35 | ISLAM’S REVIVAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS
diseases such as HIV/AIDS and children who are looked down
upon in society and considered to be without a lineage.
Revival of various other beneficial practices
Along with the doctrinal teachings about the nature of Allah
and Jesus that were revived by the religion of Islam, some of
the detailed practices pertaining to everyday life, which Jesus
and the earlier prophets had taught by example, were revived as
well. Our list continues with a few examples of those teachings.
13. REVIVAL OF ABLUTION BEFORE PRAYER
The significance of ablution is evident when we recall that it is
a form of preparation for prayer, whereby worshippers cleanse
themselves before they stand before Allah, the Creator.
Jesus used to wash his limbs before performing the prayer, in
compliance with Old Testament teachings. Moses and Aaron
have been recorded as doing the same:
He set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and
put water in it for washing, with which Moses and Aaron and
his sons washed their hands and their feet… as the LORD
commanded Moses. (Exodus 40:30-32)
Islam revived ablution for prayer; the Quran has instructed:
{O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer,
wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over
your heads and wash your feet to the ankles…} (Quran 5: 6)
Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) taught his followers (through his
statements and his example) that ablution includes washing the
hands, rinsing the mouth, washing the face, washing the arms,
wiping the head, and finally washing the feet.
THE CLEAR RELIGION SERIES - PART 6 | 36
14. REVIVAL OF PERFORMING PRAYERS PHYSICALLY
Jesus performed his prayers physically, not just through
supplication. Mark 14:32 states, “And they went to a place
called Gethsemane. And he [Jesus] said to his disciples, ‘Sit
here, while I pray.’”
Luke 5:16 says, “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”
Islam revived prayers as a main act of worship. In numerous
Quranic verses, Allah, the Exalted, has instructed believers to
perform prayers. For example:
{And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who
bow [in worship and obedience].} (Quran 2: 43)
Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) taught his followers (through words
and actions) that performing prayers includes standing up,
bowing, and prostrating. Interestingly, the manner of performing
prayer that Jesus taught is more in line with the way Muslims pray
than with what Christians do today. According to Isaiah 45:23,
God is reported to have said, “To me every knee shall bow.”
Jesus is described in the Gospels as prostrating during prayer. The
method of prostration in prayer followed by Jesus was not of his
own making. It was the mode of prayer of the prophets before him.
In the Old Testament, Genesis 17:3, Prophet Abraham is recorded
to have fallen on his face in prayer; in Numbers 16:22 and 20:6,
both Moses and Aaron are recorded to have fallen on their faces in
worship; in Joshua 5:14 & 7:6, Joshua fell on his face to the earth
in worship; in I Kings 18:42, Elijah bowed down on the ground and
put his face between his knees. This was the way of the prophets.1
1 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 87-88.
37 | ISLAM’S REVIVAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS
“Christians today kneel down, clasping their hands, in a posture
which cannot be ascribed to Jesus or others.”1
In many of his statements, Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) taught
his followers the manner of prayer, including bowing down and
prostrating to Allah.
15. REVIVAL OF COMPULSORY CHARITY (ZAKAH)
Jesus (pbuh) confirmed the institution of compulsory charity
known as ‘the tithe (tenth)’, which was required from the annual
harvest. “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes
from the field year by year.” (Deuteronomy 14:22)
The Quran is a revival of Jesus’ teachings. It teaches Muslims
to pay charity at the time of harvest. Allah has mentioned:
{And He it is who causes gardens to grow, [both] trellised and
untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different [kinds of] food
and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of
[each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [zakah] on the
day of its harvest.2 And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not
like those who commit excess.} (Quran 6: 141)
The system of charity is well-organized; it sets different rates for
cash, precious metals, various trade goods, agricultural products
and cattle.3 The purpose of charity is very well-defined; it is to
1 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 87.
2 The zakah due is one-tenth if the field is naturally irrigated (e.g., by rain)
and one-twentieth if it is artificially irrigated (by the farmer’s own efforts).
This obligatory charity is levied on other material resources, like trade and
livestock, as well.
3 For example, the amount of zakah for cash that has been held for at least one
year is 2.5%.
THE CLEAR RELIGION SERIES - PART 6 | 38
provide social support to the needy people in the community, not
to provide a comfortable living for clerics.1
The categories of those who are eligible to receive such charity
have also been clearly defined in the Quran. (See 9: 60.)
In Islam, the zakah is obligatory, but voluntary charity is also
highly promoted and encouraged. Often, Muslims voluntarily give
far more from their wealth than the obligatory minimum amount.
Allah promises great rewards for donors who give charity based
on sincere intentions. Throughout the history of Islam, there are
many accounts of people who gave their entire wealth to the poor,
seeking Allah’s pleasure through this remarkable act of charity.
16. REVIVAL OF FASTING
According to the Gospels, Jesus fasted for forty days. Matthew
4:2 says:
And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was
hungry.2 This was in accordance with the practice of the earlier
prophets. Moses is also recorded in Exodus 34:28 to have fasted.
It says: And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty
nights, he neither ate bread nor drank water. And he wrote upon
the tables the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.3
The Quran is a revival of many of the teachings of Jesus
and Moses. It teaches the believers to fast during the month
of Ramadan. Allah has mentioned in the Quran that fasting is
enjoined on the Muslims as it was enjoined on previous nations.
{O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it
1 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 92.
2 See also Matthew 6:16.
3 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 92.
39 | ISLAM’S REVIVAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS
was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous.}
(Quran 2: 183)
In addition, Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) affirmed that Prophet
David used to fast regularly; he said:
«The best manner of (voluntary) fasting is that of my brother David,
who used to fast every other day.» (Recorded by Bukhari and Muslim)
17. REVIVAL OF GREETING WITH THE SUPPLICATION
OF PEACE
The greeting of peace was mentioned in the Old Testament:
So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men,
“Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name.6 And
thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your
house, and peace be to all that you have. (1 Samuel 25:5-6)
According to the New Testament, Jesus greeted his followers
with a greeting of peace.
As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood
among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” (Luke 24:36)
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has
sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas
was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and
stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:26)
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’
(Luke 10:5)
Followers of Judaism have continued to use this as a greeting
THE CLEAR RELIGION SERIES - PART 6 | 40
(in Hebrew: Shalom aleichem). Christians do not use this as a
greeting, but some denominations have a rite of peace as part of
their church services. In 1969, the Catholic Church introduced
the “sign of peace” during the Mass, when churchgoers turn to
those around them, shake hands, and say, “Peace be with you.”
As a religion of peace and respect for others, Islam revived this
noble greeting. The Quran instructs all those who enter homes
to give the greetings of peace, and Allah has instructed the
believers to greet each other with peace as well.
{And when those come to you who believe in Our verses, say:
Peace be upon you....} (Quran 6: 54)
Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) also taught his followers to give this
greeting whenever they met each other. The greeting of peace extends
even to the heavens; the angels will greet those who enter paradise
with the same greeting of peace. To this day, Muslims around the
world - no matter their national origin or native language, and no
matter whether or not they know each other - greet one another with
the Arabic phrase Assalamu alaykum (Peace be upon you).
18. REVIVAL OF VEILING (HIJAB) FOR WOMEN
The women around Jesus veiled themselves according to the
practice of women around the earlier prophets. Their garments
were loose and covered their bodies completely, and they wore
scarves which covered their hair.1
And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted
from the camel and said to the servant, “Who is that man,
walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.”
So she took her veil and covered herself. (Genesis 24:64-65)
1 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 88.
41 | ISLAM’S REVIVAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS
Islam encourages decency and modest dress for both men and
women. Muslim women are instructed to cover their bodies and to
wear veils that cover their heads and chests. Allah has mentioned:
{And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision
and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except
that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion
of] their head covers over their chests and not expose their
adornment…} (Quran 24: 31)
Veiling, as a part of modest dress, protects women from possible
social harm and discourages males from approaching females
with dishonourable intentions. Allah instructed:
{O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of
the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer
garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be
abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.} (Quran 33: 59)
In today’s society, disregard for the hijab-and for modesty in
general-is one factor that has led to women being treated as
objects, whereby their bodies are used as commodities from which
to acquire pleasure. It is no surprise then that many companies use
women as advertising props to entice customers into purchasing
their products. The fact remains that even in the eyes of those who
use women as objects, only those who keep more of their bodies
covered and hidden from the public eye are regarded as modest.
19. REVIVAL OF POLYGYNY
There is no record of Prophet Jesus opposing polygyny. The
Old Testament records a number of examples of polygamous
marriages among the prophets, including these:
So, after Abram [Abraham] had lived ten years in the land of
THE CLEAR RELIGION SERIES - PART 6 | 42
Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant,
and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. (Genesis 16:3)
And David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man
with his household, and David with his two wives, Ahinoam of
Jezreel, and Abigail of Carmel, Nabal’s widow. (1 Samuel 27:3)
Solomon is said to have “…had 700 wives, who were princesses,
and 300 concubines.” (1 Kings 11:3)
Solomon’s son Rehoboam “took eighteen wives and sixty
concubines.” (2 Chronicles 11:21)
The Old Testament even specified laws regarding the division of
inheritance in polygamous circumstances, which indicates that
the practice was a normal one in the society.1 (See Deuteronomy
21:15-16.) Jewish law actually requires polygyny in some
situations. If a man dies without children, his wife is required
to marry his brother even if the brother is already married; the
reason is to produce an heir for her deceased husband, and her
first child is considered to be his heir.
Islam revived polygyny, this practice of the earlier prophets,
but it imposed stringent restrictions. It permits a man to marry
to up to four women, with strict conditions stipulating justice
and equal treatment among the wives as the basic condition for
polygyny. Allah has stated:
{…marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three
or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry
only] one or those your right hand possesses…} (Quran 4: 3)
The only restriction on polygamy (polygyny) recorded in earlier
scriptural teaching was the ban (in Leviticus 18:18) on taking a
1 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 94.
43 | ISLAM’S REVIVAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS
wife’s sister as a “rival wife”.1 This law is applied in Islam as
well, as stated in Quran 4: 23.
20. REVIVAL OF MALE CIRCUMCISION
Jesus was circumcised. According to Luke 2:21:
And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was
called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived
in the womb.
Prophet Abraham (pbuh), whom the Quran tells us was neither
a Jew nor a Christian, was the first to be circumcised, according
to the Old Testament:
And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant,
you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.
This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me
and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you
shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of
your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me
and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised.”
(Genesis 17:9-12)
Today circumcision is not widely treated as a religious or legal
requirement among Christians, and rates of circumcision vary
across different countries. Although it is a controversial topic
for some, the medical benefits have been documented. In 2012,
the American Academy of Pediatrics website published its
“Circumcision Policy Statement,” stating:
Evaluation of current evidence indicates that the health benefits
of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks and that the
1 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 95.
THE CLEAR RELIGION SERIES - PART 6 | 44
procedure’s benefits justify access to this procedure for families
who choose it. Specific benefits identified included prevention
of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and transmission of
some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
According to the World Health Organization website:
There is compelling evidence that male circumcision reduces
the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by approximately
60%.
Islam revives male circumcision and makes it a requirement.1
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that
Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) said:
«There are five practices which correspond with the natural
human inclination: shaving pubic hair and underarm hair,
(male) circumcision, trimming the moustache, and trimming
fingernails and toenails.» (Recorded by Bukhari, Muslim and others)
CONCLUSION
Islam revived the faith of the prophets, which is based upon the
belief in one God (Allah). Along with belief, they revived many
rules and practices related to morality, justice and pure living.
Hence, the Islamic way of life is much closer to that of Jesus and
the previous prophets (peace be upon them all) than that of any
other group of people who claim to be their followers.
1 Although circumcision is highly recommended for a man who becomes
Muslim, Islamic scholars say that if he is unable to do it, it should not be
insisted upon, and this does not affect the validity of his embracing Islam.
45 |
WHY ISLAM?
Every person should revert to Islam because it is the birthright
of every person and the original imprint on every human
soul at birth.
Every person should revert to Islam because Allah has sealed
and superseded all previous messages with Islam. Allah has
mentioned to all people:
{…This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed
My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as
religion…} (Quran 5: 3)
Every person should revert to Islam because people in
every era must worship their Lord (Allah) according to the law
prescribed by Him as revealed to His Prophet (bpuh). The tribes
of Israel, for example, were ordered to worship Allah according
to the law of Moses. When Prophet Jesus was sent to them, they
were ordered to worship Allah according to what was prescribed
in the Gospel. Then when Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (bpuh)
with the message of Islam to all people, it became incumbent on
all people, the tribes of Israel and all others, to enter Islam.
After all, what could be more serious than the rejection of the
religion which the Creator and Sustainer of everything has
enjoined upon all people? Indeed, this is the greatest injustice
committed by human beings. It is sad but true that if a person dies
in this state, he or she will be punished and cast into the hellfire
to live there for eternity. This concept has been emphasized
hundreds of times in the Quran and in the statements of Prophet
Muhammad (bpuh). Allah has mentioned:
{And whoever desires other than Islam as religion-never will it
THE CLEAR RELIGION SERIES - PART 6 | 46
be accepted from him, and he, in the hereafter, will be among the
losers.} (Quran 3: 85)
Also, Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) said:
«Whoever among the Christians and Jews hears of me, does not
follow what I have brought, and dies in this state will be among
the inhabitants of hellfire.» (Recorded by Muslim)
Note that Allah was reported to have said in a prophecy, “And
whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my
name, I myself will require it of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:19)
Since it has been proven that the prophet referred to here is
Muhammad (bpuh), this means that whoever believes in the
Bible must believe in this prophet and in what this prophet says;
otherwise, they will be called to account for that. After they
realize who this prophet is, it follows logically that they must
adhere to his teachings.
There are those who may not accept Islam because they think
that becoming a Muslim means turning one’s back on all the
previous prophets sent by Allah. This is a false concept because
of the following:
Firstly, belief in all the prophets of Allah is a pillar of Islamic
faith; hence, one is not a believing Muslim unless he or she
believes in Jesus, Moses and all the other prophets (peace be
upon them all).
Secondly, belief in the prophets is a part of what each prophet
taught. (In other words, every prophet called his people to
believe in the prophet who would come after him and to follow
that prophet whenever he appeared.) Therefore, rejecting a
prophet amounts to rejecting his predecessor.
47 | ISLAM’S REVIVAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS
Thirdly, rejecting any prophet amounts to rejecting the One
Who sent him: Allah.
Fourthly, Islam promises great rewards to the followers of
previous faiths if they believe in Islam in addition to their
previous faith.
The Messenger of Allah (bpuh) said:
«Three people have a double reward: a person from the People
of the Scriptures (the Jews and the Christians) who believed
in his prophet (Jesus or Moses) and then believes in Prophet
Muhammad (by embracing Islam)...» (Recorded by Bukhari)
The first reward is for believing in their previous religion (before
knowing about Islam); the second reward is for recognizing the
truth of Islam and following it.
From the Islamic perspective, the relationships among the
prophets are like the relationships among the links in a chain;
rejecting one of them amounts to rejecting all of them. Likewise,
becoming a Muslim means having the honour of believing in all
the prophets who came before Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) and
not turning one’s back on any previous prophets.
Finally, we have to accept Islam because Islam has revived the
eternal divine teachings that had been either forgotten, lost, or
distorted in the previous messages. Islam retains and maintains
the practical teachings mentioned in the previous scriptures (as
originally revealed), which are part of the birthright of all people
until the end of this world.
49 |
A CALL TO REASON
A concluding suggestion: consider what everyone has in common.
Come, let us reason together:
{Say: O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable
between us and you-that we will not worship except Allah and
not associate anything with Him and not take one another as
lords instead of Allah. But if they turn away, then say: Bear witness
that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].} (Quran 3: 64)
In the noble Quran, {People of the Scripture} is the respectful
title given to the Jews and the Christians. Muslims are being
commanded to invite them with noble and respectful words: O
People of the Book, O learned people, O people who claim to
be the recipients of divine revelation of a holy scripture, let us
gather onto a common platform: that we worship none but Allah,
because none but Him is worthy of worship and because He is
our Lord and Cherisher, our Sustainer and Evolver, worthy of all
praise, prayer and devotion.
These truths are basic and an integral part of any human being’s
intellect. Sort through the layers of indoctrination that hide this
simple fact, and one will be able to see that deep down, every
human being retains the simple and obvious concept of Allah. In
essence, every human being agrees that there is only One God
worthy of worship, One God Who is free of partners, helpers,
and anything that is ascribed to Him falsely.
51 |
THIS IS IT
In this book, you have been shown the right path, and Allah
has given you the ability to distinguish right from wrong. He
has also given you the freedom of choice as to whether or not to
accept the message of Islam. If you accept His call, you will be
warmly welcomed into paradise. If you reject it, you will end up
with the biggest loss ever imagined: the loss of paradise and the
guarantee of dwelling in hellfire for all eternity. Take a moment
to comprehend what eternity really means. It is a very frightening
realization.
To those who have been faithful Christians, you are warmly
welcome to embrace Islam because:
Jesus asked his followers to follow Muhammad (bpuh)
whenever he appeared.1
When Jesus comes back before the end of this world, he will
follow Muhammad (bpuh) and abide by his teachings.2
Yes, since Jesus called his true followers to follow it while he
was on the earth, and he will follow Islam when he comes back,
all faithful Christians should follow Islam as well.
To those who have been believing Jews, remember that
Abraham and Moses surrendered themselves completely to their
Lord, whether they called Him Elohenu, God, or Allah. All pride
in ethnicity or ancestry is vain; what will matter in the end is
1 See al-Rassi, The Amazing Prophecies of Muhammad (bpuh) in the Bible:
Twenty-eight Proofs from the Bible of Muhammad’s Prophethood.
2 See al-Rassi, Eleven Facts about Jesus and His Mother (Mary) in the Islamic
Teachings.
THE CLEAR RELIGION SERIES - PART 6 | 52
your individual relationship with your Creator. This means total
submission: Islam.
To those of other faiths or those who, until now, did not feel
that they had any faith at all, consider this message now,
without any reluctance or hesitation, before it is too late-before
death overtakes you. It could be soon. Who knows?
53 | ISLAM’S REVIVAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS
A WHISPER
Some people are not able to find the truth because of their blind
commitment to their beliefs. Their tenacious adherence is usually
not based on an intellectual understanding of the teachings but
on powerful cultural and emotional influences. Because they were
brought up in a particular family or society, they firmly cling to the
beliefs of that group, believing that they are upholding the truth.
There are others who are convinced about the religion of Islam
and are mentally ready to embrace it. However, when they
contemplate the drastic changes it will bring to their lives,
changes that might not please their families and communities,
they hesitate, and even after taking the decision, they sometimes
go back and change their minds later.
It is whispered in their ears that no matter how much money,
prestige, status, and power an unbeliever may have possessed in
this life, he or she will never have enough to buy entrance into
paradise. In the hereafter, the poorest inhabitant of Earth who has
testified to the truth of Islam will be far happier and more dignified
than the richest person who did not accept the message of Islam.
Rejecting Allah’s message is the biggest sin that one can commit.
For this reason, while the soul is still in his or her body, the
wise individual should take this opportunity; he or she is still
alive to accept Allah’s message before it is too late. The time for
repentance is limited because once death arrives, it is no longer
possible to obtain forgiveness.1 Allah has mentioned:
{[For such is the state of the disbelievers] until, when death
1 Compiled from Caraballo, My Great Love for Jesus Led Me to Islam.
THE CLEAR RELIGION SERIES - PART 6 | 54
comes to one of them, he says: My Lord, send me back that I
might do righteousness in that which I left behind. No! It is only
a word he is saying…}1 (Quran 23: 99-100)
Religion is, without question, the most important aspect of a
person’s life, for it determines whether or not a person is rightly
guided. It follows, therefore, that choosing the true faith is
the most important personal decision one must make, and this
decision needs to be based on clarity and total conviction. When
it comes to matters of religion and creed, nothing must be left
to chance because the one who is truly guided-as opposed to the
one who is not-will surely find eternal happiness in the hereafter!
Having been presented with the previous proofs, we should
use our intellect to analyse and reason. A crossroad has been
reached, and Allah (Glorified is He) calls on all people to follow
the clear, straight road and avoid all the murky, dubious ones.
The right path has now become distinct from the wrong path, as
Allah has mentioned:
{There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion.
The right course has become clear from the wrong, so whoever
disbelieves in taghoot and believes in Allah has grasped the most
trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing
and Knowing.} (Quran 2: 256)
It is my duty and responsibility, as a resident of this great planet,
and as one who has submitted my free will to the law and
commandments of the Supreme Being, to urge all human beings
to stay away from the worship of false deities-to stop putting
1 The unbelievers will ask for a ‘second chance’ when they see the angels
ready to punish them, but it will be too late; they were given the time, the
intellect and the guidance, but they neglected it for years until time ran out.
55 | ISLAM’S REVIVAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS
their faith in statues, sphinxes, figures, amulets, talismans,
horseshoes, and any other objects that have been manufactured
by humans or created by God. After first repenting, a person
should submit completely to the will of Allah, the Only God of
the universe.
57 |
HOW TO BECOME A MUSLIM
Every religion has its own requirements for conversion.
Someone who wants to become Jewish must pledge all of the
following:
1. To enter the ‘eternal covenant’ between God and the people
of Israel and to become a Jew of his or her own free will;
2. To accept Judaism to the exclusion of all other religious
faiths and practices, which means to deny the prophethood
of Jesus and Muhammad (bpuh) and to deny the revelations
that God sent to humankind through them;
3. An undivided loyalty to Judaism and to the Jewish people
under all circumstances;
4. To commit to learning the Torah and other Jewish knowledge;
and
5. To raise his or her children as Jews.
To be a Christian, one must:
1. Believe that God (Allah) has a partner, a mother, and a son;
2. Believe that every new-born baby is born sinful;
3. Believe that God became a man and descended to Earth to
die for the sins of the people;
4. Deny the prophethood of Muhammad (bpuh) publicly; and
5. Deny that the Quran is a revelation from Allah, the Exalted.
However, to become a Muslim is simple. One must:
1. Bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except
Allah (in other words, disown all false gods),
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2. Bear witness that Muhammad (bpuh) is His messenger,
3. Believe in all the six articles of faith, and
4. Worship Allah as taught by Prophet Muhammad (bpuh).
Hence, becoming a Muslim is a simple and easy process. If
anyone has a real desire to be a Muslim and has full belief that
Islam is the true religion of God, all he or she needs to do is to
pronounce the shahadah, the testimony of faith.1 Pronunciation
of this testimony with a sincere heart brings the person into the
fold of Islam. It is the main gateway to Islam.
Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) said:
«Whoever testifies that there is no deity worthy of worship
except Allah, Who has no partner; that Muhammad is His slave
and messenger; that Jesus is the slave of Allah, His prophet, and
His word2 which He bestowed in Mary and a spirit created from
Him; that paradise (heaven) is true; and that the hellfire is true-
Allah will eventually admit him into paradise, according to his
deeds.» (Recorded by Bukhari)
The first part of the testimony consists of the most important
words of truth that Allah has ever revealed to His noble prophets,
“There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.” He has stated:
{And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed
to him that: There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.}
(Quran 21: 25)
1 The words of the shahadah are: Ash-hadu al-la ilahailla Allah, wa ash-hadu
anna Muhammadan Abduhu wa Rasooluhu. (I testify that there is no deity
worthy of worship except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His slave
and messenger.)
2 It means that Jesus was created when Allah said the word “Be”; when He
said it, Jesus was created in the womb of his mother, Mary.
59 | ISLAM’S REVIVAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS
Bearing this testimony implies that all forms of worship-whether
praying, fasting, supplicating, seeking refuge, or offering an
animal as sacrifice-must be directed to Allah and to Him alone.
Directing any form of worship to other than Allah (whether to
an angel, a prophet, Jesus, Muhammad [bpuh], a saint, an idol,
a statue, the sun, the moon, a tree, a cross, or anything else)
contradicts the fundamental message not only of Islam but of
all the prophets; it is an unforgivable sin in the hereafter, so one
must repent before death.
The second part of the testimony means that Prophet Muhammad
(bpuh) is the slave and the chosen messenger of Allah.1 This
implies that a true Muslim obeys and follows the commands of
the Prophet (bpuh) as mentioned in the collections of his hadiths.
One must believe in what he has said, practice his teachings, and
avoid what he has forbidden because the hadiths were, in fact,
revelations and inspiration conveyed to him by Allah.
As mentioned earlier, Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) was sent in
order to implement the Quran in a practical way through his
sayings, deeds, and legislation, as well as all other facets of his
life. When his wife Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was
asked about his character, she replied:
«His character was that of the Quran.» (Recorded by Muslim and
Abu Dawood)
Hence, to truly adhere to the second part of the shahadah is to
follow his example in all walks of life. Allah has mentioned:
{Say [O Muhammad]: If you should love Allah, then follow me,
1 The meaning of worship is, simply, total submission and complete obedience
to Allah’s commandments in belief, intentions, statements and actions.
This is what is meant by ‘slavery to Allah’ in Islam.
THE CLEAR RELIGION SERIES - PART 6 | 60
[so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is
Forgiving and Merciful.} (Quran 3: 31)
A true Muslim must strive to mould his or her life and character
to emulate the Prophet (bpuh), for he was a living example for
human beings to follow. Allah has said to His Prophet (bpuh):
{And indeed, you are of a great moral character.} (Quran 68: 4)
Allah has also said to all people:
{There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an
excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last
Day and [who] remembers Allah often.} (Quran 33: 21)
When one enters the fold of Islam, all previous sins are forgiven;
one starts a new life of piety and righteousness since he or she, in
essence, has repented from the ways and beliefs of the previous
life. One man told the Prophet (bpuh) that he would accept Islam
only under the condition that Allah would forgive his sins; the
Prophet (bpuh) asked him:
«Do you not know that accepting Islam destroys all sins that
came before it?» (Recorded by Muslim)
As soon as a person accepts Islam, he or she is free of all
previous sins. The person’s record is wiped clean, as if he or
she was born that very day. One should try as much as possible
to keep his or her records clean and strive to do as many good
deeds as possible; the more good deeds, the more he or she will
be elevated in paradise.
It should be emphasized again that accepting Islam does not
mean turning your back on the messages of previous prophets
(peace be upon them all). Indeed, it is a fulfilment of those
messages. Therefore, if you are a Jew or a Christian, accepting
61 | ISLAM’S REVIVAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS
Islam and following Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) is a fulfilment
of the messages which Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them)
brought, as has been clearly described and proven in my book The
Amazing Prophecies of Muhammad (bpuh) in the Bible: Twenty-
Eight Proofs from the Bible of Muhammad’s Prophethood.
On the other hand, rejecting Islam means turning your back not
only on Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) but also on Prophets Moses
and Jesus. Doing so is actually a clear violation of their messages,
and it diminishes your hope of paradise in the hereafter.
It is now up to you to decide where your own future home will
be. I wish you all the best!
| 62
REMEMBER THIS
To accurately identify the true religion, you must maintain an
objective point of view, one which does not allow your emotions
to cloud your vision and thereby blind you to the truth. Indeed,
you must look at all issues rationally so that you can separate
truth from falsehood; then make a judgment and follow it with
sincere prayers asking the Almighty to guide you to the right
path.
Now that you have read this book and examined the evidence
regarding the truthfulness of Islam, I pray to God Almighty
that you can and will make the right choice! I invite you to
choose Islam as your way of life and to get yourself on the right
path! La ilaha illa Allah (There is no deity worthy of worship
except God), Muhammadan Rasool Allah (Muhammad is the
Messenger of God).
May the light of truth shine in our minds and in our hearts. May
it lead us to peace and certitude in this life and to eternal bliss
in the hereafter.
Kind regards,
Majed S. Al-Rassi
Phone: 966 50 5906761
e-mail: majed.alrassi@gmail.com
63 |
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Caraballo, Simon (Muhammad bin Abdullah Caraballo). My
Great Love for Jesus Led Me to Islam. Jubail, KSA: Dawah
& Guidance Centre.
Philips, Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal. The True Message of Jesus
Christ. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House.
al-Rassi, Majed. The Amazing Prophecies of Muhammad
(bpuh) in the Bible: Twenty-Eight Proofs from the Bible of
Muhammad’s Prophethood. http://www.saaid.net/The-clearreligion/
06.pdf.
___. Eleven Facts about Jesus and His Mother (Mary) in the Islamic
Teachings. http://www.saaid.net/The-clear-religion/04.pdf.
___. Who Deserves to Be Worshipped? http://www.saaid.net/
The-clear-religion/017.pdf.
Saheeh International. The Quran: Arabic Text with Corresponding
English Meanings. Jeddah: Abul Qasim Publishing House,
1997.
| 64
APPENDIX
For Further Information about Islam
Ata ur-Rahim, Muhammad and Ahmad Thomson. Jesus: Prophet of
Islam. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House, 2008.
Baagil, M. Christian-Muslim Dialogue. Riyadh: International
Islamic Publishing House.
Bucaille, Maurice. The Quran and Modern Science. Riyadh:
International Islamic Publishing House, 2001.
Ibrahim, I. A. A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam.
Houston, TX: Darussalam, 1997. Also available at www.islamguide.
com.
Khan, Maulana Wahiduddin. God Arises. Riyadh: International
Islamic Publishing House, 2005.
Khan, Abdul Waheed. The Personality of Allah’s Last Messenger,
2nd ed. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House, 2007.
LeBlanc, Abdul-Malik. The Bible Led Me to Islam. Toronto: Al-
Attique Publisher.
Liepert, David. Choosing Faith. Riyadh: International Islamic
Publishing House, 2011. (Available online at http://www.
choosingfaith.com/.)
Philips, Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal. The Purpose of Creation. Riyadh:
International Islamic Publishing House.
al-Uthaymeen, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih. Explanation of
the Three Fundamental Principles of Islaam. UK: Al-Hidaayah
Publishing and Distribution, 1997.
Online Information about Islam
islam-guide.com
65 |
iera.org
islamtomorrow.com
discoveritsbeauty.com
edialogue.org (live chat)
islamhouse.com/en/ (thousands of free books)
iera.org/shop/ (free downloads)
iiph.com
| 66
GLOSSARY OF ISLAMIC TERMS1
abu (or abi) father (of)
hadith a statement or action of Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) that was
remembered and recorded by his Companions and followers
hijab veil ordained by Allah for believing women
jinn (plural
of jinni)
non-human, rational beings created by Allah from fire, often
referred to as ‘demons’ or ‘devils’. They have free will like humans:
some are Muslims, others disbelievers; some are obedient
to Allah, others disobedient. Satan is a jinni. Some people try to
‘foretell’ the future by contacting a jinni. Some disobedient jinn
mislead people into thinking that they can tell them what will happen
in the future, near or far, or that the jinn can provide people
with riches or some sort of power.
mahram a degree of consanguinity precluding marriage; a man whom a
woman may not marry due to the close blood or marriage relationship,
e.g., her father, brother, son, uncle, or father-in-law
Ramadan the ninth month in the Islamic calendar; the month of obligatory
fasting
shahadah the Islamic testimony of faith: Ash-hadu al-la ilaha illa Allah,
wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Abduhu wa Rasooluhu. (I
testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah,
and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.)
Sharia Islamic law derived from the Quran and the statements and actions
of the Prophet (bpuh)
taghoot idols; everything evil that is worshipped
zakah obligatory charity payable by Muslims, to be distributed to poor
Muslims who qualify as recipients
1 If a word has become part of the English language (i.e., is found in a dictionary
of Standard English), that spelling is used in this book.
67 |
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