Sequel 1: Studying the Qur'an From A Christian Perspective
May I share my own thoughts with you ...
I'll tell you that my primary interest in doing this "study" (word used
advisedly), is that I'm very interested in how the Holy Bible of
Judaism/Christianity (Old and New Testaments) are presented in the Qur'an.
In the very little reading I've done so far, it appears to me that it all
boils to a submission to Allah as God. The God presented in the Old and
New Testaments is a very real, personal Being who has, at His heart, the
unshakable (admittedly terrible and wonderful) attribute of Holiness.
This Holiness motivates everything He does. I'll be focusing, in my reading
through the Qur'an, on how it describes Allah in these terms. How Allah's
attributes are presented, and what methods He uses to bring us closer to
himself in reconciliation. Is it works-based or faith-based redemption?
They're not the same thing. And how is sin presented? And how do we
atone for our sin? Questions with huge implications, I'm sure you'll agree.
I should tell you (warn you?) that I do not approach the Christian faith
lightly, but have come to believe fully that God is accurately described in
Holy Scripture, He blesses His people, makes His will known, and does not
tolerate sin. The only way to "atone" for sin lies not at all within any
human alive. As a fallen, rebellious creation we cannot find God, much less
desire to. We have turned our backs on Him in open rebellion. The proofs
are everywhere around us, are they not? So God works a miracle by sending
Himself in the form of a man, stripping Himself of all heavenly glory and
honor, to be an atonement for us. Only by placing our faith in this
atonement can we find righteousness before God. The "Messiah" promised
throughout God's communications with man, His son, Jesus Christ. And the
fact that even His own people chose not to believe this doesn't at all
"prove" anything, does it? He was crucified, but in so doing became the
very sacrifice God required for sin.
Well, believe me when I tell you, my friend, that I know these words sound
as nonsense to you. And I mean no disrespect to your faith or your God, in
writing this. I have the utmost respect for any person who honestly seeks
God, and I know from my contact with you that we share this passion. I merely
want to put us on a sound working foundation to continue with our discussions
of this topic. Perhaps you have not met many people in the United States who
feel as deeply as I do about their faith. In our striving to come closer to
God, we both share something that I think is rare in this day and age. The
Truth is close at hand, I'm absolutely convinced.
- Wiley, 16 October 2001
Answer
Over the periods, I have given out copies of Qur'an and books to some of my
friends and also engaged in religious discussions. My purpose of doing so is
but one: to allow them to have some academic education in a religion of which
they have little or no knowledge. I like to tell them that that is my only
purpose - I have no other expectation. It is for that reason that I myself
always hear and listen to what others have to say.
I think the commonalities between these 3 Abrahamic faiths are overwhelming:
belief in God, His messengers, revelations, angels, after life,
accountability, Day of Judgment, and so on. They all share the same concepts
of ethics, morality, and social justice. I think we should look for what is
common between us as opposed to what is different. That is why knowledge of
each other's faith is important so that we may understand each other.
If you would like to know about Islam, then the Qur'an will not give you
that information. But I will share with a small book that provides a brief
and comprehensive view of what Islam is.
If you write to me about Christianity or engage with me in mutual
discussions, please know that I always welcome that and I look forward to
that. Religions have played a very significant role in peace and stability
of our small world. In our current world plagued by atheism, immorality,
racism, war, drugs, loss of values and morals, we have to join hands and
work together to fight these common evils and restore faith and God-given
values.
To answer you question now: yes, please always share your thoughts with me.
I have great respect for you in my heart and I will always cherish that.
- Mushfiqur Rahman, 16 October 2001
(Some of the issues mentioned in the question above have been addressed in Sequel 4)
Letters, questions, or views should be sent to editor@welcome-back.org or
to mushfiqurrahman@hotmail.com.
Unless otherwise notified by the sender, the piece sent may be published in this
column with any answer if appropriate and after any editing for clarity,
brevity, and grammer. Only last name or the first name of the sender will be used (to hide his/her identity) if the
piece is published, unless
the sender wishes to publish his or her full name/email address.
Articles and letters published may not necessarily represent the views of Welcome-Back.org or its affiliations.
Copyright (c) 2000-02 by Welcome-Back.org. All rights reserved.