The symbols {} are used to present further clarity to the text.
Bringing science, religion, history and logic into the topic of Original Sin seems like a daunting task. However, it is not as daunting as it would appear at first. Yes, Original Sin did exist but that so-called sin was not singular.
The reason that Original Sin was not singular but rather COLLECTIVE in nature can be judged from the shared understandings of the Old Testament, New Testament and the Quran and hadith materials. In addition to these materials, science can also be brought on board especially when science is maturing in its understandings of the past – hopefully.
When one throws out the foolish notion of ‘one man’s sin affects all’ that Christianity burdened mankind with and pay attention to the Quranic idea that everyone is responsible for his/her own actions, then the issue of Original Sin becomes more palatable and clearer to the mind.
There are a lot of issues concerning this topic including what has been brought forth from before in these writings concerning a Prototype Adam and various time-frames being cyclical in nature. Once one is over that hump, one can steer the ship of understanding further into ‘something’ of the incredible past.
However, it is much like the discovery of the remains of only one-fifth of a Tyrannosaurs Rex’s skeleton in that some well-educated and professional guesswork is needed to make an ‘informative’, educated conjecture concerning what the beast looked like. Then, that reconstruction can be presented as a hopefully ‘nearly correct’ image of the beast for all to see and perhaps learn from.
We do not need anything more than the Quran and authentic hadith material it is true. However, science as well as various levels of mankind AND THEIR DOCUMENTS would feel more secure in knowing that the various inputted sources, like the various groups of men who were put here to ‘learn’ from each other, agree in principle.
O mankind! WE created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of ALLAH is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And ALLAH has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). Quran (49:13)
With this in mind, we can go to the next stage which happens to be ‘THE STAGE’. It is true that mankind has what is called ‘free will’. However, to perform or use this ability, one must have a ‘stage’ set forth so that actions committed must be rewarded or punished according to a LAW.
We have a stage: our universe at its particular level is all set forth for us to perform (actions and intent). We also have a ‘script’ or pattern of behavior which we have to work through as performers on this stage (life’s events). THE AUTHOR, BUILDER, DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER OF THESE THINGS IS THE ONE GOD.
And we can learn as understudies to the wonderful performers called the prophets. Their ‘scripts’ agree as to do HIS WILL and not to go off script or adlib. So, as understudies to the principal actors, we are to follow in their footsteps as best as we can and learn from them.
As in life, the highly professional actors are accredited with greatness and among those who have excelled agree upon the best of the best. And those most excellent actors will acknowledge the presence of him who is their leader. And so their leader will be presented in front of the group as a highly honored spokesperson.
It sounds like one of the prophets (pbh) went to Jerusalem and led the prayers with all the other prophets behind him. Very symbolic in this case.
So, to get to the notion of Original Sin, one has to build an atmosphere where the scene is taking place to set the mood and tempo of the acts that are to follow:
This world is, a bluish-like sphere as seen from space, which we call Earth. Our Earth is very special for us and there are many enjoyable wonders to see and to experience. The other side of the coin is much different.
Along with the beauty comes the nature of this world and its true nature is WAR and the challenges, concepts and actions that go along with it. Plants survive by developing their defenses against their enemies and their enemies survive by countering these defenses.
Think back in time to the days of the dinosaur. There were meat eaters and plant eaters and competition within both of these groups added to the pressure of survival. They survived but took heavy losses in order to survive.
The same is true with the fish. Many births and almost as many deaths occur but there is a small number that survives compared to what could have been if every one of their offspring survived.
True, we are neither plants, dinosaurs nor fish. Yet considering the drudgery of many of our species combined with the vagaries called cruelty and other happenings, one can be certain that pain, failure and disappointment are not anything counted as rare to the human species.
It’s just the nature of the beast: death, escape and more close calls. For mankind, whose superior mind has left its own mark on history (remember the catastrophic Flood of Noah whereby much of the human race was wiped out), we find ourselves with few exceptions in the same continuous struggle to survive, build and advance.
It doesn’t look that way, however, on our so-called ‘sunny days’ when we might feel on top of the world. History though paints a very oft repeating cycle at various times and at various places with various peoples.
The dominating cultures of the past who walked the earth like lords amongst mankind (the conquered) were alive once and now are like ghosts. From powerhouse to poorhouse, the fall of cultures and countries has been quite cyclic but above all quite REAL!
As one looks at nature, one might comprehend the cycle or cyclic attributes of the universe operating at a type of ‘oneness’ in a pattern. Simply put, look at the seasons on Earth.
First we have spring, then summer, then fall, then finally winter and then we have ANOTHER spring again. However, this so-called second spring is NOT in the same year but a totally different year.
So, when this so-called ‘term appointed’ above starts, it is spring in year X and when it becomes winter it is winter in year X. But when another spring comes around, it is in a different year than year X.
So, it appears with life on many countless avenues such as with the birth and death and then rebirth of stars which are not quite exactly like the first star, for example. Yet, only the rudiments of understanding of these things need be noticed.
So, not only does life revolve around death and death revolve around life,* it also forms a pattern of singularity of purpose with the AL-Witr or the ONE and ONLY GOD.
*{It is HE WHO brings out the living from the dead, and brings out the dead from the living, and WHO gives life to the earth after it is dead: and thus shall you be brought out (from the dead).} Quran (30:19)
The supreme and expert art critic can identify a painting as to its originality or whether it is a fake by taking in the minutest of details not possessed by the common art connoisseur. And just because the vast majority of us are not ‘art connoisseurs’, does not prohibit us from reaching the mountain top of salvation.
So, humanity in some mysterious way CONFORMS to the universal ‘from dust to dust’ philosophy in some form or other. And that is an appreciation for HIS MAJESTIC WAYS such that they reflect HIS ONENESS AND UNITY OF PURPOSE beyond the knowledge of any man.
To thee WE sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety {so that man will not be able to corrupt it and spread that corruption to the nations concerning ALLAH’s WORD}: so judge between them by what ALLAH has revealed, and follow NOT their vain desires, {as they diverge from the Truth that has {now} come to you {through inspiration}. To each among you have WE prescribed a law and an open Way. If ALLAH had so willed, HE would have made you a single people, but (HIS Plan is) to test you in what HE has given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to {return for the Final Judgment to} ALLAH; it is HE that will show you the truth of the matters in which you dispute; Quran (5:48)
Abu Huraira reported GOD’s Messenger (pbh) as saying: “Souls are troops collected together and those who familiarized with each other (in the Heaven from where these come) would have affinity, with one another (in the world) and those amongst them who opposed each other (in the Heaven) would also be divergent (in the world)”. (Muslim)
A tradition of Ubayy-bin Ka’b – All of mankind was assembled in {to} separate groups giving them {the separate groups} the understanding that they were to be made vicegerents on Earth while imparting their wisdom and understanding, i.e. granting them power such that each individual (would be) completely and fully responsible for their actions.
That means that no individual can absolve him or herself from the responsibility of deviation from ALLAH’s WAY. Therefore, it became man‘s duty, if he so chose to make it, to make use of all of his facilities of the gifts given to them to discern truth from error in their respective journeys through life-giving experiences.
The number of people that live an idyllic life or lifestyle with absolutely no worries and who are actually contented with their own lot in life is actually very small. Wars, disease, hardships, being stabbed in the back, and other numerous treacheries both great and small are just as much a part of life as death.
Earth is one laboratory (that we know of and the only one we should consider at this time because that is where we find ourselves) that tests us continuously. What for and why do we have to pursue this very laborious ‘from cradle adjustment to grave adjustment’ anyway?
We, MEANING ALL OF US, were given this option and we took it:
Truly, WE did offer Al-Amaanah (the Trust or moral responsibility and ALL the duties which ALLAH ordained {on the ‘vicegerents’ as leading spirits before they were going to enter into the flesh} to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains but they declined to bear it and were AFRAID of it {the challenge and responsibility that would lead to accountability}. But MANKIND bore it {took on the challenge}. Verily, he was unjust (to himself) and {quite} ignorant {of its consequences that he would have to bear}. Quran (33:72)
And to prove this from the other Scriptures (Old and New Testaments):
New Testament:
The Jews answered him {Jesus}, saying, “For a good work we are not {going to} stone you, but for blasphemy, AND {in addition to that} because you, being a man {like ourselves}, make yourself {a} god {that is one of the high spiritual guides (a prophet) amongst mankind (see Psalm (82:6-7) below}.”
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your {Jewish} Law, ‘I said, “You {the ones following after the one GOD made with HIS hands and given vicegerency and supremacy over the many things of Earth} are gods” ’?
If HE {the ONE GOD} called them {these souls} gods {powerful spirits/vicegerents}, to whom the Word of GOD {the prophets} came {to instruct them in righteousness for they had fallen in disrepute and committed carnage in the Earth and thus had to be destroyed in the Great Flood} (and the Scripture cannot be broken),
Do you say of him {Jesus} whom the Father sanctified {and purified} and {then} SENT into the world {to instruct the many} ‘you are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the son {high servant} of {the LIVING} GOD’? John (10:33-36)
Old Testament:
They {the people} do not know nor do they comprehend {what is going on}; they walk {stubbornly} about in darkness {dull in knowledge while}; all the foundations of the earth are shaken {by their ignorant actions}. Psalm (82:5)
I {GOD} said, “You are gods {vicegerents}, and All of you {humans} are sons {high spirits whom GOD gave flesh to (mankind)} of {GOD} the Most High.
“Nevertheless {All of you so-called sons (servants of the LIGHT)} you will die like men {even though your station be high} and fall {just} like any one of the princes.” Psalm (82:6-7)
But the product of sin is death {trials and tribulations one must go through to return to his state of blessedness and glory} and the gift of God is eternal life {as was shown as a SIGN} in our lord {master} Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus) {Jesus’ example in overcoming the world who is} the {Real} Messiah (pbh). Romans (6:23)
In following these various writings, it should be clear that mankind has a history of which much has been thankfully forgotten. Sometimes it is to our advantage to be in the ‘here and now’ time zone and sometimes not depending upon our thought processes.
It is advantageous as well as practical for us when we need to concentrate on the here and now and how BEST we can obey our CREATOR LORD. This is the best thing because our reality zone can process only certain things.
It is much rather like an eight course meal. One doesn’t swallow the whole meal at one time but rather one takes it in chunks.
The disadvantage is that one might not ‘sense’ the entire picture and therefore fail to see ‘the whole picture’ clearly. These people then become shortsighted and can’t properly put things together such that they are susceptible to being led astray.
An example of this is found in the Gospel of John whereby Jesus (pbh) tells his Disciples that if he doesn’t leave, the Spirit of truth will not come. Therefore, it is to their advantage that he leaves so that the Spirit of truth will come (enter the world).
The problem with this is that in that same Gospel that ‘holy-type spirit’ (NOT HOLY SPIRIT) whom many take as the third divine entity of the GODHEAD had already been present with the Disciples on several occasions as well as Mary the mother of Jesus while Jesus (pbh) was still around!
It is also a problem when the prophets are called Spirits as in the possibility of phony prophets to come so that the ‘believer’ is asked to ‘check out’ these various Spirits calling themselves prophets to see if they are truthful or plain outright liars.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John (4:1)
So, within the New Testament we find the evidence that the Spirit of truth will be a human because prophets are human and by the New Testament’s definition they are also classified as Spirits. Hence, the moniker the Spirit of truth!
With this knowledge we know that the Spirit of truth in the Gospel of John will be a prophet as only prophets will receive Revelation. It is just that simple!!!
So, what keeps man from honoring the CREATOR LORD and racing to the Last and Final Universal Message given to mankind before the Last Day of Judgment? That is the million dollar question that has to be answered. And when it is answered it will tell a lot about the psyche of man.
Well in the previous two books by this author it has been answered. The answer was given in all the Holy Books and in various places. But if a person is ‘blind’, he/she will not be able to see it. And being unable to see means simply that they will NOT be able to reason even the most simplest of religious concepts because they are held back from the truth by the ONE WHO CREATED THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE.
How can ‘blind arrogance’ be rewarded by anything but Total Loss? And how can Total Loss appear as a loss when the warped mind of the blind takes it as a win?
That proves that the ONE GOD is NOT a passive force able to be manipulated, outwitted, outthought and outplayed. Rather the egotist, even in the guise of humble and or self- righteous behavior swearing upon his beliefs, will still remain deaf, dumb and blind as to what is really REALITY and what has been projected by the world and the person’s own brain as reality.
In this definition ALL things that man has, body, mind and soul filtered and moved according to that ‘secret place of the heart’ known only by the ONE GOD. And this pattern is formed NOT by the ONE GOD but by the internal and very personal and secretive niche of the heart.
Truly, the heart belongs to GOD but it is a gift to be used by man. So man, being the captain (not Admiral) of his own ship, drives his own actions which results in reaping his own final justified rewards or punishments.
This is what Paul meant by people going against the ‘pricks’. In other words, man was created on FITRA (PURITY) as Islam declares but due to his own willfulness, man can subvert this naturalness of FITRA and come to wallow like a pig in the mire all the while being led by the spirit of deception he has built up for himself by HIS OWN HANDS!
One starts out ‘life’ with Fitra (state of original purity upon entering the physical (dimension) and as one ‘grows’ one adds to his ‘flavor’ his own distinctive DISPOSITION as to what has a tendency to attract him:
Say: “Everyone acts according to his own disposition: but your LORD KNOWS BEST who it is that is best guided on the WAY” {the correct pathway as taught by all the prophets including Muhammad (pbh)} Q (17: 84)
Therefore, the blame for one’s plight falls squarely on one’s own shoulders while the ONE GOD guarantees the final outcome based on whether these ‘stellar’ souls will choose to bow down to HIS WILL (WAY) or whether they will insist on following their own course of action which results in them declaring that they are GOD’s equal.
The bad ship will finally run aground due to its own skipper (the heart of the ship) being careless and ignorant, while the good ship will arrive safely to dock at the port that it was meant to land at.
So, MAN is responsible for dictating to himself his own direction IF HE SO CHOOSES. He can either will himself to find a ‘spiritual direction’ or he can ignore it. He can weigh in his mind all of these religious helps heaped on mankind or he can ignore the call of getting closer to his ONE AND ONLY LORD.
The truly guided will make and take the effort to learn to filter out the white noise of confusion and if guided correctly can repair, with GOD’s PERMISSION, that place in his heart that needs the ‘life giving waters’ called real faith and that special understanding that goes beyond just words.
As the baby grows by stages, so also will man when he alights upon the highway of truth and salvation. And as he evolves in his growth so will his spirit be refreshed and strengthened to being ready for the trial of the bridge over the Hell-Fire that all men must cross.
Man took on that Challenge a long time ago and in many climes, actions and cases he must face himself again and again to prove his worthiness to inherit the KINGDOM that only those who truly believe will inherit. This, then becomes mankind’s so-called Original Sin and his overcoming this ‘sin’ permits him or her to enter into the realms of true peace, security and plentiful abundance that will not vanish, disappear or end!
The Old Testament tells the worshippers to go to Muhammad and to what he represents. The New Testament tells the worshippers to go to Muhammad and to what he represents. The Quran tells the worshipers to go to Muhammad and to what he represents.
This has been covered in my other writings and so needs not be repeated here. So, happy is the person who does what he is told with a joyful and a purposeful heart seeking for goodness and truth in the WORDS OF HIS LORD WHICH HAVE COME NOT FROM MAN BUT FROM HIS CARING AND TRUTHFUL CREATOR.
You shall surely travel from stage to stage (in this life and the Hereafter) Quran (84:19)
Life turns out not to be a sprint; it’s a marathon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HE it is WHO has sent down to you the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, SEEKING DISCORD, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: “We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our LORD:” and NO ONE will grasp the Message EXCEPT men of understanding. Q (3: 7)
BEFORE YOU {Oh Muslims} a {religious} community asked {harped on} such {type of dangerous} questions, then on that account {of this} they became disbelievers {as they strayed far, far from the truth by manufacturing details of fiction} Q (5: 102)
A Tale of two Muslims:
If a Muslim peeks through a window to look at you (another Muslim), you can throw a rock through that window and if that other person is blinded by this action, the fault lies with him and NOT you (hadith). What to make of this?
Well, the one who threw the rock takes action for himself (being accountable to himself) and NOT depending so much upon others. So, the rock thrower took initiative instead of just sitting back and saying he is a Muslim. That is the same way with those who say, “Yes, I like your religion and your study thereof. However, let me be just me as to what I am in this world and go on sampling other things without being serious towards anything.”
So, if it is right and supported with much support throughout the Scriptures, then the good and careful believer will MOVE TOWARDS THAT GOODNESS with commitment even if it is to declare truthfully in his heart that there is no god but ALLAH and that Muhammad is HIS Prophet!
Do we need to know the past wonders of what humans were like when they held dominion over all things on planet Earth? No, and that is a fact. Actions are weighed simply by believing and doing when those beliefs and actions go according to what the Spirit of truth has stated.
The reason being is that he is the special Emissary from the CREATOR LORD. Serious people are known by their fruits and serious people engage not just in random philosophical talk but in action.
Truly, WE did offer Al-Amaanah (the Trust or moral responsibility and ALL the duties which ALLAH ordained {on the ‘vicegerents’ as leading spirits before they were going to enter into the flesh} to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains but they declined to bear it and were AFRAID of it {the challenge and responsibility that would lead to accountability}. But man bore it {took on the challenge}. Verily, he was unjust (to himself) and {quite} ignorant {of its consequences that he would have to bear}. Quran (33:72)
The ‘offer’ did not occur yesterday but a long, long time ago. It is conjectured that man took up the challenge a long, long time ago. And what type of man but spirit in form would be so cocky (proud of himself) as to ‘jump’ into a challenge without weighing the consequences.
That shows a ‘hasty creature’ who lacks proper constraints on his character. A freeman may not appreciate his condition with gratitude but incarcerate him and he will begin to pine or yearn for the good ol’ days he used to have.
But give glad tidings to those who {truly} believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: “Why, this is what we were fed with before,” for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and holy); and they abide therein (forever). Quran (2:25)
These believers are in a much better condition than before and secure in their knowledge and to the core of their very soul that their LORD is INDEED THE MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL AND ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH ALL THINGS WITH PERFECT JUSTICE AND EQUIBILITY. Truly, a lesson for the Ages has been learned!
While there are several mentioned messiahs recorded in the Old Testament because the word ‘messiah’ just means anointed one, there is only ONE REAL MESSIAH as a Universal MESSIAH and that is Jesus the son of Mary (pbh).
In the same vein of thought, while the prophets came to instruct mankind in the way, the truth and the life eternal to come such that, at that specific time, they (those individual prophets) were the Way, the Truth and the LIFE for their generation. Jesus (pbh), however, is the Universal WAY, TRUTH and the LIFE for all of mankind.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John (14:6)
Jesus (pbh) is such in that this universal ‘pathfinder’ to mankind HAS EXPRESSED IN HIS SPEECH THAT THROUGH THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, MANKIND WILL FIND THE FINAL, CORRECT AND TRUTHFUL EXPRESSION OR PATTERN OF WORSHIP APPROVED BY THE ONE UNIVERSAL GOD GIVEN BY THE SPIRIT OF truth.
If anyone desires a religion other than Islam {which is} (submission to ALLAH), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good). Quran (3:85)
We know this from the Quran that ALLAH declares that Jesus (pbh) is a Sign to not one nation but to ALL OF MANKIND (a Universal SIGN) AND THAT ISLAM IS THE ONLY CHOICE OF RELIGION TO BE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD. That means that the system of ‘bowing down to GOD’s WILL’ (ISLAM) is that form of ‘expression’ that will be in effect when Jesus returns to ‘claim his own’.
And (remember) her {Mary} who guarded her chastity: WE breathed into her of OUR spirit, and WE made her and her son {Jesus} a {universal} SIGN for ALL peoples (Al-‘Alamin). Quran (21:91)
And there is NONE of the People of the Book {Jews, Christians and Muslims} but must believe in him {Jesus} before his death {Isaiah (53:9)} {upon his return in the second coming to be that priest-king of ALLAH}; and on the Day of Judgment he {Jesus} will be a witness against them {those who refuted the truth}. Quran (4:159)
Those {Various Peoples} to whom WE have sent the BOOK study it as it should be studied {with meaning, intent, vocalization, as a Guide and as a Remembrance as they shall pass on knowledge to keep the flame of truth alive and interest in the future-life well-watered}: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith {and pay no heed to it – to these life giving spiritual waters} therein,- the loss is their own {by their own hands}. Q (2: 121)
And there you have it!
