The learned doctors of Islam are sadly embarrassed by this verse {10:95},refering the prophet,as it does,to the people of the Book who would solve his doubts{Mohammed}.They have striven to explain it in such a way as might maintain his dignity,and are thus driven to interpretations,the strangest one has ever heard,such as that it is addressed ostensibly to the prophet but really to such as question his claim-which is in the last degree opposed to the sense of the text.Others claim that it was Muhammad himself who is addressed,but,however much they change and turn the compass,it ever points to the same celestial pole-the purity and preservation of the Scriptures.If,again,we take the party addressed to be those who doubted the truth of Islam,this throws open the whole foundation of the prophets mission;regarding which they are referred to the Jews [or Christians] for an answer to their doubts;which would only strengthen the argument for the authority of the Scripture-a result the Muslim critics would hardly be prepared for.{The Beacon of Truth.W.Muir.London:The Religious Tract Society,1894.p.100}.Since it was so important for the prophet Muhammad to consult with those who had the custody of the Bible {Surah 21:7},it will be rewarding to study some further information about that Scripture as detailed in the Koran.The Judeo-Christian Scriptures are mentioned frequently in the Koran.They are regarded as plenary revelations just like the Quran.Thus it is written:Verily we have revealed our will unto thee,as we have revealed it unto Noah and the prophets who succeeded him;and as we revealed it unto Abraham,and Ishmael,and Isaac,and Jacob,and the tribes,and unto Jesus,and Job,and Jonas and Aaron,and Solomon;and we have given thee the Koran as we gave the Psalms unto David:some apostles have we sent whom we have formerly mentioned unto thee;and other apostles have we sent whom we have not mentioned unto thee;AND GOD SPOKE UNTO MOSES DISCOURSING WITH HIM {Surah 4:163-164,Sale}.The Biblical Scriptures are recognized as extant during the time of the prophet.They were in the custody of Jews and Christians who habitually read them {Surah 10:95},studied the diligently {Surah 2:113}.Once,in order to settle a dispute,the prophet asked for a scroll of the Old Testament to be produced and read from:......All food was lawful to the children of Israel,excepting that which Israel made unlawful to himself,before the Taurat {the Pentateuch} was revealed.Say,bring hither the Taurat and read it,if you be true.And whoever contriveth a lie concerning God after that,surely they are the transgressors.{Sura 3:93-94}.The statement here clearly implies the existence of copies of authentic Torah with the Jews of the prophets time.The same must be conceded in regard to the Gospel {Injil} with the Christians.The Koran admonishes both Christians and Jews to abide by and judge according to the injunctions contained in their respective scriptures:......And will we make thee their Judge since they have beside them the Taurat,in which is the command of God?Then will they turn their back after that,and these are not believers.Verily we have revealed the Taurat;therein is guidance and light.The prophets that submitted themselves to God judged thereby those that were Jews;and the doctors and the priest {did the same} in accordance with that which was confided to their charges of the Book of God,and they were witnesses thereof.Wherefore fear not man but fear me,and sell thou not the signs of God for a small price.And he that doth not judge by that which God had sent down,they are transgressors.{Sura 5:43-44}.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:56:51 +0000
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