Origins of Islam Qu’ran BOTH? EITHER OR? An Introduction

Mohammad or Jesus? (We are faced with a quandary) Two religions claiming absolute truth Two founders claiming truth Both cannot be right! Can they exist together in the same place? Can we tell the difference? Is there evidence upon which we can make accurate decision?

1 John 4:1-6 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

The Battle Is Joined Islam Rejects Truth About Jesus, teaching:  That the Bible of the Christians is corrupt, unreliable, and inferior to the Qur’an.  That Christians follow untruthful doctrines: the doctrine of the Trinity is especially considered to be blasphemous and sinful.  That Jesus is not the divine son of God, because God is too exalted to have a son.  That Jesus was not crucified and was not resurrected; that he is not a savior or mediator and did not atone for the sins of mankind.

Let’s Test Both Claims Procedure in court of law An event takes place Witnesses are called Testimony is given Jury (not eyewitnesses) makes a decision based on evidence. Truth is established

Case for the Koran Mohammed (a man) claimed revelations from God by Angel Gabriel No proof – only his claim His words memorized by followers Oral traditions from person to person (not a single mistake?) Written record only after his death Human efforts do not prove infallible inerrancy.

Case For The Bible Jesus (deity) claimed to speak God’s will – John 6:38-40; 1:1-3; 14:6 Witnesses John 1:29-36 Apostles - Acts 1:8, 21-22 Others – 1 Cor 15:5-8 Confirmed by signs –Heb. 2:1-4 Confirmed by Holy Spirit 2 Pet.1:20f

Another Contrast: Mohammed Mohammed merely a man: born and died  Natural birth with father and mother  Lived and died, buried in Medina  Tomb contains his remains today  No significance to his death  He never worked miracles  No one claimed him to be other than a man – all Muslims acknowledge this  Yet Mohammed acknowledged Jesus to be a prophet! (True or not?)

Tomb of Mohammed in Medina, Saudi Arabia

Another Contrast: Jesus Christ Jesus claims to be God – John 1:1, 14; 8:58  Born of a virgin – Isa. 7:14; Mt 1:21-23  Lived and died as a sacrifice for sin – Rom 5:8-9; 1 Jn 2:2; Jn. 3:16  Tomb is empty! 1 Cor 15:1-7; Lk 24:1-8  Witnesses: Jn 20:24-31; 1 Jn. 1:1-3  Reliable witnesses, ready to die for the truth (would not die for a lie!)

Garden Tomb in Jerusalem – “He is not here, He is risen.”

Is Mohammed “Seal” of Prophets? Koran claims many prophets sent; Jesus one of many; Mohammed last and greatest Surah 4:163-165 “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but a Messenger of God, and the Seal of the Prophets.” Qur’án 33:40 Muslim theologians believe that the preceding verse bestows a special honor on Muhammad not shared with any other Messenger. Just as the Jews believe that Judaism is the only true religion, and as Christians consider Jesus the only Savior, Muslims believe that the title “The Seal of the Prophets” makes Muhammad the final Messenger from God. Dr Muhammad Abraham Khan

Is Jesus the True Prophet? Moses prophesied of Jesus – Deut 18:15-19; fulfilled by Jesus – Acts 3:22-26 – identified by Peter, the apostle Jesus is God’s divine Prophet – Heb. 1:1-2; Mt. 17:5 – yea, more than a prophet – God’s own Son. Jesus’ words continue to the end of time Mt. 28:18-20 Jesus – the “Alpha and Omega” – Rev. 1:8 True prophets never contradict each other – 2 Pet. 1:16—2:2 – because of the Holy Spirit in them

The Religion of Christ Does No Harm “You have heard that it was said, ‘ You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you.” (Matt. 5:43-44) Contrast The Two Religions and Their Founders

Contrast Practices Said Allah hates those who don't accept Islam. Muhammad… Jesus Said Allah hates those who don't accept Islam. (Qur'an 30:45, 3:32, 22:38) 5:268, Qur'an 33:50) Said God loves everyone.  (John 3:16)

Contrast Practices Married 13 wives and kept sex slaves. Muhammad… Jesus Married 13 wives and kept sex slaves. (Bukhari 5:268, Qur'an 33:50) Never Married

Contrast Practices Slept with a 9-year-old child. Muhammad… Jesus Slept with a 9-year-old child. (Sahih Muslim 3309, Bukhari 58:236) No Sin 1 Pet 2:22

Contrast Practices Murdered those who insulted him. Muhammad… Jesus Murdered those who insulted him. (Bukhari 56:369, 4:241) Preached forgiveness. (Matthew 18:21-22, 5:38; Luke 23:34)

Contrast Practices Ordered 65 military campaigns Muhammad… Jesus Ordered 65 military campaigns and raids in his last 10 years. (Ibn Ishaq ) Ordered no military campaigns, nor offered any approval of war or violence.  

Contrast Practices Demanded captured slaves and Muhammad… Jesus Demanded captured slaves and a fifth of all other loot taken in war. (Qur'an 8:41) "The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve." (Matthew 20:28)

Contrast Practices Died fat and wealthy from what was Muhammad… Jesus Died fat and wealthy from what was taken from others in war or demanded from others in tribute. Had no possessions Taught “better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)

Members of the Jury… How do you find? Are both religions equally good? Are both founders equally honored? You have evidence before you. Each must choose whom you will serve. Long ago, a wrong choice was made Jesus or Barabbas – Matt. 27:17-25 Now, the choice is Jesus or Mohammed!