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[You support the view that the Bible has been altered?]

Greetings,


Joseph I come to you with the greatest gratitude, your work has blessed me tremendously. For the past few weeks I've been struggling with my faith and found myself searching for truth, but your studies, believe it or not, has led me to the Gospels of Jesus Christ. In my perspective, through an abundance of material I've gathered..including yours..I have conclude that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah indeed. Based on your current studies, I'd assume you have no problem with this since you yourself support the view that The Gospels, Torah, and Qu'ran are One.
So I thank you for confirming Jesus Christ through your works. Especially from a Muslim's (Qu'rans) Perspective which says a Whole lot..But I do have a few questions..

1. You support the view that the Bible has been altered? Under "The People of the book" you state..   
"Note - By the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) (Late 6th early 7th century), parts of the Bible had already undergone changes and a creed had developed (The Council of Nicaea congregated in 325AD). The Quran however, is still clearly recognising the text that lay with them". If not..then what kind of changes? And if so..is there evidence to support this view? 

2. Since you support the view that the Gospels is the word of Allah and you believe in Jesus's crucifixion..and you also support the view that Mohammed does not come from a prophetic lineage of any kind...Then why do you believe Mohammed was a prophet? Especially if the Gospel says that Jesus is the LAST/Seal of the prophets? John 6:27  "Do not labor for the food that is perishing, but for the food that is remaining to everlasting life, which the Son of Aḏam(Jesus) shall give you, for the Father, Elohim, has set His seal on Him(Jesus)."
John 3:33 "He who receives His witness(Jesus) has set his seal that Elohim is true."

Anyway, I look forward hearing from you. I thank you again! and may you continue to be blessed with truth!.

[(ii) STAY FIXED IN YOUR HOME?]

Dear Mr. Joseph,

Salaam Alaykum,

While going through your article under WOMEN Aggressive (mis)translation, I am referring to

(ii)  STAY FIXED IN YOUR HOME?

whereas Q R R can be
Qaf-Ra-Ra = To remain quiet, be steadfast, be firm, refresh, be stable, affirm, agree, settle, last. Qarar - stability, a fixed or secure place, depository, place ahead

But I note in the AYAT , it is Q  R R N, which may be very much different than Q R R in Arabic. You seem to have missed (N) after QRR , which may make difference in meaning!!!!

Can you elaborate on this?

Here's what Prophet Jesus is reported to have said in John 16 (12-14) while addressing his audience:

"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." John 16:12-14

Christians suppose that the Greet word parakletos is the Spirit of Truth which refers to the Holy Spirit---sometimes translated as 'comforter'.  But here's what Muhammad Asad says while explaining Ahmed in 61:6:

This prediction is supported by several references in the Gospel of St. John to the Parakletos (usually rendered as "Comforter") who was to come after Jesus. This designation is almost certainly a corruption of Periklytos ("the Much-Praised"), an exact Greek translation of the Aramaic term or name Mawhamana. (It is to be borne in mind that Aramaic was the language used in Palestine at the time .of, and for some centuries after, Jesus, and was thus undoubtedly the language in which the original - now lost - texts of the Gospels were composed.) In view of the phonetic closeness of Periklytos and Parakletos it is easy to understand how the translator - or, more probably, a later scribe - confused these two expressions. It is significant that both the Aramaic Mawhamana and the Greek Periklytos have the same meaning as the two names of the Last Prophet, Muhammad and Ahmad, both of which are derived from the verb hamida ("he praised") and the noun hamd ("praise"). An even more unequivocal prediction of the advent of the Prophet Muhammad - mentioned by name, in its Arabic form - is said to be forthcoming from the so-called Gospel of St. Barnabas, which, though now regarded as apocryphal, was accepted as authentic and was read in the churches until the year 496 of the Christian era, when it was banned as "heretical" by a decree of Pope Gelasius. However, since the original text of that Gospel is not available (having come down to us only in an Italian translation dating from the late sixteenth century), its authenticity cannot be established with certainty.(Quran Ref: 61:6 )

[NEED FOR ABOLISHING ALL DISCRIMINATORY LAWS AGAINST WOMEN:]

Thought you may find this interesting.

Mubashir


NEED FOR ABOLISHING ALL DISCRIMINATORY LAWS AGAINST WOMEN:

Is is no doubt a good news that with the passage of Women Bill, there is going to be women emancipation from the clutches of extremist Mullahs which had imposed all such anti women traditions like Karaokari, marriage with Quran to prevent inheritance and protect the Wadera system and their so-called rich blood, Wani etc. Still much is needed. The NA should also end the infamous and much exploited Hudood laws imposed by the great bluffer on Islam, Zia Ul Haq to please the Mullahs and continue in power till death. Hundreds of women are rotting in jails on unproved charges of Zina etc.

All women organisations, sincere and liberal leaders, media and TVs should take up this big issue to abolish all such discriminatory laws against women. We should also put an end to Talibanisation of our country which actually is not according to our DEEN of peace and progress. But the illiterate Talibans who don't know ABC of Islam are spoiling the image of our great religion by practicing extremism, deviations, terrorism, killing of innocent people through suicide bombings and blowing up girls schools, shopping malls, video shops, barber shops, Mazars and Masajid. They also cut the throats of those who oppose their barabric action in the name of Islam and stone couples to death on Zina charges not allowed in Quran except 100 lashes.

To end all such exploitation of Islam, all Masajid and Madressahs should be nationalised as Islam is a state religion of Pakistan and it is the duty of the State to manage all religious affairs. All religious parties, groups, Tehriks which are exploiting Islam for their selfish ends and their dictatorial rule should be banned. The religious litereature should also be under state control to end various deviations, excesses, extremism, sectarianism, exploitation of Maslak and Fiqah differences; promotion of weak and un authentic Hadiths, sayings, tales and stories not in conformity with Quran to confuse and deviate the Muslims etc. We should all save Islam from exploitation and deviations. Quranic teachings through its translation and explaining the directives of Allah along with authentic Sunnah in conformity with Quran  ( 10 : 15, 64 / 18 : 27 )should be made compulsory in all schools and Madressahs to make our students well equippped with Quranic knowledge to lead a good life of peace and progress and to avoid all sins and evils, Shirk, Bidah, un Islamic customs and practices, exploitations and misguidance by the Taghoots, Pirs, Faqirs, Aamils, vested interests, commerical Mullahs; Satanic influences etc. All sincere Aalims should come forward to promote Quranic knowledge to Ajmi Muslims to follow the right path of Allah. Thanks.

Syed Sadruddin Hussain,
On. Canada.       

[From: Mubashir]

From: Mubashir


Salam

There are people who question the status quo and ask questions! Good !!

Here is an Email that landed in my inbox worth sharing:       


The ritual of Qurabani is mentioned in the Quran for those performing Hajj and Allah has even made it easy for those Hajis who can not afford Qurbani to keep fast for a total of 10 days. Please see Ayaths: 2 : 196 / 22 : 27-37.  The Hajis don't celebrate Eid or perform Eid ul Adha Namaz. In Arabia those not performing Hajj don't indulge in such mass slaughter of animals after Eid Namaz. As for Sunnath Ibrahimi, this is mentioned seperately from Hajj rituals in Ayaths: 37 : 102-108 and this took place before our Deen was completed and before Quran was bestowed on our Prophet.

       Please read the Quran and it is no where directed by Allah to perform such Sunnath Ibrahimi on Eid. We should accept such Sunnahs which are in conformity with the Quran ( 10 : 15, 64 / 18 : 27 / 24 : 54 ) as there are lot of weak and unauthentic Hadiths which have been fed to us by our Moulvis to perpetuate their religious domination like Pope and Bishops over us due to our ignorance of Quran and its directives. Islam is an easy religion to follow and there is no compulsion or force ( 27 : 1-2  /  2 : 256 / 22 : 77-78 ). Allah also directs us to avoid misguidance and excesses in rituals ( 4 : 171 / 5 : 77 ). In Pakistan due to mass slaughter of animals lot of wastage of meat take place. The corrupt take the lead to spend lot of money on purchase and parading the costly animals to impress others and the position of the poor people becomes awkward who borrow money to fulfil this rituals.

      We should all read the translation of Quran to understand Allah's directives along with authentic Hadiths in conformity with the Quran and avoid misguidance, excesses in rituals, deviations, un Islamic customs and practices, Shirk, Bidah, influences of Pirs, Faqirs, Aamils, Babas, Taghoots, Tawaiz, Jadoo, Tuna, etc.
May Allah guide us to the right path of Islam particulalry to those who give more importance to Hadiths, sayings, traditions, tales and stories than Quran. Thanks.

Syed Sadruddin Hussain 



From another forum:


Dear Brothers,

No body is victimizing the followers of the above schools of thought nor any disrespect is alluded to those "great" Imams and interpreters of Qur'anic thoughts and Rasul Allah's Sunnah or Islamic Shariah. I ventured to intrude in this discourse only to bring it within limits of civility and forum of sharing thought on a subject very dear to the hearts and souls of all believing (not practicing) but genuinely interested Muslims. So, lets stay civil and respectful to each viewpoint and accept whenever and whatever tends to appeal to respective grasp of issues that rankle our mind and souls.

My basic premise is that other than the prophets [and Rasul Allah (saw) in particular] - as they were specifically guided and aided by Allah (swt), all human beings are at a level ground and enjoy similar privileges and rights. By implication, I allude to my and as such, your similar right of interpretation and accord it to all other humans, as these schools of thought acclaim as their exquisite prerogative. All Imams (highly exalted, as they were and are) had this right and very wisely exercised it on all issues that cropped up in their times, in the light of their personal interpretation of the Qur'anic injunctions applied as an "assessment tool" on hearsay regarding Sunnah and Shariah. It appealed to the people at large as cogent and was largely followed by all and sundry. On many an issues, it may as well carry the same validity. However, on many others, ordinary Muslims feel very strong revulsion and do not wish to bequeathed them the prophetic status that has come to be accorded to them.

A lot is being wrongly imposed by our Clergy and Ulema and without any meaningful benefit to the people at large, such as:

(1) Institution of 'Tarawi' is being bullishly enforced on an ignorant people without ever achieving the purpose for which it was instituted, i.e., imparting the Qur'anic education to people. Even the educated ones suffer the agony of listening to Arabic Qirat and return home 'Na-murad' despite having commitment to reap the benefit of this worthy Institution! Some think and insist it is 'Swaab' to hear it in Arabic language! May be...!

(2) Every Friday Congregation, you have to visit the Masajid of 'Ajmi' Muslims and hear the 'Khutba' in Arabic, designed by the Clergy of the times of Abbasid, repeated religiously and never does it occur to the concerned Clergy the fallacy and stupidity of such indulgence. The best part is that you and me also sit out piously, listen and return home 'Na-murad', without ever affecting a rational and purposeful change.

(3) Every one of us rushes to the Masjid, hearkening to the call for Salat, "Hiya lus Salah, Hiya Lul Fallah". We all perform Salat as a ritual, without ever participating in any Consultation on Community issues - (Salah) or arriving at any decisions on any Community Welfare issues - (Fallah); suffice to say, we only indulge in worship - rubbing our foreheads on the ground.

(4) 'Imamat' in every Muslim Community including our Community Center - Masjid, should have been an elective assignment - to the best in ability of leadership and morals. Since the 'Malukiyat' took hold of the Ummah, Clergy has taken hold of this potent Podium and banished the Community therefrom. No wonder, Muslims suffer from eternal ferment and discord!!

(5) Masajid are Community Centers, where Muslims (brothers in their Way of Life - ISLAM) practice fraternity, equality and exercise their inviolable rights every day - five times, through Mutual Consultations; the most refined form of democracy West cannot care to match but the people all over the world, would love to!!! A vital pre-condition: banish the Clergy therefrom.

This, in short, is a brief glimpse of the disease of ritualism that has eaten into the vitals of the Ummah; ignorance, poverty and hapless insensitivity has caused it to lapse into a state of dereliction. A 180 million of them are being taken for a ride for over sixty years in this Mumlekat e Khuda Dad - Pakistan, by a mere band of heartless, conscious-less, characterless monsters and crooks consisting of bureaucrats, wederas, conglomerate of religious demagogues and political jugglers.

My dear Murad, more will follow. Can you ever imagine a people inspired and fired by the Panacea of ISLAM, suffering such morbid imbecility? Ponder and let go of some more of your fire-power of genuine concerns and unswerving faith. Please do not defend the indefensible; I have nothing against the 1400 years of lapses and the people responsible for it. Certainly, it wasn't ISLAM.

Fond regards: Sher Suleman

Salaam brother Joseph,

May Allah's guidance be with you. Allow me to introduce myself brother. My family and myself reverted to Islam about 7 years ago. We were Christians earlier. However, we were faced with the same problem of sects and innovations in Islam as well and have had to be very careful not to stumble. I have always kept an open mind and have continued to seek the right path. I have read quite a lot about Islam and have spent time reasoning what the so called scholars have had to say, but with Allah's grace have been able to use my own common sense and stick to the truth as much as possible.

While surfing the net, by chance I stumbled upon your site and I must admit that what you profess is indeed True Islam - to worship Allah alone and be guided by his Quran.

[A sister in faith - Name withheld from forum]

Salamu Aleikum

First, I want just say, that your site  is very good and very interesting. please send me all updates. I opened new a blog "Koran ist  Wahrheit". it's in german and never like yours- mashAllah. I would like to transform articles from you in german, is this possible? I write one allready about how to study the Koran from you  and I wish to share with all the people your science, it,s so wonderful.. I will  not make this for me, I will tell all the people, that in fact ,it,s not me, who write all that – I never will arrive for it , I wish to learn the Arabic right, not like i 'm speaking now.But there is no teacher in front of me, so I don,t have any possibility to study.

[Name withheld from forum]

I'm so grateful to Allah that I came across your site. I actually belong to a shia family and have been involved in all the shia practices (matam, mourning, etc) for so many years of my life. But only recently I came across some 'Quranist' website and all of a sudden I had a paradigm shift. I never thought about the other side of the 'truth' I was holding on to.

I always thought what I believed was right and I took all that for granted. But by the grace of Allah, I have started studying Quran on my own and researching things over the internet and your work has been of tremendous help in clearing many of my doubts and confusions as well as misconceptions. I used to take the Ahadith Corpus as almost equal to the Quran, and never bothered to read the Quran. But I'm so grateful to Allah for showing me the correct path and guiding me through it.

Your work and research is truly amazing. May Allah reward you for your efforts. I'll be looking forward to reading more of your articles.

[A sister in faith - Name withheld from forum]

Peace to you Joe,

I just wanted to suggest an idea that would probably take 1 year to carry out, but that can be an impetus for progress. There are some big scholars out there and institutions who are much more open minded than others. I was thinking of the institution that generated the Amman Declaration for instance.

I think a list should be compiled of them and then they should be contacted with a 1 page letter requesting them that:

1.  The population of the world is becoming ever more competent in their reasoning and analytic abilities.

2.  Since the foundation of Islam is belief on a perfect all-knowing God, any statement that is apparently or clearly in violation of historical, scientific, or moral facts will strike a serious blow in the faith of many Muslim readers.

3. Therefore, we ask these selected individuals and institutions based on their own statements and on their proven track record of initiating a more systematic and scientific analysis of the whole transmission of ahadeeth.

4. And for all weaknesses of this transmission process to be published in clearly and explicitly so that believers of today and of future generations can realize that certain hadeeth that conflict with established facts or with their conscience are probably not traced to the Prophet after all.

5. Thereby allowing them to not lose their faith in the perfect Qur'an if they are conditioned to believe that they must accept these ahadeeth with conflict with their intellects or their morals.   

6. I think a good appendix for evidence can be statements from Jeffrey Lang's book "Losing my faith" where he says that almost all the doubts in the religion of the new generation is from those who have hard time grappling with certain ahadeeth.

7. I think the signatories of this letter need to be people who don't trash the ahadeeth unscholarly like some of the followers of Rashid Khalifa do, But people like Aisha Musa and those other people who are scholarly...perhaps from you as well.

8. I think we need to phrase something that makes clear we are not trying to eliminate ahadeeth altogether but just to produce a scholarly and authoritative and ongoing published initiative that is updated to incorporate study methods that have been established in the last several centuries that both cast doubt on some ahadeeth (a la Schact, etc.) and that support ahadeeth (a la Motski, Azami,etc).

9. To show that using ahadeeth is still important so we can follow the Prophet but that we must not lose sight of the limitations of using ahadeeth transmitted through several generations and through centuries of political and sectarian and theological strife to infer the true set of inspiration and guidance from the Prophet.

10.  I think the goal of educating Muslims to truly place secondary Islamic sources on a truly secondary level is more achievable and legitimate than to effectively eliminate this source altogether.  This may be at odds with your view of ahadeeth as altogether useless and worthless but I think without you changing your personal view which is more radical than views like mine or Motski's, we can still move forward in educating the lay public about the limitations of the ahadeeth.