Universal Dimensions of Islam Part 2

These quotations allow Muslims and non-Muslims to set aside all preconceptions and examine what authentic Islam actually says about Christianity and Judaism, indeed all other religions. These teachings also allow non-Muslims to realize that their fundamental religious beliefs are not in opposition with Islam, but rather share the same universal truths. They also reinforce the fact that all people throughout history are equally susceptible to the danger of losing their real knowledge of their religion. And they demonstrate that G.o.d will be the ultimate judge of the outward differences in the religions.

REFERENCES TO MULTIPLE RELIGIONS.

General.

Verily We inspire thee as We inspired Noah and the prophets after him, as We inspired Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Tribes, and Jesus and Job and Jonah and Aaron and Solomon, and as We imparted unto David the Psalms; and messengers We have mentioned unto thee before and messengers We have not mentioned unto thee; and G.o.d spoke directly unto Moses; messengers who gave good news as well as warning, that mankind, after (the coming) of the messengers, should have no plea against G.o.d-for G.o.d is exalted in power, wise (4:163-165).

We gave it (Our message) unto Abraham against his folk. We raise unto degrees of wisdom whom We will, for verily thy Lord is wise, aware. And We bestowed upon him Isaac and Jacob, each of them We guided; and Noah did We guide aforetime; and of his seed (We guided) David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron-thus do We reward the good. And Zachariah14 and John and Jesus and Elias, each one (of them) was of the righteous; and Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot, each one (of them) did We prefer above (Our) creatures, with some of their forefathers and their offspring and their brethren; and We chose them and guided them unto a straight path. Such is the guidance of G.o.d. He giveth that guidance to whom He pleaseth of His wors.h.i.+ppers. But if they had set up (for wors.h.i.+p) aught beside Him, (all) that they did would have been vain. Those are they unto whom We gave the Scripture and command and prophethood. But if these disbelieve therein, then indeed We shall entrust it to a people who will not be disbelievers therein. Those were the (prophets) who received G.o.d's guidance-copy the guidance they received (6:84-91).

To every people (was sent) a messenger; when their messenger comes (before them on the Day of Judgment), the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged (10:47).

Who receiveth guidance, receiveth it for his own benefit, and who goeth astray doth so to his own loss. No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another, nor would We visit them with Our wrath until We had sent a messenger (to give warning). When We decide to destroy a population, We (first) send commandments to those among them who are given the good things of this life and yet transgress; and then the Word (of warning) is proved true against them and We destroy them utterly. How many generations have We destroyed after Noah? It suffices for thy Lord to note and see the sins of His servants. If any do wish for the transitory things (of this life), We readily grant them-such things as We will to such person as We will. In the end have We provided h.e.l.l for them-they will burn therein, disgraced and rejected. Those who do wish for the (things of) the hereafter, and strive therefore with all due striving, and have faith-they are the ones whose striving is acceptable (to G.o.d) (17:15-19).

We bestowed on Abraham of old his rect.i.tude of conduct, and well were We acquainted with him. . . . Abraham said, "Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, He who created them (from nothing), and I am a witness to this (Truth).". . . And We rescued Abraham and (his nephew) Lot (and brought them) to the land which We have blessed for (all) peoples. And We bestowed upon him Isaac, and Jacob as a grandson. Each of them We made righteous. And We made them leaders, guiding (men) by Our command; and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practice regular charity; and they constantly served Us (alone). And unto Lot we gave judgment and knowledge, and We delivered him from the community that did abominations-verily they were folk of evil, lewd. And We admitted him to Our mercy, for he was one of the righteous. (Remember) Noah, when he cried (to Us) aforetime; We listened to his (prayer) and delivered him and his family from great affliction. And delivered him from the people who denied Our revelations-verily they were folk of evil, therefore did We drown them all. And remember David and Solomon, when they gave judgment in the matter of the field into which the sheep of certain people had strayed by night, and We did witness their judgment. To Solomon We inspired the (right) understanding of the matter, and unto each of them We gave judgment and knowledge. It was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises along with David-it was We who did (all these things) (21:51-79).

Nothing is said to thee that was not said to the messengers before thee, that thy Lord has at His command (all) forgiveness as well as a most grievous penalty (41:43).

The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah-which We have sent by inspiration to thee-and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein. To those who wors.h.i.+p other things than G.o.d, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. G.o.d chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him) (42:13).

We verily sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the balance, that mankind may observe right measure; and He revealed iron, wherein is mighty power and (many) uses for mankind, and that G.o.d may know him who helpeth Him and His messengers, though unseen. Verily G.o.d is strong, almighty. And We verily sent Noah and Abraham and placed the prophethood and the Scripture among their seed, and among them there is he who goeth right, but many of them are evil livers. Then We caused Our messengers to follow in their footsteps; and We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow, and gave him the Gospel and placed compa.s.sion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. But monasticism they invented-We ordained it not for them. . . . So We give those of them who believe their reward, but many of them are evil livers15 (57:25-27).

G.o.d's messenger came out to a group of Muslims who were arguing about G.o.d's decree. He was angry and his face became so red that it looked as if pomegranate seeds had been burst open on his cheeks. He then said, "Is this what you were commanded to do, or was it for this purpose that I was sent to you? Your predecessors perished only when they argued about this matter. I adjure you, I adjure you, not to argue about it" (hadith).

No people have gone astray after following right guidance unless they have been led into disputation (hadith).

At the beginning of every century G.o.d will send one who will renew its religion for this people. In every successive century those who are reliable authorities will preserve this knowledge, rejecting the changes made by extremists, the plagiarisms of those who make false claims for themselves, and the interpretations of the ignorant (hadith).

When the Prophet was asked which people suffered the greatest affliction he replied, "The prophets, then those who come next to them, then those who come next to them. A man is afflicted in keeping with his religion; if he is firm in his religion his trial is severe, but if there is weakness in his religion it is made light for him, and it continues like that until he walks on the earth firm in his religion" (hadith).

G.o.d's messenger was asked who was the first of the prophets, and he replied that it was Adam. He was asked if he (Adam) was really a prophet and he replied, "Yes, he was a prophet to whom a message was given." G.o.d's messenger was then asked how many messengers there had been, and he replied, "There have been three hundred and between ten and twenty in all" (hadith).

The Last Days.

Among the signs of the last hour will be the removal of knowledge, the abundance of ignorance, the prevalence of fornication, the prevalence of wine-drinking, civil strife will appear, n.i.g.g.ardliness will be cast into people's hearts, and slaughter will be prevalent (hadith).

The last hour will not come before the anti-Christ (al-dajjal) will come forth. While the best people on earth are preparing for battle and arranging their ranks the time for prayer will come and Jesus, son of Mary, will descend and lead them in prayer. When G.o.d's enemy sees him he (the anti-Christ) will dissolve like salt in water, and if he were to leave him he would dissolve completely; but G.o.d will kill him by his (Jesus, son of Mary's) hand and he will show them his blood on his spear (hadith).

Let me tell you something about the anti-Christ (al-dajjal) which no prophet has told his people. He is one-eyed, and will bring with him something like Paradise and h.e.l.l, but what he calls Paradise will be h.e.l.l. I warn you as Noah warned his people about him (hadith).

When the anti-Christ (al-dajjal) comes he will summon people and they will believe him. He will [produce miracles and turn people away from their religion. When his actions are the worst] G.o.d will send the Messiah, son of Mary, who will descend at the white minaret in the East of Damascus wearing two garments dyed with saffron and placing his hands on the wings of two angels. When he lowers his head it will drip and when he raises it beads like pearls will scatter from it. Every infidel who feels the odor of his breath will die, and his breath will reach as far as he can see. He will then seek anti-Christ until he catches up with him and kills him. People whom G.o.d has protected from the anti-Christ will then come to Jesus who will wipe their faces and tell them of the ranks they will have in Paradise. While this is happening G.o.d will reveal to Jesus that He has brought forth servants of His with whom no one will be able to fight and tell him to collect His servants. G.o.d will then release Gog and Magog16 "and they will swarm down from every slope" [to create destruction]. G.o.d's prophet Jesus and his companions will then beseech G.o.d [to send various punishments to evildoers. After various punishments have occurred], G.o.d will send a pleasant wind which will take the righteous under their armpits and the spirit of every believer and every Muslim will be taken, but the wicked people will remain in the earth and will be disorderly like a.s.ses. Then the last hour will come to them17 (hadith).

ANCIENT MESSENGERS FROM G.o.d.

Adam.

(G.o.d said) "O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden (of Eden) and eat from whence ye will, but come not nigh this tree lest ye become wrongdoers." Then Satan whispered to them that he might manifest unto them that which was hidden from them of their shame, and he said, "Your Lord forbade you from this tree only lest ye should become angels or become of the immortals." And he swore unto them (saying), "Verily I am a sincere adviser unto you." Thus did he lead them on with guile. And when they tasted of the tree their shame was manifest to them and they began to hide (by heaping) on themselves some of the leaves of the Garden. And their Lord called them, (saying), "Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you, 'Verily Satan is an open enemy to you'?" They said, "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If thou forgive us not and have not mercy on us, surely we are of the lost!" He said, "Go down (from hence), one of you a foe unto the other. There will be for you on earth a habitation and provision for a while. There shall ye live, and there shall ye die, and thence shall ye be brought forth. O Children of Adam! We have revealed unto you raiment to conceal your shame, and splendid vesture, but the raiment of righteousness, that is best." This is of the signs [ayat] of G.o.d, that they may remember. O Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you as he caused your (first) parents to go forth from the Garden and tore off from them their robe (of innocence) that he might manifest their shame to them. Verily he seeth you, he and his tribe, from whence ye see him not. Verily We made the evil ones friends (only) to those without faith. . . . O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer, eat and drink, but waste not by excess, for G.o.d loveth not the wasters. . . . O Children of Adam when messengers of your own come unto you who narrate unto you My signs [ayat], then whosoever refraineth from evil and amendeth-there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. . . . Verily your Lord is G.o.d who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then mounted He the Throne. He covereth the night with the day, which is in haste to follow it, and hath made the sun and the moon and the stars subservient by His command. His verily is all creation and commandment. Blessed be G.o.d, the Lord of the worlds! (O mankind!) Call upon your Lord humbly and in secret. Verily He loveth not aggressors. Do no mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts), for the mercy of G.o.d is (always) near to those who do good (7:19-56).

G.o.d created Adam from a handful which he took from the whole of the earth; so the children of Adam are in accordance with the earth, some red, some white, some black, some a mixture, also smooth and rough, bad and good (hadith).

Noah.

We sent Noah to his people (with a mission), "I have come to you with a clear warning: that ye serve none but G.o.d. Verily I do fear for you the penalty of a grievous day." But the chiefs of the unbelievers among his people said, "We see (in) thee nothing but a man like ourselves. . . . Nor do we see in you (and your followers) any merit above us, in fact we think ye are liars!" He (Noah) said, "O my people! See ye if I have a clear sign from my Lord, and that He hath sent mercy unto me from His own presence, but that the mercy hath been obscured from your sight? Shall we compel you to accept it when ye are averse to it? . . ." They said, "O Noah! Thou hast disputed with us, and (much) hast thou prolonged the dispute with us; now bring upon us what thou threatenest us with, if thou speakest the truth!". . . It was revealed to Noah, "None of thy people will believe except those who have believed already! So grieve no longer over their (evil) deeds, but construct an Ark under Our eyes and Our inspiration, and address Me no (further) on behalf of those who are in sin, for they are about to be overwhelmed (in the flood)." Forthwith he (began) constructing the Ark. Every time that the chiefs of his people pa.s.sed by him, they threw ridicule on him. He said, "If ye ridicule us now, we (in our turn) can look down on you with ridicule likewise! . . ." At length, behold! There came Our command, and the fountains of the earth gushed forth! We said, "Embark therein, of each kind two, male and female, and your family-except those against whom the word has already gone forth-and the believers." But only a few believed with him. . . . So the Ark floated with them on the waves (towering) like mountains. . . . Then the word went forth, "O earth! swallow up thy water, and O sky! withhold (thy rain)!" and the water abated, and the matter was ended. The Ark rested on Mount Judi, and the word went forth, "Away with those who do wrong!" Such are some of the stories of the unseen, which We have revealed unto thee, before this-neither thou nor thy people knew them. So persevere patiently, for the end (Day of Judgment) is for those who are righteous (11:25-49).

THE ABRAHAMIC TRADITION.

Abraham.

Ye People of the Book (Jews, Christians, and Muslims)! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Have ye no understanding? Ah! Ye are those who fell to disputing (even) in matters of which ye had some knowledge! But why dispute ye in matters of which ye have no knowledge? It is G.o.d who knows, and ye who know not! Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in faith, and bowed his will to G.o.d's; and he was not of the idolaters (3:65-67).

Our messengers came to Abraham with glad tidings. They (greeted him) saying, "Peace!" He answered, "Peace!". . . And his wife, who was standing (there), laughed when We gave her glad tidings of (the coming birth) of Isaac, and after him, of Jacob. She said, "Alas for me! Shall I bear a child, seeing I am an old woman, and my husband here is an old man? That would indeed be a wonderful thing!" They said, "Dost thou wonder at G.o.d's decree? The grace of G.o.d and His blessings on you, O ye people of the house, for He is indeed worthy of all praise, full of all glory!" (11:69-73).

When a man came to the Prophet and addressed him as "best of all creatures," the Prophet responded saying, "That was Abraham" (hadith).

Lot.

The thing I fear most for my people is what Lot's people did [in Sodom and Gomorrah]18 (hadith).

Joseph.

Behold! Joseph said to his father, "O my father! I did see eleven stars and the sun and the moon-I saw them prostrate themselves to me!" Said (the father), "My (dear) little son! Relate not thy vision to thy brothers, lest they concoct a plot against thee, for Satan is to man an avowed enemy! Thus will thy Lord choose thee and teach thee the interpretation of stories (and events) and perfect His favor to thee and to the posterity of Jacob, even as He perfected it to thy fathers Abraham and Isaac aforetime-for G.o.d is full of knowledge and wisdom." Verily in Joseph and his brethren are signs (or symbols) for seekers (after truth). [The story is related of Joseph's betrayal by his brothers when he was sold into slavery in Egypt] . . . The man in Egypt who bought him, said to his wife, "Make his stay (among us) honorable; it may be he will bring us much good, or we shall adopt him as a son." Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of stories (and events). And G.o.d hath full power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not. When Joseph attained his full manhood, We gave him power and knowledge; thus do We reward those who do right. . . . The king (of Egypt) said, "I do see (in a vision) seven fat cows, whom seven lean ones devour, and seven green ears of corn, and seven (others) withered. O ye chiefs, expound to me my vision if it be that ye can interpret visions." [The story is related of how Joseph was the only person to correctly predict the meaning of the king's dream] . . . So the king said, "Bring him (Joseph) unto me; I will take him specially to serve about my own person." Therefore when he had spoken to him, he said, "Be a.s.sured this day, thou art, before our own presence, with rank firmly established, and fidelity fully proved!"

[It is then told how Joseph was given control over all the storehouses in Egypt]. . . . Then came Joseph's brethren, they entered his presence, and he knew them, but they knew him not. [Then the story is related of Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers and his father]. . . . Then when they (Joseph's family) entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a home for his parents with himself, and said, "Enter ye Egypt (all) in safety if it please G.o.d." And he raised his parents high on the throne (of dignity). . . . He said, "O my father! This is the fulfillment of my vision of old! G.o.d hath made it come true! [Then Joseph recounts various events and prays.] O Thou creator of the heavens and the earth! Thou art my protector in this world and in the hereafter. Take Thou my soul (at death) as one submitting to Thy will, and unite me with the righteous" (12:4-101).

When G.o.d's messenger was asked who among men was most honorable, he replied, "The one who is most honorable in G.o.d's estimation is the most pious." On being told that that was not what they meant, he said, "The most honorable was G.o.d's prophet Joseph, son of G.o.d's prophet Jacob, son of G.o.d's prophet Isaac, son of G.o.d's friend Abraham" (hadith).

JUDAISM.

Moses and Aaron.

We narrate unto thee some of the story of Moses and Pharaoh with truth, for folk who believe. Verily Pharaoh exalted himself in the earth and broke up its people into sections. A tribe among them he oppressed, killing their sons and sparing their women. Verily he was of those who work corruption. And We desired to show favor unto those who were oppressed in the earth, and to make them examples and to make them the inheritors. So We inspired the mother of Moses, saying, "Suckle him and, when thou fearest for him, then cast him into the river and fear not nor grieve. Verily We shall bring him back unto thee and shall make him (one) of Our messengers." And the family of Pharaoh took him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a sorrow. . . . And the wife of Pharaoh said, "(He will be) a consolation for me and for thee. Kill him not. Peradventure he may be of use to us, or we may choose him for a son." And they perceived not. But there came to be a void in the heart of the mother of Moses-she was going almost to disclose his (case), had We not strengthened her heart (with faith) so that she might remain a (firm) believer. And she said to the sister of (Moses), "Follow him"; so she (the sister) watched him in the character of a stranger. And they knew not. So We restored him to his mother that she might be comforted and not grieve, and that she might know that the promise of G.o.d is true; but most of them know not. When he reached full age and was firmly established (in life), We bestowed on him wisdom and knowledge, for thus do We reward those who do good. [The story is related of Moses slaying a wicked Egyptian who was fighting with a Jew, with the result that Moses had to flee for his life] . . . He therefore got away therefrom, looking about, in a state of fear. He prayed: "O my Lord! Save me from people given to wrongdoing." Then . . . he turned his face towards (the land of) Midian. . . . And when he arrived at the watering (place) in Midian, he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said, "What is the matter with you?" They said, "We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take back (their flocks), and our father is a very old man." So he watered (their flocks) for them; then he turned back to the shade and said, "O my Lord! Truly am I in (desperate) need of any good that Thou dost send me!" Afterwards one of the (damsels) came (back) to him, walking bashfully. She said, "My father invites thee that he may reward thee for having watered (our flocks) for us." So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said, "Fear thou not, (well) hast thou escaped from unjust people.". . . He said, "I intend to wed one of these my daughters to thee, on condition that thou serve me for eight years; but if thou complete ten years, it will be (grace) from thee. But I intend not to place thee under a difficulty; thou wilt find me, indeed, if G.o.d wills, one of the righteous.". . . Now when Moses had fulfilled the term and was traveling with his family, he perceived a fire in the direction of Mount Sinai. He said to his family, "Tarry ye; I perceive a fire; I hope to bring you from there some information, or a burning firebrand, that ye may warm yourselves." But when he came to the (fire), a voice was heard from the right bank of the valley, from a tree in hallowed ground, "O Moses! Verily I am G.o.d, the Lord of the worlds. . . . Now do thou throw thy rod!" But when he saw it moving (of its own accord) as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps. "O Moses! Draw near, and fear not, for thou art of those who are secure. . . . Those are the two credentials from thy Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs, for truly they are a people rebellious and wicked." He said, "O my Lord! I have slain a man among them, and I fear lest they slay me. And my brother Aaron-he is more eloquent in speech than I, so send him with me as a helper, to confirm (and strengthen) me, for I fear that they may accuse me of falsehood." G.o.d said, "We will certainly strengthen thy arm through thy brother, and invest you both with authority, so they shall not be able to touch you; with Our sign shall ye triumph-you two as well as those who follow you." When Moses came to them with Our clear signs, they said, "This is nothing but fabricated sorcery, never did we hear the like among our fathers of old!" [The story is told of Pharaoh's refusal to accept the signs] . . . So We seized him and his hosts, and We flung them into the sea. Now behold what was the end of those who did wrong! (28:3-40).

G.o.d's messenger (Muhammad) came to Medina and found the Jews observing the fast on the day of Ashura, so he asked them what was the significance of that day. They replied, "It is a great day on which G.o.d delivered Moses and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people; so Moses observed it as a fast out of grat.i.tude, and we do so also." The Prophet said, "We have as close a connection with Moses as you have," so G.o.d's messenger observed it as a fast himself and gave orders that it should be observed (hadith).

A man among the Muslims and a man among the Jews hated one another. The Muslim said, "By Him who chose Muhammad above the universe," and the Jew said, "By Him who chose Moses above the universe." Thereupon the Muslim raised his hand and struck the Jew on his face, and the Jew went to the Prophet and told him what had happened. The Prophet summoned the Muslim and confirmed the circ.u.mstance. The Prophet then said, "Do not make me superior to Moses, for mankind will fall down senseless on the Day of Resurrection and I shall fall down senseless along with them. I shall be the first to recover and shall see Moses seizing the side of the Throne; and I shall not know whether he was among those who fell senseless and had recovered before me, or whether he was among those of whom G.o.d had exempted from [this]"19 (hadith).

Being given information is not like seeing. G.o.d Most High gave Moses information about what his people had done regarding the (golden) calf and he did not throw down the tablets; but when he saw what they did, he threw down the tablets and they were broken (hadith).

David.

When they advanced to meet Goliath20 and his forces, they prayed:"Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm; help us against those that reject faith." By G.o.d's will they routed them; and David slew Goliath; and G.o.d gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever (else) He willed. And did not G.o.d check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief-but G.o.d is full of bounty to all the worlds (2:250251).

We did bestow on some prophets more (and other) gifts than on others, and We gave to David the Psalms (17:55).

The prayer dearest to G.o.d is David's and the fasting dearest to G.o.d is David's. He would sleep half the night, get up to pray for a third of it, then sleep the remaining sixth; and he would fast on alternate days (hadith).

When G.o.d's messenger mentioned David and talked about him, he would say that, "David was, of men, the most devoted to wors.h.i.+p" (hadith).

Solomon.

We indeed gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they both said, "Praise be to G.o.d, who has favored us above many of His servants who believe!" And Solomon was David's heir. He said, "O ye people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and on us has been bestowed (abundance) of all things; this is indeed grace manifest (from G.o.d)." [The story of Solomon and the queen of Sheba is told]. . . And he (Solomon) diverted her (the queen of Sheba) from the wors.h.i.+p of others besides G.o.d, for she was of a people that had no faith. She said, "My Lord! Verily I have wronged myself, and I surrender with Solomon unto G.o.d, the Lord of the worlds" (27:15-44).

The Children of Israel.

Because of the wrongdoing of the Jews We forbade them good things which were (before) made lawful unto them, and because of their much hindering from G.o.d's way, and of their taking usury when they were forbidden it, and of their devouring people's wealth by false pretences. We have prepared for those of them who disbelieve a painful doom. But those of them who are firm in knowledge and the believers (who) believe in that which is revealed unto thee (O Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee-especially the diligent in prayer and those who pay the poor-due, the believers in G.o.d and the Last Day-upon these We shall bestow immense reward (4:160-162).

And verily we gave the Children of Israel the Scripture (Torah) and the Judgment, and prophethood, and provided them with good things and favored them above (all) peoples; and gave them plain commandments. And they differed not until after the knowledge came unto them, through rivalry among themselves. Verily thy Lord will judge between them on the Day of Judgment21 concerning that wherein they used to differ (45:16-17).

CHRISTIANITY.

The Virgin Mary.

Behold! A woman of (the family of) Imran22 said, "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service, so accept this of me-for Thou hearest and knowest all things." When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child! . . . I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from the Evil One, the rejected." Right graciously did her Lord accept her. He made her grow in purity and beauty. To the care of Zachariah (father of John the Baptist) was she a.s.signed. Whenever Zachariah went in to her in the sanctuary, he found her provisioned. He said: "O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" She said, "From G.o.d, for G.o.d provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure" (3:35-37).

And (remember) she who guarded her chast.i.ty, We breathed into her of Our Spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for all peoples (21:91).

And (remember) Mary, daughter of Imran, who guarded her virginity, so We breathed into her of Our Spirit, and she confirmed the Words of her Lord and His Books, and was one of the devout (66:12).

Many men have been perfect, but among women only Mary, the daughter of Imran, and Asiya, the wife of a Pharaoh (of Egypt),23 were perfect (hadith).

Except Mary and her son (Jesus), no human being is born without the devil touching him, so that he raises his voice crying out because of the devil's touch (hadith).

The Story of John the Baptist's Birth.

(This is) a recital of the mercy of thy Lord to His servant Zachariah. Behold! He cried to his Lord in secret, praying, "O my Lord! Infirm indeed are my bones, and the hair of my head doth glisten with gray; but never am I unblest, O my Lord, in my calling upon Thee! I fear my kinsfolk after me, since my wife is barren. Oh, give me from Thy presence a successor. (One that) will (truly) represent me, and represent the posterity of Jacob; and make him, O my Lord! one with whom Thou art well pleased!" (His prayer was answered), "O Zachariah! We give thee good news of a son-his name shall be John; on none by that name have We conferred distinction before." He said, "O my Lord! How shall I have a son, when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?" G.o.d said, "So (it will be).". . . (Zachariah) said, "O my Lord! Give me a sign." "Thy sign shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for three nights, although thou art not dumb." [The story of John the Baptist's birth and righteousness is related]. . . So peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)! (19:2-15).

The Story of Jesus' Life.

Behold! The angels said, "O Mary! G.o.d hath chosen thee and purified thee-chosen thee above the women of all nations. O Mary! Wors.h.i.+p thy Lord devoutly, prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down.". . . Behold! The angels said, "O Mary! G.o.d giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to G.o.d. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous." She said, "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said, "Even so. G.o.d createth what He willeth. When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!" And He will teach him (Jesus) the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel, and (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message), "I have come to you, with a sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by G.o.d's leave. And I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by G.o.d's leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a sign for you if ye did believe. (I have come to you), to attest the law which was before me and to make lawful to you part of what was (before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. So fear G.o.d, and obey me.". . . When Jesus found unbelief on their part, he said, "Who will be my helpers to (the work of) G.o.d?" Said the disciples, "We are G.o.d's helpers. We believe in G.o.d, and do thou bear witness that we have surrendered (unto Him). . .". (And remember) when G.o.d said, "O Jesus! Verily I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Judgment.24 Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ" (3:42-55).

They (who) rejected faith-they uttered against Mary a grave false charge. And they said (in boast), "We killed Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of G.o.d." But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them; and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not. Nay, G.o.d raised him up unto Himself-G.o.d is exalted in power, wise-and there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him (Jesus) before his (own) death; and on the Day of Judgment he will be a witness against them25 (4:156-159).

Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the east. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent her our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. . . . He said, "Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son." She said, "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?" He said, "So (it will be). Thy Lord saith, 'That is easy for Me, and (We wish) to appoint him as a sign unto men and a mercy from Us.' It is a matter (so) decreed." So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place. [The birth of Jesus is related]. . . She pointed to the babe. They said, "a child in the cradle?" He (Jesus) said, "I am indeed a servant of G.o.d, He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet. And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me prayer and almsgiving as long as I live. . . . Peace on me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!"26 Such (was) Jesus, the son of Mary. (It is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It befitteth not (the majesty of) G.o.d that He should take unto Himself a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, "Be," and it is27 (19:16-35).

Jesus.

Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter anything concerning G.o.d save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a messenger of G.o.d, and His Word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a Spirit from Him. So believe in G.o.d and His messengers, and say not "Three"-cease! (It is) better for you!-G.o.d is only One G.o.d28 (4:171).

They surely disbelieve who say, "Verily G.o.d is the Messiah, son of Mary." The Messiah (Jesus) said, "O Children of Israel, wors.h.i.+p G.o.d, my Lord and your Lord. Verily whoso ascribeth partners unto G.o.d, for him G.o.d hath forbidden Paradise." They surely disbelieve who say, "Verily G.o.d is one of three in a Trinity," when there is no G.o.d save the One G.o.d. If they desist not from so saying, a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve. . . . The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) had pa.s.sed away before him, and his mother was a saintly woman-and they both used to eat (earthly) food. See how We make the revelations clear for them, and see how they are turned away! (5:72-75).

One day will G.o.d gather the messengers together, and ask, "What was the response ye received (from men to your teaching)?" They will say, "We have no knowledge-it is Thou who knowest in full all that is hidden." Then will G.o.d say, "O Jesus, son of Mary! Recount My favor to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the Holy Spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Scripture and wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel. And behold! Thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thou breathest into it and it becometh a bird by My leave, and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! Thou bringest forth the dead by My leave.". . . And behold! G.o.d will say, "O Jesus, son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, 'Wors.h.i.+p me and my mother as G.o.ds in derogation of G.o.d'?" He (Jesus) will say, "Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, Thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden" (5:109-116).

If anyone testifies that there is no G.o.d but G.o.d alone, who has no partner, that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, that Jesus is G.o.d's servant and messenger, the son of His handmaid, His Word which he cast into Mary and a Spirit from Him, and that Paradise and h.e.l.l are real, then G.o.d will cause him to enter Paradise no matter what he has done (hadith).

All the descendants of Adam have their sides pierced by the devil with two of his fingers at birth, except the son of Mary (hadith).

Christians.

And with those who say: "Lo! we are Christians," We made a covenant, but they have forgotten a portion of that which they were reminded of-so we estranged them, with enmity and hatred between the one and the other, till the Day of Resurrection; and G.o.d will a.s.suredly tell them of the things they have done (5:14).

Thou wilt surely find that the nearest . . . in love to the believers (Muslims) are those who say, "We are Christians"; that is because there are priests and monks among them, and because they are not proud (5:82).

"PEOPLE OF THE BOOK"

Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (for the right). They rehea.r.s.e the signs of G.o.d all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration. They believe in G.o.d and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works. They are in the ranks of the righteous. Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them-for G.o.d knoweth well those that do right (3:113-115).

If only the People of the Book would believe and ward off (evil), surely We should remit their sins from them and surely We should bring them into gardens of delight. If they had observed the Torah and the Gospel and that which was revealed unto them from their Lord, they would surely have been nourished from above them and from beneath their feet. Among them there are people who are moderate, but many of them are of evil conduct. . . . Say: O People of the Book! Ye have naught (of guidance) until ye observe the Torah and the Gospel and that which was revealed unto you from your Lord." That which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) from thy Lord is certain to increase the contumacy and disbelief of many of them. But grieve not for the disbelieving folk. Verily those who believe, and those who are Jews, and Sabians, and Christians-whosoever believeth in G.o.d and the Last Day and doeth right-there shall no fear come upon them, neither shall they grieve (5:65-69).

When the funeral bier of a Jew, a Christian, or a Muslim pa.s.ses you, stand up for it. You are not standing for its sake, but for the angels who are accompanying it (hadith).

When the Prophet went to his bed he used to say, "O G.o.d, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth, Lord of everything, who splittest the grain and the kernel, who hast sent down the Torah, the inspired statements of Jesus (Gospel), and the Koran, I seek refuge in Thee from the evil of every evil agent whose forelock Thou seizest. Thou art the First and there is nothing before Thee; Thou art the Last and there is nothing after Thee; Thou art the Outward and there is nothing above Thee; Thou art the Inward and there is nothing below Thee" (hadith).

Does any of you imagine that G.o.d has prohibited only what is to be found in the Koran? By G.o.d, I have commanded, exhorted, and prohibited various matters as numerous as what is found in the Koran, or more numerous. G.o.d has not permitted you to enter the houses of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) without permission; nor dishonor their women, nor eat their fruits, when they give you what is imposed on them (hadith).

Appendix of Additional Koranic Verses Other Religions: 2:2-4, 2:87, 2:106, 2:177, 2:213, 3:33, 3:81, 3:161, 3:179, 3:194, 4:41-42, 4:136, 6:34, 6:42-44, 6:39, 10:13, 11:100-108, 11:120, 12:109-111, 13:32, 14:4, 15:10-11, 16:43-44, 16:89, 19:58-60, 19:73-75, 21:7-9, 22:17, 22:42-53, 25:20, 25:35-39, 28:58-60, 30:47, 32:3, 33:7-8, 35:24-26, 37:108-139, 38:12-14, 39:23, 42:51, 43:6-8, 43:23-25, 50:12-14, 51:38-53, 58:21, 72:26-27, 87:17-19 Adam: 7:11-17 Noah: 10:71-74, 23:23-30, 40:5, 71:1-3 Hud: 11:50-59 Salih: 11:61-68, 14:5-13, 27:45-53 Shuaib: 11:84-95 Abraham: 2:124-127, 6:161, 14:35-41, 16:120-123, 19:41-50, 26:69-103, 29:23-29, 29:31, 43:26-29, 60:4, 89:6-13 Lot: 11:77-83, 15:51-77, 27:54-58 Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Enoch, Elisha, Ezekiel, and Job: 19:54-57, 21:83-86, 38:41-48 Moses: 2:47-67, 2:92-93, 5:20, 5:44, 7:103-170, 10:74-93, 19:51-53, 20:9-99, 21:48-49, 26:1267,

27:7-14, 29:39-40, 32:23-25, 40:23-54, 41:45, 45:45-48, 46:12, 61:5, 62:5.

David: 34:10, 38:17-26 Solomon: 21:81, 34:12, 38:30-40 The Children of Israel: 2:40-41, 3:93, 5:12, 26:192-199, 27:76-77, 44:31 Jesus: 2:253, 3:49, 3:59, 5:17, 5:46-48, 61:6, 61:14 John the Baptist: 3:38-41, 21:89-90 People of the Book: 2:62, 2:111-113, 3:2-5, 3:199, 4:47, 4:153-155 Become a "hanif", free from restrictions of sect.

Come into the monastery of Faith like a monk.

As long as your vision beholds traces of otherness,

Your being in a mosque is like being in a church.