Introduction The first 60 years of Islam after the death of Muhammad are not only interesting to study but vital for a thorough understanding of Islam’s origin story. How and when did Islam become a fully developed religion? There is a significant controversy over whether it was a perfect and complete faith at the time... Continue Reading →
QURAN: Divine Authorship or Authored by Men?
Introduction As is true of any scripture, the Qur’an is a vital part of understanding Islam both as it is practiced today and as its origins are described. Since most non-Muslims have never read the Qur’an, a brief introduction is in order. The word “Qur’an” means “recitation” in Arabic and is thought to be derived from the Syriac... Continue Reading →
Muhammad: Final Prophet or Apocalyptic Preacher?
Who was Muhammad? Is every word and action attributed to him verifiable, or were some biographical details added in the years following his death? This is a question that must be asked when examining the records of almost any historical figure, and the issue is as complex as it is significant. The life of Muhammad is... Continue Reading →
NASKH: Quranic Verses That Have Been Cancelled or Superseded by Later Verses
Many persons like to compare the Quran as the greatest rival to the Bible, as it is the holy book for some 1.8 billion Muslims the world over. These Muslims believe that it is uncreated and was given to them from the highest heavens and revealed progressively to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel in sections... Continue Reading →
Pre-Islamic Overview: Paganism or Heretical Monotheism?
The traditional accounts describe Arabs before the time of Muhammad as being in a state of confusion, which Muslims refer to as “Jahiliyyah.” This term means that the Arabs were spiritually lost, and their practices were strongly opposed to Allah’s ways – they did not know the truth and were always fighting among themselves.
History and Meaning of Jihad: A Struggle Against Violence or a Violent Struggle?
One of the most controversial issues brought up today in discussions about Islam is the topic of Jihad.
ISLAM AND THE CRUSADES
The Crusades were a series of military campaigns first declared by the Pope in an effort to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims. The Crusaders left jobs and families to take up arms and fight for the cause of Christendom.
Why Should I Consider the Bible as the One Book of Truth?
The Bible is a revelation from our Heavenly Father, about our Heavenly Father, i.e., his will and purposes. (1 Thess. 2:13) If we take the things we learn and apply them in our lives, we will live a life far more beneficial than those who do not. As we grow in knowledge, we will draw... Continue Reading →
Identifying the One Book of Truth
What does the Quran say about “God’s Word”? Surah 2:4 says, “[The righteous] trust what has been revealed to you [Mohammed] and to others before you, and firmly believe in the life to come.” What is meant by “what has been revealed . . . to others before you”?
Is the Quran from God or Man?
The orthodox Islamic position on the Quran is that it is “uncreated” and “it was written from the beginning in golden rays on a gigantic tablet in the highest heavens.” (Morris 1916) The objective of this claim is to place the Quran above all else, even making it equal to God himself.