The big problem with entrenched view is that the evidence is all too often altered to fit man’s myopic notions when it is these same notions that should be altered to fit the evidence.
The use of these symbols {}are put in place to increase the awareness of what is being stated.
The piece of the puzzle concerning ‘of what can be known as’ the non-crucifixion of Jesus (pbh) and its consequences is nearly complete. In many of the articles that I have written have come relatively new and sound information concerning the so-called mystery of the cross. To my understanding at least, no other writer or religious historian, Christian or Muslim, has been able to show with accurate congruity the true occurrences that led up to the crucifixion event and those occurrences that came after this event.
The importance of this can be classified simply as ‘a search for the Truth’! And there are other positive results that go along with these critical writings. One of the most important ones is maintaining the veracity of the scriptures. Uncomprehending individuals might declare the thought of the word ‘Scripture’, as in their own, while almost suggesting that GOD is their personal and private god.
Sure, as I have explained, the New Testament has been somewhat re-worked but that doesn’t mean it is wholesale and faithless to the truth. One must look at things with a broader scope than paranoid subjectivity as many Christians do when discussing the Quran especially when we are entering the ‘end times’ for this age.
The proof is in the taste of the pudding as some say but I prefer a more direct approach by naming concrete verses as in part of the equation of ‘Bring forth your evidence if you are telling the truth’.
“Or who originates creation, then repeats it, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? (Can there be another) god beside ALLAH? Say, “Bring forth your argument if you are telling the truth!” Q (27: 64)
For example, Zephaniah (3: 9-10) discusses Islam and the PURITY of the Quran – so logically the person being Muslim or non-Muslim would start his quest of knowledge from the Quran if indeed he had a good understanding.
While the partial mistrust of the New Testament, not to mention the Old Testament, has been adequately shown by non-prejudicial scholars, some more pondering on the facts is needed. It is needed to avoid the ugly showing of the idea that god is my god and not your god. An example of ‘testament fixing’ will be found near the end of this writing*.
Besides historical stuff, the New Testament does contain a plethora of ‘hard to understand concepts’ that if not tempered by Islamic thought will probably lead the reader to unjustifiable positions NOT SUPPORTED by other scripture or verses within the same scripture.
The last important mystery concerning the Christ-soul concerns the ‘when’ was he taken up to the heavens and cleared from the false claims that his people had on him. In other words, when did he ‘rise from the grave’ and did he die’?
The concept of ‘rising from the grave’ and ‘death’ have different meanings to different people. For example, the human grave can be your everyday walking and talking human in its natural or normal state without it being ‘transformed’ into its heavenly state or perfected state – human but still capable of eating, drinking and having sex.
Similarly, the word ‘death’ can be shown to have different meanings as will be seen in the Quranic verse (39: 42)
According to the New Testament with the help of the Quran, we can say with some sound assurance that Jesus (pbh) was transformedor in the process of being transformed in the GRAVE (TOMB) such that he became ALTERED as to spirit over body (one engulfs the other or has the strongest effect (urges) on the other).
He keeps his human body, of course, because he is only human as shown in the Last Supper when he calls for a Table of Viands**to be sent down for him and his Disciples but it is a new body more in tuned with the DIVINE WILL – see the end of this article.
Then they {the angels}said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord {Master-teacher or Rabboni}, and I do not know where they have laid him.”
Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there,and did not knowthat it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Jesus, “Rabboni!” {Meaning highly respected teacher}.
Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending {to ascend}to my Father and your Father, and tomy God and your God.’ ” {to the LORD of us all} John (20: 13-17)
It appears that Jesus (pbh) had undergone this ‘trial’ in the grave and according to some Islamic sources he ‘fell asleep’ for a certain number of hours and then awoke. Even the New Testament in various places AFTERhis being ‘arisen’ describes him as being somewhat ‘different’ than the old Jesus.
However, there is a problem here. If Jesus (pbh) declared he shouldn’t be touched because he has yet to ascend to the heavens, how come he greets his Disciples a little bit later after his meeting with Mary and tells them to ‘feel his hands and feet’? Certainly, he is being touched then!***
Understanding the various definitions of death would be very helpful for our understanding of what is trying to be achieved. Being that ALLAH is called AL-QABID or the ONE WHO takes the souls of men with finality or without finality:
It is ALLAH that takes the souls (of men) AT DEATH; AND THOSE THAT DO NOT DIE (HE TAKES) DURING THEIR SLEEP. Those on whom HE has passed the DECREE of DEATH {or decree of finality},HE KEEPS BACK(FROM RETURNING TO LIFE) BUT THE REST HE SENDS {back} (TO THEIR BODIES) FOR A TERM APPOINTED. Q (39: 42)
Behold! ALLAH said: “O Jesus I will take you and raise you to MYSELF {cause you to sleep and raise you up}and clear you (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme;I will make those who follow you superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall you all return unto ME and I will judge between you of the matters wherein you disagree. Q (3: 55)
For a myopic world, the Quran is presented with a depth not easily appreciated by doubters or would be hangers on. So hopefully one can get a ‘real’ appreciation in addition to a clearer awareness of Faith.
The New Testament’s declaration of Jesus being risen {woken up from his sleep}is correct and being altered and of the ‘first of fruits’ of those fallen asleep (that transformation as spoken of before AS A SIGN TO MANKIND) to be raised up in that condition. This change or alteration as compared to the regular people, who have not undergone such change, meant that he arose from the dead – but NOT BEING ONE WHO ACTUALLY DIED WITH FINALITY. Meaning he has to return.
But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruitsof those who have fallen asleep.
For since by man came death {adam}, by man{Jesus}also came the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ{in his reign on Earth/his kingdom} all {of the faithful}{shall be made alive{paradise on Earth}.
But each one in his own order {rank}: Christ {of} the first fruits, afterwardthose {the believers) who are Christ’s at his coming.
Then comes the end {of that kingdom when even the heart contains the smallest of faith the size of a mustard seed shall be taken out of this world}, when he delivers the kingdom to GOD the Father, when he puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.
For he must reign UNTILLhe has put all enemies under his feet {AND THE RELIGION {ISLAM}WILL BE ONE WITH NO DIVISIONS FOR THE WORSHIP OF ALLAH}. 1Corinthians (15: 20-25)
It is HE {ALLAH} WHO has sent HIS Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth to make it prevail over all religion: and enough is ALLAH for a Witness.
Q (48: 28)
An extremely difficult concept to grasp as proposed by Paul? Let’s try Paul’s words again to understand just how hard it was.
Now if Christ is preached that he has been raised from the dead {a transformed person is somewhat different than an ordinary living being whereas philosophically others are dead while yet aliveas they are still dead or unawaken without a transformed body}, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead{such that, for example, people die and never live again to eventually experience Paradise or the Hell-fire}?
But {SO}if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is NOT risen,then our preaching is empty and your faith {belief in the Hereafter}is also empty.
Yes, and we are found {as}false witnesses of GOD, because we have {positively}testified of GOD that HEraised up Christ {and CLEARED him from his blasphemers and doubters as a type of judgment}, whom {if}he did not raise up—if in fact {it be true that}the dead do not rise.
For {it is only logical that if Jesus being a man and if dead men}do NOT rise, then Christ is not risen.
And if Christ is not risen, your faith {in his mission for Salvation as a SIGN}is futile; {but} you are still in your sins {non-transformed image}!
Then also those who have fallen asleep in {the}Christ{way}have perished {also}.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ {as being our elder brother and as a SIGN for us from our GOD}, we are of all men the most pitiable {by your logicof Christ NOT being risen from THE DEAD}. Corinthians (15: 12-20)
It is no wonder that many have ‘cursed’ Paul but his words or teachings, such as they were, were NOT meant for the uninitiated without guidance. One doesn’t feed the beginner with solid food but only with milk as discussed in my previous article:
I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it,and even now you are still not able
For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere {worldly}men? 1Cor (3: 2-3)
Called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,”
Of whom we have much to say,and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you {still}need someoneto teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food {as you are not ready for the higher principles of faith}. Hebrews (5: 10-12)
However, the concept of the altered body does pose a real stumbling block to many people. One way to get around that is to look into the Quran concerning the Table of Viands sent down as a Sign. The Heavenly Table and Food are most definitely REAL yet how did they get there?
The room where the Disciples were ensconced from prying eyes was a locked room with shuttered windows and a roof above. So, how could a ‘solid’ table with REAL, solid food from the Heavens enter the room? It is suggested that ‘they’ came down as a ‘Heavenly Reality’ through the structure that Jesus and the Disciples were in. That also explains how the ‘transformed’ Jesus (pbh) entered the room where there were no immediate available openings causing the Disciples to fear that he was a SPIRIT. This then helps to partially solve the puzzle of one being of the ‘First Fruits’ to arise.
“So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)”!
Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of TRUTHabout which they (vainly) dispute. Q (19: 33-34)
About Jesus’ death both understandings are applicable here: First, he was risen from the dead (as defined by ALLAH and NOTby man) according to the above Quranic verse (3: 55). Secondly, he shall return and live for over 40 years as head of the Islamic worldly paradiseand then he will die the FINAL WORLDLY DEATH and be buried beside the Prophet (pbh) and at some point in time, they will rise up together to their awaited honor and glory.
How much time did Jesus’ soul spend in the heavens when he was taken up? That we don’t know (some Islamic sources say he slept for 3 hours and some say 7 hours) but when we look at Prophet Muhammad’s (pbh) journey to Jerusalem and on to the seven levels of the heavens plus his various experiences and discussions while taking in the description of the distances between the various levels, one can see that a period of less than a daycould suffice for this occurrence.
This is mentioned because Jesus (pbh) in this scenario was taken up to the heavens and cleared of the falsehoods ascribed to him by the blasphemers and then he was sent down, as a favor to him, to clarify the truth to his immediate followers who were going to be responsible in spreading the messageuntil, according to the ACTS of the APOSTLES, he was taken up for good 40 days after his passion in the garden.
To whom he also presented himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking {and teaching}of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Acts (1: 3)
Never did I say to them anything except what YOU did command me to say, to wit, “Worship ALLAH my LORD and your LORD: And I was a witness over them while I lived amongst them; when YOU took me up, YOU were the WATHCHER over them and YOU are a witness to everything. Q (5: 117)
The New Testament, when clearly understood of course, shows fairly convincingly that Jesus (pbh) was NOTcrucified as I have many times pointed to. The so-called ‘historical’ documents or the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke seem to give a fair account of the matter {AS EXPERIENCED BY THOSE WHO WITTNESSED THE EVENTS AS IT WASUNFOLDING}with the stipulation from the Quran that all of those who saw the event unfold would see exactlywhat ALLAH wanted them to see – that being Jesus on the cross.
Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke, was NOTone of the 12 Disciples but he was one of the Presbyters who learned from the Discipleswhat took place concerning the so-called crucifixion. He is eager to write down as much of the historical references as he can because, being a true Presbyter he will go forth to instruct others who are learning about the ‘Master’ (pbh).
So we have the three levels represented here: First, the original Disciples, Secondly, the Presbytersand Thirdly, the initiates. This mirrors the Islamic categories of the Sahaba, the Tabieen and the Taba Tabieen and the tendency for the religion to become somewhat diluted from the previous generations.
“Inasmuch as manyhave taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilledamong us,
Just as those {Disciples} who from the beginningwere eyewitnesses and ministersof the word delivered them to us, {through their preaching}
it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, {Theophilus would be classified as an initiate}
That you may {have a good background and}know the certainty of those things in which you were taught.” Luke (1: 1-4)
Being that Luke was not an original Disciple but took records and copies of records and personal interviews, it is possible that some parts of the story as to the exact timeline of Jesus’ rising up was not made known to him. Either that or the Jesus that he is talking about had not yet completed his metamorphosis or change into the completely and newly transformed Jesus (pbh).
One of the problems with early Christianity was that of the Gnostics. The Gnostics learned that Jesus (pbh) was NOT crucifiedalthough the eye witness accounts said that he was. UNABLE TO FIND IN THE DOCUMENTS THE REALITY THAT WOULD SATISFY THEIR CURIOSITY, THEY DREAMED UPMANY DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS TO SHOW HOW JESUS ESCAPED CRUCIFIXION.
Basilides who received the correct ideafrom the Presbyter Glaucus (the secretary of Peter as Peter was an illiterate) that Jesus was NOT crucified. Instead it was Simon of Cyrene of the Gospel of Luke fame who was put on the cross in place of Jesus. Basilides wrote a Gospel about this event which was in part discussed by the church historian Irenaeus as a heresy (Adversus Haereses)but which has since long disappeared.
It is important to realize that the Gnostics were making hash of the teachings of Jesus (pbh) by giving vent to foolish nonsense while declaring that they and they alone held the mysteries to the cognitive universe. They even went so far as to have the Old Testament so vilified that the ‘GOD of the Jews’ was an evil being as well as other really sick ideas.
This eventually led to the notion that Jesus was both god and man and other such drivel that we can find today. What is this based on? Basically, without going too far abroad, it is based on the desire of the heart to ‘see’ GOD as one wishes – not according to the TRUTH but according to one’s secret desire leading that person to justify his faith.
Say: “Everyone acts according to his own dispositionbut your LORD knows best who it is that is best on the WAY.” Q (17: 84)
*An example of testament fixing:
The New Testament used to declare that James is the brotherof Jesus with a certain Greek worddefining brother as one who comes from the same womb as the other (so brothers sharing at least one parent) thus declaring that Mary the mother of Jesus had sexual relations with her husband. At some point in time the ‘original’ word was changed to a different meaning of brother such that James like all of us are ‘brothers’ in faith.
Why the switch? The idea being that Mary was too pure to ‘enjoy’ the pleasures of marriage and also she was the one who brought forth the being (Jesus) worshiped by many Christians today – as a god-man. However, we find in Matthew (13: 54-58), for example, the mention of several of Mary’s children strongly implying that she had at least six children besides Jesus (pbh).
When He had come to His own country, He taught them{the Jews}in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works?
Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mothercalled Mary? And his brothersJames, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
And his sisters, are they not all with us {from the same city and known as common everyday folk}? Where then did this man get all these things {gifts of speech, healing and wisdom}?”
So they were OFFENDED at him.But Jesus said to them, “A prophetis not without honor EXCEPTin his own country and in his own house.”
Now he did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief{in him}. Matthew (13: 54-58)
With the veneration of Mary (who has been given the abhorrent moniker mother of god) practiced by the church and the knowledge that certain verses in Matthew’s Gospel were NOT PURGEDfrom that Gospel, one can conclude that wholesale changeswere not made to the New Testament – only certain ‘surgical strikes’ were done to ‘protect’ an idea or philosophy.
So it does make logical sense to finally come to a reading where it might say: “And they crucified him” which was developed from the actual wording: “And they tried to crucify him.” This depends upon one’s philosophy and who is in charge of the interpretation as in the example above concerning Jesus’ many true siblings.
Let it be known that a wolf can easily be discerned from a sheep by the heart’s desire.
Finally, in today’s current worldone can ponder on the notion that Islam is just a religion like the other claimed ‘true’ religions. In part, surprisingly and with all do humbleness that is correct with one caveat.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
ALLAH’s Messenger (pbh) said, “My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me, is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: ‘Would that this {last}brick be put in its place!’ So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets.”
Islam’s first distinction is that it ‘completes’ the dynamics of faith with no mention that there are various sizes of bricks or qualities of religions as such. So, one religion is as good as another when compared to their originalityas brought down to mankind.
Now, from all of these ‘equal’ religions is there a religion which is classified as THE CHOSEN WAY? Yes, that would be what the ONE GOD has made known as the system to be instituted and followed upon the return of the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary (pbh). And this will be the true flowering of Islam since the world, at that time, will become, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, ONE HARMONIOUS UNIT.
The Islam from before this time, swept through a large size of the known world but did not conquer it or completely fill it. Like all religions before it, it remained as good as the people in itand therefore it is stated that it is one of the truthful world religions. The exemplary importance that it has over the other religions is that it is chosen as the STANDARD of Faith for the worldly paradise led by the real and only Messiah – Isa bin Miriam!
It is HE {ALLAH} WHO has sent HIS Messenger {Muhammad}with Guidance and the Religion of Truth to make it prevail over all religion: and enough is ALLAH for a Witness. Q (48: 28)
Let us now compare historical Luke concerning the Last Super with the Quranic version. First, the Quranic version:**
Behold! The Disciples said: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Can your LORD send down to us a Table set (with Viands) from Heaven?” Said Jesus: “Fear ALLAH ifyou have faith.”
They said {giving the startling reason why they have made this request}: “We only wish to eat thereof and SATISFY our hearts AND TO KNOW THAT YOU HAVE INDEED TOLD US THE TRUTH {because they were presently unsettled with him being alive and coming upon them so suddenly}; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle.”
Said Jesus the son of Mary: “O ALLAH our LORD! Send us from Heaven a Table set (with Viands) that there may be for us – for the first and the last of us – A SOLEMN FESTIVAL {for this Ummah}and a SIGN from YOU; and provide for our sustenance, for YOU are the BEST SUSTAINER (of our needs).” Q (5: 112-114)
Now Luke’s version depending on heresay and other records:
Now as they said these things, Jesus himself stood {without warning} in the midst of them {coming from out of nowhere}, and said to them, “Peace to you.”
But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit{for they remembered that he was taken to be crucified}.
And he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubtsarise in your hearts?
***Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself {and no ghost}.Handle me and see, for aspirit does not have flesh and bones as you {can}see {that}I have.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
But while they still did not believefor joy {out of confusion},and marveled, {in awe}he said to them, “Have you any food here?”
So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.
And he took it and ate in their presence{to show his humanity}.
Then he said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning me.”
And he opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
Andyou are witnesses {to the truth} of these things. Luke (24: 36-45 and 48)
So, this ends the topic of the so-called attempted crucifixion of Jesus the son of Mary (pbh) and the aftermath of his reported death and resurrection which has caused a great deal of historical as well as modern turmoil between peoples of various faiths. And so it goes!
It behooves mankind to become active in FAITH out of LOVE for the TRUTH. Declaring one’s belief is accounted as much about nothing. Why? The example of Pharaoh suffices. He had a certain kind of faith or belief system. But his system was based on falsehoods, supported by falsehoods and made attractive to his rather immature ego. The result was his partial humiliation in this world and his assured total and degrading humiliation in the next. And so it goes!
