Tag: islam

Many Muslims believe that they must perform ablution (wudu) or be in a “purified” state, e.g. not be menstruating, in order to touch the Quran. However, the Quran never mentions this requirement. Muslims often cite verses 56:77-79 as proof of the requirement to be pure in order to touch the Quran.

إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ فِي كِتَابٍ مَّكْنُونٍ لَّا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ

Indeed, it is a noble Qur’an, in a book well-protected; None touch it except the purified. (56:77-79)

Statement vs command

The first issue is that many Muslims think that the statement “none touch it except the purified” is a command. Everywhere else in the Quran God gives commands by telling people to either do this or don’t do that. As you can see, the statement “none touch it except the purified” is not a command but rather a statement of fact.

What book is well-protected?

Many people assume that the book that is well-protected mentioned in verse 56:78 above is the Quran. If that were true, then the subsequent verse (56:79) would be invalid since anyone who is impure, however one wants to define impure, could obviously touch a Quran while they are impure. Therefore, the book that is well-protected can’t be the Quran.

In order to determine what book is well-protected, we must examine all verses in the Quran which deal with this subject.

Umm Al-Kitaab (Mother of the Book)

In verses 13:39 and 43:2-4, we find the mention of a book called Umm Al-Kitaab (Mother of the Book).

يَمْحُو اللَّهُ مَا يَشَاءُ وَيُثْبِتُ ۖ وَعِندَهُ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ

Allah eliminates what He wills or confirms, and with Him is the Mother of the Book. (13:39)

وَالْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ وَإِنَّهُ فِي أُمِّ الْكِتَابِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ

By the clear Book, Indeed, We have made it an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand. And indeed it is, in the Mother of the Book with Us, exalted and full of wisdom. (43:2-4)

From the above verses, we find proof that there is a master book called “The Mother of the Book” which is in the presence of God and that the Quran is in it.

Luh-e-Mahfuz / Guarded / Protected Tablet

In verses 85:21-22, we see mention of a protected tablet (Luh-e Mahfuuz).

بَلْ هُوَ قُرْآنٌ مَّجِيدٌ فِي لَوْحٍ مَّحْفُوظٍ

But this is an honored Qur’an. [Inscribed] in a guarded tablet. (85:21-22)

Based on these verses, it becomes clear that there is another book or tablet which serves as a master source that is with God and cannot be corrupted. All messages and scriptures have emanated from this master book.

Correct meaning of 56:77-79

Now that we know about the mother of the book and that the Quran came from it, if we revisit verses 56:77-79, we find that the book that is well-protected that only the “purified” can touch must mean the Mother of the Book that is with God Himself.

إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ فِي كِتَابٍ مَّكْنُونٍ لَّا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ

Indeed, it is a noble Qur’an, in a book (a separate book called the Mother Book or Guarded Tablet) well-protected; None touch it except the purified. (56:77-79)

Isn’t the Quran also protected?

Using verse 15:9, many Muslims believe that the Quran is well-protected.

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ

Indeed, it is We who sent down the reminder (Arabic: dhikr) and indeed, We will be its guardian (Arabic: haafizhun). (15:9)

Some Quran translations translated the word “dhikr” as “Quran” when it actually means “reminder.” ‘Dhikr’ in Arabic means to remember, to recollect, to remind, to preserve something in memory. Therefore, this verse states that the “remembrance” of the Quran will be protected. This is understandable as we know that the Quran has always been memorized in its oral transmission. Though there are slight differences between Hafs and Warsh transmissions of the Quran, the differences are insignificant with regard to the message of the Quran. The Quran was never revealed as a physical book but rather as an oral narration that was later written down. In verse 36:69, we see proof that the Quran was not only recited from memory at the time of the prophet as a reminder (dhikr) but its physical form as a written book also existed at the same time.

وَمَا عَلَّمْنَاهُ الشِّعْرَ وَمَا يَنبَغِي لَهُ ۚ إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ وَقُرْآنٌ مُّبِينٌ

And We did not give Prophet Muhammad knowledge of poetry, nor is it befitting for him. It is not but a reminder (Arabic: dhikr) and a clear Qur’an. (36:69)

Conclusion

Based on the above analysis, we see proof that verses 56:77-79 do not mean that one must perform ablution or not be menstruating in order to touch the Quran. Likewise, there is no other verse in the Quran that requires purity in order to touch the Quran.

Related articles

• Proof Muslim Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Hair
• Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law
• Muslims Are Performing the Hajj Wrong
• Muslims Are Wrong About Zakat
• Lailat Al-Qadr Is Not What You Think It Is
• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Various Aspects of Prayer
• Islamic Ablution (Wudhu) Is Simpler Than Many Muslims Think
• Muslims Don’t Need to Perform Ablution (Wudhu) Before Touching the Quran
• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

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.

ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ

This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah – (2:2)

And according to verse 47:24, the Quran should be studied and understood.

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا

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).

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا

Then do they not study / think deeply about / understand (yatadabbaruna) the Qur’an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? (47:24)

God makes it clear in 2:2: that the Quran is a guide.

ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ

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.

Here’s an example without instruments.

Watch on YouTube

And here’s an example with instruments.

Watch on YouTube

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.

وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا

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.

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا

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.

أَفَغَيْرَ اللَّهِ أَبْتَغِي حَكَمًا وَهُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْكِتَابَ مُفَصَّلًا

[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.

وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْكَافِرُونَ

… 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.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ ۚ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُوا لِلَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالْأَحْبَارُ بِمَا اسْتُحْفِظُوا مِن كِتَابِ اللَّهِ وَكَانُوا عَلَيْهِ شُهَدَاءَ ۚ فَلَا تَخْشَوُا النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ وَلَا تَشْتَرُوا بِآيَاتِي ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا ۚ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْكَافِرُونَ

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.

تِلْكَ آيَاتُ اللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِالْحَقِّ ۖ فَبِأَيِّ حَدِيثٍ بَعْدَ اللَّهِ وَآيَاتِهِ يُؤْمِنُونَ

These are the verses of God which We recite to you in truth. Then in what statement after God and His verses will they believe? (45:6)

فَبِأَيِّ حَدِيثٍ بَعْدَهُ يُؤْمِنُونَ

Then in what statement after it (the Qur’an) will they believe? (77:50)

Related articles

• Proof Muslim Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Hair
• Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law
• Muslims Are Performing the Hajj Wrong
• Muslims Are Wrong About Zakat
• Lailat Al-Qadr Is Not What You Think It Is
• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Various Aspects of Prayer
• Islamic Ablution (Wudhu) Is Simpler Than Many Muslims Think
• Muslims Don’t Need to Perform Ablution (Wudhu) Before Touching the Quran
• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

Following is proof that the Quran alone is sufficient and complete for the purposes of Islamic guidance and law. Consequently, the hadith books are not needed to supplement or clarify the Quran.

The Quran is complete

Fortunately, we don’t need to guess whether verse 31:27 suggests that the Quran is complete. God admits in verses 6:115 and 6:38 that the Quran is complete. Also, common sense says that God is perfect. Therefore, why would God send down an incomplete Quran? Was God too busy that He couldn’t finish the Quran? Obviously not. Did God say in the Quran that because the Quran is incomplete, we have to figure out the missing parts from Prophet Muhammad’s sayings (hadith)? Obviously not.

و َتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدْقًا وَعَدْلًا ۚ لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَاتِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing. (6:115)

وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَائِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّا أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم ۚ مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِي الْكِتَابِ مِن شَيْءٍ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ

And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered. (6:38)

The Quran is fully detailed (fussilat) of all things

Not only is the Quran complete, but it’s also detailed.

أَفَغَيْرَ اللَّهِ أَبْتَغِي حَكَمًا وَهُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْكِتَابَ مُفَصَّلًا

[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)

لَقَدْ كَانَ فِي قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِّأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ ۗ مَا كَانَ حَدِيثًا يُفْتَرَىٰ وَلَٰكِن تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْصِيلَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Qur’an a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe. (12:111)

كِتَابٌ فُصِّلَتْ آيَاتُهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ

A Book whose verses have been detailed, an Arabic Qur’an for a people who know, (41:3)

الر ۚ كِتَابٌ أُحْكِمَتْ آيَاتُهُ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِن لَّدُنْ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ

Alif, Lam, Ra. [This is] a Book whose verses are perfected and then presented in detail from [one who is] Wise and Acquainted. (11:1)

The Quran provides its own explanation (ahsan tafsir)

Not only is the Quran complete and detailed, but it also provides its own explanation (tafsir) of things and it is the best explanation (tafsir).

وَلَا يَأْتُونَكَ بِمَثَلٍ إِلَّا جِئْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ وَأَحْسَنَ تَفْسِيرًا

And they do not come to you with an argument except that We bring you the truth and the best explanation. (25:33)

The Quran is sufficient as a book of guidance.

No other book, e.g. the hadith, is necessary to complement the Quran as God indicates that the Quran alone is sufficient.

أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

And is it not sufficient for them that We revealed to you the Book which is recited to them? Indeed in that is a mercy and reminder for a people who believe. (29:51)

The fact that the Quran is sufficient all by itself is further indicated in verses 17:45-46. Note the emphasis of the Quran being sufficient on its own with the use of the word “alone”.

وَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْآنَ جَعَلْنَا بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ حِجَابًا مَّسْتُورًا

And when you recite the Qur’an, We put between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter a concealed partition. (17:45)

وَجَعَلْنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ أَكِنَّةً أَن يَفْقَهُوهُ وَفِي آذَانِهِمْ وَقْرًا ۚ وَإِذَا ذَكَرْتَ رَبَّكَ فِي الْقُرْآنِ وَحْدَهُ وَلَّوْا عَلَىٰ أَدْبَارِهِمْ نُفُورًا

And We have placed over their hearts coverings, lest they understand it, and in their ears deafness. And when you mention your Lord in the Qur’an alone, they turn back in aversion. (17:46)

God never runs out of words

Many people seem to think that the Quran is incomplete and therefore, believe that Prophet Muhammad’s sayings (hadith) complete the Quran. According to verse 31:27, God never runs out of words. Therefore, God could have written more words in the Quran to explain things to people. But since God didn’t write more than what’s in the Quran, He must have considered the Quran complete.

وَلَوْ أَنَّمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ مِن شَجَرَةٍ أَقْلَامٌ وَالْبَحْرُ يَمُدُّهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ سَبْعَةُ أَبْحُرٍ مَّا نَفِدَتْ كَلِمَاتُ اللَّهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

And if whatever trees upon the earth were pens and the sea [was ink], replenished thereafter by seven [more] seas, the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. (31:27)

The best hadith (statement) is God’s statement (the Quran)

In verse 39:23, God says that the best saying / statement (hadith) is God’s hadith. So why would anyone want to follow some other hadith, e.g. via Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidzhi, etc?

اللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابًا مُّتَشَابِهًا مَّثَانِيَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ

Allah has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. …(39:23)

Related articles

• Proof Muslim Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Hair
• Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law
• Muslims Are Performing the Hajj Wrong
• Muslims Are Wrong About Zakat
• Lailat Al-Qadr Is Not What You Think It Is
• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Various Aspects of Prayer
• Islamic Ablution (Wudhu) Is Simpler Than Many Muslims Think
• Muslims Don’t Need to Perform Ablution (Wudhu) Before Touching the Quran
• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

People Prayed Before Muhammad’s Time

Many Muslims believe that the Islamic prayer began with Muhammad. However, below is proof that people prayed Islamically much before Muhammad was even born.

Additionally, many Muslims argue that the Quran is incomplete because it doesn’t explain how to pray and therefore the hadith are required to clarify the shortcomings of the Quran. This argument is invalid because

1. God says the Quran is complete (6:115) (6:38)
2. God says the Quran is fully detailed of all things (6:114) (12:111) (41:3) (11:1)
3. God says the Quran is clarification of all things (16:89)
4. God taught Abraham how to pray (21:73). Ever since then, people already knew how to pray and therefore God didn’t need to explain in the Quran how to do it again.
5. God told Muhammad to establish prayer and give zakah in Quran chapter 73. This is the 3rd chapter that was revealed to Muhammad. The first and second chapters that were revealed to Muhammad were chapters 96 and 68. Neither one of these three chapters explain to Muhammad how to pray. That makes sense because people at the time (and since prophet Abraham) already knew how to pray.

Prophet Ibrahim, Lot, Isaac and Jacob prayed

God said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.” … And We delivered him (Abraham) and Lot to the land which We had blessed for the worlds. And We gave him Isaac and Jacob in addition, and all [of them] We made righteous. And We made them leaders guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakah; and they were worshippers of Us. (21:69 – 21:73)

Prophet Ishmael instructed his people to pray

يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ … وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

And mention in the Book, Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet. And he used to enjoin on his people prayer and zakah and was to his Lord pleasing. (2:40 – 2:43)

The Children of Israel (Jews) prayed

يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ … وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

O Children of Israel, … establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]. (2:40 – 2:43)

Maryam (Mary), Mother of Prophet Jesus, prayed

يَا مَرْيَمُ اقْنُتِي لِرَبِّكِ وَاسْجُدِي وَارْكَعِي مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

“O Mary! Be obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow down with those who bow down” (3:43)

The phrase “bow with those that bow” is clearly a reference to congregation prayer such as the Friday Dhuhr prayer.

Prophet Jesus prayed

وَجَعَلَنِي مُبَارَكًا أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُ وَأَوْصَانِي بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ مَا دُمْتُ حَيًّا

And He has made me (Jesus) blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive. (19:31)

People prayed at the Kaaba

وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَن لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئًا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ

And [mention, O Muhammad], when We designated for Abraham the site of the House (Kaaba), [saying], “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate. (22:26)

Many other people before Muhammad’s time prayed

In verses 19:58-59, we are told that God blessed many prophets before Muhammad and that after them, some generations stopped praying. This indicates that they did know how to pray.

أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ النَّبِيِّينَ مِن ذُرِّيَّةِ آدَمَ وَمِمَّنْ حَمَلْنَا مَعَ نُوحٍ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّةِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْرَائِيلَ وَمِمَّنْ هَدَيْنَا وَاجْتَبَيْنَا ۚ إِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُ الرَّحْمَٰنِ خَرُّوا سُجَّدًا وَبُكِيًّا فَخَلَفَ مِن بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ أَضَاعُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَاتَّبَعُوا الشَّهَوَاتِ ۖ فَسَوْفَ يَلْقَوْنَ غَيًّا

Those were the ones upon whom God bestowed favor from among the prophets of the descendants of Adam and of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah, and of the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and of those whom We guided and chose. When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell in prostration and weeping. But there came after them successors who neglected prayer and pursued desires; so they are going to meet evil. (19:58-59)

Example prayer form before Muhammad’s time

In 2:43, the Children of Israel (Jews) were told to pray. According to Hayim H. Donin in his book titled “To Pray As A Jew“, we see diagrams as shown below describing the ancient way Jews prayed. Unsurprisingly, the way they prayed is very similar to how Muslims today pray, even though Jews today no longer pray the way ancient Jews prayed.

It is interesting to learn from this book that Jews also wash before praying (like ablution / wudhu for Muslims) and have a call for prayer (like the adhan for Muslims).

People didn’t and don’t learn how to pray from the hadith

Many people argue that Islam originated with Muhammad and that the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad are necessary to explain the details of prayer which are missing from the Quran. However, as we have proven above,

• (Submission) Islam originated with Abraham
• Muhammad was instructed to follow the religion of Abraham
• People prayed ever since the time of Prophet Abraham

Logically, God didn’t go into detail to describe how to pray because people already knew how to pray ever since Abraham’s time. Just like people nowadays learn to pray from the practice being passed on from generation to generation, that too happened since Abraham’s time. No one both past and present learn to pray by reading the hadith.

Did you learn to pray from reading the hadith or did you learn from your parents or teachers?

Quran-Follower (Muslim) Prayer

Submitters who follow the Quran (Muslims) are supposed to pray 5 times a day. Following is what they say.

Torah-Follower (Jewish) Prayer

Submitters who follow the Torah (Jews) usually pray 2 times a day. Following, known as the Shema, is what they say.

שְׁמַע, יִשְׂרָאֵל: יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ, יְהוָה אֶחָד.וְאָהַבְתָּ, אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, בְּכָל-לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל-נַפְשְׁךָ, וּבְכָל-מְאֹדֶךָ.וְהָיוּ הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם–עַל-לְבָבֶךָ.וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ, וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם, בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ, וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶךָ.וּקְשַׁרְתָּם לְאוֹת, עַל-יָדֶךָ; וְהָיוּ לְטֹטָפֹת, בֵּין עֵינֶיךָ.וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל-מְזֻזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ, וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ.וְהָיָה, אִם-שָׁמֹעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ אֶל-מִצְוֺתַי, אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם, הַיּוֹם–לְאַהֲבָה אֶת-יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, וּלְעָבְדוֹ, בְּכָל-לְבַבְכֶם, וּבְכָל-נַפְשְׁכֶם.וְנָתַתִּי מְטַר-אַרְצְכֶם בְּעִתּוֹ, יוֹרֶה וּמַלְקוֹשׁ; וְאָסַפְתָּ דְגָנֶךָ, וְתִירֹשְׁךָ וְיִצְהָרֶךָ.וְנָתַתִּי עֵשֶׂב בְּשָׂדְךָ, לִבְהֶמְתֶּךָ; וְאָכַלְתָּ, וְשָׂבָעְתָּ.הִשָּׁמְרוּ לָכֶם, פֶּן יִפְתֶּה לְבַבְכֶם; וְסַרְתֶּם, וַעֲבַדְתֶּם אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶם, לָהֶם.וְחָרָה אַף-יְהוָה בָּכֶם, וְעָצַר אֶת-הַשָּׁמַיִם וְלֹא-יִהְיֶה מָטָר, וְהָאֲדָמָה, לֹא תִתֵּן אֶת-יְבוּלָהּ; וַאֲבַדְתֶּם מְהֵרָה, מֵעַל הָאָרֶץ הַטֹּבָה, אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה, נֹתֵן לָכֶם.וְשַׂמְתֶּם אֶת-דְּבָרַי אֵלֶּה, עַל-לְבַבְכֶם וְעַל-נַפְשְׁכֶם; וּקְשַׁרְתֶּם אֹתָם לְאוֹת עַל-יֶדְכֶם, וְהָיוּ לְטוֹטָפֹת בֵּין עֵינֵיכֶם.וְלִמַּדְתֶּם אֹתָם אֶת-בְּנֵיכֶם, לְדַבֵּר בָּם, בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּרֶךְ, וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶךָ.וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל-מְזוּזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ, וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ.לְמַעַן יִרְבּוּ יְמֵיכֶם, וִימֵי בְנֵיכֶם, עַל הָאֲדָמָה, אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם לָתֵת לָהֶם–כִּימֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם, עַל-הָאָרֶץ.וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה, אֶל-מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר.דַּבֵּר אֶל-בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם, וְעָשׂוּ לָהֶם צִיצִת עַל-כַּנְפֵי בִגְדֵיהֶם, לְדֹרֹתָם; וְנָתְנוּ עַל-צִיצִת הַכָּנָף, פְּתִיל תְּכֵלֶת.וְהָיָה לָכֶם, לְצִיצִת, וּרְאִיתֶם אֹתוֹ וּזְכַרְתֶּם אֶת-כָּל-מִצְוֺת יְהוָה, וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֹתָם; וְלֹא-תָתוּרוּ אַחֲרֵי לְבַבְכֶם, וְאַחֲרֵי עֵינֵיכֶם, אֲשֶׁר-אַתֶּם זֹנִים, אַחֲרֵיהֶם.לְמַעַן תִּזְכְּרוּ, וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֶת-כָּל-מִצְוֺתָי; וִהְיִיתֶם קְדֹשִׁים, לֵאלֹהֵיכֶם.אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, אֲשֶׁר הוֹצֵאתִי אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם, לִהְיוֹת לָכֶם, לֵאלֹהִים: אֲנִי, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם.

Deuteronomy 6:4–9 4 Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; 7 and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates. Deuteronomy 11:13–21 13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto My commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14 that I will give the rain of your land in its season, the former rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. 15 And I will give grass in thy fields for thy cattle, and thou shalt eat and be satisfied. 16 Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; 17 and the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and He shut up the heaven, so that there shall be no rain, and the ground shall not yield her fruit; and ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you. 18 Therefore shall ye lay up these My words in your heart and in your soul; and ye shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. 19 And ye shall teach them your children, talking of them, when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 20 And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates; 21 that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, upon the land which the LORD swore unto your fathers to give them, as the days of the heavens above the earth. Numbers 15:37–41 37 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying:38 ‘Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them throughout their generations fringes in the corners of their garments, and that they put with the fringe of each corner a thread of blue. 39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye go not about after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go astray; 40 that ye may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy unto your God. 41 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.’

Related articles

• Proof Muslim Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Hair
• Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law
• Muslims Are Performing the Hajj Wrong
• Muslims Are Wrong About Zakat
• Lailat Al-Qadr Is Not What You Think It Is
• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Various Aspects of Prayer
• Islamic Ablution (Wudhu) Is Simpler Than Many Muslims Think
• Muslims Don’t Need to Perform Ablution (Wudhu) Before Touching the Quran
• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

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.

شَهِدَ اللَّهُ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَأُولُو الْعِلْمِ قَائِمًا بِالْقِسْطِ ۚ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

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.”

قِيلَ لَهَا ادْخُلِي الصَّرْحَ ۖ فَلَمَّا رَأَتْهُ حَسِبَتْهُ لُجَّةً وَكَشَفَتْ عَن سَاقَيْهَا ۚ قَالَ إِنَّهُ صَرْحٌ مُّمَرَّدٌ مِّن قَوَارِيرَ ۗ قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي وَأَسْلَمْتُ مَعَ سُلَيْمَانَ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

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).

قَالَتِ الْأَعْرَابُ آمَنَّا ۖ قُل لَّمْ تُؤْمِنُوا وَلَٰكِن قُولُوا أَسْلَمْنَا وَلَمَّا يَدْخُلِ الْإِيمَانُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ ۖ وَإِن تُطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ لَا يَلِتْكُم مِّنْ أَعْمَالِكُمْ شَيْئًا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

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).

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۚ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ ۚ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا …

“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.

Prophet Nuh (Noah) was a Submitter (Muslim)

وَاتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ نُوحٍ ….. وَأُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

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)

Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) was a Submitter (Muslim)

قَالَ أَنَا يُوسُفُ …. أَنتَ وَلِيِّي فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۖ تَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ

…. 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)

…. وَأُوتِينَا الْعِلْمَ مِن قَبْلِهَا وَكُنَّا مُسْلِمِينَ

…. [Solomon said], “And we were given knowledge before her, and we have been Submitters (Muslims). (27:42)

Prophet Isa (Jesus) and his disciples were Submitters (Muslims)

فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ

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)

الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِهِ هُم بِهِ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَإِذَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِهِ إِنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا مِن قَبْلِهِ مُسْلِمِينَ

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)

مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۚ هُوَ سَمَّاكُمُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مِن قَبْلُ وَفِي هَٰذَا لِيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ ۚ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِاللَّهِ هُوَ مَوْلَاكُمْ ۖ فَنِعْمَ الْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيرُ

… [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.

Related articles

• Proof Muslim Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Hair
• Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law
• Muslims Are Performing the Hajj Wrong
• Muslims Are Wrong About Zakat
• Lailat Al-Qadr Is Not What You Think It Is
• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Various Aspects of Prayer
• Islamic Ablution (Wudhu) Is Simpler Than Many Muslims Think
• Muslims Don’t Need to Perform Ablution (Wudhu) Before Touching the Quran
• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

The Quran describes different types of people as follows:

• Submitter (Muslim)
• Believer (Mu’min)
• Idolater (Mushrik)
• People of the Book (Ahl E-Kitaab)
• Disbeliever / Rejector (Kafir)
• Hypocrite (Munafiq)

Idolater (Mushrik)

They are polytheists (people who worship more than one God). Mushrikeen comes from the Arabic word “shirk” which, in general, means “to share”. With respect to the Quran, “shirk” means sharing others as partners besides God.

Submitters (Muslims)

They are monotheists (people who submit to one, true God). They are not necessarily Believers as true belief may not have entered into their hearts yet. Being a submitter is a prerequisite to being a believer.

قَالَتِ الْأَعْرَابُ آمَنَّا ۖ قُل لَّمْ تُؤْمِنُوا وَلَٰكِن قُولُوا أَسْلَمْنَا وَلَمَّا يَدْخُلِ الْإِيمَانُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ ۖ وَإِن تُطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ لَا يَلِتْكُم مِّنْ أَعْمَالِكُمْ شَيْئًا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

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)

Believer (Mu’min)

They believe in God, His angels, His books, and His messengers and don’t differentiate between any of His messengers.

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۚ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ ۚ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا …

“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)

Prophet Moses was a Submitter (Muslim) and after seeing a sign from God, he became a Believer (Mu’min)

وَلَمَّا جَاءَ مُوسَىٰ لِمِيقَاتِنَا وَكَلَّمَهُ رَبُّهُ قَالَ رَبِّ أَرِنِي أَنظُرْ إِلَيْكَ ۚ قَالَ لَن تَرَانِي وَلَٰكِنِ انظُرْ إِلَى الْجَبَلِ فَإِنِ اسْتَقَرَّ مَكَانَهُ فَسَوْفَ تَرَانِي ۚ فَلَمَّا تَجَلَّىٰ رَبُّهُ لِلْجَبَلِ جَعَلَهُ دَكًّا وَخَرَّ مُوسَىٰ صَعِقًا ۚ فَلَمَّا أَفَاقَ قَالَ سُبْحَانَكَ تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“And when Moses came to the place appointed by Us and his Lord spoke to him, He said: “O my Lord! show (Yourself) to me, that I may look upon You.” God said: “By no means can you see Me; But look upon the mount; if it remains in its place, then shall you see Me.” But when his Lord manifested His glory on the Mount, He made it crumble to dust. And Moses fell down in a swoon / unconscious. When he recovered his senses he said: “Glory be to You! to You I turn in repentance and I am the first to believe.” (7:143)

Disbeliever / Rejector (Kafir)

Disbelievers (Kafirs) are people who, after understanding the message of truth (worship the one, true God), deny the truth. They intentionally disbelieve in the one, true God. Kafir comes from the Arabic word “kufr” which means to hide. Kafirs hide the truth and refuse to accept it. They will go to Hell.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا سَوَاءٌ عَلَيْهِمْ أَأَنذَرْتَهُمْ أَمْ لَمْ تُنذِرْهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ خَتَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَعَلَىٰ سَمْعِهِمْ ۖ وَعَلَىٰ أَبْصَارِهِمْ غِشَاوَةٌ ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

“As for the Disbelievers, Whether you warn them or you warn them not it is all one for them; they believe not. God has sealed their hearing and their hearts, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be an awful doom” (2:6-7)

Even if Prophet Muhammad asks God to forgive disbelievers, God will not forgive them. They are walking dead because they’re just waiting to go to Hell.

اسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ أَوْ لَا تَسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ إِن تَسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ سَبْعِينَ مَرَّةً فَلَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ

“Ask forgiveness for them (O Muhammad), or ask not forgiveness for them; though you ask forgiveness for them seventy times God will not forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in God and His messenger, and God guides not wrongdoing folk” (9:80)

Idolaters (Mushriks) are not automatically Disbelievers (Kafirs)

In verse 9:6, the idolaters were not branded as disbelievers because they did not know they were wrong. If an idolater wanted protection, Prophet Muhammad was instructed to protect them so that they could learn about Submission (Islam) and become a Submitter (Muslim). An idolater only becomes a disbeliever if they’ve seen the truth about the one and only God yet they still refuse to believe.

وَإِنْ أَحَدٌ مِّنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ اسْتَجَارَكَ فَأَجِرْهُ حَتَّىٰ يَسْمَعَ كَلَامَ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ أَبْلِغْهُ مَأْمَنَهُ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَّا يَعْلَمُونَ

“And if anyone of the idolaters seeks thy protection (O Muhammad), then protect him so that he may hear the Word of God, and afterward convey him to his place of safety. That is because they are a folk who do not know” (9:6)

The People of the Book (Ahl e-Kitaab)

They are people who received the former scriptures (Torah, Injil). They are Jews and Christians. Jews and Christians who submit to one, true God are Submitters (Muslim).

Some Jews and Christians are righteous.

لَيْسُوا سَوَاءً ۗ مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ أُمَّةٌ قَائِمَةٌ يَتْلُونَ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ آنَاءَ اللَّيْلِ وَهُمْ يَسْجُدُونَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَاتِ وَأُولَٰئِكَ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

“Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand: They rehearse the verses of God all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration. They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten in good deeds: They are in the ranks of the righteous” (3:113-114)

Can Believers (Mu’mins) be friends / allies with Jews and Christians?

According to verse 5:51, God instructs believers to not be allied with the Jews and Christians.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا الْيَهُودَ وَالنَّصَارَىٰ أَوْلِيَاءَ ۘ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّهُم مِّنكُمْ فَإِنَّهُ مِنْهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ

O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you – then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, God guides not the wrongdoing people.

However, when read in context, we see from verse 5:57 that the prohibition is only against being friends / allies with Jews and Christians who ridicule Islam.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا الَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا دِينَكُمْ هُزُوًا وَلَعِبًا مِّنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَالْكُفَّارَ أَوْلِيَاءَ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

O you who have believed, take not those who have taken your religion in ridicule and amusement among the ones who were given the Scripture before you nor the disbelievers as allies. And fear God, if you should [truly] be believers.

At the time of Prophet Muhammad, some People of the Book (Jews and Christians) were Believers (Mu’mins) because they believed in the Quran and Prophet Muhammad.

وَإِنَّ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ لَمَن يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ خَاشِعِينَ لِلَّهِ لَا يَشْتَرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ

“And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book (Arabic: Ahli-l-kitabi), those who believe in God, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in humility to God: They will not sell the Signs of God for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and God is swift in account” (3:199)

Most people are Disbelievers (Kafirs)

As of 2018, despite Islam being the 2nd largest religion after Christianity and being projected to become the largest religion some time between 2051 and 3000, verse 12:103 indicates that most people may still call themselves Muslims (Submitters) or Believers (Mu’mins) when in reality they are actually disbelievers (kafirs).

وَمَا أَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ

And most of the people, although you strive [for it], are not believers. (12:103)

It is possible, however, that verse 12:103 may mean that most people during the time of prophet Muhammad were disbelievers, rather than most people throughout life in this world. Nevertheless, verse 12:103 is in agreement with 17:62 whereby Satan says he will destroy all but a few of among mankind, even though 17:62 simply indicates what Satan said and doesn’t necessarily mean what he said will actually happen.

قَالَ أَرَأَيْتَكَ هَٰذَا الَّذِي كَرَّمْتَ عَلَيَّ لَئِنْ أَخَّرْتَنِ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ لَأَحْتَنِكَنَّ ذُرِّيَّتَهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

[Iblees / Satan] said, “Do You see this one whom You have honored above me? If You delay me until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy his descendants, except for a few.” (17:62)

Verse 25:30, similarly, seems to indicate that most of Muhammad’s followers will have abandoned the Quran. This verse describes what Muhammad will say on the Day of Judgment.

وَقَالَ الرَّسُولُ يَا رَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِي اتَّخَذُوا هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ مَهْجُورًا

And the Messenger has said, “O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’an as [a thing] abandoned.” (25:30)

As of 2018, it appears true that many people are indirectly abandoning the Quran by

• Reading it in Arabic despite not understanding Arabic
• Focusing on and following the hadith instead of the Quran as God’s law

Hypocrite (Munafiq)

They are people who say they are believers (Mu’mins) but they are lying.

إِذَا جَاءَكَ الْمُنَافِقُونَ قَالُوا نَشْهَدُ إِنَّكَ لَرَسُولُ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ إِنَّكَ لَرَسُولُهُ وَاللَّهُ يَشْهَدُ إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ لَكَاذِبُونَ

When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, “We testify that you are the Messenger of God.” And God knows that you are His Messenger, and God testifies that the hypocrites are liars. (63:1)

The hypocrites (Munafiqs) will be in the lowest depths of Hell

إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ فِي الدَّرْكِ الْأَسْفَلِ مِنَ النَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ نَصِيرًا

Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire – and never will you find for them a helper. (4/145)

Related articles

• Proof Muslim Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Hair
• Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law
• Muslims Are Performing the Hajj Wrong
• Muslims Are Wrong About Zakat
• Lailat Al-Qadr Is Not What You Think It Is
• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Various Aspects of Prayer
• Islamic Ablution (Wudhu) Is Simpler Than Many Muslims Think
• Muslims Don’t Need to Perform Ablution (Wudhu) Before Touching the Quran
• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

This article contains proofs to support the argument that Jews and Christians are actually Muslims.

Prophet Isa (Jesus) and his disciples were Submitters (Muslims)

فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ

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)

الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِهِ هُم بِهِ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَإِذَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِهِ إِنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا مِن قَبْلِهِ مُسْلِمِينَ

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)

The religion of Noah, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses and Jesus is the same so don’t be divided.

شَرَعَ لَكُم مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا وَصَّىٰ بِهِ نُوحًا وَالَّذِي أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِهِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ ۖ أَنْ أَقِيمُوا الدِّينَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا فِيهِ …

He has ordained for you of religion 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)

God tells people not to divide religion into sects

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا لَّسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ ۚ إِنَّمَا أَمْرُهُمْ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ

Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects – you, [O Muhammad], are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only [left] to God; then He will inform them about what they used to do. (6:159)

There is supposed to only be one people / community who worships God but people (e.g. Jews, Christians, Muslims) divided their affairs

إِنَّ هَٰذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُونِ وَتَقَطَّعُوا أَمْرَهُم بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ كُلٌّ إِلَيْنَا رَاجِعُونَ

Indeed this, your (religious) community, is one (religious) community, and I am your Lord, so worship Me. And [yet] they divided their affair among themselves, [but] all to Us will return. (21:92-93)

Despite the clear proof in the Quran, many Jews, Christians and Muslims divide their religion into groups and sects, e.g. Jewish this, Jewish that, Christian this Christian that, Muslim Sunni, Shiah, Druze, Alawi, Salafi, etc.

Jews and Christians are to follow the Quran

Even though Jews and Christians are technically Submitters (Muslims) and that their books (Torah and Injil) were revelations from God, their books have been replaced by the Quran and they are told to believe in and follow the Quran.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ آمِنُوا بِمَا نَزَّلْنَا مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا مَعَكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّطْمِسَ وُجُوهًا فَنَرُدَّهَا عَلَىٰ أَدْبَارِهَا أَوْ نَلْعَنَهُمْ كَمَا لَعَنَّا أَصْحَابَ السَّبْتِ ۚ وَكَانَ أَمْرُ اللَّهِ مَفْعُولًا

O you who were given the Scripture, believe in what We have sent down [to Muhammad], confirming that which is with you, before We obliterate faces and turn them toward their backs or curse them as We cursed the sabbath-breakers. And ever is the decree of God accomplished. (4:47)

يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ قَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولُنَا يُبَيِّنُ لَكُمْ كَثِيرًا مِّمَّا كُنتُمْ تُخْفُونَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ ۚ قَدْ جَاءَكُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ نُورٌ وَكِتَابٌ مُّبِينٌ

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

Sects in Submission (Arabic: Islam)

Most people understand 21st century Islam (the religion of Submission) to have multiple sects such as Sunni, Shia, Wahabbi / Salafi, etc. These sects all have one thing in common which is that they are based on the Quran. With the information in previous chapters, we know that Islam is independent of the Quran and Islam began at least as early as Prophet Abraham. We also know that Moses and Jesus were Muslims (Submitters) and that they along with, at least some of, their followers practiced the form of Islam we are familiar with today, e.g. praying, fasting, etc. One key difference, however, between the followers of Moses (Jews) and the followers of Jesus (Christians / Nazarenes), is that almost all of them don’t believe in the Quran. Furthermore, most Christians have a very unusual understanding of God in that they think that Jesus is either the son of God or a third of God or God himself. Some denominations of Christianity that don’t believe in the doctrine of the Trinity are the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. In any case, one can argue, based on the fact that all of these groups originate from Abraham, who is arguably the founder of Islam (Submission) which all of these groups originate from, that all of these groups are sects or subsects of Islam. Therefore, one way of looking at Islam is as follows.

Judaism

Judaism is a sect of Submission (Islam). Its leader is Moses. Most followers only believe and follow the Torah (and some other books that make up the Jewish bible)

Christianity

Christianity is a sect of Judaism. Its leader is Jesus. Most followers only believe and follow the Torah and the Jewish bible (Old Testament) and the Injeel (New Testament)

Quran-Based Islam

Quran-based Islam is Submission (Islam) based on the Quran. Most people believe its leader to be Muhammad even though the Quran tells Muhammad and Muslims to follow Abraham. Followers believe in the Torah, Gospel and the Quran but only follow the Quran.

Primary Sects (Denominations) in Christianity

Related articles

• Proof Muslim Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Hair
• Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law
• Muslims Are Performing the Hajj Wrong
• Muslims Are Wrong About Zakat
• Lailat Al-Qadr Is Not What You Think It Is
• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Various Aspects of Prayer
• Islamic Ablution (Wudhu) Is Simpler Than Many Muslims Think
• Muslims Don’t Need to Perform Ablution (Wudhu) Before Touching the Quran
• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

Abraham was the founding father of Submission (Islam)

Contrary to popular belief, the religion of Submission (Islam) did not begin with Muhammad but rather with Abraham.

مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۚ هُوَ سَمَّاكُمُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مِن قَبْلُ وَفِي هَٰذَا لِيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ ۚ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِاللَّهِ هُوَ مَوْلَاكُمْ ۖ فَنِعْمَ الْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيرُ

… [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

قُلْ مَا كُنتُ بِدْعًا مِّنَ الرُّسُلِ وَمَا أَدْرِي مَا يُفْعَلُ بِي وَلَا بِكُمْ ۖ إِنْ أَتَّبِعُ إِلَّا مَا يُوحَىٰ إِلَيَّ وَمَا أَنَا إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ

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

ثُمَّ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ أَنِ اتَّبِعْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۖ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Then we inspired you (O Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, monotheism; never was he an idol-worshiper.” (16:123)

Even followers of the Quran are told to follow the religion of Abraham

وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ دِينًا مِّمَّنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ وَاتَّبَعَ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۗ وَاتَّخَذَ اللَّهُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ خَلِيلًا

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)

وَإِن مَّا نُرِيَنَّكَ بَعْضَ الَّذِي نَعِدُهُمْ أَوْ نَتَوَفَّيَنَّكَ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ الْبَلَاغُ وَعَلَيْنَا الْحِسَابُ

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)

فَإِنْ أَعْرَضُوا فَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا ۖ إِنْ عَلَيْكَ إِلَّا الْبَلَاغُ ۗ وَإِنَّا إِذَا أَذَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِنَّا رَحْمَةً فَرِحَ بِهَا ۖ وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ فَإِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ كَفُورٌ

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)

مَّا عَلَى الرَّسُولِ إِلَّا الْبَلَاغُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تُبْدُونَ وَمَا تَكْتُمُونَ

Not upon the Messenger is [responsibility] except [for] notification (of the Quran). And God knows whatever you reveal and whatever you conceal.(5:99)

The Quran is complete in truth and justice

وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدْقًا وَعَدْلًا ۚ لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَاتِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

And the Word of your Lord is complete in truth and justice; there is none to change His Words; He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing. (6:115)

وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَائِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّا أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم ۚ مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِي الْكِتَابِ مِن شَيْءٍ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ

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).

وَإِنَّ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ لَمَن يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ خَاشِعِينَ …

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

شَرَعَ لَكُم مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا وَصَّىٰ بِهِ نُوحًا وَالَّذِي أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِهِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ ۖ أَنْ أَقِيمُوا الدِّينَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا فِيهِ

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

مَّا يُقَالُ لَكَ إِلَّا مَا قَدْ قِيلَ لِلرُّسُلِ مِن قَبْلِكَ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَذُو مَغْفِرَةٍ وَذُو عِقَابٍ أَلِيمٍ

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

وَلَا تُجَادِلُوا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْهُمْ ۖ وَقُولُوا آمَنَّا بِالَّذِي أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَأُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَإِلَٰهُنَا وَإِلَٰهُكُمْ وَاحِدٌ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ

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.

وَلَن تَرْضَىٰ عَنكَ الْيَهُودُ وَلَا النَّصَارَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَهُمْ ۗ قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى اللَّهِ هُوَ الْهُدَىٰ ۗ وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءَهُم بَعْدَ الَّذِي جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ ۙ مَا لَكَ مِنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ

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).

ثُمَّ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ أَنِ اتَّبِعْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۖ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

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.

Related articles

• Proof Muslim Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Hair
• Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law
• Muslims Are Performing the Hajj Wrong
• Muslims Are Wrong About Zakat
• Lailat Al-Qadr Is Not What You Think It Is
• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Various Aspects of Prayer
• Islamic Ablution (Wudhu) Is Simpler Than Many Muslims Think
• Muslims Don’t Need to Perform Ablution (Wudhu) Before Touching the Quran
• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

Description Of scriptures / books

The Quran mentions various scriptures including

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.

1. You shall have no other Gods but me.
2. You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it.
3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy.
5. Respect your father and mother.
6. You must not commit murder.
7. You must not commit adultery.
8. You must not steal.
9. You must not give false evidence against your neighbor.
10. 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

1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy

Nevi’im (prophets) – 8 books

• The former prophets
  1. Joshua
  2. Judges
  3. Samuel
  4. Kings
• Latter Prophets
  1. Isaiah
  2. Jeremiah
  3. Ezekiel
• 12 Minor Prophets (considered one book)
  1. Hosea
  2. Joel
  3. Amos
  4. Obadiah
  5. Jonah
  6. Micah
  7. Nahum
  8. Habakkuk
  9. Zephaniah
  10. Haggai
  11. Zechariah
  12. Malachi

Ketuvim (writings) – 11 books

• Poetic books
  1. Psalms
  2. Book of Proverbs
  3. Book of Job

• Five Scrolls
  1. Song of Songs or Song of Solomon (Passover)
  2. Book of Ruth
  3. Lamentations
  4. Ecclesiastes
  5. Book of Esther

• Other Books
  1. Book of Daniel
  2. Book of Ezra—Book of Nehemiah
  3. 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

1. 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.
2. The Gospel of Mark
   Ascribed to Mark the Evangelist. This gospel begins with the preaching of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus.
3. 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.
4. 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).

Not all Jews recognize the Talmud.

Related articles

• Proof Muslim Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Hair
• Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law
• Muslims Are Performing the Hajj Wrong
• Muslims Are Wrong About Zakat
• Lailat Al-Qadr Is Not What You Think It Is
• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Various Aspects of Prayer
• Islamic Ablution (Wudhu) Is Simpler Than Many Muslims Think
• Muslims Don’t Need to Perform Ablution (Wudhu) Before Touching the Quran
• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

This article has been translated into other languages:

• Indonesian
• Arabic (coming soon)

There is a certain group of people who believe that they are descendants of the prophet Muhammad. A popular term used to refer to these people is “Sayyid” (singular) or “Sadah” (plural). It is also commonly spelled “Syed”. The descendants of Muhammad through their mother but not father are referred to as “Mirza”. Although reliable statistics are unavailable, conservative estimates put the number of Sayyids in the tens of millions. Sayyids can be found all over the world including the following.

Iraq
The Sayyid families in Iraq are so numerous that there are books written especially to list the families and connect their trees.

Iran
Sayyids are found in vast numbers in Iran. The Chief of the “National Organization for Civil Registration” of Iran declared that more than 6 million Iranians are Sayyid.

Oman
In Oman, Sayyid is used by members of the Al Said ruling royal family. Members of the extended family or members by marriage carry the title Sayyid or Sayyida for a female. Such titles in Oman are hereditary through paternal lineage or in some exceptional circumstances, such as an honorary title given by royal decree.

Libya
The Sayyids in Libya are Sunni, including the former royal family, which is originally Zaidi-Moroccan (also known as the Senussi family).

Yemen
In Yemen the Sayyids are more generally known as sadah; they are also referred to as Hashemites. In terms of religious practice, they are Shia, Sunni, and Sufi. Sayyid families in Yemen include the Rassids, the Qasimids, the Mutawakkilites, the Hamideddins, some Al-Zaidi of Ma’rib, Sana’a, and Sa’dah, the Ba ‘Alawi sada families in Hadhramaut, Al-Wazir of Sana’a, Al-Shammam of Sa’dah, the Sufyan of Juban, and the Al-Jaylani of Juban.

Yemeni Ba ’Alawi
The term Ba ‘Alawi (باعلوي) which, in Yemeni dialect, is short for Bani ‘Alawi, means “clan or descendants of ‘Alawi”.

The Ba ‘Alawi sada families trace their lineage to Sayyid al-Imam Ahmad al-Muhajir bin Isa ar-Rumi born in 873 (260H), who emigrated from Basra to Hadhramaut in 931 (320H) to avoid sectarian violence, including the invasion of the Qaramite forces into the Abbasid Caliphate. Imam al-Muhajir’s grandson Alawi was the first Sayyid to be born in Hadhramaut, and the only one of Imam al-Muhajir’s descendants to produce a continuous line; the lineages of Imam al-Muhajir’s other grandsons, Basri and Jadid, were cut off after several generations. Accordingly, Imam Al-Muhajir’s descendants in Hadhramaut hold the name Bā ‘Alawi (“descendants of Alawi”). The Ba ‘Alawi Sadah have since been living in Hadhramaut in Southern Yemen, maintaining the Sunni Creed in the fiqh school of Shafii. In the beginning, a descendant of Imam Ahmad Muhajir who became a scholar in Islamic studies was called Imam, then Sheikh, but later called Habib (beloved).

South Asia
In 1901 the total number of Sayyids (Syeds) in British India was counted as 1,339,734. Recent estimates show that in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal there are more than 15 million Sayyids: 8 million in Pakistan, 7 million in India, over 1 million in Bangladesh, and around seventy thousand in Nepal.

Southeast Asia
Most of the Alawi Sayyids who moved to Southeast Asia were descendants of Ali ibn Husayn Zayn al-Abidin, especially of Ba ‘Alawi sada, many of which were descendants of migrants from Hadhramaut. Even though they are alleged descendants of Husayn, it is uncommon for the female Sayyids to be called Sayyidah; they are more commonly called Sharifah. Most of them live in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Moro Province in the Philippines, Pattani and Cambodia. Many of the royal families of this region such as the previous royal families of the Philippines (Sultanate of Sulu, Sultanate of Maguindanao, Confederation of Sultanates of Ranao), Singapore (Sultanate of Singapore), Malaysia (Sultanates of Johor and Perlis), Indonesia (Sultanates of Siak, Pontianak, Gowa, some Javanese Sultanates), and the existing royal family of Brunei (House of Bolkiah) are also Sayyids, especially of Ba’Alawi.

Some common surnames of these Sayyids are al-Saqqaf, Shihab (or Shahab), al-Aidaroos, al-Habsyi (or al-Habshi), al-Kaff, al-Aththos, al-Haddad, al-Jufri (or al-Jifri), al-Muhdhar, al-Shaikh Abubakar, al-Qadri, al-Munawwar.

Ottoman Empire
In the Ottoman Empire, Muhammad’s descendants formed a kind of nobility with the privilege of wearing green turbans.

Are Sayyids Really Descendants of the Prophet Muhammad?

Genetic studies of Sayyids of the Indian sub-continent

The authors of the study “Y chromosomes of self-identified Syeds from the Indian subcontinent” showed that the Y chromosomes of self-identified Syeds from India and Pakistan are no less diverse than those non-Syeds from the same regions, suggesting that Syed status, rather than being strictly patrilineal, may have been passed through other routes, and that there is no biological basis to the belief that self-identified Syeds in this part of the world share a recent common ancestry.

Imposters

In the Ottoman Empire, tax breaks for Sayyids encouraged many people to buy certificates of descent or forge genealogies; the phenomenon of teseyyüd – falsely claiming noble ancestry – spread across ethnic, class, and religious boundaries. In the 17th century, an Ottoman bureaucrat estimated that there were 300,000 impostors. In 18th-century Anatolia, nearly all upper-class urban people claimed descent from Muhammad.

Mixed ancestry

Though many Sayyids claim nobility and superiority due to their lineage to the prophet Muhammad, most Sayyids can only claim patrilineal descent. Sayyids often married non-Sayyid Arabs and even non-Arabs resulting in them having very little genetic traces of the Prophet Muhammad. Unsurprisingly, most Sayyids, such as the Ba’Alawi of Southeast Asia, look mixed Asian and Arab or completely Asian. Following are some famous Ba’Alawi Sayyids according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ba_%27Alawi_sada who look Indonesian or mixed Arab and Indonesian.

Sayyid Superiority

Most Muslims consider Prophet Muhammad to be superior to all other prophets. This is evidenced by the fact that pretty much every mosque in the world has two names placed side by side on their walls, namely “Muhammad” and “Allah” (Arabic for “God”). Very rarely will you see the names of the other prophets such as Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Interestingly, Muhammad’s name is more often than not the same size and at the same height as that of God suggesting that Muhammad is equal to God, which obviously contradicts Islam’s core fundamental belief, but that’s a different issue.

By believing in the superiority of Muhammad, some descendants of the prophet Muhammad and even other Muslims would regard Sayyids as noble people who are somewhat superior to everyone else. For example, in the Ottoman empire, tax breaks were given to Sayyids. In Indonesia, many native Indonesian students of Islam would bow down and kiss the hand of a Sayyid even if the Sayyid wasn’t a practicing Muslim.

Further evidence that Sayyids consider themselves a superior group comes from their choice of a marriage partner (or their parent’s choice of a marriage partner for their children). 

In India, traditional Sayyid families rarely marry outside their community and emphasize marrying into Najeeb Altarfain (of Sayyid descent from both the mother’s and father’s side) families. However, this insistence on endogamy has begun to decline among the more urbanized families, with an increase in exogamy with other groups such as the Shaikh and Mughals.

In Indonesia, I am personally familiar with the fact that many Ba’Alawi Sayyids insist on marrying other Ba’Alawi Sayyids, especially if the Sayyid is a female since ancestral lineage is patrilineal. Ironically, the prophet Muhammad himself had no sons, just a daughter, yet many Sayyids use patrilineal ancestry in their family trees linking them to the prophet.

Marriage

In order to continue their patrilineal ancestry to the prophet Muhammad and consequently their children’s sense of nobility and superiority, female Sayyids would have to marry other Sayyids. Unfortunately, however, marrying someone on the basis of family name as opposed to compatibility is likely to result in disappointment and divorce. 

Sayyid women marrying Sayyid men

In one example, a female Ba’alawi Sayyid I know married a Ba’alawi Sayyid man who turned out to be violent and who even threatened to kill her. Not exactly noble behavior!

In another example, a Ba’alawi Sayyid woman married a Ba’alawi Sayyid man who was her cousin. The man then married another woman who was a non-Ba’Alwi Arab so as to have two wives. The first wife rejected the second marriage and ran away. Eventually, the second wife divorced her husband. The first wife, who never worked, was dependant on her husband so she eventually came back to him. Now, they live together but sleep in separate rooms and don’t talk to each other.

In another example, a female Ba’alawi Sayyid I know married a Ba’alawi Sayyid without them having even seen each other in person before their wedding day. There was even support and pressure for this marriage from both families as if marriage between two Sayyids was a guarantee of success and happiness. Unsurprisingly, she divorced her husband after 10 years, is now 44 years old, doesn’t have any kids despite wishing to have kids, and is finding it difficult to remarry at her age. 

A non-Sayyid Arab woman marrying a Sayyid man

Some non-Sayyid women may feel proud to marry a Sayyid man so that their children can become Sayyids. Though Sayyids may consider themselves superior, they are really just ordinary people. Like everyone else, some Sayyids are good and some are bad. I personally know of a non-Sayyid woman who married two Ba’alawi Sayyids. She divorced the first husband after one week and divorced the second after having 6 children. She never remarried. Though she may feel proud that her children are Sayyids, she’s probably more disappointed that her marriages failed.

A Sayyid woman marrying a non-Arab, non-Sayyid man

Sometimes, a female Sayyid would marry a non-Arab non-Sayyid. This happened to the sister of a Ba’alawi Sayyid friend of mine. She wanted to marry a native Indonesian. As this was considered unacceptable, sadly only a few people attended the wedding from the Sayyid side. The majority of the wedding guests were from the non-Sayyid groom’s side.

Sayyid men marrying non-Arab, non-Sayyid women

There are also cases where Sayyid parents insist their sons marry Sayyids but their sons don’t want to. In one case, three Ba’alawi Sayyid brothers each married non-Sayyids who were Mongolian, Japanese and Indonesian. Though their parents were devastated and felt disgraced, their sons seem happily married.

Matrimonial websites

Some matrimonial matchmaking websites even have a category for people to search for men and women who are Sayyids or Syeds like this Indian one.

Some may mention outright that they are only interested in marrying another Sayyid. In some cases, a parent may create a profile for their son or daughter stating that they are Sayyids and are strictly seeking Sayyid matches with words like “Non-Sayyids should not contact us and waste our time.”

Unsurprisingly, after generations of inter-racial marriages, the self-identified Sayyids on this website look Indian instead of Arab.

On another Indian matrimonial website, Muslims can choose one of many, many “castes” one of which is “Muslim – Syed”. 

What’s interesting (and sad) is the sheer number of groups under the Muslim category. On this website, one can search for one of the following Muslim groups. Apparently some people – possibly many – feel that these subdivisions are necessary without realizing that it only further divides Muslims rather than unites them. Furthermore, it limits one’s choices when searching for a spouse which limits one’s potential for attaining a happy marriage.

• Muslim
• Muslim – Ansari
• Muslim – Arain
• Muslim – Awan
• Muslim – Bohra
• Muslim – Dekkani
• Muslim – Dudekula
• Muslim – Hanafi
• Muslim – Jat
• Muslim – Khoja
• Muslim – Lebbai
• Muslim – Malik
• Muslim – Mapila
• Muslim – Maraicar
• Muslim – Memon
• Muslim – Mughal
• Muslim – Pathan
• Muslim – Qureshi
• Muslim – Rajput
• Muslim – Rowther
• Muslim – Shafi
• Muslim – Sheikh
• Muslim – Siddiqui
• Muslim – Syed
• Muslim – UnSpecified

As an American Muslim, I personally am not familiar with any of these Muslim groups and only last week learned about the “Syed” group. In other words, for an outsider, none of the groups matter except for the parent group, i.e. “Muslim”.

What About Descendants of Other Prophets?

All prophets and messengers of Islam are equal

All Muslims believe that there are many prophets in Islam besides Muhammad. Some prophets are more famous than others, e.g. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Unfortunately, Muslims, both Sayyid and non-Sayyid, incorrectly believe that Muhammad is superior to all other prophets. Rather, no distinction should be made between any of the prophets and messengers of God. This is proven in the following verses.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ ۚ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُوا لِلَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالْأَحْبَارُ بِمَا اسْتُحْفِظُوا مِن كِتَابِ اللَّهِ وَكَانُوا عَلَيْهِ شُهَدَاءَ ۚ فَلَا تَخْشَوُا النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ وَلَا تَشْتَرُوا بِآيَاتِي ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا ۚ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْكَافِرُونَ

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 (prophets), and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him. (Quran: 2:136)

ءَامَنَ ٱلرَّسُولُ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِۦ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۚ كُلٌّ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتِهِۦ وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَرُسُلِهِۦ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍۢ مِّن رُّسُلِهِۦ ۚ وَقَالُوا۟ سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا ۖ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ

The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in God and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.” (Quran: 2:285)

قُلْ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَٱلْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَٱلنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍۢ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ مُسْلِمُونَ

Say, “We have believed in God and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants [al-Asbat], and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them (prophets), and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.” (Quran: 3:84)

Verse 4:152 indicates that God will reward believers who do not discriminate between any of the messengers. This implies that believers, including Sayyids, who regard the prophet Muhammad as superior to other prophets and messengers will not be rewarded.

وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَلَمْ يُفَرِّقُوا۟ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍۢ مِّنْهُمْ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ سَوْفَ يُؤْتِيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورًۭا رَّحِيمًۭا

But they who believe in God and His messengers and do not discriminate between any of them (messengers) – to those He is going to give their rewards. And ever is God Forgiving and Merciful. (Quran: 4:152)

Now that it has been proven that 

• all prophets and messengers are equal
• Muslims are not allowed to view prophets and messengers as unequal
• Muhammad is not superior to the other prophets and messengers

let’s see what the Quran says about some of the descendants of other prophets.

Some of Abraham’s descendants were wrongdoers

In verse 2:124, we see proof that not all of Abraham’s descendants are righteous. God acknowledges that some are wrongdoers despite being descendants of the prophet Abraham.

وَإِذِ ابْتَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ رَبُّهُ بِكَلِمَاتٍ فَأَتَمَّهُنَّ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّي جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَامًا ۖ قَالَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي ۖ قَالَ لَا يَنَالُ عَهْدِي الظَّالِمِينَ

And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham was tried by his Lord with commands and he fulfilled them. [God] said, “Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.” [Abraham] said, “And of my descendants?” [God] said, “My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.” (Quran: 2:124)

In verses 37:112-113, we see that Abraham was given a son named Isaac but some of their descendants were unrighteous sinners.

وَبَشَّرْنَـٰهُ بِإِسْحَـٰقَ نَبِيًّۭا مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ وَبَـٰرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ وَعَلَىٰٓ إِسْحَـٰقَ ۚ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا مُحْسِنٌۭ وَظَالِمٌۭ لِّنَفْسِهِۦ مُبِينٌۭ

And We gave him [Abraham] good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous. And We blessed him and Isaac. But among their descendants is the doer of good and the clearly unjust to himself [i.e., sinner]. (Quran: 37:112-113)

In verses 11:1-18, we see proof that all but one of Prophet Jacob’s sons were unrighteous. They tried to kill their brother, Joseph, by throwing him down a well. Joseph would later become a prophet.

In verse 11:46 we see proof that prophet Noah’s immediate descendant (one of his sons) was unrighteous.

قَالَ يَـٰنُوحُ إِنَّهُۥ لَيْسَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ عَمَلٌ غَيْرُ صَـٰلِحٍۢ ۖ فَلَا تَسْـَٔلْنِ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ ۖ إِنِّىٓ أَعِظُكَ أَن تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْجَـٰهِلِينَ

He [God] said, “O Noah, indeed he (your son) is not of your family; indeed, he is [one whose] work was other than righteous, so ask Me not for that about which you have no knowledge. Indeed, I advise you, lest you be among the ignorant.” (Quran: 11:46)

Notice that in the above verse, God tells Noah that not only is one of his sons unrighteous, but that 

1. Noah should not consider his unrighteous son to be of his family. 
2. Noah should not ask God to help his son

In verse 57:26 we see clear proof that many (not some, but “many”) of the descendants of prophets Noah and Abraham were wrongdoers (“defiantly disobedient”). The word for “many” used in the verse is “katheer” / كَثِيرٌۭ in Arabic which clearly means “many”.

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًۭا وَإِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَجَعَلْنَا فِى ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا ٱلنُّبُوَّةَ وَٱلْكِتَـٰبَ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مُّهْتَدٍۢ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌۭ مِّنْهُمْ فَـٰسِقُونَ

And We have already sent Noah and Abraham and placed in their descendants prophethood and scripture; and among them is he who is guided, but many of them were defiantly disobedient. (Quran: 57:26)

It’s possible that this verse is referring to people who lived amongst the descendants of Noah and Abraham but, considering the wording in the verses above, it most likely means that the wrongdoers were their descendants.

What About Descendants of Prophets Moses and Jesus?

According to the Quran, Moses and Jesus are prophets of Islam. They are two of the most often mentioned prophets in the Quran. The Quran calls their followers People of the Book (Arabic: Ahl Al-Kitaab) because they are followers of the holy book, the Jewish Torah. Jews and Christians revere Moses and Jesus just as much as followers of the Quran revere Muhammad. However, Jews and Christians have different attitudes towards the descendants of these prophets. 

Jesus’ descendants

In the case of Jesus, there is no issue because he had no descendants.

Moses’ descendants

In the case of Moses, he had two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. However, when it came time to choose a successor for Moses, Jewish Sages said that Moses requested that one of his sons be appointed. But, God responded with, “Your sons sat and did not occupy themselves with Torah. Joshua, who served you, is fitting to serve Israel.” So, Joshua became the leader of the Israelite tribes after the death of Moses and not any of Moses’ sons (Deuteronomy 31:1–8; 34:9).

Moses had an older brother, Aaron, who had four sons. Though Moses’ sons did not live up to Moses’ example, Aaron’s sons did carry the noble traditions of their father. God considered Moses’ nephews (Aaron’s sons) as Moses’ children, for Moses was the one who taught them the Torah. This is reflected in Numbers 3:1 which begins “These are the descendants of Moses and Aaron…” but only lists Aaron’s four sons. God reassured Moses that even Joshua would need to confer with Aaron’s son, the High Priest, to know God’s will.

Though Moses had two sons, they were nothing special and Jews don’t consider descendants of Moses to be any more special than anyone else. Maybe some Muslims can learn from this Jewish attitude.

What About the Wives of Prophets?

Many Muslims believe that the wives of the prophet Muhammad were superior and righteous women. Since it was proven above that all prophets and messengers are equal, then one would expect the wives of other prophets and messengers to all be superior and righteous as well. Let’s see what the Quran says about that.

In verse 66:10 we see proof that even though prophets Noah and Lot were righteous servants of God, their wives were sinners and were sent to Hell. This verse also proves that righteous prophets had no power to save their sinful wives from Hell.

ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًۭا لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱمْرَأَتَ نُوحٍۢ وَٱمْرَأَتَ لُوطٍۢ ۖ كَانَتَا تَحْتَ عَبْدَيْنِ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا صَـٰلِحَيْنِ فَخَانَتَاهُمَا فَلَمْ يُغْنِيَا عَنْهُمَا مِنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًۭٔا وَقِيلَ ٱدْخُلَا ٱلنَّارَ مَعَ ٱلدَّٰخِلِينَ

God presents an example of those who disbelieved: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were under two of Our righteous servants but betrayed them, so they [i.e., those prophets] did not avail them from God at all, and it was said, “Enter the Fire with those who enter.” (Quran: 66:10)

In verse 33:30 we read that if any of prophet Muhammad’s wives committed a sin, then their punishment would be double that of anyone else.

يَـٰنِسَآءَ ٱلنَّبِىِّ مَن يَأْتِ مِنكُنَّ بِفَـٰحِشَةٍۢ مُّبَيِّنَةٍۢ يُضَـٰعَفْ لَهَا ٱلْعَذَابُ ضِعْفَيْنِ ۚ وَكَانَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرًۭا

O wives of the Prophet, whoever of you should commit a clear immorality – for her the punishment would be doubled two fold, and ever is that, for God, easy. (Quran: 33:30)

According to the verse above, it becomes clear that being related to the prophet Muhammad does not guarantee exemption from righteousness nor admission to Paradise.

What about Prophet Muhammad himself?

Many Muslims believe that prophet Muhammad was a perfect human. For that reason, they desire to imitate him in every way possible, e.g. having a long beard, following his supposedly original and authentic hadith, celebrating his birthday, etc. Interestingly, God Himself says in the Quran in two separate verses that Muhammad sinned more than once.

إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًا مُّبِينًا لِّيَغْفِرَ لَكَ ٱللَّهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِن ذَنۢبِكَ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ وَيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُۥ عَلَيْكَ وَيَهْدِيَكَ صِرَٰطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا

Indeed, We have given you, [O Muḥammad], a clear conquest. That Allāh may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path (Quran: 48:1-2)

فَٱعْلَمْ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنۢبِكَ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مُتَقَلَّبَكُمْ وَمَثْوَىٰكُمْ

So know, [O Muḥammad], that there is no deity except Allāh and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allāh knows of your movement and your resting place. (Quran: 47:19)

Note that the word ذَنْبٌ actually does mean sin.

Intercession by Prophet Muhammad

Some Sayyids believe that their bloodline to Prophet Muhammad would help them gain access to Paradise by way of Prophet Muhammad interceding on their behalf on the Day of Judgment / Recompense. This belief is extremely dangerous as it offers a false sense of security. According to verse 2:123, no one, including the prophet Muhammad, has the power to intercede on anyone’s behalf on the Day.

وَٱتَّقُوا۟ يَوْمًۭا لَّا تَجْزِى نَفْسٌ عَن نَّفْسٍۢ شَيْـًۭٔا وَلَا يُقْبَلُ مِنْهَا عَدْلٌۭ وَلَا تَنفَعُهَا شَفَـٰعَةٌۭ وَلَا هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ

And fear a Day (Day of Judgment / Recompense) when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, and no compensation will be accepted from it, nor will any intercession benefit it, nor will they be aided. (Quran: 2:123)

The verse above proves that on matters of religion, everyone is responsible for themselves, and no ancestor, no matter how famous or noble they were, whether they died yesterday or 1400 years ago, can benefit anyone, let alone their descendants.

Comparing Sayyids to Other Groups

Obviously, Sayyids aren’t the only people who think they are superior to others. Following are some examples of other groups of people who have a superiority complex.

Hindus

The Hindu caste system divides Hindus into four main categories – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation. Outside of this Hindu caste system were the achhoots – the Dalits or the untouchables. In this system, the higher your caste, the more superior you are.

Note that, as for Sayyids, this Hindu belief system is based on birth – no one can move from one group to another, whether up or down. From the viewpoint of a Hindu of upper caste, a Sayyid Muslim could be regarded as inferior to them. One consequence of this egregiously unfair Hindu caste system is the conversion of many Dalits to Islam hoping to escape discrimination. Unfortunately, according to the BBC article Why are many Indian Muslims seen as untouchable?, even Muslims of upper castes will discriminate against Dalits who have become Muslim.

Dalits are considered impure by caste Hindus and many of them work in sanitation.

Although India’s constitution banned discrimination on the basis of caste, discrimination by caste is still widely prevalent.

White supremacists

White supremacists believe that white people constitute a superior race and should therefore dominate society, typically to the exclusion or detriment of other racial and ethnic groups, in particular black or Jewish people. Some white supremacists argue that their blood is “pure” or that they are “pure” descendants of white Europeans. It is not uncommon for a white supremacist member to think they are pure European only to find out after taking a genealogy test that they have mixed ancestry.

For example, many white people may look caucasian but actually have mixed native American or Mexican ancestry. This shocking reality leads some to simply reject the test results so they may continue with their feelings of superiority.

Although US law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, etc, discrimination on these points still exists.

Other examples

If you think about it, racism and people who have a superiority complex exist in all walks of life. Some examples are:

• A person who lives in the city may think they are superior to people who live in rural areas
• A rich people may think they are superior to poor people
• A fair skinned Indian or African may think they are superior to dark skinned Indians and Africans (Note: skin whitening is big business in Asia and Africa)
  • Skin whitening big business in Asia
  • India’s multibillion-dollar skin lightening industry under fire as Indians seek whiter shade of pale
• An educated person may feel they are superior to uneducated people
• A person who owns a house may feel superior to people who rent a house
• A person who owns a car may feel superior to someone who has to ride public transportation
• An American, being from the richest and most powerful country in the world, may feel superior to all non-Americans.

Most Sayyids would consider the Hindu caste system, white supremacy, and the other examples above as outrageous and completely unacceptable. Ironically, many Sayyids are no different than these other groups who claim superiority.

Salawaat

In Quran, Surah al-Ahzab (33), Verse 56 we read that God and His Angels send salawaat  (blessings) to Muhammad and God instructed believers to send salawaat Muhammad as well. 

إِنَّ ٱل‍لَّٰهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَىٰ ٱلنَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا

“God and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet, O you who believe! Send your blessings on him, and salute him a thorough salutation” (Quran: 33:56)

The word salawaat is the plural form of the word salat which means prayer, blessings or salutation. Some Sayyids think that since God and His Angels send blessings on the prophet Muhammad, then Muhammad must be superior to all other prophets, and by extension, Muhammad’s descendants are superior. They can easily be proven wrong by reading a few verses before the one above. In Quran Surah al-Ahzab (33), Verses 41-43 we find that God and His Angels send blessings on ALL believers.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ذِكْرًۭا كَثِيرًۭا وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةًۭ وَأَصِيلًا هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُصَلِّى عَلَيْكُمْ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتُهُۥ لِيُخْرِجَكُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ ۚ وَكَانَ بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًۭا

O you who have believed, remember God with much remembrance. And exalt Him morning and afternoon. It is He who confers blessing upon you (believers), and His angels [do so as well] that He may bring you out from darkness into the light. And ever is He, to the believers, Merciful. (Quran: 33:41-43)

When Muslims pray, they recite salawaat near the end of the prayer. It usually reads as follows:

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

God, send prayers on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you have sent prayers on Abrahim and the family of Abrahim. Truly, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. God, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you have blessed Abraham and the family of Abrahim. Truly, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.

Here, we see that salawaat is done for Muhammad in addition to the family of Muhammad. However, there is no instruction in the Quran for believers to send salawaat to the family of Muhammad. It should come as no surprise that Islam, like many religions, has changed over time due to politics, local traditions, war, etc. It is therefore likely that influential people, e.g. some Sayyids long ago, may have modified the salawaat to include the family of Muhammad for their own personal benefit.

Dividing the Muslim Community

If Sayyids believe they are superior to everyone else, then they are dividing the Muslim community which, according to verse 6:159, is not only unacceptable, but God even tells Muhammad that he has nothing to do with them.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا لَّسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ ۚ إِنَّمَا أَمْرُهُمْ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ

Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects – you, [O Muhammad], are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only [left] to God; then He will inform them about what they used to do. (6:159)

Ironically, Sayyids use their relationship to Muhammad to justify their sense of superiority which divides Muslims while God indicates that Muhammad has nothing to do with them for that very reason.

Satan (The Father of Arrogance) and Sayyids

Ironically, Muslim Sayyids who believe that they are somehow superior to everyone else are in fact behaving like Satan himself. According to the Quran, Satan (a jinn) felt superior to Adam (a human) because Satan was made from smokeless fire whereas Adam was made from clay.

Clearly, Satan’s biological difference with Adam is much more obvious than the invisible genetic difference between Sayyids and non-Sayyids. We all (Christians, Jews and Muslims) know how the story ends. Satan’s arrogance and superiority complex will commit him to Hell for eternity.

Descendants of Adam – The First Prophet of Islam

Most people have more respect for founders or pioneers of something, whether it is a religion, a country, a successful company, etc, rather than subsequent leaders. This is one reason why most Muslims have a lot of respect for the prophet Muhammad – they think that he is the first Muslim and founder of Islam. Embarrassingly for them, it can easily be proven using the Quran that Muhammad was not the first Muslim and prophet of Islam and that he happens to be the last prophet from a long chain of prophets. In verse 16:123, God specifically told Muhammad to follow the religion of Prophet Abraham. 

ثُمَّ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ أَنِ اتَّبِعْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۖ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

Then We [God] 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)

Instead of focusing on Muhammad, the last prophet of Islam, what if Muslims focused on Adam, the first prophet of Islam? Even though the Quran doesn’t literally mention that Adam was a prophet or messenger of Islam, his prophethood is clearly implied in verse 3:33 where he is compared to prophets Noah, Abraham and Imran.

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰٓ ءَادَمَ وَنُوحًۭا وَءَالَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَءَالَ عِمْرَٰنَ عَلَى ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ

Indeed, God chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of Imran over the worlds – (3:33)

Prophet Adam was not only the founder and first prophet of Islam but also the founder of mankind (everyone is a descendant of Adam). No family tree is needed to prove one’s descent from Adam. Consequently, everyone is equal with respect to noble ancestry and no one can claim supremacy based on bloodline which, as proven above, is the way of the Devil!

The Most Noble People

If we really wanted to single out a person or a group of people who should be considered noble with respect to Islam, then we can easily find who they are from the Quran. Verse 49:13 makes it clear that the noblest people are the most righteous. And, it should go without saying that righteousness is not based on birth but one’s actions.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍۢ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًۭا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌۭ

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Aware. (49:13)

Hadith

Some Sayyids may argue that there are hadith that support the argument that the Prophet Muhammad and his progeny are superior to everyone else. For them, they may read my article which proves that the hadith are not a valid source of Islamic law and that judging by the hadith on matters of religion constitutes shirk and renders one kafir. 

Short version:

Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law

Long version:

http://uncorruptedislam.com/analysis-validity-prophet-muhammad-hadith.html

Conclusion

The Quranic proofs and logical arguments above make it clear that descendants of the prophet Muhammad are not superior in any way, shape or form compared to the rest of mankind. This conclusion is pretty obvious in non-Islamic Western countries but unfortunately, many people in Islamic countries are too ignorant and in denial of this, possibly due to their attitude that tradition must be correct even if it defies logic. Perhaps they should take a step back and ponder over the following verse.

إِنَّ شَرَّ الدَّوَابِّ عِندَ اللَّهِ الصُّمُّ الْبُكْمُ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use their brains to think. (8:22)

Sources: 

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ba_%27Alawi_sada
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_tree_of_Muhammad 
• https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/1530929/jewish/What-Happened-to-Moses-Descendants.htm
• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joshua

Related articles

• Proof Muslim Women Don’t Have to Cover Their Hair
• Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law
• Muslims Are Performing the Hajj Wrong
• Muslims Are Wrong About Zakat
• Lailat Al-Qadr Is Not What You Think It Is
• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Various Aspects of Prayer
• Islamic Ablution (Wudhu) Is Simpler Than Many Muslims Think
• Muslims Don’t Need to Perform Ablution (Wudhu) Before Touching the Quran
• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab