Muslim Misconceptions Examined and Explained. Christianity and Islam Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world; it is estimated that.

Muslim MisconceptionsMuslim MisconceptionsExamined and ExplainedExamined and Explained

Christianity and IslamChristianity and Islam

• Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world; it is estimated that 1 in 4 will be Muslim by 2030 (today, 1 in 6 are Muslim)

• The basic tenets of Islam are often misrepresented by the mainstream media to the masses

• By studying the Bible and Qur’an, the five following misconceptions can be examined and explained

1 - Islam Means “Peace”1 - Islam Means “Peace”

• Islam is commonly portrayed today as a religion of “peace” (tolerance) which has been hijacked by a few radicals and extremists; it is claimed that Islam means “peace”

• Islam does not mean “peace” in the Qur’an or in the Arabic lexicon; it means “submission” [to the will of Allah]


And this (submission to Allah, Islam) was enjoined by Ibrahim (Abraham) upon his sons and by Ya'qub (Jacob), (saying), "O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the (true) religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam (as Muslims - Islamic Monotheism)” (2:132).


The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will): Nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account (3:19).


If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good) (3:85).

1 - Islam Means “Peace”1 - Islam Means “Peace”• There are over 100 war verses in the Qur'an

authorizing Muslims to fight against the “unbelievers” (infidels); the individual Muslim must decide how he will interpret these verses – whether literally or allegorically

• Without dispute is the explicit authority in the Qur'an to fight physically in the cause of Allah

• Jihad means “struggle”; not just a spiritual struggle with Allah, but a physical (war) struggle with man


Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast? (3:142).

And if you are killed in the cause of Allah or die - then forgiveness from Allah and mercy are better than whatever they accumulate [in this world]. And whether you die or are killed, unto Allah you will be gathered. (3:157-158).


Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world; and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment (5:33).


And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful (9:5).


Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled (9:29).


O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fear Him (9:123).


• True “peace” comes by submitting to Jesus, the “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6)

• Jesus “preached peace” (Eph. 2:14-17)

• Jesus’ disciples “follow after things which make for peace” (Rom. 14:19)

2 – Both Qur’an and Bible 2 – Both Qur’an and Bible Teach ViolenceTeach Violence

• Muslim terrorist activities today are often equated with the Christian Crusades or Inquisition

• First, Muslim terrorist activities come from reading plain verses in the Qur’an about “fighting” (see above); the Christian Crusades and Inquisition (A.D. 1100 – 1300) came from the orders of Catholic Popes misusing the Bible to justify their fighting

2 – Both Qur’an and Bible 2 – Both Qur’an and Bible Teach ViolenceTeach Violence

• Second, Muslim terrorist activities are not to be compared to such campaigns as Joshua (Josh. 1-12) or Saul (1 Sam. 15), because these wars were God’s judgments upon the sin of a nation (Gen. 15:16; Lev. 18:24-30); Muslim terrorist acts are against those who will not believe Islam (unbelievers)

• Third, Jesus told Peter to put up his sword; no physical fighting; no earthly kingdom (Mt. 26:52; Jn. 18:36)

3 – Allah Is Another Name for 3 – Allah Is Another Name for the God of the Biblethe God of the Bible

• The god of Islam, Allah, is often portrayed today as the same God of the OT (Yahweh or Jehovah)

• Muslims believe that the religion of Judaism (OT), Christianity (NT), and Islam all serve the same Allah, but only Muslims serve him according to the true book – the Qur’an (Muhammed being the great and final prophet)


And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him” (29:46).


• Allah is not the same “god” as one finds in the Bible; Allah is one in number; one divine being only (monotheism = one divine being without a divine Son or a divine Holy Spirit)

• It is no more correct to call the God of the Bible, Allah, than it is to call him Baal, Vishnu, Zeus, etc.


O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs (4:171).


• The NT teaches that there is one Godhead – one divine nature in three persons (Rom. 1:20; Col. 2:9)

– The Father is God (1 Cor. 1:3)

– The Son is God (Tit. 2:13; Heb. 1:8)

– The Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4)

4 – Muslims Believe in 4 – Muslims Believe in Jesus TooJesus Too

• It is common today to speak of the Muslim belief in Jesus as Allah’s prophet: “We honor Jesus (peace be upon him)”

• “Jesus” appears about 70 times in the Qur’an

• Muslims believe in the virgin birth (21:91), but Jesus was a created being; simply a prophet of Allah; he did not die; and to confess Jesus as Lord is “shirk” (an unforgivable sin)


Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was (3:29).

And say, "Praise to Allah , who has not taken a son and has had no partner in [His] dominion and has no [need of a] protector out of weakness; and glorify Him with [great] glorification” (17:111).


They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary" while the Messiah has said, "O Children of Israel, worship Allah , my Lord and your Lord." Indeed, he who associates others with Allah - Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers (5:72).


The Jews say, "Ezra is the son of Allah "; and the Christians say, "The Messiah is the son of Allah ." That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved [before them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded? (9:30).


And [We cursed them] for their disbelief and their saying against Mary a great slander, And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise (4:156-158).


• Jesus said he was eternal, not created (Jn. 8:24,58)

• Jesus said he was the Son of God (Jn. 5:25; 9:35; 10:36)

• Jesus said he would die, be buried, and raise again (Mt. 16:21; Mk. 8:31; Lk. 9:22)

5 – Muhammad Is Allah’s 5 – Muhammad Is Allah’s Final ProphetFinal Prophet

• Islam portrays Muhammad today as Allah’s last great and final prophet

• Islam (like the J.W.s, Mormons, Christian Science, WWCofG; etc.) is based upon the latter-day revelations of a self-proclaimed prophet, Muhammad

• Allah first sent the Torah to the Jews, then the Gospel to the Christians, then the Qur’an to all mankind (5:42-47)


• The Qur’an allows for abrogation (naskh); the practice of allowing a newer revelation to replace an older revelation

5 – Mudammad Is Allah’s 5 – Mudammad Is Allah’s Final ProphetFinal Prophet

He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel (3:3).

We did not send before you any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke [or recited], Satan threw into it [some misunderstanding]. But Allah abolishes that which Satan throws in; then Allah makes precise His verses. And Allah is Knowing and Wise (22:52).


O People of the Scripture, there has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much. There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book (5:15).


We do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten except that We bring forth [one] better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that Allah is over all things competent? (2:106).

And when We substitute a verse in place of a verse - and Allah is most knowing of what He sends down - they say, "You, [O Muhammad], are but an inventor [of lies]." But most of them do not know (16:101).


And if We willed, We could surely do away with that which We revealed to you. Then you would not find for yourself concerning it an advocate against Us (17:86).


• Muhammad (1) worked no miracles to confirm his alleged message from Allah (29:48-50); (2) allowed self-serving exceptions and rules in the Qur’an; and (3) was a very immoral man (polygamy, violence, drank alcohol after banning it, etc.)


And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt. Rather, the Qur'an is distinct verses [preserved] within the breasts of those who have been given knowledge. And none reject Our verses except the wrongdoers. But they say, "Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, "The signs are only with Allah , and I am only a clear warner“ (29:48-50).


And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice] (4:3).


O Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those your right hand possesses from what Allah has returned to you … if the Prophet wishes to marry her, [this is] only for you, excluding the [other] believers. We certainly know what We have made obligatory upon them concerning their wives and those their right hands possess, [but this is for you] in order that there will be upon you no discomfort. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful (33:50).


You, [O Muhammad], may put aside whom you will of them or take to yourself whom you will. And any that you desire of those [wives] from whom you had [temporarily] separated - there is no blame upon you [in returning her]. That is more suitable that they should be content and not grieve and that they should be satisfied with what you have given them - all of them. And Allah knows what is in your hearts. And ever is Allah Knowing and Forbearing (33:51).


O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity (33:53).


• Jesus worked miracles to confirm his message from God (Jn. 20:30-31; see also his apostles, Mk. 16:20)

• Jesus was pure (Heb. 4:12; 1 Pet. 1:23)

• Jesus did not abrogate (naskh) scripture, but fulfilled it (Mt. 5:17; Lk. 24:44-49)

• Jesus is God’s last great and final prophet (Heb. 1:1-2; Jn. 16:14; 1 Cor. 2:16; 14:37; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Tim. 3;16-17; Jude 3)

Muslim MisconceptionsMuslim Misconceptions

• When religious people make a claim (“We worship God as you do…”), it must be examined, explained, and rejected if found false (Ezra 4:2-3)

• The Qur’an even encourages examination: “And they say, ‘None will enter Paradise except one who is a Jew or a Christian.’ That is [merely] their wishful thinking, Say, ‘Produce your proof, if you should be truthful’ (2:111)


• The Qur’an teaches that we are lost: “Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger - that for him is the fire of Hell, wherein he will abide eternally? That is the great disgrace” (9:63) … “Allah has promised the hypocrite men and hypocrite women and the disbelievers the fire of Hell, wherein they will abide eternally. It is sufficient for them. And Allah has cursed them, and for them is an enduring punishment” (9:68)


• Christians must not fight (Jn. 18:36)

• Christians must not fear (2 Tim. 1:7)

• Christians must not fail (Jude 3)

• Christians must not force (1 Cor. 9:19-23 vs. Surah 5:51; Islamic food laws, Friday, wives/women, handling the Qur’an, etc.)

Muslim Misconceptions Examined and Explained. Christianity and Islam Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world; it is estimated that.

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