Envision a circle of art experts deeply engaged in discourse over the nuances of Renaissance artistry. As a newcomer interlaces into the dialogue, the original members of the group may be skeptical if the new member is qualified to contribute worthy commentary to the discussion. Yet, in a turn that transforms the tenor of the … Continue reading Quran: Biblical Echoes
Dietary Prohibitions Quran vs. Hadith
According to the Quran, there are only four dietary prohibitions. This is spelled out four times in the Quran, 2:173, 6:145, 5:3, and 16:115, with the most all-encompassing verse being 6:145. [6:145] Say, "I do not find in the revelations given to me any food that is prohibited for any eater except: (1) carrion, (2) running … Continue reading Dietary Prohibitions Quran vs. Hadith
The Messenger’s Example (33:21)
A typical argument that is often brought up to argue for the validity of the Hadith is the following verse, which states that God has set up the messenger as a good example ( أُسْوَةٌ ). [33:21] The messenger of GOD has set up a good example for those among you who seek GOD and the … Continue reading The Messenger’s Example (33:21)
Hadith & Women
The Hadith is particularly disparaging towards women. Below are some of the most egregious Hadith from the most revered Sahih Hadith compilations, most notably Sahih Bukhari and Muslim. These narrations insult the prophet and the religion and hopefully can serve as an eye-opener to why the entire Hadith corpus needs to be discarded. This is … Continue reading Hadith & Women
Names vs. Concepts
The Freakonomics podcast recently did a series on the Nobel Laureate and theoretical physicist Richard Feynman (1918-1988). Feynman was one of the brightest minds in science and contributed to particle physics, the Manhattan Project, and figuring out the root cause of the Challenger disaster. But, what set Feynman apart from other great scientists was his … Continue reading Names vs. Concepts
Illogical Verse of the Quran?
Recently, someone published a video identifying a verse from the Quran that he claims is illogical. The verse is 43:45, and the individual claims there are two problems with this verse. [43:45] Check the messengers we sent before you: "Have we ever appointed any other gods—beside the Most Gracious—to be worshiped?" وَسْـَٔلْ مَنْ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ … Continue reading Illogical Verse of the Quran?
The Christian Struggle with Monotheism
The centerpiece of the religion of the Old Testament and the teaching of Jesus was the absolute oneness of God. However, this posed a major challenge to Pagan Christians regarding how to reconcile their beliefs with monotheism with their belief in Jesus as divine. The declaration of there being only one God in the Old … Continue reading The Christian Struggle with Monotheism
Read (Ut’lu, Ratil, & Iqra)
The Quran uses three words that mean to read or recite. While these three words may appear synonymous on the surface, a careful analysis of their use in the Quran reveals that each word has a slight difference in meaning, which, God willing, we will explore in this article. Rattil ( رَتِّلِ ) Ut'lu ( … Continue reading Read (Ut’lu, Ratil, & Iqra)
Today, I have completed your religion (5:3)
In the second half of Sura 5 verse 3, a statement reads, "Today, I have completed your religion, perfected My blessing upon you, and I have decreed Submission as the religion for you." Below is the complete verse. [5:3] Prohibited for you are animals that die of themselves, blood, the meat of pigs,* and animals dedicated … Continue reading Today, I have completed your religion (5:3)
Jinn Companions
Imagine you're standing in the courtroom, your heart racing, your palms sweaty. It's the day of your trial, the culmination of a lifetime of nerve-wracking anticipation. You've been accused of major crimes, charges that carry severe consequences. You've always prided yourself on covering your tracks and limiting who you disclosed your secrets to. Or so … Continue reading Jinn Companions
