by Vanessa M.
Have you ever watched a simple conversation about religious differences turn into a heated debate about who is right and who is wrong? Sometimes it can be hard to remember that there are many reasons why people choose their religious paths, or, alhamdulillah, why Allah (swt) has chosen us to become followers of Islam.
Constructive Conversations
I recently had the pleasure of having a few constructive conversations with a Christian about the similarities and differences in our religions. Being a revert, I have often answered questions about why I chose Islam or about some of the different aspects of Allah’s (swt) religion (for example, why we pray five times a day, why we don’t eat pork, and what fasting is all about), but never before was I questioned in depth about my belief and challenged as to why and how Islam is the true religion.
Not So Different After All
There were three main points that we differed on, and with a little research, I was able to find that some of the differences aren’t really so different after all when comparing the Bible and Quran.
1. I pray to Jesus. He is God’s Son. Jesus is God.
There are many Christians who believe that Jesus is the son of God, and also that Jesus is a manifestation of God, who came to earth to cleanse men of their sins. Unfortunately, this belief comes from generations of misinterpreted teachings.
In the Bible it is written in many places that Jesus, peace be upon him, himself pleads with the people to only worship God, and that God is the one to whom we will return.
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” [John 20:17]
And again:
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” [Matthew 4:10]
As believers in Allah (swt), we know that Jesus is the son of Mary, peace and blessings be upon them both. Jesus was a man who, by the power and will of almighty Allah (swt), was able to perform miracles. As in the Bible, Jesus also mentions in the Quran that he would dare not lead the people astray and command them to worship him.
And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, “O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, ‘Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah ?'” He will say, “Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen. [Quran, 5:116]
2. Eating Pork
The perspective on eating pork also brought discussion, and the defense was that if God created it, He would want for us to eat it. Looking into this, I found that the Bible does not condone the eating of pork.
I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens and making offerings on bricks; who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret places; who eat pig’s flesh, and broth of tainted meat is in their vessels. [Isaiah 65:2-4]
Allah (swt) warns us of the uncleanness of the flesh of swine, and even forbids the consumption unless it be dire to sustain life, just as the Bible comparably mentions swine as being impure and unclean, a sign of a rebellious people.
Say, “I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine – for indeed, it is impure . . .” [Quran, 6:145]
3. Who is Muhammad (saw) and how do you know he did not make up the Quran?
Many Christians believe that Jesus was the final prophet, since Muhammad was not directly mentioned by name in the Bible. There are however, clear proofs in the Bible that there would be another prophet following Jesus who would bring Allah’s (swt) last and final message.
I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. [Deuteronomy, 18:18]
And again:
And when they give the book to one who cannot read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot read.” [Isaiah 29:12]
Subhan allah! Only Allah (swt) could have known that, even before he knew himself, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) (despite his inability to read and write) would deliver His final and most important message in truth and purity. How is it that before the Quran was written and before the Prophet Muhammad’s time that mention of our beloved Prophet (saw) appeared in Allah’s other sacred books?
He (God) has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He (God) revealed the Torah and the Gospel (Bible). [Qura,n 3:3]
With just a little patience, understanding, and reading we can see that Allah (swt) is the mastermind, and it is humankind who has gone seriously astray. There is hope, inshaa Allah, that those who are misguided will find truth as Allah (swt) encompasses all into His mercy who seek it.
Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] – those who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve. [Quran, 2:62]
What I learned from this experience is that at times it is necessary to step out of our comfort zones by reading an unfamiliar scripture and understanding, finding translations, and finding the best way to convey the message while being patient and unwavering in our faith.
Allah (swt) is always testing us. He is the Hearer, Seer, and Knower of all things. So when it comes time for us to spread truth, let us do so with patience and kindness so that others can learn and fulfill their curiosities, and inshaa Allah perhaps you will be the cause of someone turning to Allah (swt) and accepting Islam, masha Allah!
But teach (thy Message) for teaching benefits the Believers. [Quran, 51:55]
Praying you will benefit.
Masha Allah. Very good indeed! 🙂 Jazakallau Khair
Jazakillah khayr sister for this compilation. It was very beneficial Alhamdulilah.
mashaAllah…lately, Allah made the dawa very easy for me. InshaAllah i would like to also use these pieces.
Yesterday before i gave dawa, this is what i said—close to what i said, “….So, did you look into religion? i used to be a catholic christian and my mom was a nun. me: Oh wow…that must have been hard on her. how did she have you then wasn’t she supposed to be alone? dude: yeah but she left.
ok, you have heard Islam before? Eazlam, yeah i have hard about it. Me: well, let me tell you that everything you have ever heard about Islam is false because you’d be a muslim now. Dude face: surprised.
…….
Dude: i like this kind of conversation. Give me your number. Thank you thank you so much
The Quran were sent by Allah in two forms of verses. MUHAKAMAT and MUTASHABIHAT . Very clear in meaning and would be no changes till the world comes to an end. The other type of verses is suitable to all seasons and time till end of this world and to understand the meaning of this type of verses, one must refer to the sayings of the last prophet of the world Muhammad (peace be upon him). If no reference to the Hadith of our last prophet of Allah, but use our brain to interpret, then Jahannam is waiting for such person as mentioned in Surah Al-Bayyinah 1-6. The Satan will whisper and give the interpretation when one had no prevention of the unseen enemy which Allah had given us the prevention to request the two verses at least once a day (Surah Al-Mukminun 97-98). Some stupid Muslim found LA ILA HA ILL LALLAH in one of the Chapter of the Quran but failed to find MUHAMMAD DAR RASUL LULLAH in another Surah. The first pillar of Islam is the two Kalimah Syahadah. THERE IS NO SUPREME BEING EXCEPT ALLAH AND MUHAMMAD IS THE RASUL OF ALLAH.
The prophet mentioned that he had 73 group of followers, only one group of follower will enter Jannah. The other 72 groups choose An Narr, One of the 72 groups exist in Malaysia and preached not to mention the second part of the Syahadah and claimed that they belong to the 73 group of followers. The group did not come across the verse that mentioned what the prophet said is from Allah and not from his thinking. They ignore the verse what the Rasul advised to prevent and to follow the encouragement to perform certain deeds. They follow the Satan which believed in One God but did not follow Allah’s commandment to bow down to Prophet ADAM. Visit Malaysia Year 2014 and stick to group 73 to enter Paradise of Allah.Salam from Muhammad Razale.
Masha’Allah
Alhamdu lillah rabl alaaamiiin. i am satisfied
When I was about to convert I found the videos of Ahmed Deedat. He compared Quran and Bible too and destroyed all misconceptions, mashallah. So if anybody needs more insight in this subject, his books and lectures are really helpfull
Alhamdulillah constructive conversation may we all benefit Ameen
Alhamdu lilah..
Assalaamu Alaikum and جزاك اللهُ خيراً for this informative and valuable article. May Allah SWT guide us all. Ameen.
JazzakaAllaKhayr,this is a constructive comparative analysis that clealy showcase different between right way &left…..,!.more grace to elbow.
masha Allah
Wow you have twisted almost every verse in the bible, for example Deuteronomy 18.18 is not saying anything about a prophet after Jesus because it’s in the Old Testament,
It’s simply saying a prophet will “speak my words from his mouth” now since this is said in the old testament( before Jesus) it clearly means that god is refering to Jesus.