Author: Abdullah Yahya

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.

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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

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• 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
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• 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

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• Most Muslims Start & End Fasting At the Wrong Time
• Islamic Misconceptions About the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
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• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
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• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
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• 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.

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• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
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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.

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• 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

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Following is a list of names of prophets and messengers and their scriptures based on the information available in the Quran. There may be more prophets and messengers that just weren’t mentioned in the Quran.

1. Adam
   • Adam is often regarded as the first prophet but the Quran never specifically says that he was a prophet. However, the Quran in verse 3:33 does mention that Adam was special similar to Noah and Abraham.
2. Idris / Enoch
   • He was a prophet (19:56)
3. Nuh / Noah
   • He was a prophet (6:89, 4:163) and a messenger (26:107)
   • He was sent to the people of Noah (26:105)
4. Hud
   • He was a messenger (26:125)
   • He was sent to the people of Ad (7:65)
5. Saleh
   • He was a messenger (26:143)
   • He was sent to the people of Thamud (7:73)
6. Ibrahim / Abraham
   • He was a prophet (19:41, 4:163) and a messenger (9:70)
   • He was sent to the people of Abraham (22:43)
   • He was given the “Scrolls of Abraham” (87:19)
   • Ibrahim was not a Jew or a Christian (3:67)
7. Lut / Lot
   • He was a prophet (6:85-89) and a messenger (37:133)
   • He was sent to the people of Lot (7:80)
8. Ismail / Ishmael
   • He was a prophet (19:54, 4:163, 6:85-89) and a messenger (19:54)
9. Is’haq / Isaac
   • He was a prophet (19:49, 4:163)
10. Ya’kub / Jacob / Israel
    • He was a prophet (19:49, 4:163, 19:58)
11. Yusuf / Joseph
    • He was a messenger (12:50)
12. Ayyub / Job
    • He was a prophet (4:163)
13. Shuaib / Jethro
    • He was a messenger (26:178)
    • He was sent to the people of Midian (7:85)
14. Musa / Moses
    • He was a prophet (19:51) and a messenger (19:51)
    • He was sent to Pharoah and his establishment (43:46)
    • He was given the Torah (53:36)
15. Harun / Aaron
    • He was a prophet (19:53, 4:163)
16. Dhul-Kifl / Ezekiel
    • He was a prophet (21:85-86 chapter of the “prophets”)
17. Dawud / David
    • He was a prophet (17:55, 4:163) and a messenger (4:163)
    • He was given the Zabur (Psalms) (17:55)
18. Sulaiman / Solomon
    • He was a messenger (4:163)
19. Ilyas / Elijah
    • He was a messenger (37:123, 6:85-89)
    • He was sent to the people of Ilyas (37:124)
20. Al Yasa / Elisha
    • He was a messenger (6:85-89)
21. Yunus / Jonah
    • He was a prophet (6:85-89, 4:163) and a messenger (37:139)
    • He was sent to the people of Yunus (10:98)
22. Zakariya / Zechariah
    • He was a prophet (6:85-89)
23. Yahya / John
    • He was a prophet (3:39, 6:85-89)
24. Isa / Jesus / The Messiah
    • He was a prophet (19:30, 4:163, 6:85-89) and a messenger (4:171)
    • He was sent to the Children of Israel (61:6)
    • He was given the Injil (Gospel) (57:27)
    • His other name was The Messiah (3:45)
25. Muhammad / Ahmad
    • He was a prophet (33:40) and a messenger (33:40)
    • He was sent to the Arabs (42:7) for all of mankind (7:158)
    • His other name was “Ahmad” (61:6)
    • He was given the Quran (42:7)
    • The Quran was revealed in Arabic
      1. because God wanted to make it easy for Muhammad as an Arabic speaker (19:97)
      2. so that Muhammad could warn his local community of Arabs (42:7)
      3. because if it was in another language, the local Arabs would not believe in it (41:44)
    • The Arabic Quran was revealed to Arabs because if it was revealed to non-Arabs, they would not have believed in it (26:198-199)

Prophets and messengers are not the same thing

This is proven based on the wording used in verse 22:52.

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ وَلَا نَبِيٍّ …

And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet … (22:52)

What is a prophet?

In verse 2:213, it’s clear that prophets were given scriptures (books). Similar verses are 6:89, 3:79, and 3:81.

كَانَ النَّاسُ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً فَبَعَثَ اللَّهُ النَّبِيِّينَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ فِيمَا اخْتَلَفُوا فِيهِ …

Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then God sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. … (22:52)

What is a messenger?

By definition, a messenger is someone who brings or shares a “message”. In the context of the Quran, a messenger shares or relates the message of the Quran.

The role of a messenger

According to verse 6:48, a messenger’s job is to only “give good news” and to “warn”.

وَمَا نُرْسِلُ الْمُرْسَلِينَ إِلَّا مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ ۖ فَمَنْ آمَنَ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners. So whoever believes and reforms – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (14:4)

Each messenger was given the same message

The message that was revealed before the Quran is the same as what was revealed in the Quran. This is proven in verse 41:43.

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)

Each messenger received a revelation to worship the one God

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِي إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدُونِ

And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, “There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.” (21:25)

A messenger was sent to every community

Verse 16:36 indicates that messengers are sent to every community / nation. Since new communities / nations existed after Muhammad’s time, then there must be messengers after Muhammad died.

وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ

And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], “Worship God and avoid Taghut.” (16:36 part)

Each messenger spoke the language of his people

Verse 14:4 indicates that a messenger speaks the language of his people. Prophet Muhammad only spoke Arabic and he was sent as a messenger for his Arabic-speaking people. Since there are many other languages besides Arabic, there must be many other messengers besides Muhammad, both before and after Muhammad died.

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِهِ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمْ

And We did not send any messenger but with the language of his people, so that he might explain to them clearly; …. (14:4)

Messengers relate God’s verses

In verse 7:35, God tells the Children of Adam (all of mankind) that there will be multiple messengers from among humans rehearsing God’s verses. There is no mention of an end of the messengers. Therefore, certain people who rehearse God’s verses after prophet Muhammad died can be a messenger.

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ إِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِي ۙ فَمَنِ اتَّقَىٰ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

O children of Adam, if there come to you messengers from among you relating to you My verses, then whoever fears God and reforms – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (23:51)

God gave some messengers higher ranks over others

تِلْكَ الرُّسُلُ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۘ مِّنْهُم مَّن كَلَّمَ اللَّهُ ۖ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَهُمْ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَآتَيْنَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَيَّدْنَاهُ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ …

We have made some of these messengers to excel the others among them are they to whom God spoke, and some of them He exalted by rank / degrees; and We gave clear miracles to Jesus son of Mary, and strengthened him with the Holy spirit. … (2:253)

وَرَبُّكَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۗ وَلَقَدْ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَ النَّبِيِّينَ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۖ وَآتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ زَبُورًا

And We have made some of the prophets exceed others [in various ways], and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]. (17:55)

Believers in God and His messengers must consider all messengers equal

Christians celebrate Prophet Jesus’ birthday and they consider him superior to all other prophets. Likewise, some of today’s Submitters (Muslims) celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and almost all Submitters (Muslims) consider Muhammad superior to all other prophets. Although God favored some messengers over others, God expects everyone to see all messengers as equal including Prophet Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.

قُولُوا آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ

Say: We believe in God and that which had been revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and that which was given to the prophets from their Lord, we do not make any distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him. (2:136)

Related verses: 2:285, 3:84, 4:152, 17:55

Multiple messengers have existed at the same time for the same community

In Quran verse 36:14, God sent two messengers to a town but people denied them so He sent a third messenger to strengthen them. The three messengers coexisted and worked together.

إِذْ أَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْهِمُ اثْنَيْنِ فَكَذَّبُوهُمَا فَعَزَّزْنَا بِثَالِثٍ فَقَالُوا إِنَّا إِلَيْكُم مُّرْسَلُونَ

When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, “Indeed, we are messengers to you.” (36:14)

We also see plurality of messengers who came to other communities / nations.

“The people of Noah rejected the messengers” (26:105) “The Ad (people) rejected the messengers” (26:123) “The Thamud (people) rejected the messengers” (26:141) “The people of Lut rejected the messengers” (26:160)

The Quran is the last book of God and Muhammad is the last prophet

Scriptures are only given to prophets. Since Muhammad is the last prophet, the Quran is the last scripture.

مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَٰكِن رَّسُولَ اللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ النَّبِيِّينَ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمًا

Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing. (33:40)

Conclusion

Based on the analysis above, we can summarize as follows:

• A prophet is shares good news, warns, and is given a book (scripture)
• A messenger only shares good news and warns by relating verses in books (scriptures) given to prophets
• Muhammad is the last prophet
• Multiple messengers can exist for any given community / nation both before, during, and after Muhammad’s time

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• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
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God’s name

“Allah” is not the universal name of God. “Allah” is a word in Arabic that means “God.” Therefore, Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians also call God “Allah.” For example, they would say “Insha Allah” which means “God willing” even though they are Jewish or Christian. The Quran refers to God as “Allah” because the Quran is in Arabic. Logically, therefore, if the Quran were revealed in English, Allah would be called “God” and if the Quran were revealed in Indonesian, Allah would be called “Tuhan”, which is simply the Indonesian translation of the word “Allah.” However, translators of the Quran, for some reason, only translate all other Arabic words in the Quran and not the word “Allah”.

El, Yahweh, Allah

Prophets Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew God as “El”. Prophet Moses knew God as “Yahweh”. Prophet Muhammad knew God as “Allah”

“And God spoke to Moses and said to him, I am the Lord (Hebrew: Yahweh) and I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty (Hebrew: ‘El Shaddai’) but I was not known to them by my name ‘Yahweh'” (Exodus 6.2-3)

You can call God by any good name

قُلِ ادْعُوا اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُوا الرَّحْمَٰنَ ۖ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُوا فَلَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ

“Say: “Call upon Allah, or call upon Rahman: by whatever name you call upon Him, (it is well): for to Him belong the most beautiful names. ….” (17:110 part)

Conclusion

God’s name is ALL good names. So, if you are speaking a language other than Arabic, you don’t have to refer to God as Allah. You can just say whatever the translation of the word “God” is in the language you are speaking.

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Banyak Muslim percaya bahwa wanita Muslim harus menutupi rambut mereka. Berikut adalah analisis mendalam yang membuktikan bahwa menurut Al-Qur’an, wanita tidak harus menutupi rambutnya.

Tidak ada kewajiban hijab pra-1970 di Arab Saudi

Sebelum kita menganalisis Al-Qur’an, penting untuk diketahui bahwa hijab sebagai pakaian wajib bagi perempuan di Arab Saudi itu relatif baru. Arab Saudi dikenal luas karena memberlakukan persyaratan hijab yang ketat, termasuk di kalangan turis. Tetapi rekaman video sejarah dari tahun 1970-an mengungkapkan bahwa wanita Saudi sebelumnya tidak diharuskan mengenakan hijab. Klip video berikut diambil dari film dokumenter PBS Frontline tahun 2004 berjudul “The House of Saud” (Rumah Saud) pada timestamp 37:24. Klip ini menunjukkan seorang wanita guru sekolah dan banyak gadis sekolah. Tidak ada satu pun yang menutupi rambutnya. Mereka bahkan tidak mengenakan jubah hitam panjang (abaya). Sebaliknya, mereka mengenakan kemeja biasa.

Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa kewajiban mengenakan hijab pasti menjadi kewajiban setelah tahun 1970-an.

Orang Saudi sangat bangga dengan tradisi mereka, dan banyak tradisi lama yang masih dipraktikkan hingga hari ini. Misalnya, pria Saudi telah mengenakan pakaian panjang dan longgar yang dikenal sebagai “thobe” selama minimum satu abad. Mereka juga menutupi kepala/rambut mereka, bukan karena diwajibkan oleh hukum Islam, tetapi mungkin karena itulah yang wajar dilakukan dilokasi beriklim panas yang terik.

Jika perempuan Saudi secara tradisional mengenakan hijab, maka tentunya tradisi itu akan terus dilakukan oleh para gadis sekolah di tahun 70-an. Oleh karena itu tidak terbayangkan untuk percaya bahwa mengenakan hijab sekarang merupakan mandat Islam jika tidak dipraktikkan atau diwajibkan di Arab Saudi yang ultra-ortodoks dan sangat tradisional selama kurang lebih 1300 tahun sejak masa Nabi Muhammad hingga tahun 1970-an.

Hijab

Banyak Muslim menyebut penutup kepala wanita sebagai “hijab”. Kata “hijab” tidak pernah disebutkan dalam Al-Qur’an sebagai penutup kepala. Berikut ini adalah semua referensi tentang kata “hijab” dalam Al-Qur’an dan artinya.

• Untuk menandakan tabir antara penghuni surga dan penghuni neraka (7:46)
• Tabir pemisah antara orang-orang yang tidak percaya dengan akhirat (17:45)
• Pemisahan / pengasingan / layar yang diperkenalkan Maryam antara dirinya dan masyarakatnya (19:17)
• Referensi pada Nabi Sulaiman (saw) dan dalam kaitannya dengan narasi mengenai kuda-kudanya (38:32)
• Untuk menandakan pencekalan yang akan dialami para pelanggar dari Tuhan mereka pada hari kiamat (83:15)
• Untuk menandakan pemisahan istri-istri Nabi (33:53)
• Klaim orang-orang kafir untuk menandakan tabir antara apa yang mereka yakini dan apa yang Nabi serukan kepada mereka (41.5)
• Tabir yang digunakan Allah untuk berbicara kepada umat manusia (42:51)

Referensi di atas juga tersedia di http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Hjb#(7:46:2)

Ayat 24:31

Ayat yang kebanyakan Muslim gunakan untuk mengklaim kewajiban bagi wanita untuk menutupi rambut mereka adalah ayat 24:31.

وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٰتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّـٰبِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُو۟لِى ٱلْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفْلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ عَوْرَٰتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ۖ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ ۚ وَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

Dan katakanlah kepada wanita yang beriman agar mereka menundukkan pandangan dan menjaga alat kelaminnya (Arab: furujahunna); bahwa mereka tidak boleh menampilkan hiasan mereka (Arab: Zeenatahunna) kecuali apa yang tampak darinya (ma zahara minha) dan biarkan mereka menarik penutup kepala mereka (Arab: Bi’khumurihinna) di atas dada mereka (Arab: Jayubihin) dan tidak untuk menampilkan perhiasan mereka (Arab: Zeenatahunna) kecuali untuk suami mereka, ayah mereka, ayah suami mereka, putra mereka, putra suami mereka, saudara laki-laki mereka atau putra saudara laki-laki mereka, atau putra saudara perempuan mereka, atau wanita mereka, atau budak yang dimiliki tangan kanan mereka, atau pelayan laki-laki yang bebas dari kebutuhan fisik, atau anak kecil yang tidak memiliki rasa malu; dan agar mereka tidak menghentakkan kaki untuk menarik perhatian pada perhiasan tersembunyi mereka. Dan hai orang-orang yang beriman! Arahkan kamu semua bersama-sama menuju Tuhan, agar kamu dapat mencapai Kebahagiaan. (24:31)

Mari kita analisa ayat ini dengan membaginya menjadi 4 bagian.

Dan katakanlah kepada wanita-wanita yang beriman…

1. untuk tidak menampilkan perhiasan mereka (Arab: Zeenatahunna زِينَتَهُنَّ)
2. kecuali yang tampak darinya (Arab: illa ma zahara minha إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا)
3. dan biarkan mereka menarik penutup kepala mereka (Arab: Bi’khumurihinna بِخُمُرِهِنَّ) di atas dada mereka (Arab: Juyubihinna جُيُوبِهِ)
4. dan tidak menampilkan perhiasan mereka (Arab: Zeenatahunna زِينَتَهُنَّ) kecuali kepada suami mereka, ayah mereka,…

Konteks

Untuk memahami ayat ini secara benar, kita harus memahami konteksnya. Konteks ayat ini jelas berkaitan dengan dandanan/kecantikan wanita yang ayat tersebut menyuruh wanita untuk tidak dipajang. Kata Arab untuk “hiasan mereka” adalah Zeenatahunna (زِينَتَهُنَّ). Kata ini bahkan di sebut dua kali dalam ayat ini. Secara umum, ayat tersebut melarang wanita memamerkan kecantikannya. Alasannya kemungkinan besar terkait dengan ayat 33:59 yang memerintahkan wanita untuk mengenakan pakaian luar agar tidak diganggu karena mengenakan pakaian luar membantu menyembunyikan kecantikan wanita.

Berikut adalah penjelasan dari kata-kata kunci dalam ayat tersebut.

zeenatahunna (زِينَتَهُنَّ)

Kata zeenatahunna berasal dari akar huruf ZAY-YA-NUN. Menurut kamus Edward Lane, kata ini dengan jelas menunjukkan bahwa zeenatahunna merujuk pada tata rias, mempercantik diri, atau dandanan sedemikian rupa sehingga dapat menimbulkan daya tarik.

illa ma zahara minha (إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا)

Kata2 ini berarti “kecuali yang tampak darinya” yang mana “nya” mengacu pada perhiasan/keindahan (Arab: zeenah).

bi’khumurihinna (بِخُمُرِهِنَّ)

Kata ini berarti “dengan penutupnya”. Kata “khimaar” (jamak: khumur) berarti penutup , sebagaimana ditunjukkan dalam kamus Edward Lane.

Apa pun yang menutupi sesuatu adalah penutup. Penutup kepala adalah salah satu jenis khimaar karena menutupi kepala. Ini berlaku untuk pria dan wanita. Misalnya, di iklim panas seperti di Timur Tengah, Anda melihat pria menutupi kepala karena kepanasan. Di AS, orang biasanya hanya memakai topi jika di luar panas. Dalam konteks ayat 24:31 di atas, kata ini berarti penutup kepala.

juyubihinna (جُيُوبِهِ)

Kata juyubihinna berasal dari akar huruf JIM-YA-BA. Menurut kamus Edward Lane, dalam konteks Alquran ayat 24:31 di atas, kata itu berarti dada and payudara.

Penjelasan ayat 24:31

Sekarang setelah kita memahami kata kuncinya, kita dapat menjelaskan apa yang dikatakan ayat di atas.

1. Bagian 1 menyuruh wanita untuk tidak mempertontonkan dandanan/kecantikannya
2. Bagian 2 mengecualikan dandanan/keindahan yang tampak secara wajar, mis. wajah cantik, mata, dll.
3. Bagian 3 memberitahu wanita untuk menutupi payudara mereka. Bagian ini muncul setelah bagian 2 karena memperjelas bahwa payudara tidak termasuk dalam pengecualian dalam bagian 2 di atas. Dan meskipun ayat tersebut menyuruh wanita untuk menarik penutup kepala mereka untuk menutupi dada mereka, itu tidak berarti bahwa wanita harus menutupi kepala atau rambut mereka dengan penutup kepala. Ketika ayat ini diturunkan, kemungkinan besar pria dan wanita menutupi rambut mereka karena Arab adalah tempat yang sangat panas secara alami.
4. Bagian 4 kemudian menyuruh wanita untuk tidak mempertontonkan dandanan/kecantikannya kecuali kepada kerabat tertentu.

Apakah ayat ini mewajibkan wanita untuk menutupi rambut mereka?

Tidak. Ayat ini bahkan tidak menyebutkan kata “rambut” sama sekali. Jika Tuhan benar-benar ingin wanita menutupi rambut mereka, Dia bisa saja berkata “dan biarkan mereka menarik penutup kepala mereka ke atas rambut dan dada mereka”, tetapi Dia tidak mengatakan itu.

Apakah ayat ini mewajibkan wanita untuk menutupi kepala mereka?

Tidak. Yang dimaksud dengan “penutup kepala” bukanlah perintah untuk menutupi kepala. Karena penutup kepala sudah umum dipakai di Arab ketika ayat itu diturunkan, ayat tersebut menunjukkan bahwa menutupi dada dapat dilakukan dengan menarik penutup kepala yang panjang hingga menutupi dada. Tentu saja, saat ini, kemeja atau baju jauh lebih efektif daripada hijab untuk menutupi payudara.

Penutup kepala untuk melindungi dari panas

Sebagian orang mungkin berpendapat bahwa penutup kepala (bahasa Arab: khimaar) yang digunakan di Arab ketika ayat tersebut diturunkan tidak dimaksudkan untuk melindungi manusia dari panas tetapi lebih khusus untuk menyembunyikan rambut perempuan dari laki-laki. Argumen ini tampaknya tidak valid karena ayat 16:81 menunjukkan bahwa Tuhan menciptakan pakaian untuk melindungi manusia (baik pria maupun wanita) dari panas.

وَاللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّمَّا خَلَقَ ظِلَالًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ الْجِبَالِ أَكْنَانًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمْ سَرَابِيلَ تَقِيكُمُ الْحَرَّ وَسَرَابِيلَ تَقِيكُم بَأْسَكُمْ …

Dan Tuhan telah membuat untukmu, dari apa yang telah Dia ciptakan, bayangan dan telah dibuat untukmu dari gunung, tempat berlindung dan telah membuat untukmu pakaian yang melindungimu dari panas dan pakaian yang melindungimu dari [musuh dalam] pertempuran Anda. … (16:81)

Referensi pertama untuk “pakaian” dalam ayat di atas pasti mengacu pada penutup kepala karena jika di luar panas, orang di seluruh dunia akan menutupi kepala mereka. Pakaian jenis lain (mis. kemeja, celana, dll), tidak melindungi orang dari panas tetapi justru membuat mereka merasa lebih panas.

Perhatikan juga bahwa kata Arab yang digunakan untuk “pakaian” adalah “sarabeel”. Menurut kamus Edward Lane, kata itu berarti “segala sesuatu yang dikenakan” maka penutup kepala termasuk dalam kategori tersebut.

Penutup kepala untuk melindungi dari gangguan

Beberapa orang mungkin berpendapat bahwa penutup kepala (bahasa Arab: khimaar) diperlukan bagi perempuan untuk melindungi diri dari gangguan atau dari rayuan seksual yang tidak diinginkan dari laki-laki. Pertama-tama, tidak ada ayat dalam Al-Qur’an yang mengatakan bahwa penutup kepala itu sendiri adalah untuk melindungi perempuan dari gangguan (ayat 33:59 menyebutkan pakaian luar, bukan penutup kepala, untuk menghindari dari gangguan). Kedua, wanita sama tertariknya dengan pria, bukan hanya pria saja yang bisa merasa tertarik dengan wanita. Wanita juga bisa menggangu pria. Hal ini bahkan dibuktikan dalam Al-Qur’an ayat 12:23 di mana istri majikan Nabi Yusuf berusaha merayunya.

وَرَاوَدَتْهُ الَّتِي هُوَ فِي بَيْتِهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِ وَغَلَّقَتِ الْأَبْوَابَ وَقَالَتْ هَيْتَ لَكَ ۚ قَالَ مَعَاذَ اللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ رَبِّي أَحْسَنَ مَثْوَايَ ۖ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ

Dan dia (istri majikannya Nabi Yusuf) … berusaha merayunya (nabi Yusuf). Dia menutup pintu dan berkata, “Ayo, kamu.” Dia (nabi Yusuf) berkata, “[Aku mencari] perlindungan Allah . Sungguh, Dia adalah tuanku, yang telah memperbaiki tempat tinggalku. Sungguh, orang yang zalim tidak akan berhasil.” (12:23)

Dalam ayat 12:32, kita melihat bukti lebih lanjut bahwa istri majikan nabi Yusuf merayu nabi Yusuf dan bahkan menggangu / melecehkan dan memerasnya karena nabi Yusuf menolaknya.

قَالَتْ فَذَٰلِكُنَّ الَّذِي لُمْتُنَّنِي فِيهِ ۖ وَلَقَدْ رَاوَدتُّهُ عَن نَّفْسِهِ فَاسْتَعْصَمَ ۖ وَلَئِن لَّمْ يَفْعَلْ مَا آمُرُهُ لَيُسْجَنَنَّ وَلَيَكُونًا مِّنَ الصَّاغِرِينَ

Dia (istri majikannya Nabi Yusuf) berkata, “Itu adalah orang yang kamu salahkan padaku. Dan aku tentunya berusaha merayunya, tetapi dia (Nabi Yusuf) dengan tegas menolak; dan jika dia (Nabi Yusuf) tidak melakukan apa yang aku perintahkan, dia pasti akan dipenjara dan akan termasuk orang yang direndahkan.” (12:32)

Kenyataannya, bukan hanya istri majikan Nabi Yusuf yang merayu, melecehkan, dan memeras Nabi Yusuf, bahkan menurut ayat 12:26-29, dia melakukan kekerasan dan merobek baju Yusuf.

قَالَ هِىَ رَٰوَدَتْنِى عَن نَّفْسِى ۚ وَشَهِدَ شَاهِدٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِهَآ إِن كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن قُبُلٍ فَصَدَقَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ وَإِن كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن دُبُرٍ فَكَذَبَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ يُوسُفُ أَعْرِضْ عَنْ هَـٰذَا ۚ وَٱسْتَغْفِرِى لِذَنۢبِكِ ۖ إِنَّكِ كُنتِ مِنَ ٱلْخَاطِـِٔينَ ۞ وَقَالَ نِسْوَةٌ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ ٱمْرَأَتُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ تُرَٰوِدُ فَتَىٰهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِۦ ۖ قَدْ شَغَفَهَا حُبًّا ۖ إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰهَا فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ

[Yusuf] berkata, “Dialah yang berusaha merayuku.” Dan seorang saksi dari keluarganya bersaksi, “Jika bajunya (Nabi Yusuf) robek dari depan, maka dia (istri majikannya Nabi Yusuf) telah mengatakan yang sebenarnya, dan dia (Yusuf) termasuk pendusta. Tetapi jika bajunya (Yusuf) robek dari belakang, maka dia (istri majikannya Nabi Yusuf) telah berbohong, dan dia (Yusuf) termasuk orang-orang yang benar.” Jadi ketika dia [suaminya] melihat kemejanya (Yusuf) robek dari belakang, dia berkata, “Memang, ini adalah rencanamu [yaitu, wanita]. Memang, rencanamu hebat [yaitu, berapi-api]. Dan para wanita di kota itu berkata, “Istri al-ʿAzeez berusaha merayu budak laki-lakinya (Yusuf); dia telah membuatnya bergairah dengan cinta. Memang, kami melihatnya (istri majikannya Nabi Yusuf) jelas salah.” (12:26-29)

Sekarang sudah jelas dari Al-Qur’an bahwa ketertarikan dan gangguan seksual dapat berjalan dua arah. Mempertimbangkan fakta ini dan argumen bahwa perempuan harus menutupi rambutnya agar tidak diganggu oleh laki-laki, maka seharusnya laki-laki juga harus menutupi rambutnya agar tidak diganggu oleh perempuan. Jelas, tidak ada persyaratan seperti itu dalam Al-Qur’an dan tidak ada yang berpikir bahwa laki-laki perlu menutupi rambut mereka karena alasan ini. Oleh karena itu, argumen bahwa perempuan harus menutup rambutnya agar tidak diganggu adalah tidak sahih dan tidak didukung oleh Al-Qur’an.

Rambut sebagai hiasan

Sebagian orang akan berpendapat bahwa rambut wanita adalah perhiasan dan karena itu tidak boleh diperlihatkan menurut bagian 1 diatas. Argumen ini tidak sah karena

1. Kecantikan alami rambut seseorang sama dengan kecantikan alami wajah seseorang dan karenanya dikecualikan menurut bagian 2 diatas.
2. Tidak masuk akal untuk menganggap rambut berada dalam kategori yang sama dengan payudara karena pria juga memiliki rambut yang bisa menjadi daya tarik bagi wanita.
3. Tidak semua wanita memiliki rambut yang indah. Beberapa wanita memiliki rambut yang tidak menarik. Bagi mereka, menutupi rambut justru membuat mereka lebih cantik. Oleh karena itu, kita tidak bisa menganggap bahwa rambut adalah “hiasan” (زينة).

Rambut sebagai aurat

Banyak Muslim akan membuat argumen tanpa bukti bahwa rambut wanita saja, bukan rambut pria, termasuk “aurat”, dan karena itu harus ditutupi.

Dalam ayat 7:26, kita membaca bahwa Allah menciptakan pakaian bagi manusia (baik laki-laki maupun perempuan) untuk menutupi aurat/kemaluan yang jika diperlihatkan akan menimbulkan rasa malu. Kebanyakan orang akan setuju bahwa rambut wanita 1) bukan alat kelamin, 2) bukan penyebab rasa malu atau bagian pribadi seperti payudara. Terlepas dari ini, Tuhan mengatakan bahwa bagaimanapun kamu memilih untuk menutupi tubuhmu dengan pakaian, yang paling penting adalah kamu berperilaku benar.

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ…

Wahai anak Adam, Kami telah menganugerahkan kepadamu pakaian untuk menyembunyikan aurat/kemaluanmu (Arab: saw-ah) dan sebagai perhiasan (Arab: reesha). Tapi pakaian kesolehan (maksudnya berperilaku baik/benar) – itu yang terbaik. …(7:26)

Perhatikan bahwa menurut kamus Edward Lane, definisi سَوْآتِكُمْ adalah

• aurat (عَوْرَة)
• “pudendam” (alat kelamin)
• “bagian luar dari organ generasi” (bagian reproduksi)
• “anus” (dubur)
• bagian yang, jika diekspos, merupakan penyebab “malu”

Perhatikan pada tangkapan layar (screenshot) di atas saya menyorot kata “au-rat” (عَوْرَة). Ini adalah sinonim untuk “saw-ah” (سَوْءَةٌ).

Anda mungkin bertanya-tanya mengapa Tuhan perlu memberi tahu orang-orang bahwa Dia menciptakan pakaian agar manusia dapat menutupi aurat mereka dan bahwa wanita juga harus menutupi dada mereka. Gunanya pakaian mungkin tampak jelas bagi kebanyakan orang jaman sekarang, tetapi perlu diingat bahwa bahkan hari ini, masih ada suku di banyak tempat di dunia yang orangnya tidak mengenakan pakaian. Misalnya, orang-orang Koma di Nigeria percaya bahwa jika wanita mengenakan pakaian, mereka akan menimbulkan murka para tuhan2 yang dapat menyebabkan kematian atau kemandulan. Kepercayaan ini sama tidak masuk akalnya dengan kepercayaan bahwa rambut wanita, tetapi bukan rambut pria, termasuk di antara bagian-bagian pribadi (aurat) mereka.

Pakaian kesolehan

Ayat 7:26 diatas menyatakan bahwa pakaian kesolehan adalah jenis pakaian yang paling baik. Jadi apakah kesolehan itu? Jawabannya dapat ditemukan dalam Quran ayat 2:177 di bawah ini.

لَّيْسَ الْبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ وَآتَى الْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ ذَوِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَالسَّائِلِينَ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَالْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُوا ۖ وَالصَّابِرِينَ فِي الْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَحِينَ الْبَأْسِ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُونَ

Ketakwaan/kesolehan itu bukanlah memalingkan wajahmu ke arah timur atau ke barat, tetapi ketakwaan/kesolehan [sejati] adalah pada orang yang beriman kepada Allah, Hari Akhir, para malaikat, Kitab, dan para nabi, dan memberikan kekayaannya, meskipun mereka cinta hartanya, untuk kerabat, anak yatim, orang yang membutuhkan, musafir, mereka yang meminta [bantuan], dan untuk membebaskan budak; [dan yang] mendirikan sholat dan memberikan zakat; [mereka yang] memenuhi janji mereka ketika mereka berjanji; dan [orang-orang yang] sabar dalam kemiskinan dan kesulitan dan selama pertempuran. Mereka itulah orang-orang yang benar, dan mereka itulah orang-orang yang bertaqwa/soleh. (2:177)

Perhatikan bahwa kesolehan dari sudut pandang Al-Qur’an sama sekali tidak ada hubungannya dengan jenis pakaian yang dikenakan wanita atau bagaimana mereka memakainya. Jelas, menurut Tuhan persyaratan pakaian tertentu kurang penting dibandingkan keyakinan (keimanan) kepada Tuhan, Malaikat-Nya, Kitab-Nya, Nabi-Nabi-Nya, berbagi kekayaan, berdoa, dll. Itu mungkin karena ayat-ayat yang berkaitan dengan pakaian wanita adalah anjuran bagi wanita untuk mengurangi perhatian yang tidak diinginkan atau gangguan, bukan perintah ketat yang menentukan apakah Anda akan pergi ke Neraka atau tidak.

Penutup kepala untuk identitas Muslim

Sebagian wanita akan berkomentar bahwa mengenakan hijab diperlukan atau didorong untuk mendukung identitas mereka sebagai seorang Muslim. Pertama-tama, tidak ada sesuatu yang namanya pakaian Islami dari sudut pandang Alquran. Apa yang orang sebut pakaian Islami tidak lebih dari pakaian tradisional yang biasa dipakai di negara-negara Islam. Tidak ada ayat dalam Alquran yang mengatakan bahwa wanita Muslim perlu mengidentifikasi diri mereka dengan mengenakan hijab. Disamping itu, mengenakan hijab pasti tidak meningkatkan kemungkinan Anda untuk diizinkan masuk Surga. Perhatikan, misalnya, orang-orang berikut yang disebutkan dalam Al-Qur’an. Identitas mereka sebagai istri atau keturunan nabi mungkin membuat Anda berpikir bahwa mereka pasti orang yang soleh padahal sebenarnya sebaliknya, mereka tidak soleh.

• Sebagian besar keturunan nabi Ibrahim dan nabi Nuh tidak soleh/bertaqwa. (57:26, 37:113, 2:124)
• Istri nabi Nuh dan nabi Lut, meski tinggal bersama mereka, tidak soleh/bertaqwa. (66:10)
• Putra Nabi Nuh itu berperilaku jahat. (11:46)
• Putra-putra Nabi Yakub mencoba membunuh saudara mereka, Yusuf. (11:1-18)

Sekarang, mengingat betapa jahatnya Firaun, Anda mungkin berpikir bahwa istrinya juga jahat. Ternyata, sangat menariknya dan mengherankan bahwa istri Firaun sebenarnya soleh/bertaqwa meskipun suaminya salah satu pelaku kejahatan terburuk sepanjang masa. (66:11)

Demikian pula, identitas seseorang muslimah dengan berhijab tidak ada hubungannya dengan ketakwaan dari sudut pandang Islam. Ini tidak berbeda dengan laki-laki yang berpikir mereka harus memiliki janggut panjang untuk mengidentifikasi diri mereka sebagai Muslim yang agamanya kuat. Jika memiliki janggut panjang sebenarnya membuat laki2 lebih soleh daripada orang yang tidak memiliki janggut, lalu apa yang harus dilakukan pria yang secara alami tidak memiliki janggut? Mendapatkan transplantasi rambut?

Penutup kepala untuk menjadi sederhana / rendah hati

Sebagian wanita Muslim akan berpendapat bahwa mereka memakai hijab untuk menjadi sederhana / rendah hati. Tidak ada perintah Alquran untuk berpakaian sederhana atau berperilaku sederhana / rendah hati. Jika kita melihat bagian pertama dari ayat 24:31, kita menemukan beberapa terjemahan bahasa Inggris di mana penerjemah (Pickthall dan Yusuf Ali) salah menerjemahkan artinya. Mereka mengganti “alat kelamin” dengan “kesederhanaan / rendah hati”. Semua penerjemah lainnya secara benar menggunakan istilah “alat kelamin”.

وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ …

Terjemahan yang benar Dan katakanlah kepada wanita yang beriman agar mereka menundukkan pandangannya dan menjaga alat kelaminnya (Arab: furuujahunna)… (24:31)

Terjemahan Pickthall Dan beri tahu wanita yang beriman untuk menurunkan pandangan mereka dan menjadi sederhana / rendah hati… (24:31)

Terjemahan Yusuf Ali Dan katakanlah kepada wanita yang beriman agar mereka menundukkan pandangan dan menjaga kesederhanaan mereka … (24:31)

Jika Anda ragu tentang arti sebenarnya dari kata Arab فُرُوجَهُنَّ (furuujahunna), maka Anda dapat memverifikasi arti yang benar dalam kamus Edward Lane (tangkapan layar di bawah).

Mengatakan bahwa arti dari فُرُوجَهُنَّ (furuujahunna) adalah “kesederhanaan / rendah hati” adalah tindakan yang tidak adil terhadap Al-Qur’an dan menyebarkan kebingungan di antara umat Islam yang menganggap semua terjemahan Quran sama2 benar dan akurat.

Logikanya, menutupi rambut tidak secara otomatis membuat seseorang sederhana / rendah hati. Sebagai contoh, seseorang dapat mengenakan hijab mewah dengan berbagai hiasan seperti berlian (palsu atau tidak) dan pola emas seperti di foto di bawah ini. Itu tidak terlihat sederhana. Bahkan, itu terlihat kebalikan dari sederhana. Memang, wanita Muslim tidak berpakaian seperti itu setiap hari, tetapi banyak yang melakukannya dengan derajat yang berbeda-beda di acara-acara khusus.

Sekarang, anggaplah seseorang memakai hijab polos daripada yang mewah. Tapi, mereka juga memakai make-up untuk memperindah dan mempercantik wajah mereka. Ini sangat sering terjadi. Jika tujuan mengenakan hijab adalah untuk membuat diri mereka terlihat sederhana / rendah hati, maka mereka telah meniadakan usaha itu dengan menghabiskan banyak waktu memakai make-up, mis. pada contoh foto di bawah ini. Perhatikan bahwa memakai riasan adalah perhiasan (zeenah) yang menurut bagian 1 ayat 24:31, itu dilarang.

Jika seseorang peduli tentang kesederhanaan / rendah hati, mereka harus fokus untuk memiliki perilaku dan sikap yang sederhana / rendah hati, mis. menolak untuk mengambil pujian atas pencapaian besar, daripada salah percaya bahwa menutupi rambut mereka tiba-tiba akan membuat diri mereka sendiri dan semua orang di sekitar mereka berpikir bahwa mereka rendah hati.

Jika seseorang khawatir tentang apakah mereka boleh berpakaian menarik, maka perlu diingat bahwa menurut Quran ayat 7:26 (lihat di atas), Tuhan sebenarnya mendorong manusia untuk berpakaian menarik karena Dia secara harfiah menciptakan pakaian untuk dua tujuan:

1. untuk menutupi alat kelamin
2. sebagai perhiasan/kecantikan (Arab: رِيشًا ree-sha)

Menurut kamus Edward Lane, pengertian رِيشًا adalah pakaian yang menandakan hiasan dan kecantikan.

Jika Tuhan menciptakan pakaian agar manusia terlihat bagus, maka kalau orang dengan sengaja menolak memakai pakaian yang indah, berarti itu sama saja dengan tidak menghargai ciptaan Tuhan. Pertimbangkan Quran bab 55 yang menyebutkan banyak ciptaan Tuhan diikuti dengan pertanyaan yang berikut:

Maka nikmat Tuhanmu yang manakah yang kamu tolak?

Pertanyaan itu diulang sebanyak 31 kali, kemungkinan besar untuk menekankan bahwa kenikmatan yang Tuhan ciptakan untuk manusia harus diapresiasi / dihargai, bukan diingkari / ditolak!

Argumen hadits

Sebagian Muslim akan berpendapat bahwa di antara ribuan hadits ada pepatah yang mengharuskan wanita untuk menutupi rambut mereka. Baca bukti bahwa hadits tidak dapat digunakan sebagai hukum Islam.

Pengaruh Yahudi

Yahudi ortodoks memiliki praktik tertentu seperti sunat laki-laki, metode penyembelihan khusus untuk menghasilkan daging halal (kosher), dan “sheitel”, yang merupakan persyaratan bagi wanita yang sudah menikah untuk menutupi rambut mereka. Muslim memiliki praktik yang sangat mirip meskipun tidak disebutkan atau diwajibkan dalam Al-Qur’an. Tidak mengherankan, kitab suci Yahudi (Taurat) juga tidak mewajibkan wanita untuk menutupi rambut mereka. Sebaliknya, persyaratan Yahudi ini berasal dari sumber sekunder Yahudi (Talmud). Perhatikan bahwa kitab suci Yahudi (Taurat) seperti Kitab suci pengikut Nabi Muhammad (Alquran) sedangkan Talmud Yahudi (pengikut Nabi Musa) seperti hadits pengikut Nabi Muhammad.

Artikel ini merinci tentang praktek Yahudi dan asal-usul menutupi rambut seseorang. (bahasa Inggris)

Berdasarkan kesamaan antara agama orang Yahudi dan Islam dan fakta bahwa agama orang Yahudi datang sebelum Islam, mungkin dan masuk akal untuk percaya bahwa beberapa ahli agama Islam jaman dulu dipengaruhi oleh agama orang Yahudi untuk mengadopsi praktik-praktik Yahudi ini ke dalam Islam.

Kesimpulan

Analisis di atas menyimpulkan secara jelas bahwa wanita diwajibkan untuk menutupi payudara mereka tetapi BUKAN rambut mereka. Hampir semua wanita di dunia memenuhi perintah Quran utk menutupi payudara mereka dengan mengenakan pakaian seperti baju.

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