Friday, July 31, 2026

If Allah "Sends Ṣalāh" Upon People, To Whom Is He Praying?

A Theological Examination of the Meaning of Allah's Ṣalāh in Islamic Sources

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

One of the most frequently quoted hadiths in Islam states:

"Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him ten times."

— Sahih Muslim 408; Jami' at-Tirmidhi 485; Sunan an-Nasa'i 1296

Muslim scholars generally translate this as:

"Whoever invokes blessings upon Muhammad once, Allah will bless him tenfold."

At first glance, this appears straightforward. However, a closer examination raises an important theological and linguistic question.

What Does the Arabic Word Ṣallā Mean?

The Arabic verb ṣallā (صلى) is the same root from which Muslims derive the word ṣalāh, meaning prayer. Throughout the Qur'an, Muslims are repeatedly commanded:

"Establish the ṣalāh."

No Muslim understands this command to mean merely "show kindness" or "bestow mercy." Rather, ṣalāh refers to prayer and worship directed toward God.

The same root appears in the hadith concerning Allah:

"Allah sends ṣalāh upon him."

This raises an obvious question:

If ṣalāh fundamentally means prayer, to whom is Allah praying?

The Islamic Explanation

Classical Muslim commentators recognized this difficulty and offered a different definition when the subject is Allah.

They argue that:

Human ṣalāh means prayer.
Angelic ṣalāh means asking forgiveness.
Allah's ṣalāh means mercy, praise, honor, or exaltation.

Thus, the same Arabic word is assigned different meanings depending on who performs the action.

While this explanation has become standard in Islamic theology, it raises an important hermeneutical question:

Is the meaning determined by the text itself, or is it adjusted to avoid theological implications?

A Linguistic Observation

The hadith states:

"Whoever sends ṣalāh upon Muhammad once, Allah sends ṣalāh upon him ten times."

The identical verb (yuṣallī) is used for both humans and Allah.

If the first occurrence means prayer, while the second means blessing or mercy, then the same verb carries two different meanings within the same sentence.

This is not impossible in language, but it does require contextual justification.

The question becomes whether the context itself demands this distinction or whether the distinction is introduced because Islamic theology rejects the possibility that Allah could pray.

A Biblical Contrast

In Scripture, God never prays.

Prayer is always directed upward by creatures toward the Creator.

Jesus prayed during His earthly ministry because He truly became man (Philippians 2:6–8). His prayers reflect the reality of the Incarnation, not a denial of His divine nature. Christian theology distinguishes between Christ's divine nature and His genuine human experience.

The Father is never portrayed as praying.

Likewise, the Holy Spirit intercedes (Romans 8:26), but Scripture never depicts God praying to another deity.

A Question for Islamic Theology

If Allah performs ṣalāh, several theological questions naturally arise:

What is the precise meaning of Allah's ṣalāh?
Why is the same verb used for both humans and Allah?
On what linguistic basis does the meaning change?
Does the text itself define the change, or is the interpretation supplied later by theological tradition?

These questions deserve careful scholarly examination rather than dismissal.

Conclusion

The hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim 408, Jami' at-Tirmidhi 485, and Sunan an-Nasa'i 1296 teaches that Allah "sends ṣalāh" upon those who send ṣalāh upon Muhammad.

Islamic scholars generally understand Allah's ṣalāh not as prayer to another deity but as His bestowal of mercy, honor, praise, or exaltation. The discussion therefore is not whether Islam teaches that Allah literally worships another god—it does not—but whether assigning different meanings to the same verb in the same context is linguistically and theologically persuasive.

For students of comparative theology, this discussion illustrates how doctrinal commitments influence the interpretation of sacred texts. It invites readers to examine both the Arabic language and the theological assumptions that shape its interpretation with intellectual honesty and scholarly rigor.

"Test all things; hold fast what is good." — 1 Thessalonians 5:21

CHILD MARRIAGE: A THEOLOGICAL INDICTMENT OF A SIN AGAINST GOD AND HUMAN DIGNITY

Why Forced Child Marriage Is an Assault on the Image of God

By Shimba Theological Institute

"Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me." — Matthew 18:5

The suffering of children has always provoked the righteous anger of God. Throughout Scripture, God consistently reveals Himself as the Defender of the weak, the Father of the fatherless, and the Judge of those who exploit the vulnerable. Therefore, any system that robs children of their innocence, freedom, and dignity stands under God's judgment.

Child marriage is not merely a social problem or a cultural issue. It is a profound moral evil. When a child is coerced, pressured, or compelled into marriage before reaching physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual maturity, that child is denied the very freedom and dignity that God intended for every human being.

Created in the Image of God

The Bible declares:

"So God created mankind in His own image..." (Genesis 1:27)

Every child bears the image of God (Imago Dei). Children are not property to be exchanged, commodities to be traded, or instruments for political or economic gain. They possess inherent worth bestowed by their Creator.

To violate a child's dignity is to attack the image of God Himself.

No father, tribal leader, religious authority, or government possesses divine authority to treat children as objects rather than persons.

Marriage Is a Sacred Covenant—Not an Instrument of Exploitation

Biblical marriage is founded upon mutual love, covenant commitment, and willing consent.

Scripture teaches:

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." (Ephesians 5:25)

Christ's love is sacrificial—not coercive.

Biblical marriage reflects Christ and His Church. It cannot legitimately be founded upon fear, intimidation, manipulation, or exploitation.

A child lacks the maturity necessary to enter such a covenant freely and responsibly. Forced child marriage therefore contradicts the biblical understanding of marriage itself.

Jesus Elevated Children—He Never Exploited Them

Jesus repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary concern for children.

He welcomed them.

He blessed them.

He protected them.

He warned:

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:6)

These words reveal the seriousness with which God regards the abuse of children.

Those who exploit children for power, sexuality, financial advantage, or social control stand in direct opposition to the character of Christ.

Forced Marriage Violates God's Justice

The prophets repeatedly condemned societies that oppressed the powerless.

Isaiah proclaimed:

"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression..." (Isaiah 1:17)

Micah declared:

"What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

Child marriage violates every one of these principles.

Instead of justice, it imposes domination.

Instead of mercy, it inflicts lifelong trauma.

Instead of humility, it elevates power over compassion.

Theological Reflection: Evil Cannot Be Sanctified

History demonstrates that sinful practices have often attempted to hide behind religion, culture, or tradition.

Yet Scripture repeatedly distinguishes between God's revealed will and human corruption.

Jesus rebuked religious leaders who used tradition to nullify God's commands (Mark 7:8–13).

Likewise, no appeal to culture, custom, or religious authority can transform injustice into righteousness.

Whenever children are exploited, God's moral law has been violated.

The Church Must Not Remain Silent

Silence in the face of injustice is never the calling of God's people.

The Church is commissioned to defend those without a voice.

Christians should therefore:

Defend the dignity and safety of every child.
Oppose forced and child marriage wherever it occurs.
Support access to education for girls.
Care for survivors with compassion and practical assistance.
Encourage governments to uphold laws that protect children from exploitation and abuse.

The Gospel compels believers to stand with victims rather than accommodate systems of oppression.

A Call to Governments and Religious Leaders

Civil authorities bear responsibility before God to protect the vulnerable (Romans 13:1–4).

Religious leaders likewise bear grave responsibility to teach truth rather than justify injustice.

Where children are abused under the cover of religion, faithful leaders must reject such practices and affirm the God-given dignity of every child.

Conclusion

Child marriage is not the will of God.

It is not an expression of biblical love.

It is not an act of justice.

It is not a reflection of Christ.

Whenever children are deprived of their freedom, education, safety, and hope through coercive marriage, humanity witnesses a tragic betrayal of God's design.

The God revealed in Scripture calls His people to defend children—not exploit them.

He calls His Church to protect the vulnerable—not remain silent.

He calls every society to uphold justice—not institutionalize abuse.

May Christians everywhere become courageous advocates for every child whose voice has been silenced.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves... defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8–9)

Shimba Theological Institute

"Proclaiming Biblical Truth. Defending Human Dignity. Equipping the Church."

IF ALLAH PROTECTED HIS REVELATION, HOW COULD THE BIBLE BE CORRUPTED?

A Theological Examination of Qur’anic Preservation, Confirmation, and the Problem of Biblical Corruption Claims

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba — Shimba Theological Institute

Introduction: A Question of Divine Preservation and Consistency

One of the most significant theological questions in Christian-Muslim dialogue concerns the relationship between the Qur’an and the previous Scriptures.

Many Muslim apologists argue that the Torah and the Gospel were originally revelations from God but were later corrupted by human beings. They claim that the Qur’an came to restore the original message.

However, this position raises an important theological challenge:

If the Qur’an teaches that God protects His revelation, how can the same Qur’an support the idea that God's previous revelations were completely corrupted and lost?

If God is the Author of revelation, then divine preservation becomes a question of His faithfulness and sovereignty.

The issue is not merely about manuscripts. It is a deeper theological question:

Can God's revealed Word fail before reaching the people for whom it was given?

1. The Qur’an Presents God as the Protector of Revelation

The Qur’an declares:

“Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder, and indeed We will be its Guardian.”
Qur’an 15:9

Many Muslim scholars understand this verse as a declaration of divine protection of revelation.

The theological question is:

If Allah protects His revelation, why would He allow the Torah and the Gospel—also described as His revelations—to become corrupted before the arrival of the Qur’an?

If God's protection applies only to the Qur’an, then another question arises:

Why would God preserve one revelation but allow His earlier revelations to become unreliable?

A consistent theology must explain why divine preservation would apply selectively.

2. The Qur’an Calls the Torah and Gospel “Revelation from Allah”

The Qur’an does not describe the Torah and Gospel as human books.

It says:

“Indeed, We revealed the Torah, in which was guidance and light.”
Qur’an 5:44

And:

“And We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light.”
Qur’an 5:46

The Qur’an therefore presents these Scriptures as originating from God.

The challenge is:

If the Torah and Gospel were God's guidance and light, at what point did God allow His guidance and light to become corrupted?

The Qur’an does not identify a historical moment when the text itself was lost or replaced.

3. The Qur’an Commands the People of the Gospel to Judge by the Gospel

One of the strongest theological challenges is found in Qur’an 5:47:

“Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein.”

This command assumes that the Gospel existed and was accessible to Christians.

The question is unavoidable:

How can Allah command Christians to judge according to the Gospel if the Gospel had already been corrupted and could no longer be trusted?

If the Gospel was corrupted:

Which Gospel should Christians follow?
Which verses were still authentic?
How would they know the difference?
Where does the Qur’an provide a correction list identifying the corrupted passages?

Without such guidance, the command becomes difficult to understand.

4. The Qur’an Commands the People of the Book to Uphold the Torah and Gospel

Qur’an 5:68 states:

“O People of the Book, you have no ground until you uphold the Torah and the Gospel…”

This statement presents the Torah and Gospel as meaningful sources of divine authority.

The theological question:

Why would Allah command people to uphold Scriptures that had supposedly been corrupted beyond recognition?

If a document has lost its original message, it cannot serve as a foundation for judgment.

5. The Qur’an Describes Itself as Confirming Previous Scriptures

The Qur’an states:

“And We have revealed to you the Book in truth, confirming what was before it of the Scripture…”
Qur’an 5:48

The word “confirming” (muṣaddiq) is important.

The Qur’an presents itself as standing in continuity with previous revelation.

The challenge:

How can one revelation confirm another revelation while also claiming that the previous revelation is no longer reliable?

Confirmation requires something real to be confirmed.

A completely corrupted Scripture cannot function as a trustworthy witness.

6. Distorting Scripture Is Different From Corrupting Scripture

The Qur’an accuses some People of the Book of distortion:

“They distort words from their proper places.”
Qur’an 4:46

And:

“They distort words from their places and have forgotten a portion of what they were reminded of.”
Qur’an 5:13

However, these passages describe the actions of people, not necessarily the destruction of the written revelation itself.

There is a difference between:

A. Corruption of interpretation:
People twist, hide, or misuse God's Word.

B. Corruption of the text:
The actual words of Scripture are changed and the original revelation disappears.

The question:

Does the Qur’an accuse people of misunderstanding revelation, or does it explicitly state that God's written revelation was completely altered?

7. The Problem of Divine Consistency

The claim that the Bible was corrupted creates a theological dilemma.

If Allah allowed the Torah and Gospel to become corrupted, then:

Question One

Why did Allah command people to follow Scriptures that were no longer pure?

Question Two

Why did Allah not preserve His earlier revelations?

Question Three

If human beings were able to corrupt God's revelation before, what prevents human beings from corrupting the understanding of later revelation?

Question Four

Why would God send a final revelation to correct a problem that He had the power to prevent?

8. Historical Evidence and Biblical Transmission

The Bible has been preserved through thousands of ancient manuscripts.

Scholars recognize that copying manuscripts over centuries resulted in textual variations. However, these variations do not demonstrate that the biblical message was destroyed.

The manuscript tradition shows remarkable continuity across:

Languages,
Continents,
Historical periods.

The question:

If the Bible was completely corrupted, why do ancient manuscripts preserve the same central message about God's creation, human sin, God's covenant, the Messiah, and redemption?

9. The Central Debate Question

The heart of the discussion is this:

Is the claim that the Bible was corrupted actually based on the Qur’an itself, or is it a later theological explanation developed to reconcile differences between Islam and Christianity?

Because the Qur’an:

Calls the Torah and Gospel revelations from Allah.
Describes itself as confirming previous Scriptures.
Commands Christians to judge by the Gospel.
Commands the People of the Book to uphold their Scriptures.

Therefore, the claim of total biblical corruption appears to create tension with the Qur’an’s own testimony.

Conclusion: A Challenge for Theological Consistency

If God is the Author of revelation, then His Word cannot be treated as a failed message that humanity permanently lost.

The Qur’an’s own statements create a significant theological challenge for the claim that the Bible was corrupted.

The questions remain:

If Allah protected revelation, why would He allow His previous revelations to be corrupted?

If the Gospel was corrupted, why did Allah command Christians to judge by it?

If the Torah and Gospel were unreliable, why did the Qur’an affirm them as divine revelation?

A serious theological discussion must begin not with assumptions, but with the internal consistency of the claims being made.

Truth must be examined through revelation, history, and reason.

Dr. Maxwell Shimba

Shimba Theological Institute
Defending Biblical Truth Through Scholarly Theology and Apologetic Dialogue

🌿 HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER 🌿

🌿 HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER 🌿

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." — Psalm 118:1–8

Every new day is another reminder that God's goodness has not run out. His mercy has not expired. His love has not diminished. The same God who carried His people through the wilderness, strengthened David in battle, and raised Jesus Christ from the dead is still faithful today.

Life will bring seasons of pressure, disappointment, uncertainty, and pain. There will be moments when people fail you, opportunities disappear, and fear tries to overwhelm your heart. Yet Psalm 118 gives us an unshakable promise: when we cry out to the Lord, He hears us and brings us into a spacious place of hope, peace, and victory.

The psalmist boldly declares:

"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"

What powerful confidence! The believer's courage does not come from personal strength, wealth, influence, or human connections. Our confidence comes from the presence of God Himself. When the Almighty stands with you, no obstacle is greater than His power, and no enemy is stronger than His hand.

In a world that encourages us to place our trust in people, politics, money, or our own abilities, God's Word reminds us of an eternal truth:

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans."

People may disappoint us, but God never will. Human promises may be broken, but God's covenant stands forever. Circumstances may change, but His love never changes.

Today, choose gratitude over complaining.
Choose faith over fear.
Choose trust over anxiety.
Choose God over every false security this world offers.

Whatever you are facing today, remember this: God's love endures forever. His presence goes before you, His grace sustains you, and His promises remain true. If He is your refuge, you already possess the greatest security imaginable.

May your heart overflow with thanksgiving, your faith remain steadfast, and your life become a testimony of God's unfailing goodness.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."

— Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

#GiveThanks #GodIsGood #HisLoveEnduresForever #TrustInTheLord #FaithOverFear #JesusChrist #Hope #ChristianFaith #Bible #DrMaxwellShimba #ShimbaTheologicalInstitute

FROM A PRISON CELL TO A GLOBAL MISSION: HOW GOD USED PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT IN CAESAREA

FROM A PRISON CELL TO A GLOBAL MISSION: HOW GOD USED PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT IN CAESAREA

A Theological Inspiration News Article

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

Many people view imprisonment as the end of a person's purpose. Scripture reveals a different reality. In God's sovereign plan, prison can become a platform, suffering can become a testimony, and apparent defeat can become the pathway to worldwide influence.

The Apostle Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea, recorded in Acts 23–26, is one of the clearest demonstrations that God's purposes cannot be chained.

Following his arrest in Jerusalem, a conspiracy involving more than forty men sought to assassinate Paul. Yet God intervened through His providence. Roman authorities transferred Paul under heavy military protection to Caesarea, preserving the life of the apostle whom Christ had chosen to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles.

For approximately two years, Paul remained in Roman custody under Governor Felix and later Governor Festus. Most scholars believe he was detained within Herod's Praetorium, the governor's palace overlooking the Mediterranean coast.

From a human perspective, these years may have appeared unproductive. Yet from heaven's perspective, they were years of extraordinary ministry.

Although deprived of his freedom, Paul was not deprived of his mission.

He continued receiving visitors, strengthening believers, defending the Christian faith, and proclaiming Jesus Christ before some of the most powerful political figures of his generation. Governors Felix and Festus, military commanders, and King Agrippa II all heard the Gospel from a prisoner whose true allegiance was to the King of Kings.

Paul's life demonstrates a profound theological truth:

God is not limited by human circumstances.

The Kingdom of God advances through faithful witnesses, whether they stand behind pulpits or behind prison walls.

Rather than allowing bitterness to define him, Paul transformed his imprisonment into an opportunity for evangelism. His chains became a testimony of Christ's faithfulness rather than a symbol of defeat.

When King Agrippa heard Paul's defense, he famously responded:

"Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." (Acts 26:28, KJV)

Even while standing trial, Paul remained more concerned about the eternal destiny of his judges than about his own release.

Eventually, Paul exercised his legal right as a Roman citizen and appealed his case to Caesar. This appeal fulfilled God's earlier promise that Paul would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). What appeared to be a legal setback became the very means by which God carried His servant to the heart of the Roman Empire.

The lesson for believers today is timeless.

Many Christians experience seasons of confinement—whether through illness, persecution, disappointment, injustice, or circumstances beyond their control. Yet Paul's example reminds us that God often accomplishes His greatest work during the seasons we least understand.

Your prison may become your pulpit.

Your trial may become your testimony.

Your waiting season may become God's preparation for a greater assignment.

The Gospel has never depended upon comfortable circumstances. It advances through faithful servants who trust Christ regardless of where they are.

Paul entered Caesarea in chains, but the Word of God remained free.

His body was confined, but the Gospel crossed palace walls, reached governors and kings, and ultimately traveled to Rome, fulfilling the sovereign purpose of God.

May every believer remember that no prison can imprison God's promises, no courtroom can silence His truth, and no chain can restrain the power of the Gospel.

"The word of God is not bound." — 2 Timothy 2:9 (KJV)

Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

Suggested hashtags:
#DrMaxwellShimba #ShimbaTheologicalInstitute #ApostlePaul #Acts #Caesarea #BibleHistory #ChristianFaith #Theology #Gospel #JesusChrist #BiblicalInspiration #ChristianLeadership #FaithUnderFire #WordOfGod #Israel #BibleStudy

WHY DOES THE QUR'AN DEPEND ON THE BIBLE FOR VERIFICATION?

WHY DOES THE QUR'AN DEPEND ON THE BIBLE FOR VERIFICATION?

A Theological Challenge to Islamic Claims

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

The Qur'an presents itself as a revelation from Allah, yet throughout its pages it repeatedly appeals to the earlier Scriptures—the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospel—as authoritative witnesses. This raises a fundamental theological question:

If the Bible is reliable enough to authenticate the Qur'an, why is it rejected when it contradicts the Qur'an?

This is not merely a historical question; it is a question of logical consistency.

THE CHALLENGE

1. If the Torah and the Gospel were corrupted before Muhammad, why does the Qur'an repeatedly appeal to them?

The Qur'an states:

"He has sent down upon you the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel before as guidance for mankind."
(Surah 3:3–4)

Question:

If these books had already been corrupted, how could they serve as divine confirmation of a later revelation?

A corrupted standard cannot authenticate another book.

2. Why does the Qur'an command Christians to judge by the Gospel?

The Qur'an declares:

"Let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein."
(Surah 5:47)

This command creates an unavoidable dilemma.

If the Gospel had already been corrupted:

Why command Christians to follow it?
Why not command them to abandon it?
Why direct them to a book that supposedly contains false doctrine?

A perfect God would never instruct people to judge by a corrupted revelation.

3. Why was Muhammad instructed to consult the people of the earlier Scriptures?

The Qur'an says:

"If you are in doubt concerning what We have revealed to you, ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you."
(Surah 10:94)

This is one of the most remarkable verses in the Qur'an.

Muhammad is told to seek confirmation from those who already possessed the previous Scriptures.

Question:

If those Scriptures had been corrupted, why would Allah direct His prophet to consult them?

Would God confirm truth by appealing to corrupted documents?

4. Why does the Qur'an call Jews and Christians "People of the Book"?

Throughout the Qur'an, Jews and Christians are consistently called People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab).

Notice what the Qur'an does not say.

It never calls them:

People of the Corrupted Book
People of the Altered Scripture
People of the False Gospel

Instead, it continues recognizing them as custodians of God's revelation.

Why?

5. Where does the Qur'an explicitly say the text of the Bible was changed?

This question deserves an honest answer.

Muslim apologists frequently argue that the Bible was textually corrupted.

Yet the Qur'an itself never plainly states:

"The Torah has been rewritten."

"The Gospel text has been corrupted."

Instead, the Qur'an accuses certain individuals of:

concealing truth,
twisting words,
misrepresenting Scripture,
speaking falsely.

These accusations concern people, not necessarily the preservation of the biblical text itself.

Misinterpretation is not identical to textual corruption.

6. If Allah promised to preserve His revelation, how could the Torah and Gospel become corrupted?

The Qur'an repeatedly teaches that God's words cannot be changed.

For example:

"There is no changing the words of Allah."
(Surah 6:34; see also 6:115 and 18:27.)

If God's words cannot be altered,

then how could His earlier revelations become corrupted?

Either:

Allah failed to preserve His revelation,

the earlier Scriptures remained trustworthy.

Both cannot be true simultaneously.

7. Why does the Qur'an say it confirms previous Scripture instead of correcting it?

The Qur'an repeatedly uses the Arabic word muṣaddiq ("confirming").

It does not primarily describe itself as replacing or correcting the Bible.

It says it confirms it.

Confirmation assumes an existing trustworthy document.

You do not "confirm" a corrupted book.

8. If the Bible is trustworthy where it agrees with the Qur'an, why is it rejected where it disagrees?

Many Muslims quote the Bible whenever it appears to support Islamic beliefs.

Yet when the Bible teaches:

Jesus is the eternal Word (John 1:1–14),
Jesus is the Son of God,
Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3–4),
Christ rose bodily from the dead,
salvation comes through Christ alone (John 14:6),

the response is often:

"The Bible has been corrupted."

This creates a theological double standard.

A document cannot be reliable only when it agrees with one's beliefs and unreliable whenever it challenges them.

Truth must be accepted consistently.

THE HISTORICAL EVIDENCE

The Bible existed centuries before Muhammad.

Thousands of Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, Latin, and Coptic manuscripts existed before the seventh century.

These manuscripts overwhelmingly preserve the same central message concerning:

the deity of Christ,
His crucifixion,
His resurrection,
salvation through Him.

There is no historical evidence showing a worldwide corruption of every biblical manuscript before the rise of Islam.

THE CENTRAL QUESTION

If the Qur'an appeals to the Torah...

If it appeals to the Gospel...

If it commands Christians to judge by the Gospel...

If it directs Muhammad to consult the people who possessed those Scriptures...

Then why should those Scriptures suddenly become unreliable whenever they disagree with later Islamic teachings?

This remains one of the greatest theological challenges facing the Islamic doctrine of biblical corruption.

THE BIBLE'S CONSISTENT TESTIMONY

The Bible proclaims one unified message:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
(John 1:1)

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
(John 1:14)

"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures... He was buried... and He was raised on the third day."
(1 Corinthians 15:3–4)

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
(John 14:6)

This message existed long before the Qur'an and remains unchanged in the earliest extant biblical manuscripts.

CONCLUSION

The Qur'an repeatedly acknowledges the Torah and the Gospel as revelations from God and appeals to them for confirmation. It directs the People of the Gospel to judge by their Scriptures and even instructs Muhammad, in the event of doubt, to consult those who possessed the earlier revelation.

From a Christian apologetic perspective, this presents a significant theological challenge. If the earlier Scriptures were sufficiently trustworthy to verify the Qur'an, then they should also be accepted when they testify that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, crucified, risen, and the only Savior of the world.

WHO ARE CHRISTIANS?

The Faith of Abraham Is the Faith of Every True Believer

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba

The word Christian was first used in Acts 11:26 to describe the disciples of Jesus Christ. But the story of God's people did not begin in Antioch. It began with God's eternal plan of redemption, fulfilled in Jesus Christ—the promised Messiah.

Jesus declared one of the most profound truths ever spoken:

"Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)

With these words, Jesus identified Himself with the eternal "I AM" revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14). He is not merely a great teacher or prophet. He is the eternal Word of God.

The Apostle John confirms this truth:

"All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (John 1:3)

Then comes the greatest miracle in history:

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14)

The Creator entered His own creation. God became man in the person of Jesus Christ to accomplish our salvation.

The Father Himself testified concerning His Son at Jesus' baptism:

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)

This divine testimony leaves no room for doubt about Christ's unique identity.

Jesus also declared:

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." (John 8:56)

Abraham looked forward by faith to God's promised Redeemer. His faith was not in his own works but in God's promise.

The Apostle Paul explains:

"Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:3)

That same principle remains true today.

"Just as Abraham 'believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness'... those who are of faith are sons of Abraham." (Galatians 3:6–9)

The Old Testament saints looked forward to the coming Messiah. New Testament believers look back to the Messiah who has already come. Yet both are saved by the same grace, through the same faith, in the same Savior.

Christianity, therefore, did not invent a new God or a new way of salvation. It proclaims the fulfillment of God's eternal promise in Jesus Christ.

A Christian is one who believes that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the promised Messiah, the Creator who became flesh, died for our sins, rose from the dead, and offers eternal life to everyone who believes in Him.

Those who receive Him receive eternal life.

Those who reject Him reject the very "I AM" whom Abraham believed and worshipped.

Today, the invitation remains open to every nation, tribe, and language:

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

Soli Deo Gloria.

WHO CAME INTO THE WORLD FIRST—JESUS OR HIS MOTHER?

The Eternal Preexistence of Jesus Christ

A Biblical and Theological Response

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

Introduction

A common question is asked: Who came into existence first, Jesus or His mother Mary?

If we are speaking about Jesus' human birth, Mary existed before Jesus was conceived in her womb (Luke 1:31). However, if we are speaking about the Person of Jesus Christ, Scripture teaches that Jesus existed eternally before Mary, before Abraham, before Adam, and before the creation of the universe.

The Bible does not present Jesus as merely a man who began His existence in Bethlehem. Rather, He is revealed as the eternal Son of God who entered human history through the virgin Mary.

This distinction is essential to orthodox Christian theology.

1. Jesus Existed Before Mary

Mary was created by God.

Jesus is the Creator.

Mary received life from God.

Jesus is the Giver of life.

The angel announced that Mary would conceive Jesus:

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS."
—Luke 1:31 (KJV)

This passage speaks about Christ's human conception, not the beginning of His existence.

Jesus did not begin to exist in Mary's womb.

He simply took on human flesh.

John declares:

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us..."
—John 1:14

Notice carefully:

The Word became flesh.

The Word did not begin to exist.

2. Jesus Is the Eternal Word

John opens his Gospel by taking us beyond Bethlehem and beyond Genesis.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
—John 1:1

Three truths appear immediately:

The Word already existed.
The Word was with God.
The Word is God.

The Greek verb ēn ("was") describes continuous existence.

John deliberately avoids saying:

"In the beginning the Word came into existence."

Instead, he says:

"The Word already was."

This is the language of eternity.

3. Jesus Created Everything

John continues:

"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."
—John 1:3

Paul agrees:

"For by him were all things created..."
—Colossians 1:16–17

If Jesus created everything, then Mary belongs among the created order.

Therefore, Jesus existed before His mother.

The Creator cannot be younger than His own creation.

4. Abraham Saw Christ

One of the strongest statements made by Jesus appears in John 8.

Jesus said:

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad."
—John 8:56

The Jews were astonished.

They replied:

"Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?"
—John 8:57

Jesus answered with one of the greatest declarations in Scripture:

"Before Abraham was, I AM."
—John 8:58

Notice He did not say,

"Before Abraham was, I was."

He declared,

"I AM."

This is the divine name revealed to Moses.

5. Jesus Identified Himself as Yahweh

When Moses asked God's name,

God answered:

"I AM THAT I AM."
—Exodus 3:14

Jesus deliberately used this same divine title.

His audience immediately understood His claim.

The next verse says:

"Then took they up stones to cast at him."
—John 8:59

Why?

Because they recognized that Jesus was claiming equality with God.

6. Jesus Appeared Before His Incarnation

Throughout the Old Testament, the Son of God appeared before becoming flesh.

Examples include:

The Angel of the LORD speaking with Hagar (Genesis 16)
The Angel of the LORD appearing to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3)
The Commander of the LORD's army appearing to Joshua (Joshua 5)
The Fourth Man in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3)

These appearances are commonly understood in Christian theology as pre-incarnate manifestations of Christ (Christophanies).

7. Jesus Shared Glory Before Creation

Jesus prayed:

"And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."
—John 17:5

Only someone who existed before creation could make such a statement.

8. Jesus Came Down from Heaven

Jesus repeatedly declared His heavenly origin.

"For I came down from heaven..."
—John 6:38

Again,

"Ye are from beneath; I am from above."
—John 8:23

No prophet ever claimed this.

No angel ever claimed this.

Only Jesus.

9. The Prophecy of Micah

Hundreds of years before Christ's birth, Micah wrote:

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah... out of thee shall he come forth... whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."
—Micah 5:2

The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

Yet His origins are from everlasting.

10. Jesus Is Before All Things

Paul writes:

"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
—Colossians 1:17

This is not merely chronological priority.

It is supremacy and eternal existence.

11. Jesus Is the Alpha and Omega

Christ declares:

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending..."
—Revelation 1:8

And again:

"I am the first and the last."
—Revelation 22:13

Only the eternal God can truthfully make this claim.

12. Mary Herself Worshiped God as Her Savior

Mary never claimed to be eternal.

Instead she confessed:

"My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."
—Luke 1:47

Mary acknowledged that she, like every other human being, needed salvation.

She was honored among women because God chose her to bear the incarnate Messiah, but she herself was a created servant of God.

Theological Conclusion

The biblical evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that Jesus Christ existed long before His mother Mary.

Mary gave birth to Jesus according to His human nature.

She did not originate His divine nature.

Jesus is the eternal Son of God who entered human history through the virgin birth.

As the church confessed throughout history, the incarnation means that the eternal Word assumed a true human nature without ceasing to be God.

Therefore:

Jesus existed before Mary.
Jesus existed before Abraham.
Jesus existed before Moses.
Jesus existed before Adam.
Jesus existed before creation.
Jesus is the eternal "I AM."

As Jesus Himself declared:

"Before Abraham was, I AM."
—John 8:58 (KJV)

This confession remains one of the clearest biblical affirmations of Christ's eternal preexistence and full deity.

SHARIA LAW AND THE WEST: A THEOLOGICAL AND CIVILIZATIONAL ANALYSIS

SHARIA LAW AND THE WEST: A THEOLOGICAL AND CIVILIZATIONAL ANALYSIS

Why Sharia Is Incompatible with the Biblical Foundation of Western Freedom

By Shimba Theological Institute

Introduction

The relationship between Sharia law and Western democratic societies has become one of the defining legal and theological debates of the twenty-first century. While many Muslims view Sharia as divine guidance governing religious and personal life, many Christians, constitutional scholars, and advocates of religious liberty argue that the comprehensive implementation of classical Sharia is fundamentally incompatible with societies built upon freedom of conscience, equal citizenship under civil law, and constitutional government.

This article examines the issue from a biblical and theological perspective.

What Is Sharia?

Sharia (Arabic: "the way") refers to the body of Islamic religious law derived primarily from the Qur'an, the Hadith (traditions attributed to Muhammad), and classical Islamic jurisprudence developed by various legal schools.

Muslims differ significantly in how they understand and apply Sharia. For many, it primarily concerns personal devotion and ethics. Others advocate for a broader role in public law and government. Because interpretations vary, discussions of Sharia should avoid treating all Muslims as holding identical views.

The Biblical View of Government

The Bible teaches that civil government exists to promote justice, restrain evil, and protect society—not to compel genuine faith.

Romans 13:1–4 teaches that governing authorities are servants of God to punish wrongdoing and maintain order.

Jesus also distinguished between civil authority and God's kingdom:

"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21)

Christ's kingdom advances through the proclamation of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, not through coercion.

Jesus declared:

"My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36)

Biblical Faith Cannot Be Forced

Christianity teaches that authentic faith is a response of the heart to God's grace.

Jesus invited people to follow Him:

"If any man will come after me..." (Matthew 16:24)

Joshua challenged Israel:

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve." (Joshua 24:15)

Scripture consistently presents faith as a voluntary response rather than one produced by legal compulsion.

Freedom of Conscience

The New Testament recognizes that people possess moral responsibility before God.

Paul writes:

"Every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12)

Likewise:

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17)

From this perspective, freedom of conscience is not merely a political value but reflects human accountability before God.

Why Many Western Societies Resist Religious Legal Systems

Modern constitutional democracies generally rest upon several principles:

Freedom of religion
Equality before civil law
Freedom of speech
Independent courts
Protection of religious minorities
Separation between religious institutions and state authority

Many legal scholars argue that a comprehensive religious legal code administered by the state can conflict with these constitutional principles when it governs all citizens regardless of belief.

Sin Is a Matter of the Heart

The Bible teaches that external law alone cannot transform human nature.

Jesus said:

"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts..." (Mark 7:21–23)

Jeremiah declared:

"The heart is deceitful above all things." (Jeremiah 17:9)

The gospel addresses the root of sin through the new birth.

Jesus taught:

"Ye must be born again." (John 3:3)

The Christian Solution

The New Testament does not present political power as the means of establishing God's kingdom.

Instead, believers are called to:

preach the gospel,
make disciples,
love their neighbors,
defend justice,
care for the vulnerable, and
pray for governing authorities (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

The transformation of society begins with transformed hearts.

A Call to Love Muslims

Christians are commanded to love all people, including Muslims.

Jesus taught:

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you..." (Matthew 5:44)

Critiquing ideas or legal systems should never become hatred toward individuals. Every Muslim, like every human being, bears the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and is worthy of dignity and respect.

Christians should engage Muslims with truth, compassion, humility, and the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

From a biblical perspective, salvation does not come through religious law but through Jesus Christ.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith..." (Ephesians 2:8–9)

The New Testament presents the gospel—not coercion—as God's means of changing lives. Christians are therefore called to defend freedom of conscience, proclaim Christ faithfully, and treat all people with love while thoughtfully evaluating legal and political systems in light of biblical teaching.

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

Shimba Theological Institute
Equipping Believers Through Biblical Scholarship and Christ-Centered Apologetics

Do Mountains Prevent Earthquakes?

A Theological and Scientific Examination of the Qur'anic Claim

Questions and Challenges for Academic Debate

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba

Abstract

Several Qur'anic passages describe mountains as being placed on the earth "lest it should shake" or as "stakes" (awtād). Muslim apologists frequently argue that these verses anticipated modern geology by describing mountains as stabilizing the earth through deep roots. This article critically examines these claims from both scientific and theological perspectives. It asks whether the Qur'an actually presents a scientifically accurate understanding of mountains and earthquakes or reflects the cosmological assumptions common in the seventh-century Near East. The study concludes that while mountains possess deep crustal roots due to isostasy, modern geology demonstrates that mountains do not prevent earthquakes. Instead, the world's largest earthquakes commonly occur where mountains are actively forming.

Introduction

One of the most frequently cited "scientific miracles" of the Qur'an concerns mountains. Muslim apologists often argue that the Qur'an anticipated plate tectonics by describing mountains as pegs or stakes anchoring the earth.

The principal passages include:

Surah 21:31
"And We placed firmly set mountains upon the earth, lest it should shake with them."

Surah 16:15
"He cast into the earth firm mountains lest it should shake with you."

Surah 31:10
"He cast upon the earth firm mountains lest it should shake with you."

Surah 78:6–7
"Have We not made the earth as a resting place and the mountains as stakes?"

Surah 88:19
"...and at the mountains, how they were set up."

These verses raise an important scientific question:

Do mountains actually prevent the earth from shaking?

The Qur'anic Claim

The repeated language suggests a clear causal relationship.

The reasoning appears to be:

God placed mountains.
Mountains prevent the earth from shaking.
Therefore mountains stabilize the earth.

Many classical Muslim commentators understood the verses literally.

Examples include:

Mountains were placed so the earth would not move.
Mountains keep the earth fixed.
Mountains prevent instability.

Modern apologetics often reinterpret these verses through plate tectonics.

Modern Geological Science

Modern geology provides a very different explanation.

Earthquakes occur because of:

movement of tectonic plates
accumulation of stress
release of energy along faults

Mountains are generally produced by these same tectonic forces.

Examples include:

Himalayas
Andes
Alps
Zagros Mountains

Rather than preventing earthquakes, these mountain belts are among the most seismically active regions on Earth.

Where Do the Largest Earthquakes Occur?

Scientific data shows that major earthquakes occur precisely where mountain building is active.

Examples include:

Himalayas

The collision between India and Eurasia created:

Mount Everest
Himalayan Mountains

It also produces devastating earthquakes.

Examples:

Nepal 2015
Kashmir 2005

Andes

The Andes exist because the Nazca Plate subducts beneath South America.

This same process causes frequent large earthquakes.

Chile has experienced some of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded.

Japan

Japan's mountains are products of tectonic activity.

It experiences thousands of earthquakes annually.

Turkey

The Anatolian Plateau contains significant mountain ranges and remains highly earthquake-prone.

The devastating earthquakes of 2023 illustrate that mountains do not prevent seismic activity.

Scientific Problem

If mountains exist to prevent earthquakes,

why do the strongest earthquakes occur where mountains exist?

The observed evidence appears to contradict a straightforward reading of the Qur'anic description.

The "Mountain Peg" Argument

Muslim apologists often argue:

Mountains possess deep roots.

This is true.

Modern geology recognizes isostatic roots beneath many mountain ranges.

However,

having roots is not the same as preventing earthquakes.

The two concepts are unrelated.

Mountain roots result from crustal buoyancy and density differences, not from an anchoring mechanism that stops tectonic motion.

Plate Tectonics

Plate tectonics explains that:

mountains are created by plate movement
earthquakes result from plate movement
volcanoes result from plate movement

The same geological processes create all three.

Therefore mountains cannot simultaneously be the mechanism preventing the very forces that created them.

Scientific Consensus

Modern geology teaches:

Mountains:

✔ have deep crustal roots

✔ form through tectonic collision

✔ are continually uplifted

✔ often experience earthquakes

But they do not stop tectonic plates from moving.

Historical Cosmology

Many historians of science note that ancient Near Eastern cultures commonly imagined mountains as stabilizing the earth.

Similar concepts appear in various ancient traditions.

From this perspective, the Qur'anic language may reflect the cosmological understanding familiar to its first audience rather than a technical description of geophysics.

Theological Reflection

From an Islamic theological perspective, many contemporary scholars argue that these verses are phenomenological or poetic, emphasizing God's providential ordering of creation rather than providing a scientific explanation of geology. They may contend that the language communicates stability in a general sense rather than claiming that mountains literally prevent earthquakes.

Critics, however, respond that the repeated wording ("lest it should shake with you") naturally suggests a causal function, raising questions about whether modern reinterpretations read later scientific concepts back into the text.

This difference illustrates an important hermeneutical debate: whether these verses should be interpreted as scientific statements or as theological descriptions using the language and worldview of their original audience.

Questions for Academic Debate

The following questions may be explored in scholarly dialogue:

Does the Qur'an explicitly teach that mountains were placed to prevent the earth from shaking?
If so, how does this claim relate to modern geology, which attributes earthquakes to tectonic plate movement?
Why are many of the world's most active earthquake zones located in major mountain belts?
Does the description of mountains as "stakes" correspond to the geological concept of crustal roots, or is this an example of retrospective interpretation?
Were classical Muslim commentators interpreting these verses in the same way as modern scientific apologists?
Should these passages be understood literally, metaphorically, or phenomenologically?
If the verses are primarily theological rather than scientific, is it appropriate to present them as evidence of scientific foreknowledge?

Conclusion

The Qur'anic passages concerning mountains have generated significant discussion in both theology and science. Modern geology confirms that many mountains possess deep crustal roots, but it does not support the claim that mountains prevent earthquakes. Instead, mountains are typically products of tectonic activity, and the regions where they form are often among the most seismically active on Earth.

Whether these Qur'anic verses should be understood as literal scientific descriptions, poetic theological language, or reflections of the ancient worldview remains a matter of interpretation. Any claim that they constitute a precise scientific prediction should be evaluated carefully in light of contemporary geological evidence and the history of Qur'anic interpretation.

Selected Scientific References

Kearey, P., Klepeis, K. A., & Vine, F. J. Global Tectonics (3rd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Press, F., & Siever, R. Understanding Earth. W. H. Freeman.
Tarbuck, E. J., Lutgens, F. K., & Tasa, D. Earth Science. Pearson.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Earthquake Hazards Program.
Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Plate Tectonics" and "Mountain Formation."