Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Proof #3: Jesus fate no different to earlier prophets


The Messiah, son of Mary, was only a Messenger; surely, Messengers like unto him had indeed passed away before him. And his mother was a truthful woman. They both used to eat food. (5:76) more translations

This verse makes the following claims:
  • Jesus was a messenger, and previous messengers have passed away.
  • Jesus and his mother ate food.
In this verse from the chapter Al-Maidah, both statements independently assert Jesus’ death.

Argument 1

The first part of this verse uses a classic syllogistic construct, a form of reasoning where a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions, with a common term providing the bridge. For example: propositions "All humans are mortal," and "All Greeks are humans" together imply All Greeks are mortal

Here, the common term is messenger, linking the two propositions Messiah, son of Mary, was only a messenger and messengers before him have passed away. The implied conclusion is that Jesus, like all messengers before him, has passed away. 

Indeed, while syllogism can lead to invalid conclusions if misused, it's unlikely that such a strong reasoning device would be used in a misleading way in this context. The logical conclusion drawn from the verse is that Jesus, like all prophets before him, has passed away.

Argument 2

The same verse asserts that Jesus and his mother used to eat food. If both Jesus and his mother, mentioned together, stopped eating, and we know his mother's cessation was due to death, it's reasonable to infer Jesus also stopped eating for the same reason: his own death.

There is not much wiggle room interpreting this verse differently, yet it could be argued that it's possible for Jesus to have stopped eating but still be alive by some special decree of God. However, this escape route is also blocked by the Quran. The following puts to rest the notion that Jesus, despite being hungry, is somehow surviving in the fourth heaven:


And we did not give them (Messengers) bodies that ate no food, nor were they to live for ever. (21:9)

Let's assume Jesus is still alive and will one day descend from the heavens. Imagine his return day. Having not eaten for over two thousand years, he'd naturally look forward to food and might ask his hosts, the Ulema, for something to break his extraordinarily long fast. He'd be surprised when, instead of a feast in his honor, the Ulema present him with verse 76 from Al-Maidah. They'd tell Jesus that according to the Holy Quran, he used to eat food, and since there's no mention of his future eating, they feel obliged to deny him much-deserved hospitality. Al-Maidah:76 prevents Jesus from eating anything. The moment Jesus consumes even a morsel, Al-Maidah:76 would be factually incorrect. No amount of Jesus' protestations would prevail. On one hand, the Ummah would risk losing the Quran's integrity, and on the other, a starving man in need of food! Of course, the Ummah can't lose the Quran, so Jesus would have to save the world on an empty stomach!

With a bit of reflection, it becomes abundantly clear that belief in a living Jesus is, in fact, a grave insult to our Holy Master, Muhammadsaw. If there was someone who deserved to live and return, it would have to be the Master Prophet himself. It is troubling for one who truly loves Muhammad to accept that someone who received no spiritual training from him could bring about the spiritual revival of his people in the latter days. Remember, Jesus, having preceded Muhammad in time, is not his spiritual pupil. As far as Jesus is concerned, he owes nothing to Muhammad. Yet, the same cannot be said of Muhammad if the scenario of Jesus's return is true. He would find himself monumentally obliged to the returning Israeli prophet as the Ummah is rescued at the time of its greatest need. Does this mean Muhammad was simply not up to the task of producing a savior from among his own people and was left with no choice but to requisition one from the distant past? If so, it's a stunning admission of Islam's inability to produce quality followers. When Jews needed a messiah, they were not told to get one from the cold storage of earlier peoples; their savior was from among their own, showing there was still life in Moses's spiritual lineage. However, in the time of their greatest peril, Muslims are supposed to go begging to the Jews and borrow their messiah—a cringe-inducing scenario for any self-respecting Muslim with troubling implications on the honor of the Holy Prophet. Where does that leave the Quranic claim of Muslims being the best of all peoples and their prophet the highest in rank? Instead, the Christian claim that Jesus is the "Alpha and the Omega—the first and the last" would be proven. It would be Jesus alone who would save the world, and the fact that there was Muhammad somewhere between Jesus' first and second appearance would only be a footnote in religious history. Jesus would indisputably emerge as the Savior and the Christian boast would stand vindicated. There is no escaping this conclusion for those Muslims who await the literal return of Jesus as part of their belief system. But thankfully and mercifully, this notion is nipped in the bud by the Holy Quran with its straightforward declaration that Jesus has died. May his soul rest in peace!

“Your Imam from amongst you”

The Holy Prophetsaw stated that the forthcoming Issa (Jesus) would originate from within the Ummah. He used the phrase imamokum minkum, meaning "your imam from among you." This Hadith, sourced from Bukhari and Muslim, is highly reliable.


Abu Huraira narrates that the Holy Prophetsaw said that (O Muslims!) how would you feel when son of Mary will descend amongst you and he will be your imam from amongst you.

This narration negates the possibility that the 'son of Mary' to return is the original Jesus. The one to lead Muslims will be from among them, the followers of Muhammad, whereas Jesus was a Bani-Israeli from Moses' people. The Quran limits his charter to a specific group, the Children of Israel (see 3:50, 61:7). A prophet sent to the Children of Israel would be foreign to Muslims. Muslims, as followers of the Universal Prophet Muhammad, come from all global races, not just the Children of Israel. Jesus simply lacks the qualifications to address Muslims or a worldwide audience. If he were to return in person, Muslims, based on the Quran's authority, would be justified in declining to follow him.

Also, the term "nazala," which means 'to descend,' needs clarification. It is a principal stumbling block for those who approach this issue with preconceived notions, expecting Jesus to float down from the skies—like a skydiver with his parachute deployed, perhaps—but without a parachute. In Arabic, the term "nazala" is also used to signify high importance, usefulness, or glory. The Quran uses this term in relation to clothing, iron, and cattle (see 7:27, 57:26, and 39:7), each described as having descended and each having undoubtedly played a critical role in the progress of human civilization. The same word is used in relation to Muhammad himself (see 65:11-12)! Of course, no one understands it to mean that Muhammad descended from the heavens. Therefore, the descending of the messiah signifies his high status and the critical role he would play in the revival of Islam. His coming would be a source of great blessing for Muslims; he would be born within the Ummah and metaphorically given the name Jesus, son of Mary, to indicate his remarkable similarity with that prophet, even though he would be an entirely different person.

The question arises: why has he been called Jesus and not by some other name? To understand this, one needs to be attuned to the language of scriptures and prophets, which is always rich in metaphors and analogies, especially when it comes to prophecies. Given that Holy Muhammad was a prophet mirroring Moses in many ways, the anticipated messiah among Muhammad's followers is named after the messiah who appeared to Moses' people, further underscoring this parallel. This elegantly completes the analogy between Muhammad and Moses. Moreover, the name 'Jesus' carries a wealth of clues aiding in his identification upon arrival. The timing, circumstances, the condition of Muslims at that time, and numerous other indicators are all subtly encapsulated within this name.

To conclude, the Messiah, the savior of Muhammad's followers, would emerge from their midst. His spiritual prowess would be a direct result of the Holy Prophet's influence, and all his triumphs would essentially be victories of Muhammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

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16 comments:

Anonymous said...

"YUSUFALI: Christ the son of Mary was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah doth make His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!

PICKTHAL: The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a messenger, messengers had passed 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! "


All thats said in this verse is that, there were messengers before Isa that had passed away before him. It does not in any sense imply that Jesus has passed away. It is enforcing the fact that like Isa there were other messengers before him. This is also to make it clear to the people that Isa is only an Apostle not son of god or anything else. His mission here is to spread the message of god.

To understand and to be clear of the exact message conveyed, you should read the previous three verses along with it. It deals with the christian belief of the trinity, and Allah is telling them that Isa is only a prophet like the ones before him.

I hope I have made it clear.

Assalamu Alaikum.

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Anonymous said...

Then ... Is Muhammed Nabi still living ? If not you have to also mention that Nabi is Dead.

All has happened 1000 years back. there is no conclusive proof.

All are simply beleifs.

Asaf said...

you have now started understandingthe true quranic teachings the Promised Messiah and Mahdi Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani a.s. made these claims over 100 years ago and the Ahmadiyya Jamaat which he founded is still alive today with over 300 million followers spread over 190 countries of the world i invite you to visit www.alislam.org as well as Tombofjesus.com for more information which identifies the site of the burial of Jesus a.s. in Srinagar India.

Anonymous said...

dear brothers,

you can discuss "intellectually" as you want but the truth is: there is only one way to God and it is through His Son Jesus Christ, who died for your sins and was resurrected and forever more is alive in heavens.

If you say Jesus was only a prophet, you contradict yourself. If you believe He was a prophet, that means you believe what He said. And He made it plain and clear "I am the way, the truth and life. No one goes to the Father but by Me" and in many other scriptures also He says the same thing. If then he lied, why do you call Him your prophet??
He is who He says He is or He is not...
Think again!

Anonymous said...

Salaam n hi all. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and life. No one goes to the Father but by Me" , that was long time ago before Muhammad S.a.w came. So the words that Jesus said are only for the people that time.

But the last prophet is Muhammad S.a.w, and Islam made all the way of life complete, then think about it :)

The love of God to Jesus and His beloved servants is like a love from a FATHER to his son, that is not mean that ALLAh (God) is a FATHER, nope. That's only ANALOGY, ARTS of word. ALLAh is GOD, ALMIGHTY, He does not need anybody but all creatures need HIM. Only HUMAN has feeling wanting a son or daughter, ALLAH is not like HUMAN, He is The one and only God and none like unto HIM.

And Jesus is also not a God.

- Jesus said thanx to God. How come God thanks to Himself?

"At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." Matthew 11:25


- Jesus always pray to Allah (God), how come God pray to himself?

- Jesus feel hungry. How come God The Most Greatest feel hungry?

"For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:" Matthew 25:25


- Jesus feel sick, how come God feel sick?

"Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." Matthew 25:36


- Jesus don't know about End of Days, But ALLAH knows everything.

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 24:36


- In Bible said ALLAH (God) is ONLY ONE, and there is no God except Him. It is a Theology concept

"Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him." Deuteronomy 4 : 35

"Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears." 2 Samuel 7 : 22

"And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:" 1 Kings 8 : 23

"Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." Isaiah 43 : 10

"And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:" Mark 12 : 29

And many more ....... And Allah knows best :)

Anonymous said...

Why to fight over who is great and who is not? There is one life. Live it well and meaningfully without fights. God is one (if one believes in God, that is). Be happy.

Anonymous said...

Salaam Alaikum

Brother Asif where did you get your logic from ? If I say Humans before me have died and I am a human does it imply I am dead. Moreover if I say I used to have food with my grandmother (may her soul rest in peace), does this indicate we both are dead, can't it be that only she has passed away.

The quoted verse (Al-Quran 5:76) simply states that Isa (Jesus Christ) may peace be upon him is just a messenger of Allah and had human tendencies and requirements of having food.

The Quran is the book of Almighty Allah and by its very nature has no Contradictions and various verses compliment and not contradict each other.

In Chapter 43 verse 61 Almighty Allah clearing states the second coming of Jesus Peace be Upon Him, before the Day of Judgement.

"And he [Isa,son of Mary] shall be a known sign for (the coming of)the Hour (Day of Resurrection)" Quran:43:61

Moreover, Allah SubhanWatala describes in Surah Nisa that Jesus Christ (May Peace Be Upon Him) was neither killed nor crucified but raised in.

"And because of their saying (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah"- 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, God raised him up unto Himself; and God is Exalted in Power, Wise."

So Jesus Christ Peace Be Upon Him according to various verses of the Quran, was A human, a mighty messenger who used to cure people by Almighty's Will and was raised up. He was neither killed nor crucified and shall return before the Day Of Judgement but when he returns he shall follow the commandments and teachings brought in by Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him.

-Murtaz

A Omer said...

Murtaz: Salam and thanks for your comments.

Your syllogism i.e. "Humans before me have died and I am a human [implies] I am dead." is not quite correct on the conclusion. It only implies that you will die at some time in the future. However, it is different if constructed with reference to the past, in that case it would imply that subject has died.

Your other construction about having food has one important addition: The use of "With" renders it completely different to the Quranic construction. Remove the "with" and it would indeed imply that you and your grandmother have both stopped eating (independently of each other) ... a subtle but crucial difference.

About the use of the word Raf'a (raising/exalting) in relation to Jesus, only means raising of his spiritual rankand not the raising of his body to a higher altitude.

Asif

Anonymous said...

I ve only one thing to ask mohammed the prophet or his so called followers. I know that muslims accept Ibrahim as a patriarch and a prophet. In fact you say that he himself was "muslim". Ok..Agreed !!! Then listen to me carefully. WHY IS THAT MOHAMMED OR MUSLIMS DO NOT CALL GOD THE WAY IBRAHIM DID?....YAHWEY. I VE A PROBLEM THERE....Allah was not the God of Moses, Ibrahim or any other prophet. Allah was just an idol among 360+ idols in kaaba. That's all.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Jesus has been died since all livingthings has to die.
His cruxification was infect his martyrdom.
But his great mission will never die.

Anonymous said...

People.. allah and God of the Bible is not the same. allah is the God murder and lust while God of the Bible is the God of Love and the God of the Bible has a son named Jesus Christ my Lord and God while allah don't have a son. People don't let anyone decieve you, test the spirit before you believe something, it is our eternal life that we are talking about. God the Father and Jesus Christ are one,believe and you will be save from eternal destruction..people for once choose the correct one by asking the Holy Spirit of God. God Bless. Waiting for Jesus Christ return.
bambol

Anonymous said...

May Allah Bless all those who have proved the contrary to brother Asif. Bambol, mind your words. I wouldn't call you brother or friend because you are insulting the LORD MOST HIGH.
We have not reviled anyone and should not be reviled.
If you are a muslim, May Allah CURSE you, AMEEN.
If you are a non muslim, May Allah Give you Hidayah, Ameen.
Next time, you'll get it ROUGH!

Affan Abdul Kadar said...

In reply to George, I quote
"WHY IS THAT MOHAMMED OR MUSLIMS DO NOT CALL GOD THE WAY IBRAHIM DID?"

Brother, if you dint know, we call(pray) to Allah the way Ibrahim did. It was during the Prophet's ascend to heavens that he was taught how to call God by Ibrahim. It was prophet Ibrahim who asked Muhammed to reduce the no. of prayers from 50 to 5, saying mankind wouldn't be able to maintain such a huge burden.

Anonymous said...

why trying to disturb yourself about JESUS CHRIST,even the devil was not able to deny it though he tried.
hear this:there is no other foundation that can be laid other than that which is laid which is jesus christ,the author and perfecer of our faith.

Jesus is totally fifferent from mohammed and you cannot compare them.

didnt you read what was placed on your web or are you denying your quran.: Anonymous said...
Salaam Alaikum

Brother Asif where did you get your logic from ? If I say Humans before me have died and I am a human does it imply I am dead. Moreover if I say I used to have food with my grandmother (may her soul rest in peace), does this indicate we both are dead, can't it be that only she has passed away.

The quoted verse (Al-Quran 5:76) simply states that Isa (Jesus Christ) may peace be upon him is just a messenger of Allah and had human tendencies and requirements of having food.

The Quran is the book of Almighty Allah and by its very nature has no Contradictions and various verses compliment and not contradict each other.

In Chapter 43 verse 61 Almighty Allah clearing states the second coming of Jesus Peace be Upon Him, before the Day of Judgement.

"And he [Isa,son of Mary] shall be a known sign for (the coming of)the Hour (Day of Resurrection)" Quran:43:61

Moreover, Allah SubhanWatala describes in Surah Nisa that Jesus Christ (May Peace Be Upon Him) was neither killed nor crucified but raised in.

"And because of their saying (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah"- 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, God raised him up unto Himself; and God is Exalted in Power, Wise."

So Jesus Christ Peace Be Upon Him according to various verses of the Quran, was A human, a mighty messenger who used to cure people by Almighty's Will and was raised up. He was neither killed nor crucified and shall return before the Day Of Judgement but when he returns he shall follow the commandments and teachings brought in by Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him.


jesus is lord

Unknown said...

Sorry to bother you bout Allah is not an Idol of those which Makkans used to worship thousands of years ago...if read quran surah no:112,
U will get the defination of Allah and U will be convinced that Allah is not an Idol like U R thinking