“Or do you say, “Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob, and the Tribes — they were Jews, or they were Christians”?’ Say: ‘Have you then greater knowledge, or Allah? And who does greater evil than he who conceals a testimony received from Allah? And Allah is not heedless of the things you do.” (Qur’an 2:140)
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“Then set your face towards the way of life (lilddini) inclining towards truth (hanifan). The nature (fit’rata) made by Allah in which He has made men; there is no altering of Allah’s creation; that is the right way of life (l-dinu), but most people do not know.” (Qur’an 30:30)
“They say, “Be Jews or Christians [so] you will be guided.” Say, “Rather, the creed (millata) of Abraham, inclining toward truth(hanifan), and he was not of the polytheists.” (Qur’an 2:135)
“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth (hanifan), a Muslim(mus’liman) . And he was not of the polytheists.” (Qur’an 3:67)
“Indeed, the way of life (l-dina) in the sight of Allah is Islam(l-is-lamu). And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them – out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah , then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.” (Qur’an 3:19)
“And whoever desires other than Islam (l-is’lami) as a way of life (dinan) – never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” (Qur’an 3:85)
In this article we will see that the Islam is the religion that was before Christianity or Judaism. That it is the deen al hanifan (the way of life that is upright).
Let us start by looking at words and terminologies first.
The word Islam means: Surrender, Submission, Safety, Tranquility, Peace.
The word Muslim means: One who gains Safety, Peace and Tranquility through Surrender and Submission of one’s own will to the will of Allah.
Christian– a generic definition is one who professes the teachings of Christ and/or one who is a member of a Christian church. However, a better definition of Christian in the English language is one who after being being christened (rather through sprinkling of water or full water immersion) than seeks to become Christ-like in their walk with God.
In Greek it would be Χριστιανός (Christianós) and this comes from the same etymological root at Χριστός or Christos meaning anointed.
In the Bible Jesus never called himself a Christian and neither did any of his disciples call themselves as Christians in the Bible. Not once
It is a simple matter of picking up any Bible and seeing for yourself if this is the case. Rather the first appearance of the word is in the Book of Acts.
“And when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (Acts 11:26)
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:28-29)
“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:16)
So the first point is that the word “Christian” cannot be substantiated by the lips of Jesus (as) from the New Testament text at all. Agrippa simply stated that Paul wished him to join his movement that bears the name ‘Christian’. Also, Peter seems to encourage his audience to not be ashamed of this appellation “Christian” that is being given to them.
What we do find is references to the way, or in Arabic sabeel (the way, the path).
Followers of Jesus (as) were associated with terminology often referred to as ‘THE WAY’.
“And [Paul] asked for letters from him [the high priest] to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:2)
“But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, [Paul] withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.” (Acts 19:9)
“About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way.” (Acts 19:23)
“I [Paul] persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons.” (Acts 22:4)
“But this I [Paul] admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.” (Acts 24:14)
“But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, ‘When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.’” (Acts 24:22)
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness:/Prepare the way for the Lord. Make Straight the paths of our God. (Isaiah 40:3)
In the Qur’an we have:
“Surely those who have believed, emigrated, and struggled in the Way of Allah—they can hope for Allah’s mercy. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an 2:218)
“And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah , “They are dead.” Rather, they are alive, but you perceive [it] not.” (Qur’an 2:154)
“Alms are only for the poor and the needy, and the officials (appointed) over them, and those whose hearts are made to incline (to truth) and the (ransoming of) captives and those in debts and in the way of Allah and the wayfarer; an ordinance from Allah; and Allah is knowing, Wise.” (Qur’an 9:60)
Does the Qur’an call the followers of Jesus Al-Nasara?
Let us look at the word ‘Al Nasara’ which is often translated as “Christians” in English translations of the Qur’an. One of the things that is most interesting is that the Qur’an never once connects the term (l-nasara) to those who are followers of Jesus(as). That was even surprising and eye opening for me while writing this entry.
The Jews say “Christians (l-nasara) have nothing [true] to stand on,” and the Christians (l-nasara) say, “The Jews have nothing to stand on,” although they [both] recite the book. Thus the polytheists speak the same as their words. But Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ.” (Qur’an 2:113)
The Qur’an is not saying anything about who these Nasara are here other than they are group who see themselves distinct from the group that are called “Jews”.
The other point is that both of these groups are referencing literature that they is common and authoritative to both groups. The Qur’an is not saying that this literature is authoritative or correct but merely that these two groups are referencing the same sources and coming away with radically different takes that put them at odds with one another.
“And with those who say, We are Christians (nasara), We made a covenant, but they neglected a portion of what they were reminded of, therefore We excited among them enmity and hatred to the day of resurrection; and Allah will inform them of what they did.” (Qur’an 5:14)
The above verse acknowledges that there are whole factions under the umbrella terminology ‘nasara’ that clash with one another. Therefore it is foolhardy to think that the term ‘Nasara’ is a blanket term to refer to all those who call themselves Christians. It can refer to those who were faithful before the breaking of the covenant as well as those who came after.
This verse is also a strong rejection of the belief held by many Muslims that Jesus (as) comes back and unites the Christians under the banner of Islam. Allah (swt) says differently that they would continue to be in opposition to one another until the day of judgement itself.
For example in the above verse (Qur’an 2:113) it references a group of this ‘Nasara’ that share an authoritative source similar to that of Jews. Where as in the following verse Qur’an 9:30 it could very well refer to Marcion Christians who would not accept a common authoritative religious source with Jews.
“The Jews say, “Ezra is the son of Allah “; and the Christians (l-nasara) say, “The Messiah is the son of Allah.” That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved [before them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?” (Qur’an 9:30)
One of the beliefs of at least one faction under the appellation (l-nasara) is they believe that the Messiah is the son of Allah.
“But the Jews and the Christians (wal-nasara) say, “We are the children of Allah and His beloved.” Say, “Then why does He punish you for your sins?” Rather, you are human beings from among those He has created. He forgives whom He wills, and He punishes whom He wills. And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, and to Him is the [final] destination.” (Qur’an 5:18)
Allah (swt) acknowledges that both the Jews and the Nasara make claims of being the children of Allah. The appellation of ‘children of Allah’ imply some time of special or favoured status with Allah (swt) which meets swift rebuke.
“Strongest among men in enmity to the believers will you find the Jews and All Polytheist; and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say, “We are Christians (nasara)“: because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.” (Qur’an 5:82)
This verse says that in general the Jews and All Polytheist will have the strongest hate towards the Muslims. The verse also acknowledges that at least some under the blanket umbrella term ‘nasara’ would we find those who are near to the Muslims in love.
Now recall our definition of Islam & Muslim
The word Islam means: Surrender, Submission, Safety, Tranquility, Peace.
The word Muslim means: One who gains Safety, Peace and Tranquility through Surrender and Submission of one’s own will to the will of Allah.
Is there anything in the sources that Christians today hold sacred that would indicate that Jesus (as) was someone who submitted his will to Allah?
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” (Romans 8:7)
Also do note that the concept of gaining wholeness, safety through reliance on submission and surrender to Allah is not a concept unfamiliar with the Bible according to Christians themselves!
The word Muslim/Islam equivalent in the Bible itself.
Source: https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7999.htm
“Submit to God, and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Listen to his instructions, and store them in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored— so clean up your life. If you give up your lust for money and throw your precious gold into the river, the Almighty himself will be your treasure. He will be your precious silver.” (Job 22:21-25)
Now what about the word Jew or Judaism?
Unlike the word Christian which as we saw was used thrice in the New Testament and never once by the lips of Jesus (as), the word Judaism is no where to be found in the TNCH. TNCH is what Jews would call, the Law, the Writings and the Prophets. *Note* To be fair and representatives of differences in the world of Judaism I want to mention that Karaite Judaism does not recognize as sacred script the Writings and the Prophets nor the oral torah.
However, the word Jew can be found in both the New Testament as well as the TNCH.
The following will be taken from:
Source: (https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/who-is-a-jew#origins)
“The word “Jew” (in Hebrew, “Yehudi”) is derived from the name Judah, which was the name of one of Jacob’s twelve sons. Judah was the ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel, which was named after him. Likewise, the word Judaism literally means ‘Judah-ism.” that is, the religion of Yehudim.”
Originally, the term Yehudi referred specifically to members of the tribe of Judah, as distinguished from the other tribes of Israel. However, after the death of King Solomon the nation of Israel was split into two kingdoms: the kingdom of Judah and the kingdom of Israel (I Kings 12; II Chronicles 10). After that time, the word Yehudi could properly be used to describe anyone from the kingdom of Judah, which included the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi, as well as scattered settlements from other tribes. The most obvious biblical example of this usage is in Esther 2:5, where Mordecai is referred to as both Yehudi and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
In approximately 722 B.C.E., the kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria and the ten tribes were exiled from the land (II Kings 17), which left only the tribes in Judah’s kingdom to carry on Abraham’s heritage. The people of Judah’s kingdom called themselves and were known to other nations as Yehudim (Jews), a name still used today.
In common speech, the word “Jew” is used to refer to all of the physical and spiritual descendants of Jacob/Israel, as well as to the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac and their wives, and the word “Judaism: is to refer to their beliefs. Technically, this usage is inaccurate, just as it is technically inaccurate to use the word “Indian’ to refer to the original inhabitants of the Americas. However, this technically inaccurate usage is common both within the Jewish community and outside of it, and is therefore used throughout this site.
Prima-Qur’an comments:
The first point is that the word Judaism as religion mandated by Allah is not found in the TNCH/Christian Old Testament. Judah-ism is a named after a particular tribe and what they believed and practiced. The key sacred text of Judaism is the Torah which was given to Moses on Mt. Sinai.
As mentioned above the name “Jew” was derived from Judah which is one of Jacob’s 12 sons. So that is only 1/12 of the children of Israel. As mentioned the name “Jew” became interchangeable for all the other 12 tribes.
So basically “Jew” can be used for anyone of the descendants of Jacob rather they are actually from the Jewish tribe or not. For example in Ethiopia there are a group of the children of Israel who claim to come from the tribe of Dan.
The article above also mentions that the Jews had fought Israel. That sounds strange given today’s context; however, it also shows you that from their own sources to be against Israel is not Anti-Semitic. Are we going to call Judah and Benjamin anti-Semites because they were against Israel (the 10 northern tribes)?
We also learn that Abraham and Isaac are are called Jews but as the article says: “Technically, this usage is inaccurate.”
Abraham and Isaac could not be Jews as the technically correct term refers only to those who are descendants from the tribe of Judah. Abraham and Isaac (peace be upon them both) came way before those tribes. Also, Abraham and Isaac could not follow a religion called Judaism.
This is Allah (swt), The Creator, the Holy One who was with Abraham before Judaism or Christianity gives a very powerful rhetorical question for the Jews and Christians and truth seekers to reflect upon.
“O People of the Book! Why do you argue about Abraham, while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until long after him? Do you not use reason?” (Qur’an 3:65)
In other words lets think about this with reason and logic. It is obvious that Abraham was not a Christian as he was not a follower of Christ. He was not bound by the teachings of the Gospel. Christ came long after Abraham. Abraham could not be a Christian.
Abraham was not a Jew or a follower of Judaism because the term Jew comes from the tribe of Judah (which was long after Abraham) and Judaism has at it’s foundational source of guidance the Torah. He was not bound by the teachings of the Torah. Moses came long after Abraham.
“Or do you say, “Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob, and the Tribes — they were Jews, or they were Christians”?’ Say: ‘Have you then greater knowledge, or Allah? And who does greater evil than he who conceals a testimony received from Allah? And Allah is not heedless of the things you do.” (Qur’an 2:140)
Now recall our definition of Islam & Muslim
The word Islam means: Surrender, Submission, Safety, Tranquility, Peace.
The word Muslim means: One who gains Safety, Peace and Tranquility through Surrender and Submission of one’s own will to the will of Allah.
Is there anything in the sources that Jews today hold sacred that would indicate that Abraham (as) was someone who submitted his will to Allah?
Yes! He was willing to sacrifice his son which Allah (swt) did not allow. It was a test of his willingness to surrender and submit his will to the will of Allah.
The message of Allah (swt) in the Qur’an is that the way of life before Allah (swt) is one. It is Islam.
Allah (swt) is not the tribal deity of Israel. This is full on refuted by the Creator himself where He says, “All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds.” (Qur’an 1:2)
Allah (swt) never sanctioned or gave humanity a religion called Judaism. Than suddenly some centuries latter give humanity another religion called Christianity. Allah (swt) has given us one way of life for all humanity from the get go. The way of life (din) of Islam.
“Indeed, the religion (l-dina) in the sight of Allah is Islam(l-is-lamu). And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them – out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah , then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.” (Qur’an 3:19)
Before there was a Christ or Moses there was Allah. There was God Almighty having a relationship with humanity. Before there was a Gospel or a Torah there was guidance.
Christian-named after a person (Christ)
Judaism-named after a tribe. (Judah)
Islam is not named after a person, place or thing.
A Muslim is both a noun (a descriptor) and a verb (connotates a way of being).
Islam is universal right of all of humanity. We are not called Muhammedans. We are not called Qureshi’s. We are Muslims! Al hamdulillah!
“And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion (l-dini) any difficulty. The creed (millata) of your father, Abraham. Allah named you “Muslims”(l-mus’limina) before and in this 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 Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.” (Qur’an 22:78)
May Allah (swt) open the hearts and may Allah (swt) guide us all to what is beloved to Him!
Prima Quran 