Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Islamic Teachings

One day, a western youngster in a hippy outfit came to our house with a native youngster of our hometown Karbala. I asked theKarbalai youngster how he happened to bring that Westerner here, he said that he had requested him to take him to a religious scholar for he wanted to ask certain questions about Islam. Therefore, he brought him to me.

I welcomed him and enquired about his name, country and the reason of his visit to Iraq, and especially to Karbala. I also enquired about his level of education and profession. In response he said he was an American. He was a graduate from an American university where he had studied contemporary religions, and he had come to Iraq as a tourist. He added that he liked Islam as he found it more rational than all other religions, but he said, he had some questions concerning Islam, which if cleared to his entire satisfaction, would enable him to abandon Christianity and embrace Islam.

I asked him, “Why do you want to abandon Christianity?” He said, “Most youngsters in America especially those who are well educated and highly informed, do not have firm faith in Christianity in the true sense of the word, because they find irrational religious traditions, while they see some of the senior religious figures lack commendable virtues and notable characteristics. (He was very frank in his expression about them.”

I said, “If so then why the youngsters do not discard Christianity?” He said, “Firstly, most of them have discarded Christianity, and secondly, those who still show their attachment to it are doing so mainly for two reasons. Some are bound to follow their elders and fathers, and some do so from fear of spread of communism and disbelief. They believe that as soon as they abandon Christianity, communism will creep in. In their opinion, Christianity is the only barrier against the expansion of communist influence over the people of their country. In their opinion, the aims and objects of the communism are to root outevery thing ; from their government to their economy, freedom and system of inheritance.” I said, “Why don’t they take shelter in Islam?” He said, “Because the Islam that is presented to them is distorted. Moreover, there is no such preacher of Islam in America who may introduce the true Islam in such an impressive way that American youngsters may be attracted to it.”

I said, “Do you acknowledge the beauty of Islam?” “Yes, but it is distorted in my view”, “What sort of distortion?” He replied, “This is the very purpose I have come to you.” “Have you asked other Muslim scholar?” “Yes, but I did not receive a satisfactory answer.”

Then he narrated how he happened to meet thatKarbalai youngster who guided him to my house. The young American knew some Arabic; hence there was no need for an interpreter, except in some instances of the discussion when we sought the help of one of our English-speaking friends. Our discussion started on the question of the proof of the existence of God.

I said, “The proof of His existence is recognized from His signs, because there is no effect without a cause.” I pointed out to him, “As you know the United States has some three hundred thousand space experts and has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars for making artificial satellites. Can you prove that those American satellites have their makers but that the moon - the natural satellite - which is millions of times bigger than an artificial satellite has no Creator?” Being satisfied with this explanation, he then said, “Why don’t we see God?” I said, “Do you think that every existing thing is visible?” He said, “I believe in only tangible things.” I said, “No, this is not the case. You believe in the tangible as well as rational things.” When he said how, I said, “Do you believe in the existence of mind, soul, gravitational force and such like?” He said, “Yes.” I said, “Have you seen the mind, the soul, or the gravitational force?” His reply was negative. Then I said, “Therefore, you too believe in those things which your senses do not perceive, and what you actually perceive is their effect.” He said, “Good reply.”

The American youngster brought up another topic by asking, “How do you believe in hisprophethood when Muhammad was not a prophet?” I said, “On what ground do you say he was not a prophet?” He said, “It is clear that he established his religion with the sword, whereas God is merciful and does not resort to such measures.” I said, “Firstly, just for the sake of argument, if we were to assume that claim is true, I would like to ask you, do you believe in theprophethood of Moses (upon whom be peace).” He replied in affirmative. Then I related to him the story of Moses mentioned in the Bible, Deuteronomy 13:15-16, Numbers 31:7-35, when he resorted to measures worse than the sword. He was (supposedly) ordered by God to set the cities he conquered on fire, killing not only the men, but also the children and the animals.

He admitted the fact and said, “That is why I came to you to make it clear and to find another religion for myself because our Bible has got many such ridiculous stories.

I continued, “but in fact Islam was not established by the sword.” Then I went on to ask him, “Have you studied the battles fought by the Prophet of Islam? Do you know that all of them were defensive ones and not even a single one was ever offensive?” He said, “It is for the first time I hear this.”

I said, “You have to consult authentic history references to see the records of these facts and to satisfy yourself of the truth of my claim.” At this stage I gave him a copy of my book “In the Shadow of Islam” and advised him to study it especially the chapter dealing with the battles of the prophet Muhammad (S).

The Christian youth started studying the book, and one of ourEnglishspeaking friends started helping him in the process. Meanwhile, I took the opportunity of this short period of time to meet those who were waiting to see me.

Having finished reading the relevant chapter of the book, he was profoundly surprised as to how the distorted history of Islam has been presented to them. Then he accepted that Muhammad did not rise up with the sword, “How could you prove that he was a Prophet?” I said, “How do you Christians prove that Jesus Christ (upon whom be peace) was a prophet?” He said, “Actually, I have no proof in support of theprophethood of Jesus as I myself believe in Christianity through family tradition.”

I suggested that we should establish the criteria for the recognition and truthfulness of the prophets, so as to distinguish between a true and a false prophet. With a strange curiosity he said, “This point has itself been one of my basic questions.”

I said, “How do you find out that a person is a doctor and another is an engineer?” He said, “Either through a certificate or degree issued by a medical centre or a university, or through one’s own experience. For example, if I see that a person has cured a disease with some medicine, I will call him a doctor. Similarly, if a person draws up a good plan of a building meeting the engineering requirements then he can be called an engineer.”

Then I said, “In the case of a prophet, the same formula applies too. Though the testimony of God,, you will know he is a messenger from Him.” He said, “How is that?” I said; “A miracle is an evidence of God which He bestows upon he whom He sends.” He said, “How can the miracle be taken as an evidence from God?” I said, “Breaching the (natural) laws is beyond the control of everybody except God the Almighty. So, when Allah delegates this power (of performing miracles) to any person, it proves that that person is a messenger from God.” He said, “It’s an excellent logical reply. I put the same question to a number of Christian and Islamic scholars but none of them could ever satisfy me. Anyhow, now we have reached a stage where you have to prove that Muhammad was provided with a miracle.”

I said, “The miracle of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s blessings be upon him and his Progeny) is already crystal clear to me and I have also seen it with my own eyes.” He asked surprisingly, “Have you yourself seen the miracle of Muhammad?” I replied in affirmative. He asked, “Which is that miracle?” I said while pointing to Qur’an, “This Qur’an is the miracle of Muhammad.” He said, “How can the Qur’an be the miracle of Muhammad?” I said, “Muhammad challenged the people of the world to bring even a small chapter like that of the Holy Qur’an but none of them could do so over the last fourteen centuries.” He said, “How can this statement be authentic that Muhammad challenged the people of the whole world but none could meet it?”

Then I quoted a verse of the Qur’an that says, {If you are in doubt about what We have sent down to Our Servant (Muhammad) then produce a chapter like it and call your witnesses other than Allah, if you are truthful.}37 and said to him, “Here is the solid proof of that literary challenge. Nobody on earth could produce even a small chapter like that of the Holy Qur’an. Had there been so, it would have been recorded in history. In the course of your studies of religions, have you ever come across any claim that someone had produced a work that comes anywhere near the Qur’an?” When he replied in negative, I said, “That is to say mankind is unable to do so.”

He turned the question around, “If Islam is right, why are Muslims so backward?” I said, “For the reason that Muslims do not act upon Islam.” He said, “Being Muslims, how do they not act upon Islam?” I said, “Are the majority of Americans Christians or not?” He said, “Yes, they are.” I asked, “Do they act upon Christianity properly?” He said, “No.” I said, “Similarly, Muslims also do not act upon Islam, hence they are backward. At the beginning of Islam, they used to follow Islam and as such they achieved progress and prosperity.” He said, “How do you then invite me to a religion, the followers of which are so backward?” I said, “If you are in a highway, but see other road users are deviating to left or right, will you follow the road or leave it for the reason of those deviants?” He said, “I would certainly adopt thestraight way and not care for its non-disciplined deviants.” I said, “I also invite you to Islam not its deviants.” Then he said, “Allah says in the Chapter of Victory, 48:1-2, “Lo! We have given you (O Muhammad) a victory that Allah may forgive you of your sin which is past and that which is to come.” It is possible that a sinful person may become a prophet?”

I answered, “The Holy Prophet was “sinful” in the eyes ofMeccan infidels. They used say Muhammad has ridiculed our beliefs and insulted our gods. With the help and will of Allah when Mecca peacefully surrendered to Muhammad and he won over the infidels his “sins” or “crimes” against the infidels were “dropped” or forgiven, thanks to Allah Almighty who prepared the ground for this. Furthermore, after the fall of Mecca the prophet Muhammad went on to demolish more than three hundred “god” idols which were “sacred” to the infidels of Mecca.”

Needless to say, the ‘sin’ as defined by the infidels and referred to in the verse is not regarded as sin in the eyes of God Almighty, but the Almighty is stating that not only He has given His Messenger, prophet Muhammad, a victory, but in fact through this victory He has brought about the circumstances in which even the ‘sins’ he is attributed to by the infidels are null and void.

The American Christian then said, “I met some persons in America who claimed to be followers of theQadyani religion. They called on me to embrace their religion claiming that their religion succeeded Islam, which was brought by a certainGhulam AhmadQadyani who claimed to be a prophet. Do you believe in that religion?” I replied in negative, and when he asked for the reason, I said, “Firstly because the Prophet of Islam said, “no prophet would come after me.”38 Accordingly, whosoever claims to be a prophet after him, is an impostor and, his claim ofprophethood is false. Since we proved that Muhammad is a true prophet, and we believe that true prophets do not lie, therefore theQadyani is an impostor as the prophet Muhammad said that there would be no prophet after me.

Secondly,Ghulam AhmadQadyani has merely claimed theprophethood but had not shown any miracle. Ifprophethood is treated acceptable without any miracle then thousands of prophets can appear in the world. So you and others too can claim to be prophets on any fine morning. Do you think that by mere claim ofprophethood one can become a prophet?” He smiled and said, “No!” Then he added, “ButQadyanis are very much active and progressive in the propagation of their religion.” I said, “Do the activity and progress in the propagation of a religion prove its truth? If so, then the fascists, communists and other followers of various ideologies will have to be treated as right.”

Then he turned to another question; “There is a verse in the Qur’an which says that every good and bad thing is from Allah. He continued, if a bad thing is also from God because it says, {All is from Allah}39 then why should people be punished for their evil?” I said, “What is meant here by ‘bad’ things are those things which are beyond mankind’s control, for example, sudden death, a disease not caused by mankind, famine, flood, destructive typhoon and similar other calamities. That is why Allah says in another verse, {whatever of good befalls on you it is from Allah, and whatever of ill befalls on you it is from yourself.}40

He said, “We used to study in the university that Muslims believe in the destiny and providence which, according to the interpretation of our professor, means that God has decreed everything that comes to pass on one’s life, and therefore, Muslims do not make any efforts, hence they are backward. Is it so?” I said, “No, it has no reality. Destiny (Qadha ’) means the Decree, that is the Decree of Allah. For Allah decrees on things for the betterment and in the best interest of human beings. Similarly, Providence (Qadar ) means the appropriate measure, which Allah, the origin of creation, provides for it as per His Wisdom in the same manner as an architect who draws up a plan for a building according to the exact techniques of his professional knowledge. In this connection, Allah the Almighty has devised a system that is in the control of, and feasible for human beings, but He has imposed no compulsion. Man is free in his actions and performances. If something of good has been done, it has been done at man’s own and if something bad has been done, it has also been done at his own. Anything beyond the control and power of human beings, that is also designed by God, and human beings shall not be held responsible and punishable for any of those events.” “Regarding your professor’s inference that Muslims' backwardness was due to their inaction because of their belief in the destiny and providence, you should have asked him that if this hypothesis is true, then why did the early Muslims performed and progressed so well at the rise of Islam?”

At this stage, the American youngster expressed his satisfaction about Islam and requested me to show him how to become a Muslim. I thanked Allah and taught him to declare the Unity of God, theProphethood of Muhammad and thesuccessorship of Ali. He said that he had memorized both declarations before but was ignorant of thesuccessorship and leadership (Imamate) of Aliibn Abi-Talib and the infallible Imams (peace be upon them). Therefore, I explained to him the right of divine leadership (Imamate) of the Twelve Infallible Imams, and thus he completely embraced Islam.

The Spread of Islam

A Christian couple came to see me. The wife was not wearingHijaab . As soon as I came to know that both of them were Christians and had come to discuss about Islam, I said to the wife to put onHijaab in order to enable me to talk to her. The woman was annoyed over my suggestion.

We have previously faced such situations too. So, I said to her, “This is my belief and you know that one’s belief is respected everywhere in the world.” She replied in affirmative and covered her hair, and said, “Actually, we are from Scotland, but have lived in London where we attended a few public addresses of Muslims at Hyde Park. We heard there that Islam had 500 million followers. This was very much surprising for us.” To make them more surprised, I said to them that in fact Islam has more than 800 million followers.41

“Why do you wonder?” I asked them. One of them said, and the couple used to respond alternately “Because Islam is a religion of savagery and a lot of absurdities, and it has passed its sell by date. So it is surprising as to how 800 million persons follow such a religion.” I said, “This attribute is not applicable to Islam. Who told you that Islam is such a religion as you have said? Have you studied Islamic books? Or are you just reflecting the biased views against Islam?” One of them said, “We have not yet discussed this issue with Muslims. We have not even yet attended any Muslims' religious gatherings anywhere. This is our first trip to visit Iraq and a few other Arab countries. We have not yet studied any Islamic book either. We know nothing more than what we used to hear from our elders or fathers of our churches. We do not think they would lie to us, we put much faith in our clergymen and do not hesitate to admit that we respect them and rely on whatever they say.”

I asked, “Have your Christian priests ever said why Islam was a religion of savagery? Why Islam ceases to be valid in this age? And which aspect of Islam is ridiculous?”

The husband said, “Yes, I heard so from them. The reason Islam is a religion of savagery is that it was spread by sword. To achieve success by force is an act of savage animals and not of human beings who should

achieve success by virtue of reason and good manners. The reason that Islam is not applicable in our age any more is because of its holy book, the Qur’an that hasfavoured horse and donkey but prohibited wine and music. Such statements might have been acceptable in the past but not in the current age of industrial and scientific progress. Therefore, this religion has no place in this age. The ridiculous things in Islam are those such as polygamy.”

I said; “Were these your only criticisms against Islam?” He said, “For the time being I say this much only. “ I said, “I could point you to truly objectionable aspects that exist in Christianity, but I shall confine myself just to remove the doubts that you expressed about Islam.” He said, “On the contrary, if there is any criticism against Christianity, I am ready to welcome it with my open mind.” I preferred to remove his doubts about Islam, and he first wanted to know the reply to the criticism that Islam was spread by sword. I said, “The religion of Islam was spread and expanded because of its good moral manners, and ethical teachings.

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an about the example character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s blessings be upon him and his progeny), {You have the finest manners.}42 When Islam resorted to using sword, it was just to defend itself, not to gain wider acceptance. That is why the Holy Qur’an says, {Those who are suppressed are allowed to fight against their oppressors and Allah is powerful enough to help them.}43 and {Whoso aggresses over you, you too face them with the same force.}44 I went on to say, “When Islam was first proclaimed, a small group of people accepted and believed in it. The infidels condemned that group, killing some of them, while some others were forced to take refuge in Abyssinia (Ethiopia). However as the pressure of infidels continued to increase over the Muslims, they migrated from their homeland (Mecca) to Medina. The polytheists also imposed economic sanctions against the Muslims. The Muslims did likewise to confronting their caravan passing through the Medina area en route from Damascus to Mecca, and as a result a battle ensued, which ended infavour of the Muslims. After that battle, the infidels equipped themselves with sufficient fighting material so as to crush Muslims and eliminate Islam. Muslims defended themselves till Islam emerged victorious and the infidels were defeated. This fact is supported and documented in authentic books of history. Do you presume that self-defence is tantamount to spreading by sword or inviting at sword’s point?”

He said, “If it is so, I withdraw my words.” For his benefit he was referred to a number of relevant books on this subject, with the help of interpreters. He then asked, “How do you treat the word of our fathers of the churches? Do all of them tell lies?” I said, “With all my respect for them, whosoever accuses Islam in terms of its spread by sword is either ignorant or obstinate; otherwise, history is there (to rebut such falsehood).”

He said, “What do you have to say about the applicability of Islamic teachings today?” I said, “This is what Islam teaches us: • That there is a god who is Just, All-Knowing, Powerful, and Able. He sent prophets for the guidance of human beings. The prophets too had their appointed successors (to maintain the guidance). All human beings will return to Allah to have their' reward to their deeds (in this world). The good-doers' shall enter Paradise and the evildoers into Hell.

• Islam makes it an obligatory duty to worship Allah, and to deal fairly and kindly with people. Allah has ordained for us the rules for marriage, divorce, inheritance and all the needs of human beings from birth to death.

• To maintain the obligation of truthfulness and honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty and modesty, and to refrain from telling lies, exercising dishonesty, crime and cruelty.” Then I asked, “Do you presume that the age of these values has ended?” He replied in negative.

I said, “But as for the horse and the donkey you referred to, do you think that these are bad things? If Islam admires useful things, is it a sin? He replied in negative. Don’t you know that nowadays the world feels pride to defend the horse and other animals? Is it not so that man meets many of his requirements from horse? Even in this advanced age, a great number of people make use of donkeys for carrying household effects and other loads.” When he confirmed my answer, I added, “On the very same basis, if horse and donkey are admired in Islam, it does not prove that Islam has passed its sell by date.”

The Christian man next asked for my opinion on the prohibition of wine and music in Islam. I said, “It has now been proved medically and psychologically that both wine and music are harmful to man and cause psychological and physical diseases. So, as prevention against such diseases, Islam has prohibited both of them. Do you know that prevention is better than cure?” He agreed again and added, “I have studied about them being harmful in a few journals.”

“Now kindly let me know as to why polygamy has been allowed in Islam.” I asked them “Amongst your relatives, how many unmarried women do you know of?” They laughed and said, “Why do you want to marry them?” I politely replied “No, but I want to explain a point” They said “seventeen.” I said, “Why these helpless women are still unmarried?” And added, “It is quite wise on Islam’s part, and in the best interest of both man and woman, that it has allowed polygamy (a man can marry up to four women).

This is to protect the women’s right to marriage, so that they would not remain unmarried for all of their adult lives.45 It is also a consideration of those men who are able to manage more than one family. If a man is able to manage four families and there are four women who are willing to marry him, why should he be stopped from doing so? If by law he is to marry only one of them, then not only his ability and skill have been repressed, but in the process the other women are denied the opportunity to marry him and raise their families. Do you think that Islam should not take into account the abilities of such men and the need of those women, and ensure that they are not repressed or denied their right? Moreover Islam has declared polygamy permissible and it has not termed it compulsory. You also might have observed that most of Muslims are content with one wife only.”

Both of them said that they had never come across such a crystal clear and eloquent explanation so far. I said, “The only reason is that you have never contacted Islamic scholars before to discuss such problems, otherwise, almost all of them are ready to clarify such ambiguities and solve such religious problems.” Then they asked, “What advantage will we have if we embrace Islam?” I said, “When someone embraces Islam, he is bestowed

upon with the goodness of both worlds because Islamicprogrammes are to augment the prosperity of mankind. If the Islamicprogrammes are followed, it will cause man to win Allah’s pleasure, and will be made to enter Paradise in the next world.”

Our discussion went on for some time. At last, the Christian woman embraced Islam but the Christian man was hesitant to embrace Islam. Then I said to him, “Since your wife has embraced Islam, why do you hesitate?” He remained silent. I further elaborated Islam to him. At last he said, “I shall think about it.” But I explained to him that when the truth becomes clear to someone, there remains no justification to think it over again. He said, “In submission to your convincing arguments, should I abandon my religion?” I said, “No, this is not the case. You shall augment your faith in the Prophet Jesus Christ (upon whom be peace) with addition of your Islamic faith because the truth of Islam has become clear to you.” His wife having embraced Islam encouraged him also. With the grace of Allah the Almighty, he too embraced Islam. Thereafter, I advised them to contact Islamic scholars for obtaining more information about Islam when they return to London.

Trinity

One day, an Italian Christian tourist came to me, but he seemed to be in a bitter mood, and visibly upset. He had asked one of the servants of the holy shrine of ImamHusayn (upon whom be peace) to take him to an Islamic scholar for enquiring about some issues. The servant brought him to my house only three hours before sunset. The tourist also spoke English, and I asked for one of my English-speaking companions to be the interpreter.

The tourist said, “I had heard about Muslims being savages but did not think they would be to such an extent.” I said, “Have you seen all Muslims?” He replied in negative. I said, “Therefore, do not say that all Muslims are savages. Perhaps some of them might be so.” He nodded, and I requested him to allow me to ask him some questions before he could ask me his questions. Then I asked him where he came from, what religion he followed and what was his level of education. He said that he had come from Italy; he was a Christian and a graduate from university.

When I requested him to ask his questions, he said, “Some Muslims in this city behave savagely.” I said, “What has happened?” He said, “I wanted to enter the mausoleum ofHusayn , but they prevented me. When I asked for the reason, they said that I was unclean. Does this make any sense? Is it possible for a person of my age to be unclean?” I said, “Do not feel so uneasy. Who said so to you? Was that person a scholar or some ignorant person?” He said, “Surely he must have been an ignorant person.” I said, “Don’t you Christians have any ignorant people in Italy?” He said, “Yes.” I said, “So there remains no justification for your being so uneasy.” He said, “All right, then kindly ask them to let me enter the mausoleum [shrine] ofHusayn .” I said, “Ican not do this, because ImamHusayn , the owner of the shrine who is laid there does not allow you to enter his place.” He was surprised and asked for the reason. I said, “You belong to a religion the followers of which had been offensive to him, his grandfather and his companions.” He said, “Did Christians offend them?” I said, “Yes. Because Christians treated Prophet Muhammad - the grandfather of ImamHusayn - like a liar, and thus they did not believe in him as a prophet after Jesus Christ. If you prevent a person who offends you from entering your house, do you have a right to that or not?”

The Christian tourist lowered his head and was pondering over something. Then he took a sigh and said, “You have also done the same thing to me when that person called me unclean. After all, how can I enter that shrine?” I said, “The only way is to admit that Muhammad was a true prophet.” He said, “It is all right, but having no proof for hisprophethood , how can I believe that Muhammad was a prophet?” I said, “Here we have come to a point to settle the issue with reason and argument. You are right. You want me to prove theprophethood of Muhammad.” Then I added, “Muhammad (may Allah’s blessings be upon him and his Progeny) is a prophet on the same basis on which Jesus Christ (upon whom be peace) was a prophet.”

The Christian tourist said, “The proof of theprophethood of Jesus is his being the son of God.” I said, “Do you really and sincerely believe that Jesus was the son of God? Has God indeed caused birth to Jesus like a man? You are a learned man. How do you say this?” He said, “I do not mean to say that Jesus was the son of God due to actual birth, but he is the son of God with a view to nobility and dignity. In other words, he has an attribution of God.” I said, “Good, now can you explain as to how Jesus obtained this nobility and attribution?” He said, “For the reason that Jesus was born without a father.” I said, “If this is the case, why don’t you treat Adam as the son of God since he was not only without a father but also without a mother.”

The Christian pondered over the matter for a while, then he gave his proof to prove theprophethood of Jesus, saying, “I mean to say that Jesus was a prophet on the basis that he was bestowed with miracles.” I said, “Muhammad had also been bestowed with miracles.” He said, “What are the miracles of Muhammad.” I said, “Allah split the moon in two.” He said, “Oh, it is a ridiculous story also narrated to me by one of my church fathers thatMuhammadans believed that the moon had been cleft in two, came down and entered into Muhammad’s sleeve. Is it logical that the moon with its so much volume could enter into the sleeve of a person?” I said, “Firstly, I did not say that the moon entered into the sleeve of Muhammad. You have added this portion. Secondly, what can prevent Allah from cleaving the moon into two parts? And if we were to assume your claim of entering the sleeve, it could be that by the will of Allah a small fragment of the moon entered his sleeve, and then by the will of God the moon was returned back to its previous state. He said, “This is an ambiguous explanation. We should leave it. A logical mind does not accept it.”

Then to show him the irrational belief they hold, I asked him, “How is it that you can believe in an irrational claim but cannot admit to a reasonable one?” He said, “How have we admitted an irrational word?” I said, “Splitting of the moon, is plausible, but the statement of you Christians who believe in Trinity that there are three persons, yet at the same time, they are not three separate persons but one. Isn’t it an irrational claim? Is it possible that these three fingers,” pointing at my three fingers “are three and at the very same time are one as well?” He said, “This concept is like a triangle, which has three sides but is one triangle.” I said, “Do you mean that God is one but has three parts?” He said, “No.” I said, “Then what does the example of the triangle mean?”

Having thought over a little, he could not give a logical answer but gave the common answer given by the Trinitarians when they fail, “The priests and Christian scholars say that trinity is beyond reason.” I said, “It makes clear to both of us that your point (on this issue of Trinity) is not logical.” Here he was silent. Then I added, “On the very same basis, Muhammad has shown the miracle in splitting the moon just like Jesus had shown, other miracles.” He said, “How do you prove the miracle of your prophet?” I said, our Holy Book, the Qur’an says, {The hour drew near, and the moon did rend asunder.}46 Had this event been fabricated the world’s contemporary authorities at the time of the Holy Prophet would certainly have proved it wrong. The fact that this event (the splitting of the moon) was not denied by all those concerned proves that the miracle did actually happen.”

He said he did not believe in the Holy Qur’an. When I asked him for the reason, he said, “Because the Qur’an insults the Christians.” I said, “Which verse of the Qur’an abuses Christians?” He said, “Qur’an calls usKaafirs , i.e. unbelievers.” I said, “Do you know the meaning ofKaafir ?” He said, “Kaafir is an insulting term.” I said, “No. Whosoever does not believe in God or in the prophets of God, or in the Day of Judgment, is called an unbeliever, i.e.Kaafir . As Christians do not believe in Muhammad, they are called unbelievers and as such this is not an abusive term but the expression of a fact.” Then I added, “Accordingly, if the reason for Christians' disbelief in the Qur’an is its use of abusive language against them, then why do you believe in the Bible in spite of the fact that it uses abusive language in respect of Jesus Christ peace be upon him?”

He surprisingly said, “Does the Bible use abusive language for Jesus?” I replied in affirmative; and when he asked me to show him that part, I quoted Paul’s letter to Galatians 3:13 saying that Jesus is “being made a curse for us.” He said, “This is absolutely wrong. There is no such verse in the Bible!” I said, “Yes, it is certainly there.” Then I opened the Bible and showed him the relevant verse. The interpreter translated the same for him. Astonished by this verse he said, “I had never heard of this before.”

Then I said to him, “Do you want the Jews to believe in the New Testament?” He said, “Yes.” I said, “But Jews have a right to say, ‘We do not believe in a book which use abusive language against us’, because the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 3, verse 7, calls Jews the off springs of vipers. What shall be your reply to them? Now let us suppose that the Holy Qur’an uses abusive language against Christians, but it should also be kept in mind that if werealise that the Qur’an is justified and right, then we should mend our ways, not revolt against it and refrain from believing it. Because Prophet Muhammad is just like Prophet Jesus; just as you believe in Jesus, you must also believe in Muhammad.”

Thereafter, I explained in detail the high character of Prophet Muhammad, his splendid virtues, and deep and extensive knowledge, as well as his battles, which were for the sake of Allah and for the betterment of humanity. In the process he was so moved by the noble character of prophet Muhammad as well as his words and teachings, that drops of tears rolled down his face. He then said, “If I embrace Islam and the people question me why I did so, what should I say?”

I said, “You say, I have found Muhammad to be a prophet in the same manner as I found Jesus, Moses, and the others to be the true prophets of God, and consequently I embraced Islam.” He said, “Such argument does not convince people.” I said, “It is compulsory for a person to convince his conscience but not his people. Do you now feel convinced or not that Muhammad is a prophet?” He said, “Yes.” I said, “So you embrace Islam and do not have any concern about the people.” He remained silent. To give an example from his own country, I asked him, “Do you know that there is a Communist Party in Italy?” He said, “Yes, there is.” I said, “Do the Communists believe in Jesus?” He said, “No.” I said, “When you believed in Jesus, what did you say to the Communists? Were your replies convincing to them?” He said, “No.” I said, “Therefore, you don’t have any concern about the people (in the matter of religion). Do not fear from the people. Your efforts must be to please Allah first, and secondly, to satisfy your conscience.”

Thereafter, I encouraged him to embrace Islam. Eventually, with the grace of Allah the Almighty, he embraced Islam, and stated the three declarations of faith. Then I gave him a copy of the Holy Qur’an with an English translation and a few copies of the magazine “Fundamentals of Islam”, which was being published in English in Karbala. Then I directed a servant to lead him to a bathroom (as some of the Islamic jurisprudents -Faqih - deem it necessary) to perform the ceremonialGhusl bath before entering the shrine of ImamHusayn .

PART 3: ATTRIBUTES OF GOD AND HIS PROPHETS ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE

Translated by MuhammadRida Shushtary

And woe to those who write the book with their own hands and then say, “this is from god.” For they may sell it for a small price! So woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they earn thereby! The Holy Qur'an, The Heifer (2): 79