Lesson 32, Talking Ants, Messenger Birds, and Frail Spiders.
Today, suras 25-29
Sura 25 is about "the discriminator," a special gift given to Muhammad, to rightly discern what is true and what is not. Unfortunately his first act of discrimination in this chapter is to deny that the God of Heaven ever took a son, an oft repeated theme of the Koran.
As stated much earlier, Muhammad's detractors are given a lot of space within the book, giving rise to many of our own objections. This time the Koran is called by enemies "but a fraud of his own devising and other people assisted him...and legend of the ancients," given by a mere mortal, perhaps bewitched at that.
It was a bit startling to me to see a call for holy war in this Meccan sura, verse 52: "So do not obey the infidels, and perform jihad against them..."
Following is a simple statement by Muhammad that Allah has "mixed the two seas", that is, fresh water and salt water. As Dakdok points out, there is no great scientific revelation here, though Muslim scholars want to say there is. The circulation of fresh and salt water currents had been known since at least the first century.
Chapter 26 is called "the poets". They are mentioned only once, and that in a derogatory way, as one of the many groups Allah is going to judge eternally.
The Bible story of this chapter: another visit to Moses' time. Moses was placed in the Nile River at his birth, discovered by the Princess of Egypt, and raised in the Pharaoh's home. That Pharaoh was still living when Moses made his move against the Egyptians, when he saw one of his own being abused. He fled to Midian, was told by God that all who sought his life were dead, and he was sent back to meet the new Pharaoh.
But Muhammad again has not heard all the details of the story, and tries to make the two Pharaohs into one: "Did we not see you as a child among us, and you stayed among us many years of your life?" says Pharaoh to an 80-year-old Moses.
There is also some confusion about what land God had in mind for the Israelites. Allah is quoted here as saying that "We bequeathed [Egypt] to the children of Israel." That's a convenient statement for those who want to muddy Israel's claim to old Canaan.
Next to sura 27, "the ants." Right away we continue with another Moses story. Moses announces to his family one day that he has seen a fire. He promises to keep them posted on what's going on out there, and maybe even bring them back some of the blazing branches with which they can keep warm.
Of course, it is God he has encountered. "O Moses, surely I am Allah, the dear, the wise," titles we have come to associate with the Koranic recitations. He instructs Moses to throw down his rod, and the rod starts to shake before he can even let go. He then instructs him to place his hand into his pocket, and when it comes out it is white, that is , pure from evil. Leprosy is not mentioned. This latter sign is to be one of the nine plagues that will come to Egypt. I said "nine."
Then follows the tale of Solomon and Sheba. I say "tale" because it is far from the Biblical truth, and because it makes me begin to wonder if Muhammad truly believed the Bible stories, or the stories he was telling. Did he think that Bible history was just legend that he could play with in this way? That there was a truth behind the facts that was more important than the facts? I am making him sound like a Protestant liberal scholar, but it is hard for me to comprehend how he could have come up with these stories in any other way.
Translator Dakdok offers that at least a part of this tale is from the mythical The Second Tergemon of the Book of Esther.
Anyway, passing over the section about some talking ants, we move to the inspection of a very special bird of Solomon's day. He is identified here as a "hoopoe", but in the myth as a rooster. The hoopoe is missing one day because he has been traveling around, and has discovered an infidel kingdom ruled over by a woman, Sheba. They are sun-worshipers.
Solomon tells the hoopoe to deliver a book to her. He is to throw it down, and see what happens. Sheba receives the present. She reciprocates with a cash gift, which Solomon rejects, threatening to remove her from power. A demon of the jinn variety volunteers to bring the actual throne of Sheba to Solomon's palace. Sheba is escorted there too and after some difficult exchanges, she surrenders "with Solomon to Allah, the lord of the worlds."
In the Bible, Sheba's wonder is from deep within herself. Neither Solomon nor the God of Solomon threaten her. She leaves Jerusalem with happy thoughts about this Kingdom. We know no more. But may this be an object lesson for us and the Muslims in evangelism. Threats and counter-threats are not necessary. Show people the Kingdom. Let them take it from there.
The next verses (82ff) sound a lot like our book of Revelation. A beast rises out of the earth. The unbelievers are judged. A trumpet is blown. Mountains pass away. But here, all are commanded to be Muslims...
Sura 28, "the narrative." It is difficult to distinguish any particular "narrative" in this chapter as the one giving its name. There are several.
More Bible studies bring more questions. In verse 9 it is Pharaoh's wife, and not his daughter, who is attached to baby Moses so endearingly. Grown Moses, now on his way to Midian, is offered one of Jethro's two daughters. Trouble is, Jethro had seven daughters. Then Moses is offered that daughter in exchange for eight years of work. Sounds like Muhammad has confused Moses and Jacob this time.
Then Pharaoh again. Remember how he dies a Muslim as he is drowning in an earlier sura? No chance here. He mocks Allah, so "we seized him and his troops, so we cast them into the sea. So see how was the end of the unjust." No repentance here, not even between the lines.
That brings up sura 29, "The Spider." The spider of the Bible is a hearty creature, that winds up in "king's palaces." It survives there because of its skill and the strength of its house, strong enough in some species to hold a hummingbird long enough for the spider to kill and eat (I quote again Usama Dakdok.)
The Koran's spider is a bit less macho. "And surely the most frail of all the houses is the house of a spider," says Muhammad, comparing that frailty to the infidel who takes up residence outside Allah's house.
Verse 46 is key. It has been abrogated, say all the scholars, yet don't we hear it a lot in the West! "Do not dispute with the people of the book...except to those who have done injustices." Instead, just tell everyone that what has been sent to them and what has been sent to the Muslim is equally valid. Plus, "Our god and your god is one, and we are Muslims to him." This is clearly the ecumenical Western approach, used to get Islamic feet in the door. That it is working is without question.
An honest Muslim will tell you that this philosophy, breathed forth in Mecca, was clearly replaced by the jihad of Medina and our own day. The war is on. Only the sleeping will ignore it.
Muhammad offers the Koran itself as proof of the Koran in verse 51: "Is it not sufficient for them that we have sent down the book on you to be recited to them?"
No, not sufficient. Think of it. A man appears before me and tells me that the holy books I have believed in heretofore are now updated by him. Just listen, and take notes, he says. Everything has changed. And my proof is, Here I am in front of you!
Nevertheless, it must have been an awesome experience to have this "charismatic" man standing before you and your friends, telling you that the revelation you are about to hear is revealed by no less than Gabriel, and following up with the most fearsome of warnings, like the one that follows in verses 54ff:
"[The torment] will come on them suddenly while they did not feel. They hasten you with the torment, and surely hell will surround the infidels...". A full page of the Koran continues this horrific statement.
What would you have done? Your church is getting cold by the seventh century. Lots of doctrinal squabbles, little life. Political infighting as the Papacy is getting more strongly entrenched. People who are not born again flood into the church during the great persecutions by the suddenly Christian Empire. And here comes Muhammad, with something different from one calling himself "the merciful."
Why, it takes a lot less than that for credulous people in our own day to believe someone has a new "word from God." Beware, brothers and sisters. Hold on to God's Word!
Lesson 33, Prophecies, Wars, and Wives
Today, suras 30-37
30, "the Byzantines." Prophets need prophecies and fulfillments. Chapter 30 is hailed as such. The Romans, now known as Byzantines in their eastern empire, have just been defeated by the Persians. This took place in around 614-615. Muhammad here "predicts" that within a "few years" all will be reversed. In fact, the counter-offensive began seven or eight years later, and was not completed for three more years. Thus the "few years" stretches to at least 10 or 11. Geisler, in Answering Islam points out that there are other textual problems with the Arabic wording of the prophecy that all but negate the force intended. Though this is by far the closest possible thing to predictive prophecy that Muhammad intended, we must agree with his own earlier assumption that Allah worked no miracles through him.
Of note in sura 30 is the oft-repeated notion of "what your right hand possessed", a reference to the common practice of the ownership of slaves. Surely in the New Testament writings one cannot rule out the possibility of believers acquiring such help. Let's be honest. But the refreshing difference in the writings from Jesus is that apostles actually directed portions of their letters to slaves. A runaway slave is actually the topic of one entire, though short, epistle of Paul. In it, he elevates Onesimus to the level of brother in Christ, and expects his brother/master Philemon to treat him as such.
I know of no words directed to slaves in the Koran, though much is said to slave-owners about their property, and the comments are not uplifting, to say the least.
Verse 45 reminds us that Allah does not love the infidel.
31, "Lokman". Lokman is the subject of a story that seems to be originated by Muhammad. It sounds a little like David instructing Solomon in the book of Proverbs. A long series of fatherly admonitions regarding Allah and Islam are addressed to "my son."
The son is given several of the names of Allah, names which occur throughout the Koran which I have failed to mention. As names of the Catholic popes of medieval times, or as the titles given to Communist dictators down through the years, they bear no resemblance to the person, and are repeated so very often, so as to be very easy to overlook. "He is the dear, the wise," "Allah is hearing, seeing." "Allah is knowing, aware," etc.
32. "The Worship." Here Allah is seen creating humans from clay but making his "seed" from "worthless water". Stranger still we read of a trip from heaven to earth that takes 1,000 earth years, but is equivalent to one heaven-day. But in 70:4 that same day trip taken by angels and the spirit takes 50,000 years. Fascinating?
33. "The parties." Without even looking at the chart provided in my Koran, I knew I was suddenly back to Medina when I started reading. You'll see why.
First we read of the banning of adoption for Muslims. "He did not make your adopted sons your sons." Send them back to their own fathers, says the Koran. If you don't know who the fathers are, you can be their brothers and friends, but no more.
As with so much of the Koran, if we could see behind the scenes, we would know exactly why a particular sura came at a particular time. In this case, per Dakdok, Muhammad had been captivated by desire for a woman who had once been married to Muhammad's adopted son. Allah takes the "credit" for the whole affair by saying, "we married her to you, so that it would not be a shame on the believers to marry the wives of their sons."
To further remove from shame, it seems, the adopted son is no longer his son, per this sura.
In verses 13ff, men complain that if they go to war with Muhammad, their houses will be left defenseless. The prophet tells them that "fleeing will not profit you." You'll still have no enjoyment even if you stay behind.
The history of these wars is tragic. Muhammad was in Medina as a fugitive, but slowly gained power there. One way he climbed up the ladder was by assembling raiding parties to attack caravans coming out of Mecca. Retaliation. As his military might swelled, so did his numbers. People are attracted to success. And intimidated by it.
In verse 21, "Apostle" Muhammad is called a noble example for the people. This in spite of the calls for revenge, the raids, the growing number of dead Arabians, his family life, his 15 wives. But then, we argue not with Allah. Our suspicion, though, is that it is Muhammad that has so designated himself.
In verse 26, in more not-so-endearing words, he tells of how he has terrorized Christians and Jews, killing some, imprisoning others, confiscating the property of still others.
Think quickly of the life of Jesus Christ, and how it compares to Muhammad's life. The thief comes to kill, to steal, to destroy. Jesus came to give abundant life. The contrast is blinding.
Verse 28. Next we learn that if your wife is worldly, you are to send her packing. On the contrary, if they are to stay with you, they are to be people of the house!
Even Proverbs 31, long before Jesus, described a very active woman totally involved in her husband's life yet totally able to prosper in the marketplace. And I don't need to tell you that worldliness, though indeed condemned for us too, is no cause for divorce.
Speaking of women, Muhammad was given in verse 50 of this chapter a special dispensation regarding the fairer gender. According to the Usama Dakdok translation, any believing (Muslim) woman was free to offer herself to the prophet, and not just for long term commitments we know of as marriage. Muhammad is told that he may withhold himself or give himself to any of his women at will, and that "there is no sin on you."
Records available seem to point to the fact that he had about 15 wives, although the cap is finally put on the total here in verse 52. No more wives are allowed, no exchanges are to be made, except of course for slaves etc.
Forgotten again in all this talk of Muhammad's privileges is the sorry plight of the women so used. Records indicate that some of those women eventually rebelled against this setup. But the Koran is specific that none of them were permitted to be re-married after his death (53). The privilege of being with the prophet came with a high price.
More privileges are accorded the prophet in 53ff. People who come to eat with him are to come at serving time and leave immediately following. No "familiar conversation" is to be had during this time, as this would "harm the prophet."
Finally in this very disturbing sura, hypocrites and agitators are to be caught and killed. The word "slaughtering" then follows.
34. "Sheba". We re-visit the queen of Sheba and Solomon in some unusual lines, perhaps the strangest of which concern the death of the great king. He leans on his staff one day, and dies. But does not fall. A worm slowly eats away at the wood until he topples it, king and all. The text then disintegrates into a condemning word against Sheba and the infidels.
35. "The Creator." I find nothing new in this sura, but I do see a line I have passed over several times which may need attention. "And there is not any nation, except that they have a warner gone to it." Muhammad sees himself as the great warner of all times. But he implies here that every nation has at least one person like himself who warns all the people of his particular nation. I am not sure that any proof can be offered of this, but he was certainly convinced thereof.
36. "Ys". I have found this sura to be the most incomprehensible of all so far, starting with the title, which has no Arabic meaning, per the translator. Simply two Arabic letters. I will not say that there is no deep hidden meaning within all these lines. But I remind you here that I am but visiting the Koran, with Bible in hand. As I see things that alarm me and need to be reported to the church, I speak. The other things I will pass by.
Verse 69 reminds us that Allah is opposed to the poets who opposed Muhammad, and that the Koran is "clear." Such has not been my experience.
37. Finally for today, sura 37, "the assembled ranks", mentioned only in verse 1. In this chapter is further described heaven, where there is non-alcoholic wine and the ultimate in sexual pleasures. Muhammad was unaware of the true pleasures that are at the right hand of the Father forevermore, and that Jesus said our life in that day will be more angelic than human when it comes to the functions of the body. The prophet simply did not know these things.
It is also in this sura that Muhammad tries to imply that Ishmael is the son of Abraham that was to be sacrificed, and that for being so obedient, Abraham was given Isaac as an extra blessing.
Lesson 34, Intercession, Heaven, and Hell
Today, suras 38-48
Less and less do I find that is new or of interest for our purposes, so more and more quickly we will travel.
38. The title is another mystery letter. In English, simply the letter "S".
Muhammad continues to lift himself to the status of Biblical characters by listing such men as Noah and Pharaoh and Lot, all of whom warned or were warned in their day, even as he believes he is being commissioned in his day. All the people back then "considered the messengers liars." So too in Arabia's seventh century.
David and Solomon are back, drawing the cooperation of obedient birds and winds.
And another promise of a heaven with equal-aged ever-virgins, never-ending. With the accompanying promise of the roasting of all infidels, of course.
I truly believe in the judgment of God, don't get me wrong. But the Koran is a constant feast of condemnation. Forgive me. I have become repetitive too!
39. "The troops." Many more descriptive words for Allah in every sura. Here I see the word "dominator." Truly a name for this god that matches the character.
After mentioning how Adam and Eve were created from one soul, and how man has become infidel, he enjoins them to "enjoy your infidelity for a little. Surely you will be among the companions of the fire."
In this sura we see that it is Muhammad indeed who is the first of the Muslims. Whether this means "the first Muslim" or just the most important, is not clear.
And finally it is admitted that the Koran is "a book whose verses are look-alike repetitions." He adds quickly, "it chills the skins of those who fear their lord." So even believers have difficulty reading this book.
In verse 30 Allah announces that both Muhammad and his followers are dead! Whatever this may mean, the stark appearance of such a statement is telling.
Verse 44 calls Allah the only intercessor of Heaven. Such a strange title. With whom does such a one intercede , and for whom? His decisions, his condemnations, are all so settled.
Aren't we blessed to have a real intercessor, one who is intimate with God because He is God, but one who knows the feelings of our infirmities too!
Another "puzzlement" of sura 39 is the unusual judgment added to the list of judgments to be suffered by those who lie against Allah: "their faces are blackened."
And then a page out of Revelation again in verses 69ff: The earth shines. A book is opened. Prophets and witnesses are brought near. Justice will prevail. Rewards given out. Eternal hell to those who refused the "verses." The garden for believers. The angels praising around the throne. Familiar territory here.
40. "Forgiver."
A strange Moses/Pharaoh tale is told in this chapter. Pharaoh is suddenly confronted by a mysterious Muslim believer who lays his life on the line to tell Pharaoh the truth about Allah. His faithfulness is rewarded with protection. Pharaoh and company are seen being tormented in hell.
In verse 55 Muhammad is told to "ask forgiveness for your sin and praise with your lord's praise evening and morning." Honest Muslims of our day need to drop all the mythology that has arisen around the prophet. Even as strange tales were told of Jesus after the original biographies, so Islam has been plagued with sentimental legends, easily quashed by passages such as this. Muhammad was not divine. He was a sinner in need of forgiveness. That's Koran.
41. "Expounded."
In yet another trip to Genesis we find that the earth was created in two days, then "measured in it provision" in four equal days. Seven heavens took an additional two days, a little bit later. Interesting.
Verse 43 is another aha! moment: "Nothing has been said to you except what indeed has been said to the messengers before you." Nothing new to Muhammad? Then why? "Indeed, we gave Moses the book." Indeed? Then why not just speak from the book? Why new revelations?
42. "The consultation."
Do we deserve all the evil that comes our way? Well, we are a fallen people. The Bible does not try to hide this. The Koran definitely does not try: "Whatever misfortunes befall you, so it is due because of what your hands have earned, and he pardons much." Following is a depressing, nearly hopeless discussion of what is coming to the disobedient.
43. "The highly embellished." Now there is an interesting title for a Koranic sura. Whether these words are embellished or not, we may not know, but those to whom it was first given considered Muhammad's words "sorcery." The word is used often in the book. Verse 30 repeats it, and again gives us a clue as to how this work might be perceived.
44. "The smoke." Yet another symbol of torment coming to infidels.
No new material in the sura until the very end where, this time, paradise is a place where the triumphant will wear fine silk and the richest robes. The large-eyed and voluptuous women will be present for Muslim men to marry. Usama Dakdok, translator, poses a very disturbing question for the faithful of Islam: What will the believing women be enjoying? I do not assume that the virgins are all overcoming saints. Surely there will be a number of ordinary Muslim women there? Maybe not. At least one hadith indicates that hell will be populated mostly by females.
45. "The Kneeling". No new material.
46. "The Dunes." One interesting point: "Those from whom we accept the best of what they have done, and we will ignore their evil deeds." Do your best, I'll ignore the rest. Here is a giant difference between Israel's God and our own. The true God does not ignore sin. Every sin that has ever been committed against a holy God will be paid for, either by the one who committed it, or by the Saviour's blood. Sin is an awful thing, in this the Koran is correct. But the judgment you keep seeing in the Koran, except in rare instances like this, is all Allah can really offer, since he makes no provision for forgiveness except man trying his best. Hitting the target in Islam is impossible, since there is no stable standard. No one knows for sure where he stands with this god!
With Christ it is a matter of accepting the sacrifice or paying for all your sins alone.
47. "Muhammad." Finally a sura named after the prophet.
This one is in Medina, very clearly. Right away believers are told, "When you meet those who became infidels, so strike the necks until you have made a great slaughter among them." Off with their heads. I have commented before about how this is in no way a godly commission. This is the command of the enemy.
"O you have believed [Islam], if you help Allah, then Allah will help you..." God helps those who help God. I like better, "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" offered to Moses, the real Moses, when he was hemmed in during the Exodus. No place to go. Nothing to do. God says, I'll do it.
And better yet, in the Garden of Gethsemane, while Peter is about to pre-figure Muhammad, sword in hand, Jesus says, No, this is not our way! Put your sword up! From that time, Peter used the sword of the Spirit to fight his battles.
Heaven in the Muhammad sura consists of four rivers: one of pure water, one of milk, one of wine, and one of honey.
Perhaps the words we should take most to heart are in verse 35: "So do not be weak and do not call for peace when you have the upper hand..." This is the way of all rising powers, whether working out of Moscow or Rome or Mecca. Like a lamb when in the minority. But like a lion "when you have the upper hand." Where does Europe stand now? Where does America stand?
48. "The conquest." Yes, still Medina. The title gives it away.
Bedouins are told to face a substantial army. If the challenged refuse to accept Islam, wage war with them. Only the blind, lame, and sick will be permitted not to fight. And there will be much in the way of spoils in this battle.
Why does none of this remind me of the ways of the Lord? Because, this is purely the way of the world, and the rewards the world gives.
Truly the way of Islam is a harsh way. Its goal is world domination "for Allah." Those who are with Muhammad are "severe against the infidels but full of tenderness among themselves."
The way of Jesus is better. We do love the brothers more, but we are commanded to do good to all men! God has put it in our hearts to seek and to save that which was lost. It is in the heart of the true Muslim to seek out the infidels and kill them.
