Opus 2015-436: Koran Klarifications: Why Paris Is Business As Usual

What a difference one vowel make.

You have certain characteristics at the core of certain religions.  Some are only of casual interest to outsiders, such as requiring a man to wear a turban as Sikhs do or the observation that Buddhist monks wear orange.  Others are defining.  One of the defining differences between Christians and Muslims is found in the one letter difference between prescribe and proscribe.  When I was editing the previous post, the word “proscribed” jumped out at me.  I touched on it in a previous post, but it bears revisiting.

Christians are proscribed from taking vengeance.  It is forbidden.

(Romans 12:19 KJV)  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

For Muslims, however, it is prescribed.  It is required.

“O believers! retaliation for bloodshedding is prescribed to you: the free man for the free, and the slave for the slave, and the woman for the woman: but he to whom his brother shall make any remission,68 is to be dealt with equitably; and to him should he pay a fine with liberality.” Sura 2, “The Cow” (verse 178)

Christianity expects the government to deal with evil.  Islam expects every believer to seek vengeance.  And evil in Islam includes anyone who believes different from you.  So when we have hundreds massacred by Muslims yelling “Allah is great” in Arabic and calling the murders repayment in part for attacking Syria, there is nothing out of line with that.  It is at the core of what so many foolishly call a “religion of peace”.

Expect more of the same.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2015-251: Koran Klarifications in the Headlines: It Is All in How You Define It

I don’t know if this was carried in American media but The Independent has an article about an American woman who was kidnaped by ISIS and is now being used as a sex slave by the leader of the self declared Caliphate.  The article says “he had married her by force”.  We in the non-Muslim world call it rape.

How is this possible in a religion of peace?  Is this an aberration of a few radical fringers?  It works this way, Muslims make a big deal about honoring their women but that applies only for honorable, “free” women.  Slaves can be used anyway you want and since this woman is a kafir prisoner, she qualifies as a slave.  From the Koran,

“Forbidden to you also are married women, except those who are in your hands as slaves: This is the law of God for you. And it is allowed you, beside this, to seek out wives by means of your wealth, with modest conduct, and without fornication. And give those with whom ye have cohabited their dowry.  This is the law. But it shall be no crime in you to make agreements over and above the law. Verily, God is Knowing, Wise!”  Sura 4, Women, verse 24

Read that over a few times and understand all the exceptions and permissions given there.  Then realize that the code word for slaves is “who are in your hands”.  Here is another reference from the Koran.

“HAPPY now the BELIEVERS,
Who humble them in their prayer,
And who keep aloof from vain words,
And who are doers of alms deeds,
And who restrain their appetites,
(Save with their wives, or the slaves whom their right hands possess: for in that case they shall be free from blame:”  Sura 23, The Believers, verse 1-6

Retrain your appetites, except when it involves your wives and slaves.  So, yes, this is a part of the religion of peace.  No, this is not just for the radical fringe unless you define radical fringe as someone who is a devout believer in the Koran as dictation by Allah to Mohammed. 

If you Google “rape in Islam” you will find many sites that tell you rape is condemned by Islam, that women are revered and protected and even give you selected references.  The key is to read carefully what they mean by rape and who is included.  If you don’t believe me then get a copy of the Koran and read it for yourself and think about what you have read in the primary sources.  Read it all the way through not just the parts I select or anyone else selects for you.

Wake up and smell the slavery, Kafirs.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2015-37: In the Name of Obama, part 3 of 3, Vengeance

The Bible orders Christians not to seek vengeance but to love their enemies. 

(Romans 12:19 NAS77)  Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.

Anyone who advocates killing or mayhem in the name of Jesus does not indict Jesus, they make themselves liars and frauds.

Is the same true of Islam?  That is what the president and other tools of Islam tell you.  Again, what do the primary sources say.  Mohammad demands that Muslims seek revenge. 

“O believers! retaliation for bloodshedding is prescribed to you: the free man for the free, and the slave for the slave, and the woman for the woman: but he to whom his brother shall make any remission,68 is to be dealt with equitably; and to him should he pay a fine with liberality.” Sura 2, The Cow, verse 178

Keep in mind the meaning of “prescribed.”  It is the opposite of “proscribed.”  Prescribed means “authorize with authority.”  It is where we get our word for prescriptions at the pharmacy.  Proscribed means forbidden.  Understand.  In Islam revenge is demanded, not forbidden.  Read the words of their holy book.

Who are you going to believe about Islam and Christianity,  President Obama or Muhammad and Jesus?

Do your homework.  Don’t accept the distortions of people who hate Christians and the God of the Bible. 

And don’t try to kill them either.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2015-36: In the Name of Obama, part 2 of 3, Violence

Have people done evil in the name of Christ?  Of course.  Have people done evil in the name of Mohammad?  Obviously.  But the same standard applies.  What did the leaders actually say?  If you bother to read the primary sources you will find two different stories.  Jesus never advocated violence.  In fact, Christians are told the opposite.  Jesus is the one who gives us the quote about turning the other cheek. 

(Matthew 5:39 KJV)  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Jesus did mention a sword. 

(Matthew 10:34 KJV)  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

If you bother to read the context you will find it is figurative and warning that His followers will face rejection, not that they are to attack those who disagree.

Faithful Muslims are expected to kill people who do not agree with them on matters of religion and in Islam religion includes political thought.  Violence is condoned, encouraged and demanded.  It is a bit hypocritical to say otherwise when the Koran makes the statements clear.

“Make war upon such of those to whom the Scriptures have been given as believe not in God, or in the last day, and who forbid not that which God and His Apostle have forbidden, and who profess not the profession of the truth, until they pay tribute out of hand, and they be humbled.”  Sura 9, “Immunity,” verse 29.

In both cases, Christianity and Islam, you can find other references that show the teaching is not a one time proof text.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

To be continued...

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Opus 2013-25: Koran Klarifications: Dhimmitude, Better Than Death?, part 3 of 3

Again I give you the Surah we are considering.

“Make war upon such of those to whom the Scriptures have been given as believe not in God, or in the last day, and who forbid not that which God and His Apostle have forbidden, and who profess not the profession of the truth, until they pay tribute out of hand, and they be humbled.”  Surah 9:29, Immunity

There are three levels of status in modern Islam for non-Muslims.

“Three categories of dhimmi are identified in Islam:  Hudna, Musta’min, and Zimmi.
    “Hudna (‘truce’) are those who sign a peace treaty with Muslims after being defeated in war....
    “Musta’min (‘protected ones’) are those who come to an Islamic nation as messengers, merchants, visitors, or students wanting to learn about Islam.  They are obliged to pay jizya (tribute, a ‘protection tax’)...
    “Zimmis (literally ‘those in custody’) are non-Muslims who live in Muslim countries and agree to pay the jizya in exchange for protection and safety....”  (Youssef, Michael, Blindsided, No City:  Kobri, 2012, p. 88.)

Nowhere is there an assumption of equal status.  Notice the first category is listed as a “truce” not a “treaty.”  The war is not over until you are converted or dead.

This war is to be fought against everyone who has received the “Scriptures.”  I don’t know if you have noticed or not but the Koran is available in every book store and library in the country.  I have no trouble with that.  I personally don’t see how any well meaning, intelligent, civilized person would be swayed by the Koran.  That sounds harsh, but I have read it, have you?  But it also gives them the right to wage war against anyone who does not immediately accept what they have to say.

We can continue to be like Nevil Chamberlain, meet with evil and claim to have made a peace.  If we do, our children will be able to witness videos of us waving a meaningless paper and claiming to have achieved “peace in our time.”  They may also be able to watch video of us being beheaded.  As they say, “Coming to a theater near you.”  In this case it is a war theater.  It will give new meaning to what will happen if “they gave a war and nobody came.”  I have news for you, the person who gives the party is always there even if no one else shows up.  And they get all the cake and goodies.

It is coming.  It is here.  It will not go away.  It can be contained but only through honest awareness.  We need to step up and be counted.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2013-24: Koran Klarifications: Dhimmitude, Better Than Death?, part 2 of 3

I remind you of the Surah we are responding to,

“Make war upon such of those to whom the Scriptures have been given as believe not in God, or in the last day, and who forbid not that which God and His Apostle have forbidden, and who profess not the profession of the truth, until they pay tribute out of hand, and they be humbled.”  Surah 9:29, Immunity

It has always been possible for non-Muslims to live in Muslim countries but it has never been safe or easy.  If we allow Sharia law to creep into our system we are doing away with the products of the Civil War and the entire Civil Rights Movement.  Gone is equality before the law.  Now you have special privileges because of your religion.  It should be also noted that throughout history slaves have generally been granted a few rights.

It often starts gently.  Consider the following,

“...matters would change over time, as Muslim self-identity grew and tolerant attitudes weakened.  In 690, the regime imposed the poll tax on Syria’s non-Muslims,....  In 722 caliph Yazid II prohibited the display of religious images, destroying the public displays of many churches.” (Jenkins, Philip.  The Lost History of Christianity, New York:  Harper One, 2008, p. 106.)

In find it interesting how he says “over time.”  Mohammad died in 632 so it seems like it only took 60 years to start taking away freedom.  The year 722 is also shortly after Islam had conquered Spain and was moving into France.  They no longer needed to worry about what the Christians thought.  They were in control from Spain to Iran.

What kind of limitations have been common for dhimma under Muslim rule?  Death is a total limitation, of course.  Almost as bad is abducting your children, forcing them to convert to Islam and making them the shock troops of the Ottoman Empire, the Janizaries.  At the other extreme are the everyday harassments that make life miserable and keep reminding you that you are not a real citizen.  This included rules about things such as clothing:  no expensive fabrics, styles limited, colors forbidden or required.  Freedom of movement was curtailed:  No horses, saddles or iron stirrups, must walk single file.  Justice was denied, Christians and Jews could not testify against Muslims (Jenkins, pp. 218-9)

Is this what you want for your children?

To be continued...

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2013-23: Koran Klarifications: Dhimmitude, Better Than Death?, part 1 of 3

I think it may be time to reminder ourselves about one of the great realities of Islam.  It is called Dhimmitude, or second class citizenship.  We need to understand this so that we see how the Sharia Law of Islam is totally incompatible with American values.

The basic foundation for this status of non-Muslims is found in the Koran.  The Surah I find frequently quoted is:

“Make war upon such of those to whom the Scriptures have been given as believe not in God, or in the last day, and who forbid not that which God and His Apostle have forbidden, and who profess not the profession of the truth, until they pay tribute out of hand, and they be humbled.”  Surah 9:29, Immunity

In this and surrounding verses we see the three choices open to people when Islam gains control.  I give the choices in the words of a Muslim from the past,

“In the fourteenth century, the pioneering sociologist Ibn Khaldun explained the options for Christians:  ‘ it is [for them to choose between] conversion to Islam, payment of the poll tax, or death.’”  (Spencer, Robert.  The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam.  Washington, D.C.:  Regnery Publishing, Inc., 2005, p. 54.)

You will not see this in the PC press and certainly won’t hear about it from our elite government leaders.  It is real.  It is historic.  It is contemporary.

To be continued....

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2012-81, Koran Klarifications: Road to Peace

I was listening to a pod-cast dealing with Islam and the speaker suggested if we want to know if Islam can be regarded as a religion of peace we should read the ninth Sura.  I am in the process of doing so. 

I came across this as I read:

“Make war upon such of those to whom the Scriptures have been given as believe not in God, or in the last day, and who forbid not that which God and His Apostle have forbidden, and who profess not the profession of the truth, until they pay tribute out of hand, and they be humbled.”  Sura 9, “Immunity,” verse 29.

This is a command to make war on certain classes of people.  First, Muslims are to make war on people who know about the demands of the Koran and do not convert.  Second, make war in the end times struggles.  Third, make war on anyone who will not follow the laws and standards set down in the Koran.  The last category is the widest:  Make war on anyone who is not a Muslim.

Look those over again.  Do you see yourself fitting in there anywhere?  If you are not a Muslim, you fit in all categories.  Even if you call yourself a Muslim this justifies being attacked if you don’t meet up to another Muslims standards.

Notice there is a way to reach a non-war relationship:  Pay tribute and be humbled. 

So, mellow believer in reason; so, singer of “All we are saying, is give peace a chance;” are you ready to start paying tribute on a level that makes the IRS seem benign?  Are you willing to join the Muslim women and walk behind Muslim men?  Are you ready to join the Jews of Nazi Germany and begin wearing outward garb that labels you as a fair target of discrimination?

Peace with Islam is possible.  The question is “What price peace?”  Wake up and smell the dhimmi.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-310, Koran Klarifications: Lovers of Death

It has been about six months since I added to this category.  I had this title and reference in my computer all that time but I held off on it.  In that time I have read and listened to podcasts where this has come up in regard to the suicide bombers that we have seen in Islamic terrorism.  I think I am ready to post this.

Islam reflects a different view of death than is found in Christian circles.  Christians are not afraid of death.  It is not a matter of fear, but priorities and attitude toward others.  It does usher us into the presence of God and that is something to be looked forward to.  Paul said,

(Philippians 1:23-24 KJV)  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

There is a natural desire to be with Jesus, but notice that he was more concerned about others than his own personal desires.

The comments I was reading said that the suicide bombers are understandable because Islam glorifies death and the true Muslim will seek death.  That seemed a bit strong but consider this from the Koran,

“SAY: If the future dwelling place with God be specially for you, but not for the rest of mankind, then wish for death, if ye are sincere:”  Sura 2, “The Cow”, verse 94.

If you are a sincere Muslim, wish for death.

It is one verse, quoted in isolation.  I understand that.  But it fits with what I see.  Look it up.  Read the context.  Ask yourself what this says about a “religion of peace.”

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-136, Koran Klarifications: Homosexuality

There are some issues that Christians and Muslims have at least some degree of agreement.  Homosexuality is one of those.  I don’t know what the Hadith has to say or what kind of fatwahs have been issued but the Koran is pretty clear, it does not approve.

“We also sent Lot, when he said to his people, commit ye this filthy deed in which no creature hath gone before you?   Come ye to men, instead of women, lustfully? Ye are indeed a people given up to excess.  But the only answer of his people was to say, ‘Turn them out of your city, for they are men who vaunt them pure.’”  Surah 7, “The Height,” verses 80-82

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-134, Koran Klarifications: Punishment

The American attitude toward war and defeated enemies is an aberration in history.  Much of it comes from a teaching that people think is from Jesus but really is based in the Old Testament.  Here are the words of Jesus.

(Matthew 5:44 KJV)  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Paul echoes the same thought.

(Romans 12:20 KJV)  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Both of them are looking to the OT times.

(Proverbs 25:21 KJV)  If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

What they are advocating goes against the law of the jungle and the survival of the fittest.  It is the Christian way.  There have been times when God demanded killing but it was location specific, not general directions for all occasions. 

How does the Koran instruct victorious Muslims to treat defeated infidels?

“Only, the recompense of those who war against God and his Apostle, and go about to commit disorders on the earth, shall be that they shall be slain or crucified, or have their alternate hands and feet cut off, or be banished the land: This their disgrace in this world, and in the next a great torment shall be theirs-  Except those who, ere you have them in your power, shall repent; for know that God is Forgiving, Merciful.” Surah 5, “The Table,” verses 33-34

So you have choices.  You can convert, be killed or be mutilated.  But notice that the conversion must come before they are defeated, not after. 

We see the same command in regard to thieves.

“As to the thief, whether man or woman, cut ye off their hands in recompense for their doings.19 This is a penalty by way of warning from God himself. And God is Mighty, Wise.”  Surah 5, “The Table,” verse 38

Some people have noted that this is not usually practiced today.  Okay.  Then I guess some Muslims are living in disobedience.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-131, Koran Klarifications: Women

Islam is a religion of total male dominance. 

“Men are superior to women on account of the qualities with which God hath gifted the one above the other, and on account of the outlay they make from their substance for them. Virtuous women are obedient, careful, during the husband's absence, because God hath of them been careful.  But chide those for whose refractoriness ye have cause to fear; remove them into beds apart, and scourge them:  but if they are obedient to you, then seek not occasion against them: verily, God is High, Great!”  Surah 4, “Women,” verse 34

Next time you see a picture of a large mass of Muslims in a public area take a close look.  Unless it is a carefully staged picture with mainly women, you will rarely see a woman in the crowd.  Women are not allowed to mingle with men who are not in their family.  It is true.  Believe it even if you don’t believe in it.

When the Bible talks about the creation of the human race, it is clear to point out that both men and women have the image of God.

(Genesis 1:27 KJV)  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

The Bible does talk about the husband being the head of the house but that is balanced by other statements that do not allow the man to feel like he is a dictator.  For instance:

(Galatians 3:28 KJV)  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Islam discounts women’s value before the law.

“And they who shall accuse their wives, and have no witnesses but themselves, the testimony of each of them shall be a testimony by God four times repeated, that he is indeed of them that speak the truth.”  Surah 24, “Light” verse 6

It takes four women to counteract the word of one man.  You can see how this would make it hard to convict a man of rape or any other kind of abuse.  A woman has nothing she can say.

It is amazing to me that feminist organizations are not loud and unified in their criticism of Islam.  It may be out there, but I haven’t heard it.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-128, Koran Klarifications: Hatred of Jews

Consider this statement,

“Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian; but he was sound in the faith, a Muslim; and not of those who add gods to God.”  Surah 3, “The Family of Imrhan,” verse 67

Do you get this?  Abraham, the father of the Jews is now not a Jew.  Abraham was really a Muslim.  It doesn’t matter that there is not a shred of evidence for this outside the Koran, because Allah has declared it, it is so.  I remember talking to a Palestinian who told me that Jesus was not a Jew.  You can see why these people got along so well with the Nazis.

Do you have a Muslim who acts like a friend?  Read this.

“O Believers! take not the Jews or Christians22 as friends. They are but one another's friends. If any one of you taketh them for his friends, he surely is one of them! God will not guide the evil doers.”  Surah 5, “The Table,”  Verse 51

Notice that anyone who takes a Jew of Christian for a friend is one of “them.”  That means he has become an Infidel. 

You need to be careful to people who talk of a religion of peace and how we can live together.  Those are the words of someone who either does not know his Koran or does not believe what it teaches.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-126, Koran Klarifications: Christians Are Infidels

Christians and Jews were originally considered people of the Book.  You hear a lot about how Mohammed and Muslims do not hate Christians.  Unfortunately that does not seem to be consistent with the teaching of the Koran.

“Infidels now are they who say, "God is the Messiah, Son of Mary;" for the Messiah said, "O children of Israel! worship God, my Lord and your Lord." Whoever shall join other gods with God, God shall forbid him the Garden, and his abode shall be the Fire; and the wicked shall have no helpers.” Surah 5, “The Table,” verse 72

So by definition, anyone who believes that Jesus is God is an infidel.  Infidels are to be killed.  Infidels will spend their time in Hell.

“Say to the infidels: ye shall be worsted, and to Hell shall ye be gathered together; and wretched the couch!”  Surah 3, “The Family of ‘Imrhan,” verse 8

And if you believe in the Trinity, that Jesus is God, you are by definition an infidel.

“They surely are Infidels who say, "God is the third of three:" for there is no God but one God: and if they refrain not from what they say, a grievous chastisement shall light on such of them as are Infidels.  Will they not, therefore, be turned unto God, and ask pardon of Him? since God is Forgiving, Merciful!”  Surah 5, “The Table,” verse 73

There will never be real peace between believing Christians and believing Muslims.  At best there will be a tension that cannot be resolved.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-124, Koran Klarifications: Jesus, Forerunner of Mohammed

In contemporary, politically correct books that discuss Islam and Christianity it is popular to say that Islam has a high opinion of Jesus and so we should focus on what we have in common.  The problem is that we are not talking about the same Jesus.  Islam makes Jesus into the role of John the Baptist, one who prepares the way. 

“And remember when Jesus the son of Mary said, ‘O children of Israel! of a truth I am God's apostle to you to confirm the law which was given before me, and to announce an apostle that shall come after me whose name shall be Ahmad!’   But when he (Ahmad) presented himself with clear proofs of his mission, they said, ‘This is manifest sorcery!’”  Surah 61, “Battle Array” verse 6

One of the key purposes of Jesus, according to the Koran, was to announce that Mohammed (Ahmad) was coming.  When Christians clearly reject this, and Mohammed was obviously aware they did, they are rejected.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-122, Koran Klarifications: Jesus, The Trinity

Muslims clearly deny the divinity of Jesus and the concept of the Trinity,  The “people of the Book” here are the Christians.

“O ye people of the Book! overstep not bounds in your religion; and of God, speak only truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, is only an apostle of God, and his Word which he conveyed into Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from himself. Believe therefore in God and his apostles, and say not, "Three:" (there is a Trinity)-Forbear-it will be better for you. God is only one God! Far be it from His glory that He should have a son! His, whatever is in the Heavens, and whatever is in the Earth! And God is a sufficient Guardian.”  Surah 4, “Women,” verse 171

Notice that they accept the term “Messiah” but reject the meaning Christians and Jews put into it.  The Koran teaches clearly that Jesus was just another man on a mission.

“The Messiah, Son of Mary, is but an Apostle; other Apostles have flourished before him; and his mother was a just person: they both ate food.  Behold! how we make clear to them the signs! then behold how they turn aside!” Surah 5, “The Table,”  verse 75

People are not free to declare Jesus to be co-equal with God.

“And SAY: Praise be to God who hath not begotten a son, who hath no partner in the Kingdom, nor any protector on account of weakness. And magnify him by proclaiming His greatness.” Surah 17, “The Children of Israel,” verse 111

There will never be any agreement between Muslims and Christians about who Jesus is.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-120, Koran Klarifications: God Changes His Mind

In Islam Allah is free to change his mind and in fact the Koran seems to set the stage for such changes.

“Whatever verses we cancel, or cause thee to forget, we bring a better or its like. Knowest thou not that God hath power over all things?” Sura 2, “The Cow,” verse 106

This seems to develop a bit of inconsistency in the words of Allah.  This verse seems the opposite of what you just read:

“And the words of thy Lord are perfect in truth and in justice: none can change his words: He is the Hearing, Knowing.” Surah 6, “Cattle,” verse 115

I guess a way around this is to say that Allah can change what He said but no one else can.  This seems to hinge on the fact that Allah is supreme and can do anything He wants.  In a podcast on the book The Closing of the Muslim Mind by Robert Reilly, the author quoted one of the debates that took place in Islam in the ninth century.  The question was formulated, “Is murder wrong because Allah said so, or did Allah condemn murder because it is wrong?”  The faction of Islam that won the argument said that it was wrong because Allah said so.  If He changed His mind and declared it good, them murder would be good.  Allah was free to do whatever He wanted.  That kind of thinking dominates Islam today.  The author said that what is called the Golden Age of Islam came to an end with this philosophical and theological change.

Notice that the Koran endorses the Virgin birth.

“Remember when the angel said, ‘O Mary! Verily God announceth to thee the Word from Him: His name shall be, Messiah Jesus the son of Mary, illustrious in this world, and in the next, and one of those who have near access to God;  And He shall speak to men alike when in the cradle and when grown up; And he shall be one of the just.’  She said, ‘How, O my Lord! shall I have a son, when man hath not touched me?’ He said, ‘Thus: God will create what He will; When He decreeth a thing, He only saith, 'Be,' and it is.’”  Surah 3, “The Family of Imrhan,”  verses 45-47

Later it denies that Allah had begotten Jesus.

“And SAY: Praise be to God who hath not begotten a son, who hath no partner in the Kingdom, nor any protector on account of weakness. And magnify him by proclaiming His greatness.” Surah 17, “The Children of Israel,”  verse 111

That seems a bit inconsistent but I guess you could say Allah created Jesus in a virgin without begetting Him.  It comes down to an acceptance of anything Allah wants to do.  He does not need to be consistent.  He does not need to keep His word.  You are considered an Infidel because you try to limit Allah by expecting Him to fit any categories.  He is not the God of the Bible, but the Allah of the Koran.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-118, Koran Klarifications: Jesus, the Crucifixion

Although the Koran accepts the existence of Jesus and His virgin birth that does not mean it accept the Jesus of the Bible.  The Crucifixion, for instance, is denied,

“And for their saying, ‘Verily we have slain the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, an Apostle of God.’ Yet they slew him not, and they crucified him not, but they had only his likeness.  And they who differed about him were in doubt concerning him: No sure knowledge had they about him, but followed only an opinion, and they did not really slay him, but God took him up to Himself. And God is Mighty, Wise!”  Surah 4, “Women,”  verse 157

Notice the word “likeness.”  This is the heretical idea that Jesus did not physically die on the cross.  It was just some sort of illusion.  Of course this is only heretical to Christians.  Muslims simply do not accept it.  To them it is nonsense. 

If Jesus did not die on the cross then there was no sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.  Our salvation is in our hands and based on our efforts. 

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-115, Koran Klarifications: Translation Issues

Sometimes the text of the Koran is translated in such a way as to cover up what it really says.  One place that jumped out to me was this statement about King David,

“So we forgave him that his sin; and truly he shall have a high rank with Us,  and an excellent retreat in Paradise.”  Surah 38, “Sad,” verse 25

That is the Rodwell version.  The Muslim version says that David will have a “happy journey’s end.”  This is a bit different from the one translated by the Englishman.  Why?  Obviously I can’t see into the heart of the translators but it seems pretty obvious that for a Muslim to admit that David went to Paradise would cause some obvious problems.  You see, David was a Jew.  Jews can’t go to Paradise.  Thus you need to translate in such a way as to convey what you want to convey, not what it says.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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Opus 2011-113, Koran Klarifications: Jesus and the Virgin Birth

Muslims admit that Jesus existed.  They even use some of the standard words to describe Him.  He is called Messiah, Apostle and Son of Mary.  Although the Koran is not always in agreement with the Bible,  one place there seems to be some agreement is the Virgin Birth.  This passage from the Koran sounds a lot like the Gospels:

“Remember when the angel said, ‘O Mary! Verily God announceth to thee the Word from Him: His name shall be, Messiah Jesus the son of Mary, illustrious in this world, and in the next, and one of those who have near access to God;  And He shall speak to men alike when in the cradle and when grown up; And he shall be one of the just.’  She said, ‘How, O my Lord! shall I have a son, when man hath not touched me?’ He said, ‘Thus: God will create what He will; When He decreeth a thing, He only saith, 'Be,' and it is.’”  Surah 3, “The Family of Imrhan,”  verses 45-47

Notice that an angel makes an announcement.  Mary protests that she is a virgin.  God says, “No problem.”  One added touch that seems strange to us is that it seems to say that Jesus will be talking when He is first born.

This sound good but later we will see that it is an illusion.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

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