kin shall marry his wife, and raise up children for his brother.’ 25 “Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother; 26 so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh. 27 “Last of all, the woman died. 28 “In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her.” 29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 “But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” 33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. (NASB95)

Mark 12:24-25 … 24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? 25 “For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. (NASB95)

Luke 20:34-36 … 34 Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. (NASB95)

Inhabitants of that glorious and transcendent realm enjoy a spiritual rather than a physical existence (1 Cor. 15:42-58; 1 John 3:1-3).

1 Corinthians 15:42-58 … 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. 47 The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (NASB95)

1 John 3:1-3 … 1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (NASB95)

Regarding Conversion

The Quran

The history of Islam is one of armed conquest, forced conversions at the tip of a sword, with the threat of slaughter or servitude to those who refuse (Surah 2:190-193, 216; 4:88-89, 91; 9:5; 47:4).

Surah 2:190-193 … Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not commit aggression. Indeed, Allah does not like aggressors. And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and fitnah [i.e. disbelief and its imposition on others] is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-Masjid al-Haram until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. And if they cease, then indeed Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. Fight them until there is no [more] fitnah [disbelief, discord, dissension, civil strife, persecution, oppression, injustice, etc.] and [until] religion [i.e., worship] is [acknowledged to be] for Allah. But if they cease, then there is to be no aggression [i.e., assault] except against the oppressors.

Surah 2:216 … Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

Surah 4:88-89 … What is [the matter] with you [that you are] two groups concerning the hypocrites [i.e., divided between two viewpoints – whether or not they should be fought and killed], while Allah has made them fall back [into error and disbelief] for what they earned [as the result of their disobedience and disloyalty]. Do you wish to guide those whom Allah has sent astray? And he whom Allah sends astray – never will you find for him a way [of guidance]. They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike. So do not take from among them allies until they emigrate for the cause of Allah. But if they turn away [i.e., refuse], then seize them and kill them wherever you find them and take not from among them any ally or helper.

Surah 4:91 … You will find others who wish to obtain security from you and [to] obtain security from their people. Every time they are returned to [the influence of] disbelief, they fall back into it. So if they do not withdraw from you or offer you peace or restrain their hands, then seize them and kill them wherever you overtake them. And those – We have made for you against them a clear authorization.

Surah 9:5 … And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheist wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah [i.e., the 2.5% Islamic tax for charity, MM], let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Surah 47:4 … So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds [i.e., take those remaining as captives], and either [confer] favor [i.e., release without ransom] afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens [i.e., its armor, machinery, etc., meaning “until the war is over.”] That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah – never will He waste their deeds.

The Bible

However, our Lord repudiated the physical sword in favor of the spiritual sword (Matt. 26:51-54; Eph. 6:10-20).

Matthew 26:51-54 … 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53 “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 “How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?” (NASB95)

Ephesians 6:10-20 … 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (NASB95)

The gospel of Christ is advanced through scriptural reasoning and moral persuasion (Acts 17:1-5, 16-21; 18:1-4; etc.).

Acts 17:1-5 … 1 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. 5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. (NASB95)

Acts 17:16-21 … 16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols. 17 So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present. 18 And also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him. Some were saying, “What would this idle babbler wish to say?” Others, “He seems to be a proclaimer of strange deities,”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming? 20 “For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean.” 21 (Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.) (NASB95)

Acts 18:1-4 … 1 After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, 3 and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. 4 And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. (NASB95)

Conclusion

How can one distinguish between true and false systems of faith? Sometimes a simple comparison is all that is necessary. When the Quran and the Bible are placed side-by-side, the contrast could not be more striking. When surrounded by darkness, Divine Truth shines all the brighter (Prov. 4:18; Mal. 4:1-3; Rom. 1:16-17; 2 Cor. 4:1-6).

Proverbs 4:18 … 18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. (NASB95)

Malachi 4:1-3 … 1 “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the Lord of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.” 2 “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. 3 “You will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing,” says the Lord of hosts. (NASB95)

Romans 1:16-17 … 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” (NASB95)

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 … 1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, 2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (NASB95)

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ

Introduction

In this final lesson, we refocus on Jesus Christ. While acknowledged in Islam, His role is nonetheless depreciated. As we have previously noted, Muslims reject the concept of the Godhead (i.e., the Trinity), and insist upon God’s numeric singularity. Muslims teach that Jesus is not the Son of God. He did not die on the cross. He is not a member of the Godhead. He is a prophet, but inferior to Muhammad, the last and greatest of the prophets. Muslims also teach that Gabriel, not the Holy Spirit, is the agent of revelation.

However, the Lord God is described in the Bible as “the first and the last” (Isa. 41:4; 43:10; 44:6; 48:12). This title is descriptive of His absolute deity. Jehovah is eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, the Sovereign of the universe. When time began, God was there; when time fades away into eternity, He will still exist.

Isaiah 41:4 … 4 “Who has performed and accomplished it, Calling forth the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the Lord, am the first, and with the last. I am He.’ ” (NASB95)

Isaiah 43:10 … 10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. (NASB95)

Isaiah 44:6 … 6 “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me. (NASB95)

Isaiah 48:12 … 12 “Listen to Me, O Jacob, even Israel whom I called; I am He, I am the first, I am also the last. (NASB95)

Similar expressions are used in the Book of Revelation to describe Christ Jesus our Lord. He is “the Alpha and the Omega” (Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13), “the first and the last” (Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13), and also “the beginning and the end” (Rev. 21:6; 22:13). These statements declare the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ, picturing His completeness and fullness. As the alpha and the omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, our Lord – not Muhammad – is everything from A to Z.

Revelation 1:8 … 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (NASB95)

Revelation 21:6 … 6 Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. (NASB95)

Revelation 22:13 … 13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (NASB95)

Revelation 1:17 … 17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, (NASB95)

Revelation 2:8 … 8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: (NASB95)

Revelation 22:13 … 13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (NASB95)

In The Universe

Jesus Christ is first in the universe, the active agent of creation (Gen. 1:1; John 1:1-3, 14). Through His power He holds the cosmos together (Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:3). Apart from Him life itself would not exist (Acts 17:28). Therefore, let us magnify Christ Jesus as our Master and Maker (Psa. 95:6)

Genesis 1:1 … 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (NASB95)

John 1:14 … 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NASB95)

Colossians 1:15-17 … 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (NASB95)

Hebrews 1:3 … 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, (NASB95)

Acts 17:28 … 28 for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ (NASB95)

Psalm 95:6 … 6 Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. (NASB95)

In The Scriptures

Jesus Christ is first in Sacred Scriptures, the focal point of divine revelation (John 5:39, 46). His redemptive work was foreshadowed in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15), in the promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3; Gal. 3:16), and in the giving of the Law of Moses (Deut. 18:17-18; Acts 3:22-23). The prophets also spoke of His coming (Isa. 7:14; 9:6). Therefore, let us honor Christ Jesus as Supreme in the annals of Holy Writ.

John 5:39 … 39 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; (NASB95)

John 5:46 … 46 “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. (NASB95)

Genesis 3:15 … 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.” (NASB95)

Genesis 12:1-3 … 1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father’s house, To the land which I will show you; 2 And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; 3 And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” (NASB95)

Galatians 3:16 … 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. (NASB95)

Deuteronomy 18:17-18 … 17 “The Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well. 18 ‘I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. (NASB95)

Acts 3:22-23 … 22 “Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren; to Him you shall give heed to everything He says to you. 23 ‘And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ (NASB95)

Isaiah 7:14 … 14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. (NASB95)

Isaiah 9:6 … 6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (NASB95)

In Our Redemption

Jesus Christ is first in redemption, atoning for the sins of the world (Heb. 9:12). He alone points the way to God (John 14:6). Apart from Him, forgiveness would be impossible and sinners would be without hope (Acts 4:12). Therefore, let us ever praise Christ Jesus for the redemption that He brings (1 Pet. 1:18-19).

Hebrews 9:12 … 12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (NASB95)

John 14:6 … 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (NASB95)

Acts 4:12 … 12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (NASB95)

1 Peter 1:18-19 … 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. (NASB95)

In The Church

Jesus Christ is first in the church. Many depreciate the church, viewing it as a glorified social club or civic organization. However, the church of Christ is a divine institution with an exalted mission. The purpose of religious service is not to please man, but God (Zech. 7:5-7).

Zechariah 7:5-7 … 5 “Say to all the people of the land and to the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months these seventy years, was it actually for Me that you fasted? 6 ‘When you eat and drink, do you not eat for yourselves and do you not drink for yourselves? 7 ‘Are not these the words which the Lord proclaimed by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and prosperous along with its cities around it, and the Negev and the foothills were inhabited?’ ” (NASB95)

The church was established by Jesus Christ (Matt. 16:13-18), and purchased with His shed blood (Acts 20:28). The church belongs to Him (Rom. 16:16). He reigns over it as head (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18). Therefore, as members of His body, we must subject ourselves unto Him (Eph. 5:22-27, 32-33), adhering to the divine pattern regarding the work, worship and organization of the church.

Matthew 16:13-18 … 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (NASB95)

Acts 20:28 … 28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (NASB95)

Romans 16:16 … 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. (NASB95)

Ephesians 1:22-23 … 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (NASB95)

Colossians 1:18 … 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. (NASB95)

Ephesians 5:22-27 … 22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. (NASB95)

Ephesians 5:32-33 … 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. (NASB95)

In Our Lives

Jesus Christ is first in the lives of true disciples. He can turn the vilest sinner into a saint. Everything we are, everything we shall be, is because of Him. Accordingly, let us dedicate ourselves to His service (Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:21), recognizing that apart from Christ Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15:1-5).

Galatians 2:20 … 20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (NASB95)

Philippians 1:21 … 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (NASB95)

John 15:1-5 … 1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. (NASB95)

Conclusion

Jesus Christ, not Mohammad, died for you; are you willing to live for Him (2 Cor. 5:14-15)? We must obey the gospel of Christ (Heb. 5:8-9). Those who reject His word will experience divine wrath (2 Thess. 1:6-8).

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 … 14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. (NASB95)

Hebrews 5:8-9 … 8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, (NASB95)

2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 … 6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (NASB95)

If you have not obeyed the gospel, heed the words of Christ Jesus. Believers must repent, confess and be baptized (John 8:24; Luke 13:3; Matt. 10:32-33; Mark 16:16). Afterwards, faithful discipleship is demanded. If you are subject to the Lord’s invitation, obey the gospel while there is time and opportunity!

John 8:24 … 24 “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (NASB95)

Luke 13:3 … 3 “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. (NASB95)Matthew 10:32-33 … 32 “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. (NASB95)

Mark 16:16 … 16 “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (NASB95)

Selected Bibliography

Beverley, James A. Christ & Islam: Understanding the Faith of the Muslims. Joplin, MO: College Press Publishing Co, 1997.

Marsh, Charles R. Share Your Faith with a Muslim. Chicago: Moody Press, c1975.

Pope, Kyle. “What about Islam and the Quran?” The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible: 2005 Truth Magazine Lectures. Bowling Green, KY: Guardian of Truth Foundation, 2005.

Rhodes, Ron. Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Muslims. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2002.

The Quran, Arabic Text with Corresponding English Meanings, English Revised and Edited by Saheeh International. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Abul-Qasim Publishing House, 1997.

Williams, John Alden, ed. Islam. New York: George Braziller, 1962.

Note

Quotations from the Quran were taken from The Quran, Arabic Text with Corresponding English Meanings, English Revised and Edited by Saheeh International. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Abul-Qasim Publishing House, 1997.

Quotations from the Bible were taken from the 1995 Update of the New American Standard Bible. Anaheim, CA: Foundation Publications, Inc. & Lockman Foundation, 1995.

Preliminary Considerations

Introduction

Love vs Hatred

Agreement vs Disagreement

Allegiance vs Compromise

Success vs Failure

Conclusion

The Five Pillars of Islam

Introduction

Creedal Recitation/Shahadah

Prayers/Salat

Alms Giving/Zakat

Fasting/Sawm

Pilgrimage/Hajj

The Quran vs The Bible

Introduction

Characteristics of Divine Truth

Biblical Truth is Consistent

Biblical Truth is Sufficient

Biblical Truth is Complete

The Assertions of the Quran

Claims of Connection and Continuity

Contradictions and Confusion

Disparities in History

Differences in Doctrine

Distortions of Jesus

Conclusion

Contrasting Views of Marriage

Introduction

Regarding Polygamy

The Quran

The Bible

Regarding Divorce

The Quran

The Bible

Regarding Women

The Quran

The Bible

Contrasting Views of Essential Doctrines

Introduction

Regarding Salvation

The Quran

The Bible

Regarding Heaven

The Quran

The Bible

Regarding Conversion

The Quran

The Bible

Conclusion

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ

Introduction

In The Universe

In The Scriptures

In Our Redemption

In The Church

In Our Lives

Conclusion

Author: jfm

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