Islam - A religion for men - Women must be vieled

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here and 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 claims for itself, that one of it's mark of genuineness is that it is clear and easy to understand; that it sets straight all the things in which the Christian and Jews found themselves at variance against. "And We have not sent down upon thee the Book except that thou mayest make clear to them that whereon they were at variance" (Koran 16:66)  "And We have sent down on thee the Book making clear everything, and as a guidance and a mercy" (Koran 16:91) However, some of the most enigmatic suras in the Koran have to do with woman covering, or veiling, themselves.

"And say to the believing women, that they cast down [refrain] their eyes and guard their private parts [observe continuance], and reveal not their adornment [ornaments] save such as is outward [external]; and let them cast their veils over their bosoms, and not reveal their adornment [ornaments] save to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husbands' fathers, or their sons, or their husbands' sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or what their right hands own, or such men as attend them, not having sexual desire, or children who have not yet attained knowledge of women's private parts [note not a woman’s nakedness]; nor let them stamp their feet [strike their feet together], so that their hidden ornament may be known." (Koran 24:31)

"Such women as are past child- bearing and have no hope of marriage -- there is no fault [blame] in them that they put off their [outer] clothes, so be it that they flaunt no ornament [but so as not to shew their ornaments]." (Koran 24:59)

These suras have been greatly debated by Muslims around the world and especially by Muslim women as to what exactly God was requiring of them. These suras have caused much confusion and variance between Muslims of all sects, nationalities, genders, and ages. At the heart of the issue is, what does the Koran mean by adornments (or ornaments) and what does it mean when speaking of those that are apparent (or external). Some have interpreted this to mean only the hair, some believe it refers to the hair and the hands of a woman, and others believe that it refers to her entire body and that nothing of a woman should be visible when she ventures out in public. It is also possible that the prophet is referring to the difference between the jewelry that a woman wears next to her skin verses that which is worn over her clothes. For example, in referring to the stamping or striking of their feet, Muhammad may have been referring to anklets worn next to the flesh of their ankles. Isaiah wrote of loose women saying,

"Moreover, the Lord said, 'Because the daughters of Zion are proud and walk with heads held high and seductive eyes, and go along with mincing steps and tinkle the bangles on their feet, Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, and the Lord will make their foreheads bare.' In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes, amulets, finger rings, nose rings, festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils." (Isaiah 3:16-23)

Notice the reference to the anklets that would "tinkle" as they struck or stomped their feet. The question remains as to whether or not a woman ought to veil herself in obedience to God's law or whether or not it should be left to the individual woman to choose on her own; consulting her own conscience and faith before God in this matter? There is only one verseI know of in the Jewish and Christian scriptures that would require a woman to be "covered."

"But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved... Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels... But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God." (1 Corinthians 11:5, 10, 16)

There are several things of interest in this scripture. First, such coverings are required only when praying or prophesying, not all the time or even when in public. Secondly, the coverings are to show honor to her husband, not God. Third, Paul's reason for such a request has to do with the angles. It's interesting that Muhammad gives us no justification for his requirement. And, finally, its presented as a "practice" of the church and not a law of God. A woman not covering her head is said to be "shameful" not "sinful" which refers to how she is viewed within her culture and society not necessarily how she is viewed by God. It is interesting to note that as the Gospel expanded into the Greek culture, veiling became a common practice among some of the Christian women. Some teacher encouraging it, not out of law, but out or a recognition of the licentious culture in which they lived and in a desire to protect the young women from the leers and lustful looks of men. In my opinion, veiling or covering should be at the woman's own discretion and is not, as Muhammad claimed, as a direct requirement of God.

David Robison

Islam - A religion for men - A man's paradise

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here and 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 description the Koran gives us of paradise, especially as it relates to the sexes, is not always a consistent one. At times it seems to honor the bonds between husband and wife and at other times it depicts a scene deliberately set to appeal to the pleasures of men. The Koran describes Paradise as something akin to a frat-house or one of the ancient Greek symposiums complete with wine and sex. Muhammad writes,

"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)

First, the idea of having spouses in Paradise clearly contradicts 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) But of greater concern to us here is the question of who exactly are these spouses? In one place, the Koran seems to indicate that they would be those wives you had while on the Earth.

"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)

However, in other places, they seem to be spouses whom God has provided before hand for men when they reach Paradise.

"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)

"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)

Such a promise is very demeaning to women. It lower's her status in the marriage and constantly reminds her that she is inferior in every way, so much so, that as a reward to her husband, God will one day, in Paradise, give him the wife he really deserves, one who is pure and desirable to him, one who will fulfill him in ways she could never do. How can a woman compete with the promise of a perfect spouse in heaven? How can a man truly appreciate and cherish a wife whom the scriptures already impugns as being less that that perfect wife that is awaiting him in Paradise? How can the Koran claim to support strong marriages when it lures the desires of the husband away from his wife and towards something more pure and desirable in Paradise?

In the Koran, these perfect spouses are called the Houris.

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

"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)

It is unclear to what extent these Houris are actually human but we know the are created by God, have bodily form, and are created for the pleasure of men. To this end, the are created with a specific man in mind; created to be of the same age that they may be desirable to the one for whom they were created.

"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)

As to their form and appearance, we have this description from the Koran,

"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)

How demeaning to an Islam woman to hear from God that she is not beautiful enough or desirable enough, so much so, that He has to create some Houris to please him in Paradise? There is also the clear implication from the Koran that a truly desirable and beautiful woman is one with large dark eyes and swelling breasts. What are women without these physical attributes to believe about themselves? Does the God of Islam not remember His own wisdom as expressed through King Lemuel when he said, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31:30) Is the value of a woman truly to be found only in her beauty and her desirability towards men? For a religion built for men, this might be the case, but not for a religion that elevates women to be the equals of men and to have equal standing before God.

More to come...

David Robison

Islam - A religion for men - Polygamy

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here and 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 millennia, polygamy had been practiced as a way of life. Even some of the greatest personages in the Jewish scriptures were polygamists including Abraham, Moses, King David, and perhaps the greatest of them all, King Solomon who had "seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines." (1 Kings 11:3) So much for being the wisest man to have ever lived! While the Jewish and Christian scriptures acknowledge the reality of polygamy present within the culture of their times, it never prescribes it or affirms it as an acceptable practice before God. God may tolerate polygamy but the scriptures contain no direct condoning of it from God Himself. However, polygamy is directly taught by the Koran as a divine precept and something that is normal, acceptable, and honorable before God.

"If you fear that you will not act justly [fairly] towards the orphans, marry such women as seem good to you, two, three, four; but if you fear you will not be equitable, then only one, or what your right hands own [slaves whom ye have acquired]; so it is likelier you will not be partial." (Koran 4:3)

To the faithful, permission is given to marry up to four wives, not counting any slaves with which they may live in concubinage with. The "fair acts" which Muhammad is referring to here are the obligations that men had to provide for the needs and futures of the orphans.

"Give the orphans their property, and do not exchange the corrupt [worthless things] for the good [your valuable ones]; and devour not their property with your property [after adding it to your own]; surely that is a great crime." (Koran 4:2)

In other words, after having taken on the care of an orphan and their property, if you should later rue the idea of giving up that property, then go ahead and marry them and keep their property as your own. There is no discussion of love or any real desire to care for the orphan girl, it becomes simply a financial matter as to which is better, to let her and her property go or to marry her and keep her property.

Polygamy has its own challenges, as the Koran readily acknowledges.

"You will not be able [have it at all in your power] to be equitable between your wives [treat your wives alike], be you ever so eager; yet do not be altogether partial so that you leave her as it were suspended." (Koran 4:128)

The great wisdom of the Koran is "just try!" You will not be able to do it but at least try to do your best. In fact, if it gets too bad, give up marring other wives and just take concubines from your slaves where at least there is no expectation or requirement that you be equatable towards them.

"but if you fear you will not be equitable, then only one, or what your right hands own [slaves whom ye have acquired]; so it is likelier you will not be partial." (Koran 4:3)

Sometimes it is better to take slaves than to have to worry about pleasing multiple wives. In fact, the Koran places no limits on the sex permitted between a man and the female slaves he owns. They are property and he has God's permission to go into them as he pleases. He may lay with them without having to worry about treating them as people or as one of his wives.

"Any one of you who has not the affluence to be able to marry believing freewomen in wedlock, let him take believing handmaids that your right hands own [as slaves]." (Koran 4:29)

"[and who] guard their private parts [control their desires] save from their wives and what [the slaves] their right hands own [have won], then not being blameworthy" (Koran 70:29-30)

Polygamy demeans women and reduces them to objects for a man's pleasure and satisfaction. He is in control of the relationship and uses his wives as he sees fit and when it suits him. Little thought is given towards the wives; their part in the relationship is at the total discretion of the man.

"Thou mayest put off [decline for the present] whom thou wilt of them, and whom thou wilt [take to bed] thou mayest take to thee; and if thou seekest any thou hast set aside [long for of those thou shalt have before neglected] there is no fault [crime] in thee. So it is likelier [easier] they will be comforted [to give them the desire of their eyes], and not sorrow [put them to grief], and every one of them will be well-pleased [satisfied] with what thou givest her [accord to each of them]." (Koran 33:51)

In such relationships, women are powerless except for the influences their charm and sexual wiles may have upon their husband. Philip Schaff writes this concerning the evils of polygamy that is so freely permitted by the Koran,

"Polygamy and servile concubinage destroy the dignity of woman, and the beauty and peace of home. In all Mohammedan countries woman is ignorant and degraded... A Moslem would feel insulted by an inquiry after the health of his wife or wives. Polygamy affords no protection against unnatural vices, which are said to prevail to a fearful extent among Mohammedans, as they did among the ancient heathen" (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Volume IV, Section 45)

While the Jewish and Christian scriptures do not speak directly to polygamy, it is clear from a careful reading that such was never God's intent. From the beginning, "He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Man in the day when they were created." (Genesis 5:2) He did not create them man and many women but one man and one woman. Similarly, when speaking of their oneness God says, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24) Not the many should become one flesh but the two should become one flesh. Paul later teaches on marriage when he says, "each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband." (1 Corinthians 7:2) The clear implication is that each man is to have but one wife and a wife should have her own husband and not have to share him between many wives. Later, in speaking of his own celibacy, Paul says, "Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?" (1 Corinthians 9:5) Here he speaks of the "right" as being that of a single wife not many wives.

There may be many reasons why one would justify polygamy and concubinage, but the benefits always accrue to the man and never the woman. Such social practices demean woman and keep them repressed in the social structures that tolerate such practices. In advocating for such practices as the social norm, the Koran, once again, displays Islam as a religion built for men, not women.

More to come...

David Robison

Islam - A religion for men - Abuse in marriage

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here and 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.

From the beginning, God intended marriage to be a safe place; a place of companionship and love. At the beginning of creation, God found only one thing that was not good. "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.'" (Genesis 2:18) God took the woman from the man and fashioned her to be a helper and companion for the man. Together they were to be companions to lighten the load of loneliness and to love one another. Taken from Adam was one who made two that they might become one again; one in flesh, one in emotions, and one in spirit. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24) Of all the places we go, our marriages should be the one place where we feel both safe and loved; a place where we know we will never be lonely again. This idea may not always be realized in a marriage, but it is the original intent and the present hope of God for all married couples.

However, the Koran paints a rather different picture of marriage; one where the men are above their wives and wives are for their husband's pleasure and benefit. Wives are seen more as property than people; to be used and discarded when no longer desired. In the Koran, the marriage is no longer a safe place, at least not for the woman.

In the Jewish and Christian scriptures, the wife answer directly to God for their behavior and attitudes in marriage. However, in Islam, wives must answer to their husbands and are subject to his "judgment" and "punishment" as he deems fit.

"Righteous women are therefore obedient, guarding the secret [during the husband’s absence] for God's guarding. And those you fear may be rebellious admonish; banish them to their couches, and beat [scourge] them. If they then obey you, look not for any way against them." (Koran 4:39)

There was a time in our country when it was considered acceptable to hit a woman, but this acceptance came from the prevailing culture. Here God is directly telling men to admonish their rebellious wives, even striking them if necessary to bring them into line. And what must a woman do to deserve such a beating? It is only required that her husband fear that she may be rebellious. There is no requirement for actual proof, the mere suspicion of the husband is enough to justify his violence. How different from the counsel of Peter, "You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." (1 Peter 3:7) Similarly, Paul tells husbands to "love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25) and again, "Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them." (Colossians 3:19) How can a husband who in such ways loves his wife ever find and excuse to hit her? Certainly not from God!

Even where there may not be physical abuse, the Koran allows for an atmosphere of fear to rule a home, at lease as it pertains to the wife.

"It is possible that, [haply] if he divorces you, his Lord will give him in exchange wives better than you, women who have surrendered [Muslims], believing, obedient, penitent, devout, given to fasting, who have been married and virgins too." (Koran 66:5)

How can one live in freedom when they are constantly in fear of being tossed out and/or replaced? What possesses God to hold such fear over the lives of women? The clear message from God is that, unless the wife is obedient enough, religious enough, or penitent enough, she might just one day find herself replaced by another more obedient, religions, and penitent wife. And to make this point even more fearful (and painful), God reminds them that its not just other women that their husband might take in their place but other previously married women as well as virgins that he might find more suitable than her.

In Islam, there remains no security in marriage. Marriage, as a commitment, is only as secure as the husband desires to be committed. Divorce is always a very present option; an option that is wielded at the discretion of the husband, not the wife.

"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)

It is interesting that, in the Koran, divorce, as long as it is done right, is never portrayed as being wrong or something that we should avoid if possible. Divorce is accepted and permissible so long as it is done right. In the Koran, the marriage covenant of the man goes something like this, "I am committed to you until I change my mind or get tired of you and want someone else." Certainly this is not a strong foundation for any marriage.

Marriage is a joining of two people onto one in a life long covenant of love and companionship. Jesus said, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." (Matthew 19:6) While God did permit divorce, it was not ever His intent in marriage. Jesus said, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." (Matthew 19:8-9) Marriage was always meant to be a place of security, safety, and love but this can only be established where covenant is enjoined and sustained by both involved. A marriage where you never know if you are in or out, a marriage where you never know if you will be hit or not, is not a marriage as God created it and is no place for one created in the image of God.

More to come...
David Robison

Islam - A religion for men - Sex is for men

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first 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.

When treating the subject of sex, the Koran always presents in from the man's point of view. Sex is always presented as something for the man, not the woman. Women are nothing more than objects for the satisfying of a men's sexual appetite. Even in marriage, sex is for the man's pleasure and women are merely objects for its fulfillment.

"Your women [wives] are a tillage [field] for you; so come unto your tillage [field] as you wish, and forward for your souls;" (Koran 2:223)

Even during the holy month of Ramadan, God writes to men not to deprive themselves of sex and, where thy did not but had lied about it, God forgives them. God tells them that it was never His intent that they should deprive themselves of sex or try to hold in check their sexual desires, even during the holy month. Men are to enjoy sex as often as they like.

"Permitted to you, upon the night of the Fast, is to go in to your wives; -- they are a vestment [garment] for you, and you are a vestment for them. God knows that you have been betraying yourselves, and has turned to you and pardoned you. So now lie with them, and seek [with full desire] what God has prescribed for you. And eat and drink, until the white thread shows clearly to you from the black thread at the dawn; then complete the Fast unto the night, and do not lie with them while you cleave to the mosques." (Koran 2:183)

What is missing from the Koran is any discussion of a man duty to his wife or the benefit of any pleasure sex might bring to a husband's wife. Sarah says something very interesting when she first heard the angel say she was about to become pregnant.

"Sarah laughed to herself, saying, 'After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?'" (Genesis 18:12)

I believe that, at least in part, the pleasure Sarah refereed to was the pleasure of intercourse and she laughed, in part, because she understood Abraham's inability to perform as he once did. We know that Abraham, "contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old." (Romans 4:19) For them, sex was out of the question, yet Sarah had not forgotten the pleasure it once brought to her and to her mate. Paul goes on to teach about sex in marriage saying,

"The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does." (1 Corinthians 7:3-4)

Here, Paul presents sex and something the two of them share together and with the open consent of each other. Sex is not one-sided; it's not something that the wive gives to her husband whenever he wants it; it's not something her husband demands or takes anytime he pleases. Sex is for their mutual satisfaction and pleasure and is an expression of their oneness in the flesh. When sex becomes one-sided it becomes a perversion of what God intended, even when it happens in a marriage.

Sex in marriage is never to be demanded or taken as a right, but God intended it to be consensual. In speaking of times when a couple might abstain from sex, Paul writes,

"Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." (1 Corinthians 7:5-6) 

Sex in marriage, including its time, place, and frequency is to be determined by the couple alone, by their common consent, and not demanded by one for the sake of their own sexual impulses or desires. Sex is not just for the man, but for the two that have become one. God always intended sex for the mutual pleasure of a wedded couple and as a token of mutual love between the two of them.

More to come...
David Robison

Islam - A religion for men - Men are superior

This is part of a larger series called "The Koran from a Christian perspective." You can find other posts in this series here.

One thing one quickly come away with when reading the Koran is how much of it is directed to men; how much of its promises, blessings, and privileges are directed at and reserved for men. It quickly becomes apparent that men are superior to women and, in many ways, women are no better than children and often are treated like property. The Koran teaches us that God created men to be superior to men.

"Men are the managers of the affairs of women [superior to women] for that God has preferred in bounty [gifted the] one of them over another [above the other], and for that they have expended of their property [on account of the outlay they make from their substance for them]." (Koran 4:38)

Here, Muhammad tells us that men are superior to women because God has created them superior, giving giftings to the man that are higher and superior to the giftings He gave to women. We certainly cannot deny that men and women are different; their physical and emotional makeup differs one from another. Men tend to be stronger physically than women and women tend to be stronger emotional than men and are often more caring, nurturing, and insightful then men. However, this does not make one superior, or better, than the other, it just makes them different. In the Jewish scriptures, when God is about to take the woman from the side of man, He says, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." (Genesis 2:18) Here, the Hebrew word for "suitable" means one who can stand in front of, or opposite to. It is the picture of one who is not inferior of beneath the other but one who stands before another as their equal. This equality of Eve with Adam was also reflected in the words Adam spoke when he first saw Eve, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh." (Genesis 2:23) Adam saw her as his equal, as being his own bones and his flesh. He saw her not as his slave or possession but his companion and his equal.

The Koran also teaches us that men are superior to women because they provide financially for their sustenance. However, such a view demeans the value that a woman bring to a home, even if she is not working or contributing to the financial purse of the home. It is an affront to the the value of a good wife and mother to say that just because she does not provide financially, she is not as important as a man. Moreover, it doe not take into account the realities of toay when many women do work and contribute to the finances of the home. If a woman earns more than a man is she then to be considered superior to him? King Lemuel teaches us, "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain." (Proverbs 31:10-11) A woman's value may not be financial, but it is nevertheless incalculable.

The Koran goes on to say that, in all things, and especially in a marriage, men are a step above women.

"Divorced women shall wait 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 their mates have better right to restore them, if they desire to set things right. Women have such honourable rights as obligations [and it is for the women to act as they (the husbands) act by them, in all fairness], but their men have a degree [step] above them; God is All-mighty, All-wise." (Koran 2:228)

However, the Christian scriptures teach us that, in Christ, all distinction of gender vanish. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28) While the scriptures do teach that men are to be the "head" of the women, it is a headship of service as demonstrated by Jesus who is the "head" of the church. It says of Jesus' headship that, "Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25) and "for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body." (Ephesians 5:29-30) Men may be the head of their wives but their wives are also as their flesh. Men are to view wives not as inferior but as themselves. "So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies." (Ephesians 5:28)

The Koran goes further to say that, as far as the law is concerned, one man is worth two women.

"And call in to witness two witnesses, men; or if the two be not men, then one man and two women, such witnesses as you approve of, that if one of the two women errs the other will remind her; and let the witnesses not refuse, whenever they are summoned." (Koran 2:282)

"If there be two sisters, they shall receive two-thirds of what he leaves; if there be brothers and sisters, the male shall receive the portion of two females." (Koran 4:174)

This is quite understandable in the context of the culture and society that Muhammad lived in, but Muhammad is claiming more than cultural authority, he is claiming that his teachings come directly from God. It is not Muhammad that is saying one man is worth two women, it is God! Peter teaches husbands to "show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." (1 Peter 3:7) However, the Koran teaches great dishonor towards women. Women are worth less than a man, women's value in a marriage is less than a man, and women are lower in degree to men in the sight of God. Where is the honor here? God created us all alike. We are equal before Him and we are all honored by Him. The Koran brings women low but the true God in Heaven lifts them up and honors them equally with the rest of mankind.

More to come...

David Robison

Islam - A religion of war - The Crusades

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here and 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.

There are many similarities between the many wars of Muhammad and the Christian Crusades of the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth centuries. During this time the imagination and zeal of European Christians were stoked against the suffering of Christians in Jerusalem and the hindering of Christian pilgrims attempting to visit the Holy Land by its Muslim occupiers. To liberate Jerusalem, rid it of pagan unbelievers, and to restore free access to the holy sites by pious pilgrims, several Roman Catholic popes of that ages called upon emperors, kings, and the faithful to join together in many crusades to free the place where Jesus one lived, died, and was buried. It is hard for us in this twenty-first century to understand and comprehend how thoroughly and rapidly "crusade fever" spread throughout Europe and captured the minds and hearts of Christians of that age. It was not only sanctioned by the popes but many a hermit made the crusades the topic of their preaching and aroused many a man, woman, and child to join the crusades. Philip Schaff describes the feeling in those days.

"Bernard of Clairvaux said, pagans must not be slain if they may by other means be prevented from oppressing the faithful. However, it is better they should be put to death than that the rod of the wicked should rest on the lot of the righteous. The righteous fear no sin in killing the enemy of Christ. Christ’s soldier can securely kill and more safely die. When he dies, it profits him; when he slays, it profits Christ. The Christian exults in the death of the pagan because Christ is glorified thereby. But when he himself is killed, he has reached his goal." (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Volume V, Section 48)

In many ways, Muhammad felt the same way about Mecca as the Christians four hundred years later in Europe would feel about Jerusalem. Mecca contained the Kaaba, a cube-shaped "house" that housed a black stone that was believed to have fallen from heaven. The Kaaba was the center of worship by many people including Muslims. Muhammad saw it as a great sin by the Meccans in that they had expelled the Prophet and now they were preventing Muslims from worshiping at the Kaaba. Upon his expulsion, Muhammad was weak and could not mount much of a defense, but now that he was strong, he set his eyes on returning to defeat the Meccans and to free the Kaaba that the faithful might once again worship there.

"But if they break their oaths after their covenant [alliance] and thrust at [revile] your religion, then fight the leaders of unbelief; they have no sacred oaths; haply they will give over. Will you not fight a people [those Meccans] who broke their oaths and purposed to expel the Messenger [your Apostle], beginning the first time against you [and attacked you first]? Are you afraid of them? You would do better to be afraid of God, if you are believers." (Koran 9:12-13)

Muhammad renewed his ambition to retake Mecca and, in a revelation sent directly from Allah, called his follower to fight.

"Fight them [so make war with them], and God will chastise them at your hands and degrade them [put them to shame], and He will help you against them [give you victory over them], and bring healing to the breasts of a people who believe," (Koran 9:14)

Muhammad convinced his followers that it was God who stood ready to judge the Meccans and it was God who would bring them low before them and grant them victor over their enemies. In Muhammad's eyes, this fight was at the heart of what it meant to be Muslim. This fight was not just a fight for territory but for life eternal and for a place in Paradise. For a Muslim, it is better for them to fight and to abstain from war.

"O believers, what is amiss with you, that when it is said to you, 'Go [march] forth in the way of God,' you sink down heavily to the ground? Are you so content with this present life, rather than the world to come? Yet the enjoyment of this present life, compared with the world to come, is a little thing. If you go [march] not forth, He will chastise you with a painful chastisement, and instead of you He will substitute another people...Go [march] forth, light and heavy [armed]! Struggle [contend] in God's way with your possessions and your selves; that is better for you, did you know. " (Koran 9:38-39, 41)

As the Christian Crusades raged on for more than two centuries, there were voices that challenged the blind religious zeal of the day. In the crusades they saw not the triumph of Christianity but the triumph of the fleshly desires and the ambitions of men. Philip Schaff writes,

"Erasmus struck the right note and expressed the view of a later age. Writing at the very close of the Middle Ages making an appeal for the proclamation of the Gospel by preaching and speaking of wars against the Turks, he said, 'Truly, it is not meet to declare ourselves Christian men by killing very many but by saving very many, not if we send thousands of heathen people to hell, but if we make many infidels Christian; not if we cruelly curse and excommunicate, but if we with devout prayers and with our hearts desire their health, and pray unto God, to send them better minds.'" (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Volume V, Section 58)

I do not draw upon the similarities of the Christian crusades and the Muslim wars to justify the one or to excuse the other but rather to condemn them both. Both proceeded not from the heart of God but from the carnal mind of men. However, there is one distinction between the two that must be brought to center stage, and that is that one was the enterprise of men while the other claimed to be the command of God. One was advanced by popes and monks while the other was proclaimed and commanded by the Prophet and Apostle of a new religion. One was added to the religion some thousand years latter while the other was institutionalized as part of that religion from the very beginning. One lasted for a few hundred years until the prevailing culture of Europe changed while the other has continued almost unabated for fourteen hundred years. The crusades remain a low point in Christian history and one which few, if any, Christians remain who would wish its return. However, one cannot escape the call to war and to fight that was recorded in the Koran (and in the Mother Book in heaven) that is still as valid today as it was when Muhammad wrote it. The crusades produced a people of war, but the Koran produces a religion of war.

David Robison

Islam - A religion of war - God favors the warrior

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here and 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 promises rewards for all believers and followers of Islam. However, for some classes of believers, and alternate way, or at least an enhanced means of finding rewards, are offered. In Islam, God does favor certain classes of believers over others.

"Not equal [treatment] is he among you who spent, and who fought before the victory; those are mightier [nobler] in rank [grade] than they who spent [contributed] and fought afterwards;" (Koran 57:10)

Those who fight, especially those who fight from the beginning when the risks and violence of war are at its peak, are preferred in the sight of God over those who either do not fight or only join the fight after victory becomes sure. The Koran even promises forgiveness and compassion for the warrior above that which He has for the common believer.

"But the believers, and those who emigrate and struggle in God's way [fight in the cause of God] -- those have hope of God's compassion" (Koran 2:215)

"Such believers as sit at home -- unless they have an injury -- are not the equals of those who struggle in the path of God with their possessions and their selves. God has preferred in rank those who struggle with their possessions and their selves over the ones who sit at home; yet to each God has promised the reward most fair; and God has preferred those who struggle over the ones who sit at home for the bounty of a mighty wage, in ranks standing before Him, forgiveness and mercy" (Koran 4:97)

I believe that this promise of absolution and the welcomed entrance into Paradise are what, at least in part, fuels some of the enthusiasm for Jihad and for some to end their own lives as suicide bombers and suicide fighters. For the Muslim, there is little assurance of their own salvation and little assurance of their certain place in paradise. How can a young man, with all the lusts and desires raging through his flesh, have certain hope of Paradise? How can one born in poverty who has no wealth to struggle with in the way of God find entrance into Paradise? One sure way is to die in battle and in the cause of God.

"And those who emigrated [fled their country], and were expelled from their habitations [quitted their homes], those who suffered hurt in My way, and fought, and were slain -- them I shall surely acquit of their evil deeds [blot out their sins], and I shall admit them to gardens underneath which rivers flow.'" (Koran 3:194)

To help those who have joined the fight, God does offer indulgences for those who fail at their religion during battle, not counting their failings against them.

"And when you are journeying in the land there is no fault in you that you shorten the prayer, if you fear the unbelievers may afflict you; the unbelievers are for you a manifest foe [infidels are your undoubted enemies]." (Koran 4:102)

However, there is no patience for cowards and those who seek to avoid battle and the hazards of war to which God has called all believer to.

"Hast thou not regarded those to whom it was said, 'Restrain your hands [awhile from war], and perform the prayer, and pay the alms'? Then, as soon as fighting is prescribed [commanded] for them, there is a party of them fearing the people as they would fear God, or with a greater fear, and they say, 'Our Lord, why hast thou prescribed fighting for us [commanded us war]? Why not defer us to a near term?'" (Koran 4:79)

"And when a sura is sent down, saying, 'Believe in God, and struggle [go forth to war] with His Messenger [Apostle],' the affluent among them ask leave of thee [demanded exemption], saying, 'Let us be with the tarries [those who sit at home].' They are well-pleased [content] to be with those [who stay] behind, and a seal has been set upon their hearts, so the they understand not. But Messenger [Apostle], and the believers with him, have struggled with their possessions [purse] and their selves [person], and those -- for them await the good things; those -- they are the prosperers [happy]." (Koran 9:87-89)

However, in the Christian scriptures we are taught that there is no class or distinction of rank among believers and before God. Paul tells us that, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28) The priest is not in rank higher than the laity, the pastor higher than the congregant. The Apostle is not above the servant nor the Prophet above the lowly intercessor. The rich are not favored more than the poor nor the widow above the prosperous. God sees everyone the same and they all find equal rank before Him. In this Gospel, the warrior is not above those who go not into battle. In fact, for some things, their doing is reserved for those who have not shed blood, even in a righteous and victorious war. When King David sought to build God a house, the Lord refused saying,

"You have shed much blood and have waged great wars; you shall not build a house to My name, because you have shed so much blood on the earth before Me. Behold, a son will be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever." (1 Chronicles 22:8-10)

Some deeds require blood-free hand. A truth that is quite different from the brand of truth espoused in the Koran.

God loves the warrior, but He does not love him any more than his brethren. God loves all and to all He graciously gives His favor and blessing. The true judgement of a believer is not in his courage and steadfastness in battle but in his courage and steadfastness in love. It is not our fierceness that will witness to the world our discipleship in Christ but our love for all, even the infidel. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) Whether you are a warrior or not, God loves you just the same and He calls you to share that love with everyone around you.

More to come...
David Robison

Islam - A religion of war - Encouragement to fight

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here and 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 fight is prescribed to Muslims. Muslims are called to war. Repeatedly they are called by the Koran to engage in a struggle with unbelievers and to take the fight to them; to slay them and to cleanse their faith from the Earth.

"And fight the unbelievers totally even as they fight you totally [in al] and know that God is with the godfearing." (Koran 9:36)

"When you meet [encounter] the unbelievers [infidels], smite their necks [strike off their heads], then [till], when you have made wide [great] slaughter among them, tie fast the bonds [make fast the fetters]." (Koran 47:4)

Their fight is not towards some honorable or negotiated peace, it is a fight to eliminate the unbeliever from the Earth. It is a fight, not just to win, but to procure the slaughter of the infidels and the supremacy of Islam.

"It is not for any Prophet to have prisoners until he make wide slaughter in the land." (Koran 8:68)

However, such a war, such a slaughter, is a hard and distasteful business. It can be hard, even for the faithful, to remain firm to the end; firm until they have not only defeated them but have killed them.

"If they withdraw not from you, and offer you peace, and restrain their hands, take [seize] them, and slay them wherever you come on them; against them We have given you a clear authority [undoubted power]." (Koran 4:92)

"O believers, when you encounter the unbelievers marching to battle, turn not your backs to them. Whoso turns his back that day to them, unless withdrawing to fight again or removing to join another host, he is laden with the burden of God's anger, and his refuge is Gehenna -- an evil homecoming!" (Koran 8:15-16)

"Then, when the sacred months are drawn away, slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take [seize] them, and confine [besiege] them, and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they repent [convert], and perform the prayer, and pay the alms, then let them go their way; God is All-forgiving, All-compassionate." (Koran 9:5)

Their goal is not peace but annihilation. When it is in their power to do so, they are not to offer peace but to press towards total and final victory.

"So do not faint [be not fainthearted] and call for peace [invite the infidels to peace]; [when] you shall be [have] the upper ones [hand], and God is with you, and will not deprive you of your works." (Koran 47:37)

To this end, the prophets and the Koran are given to encourage them in the fight; to strengthen them to complete what they've been called to; to keep their hands firm in the fight and their minds committed to the cause.

"O Prophet, urge on [stir up] the believers to fight. If there be twenty of you, patient men, they will overcome two hundred; if there be a hundred of you, they will overcome a thousand unbelievers, for they are a people who understand not." (Koran 8:66)

"So obey not the unbelievers [Give not way therefore to the infidels], but [by means of this Koran] struggle with them thereby mightily [strive against them with a mighty strife]." (Koran 25:54)

The prophet is to remind them to often make mention of God's name as it will encourage them and to know that, even if they are suffering in battle, it will be worse for the enemy.

"O believers, whensoever you encounter a host [troop], then stand firm, and remember [make mention of the name of] God frequently; haply so you will prosper. And obey God, and His Messenger, and do not quarrel together, and so lose heart, and your power [success] depart; and be patient; surely God is with the patient." (Koran 8:47-49)

"Faint not in seeking the heathen [slacken not in pursuit of the foe]; if you are suffering, they are also suffering as you are suffering, and you are hoping from God for that for which they cannot hope" (Koran 4:105)

As Christians, we too have our words of encouragement, but it's not the encouragement towards warfare, but towards "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17) Paul tells us to, "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11) Our preparation is not to fight but to stand firm and our fight is not against people but against the spiritual forces are war with us. Further Paul tells us to, "not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." (Galatians 6:9-10) It's not for battle that our hearts need strengthening but for doing good to all people, especially the believers but also the infidels. Finally, he remind us "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Certainly, war does not qualify as being among those things that are lovely, right, and pure.

Yes, there are times that nations must go to war and, in that time, each one must make up our own mind as to if and how we will participate in our nation's call to arms, but as Christians we are call to a much higher and more noble cause; the cause of love and peace.

More to come...
David Robison

Islam - A religion of war - The rewards of war

This is a continuation of a multi-post article. You can read the first post here and 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 claims justification for war from, not only the inspiration of the Koran, but also the Jewish scriptures.

"Hast thou not regarded the Council of the Children of Israel, after Moses, when they said to a Prophet of theirs, 'Raise up for us a king, and we will fight in God's way.' He said, 'Might it be that, if fighting is prescribed for you, you will not fight?' They said, 'Why should we not fight in God's way, who have been expelled from our habitations and our children?' Yet when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned their backs except a few of them; and God has knowledge of the evildoers." (Koran 2:247)

However, Muhammad's recollection of these events are not accurate. There was no promise of fighting for their king or fighting in the way of God, but a simple request, "Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations." (1 Samuel 8:5) Samuel, at God's direction, warned the Israelites of the reality of having a king other than God, "He said, "This will be the procedure of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and place them for himself in his chariots and among his horsemen and they will run before his chariots. 12 "He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and of fifties, and some to do his plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots." (1 Samuel 8:11-12) However, there was never any indication from God that their desire to fight was holy, no promise of reward for fighting, and no condemnation as evildoers if they failed to fight. However, the Koran contains many suras promising the rewards of war and the chastisement of those who refused to fight in the way of God.

Muhammad tells us that God uses war to test our faith and to distinguish the true believers from the hypocrites who believe only in times of peace.

"Then, when a clear [peremptory] sura is sent down [revealed], and therein fighting is mentioned [whose burden is war], thou seest those in whose hearts is sickness [diseased] looking at thee as one who swoons of death [on whom the shadows of death has fallen];" (Koran 47:22)

"And what visited you, the day the two hosts encountered, was by God's leave, and that He might know the believers; and that He might also know the hypocrites when it was said of them, 'Come now, fight in the way of God, or repel!' They said, 'If only we knew how to fight, we would follow you.'" (Koran 3:160)

Here, Muhammad is not talking about being tested by a war that has come upon us but rather by a war commanded by God that we should take up and execute in our faith and to prove our faith. Muhammad also tells us that, one of the best ways to learn religion, is by going forth in battle; the fight of war teaching us to be consistent, disciplined, and firm in our religious duties and faith.

"It is not for the believers to go forth totally [march forth all together to the wars]; but why should not a party of every section of them go forth, to become learned [instruct themselves] in religion, and to warn their people when they return to them, that haply they may beware?" (Koran 9:124)

Repeatedly, the Koran promises the blessings and rewards of war for those who faithfully fight.

"Make ready for them whatever force and strings of horses you can, to terrify thereby the enemy of God and your enemy, and others besides them that you know not; God knows them. And whatsoever you expend in the way of God shall be repaid you in full; you will not be wronged." (Koran 8:62)

"So let them fight in the way of God who sell the present life for the world to come; andwhosoever fights in the way of God and is slain, or conquers, We shall bring him a mighty wage." (Koran 4:76)

Here, Muhammad encourages us to fight with our own resources, to expend our wealth in the way of God, in hopes of a greater reward in the life to come. However, for those who refuse, turn back in fear, or desert the fray, there is the thread of a painful chastisement.

"Say to the Bedouins [Arabs of the desert ] who were left behind [took not the field]: 'You shall be called against a people possessed of great might' [mighty valor] to fight them, or they surrender [shall profess Islam]. If you obey, God will give you a goodly wage; but if you turn your backs, as you turned your backs before, He will chastise you with a painful chastisement.'" (Koran 48:16)

Such wording is often use in the Koran to refer to the punishment of those whose end is not to be found in Paradise. In fact, the Koran tells us that, when we expend our wealth fighting in the way of God, that it is God who is purchasing our temporal possessions as the price of our eternal bliss in Paradise; by spending our wealth in fighting we are buying Paradise.

"God has bought from the believers their selves and their possessions against the gift of Paradise; they fight in the way of God; they kill, and are killed; that is a promise binding upon God in the Torah, and the Gospel, and the Koran." (Koran 9:112)

Muhammad's claim that this love of war and the promised rewards of the fight are in some way consistent with the teachings of the Jewish and Christian scriptures shows his lack of understanding of these scriptures and what they teach. Nowhere does Jesus ever speak of temporal or carnal war as being a blessing, accruing benefits to our account, or as being prescribed and commanded by God. Our promise of eternal life comes not from war but from our faith in Jesus Christ, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) And our benefits, blessings, and rewards are not the result of expending our wealth in battle but from the quiet strength of faith and patience. "but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:12) Muhammad may have needed the threats and promises of war to build for himself an army, but God has no need of an army as He Himself is all powerful and all able to accomplish all that He intends. The Koran is a good news through war, but the Gospel is a good news through love; the love of God towards us and the love of God within us towards others.

More to come...

David Robison