Call to the way of your LORD with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Verily, your LORD is most knowing of who has strayed from HIS WAY and HE is most knowing of who is {rightly} guided. Quran (16:125)
I get it that there are many mysteries in life and since religion is a part of life, there must also be many mysteries in religion also. And IF it is important to you (BASICALLY ABOUT SALVATION OR THE ‘END GAME’), then it is important to know! That is where the importance of life really lies. That is where mans’ concentration should be centered on, first and foremost, and those are the deeds most pleasing to ALLAH.
Otherwise, what may not be outright so important in one’s own mind, as in secondary things, may end up being critical for others – to each his own as they say. So people should show TOLERANCE FOR THIS*.
{*In introducing Islam to people, the most important beliefs and practices should be advanced first so as not to overwhelm the new and willing believer.
Abu Burda reported: The Messenger of ALLAH (pbh) sent Mu’adh to Yemen and he said: Make things easy and don’t make things difficult. Give glad tidings and do not repel people. Cooperate with each other and do not become divided.} (Bukhari)
Everything that is highly important in the life of man (as well as other things**) can be known by following Quranic insights*** that will point to areas that can be uncovered from the rubble of history while, at the same time, using the precision of science and even math and the ‘truths’ of the peoples’ former religious records to come to a good conclusion.
But one must be careful NOT TO OVER SIMPLIFY THE MATTER or FORCE A CONCLUSION BASED ON PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL DESIRES!
{**The Prophet (pbh) gave Mu’adh instructions for properly applying Islamic guidance and principles if nothing explicit can be found in the Quran and Sunnah.
Harith ibn Amr reported: Some men among the companions of Mu’adh said the Messenger of ALLAH (pbh) sent him to Yemen and the Prophet said: “How will you judge?” Mu’adh said, “I will judge according to what is in the Book of ALLAH.” The Prophet said: “What if it is not in the Book of ALLAH?” Mu’adh said, “Then with the tradition (Sunnah) of the Messenger of ALLAH.” The Prophet said: “What if it is not in the tradition of the Messenger of ALLAH?” Mu’adh said, “Then I will strive to form an opinion (ijtihad).” The Prophet said: “All praise is due to ALLAH who has made suitable the messenger {for this purpose – Mu’adh} of the Messenger of ALLAH (Muhammad).” (Tirmidhi)}
{***Quranic insights direct us to the Quran and the doings of ALLAH’s Prophet (pbh) such that: …If you disagree about something, refer it back to ALLAH and the Messenger, if you believe in ALLAH and the Last Day. That is the best thing to do and gives the best result. Quran (4: 59)}
This is important especially when discussing certain ‘nebulous or not readily apparent topics’ like the records in the sky or the identity of Zul-Qarnain.
For example, the Quran has a few verses that could be equated with certain ‘knowledge’ found in or kept in the sky that can be supposedly ‘read’ by only a few people****. And these records are supported by hadiths that discuss the writing of the records with the PEN that was heard by Prophet Muhammad (pbh) when he went on his night journey.
{****BUT IS INSCRIBED IN A RECORD CLEAR TO THOSE WHO CAN READ {IT}. Quran (6:59)}
Two thoughts about this:
- Fine
- Big Deal (so what)!
The reason why I say ‘so what’ is basically because of three very important factors:
- 1. First, persons who have been gifted by this miraculous so-called ‘ability’ can only read by their mindset. This equates to putting their own spin on what they interpret. Not that they are necessarily wrong about what they say but they are probably in the position of being like the famous parable of the six blind men and the elephant.
Note that when describing the elephant’s leg, for example, the blind man feeling this leg described it as a post or pillar which it resembled BUT IN REALITY IT WAS NOT A POST OR PILLAR BUT THE LEG OF AN ANIMAL.
- 2. Charlatans abound in every so-called field of knowledge so one has to be careful NOT TO BE TAKEN IN BY FALSEHOODS. This equates to knowing the Quran and acting responsibly about it!
Moreover, the quality of correct information may vary across the board such that only a certain percentage of what is so-called ‘mystically seen’ is correct while certain ‘dark forces’ interfere with the rest of the supposed interpretation.
- 3. Third, and most importantly of all is the fact that if ten or even a hundred people have this so-called ‘gift’, then the knowledge, if one can call it that, IS KNOWLEDGE IN THE SEEN NOT THE UNSEEN.
If a person could read these ‘hidden records’, which apparently some can to ONLY a certain degree, then THAT KNOWLEDGE WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNSEEN BASICALLY BECAUSE IT WAS SEEN!!!!!! Knowledge of the Unseen is with ALLAH ALONE and none but ALLAH has a right in its domain!!!
Why is that important? It is important when discussing such nebulous events like Zul-Qarnain. Such an event is quantified by the Quran as being unusual, totally true, however, but nonetheless unusual.
In studying about Islam on this issue, one finds that the Jews of Arabia were expecting the ‘THAT {The} PROPHET’***** to come to the land of Arabia.
{*****In the Gospel of John (1:20-21) He {John the Baptist or Yayah} did NOT refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am NOT the Christ.”
“Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am NOT.” “Are you The Prophet {then}?” He answered, “NO.”}
They (many of the Jews) believed this to be true because ‘their learned men‘****** had studied the passage in the Book of Isaiah (pbh) stating that the ‘excellent beloved one of GOD‘ would be ‘found in’ at some unspecified time in the city of Yathrib due to the mention of Mount Sela by name Isaiah (42:11)
‘Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives {Kedar is a word describing Arabs} rejoice. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops’.). This mountain is of course located in the area of Medina formerly known as Yathrib.
{******And verily, it (The Quran and the reality of Muhammad as a true and worthy Prophet) is (announced) in the Scriptures {The Old Testament, and the New Testament, for example,} of {the} former peoples.#
IS IT NOT {THEN} A SIGN TO THEM THAT THE LEARNED SCHOLARS OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL KNEW IT (AS TRUE)? Quran (26:196-197)}
(#) The reference for these Old and New Testament verses can be found near the end of this article.
Yathrib was a dangerous place to reside in due to its periodic unhealthy atmosphere of susceptible plagues. Therefore, it would be unwise to go to this place UNLESS there was a very good reason to do so! Of course, later the city became known as ‘the Prophet’s City’ and GOD cleansed its environs as a good Sign from HIM.
On hearing the news of a prophet already making some noise in Arabia, they were not so happy to hear that he was an Arab but still, they held out hope that he would be 100% behind the Jewish community and desert the Arabs and raise the banner of Judaism.
From Wikipedia: {“According to Muslim accounts, this chapter {Sura 18} was revealed to Muhammad when his tribe, Quraysh, sent two men to discover whether the Jews, with their superior knowledge of the scriptures, could advise them on whether Muhammad was a true prophet of God.
The rabbis told them to ask Muhammad about three things, one of them “about a man who travelled and reached the east and the west of the earth, what was his story”. “If he tells you about these things, then he is a prophet, so follow him, but if he does not tell you, then he is a man who is making things up, so deal with him as you see fit.“}
So inspiration came down to Muhammad (pbh) about Zul-Qarnain that only a real prophet would know and some of the Jews went on to believe in him while the vast majority were angered with the prospect of an Arab prophet and thus wanted to see him dispatched.
The Jews of Yathrib (Medina) were waiting and watching with baited breath. They knew from their own various records some knowledge about Zul-Qarnain. Enough knowledge to know whether Prophet Muhammad (pbh) was actually receiving DIVINE REVELATION or whether he was just making up a story and thus a fraud.
Their conclusion amongst their learned men was that Muhammad (pbh) was indeed a true prophet sent by the ONE GOD whom they claimed to worship. However, most Jews of the rank and file membership were offended by this and made plots to kill Prophet Muhammad (pbh). They failed and incurred Divine Wrath as a result of their nefarious plots.
Down through the ages, there have been several ‘candidates’ put forward for this very mysterious personage known as Zul-Qarnain. A part of his story is found in the Quran in Chapter 18 (Sura al-Kaf). We do have some candidates for this very powerful and deeply religious personage put forward by some Islamic intellectuals but I maintain that all of them are wrong.
Some Islamic savants have considered him (Zul-Qarnain) to be Alexander the Great but who turned out to be a bisexual (having sexual arrangements with both men and women) as well as considering himself the equivalent of God’s son.
Others claim it was Cyrus the Great while still others have put forward two other names that have even less of a probability than the two already mentioned.
The Quran, however, does give certain ‘clues’ as to the nature of this man and his ‘quality’ in front of his CREATOR. The end result will always be, ALLAH ALONE KNOWS FOR SURE!!!
Could all of the Islamic savants who have tried to tackle this case be wrong? It would appear to be the case! So, who was this mysterious man called Zul-Qarnain and can we provide enough evidence to prove it?
According to this writing, Zul-Qarnain was none other than Melchizedek who was the priest-king of Salem (Jerusalem) during the reign of Abraham (pbh) and much later became the Messiah known as Jesus the son of Mary (pbh).
When one looks at Zul-Qarnain and his environs and adventures, it seems like he has come into the world at a very curious time. He also seems to be on a world-wide mission at that early time as an ambassador of the ONE TRUE GOD.
That time could be imagined to be many thousands of years after the Great Flood whereby the world of men in a certain vast area was wiped clean of people. Therefore, for all intents and purposes, the world had to ‘rebuild’ or build up its population again. That is important to note!
Some people believe that the term Zul-Qarnain refers to a ‘two-horned one’ and look for that type of symbolism. However, the most practical and the most believable idea concerning his description would be the one of ‘Two Different Ages’ or Two Epics meaning time periods******* and not actual horns per say.
{*******Zul-Qarnain (according to some commentators, at-Tabari for one, lived for 700 years as a sign of GOD’s blessings on him.}
Of all the wondrous people described in Jewish literature, ones that ‘only’ certain of the learned Jewish scholars BUT NOT THE LAY-MAN would know about, is this man called Melchizedek.
The Hebraic name Melchizedek means (melek) standing for ‘king’ and (zedek) standing for ‘righteousness’. Therefore, Melchizedek was a king of righteousness in a position worthy enough to pronounce ALLAH’s BLESSINGS on Abram (Abraham) who eventually became the ‘Father’ of all the Monotheistic religions by whom all the nations that produced believers would be blessed.********
{********And in your seed {from your offspring – Isaac and Ishmael (peace be upon them both) shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because you have obeyed MY voice {COMMAND}. Genesis (22:18)
But imagine the stature and quality of the man who would be fortunate enough to HAVE BLESSED THIS GREAT PROPHET Abraham (pbh) AND EVEN RECEIVED TITHES FROM HIM!!!
In Genesis (14:17-20) found in the Old Testament: Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
And Melchizedek king of Salem {Jerusalem} brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of GOD Most High.
He {Melchizedek} blessed him {Abraham} and said, “Blessed be Abram {Abraham the Friend} of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;
And blessed be GOD Most High, WHO has delivered your enemies into your hand.” {Then} he {Abraham} gave him {Melchizedek} a tenth of all {tithes}. *********
{*********In the Gospel of John (8:56-58): {“O you Jews,” declared Jesus!}“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it and was glad.”
So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, BEFORE Abraham was born, I am.” **********
{********** But you, O Bethlehem EPH′RATHAH, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for ME {THE ONE GOD} one who is to be RULER in Israel {that is Ruler over the Believing Folk when he returns for ‘his own’}, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Micah (5:2)
The Old Testament is very clear on this point! Jesus (pbh) was born in Bethlehem and he is the ‘son of David’ as to being HEIR to the Throne of David or EPH’RATHAH. And this man whom we call Jesus (pbh) is from days long, long ago or from Ancient Times (Days). Thus it is shown, at least on this point, that this man we call Jesus the Christ has a very long history to say the least!
Jewish literature tells about this man Melchizedek as a person who apparently had no father or mother but some of their literature does explain about his parents such that Melchizedek was born before Noah’s devastating Flood; taken up to the heavens; taught by the Archangels Gabriel and Michael; and then returned to Earth at some point in time (many thousands and thousands of years afterwards) and later blessed Father Abraham (pbh).
Hence, the man of the Two Ages or Two Epics – Time Periods. One period would be deemed to that era of Zul-Qarnain while the other ‘promised era’ would be king of the believers and that would occur at the second coming of Jesus (pbh) as he is to be ruler of that ‘dynasty’.
Only those rare Jewish scholars who did have true insights into this man Melchizedek realized that he was going to be ‘their’ Teacher of Righteousness/Messianic figure. So, why didn’t they spill the beans as it were?
The answer is found in the actions of one Jewish family who had a conversation about Prophet Muhammad (pbh) that was heard by the man’s daughter and reported by her when she became Muslim. The father was asked by a relative if he truly believed that Muhammad (pbh) was the Prophet that was foretold by Jewish Literature.
He said that it was true that the man called Muhammad, who was now living in Medina, was indeed a Prophet sent by their GOD. When asked what he planned to do about it, he replied that if he was able to kill Muhammad (pbh), then he would try to kill him. Go and figure that one out!!!!!!
Mostly, the Jewish intellectuals had an attitudinal problem of enjoying being called Rabbi but not wanting to face either the truth or the people who had a history of violence against their prophets as is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. And so, the Sermon on the Mount (the sermon of ‘you villains, vipers and hypocrites’ fame found in the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7) presented by Jesus (pbh) is very enlightening here!
The way Zul-Qarnain walked on the Earth, as presented in the Quran, was that of king-priest who showed dominion and power over peoples he had just met. It seem from his very nature that he represented the highest pinnacle of a human being on the planet Earth at that time in being able to ‘determine’ their fates/destiny per say.
This knowledge is gleaned from his proclamation that he was somehow involved in aiding and abetting a type of willing believer while having the power of command to reject disbelievers, as he would see them, to a great torment set up by his LORD***********.
{***********Until when he reached the setting place of the sun, he found it setting in a spring of muddy water. And he found near it a people. WE said: O Zul-Qarnain! Either you punish them or treat them with kindness” {as you are placed by ME in a strong and good authority over them}.
He said, “As for him who does wrong, we shall punish him and then {to add insult to injury} he will be brought back to his {ONE AND ONLY} LORD WHO will punish him with a terrible torment.
But as for him who believes and works {for virtue and} righteousness, he shall have the best reward (Paradise), and we shall speak to him kind and mild words {of hope and reassurance as truthful words of guidance}. Quran (18:86-88)
Zul-Qarnain traveled very great distances in the ‘known world’ and he somehow felt the need or the blessings of being some kind of universal spokesperson or ‘standard’ for the world. It is important to note THAT HIS WORD IS ACTUALLY LAW AND THAT SEEMS TO BE AN OK SITUATION WITH HIS CREATOR! ************
{************Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me. John (14:6)}
The only place where he apparently bypasses the situation is an area that seemingly has a desert-like climate which would be, in all probability, in the Middle East and which he presumably would be a part of in the future*************.
{*************Then he followed {yet} another way,
Until, when he came to the rising place of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom WE had provided no shelter against the sun.
So (it was)! And WE {ALLAH} knew all about him {Zul-Qarnain as he was following OUR PLAN explicitly}. / (He left them) as they were: WE completely understood what was before him. Quran (18:89-91)
Whatever this man’s religious beliefs, he seems to have a close connection to the ONE GOD as in a yet uncrowned king of sorts.
But if anyone opposes the Messenger AFTER the guidance has become clear to him {belief in the ONE GOD and ALL of HIS true prophets}, and follows a path OTHER THAN that of {those who can be classified as} the believers, WE will keep him in the path {way} he has chosen, and WE will burn him in Hell. What an evil destination! Quran (4:115)
#1. Zephaniah 3: 9-10 (New International Version)
Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder {as Muslims do in prayer}.
From beyond the rivers of Cush {Ethiopia} my worshipers, my scattered people {Gentiles}, will bring ME offerings. The ‘scattered people’ are the people talked about in Isaiah Chapter 42!
Zephaniah 3: 9-10 (21st Century King James Version)
For then will I return to the people a pure language that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve HIM with one accord {following the basic tenets or pillars of the faith – here the 5 pillars followed by Muslims around the world no matter what country they come from}
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia MY suppliants–even the daughter of MY dispersed–shall bring MINE offering.
The Book of Zephaniah, which is a prophetical book discussing somewhat the approach of the ‘Judgment’, was originally written sometime in the 6th century BC although some scholars prefer a second century BC offering possibly borrowing on the originality of a manuscript from the 6th century BC. Whatever the truth of this matter, practically that amounts to about the same thing if the texts were followed in earnest.
- 2. However when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into ALL TRUTH: for he shall NOT speak of himself {function without Divine Guidance}; but whatsoever he shall hear {from the ONE GOD as in Revelation}: that shall he speak and he will show you things to come {in the future}. John (16:13)
And what a fitting reward (as in double the reward for the lord/master of the Two Ages):
As a result of the anguish of his soul, he will see it {his victory – his overcoming the world} and be satisfied. By HIS {GOD’s} KNOWLEDGE the Righteous One {the Teacher of Righteousness}, MY Servant, will justify the many, as he will bear their iniquities {as a representative man and as a trial for being a Standard or a Sign unto man by taking upon himself the problems of the flesh and in victory being an offering unto his LORD for the bringing in of ‘THAT PROPHET’ who will expound the TRUTH and THE WAY**************}. Isaiah (53:11)
{**************“And he {according to Jesus}, when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and of righteousness and of judgment; concerning sin, because they do not {really} believe in me {Jesus};
And concerning righteousness, because {when} I go to the FATHER and you no longer see me;
And concerning judgment, because the {rightful} ruler of this world has been judged.
I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into ALL the truth; for he will not speak on his own initiative, but whatever he hears {as in Revelation from on High}, he will speak; and he will disclose to you what is to come {in the future and knowledge of the coming of the Last Day}.
He will glorify me, for he will take of mine and will disclose it to you.
All things that the FATHER has {given me} are mine; therefore I said that he takes of mine {being a high prophet among other things} and will disclose it to you.” John (16:8-15)}
In conclusion, there are SEVERAL THINGS that give credence to the belief that Zul-Qarnain was Melchizedek. The first one, comes from understanding the truer definition of the word Qarnain and what it really stands for – master or lord of the two Ages.
The second and perhaps easiest reason to understand concerns historical knowledge and what a history buff could impart to a man who would be either gullible enough or criminal enough to believe or foster a belief in people concerning his claim to be a prophet.
In other words, both Alexander the Great and Cyrus the Great were figures that could have been put forward to a so-called false prophet by a confederate who turned out to be a history buff. This could have been done by a Syrian Arab as those Arabs, being a part of the Roman Empire, were considered very astute and highly knowledgeable.
However, the varied kinds of Jewish literature, not just the Old Testament, known basically by ONLY the very learned Jewish scholars would contain a name and or DEEDS that could NOT have been figured out by anyone BUT A TRUE PROPHET!!!
Names like Alexander the Great or Cyrus the Great did NOT NEED a deep scholarly intellect to be put forward. Melchizedek, however, would fulfill ALL THE QUALIFICATIONS needed to stump even the highest of intellectuals EXCEPT A TRUE PROPHET AIDED BY HIS LORD!
In reality therefore, a real prophet, in this case Muhammad (pbh), who is known as ‘The Unlettered Prophet’, would be able to ‘tap into hidden knowledge‘ from the very ancient past by ALLAH’s Permission.
Thus, ALLAH aided HIS Prophet with a true insight into some of the grandiose and specific doings of the mysterious Zul-Qarnain that no man could have possibly known.
The learned scholars of the Jews could have ‘hints’ about the character of Zul-Qarnain from their varied holy works but could never have provided such a detail nor in such a manner as was revealed by the Prophet (pbh).
Hence, the corrupt soul would keep on denying Muhammad’s true nature whereas the true soul of an honest learned Jew, such as Abdul-Salam, would have recognized the truth and acted accordingly to become a Muslim. And so it goes!
For this mighty soul came into the flesh, as all who are appointed in Earthly travels must do, in order FIRST TO UNDO THE DAMAGE his soul did (as adam) and with much sincerity and crying out to the ONE WHO could save him***************became that purified standard as an acceptable SACRIFICE that he might share with other souls the abundance that could be theirs if they but followed and bowed down to THE WILL OF THE ONE GOD in sincerity.
{***************Who in the days of his flesh {as adam}, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto HIM {GOD} that was able to save him from {spiritual} death, and was heard in that he {truly} feared; Hebrews (5:7)}
So what can we make of this soul?
So, in his life experiences, he gave of himself even though at times the worldly forces (those who opposed the ONE GOD) tried to rend him as a no account and a fool (Isaiah Chapter 53). He strove with ALLAH’s help and conquered what ALLAH WILLED that he should conquer.
He conquered so that others would have abundant life**************** and to give a warning***************** that others who attempt to SUBVERT the souls of men would suffer disgrace when Judgment Day came when the WORD will be proved against them:
{**************** The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy {by CORRUPTING man’s soul}. I came {for the purpose} that they {those who listen in earnest} may have life and have it abundantly. John (10:10)}
{*****************And behold! ALLAH will say {in the assembly of men on that Terrible DAY of CONCERN} “O Jesus the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of ALLAH’?” He will say: “Glory to YOU! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, YOU would indeed have known it. YOU know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in YOURS. For YOU know in full all that is hidden.
“Never said I to them aught 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 did take me up, YOU were the Watcher over them and YOU are a witness to all things.” Quran (5:116-117)
Verily, verily, I {Jesus} say unto you, he that enters NOT by the {true} door {of salvation} into the sheepfold but climbs up some other way {not approved by THE ONE GOD}, the same is a THIEF and a ROBBER {and will be cast out into the fiery darkness}. John (10:1)
And so it goes!
