The Koran - In conclusion

Our journey through the Koran has taken us eight months and has covered one hundred and thirty six posts. I began this project to better understand Islam, its teachings and its followers. I also wanted to see for myself what the Koran had to say and to make my own determination pertaining to Muhammad and his Koran. Through this series we have looked at the similarities between Islam and Christianity, considered the historical context through which this new religion was born, examined the historical record as contained in the Koran, and finally compared the teachings of Muhammad with the teachings of Moses, Jesus, and His disciples. Still the fundamental questions remain: Was Muhammad a prophet of God and is the Koran the inerrant, word-for-word copy, of the divine book of God?

To answer best this question, let's first consider who Muhammad was and who he claimed to be, Muhammad claimed to be a prophet in the likes of, and in succession to, Moses and Jesus. However, and more importantly, he claimed to be a messenger, and apostle, bring a new revelation, a new message from God, and a commission to establish anew the pure religion of God to mankind. As an apostle, he demanded strict and absolute obedience and fealty to himself and his message, but should we accept his claim of being a divine messenger from God?

Historically, the apostles and messengers who  brought with them a new message and a new religion from God did so with signs and wonders to validate and succor their claim of their divine mission. Moses performed many miracles before Pharaoh and the Israelites. Jesus also performed miracles, even the raising of the dead, for which He challenged the people, "If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father." (John 10:37-38) Finally, the Apostles of Jesus also demonstrated the reality of their message with signs and wonders of which it was written, "After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will." (Hebrews 2:3-4) However, Muhammad gives us no miracles, no signs and wonders, no evidence of his apostleship other than his own word, nor is there anyone who can corroborate that God actually spoke to Muhammad as those did who heard God speak to Jesus. "So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, 'An angel has spoken to Him.' Jesus answered and said, 'This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes.'" (John 12:29-30)

Similarly, we must consider the nature of Muhammad including his morality and inclination for war. Muhammad was a man of an intense sexual appetite. He has fourteen wives including an unspecified number of concubine and slaves at his disposal, including one wife who was only nine when he married her. While Muhammad was not the first to have multiple wives, he was the first to use his prophetic claims to justify his many wives and to rebuke the jealousy of one wife who complained against his preference for another. He was also the first in the Abrahamic stream to claim a direct word of God justifying and pronouncing polygamy both normal, permitted, and divinely inspired. How different is Muhammad's idea of marriage from that of the first marriage instituted by God. "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth'" (Genesis 1:27-28)

Muhammad, while starting out as a reformer, ended up being a man of war, a man of conquest, and the sheder of much blood. His method of evangelism and the conversion of the infidels was through force, compulsion, and open war. Again, Islam is not the only religion to resort to force to convert the unbelievers, but it is unique among other Abrahamic religion to claim God's sanction on such methods. While Israel did use warfare to claim their inheritance from God, they claimed no commission from God to concur the world and the surrounding nations to the faith of their God and to force them into compliance to their religion and laws. How different was Muhammad's motives and methods to those of Jesus when, in response to a city of Samaria refusing Him entrance and His disciples request for His permission to call down fire upon them, He said simply, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." (Luke 9:55-56)

Finally, we must consider the Muhammad's greatest contribution to Islam, the Koran. Muhammad's claim of being a prophet rises and falls upon our estimation of the Koran and whether or not we believe it to be the word of God or merely the words and imaginations of Muhammad. In judging the Koran, we first must judge it based on what it has to say about itself. The Koran claims to be the continuation of the revelations given in the Law and the Gospel. It claims to both conform and confirm what was written before. This gives us a simple test as to whether or not the Koran was divinely inspired of or mere human origin. Any deviation or contradiction of the Law or Gospel is enough to condemn the Koran as a mere human production, as not being the very word of God, and as proving that Muhammad was not the prophet as he claimed to be. In judging the Koran, we have looked at the historical accounts recorded in the Koran and the various doctrines it teaches. In almost every case where the Koran recounts a historical event that is also recorded in the Jewish scriptures, the Koran gets it wrong! Similarly, there are many doctrinal teachings that differ and contradict the teachings of Moses, Jesus, and His apostles. Clearly the Koran fails at its own claims to be consistent and conformant to the ancient Jewish and Christian writings. Clearly, based on this evidence alone, we can conclude that the Koran is not the word of God and Muhammad was not the prophet of God he claimed to be.

This is my final conclusion of the evidence provided against the claims of Muhammad and the Koran. I hope you have enjoyed this series and have learned something that will help you better understand the world we live in, the Muslim religion, and the Muslim people themselves. I would very much enjoy hearing your thoughts and comments on this matter as well. Feel free to comment here, like my Facebook page and comment there, or e-mail me directly.

David Robison

Doctrine - The paradise of Islam - The Houris

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

Probably the most interesting creatures of all of Paradise are the Houris. The Houris are beautiful maidens created for the pleasure of men. Rodwell simply translates them as virgins with large dark eyes! Muhammad writes that, as we sit and enjoy the pleasures of our desires, there will not only be beautiful young youths serving us, but also beautiful virgins to attend to our more sensual and intimate needs.

"with them wide-eyed [large-eyed] maidens [with modest] restraining their glances as if they were hidden pearls [sheltered egg]." (Koran 37:46)

"and for the godfearing is a fair resort, Gardens of Eden, whereof the gates [portals] are open to them, wherein they recline, and wherein they call for fruits abundant, and sweet potions [drink], and with them [shall be virgins] maidens restraining their glances [modest retiring glances] of equal age [of their own age]." (Koran 38:50-52)

These women are not only provided for our visual enjoyment, but are also to become our spouses (assuming your a man, not sure what women get).

"Surely the godfearing [pious] shall be in a station secure among gardens and fountains, robed in silk and brocade [rich robes], set face to face [facing one another]. Even so; and We shall espouse them to wide-eyed houris [the virgins with large dark eyes], therein calling for every [kind of] fruit, secure." (Koran 44:51-55)

"Reclining upon couches ranged in rows; and We shall espouse [wed] them to wide-eyed houris [damsels with large dark eyes]." (Koran 52:20)

As to their appearance, we have already seen how they will be created as the same age as we are (Koran 38:52). The Koran further describes them as the most beautiful of all women.

"lovely as rubies [jacynths], beautiful as coral [pearls]" (Koran 55:58)

They are also described as being virgins, untouched by men or Djinn.

"therein maidens good and comely [in each, the fair, and beautiful ones]... houris [with large dark eyeballs], cloistered [kept close] in cool pavilions... untouched before them by any man or jinn... [their spouses] reclining upon [soft] green cushions and lovely druggets [carpets]" (Koran 55:70-76)

Notice also the intimation of this description: They are hidden away in a cool and inviting places, reclining on, and surrounded by, sensual furnishings, waiting for their spouses. Pure, perfect, spouses, waiting to spend their virginity upon those whom Allah has blessed. 

As to their feminine features, Muhammad simply describes them as "swelling".

"Surely for the godfearing awaits a place of security [a blissful abode], [enclosed] gardens and vineyards and maidens with swelling breasts, like of age [their peers in age], and a cup overflowing." (Koran 78:31-34)

What is most amassing is that, these Houris, are created for this very purpose; to meet and serve the sensual and sexual desires of those who were chosen to inherit the resurrected life in the Paradise of God! They were created for the sexual pleasures of resurrected men and to meet their every need, whim, and fantasy.

"The Companions of the Right (O Companions of the Right [Oh! How happy shall be the people of the right hand]!) mid thornless lote-trees [sidrahs] and serried acacias [talh tree clad with fruit], and spreading shade and outpoured flowing] waters, and fruits abounding unfailing, unforbidden, and upraised [lofty] couches. Perfectly [of a rear creation] We formed them [created the Houris], perfect, and We made them spotless [ever] virgins, chastely amorous [dear to their spouse], like of age [of equal age] for the Companions [people] of the Right [hand]." (Koran 56:26-38)

You can see the not so subtle rebuke on men's current wives and spouses. These women are created by Allah to be perfect, spotless virgins, and deeply in love with their new husbands. How can any woman or wife upon Earth compete with such perfect women? How could any man or husband not long more so for such heavenly women than he does for his present wife, knowing she is inferior and can never be as good, as beautiful, or as loving as the wife awaiting him in heaven. Is she not just a starter wife or a practice wife until Allah gives him that perfect spouse waiting for him in Paradise? 

I ask you, are these the words of a divine prophet of God, or the words of one fully overcome by sexual appetites and desires? Is all we have to look forward to in Paradise is having great sex? Is that all they have? Did Jesus come to save us for nothing more than perfect virginal spouses created for us in Paradise? 

Jesus told us, "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:2-3) Jesus saved us, not that we might one day enjoy the company and services of the Houris, but that one day we might be with Him in heaven for all eternity. He saved us that we might enjoy the unbroken presence and fellowship of God as we stand before Him for ever more. How much greater shall this pleasure be over and against any sensual, physical, or sexual pleasure that Muhammad can offer us in his Paradise? How much inferior is Muhammad's paradise to God's heaven and our eternal citizenship there? For me, I choose heaven!

David Robison

Doctrine - The paradise of Islam - Perfect spouses

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

The Sensual pleasures Muhammad promises in Paradise are not limited to food, drink, an other material wants and pleasures, but is also extended to the pleasures of human flesh. In that day there will be a vast hoard of beautiful youths serving the elect of God.

"And We shall succour them with fruits [in abundance] and flesh such as they desire while they pass therein a cup one to another wherein is no idle talk [no light discource], no cause of sin, and there go round them [beautiful] youths, their own, as if they were hidden [imbedded] pearls." (Koran 52:22-24)

"Immortal [aye-blooming] youths shall go about them; when thou seest them, thou supposest them scattered pearls, when thou seest them [this] then thou seest bliss [delights] and a great [vast] kingdom. Upon them shall be green garments of silk and [rich] brocade; they are adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord shall give them to drink a pure draught." (Koran 76:19-21)

It is a very odd picture in deed; that God would create and entire race of youth to serve us night and day for all eternity, and that He would create them "beautiful" and of such an appearance as to engender bliss and the sense of a vast kingdom of which we are to be a part of. Their purpose is not just to server, but to serve as a focal point of beauty to arouse pleasure in the minds of those whom they serve. This is very odd when we consider the scripture where David says, "You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever." (Psalms 16:11) True pleasure in our life comes from the Lord and are dispensed from His right hand. They do not come from the beauty of a race of youth who parade themselves around as they move to serve us.

More than this, Muhammad promises that, in Paradise, we shall dwell with our spouses.

"See, the inhabitants [inmates] of Paradise today are busy in their rejoicing [joyous in their employ], they and – their spouses, reclining upon [bridal] couches in the shade; therein they have fruits, and they have all that they call for [whatever they require]." (Koran 36:55-57)

However, these are not our spouses from Earth. These are perfect spouses, created for us, that we might enjoy them throughout eternity,

"whensoever they are provided with fruits therefrom they shall say, 'This is that wherewithal we were provided before'; that they shall be given in perfect semblance; and there for them shall be spouses purified [of perfect purity]; therein they shall dwell forever." (Koran 2:23)

"And those that believe, and do deeds of righteousness, them We shall admit to gardens underneath which rivers flow, therein dwelling forever and ever; therein for them shall be spouses purified [wives of stainless purity], and We shall admit them to a shelter of plenteous shade." (Koran 4:60)

In Paradise we will not have our wives from below, but we will be wedded to perfect wives; wives of unquestionable purity and fully surrendered. It is unclear what women will receive, but men will get to trade in their old and imperfect spouse for that model and perfect wife they truly desire and deserve. How demeaning to women and to marriage as a holy institution! This is a slap in the face to every woman and wife and serves only to sow into the minds of men discontent for their present wives, especially in the light of such womanly perfection that awaits them in heaven. Such teaching cast all women as imperfect, flawed, and something less than desirable. So far beneath are they from what their men really deserve that God will have to create perfect souses for their husbands in Paradise to reward them for their service to God. To Muhammad, the Koran, and Allah, women are at best, second rate citizens; women to be replaced by something better when their men get to paradise.

Even more so than this, as we have previously spoken, Muhammad failed to understand the words of Jesus when He said, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven." (Matthew 22:30) In heaven there will be no marriage and no being wed to some perfect race of women. There our focus will not be on each other, on physical delights, and sensual lusts, but our focus will be on our Lord and God who loves us with an inexhaustible love.

David Robison

Doctrine - The paradise of Islam - Gardens of Eden

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

Of all the descriptions the Koran offers of Paradise, the most common is that of a desert oasis.

"God has promised the believers, men and women, gardens underneath which rivers flow, forever therein to dwell, and goodly dwelling-places in the Gardens of Eden" (Koran 9:73)

"Blessed be He who, if He will [pleases], shall assign to them better than that -- gardens underneath which rivers flow, and he shall assign to thee palaces [pavilions]." (Koran 25:11)

For those living in arid and desert places, such an image would be inviting, refreshing, and familiar to them. It would be easy for a desert dweller to see such an oasis as being the very paradise of heaven. Additionally, the Koran provides more detailed pictures of Paradise including our participation in its enjoyments. Here are some of the more interesting ways the Koran depicts the blessing of Paradise.

"and they high-honoured in the Gardens of Bliss [delight] upon couches, set face to face, a cup from a spring [fountain] being passed round to them," (Koran 37:41-44)

The Koran depicts paradise with the elect reclining on couches, facing each others, and sharing a drink from the rivers and springs which richly supply it. However, John describes heaven in this manner, "There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads." (Revelation 22:3-4) Muhammad promises that in Paradise we will see each other, face-to-face, while the scriptures promise that, in heaven, we will see Jesus face-to-face. Paul similarly makes this promise, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12) How much greater is the Christian promise than the promise of Muhammad. As much as I like my brother's and sister's in Christ, on that day it is not their face I wish to see, but Jesus'. My life is spent here on this Earth, not that I might be reunited with my loved ones, which I will be, but that I might finally, in the resurrection, be able to behold God's face plainly, clearly, and intently. For me, the goal of my life if God, not merely the eternal fellowship of mankind. Let them have their dinner party in Paradise, I want to stand before the very presence of God!

"Gardens of Eden they shall enter, underneath [their shades] which rivers flow, wherein they shall have all they will [all they wish]." (Koran 16:33)

"Therein they shall have whatever [all] they will [desire]; and with Us there is yet more [and ours will it be to augment their bliss]." (Koran 50:34)

"whatsoever they will [desire] they shall have with their Lord; that is the great bounty [boon]." (Koran 42:21)

Like everyone else, I am sure that I am able to desire many great things, but what I've learned of desires, especially those for material things, is that the joy of their satisfaction is often short lived. Yes, in Paradise, we might be satiated with every sort of desirable food, drink, and pleasure, but then what? Is that all they have to offer? The desire of things, even great things, will in the end always leave us empty again. Paul said that he had "the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better." (Philippians 1:23) The truth is that, in that day, I will have had enough of the desires and pleasures of the flesh. What I truly desire is not more good things, but one good person, and that being Jesus. My desire is not to finally make it where I can have all my wishes and dreams come true, but that it might be granted to me to spend the rest of eternity enjoying the presence and fellowship of Christ. When compared with the unfathomable riches and depths of Christ, what can mere pleasures have to offer?

"Enter Paradise, you and your wives, walking with joy [delighted]!' There shall be passed around them platters of gold, and cups, therein being whatever the souls desire, and the eyes delight in." (Koran 43:70-71)

Muhammad obviously did not understand the true nature of lust. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world." (1 John 2:16) It is this same lust of the eyes that led, in part, to Eve's sin. "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate." (Genesis 3:6) Why then should we expect the desire of our eyes to be sanctioned in Paradise? Such desires, and our need to satisfy them, led to the downfall of all mankind. In that day, it will not be the desires of our eyes and souls we will be listening to but rather our spirits who long after God. It is His presence that will fill our every desire and satisfy our every care.

Furthermore, Muhammad misunderstood the institution of marriage as it pertains to our life to come. When the Jews tried to trap Jesus by asking him to comment on a hypothetical case regarding a woman who married all seven brothers in succession, Jesus answered them saying, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection." (Luke 20:34-36) Muhammad was wrong in his view that in Paradise we would remain married or that there would be marriage and/or sex.

"those -- theirs shall be Gardens of Eden, underneath which rivers flow; therein they shall be adorned with bracelets of gold, and they shall be robed in green garments of silk and [rich] brocade, therein reclining upon couches [thrones] -- O, how excellent [blissful] a reward! And O, how fair a resting-place [pleasant couch]!" (Koran 18:30)

"Gardens of Eden they shall enter; therein they shall be adorned with bracelets of gold and with pearls, and their apparel there shall be of silk." (Koran 35:30)

"reclining upon couches lined with brocade" (Koran 55:54)

The Koran describes Paradise as a place of sensual pleasures; the gold, the silk, the reclining. All these things are designed to lure and entice the flesh. They appeal to the baser nature of us rather than to our reason or our spirit. Paul warns is of those "whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame — who set their mind on earthly things." (Philippians 3:19 NKJV) How could God, who came to free us from our baser desires and the lust of the flesh, then turn around and release us to them once again in Paradise? Having "escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust" (2 Peter 1:4) how shall we then find ourselves once again enslaved by it in the resurrection? How can we even begin to consider eternal subjugation to lust and desire a blessing and something to live for in the life to come? Having been then raise from the dead, should we once again be debased and reduced to mere desires and lust all over again? I think not, for I believe in better things for us on that day more than just a mere satisfaction of the desires we had while living.

David Robison

Doctrine - The paradise of Islam - The first shall be first

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

Muhammad assigns first place in Paradise to those who had first place on Earth, among whom, he was one.

"and the Outstrippers [they who were foremost on the earth]: the Outstrippers [foremost still] those are they brought nigh the Throne [to God], in the Gardens of Delight (a throng of the ancients [former] and how few of the later folk [latter generations]) upon close-wrought [inwrought] couches reclining upon them, set face to face, immortal [Aye-blooming] youths going round about them with goblets, and ewers, and a cup [of flowing wine] from a spring (no brows throbbing [from it], no intoxication [nor fails the senses]) and such fruits as they shall choose [please them best], and such flesh of fowl as they desire, and wide-eyed houris [with large dark eyes] as the likeness of hidden pearls [pearls hidden in their shell], a recompense for that they laboured." (Koran 56:10-23)

In Muhammad's view, those who were first on Earth will be first in Paradise, those who were mighty on Earth will be might in Paradise, and those who were leaders on Earth will be leaders in Paradise. However, this runs counter to what Jesus and His disciples taught. Consider what Jesus said concerning John the Baptist. "Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Matthew 11:11) The issue is not whether or not John was a great man, but simply that, even the least of those in the Kingdom of God are greater then the greatest of men ever born on the Earth. What matters. both now and in the life to come, is not how great we are in this world, but our standing in the Kingdom of God. This is why Jesus taught, "And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last." (Luke 13:30) Contrary to what Muhammad taught, there will be many on that day who were among the outtrippers and the foremost upon the Earth who will find themselves last in Heaven, God even selecting those who are lowly and base to overthrow those who are mighty and strong. "For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God." (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) Our present condition among men does not determine our future standing in Heaven, rather it is our relationship to God, to His Son, and to His people that determines our future status in Heaven.

David Robison

Doctrine - The paradise of Islam - The hospitality of God

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

For those who have lived a surrendered life, kept the laws of Islam, and for whom Allah wills, theirs is the reward of eternity in Paradise. However, Muhammad's idea of Paradise is quite different from the Christian's view of Paradise. Central to the Islamic doctrine of Paradise is the idea of the hospitality of God.

"But those who fear their Lord -- for them shall be gardens underneath which rivers flow, therein dwelling forever -- a hospitality God Himself offers [their reception with God]; and that which is with God is better for the pious." (Koran 3:197)

"therein you shall have all that your souls desire, all that you call for, as hospitality from One All-forgiving [Gracious], One All-compassionate [Merciful One]." (Koran 41:31-32)

Paradise is a place where God waits on us and entertains us, providing us with everything we desire and wish for. All out dreams, all our desires, all our wished will there be provided for us by God as His invited guests. Nothing shall be refused us; all is waiting for us there. How different from what the Christian scriptures teach. John, in describing the great multitude he saw in heaven, records a conversation between himself and one of the heavenly elders, "'These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?' I said to him, 'My lord, you know.' And he said to me, 'These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.'" (Revelation 7:13-15) One could argue that this is not the fate of all humans who make it to heaven, but there appears no other picture of life in heaven other than this. In all descriptions of heaven, people are assembled around the thrown, giving praise and honor to God; not caring for themselves but enraptured by the very presence of God. Heaven is not a place to be entertained by God, but a place to eternally worship and adore Him. It's a place for us to worship and serve God not to be served and entertained by God.

Furthermore, the treasures we will find in heaven are not the hospitable provisions of God, but the fruits and rewards of our labors here on Earth. Jesus told the rich young ruler, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." (Matthew 19:21) And He counseled all people saying, "Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Luke 12:33-34) Heaven is not a place to get what we never had here on Earth, but a place to enjoy the rewards of our godly labors upon the Earth. Not hospitality, but rewards.

Another significant difference between the Christian and Islamic teaching of Paradise is the idea of Paradise itself.

"And those that believe, and do deeds of righteousness -- those are the inhabitants of Paradise; there they shall dwell forever.'" (Koran 2:76)

Muhammad always spoke of Paradise as being our future eternal home while Jesus always spoke of heaven as being our eternal dwelling place. Jesus always spoke of Heaven as being the place where God, His father, lived, and, speaking of that place, Jesus said, "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:2-3) One could say that the difference between Heaven and Paradise is merely a matter of words. However, in those words there is expressed a significant difference. Paradise is a place of bliss while heaven is the dwelling place of God. Muhammad's Paradise is a place of getting our every needs and wants satisfied while the Christian Heaven is a place were we get to draw near to God, to ever be in Hi presence, and to ever serve and worship Him throughout all eternity. In Islam you get your desires meet, but in Christianity you get God. How much greater is the eternal hope of Christians over the hope of satiated desires of Muslims!

David Robison

Doctrine - The paradise of Islam - Hell

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

Hell is a reality and, according to Muhammad, a place where many, if not most, will spend their eternity. Muhammad writes that Hell will be filled with a multitude of men and women who lived unsurrendered to God during their lives.

"I shall assuredly fill Gehenna [hell] with jinn and men all together." (Koran 11:120)

According to the Koran, God is just as committed to filling Hell with the condemned as He is in filling heaven with the redeemed. In this, Muhammad greatly misjudged the heart of God who "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) So great is God's desire to empty Hell and to fill Heaven that He sent His own Son to save mankind from an eternity of banishment from God and torment in Hell. God has done everything possible for our salvation. He sent His word to teach us and He sent His Son to redeem us. All has been done and there remains nothing for us to do but to accept His work on our behalf and believe in Him. If anyone makes it to Hell, it is by His own choosing for God has made a way.

In describing Hell, Muhammad describe both levels of Hell and different areas of confinement.

"Surely the hypocrites will be in the lowest reach of the Fire; thou wilt not find for them any helper;" (Koran 4:144)

"Gehenna [hell] shall be their promised land all together. Seven gates [Portals] it has, and unto each gate a set portion [band] of them belongs" (Koran 15:43-44)

The Christian scriptures do not describe any such levels or differing areas of Hell. The only scripture that come close is the story of Lazarus and the rich man. "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.' But Abraham said... 'And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.'" (Luke 16:23-26) However, this verse speak specifically of Hades rather than Hell. While the original King James version of the scriptures translated both places as simply "hell", the christian scriptures are consistent in describing two different places: Hades, the place of departed spirits, and Hell, the place of eternal punishment. Currently, no on is in hell for its future inhabitants are awaiting their final judgment before being dispatched there. Speaking of the final judgment, John writes, "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:13-15) Apparently, Muhammad did not understand this difference and confused Hell and Hades.

Muhammad describes Hell as not only a place of judgment, but also a pace of inexplicable cruelty and torture. Here are some of the cruelties that await those appointed to Hell.

"Those who conceal [hide] what of the Book [Scriptures] God has sent down on them, and sell [barter] it for a little price --they shall eat naught but the Fire in their bellies; God shall not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection neither purify [assoil] them; there awaits them a painful chastisement [grievous torment]." (Koran 2:169)

Those who are assigned to Hell will experience the total abandonment by God. God will not speak to them, He will not hear them, He will not care for them, and He will not acknowledge them. Theirs will be an existence alone with no one to care for their condition.

"‘his shall be a life of narrowness, and on the Resurrection Day We shall raise him blind.' He shall say, 'O my Lord, why hast thou raised [assembled] me blind, and I was wont [endowed] to see?'" (Koran 20:124-125)

It is uncertain why God would raise them up blind. J.M. Rodwell suggests that their blindness is due to the "the intensity of the light" (The Koran, J.M. Rodwell, footnote 20.28) shining around God. Either way, they will experience the terror of things happening around them and to them that they are unable to perceive or anticipate.

"Lo, the Tree of Ez-Zakkoum is the food of the guilty [sinner], like molten copper [dregs of oil], bubbling in the belly as boiling water bubbles [scalding water]. 'Take [seize] him, and thrust [drag] him into the midst of Hell [mid-fire], then pour over his head the chastisement [tormenting] of boiling water!'" (Koran 44:43-48)

"When the fetters [collars] and chains are on their necks, and they are dragged into the boiling water [Hell], then into the Fire they are poured [shall be burned]" (Koran 40:73)

Muhammad describes them being shackled and dragged against their will into Hell. However, the Christian scriptures never gives such a picture. God simply commands men to Hell and they obey. "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels... These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:41, 46) No chains and no dragging, just commanding and obeying.

"Faces on that day humbled [downcast], labouring [travailing], toilworn [worn], roasting [burnt] at a scorching fire, watered [made to drink] at a [fiercely] boiling fountain, no food for them but cactus thorn [fruit of Darih] unfattening, unappeasing hunger." (Koran 88:2-7)

Muhammad describes the torment of insatiable hunger. However, it is hard to understand how a person's soul might be hungry and, even of they were cast into Hell after the resurrection of their bodies, it is unclear if those bodies are capable of hunger. Paul writes of food and the stomach, "Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them." (1 Corinthians 6:13)

"there shall be a hospitality [his entertainment shall be] of boiling water and the roasting in Hell." (Koran 56:94)

"All this; but for the insolent awaits an ill resort [wretched home], Gehenna [hell], wherein they are roasted [burned] -- an evil cradling [a wretched bed]! All this; so let them taste it -- boiling water and pus [gore], and other torments of the like kind coupled together." (Koran 38:55-58)

Hell will be a place of incredible burning and the roasting of the flesh and for drink they will have boiling water and molten copper. Such fire and boiling as none can escape.

"Surely We have prepared for the evildoers [offenders] a fire, whose pavilion [smoke] encompasses [enwrap] them; if they call for succor [implore help], they will be succoured [helped] with water like molten copper [brass], that shall scald their faces -- how evil [wretched] a potion [drink], and how evil [unhappy] a resting-place [couch]!" (Koran 18:28)

The torments of Hell will be merciless. In fact, should one complain and beg for help. their torment will only be increased! God will torture them until there is no more strength for them to resist.

"As for the unbelievers, for them garments of fire shall, be cut [out], and there shall be poured over their heads boiling water whereby whatsoever is in their bellies [bowels] and their skins shall be melted [dissolved]; for them wait hooked iron rods [maces of iron]; as often as they desire in their anguish to come forth from it, they shall be restored into it, and: 'Taste the chastisement [torment] of the burning!'" (Koran 22:20-21)

The cruelty of Hell will be unrelenting. A person's pain will be heightened by their desire to escape the punishment only to find it renewed and enduring. In the end they will be stripped of all hope and desire for a happier future.

"Behold, Gehenna [Hell] has become an ambush [a place of snares], for the insolent a resort [the home of transgressors], therein to tarry for ages, tasting therein neither coolness nor any drink save boiling water and pus [running sores] for a suitable recompense." (Koran 78:21-26)

Finally, the judgments of Hell will be eternal. It is hard for us to think of eternity, of time without end, but such is the fearful state of those who will find themselves there.

This is the picture of Hell that Muhammad paints and the image of his God who intends on filling it with men and Djinn alike, but is God really so cruel towards mankind, towards the work of His own hands? In my opinion, Muhammad's image of God too often reflects the image of Muhammad. Muhammad's God is more man-like than god-like. Muhammad could not execute judgment without cruelty so he imagines God to be the same. God is just and His judgment is right and true. However, in His judgment there is no darkness of cruelty, revenge, retaliation, or hatred. God's emotions are pure and even in judgment He is full of light. Muhammad could not see God as being anything more than he was while, in fact, God is so much higher, so much greater, and so much more loving than we are or ever will be. God is just, but He is not cruel. That He has left for men to be, men like Muhammad.

David Robison

Doctrine - The paradise of Islam - A day of judgment (part 2)

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

On the last day, everyone will be judged for what they have done. Repeatedly, Muhammad proclaims that, in judgment, no one will be harmed for what they've done.

"And We shall set up the just balances for the Resurrection Day, so that not one soul shall be wronged anything [aught]; even if it be [a work] the weight of one grain of mustard-seed. We shall produce it [bring it forth], and sufficient are We for reckoners." (Koran 21:48)

What Muhammad means by not being harmed in judgment is that there will be no wrong deed left unpunished and no good deed left unrewarded. No one will be harmed by not receiving what they deserve, good or bad.

Though out our lives, every word and deed we've spoken and performed, are being recorded in a book, the book of our life. In that final day, we will be called to account for what was written in our books. Our lives will be reviewed and judgments and rewards dispensed accordingly. Muhammad teaches that God will give each one their book to read before Him. Those who have been evil will receive their book in their left hand, and those who were good, in their right hand.

"On that day you shall be exposed [brought before Him], not one secret [hidden deeds] of yours concealed [remain hidden]. Then as for him who is given his book in his right hand, he shall say, 'Here, take and read my book! Certainly I thought that I should encounter my reckoning.' So he shall be in a pleasing life in a lofty Garden, its clusters nigh to gather. 'Eat and drink with wholesome appetite [healthy relish] for that you did long ago, in the days gone by.' But as for him who is given his book in his left hand, he shall say, 'Would that I had not been given my book and not known my reckoning! Would it had been the end [O that death had made an end of me]! My wealth has not availed me, my authority [power] is gone from me.' 'Take him, and fetter him, and then roast [burn] him in Hell, then in a chain of seventy cubits' length insert [thrust] him!" (Koran 69:18-32)

Based on what we have written in our books by the lives we have lead will determine the ultimate eternity of our souls, either being paradise or hell. Unfortunately, Muhammad only knew of the books, he was ignorant of another book which is being kept in heaven. While our rewards are determined by our books, our eternal abode is determined by this other book. "And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:12-15) Heaven and Hell are not determined by the books our lives write, they are not the reward for lives of sin on the one hand or righteousness on the other, but they are determined by the contents of the "book of life". Those who have believed in Jesus have their names written in this book and are assured of eternal bliss with God at the end of the age. Those whose names are not recorded have their eternal dwelling, alone, in Hell. Muhammad did not know this because he did not know Jesus according to the truth nor know Him for who He really was. Furthermore, there is another record that is being kept in heaven. When Jesus rose from the dead, He showed His disciples the woulds in His hands. Why would the risen Lord not be raised perfect without scars or wounds? Isaiah prophesied, "Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." (Isaiah 49:15-16) Jesus carries with Him the reminder of all those for whom He died. They are written in the scars in His hands. Our eternity is not determined by our deeds but by our faith in Christ and whether or not our names are written in His book.

As for the present punishment of sins, Muhammad tells of some fanciful punishments handed out by God.

"Say: 'Shall I tell you of a recompense with God, worse than that? Whomsoever God has cursed, and with whom He is wroth, and made some of them [changed into] apes and swine, and worshippers of idols." (Koran 5:65)

It is hard to tell if Muhammad is being figurative or just wrong. No where in the Jewish or Christian scriptures, do we ever hear of God changing a human into another creature. All such claims are ludicrous apart from any offered proof, of which Muhammad has none.

David Robison

Doctrine - The paradise of Islam - A day of judgment (part 1)

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

The Koran appoints a day when all of mankind, shall appear before God's judgment alone, to answer for his life, his beliefs, and the deeds he committed.

"Every one of them shall come to Him upon the Day of Resurrection, all alone [singly]. Surely those who believe and do deeds of righteousness -- unto them the All-merciful shall assign love." (Koran 19:95-96)

For some, by the will of God, their reward will be a blessing to them. However, for others, severe and grievous torment awaits them. In that day, the judgment upon men and Djinn alike, shall be that they knew what God demanded and that they knew the day of judgment would come, yet they failed to believe in it and to live their lives accordingly.

" 'Company of jinn and mankind, did not Messengers [apostles] come to you from among you [yourselves], relating to you [rehearsing] My signs and warning you of the encounter [meeting] of this your day?' They shall say, 'We bear witness against ourselves.' They were deluded [deceived] by the present life, and they bear witness against themselves that they were unbelievers [infidels]." (Koran 6:130)

This judgment will be executed not only upon mankind but also upon the Djinn for, in many respects, they worked together towards their own nefarious ends.

"On the day when He shall muster [gather] them all together: 'Company [race] of jinn, you have made much of mankind [much did ye exact from men].' Then their friends [votaries from] among mankind will say, 'Our Lord, we have profited each of the other [we rendered one another mutual service], and we have reached the term determined by Thee for us. He will say: 'The Fire is your lodging, therein to dwell forever' -- except as God will; surely thy Lord is All-wise, Allknowing. So We make the evildoers friends of each other for what they have earned [Even thus place we some of the wicked over others, as the meed of their doings]." (Koran 6:128-129)

Here, in speaking of the set "term" of God, Muhammad is reminding us that each of us have a day set by God where by we must stand and give an account for our doing. If we have done well, and God wills, we shall be rewarded with all the blessing of parades, but if we have done wrong, only hell awaits us. Jesus described hell as real place "which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:41) It was not created for this purpose but has, since the fall, been prepared for this eternal purpose. Furthermore, it was never prepared for men and women, thought many will yet find their eternal abode therein. However, the hell of the Koran is a place God created long before the creation of mankind and for which, many of mankind, God has subsequently created to fill its caverns.

"Whomsoever God guides, he is rightly guided; and whom He leads astray [misleads] -- they are the losers [shall be lost]. We have created for Gehenna [hell] many jinn and men: they have hearts, but understand not with them; they have eyes, but perceive not with them; they have ears, but they hear not with them. They are like cattle [brutes]; nay, rather they are further astray. Those -- they are the heedless." (Koran 7:177-178)

"To that end He created them, and perfectly is fulfilled the word of thy Lord: 'I shall assuredly wholly] fill Gehenna [hell] with jinn and men all together.'" (Koran 11:120)

"'If We had so willed [pleased], We could have given every soul its guidance; but now My Word is realized -- " Assuredly I shall fill Gehenna with jinn and men all together." So now taste, for that you forgot the encounter of this your day! We indeed have forgotten you. Taste the chastisement [punishment] of eternity for that you were doing!'" (Koran 32:13)

God could have saved all, according to Muhammad, but there are those whom He has vanquished from His mind and created for this very purpose; created to be fodder for the fires of hell.

Muhammad, under the supposed inspiration of God, describes the day of judgment as follows.

"and you shall be [divided into] three bands -- Companions of [the people on] the Right (O Companions of the Right [Oh! How happy shall be the people of the right hand]!) Companions of [the people on] the Left (O Companions of the Left! [Oh! How wretched shall be the people of the right hand]) and the Outstrippers [those who were foremost on the earth – the foremost still]: the Outstrippers those are they brought nigh the Throne [nigh to God]" (Koran 56:7-10)

Muhammad describes three groups of people on that day: the winners, the losers, and the special, of which, he was considered one of them. The winners would find the paradise of God, but the foremost, would be ushered nigh unto the very thrown of God. However, in describing this same day, a day in which He would sit as Judge, Jesus describes only two groups: sheep and goats. "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:31-34, 41) Jesus knew nothing of class distinctions among those who were to be saved. On that day, there will not be a distinction between those who were common and those who were foremost. This is not to say that each one is equal and each one's deeds do not deserve varying rewards, but in the eyes of God we are all equally children of God and equally inheritors of the Kingdom of our Father. In that day it will not matter if you were of great position or mighty among men. All will be judged equally and all will, with equity, be assigned their rewards.

David Robison

Doctrine - The paradise of Islam - A resurrection to come

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

One of the fundamental tenets of Islam is a belief in a life to come. Muhammad emphatically states God's promise of a resurrection of the dead and a life after death.

"God -- there is no god but He. He will surely gather you to the Resurrection Day, no doubt of it. And who is truer in tidings than God?" (Koran 4:89)

"Then after that you shall surely die, then on the Day of Resurrection you shall surely be raised up [waken up]." (Koran 23:15-16)

In fact, faith in the resurrection on the last day is an essential tenet of faith for all Muslims. Anyone who denies the resurrection or the last day is and unbeliever and an infidel.

"True piety is this: to believe in God, and the Last Day, the angels, the Book [Scriptures], and the Prophets, to give of one's substance, however cherished, to kinsmen, and orphans, the needy, the traveller, beggars, and to ransom the slave, to perform [observeth] the prayer, to pay the [legal] alms." (Koran 2:172)

"Surely they that believe, and those of Jewry [Jews], and the Sabaeans, and those Christians, whosoever believes in God and the Last Day, and works righteousness [doeth what is right] -- no fear shall be on them, neither shall they sorrow [grief]." (Koran 5:73)

According to Muhammad, the resurrection will be a resurrection unto judgment; some being rewarded and others chastised for how they conducted their life upon the Earth.

"Nay, but whoso fulfils his covenant [is true to his engagement] and fears God, God loves the godfearing. Those that sell God's covenant [barter their engagement with God], and their oaths, for a little price, there shall be no share for them in the world to come; God shall not speak to them neither look on them on the Resurrection Day, neither will He purify [assoil] them; and for them awaits a painful [grievous] chastisement." (Koran 3:70-71)

"But as for those who are niggardly with the bounty God has given them, let them not suppose it is better [good] for them; nay, it is worse [bad] for them; that they were niggardly with they shall have hung about their necks on the Resurrection Day; and to God belongs the inheritance of the heavens and earth; and God is aware [well informed] of the things you do." (Koran 3:175-176)

Two things are of interest here. First, Muhammad conflates the ideas of salvation and rewards. The judgment we face on the last day is not a judgment of faith but a judgment of works. Our eternal state and eternal rewards are based on how diligently we obeyed God as well as how readily we expended our wealth in the service of God, especially in our service in war. On the day of resurrection, every way in which we acted niggardly (stingy) with the things God had given us, will be hung around our necks as judgments against us. Those who did not obey God, who did not believe, and who did not generously expend their wealth in the way of God, will loose their reward of paradise and find for themselves grievous chastisement in hell.

While the Christian scriptures do teach the assignment of rewards or heaven and the punishments of hell, there is a clear separation between salvation and rewards. Paul writes of those who were saved but failed to properly develop their lives on the basis of that faith. "Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." (1 Corinthians 3:12-15) Here, the foundation is Jesus Christ Himself and the materials we use to build upon the foundation are the good works we add to our faith. However, notice that Paul teaches that, even the one who failed to build properly upon the foundation, yet still had the foundation which is Christ, will be saved and enjoy eternity with God in heaven, although he will suffer loss of the rewards that might have been his in the after life. This truth Muhammad failed to understand.

Secondly, notice the demeanor of God towards those who failed to believe and to inherit the rewards of paradise. Muhammad says that God will not look at them, He will not speak to them, and He will not purify them. First, purification does not happen at the day of resurrection. It happens here and now through our faith and the agency of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Muhammad's view of God is very different from the Christian view of God who is a God of love. Muhammad's God is vengeful, petulant, and dismissive. This does not mean that God is not a God of judgment and that He will not send people to hell, but he does so with His love for all mankind intact. God is a god of pure emotions. He can love us and be just at the same time. He does not need to resort to hatred in order to execute His judgment as we might have too. Muhammad confuses the emotions of men with the emotions he presumes upon God.

Muhammad tries to give proof of the resurrection by reminding us of our current life.

"How do you disbelieve in God [withhold faith from God], seeing you were dead and He gave you life, then He shall make you dead, then He shall give you life, then unto Him you shall be returned?" (Koran 2:26)

Islams teaches that our souls existed prior to our birth with God. They infer this from the following verse.

"And when thy Lord took from the Children of Adam, from their loins, their seed, and made them testify touching themselves, 'Am I not your Lord?' They said, 'Yes, we testify'-- lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection, 'As for us, we were heedless of this,' or lest you say, 'Our fathers were idolaters aforetime, and we were seed after them. What, wilt Thou then destroy us for the deeds of the vain-doers?'" (Koran 7:172)

They believe this verse to mean that God created all the souls of mankind at once and made them testify that God was the only true God. Then God erased the soul's memory of this event when they were sent into the bodies conceived within the womb. This would correspond to the first death that Muhammad refers to when he says we were dead them God made us alive. We were merely souls in a "dead" state waiting for a body to inhabit, at which time, we became alive. It is important to note that no such evidence for a pre-existent soul is presented in the Jewish or Christian scriptures, nor was such a believe held by the early Christian church. However, Muhammad tries to use the idea of our soul existing before our birth and our birth as evidence to believe our soul's reunification with our resurrected bodies at the end of the age.

Finally, there is the issue of the immediate transition of the soul to heaven upon death verses the idea of soul-sleep where the soul "sleeps" until the resurrection to be reunited with our bodies. For most of the Koran, the resurrection is associated with the Last Day. However, for some, especially those who are killed in battle, their immediate resurrection to life is promised.

"And say not of those slain in God's way [path], 'They are dead'; rather they are living, but you are not aware." (Koran 2:149)

"Count not those who were slain in God's way as dead, but rather living with their Lord, by Him provided [richly provided], rejoicing in the bounty that God has given them, and joyful in those who remain behind and have not joined them, because no fear shall be on them, neither shall they sorrow," (Koran 3:163-164)

Rodwell interprets the phrase "God's way" to refer to the "warring with the infidels." (J.M. Rodwell, The Koran, footnote 2:60) It is unclear if everyone who dies a Muslim is immediately alive with God in heaven or it it is only those who die in battle. However, Paul gives all believers this promise and blessed hope. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain... But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake." (Philippians 1:21-24) It was Paul's belief that, upon his death, he would be usshered into the very presence of Christ. This was the gain he spoke of in death. All who die in Christ have their reward in the presence of Christ, not because they died in battle, but because they died in fiath.

David Robison

Doctrine - The ways of Allah - Everyday life

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

The Koran treats regarding many aspects of everyday life, Here are three in particular, First is the issue of our speech.

"God likes not the shouting of evil words [evil being a matter of public talk] unless a man has been wronged; God is All-hearing, All-knowing." (Koran 4:147)

So, if you've been wronged, then it's OK to yell, curse, and verbally attach the one who wronged you?! God understands, your only human, and He sympathizes with you. Such permission is quite magnanimous and quite human in its nature. However, it is a far cry from God's command, "you shall be holy, for I am holy." (Leviticus 11:45) It seems that, in Islam, this command has been reduced to "be holy as Muhammad was holy." Such a verse seems more consistent with the writings of a man than those of God for they lack the element of self control and legitimize anger and wrath between men. Such a command seems at odds with the God who said, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth." (Ephesians 4:29) and who also taught us to be "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." (James 1:19)

Secondly, Muhammad treats on civil punishment.

"And the thief, male and female: cut off the hands of both, as a recompense for what they have Earned [for their doings], and a punishment exemplary from God" (Koran 5:42)

"And therein We prescribed for them: 'A life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds retaliation'; but whosoever forgoes it as a freewill offering, that shall be for him an expiation. Whoso judges not according to what God has sent down -- they are the evildoers." (Koran 5:49)

Judgment and punishment, according to the Koran, is always harsh and severe. Here the cutting off of the hands of thieves and the like retaliation for wrongs committed against us. What is difficult for us, at times, is to separate the ideas of civil punishment from that of personal punishment. There is that punishment that is executed by civil authorities for crimes that have been established, and then there is that vengeance and punishment we demand when we have been wronged. However, in Islam, there is little difference between the two. Worse yet, these punishments are demanded by God. This means that any other form of punishment for thieves, other than cutting off their hands, is a violation of God's laws and the punishment God prescribed in His word-for-word recitation to Muhammad. Mankind is no longer permitted to pursue other punishments for theft for God has already spoken His will and His command. Furthermore, when it comes to personal punishments, Jesus taught us, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:38-42) Quite a different spirit from that of the Koran.

Thirdly, there is the issue of gambling.

"O believers, wine and arrow-shuffling [games of chance], idols and divining-arrows are an abomination, some of Satan's work; so avoid it; haply So you will prosper. Satan only desires to precipitate enmity [strife] and hatred between you in regard to wine and arrow-shuffling [games of chance], and to bar you [turn you aside] from the remembrance of God, and from prayer." (Koran 5:92-93)

"They will question [ask] thee concerning wine, and arrow-shuffling [games of chance]. Say: 'In both is heinous sin; and uses [advantage also] for men, but the sin in them is more heinous than the usefulness.'" (Koran 2:216)

What is interesting here is the perception of Muhammad. Not everything the Koran teaches is lies and falsehoods. Muhammad also had a great perception about people and, while he did not make wine and gambling absolute sins, he recognized the potential for harm within them both. There can be some usefulness and simple pleasures found in moderate drinking and friendly games, but Satan will often try to use those occasions as opportunities to bring strife between us and, if he can get us to spend all our time in such pursuits, he can lead us away from our duties towards God and our fellow man. It reminds me of what Paul said, "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." (1 Corinthians 10:23) Sometimes the question is not if something is a sin or not, but rather is it helpful and beneficial or not. This is often the harder of the two questions.

David Robison

Doctrine - Muhammad's rules on marriage - Divorce and Remarriage (Part 2)

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

Along with rules on divorce, the Koran gives us rules pertaining to remarriage.

"Divorce is twice; then honourable retention or setting free kindly [put them away with kindness]. If he divorces her finally, she shall not be lawful to him after that, until she marries another husband. If he divorces her, then it is no fault in them to return to each other, if they suppose that they will maintain God's bounds." (Koran 2:229-230)

OK, so let me see if I get this right. A man can divorce his wife twice and then remarry her (apparently during the time of waiting while she is still in his possession). However, on the third time, he must wait until she gets married and divorced again from someone else before he can remarry her once more. Then he can divorce her three more time and the process starts all over again. Its not clear who this rule is meant to benefit, although the wife appears to be merely a pawn in the proceedings. What is most interesting regarding this law is that it stands in direct conflict to the law of God as delivered through Moses. "When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out from his house, and she leaves his house and goes and becomes another man's wife, and if the latter husband turns against her and writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, or if the latter husband dies who took her to be his wife, then her former husband who sent her away is not allowed to take her again to be his wife, since she has been defiled; for that is an abomination before the Lord, and you shall not bring sin on the land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance." (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) Moses strictly forbade the remarriage to a woman whom one has divorces after she has been the wife of another man. Obviously Muhammad did not know about this law.

If, however, the husband divorces his wife angrily and then, after cooling down, decides to take her back, then he must make some offering for his anger.

"And those who say, regarding their wives, 'Be as my mother's back,' and then retract what they have said, they shall [must] set free a slave [captive], before the two of them touch one another [come together again]. But whosoever finds not the means [findeth not a captive to set free], then let him fast two successive months, before the two of them touch one another [come together]. And if any man is not able to, then let him feed sixty poor persons [men]." (Koran 58:4-5)

It's interesting that some of the possible offerings include freeing slaves, fasting, and feeding some poor people. As for the curse, "Be as my mother's back," Rodwell writes, "The Arabians had been accustomed, before the time of Muhammad, to divorce their wives with the words, 'thy backs be to me as the back of my mother.'" (J.M. Rodwell, The Koran, footnote 33.2)

Once a woman was divorced, she was then available for anyone to marry. Muhammad even allowed the marrying of one's adopted son's wife, once the divorce had been properly executed.

"So when Zaid had accomplished what he would of her [settled concerning her to divorce her], then We gave her in marriage [married her] to thee, so that there should not be any fault [a crime] in the believers, touching [to marry] the wives of their adopted sons, when they have accomplished what they would of them [settled the affair concerning them]; and God's commandment must be performed." (Koran 33:37)

Zaid was Muhammad's adopted son. However, this verse was probably added by Muhammad to justify his desire to marry his adopted son's wife and to legitimize his marriage to her.

So how do these rules of divorce line up with the Jewish and Christian scriptures? Moses allowed a husband to divorce his wife by merely giving her a certificate of divorce. "When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out from his house." (Deuteronomy 24:1) However, Jesus tells us that, while God did allow this, it was never his intent. "Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way." (Matthew 19:8) God hates divorce, especially by those who aught to know the truth. God condemned those of the Jews, who knew the laws of God, yet perpetrated divorce unjustly upon their wives. "'This is another thing you do: you cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and with groaning, because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit... Take heed then to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. For I hate divorce,' says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'and him who covers his garment with wrong,' says the Lord of hosts. 'So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.'" (Malachi 2:13-16) Jesus further taught that to divorce and remarry another woman, or for a divorced woman to remarry another man, caused them both to commit adultery. "but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." (Matthew 5:32) This does not mean that a divorced person can not be forgiven, or that a couple who marries after divorce can never find the blessing of God, but divorce is permanent, meaning that you can never completely remove the effects of you previous marriage. They will always be a part of you in some way and, for many, this inclusion of a third party into their marriage can become a constant source of sorrow.

Marriage is God's plan. Divorce is the results of man's hardness of heart. However, in my opinion, Muhammad failed to properly understand the divine nature of marriage and the restraints God recommends towards divorce. Divorce should never be simply because one desires to exchange his wife for another, as Muhammad permits. I believe that much of Muhammad's teaching on marriage, divorce, and remarriage came from his own carnal desires and his insatiable desire for women. In this he was not consistent with, nor conforming to, to what God had instructed in the past.

David Robison

Doctrine - Muhammad's rules on marriage - Divorce and remarriage (Part 1)

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

The Koran provides for fairly liberal rules concerning divorce and remarriage. For the case where a man has married a wife but has yet to spend her dowry or to consummate the marriage act with her, there is a kind of "no fault" divorce provided for the couple.

"There is no fault in you, if you divorce women while as yet you have not touched them [consummated the marriage] nor appointed any marriage-portion [dowry] for them; yet make provision for them, the affluent man according to his means, and according to his means the needy man, honourably – an obligation on the good-doers." (Koran 2:235)

One thing that we must keep in mind is that marriage in the seventh century, and in Muhammad's case especially, was not like how we normally think of marriage. We marry, one man and one woman, for companionship, to raise a family together, and to share life until death do us part. In the seventh century, wives were more like property and there was often money, a dowry, involved in the arrangement of the a marriage contract. When we think of ancient families, especially that of Muhammad, we must think of a harem of of wives more than a single wife and partner. Wives could be "married" and brought into the harem, and remain there for some time until their marriage was consummated. This was most likely the case for one of Muhammad's wives who was only nine years old when he married her. She likely spent several years living with the other wives until her marriage with Muhammad was consummated by the act of sex. This limbo state of marriage was also useful to the man if at some later time he found someone he desired more and decided to exchange his wife for another.

"And if you desire to exchange a wife in place of another, and you have given to one a hundredweight [a talent], take of it nothing [make no deduction]. What, will you take it by way of calumny and manifest sin?" (Koran 4:24)

Here the only requirement is that the man give back the dowry to the wife as he sends her away. For Muhammad, divorce was quite permissible, as long as it was done in the right way. Another thing to note is that all of Muhammad's rules on divorce are man-centric. You never read about the woman who wants to exchange her husband. All the decisions, timings, and modes of divorce are left with the man. The woman has very little to do with the process other than to submit to it.

One of the more interesting part's of the rules of divorce is the requirement that there be a waiting period before actually sending the woman away.

"O Prophet, when you divorce women, divorce them when they have reached their period [at their special time]. Count the period [reckon those times exactly], and fear God your Lord. Do not expel them from their houses, nor let them go forth [depart], except when they commit a flagrant indecency [proven adultery]... As for your women [wives] who have despaired [no hope] of further [the recurrence of] menstruating [their times], if you are in doubt [regarding them], their period shall be [then reckon] three months; and [let the same be the term of] those who have not menstruated as yet. And those who are with child, their term is when they bring forth their burden." (Koran 65:1, 4)

Again, it is interesting to note that special provisions are given for those wives who have not yet started menstruating. This would mean wives generally below the age of thirteen. In the western world we find this quite objectionable, but it was not uncommon in Muhammad's day and does not automatically mean that wives of such a tender age were expected to participate in the marital act while they were still so young.

One reason for the wait was to give the man time to cool off and to reconsider his decision.

"When you divorce women, and they have reached their term, then retain them honourably [generously] or set them free honourably [put them away generously]; do not retain them by force, to transgress; whoever does that has wronged himself... When you divorce women, and they have reached their term, do not debar them from marrying their husbands, when they have agreed together honourably." (Koran 2:231-232)

While women were generally treated as property and had little involvement in the divorce decision or process, on fairness, the Koran stipulated that they be generously treated in their being sent away. At the end of the waiting period, the husband had a decision to make: either fish or cut bait. Meaning, either take his divorced wife back or send her away and, if he sends her away and she decides to marry another, he is not to stand in her way.

A second reason for the wait was to see if she is pregnant before sending her away. If the woman was found to be with child, the man may reconsider and keep her around, at least for a little while.

"Divorced women shall wait [the result] by themselves for three periods; and it is not lawful for them to hide what God has created in their wombs; if they believe in God and the Last Day. In such time [state] their mates have better right [be more just] to restore them, if they desire to set things right [desire what is right]. Women have such honourable rights as obligations [And it is for the woman to act as they (the husbands) act by them, in all fairness], but their men have a degree above them [the men are a step above them]; God is All-mighty, All-wise." (Koran 2:228)

It's interesting that it is the man's decision to either retain his pregnant wife or to send he away. While women have obligation to reciprocate to their husband should he decide to retain her, nevertheless, the wishes and desires of the husband are to be considered greater than those of the wife. How different from the state of Christian marriage as experienced in the early church. "and understanding that the virtue of man and woman is the same. For if the God of both is one, the master of both is also one; one church, one temperance, one modesty; their food is common, marriage an equal yoke" (Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, Book 1, Chapter IV) In the early church, men and women were considered equal in marriage. Not so in Muhammad's religion. Men were always superior, and more important, than women.

More to come...
David Robison

Doctrine - Muhammad's rules on marriage - Husbands and wives

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

Much of what Muhammad wrote on marriage and family life grew out of his own marriage experiences, his polygamy, and his sexual apatite. Muhammad had strict rules over who could marry who.

"The fornicatress [whore] and the fornicator [whoremonger] -- scourge each one of them a hundred stripes, and in the matter of God's religion let no tenderness [compassion] for them seize you if you believe in God and the Last Day; and let a party of the believers [the faithful] witness their chastisement. The fornicator [whoremonger] shall marry none but a fornicatress [whore] or an idolatress, and the fornicatress -- none shall marry her but a fornicator or an idolator; that is [such alliances are] forbidden to the believers." (Koran 24:2-3)

Marriage was a blessing or a curse based upon you moral standings. If you were a fornicator, you were cursed to only marry fornicators or idolaters. However, if you were pure and faithful, you were blessed to marry a spouse (or spouses) who were likewise pure and faithful. For the fornicator, there was no compassion, no forgiveness, and no mercy towards their just deserts. They were to be severely punished, in public, with the faithful looking on. This was more than a civil punishment for a civil crime, it was a religious punishment for a religious crime.

How different the cause of fornicators, and the rules of marriage, that Jesus taught us. When Jesus met the woman at the well, He, being a prophet, knew what sort of woman she was. "He said to her, 'Go, call your husband and come here.' The woman answered and said, 'I have no husband.' Jesus said to her, 'You have correctly said, "I have no husband"; for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.'" (John 4:16-18) However, instead of condemning her for her fornication and adultery, He leads her to saving faith in the Messiah. "The woman said to Him, 'I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.' Jesus said to her, 'I who speak to you am He.'" (John 4:25-26) Jesus always showed Himself to be "a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" (Luke 7:34) Instead of judging and condemning the sinners, He loved them and extended to them his mercy and forgiveness.

As to the rules of marriage, Paul teaches us, "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols?" (2 Corinthians 6:14-16) Such bonds would include the bonds of marriage. However, in giving these instructions, the restriction on marriage is not between sinners and non-sinners but believers and non-believers. These instructions are not given to punish the fornicator and reward the pure, but to safeguard the faith of the believer. We are not to marry an unbeliever because they are beneath us or they do not deserve the love of the pure, but that our faith may stand firm and that we might not grow weak in our faith through our marriage to an unbeliever. We all know what happened to King Solomon when he started marrying foreign, unbelieving, wives. "For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been." (1 Kings 11:4)

What is most interesting regarding this portion of the Koran is its timing. Rodwell notes that this first portion of Sura 2 was written in reference to the scandalous report regarding Muhammad's wife Ayesha. There had been a "rumor of improper intimacy between Ayesha and Safwan Ibn El Mottal, during Muhammad's return from the expedition against the tribe of Mostaliq, in which he was separated from her for an entire day, which she passed in the company of Safwan, who had found her when accidentally left behind." (J.M. Rodwell, The Koran, footnote 24.3) Muhammad was incensed that someone would accuse such things regarding his wife. It was in this state that he supposedly received another revelation from God.

"And those who cast it up on women in wedlock [defame virtuous women], and then bring not four witnesses, scourge them with eighty stripes, and do not accept any testimony of theirs ever;" (Koran 24:4)

No charge against a believing woman was to be received unless it could be corroborated by four eye witnesses. This included those who sought to besmirch his beloved Ayesha. Furthermore, he penned the following punishment against those who would such to such a woman as Ayesha.

"Surely those who cast it up on [through charges against] women in wedlock that are heedless [virtuous but careless] but believing shall be accursed in the present world and the world to come; and there awaits them a mighty chastisement [terrible punishment] on the day when their tongues, their hands and their feet shall testify against them touching that they were doing." (Koran 24:23-24)

It was in this context that he delivered his most biting rebuke to those who slandered Ayesha.

"Corrupt [bad] women for corrupt [bad] men, and corrupt [bad] men for corrupt [bad] women; good [virtuous] women for good [virtuous] men, and good [virtuous] men for good [virtuous] women" (Koran 24:26)

Those who accused Ayesha were corrupt men and they certainty did not deserve a wife as virtuous as Ayesha. They were corrupt and they deserved only what was also corrupt.

One again we find in the Koran where Muhammad claims to have received a word-for-word revelation from God that just happens to justify, validate, and vindicate himself and his present situation. How convenient for God to suddenly prophesy through Muhammad judgment against those who sought to tarnish the reputation of his wife. In no other account in the Jewish or Christian scriptures do we see a prophet prophesying to his own benefit or to justify his own feelings, situation, or conduct. Such self-serving use of prophesy does not befit a true man of God. In my opinion, such as what Muhammad prophesied is an abuse of any spiritual gift or calling he might have had, had he in fact had such a gift or calling.

David Robison

Doctrine - The religion of Allah - Prophets and their wives (Part 2)

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here. You can also find the previous post here. This is also part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

The wives of the prophets were instructed to live in a way as not to cause men to lust after them. To this end, they were instructed to be refined in speech and to remain at home where prying eyes could not see them,

"Wives of the Prophet, you are not as other women. If you are godfearing, be not abject [complaisant] in your speech, so that [lest] he in whose heart is sickness may be lustful [should lust after you]; but speak honourable words. Remain [abide still] in your houses; and display not your finery [do not go in public decked], as did the pagans of old" (Koran 33:32-33)

Even when others were to come and ask favors of them, the wives were to remain behind a curtain lest they should be seen by lustful men.

"And when you ask his wives for any object [gift], ask them from behind a curtain [vail]; that is cleaner [purer] for your hearts and theirs. It is not for you to hurt [trouble] God's Messenger [Apostle], neither to marry his wives after him, [for] ever; surely that would be, in God's sight, a monstrous thing [a grave offense]." (Koran 33:35)

It is important to remember that, in Muhammad's time, there was only one prophet, himself, and when he wrote concerning the prophet's wives, he wrote of his own wives. It seems at times that Muhammad was jealous regarding his wives and their affections towards him. So much so that he penned words from God to secure their fidelity and to prevent others from lusting after them. So strong was his jealousy and possessive nature that he even prohibited them from remarrying if he should pass away. It must also be pointed out that no such injunctions were given to any wives, prophet's wives or not, in the whole of the Jewish or Christian scriptures.

As for the rest of the believers, they were cautioned to treat the prophets with respect, courtesy, and discretion

"God and His angels bless the Prophet. O believers, do you also bless him, and pray him peace [salute him with a salutation of Peace]." (Koran 33:56)

"O believers, raise not your voices above the Prophet's voice, and be not loud in your speech to him, as you are loud one to another, lest your works fail [come to naught] while you are not aware." (Koran 49:2)

Of course, honor is important in all our relationships, however, the Christian scriptures teach us to honor everyone regardless of their status, position, or function. James warns us about showing partiality in our love, loving some while dishonoring others. He warns us that such distinction in love is sin. "If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the'law as transgressors." (James 2:8-9) However, Muhammad requires greater honor and love for himself over and above what one might show for another.

"O believers, enter not the houses of the Prophet, except leave is given you for a meal, without watching for its hour. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have had the meal, disperse [at once], neither lingering for idle talk [engage not in familiar talk]; that is hurtful [cause trouble] to the Prophet, and he is ashamed before you [would be ashamed to bid you to go]; but God is not ashamed before [to say] the truth." (Koran 33:53)

What should we think of one who takes his own desires and requires them of us as if they were the words of God? Can one proffer any other example from the Jewish or Christian scriptures where a prophet required such of the people of God? Muhammad obviously did not understand Jesus' words when He said, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." (Mark 9:35)

David Robison