A study of holy books, historical proofs, and the works that survived to our day will show that the religion which orders people to believe in one Allah, that is, Islam, has existed since the time of Adam (’alaihi ’s-salâm). After men appeared on the earth, although many Prophets (’alaihimussalawâtu wattaslîmât) were sent to them during the time between Hadrat Adam (’alaihi ’s-salâm) and Hadrat Ibraham (Ibrahim ’alaihi ’s-salâm), they were not sent a large book. Allâhu ta’âlâ sent them small-sized booklets called “suhuf.” There were one hundred suhuf, ten of which were sent to Ibraham (Ibrahim, ’alaihi ’s-salâm). According to historians, Hadrat Ibrahim (alaihissalâtuwassalâm) was born 2122 years before Îsâ ‘alaihis-salâm’ in a town situated between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. As it has been told, he died after he lived for 175 years in a town called “Halîlurrahmân” (Hebron) near Jerusalem. According to the book
He broke into pieces the idols made by his step-father and began arguing on religious matters with the sovereign of their country, that is, with Nimrod, the King of Babel (Babylon). Nimrod was a cruel and merciless ruler. As it is told, Nimrod was not his real name, it was a nickname [like Paraoh]. When Nimrod was a small child, a young serpent entered through his nostril, and caused him to become extremely ugly. He was so ugly that even his own father could not stand seeing his ugly face. Consequently, he decided to kill him. But upon his mother’s request, he was not killed. Instead he was delivered to a shepherd. Since the shepherd could not tolerate looking at his ugly face either, he left Nimrod alone somewhere on a mountain. A female tiger named Nimrod prevented the child from dying by suckling him. The name Nimrod comes from the tiger. After his father’s death, Nimrod succeeded to his position, and deemed
himself to be God and wanted people to worship him. This wild, tough man was invited to the true religion by Ibrâhîm (’alaihi ’s-salâm). He also strove to keep his people away from worshipping idols and Nimrod. But they would not give up this practice. All the people of the Chaldean nation used to gather in a place once a year to have a festival. Then, they used to go to the house of idols to prostrate themselves before the idols. After that, they would return to their homes. Once, during the time of the festival, Ibrâhîm (’alaihi ’s-salam) went into the house of idols and broke all the small idols with an axe. He then ran away leaving the axe hanging from the neck of the biggest idol. When the people of Chaldean entered the house of idols, they saw all the idols broken.
They wanted to catch the man who broke them and to punish him. They brought Ibrâhîm (’alaihi ’s-salâm) and asked him if he had done it. Ibrâhîm (’alaihi ’s-salam) answered, “I think the biggest idol with the axe must have done it because it did not want the others to be worshipped. But, why don’t you ask the biggest idol?” They responded, “How is it you want us to talk to an idol when you know that an idol is not able to talk?” Upon this, he answeared, “Why do you worship idols which cannot speak or prevent themselves from being broken, then? Shame on you and your idols!” So, he wanted them to give up worshipping idols. But his attempt was in vain. This fact is stated in the fifty-second verse and onward. They reported this event to Nimrod. Nimrod wanted to see Ibrâhîm (’alaihi ’s-salam). When he was in the presence of Nimrod, he did not prostrate before him. When Nimrod asked why he did not prostrate, he answered, “I prostrate before no one except Allâhu ta’âlâ, who created me.” Nimrod was unable to refute the proofs given by Ibrâhîm (’alaihi ’s-salâm). When Hadrat Ibrâhîm told him that Allah was One, All-superior and Ever-lasting and that Nimrod was no more than a human being, Nimrod became very angry with him. After being encouraged by his men, he decided to throw Hadrat Ibrahim into a fire in order to burn him alive. This fact is written in the Qur’an al-kerîm (Sűra Baqara 258): “Have you heard what the man, granted sovereignity by Allah, told Ibrahim about the Lord? Ibrahim had said, ‘My Lord gives death and life.’ He responded, ‘I can kill and revive, too.’ When Ibrahim said, ‘Allâhu ta’âlâ brings the sun from the east, if you are God bring it from the west,’ the denier was confused. Allâhu ta’âlâ does not let those who act cruelly attain the right way.’ Sűra as-Sâffât, 97: “The
idolaters said: ‘Erect a building and throw him from there into the fire.’ But, when they built it and Hadrat Ibrâhîm was thrown from there into the fire, the fire became a flower garden.’ As it is told, the fire became a pond with a lot of fish in it. The fish were created from wood. This fact is declared in the Qur’ân al-kerîm (Sűra Anbiya 68-69): “Do something if you can, be helpful towards our gods” they said. We said: “O, fire! Be cool and harmless towards Ibrâhîm. They sought to lay a snare for him, but they themselves were ruined.” The name Nimrod is not in the Qur’ân al-kerîm, but the name Nimrod is in the Torah (the “Old Testament” section of the Bible). Today there is a pond named “Ayn-i Zalîka” or “Halîlurrahmân.” It is fifty by thirty square metres in the city of Urfa. This pond is considered to be the place where Hadrat Ibrâhîm was thrown into the fire, and where the fish in the pond are believed to have been created out of wood. Visitors to the pond never harm them.
Hadrat Ibrâhîm got married twice. Even though his first wife Sarah (Sâra) was seventy years old, she had no children. Upon this, Hadrat Ibrâhîm (’alaihi ’s-salâm’) married a jâriya, named Hajar (Hagar) who was given to him as a present by the pharaoh of Egypt. He had a son from her named Ismâ’îl. Upon this Sarah prayed to Allâhu ta’âlâ to give her a child, too. Allâhu ta’âlâ granted her a child. The name Ishaq was given to him. Ismâ’îl (’alaihi ’s-salâm) and Ishaq (’alaihi ’s-salâm) are the forefathers of the Arabs in Arabia (Hejaz), and the Hebrews, respectively. That is, the Arabs and the Hebrews (Jews) are brothers coming from the same father but different mothers. Ibrâhîm (’alaihi’s-salâm) is one of the grandfathers of Muhammad (’alaihi’s-salâm).
Ibrâhîm (’alaihi ’s-salâtu wassalâm) became a prophet at the age of ninety. He preached monotheism. The interpretative meaning of the sixty-seventh verse of Chapter Âl-i-’Imrân in the Qur’ân al-kerîm is: “Hadrat Ibrâhîm is neither a Jew nor a Christian. He is “hanîf” which means the one who turned towards the right, and a “muslim”, that is, the one who gave himself up to Him.”
The Prophet who conveyed the fundamentals of Judaism is Hadrat Moses. Moses (Műsâ [’alaihi’s-salâm]) was born about 1705 years before Îsâ ‘alaihis-salâm’ in the city of Memphis, Egypt. Since there are different tales about his date of birth, it is not clearly known which pharaoh was reigning in Egypt during that time. Since Pharaoh had a dream wherein he saw that a boy
who would be born in that year would kill him, he ordered his men to kill all the boys born in that year. That is why Hadrat Moses’ mother left her son on the Nile river by putting him into a coffer [wooden case], while praying to Allâhu ta’âlâ to keep him safe. This coffer, with the boy in it, was found by Pharaoh’s wife. The boy was seen by Paharaoh, too. But, when Paharoh and his wife saw the wooden case on the river his wife made a proposal suggesting: “If there is a living thing in that coffer let it be mine, if property, it will be yours. Okay?” Since this was accepted by him, he did not bring any harm unto the baby.
The name Műsâ means “saved from water.” Christians call him “Moses” or “Mois.” Hadrat Műsâ’s mother managed to have herself employed in Pharaoh’s palace as a wet nurse for the boy. As a result, she was able to raise her own son. When he was forty, he heard that he had relatives. He left the palace in order to live with them. He met his brother Hârűn (’alaihi ’s-salâm), who was three years younger than him. Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm) revolted against Pharaoh after seeing the unfair treatment he meted out towards the Hebrews. Műsâ (’alaihi’s-salâm) strove to protect them. One day, an Egyptian kâfir (disbeliever) was torturing a Jew. While Musa was trying to save the Jew, the Egyptian [Coptic] died. In fact, Műsâ had only wanted to prevent the torture. Upon this, he had to immigrate from Egypt. He moved to the city of Madyan. There, he served Shu’aib (’alaihi ’s-salâm) for ten years. He married his daughter, Safűrâr (Tsippore). Ten years later, Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm) returned to Egypt. On his way to Egypt, he went up to Mount Tur. There he heard the word of Allâhu ta’âlâ. At that moment, he was given risâlat (prophethood). Also, the fact that Allâhu ta’âlâ is One, that Pharaoh is not a god, and many other things were revealed to him. Then, he went to Pharaoh in Egypt. He invited him to believe in One God. He wanted freedom for the Banî Israel, but Pharaoh rejected. Pharaoh became extremely angry with him. He said: “Műsâ is a great magician. He wants to seize power over our country by means of his tricks. “He then asked for the opinions of his viziers. They advised him saying, “Collect the magicians. Ask them to beat Műsâ.” The magicians were collected, and the Egyptian people gathered to see what would happen. Those magicians put the ropes in their hands on the ground. All the ropes turned into snakes and began to move towards Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm). But when Hadrat Mű’sâ threw the rod in his hand on the ground, it became a very big snake and
swallowed the others. Upon this, the magicians admired Műsâ and believed in him, saying: “This man is telling the truth.” This incident is mentioned in the 111-123 rd verses of Sűra A’râf in the Qur’ân al-kerîm. Thereupon, Pharaoh became more and more angry. He said, “He was your master, wasn’t he? I shall cut off your hands and legs. I shall hang you on the branches of date-palms.” They responded, “We believe in Műsâ. We want to be under the protection of his Lord. We want His mercy, and to be pardoned by Him, only.” Pharaoh did not let the Banű Israel leave Egypt. If he had, they would lose these people who were their servants and slaves. Then the water used by the disbelievers turned into blood. Frogs came down like a shower. Skin diseases and a three-day darkness possessed the people. Pharaoh became frightened after seeing these mu’jizas (miracles), and he permitted them to leave. While Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salam) and the Banű Israel were on their way to Jerusalem, Pharaoh became deeply regretful. With a great army, he ran after them with the intention of killing all the Jews. When the Jews arrived at the Red Sea, it allowed them to pass through a channel which was opened supernaturally. But while Fir’âwn (Pharaoh) and his army were in this channel, trying to catch the Jews, the sea closed in upon them and they were all drowned. During this great immigration, Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm) prayed imploringly to Allâhu ta’âlâ on Mount Tur, and he wanted Allâhu ta’âlâ to show Himself to him. His prayer was not accepted by Allâhu ta’âlâ. But, He talked with him again on “Mount Sinai.” Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm) stayed on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights and he fasted. Allâhu ta’âlâ sent him the holy book Torah through the angel Gabriel (’alaihi ’s-salâm), which was written on tablets. Previously he had been given ten commandments to be adopted by his followers, which were written on tablets too. Those ten commandments (Awâmir-i ashara) are in Jewish books. They begin with the last verse of the fifth chapter of the book of Deuteronomy, and end with the beginning of the twentieth chapter in the book of Exodus. They are as follows:
1. I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
2. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou, shalt not make thee any graven images, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work. But the seventh days is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt not do any work.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
8. Neither shalt you steal.
9. Neither thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
10. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his man servant, or his maid servant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
When Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm) returned from Mount Sinai, he saw that his community, whom he left under the leadership of his brother Hârűn (’alaihi ’s-salâm), had deviated from the right way and begun to worship an idol which was in the form of a calf made of gold. Műsâ (alaihi ’s-salâm) was a man who had a stately, grand stature with keen eyes. He made a great impression on the people he met. But, when he was only a year old, he caused Pharaoh (Fir’âwn) to become angry by plucking the hairs of his beard, which were adorned with pearls. He wanted to kill Moses, but with the intervention of his wife, Âsiya, he tested him first. When a tray with gold and fire on it was put in front of Műsâ, he extended his hand towards the gold, but Gabriel (’alaihi ’s-salâm) turned his hand towards the fire. When he put the fire in his mouth, the front edge of his tongue was burned; hence, he threw the fire down. That is why, in the beginning, his speech was defective, and when it was necessary for him to address people he used to assign that task to his brother, Hârűn (’alaihi ’s-salâm), who could speak fluently. But, when he became a prophet, this defect vanished. He was granted the ability of speaking more fluently than Hârűn (’alaihi ’s-salam). While he was on Mount Sinai, the good preaching of Hârűn could not prevent the community from deviating. Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salam) went back to Mount Tur and implored Allâhu ta’âlâ to forgive his nation. His people promised not to do it again. Leading them, he went into the desert to find Arz-i mev’űd (the promised land), which was promised to them by Allâhu ta’âlâ. They stayed in the desert of Tih for forty years.
There, in the desert, Allâhu ta’âlâ fed them manna[1] and the meat of quail (selvâ). Hadrat Műsâ could only come as far as a hill called Nebo next to the city of Ariha from which Arz-i mev’űd could be seen. He died there when he was, as it is told, 120 years old. His brother Hârűn (’alaihi ’s-salam) had died three years before him. Entering the city of “Arîha” in the land called Arz-i mev’űd was granted to his successor, the Prophet Yűshâ.
[In his book “Qisâs-i Anbiyâ, the great historian and jurist, Ahmad Jawdat Pasha, states[2] : “The son of Hadrat Ishaq (Isaac), who was the son of Hadrat Abraham (Ibrâhîm), was Hadrat Ya’qűb (Jacob). His real name was “Isrâel.” The people who came from his lineage are called “Banű Isrâel,” which means “the sons of Isrâel.” Yusuf (Joseph [’alaihi’s-salâm]) was one of Hadrat Ya’qub’s (Jacob) twelve sons, and he was also a prophet. After Hadrat Joseph, the Banű Isrâel followed the Sharia (divine laws of the religion) of Jacob and Joseph (’alaihima ’s-salâm), and they lived in Egypt. The nation called “Kibt” was the early inhabitants of Egypt. They worshipped stars and statues, in other words, idols. They considered the Israelites natural slaves. Banű Isrâel always desired to immigrate back to a place called “Canaan” (Ken’ân), which was their ancestors’ country. But the pharaohs would not allow them to go. For, they made the Israelites do heavy work, such as build new cities and buildings. They always dreamed of getting away from the cruelty of the pharaohs. Moses (Műsâ), the son of Imrân, was put into a wooden coffer and dropped into the Nile river by his own mother. “Âsiya,” the wife of pharaoh took him out and adopted him. After Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm) had accidently killed a kibt, he immigrated from Egypt to the city of “Madian.” He lived there for ten years. He returned to Egypt together with the daughter of Shu’ayb (’alaihi ’s-salâm). On his way to Egypt, he was beckoned to Mount Tur. There, he was honored with talking to Allâhu ta’âlâ. Prophethood was also given to him. He was ordered to invite Pharaoh into the religion. Pharaoh did not accept. Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salam) gathered all the Israelites, and they left Egypt altogether. Passing through the Red Sea, they approached a place called “Arîha,” but the Israelites said, “We can not go there. We do not want to fight against those people called the
---------------------------------
[1] Manna: food provided by Allâhu ta’âlâ for the Israelites during their forty years in the desert.
[2] Jawdad Pasha, of Lophja, passed away in Istanbul in 1312 (1894).
‘Amâlika.’ That is why they were cursed. Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm) went to Mount Sinai after leaving the Jews under the leadership of his older brother, Hârűn (’alaihi ’s-salâm). He talked with Allâhu ta’âlâ again. He was given the “Torah.” His nation repented and moved to a place south of the Dead Sea. They settled opposite the city of Arîha, in other words, on the eastern side of the Shari’a river. He appointed Yűshâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm) for his place and passed away.
The book Mir’at-i-Kâinât says: “Moses (Műsâ ‘’alaihi’s-salâm]) went up to Mount Tur three times. The first time, he was given risâlat (prophethood). The second time the holy book “Torah” (Tawrât-i sherîf) and “the ten commandments” (Awâmir-i ashara) were revealed to him. The Torah was in forty parts. There were one thousand chapters in each part. There were one thousand verses in every chapter. There are not so many verses in the Torahs of today. This is because, as the Qur’ân al-kerîm states, the “Torah” and “Bible” were changed and falsified by man over the course of time.
The “Torah,” which was conveyed by the angel Gabriel (’alaihi ’s-salâm) to Műsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm), was memorized by Műsâ, Hârűn, Yusha, Uzair and Jesus (Îsâ) (’alaihi ’s-salâm). The book Kaműs-ul A’lâm says: “When the sovereign of Assyria, Buhtunnasâr, seized Jerusalem and pulled down Masjid-i Aqsa, he burned all the copies of the Torah. Furthermore, he captured seventy thousand Jewish scholars, including Daniel and ’Uzair (’alaihi ’s-salâm), and sent them to Babylonia. [The fact that ’Uzair (’alaihi ’s-salâm) was called Ezrâ by the Jews is written in the book “Munjîd.” However, the book of Ezrâ, and some other books, which are included in the Old Testament of today’s Holy Bible, are not ’Uzair’s (’alaihi ’s-salâm). The man named Ezrâ was a Hebrew Rabbi, a man of religion.] Jews neglected the holy “Torah” and became immoral. They did not believe in the Prophets who were sent to warn them. They martyred most of these Prophets. Bahman Kayhusrav, the Shah of Iran, defeated the Assyrians, and let all his Jewish captives free, including Daniel (alaihi ’s-salam). The number of people worshipping in Masjid-i Aqsa increased. When Alexander the Great seized Jerusalem, a Jewish man from Jerusalem named “Herodas” was assigned governor of Jerusalem. This vile governor martyred Yahyâ (John the Baptist (’alaihi-s-salâm). He tyrannized the people to a great extent. Later, Jerusalem was seized by the Romans. In the 135th year of the Christian era, after the Jews
revolted, Adrian destroyed the city of Jerusalem and massacred the Jewish people. Those Jews who managed to escape from the massacre went to different places, but were oppressed and treated harshly by Christian natives. When the religion of Islam arose, they attained peace and comfort. The city of Jerusalem was restored by Roman emperors and given the name “Ilia” (Ilya). Jerusalem was rebuilt by Abdulmalik, the fifth khalîfa of the Umayyades. The city was destroyed again by Christians during the Crusades. Saladin (Salahaddîn-i Ayyűbî) restored it. The Ottoman khalîfas repaired and ornamanted the city.”
Another Judaic holy book after the Torah was the Talműd. Műsâ (Moses [’alaihi’s-salâm]) taught what he heard from Allahu ta’âlâ on Mount Tur to Harűn, Yushâ and al-Ya’âzâr. Those words were communicated to the succeeding Prophets, finally they were taught to the holy Yahűda. During the second century of the Christian era, those words were written into a book by this holy Yahűda over a forty year period. This book was named Mishna. Two annotations were written for the Mishna during the third and sixth centuries of the Christian era, in Jerusalem and in Babylon, respectively. These annotations were given the name Gamârâ. Each one of the two Gamârâ books was put into a single book with the Mishna and given the name “Talműd.” The Talműd containing the Gamârâ written in Jerusalem and the Mishna is called The Talműd of Jerusalem. The other Talműd contaniing the Gamârâ written in Babylon and the Mishna is called The Talműd of Babylon. Christians are the enemies of these three books. Christians believe that one of the men who preached the teachings of Mishna was Sham’űn, who carried the cross which was used to crucify Jesus. Some of the precepts in the Talműd that are harmful for humanity have been written at the end of our Turkish book “Cevâb Veremedi,” which has been translated into English and published with the title “Could Not Answer.” The fact that the above-mentioned name “Al-Ya’âzâr” was the son of Shuayb (’alaihi ’s-salâm) is written in the book Mir’ât-i Kâinât. The so-called “Holy Bible” of Christians consists of two parts: “the Old Testament” and “the New Testament.” Only the Old Testament is believed and considered a Holy Book by Jews. They do not like the idea of this section being called the old Testament. They want it to be called the “Torah.”
They say the “Torah” is in three parts. The first part is called “Tawrat.” The Tawrat consists of five parts:
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy
These five books in totality are called: Pentateuch.
In the second verse of Chapter Isra in the Qur’ân al-kerîm, this is declared: “We gave Moses the Book.” But over years many foreign writings have been inserted into the Torahs of today.[1] So, there is no relationship between the original Torah revealed to Moses (’alaihi ’s-salâm) and today’s Torahs.
The fact that Allâhu ta’âlâ would send a final prophet named Muhammad (aleyhissalevâtu wattaslimât) was written in the original Torah. When Hadrat Moses went up to Mount Tur for the second time seeking forgiveness for his deviated nation, what Allâhu ta’âlâ told him is written in the 155-157 th verses of Chapter al-A’râf of the Qur’ân al-kerîm: “Műsâ: O my Lord! If it had been Thy Will Thou couldst have destroyed, long before, both them and me: wouldst Thou destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones among us? This is no more than Thy trial: by it Thou causest whom Thou wilt to stray, and Thou leadest whom Thou wilt into the right path. Thou art our Protector: So forgive us and give us Thy mercy; for Thou art the Best of those who forgive. And ordain for us that which is good in this life and in the Hereafter: For we have turned unto Thee.” Allâhu ta’âlâ said to him: “With My Punishment I visit whom I will. But My Mercy extendeth to all things. We shall ordain for those that keep from evil, give alms,[2] and believe in Our signs, and to those who follow the Apostle -the Unlettered Prophet- whom they find mentioned in their own Scriptures. That Prophet commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil. He allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the Light —which is sent down with him— It is they who will prosper.”
---------------------------------
[1] See that section of this book entitled “Qur’ân al-kerîm and Injils” for more information.
[2] Its technical word in Islam is “zakât,” which is paid once a year, and it amounts to one-fortieth of one’s property.
There is no doubt that Jews believed in the final Prophet and waited for him to appear. Furthermore, it is said in some interpretations that during wars, Jews used to invoke, saying: “O, My Lord! For the sake of your final Prophet (aleyhissalawâtu wattaslimât) that you promised to send, help us, please.” And they used to experience victory in those battles.
Hadrat Dâwűd and Hadrat Sulaymân, who are among the Prophets (aleyhimussalawâtu wattaslimât) sent to the Hebrews after Hadrat Műsâ, did their best to spread the true religion. We can briefly express the main points of the religion of Judaism as follows:
Faith: There is one God. He is self-existent, that is, His existence is from Himself. He sees and knows everything. He was not born and He does not bear children. Forgiving and punishing are under His power.
Morals: The fundamentals of their morality are the ten commandments, that is, Awâmir-i ashara. People have to adapt themselves to those ten commandments, exactly. The soul and body of human beings are different from each other. The soul does not die until Doomsday. It is necessary to believe in the spiritual life of the second world.
Religious fundamental: Non-Jews are deemed to be idolaters. It is necessary to stay away from them. As far as possible, it is necessary to be disconnected from them. It is necessary to sacrifice with or without blood. [Jews used to sacrifice every animal, including pigeons, but mostly sheep, goats and cattle. In time, the buns made of saltless dough and flat bread called “unleavened bread” were judged to be sacrificial too. It has been categorized as “the sacrifice without blood” to deliver them.] They punish according to the law of the talion (retribution). A man who does an evil act is subjected to the same thing, in the same manner. Boys are circumcised by a rabbî [a Jewish religious man]. The animals to be eaten must be slaughtered. The meat of an animal which is killed in any other way cannot be eaten. [Even today, in the United States and in Europe, in Jewish butcher shops there are labels stamped “kosher”, which signifies that the meat of the animals sold in those shops were slaughtered in a certain manner as prescribed by a rabbi. Jews can eat only meat prepared in this way. Muslims eat only the meat of animals slaughtered by repeating the name of Allâhu ta’âlâ. Muslims never eat pork.] Jewish women have to
cover their heads after they get married. Today, Jewish women in Europe fulfill this obligation by wearing a wig. It is also prohibited for Jews to eat pork.
There are different ceremonies for different Jewish acts of worship. Saturday is their holy day. They never work or even light a fire on that day. Saturdays are considered to be feast days (holy days), and they celebrate them. They call it “Sabbath.” In addition to this, they have some other holy days, namely, Passover, Shawwat, Rosh-ha-Shanah, Kepur, Sukkot, Purem, Hanuqa, and so on. Passover is considered a commemoration of their departure from Egypt. Shawwat is said to be the feast of roses, which is considered a celebration marking the revelation of the Torah and the Awâmir-i Ashara (ten commandments). Kipur is a great fasting day, which is considered a day signifying their being forgiven after their penitence. Succoth is the feast of tabernacles, which is considered a memorial of the life in the desert.
In contrast to a priest, a rabbi has no authority to hear a confession. They only conduct the ritual ceremonies. In the sight of Allâhu ta’âlâ all Jews are equal, no difference is there between one or the other.
After Hadrat Műsâ, the number of their religious ceremonies and the way rabbis conduct them were enhanced, changed, or new principles were added to them by different Prophets (alayhimussalawâtu wattaslimât). After Hadrat Dâwűd, reciting the holy book of Psalms accompanied with musical instruments was added to their worships.
Dâwűd (’alaihi ’s-salâm) was born about one thousand years before Îsâ ‘alaihis-salâm’. (Although the era of Hadrat Dâwűd’s sovereignty is said to be 1015-975 B.C., by some European historians, it is not known with certainty.) Hadrat Dâwűd was formerly a shepherd. Since he had a very attractive voice, he was taken to Tâlut,[1] the head of state. Afterwards he became his zither player. First, they became good friends and Tâlut made him his own intimate. But, Hadrat Dâwűd ‘alaihis-salâm’ was becoming more well known day by day. At the age of thirty he killed Goliath, a very huge man, with a stone thrown from his sling; upon this, the people admired him even more. However, Tâlut was alarmed and kept Dâwűd ‘alaihis-salâm’ away from
---------------------------------
[1] Internationally, the name Saul is used instead of Tâlut.
himself. However, after Tâlut had passed away. Dâwűd ‘alaihis-salâm’, based on public demand, became his successor. It was he who, for the first time, ordered Jerusalem to be a capital city. The sovereignty of Dâwűd ‘alaihis-salâm’ lasted forty years. The fact that he received the holy book Psalms (Zabűr) is written in the 163rd verse of Chapter Nisa and the 55th verse of Chapter Isra in the Qur’ân al-kerîm. It is certain that Dâwűd ‘alaihis-salâm’ implored Allâhu ta’âlâ for mercy and forgiveness. In today’s Psalms, in the Holy Bible, there are some false scriptures which were added by an unscrupulous type. Because of these additions, it has lost its originality completely. Allâhu ta’âlâ granted Dâwűd ‘alaihis-salâm’ many great endowments. The meanings of the 10th verse of Chapter Saba: “We bestowed Grace aforetime on Dâwűd from Ourselves. O ye Mountains! sing ye back the praises of Allah with him! and ye birds (also)! And We made the iron soft for him.” And the meanings of the 17th-19th verses of Chapter Sâd: “O Muhammad! Remember Our slave Dâwűd. For he ever turned to Allah. It was We that made the mountains join him in praise morning and evening, and the birds, too; all were obedient to him.” And the meaning of the 25 th verse of Chapter Sâd: “In our sight Dâwűd has a great rank and a good future.” The ugly story written in today’s Tawrat and Bible stating: “The adventure between slave and his officer Uria’s wife named Bathseba”[1] is not true. Hadrat Ali (radiy-Allâhu ’anh), the fourth khalifa declared that he would beat those who told this false story by hitting them with a stick 160 times. The interpretation of the 26 th verse of Chapter Sâd written in the tafsîr book Mawakîb is: “Urya sent a message to a girl named Teshamu to inform her that he wanted to marry her. Though the girl accepted, her relatives did not. They spoke ill of Urya to the girl. Meanwhile, Dâwűd ‘alaihis-salâm’ also wanted to marry Teshama. After Urya had died in a war, the girl married Dâwűd ‘alaihis-salâm’. However, Allâhu ta’âlâ did not like it because of the fact that Teshama was a betrothed girl. After Dâwűd ‘alaihis-salâm’ realised that he had blundered, he repented and Allâhu ta’âlâ forgave him.” There is no clear information in the Qur’ân al-kerîm on this matter. Nevertheless, it is revealed that Hadrat Dâwűd always had fear of Allah; he had been granted knowledge of science and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. In the 24th verse of Chapter Sâd, it is purported that he had imploringly
---------------------------------
[1] 2 Sam: 11
prostrated himself before Allâhu ta’âlâ to be granted a just decision in a matter concerning a sheep; he always begged Allâhu ta’âlâ for mercy, and he was very prayerful. All the Islamic scholars unanimously agree with the fact that the myth of Urya was added to the Tawrat and the Bible afterwards. Though these invented stories called “Isrâeleyyat” infected some ignorant Muslims, Islamic scholars declared they were myths.
Sulayman[1] [’alaihi’s-salâm] the son of Dâwűd (’alaihi’s-salâm) succeeded his father and became the prophet and the sovereign of the Israelites. He could speak to jinns, wild animals and birds. The era of Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salâm) was the best era for the Israelites. Until the era of Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salâm) Jewish sovereigns did not know what a palace was. The house of Tâlut, mentioned above, was not so different from that of an ordinary peasant. It is he who, for the first time, established the city of Jerusalem and built a palace there. He had a lot of buildings, palaces, gardens, ponds, places to slaughter animals, and places of worship built. The name of his most magnificent temple, built in Jerusalem, was Masjîd-i Aqsâ (Bayt-i Muqaddas/The House of the Holy One.) He invited Phenician architects to build this mosque. And the creatures called “jinn” worked on the construction. The construcçtion materials used in this building were very valuable. It appeared as if it was a piece of shining gold when it was seen from afar, and the people looking at it could not help becoming overawed. The construction lasted for seven years. Unfortunately, this beautiful masjîd was burned by Buhtunnasar, the second of the Assyrian sovereigns, when he captured Jerusalem. Though Kayhusrav repaired it, afterwards the Romans burned it again. It states in the book Kâműs-ul ’a’lâm: “After that disaster, the restoration, building and improvements in Jerusalem were not done by the Israelites. Later, Byzantine emperors repaired Masjîd-i Aqsâ, and they named Jerusalem “Ilia.” Our Prophet Muhammad (sall-Allâhu ’alaihi wa sallam) performed prayer in Masjîd-i Aqsâ. The city of Jerusalem was conquered by Muslims in the 16th year of the Hegira, during the time of Hadrat ’Umar (radiy-Allâhu ’anh). The present masjîd was built during the time of Abdulmalik (rahima-hullah).” The remaining foundation walls are called “The Wailing Walls” by present day Jews, and they
---------------------------------
[1] Sulaiman ’alaihi ’s-salâm (Solomon). The era of his sovereignty is estimated to be 965-926 B.C.
The best and the richest city in the world was Jerusalem during the era of Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salâm). Countless stories are told among the people about the palaces built by Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salâm) in Jerusalem, and about the rooms and the valuable furnishings in them. It can be said that no sovereign, up to now, has lived as magnificient a life as that of Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salâm). Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salâm) had numerous wives and jâriyas (female slaves). Since he attached great importance to trade, he got richer all the time. He adorned his palaces with new, valuable, and beautiful goods and fed an untold number of valuable horses, birds and other animals. Every day, thirty cows, one hundred sheep, dozens of deer and gazelles were slaughtered in his palace. Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salam) always kept the peace and tried to establish friendships and good relationships with his neighbours. He married Pharaoh’s daughter who was his neighbour; furthermore, he invited Balkîs, the Queen of Sheba, to the true religion. He extended friendship to her, and according to Islamic historians, he married her, too. The fact that Balkîs was invited to the true religion by Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salam) is written in the 29-32 verses of Chapter Naml in the Qur’ân al-kerîm.
Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salâm) was an extremely just sovereign like all the other Prophets (aleyhimussalawâtu wattaslîmât). “The justice of Solomon” has been taken as an example for justice all over the world, and so has that of Umar (radiy-Allâhu ’anh). Sulaymân (’alaihi’s-salâm) tolerated other faiths. In spite of the protest made by fanatical Jews, he had temples for other religions built, too. So, he was given regard and respect all over the world and became a good example. He carried out the Sharia (religious law) of his father, Dâwűd (’alaihi ’s-salâm).
Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salam) is written about in the Qur’ân al-kerîm. The meaning of the 12th verse of Chapter Saba is: “To Sulaymân We subdued the wind, travelling a month’s journey morning and evening. We made a font of molten brass to flow for him. And there were jinns that worked in front of him, by the leave of his Lord. And if any of them turned aside from our command, We made him taste of the penalty of the blazing fire.” And the meaning of the 30-39th verses of Chapter Sad is: “To Dâwűd We gave Sulaymân as a son. He was a good slave. Ever did he turn to Us. One evening, his prancing steeds were ranged
before him. Sulaymân said: “My love for the good things of life has caused me to forget my Lord. For now, the sun has vanished behind the veil of darkness.” He was very sorry. “Bring them back to me” [he said], and he started to cut their legs and necks. [He delivered their meat to the poor.] Then he did turn to Us. He said: “O my Lord! Forgive me. And grant me such power as shall suit none after me.
For You are the Grantor of bounties (without measure). So We subdued the wind to him, so that it blew at his bidding wherever he directed it; and the devils, too, among whom were builders and divers and others bound with chains. Such are Our gifts. Whether you bestow them on others or withhold them. No account will be asked. In the world to come he shall be honoured and well received.” According to Jewish and Christian publications, three parts of the Holy Bibles in their hands have been quoted from the Book of Solomon (’alaihi ’s-salam). These are “The Proverbs,” “Ecclesiastes,” and “The Songs of Solomon.” It is said in the Torah that the wind, the birds and the other animals were at Solomon’s (’alaihi ’s-salâm) disposal. He could speak their languages. The birds and the other animals immediately did whatever they were ordered. Various constructions were completed in a short time with the help of spirits who were under his control.
During the time of Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salâm), the people were given civil rights more than in the era of Dâwűd (’alaihi ’s-salam). According to new laws a father had innumerable rights over his children. A child, no matter how old he was, had to fulfill the orders of his father. The share of inheritance for the older child was doubled. For those matters concerning engagements or marriages, the prominent ones of the family were given authority. The candidates had to accept the ones selected for them. A divorced woman was paid some money called “mahr.” A widow with or without children had to marry her brother-in-law. The first child after this marriage was judged to belong to the dead husband; therefore, the child was the dead husband’s legitimate heir. A man was given permission to marry more than one woman.
After Sulaymân’s (’alaihi ’s-salâm) passing away, the Israelites broke into twelve tribes, which struggled against one another. The divisions had started before the death of Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salâm). But, with the help of Allâhu ta’âlâ, Sulaymân
(’alaihi ’s-salâm) managed to keep them united. Rehoboam, the son of Sulaymân (’alaihi ’s-salâm) became his successor. But, only two of the twelve tribes followed him. The state of Israel divided into two parts. One of them was named “Israel” and ten of the tribes settled in it. The remaining two tribes formed the “Yahűda” state. This state presided over Jerusalem. Eventually, they lost their morality. Allâhu ta’âlâ became angry with them and punished them. They lived for some time under the control of the Assyrian state. Buhtunnasar (Nebukadnezar), the sovereign of the Assyrian state, destroyed and burned down the city of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. By force, he expelled them from Jerusalem to Babylonia. But, after Keyhusrav (Cyrus) the Shah of Iran defeated the Assyrians, he allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem. They attempted to repair the burned city of Jerusalem. First, they lived under the sovereignty of Iran and then under Macedonia. The Romans entered Jerusalem in 64 B.C. They destroyed and burned down the city again. The Romans, once again, devastated Jerusalem in
While the Israelites were under the control of the Romans, Îsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm) was born. During the days of those calamities, the original copies of the Torah were destroyed. Some new books were written and were given the name Torah. Many foreign passages and even myths were added to them. That is why Allâhu ta’âlâ sent Îsâ (’alaihi s-salâm) as a prophet to convert the Israelites (and other human beings) back to the right path. The Israelites did not want to accept Îsâ (’Alaihi ’s-salâm) as a prophet. They were waiting for a prophet exactly like the one explained in the Torah. They thought that the Prophet would be very powerful, very brave and that he would successfully do whatever he wanted, and that they would be saved from the hands of the Romans with the help of that Prophet. When they saw that Îsâ (’alaihi ’s-salâm) was a very tenderhearted man, they did not like him. They thought that he was a false prophet. They slandered his mother, Hadrat Maryam (the Virgin Mary). Today there are about 15 million people known as Jews. No one among them follows the true Tawrat (Torah). According to the “Britannica of the Year,” the international almanac, it is questionable if they all believe in the same religion since there are so many sects among Jews.