Following is proof that Muslims must study the Quran in an effort to understand it and that simply deferring matters of Islamic to other people, e.g. the Ulama, is not allowed.
Is it better to memorize the Quran or to read the Quran?
Many Muslims go through the huge effort of memorizing the Quran, even if they don’t speak Arabic. In general, many Muslims are also very impressed to hear of someone who has memorized the entire Quran. Sadly, when you ask these people if they understand what they memorized, they say they don’t understand it. In other words, many of these people have managed to memorize the sounds of the Arabic Quran without understanding the meaning of what they’ve spent so much time trying to memorize. According to verse 2:2, the Quran is a guide for people who believe in God.
Then do they not study / think deeply about / understand (yatadabbaruna) the Qur’an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? (47:24)
While there is nothing wrong with memorizing the Quran, it should be clear that understanding the meaning of the Quran should be a priority. After all, how can you be guided by a book that contains guidance if you don’t understand what you are reading, let alone have memorized?
Is it better to read the Arabic Quran or a translation?
Many non-Arabic-speaking Muslims diligently read the Arabic Quran throughout their lives. Sadly, most of them have no idea of the meaning of the words they read. As such, it doesn’t seem fitting to even say that they are “reading” the Quran since “reading” implies an understanding of the words being read. As such, a possibly more appropriate description of their actions is that they are “making the sounds of the Arabic Quran.” The word Qur’an is an Arabic word that translates to “Reading” in English. It is called as such because it’s supposed to be read. In addition to reading it, God expects you to think deeply about it and understand it (47:24).
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah – (2:2)
Obviously, in order to be “guided”, you need to understand the meaning of the guide. And obviously, you can understand a guide if you don’t understand the language of that guide. Therefore, it should be obvious that non-Arabic speakers will benefit most from reading a translation of the Quran to satisfy verse 47:24 and be “guided.” People don’t magically get guidance by reading a book they don’t understand. If one feels it important to read the Arabic Quran, they can read both the Arabic version and a translated version side by side.
Are you allowed to sing the Quran?
Many Muslims think that it is better to recite the Quran with a certain intonation. The resulting effect can be somewhat like they are singing a song with or without instruments.
There doesn’t appear to be any ruling against singing the Quran. However, one should keep in mind the purpose of the Quran and what God expects everyone to do with it. As stated earlier, the Quran is a book of guidance (2:2) and God expects everyone to read, understand, and think deeply about it (47:24).
QURAN — UNDERSTANDING
The Quran forbids you from following or believing in something without understanding it
In verse 17:36, God clearly tells people not to follow and believe in what they have no knowledge of. For example, if someone tells you that Muslim men are forbidden from wearing gold and silk, then you shouldn’t just believe what they say, regardless of whether they are learned scholars or imams. You must know what you are doing so that you are not guilty of becoming a blind believer. Examples of blind believers are idol worshippers of the time of Prophet Abraham. When Abraham proved to them, including his own father, that the idols were not God, and told them to stop worshipping them, they refused saying that they wanted to continue worshipping whatever their forefathers worshipped, even though they had no proof that their idols were God.
And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned. (17:36)
As a Muslim, do you have to understand the Quran?
Many Muslims believe that they can just read the Quran without understanding and thinking deeply about its verses. However, God says in verse 47:24 that you are expected to study and think deeply about its verses. The expectation that you understand the Quran is so serious that not doing it is as if your heart was locked up. This expectation is very rational. After all, if you don’t understand the Quran, then your practice of Islam would be based on assumption rather than proof. Furthermore, since verse 17:36 forbids you from blindly following what people tell you without your own personal knowledge or proof of a matter, one obvious way to acquire knowledge of Islamic matters is by studying and thinking deeply about the Quran.
Then do they not study / think deeply about / understand the Qur’an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? (47:24)
Note the keyword “yatadabbaruun” in this verse which is defined in the Edward Lane’s Lexicon as follows (highlighted).
QURAN — FOLLOWING / JUDGING BY OTHER THAN IT
God forbids people from following any law except God’s laws in the Quran
This is understandable and is proven in verse 6:114. The Quran is the word of God. Other books, e.g. the book of Prophet Muhammad’s sayings (hadith), are not from God but from humans (e.g. indirectly via a chain of people who claim they heard Muhammad say something). Muhammad is not God. Muhammad has no right or authority to make Islamic law. And God never gave Muhammad the authority to make Islamic law as we will prove below.
[Say], “Then is it other than Allah I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book explained in detail?” … (6:114)
Whoever judges by other than the Quran, they are wrongdoers and Kafir (disbelievers)
Many people, usually very religious people, like to tell others that something is haram. Unfortunately, their justification of their statements is based on the supposed sayings of Prophet Muhammad (hadith) and not the Quran. For example, some people tell others that men are forbidden from wearing gold and silk. This information is found in the hadith but you will never find it in the Quran. According to verse 5:45, these people who judge by the hadith think that they are doing the right thing and are very religious but in actuality, God considers them wrongdoers.
… And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – then it is those who are the disbelievers. (5:45)
In addition to being wrongdoers, in verse 5:44 God even considers them to be disbelievers (kafir). This verse indicates that
God sent down the Torah
The prophets, Jewish rabbis and scholars used it to judge the Jews
There is no mention of the man-made Jewish Talmud book containing supposed sayings (hadith) of prophet Moses nor opinions of rabbis to be used in place of or in conjunction with the Torah for matters of Jewish law. The same, obviously, would apply to the Quran.
Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah ] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah, and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – then it is those who are the disbelievers. (5:44)
Regarding matters of religion, do not follow or believe in hadith besides the Quran
Verses 45:6 and 77:50 should be sufficient proof for everyone that only the Quran, which is God’s sayings (hadith) should be followed and believed in. Any saying (hadith) after that should not be believed in let alone followed as supplementary or overriding laws in the Quran.
People who convert to Submission (Islam) are told to say the following sentence:
أشهد أن لا إله إلاَّ الله و أشهد أن محمد رسول الله
I bear witness that there is no god but God and I bear witness that Muhammad is God’s messenger.
While it is true that Muhammad was a messenger of God, we must not forget that he was not the only messenger of God and that all messengers of God are to be treated equally (2:136). Many Submitters (Muslims) today think of Muhammad exclusively or as a superior messenger compared to all other messengers. For example, in mosques you will often find Muhammad’s name next to God’s name and nowhere will you find the names of the other messengers including Abraham, the founder of Submission (Islam). When Submitters (Muslims) pray, near the end of the prayer they often ask for blessings on both Muhammad and Abraham. However, this too seems limiting considering that true believers must treat all messengers equally. According to verse 3:13, God tells us how to bear witness in submission to Him.
God witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (3:18)
This verse doesn’t mention Muhammad. This makes sense since we know from 22:78 that Submitters (Muslims) existed before Muhammad existed, e.g. Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and many of their followers.
In verse 27:44, we see an example of how the ruler of Sheba converted to Submission (Islam) and become a Submitter (Muslim). All she said was, “I submit to God, Lord of the Worlds.”
She was told, “Enter the palace.” But when she saw it, she thought it was a body of water and uncovered her shins [to wade through]. He said, “Indeed, it is a palace [whose floor is] made smooth with glass.” She said, “My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to God, Lord of the worlds.” (27:44)
We also know from 49:14 that one can be a Submitter (Muslim) before being a Believer (Mu’min).
The desert Arabs say, “We believe!” Say, “Do not say you believe; but only say, ‘We have submitted our wills to God (as Submitters / Muslims),’ as belief has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey God and His Messenger, He will not deprive you anything of your deeds: for God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (49:14)
Therefore, becoming a Submitter (Muslim) only requires belief in one God regardless of their belief in God’s angels, messengers, and scriptures. Verse 2:285 gives us the requirements for one to be a Believer (Mu’min).
“The messenger believes in that which has been revealed to him from his Lord and (so do) believers. Each one believes in God and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers – We make no distinction between any of His messengers – and they say: We hear, and we obey. …. ” (2:285)
Therefore, better testimonies that don’t violate verses 2:136 and 2:285 are:
Testimony to be a Submitter (Muslim)
I bear witness that there is no god but God.
Testimony to be a Submitter (Muslim) and a Believer (Mu’min)
I bear witness that there is no god but God.
I bear witness to the existence of God’s angels.
I bear witness that God revealed scriptures including, but not limited to, the Torah, Injil, and the Quran.
I bear witness that Muhammad and many others before him including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, were messengers of God.
Submitters (Muslims) existed before Muhammad’s time
Many Muslims today believe that Muhammad was the first Muslim (submitter). However, below is proof that many people were Muslims (Submitters) way before Muhammad was even born.
And recite to them the news of Noah, when he said to his people, … I have been commanded to be of the Submitters (Muslims).” (10:71-72)
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Is’haq (Isaac), Ya’kub (Jacob) and Ya’kub’s sons were Submitters (Muslims)
And who would be averse to the religion of Abraham? … When his Lord said to him, “Submit”, he said “I have submitted [in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.” And Abraham instructed his sons [to do the same] and [so did] Jacob, [saying], “O my sons, indeed God has chosen for you this religion, so do not die except while you are Muslims.” Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, when he said to his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We will worship your God and the God of your fathers, Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac – one God. And we are Submitters (Muslims) [in submission] to Him.” (2:130 – 133)
…. I am Joseph, …… My Lord …. You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Submitter (Muslim) and join me with the righteous.” (12:90-101)
Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) was a Submitter (Muslim)
But when Jesus felt [persistence in] disbelief from them, he said, “Who are my supporters for [the cause of] God?” The disciples said,” We are supporters for God. We have believed in God and testify that we are Submitters (Muslims). (3:52)
People who believed in the previous scriptures (Torah, Injil) were Submitters (Muslims)
Those to whom We gave the Scripture before it – they are believers in it. And when it is recited to them, they say, “We have believed in it; indeed, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed we were, [even] before it, Submitters (Muslims).” (28:52-53)
God named people before Muhammad’s time Submitters (Muslims)
… [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. God named you “Submitters” (“Muslims”) before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation (the Quran)] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to God. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper. (22:78)
Shema Yisrael (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל)
The key part of testimony to be a submitter (Muslim) is “there is no god but God”. Note that this statement regarding the oneness of God is often found in the Quran and matches the Shema Yisrael. The Shema Yisrael is found in the Torah in Deuteronomy 6:4.
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד
Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one (Deuteronomy 6:4)
According to Wikipedia, the Shema is a centerpiece of morning and evening Jewish prayers. Observant Jews consider the Shema to be the most important part of the prayer service in Judaism, and its twice-daily recitation as a mitzvah (religious commandment). It is traditional for Jews to say the Shema as their last words, and for parents to teach their children to say it before they go to sleep at night.
… [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. God named you “Submitters” (“Muslims”) before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation (the Quran)] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to God. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper. (22:78)
Prophet Muhammad was not original or any more special than the other messengers
Say (O’ Muhammad), “I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner.” (46:9)
Muhammad was specifically told to follow the religion of Abraham
And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to God while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And God took Abraham as an intimate friend. (4:125)
Muhammad’s sole mission was to deliver the message (the Quran)
And whether We show you part of what We promise them or take you in death, upon you (O Muhammad) is only the [duty of] notification (of the Quran), and upon Us is the account. (13:40)
But if they turn away – then We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], over them as a guardian; upon you is only [the duty of] notification (of the Quran). And indeed, when We let man taste mercy from us, he rejoices in it; but if evil afflicts him for what his hands have put forth, then indeed, man is ungrateful. (42:48)
And there is not an animal moving in the earth nor a bird flying on its wings, but they are a nation like you; We have left out nothing in this Book – then towards their Lord they will be raised. (6:38)
Since God says the Quran is “complete” and He “left out nothing”, then followers must accept this and not argue that it is incomplete and therefore the hadith are necessary.
SAME RELIGION BUT DIFFERENT WAYS AND PRACTICES
Origin of names of religions
Many people nowadays think of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as three completely different religions that all originate from Abraham. However, Judaism and Christianity are actually just incorrectly modified versions of Islam (Submission).
Judaism is named as such because it originates from the Hebrew word Yehudah (Judah)”. Source
Judah is the name of an ancient kingdom in present-day southern Israel. Source
Christianity is named as such because it is based on the name of its leader, Jesus Christ. Christianity grew out of Judaism and began as a Second Temple Judaic sect in the mid-1st century. Source
Christ comes from the Greek word χριστός (chrīstós), meaning “anointed one”. The word is derived from the Greek verb χρίω (chrī́ō), meaning “to anoint.” In the Greek Septuagint, christos was used to translate the Hebrew מָשִׁיחַ (Mašíaḥ, messiah), meaning “[one who is] anointed”. Source
Unlike Judaism and Christianity, Islam (Submission) is not named after a kingdom such as Saudi Arabia or a person such as Muhammad. If it did, it might be called Saudi Arabianism or Muhammadism.
As explained above,
Islam is a word that has a meaning which is “to submit (to one true God).”
As a meaningful word, Islam can be translated as “Submission” in English and “Penyerahan” in Indonesian.
Jesus Christ (Prophet Jesus) was a Muslim (3:52)
The People of the Book (Jews and Christians) were actually followers of Islam (Submission) as they were also called Muslims (Submitters). (28:52-53)
Jews and Christians wrongfully divided their original religion of Submission (Islam) (21:92-93)
The Quran always references Jews and Christians as
Jews (Yahuud) (e.g. 5:82)
Christians (Nasaara) (e.g. 5:82) Note that Nasaara is an Arabic word which, according to the Edward Lanes Lexicon, means Nazarenes, i.e. people from Nazareth.
Children of Israel (e.g. 17:2)
People of the Book (Ahli-l-kitaab) (e.g. 3:199)
The Quran never mentions that the Jews follow a separate religion called Judaism and that the Christians follow a separate religion called Christianity.
Most Jews don’t believe that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah and most Christians don’t believe that Muhammad is the final messenger of God. However, at the time of Muhammad, there were some Jews and Christians who did believe in Muhammad and the revelation to him (the Quran).
And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in God, in the revelation to you (Muhammad), and in the revelation to them (Torah, Injil), bowing in humility to God …. (3:199)
Though Judaism and Christianity originally were no different than Abraham’s religion of Submission (Islam), they have changed a lot, e.g. Christians now believe that Jesus is the son of God, which is clearly a violation of Submission (Islam) as stated in the Quran (4:171)
The religion of Noah, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses and Jesus is the same
He has ordained for you of religion (Arabic: Deen) what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus – to establish the religion and not be divided therein …. (42:13)
The message given to Noah, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses and Jesus was the same
Nothing is said to you, [O Muhammad], except what was already said to the messengers before you. Indeed, your Lord is a possessor of forgiveness and a possessor of painful penalty. (41:43)
Correct Jews, Christians and Muslims are all muslims who share the same God
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)
“Deen” (religion) vs “millat” (ways / practices of a religion)
Many Muslims use verse 2:120 to infer that the Jews and Christians follow a different religion.
And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their form of religion (Arabic: Millatahum). Say, “Indeed, the guidance of God is the [only] guidance.” If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against God no protector or helper. (2:120)
However, you will see a difference between verse 42:13 and 2:120 in that 42:13 uses the word “deen” whereas verse 42:13 uses the word “millatahum”.
The word “deen” means “religion” whereas the word “millat”, in the context of verse 2:120, means “way of belief or form of religion.” According to the Edward Lanes Lexicon, we see this definition as follows:
The word “millat” is also in verse 16:123 where prophet Muhammad was told to follow Abraham’s “form of religion” (millat).
Then We revealed to you, [O Muhammad], to follow the form of religion (Arabic: millat) of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of those who associate with God. (16:123)
Abraham’s “way” (millat) is the correct way of God’s religion
In other words, people can be part of the same “deen” (religion” but their way / form (“millat”) may be different. The correct way, according to verse 16:123, is the way of Prophet Abraham. This “way”, according to this verse, is to not join anything with God including partnerships, idols, and intercessors. This “way” applies to Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Torah (Arabic: Tawrah) a book which was communicated by God to Moses on Mount Sinai in 1280 BCE over the course of 40 days
Injeel / Gospels Injeel is likely wisdom given to Jesus which was later likely written by his apostles and became known as the Gospels
Psalms (Arabic: Zabuur) given to David
Quran a book which was communicated by God via the Holy Spirit Gabriel to Muhammad gradually from 610 CE when Muhammad was 40 years old until his death in 632 CE. The first revelation came when Muhammad was in a cave called Hira on the mountain Jabal Al-Noor near Mecca.
What scriptures Jews, Christians, and Muslims follow
Jews Jews follow the Jewish Bible. The Jewish Bible is also called the Tanakh which includes the Torah.
Christians Christians follow the Christian Bible. The Christian Bible consists of 2 parts: Old TestamentNew TestamentThe Old Testament includes the Jewish Bible / Tanakh and, depending on Christian denomination, some other books. The New Testament includes various books including the Injeel (Gospels).
Muslims Muslims follow the Quran.
Torah
The Torah is part of the Jewish Tanakh. The Tanakh is also the Christian Old Testament. Tanakh is an acronym of the first Hebrew letter of the 3 subdivisions of the Masoretic texts which are
Torah (which means “teachings”, also known as the 5 Books of Moses or Pentateuch)
Nevi’im (which means “prophets”)
Ketuvim (which means “writings”)
As such, Tanakh is often spelled as TaNaKh. Tanakh is also called “mikra” which means “that which is read”.
The 10 Commandments
The 10 Commandments are a set of principles followed by Jews and Christians. They appear twice in the Torah. They were also written on stone tablets which Moses had when he came down from spending 40 days on Mt. Sinai.
You shall have no other Gods but me.
You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy.
Respect your father and mother.
You must not commit murder.
You must not commit adultery.
You must not steal.
You must not give false evidence against your neighbor.
You must not be envious of your neighbor’s goods. You shall not be envious of his house nor his wife, nor anything that belongs to your neighbor.
The 613 Commandments
There have been many attempts to codify and enumerate the commandments contained in the Torah. The most popular enumeration is the 613 Commandments by Maimonides.
Tanakh
The Tanakh was mostly written in Hebrew. Following is the list of books in each subdivision of the Tanakh.
Torah (teaching) – 5 books
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Nevi’im (prophets) – 8 books
The former prophets
Joshua
Judges
Samuel
Kings
Latter Prophets
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
12 Minor Prophets (considered one book)
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Ketuvim (writings) – 11 books
Poetic books
Psalms
Book of Proverbs
Book of Job
Five Scrolls
Song of Songs or Song of Solomon (Passover)
Book of Ruth
Lamentations
Ecclesiastes
Book of Esther
Other Books
Book of Daniel
Book of Ezra—Book of Nehemiah
Chronicles
Old Testament
The Old Testament is the first part of the Christian Bible and mostly matches the Jewish Bible. It was written by various authors over a period of centuries.
New Testament
The New Testament is the second of two parts of the Christian Bible. The New Testament discusses the teachings and person of Jesus, as well as events in first-century Christianity. It was written in Greek and completed before 120 AD. The books in the New Testament consist of 4 parts as follows.
Gospels (good news / glad tidings) – 4 books Narratives of the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus
The Gospel of Matthew Ascribed to the Apostle Matthew. This gospel begins with a genealogy of Jesus and a story of his birth that includes a visit from magi and a flight into Egypt, and it ends with the commissioning of the disciples by the resurrected Jesus.
The Gospel of Mark Ascribed to Mark the Evangelist. This gospel begins with the preaching of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus.
The Gospel of Luke Ascribed to Luke the Evangelist, who was not one of the Twelve Apostles, but was mentioned as a companion of the Apostle Paul and as a physician.[17] This gospel begins with parallel stories of the birth and childhood of John the Baptist and Jesus and ends with appearances of the resurrected Jesus and his ascension into heaven.
The Gospel of John Ascribed to John the Apostle. This gospel begins with a philosophical prologue and ends with appearances of the resurrected Jesus. It is about Jesus’s miracles.
Acts of the Apostles A narrative of the apostles’ ministry and activity after Christ’s death and resurrection, from which point it resumes and functions as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke.
Epistles– 21 letters 21 letters, often called “epistles” from Greek “epistole”, written by various authors, and consisting of Christian doctrine, counsel, instruction, and conflict resolution;
Apocalypse (The Book of Revelation) A book of prophecy, containing some instructions to seven local congregations of Asia Minor, but mostly containing prophetical symbology, about the end times.
Earliest Jewish Bible (Tanakh) manuscript
The Aleppo Codex (c. 920 CE) and Leningrad Codex (c. 1008 CE) were the oldest Hebrew language manuscripts of the Tanakh. In 1947 CE the finding of the Dead Sea scrolls at Qumran pushed the manuscript history of the Tanakh back a millennium from the two earliest complete codices. Before this discovery, the earliest extant manuscripts of the Old Testament were in Greek in manuscripts such as Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus. Out of the roughly 800 manuscripts found at Qumran, 220 are from the Tanakh. Every book of the Tanakh is represented except for the Book of Esther; however, most are fragmentary. Notably, there are two scrolls of the Book of Isaiah, one complete (1QIsa), and one around 75% complete (1QIsb). These manuscripts generally date between 150 BCE to 70 CE.
Earliest Christian Old and New Testament manuscript
There are two manuscripts that are considered to be the oldest.
Codex Vaticanus (The Vatican Book)
Text: Old and New Testament Date: c. 300–325 Script: Greek Found: At the Vatican It lacks most of the book of Genesis, Hebrews 9:14 to the end, the Pastoral Epistles, and the book of Revelation.
Codex Sinaticus (The Sinai Book)
Text: Old and New Testament Date: c. 330–360 Script: Greek Found: In Sinai in1844 at St. Catherine’s Monastery About half of the Old Testament survived along with a complete New Testament. A digital copy is available online at http://www.codexsinaiticus.org.
Earliest Quran manuscript
One of the earliest Quran manuscripts is the Birmingham manuscript. It only contains parts of chapters 18 and 20. It was radiocarbon dated to 568 and 645. For comparison, prophet Muhammad lived from 570 to 632. Following is a part of the Birmingham manuscript on the right and the equivalent 21st century Quran on the left. The text matches almost perfectly.
However, notice also that the Birmingham manuscript doesn’t include short vowel markings or harakaat.
The 7 Laws of Noah (Noahide Laws)
These are a set of laws which, according to the Jewish Talmud, were given to Noah’s three sons for all of humanity (Children of Noah). They are similar to the 10 Commandments.
Quran: the last scripture (book)
Since prophets get scriptures (books) and Muhammad was the last prophet, therefore the Quran, which is the scripture (book) given to Muhammad must be the last scripture (book).
Like “Islam” which is an Arabic word that means “Submission”, the word “Quran” is an Arabic word that means “reading” or “recitation.” Based on Arabic grammar, some may argue that it means intense or continuous reading / recitation.
Oral tradition
Islamic Hadeeth
Many Muslims believe that the Quran must be supplemented by the hadeeth or oral sayings / tradition of the prophet Muhammad.
Ḥadīth is the Arabic word for speech, report, account, narrative. Unlike the Qur’an, not all Muslims believe Ahadith accounts (or at least not all ahadith) are divine revelation, and ahadith were not written down by Muhammad’s followers immediately after his death but several generations later (at least 200 years later) when they were collected, collated and compiled into a great corpus of Islamic literature. A small minority of Muslims called Quranists reject all Ḥadīth.
Oral Torah and the Jewish Talmud
Similarly, Jews believe that the Torah consists of two parts, the written Torah which makes up the 5 Books of Moses, and the oral Torah which are sayings of Moses.
According to Jewish tradition, the Oral Torah was passed down orally in an unbroken chain from generation to generation until its contents were finally committed to writing following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE when Jewish civilization was faced with an existential threat.
The major repositories of the Oral Torah are the Mishnah, compiled between 200–220 CE by Rabbi Yehudah haNasi, and the Gemara, a series of running commentaries and debates concerning the Mishnah, which together are the Talmud, the preeminent text of Rabbinic Judaism. In fact, two “versions” of the Talmud exist: one produced in Jerusalem c. 300–350 CE (the Jerusalem Talmud), and second, more extensive Talmud compiled in Babylonia and published c. 450–500 CE (the Babylonian Talmud).
Following is a list of names of prophets and messengers and their scriptures based on the information available in the Quran. There may be more prophets and messengers that just weren’t mentioned in the Quran.
Adam
Adam is often regarded as the first prophet but the Quran never specifically says that he was a prophet. However, the Quran in verse 3:33 does mention that Adam was special similar to Noah and Abraham.
Idris / Enoch
He was a prophet (19:56)
Nuh / Noah
He was a prophet (6:89, 4:163) and a messenger (26:107)
He was sent to the people of Noah (26:105)
Hud
He was a messenger (26:125)
He was sent to the people of Ad (7:65)
Saleh
He was a messenger (26:143)
He was sent to the people of Thamud (7:73)
Ibrahim / Abraham
He was a prophet (19:41, 4:163) and a messenger (9:70)
He was sent to the people of Abraham (22:43)
He was given the “Scrolls of Abraham” (87:19)
Ibrahim was not a Jew or a Christian (3:67)
Lut / Lot
He was a prophet (6:85-89) and a messenger (37:133)
He was sent to the people of Lot (7:80)
Ismail / Ishmael
He was a prophet (19:54, 4:163, 6:85-89) and a messenger (19:54)
Is’haq / Isaac
He was a prophet (19:49, 4:163)
Ya’kub / Jacob / Israel
He was a prophet (19:49, 4:163, 19:58)
Yusuf / Joseph
He was a messenger (12:50)
Ayyub / Job
He was a prophet (4:163)
Shuaib / Jethro
He was a messenger (26:178)
He was sent to the people of Midian (7:85)
Musa / Moses
He was a prophet (19:51) and a messenger (19:51)
He was sent to Pharoah and his establishment (43:46)
He was given the Torah (53:36)
Harun / Aaron
He was a prophet (19:53, 4:163)
Dhul-Kifl / Ezekiel
He was a prophet (21:85-86 chapter of the “prophets”)
Dawud / David
He was a prophet (17:55, 4:163) and a messenger (4:163)
He was given the Zabur (Psalms) (17:55)
Sulaiman / Solomon
He was a messenger (4:163)
Ilyas / Elijah
He was a messenger (37:123, 6:85-89)
He was sent to the people of Ilyas (37:124)
Al Yasa / Elisha
He was a messenger (6:85-89)
Yunus / Jonah
He was a prophet (6:85-89, 4:163) and a messenger (37:139)
He was sent to the people of Yunus (10:98)
Zakariya / Zechariah
He was a prophet (6:85-89)
Yahya / John
He was a prophet (3:39, 6:85-89)
Isa / Jesus / The Messiah
He was a prophet (19:30, 4:163, 6:85-89) and a messenger (4:171)
He was sent to the Children of Israel (61:6)
He was given the Injil (Gospel) (57:27)
His other name was The Messiah (3:45)
Muhammad / Ahmad
He was a prophet (33:40) and a messenger (33:40)
He was sent to the Arabs (42:7) for all of mankind (7:158)
His other name was “Ahmad” (61:6)
He was given the Quran (42:7)
The Quran was revealed in Arabic
because God wanted to make it easy for Muhammad as an Arabic speaker (19:97)
so that Muhammad could warn his local community of Arabs (42:7)
because if it was in another language, the local Arabs would not believe in it (41:44)
The Arabic Quran was revealed to Arabs because if it was revealed to non-Arabs, they would not have believed in it (26:198-199)
Prophets and messengers are not the same thing
This is proven based on the wording used in verse 22:52.
Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then God sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. … (22:52)
What is a messenger?
By definition, a messenger is someone who brings or shares a “message”. In the context of the Quran, a messenger shares or relates the message of the Quran.
The role of a messenger
According to verse 6:48, a messenger’s job is to only “give good news” and to “warn”.
And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners. So whoever believes and reforms – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (14:4)
Each messenger was given the same message
The message that was revealed before the Quran is the same as what was revealed in the Quran. This is proven in verse 41:43.
Nothing is said to you, [O Muhammad], except what was already said to the messengers before you. Indeed, your Lord is a possessor of forgiveness and a possessor of painful penalty. (41:43)
Each messenger received a revelation to worship the one God
And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, “There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.” (21:25)
A messenger was sent to every community
Verse 16:36 indicates that messengers are sent to every community / nation. Since new communities / nations existed after Muhammad’s time, then there must be messengers after Muhammad died.
And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], “Worship God and avoid Taghut.” (16:36 part)
Each messenger spoke the language of his people
Verse 14:4 indicates that a messenger speaks the language of his people. Prophet Muhammad only spoke Arabic and he was sent as a messenger for his Arabic-speaking people. Since there are many other languages besides Arabic, there must be many other messengers besides Muhammad, both before and after Muhammad died.
And We did not send any messenger but with the language of his people, so that he might explain to them clearly; …. (14:4)
Messengers relate God’s verses
In verse 7:35, God tells the Children of Adam (all of mankind) that there will be multiple messengers from among humans rehearsing God’s verses. There is no mention of an end of the messengers. Therefore, certain people who rehearse God’s verses after prophet Muhammad died can be a messenger.
O children of Adam, if there come to you messengers from among you relating to you My verses, then whoever fears God and reforms – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (23:51)
We have made some of these messengers to excel the others among them are they to whom God spoke, and some of them He exalted by rank / degrees; and We gave clear miracles to Jesus son of Mary, and strengthened him with the Holy spirit. … (2:253)
And We have made some of the prophets exceed others [in various ways], and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]. (17:55)
Believers in God and His messengers must consider all messengers equal
Christians celebrate Prophet Jesus’ birthday and they consider him superior to all other prophets. Likewise, some of today’s Submitters (Muslims) celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and almost all Submitters (Muslims) consider Muhammad superior to all other prophets. Although God favored some messengers over others, God expects everyone to see all messengers as equal including Prophet Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.
Say: We believe in God and that which had been revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and that which was given to the prophets from their Lord, we do not make any distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him. (2:136)
Related verses: 2:285, 3:84, 4:152, 17:55
Multiple messengers have existed at the same time for the same community
In Quran verse 36:14, God sent two messengers to a town but people denied them so He sent a third messenger to strengthen them. The three messengers coexisted and worked together.
When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, “Indeed, we are messengers to you.” (36:14)
We also see plurality of messengers who came to other communities / nations.
“The people of Noah rejected the messengers” (26:105) “The Ad (people) rejected the messengers” (26:123) “The Thamud (people) rejected the messengers” (26:141) “The people of Lut rejected the messengers” (26:160)
The Quran is the last book of God and Muhammad is the last prophet
Scriptures are only given to prophets. Since Muhammad is the last prophet, the Quran is the last scripture.
Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing. (33:40)
Conclusion
Based on the analysis above, we can summarize as follows:
A prophet is shares good news, warns, and is given a book (scripture)
A messenger only shares good news and warns by relating verses in books (scriptures) given to prophets
Muhammad is the last prophet
Multiple messengers can exist for any given community / nation both before, during, and after Muhammad’s time
Artikel ini awalnya ditulis dalam bahasa Inggris. Ini adalah terjemahannya dalam bahasa Indonesia.
Sebagian besar orang Muslim, selain Al-Quran, percaya bahwa hadits adalah sumber hukum Islam yang sah. Argumen di bawah ini dengan mudah membuktikan menggunakan Al-Quran dan logika dasar bahwa kebanyakan Muslim tidak hanya salah, tetapi mereka juga kafir menurut Al-Quran, karena mereka menghakimi menggunakan hadits.
Mari kita mulai.
Hanya menghakimi dengan kitab suci Tuhan (Taurat, Al-Quran)
Sebelum Tuhan menurunkan Al-Quran kepada Muhammad, Ia mengirim Taurat kepada Musa untuk orang Yahudi menghakimi dengannya. Pada saat itu, para nabi, para rabi Yahudi dan para ulama Yahudi hanya menghakimi menggunakan Taurat. Ini dibuktikan dalam ayat 5:44 di mana Tuhan juga memberitahu orang-orang untuk tidak menukar ayat-ayat-Nya dengan yang lain, misalnya hukum buatan manusia, dan siapa pun yang tidak menghakimi dengan apa yang diturunkan Tuhan, misalnya Taurat dan Al-Quran, maka mereka adalah orang yang kafir.
Sungguh, Kami yang menurunkan (bahasa Arab: an-zal) Kitab Taurat; di dalamnya (ada) petunjuk dan cahaya. Dengan Kitab itu para nabi yang berserah diri kepada Tuhan menghakimi atas perkara orang Yahudi, demikian juga para rabi dan ulama mereka, sebab mereka diperintahkan memelihara kitab-kitab Tuhan dan mereka menjadi saksi terhadapnya. Karena itu janganlah kamu takut kepada manusia, (tetapi) takutlah kepada-Ku. Dan janganlah kamu jual ayat-ayat-Ku dengan harga murah. Barangsiapa tidak menghakimi dengan apa yang diturunkan (bahasa Arab: an-zal) Tuhan, maka mereka itulah orang-orang kafir. (Al-Quran: 5:44)
Setelah Musa meninggal, pada abad ke-2 para rabi Yahudi menyusun sebuah buku berjudul Talmud yang berisi
Mishnah (Taurat Lisan / perkataan yang diduga atau hadits Musa) Menurut tradisi Yahudi, Taurat Lisan diturunkan secara lisan di rantai tak terputus dari generasi ke generasi sampai akhirnya ditulis. Ini sangat mirip dengan hadits Islam / dugaan perkataan Muhammad).
Gemara Serangkaian komentar dan debat mengenai Mishnah.
Saat ini, sebagian besar orang Yahudi menghakimi dengan kitab suci (Taurat) dan Talmud yang berisi perkataan yang diduga dari Musa. Ini sangat mirip dengan bagaimana para pengikut Al-Quran pada awalnya hanya menghakimi dengan Al-Quran. Setelah buku-buku hadits (dugaan perkataan Muhammad) ditulis, pengikut Quran mulai menghakimi dengan Al-Quran dan hadits.
Garis waktu kejadian
Tahun
Kejadian
Dahulu kala
Tuhan menurunkan Taurat kepada Musa
Dahulu kala
Para nabi, rabi dan ulama Yahudi menghakimi hanya menggunakan Taurat
~200 CE
Para rabi Yahudi menulis Talmud yang berisi dugaan perkataan Musa
~ 200 CE ke depan
Orang-orang Yahudi menghakimi menggunakan Taurat dan Talmud
609 – 632 CE
Tuhan menurunkan Quran kepada Muhammad
~ 800 CE
Bukhari menulis hadits yang berisi dugaan perkataan Muhammad
~ 800 CE ke depan
Orang-orang Muslim menghakimi menggunakan Al-Quran dan hadits
Hanya hakim menggunakan Al-Quran
Quran ayat 45:6 secara khusus memberitahu orang-orang untuk hanya menghakimi dengan Al-Quran dan bukan hadits. Perhatikan bahwa kata Arab yang digunakan untuk hadits adalah hadits dan bukan kata lain.
Itulah ayat-ayat Tuhan yang Kami bacakan kepadamu dalam kebenaran; maka dengan hadits (bahasa Arab: ha-deeth) mana lagi mereka akan percaya setelah Tuhan dan ayat-ayat-Nya. (Al-Quran: 45:6)
Ayat-ayat Tuhan adalah Al-Quran. Hadits jelas bukan ayat Tuhan. Tidak ada orang yang waras, termasuk pengikut hadits, yang akan mengatakan bahwa hadits itu ayat-ayat dari Tuhan.
Al-Quran ayat 5:44 dengan jelas mengatakan bahwa siapa pun yang menghakimi dengan apa pun selain Al-Quran adalah orang kafir.
Barangsiapa tidak menghakimi dengan apa yang diturunkan (bahasa Arab: an-zal) Tuhan, maka mereka itulah orang-orang kafir. (Al-Quran: 5:44)
Apa yang “diturunkan” (bahasa Arab: an-zal) oleh Tuhan adalah Al-Quran, dan sebelum itu, Taurat. Keduanya adalah kitab suci dari Tuhan sendiri. Dugaan perkataan (hadits) Musa dan Muhammad tidak “diturunkan” oleh Tuhan. Perhatikan penggunaan kata “diturunkan” (bahasa Arab: an-zal) dalam ayat-ayat berikut yang menegaskan bahwa apa yang “diturunkan” Tuhan adalah Al-Quran dan bukan hadits.
Dan demikianlah Kami menurunkan (bahasa Arab: an-zal) Al-Qur’an dalam bahasa Arab, dan Kami telah menjelaskan berulang-ulang di dalamnya ancaman, agar mereka menghindari dari dosa, atau agar (Al-Qur’an) itu memberi peringatan bagi mereka. (Quran: 20:113)
Sekiranya Kami turunkan (bahasa Arab: an-zal) ini kepada sebuah gunung, pasti kamu akan melihatnya tunduk terpecah belah disebabkan takut kepada Tuhan. Dan perumpamaan-perumpamaan itu Kami buat untuk manusia agar mereka berpikir. (Al-Quran: 59:21)
Dalam ayat 13:37, kita membaca bahwa Tuhan menurunkan “undang-undang Arab” yang menegaskan bahwa Al-Quran Arab adalah hukum yang harus dipakai untuk menghakimi dan bukan buku lain.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَنزَلْنَاهُ حُكْمًا عَرَبِيًّا ۚ…
Dan demikianlah Kami telah menurunkannya (bahasa Arab: an-zal) sebagai peraturan (yang benar) dalam bahasa Arab. … (Al-Quran: 13:37)
Hadits itu bukan wahyu
Sebagian pengikut hadits akan mengklaim bahwa, selain Al-Qur’an, perkataan sehari-hari Nabi Muhammad juga merupakan wahyu dari Tuhan. Mereka dapat dengan mudah dibuktikan salah sebagai berikut.
Bukti 1:
Quran ayat 66:1 menunjukkan situasi di mana Tuhan mempertanyakan Muhammad setelah Muhammad melarang sesuatu yang Tuhan buat sah. Jika semua yang dikatakan Muhammad adalah wahyu dari Tuhan, lalu mengapa Tuhan mempertanyakan Muhammad tentang sesuatu yang dikatakan Muhammad? Logikanya, karena tidak semua yang dikatakan Muhammad adalah wahyu dari Tuhan.
Wahai Nabi, mengapa kamu mengharamkan apa yang Tuhan telah membuat halal untukmu, mencari persetujuan dari istrimu? … (Quran 66:1)
Bukti2:
Dalam ayat 69:44-46, Tuhan mengancam akan membunuh Nabi Muhammad jika Muhammad membuat perkataan palsu tentang Tuhan. Ini membuktikan bahwa tidak semua yang dikatakan Muhammad adalah wahyu dari Tuhan karena jika semua perkataannya adalah wahyu, Tuhan tidak perlu membuat ancaman ini. Jika Tuhan ingin mengatakan bahwa setiap kata yang keluar dari mulut Muhammad adalah wahyu dari Tuhan, Dia bisa saja mengatakan itu tanpa membuat ancaman.
Dan jika dia (Muhammad) mengada-adakan perkataan atas (nama) Kami (Tuhan), pasti Kami akan pegang dia pada tangan kanannya; kemudian Kami akan potong pembuluh jantungnya. (Al-Quran 69:44-46)
Bukti 3:
Hadis Sahih al-Bukhari #1629 menunjukkan bahwa Muhammad melarang sholat saat matahari terbit (fajar) dan matahari terbenam (maghrib). Ini jelas adalah kontradiksi besar dengan Quran yang bahkan pasti disetujui oleh pengikut hadits.
Dikisahkan `Abdullah: Saya mendengar Nabi (ﷺ) melarang sholat pada saat matahari terbit dan terbenam.
Semua Muslim, bahkan mereka yang menggunakan hadits sebagai hukum Islam, akan terus sholat fajar dan maghrib meskipun hadits sahih ini melarangnya. Dalam hal ini, mereka dapat mengatakan bahwa meskipun hadits ini sahih, mereka memilih untuk mengabaikannya karena bertentangan dengan Al-Quran, tetapi mereka akan mengatakan bahwa hadits lain masih valid. Dengan kata lain, mereka akhirnya memilih untuk mengikuti beberapa hadits dan mengabaikan yang lain. Maka dari itu, tidak mengherankan bahwa Quran ayat 68:36-38 mempertanyakan orang-orang yang menghakimi dengan buku selain Quran (misalnya buku hadits) di mana mereka memilih semaunya hukum mana yang mereka ingin ikuti.
Mengapa kamu (berbuat demikian)? Bagaimana kamu menghakimi? Atau apakah kamu mempunyai buku yang kamu pelajari yang memang untuk kamu di dalamnya adalah apapun yang kamu pilih? (68:36-38)
Fakta bahwa pengikut hadits mengakui bahwa beberapa hadits sahih tidak dapat diterima seharusnya membuat mereka curiga dan mempertanyakan keaslian semua hadits lainnya, bahkan jika hadits lain kedengarannya benar.
Nabi Muhammad hanya memperingatkan menggunakan Al-Qur’an
Sebagian pengikut hadits, dengan berpikir bahwa mereka meniru Muhammad, akan menggunakan hadits untuk memperingatkan orang lain tentang hukum Islam. Ironisnya, Quran ayat 50:45 dan 6:19 membuktikan bahwa Muhammad sendiri hanya memperingatkan menggunakan Quran.
… فَذَكِّرْ بِالْقُرْآنِ مَن يَخَافُ وَعِيدِ
… Maka berilah (ya Muhammad) peringatan dengan Al-Qur’an kepada siapa pun yang takut kepada ancaman-Ku. (50:45)
Al-Qur’an ini diwahyukan kepadaku agar dengannya aku memberi peringatan kepadamu dan kepada siapa pun yang mendapatnya… (6:19)
Nabi Muhammad hanya mengikuti Quran
Pengikut hadits berpikir bahwa mereka mengikuti jalan Muhammad dengan mengikuti hadits tentang dia. Ironisnya, Muhammad mengatakan dalam Quran ayat 50:45 bahwa dia sendiri hanya mengikuti Quran.
Dan apabila dibacakan kepada mereka ayat-ayat Kami dengan jelas, orang-orang yang tidak mengharapkan pertemuan dengan Kami berkata, “Datangkanlah kitab selain Al-Qur’an ini atau gantikan (isinya Al-Quran).” Katakanlah (Muhammad), “Tidaklah pantas bagiku menggantinya atas kemauanku sendiri. Aku hanya mengikuti apa yang diwahyukan kepadaku. …” (10:15)
Argumen “Bagaimana cara sholat”
Sebagian pengikut hadits pasti akan memberitahu Anda bahwa hadits diperlukan untuk hukum Islam karena hadits menjelaskan bagaimana cara sholat. Yang tidak disadari oleh orang-orang ini adalah bahwa
Tidak seorang pun belajar sholat dengan membaca hadits. Sebenarnya, mereka belajar dari orang lain seperti orang tua mereka.
Hadits tidak menjelaskan dengan jelas bagaimana cara sholat. Sholat adalah ritual sehari-hari. Fakta bahwa hadits tidak banyak bicara tentang bagaimana sholat seharusnya membuat Anda curiga tentang keaslian hadits.
Walaupun jika hadits benar-benar menjelaskan cara sholat, maka karena buku-buku hadits tidak ditulis sampai sekitar 200 tahun setelah kematian Muhammad, maka selama 2 abad setelah Muhammad wafat, tidak ada yang bisa sholat karena buku-buku hadits belum ditulis. Tidak masuk akal bahwa orang tidak bisa sholat selama 200 tahun karena mereka sedang menunggu Bukhari untuk menulis buku haditsnya.
Masuk akal bahwa Tuhan tidak memberikan petunjuk langkah demi langkah tentang cara sholat dalam Al-Quran karena Tuhan tahu bahwa orang pada awalnya akan belajar dengan mengikuti Muhammad dan kemudian setelah Muhammad meninggal, orang akan belajar dari masyarakat mereka, misalnya ketika mereka sholat di masjid pada hari Jumat. Kenyataannya, pengetahuan tentang cara sholat diturunkan dari satu generasi ke generasi lain, bukan dari membaca ribuan hadits mencoba mencari tahu seperti teka-teki yang besar.
Argumen “tafsir” (interpretasi)
Sebagian pengikut hadits akan berpendapat bahwa tafsir saya terhadap ayat-ayat di atas, atau ayat lain dalam hal ini, tidak benar. Mereka berpikir bahwa hanya tafsir mereka adalah tafsir yang benar. Al-Quran membahas masalah tafsir dalam ayat 3:7 di mana Tuhan mengatakan bahwa ada dua jenis ayat.
1. Ayat spesifik (jelas)
Ayat ini adalah dasar dari Al-Quran dan karena ayat-ayat ini sudah jelas, penafsiran tidak diperlukan.
2. Ayat tidak spesifik (tidak jelas)
Ayat ini adalah ayat yang tidak jelas dan hanya Tuhan yang tahu arti yang sebenarnya. Ayat-ayat yang tidak jelas ini adalah ujian bagi orang-orang yang ingin menafsirkannya dengan cara tertentu untuk mendukung pendapat dan minat pribadi mereka.
Dialah yang menurunkan (bahasa Arab: an-zal) Kitab (Al-Qur’an) kepadamu (Muhammad). Di antaranya ada ayat-ayat yang spesifik dan jelas, itulah dasar Kitab (Al-Qur’an), dan yang lain tidak spesifik. Orang-orang yang dalam hatinya ada penyimpangan [dari kebenaran], mereka mengikuti yang tidak spesifik untuk mencari-cari perselisihan dan untuk mencari-cari interpretasi yang sesuai dengan keinginannya, padahal tidak ada yang mengetahui arti yang sebenarnya kecuali Tuhan. Dan orang-orang yang berpengetahuan berkata, “Kami percaya kepadanya (Al-Qur’an), Seluruhnnya (Al-Quran) adalah dari Tuhan kita.” Tidak ada yang dapat mengambil pelajaran kecuali orang yang berakal. (3:7)
Karena ayat-ayat yang digunakan dalam argumen saya di atas jelas, maka argumen pengikut hadits bahwa interpretasi saya itu salah tidak valid.
Argumen “Tradisi”
Sebagian pengikut hadits berpendapat bahwa tradisi Islam harus dihormati dan dipertimbangkan dalam semua urusan Islam. Mereka juga berpendapat bahwa karena secara tradisional orang Muslim telah mengikuti hadits, maka umat Islam harus terus mengikuti hadits. Argumen ini tidak valid karena tidak semua tradisi benar dan tradisi bukanlah dasar agama. Tidak ada dalam Al-Qur’an yang mengatakan bahwa pengikutnya harus mengikuti tradisi dan praktik nenek moyang mereka. Sebaliknya, Al-Quran sebenarnya memberikan contoh yang dengan jelas menunjukkan bahwa tradisi tidak ada tempatnya dalam agama dan jelas bukan pengganti perintah Al-Quran yang jelas.
Dalam ayat 21:52-53 nabi Ibrahim bertanya kepada ayahnya dan kaumnya mengapa mereka menyembah patung. Jawaban mereka adalah bahwa mereka hanya mengikuti tradisi nenek moyang mereka. Jelas tradisi nenek moyang mereka salah.
Ketika dia (Ibrahim) berkata kepada ayahnya dan kaumnya, “Patung-patung apa ini yang kamu tekun menyembahnya?” Mereka menjawab, “Kami lihat nenek moyang kami menyembahnya.”
Dalam ayat 2:170, ayah dan kaum Ibrahim diperintahkan untuk mengikuti apa yang Tuhan turunkan tetapi mereka malah bersikeras mengikuti tradisi nenek moyang mereka. Tuhan kemudian berkata bahwa nenek moyang mereka tidak tahu apa-apa dan mereka tidak mendapat petunjuk (hidayah).
Dan apabila dikatakan kepada mereka, “Ikutilah apa yang telah diturunkan (bahasa Arab: an-zal) Tuhan.” Mereka menjawab, “Daripada itu, kami akan mengikuti apa yang dilakukan nenek moyang kami.” Padahal, nenek moyang mereka itu tidak mengetahui apa pun, dan tidak mendapat petunjuk (hidayah). (2:170)
Argumen “2,5% zakat”
Sebagian pengikut hadits berpendapat bahwa tanpa hadits, umat Islam tidak akan tahu bahwa mereka harus membayar 2,5% dari pendapatan mereka untuk memenuhi persyaratan zakat yang mereka yakini benar-benar hanya untuk orang miskin atau yang membutuhkan uang. Ada beberapa masalah dengan argumen ini.
1. Setiap orang harus membayar zakat, bukan hanya Muslim
Pengikut hadits secara keliru percaya bahwa hanya orang Muslim yang harus membayar zakat. Quran ayat 41:7 membuktikan bahwa bahkan orang yang bukan Muslim termasuk musyrik harus membayar zakat.
“… Dan celakalah kaum musyrik (41:6) yang tidak memberikan ‘Zakat’ dan di akhirat mereka adalah orang-orang kafir. (41:7)”
2. Orang sudah membayar zakat jauh sebelum Muhammad lahir
Dalam ayat 19:31, 19:55, 2:83, 7: 156, 5:12, 21:73, 4: 162, dan 98: 5 kita melihat bukti bahwa banyak sekali orang sudah membayar zakat jauh sebelum nabi Muhammad, misalnya nabi Ibrahim membayar zakat. Karena itu, berapa persentase pendapatan untuk membayar zakat tidak tergantung pada sesuatu yang diduga adalah perkataan oleh Muhammad (hadits).
Apa sebenarnya zakat itu?
Karena setiap orang harus membayar zakat dan uang zakat sering digunakan untuk membantu orang miskin, maka masuk akal jika zakat adalah pajak pemerintah karena pajak pendapatan digunakan untuk kepentingan masyarakat termasuk orang miskin. Di AS, lebih dari 15% pajak pendapatan federal digunakan untuk program sosial untuk membantu orang yang membutuhkan bantuan finansial. Ini adalah jumlah yang jauh lebih besar daripada 2,5% yang tertulis di hadits untuk memenuhi persyaratan zakat. Ironisnya, sebagian negara-negara Islam di mana orang-orang hanya membayar 2,5% untuk zakat adalah negara-negara termiskin di dunia. Sebaliknya, di AS tempat semua orang membayar zakat (pajak pendapatan), orang yang membutuhkan bantuan finansial bisa mendapatkannya dan keluar dari kemiskinan.
Hadis Terbaik
Tidak mengherankan bahwa hadits terbaik adalah hadits Tuhan, yaitu Al-Quran. Oleh karena itu, Tuhan mengatakan kepada semua orang untuk hanya menghakimi dengan Al-Quran dan bukan dengan sumber yang lain.
Tuhan telah menurunkan (bahasa Arab: an-zal) hadits (perkataan) yang paling baik – buku (Al-Qur’an) yang serupa (ayat-ayatnya) lagi berulang-ulang. (Al-Quran: 39:23)
Contoh-contoh
Berikut ini adalah beberapa contoh di mana hadits bertentangan dengan Alquran dan umat Islam menghakimi dengan hadits daripada Alquran.
Sholat Jum’at
Banyak orang Muslim percaya bahwa wanita tidak diharuskan sholat berjamaah pada hari Jumat. Kepercayaan ini berasal dari hadits. Namun, itu bertentangan langsung dengan Quran ayat 62:9 yang menginstruksikan semua orang yang beriman (pria dan wanita) untuk sholat bersama pada hari Jumat.
2,5% zakat
Sebagian besar orang Muslim percaya bahwa mereka hanya diharuskan membayar 2,5% dari pendapatan mereka untuk memenuhi persyaratan zakat. Batas ini ditemukan dalam hadits tetapi tidak ada dalam Al-Quran.
Emas dan sutra
Larangan bagi pria Muslim untuk memakai emas dan sutra berasal dari hadits. Tidak ada dalam Qur’an bahwa Tuhan melarang pemakaian emas dan sutra.
Musik dan bernyanyi
Larangan bagi umat Islam untuk mendengarkan musik dan bernyanyi berasal dari hadits. Tidak ada dalam Qur’an bahwa Tuhan melarang ini.
Haji tanpa “muhrim”
Seorang “muhrim” dipahami sebagai laki-laki yang tidak sah untuk menikahi wanita yang bersangkutan, misalnya ayah, saudara laki-laki, anak laki-laki, kakek, dll. Dengan demikian, wanita Muslim percaya bahwa mereka tidak boleh melakukan ibadah haji kecuali kalau salah satu dari “muhrim” mereka menemani mereka. Kepercayaan ini berasal dari hadits yang mengatakan bahwa tidak boleh ada laki-laki yang akan ditemani seorang wanita sendirian dan di tempat sunyi. Dengan jutaan peziarah haji mengunjungi Mekah setiap tahun, berada dalam keadaan “bersunyi-sunyian” adalah kebalikan dari apa yang sebenarnya terjadi. Kepercayaan ini biasa terjadi dalam budaya yang didominasi pria seperti di Arab Saudi di mana aturannya jelas tidak adil karena pembatasan ini tidak berlaku untuk pria. Tidak ada hukum seperti itu dalam Quran yang melarang wanita melakukan haji tanpa “muhrim”.
33% alokasi aset maksimum dalam wasiat
Sebagian orang Muslim berpendapat bahwa maksimum yang dapat Anda alokasikan dalam surat wasiat adalah 1/3 (33%) dari total aset Anda. Nilai ini tidak ditemukan di dalam Al-Quran. Itu berasal dari hadits.
Hadits sebagai tafsir (penjelasan) dari Quran
Banyak orang Muslim percaya bahwa hadits diperlukan untuk menjelaskan Quran. Namun, ini bertentangan langsung dengan Al-Quran yang mengatakan bahwa
Al-Quran adalah hadits terbaik (39:23)
Al-Quran lengkap (6:115)
Al-Quran tidak kehilangan apa-apa (6:38)
Al-Qur’an mengandung penjelasan yang rinci (6:114, 12:111, 41:3, 11:1)
Al-Qur’an adalah klarifikasi untuk semua hal (16:89)
Al-Qur’an adalah tafsir terbaik (penjelasan) dari dirinya sendiri (25:33)
Kesimpulan
Bukti-bukti di atas sangat dan cukup jelas bahwa hadits bukan hanya merupakan sumber hukum Islam yang tidak benar, tetapi mengikuti dan menghakimi dengan hadits, menurut Quran ayat 5:44, menjadikan Anda seorang kafir!
Most Muslims believe that, in addition to the Quran, the hadith is a valid source of Islamic law. The arguments below easily prove using the Quran and basic logic that most Muslims are not only wrong, but they are also kafir according to the Quran because they judge using the hadith.
Let’s begin.
Only judge by God’s scriptures (e.g. Torah, Quran)
Before God sent down the Quran to Muhammad, He sent down the Torah to Moses for Jews to judge by. At that time, prophets, Jewish rabbis and scholars only judged using the Torah. This is proven in verse 5:44 where God also tells people not to exchange His verses with anything else, e.g. man-made laws, and that whoever does not judge by what God sent down, e.g. Torah, Quran, then they are disbelievers.
Indeed, We sent down (Arabic: an-zal) the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to God] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of God, and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what God has sent down (Arabic: an-zal), then it is those who are the disbelievers. (Quran: 5:44)
After Moses died in the 2nd century CE, rabbis compiled a book called the Talmud containing the
Mishnah (Oral Torah / supposed sayings or hadith of Moses) According to Jewish tradition, the Oral Torah was passed down orally in an unbroken chain from generation to generation until it was finally committed to writing. This is very similar to Islamic hadith / supposed sayings of Muhammad). Hadith compilers, e.g. Bukhari, may have even gotten the idea to compile their hadith books from the Mishnah.
Gemara A series of running commentaries and debates concerning the Mishnah. The equivalent may be Quranic or hadith tafsir (exegesis).
Nowadays, most Jews judge by scripture (Torah) and the Talmud, which contains the supposed sayings of Moses. This is very similar to how followers of the Quran at first only judged by the Quran until the hadith books (supposed sayings of Muhammad) were written around 200 years after Muhammad’s death, at which time people began judging by both the Quran and the hadith.
Timeline of events
Year
Event
Very long time ago
God sent down the Torah to Moses
Very long time ago
Prophets, Jewish rabbis and scholars judged using only the Torah
~200 CE
Jewish rabbis wrote the Talmud containing supposed sayings of Moses
~ 200 CE onwards
Jews judged using both the Torah and the Talmud
609 – 632 CE
God sent down the Quran to Muhammad
~ 800 CE
Bukhari wrote the hadith containing supposed sayings of Muhammad
~ 800 CE onwards
Muslims judged using both the Quran and the hadith
Only judge by the Quran
Quran verse 45:6 explicitly tells people to only judge by the Quran and not the hadith. Note the Arabic word used for hadith is hadith.
These are the verses (ayat) of God which We recite to you in truth. Then in what hadith (Arabic: ha-deeth) after God and His verses will they believe? (Quran: 45:6)
The verses (ayat) of God are the Quran. The hadith are obviously not verses of God. No one in their right mind, including hadith followers, would say the hadith verses are from God.
Quran verse 5:44 clearly states that anyone who judges by anything besides the Quran is a disbeliever (kafir).
And whoever does not judge by what God has sent down (Arabic: an-zal) – then it is they who are the disbelievers (Arabic: kafirun). (Quran: 5:44)
What God “sent down” (Arabic: an-zal) was the Quran, and before that, the Torah, both of which are scriptures from God Himself. Supposed sayings (hadith) of Moses and Muhammad were not “sent down” by God. Notice the use of the phrase “sent down” (Arabic: an-zal) in the following verses, which confirm that what God “sent down” was the Quran and not the hadith.
And thus We have sent it down (Arabic: an-zal) as an Arabic Qur’an and have diversified therein the warnings that perhaps they will avoid [sin] or it would cause them remembrance. (Quran: 20:113)
If We had sent down (Arabic: an-zal) this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought. (Quran: 59:21)
In verse 13:37, we read that God sent down an “Arabic legislation” which confirms that the Arabic Quran is the law to judge by.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَنزَلْنَاهُ حُكْمًا عَرَبِيًّا ۚ…
And thus We have sent down (Arabic: an-zal) this as an Arabic legislation. … (Quran: 13:37)
The hadith is not a revelation
Some hadithers will claim that, in addition to the Quran, Prophet Muhammad’s day-to-day sayings are also somehow revelations from God. They can easily be proven wrong.
Proof 1:
Quran verse 66:1 indicates a situation where God questioned Muhammad after Muhammad forbade something that God made lawful. If everything Muhammad said was a revelation from God, then why would God question Muhammad about something Muhammad had said? Logically, because not everything Muhammad said was a revelation from God.
O Prophet, why do you forbid what God has made lawful for you, seeking the approval of your wives? … (Quran 66:1 part)
Proof 2:
In verses 69:44-46, God threatened to kill Prophet Muhammad if Muhammad ever made false statements about God. This proves that not everything Muhammad said was a revelation from God since if everything was, God would not have needed to make this threat. If God wanted to say that literally every word that came out of Muhammad’s mouth was a revelation from God, He could have just said that without making any threats.
And if he [Muhammad] had made up about Us [God] some [false] sayings, We would have seized him by the right hand; Then We would have cut from him the aorta. (Quran 69:44-46)
Proof 3:
Hadith Sahih al-Bukhari # 1629 indicates that Muhammad forbade praying at sunrise (fajr) and sunset (maghrib). This is a clear contradiction with the Quran, which even hadithers would agree with.
Narrated `Abdullah: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) forbidding the offering of prayers at the time of sunrise and sunset.
All Muslims, even ones who use the hadith for Islamic law, would continue to pray fajr and maghrib despite this sahih hadith forbidding it. In this case, they may say that even though this hadith is sahih, they choose to ignore it because it contradicts the Quran, but they’ll say that other hadith are still valid. In other words, they end up choosing to follow some hadith and ignoring others. Unsurprisingly, Quran verse 68:36-38 questions these people who judge by a book (e.g. the hadith books) in which they pick and choose whichever laws they want to follow.
What is [the matter] with you? How do you judge? Or do you have a book in which you learn that indeed for you in it is whatever you choose? (68:36-38)
The fact that hadithers acknowledge that some sahih hadith are unacceptable should make them question the authenticity of all other hadith, even if they sound acceptable.
Prophet Muhammad only warned using the Quran
Some hadithers, in thinking that they are imitating Muhammad, will use the hadith to warn other people of Islamic laws. Ironically, Quran verses 50:45 and 6:19 prove that Muhammad himself only warned using the Quran.
… فَذَكِّرْ بِالْقُرْآنِ مَن يَخَافُ وَعِيدِ
… Therefore [O Muhammad] remind by the Qur’an whoever fears My threat. (50:45 part)
… this Qur’an was revealed to me (Muhammad) that I may warn you thereby and whomever it reaches … (6:19 part)
Prophet Muhammad only followed the Quran
Hadithers think that they are following Muhammad’s way by following the hadith about him. Ironically, Muhammad says in Quran verse 50:45 that he himself only follows the Quran.
…And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who do not expect the meeting with Us say, “Bring us a Qur’an other than this or change it.” Say, [O Muhammad], “It is not for me to change it on my own accord. I only follow what is revealed to me. … (10:15)
“How to pray” argument
Hadithers will inevitably tell you that the hadith are necessary for Islamic law because it explains how to pray. What these people don’t realize is that
No one learns how to pray by reading the hadith. Instead, they learn from other people like their parents.
The hadith does not clearly explain how to pray. Considering that prayer is a daily ritual, the fact that the hadith doesn’t say much about how to pray should make you question the authenticity of the hadith in general.
Even if the hadith did clearly explain how to pray, then since the hadith books were not written until ~200 years after Muhammad’s death, then for 2 centuries after Muhammad died, no one could pray because the hadith books had not been written yet. It is illogical to believe that people could not pray for 200 years because they were waiting for Bukhari to write his hadith book.
It is reasonable to believe that God did not provide step-by-step instructions on how to pray in the Quran because God knew that people would first learn by following Muhammad. Then after Muhammad died, people would learn from their communities, e.g. when they pray at mosques on Friday. In actuality, knowledge of how to pray is passed down from one generation to another, not from reading through thousands of hadith trying to figure it out like some huge jigsaw puzzle.
“Interpretation” argument
Some hadithers will argue that my interpretation of the verses above, or any other verse for that matter, is incorrect. They seem to think that only their interpretation is the correct interpretation. The Quran addresses the issue of interpretation in verse 3:7, where God states that there are two types of verses.
1. Specific (clear) verses
These verses are the foundation of the Quran, and since they are clear, interpretation isn’t necessary. The verses mean what they say because the meaning is literal.
2. Unspecific (unclear) verses
These verses are unclear, and only God knows the correct meaning. These unclear verses exist as a test for people who want to interpret them in a particular way so as to justify their personal opinion and interests.
It is He who has sent down (Arabic: an-zal) to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise – they are the foundation of the Book – and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except God. But those firm in knowledge say, “We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord.” And no one will be reminded except those of understanding. (3:7)
Since the verses used in my arguments above are clear, then the “incorrect interpretation” argument is invalid.
“Tradition” argument
Some hadithers will argue that Islamic tradition must be respected and taken into consideration and since traditionally Muslims have followed the hadith, then Muslims must continue to do so. This argument is invalid because not all traditions are correct and tradition is not a basis for religion. Nowhere in the Quran does it say that followers should follow tradition and the practices of their ancestors. Conversely, the Quran actually provides an example that clearly shows how tradition has no place in religion and is most definitely not a replacement for clear commandments in the Quran.
In verses 21:52-53 Abraham asked his own father and his people why they worshiped statues. Their answer was that they were just following the tradition of their forefathers which was obviously incorrect.
When he (Prophet Abraham) said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoted?” They said, “We found our fathers worshippers of them.”
In verse 2:170, Abraham’s father and people were told to follow what God sent down but they instead insisted on following the tradition of their fathers. God then says that their fathers knew nothing and were not guided.
And when it is said to them, “Follow what God has sent down (Arabic: an-zal),” they say, “Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.” Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided? (2:170)
“2.5% zakat” argument
Some hadithers will argue that without the hadith, Muslims wouldn’t know that they must pay 2.5% of their income to satisfy the requirements of zakat which they believe strictly goes to the poor or needy. There are some issues with this argument.
1. Everyone must pay zakat, not just Muslims
Hadithers incorrectly believe that only Muslims must pay zakat. Quran verse 41:7 proves that even non-Muslims including polytheists must pay zakat.
…and woe to the polytheists (41:6) who give not the ‘Zakat’ and in the Hereafter they are disbelievers. (41:7)
2. People paid zakat long before Muhammad was born
In verses 19:31, 19:55, 2:83, 7:156, 5:12, 21:73, 4:162, and 98:5 we see proof that many, many groups of people paid zakat going as far back as Abraham himself. Therefore, how much to pay for zakat was not dependent on something Muhammad supposedly said, i.e. the hadith.
What really is zakat?
Since everyone must pay zakat and zakat money is often used to help the poor, then it would make sense that zakat is government taxation since tax revenue is used for the benefit of the community including the poor. In the US, more than 15% of federal tax revenue goes to social programs to help people who need financial help. This is a much larger amount than the 2.5% hadithers claim is the correct amount only Muslims must pay to satisfy zakat requirements. Ironically, Islamic countries where people supposedly only pay 2.5% for zakat are some of the poorest countries in the world. Conversely, in the US where everyone pays zakat (taxes), people who need financial help are able to get it and get out of poverty. More interestingly, the tax rate in Denmark is around 50% and studies have concluded that Danes are the happiest people in the world. That’s maybe because Danes help other Danes via the Danish government (taxes) in many situations, e.g. free healthcare, education, unemployment, etc.
Unsurprisingly, the best hadith (statement) is the hadith of God, which is the Quran, which is why God told everyone to only judge by it and nothing else.
God has sent down (Arabic: an-zal) the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. … (Quran: 39:23)
Examples
Following are some examples where the hadith contradict the Quran and Muslims have judged by the hadith instead of the Quran.
Friday prayer
Many Muslims believe that women are not required to pray in congregation on Friday. This belief originates from the hadith. However, it is in direct contradiction with Quran verse 62:9 which instructs all believers (men and women) to pray together on Fridays. Learn more
2.5% zakat
Most Muslims believe that they are only required to pay 2.5% of their income to satisfy zakat requirements. This limit is found in the hadith but nowhere in the Quran. Learn more
Gold and silk
The prohibition for Muslim men to wear gold and silk originates from the hadith. Nowhere in the Quran does God forbid this.
Music and singing
The prohibition for Muslims to listen to music and to sing originates from the hadith. Nowhere in the Quran does God forbid this. Learn more
Hajj without a “muhrim”
A “muhrim” is understood to be any male who is unlawful for marriage to certain women, e.g. a woman’s father, brother, son, grandfather, etc. As such, Muslim women believe that they can’t perform the Hajj unless one of their “muhrim”s accompany them. This belief originates from hadith that says that no man shall be in the company of a woman alone and in seclusion. With millions of Hajj pilgrims visiting Mecca every year, being in a state of “seclusion” is quite the opposite of what actually occurs. This belief is common in male-dominated cultures such as in Saudi Arabia where the rule is clearly one-sided as the restriction does not apply to men. Needless to say, there is no such law in the Quran that prohibits women from performing the Hajj without a “muhrim”. Learn more
33% maximum asset allocation in will
Some Muslims will argue that the most you can allocate in a will is 1/3 (33%) of your total assets. This value is nowhere to be found in the Quran. It comes from the hadith. Learn more
Hadith as tafsir (explanation) of Quran
Many Muslims believe that the hadith are necessary to explain the Quran. However, this is in direct contradiction to the Quran which states that
the Quran is the best hadith (39:23)
the Quran is complete (6:115)
the Quran is not missing anything (6:38)
the Quran is explained in detail (6:114, 12:111, 41:3, 11:1)
the Quran is clarification for all things (16:89)
the Quran is the best tafsir (explanation) of itself (25:33)
Conclusion
The proofs above should make it extremely clear that not only is the hadith an invalid source of Islamic law, but following and judging by the hadith, according to Quran verse 5:44, makes you a kafir!
And whoever does not judge by what God has sent down (Arabic: an-zal) (the Quran) – then it is they who are the disbelievers (Arabic: kafirun). (Quran: 5:44)
So Now What?
If you are a Muslim, especially one who was born in a Muslim country and raised as a Muslim, you may be in shock from what you have just read. That is normal. I was in shock myself after discovering this information after years of unbiased study of the Quran and Islam.
Qualifications
You may be wondering what qualifications I have for you to believe what I have written. I don’t have a long beard (by choice). I don’t dress like typical Islamic scholars. I was born and raised in a non-Islamic country (the United States). Instead of studying Islam at a prestigious Islamic university, e.g. Al Azhar, I studied engineering (B.Sc.) and computer science (M.Sc.) at secular universities (University of California, Berkeley and San Francisco State University). My qualifications are simple and they meet God’s requirements, namely, to use reason and study the Word of God (the Quran). The Quran does not require anyone to have a PhD in Islamic studies in order to understand it.
Popular Belief vs Logical Proof
You may think that the majority of Muslims and Islamic scholars who judge by the hadith could not possibly be wrong. Logically, majority belief does not equal correct belief. As stated in verses 21:52-53 and 2:170 above, Abraham’s father and community all believed that statues were gods. Though they represented the majority, they were all wrong and Abraham alone was right. The same can be said for Muhammad who, in the beginning, was the only Muslim in his community and, despite attacks from the statue-worshipping majority, he persevered. In other words, both Abraham and Muhammad followed proof and reason rather than existing popular belief.
Cows
You believe the Quran and you consider yourself a rational person, but you may be having a hard time accepting the Quranic statements (a.k.a God’s statements) above. You may be in denial because the clear proofs presented above contradict your long-standing tradition and beliefs. In that case, you may just be lying to yourself. Will you not heed the Quranic proofs which you have read with your own eyes. Or are you, as God puts it in verse 7:179, more astray than cattle?
And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless. (7:179)
Of course, you are free to believe whatever you want. But if you choose to disagree with the arguments above, then to quote God Himself …
Many Muslims believe that blasphemy (ridiculing) Islam or Prophet Muhammad demands a penalty. Some Muslims even take matters into their own hands and kill people who ridicule the prophet. However, the Quran does not prescribe any penalty for blasphemy. As a matter of fact, the Quran indicates that the prophet himself was often ridiculed in person and the prophet was told to simply ignore them as if to let God deal with them.
Blasphemy towards Prophet Muhammad, the Quran and God Himself
We see in the Quran that Prophet Muhammad
was mocked and ridiculed (37:12) like the messengers before him (13:32; 15:11; 21:41)
was called an inventor, forger, liar (16:101; 25:4)
was called a man who was bewitched (17:47; 25:8)
was called a possessed poet (37:36)
We also see in the Quran that it was called
“Muddled dreams” (21:5)
“Foreign, outlandish” (16:103
an invention, a forgery (38:7)
Tales of the men of the past (25:5)
Of course, the gravest blasphemy was that done against God Himself (7:180)
And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them. but shun such men as use profanity (Arabic: Yul’hiduna) in His names. They will be recompensed for what they have been doing. (7:180)
The Arabic word “yul-hiduna” means to blaspheme, deviate, violate, distort, pervert.
Nowhere in the Quran did any of these insults attract the death penalty. Rather, the advice given was to be patient as indicated in 38:17 and 20:130.
Be patient over what they say and remember Our servant, David, the possessor of strength; indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allah ]. (38:17)
So be patient over what they say and exalt [ Allah ] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting; and during periods of the night [exalt Him] and at the ends of the day, that you may be satisfied. (38:17)
The Right to Kill
From the Quran’s perspective, the right to kill is only allowable in two circumstances.
As a retribution for murder (punishable by the state). (5:32)
As a retribution for causing ‘fasaad’ (gross mischief, spreading corruption, evil, beyond all bounds) in the land (punishable by the state). (5:33-34)
Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. … (5:32)
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. Except for those who return [repenting] before you apprehend them. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (5:33-34)
Note that 5:33 uses the word “strive” (Arabic: ya-ouna) which indicates that the corruption and evil done is one that is repeated with serious efforts. What’s also interesting to note about verses 5:33-34 are the punishment options:
Execution
Crucifixion
Exile
What is also significant is verse 5:34 which states that if evildoers repent before they are captured, then they should not be punished according to 5:33.
Some Muslim individuals and governments force others or their citizens and/or visitors to follow certain Islamic practices. However, the Quran makes it clear that it is forbidden to force religion or any aspect of religion on anyone.
God could have made everyone a believer but instead, He gave people a brain to think for themselves and the option to choose their beliefs. God told Muhammad not to force people to follow Muhammad’s belief (Islam).
And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely. Then, [O Muhammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers? (10:99)
Verse 2:256 should make it absolutely clear that one may not force Islam on anyone.
لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ
There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. … (2:256 part)
People are expected to use “reason” to choose their religion. Choosing a religion based on tradition or inheritance does not constitute a choice that is based on sound “reason”.
And if their aversion is grievous to you, then if you are able to seek a tunnel into the earth or a stairway into the sky to bring them a sign, [then do so]. But if Allah had willed, He would have united them upon guidance. So never be of the ignorant. (6:35)
Whoever chooses to disbelieve is free to disbelieve.
And say, “The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills – let him believe; and whoever wills – let him disbelieve.” Indeed, We have prepared for the wrongdoers a fire whose walls will surround them. And if they call for relief, they will be relieved with water like murky oil, which scalds [their] faces. Wretched is the drink, and evil is the resting place. (18:29)
Belief and disbelief can be a cyclical experience and occur repeatedly.
Indeed, those who have believed then disbelieved, then believed, then disbelieved, and then increased in disbelief – never will Allah forgive them, nor will He guide them to a way. (4:137)
However, God will not guide people who disbelieve after believing.
How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and had witnessed that the Messenger is true and clear signs had come to them? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people. (3:86-87)
Repentance will not be accepted if one rejects faith after having accepted it.
Indeed, those who reject the message after their belief and then increase in disbelief – never will their [claimed] repentance be accepted, and they are the ones astray. (3:90)
Surah Kafirun (Chapter of the Disbelievers) (109) should also make it clear that people are free to keep their own religion.
Say, “O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you worshippers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” (109)
The vegetarian diet involves abstaining from eating meat, fish and poultry. Some Muslims are vegetarian, though not necessarily because of religious belief. Interestingly, the Quran does not support a strictly vegetarian diet. Consider the following verses which all support eating meat.
And We shaded you with clouds and sent down to you manna and quails, [saying], “Eat from the good things with which We have provided you.” And they wronged Us not – but they were [only] wronging themselves. (2:57)
And We divided them into twelve descendant tribes1 [as distinct] nations. And We inspired to Moses when his people implored him for water, “Strike with your staff the stone,” and there gushed forth from it twelve springs. Every people [i.e., tribe] knew its watering place. And We shaded them with clouds and sent down upon them manna and quails, [saying], “Eat from the good things with which We have provided you.” And they wronged Us not, but they were [only] wronging themselves. (7:160)
Prohibited to you are dead animals,1 blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars,2 and [prohibited is] that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience. This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islām as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (5:3)
They ask you, [O Muḥammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, “Lawful for you are [all] good foods and [game caught by] what you have trained of hunting animals which you train as Allah has taught you. So eat of what they catch for you, and mention the name of Allah upon it, and fear Allah.” Indeed, Allah is swift in account. (5:4)
And of the grazing livestock are carriers [of burdens] and those [too] small. Eat of what Allah has provided for you and do not follow the footsteps of Satan.1 Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy. (6:142)
And it is He who subjected the sea for you to eat from it tender meat and to extract from it ornaments which you wear. And you see the ships plowing through it, and [He subjected it] that you may seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful. (16:14)
And not alike are the two seas [i.e., bodies of water]. One is fresh and sweet, palatable for drinking, and one is salty and bitter. And from each you eat tender meat and extract ornaments which you wear, and you see the ships plowing through [them] that you might seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful. (35:12)
That they may witness [i.e., attend] benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known [i.e., specific] days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals.1 So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor. (22:28)
And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols [i.e., rites] of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy [who does not seek aid] and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful. (22:36)
And indeed, for you in livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from that which is in their bellies, and for you in them are numerous benefits, and from them you eat. (23:21)
Has there reached you the story of the honored guests of Abraham?1 – When they entered upon him and said, “[We greet you with] peace.” He answered, “[And upon you] peace; [you are] a people unknown.” Then he went to his family and came with a fat [roasted] calf. And placed it near them; he said, “Will you not eat?” (51:24-27)
