The Vinci

Qur’anic and Biblical Analysis of Da Vinci Code Contents Foreword

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Introduction

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Chapter 1 - Brief Introduction of Islam & Christianity

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Chapter 2 - Is Jesus the Son of God?

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Chapter 3 - Christmas

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Chapter 4 - Is Jesus God?

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Chapter 5 – Original sin

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Chapter 6 – The Bible

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Chapter 7 – Marriage of Jesus

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Chapter 8 – Sabbath day

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Chapter 9 - Dan Brown’s fallacy

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By : Shais Memon

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Foreword All praise is to Almighty God alone and peace be on all his messengers. In this booklet, we analyze the world’s best-seller “Da Vinci code” in the light of the Qur’an and the Bible. Some people may wonder why I am saying “Qur’an”. The reason is because We Muslims believe that Jesus Christ was one of the mightiest messengers of Almighty God, He was born miraculously without any male intervention, he gave life to the dead, and he healed those born blind and lepers. We believe in his virgin birth, which many modern day Christians including the bishops of the Anglican Church deny. In fact, no Muslim can be a Muslim if he denies Jesus because he has denied the clear text of the Glorious Qur’an. I will not be dealing with History, as Islamic doctrines and Christian doctrines are not simply based on history. It would be much more preferable to analyze the topics in the light of the sacred scriptures of these two religions. Even Dan Brown doesn’t consider history to be very authentic. His view on History: “Meaning that history is always written by winners. When two cultures clash, the loser is obliterated, and the winner writes the history books – books which glorify their own cause and disparage the conquered foe. As Napoleon once said, “what is history, but a fable agreed upon?” ‘He smiled. ‘By its very nature, history is always a one-sided account.’ (Da Vinci Code, pg. 343) Even Brown doesn’t consider History to be fair. Now I am not saying that whatever history says is false, but it is not always true. Therefore, the foundation of this booklet is the sacred scriptures of the two religions, Islam & Christianity. Moreover, history many a times gives conflicting things. There are western historians who claim that Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) never existed. The best way to understand a religion is not by looking at its followers but it is by understanding the sacred scriptures of that religion. Many times the followers of the particular religion do not know what their religious scriptures say. Like in Mathematics, if there is an equation to solve. You can never get the right answer until you do not apply the BODMAS rule. BODMAS stands for Brackets off, Division, Multiplication, Addition and subtraction. If you do not go by this rule you can never get the answer right. Likewise when you come to the conclusion regarding any religious issue, apply the religious BODMAS to get the right answer. Religious BODMAS is Blindness off Dogmas Minus Apply Scripture

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First we should remove the blind following next is removing any dogmas1 and then applying the Scripture. If you go by this you will surely get to the right conclusions. This booklet is not to hurt the feelings of anyone, but it is only the analysis of the novel in the light of the sacred scriptures of these two great religions. All the quotations from the Bible in this booklet are from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV) unless mentioned otherwise. I have chosen NIV because of the simplicity of the language. I chose it above the King James Version (KJV) because KJV has archaic2 English. However, the meaning remains the same. If someone has a problem with NIV then he can check the same quotations in his version of the Bible. All the quotations from the Qur’an are from the translation of Abdullah Yusuf Ali. Though it is a little archaic but I find this translation to be better than others and it is the most widely used translation in the Muslim world.

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a principle, tenet, or system of these, esp. as laid down by the authority of a Church Old-fashioned

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Introduction The best-seller “Da Vinci Code” happens to be the fourth novel of the British novelist Dan Brown. The novel was a smash hit in 2004. More than 60.5 million copies have been printed (as of May 2006) and the book has been translated in 44 languages. The book happens to be a very controversial one. It has 95% fiction and around 5% or so controversy. It hits to some of the most fundamental beliefs of Christianity. Brown has spoken everything from the Historical records. In this booklet, we shall be discussing all the major topics touched by Dan Brown in the light of the Qur’an and Bible. The Holy Quran says

“Say: "O People of the Book!3 come to common terms as between us and you:” (Quran 3:64) The Bible says "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. (Isaiah 1:18) So let us analyze the topics that Dan Brown has touched in the novel in the light of Quran and the Bible. I would like to make it very clear to the reader that I am not a supporter of Dan Brown in anyway, but what is true in the light of the sacred scriptures, we have to appreciate and accept. Jesus Christ (pbuh) said “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) I do not support everything what Brown says but whatever conclusions I have drawn are from the Bible and the Qur’an. As Dan Brown said in his interview

“The vast majority of devout Christians understand this fact and consider The Da Vinci Code an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate.” The Holy Qur’an says “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error:” (Qur’an 2:256)

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‘People of the book’ is referred to the Jews and Christians in the Holy Qur’an

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Chapter - 1

Brief Introduction to Islam and Christianity Brief Introduction to Christianity Christianity is considered a monotheistic religion. It is centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (pbuh). Today it has about 2 billion adherents in the world. The Word “Christianity” comes from the word “Christian”. The word “Christian” comes from the word “Christ”. “Christ” is the translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah” which means “the anointed one”. The Christians believe that Jesus Christ (pbuh) is the promised Messiah. The Hebrew word “Masaha” means ‘to rub’ or ‘to anoint” from this word we get the Hebrew word “Messiah” or in Arabic “Maseeh” which if we translate into Greek it becomes “Christoss” and when we chop off the “oss” from it. We get the word “Christ” which means ‘the anointed one” The word “Christianity” is no where to be found anywhere in the Bible. The word “Christian” was first used at Antioch to describe the followers of Jesus Christ (pbuh). “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) Moreover, the word “Christian” is nowhere to be found anywhere in the 4 gospels neither did Jesus Christ (Pbuh) ever claim to be a Christian. 4 Like Islam and Judaism, Christianity is an Abrahamic religion. Christians are broadly divided into two major sects; the Protestants and the Catholics. The Holy Bible is the sacred scripture of the Christians. The Bible is divided into two major parts, Old Testament and the New Testament. Old Testament contains the stories of the Prophets (peace be upon them) before Jesus Christ (pbuh) where as the New Testament contains the record of the life of Jesus Christ (pbuh). The Christians believe that Jesus Christ (pbuh) is the son of God and the promised Messiah. They also believe in the concept of Original sin and the death and resurrection

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The religion of Jesus Christ (pbuh) was Islam. See under “Introduction to Islam”

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of Jesus Christ (pbuh). They also believe in the Divinity of Jesus and the Concept of Trinity i.e. One God is in three persons: father, son and the Holy Ghost5

Brief Introduction to Islam The word “Islam” comes from the Arabic word “Aslama” or “silm” which means “To submit, to surrender, to obey” Allah (Almighty God) with sincerity and be in peace with him. One should do whatever God wants him to do. In short, Islam is all about worshipping God alone without any partners and obeying the commandments of Almighty God and anyone who does so is called a “Muslim”. One doesn’t need to become an Arab. All Arabs are not Muslims and nor are all Muslims the Arabs. Arabs are only about 19% of the Muslims. Islam today has more than 1.3 billion followers making it the second largest religion in the world after Christianity. Islam also happens to be the fastest growing religion in the world.

Islam not a new religion It is a common misconception among many Muslims and non-Muslims alike that Islam is a new religion and it was founded by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the 7th Century. In fact, Islam is NOT a new religion at all. It existed since the time man set foot on this earth and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is not the founder of this religion but he is the last and final messenger of God who is sent for the whole of humanity. All other Prophets before Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) were only sent to those people and for that time. E.g. Jesus (pbuh) was only sent for the children of Israel The Quran says “And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the apostle of Allah (sent) to you,” (Quran 61:6) The Bible testifies the same thing. Jesus Christ (pbuh) said “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Mathew 10:5-6)

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These topics are discussed in this booklet in the light of the Qur’an and the Bible.

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“But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Mathew 15:24)

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) sent to the whole of human kind Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the last and final messenger of God, his message is not only for the Arabs but it is for the whole of human kind and till eternity. The Glorious Quran says “We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.” (Quran 34:28) “We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures.” (Quran 21:107) The Holy Quran too is sent for the whole of humanity “Here is a Message for mankind: Let them take warning therefrom, and let them know that He is (no other than) One Allah. let men of understanding take heed.” (Quran 14:52) Islam, which means “submission to God’s will”, was the religion of all the Prophets of God. Prophet Abraham (pbuh) was a Muslim. The Quran says “Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to Allah.s (Which is Islam), and he joined not gods with Allah.” (Quran 3:67)

Jesus Christ (pbuh) was too a Muslim The Quran says. “When Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said: "Who will be My helpers to (the work of) Allah." Said the disciples: "We are Allah.s helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.” (Quran 3:52) According to the above verse the disciples said to Jesus that they were Muslims i.e. the ones submitting their wills to God, indicating that Jesus too submitted his will to God. In other words, he too was a Muslim. Even according to the Bible, religion of Jesus Christ (pbuh) was “Islam” i.e. Submission to God’s will. Its mentioned 7

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30) “And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” (Mark 14:36) If you translate “not my will but the will of God” in Arabic, it means nothing But ‘Islam’. Jesus Christ (pbuh) was a Muslim! He never claimed to be a Christian. In fact, he never even heard the word ‘Christian’ in his life.

Position of Jesus Christ (pbuh) in Islam Jesus Christ (pbuh) holds a very high position in the house of Islam. We in Islam believe him to be one of the Mightiest messengers of Almighty God, we believe that he gave life to the dead with God’s permission; we believe that he healed those born blind and lepers with God’s permission. We believe that he was the Messiah translated Christ. We believe that he was born miraculously without any male intervention, which many Christians today including the Bishops of the Anglican Church deny it, but we Muslims believe it. We believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ (pbuh). Jesus Christ (pbuh) holds a high position in the house of Islam. No Muslim is a Muslim if he rejects Jesus Christ (pbuh).

6 Pillars of Faith There are 6 pillars of faith. Its compulsory for every Muslim to believe in all of these pillars of faith 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Belief in One and Only God Belief in the angels Belief in the Prophets of God Belief in his divine books (the final one being the Quran) Belief in the Hereafter Belief in Qadr i.e. Destinity

5 Pillars of Islam There are basically 5 pillars of Islam. These 5 pillars do not constitute the whole Islam, but if the pillars are strong then the structure too would be strong 1. Shahadah i.e. bearing witness that God is One and Muhammad (pbuh) is his messenger. 2. Salaat i.e. prayers. A Muslim is obliged to pray 5 times a day every single day of the year. 8

3. Saum i.e. Fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan 4. Zakaat i.e. regular charity which is 2.5% ever lunar year on access wealth which is above the Nisaab level i.e. 85 grams of gold. 5. Hajj i.e. Pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca once in the lifetime of every adult Muslim who can afford it.

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Chapter - 2

Is Jesus The Son Of God? Dan brown writes “Teabing Declared, ‘until that moment in history, Jesus was viewed by his followers as a mortal prophet … a great and powerful man, but a man nonetheless, A mortal.’‘Not the son of God?’ ‘Right,’ Teabing Said. “ (Da Vinci Code pg.315) The claim of the Christians that Jesus Christ (pbuh) is the son of God is also a major dividing factor between the Muslims and the Christians.

Biblical analysis Many Christians have a misconception that God has got only one son according to the Bible i.e. Jesus Christ (pbuh). When we read the Bible, we see that God has got many sons. “the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.” (Genesis 6:2) “….when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them…..” (Genesis 6:4) “Then say to Pharaoh, 'This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son,” (Exodus 4:22) “…..because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.” (Jeremiah 31:9) “…the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.” (Luke 3:38) “I will proclaim the decree of the LORD :He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. “ (Psalms 2:7) The verse in King James Version of the Bible reads ““ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” (KJV, Psalms 2:7) So we can see for the above verses that God has got many sons according to the Bible. But the Christians say “Jesus is the begotten son of God”. In the catechism of the church it says

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“Jesus is the only begotten son, begotten not made” Christians usually quote the verse John 3:16 to show the difference between Jesus and other ‘sons’ of God. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (KJV, John 3:16) King James Version goes to the ancient manuscripts. But if we read the RSV (Revised Standard Version), revised by thirty-two scholars of the highest eminence backed by fifty cooperating denominations, they say that King James Version has grave defects. This is how the preface of RSV reads: “Yet the King James Version has grave defects. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the development of Biblical studies and the discovery of many manuscripts more ancient than those upon which the King James Version was based, made it manifest that these defects are so many and so serious as to call for revision of the English translation” (Preface RSV) And in the RSV this blasphemous word “begotten” has been expunged as a fabrication, as an interpolation. This is how the verse reads in RSV. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (RSV, John 3:16) This word “begotten” is not there in the most ancient manuscripts. Its not there even in the newer versions like NIV and Good News Bible. Begetting is an animal act which belongs to the lower animal function of sex; we are not to attribute such a quality to God. Some Christians may say, but begotten doesn’t mean that. This definition of the word begotten is from the Bible itself. “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;” (KJV, Mathew 1:1-2) How did Abraham beget Isaac? We know that Isaac was born to Abraham through Sarah. The expression “Son of God” only means a righteous servant of God, a peacemaker, the one who obeys God, the one who is led by the spirit of God. Who says so? I say ‘Jesus’ “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (KJV, Mathew 5:9) “9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (NIV, Mathew 5:9)

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Paul testifies the same thing. “because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14) “Son of God” only means a righteous servant of God. This expression was commonly used in Semitic languages like Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic. In Arabic, we have dropped this expression because of the misunderstanding that was created. There was a companion of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his name was ‘Abu Huraira’ which means ‘father of the kitten’. He was given this name, because he liked cats a lot. This does not mean that he literally gave birth to a kitten. This expression was commonly used in Semitic languages. Almighty God did not include this in the Qur’an because of the great misconception that was created.

Quranic Viewpoint As we saw above, the Bible doesn’t agree that Jesus Christ (pbuh) is the begotten son of God as the Christians claim. The Holy Qur’an thoroughly rejects the idea that God begot a son. He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;” (Quran 112:3)

“They say: "(Allah) hath begotten a son!" - Glory be to Him! He is self- sufficient! His are all things in the heavens and on earth! No warrant have ye for this! say ye about Allah what ye know not?” (Quran 10:68) “No son did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him…” (Qur’an 23:91) “It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! when He determines a matter, He only says to it, "Be", and it is.” (Quran 19:35)

The Holy Qur’an condemns this idea of God begetting a son in very strong terms. The Qur’an says “They

say: "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten a son!”

“Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous!” “At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin,”

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“That they should invoke a son for (Allah) Most Gracious.” “For it is not consonant with the majesty of (Allah) Most Gracious that He should beget a son.” (Quran 19:88-92) One of the reasons why Allah revealed the Qur’an was to warn those people who say that Allah has begotten a son. “Praise be to Allah, Who hath sent to His Servant the Book, and hath allowed therein no Crookedness:………. Further, that He may warn those (also) who say, "(Allah) hath begotten a son": (Quran 18:1-4) Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) told us. The Prophet said, "Allah said, 'The son of Adam tells a lie against me though he has no right to do so, and he abuses Me though he has no right to do so. As for his telling a lie against Me, it is that he claims that I cannot recreate him as I created him before; and as for his abusing Me, it is his statement that I have offspring. No! Glorified be Me! I am far from taking a wife or offspring.' (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 6 Hadith 9) In Islam, it is the blasphemy of the highest order to say that God has begotten a son and even according to the Bible, Jesus (pbuh) is not the begotten son of God. We Muslims and Christians both believe that God is the Greatest. He is the Creator of this Universe and thus he is greater than this universe. In the Kingdom of God, the universe is like a ring that you throw in the desert6. So this universe is like a speck in God’s kingdom. The earth that we live in, itself is like a speck in this universe, which has billions of galaxies etc, A human being is like a speck compared to the size of this world. So if you say that God has got a son. Then God’s son is a speck in a speck in a speck? How tiny is a human being compared to the Kingdom of God. God’s son is like a speck in a speck in a speck? How absurd is that! It is blasphemous to say that God has got a son. All Praise is due to him. It is not consonant with the majesty of God that she should beget a son.

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Read Tafsir of Ibn-Kathir of Quran 2:255 13

Chapter – 3

Christmas Brown writes The pre-Christian God Mithras – called the Son of God and the Light of the World – was born on December 25, died, was buried in a rock tomb, and then resurrected in three days. By the way, December 25 is also the birthday of Osiris, Adonis, and Dionysus. (Da Vinci Code pg.314)

The word ‘Christmas’ originated as a compound meaning ‘Christ’s mass’ The celebration of birthdays is a pagan custom. The people mentioned in the Bible who celebrated their birthdays are Herod and Pharaoh. Both of them were pagans. “Now the third day was Pharaoh's birthday..” (Genesis 40:20) “On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much” (Mathew 14:6) There is no mention of Christmas at all in the Bible. Nowhere does the Bible state that Jesus Christ (pbuh) was born on the 25th of December. The Christians never celebrated Christmas until 200-300 years after Jesus Christ (pbuh). Moreover, there is no historical evidence at all that Jesus (pbuh) was born on the 25th of December. Moreover, the Celebration of Christmas did not even exist until 200-300 years after Jesus. The concept of Christmas only arose when Rome took over Christianity when many practices which were included in the Roman sun worshipping religion crept into Christianity. 25th December also happens to be the birth of many sun gods e.g. Sol Invictus Dionysus Horus Mithras Attis Thus this is where this concept of Christmas is picked from. These ancient sun worshippers had a concept of ‘birth of SUN’ on 25th December. From the summer solstice to the winter (22nd December) solstice the sun constantly declines to south and the days get shorter. For 3 days i.e. 22nd, 23rd and 24th the sun doesn’t decline to south anymore. On 25th December the sun moves one degree towards north. The ancients symbolized it as the birth of the sun.

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Christmas Tree The Concept of Christmas tree is also pretty new. The earliest historic records of Christmas tree can only be dated back to the 16th Century. Before this time, there dint use to be any concept of Christmas trees. Moreover, the Bible is also against cutting of trees which Christians do on Christmas “For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.” (Jeremiah 10:3) God according to the Bible also considers those customs in which people cut down trees to be worthless.

Santa Claus Santa Claus too has nothing to do with Christianity. Santa Claus is derived from “Saint Nicholas” who was a 4th Century Bishop. He had a reputation of secret gift-giving and this has now crept into Christianity.

Islamic Viewpoint Now the question arises, can Muslims celebrate Christmas? There is no direct verse in the Qur’an or any authentic hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) which allows or forbids the celebration of Christmas. However, Christmas is of pagan origin and we Muslims are not allowed to celebrate such festivals. We cannot attribute any falsehood to the might messenger of God i.e. Jesus Christ7 . Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: You would tread the same path as was trodden by those before you inch by inch and step by step so much so that if they had entered into the hole of the lizard, you would follow them in this also. We said: Allah's Messenger, do you mean Jews and Christians (by your words)" those before you"? He said: Who else (than those two religious groups)? (Sahih Muslim Hadith 6448) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever imitates a people (nation), he is one of them." (Ahmad: 2/50, Abu Dawood: 4021)

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May God’s peace and blessings be upon him

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Based on these narrations and also because Christmas is of pagan origin. Most Muslim scholars agree that it is not permissible for Muslims to celebrate Christmas. I personally agree with this opinion. In Islam, the festivals are clearly defined. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), while referring to Eid-ul-Fitr, said: “Every nation has its own Eid (festival) and this is our Eid” (Bukhari: 952, Muslim: 1892)

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Chapter - 4

Is Jesus God? ‘At this gathering,’ Teabing said, ‘many aspects of Christianity were debated and voted upon – the date of Easter, the role of the bishops, the administration of sacraments, and, of course, the divinity of Jesus’ ‘I don’t follow. His divinity?’ ‘My dear,’ Teabing chuckled, ‘until that moment in history, Jesus was viewed by his followers as a mortal prophet . . . a great and powerful man, but a man nonetheless. A mortal’ (Da Vinci Code pg.315) This topic “Is Jesus God?” has been debated over and over by Muslims and Christians. It is the main dividing line between the Muslims and the Christians8. A separate book can be written on this topic. Before we say whether Jesus is God or not. We must first ask, did he claim to be God? Before we impose divinity on anyone, let the person speak for himself. Millions of Buddhists claim that Buddha is God incarnate i.e. God in human form, the question is, did Buddha claim that he is God? The answer is “NO”! millions of Germans they marched and they said that Hitler is second God incarnate9, but did Hitler say that he is God? The answer is “NO”! The Hindus say that Rama is the seventh incarnation of God, Krishna is the eighth incarnation of God, ask the Hindus did Rama say that he is God incarnate or did Krishna say that he is God incarnate? The answer again is “NO”! Simple easy! Now the question arises, Did Jesus say “I am God?” The answer is “NO”! There is not a single unequivocal, unambiguous statement in the complete Bible where Jesus Christ (pbuh) says “I am God”. There are certain verses which can be assumed but in context if we read them, they can be clarified. Some Christians may say that for God, he doesn’t have to claim that he is God but we find it in the Old Testament, God repeatedly speaks about himself. Just consider the following verses.

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isaiah 45:3) “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me,” (Isaiah 45:5) 8

See the Position of Jesus (pbuh) in Islam in the first chapter of this booklet

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The first one being Jesus and the second one they said was Hitler

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“I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”(Psalms 81:10) “I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:11)

Even in the Holy Qur’an, God speaks for himself. "Verily, I am Allah10. There is no god but I: So serve thou Me (only), and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise.” (Quran 20:14) We find that God Almighty speaks for himself; he also clearly says that he is the only savior unlike the Christians who say that Jesus is the savior. We find God repeatedly saying in the Old Testament “I am God” but Jesus Christ (pbuh) NEVER even said it once. Is this a mere coincidence? The holy Qur’an says “It is not for a human [prophet] that Allah should give him the Scripture and authority and prophethood and then he would say to the people, "Be servants to me rather than Allah ,” (Qur’an 3:79) Moreover, God Almighty even clarifies himself to the human beings. God Almighty also denies that he is a man or son of man.

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man,” (Numbers 23:19) Jesus calls himself a man in the Bible

“As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.” (John 8:40) He even calls himself “Son of Man” "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men." (Luke 9:44) The Holy Qur’an says “They do blaspheme who say: "(Allah) is Christ the son of Mary." But said Christ: "O Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." Whoever joins other gods with Allah,- Allah will forbid him the garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help.” (Quran 5:72) 10

“Allah” is name of Almighty God in Semitic languages. In The Old Testament, The term “Eloh” or “Elah” is used in Hebrew for God.

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The Bible says “4 How then can a man be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure11? 5 If even the moon is not bright and the stars are not pure in his eyes, 6 how much less man, who is but a maggot— a son of man, who is only a worm!12" (Job 25:4-6) Moreover, in the Catechism of church it says that the father, the son and the Holy Ghost, all three are equal. Jesus Christ (pbuh) denied that in the most explicit terms

“…for the Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28) “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all” (John 10:29)

Jesus denies any equality with Almighty God. The Holy Qur’an says “They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.” (Quran 5:73)

The Qualities of God If Jesus Christ (pbuh) is “God” then lets see the qualities of this “God” A. Powerless “God” “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” (John 5:30) Can you imagine God coming in this world and telling us that he himself cannot do anything? B. Ignorant “God” "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32)

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Jesus was born to Mother Mary (peace be upon her) See how the Bible says that the “son of man” is only like a worm in the sight of God. Jesus repeatedly called himself “the son of man”

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Can you imagine God being ignorant of the hour? God created the Day of Judgment and he doesn’t even know about it. On that day he is going to judge the whole of mankind and he doesn’t know about it? The Holy Qur’an confirms that the knowledge of the Hour is only with Allah.

“They ask thee about the (final) Hour - when will be its appointed time? Say: "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord (alone): None but He can reveal as to when it will occur” (Quran 7:187)

C. Brothers and Mother of “God” 46

While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you. (Mathew 12:46-47) Now this is interesting, God has mother and he has brothers, but yet they aren’t God but Jesus is, as per the Christians. Mary gave birth to other children as well and she even gave birth to “god” but yet his (Jesus’) brothers aren’t God nor is Mother Mary God, but Jesus is according to the Christians. Strange!

D. “God” tempted by the Satan and he was hungry? where for forty days he (Jesus) was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. (Luke 4:2) The Bible tells us that God cannot be tempted “…For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;” (James 1:13) Can you imagine God being tempted by Satan, his own creation, an enemy of God? Furthermore “god” prays to Almighty God for not leading him temptation. Read the famous Lord’s prayer 9"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

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13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (Mathew 6:9-13) Jesus here doesn’t say “My father”, he says “Our father”. And can you imagine ‘god’ praying to Almighty God to not lead us into temptation, God praying to God for not delivering him to evil? E. Thirsty “God” “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." (John 19:28)

F. Weeping “God” “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) Can you imagine God (The maker of this universe) weeping?

G. “God” came out of a woman and got circumcised? “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him (Jesus), he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.” (Luke 2:21) The very fact that Jesus was given birth is alone sufficient to convince any rational thinker that Jesus Christ is not god. Just look at a born baby and see how tiny it is, how helpless is it, God used to be like that at one time? The babies then get breastfed by their mothers; you mean to say “god” used to get breastfed? When a baby is few months old, people play around with him and try to make the baby feel good. People use to play around with “god”? Can you imagine God Almighty being circumcised? Can you just even think that someone cut foreskin of God’s private part? How insulting is it to God Almighty. Today surgeons circumcise the babies; previously it was the job of the barbers to circumcise the baby. Just imagine, if you were that barber two thousand years ago, would you ever think that the child you are circumcising is your God He is your Allah? I can go on with such examples, but just sit back and think about it. Can God weep, can he thirst, can he be tempted by the devil, and can he live inside of a woman for 9 months and get circumcised?

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Does God eat? There was another interesting passage in the novel. ‘And virtually all the elements of the Catholic ritual – the mitre, the altar, the doxology and communion, the act of “God-eating” – were taken directly from earlier pagan mystery religions’ (Da Vinci Code, pg.314) (emphasis are mine) In the above passage, Dan Brown is telling us that God does not eat. The Holy Quran says “Say: "Shall I take for my protector any other than Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth? And He it is that feedeth but is not fed." (Quran 6:14) In other words, the Quran is telling us that anyone who eats can never be God because when we eat, we excrete. Only a small amount of food is used by the body, the rest is thrown out. For that one has to find a toilet, let it be Moses, Jesus or Muhammad (Peace be upon them all) and if one doesn’t find a toilet, he has to run behind a bush or a rock. God doesn’t do such things, its ill-befitting for God to do such things, its human beings who require to eat not God. The Quran speaks more specifically about Jesus (pbuh) “Christ the son of Mary was no more than an apostle; many were the apostles that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah doth make His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!” (Quran 5:75) See how the glorious Quran says “They had both to eat their (daily) food.” We all eat food, but no “They had both to eat their (daily) food.” And you (Christians) are worshipping Jesus Christ as God, mother Mary as the Mother of God (as the Catholics say). Did Jesus eat according to the Bible? “41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he (Jesus) asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42They gave him (Jesus) a piece of broiled fish, 43and he (Jesus) took it and ate it in their presence.” (Luke 24:41-43)

God has a God? I would like to ask the reader a question. If suppose, somebody comes and prays to Almighty God in front of you and says that he has a God, would you for one moment think that this person who is saying this, is your God? Consider this in the case of Jesus

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“Going a little farther, he (Jesus) fell with his face to the ground and prayed,13 "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Mathew 26:39) “Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' (John 20:17) Should we worship Jesus or the one Jesus worshipped and prayed? If Jesus is God and he said “my God” then, are there 2 Gods? And God is praying to God? One can go on giving examples, but I think this is sufficient to convince any sincere, truthful and logical person.

Jesus (pbuh) identifies himself “Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me.” (John 7:16) “49For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (John 12:49-50) “These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.” (John 14:24) “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent14.” (John 17:3) Jesus (pbuh) repeatedly is telling people that he is the one who is sent by God. Anyone that is sent by God is a Prophet of God. Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." (John 6:2829) Jesus was sent by God, he was a Messenger of God!

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Just like a Muslim prostrates in his prayer. Jesus fell on his face and prayed to God. There is no better way of falling on the face and praying to God. Even a circus acrobat cannot tell you a better way! All the Prophets of God prayed in this way. Abraham (Genesis 17:3), Moses and Aaron (Numbers 20:6), Joshua (Joshua 5:14) 14 If we put that in Arabic, Jesus is asking his followers to believe in “La Illaha illa Allah, Eesa Rasoolullah” which means that there is only One God who is worthy of worship and Jesus is his messenger, the Islamic Creed is “La illaha illa Allah Muhammad ur Rasoolullah” which means “There is only One God who is worthy of worship and Muhammad (pbuh) is his messenger” !

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Jesus Christ (pbuh) commanded people to submit their wills to God if they want to be saved “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”15 (Mathew 7:21) In fact, Jesus Christ (pbuh) will rebuke all those who took him as God and did works in his name. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Mathew 7:22-23) Who is he going to tell this? Do Muslims cast out demons or perform miracles in the name of Jesus? Do Jews do so? Do Hindus do so? Who does it? The answer is obvious, it is the Christians !

Testimony of Peter Peter happens to be one of the closest of the 12 disciples of Jesus. Peter testifies. "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know” (Acts 2:22) Peter clearly testifies of Jesus that he was a MAN approved by God by miracles and wonders and signs which GOD DID through him!16

Testimony of the Blind man There was a blind man who Jesus Christ (pbuh) healed miraculously. He was blind from his birth, Jesus (pbuh) mixed some saliva with the soil and rubbed his eyes with it and he was healed. (This story is found in John ch.9, read the chapter in your own Bible). The Jews got hold of this man and asked him about Jesus. “Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet." (John 9:17) The blind man, who was healed by Jesus (pbuh) testifies in the most unambiguous terms that Jesus was a Prophet. Imagine, this person was an eyewitness to the happenings. He 15

he that does the will of the father (Almighty God), if you put this phrase in Arabic its nothing but “ISLAM”! Read chapter one of this booklet. 16 Some people may say that din’t Peter say that Jesus is the son of God (Mathew 16:16)? Read the chapter “Is Jesus the son of God?” which clarifies this issue

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did not disbelieve in Jesus, he believed that Jesus was a man from God but never believed that Jesus was God! To put it in a nutshell, Jesus Christ (pbuh) is not God, He never claimed to be one, Peter testifies it, The Blind man testified it, the reasoning tells us and the Qur’an confirms that too. He is not God but he is indeed a mighty messenger of Almighty God and the promised Messiah!

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Chapter - 5

Original Sin, status of woman and childbirth Meaning of original sin according to Catholic Encyclopedia “Original sin may be taken to mean: (1) the sin that Adam committed; (2) a consequence of this first sin, the hereditary stain with which we are born on account of our origin or descent from Adam.”

Dan Brown writes:

“The power of female and her ability to produce life was once very sacred, but it posted a threat to the rise of the predominantly male Church, and so the sacred feminine was demonized and called unclean. It was man, not God, who created the concept of “original sin” (Da Vinci Code pg.321-322)

Let us analyze the passage in the light of Islam and the Bible.

“The power of female and her ability to produce life was once very sacred, but it posted a threat to the rise of the predominantly male Church, and so the sacred feminine was demonized and called unclean.” What Brown is referring here is “To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." (Genesis 3:16) In the above verse we can see that pregnancy in the Bible is a curse for the women. In the Holy Qur’an 7:19-27 Adam and Eve are addressed about a dozen of times but there is not a single verse in the entire Qur’an which singles out Eve. The blame in the Qur’an is put equally on both of them. Lets see what The Holy Quran has to say about pregnancy and childbirth. Remember the statement of Dan Brown “The power of female and her ability to produce life was once very sacred,” The above statement is true in case of Islam. The Holy Qur’an says

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“reverence Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (That bore you)” (Quran 4:1) See how Allah mentions mother along with himself. The Qur’an says

“And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning:” (Quran 31:14) “We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. (Quran 46:15) The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said : Narrated Abu Huraira: A man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your father. " 17 In short, 75% of the love and companionship goes to the mother and only 25% goes to the father. Pregnancy and childbirth has uplifted the status of women in Islam. Brown further writes: “ ‘ that this concept of woman as life-bringer was the foundation of ancient religion. Childbirth was mystical and powerful. Sadly, Christian philosophy decided to embezzle the female’s creative power by ignoring the biological truth and making man the Creator. Genesis tells us that Eve was created from Adam’s rib. Woman became an off-shoot of man. And a sinful one at that.” (Da Vinci Code pg. 322) Childbirth as a mentioned is considered very sacred in Islam. Pregnancy elevates the position of women in Islam. Man is not considered the creator in Islam. It is Allah who is the creator of all human beings. Our parents are not the ones who created us, but it is God who has created us. Moreover, as I mentioned, in Islam the blame for eating the forbidden fruit is on both, Adam and Eve. The Bible puts the blame only on Eve. Woman is not considered sinful in

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Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 2:

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Islam, just because she is a woman. Men and women are spiritually equal in Islam and as such both are innocent by birth. “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (Qur’an 16:97) As for Eve being created from the rib of Adam, lets analyze that. The Bible says “ So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.” (Genesis 2:21-22)

The Holy Qur’an says “It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love)” (Qur’an 7:189) Prophet Muhammad said, its mentioned Allah 's Apostle said, "Treat women nicely, for a women is created from a rib, and the most curved portion of the rib is its upper portion, so, if you should try to straighten it, it will break, but if you leave it as it is, it will remain crooked. So treat women nicely." (Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 55, Number 548)18 We Muslims too believe that Eve was created from the rib of Adam, but does that make woman inferior than man? Of course not! In Islam, woman is never considered inferior to man because she is created from rib. It is different ways in which Allah has created human beings. Allah has showed all different ways of creation of human beings. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Adam – Without mother and Father Eve - Without any woman Jesus - Without a human father All other human beings – With a mother and father

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See how beautifully Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has described the delicate and beautiful nature of women and commanded men to be kind towards them. By, ‘straightening it’ it means that we shouldn’t change the nature in which God has created them. If we try to change their nature and try to make them like men, it will create more harm and trouble to them and society.

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If someone says that the woman is inferior just because God created her from man, then I say its actually the man who is inferior, because all men come out of women. All men that have lived in the history of this world except for Adam, came out of women. So does that make man inferior to woman? Of course not! There is no battle of sexes. Men and women are different from each other but they are equal in the eyes of God.

Original sin in Islam Lets analyze this statement of Brown in the Light of Quran and the Bible “It was man, not God, who created the concept of “original sin” In Islam, there is no concept of Original sin. Every human being is responsible for his own sins. My father will not be responsible for my sins neither will I be responsible for his sins. The Holy Qur’an says “Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear bear the burden of another.” (Quran 6:164) Each person is responsible for his own sins in Islam.

Original Sin in the Bible Bible too is against this concept of original sin. The Bible says The Bible says 20

The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. 21 "But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. (Ezekiel 18:20-21) This is exactly the same as the Islamic Concept. God is forgiving and his forgives those who repent from sins and keep the commandments of God.

The above verses of the Bible clearly deny the dogma of Original sin. The Bible says “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin..” (Deuteronomy 24:16)

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The same message is also repeated in II Chronicles 25:4 and II Kings 14:6. From above we can clearly see that the concept of original sin is against the teachings of the Bible and each human being will be held responsible for his own deeds. Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) considered children to be innocent and NOT born in sin. Jesus Christ (pbuh) said “When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these..” (Mark 10:14) Some people may insist that the Christians are supposed to follow only the New Testament, but Jesus Christ (pbuh) said 17

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mathew 5:17-19) According to the teachings of Jesus (pbuh) Christians have to follow the Old Testament. Now the question arises, Did Adam and Eve consult me before eating the apple? If they din’t ask me before eating the apple, then how can I be held responsible for that? Suppose your great grandfather commits a murder, can I hold you responsible for that? Of course not! Its absurd. How can God hold me responsible for the sin of Adam and Eve?

Salvation according to Jesus Christ (pbuh) Many Christians have a misconception that salvation comes by believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (pbuh). Its mentioned in the Bible. 16

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." (Mathew 19:16-17) Suppose I was that Jew who asked this question to Jesus (pbuh) and I obey the commandments as Jesus commanded. Will I enter Paradise or not? If Jesus wanted to us that salvation comes by believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then this was the best opportunity for him to do so.

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Jesus Christ (pbuh) said “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”(Mathew 5:20) The idea that salvation comes by believing in the death and resurrection is from the teachings of St.Paul (The self-appointed apostle of Jesus Christ) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! (Romans 5:8-9) Paul even said that we don’t have to follow the Law anymore, which went against the teachings of Jesus Christ (pbuh) (Mathew 5:17-19 see above) “know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16) See how clearly he contradicts the teachings of Jesus (pbuh). Jesus Christ (pbuh) commanded that man to “Obey the commandments” (Mathew 19:16-17) I leave it to the Christians to decide for themselves who they want to follow.

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Chapter - 6

The Bible ‘The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of God. The Bible did not fall magically from the clouds. Man created it as a historical record of tumultuous times, and it has evolved through countless translations, additions and revisions. History has never had a Definitive version of the book.’ ‘Okay.’ (Da Vinci Code pg.312-313)

This topic “Is the Bible God’s word?” is a big topic itself, a separate book can be written on this very topic. I’ll deal with it briefly. Lets deal with the passage that Brown has quoted “‘The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of God. The Bible did not fall magically from the clouds. Man created it as a historical record of tumultuous times,”

The Bible doesn’t speak for itself. The word “Bible” does not occur even once in the entire Bible. The Bible never claims that it is a book from God, like the Holy Qur’an speaks of itself; its name and the author

“1. (Allah) Most Gracious! 2. It is He Who has taught the Qur'an.” (Quran 55:1-2)19

The Bible doesn’t make such a claim for itself that it is a revelation from God. Suppose I never knew what the Bible was, neither did I know that it is the Holy book of the Christians. I go one day to the library and pick up the Bible from the shelf and start reading it, how am I going to know that it is God’s word when it doesn’t ever claim that it is a revelation from God.

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The Qur’an makes such a claim for itself in many places e.g. 36:2-5, 45:1-2, 43:1-12, 6:19 etc.

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The Muslim standpoint on the Bible The Holy Qur’an says “For each period is a Book (revealed).” (Quran 13:38) By name there are only four revelations mentioned in the Holy Quran. Taurat, Zaboor, Injeel and the Quran revealed to Prophet Moses, David, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them) respectively. The “Taurat” we believe is not the “Torah” which the Jews and Christians believe today. Similarly, “Zaboor” which we believe is not present Psalms which is associated with the name of Prophet David (pbuh). And the Injeel which we believe is “Injeel-e-Eesa” i.e “Gospel of Jesus.” And there is no such thing in the Bible as Gospel of Jesus. The Gospels in the Present day Bible are “according to” Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus (pbuh) did not write a single word during his life and nor did he instruct anyone to write anything. All the revelations that have come before the Qur’an have been corrupted by the passage of time, they have been changed by human beings. The Holy Qur’an says “Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say:"This is from Allah," to traffic with it for miserable price!- Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby” (Quran 2:79)” Before someone puts forward an argument, that its talking about “any book”. We are to remind that its not talking about any book. In context if you read, the whole passage is talking about the Jews. 20

The Present Bible Many Muslims have a misconception that Bible is “Injeel”. Bible is not ‘injeel”. The word “Bible” comes from the Greek word “Byblos” which means ‘a book” or from the word “biblia” which means ‘books”. Bible is not one book but a library of books, the Catholic Bible contains 73 books (46 in OT and 27 in NT) and the Protestant Bible contains 66 (39 in OT and 27 in NT) The Christian scholars tell us today that the Bible has been written by 40 different authors in a period of about 1600 years. The scholars also tell us that most of these authors are not known.

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Inshallah (God willing) I’ll be proving that the Bible too has not been preserved in its original form according to Christian scholars. As Brown says it has evolved through countless Translations,additions and revisions. History has never had Definitive version of the book.’

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The Present Bible does contain some portions which we may say that they are from God “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” (Isaiah 43:11) Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” (Isaiah 45:5) Who is this “I” here? Its God. The Bible also contains the words of the Prophets. e.g 27

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart..” (Mathew 5:27-28)

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Who is this “I” here? It’s the Prophet of God, Jesus Christ (pbuh). Note: It is not God dictating that Jesus said such and such thing. Its the writing of other people. There is a Bible which is called “red-letter Bible” in which every word uttered by Jesus (pbuh) according to Christians is in red whereas the rest is in black. These words in red ink are of Jesus’ i.e. Prophet of God. If we have to make a red-letter Quran in which every word is of Muhammad (pbuh). Then there will not be a single letter which will be in red because we Muslims believe that the Qur’an is 100% from God. Its not the word of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). For the words of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) we have separate books called “Hadith” The Bible also contains the words of the Historians and eyewitnesses. For instance, consider the Pentateuch i.e. the first five books of the Old Testament i.e. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Only in these, five books the expression “And Lord said unto Moses” , “And Moses said unto the Lord” is repeated no less than 700 times. Indicating that it is not God writing, nor is it Moses (pbuh) writing. Its in third person, somebody else is writing. If God wrote this, he would write “And I said unto Moses and Moses said unto me” and if Moses wrote it, he would write “And I said unto the Lord and the Lord said unto me” but this is in the third person. Moreover in the last chapter of Deuteronomy Moses (pbuh) mentions about his death. How can anyone write that “I DIED” when he is alive?21

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Read Deuteronomy 34:4-10

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The Human Origin in the Bible It is not only that we Muslims or Dan Brown say that Bible is a product of man. But the Bible proves this itself. Consider the following passage. 1

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4) Who is writing the prologue of the gospel? Its Luke! Is it God who is writing that ‘I myself have carefully investigated22 everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me …..?” Of course Not! It’s the writing of Luke. Out of the 27 books of the New Testament, 14 are written by Paul. Like Corinthians, Philippians, Galatians, Colossians etc. Many of these letters of Paul, explicitly indicate that these are the writings of Paul e.g. “1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:” (I Corinthians 1:1-2)

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:” (Philippians 1:1)

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness……….4To Titus, my true son in our common faith:” (Titus 1:1-4) “Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2and all the brothers with me, To the churches in Galatia:” (Galatians 1:1-2) Who is writing these introductions? Its of course Paul not God.

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Does God investigate things? Isn’t he All-Knowing?

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Imperfect Descriptions of God Any book that is from God can never contain imperfect and ill-befitting descriptions of Almighty God, Something that anyone would hate to hear about God. The Bible has got many imperfect descriptions of Almighty God A barber God? “In that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the River —the king of Assyria—to shave your head and the hair of your legs, and to take off your beards also.” (Isaiah 7:20) Is this what God does? God shaves hair of the legs? A roaring God? They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. (Hosea 11:10) Does God roar like a lion? Does any human being who loves God would love to hear such a thing about God? Alcoholic God?

“Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, as a man wakes from the stupor of wine.” (Psalms 78:65) Compare the following with the divine attributes of God in the Qur’an in the Quran there are about 99 attributes of Allah (SWT). I'll just quote 3 verses which mention about 15 of his divine attributes attributes. "22. Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god;- Who knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 23. Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god;- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah. (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him. 24. He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colours). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. " (Quran 59:22-24) Can anyone bring anything comparable to this? !! 36

The Test of the Bible The Bible gives us a test, how to check whether anything is inspired by God or not.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (II Timothy 3:16) The Bible tells us that anything that is from God should serve one of the four purposes. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Doctrine Reproof Correction instruction in righteousness

When Paul said this he was not referring to Mathew, Mark, Luke or John because they were not even written at that time. He was referring to the Scripture that was available to the Jews. There are many passages of the Bible which cannot be fit into any of the four categories. I’ll give couple of examples. The Bible says ‘One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her.’ (Judges 16:1) Now where does this fit in? Is it a doctrine that every man should go and spend a night with a prostitute? Is it a reproof that after going and spending a night with the prostitute he got punished by God? Is it correction? Is it instruction to the righteous that he should go into a prostitute? The same person is glorified in the Book of God. We can take another example “While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father's concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it.” (Genesis 35:22) Where do you fit in this, the son going and sleeping with his mother?23 Is this a doctrine that everyone should sleep with his mother? Is it a reproof that God punished Reuben, there isn’t a single word of rebuke in the Bible for this act of Reuben, Is it correction or is it instruction unto the righteous?

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The other versions make it even clearer what does it really mean.. For instance if you read New Living Translation (NLT), it says “While he was living there, Reuben had

intercourse with Bilhah,”

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Different Versions of the Bible Dan Brown further said and it has evolved through countless translations, additions and revisions. History has never had a Definitive version of the book.’ ‘Okay.’

Different Versions of The Bible There are many different versions of the Bible. Some Christians may argue that these are only different translations. Translation is a difference in the choice of words. Two people translate the same thing from the original text, using different words. That is different translations. We Muslims have different translations of the Qur’an in English done by different people like Yusuf Ali, Pickethall, Muhammad Asad etc. These are different translations but the Original Arabic Qur’an is one and the same. Version is a different thing. The Bible of the Roman Catholics which is called the Roman Catholic Version (RCV) has got 73 books, where as the Bible of the Protestants i.e. the King James Version has got only 66 books. They have thrown out 7 books from the Old Testament which they consider as Apocrypha i.e. doubtful authority e.g. the Book of Judith, the Book of Tobias, the book of Esther etc. The Christian scholars realized the King James version has got grave defects, so they revised it and produced the Revised standard Version of the Bible. RSV goes to the MOST ancient manuscripts where as King James Version goes to ancient manuscripts. The Preface of RSV reads “Yet the King James Version has grave defects24. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the development of Biblical studies and the discovery of many manuscripts more ancient than those upon which the King James Version was based, made it manifest that these defects are so many and so serious as to call for revision of the English translation” (Preface RSV) The revisers revised the King James Version because it had grave defects. Consider the difference in the verse of the Bible I John 5:7

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (KJV, I John 5:7)

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How can errors enter the book of God?

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“For there are three that testify:” (NIV, I John 5:7) “And the Spirit is the witness, because the Spirit is the truth.” (RSV, I John 5:7) All three are telling us a different thing. Its not simply the difference of a Translation as some Christians may claim. RSV and NIV are from older manuscripts than KJV. The Christians boast of 24,000 manuscripts of the New Testament, but according to Christian scholars no 2 of these 24,000 are identical. Brown rightly mentions that there have been different versions of the Bible. Much more can be written on this topic, but it is beyond the scope of this booklet. The Holy Qur’an tells us “Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say:"This is from Allah," to traffic with it for miserable price!- Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby” (Quran 2:79)”

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Chapter - 7

Marriage of Jesus (pbuh) One of the most controversial topics, which Brown has touched in his novel, is the marriage of Jesus Christ (pbuh) with Mary Magdalene and he also says the couple had children. Brown writes “Unfortunately for the early editors, one particularly troubling earthly theme kept recurring in the gospels. Mary Magdalene.’ He paused. ‘More specifically, her marriage to Jesus Christ.’ (Da Vinci Code pg. 329)

According to Brown he (Jesus) also had a daughter by the name of Sarah (Da Vinci Code pg. 342) Dan Brown in his novel backs the claim of Jesus being married with certain reasons. First, he says that it was unnatural for a Jewish man to remain unmarried, and since Jesus Christ was a Jew, so he could not have remained unmarried. He then goes on to quote other writings of the disciples like Gospel of Peter etc. which tell us that he (Jesus) was married. Thirdly, he says that nowhere do the gospels in the current Bible mention that Jesus was unmarried. I have summarized the reasons that Brown gave briefly, they are from chapter 58 and 59 of the novel. As far as Islam is concerned, there is not a single verse in the Qur’an which confirms the marriage of Jesus (pbuh) nor is there any verse which denies his marriage. Neither is there a single authentic saying of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which confirms or denies Jesus’ marriage. Islam is silent on this issue. As Dan Brown rightly says that Bible too does not have a single verse which says clearly that Jesus wasn’t married. Neither is there any verse which says that Jesus was married. Hence, the Bible too is silent on this issue. In fact, when we read John 20, it tells us that after the alleged “crucifixion”25. Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb of Jesus Christ (pbuh) to anoint him, but she doesn’t find him. Jesus sees this woman and he comes up to her 16

Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). (John 20:16)

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We Muslims do not believe in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (pbuh). The Holy Qur’an says “but they killed him not, nor crucified him” (Quran 4:157). This topic can be dealt separately, but this is beyond the scope of this booklet.

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This one word “Mary” was sufficient for her to identify her master, Jesus Christ (pbuh) and she rushes forth towards him. 17

Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, (John 20:17)

Now why would an outsider lady who is not a wife or a close relative of Jesus rush and embrace Jesus, in those days it wasn’t the culture that people can easily kiss, hug or embrace any women like that. Nor is it today in the Muslim countries of the world. So this verse suggests according to the Bible, that she could have been married to Jesus (pbuh). Gospel of Philips states26 And the companion of [the saviour was] Mary Magdalene. [Christ loved] her more than [all] the disciples, [and used to] kiss her [often] on her [mouth? face? cheek? head?]. The rest of [the disciples were offended by it and expressed disapproval]. They said to him "Why do you love her more than all of us?" The Saviour answered and said to them, "Why do I not love you like her? When a blind man and one who sees are both together in darkness, they are no different from one another. When the light comes, then he who sees will see the light, and he who is blind will remain in darkness. Why would she rush forth towards Jesus (as the Bible tells us) and why would Jesus kiss, if she wasn’t his wife her as Gospel of Philip tells us. Based on all of the above i.e. The Biblical viewpoint, the Qur’anic viewpoint, the early writings of the disciples. What I believe that it is much possible that Jesus (pbuh) could have been married. I expect many people, Muslims and Christians to oppose me on that. I do not want anyone to misunderstand me; therefore I said “POSSIBLE”. I neither affirm nor deny the marriage of Jesus. However, it does not matter at all to the Muslims whether Jesus Christ (pbuh) was married or not. Marriage is considered a blessed act in Islam, so we Muslims do not consider anything wrong even if Jesus Christ (pbuh) was married. I am not saying for sure that he was married; I neither affirm nor deny his marriage.

Monasticism In Islam, there is no place for monasticism27. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty” 28

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Dan Brown quoted that in his novel too. Christians deny it, and am I using it to prove anything. The idea that one has to renounce the world and remain unmarried throughout the life in order to come close to God. 28 Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 4: 27

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Monasticism is something that is against the nature of human being. Medical science today tells us that there are hormones which are liberated everyday in our body. Today if everyone wants to get close to God, then what would happen? Human beings will become extinct from this world in hundred years or so. If not so, then at least it demands for the extinction of God Loving people. Furthermore, its even insult to our parents, according to this concept we are born because our parents were not close to God. If everyone adopts this belief of coming closer to God, The Holy Qur’an says “We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him Compassion and Mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: (We commanded) only the seeking for the Good Pleasure of Allah.” (Quran 57:27)

The Christians get this idea from the teachings of Jesus29 in the Bible 10

The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry." 11Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it." (Mathew 19:10-12) The Christians also get this idea from the teachings of St.Paul30 1

Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. (I Corinthians 7:1) Hence, we Muslims do not accept monasticism as a system of life. Islam considers it as a man-made practice which clearly goes against the innate nature of human beings.

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We Muslims do not believe that these teachings are from Jesus, the Holy Qur’an clearly rejects that Jesus taught such things. 30 Muslims do not accept Paul as a Prophet of God. Islam there wasn’t any Prophet who came after Jesus and before Muhammad.

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Chapter - 8

Sabbath Day “‘Originally’, Langdon said, ‘Christianity honoured the Jewish Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide with the pagan’s veneration day of the sun.’ He paused, grinning. ‘To this day, most churchgoers attend the services on Sunday morning with no idea that they are there on account of the pagan sun god’s weekly tribute – Sunday.’” (Da Vinci Code pg. 315)

Sabbath is the day of rest and worship. It’s the seventh day of the week, meaning its Saturday. The first day of the week in Jewish Law is Sunday. Sabbath is also a part of the 10 commandments. “Remember the Sabbath

day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8)

The Sabbath day for the Jews is Saturday. Jesus Christ (pbuh) did not come to destroy the Law but he came to fulfill the Law. Jesus Christ (pbuh) said. 17

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Mathew 5:17-20) The followers of Jesus Christ (pbuh) have to follow all the laws of the Jews according to Jesus (pbuh). According to Jesus Christ (pbuh) if you break even one of the least commandment you will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. The early Christians who were known as ‘Jewish Christians’ kept the Sabbath on Saturday, even today there are some sects of Christianity in which the Sabbath day is Saturday. E.g. Seven day Adventists31. The Holy Qur’an also tells us that Jesus Christ (pbuh) came to fulfill the Law. 31

Seven day Adventists have more than 15 million followers today

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“And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the apostle of Allah (sent) to you, CONFIRMING THE LAW (WHICH CAME) BEFORE ME……” (Quran 61:6) So according to the bible as well as according to the Holy Quran the Sabbath day of the Christians should be Saturday and not Sunday because the Jewish Sabbath is Saturday. Jesus Christ said that anyone who even breaks one of the least commandments mentioned in the law shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.

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Chapter - 9

Dan Brown’s Fallacy Dan brown uses a fallacy that just because he found some other historical documents that go against the mainstream teachings of Christianity, therefore, all faiths must be like this. He writes

“..every faith in the world is based on fabrication. That is the definition of faith – acceptance of that which we imagine to be true, that which we cannot prove. (Da Vinci Code pg. 451) He should have said that the things that we BELIEVE to be true rather. There are many things which we cannot prove but NOR can we disprove them like the existence of angels. There is no scientific proof that angels exist but on the contrary there is no scientific proof either that, the angels do not exist. Before we believe what is True or not, we should see the credentials of the person who is giving us the information. Suppose my mother has a heart problem, I cannot take the advice of any layman on the street. But if a famous, qualified cardiologist gives me the advice, I would take it. Even though I may not have checked up in the medical books what he is saying is right or wrong, but since he is a qualified person in the field, I’ll take his advice because he is an expert in that field. Similarly, once I know that something is from God, I do not need any further proofs to find out whether every statement is True or not. When God tells us that angels exist, we believe. He tells us heaven and hell exist, we accept, he tells us that Prophets were given miracles, we accept. The Holy Quran speaks about itself and its origin in various places.

“2. By the Qur'an, full of Wisdom,3. Thou art indeed one of the apostles, 4. On a Straight Way. 5. It is a Revelation sent down by (Him), the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.” (Quran 36:2-5)

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“The revelation of the Book is from Allah32 the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.” (Quran 45:2) The Holy Quran speaks about itself and its author. This is not the case with other religious scriptures. The Bible never claims that it is a book from God; in fact the word “Bible” doesn’t even exist in the Bible. 33 There are many reasons why we Muslims believe that Qur’an is from God. In fact, a separate book can be written on this topic. I’ll just mention couple of reasons The Quran has mentioned amazing scientific miracles 1400 years ago which no human being could have thought at that time. I’ll just mention a couple of them.34

1. Big Bang Theory “Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? (Quran 21:30) The creation of the universe is explained by astrophysicists in a widely accepted phenomenon, popularly known as the 'Big Bang'. It is supported by observational and experimental data gathered by astronomers and astrophysicists for decades. According to the 'Big Bang', the whole universe was initially one big mass (Primary Nebula). Then there was a 'Big Bang' (Secondary Separation) which resulted in the formation of Galaxies. These then divided to form stars, planets, the sun, the moon, etc. The origin of the universe was unique and the probability of it occurring by 'chance' is zero. The Quran mentions this Big Bang Theory 1400 years ago. 2. Every living thing created from water. The Qur’an says “….We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (Quran 21:30) In the deserts of Arabia 1400 years ago, who would believe that everything is made up of water? Today science tells us that Cytoplasm which is the basic structure of a living cell contains 80% water, every human being contains 50-80% water.

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Allah is the name of God in Semitic languages. In the Old Testament God is referred to As “ELoh” or “Elah” in the Hebrew text and Arabic Bibles still retain the name “Allah” 33 Read the chapter “Bible”. 34 You can read books on this subject like “Miracles of the Qur’an” By Harun Yahya, ‘Quran & Modern Science – Compatible or Incompatible’ By Dr.Zakir Naik, “Quran & Bible in the Light of Science” by Dr. Maurice Bucaille

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The Qur’an speaks about many other things like water cycle, botany, zoology, physiology, biology, astronomy, genetics, geology and other issues including embryology. Even the greatest scientists in the field of embryology like Professor Keith Moore have confirmed that the Quran is in perfect agreement with latest discoveries in embryology. Dr. Keith Moore had earlier authored the book, 'The Developing Human'.After acquiring new knowledge from the QUR'AN, he wrote, in 1982, the 3rd edition of the same book, 'The Developing Human'. The book was the recipient of an award for the best medical book written by a single author. This book has been translated into several major languages of the world and is used as a textbook of embryology in the first year of medical studies. Imagine, this is coming from an illiterate man in the deserts of Arabia 1400 years ago. I request all the readers to get a translation in the language you understand the best and read it. You read so many things in your life, Just try this as well, May be you will benefit from it.

Brown further goes onto say ‘..The Bible represents a fundamental guidepost for millions of people on the planet, in much the same way the Koran, Torah and Pali Canon offer guidance to people of other religion.’ (Da Vinci Code pg. 451-452) We Muslims do believe that the Qur’an is guidance for the whole of human kind. It is the word of Almighty God. It claims to be a book of guidance “Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong).” (Qur’an 2:185) When we know that this book, the Qur’an is from God, we as believers say “We hear and we obey” (Qur’an 2:285) No other religious claims itself to be a book of guidance for humanity. The Bible never claims that it is the book of guidance for the whole of human kind. In fact, the word ‘Bible’ is not even mentioned in the Bible. Brown further writes

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“If you and I could dig up documentation that contradicted the holy stories of Islamic belief, Judaic belief, Buddhist belief, pagan belief, should we do that?” (Da Vinci Code pg. 452) You may be able to do so in case of Buddhism and other scriptures because those scripture were written centuries later. Historically, first record of the life of Buddha was written 400 years after Buddha. First record of the life of Jesus was written about 70 years after Jesus according to Christian scholars. The discovery of the most ancient manuscripts reveals some of the forgeries done by people35 This is not so in the case of the Qur’an. Whenever the verses of the Qur’an were revealed, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) asked the scribes to write them down. So the Qur’an was compiled at the time of the Prophet (pbuh) only. Since that time, it has been memorized by millions of people in the world. Today there are more than 9 million huffaz36 in the Muslim world. If today, all the Muslims decide to take all the copies of the Qur’an and throw them and in the ocean and all the Christians decide to take all the Bibles and throw them in the ocean. All the Hindus decide to throw all the copies of the Vedas into the ocean. The only one that is going to come back is the Qur’an because there are millions today who know the entire Qur’an by heart but the Christians will never be able to get the Bible back because they do not even agree with what the Bible exactly is and there is not a single Christian out of the 2 billion who knows the entire Bible by heart. Even one of the staunchest critics of Islam like Sir William Muir testifies that the Quran has maintained its purity. THERE IS PROBABLY NO OTHER BOOK IN THE WORLD WHICH HAS REMAINED TWELVE CENTURIES (now fourteen) WITH SO PURE A TEXT.” Some people may argue about the hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) and they say that they were written after more than hundred years. Firstly, it is a grave misconception that the hadith37 were first written after more than 100 years. The writing of the hadith had started in the days of the Prophet (pbuh). The Prophet first forbade the Muslims to write anything down except the Qur’an because there was a fear that his saying might get mixed up with the Qur’an but later on he asked his companions to write down his sayings. Many of the rulings on different issues of Islam like Zakaat, Ushr etc were dictated by him. Moreover, his sayings were memorized by his companions who passed down to us. There is also something which is called “isnad” i.e. unbroken chain of narrators from the Muhaddis 38 to the Prophet. We have biography of each and every narrator. When the 35

Read the chapter “The Bible” in this booklet People who have memorized the entire Qur’an by heart. 37 Hadith are the sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 38 The Person who wrote down the Hadith. This word is also used for a hadith scholar 36

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scholars of hadith want to check whether the hadith is true or not, they simply check the chain of narrators. If the chain is broken anywhere, the hadith is considered to be fabricated. In that chain if there is any person who is a liar, then too the hadith is considered as forged. Also, the memory of each narrator is checked, and if he happens to have a weak memory, his hadith was neglected. The Muslims scholars of Hadith can find out whether the hadith is forged or not.39 One of the greatest scholars of Hadith that has lived in recent times is Sheikh Nasir-ud-Din Al Albanee. Therefore its wrong to say that one can find ‘TRUE DOCUMENTATION THAT CONTRADICT ISLAMIC BELIEF’. Most of the things that the Muslims practice of religion were practiced at the time of the Prophet (pbuh) except for few innovations which some ignorant Muslims involve in. In fact, we derive the teachings of Islam from the Prophet (pbuh) and there is no conflict between the Quran and what Prophet (pbuh) said. Brown further writes

“. Should we wave a flag and tell the Buddhists that we have proof the Buddha did not come from a lotus blossom? Or that Jesus was not born of a literal virgin birth? ” (Da Vinci Code pg. 452) Brown doesn’t give us any proof that Jesus (pbuh) wasn’t born of a virgin birth. This is something that we consider to be a ‘miracle’ and is attributed to Almighty God. We can neither prove that Jesus Christ (pbuh) was born of a virgin birth nor can we disprove. The Holy Qur’an tells its reader in the very beginning.

“1. A.L.M. 2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah. 3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;” (Quran 2: 1-3) But that unseen is something that is told to us by God Almighty and is not something irrational. The miracles are attributed to Almighty God. God Almighty can do anything he intends. The Qur’an says “Doer (without let) of all that He intends” (Quran 85:16) The Quran says about Jesus after mentioning his virgin birth in 19:16-33. “34. Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. 35. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget 39

To know more on this topic, refer to the book ‘authority of the Sunnah’ by Justice Taqi Usmani.

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a son. Glory be to Him! when He determines a matter, He only says to it, "Be", and it is.” (Quran 19:34-35) Likewise, the Christians consider that the Bible is from God and so do they believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus. It is very easy for God to create million human beings without a human father.

“Those who truly understand their faith understand the stories are metaphorical” (Da Vinci Code pg. 452) Dan Brown doesn’t tell us, who are these people who ‘truly’ understand their faith. Did the disciples of Jesus truly understand him? The answer is of course ‘yes’ but no disciple ever thought that the virgin birth is metaphorical. No early Christian writing shows that the virgin birth is metaphorical. The Bible too tells us that this virgin birth is not metaphorical and Allah confirms this 600 years later in the Holy Qur’an through his last Prophet Muhammad (May God’s peace and blessings be upon him) No Muslim scholar can deny the virgin birth of Jesus (pbuh). In fact, a Muslim cannot be a Muslim if he denies the virgin birth of Jesus. Anyone Muslim who denies the virgin birth of Jesus, he has denied the clear text of the Quran, which is Kufr (disbelief). Muslims do not understand this to be metaphorical, though there are Christian sects or the Christians may call them “cults” consider this to be metaphorical, but the mainstream Christians do not consider it metaphorical. The Holy Qur’an says “Say: "O ye men! Now Truth hath reached you from your Lord! those who receive guidance, do so for the good of their own souls; those who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not (set) over you to arrange your affairs." (Qur’an 10:108)

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