ALLAH AND MUSLIMS DO NOT UNDERSTAND SCIENCE ABOUT THE SUN

Dear reader:

Some Muslims claim that the Quran contains scientific truths about the movements of the sun, moon, (and sometimes planets). I would like to examine this issue, and we will explore various aspects before drawing a conclusion. However, the fundamental point is: unless a Muslim interprets these verses metaphorically, these verses do not confirm or prove the scientific accuracy of the Quran.

Surah 36:37-40 states, “And a sign for them is the night: We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold, they are plunged in darkness; 38 And the sun runs its course for a period determined for it; that is the decree of (Him), the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing. 39 And the moon – We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk. 40 It is not permitted for the sun to catch up to the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to law).” (Yusuf Ali’s translation, first edition) [Words in brackets are in the brackets in the translation.]

Some Muslims say that “the sun runs its course for a period determined” and the word “orbit” is placed at the end. However, we cannot say much about the “orbit” of the sun because Yusuf Ali’s translation has a reference (note 17) at the bottom of the page related to this word saying “course, path.” Also, Yusuf Ali's revised edition says “resting place” instead of “period.”

How Some Muslims Interpret the Quran Freely?

The Sufi website http://www.sufi.co.za/modern_science_and_islam.htm goes to the extent of saying:

"All these objects, the earth, the moon, and all the planets at all times move in their orbits (or axes) in floating" (Ansari).

It adds the words "(all these are planets)" and "(or their axes)" in brackets, because they are not in the Arabic text. Let’s leave this as a misinterpretation and ask, "What does Surah 36:37-40 really teach?" It could be one of these three things:

1. Orbits of the Sun and Moon: The Quran teaches that the sun and moon travel continuously on their orbits around the earth for a fixed period.

2. Swimming to a Resting Place: The sun swims through the clouds during the day, heads to its resting place at night, and returns to its place where it was the previous morning. Similarly, the moon swims on its path.

3. Metaphors: Like the previous part, but this is meant as a description of how things appear, not how they actually are.

Let’s Go Back to the Arabic

Orbit/Path: Yusuf Ali explains the Arabic word in question in reference 3983 at the bottom of page 1326. He says, “Mustaqarr may mean: (1) a period determined or a term appointed, as in vi. 67, or (2) a resting place or a place of repose; or (3) a dwelling place, as in ii. 36. I think the first meaning is the best here; but other commentators prefer the second. In that case, the comparison would be to the sun running a race while it appears to us, and resting during the night to prepare for the renewal of the race the next day. Its resting together with the other side of the world appears to us as a period of rest.”

Moving/Swimming/Orbiting: yasbahuna can mean to hasten, although its more direct meaning is to swim.

Swim/Orbit: Renowned Islamic commentator Ibn Taymiyyah (died in 1328 AD) wrote, “The sun, stars, and planets are round (istidaaratul-aflaak) – as is the statement of the astronomers and mathematicians (ahlul-hay’ah wal-hisab)..... [The word] falak [in Arabic] means something round” (Majmu’ul-Fatawa volume 6, pp. 566-567).

It’s Not a “Scientific Miracle” That the Sun and Moon Are “Falak” Because

a) The word for ‘the earth revolving around the sun’ in Arabic is not falak but mahrek.
b) The word falak did not originate in the Quran; it was a borrowed word from a foreign language.

One person contributed the following: “The origin [of Arabic -- falaka] … from an ancient Semitic root we find [Akkadian -- pilakku]; [Hebrew -- pelek]; [Arabic -- falkatun], all meaning a rapidly moving circle, and another different origin [of Arabic -- falakun]; [Ethiopian -- falaka] meaning the other half of the sky. Therefore, etymologists have traditionally sought to relate [the Arabic word -- falkun] to this root, thinking that it was called so due to its circular shape.”

Also, the word falak was used by the Arabs before Muhammad’s birth to mean the floating of the sun, stars, and planets on the “round celestial dome.” People living before and during Muhammad's time believed that the universe followed an Aristotelian/Ptolemaic model where the earth was at the center surrounded by seven circular domes (spheres). The sun, stars, and planets were believed to move in these circles, or the circles themselves were thought to move in a single path. Since the Quran mentions that there are seven heavens, it shows Muhammad’s view of the “astronomical system” resembled the Ptolemaic and Aristotelian model, which was believed to be true in that historical period.

My Opinion (For Now):

Although the Arabic word is not completely clear, these words do not describe anything that people before Muhammad’s birth had not already said.

However, if we assume that Muhammad and his early followers did not understand the Quran (a safe assumption), and that the scientific views of the Quran are accurate, we have two ways to reach an appropriate conclusion. First, what did the early Muslims say about this, and second, what does the rest of the Quran say?

What Did Muhammad and Early Muslims Say About the Sun?

Where would you go to find the correct meaning of the Quran? Zamakhshari? al-Tabari? Baidawi? If you were an early Muslim, you could go to Muhammad himself! Hear how Muhammad explained, according to Bukhari and al-Tabari.

"Abu Dhar reported: The Prophet asked me at sunset, 'Do you know where the sun goes (at sunset)?' I replied, 'Allah and His Apostle know best.' He said, 'It goes (i.e., travels) till it prostrates itself underneath the Throne and takes the permission to rise again, and it is permitted and then (the time will come when) it will be about to prostrate itself but its prostration will not be accepted...' " Bukhari volume 4 book 54 chapter 4 number 441 page 283.

Another translation of the same Bukhari passage says: **"Abu Dharr Ghifari (ra) narrated: Once Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked me, 'Abu Dharr do you know where the sun sets after setting?' I replied, 'I don't know, only Allah and His Prophet can tell better.' Then Prophet (SA) replied, 'After setting, the sun remains prostrated under the Aro’sh (Allah's throne) and waits for Allah's order to rise again in the east. The day will come when the sun will not be allowed to rise again and Qiyamah (the Day of Judgment) will come upon the earth.'"

**Al-Tabari volume 1 page 231 states, "I asked the Messenger of God [Muhammad] 'Where does [the sun] set?' He replied: 'It sets in the heaven and then rises from heaven to heaven until it rises from the highest heaven, the seventh heaven. Finally, when it is beneath the Throne, it falls prostrate and the angels in charge of it prostrate with it. Then the sun says, My Lord, where do you command me to rise, where I set or where I rose? He continued. This is (meant by) the word of God: 'And the sun runs on to a resting place for him [this is] the decree of [Him] the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing' while it is held under the Throne - 'that is the decree of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing' - the Lord of his Kingdom, the Lord who 'knows' His creatures. He continued, Gabriel brings a garment from the Throne’s light to the sun according to the measure of hours and days. It is longer in summer and shorter in winter and of medium length in spring and fall. [The styles of spring, fall, and winter!] He continued, the sun wears this garment, as one of you wears his garment. Then it is free to circulate in the firmament of heaven until it rises from its rising place. ... The same way is followed by the moon during its rising ... But Gabriel brings the garment from the light of the feet. This is the meaning of the word of God, 'He made the sun a shining light and the moon a light.'"

The sun and the moon are Allah's signs. Abu Dawud volume 1 book 2 number 1173 page 304; Sunan Nasa’i volume 2 number 1462, 1464 page 272; volume 2 number 1465, 1466 page 273; volume 2 number 1475 page 278; volume 2 number 1477 page 280; volume 2 number 1481 page 283; volume 2 number 1485-1486 page 286-287; volume 2 number 1488-1489 page 287, 289; volume 2 number 1500 page 297; volume 2 number 1502 page 299; volume 2 number 1505 page 300; volume 2 number 1506 page 301.

Dhu al-Qarnaiyn [Zul Qarnain] "saw the sun setting in a spring of muddy water." al-Tabari volume 5 pages 173-174 (See Surah 18:82-97).

Al-Tabari volume 1 page 234 also states that the sun sets in a spring of mud. The phrase "muddy spring" is hami’ah, meaning dark mud, but hamiyah is a similar word meaning hot. (See reference 442 below page 234).

**" [Muhammad] continued. When the sun rises, it rises on a chariot (drawn by horses) from one of those springs accompanied by 360 angels .... When God wishes to test the sun and moon, to show His servants a sign and thereby command them to stop disobeying Him and start obeying Him, the sun suddenly collapses from its chariot and falls into the depth of the sea, which is circular. When God wishes to increase the significance of the sign to terrify His servants more, the entire sun falls, and none of it remains in its chariot. This is a complete solar eclipse, during which the day turns to night and stars appear." al-Tabari volume 1 page 236.

What Do Muhammad and Early Muslims Tell Us About the Heavens?

The Prophet [Muhammad] said: ‘Ali, there are five stars: Jupiter (al-birjis), Saturn (zuhal), Mercury (utarid), Mars (Bahram), and Venus (al-zuhrah). These five stars rise and run like the sun and moon and compete with them. All other stars are suspended from the heavens like lamps hung in mosques..." al-Tabari volume 1 pages 235-236.

"God created a sea three fasrakh (18 kilometers) from the heavens. The waves are controlled, standing in the air by God's command. Not a single drop spills. All seas do not move, but the sea runs with the speed of an arrow. It is left to travel in the air in equilibrium, as if it were a rope pulled in a region between east and west. The sun, moon, and stars revolve in the depth of the waves of the sea. This is what the word of God means: ‘Each one swims in a circle.’ ‘Circle’ is the course of the chariot drawn by horses in the depth of the sea." al-Tabari volume 1 page 235.

Opinions of Early Muslims:

The sun actually goes to a resting place at night, and the sun and moon "swim" actually in the sea of water in the sky.

What Do Other Parts of the Quran Say?

Understand that verse numbers vary in different editions of the Quran. The following verse numbers are from (the revised edition of) Yusuf ‘Ali. I have corrected the use of capital letters.

Surah 20:53 “He Who has made for you the earth like a carpet spread out”

Surah 50:7 “And the earth - We have spread it out4946, and set thereon mountains standing firm …”

Yusuf Ali's note 4946 at the bottom of the page says, "Compare xiii. 3; and xv. 19 and note 1955. The earth is round, but it looks flat like a vast expanse of land, like a carpet held firmly by the weight of the mountains." So whether you believe that this verse claims the earth is flat or not, Yusuf Ali says this verse states that the earth appears as a flat carpet.

Surah 67:15 “It is He who has made the earth manageable5571 for you...” Other translations use the word "smooth." Yusuf Ali's note 5571 at the bottom of the page says, "Zalul is used in ii.71 for a trained and manageable animal: here it is used to describe the earth, and I have translated it as ‘manageable’….”

Surah 71:15 “‘Do you not see how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another ‘And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun a lamp.’” Even if taken as metaphorical, there is nothing here suggesting modern astronomical teachings.

Surah 71:19 “‘And Allah has made the earth for you like a carpet (spread out),5718…” Yusuf Ali’s note 5718 at the bottom of the page says, "compare xx 53.

Surah 78:6-7 “Have We [Allah] not made the earth as a wide expanse5890, and the mountains as pegs?” Yusuf Ali’s note 5890 at the bottom of the page says, "See note 2038 to xvi. 15. Compare also xiii. 3 and xv. 19. A wide expanse like a carpet, on which mountains are placed as pegs …."

Zul-Karnain in Surah 18 and Astronomy

Surah 18:85-86 "He [Zul-Qarnain] followed a path, until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it set in a spring of black muddy (or hot) water: near it he found a people: We [Allah] said: 'O Zul-Qarnain! (thou hast authority) either to punish them or to treat them with kindness.'" The word "murky" is also translated as "black water" and "muddy." The phrase "spring of ... water" is also translated as "spring." M. H. Shakir translates it as "black sea."

Surah 18:89-90 "Then he [Zul-Qarnain] followed another path, until, when he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had provided no shelter from the sun."

Islamic commentators differ on who exactly Zul-Qarnain (the man with two horns) was. Some think he was Alexander the Great, others think he was Cyrus the Persian, and still others think he was a Yemeni king. However, it does not matter. Whatever the case, Zul-Qarnain was able to go to the actual place where the sun sets. This fact confirms the Quranic view that the earth has a flat shape. More importantly, he went to the place where the sun sets and found it setting in a muddy, murky spring.

If you ask astronomers if the sun sets in a muddy spring, they will tell you "no."

Conclusion: The Quran teaches the following:

1. The earth is flat, spread out like a carpet, and held down flat by pegs that are mountains.

2. The earth has its own orbit set for a period during the day, then sets in a muddy, murky spring at night and goes to Allah’s throne.

3. The sun later rises from a particular place.

4. Except for the five retrograde planets, stars are hung like lamps.

5. Muhammad taught the early Muslims this as literal truth, not as a metaphor or analogy.

The Purpose of Stars and Meteors

"The lowest heaven is adorned with lamps [stars], and 'We have made such lamps as missiles to drive away the evil ones, and have prepared for them the punishment of the blazing Fire.'” Surah 67:5.

"The creation of these stars is for three purposes, namely, to adorn the sky, as missiles to hit the devils, and as signs to guide travelers. Therefore, if anyone tries to seek any other interpretation, he is mistaken and is wasting his efforts..." Bukhari volume 4 book 54 chapter 3 before number 421 page 282.

Sometimes meteors are thrown at devils who try to listen to heavenly secrets. Sahih Muslim volume 1 book 4 number 902 and note 674 below page 243.

Meteors should strike the bad angels before they can spread what they heard. Ibn-i-Majah volume 1 book 1 number 194 page 110.

Meteors attack jinn (genies) Sahih Muslim volume 4 book 24 number 5538 page 1210.

Stars guard against the devil. al-Tabari volume 1, page 223.

Muhammad Splits the Moon in Two

"The pagans requested the Prophet to show them a miracle, so he showed them the moon split into two halves." Bukhari volume 4 book 56 chapter 26 and number 831, page 533.

"Ibn 'Abbas reported: The moon was split into two halves during the lifetime of the Prophet." Bukhari volume 4 book 56 chapter 26 and number 832, page 534.

The splitting of the moon. Bukhari volume 6 book 60 chapter 225 and number 290, page 273 and note 1 below page 273; volume 6 book 60 chapter 287 and number 387-391, pages 365-366; volume 6 book 60 chapter 261 and number 345, 349, page 331; Bukhari volume 6 book 60 chapter 265 and number 368-370, pages 331, 336.

"The splitting of the moon Sahih Muslim volume 4 book 37 number 6721, 6724-6730, pages 1467-1468."

Surah 54:1 states, "The Hour (of Judgment) is nigh, and the moon is cleft asunder." (revised edition of Yusuf ‘Ali).

Note that the splitting into two means the moon was split in half, and the verb used here is in the past tense. We have no records of any other people in the world, including their neighbors in Egypt, Syria, or Persia, who saw the moon split in two. The Quran and hadith do not explain how the moon could return to one piece again.

Yusuf ‘Ali, in reference note 5128 at the bottom of the page, says, "Three explanations are offered in the Mufradat, and perhaps all three are applicable here: (1) that the moon appeared cleft asunder in the valley of Mecca in the presence of the Prophet, his Companions, and some Unbelievers; (2) that the past tense in Prophetic vision indicates the future, the cleaving asunder of the moon being a Sign of the coming Judgment; and (3) that the phrase is metaphorical, meaning that the matter has become plainly clear as the moon. The first cleaving was witnessed by the Unbelievers, as is evident from verse 2. The second cleaving will be the breaking up of the solar system at the New Creation: Compare lxxv. 8-9."

Contradictory Examples in the Quran?

Let's leave the previous verses and look at other verses in the Quran that some Muslims believe support modern astronomical principles. To be fair, here are the verses they use, along with their responses.

Surah 7:54 "...He brings the night as a covering over the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession..."
Response: It is true that night and day follow each other, but this does not say anything about science or astronomy that the ancients did not already know.

Surah 13:2a and Surah 31:10 say that Allah raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see."
Response: Although not all ancient people believed the heavens were held up by pillars, this simply states that God did not use any visible pillars.

Surah 13:2b "...And subjected the sun and the moon! Each one runs (its course) for a period appointed"
Response: That the sun and moon have regular courses was known even to ancient people.

Surah 21:30 "Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of Creation) before We [Allah] clove them asunder?" Some Muslims see this as a foreshadowing of the Big Bang theory of creation.
Response: The ancient Egyptians, Aryan Hindus, and others believed the heavens and the earth were joined together before being separated. Simply saying that the heavens and the earth were together (as halves) is akin to ancient myths and not the Big Bang theory of creation.

Surah 21:33 "It is He who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course." Yusuf Ali's note 2695 at the bottom of the page says, "I have indicated, contrary to many Commentators, the metaphor of swimming implied in the original words..."
Response: The word for orbit in Arabic is not used here, and "swimming" does not necessarily suggest modern astronomical principles. The Quran mentions the sun and moon, not planets and stars, so it's incorrect to put (the sun, moon, stars, and planets) in brackets in the translation. The Quran does not say that anything moves in its own orbit in space except for the sun, moon, and the five retrograde planets (planets).

Surah 21:104 "The Day that We roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed)."
Response: It's unclear how this is supposed to foreshadow modern astronomy, but Muhammad’s first wife understood that he heard the gospel from a Christian, and the Bible, in Revelation 6:14 and Isaiah 34:4, contains similar imagery. However, Christians generally do not attempt to align modern scientific principles with Revelation 6:14.

Surah 22:65 "...He holds back the sky from falling upon the earth except by His leave..." Yusuf Ali's note 2847 at the bottom of the page says the word samaa can mean (1) anything above, (2) the root, roof, (3) sky, heavens, (4) clouds or rain. He prefers the last meaning, though most authorities incline to interpret it as "sky."
Response: Therefore, while most authorities interpret the word to mean "sky," it still aligns with the view of a flat earth. Thus, while we cannot definitively say this verse affirms a flat earth view, the unclear Arabic does not support the claim of modern scientific accuracy.

Surah 25:61-62 "Blessed is He who placed the constellations in the heavens, and placed therein a Lamp and a Moon giving light. And it is He who made the night and the day to follow each other."
Response: Calling the sun a lamp does not confirm modern scientific views. That night and day follow each other was known even to ancient people.

Surah 27:88 "...the mountains that you see and think are firmly fixed will pass away like clouds..."
Response: The preceding verse mentions the final trumpet, so this context is about end times, not today.

Surah 29:44 says that the creation of the heavens and the earth is a sign for those who believe.
Response: The creation of the heavens and the earth showing God's majesty is also taught in Psalm 8:1, 3, 5; Psalm 19:1-6. Muhammad knew about the Psalms (zubur) of David, so this is not new.

Surah 31:29, Surah 35:13, Surah 36:37, and Surah 39:5 all say that Allah merges the night into the day and the day into the night. They also say that the sun and moon each run their courses for a term appointed. Surah 55:5 also says that the sun and moon run on fixed courses.
Response: Nothing here indicates modern astronomical knowledge. These were things even ancient people understood and observed. Simply stating truths already known to people does not confirm a book's scientific accuracy. However, repeating widely known facts does not establish that the Quran predicted modern scientific understanding.

Surah 51:47,48 "With power and skill did We construct the Firmament: for it is We Who create the vastness of space." (Yusuf Ali). Other translations say "as a canopy."
Response: Simply saying that God spread out the heavens does not confirm the Big Bang theory. This concept is also mentioned in the Bible, Isaiah 42:5. But Christians do not use this to claim the Bible predicted the Big Bang theory.

Surah 55:33 mentions the bounds of the earth which humans and jinn (genies) cannot pass without permission.
Response: The bounds of the earth do not provide modern geographic knowledge but may reflect mythical barriers or obstacles preventing travel to certain parts of the world. Similarly, the bounds of the heavens do not have much significance, except that Muhammad and Jewish traditions talk about seven heavens.

Surah 71:15-16 "Do you not see how Allah created the seven heavens one above another, And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun a lamp?" Some Muslims claim this means the seven layers of Earth's atmosphere (troposphere, stratosphere, etc.) are the seven heavens.
Response: Apart from the similarity to Jewish traditions, calling the moon a light and the sun a lamp does not indicate modern scientific understanding. Additionally, if the seven heavens are the seven layers of the Earth's atmosphere, it would be incorrect to say the sun, moon, and stars are in the heavens.

As an additional thought, although the Bible does not mention seven heavens, several Jewish traditions related to the Bible but not part of the canonical scriptures (Apocrypha) mention seven heavens: 2 Enoch 20:1; Martyrdom and Ascension of Isaiah 7:8; 9:1,6; 10:17; The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs chapter 3.3. And 3 Baruch 11:1 mentions five heavens, though it does not say they are the only ones. So, even if it were a scientific miracle that Muhammad mentioned seven heavens, it would be an even greater miracle that older books also mentioned seven heavens.
Surah 86:1-3 "By the sky and the Night-Comer; And what will explain to you what the Night-Comer is? It is the star of piercing brightness. (Just as Allah Almighty controls every star in their flock, in the same way) there is a guardian angel over every soul." (Malik)
Some Muslims claim this teaches that the sun is a star.

Response: Notice two things: a) the sun is not mentioned here, and b) all words in parentheses are additions in the English translation; they are not in the original Arabic text!
Yusuf Ali's (revised) translation is more accurate here. "By the sky6067 and the Night-Comer6068 (therein); And what will explain to you what the Night-Comer is? - (It is) the star of piercing brightness; - There is no soul but has a guardian over it.6069"
Yusuf Ali's note 606 at the bottom of the page says, "…‘The star of piercing brightness’ is understood by some to be the planet Saturn, by others to be Sirius, or Pleids [Pleiades] or meteors. I think it is best to understand ‘Star’ in the general sense, as stars shine every night in the year, and their piercing brightness is more noticeable in a dark night."

Some Interpretations Are Contrary to This World!

Here are other Islamic interpretations recorded at http://debate.org.uk/topics/history/interprt.htm. This site also has other good information.

"For instance, Muhammad Hanafi al-Banna discovered references to airplanes (Surah 17:1), artificial satellites (Surah 41:53), interplanetary travel (Surah 55:33), and the hydrogen bomb (Surah 74:33-38) (Jansen 1980:48).
Thus, it was not surprising when people like Muhammad Kamil Daww wrote that the miracle of the 'scientific' statements in the Quran was greater than the miracle of inimitable eloquence. This demonstrated the truthfulness of Muhammad and, hence, the correctness of all statements in the Quran.
Today, the most well-known person propagating the scientific interpretation is the French doctor Maurice Bucaille. In his book, "The Bible, The Qur'an and Science," he tried to show how the Bible is unscientific while elevating the Quran using the same criterion."

But Some Muslims Were More Reasonable

It is worth noting that some Muslims do not believe these interpretations. Some see these verses as merely describing what can be easily observed in the sky.

Muhammad said: "Refrain from speaking about me except for things that you know. Anyone who deliberately fabricates lies about me should prepare their place in hellfire. And anyone who interprets the Quran according to their own opinion should prepare their place in hellfire." Tirmiz EE, Tefsir 1, (2951) (contributed).

"Yes, We cast the truth against falsehood, and it destroys its brain, and behold, falsehood perishes! Ah! Woe to you for the (false) things you ascribe (to Us)." Surah 21:19.

If anyone deliberately fabricates lies about Muhammad, their place will be in hellfire. Abu Dawud volume 3 chapter 1372 book 19 number 3643, page 1036. Also Bukhari volume 2 book 23 chapter 33 number 378, pages 212-213.

"...And whoever says anything deliberately false against me [Muhammad], certainly their place will be in the (hell) Fire." Bukhari volume 8 book 73 chapter 109 number 217, pages 139-140.

False testimony is equal to claiming that Allah has partners. Ibn-i-Majah volume 3 book 13 number 2372, page 414.

Opinions of Muslims and Their Responses

1. The Quran anticipated modern science: The sun and the moon are in orbits and rotate on their axis (Surah 21:33; 36:27-40). The Quran also teaches the Big Bang theory of creation (Surah 21:30; Surah 51:47,48). The Arabic word falak means "orbit." Astronomers tell us that the sun orbits around the center of our galaxy approximately every 250 million years. The Arabic word yasbahuna (derived from sabaha) means to revolve in its orbit.

1 Response: These are wishful interpretations for two reasons.

1. The words are not clear: falak is an Arabic word meaning path, to continue on its course, and yasbahuna can mean to hasten, though its direct meaning is to swim.

2. Muhammad clearly told us what it meant, and it means the sun and moon travel over the earth, riding a chariot in the sky.

Again, there are two sources of what Muhammad said.
"God created a sea three fasrakh (18 kilometers) from the heavens. The waves are controlled, standing in the air by God's command. Not a single drop spills. All seas do not move, but the sea runs with the speed of an arrow. It is left to travel in the air in equilibrium, as if it were a rope pulled in a region between east and west. The sun, moon, and stars revolve in the depth of the waves of the sea. This is what the word of God means: ‘Each one swims in a circle.’ ‘Circle’ is the course of the chariot drawn by horses in the depth of the sea." al-Tabari volume 1 page 235.

Abu Dhar reported: The Prophet asked me at sunset, 'Do you know where the sun goes (at sunset)?' I replied, 'Allah and His Apostle know best.' He said, 'It goes (i.e., travels) till it prostrates itself underneath the Throne and takes the permission to rise again, and it is permitted and then (the time will come when) it will be about to prostrate itself but its prostration will not be accepted...’” Bukhari volume 4 book 54 chapter 4 number 441 page 283. Sahih Muslim volume 1 book 1 chapter 73 numbers 297-300 pages 95-96 also provides detailed accounts of Muhammad’s conversation with Abu Dharr.

2. The Quran describes the orbit of the sun near the center of our galaxy
   2 Response: The sun does not have its own orbit in our galaxy. If the Quran was trying to teach modern science, it should have said that the sun, moon, earth, and retrograde stars (planets) revolve together in one orbit.

Again, we know exactly what Muhammad meant because he told us, as recorded in Bukhari volume 4 book 54 chapter 4 number 441 page 283 and al-Tabari volume 1 page 235.

3. The resting place of the sun means it shines on the other side of the earth
   Again, we know exactly what Muhammad meant because he told us as recorded in Bukhari volume 4 book 54 chapter 4 number 441 page 283 and al-Tabari volume 1 page 235.

4. The resting place of the sun means the complete destruction of the sun
   4 Response: Any ordinary person reading this in any language would think it refers to periodic cycles, not complete destruction.

5. Metaphorical language: The sun, moon, and stars are used as signs. These verses were not meant to support or deny modern science but were poetic descriptions, merely saying that Allah was involved with things that people could see.

5 Response: This view might be reasonable if it weren’t for the words Bukhari and al-Tabari wrote Muhammad said. If Bukhari and al-Tabari were wrong about this, then what criteria can we use to say they were right about anything?

Conclusion

Some Muslims (not all) attempt to use these verses to prove the scientific accuracy of the Quran. Unless you can find fault with this analysis, it would be intellectually dishonest to try to claim that this proves the scientific accuracy of the Quran. The truth is that some of these verses contradict what we know through modern science, perhaps unless you interpret them as poetic and metaphorical language. However, Bukhari and al-Tabari show that these verses were understood literally. The sun and moon swim in the sky over the earth.

However, the most important thing in the world is not what you know but Who you know. What matters is not people’s theories but whether you follow what the true God has revealed. Every astronomical view until the nineteenth century had errors. Who is to say that in the future people will not say the same thing about our scientific view? The only way we can know the truth is through what God has revealed to us. We hope that God will reveal to us what we need to know and that He will preserve the meaning of His revelation.

Bibliography: Translations of the Quran

1. Arberry, Arthur J. The Koran Interpreted. Macmillian Publishing Co., Inc. 1955.

2. Dawood, N.J. The Koran. Penguin Books. 1956-1999.

3. Malik, Farooq-i-Azam. English Translation of the Meaning of AL-QUR’AN: The Guidance for Mankind. The Institute of Islamic Knowledge 1997.

4. Pickthall, Mohammed Marmaduke. The Meaning of the Glorious Koran. Dar al-Islamiyya (Kuwait) (date not shown).

5. Rodwell, J.M. The Koran. First Edition. Ivy Books, Published by Ballantine Books. 1993.

6. Shakir, M.H. The Qur’an. Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc. 12th U.S. Edition 2001.

7. Sher Ali, Maulawi. The Holy Qur’an. Islam International Publications Limited (Ahmadiyya) 1997.

8. Yusuf ‘Ali, Abdullah. The Holy Qur-an: English translation of the meanings and Commentary. Revised & Edited by The Presidency of Islamic Researches, IFTA. King Fahd Holy Qur-an Printing Complex. (Al Madina Saudi Arabia) 1410 BH.

Other References

1. Campbell, Dr. William. The Qur’an and the Bible in the Light of History and Science (2nd edition). Arab World Ministries 2002.

2. The Translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari Arabic-English Vol.1 by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan. Islamic University, Al-Medina Al-Munawwara AL MAKTABAT AL SALAFIAT AL MADINATO AL MONAWART Date not shown, no copyright.

3. The History of al-Tabari: An Annotated Translation. Ehsan Yar-Shater, General Editor. State University of New York Press, 1989.

4. http://debate.org.uk/topics/history/interprt.htm

Appendix – Translation of Surah 36:38-40

"And the sun runs its course for a period determined for it; that is the decree of (Him), the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing. (39) And the moon – We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk. (40) It is not permitted for the sun to catch up to the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to law)." Translation by M.H. Shakir.

Pickthall’s translation has the verses one number behind.

"(37) And a sign for them is the night: We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold! They are plunged in darkness. (38) And the sun runs its course to a resting place appointed for it. That is the decree of the Mighty, the Wise. (39) And for the moon We have appointed mansions till it return like an old shriveled palm-leaf. (40) It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float, each in an orbit." (Translation by M.M. Pickthall).

"(38) And a sign for them is the night: We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold! They are plunged in darkness. (39) And the sun runs its course to a resting place appointed for it. That is the decree of the Mighty, the Wise. (40) And for the moon We have appointed mansions till it return like an old shriveled palm-leaf. (41) It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float, each in an orbit." (Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali (Ahmadiyya)).

"(36:37-40) A sign for them is the night. We remove the light of day from it, and behold! They are in darkness. The sun runs on its course for a term appointed for it by the Almighty, the All-Knowing. For the moon, We have measured out stages till it becomes again like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk. The sun is not permitted to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. Each floats in its orbit." Translation by Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik.

(37) And a sign for them is the night: We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold! They are plunged in darkness. (38) And the sun runs its course for a period determined for it; that is the decree of the Mighty, the Wise. (39) And the moon – We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk. (40) It is not permitted for the sun to catch up to the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to law)." (Translation by Yusuf Ali (page 1326-1327) Revised and Edited by Presidency of Islamic Researches, IFTA. King Fahd Holy Qur-an Printing Complex.)

(37) And a sign for them is the night: We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold! They are plunged in darkness. (38) And the sun runs its course for a period determined for it: that is the decree of the Mighty, the Wise. (39) And the moon – We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk." (40) It is not permitted for the sun to catch up to the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to law)." (Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, published by MILLAT Book Centre).

This differs from Yusuf Ali’s earlier (revised) edition on "for a period determined for it" versus "to a resting place for it" and "stations" versus "mansions."

**"And a sign for them is the night: We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold! They are plunged in darkness. (38) And the sun runs its course for a period determined for it: that is the decree of the Mighty, the Wise. (39) And the moon – We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk. (40) It is not permitted for the sun to catch up to the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to law)." Translation by A.J. Arberry.

**"A sign for them is the night: We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold! They are plunged in darkness. (38) And the sun runs its course for a period determined for it: that is the decree of the Mighty, the Wise. (39) And the moon – We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk. (40) It is not permitted for the sun to catch up to the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to law)." Translation by J.M. Rodwell.

"The night is another sign for people. From the night We withdraw the light of day – and behold! They are plunged into darkness. The sun hastens to its resting place; this is the course ordained for it by the Mighty, the All-Knowing. For the moon, We have measured its phases till it becomes again like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk. The sun cannot overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. Each floats in its orbit." Translation by N.J. Dawood of the Quran.

Max Shimba Ministries Org.

at October 21, 2016
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WHY CHRISTIANITY IS BETTER THAN ISLAM?

 

Has Islam Improved to Become Better Than Christianity?

Does Muhammad fulfill and complete the mission and purpose of Christ? Muhammad emphatically answers 'yes.'

The core theology of Islam teaches that because Allah sent Gabriel with the Quran to Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad and the Quran fulfill and complete the mission and purpose of Christ and the New Testament. Muhammad appears to recognize the importance of the Bible (Surah 4:47; 4:136; 4:163; 5:44-48; 5:82-83; 6:92, 154), but Christianity and the New Testament must humble themselves to Islam and the Quran, the new and superior revelation.

Surah 5:15-16 illustrates Muhammad's perspective using a metaphor. In the context of Muhammad's distortion of the Christian teachings of Jesus as the Son (v. 17), and in the context of his claim that the Jews are cursed (v. 13), this passage in the Quran (representing others) states that Christians (and Jews) have been walking in darkness until Muhammad came:

5:15 O People of the Book [Jews and Christians] . . . there has come to you now a light from God, and a clear Book [the Quran], 16 by which God guides those who follow what pleases Him to the ways of peace, bringing them out of darkness into light, by His will, and guiding them to a straight path. (Haleem) (compare with 4:157).

A modern Christian knowledgeable of the Bible will immediately recognize the metaphor of light. Jesus says He was sent from heaven as the light of the world, and Christians have passed from darkness into light (John 1:4-5, 8:12, 9:5, 12:46; 1 Peter 2:9). But now, Muhammad claims that Christians have been living in darkness, and he has come to clarify things for them, as if they were confused. The Quran offers guidance on the "straight path," a theme repeatedly emphasized in Islamic scriptures (e.g., Surah 1) and "clarifies things." Verse 16 is one of the verses that a Muslim might consider when showing that Islam is a religion of peace. But is it true?

A committed Christian, knowledgeable of the Bible, cannot possibly believe that Islam is superior. How can we resolve this stalemate? Should we ignore it? Considering recent events such as the terrorist attacks in the United States (September 11, 9/11), this is no longer possible. Should we pretend that all religions are equal? But this forces us to deny some of the non-negotiable core doctrines that all religions have, which cannot be reconciled. Thus, should we only debate theoretical teachings?

Discussing theoretical matters like the Trinity has its place in conversations between Muslims and Christians, but no side can claim to be proven through mere observation. The Quran everywhere affirms the Oneness of God, while the New Testament firmly asserts that Jesus is God and the Holy Spirit is a person. Thus, we are left with one holy scripture against another, and to break this endless stalemate, we must use other methods. (For more reliable information on the New Testament, visit this site; for the inherent problems of the Quran, go here).

Since Muhammad opposes Christ and Christianity as true, we Christians must respond. What would Jesus say? As it happens, Jesus has given us clear teachings on how to evaluate a prophet who comes after Him in history, especially if that prophet claims to be greater than Jesus: evaluate their fruits.

In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Christ spoke to the crowds, none of whom were theologians, or very few, but rather lower-class farmers. In Matthew 7:15-20, Christ uses unambiguous language about how to recognize the truth of prophets:

7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

In today’s Western world, where millions of people prefer not to challenge Islam but rather accommodate it, this passage might seem intolerant. But in these verses, Christ understands the danger. Claims of religious truths have come into the world in large numbers, almost every second, and these claims are not merely theoretical; people's lives are at stake. Therefore, the cost of accommodation, especially since 9/11, is too high.

Nevertheless, it is Muhammad who claims to be greater than Christ and that his new religion is superior to Christianity. He is the one who initiated the confrontation. Thus, over 600 years before Muhammad's arrival, Christ responded to him and many other self-proclaimed prophets spreading around the Mediterranean with the fruit inspection test.

To illustrate, suppose I claim that my way is better than yours. Then I can prove my verbal claims with visible actions. My conduct will be better than yours because my actions speak louder than words. Specifically, if the founder of a religion says that husbands in my community are allowed to beat their wives (Surah 4:34), but you as a founder say that husbands in your community are not allowed to beat their wives, does my claimed superiority stand in real life? I set a bad example in practice, but you do not.

What I do is not spreading the fruit of inspection. That is, my fruit or behavior or actual actions are rotten. Thus, Jesus is absolutely right to use this simple analogy for His followers to examine the claims of prophets coming after Him. "You will know them by their fruits" (Matt 7:16).

We can see the crux of Muhammad’s objection and Christ’s fruit inspection by using a simple logical if-then (cause/effect) argument. This method is known as "modus tollens" or denying the consequent (part of the "then" clause).

(1) If A, then B. If Islam has improved to become better than Christianity, these changes would be seen in practical, observable, and relevant ways.

(2) Not-B. But these changes are not seen in practical, observable, and relevant ways.

(3) Therefore, not-A. Therefore, Islam has not improved to become better than Christianity.

Now we can defend each statement easily.

(1) If Islam has improved to become better than Christianity, these changes would be seen in practical, observable, and relevant ways.

We have already defended this statement in the preceding section. Examining the lives and actions of the founder of Christianity and the founder of Islam is the first and best way to break the endless stalemate between these two conflicting religions because we can see their behaviors and actions here on earth. You will know them by their fruits.

(2) But these changes are not seen in practical, observable, and relevant ways.

Defending this statement with tangible evidence clearly addresses Muhammad’s objection to Christ and demonstrates beyond doubt that Muhammad's fruit is bad, while Christ's fruit is healthy and ripe.

The following list has already been developed in this article on this site, which is the basis of this article. If the reader believes that the actual actions of Muhammad and the following Quranic verses have been taken out of context or in a non-visible state, then, once again, they should visit other websites provided in the relevant references. These ethically questionable actions happened entirely within Muhammad's community, and Muhammad, in his Quran, commands this cruelty. Also, to see Quranic verses in multiple translations, the reader should go here and type in the references, like 24:2 (24 is the Surah, and 2 is the verse). Ignore the request for Arabic Surah titles quoted differently, and type the numbers only.

• Muhammad gives nicknames to his weapons and calls himself "the destroyer."

Christ never owned weapons because he never fought wars with people.

• Muhammad in his Quran commands that adulterers be flogged a hundred lashes (Surah 24:2). Authentic Hadiths (words and deeds of Muhammad outside the Quran) command stoning.

Christ forgave the woman caught in adultery. The people who gathered to stone her dropped their stones and left. She remained, weeping until Jesus told her to go and sin no more (John 8:1-11).

• Muhammad in his Quran allowed men to beat their wives (Surah 4:34).

Neither Christ nor the New Testament writers permitted or practiced this.

• Muhammad in his Quran commands that a thief's hand, male or female, be cut off (Surah 5:38).

Christ never said to do this. The Apostle Paul said that thieves should work with their hands, not cut them off, so they can have something to share with others in need (Ephesians 4:28). In this matter (and many others), Paul surpasses Muhammad.

• Muhammad killed poets and political enemies.

Christ never killed any of his enemies or even poets (even bad ones).

• Muhammad in his Quran commands the death penalty or the cutting off of hands and feet for those who wage war or cause disorder in the land (Surah 5:33).

Christ, the Prince of Peace, died for the sins of the world so that "disorder" and "war" would end.

• Muhammad married Aisha, a girl who had not yet reached puberty, and consummated the marriage with her while she was still a young girl. For full evidence on this peculiar family affair of Muhammad, even for seventh-century Arabia, readers should see this article. The Quran itself permits such illegal marriages for other Muslims as well (Surah 65:4).

Christ never did this and never told people to do so.

• Muhammad in his Quran promises a lush garden filled with "virgins" for martyrs who lose their lives in holy wars (Surah 44:51-56, 52:17-29, 55:46-78, 61:10, 4:74, 9:111).

Christ's martyrdom on the cross means that Christians are not required to die in holy wars to secure entry into heaven. All they need to do is believe in Jesus.

• Muhammad killed without justice around 600 Jewish men and enslaved their women and children. This atrocity is celebrated in the Quran (Surah 33:25-27).

Christ was a Jew and loved his people. Moreover, he loves all people of the world—even polytheists whom Muhammad killed—and redeems them through his death, burial, and resurrection. He was not sent to kill people.

• Muhammad launched his religious crusade in 630 CE with 30,000 fighters against the Byzantines, who did not show up (Surah 9:29).

Christ never did this. What medieval Europeans did in his name is not the foundation of Christianity. Only Jesus and the New Testament are the foundation, and they did not authorize holy wars. Muhammad, on the other hand, is the foundation of Islam and initiated holy wars against Byzantine Christians and went on many holy wars.

Surah 5:16, quoted in the introduction of this article, emphasizes strongly that Islam is a religion of peace. This list, however, contradicts these emphatic words directly. Actions speak louder than words. Therefore, Islam is not a religion of peace, see this site.

Again, if the reader believes that these claims are taken out of context, they can click on the above site and then on the other sites provided in each claim.

Christians will recognize prophets by their fruits. To put it plainly, Muhammad, the self-proclaimed messenger and prophet (Surah 3:144), has utterly failed the fruit inspection test, while Christ, the Son of God (Matt. 3:16-17), has succeeded with complete victory.

(3) Therefore, Islam has not improved to become better than Christianity.

This conclusion follows directly and logically.

For unbiased people willing to listen to reason, issues of practical matters like wife-beating, flogging adulterers, and marrying prepubescent girls are sufficient to make a decision. Practical actions and policies cannot be ignored unless people choose to close their eyes and refuse to see how things are wrong or perhaps if a prophet has a large army to help enforce his actions on the "weak" followers of the "imperfect" preceding religion.

And this brings us back to theoretical teachings, again using myself and the reader as an example. Before debating theoretical teachings like the nature of God, as a follower of a religion, I must pass the fruit inspection test. Suppose my habit is to kill polytheists in wars involving significant loss of life, instead of converting them through preaching or letting them live if they refuse to convert (Surah 9:4-5). On the other hand, it is not your habit to kill polytheists, but to convert them through preaching and letting them live if they refuse to convert. In these circumstances, I fail the real and visible fruit inspection test, but you succeed. Therefore, I lose my credibility to speak on other theoretical matters about the nature of God and other theoretical teachings that are not visible. It becomes evident that I either serve myself or, worse, serve a weak god. You, on the other hand, have sound practical ideas, so you deserve to be listened to.

Similarly, Muhammad's failure in his challenge to Christ can be explained with another if-then argument, this time on the logical principle called modus ponens or affirming the antecedent (the "if" clause in the first statement).

(4) If A, then B. If Islam has not improved to become better than Christianity in practical, visible, and relevant ways, then it logically follows that it has not improved to become better than Christianity in theoretical matters that are only conceptual.

(5) A has been affirmed. Islam has not improved to become better than Christianity in practical, visible, and relevant ways.

(6) Therefore, B is affirmed. Islam has not improved to become better than Christianity in theoretical matters that are only conceptual.

Both statements can be defended easily.

(4) If Islam has not improved to become better than Christianity in practical, visible, and relevant ways, then it logically follows that it has not improved to become better than Christianity in theoretical matters that are only conceptual.

Muhammad is the exemplar of Islam since he was the conduit through which Allah revealed the superior religion, so we use him again to assess Islam. Fruit inspection says that if a prophet fails to produce it, then his conceptual claims are suspect. In a non-religious context, this standard is too high because all humans have flaws. A physicist is allowed to discuss theoretical concepts about space and time even if his life is mixed up or even full of sin. But in a religious context, especially when one religious leader (Muhammad) claims to be greater than another leader (Christ), this standard is critical and unavoidable.

Furthermore, historical facts confirm Muhammad's failure in conceptual ideas. For example, it is an established fact that the New Testament is reliable, while the Quran has its share of flaws. (For more information on this topic, see these pages here and here). Also, it is a proven fact that Muhammad was not well-versed in higher concepts. What he did was take a mix of ideas circulating on trade routes and incorporate them into his Quran (such as the illogical idea denying Christ's crucifixion in Surah 4:157) and claim them as divine revelation from Allah. Thus, in clear and tangible ways, Muhammad was not improving Christianity (and Judaism) but distorting the two preceding religions. Therefore, historical facts confirm that he may not be accurate in conceptual teachings and does not understand what he is talking about.

(5) Islam has not improved to become better than Christianity in practical, visible, and relevant ways.

After reading the list in the second point, any fair-minded person seeking to know, who is rational and whose thoughts are not clouded by lifelong commitment to Islam, will conclude that Muhammad has failed the fruit inspection test in practical, visible, and relevant ways.

(6) Therefore, it logically follows that Islam has not improved to become better than Christianity in theoretical matters that are only conceptual.

These conclusions logically and clearly follow.

By using the extensive list of differences between Christ and Muhammad in the second point, why would fair-minded people and those willing to listen to reason listen to Muhammad's theoretical teachings that deny the Trinity or the deity of Christ (Surah 2:116, 6:101, 4:171, 5:73) or that support the distortion of the Quran (unless he has a large army with him)? Fruit inspectors with fair minds and who are willing to listen to reason can see that his Inspired book is questionable because his life was questionable and filled with unjust actions. Indeed, fair-minded people have the right to prefer the true and gentle Book of Christ, even if it is claimed to have "errors," any day and all days over Muhammad's scriptures that claim to be "perfect" but are excessive. First, Muhammad must show his exemplary life before being allowed to preach about high theological concepts or before his conceptual revelations are taken seriously.

For ordinary Christians, especially the early followers whom Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount for first-century Israeli farmers, Christ says that by the fruits of a prophet, his followers will know. Once a prophet's fruit is bad, or starts producing a bad tree, they do not need to inspect his conceptual claims. This person becomes a false prophet - these are weighty words, but they are the words of Christ (Matt. 7:15).

Three questions: Does this failure to pass the fruit inspection render the entire debate meaningless? If Christian and Islamic theologians in a conference room want to debate the Trinity, they are free to do so, although there are doubts about how much they can achieve. Their discussions are purely academic. However, they should not expect millions upon millions of Bible-literate Christians worldwide to feel compelled to engage in these debates. But even if they like to discuss high theology, they are free to do so. Muslims should not be surprised, however, if at the end of the day, these Christians do not accept Muhammad and his revelations as true because Christ already told his followers what to look for: good fruits (Matt. 7:15-20). Muhammad lived a controversial life preserved in his Quran, which claims to be eternal and without error, so Christians are allowed to question the Quran on conceptual matters.

Is the relationship between practical and theoretical matters something that cannot contradict itself? Christ in Matt. 7:15-20 suggests that this relationship cannot contradict itself. Again, if Muhammad was wrong about practical matters like wife-beating, flogging adulterers, launching military crusades, killing poets and enemies, and promising his fighters lush gardens filled with virgins if they die in holy wars, why should Christians listen to Muhammad on theoretical matters, especially since the New Testament everywhere confirms, for example, that Christ is God and the Holy Spirit is a person? And more importantly, why would Christians want to convert to Islam, given Muhammad's questionable conduct?

Is there no good fruit (virtue) related to Muhammad? Even a failure to pass the fruit inspection test can have some good qualities. The founder of a movement should show some level of gentleness if he wants his community to endure. But good qualities do not beat and hurt others. However, bad behaviors beat, hurt, and harm others. The overall picture of Muhammad's life in Medina (622-632) shows him waging wars against polytheists (capturing Mecca); against Jews (expelling and killing them); and against Christians (initiating crusades). In the ten years he lived there, he went on, sent, or initiated seventy-four attacks, raids, or full battles, ranging from peaceful negotiations (very few compared to brutal attacks) to killing raiding parties to capturing Mecca with 10,000 fighters to crusading wars with 30,000 fighters against the Byzantines (who did not show up). No one can cleanse this dark picture with a few good qualities.

Therefore, Muhammad does not fulfill or complete the mission and purpose of Christ; quite the contrary, for Christ came to the world to show the love of God. Indeed, Muhammad and Islam are a distorted interpretation of Christ and Christianity, and the Quran is worse than the New Testament from an inspectable perspective.

Has Islam improved to become better than Christianity? Based on observable evidence, the answer is a strong no. Muhammad has utterly failed.

Shalom

Dr. Maxwell Shimba

Controversy: The Noah of the Quran is Different from the Noah of the Bible

 Sunday, October 16, 2016

Controversy: The Noah of the Quran is Different from the Noah of the Bible

Dear Reader,

Muslims often assert that the Quran is a comprehensive book that explains everything and is self-sufficient, claiming it is a revelation from Almighty God, while criticizing the Bible as not being from God. I will present two verses from the Bible and then two verses from the Quran, followed by a question.

WHEN DID THE FLOOD OCCUR ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE?

Genesis 7:6 "Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters were on the earth."

The Bible, which is claimed not to be from God, states that Noah was six hundred (600) years old when the flood occurred. It also explains the years of Noah after the flood.

Genesis 9:28 "And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years."

HOW OLD WAS NOAH WHEN HE DIED?

Genesis 9:29 "So all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years; and he died."

We are told by the Bible that Noah lived three hundred and fifty (350) years after the flood, and he died at the age of nine hundred and fifty (950) years. This is the total number of years Noah lived. Now let's turn to the Quran and then ask a question.

WHEN DID THE FLOOD OCCUR ACCORDING TO THE QURAN?

Quran 29:14-15
14. "And indeed We sent Noah to his people, and he stayed among them a thousand years less fifty years; so the flood overtook them while they were wrongdoers."
15. "But We saved him and the companions of the ship, and We made it a sign for the worlds."

THE COMPLETE DISCUSSION:

The Bible says that the flood occurred when Noah was 600 years old. The Quran says that the flood occurred when Noah was 950 years old, which corresponds to the age at which Noah died according to the Bible. The Bible says that Noah lived 350 years after the flood and died at the age of 950 years, which matches the age at which the flood occurred according to the Quran.

QUESTIONS:

1. According to the Quran, Noah was 950 years old when the flood came, while the Bible says he was 600 years old when the flood came and died at the age of 950. How many years did Noah live after the flood according to the 950 years mentioned at the time of the flood in the Quran?

2. Or did he die in the same year of the flood, being 950 years old as stated in the Quran at the time of the flood?

Note: Answers should be based solely on the Quran, the book claimed to be from God. If it is not self-sufficient, please state so, and I will allow you to use even newspapers and magazines.

For Max Shimba Ministries Org.

WHY DO MUSLIMS LIKE TO INSULT CHRISTIANS?

 Wednesday, November 16, 2016

WHY DO MUSLIMS LIKE TO INSULT CHRISTIANS?

1. HERE IS THE SECRET OF INSULTS FROM MUSLIMS

2. MUHAMMAD ALSO USES VULGAR LANGUAGE TOWARDS AN ORPHAN

Christians should not be surprised by the insults from Muslims.

It is very common to see Muslims hurling heavy insults without any fear, especially when they find Christian arguments difficult to counter. They resort to insults because their mouths are filled with the words of Satan. Satan expands his rear and leaves flatulence in their mouths, making them insult without shame. This evidence is stated by Muhammad himself, the prophet of the Muslims.

MUSLIMS HAVE BEEN INFLUENCED BY SATAN IN THEIR MOUTHS:

Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that: The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Anyone who insults, it is because Satan has influenced his mouth." (Fat'hul Baary Vol. 10, Pg. 176)

Therefore, our fellow Muslims are under the influence of Satan. We should not be too surprised by this but rather continue to preach the Gospel to them, so they may awaken and stop being influenced by Satan in their mouths, as Satan has a strong hold on them. Besides influencing their mouths, Satan also settles in their nostrils.

SATAN SLEEPS IN THE NOSTRILS OF MUSLIMS:

Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w) said, “When one of you wakes up from sleep, let him wash his nose by putting water in it and then blowing it out three times, because Satan has spent the night in the upper part of his nose.” (Bukhari, Hadith No. 516, Vol. 4)

BUT SATAN DOES NOT JUST INFLUENCE THEIR MOUTHS AND SLEEP IN THEIR NOSTRILS; he also enjoys playing games by blowing on the buttocks of Muslims.

The Prophet (s.a.w) said, “Satan comes to one of you in prayer and blows on your buttocks, making you think that you have released wind when you did not. If you experience this, do not leave your prayer unless you hear a sound or smell something.” (THE BOOK OF SINCERE MUSLIMS, VOL. 1-2 HADITH NO. 74, PG. 42)

Therefore, we Christians have a great responsibility to deliver the Gospel to these slaves of Satan, the Muslims, so they can stop being influenced by Satan in their mouths, stop being his beds, and stop being used as his playthings through their buttocks.

MUHAMMAD INSULTS AND CURSES AN ORPHAN

Prophet Muhammad insulted and cursed an orphan who was with Umm Sulaim (the mother of Anas). (Sahih Muslim, Book 032, Number 6297)

SHARE KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INSULTS!
Remember, all religions prohibit insults!

ISLAM:

Muhammad said: "A true believer does not accuse others, nor curse others, nor use vulgar language." {Musnadu Ahmad Vol. 1 Pg. 416, Hadith No. 3948}

CHRISTIANITY:

(Ephesians 4:31) - "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."

THERE IS JUDGMENT FOR THOSE WHO INSULT!

(1 Corinthians 6:9-10) - "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."

God bless you all.

I am Dr. Max Shimba, a servant of Jesus Christ, the GREAT GOD
For Max Shimba Ministries Org,

MAX SHIMBA MINISTRIES ORG ©2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.
April 11, 2016

THE ORIGIN OF THE QURAN AND ISLAM IS SATANIC

 Monday, December 5, 2016

THE ORIGIN OF THE QURAN AND ISLAM IS SATANIC

Dear reader,

Today we will learn about the origin of the Quran and Islam. What or who is the source?

Without wasting time, let's begin reading Muslim books.

IF MUHAMMAD WAS BORN WITH SATAN, PLAYED WITH BY SATAN, WHY DO YOU FOLLOW HIM?

1. HIS BIRTH,
   Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that "Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) had Satan from the time he was born." (Fat'hul Baary Vol. 6 Pg. 389).

From the proof we read above, we have learned that Muhammad was born with the power of demons, and that is a very bad beginning since we have no verse or hadith that says Muhammad was freed from these demons when he was given prophecy by a strange creature.

Surprisingly, Muhammad was given prophecy by a strange creature that choked him until he struggled and saw stars. Read the proof below.

2. AFTER LEAVING THE CAVE, MUHAMMAD CONFESSES THE FOLLOWING,
   So the Prophet was frightened, returned to his wife, told her, and immediately a high fever struck him. He wanted to be covered with clothes, trembling severely, and he was scared, saying, "I fear for myself, being played with by demons, ruining my mind and deceiving me." (The Life of the Prophet Muhammad, pg. 17, written by Sheikh A. Farsy).

You have read for yourself and understood that the act of Muhammad being choked until he struggled in this way surely did not come from the God of Adam, Abraham, Moses, and other Prophets of the Bible. There is not a single verse in the Holy Bible that says His prophets were choked by angels; instead, we read that all the prophets in the Bible were given prophethood by God Himself and not by a strange creature who gave Muhammad prophethood at night in a cave.

3. MUHAMMAD BEING BEWITCHED,
   Aisha, the wife of the Prophet, said, "A Jew named Labiid bin Al'answan bewitched the Prophet Muhammad, and sometimes the Prophet would become confused and start calling out aimlessly." (Sahih Muslim Vol. 4 Pg. 38-39)

DOES IT MEAN THAT GOD COULD NOT FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO SEND EXCEPT MUHAMMAD WHO WAS PLAYED WITH BY DEMONS?

THIS IS A GREAT TRAGEDY FOR MUSLIMS, BECAUSE NOW WE KNOW THAT MUHAMMAD WAS NOT ONLY BORN WITH DEMONS BUT WAS ALSO ADDED TO BY BEING BEWITCHED.

Although there is no verse or hadith that says Muhammad was freed from demons, it is not wrong to acknowledge that Muhammad died with demons in his heart, and therefore his end is hellfire.

The tragedy continued later, even the writer of the Quran was possessed by demons.

My friends, why don't Muslims read their own books?

DID THE WRITER OF THE QURAN HAVE A DEMON?

READ:
The first person to learn reading and writing in the city of Mecca was Mr. Harb bin Umayya, the grandfather of Mr. Muawiya. He learned from the people of Yemen and then taught those who wanted to learn in Mecca.

When the Prophet received prophethood, there were only six people in Mecca who knew how to write. Four of them entered Islam and became the scribes of "Wahyi" (Quranic verses). These people were Sayyidna Abubakar, Sayyidna Umar, Sayyidna Uthman, and Sayyidna Ali. (The Life of the Prophet Muhammad, pg. 8, by Sheikh A. Farsy)

SAYYIDNA ABUBAKAR,
Abubakar said, "Surely I have a demon that visits me from time to time, so whenever it comes to me, avoid me." (Tabaqatul Kubra, Vol. 3 Pg. 212)

NOW, IF THE "QURAN" WAS WRITTEN BY A PERSON WHO HAD A DEMON, WHY SHOULD WE NOT ACCEPT THAT THESE ARE VERSES FROM SATAN?

Dear reader, I urge you to be careful with Islam because there is nothing good there except demons everywhere. From Muhammad, the Quran, to their Allah, all have confirmed that Satan is in their hearts.

So why follow Satan when the Great God exists and loves you?

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO SALVATION. ALLAH IS NOT THE WAY. MUHAMMAD IS NOT THE WAY. THE QURAN IS NOT THE WAY.

Jesus is the only way to salvation because He alone can pay the penalty for our sins (Romans 6:23). No other religion teaches the depth and seriousness of sin and its consequences. No other religion pays the penalty for sin except Jesus alone. No other "religious founder" had God become human (John 1:1, 14) - the only way to pay the debt. Jesus had to be God so He could pay our debt. Jesus had to become human so He could die. Salvation is found through faith in Jesus Christ! “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Have you made a decision for Christ based on what you have read here?

Make sure you understand the meaning of salvation.

1 John 5:13 tells us, "I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." God wants us to understand the meaning of salvation. God wants us to have confidence in knowing for sure that we are saved. Let's briefly go over the key aspects of salvation:

(a) We have all sinned. We have all done things that are displeasing to God (Romans 3:23).

(b) Because of our sins, we deserve to be punished by being separated from God forever (Romans 6:23).

(c) Jesus died on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died in our place, taking the punishment that we deserved. His resurrection proved that Jesus' death was sufficient to pay for our sins.

(d) God offers forgiveness and salvation to all who believe in Jesus – trusting His death as the payment for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1).

Those are the details of salvation! If you have placed your faith in Jesus as your Savior, you are saved! All your sins are forgiven, and God promises never to leave you or forsake you (Romans 8:38; Matthew 28:20). Remember, your salvation is secure in Jesus Christ (John 10:28-29). If you believe in Jesus alone as your Savior, you can be confident that you will spend eternity with God in heaven!

God bless you all,

I am Dr. Max Shimba, a servant of Jesus Christ, the GREAT GOD

For Max Shimba Ministries Org,

MAX SHIMBA MINISTRIES ORG ©2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.

at December 05, 2016

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Understanding the Integrity of the Bible: A Qur'anic Perspective

A widely held belief among Muslims is that the Bible has been corrupted and changed. This claim often surfaces at the beginning of any Christian-Muslim dialogue, leading Muslims to reject the Bible as the Word of God. This misconception must be addressed early to enable meaningful discussions.

The aim of this work is to demonstrate that the allegations against the Holy Bible by Muslims are not only false but also unfounded when viewed in light of what the Qur’an itself teaches about the Bible. By using the Qur’an – Islam’s own sacred text – we will prove the Bible's integrity. This book is crucial for anyone seeking to share the Gospel with Muslims, as well as for Muslims who genuinely wish to understand what their sacred book says about the Bible.

The Qur’an affirms that the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospel were all revealed by Allah, thus acknowledging them as His words.

The Torah in the Qur’an
The Arabic term for Torah is Taurat or Tawrat:

• Surah 5:44: "Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light." (Pickthall)

• "Surely We revealed the Taurat in which was guidance and light." (Shakir)

The Psalms in the Qur’an
The Arabic term for Psalms is Zabur or Zaboor:

• Surah 4:163: "We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms." (Yusuf Ali)

• "...and to Dawood (David) We gave the Zaboor (Psalms)." (Hilali-Khan)

The Gospel in the Qur’an
The Arabic term for Gospel is Injil or Injeel:

• Surah 3:2-4: "Allah! There is no god but He...It is He Who sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind." (Yusuf Ali)

• Surah 5:46: "And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah – a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil)." (Pickthall)

• "And We sent after them in their footsteps Isa, son of Marium, verifying what was before him of the Taurat and We gave him the Injeel in which was guidance and light." (Shakir)

These Qur’anic verses explicitly recognize that the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospel are the "Words of Allah," containing "guidance and light" for humanity. Therefore, Allah himself testifies in the Qur’an to the guidance and light within the Torah and the Gospel. Understanding Allah’s purpose in sending the Torah and the Gospel helps us see why it is vital to maintain the integrity of these Scriptures for all eternity.

SATAN LIVES IN MECCA

Dear readers,

This is yet another tragedy for our brethren. Believe it or not, here is the truth laid out for you today.

On the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims leave Muzdalifah, collecting stones along the way. According to the Sunnah, on this first day (the 10th), they are allowed to collect only seven stones. You might be wondering, what are these stones for, and where are the Muslims heading? Continue reading to understand this bizarre ritual.

Times for Stoning Satan:

On the Day of An-Nahr – the first day of the festival, do not throw stones until the sun has risen:

“The Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) while at Muzdalifah, allowed the weak, elderly, and women to move to Mina before others and instructed them not to stone (the Jamaraat) until after the sun has risen.” [Reported by At-Tirmidhiy]

One with a valid excuse may delay stoning until just before sunset, but it is best to stone after the sun has risen and before it sets for those without an excuse. (Some scholars permit stoning after sunset for valid reasons, but it is better to try to stone before sunset).

The stoning should be done after Zawal (noon when the sun has moved slightly from its zenith) on the remaining two or three days for those not in a hurry.

AT MINA, THE STONING OF SATAN BEGINS:

1. Pilgrims throw seven stones at 'Jamrat Al-Aqabah'. Pilgrims throw stones at Satan in the place known as “Mina” near Mecca. Dear readers, it turns out Satan resides in Mecca. The pilgrims engage in this ritual of stoning Satan.

2. Pilgrims return to Mina and stone Satan again, staying overnight on the 11th and 12th days.

Does Satan have a physical body that can be hit with stones? Can’t Allah defeat Satan without human intervention? This ritual raises serious doubts about this aspect of Islam.

Pilgrims perform this stoning ritual on the 11th, 12th, and 13th days, and they do it at night, not during the day.

This clearly shows that Satan is considered part of this religion.

Dua After Stoning:

It is recommended to face the Qiblah and make dua after stoning each Jamaraat except the last one. A hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari and Imam Ahmad states:

“The Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) after stoning each Jamaraat with seven pebbles, would stand facing the Qiblah and make dua, except after stoning the last Jamaraat.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Imam Ahmad]

Day of Hastening:

If you wish to stay only two days, then on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, known as "Yawm al-Isti’jaal" - the Day of Hastening – you must stone and leave Mina before sunset. If you delay your departure and are still there after sunset, you must stay an additional day. It is advisable to stay the third night if you have no urgent matter to attend to.

Tawaf al-Wida:

When you intend to return home after completing the Hajj rituals, perform Tawaf al-Wida (farewell circumambulation) by circling the Kaaba seven times, as done in the initial Tawaf, but this time without performing Sa’ay between Safa and Marwah.

Dear readers,

This religion is not from God, and nowhere in the Torah, the Gospel, or the Psalms does God command the Israelites to throw stones at Satan. That is why I always say that Allah cannot be the God of Adam, Moses, Abraham, etc. Allah's characteristics are entirely different from the God of the Bible.

How can someone in their right mind pick up stones and start throwing them at Satan? Clearly, those who stone Satan are misguided.

MORE OF ISLAMIC RITUALS:

After completing Tawaf al-Ifadah, return to Mina and stay there for the nights of the 11th, 12th, and 13th for those not in a hurry. These are called the days of Tashreeq. It is sufficient to stay for the nights of the 11th and 12th. On these two or three days, stone all three Jamaraat in the following order: start with the one furthest from Mecca (small Jamaraat), then the middle one, and finally the big one (Jamrat al-Aqabah). Throw seven stones at each while saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw. This is done for three remaining days.

I urge all Christians worldwide to pray for these Muslims who travel by air to Mecca to stone Satan. They are blind and deaf, needing the love of Jesus.

QUESTIONS FOR MUSLIMS:

1. What benefit does stoning Satan provide?

2. Where do we read that Abraham stoned Satan?

3. Why is this practice of stoning Satan only found in the Quran?

I invite you to Jesus, the Great God.

Dr. Max Shimba for Max Shimba Ministries Org