Question: From a Christian to the Muslims:
"Do you have anything like 'Ten Commandments' of the Bible?"
Our Answer:
"Do you have anything like 'ayahs'* in The Quran?"
*(proofs, evidences and miracles of Allah)
Actually, that is a wonderful question and a beautiful opportunity for us to share some very important points comparing Islam to Christianity, God Willing (inshallah).
Here now, is a comparison between:
The Ten Commandments (Exodus, 20: 3-17 and Deuteronomy 5: 7-21) of The Bible
And -
The verses in Surah Al-Isra' (The Night Journey, 23-48) of The Holy Quran
The Judaio-Christian Bible provides a number of directives from The Creator (Almight God, Allah) dealing with various aspects of the family life. At the same time, we observe in today's translations of the Bible a number inappropriate of things supposedly attributed to the very people who are supposed to be the examples of the teachings.
Such behaviors (misbehaviors?) include: adultry (the prophet David is accused of this in Old Testament), incest (prophet Lot they claim does this with his own daughters, Genesis 19), lying and deceiving with motives of terrorism to slaughter, rape and kill innocent people and take all of their possession (attributed to the tribes of Israel in Genesis, chapter 34), prostitution and more incest between Judah and his daughter-in-law, Tamar (Genesis 38), and even disrespect toward parents is attributed to Jesus (New Testament, "Woman! What have I to do with thee today? John 2:4) and then in the next few verses, they have Jesus turning water into alcohol for a wedding and call it his first miracle (John 2:11) and the wine has been running like rivers in the Catholic church until this day.
Note: Such accusations made against these prophets of Almighty God are not acceptable to Muslims.
Let it be understood, we as Muslims defend the original Bible and what it taught to the people who heard it from their prophets who came to them with revelation and at the same time, were the very best of examples on how to conduct themselves in all aspects of their way of life ('deen' in Arabic). The problem we believe, came along later with copistis and translators who, for whatever reasons, did not bring about 100% accuracy of the original documents. Therefore, according to Muslims, the Bible used to have the perfect teachings of God for those who wanted to be guided in al matters, especially in worship and treatment of family. That is why some of the same lovely teachings still exist even in the translations of what remains of the scripture today.
Now, having said all of this, it is vital for us to produce the evidence of the Last Testament from the same God (Almighty Allah) Who has sent down to all mankind His Final Message and has preserved it without any corruption for all time - The Quran (means: 'Recitation').
Please take time to read and reflect on the meanings and implications of the following "Commanments" found in the Quran. At the same time, keep in mind, the Quran contains other reminders and directives for the human beings in order to best serve their purpose with their Lord and with their fellow man.
The following is only one of many beautiful passages outlining the "Will of Almighty God" (Allah) for His people, those who surrender, submit, obey Him in sincere peace.
NOTE: (the word for these actions in Arabic is "aslama" and is the verb from which "Islam" is taken). Whoever "aslams" is a "mu-aslam" (Muslim).
If you would like to do a comparison between these verses and the verses often referred to as the "Ten Commandments" of the Bible, you may find them in your copy of the Bible in Exodus, chapter 20 and Dueteronomy chapter 5.
(Notice, in Quran the very next commandment after not associating partners in worship with Almighty God, comes this Order from Him to His subjects: Take care of your parents).
Family is very important in society and when the family is properly nutured and supported with correct attitudes and participation from all members, it is most successful and provides many advantages and benefits to all the members of the family as well as the society itself. At the same time, if the family unit is not properly protected and held together the individual members suffer and as a result the society itself will also suffer.
Keep reading, and notice the detail and specific directions for dealing with the parents when they reach old age and are no longer able to care for themselves.
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