Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Jesus; the Messenger of Allah

Both the Christians and the Jews exceeded the limits with regards to Prophet Jesus by uttering grave false charges about him. The Jews not only denied him as a Prophet, but also accused him –May Godforgive - of being an illegitimate son! The Christians on the other hand, exaggerated about Jesus and believed in his deity andsonship to God! The dogma of the Trinity and the crucifixion of Jesus as a ransom are the bedrocks of Christian ideology. All other concepts in Christianity stem from, and rotate around, these two doctrines.

To this end, the main emphasis in the Quran is given to verification, clarification and correction of these two dogmas. The holy Quran places blame on both groups for their blasphemous dogmas. Therefore, a good understanding of theAyaat with reference to Prophet Jesus definitely requires a good understanding of the Judo-Christian doctrines with regards to the personality of Jesus.

Jesus son of Marry was no different than other Prophets and Messengers of Allah. He was selected by the Almighty God as His Messenger to the Israelites. Jesus is one of the five law-giving and great Prophets and Messengers. The Almighty God revealed a Scripture to him called ‘Injil ’ or Gospel.

1. Jesus’ Appellations in the Quran

The first approach of the Quran for correction of the false Jewish and Christian doctrines about Jesus is with reference to the appellations given to him.

1. Son of Mary

The most commonly used title for Jesus is ‘son of Mary’. Of the 25 places in the Quran where Jesus is mentioned, in 16 of them he is called ‘son of Mary’. In the present Gospels, however, only in one place is Jesus referred to as ‘the son of May’ (Mark 6:3) although not withfavour . The reason why this appellation is added to his name in the Quran is a hint that he was not son of God!

2. Al-Maseeh (The Messiah)

The second most common appellation of Jesus in the Quran is ‘al-Maseeh ’. Prophet Jesus is eleven times referred to as al-Maseeh in the holy Quran. Commentators of the Quran and Muslim lexicographers have given various etymological explanations of the word ‘al-Maseeh ’. Some suggested that the name is given for Jesus when he was travelling in the earth as he was a mobile preacher. Others say that Jesus was the Messiah because he healed the ill by touching their bodies.

With all respect to these explanations, I believe none of them are actually reflecting on the purpose of the usage of the term ‘al-Maseeh ’ in the Quran.

The title of ‘the Messiah’ is very important to the Jews and the Christians.

We need to bear in mind that the term al-Maseeh is the Arabic form of the Hebrew word mîa (Mashiach ). The Greek equivalent is Christ. Thus, the etymology of the term must be sought in its original language, i.e. Hebrew not Arabic. ‘al-Maseeh ’ in Hebrew means ‘anointed one’. In the Jewish tradition the term was a dignified title. Al-Maseeh was used for the ceremonial induction into leadership. Three types of leaders were anointed:

1) Prophets; representing God among people as in the case ofAbelmeholah to be the prophet in place ofEliha . (1 King 19:15-17)

2) Priests; representing the people before God through sacrifices and prayers. (Ex. 28:40-41)

3) Kings; to defend and rule over the people on God’s behalf. (1 King 19:15)

In general, the anointing meant that someone was authorized to serve God in a position ofhonour and responsibility. Although many people in the Old Testament were called Messiah, there was only one referred to as ‘the Messiah,’ whose coming the Israelites were both hoping for and expecting as "The Deliverer" of the Jewish people. (Daniel 9:25)

The term ‘al’ in Arabic is a definite article similar to ‘the’. ‘al-Maseeh ’ therefore is equivalent to ‘the Messiah, the Anointed one’ as used in the Hebrew language.

It seems when Almighty Allah states: “Indeed, the Messiah; Jesus son of Mary, was a Messenger of Allah” [4:171] He thus refers to this belief of the Messiah that the Jewish people were expecting, confirming that this was, indeed, Jesus son of Mary; the Messenger of God.

In short, both the Jews and the Christians exceeded the limits with regards to Christ. The Jews went astray by denying Jesus as ‘the promised Messiah and the Prophet of God’, and the Christians of later centuries also erred in misinterpreting Jesus as the Messiah who forgives their sin. It is with reference to this explanation that Almighty Allah states: “O people of the Book (Jews and the Christians) do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah; Jesus son of Mary, was a Messenger of Allah.” [4:171]

3. The Messenger of Allah

The third appellation used in the Quran for Jesus is ‘the Messenger of Allah’.

In theJudaeo -Christian tradition an apostle or a prophet meant no more than an upright spiritual leader. Paul was regarded an apostle and so was Barnabas. In the Acts of the Apostles [21:8-9] four girls are mentioned who prophesied. Thus, for the Christians it is not a very impressive title to call Jesus a prophet. Nonetheless, even according to the present Gospels Jesus has called himself a prophet. (Mark 6:4, Luke 13:33)

In Islam, however, prophet-hood is a divine position. Prophets are sinless and divinely protected from any error or sin. They are empowered by the will of God to conduct miracles as proof of their position. A Messenger of Allah is one who also came with a new Scripture. Thus, every Messenger was also a Prophet, although not all prophets were Messengers. It is to this effect that the holy Quran introduces Jesus as ‘a Prophet’ [19:30] as well as ‘a Messenger of Allah’ [4:171, 61:6]

4. The ‘Word’ of Allah

John, the alleged author of the fourth Gospel of the present Bible, contrary to the synoptic Gospels and under the influence of the Alexandrian school of ancient Greek philosophy, declares Jesus to be the ‘Word’ (Logos) who in the begging was with God and was God, by whom all things were made. A similar doctrine was laid down by Paul in his epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians and Philippians. This pagan Greek concept laid a foundation for the heretical concept of Trinity according to which Jesus was allegedly the son of God!

This false doctrine is corrected and clarified in the holy Quran.

Prophet Jesus is twice referred to in the Quran as ‘a Word from Allah’ [3:45], and ‘His Word’ [4:171].

The term ‘word’ in the Quran is commonly used for a ‘Divine Decree’ [10:33, 11: 119] as well as ‘the creatures’ of God. [18:109, 31:27] All the creatures of God are ‘the words of God’ and the most perfect of them all are ‘the complete words of God’.

The miraculous creation and birth of Jesus was brought about by the divine decree, ‘BE’. It is to this effect that when Mary surprisingly asked her Lord as how she could conceive a child whilst she was unmarried, Almighty Allah answered her: “So (it will be) for Allah creates what He whilst. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: ‘Be’- and it is.” [3:47] Thus, theQuranic expression, ‘the Word of God’ is a confirmation of the creation of Jesus, not his divinity as portrayed by Christians.

5. A ‘Spirit’ from Allah

Another appellation used for Jesus in the Quran is that he is ‘a spirit from Him (Allah)’.

“Indeed the Messiah; Jesus son of Mary, is the Messenger of Allah and His Word which He bestowed upon Mary and a spirit from Him.” [4:171]

“And Mary, the daughter ofImran , who guarded her chastity. AndWe breathed into it from Our Spirit.” [66:12]

Christian theologians quote the aboveAyaat to support their dogma of Trinity, to allege that evenQur`anically Jesus is part of God and from God and God!

The Arabic term ‘MIN’ which is generally translated to ‘from’ has fifteen different meanings. In this context ‘MIN’ is used to explain the source of its creation not to be part of something. Therefore, the meaning of ‘a spirit from Him’ is a spirit that is created by God and He is the source of it. A similar usage of the term ‘MIN’ can be noted in Ayah 13 of Chapter 45: “And He has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth from Him.” If Jesus is literally from God and part of God, then according to the above Ayah, all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth must also be part of God! Also, the holy Quran refers to the she-Camel at the time of prophetSaleh ‘the She-Camel of God’ [91:13] does it mean that God has a camel or she is part of God?!

Moreover, the expression of ‘a Spirit from God’ is used in the Quran with reference to the creation of Adam. “So I have fashioned him and breathed into him from My Spirit, then you fall down prostrate to him.” [38:72]Similarly , regarding the believers, the Almighty Allah states: “For such people He has written faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with a Spirit from Him.” [58:922] Thus, one should also claim that Adam, the believers and the whole of humanity are all part of God!

The expression of ‘a spirit from Allah’ therefore is meant to explain that God is the source of the life of Jesus and all other creatures.

6. Supported by ‘the Holy Spirit’

Of the appellations of Jesus in the Quran is that God has supported and protected him by the Holy Spirit.

In Christian theology the Holy Spirit is regarded as part of the Godhead, or the third person of the Trinity, and hence is regarded as synonymous with God! In essence, even though the "Holy Spirit" has been referred to in earlier writings, as at the time of the baptism of Jesus, and has been spoken of in the New Testament as being in previous times: "Yestiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye" (Acts 7:51) it is generally accepted that the work of the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost came into play after Jesus was taken up into heaven (Acts 11:28). Therefore while it may appear to be logical that the Holy Spirit in Christian theology is the angel Gabriel or another of the Messenger angels, this is not in keeping with today`s dogma of Christianity.

There are two famous meanings for ‘the Holy Spirit’ from the Islamic point of view.

One is that it’s meant for Gabriel; an angel whose main task –though surely not the only one- is to bring the revelations to the Prophets. This meaning is supported by Ayah 102 in Chapter 16 wherein the Almighty Allah states: “Say: the Holy Spirit (Gabriel) has brought it (the Quran) down from your Lord with truth.” Gabriel is called ‘the Spirit’ for as an angel he is not physical and is ‘holy’ in his purity and infallibility.

Another suggestion for the meaning of ‘the Holy Spirit’ is that it is a spirit greater than Gabriel by whom Almighty Allah supported His Messengers and their successors. It is by possessing this spirit that they are safeguarded from any sin or error and can gain an intuitive knowledge of the reality of the universe. The Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.w ) was bestowed with this spirit. “And thusWe have sent to you a Spirit of Our Command.” [42:52]

Jabir al-Jo’fi asked ImamBaqir (a.s ) about the knowledge of the Imams. The Imam explained: “O Jabir! Verily there are five types of spirits in the Prophets and their successors; the holy spirit, the spirit of faith, the spirit of life, the spirit of power, and the spirit of desire. It is by the Holy Spirit that they know what is in the kingdom of God. O Jabir! All the other four spirits can be afflicted, but the Holy Spirit will not amuse or entertain.”

Thus it is explained that the Holy Spirit is accorded the nature which Almighty God has bestowed upon His Messengers and their successors to protect them against sinning. We should however bear in mind that whatever the meaning of the Holy Spirit may be, it is undoubtedly a creature of God subjugated by His Will.

The Scripture of Prophet Jesus

Prophet Jesus is one of the five great Messengers of God to whom Almighty God had revealed a Scripture. Thus, they had come with a new divine law for people. The Scripture of Jesus was called the ‘Injil ’ (Gospel) which means a glad tiding. Almighty God, twice, in the Quran (5:46 & 57:27) has mentioned that “We gave him (Jesus) theInjil ”. The name of this Scripture is mentioned 12 times in the Quran always in a singular form.

It seems from the present Bible that Jesus had a Scripture called ‘the Gospel’. Luke in the beginning of Chapter 20 says: “One day as he (Jesus) was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the Gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came up with the elders and said to him…” This passage is the clear evidence that Jesus had a Scripture which he was preaching in the temples. Luke also narrates that Jesus was asking his disciples to go around from village to village and preach the Gospel. (Luke 9:6)

Christians however do notrecognise any written Gospel for Jesus. They claim he did not consign to writing his own teachings and directed his apostles not to write, but to preach the Gospel verbally to their fellow-men. In justification of their belief, they offer a literal interpretation for the abovementioned Biblical quotations. Thus, they assert the term ‘Gospel’ in those passages has a literal meaning, i.e. glad tiding.

This claim is an attempt to conceal an historical fact about the original Gospel. Unfortunately, the Gospel of Jesus was lost or destroyed by the Jews. Though it is expressed by a number of historians that divisions between early sects of Christianity also encouraged the destruction of writings of which they did not approve. Subsequently, many people`s hands were employed in the rewriting of the Gospel.

Historically, there have been a large number of narratives connected with Jesus’ life called ‘Gospel’. Luke in the beginning of his Gospel with reference to this says: “Now that many have put their hands to the composition of a narrative regarding the events that have certainly taken place amongst us, transmitted as they were to us by those who were from the first eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word, it seemed fitting for me as well…”

The testimony of Luke indicates that many gospels before and after composition of his Gospel had been compiled. Today Christian scholars acknowledge this in at least some fifty historical gospels such as the Gospel according to the Hebrews, the Gospel according to Barnabas, the Gospel according to Peter, the Gospel according to Philip, etc. The Christians however have onlyrecognised four Gospels, i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Dating the Gospels

When were the Gospels written? Our Christian friends commonly preach that the present Gospels were compiled by those whose name they bear - all of which would place them within a short period of time of Jesus. A number of scholars believe that they were compiled between the years 50 to 100 AD which would make the first assumption impossible. The truth is that the physical manuscript evidence of the Gospels does not start until early mid 2nd century with the famous P52- a tiny piece of papyrus with fragments of only 7 verses. The full manuscripts of the present four Gospels were completed in the 4th century. There are also many scholarly debates about the authenticity of some chapters and the verses of the present Gospels. For instance, New International Version of the Bible warns the reader:

“The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20", and "The earliest and most reliable manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have John 7:53-8:11"

The Language of the Gospels

Circa 400AD, Saint Jerome translated the Bible from Greek into Latin. This translation is called the "Vulgate" and is still in use by those still interested in Latin and is used in a revised form as the Roman Catholic Authorized Version. But in what language were the Gospels originally written, in Greek or Hebrew or even Aramaic? There is an ongoing debate as to whether the earliest Gospels were written in Aramaic or Greek. Some scholars have proposed that they were written in Aramaic. But then again, no one has ever seen an Aramaic Gospel predating the fourth century which had to be translated from Greek to Aramaic.

Titles of the Gospels

The present Gospels are supplied with the title the Gospel ‘according to’ Matthew, Mark, etc. Many Biblical scholars have taken it to mean not ‘written by’, but ‘drawn up according to the conception of Matthew, Mark, etc. In the same way, the Gospel according to the Hebrew, or the Gospel according to the Egyptians, does not mean that they would have been written by the Hebrews or the Egyptians, but that peculiar from Gospel which either the Hebrews or the Egyptians had accepted. Therefore, the Gospel of Matthew is no more than a Gospel according to the school of Matthew and his view of Christ whether it is really written by him or not. (an impossibility due to time frame)

Divergence of the Gospels

The existence of numerous differences between the present four Gospels is a fact which has long been noticed and admitted by Christian scholars. The Gospels differ in many instances from the narration of the genealogy and the birth of Jesus to his so-called crucifixion. I shall refer to some of the differences in due courses.

Original Gospel

The first three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) which share content, style and order of events and which differ largely from John are called synoptic Gospels. The similarity between the three Gospels has urged the scholars to believe in an original Gospel. Scholars believe there can have been an original source for the Gospels that they call ‘Q’. The name comes from German for ‘source’ “Quelle ”. What has led them to this assumption is that there must be a written source whereby mainly the three synoptic Gospels used in their efforts of writing.

The Miracles of Prophet Jesus

Prophet Jesus like many other Prophets had proved the authenticity of his mission by miracles he demonstrated with the Permission of God.

The wonders performed by the Prophets that we call ‘miracles’ are referred to in the Quran (3:49, 5:114) and the Bible (Act2:43) as ‘the Sign of God’, because it verifies and confirms the claim of the Prophets. Miracles also mean ‘wonders’ because they made the observers marvel.

In Arabic a miracle is called ‘al-Mo’jezah ’ which means an act that humans are incapable of doing. No human including the Prophets could ever perform the miracles independently and without the Leave of God.

The holy Quran in a general rule states that no miracle can ever take place without the Permission of God. “And it was not given to any Messenger that he should bring a Sign (Miracle) except by the Leave of Allah.” [40:78, 13:38]

The purpose of demonstrating the miracles was mainly for people to be able to verify and confirm the claim of the Prophets and to increase their faith. Thus, Jesus after performing miracles said to his people: “Surely, therein is a Sign for you, if you believe.” [3:49]

The Jewish people at the time of Jesus were also of the opinion that miracles are the works of the Prophets by the Leave of God. Thus, Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin who, while visiting Jesus by night for the purpose of learning more of his teachings, said to him: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can work the Signs you work unless God is with him.” (John3:1-3) Similarly, according to the Gospel of John, when Jesus miraculously fed five thousand people with a little food, people who saw that Sign said: “This surely is the prophet who is to come into the world.” [John 6:14]

The holy Quran has mentioned many miracles performed by the Prophets. Although they all did take place by the Permission of God, the phrase of the ‘Permission of God’ is mentioned only with regard to the miracles performed by Prophet Jesus. For instance, the great miracle of splitting the sea by Moses is mentioned in the Quran. “ThenWe revealed to Moses: Strike the sea with your stick, and it parted.” [26:63] Also, the amazing miracle of the conversion of Moses’ stick to a serpent is mentioned in the Quran. “He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly.” [20:20] With reference to the miracle of Prophet Yusuf (a.s ), the holy Quran narrates that he said to his brothers: “Go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear-sighted.” [12:93] and once his brothers reached home and cast the shirt of Yusuf on their father’s face “he became clear-sighted.” [12:96]

In none of the above examples the phrase of ‘by the Leave of Allah’ is added, although they have undoubtedly occurred by His Leave. It is only with reference to the miracles performed by Prophet Jesus that the Almighty God deliberately adds the expression of ‘by the Leave of Allah’ [5:110, 3:49].

Interestingly, this phrase is repeated six times in the Quran only with reference to the miracles of Jesus. Even in one Ayah (3:49) two miracles are related to Jesus and as such the phrase ‘by the Leave of God’ is repeated twice. Why?

This is because the Almighty God aims at correcting the false and blasphemous dogma of the Trinity.

Traditional Christians say: “One way to establish Jesus’ deity andsonship to God is by the miracles he performed. Jesus’ life was characterized by undeniable miracles. He was born of Virgin Mary, was resurrected and ascended to heaven. He also performed many miracles. A miracle is the act of God. Thus Jesus had power over nature. This upholds the belief that Jesus is the son of God!”

Many modern Christian scholars on the other hand are verysceptical about any miracle related to Jesus. The Jews also regarded him no more than a magician.

The holy Quran, whilst acknowledging the miracles of Jesus,emphasises that they all occurred ‘by the Permission of God’.

In short, regarding the miracles of Jesus, all, other than Muslims, have gone astray. Traditional Christians although they believe in the miracles of Jesus as reported in the Gospels, wrongly conclude from them the deity of Jesus. Liberal Christians and the Jewish people also have gone astray by either denying his miracles or accusing Jesus of being a magician.

It is narrated from ImamSadiq (a.s ) that Jesus was once on the peak of a mountain called ‘Ariha ’. Satan appeared to him in the form of the King of Palestine and said to him: “ORuhullah ! You revived the dead and healed those born blind and cleaned the lepers. Can you drop yourself down from the mountain without being hurt? Jesus replied: “I was given Permission for those miracles and for this I do not have the Permission.”

The Gospel according to John also quoting from Jesus with reference to the healing of the man who had suffered from an infirmity for 38 years, states that Jesus could do nothing independently. [John 5:30]

If Jesus be the son of God because of the miracles he performed, then Moses must have been the son of God before him, and so are Abraham, Jacob, Muhammad and all other Prophets peacebe upon them. “Be He (Allah) Glorified and Exalted above all that (evil) they attribute to Him.” [6:100]

Thus, according to the sublime teachings of the Quran performing miracles is a sign of being a Messenger of God not of being God or son of God!

The Holy Quran has narrated six different types of miracles performed by Prophet Jesus, all by the Leave of God.

1. Speaking in the crib

Before a human baby learns how to talk, he has to learn the rules of language and how adults use it to communicate. He begins with babbling,then will pick up some simple words from his mum and those around him, and then between the age of one or two years he will begin to form two to three word sentences. This is a normal development of the human ability of speaking.

The first miracle of Prophet Jesus was demonstrated when he was only a few days or even few hours old. When he was just a new born babe in the crib he fluently spoke out and introduced himself. [19:30-33]

The purpose of this miracle was to safeguard Mary from false charges. Without this miracle, Mary would have been persecuted for adultery. It is, however, astonishing that none of the Gospels have narrated such an important and vital miracle.

2. Creating a living bird

Creation is themarvellous act of God. The Almighty God in the holy Quran refers to the creation of man: “So, when I have fashioned him completely and breathed into him from My Soul................” [15:29]

Another miracle related to Jesus in the Quran is the creation of a living bird out of clay. “I create for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s Leave.” [3:49, 5:110]

Referring to the above Ayah, some Christian evangelists attempt to confirm the divinity of Jesus according to the Quran! The main point they miss or ignore is ‘by Allah’s Leave’. None of the creatures of God are capable of creating anything without his Leave. “Those whom they invoke besides Allah have not created anything, but are themselves created.” [16:20]

3. Bringing the dead to life

The act of causing living creatures to die or reviving the dead to life is a divine act. The Almighty God reveals in the holy Quran: “And that it is He (Allah)Who causes death and gives life.” [53:44]

One of the miracles of Jesus was that he was, by permission from God, bringing the dead to life. [3:49]The holy Quran does not give the details of thepersonpersons that Jesus brought back to life. The present Gospels however have recorded some dead people whom Jesus revived such as Lazarus (John 11:1-44).

For Christians, the reviving of the dead is considered one of the greatest miracles demonstrated by Jesus. They count on this miracle as one of the signs for his deity.

We however, need to bear in mind that firstly the miracles of Jesus were performed by the Leave of God and secondly according to the Old Testament Prophet Elijah also revived the dead by the Permission of God. (1 Kings 17: 2-24). If reviving a dead to life makes the actor god or son of god, then why can’t Elijah also be the same?

4. Healing the terminally ill and those born blind

Jesus was healing those born blind and the lepers too as indicated in the holy Quran. (3:49)

Christians argue that in the Old Testament it is God Himself Who is associated with the giving of sight to the blind. (Ex. 4:11). Thus, they conclude, Jesus is god! The answer to this is that neither Jesus nor any other person can ever perform any miracle without the Leave of God and hence the miracles of Jesus are in fact the intervention of God through His selected servant, i.e. Jesus.

5. Disclosing secrets

The holy Quran narrates another miracle that Jesus performed by God`s permission, which is related to the scope of human knowledge. Jesus was informing people about thosetings which were secret to other than them, such as what they ate at home and what they had hidden there. (3:49)

Although man in an ordinary manner has no access to the unseen, God chooses to unveil the secrets and the unseen to some of His servants. “He (Allah alone is) the All-Knower of the unseen, and He reveals to none His unseen.Except to a Messenger whom He has chosen.” [72:26-27] Jesus was a chosen Messenger of God and hence God revealed to him the secrets.

6. A table spread with food from heaven

Prophet Jesus performed a miracle exclusively for his disciples when they were wandering with him on the earth preaching his teachings. Once they ran out of food and asked Jesus: “Can your Lord send down to us a table spread with food from heaven?” Jesus, who was not sure about their intention, refused to perform the miracle and advised them: “Fear Allah if you are indeed believers.” They explained that they had no intention for this request but “to eat thereof and satisfy our hearts to be stronger in faith, and to know that you have indeed told the truth and that we ourselves be its witnesses.”

Once Jesus was assured of their sincere intention he invoked to God saying: “O Allah, Our Lord! Send us from the heaven a table spread (with food) that there may be for us –for the first and the last of us- anEid and a Sign from You; and provide us with sustenance, forYou are the Best of sustainers.” The fifth chapter of the Quran is named after this miracle ‘al-Ma’edah ’ and its story is mentioned inAyaat 112 to 114.

The holy Quran, as of its usual style, does not mention the details of the story. According to aHadith from ImamBaqir (a.s ) their heavenly food was bread and fish.

7. Prophecy of the coming of Ahmad (s.a.w.w )

I shall deal with this miracle in chapter seven.

The Miracles of Jesus in the Gospels

The four Gospels recorded about 35 separate miracles Jesus performed. The Bible, distorted as it is, has narrated in the Gospel of John (chapter 2) that the conversion of twenty to thirty gallons of water into wine at a wedding was the first miracle performed by this great Messenger of God! Undoubtedly a religion where its leader converts water into wine, will serve wine as part of their religious service! According to the sublime and rational teachings of the holy Quran, “all intoxicants are an abomination, the Satan’s handiwork”. [5:90] Thus, the finger print of Satan is so obvious in the narration of John. The compilers of the Gospels exaggerated so much about the number of miracles performed by Jesus that it was as if all the people in his area were born blind, deaf and lepers, and Jesus had no mission other than to heal them all. John at the end of his Gospel says that if all the miracles of Jesus were described in detail, he supposed the world itself would not have room for the books that would have be written!