Pearls from the Qur’an (8)

People of the Book knowing the Prophet

Those to whom We gave the Book (before) know him (the Messenger with all his distinguishing attributes, including the direction he will turn to in the Prayer) as they know their own sons. Yet a party among them conceals the truth, and they do it knowingly. (al-Baqarah 2:146)

The Prophet’s challenge with the Christians from Najran

After the (true) knowledge has come to you, whoever still disputes with you about him (Jesus), say (in challenging them): “Come, then! Let us summon our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, our selves and your selves, and then let us pray and invoke God’s curse upon those who lie.” (Al Imran 3:61)

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, lived a life in guidance and supervision from God. He taught us the Qur’an by practicing it in his own life. He showed us the best form of Islamic life with his sunnah. Those who are looking for truth should not chase their passions or those of others, but look into the way of the Prophet, follow his path, and give an ear to his words. How fortunate are those who live up to his example.

Prophets and Their Stories

God sent Adam, thus all of humankind, to the world. Yet, He has not left them abandoned there – by sending messengers over the course of time He reminded people’s duties and responsibilities. The Qur’an recounts on this as follows:

Assuredly, God has done the believers a great kindness by raising among them a Messenger of their own, reciting to them His Revelations, and purifying them (of false beliefs and doctrines, and sins, and all kinds of uncleanness), and instructing them in the Book and the Wisdom; whereas, before that, they were lost in obvious error. (Al Imran 3:164)

Why were the Prophets sent?

God answers this question as follows:

Messengers (have been sent as) bearers of glad tidings and warners, so that people might have no argument against God after the Messengers (had come to them). And God is the All-Glorious with irresistible might, the All-Wise. (an-Nisa 4:165)

God chose the Prophets above all humankind

God sent many prophets to fulfill the above-mentioned purpose. He states that He made them above everyone else:

God made pure Adam and Noah and the House of Abraham and the House of Imran, choosing them above all humankind, as descendants of one another. God is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Al Imran 3:33-34)

What was said to the Messengers was the same

What is said to you (O Messenger) is but that which was said (by the unbelievers) to the Messengers before you. Your Lord is indeed One Who disposes forgiveness, and Who disposes painful retribution. (Fussilat 41:43)

Jews and Christians (People of the Book) in the Qur’an

“People of the Book” refers to those communities who follow a certain Divine Scripture. Muslims can also be considered under this category; however it is mainly used for those with a sacred scripture (Jews and Christians).

Calling People of the Book to meet on a common word

God calls out to the People of the Book as follows:

Say (to them, O Messenger): “O People of the Book, come to a word common between us and you, that we worship none but God, and associate none as partner with Him, and that none of us take others for Lords, apart from God. “If they (still) turn away, then say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims (submitted to Him exclusively).” (Al Imran 3:64)

O People of the Book! Do not go beyond the bounds in your religion, and do not say anything of God but the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was but a Messenger of God, and a Word of His (Power) which He conveyed to Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in God (as the One, Unique God), and His Messengers (including Jesus, as Messenger); and do not say: (God is one of) a trinity. Give up (this assertion) (it is) for your own good (to do so). God is but One God; the All-Glorified He is in that He is absolutely above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And God suffices as the One to be relied on, to Whom affairs should be referred. (an-Nisa 4:171)