About this series of lessons
As a student and teacher of the Christian Bible, what we believe to be the very Word of God, I know what my faith teaches. I am now learning what Islam teaches. There is a huge clash.
The Muslim holy book is unknown to a large number of Muslims, and almost all Christians. But nearly one-fourth of our world is now Islamic, so it is probably time that we know what this book teaches.
After some introductory pieces, I will be taking you a chapter and verse at a time through the Koran. Not every verse. Not even every chapter. But you will be well introduced to the content of the Mulsim's Bible by the time our 36 lessons are completed.
You can also go to sermonaudio.com or youtube.com to find audio and video versions of this study.
These are serious days. Knowledge is not everything. But it is something. I trust you will take seriously the implications of this study.
Lesson 1 , The Koran and Islam, Some Facts
The book itself
The word Koran (I will use this anglicized spelling throughout) means "a reading". The sayings that reportedly came to the prophet Muhammad were meant to be read aloud, recited. The book is divided simply into a long series of chapters, known as "suras", 114 to be exact. There are no other "books" within the book. The term sura carries with it the idea of a series. Within the sura is a series of what we would call verses, but which in the Koran are "ayahs". Islam teaches that even the verse arrangement was ordered by Gabriel, the angel who supervised all.
Its popularity and size
As to its worldwide popularity over the years, the Koran is the third best seller of all times. Over 800 million copies have gone out, as compared to 900 million of Chairman Mao's Quotations, and 5-6 billion copies of the Bible. For further comparison, consider the Book of Mormon at 120 million.
It is roughly 4/5 the size of the Christian New Testament. That's like starting at Matthew and ending at Hebrews.
Its style and content
Its style is semi-poetic, forced throughout even in sections that would not normally demand a poetic adaptation. But to the Muslim, especially a devoted one, the Koran is the very essence of style and language.
Those who know the book well have further identified and classified content based on the location of Muhammad when uttered. There is an identifiable "Meccan" period, before A.D. 622, when he was a powerful leader in Arabia. The suras tend to be non-threatening in this period. At the other extreme, Muhammad is the despised preacher of Medina, to which he has run for cover. Under severe threats, he lashes out in suras that show us what Islam can be, and many want it to be, in our age. The heart of Muhammad is exposed. His religion turns out to be very human after all. One cannot help but think of the "gods" of the ancients who behaved incredibly like men.
The Speaker within the text is nearly always God. The Royal "We" is used, and the command for Muhammad to "Say" whatever it is that follows. The angelic Messenger behind the revelations is referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, or Gabriel.
Changes from Bible truths and facts
There are obvious changes in the Bible stories quoted by the writer. Those who do not believe this was God's revelation have proved that Muhammad used Jewish and apocryphal New Testament sources throughout, except where there were simply mistakes, which of course cannot be conceived by a true Muslim.
Islamic thought
The sources of Islamic thought are the Koran (first and foremost), the Hadiths or sayings and actions of Muhammad, and the words and lives of the so-called "Companions", that is, those who knew and shared the life of Muhammad.
In addition, 25 men are listed as prophets of Islam. 21 are from the Bible, and are as follows: Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Lot, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, Ezekiel, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Jesus.
Another important Islamic list is the so-called books of God. Many are listed, five in particular are hailed, but only the Koran exists today, per the Muslim.
The other four books are the Scrolls of Abraham, the Law of Moses (Torah), the Psalms of David, and the Gospel of Jesus. In every case, the titles given do not match the corresponding parts of the Judaeo-Christian Holy Books, but instead refer to a supposed original text that told truth in its pristine form, then was corrupted by.... well, we don't know by whom or how, but definitely corrupted, says Islam in unison, and the resultant corruption is our current Bible. All of this corruption, per Islam, was the reason Muhammad had to come, to set everyone straight about the truth.
I know, that's quite a stretch, but it is Islamic belief.
The Islamic population (per Wikipedia)
In 2009 it was found that there are 1.57 billion Muslims in the world, nearly one fourth of Earth's population. 48 of the 232 countries have a Muslim majority. Most live in Africa and Asia, with 62% in Asia alone. Anywhere from 30 to 60 million Muslims live in Communist China. 2-3 million reside in Europe, and over twice that many in America.
Islam's "denominations" (per Wikipedia)
80% to 90% of Muslims belong to the Sunni branch, which follows the Koran and many "hadiths" or sayings and doings of Muhammad, referred to collectively as "Sunnah." Sunnis are further divided into four schools of thought, all in varying degrees accepting of one another, including the ultra orthodox Salafi, or as opponents call them, the Wahhabi. From this latter group comes much of the literal interpretation of Islam, and calls for violence and holy war. Saudi Arabia is governed by Wahhabi thought. To believe the Koran literally is to be a believer in violence.
10% to 20% of Muslims are of the Shia persuasion, differing mainly in their conception of the succession of caliphs, and the use of certain of the "hadith" literature. Though strife between the two can become quite intense, much of the core belief is the same, as the Koran tends to unify them. Several groups subdivide within the Shia.
The Sufi are a minority group of Muslims whose main thrust is the spirit and the inner man. Some Sufi actually are Sunni or Shia, some refuse either name.
And as in Christianity, there are a host of other small sects and divisions that spin off from all of the above.
Lesson 2, Some Things That Muslims Believe.
What is Sharia Law?
Generally speaking, Muslims call the law of God "Sharia", literally, "the path to the water hole." In a desert culture, this definition tells it all. The way to peace. To refreshment. To restoration. The Muslim way of life. How we order our lives.
The details of this law are many and involved. And, the philosophy behind them varies according to the sect of Islam enforcing them. As in every legal system, everything imaginable is included. I will list only a few items that might be of interest, not in any way attempt a complete understanding of Sharia.
1. A man is entitled to up to four wives, and the wives are entitled to separate housing if possible.
2. Crimes against God, listed by the Koran, must be dealt with severely, but through an involved legal process also, that involves witnesses. Such crimes are adultery, apostasy, blasphemy, sodomy, lesbianism, alcohol/drug use, and - interestingly enough - terrorism and armed violence, theft.
3. Penalties can include the cutting off of the hand of a thief, flogging of adulterers, and death to those who leave Islam, a crime equivalent to treason.
4. A myriad of dietary rules, dress code, rituals, much of it reminiscent of the Jewish code, and indeed much of it very health-oriented and sanitary. But such a heavy weight.
There is so much more that can be said of Islamic law, Islam, the Koran. My intention is only to introduce these subjects. The main thrust of the study I make is the searching out of the sayings of the Koran for Christian believers to see for themselves what is being taught, then to bring Christian truth alongside.
This study is designed for Christians. Muslims already know that their book is radically different, and they glory in it. Believers who are not yet convinced that the Bible is the Word of God will have to make a decision between Biblical truths and Koranic truths. True Christian believers must make all decisions before entry into the Koran. Is the Bible God's Word or not, believer in Jesus?
No attempt is being made to spread hatred of people, for the world has seen enough of this. Nevertheless, Christians, called to love Muslims, are also called to hate what God hates, namely, lies about His Word, His Son, and His plan to save all who will hear and believe the Gospel. Vengeance and judgment, and it will be plentiful and bloody, belongs to the Lord upon His return, and it will be vented on all the non-repentant of the world. For now we preach Christ, we expose lies, we call to repentance, we plead with the hearts of all men, we desire with God that all should be saved, and we shed real tears from Heaven as witness to our love.
As we make our way through the Koran, we will discover some things that are very painful to our belief system. It is important that we know the truth as it is stated by the Holy Spirit through the apostles and prophets of the Bible, before making such a trip. Be looking for the Biblical and Koranic chapter and verse for these items, so as to be able to hold a better conversation with a Muslim, if needed. Are you ready? here is a preview of coming attractions, for the sura by sura study which follows.
About God.
His name to the Muslim is Allah. The basic Arabic means only "God." In the Muslim sense, it is the only God, the exalted God, and so forth. We will see, when we are in the Koran, that this God is not our God, for He has no Son. There are other reasons...
However, the title "Allah" is used by many Christians of the East, and can be considered a relative to the "Elohim" of the Bible. The fact that all mean "God" when they use the term does not prove that the person to whom they pray is the same entity. Even in English, "god" can mean anyone we choose it to mean, false or otherwise.
There was an "Allah" in Arabia before Muhammad and his new religion. It was the moon god, and Muhammad's father was a devotee of this god. It seems that Muhammad chose to lift this one god out of obscurity and make of it the only god. Hence, as some claim, "monotheistic heathenism." But that is not to say that Muslims today worship the god of the moon knowingly. They worship the god created by the Koran, which they have been told is the God of the Bible, brought into sharp and accurate focus by Muhammad.
The God of Islam is gender neutral. To ascribe "natural gender" to Deity is considered blasphemous to a Muslim. The masculine pronoun is used only for linguistic reasons, they say.
As for Jesus,
we will discover that He is a revered prophet, and nothing more. That He was not the one who died on that cross. That He is never to be worshiped, on pain of idolatry and the consequences thereof. Oh, this is a dark road we must travel. But we travel it to find the proof we seek, and to put the darkness next to light. Light will always win.
There are spirit-like beings in Islamic thought, called jinns.
They seem like demons from a Christian perspective. But Muslims deny the true definition of demons, that is, fallen angels. Angels cannot fall. They are all Muslims. And they are all good. Gabriel, Michael, and all the rest.
Jinns are the cause of many supernatural phenomena. They haunt houses. They possess people. They give predictions to psychics.
Entry into Islam
is quite simple. Applicants merely need to confess a two-line testimony of faith in the presence of two witnesses. At that moment, sins are erased and the newly rescued believer is re-born.
Subsequently, forgiveness can come in four steps:
1. Sorrow.
2. The simple request of Allah for forgiveness.
3. Restitution as needed. And
4. the resolution never to sin again.
On judgment day, entrance into heaven or hell is based on the Muslim's faith, his works, the motivations of his heart. It is Allah's decision, and one can't know what that decision is until his time here is up. Salvation, then, to a Muslim, is simply accepting and obeying Allah in all morals, all rituals, and regular repentance. And we have all heard this story quite often...
I could not help but think how many of the world's religions, and how many mis-informed Christian believers, have a similar regimen, a hope based only on their performance.
The Islamic method and spirit.
We do not have to speak of radicals or extremists to identify within Islam a spirit of violence and control and anger that can erupt all too easily. Jesus said to disciples in his day, "You know not what spirit you are of." He was referring to two brothers who wanted to call down fire in His Name on a town that would not accept Him. Jesus said, that's not how we do things now. Things have changed. I came to forgive, to heal, to build a spiritual kingdom that is not based on violence at all. Not until I come again.
He demonstrated His methods in the Garden, at His trial, on the cross. And God showed what he had in mind at the resurrection.
The Muslim religion does not approach life this way. Let us leave it there for now. It will show up as we read the Koran together. We shall be horrified, but at least well educated.
We must fairly add that Romanism has been a violent religion in its days of power too. Even Protestant groups have played that awful game. It simply is not Christ. Not now. Vengeance will follow. But not now. When we confront these atrocities in the suras, we will shed the light of Jesus on it.
There are many more strange things ahead of us.
Are you ready yet to confront the truth of Islam? Are you ready to stop listening to the news media for your information? Will you cease hearing the watered-down version of Islam that is proclaimed by Western Muslims? Have you any idea what their book says about you, about life, about God's plan for your life? Soon you will. Stay tuned.
Lesson 3, Is the Koran in the Bible?
What does the Bible say about Islam? Of course the specific mention of Muhammad is not there, nor is the idea of a Koran. But much is said of false prophecy, and it is of a very serious nature. With limited comments in [ brackets] , let me just share with you a series of statements that we believe are from God. They speak of God's attitude toward all that is false. They are warnings that need to be heeded.
Psalm 2. 6-12
[The Son of God will rule one day from Zion (Jerusalem). Accept Him today!]
I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree. The Lord has said to me, You are My Son. Today I have begotten You. Ask of me and I will give You the nations for your inheritance...You shall break them with a rod of iron...Kiss the Son lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little...
Mark 16:16
[Jesus' closing words before He left for Heaven]
...He who does not believe [the Gospel] shall be damned.
John 10:26-30
[The call to salvation is from within. Do you hear Jesus, Who is God, calling you?]
But you do not believe, because you are not My sheep... My sheep hear my voice... and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one.
John 14:6
[There is no way but Jesus]
Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, but by Me.
Acts 4:12
[No other name but Jesus, for our salvation]
...there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
I Corinthians 15:45-47
[Jesus is the last man of importance who will come to the earth. The resurrected Lord]
The first man Adam became a living being. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit... The first man was of the earth. The second Man is the Lord from heaven. [No third man is mentioned.]
Galatians 1:8-9
[ Jesus is the only Good News, and Paul preached it]
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed...
I Timothy 4:1-2
[The coming of apostasy, and what that looks like]
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron...
II Timothy 3:1-5, 13-14
[ Beware of what looks like godliness, but lacks its power]
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come, for men will...[have] a form of godliness but [deny] its power. And from such people turn away!... all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution, but evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Hebrews 1:1-2 [The final revelation is Jesus]
God... spoke to the [Jewish] Fathers by the prophets, [but] has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through Whom also He made the worlds.
Hebrews 10:26
[There is no other sacrifice for sin but Jesus]
If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment. Anyone who rejected Moses' law died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment do you suppose will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
I John 2:22-23
[Definition of the spirit of antichrist]
He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
I John 5:12
[Unity with the Son is our life, now and eternally ]
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Revelation 1:11, 17, 2:8, 22:13
[Jesus is not only the first, but also the last. No revelation follows Jesus!]
I [one like the Son of Man] am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last...These things says the First and the Last, who was dead and came to life [Jesus!]
All of the above can be believed only if you are confident that the Old and New Testaments are actually the very Word and words of God through men. It is that foundation which Islam seeks to destroy. But His sheep know better.
"Today, if you can hear His Voice, harden not your hearts," says the Spirit to all who can hear.
