What Should Christians and Jews Know About the Qur'an and Muhammad

MD B Salem Foad

• Éditeur: LitFire Publishing
• Année: 2019
• ISBN:
  9781643987132
• Édition: 1
• Sujet: Sciences sociales
• Sous-sujet: Études islamiques

Some Christians and Jews believe that Muhammad wrote the Qur’an and do not
know that he was illiterate and could not read or write. Others have not read
the Qur’an and do not know its contents or message. This book is an attempt
to clear misconceptions and answer questions such as who wrote the Qur’an,
and how was it preserved, and if it is divine in origin, what is the evidence for its
authenticity?
The book illustrates the message of the Qur’an and discusses such concepts
as the Oneness of God, and our accountability to Him. It also explores God’s
prophets and God’s divine revelations, as well as rituals of worship, morals and
ethics, family values and our interaction as human beings with one another.
There are similarities between the Qur’an and the New Testament regarding
morals and ethics, and our accountability to God, yet there are differences
regarding the divinity of Jesus Christ and the concept of the Trinity and salvation.
The Qur’an acknowledges God’s blessings on the Children of Israel and relates
to us the story of Abraham and Moses. We are close to God and favored by Him
because of what we do, not because of our ancestry.
Islam is based on the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Few Christians or Jews know his life story, his noble character or the message that
he preached. This book describes the lessons that we learn from Muhammad,
and clears misconceptions about him.

Chapter One

What is the Qur’an? And who wrote it?

To Muslims the Qur’an is the literal word of God that He inspired to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muhammad did not write the Qur’an, for was illiterate and he could not read or write. The Qur’an came down interrupted over 23 years, and the last verses were revealed shortly before the death of Muhammad.

The Qur’an states

A Book that We sent to you, in order that you may lead out mankind from the depths of darkness into the light, by the leave of their Lord, to the way of Him Exalted in power, worthy of praise

Ibrahim (Prophet Abraham) 14: 1

The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic because Muhammad, God’s last messenger was an Arab. God sends His divine revelations to His Prophets and messengers in the language of their own people. The Prophet explains God’s message, and applies it in his character and behavior and becomes an example to follow

We sent not a messenger except to teach in the language of his own people.

Ibrahim (Prophet Abraham) 14: 4

The Qur’an came down gradually, and in stages over 23 years, in order to strengthen the heart of the Prophet and his companions, and to answer questions and solve problems that faced them. The Qur’an states

Those who reject faith say: “Why is not the Qur’an revealed to him all at once?

Thus it was revealed that We may strengthen your heart thereby, and We have rehearsed it to you in slow, well-arranged stages, gradually. And no question do they bring to you but We reveal to you the truth and best explanation”

Al-Furqan (The Criterion) 25: 32 & 33

If the Qur’an came all at once, it would have been impossible for the Prophet and his companions to read it, memorize it, or apply its message in their behavior. Therefore the gradual revelation of the Qur’an over many years is a mercy and blessing from God.

How was the Qur’an preserved?

As soon as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received divine revelation he ordered the Qur’an to be preserved in two ways: oral and written. A group of his companions were charged with memorizing the Qur’anic verses being revealed. Another group was charged with writing these Qur’anic verses on material available at the time. Muslims recite the Qur’an in their five daily prayers. Therefore, it is not difficult to memorize few verses every day, if they are recited daily in prayer.

Thus the Qur’an was safeguarded from alteration. The Qur’an states that God promised to safeguard His message

We have, without doubt, sent down the message, and We will assuredly guard it

Al-Hijr (Rocky tracts) 15: 9

During the rule of Abou Bakr, the first righteous Caliph, the written Qur’an was collected, and was compared to the oral Qur’an preserved in the hearts of the Prophet’s companions. Nothing was accepted as a Qur’an unless it confirmed to the recitation of the Prophet, and witnesses swore that it was the true Qur’an. At the time of Othman, the third righteous Caliph, the Qur’an was written in one version to facilitate its reading.

What is the proof that the Qur’an is a revelation from God, and not the work of a human being?

1-Evidenc...