To Atim Bassey: The concept of love of God or Allah is better in Quran compared to that in Bible.

Submitted by Nuray (Portugal), Nov 29, 2005 at 14:31

Dear Atim Bassey,

You wrote that
"What jesus was trying to emphasize was that his disciples should put God first in all their dealings."

Jesus talks about "hate" to love God. The word "hate" is strong expression than giving priority.
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he can not be my disciple" (Luke 14:26).

Is there any other word other than "hate" to express that?
We Muslims don't have to hate others to love Allah, as written in Quran. There is only just pure love of Allah.

(1) This is the Book (the Qur'ân), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqûn [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allâh much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allâh much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. (2:2)

There is nothing comparable to love of Allah.
(2) And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allâh as rivals (to Allâh). They love them as they love Allâh. But those who believe, love Allâh more (than anything else). If only, those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allâh and that Allâh is Severe in punishment.(2:165)

Therefore, Quran simply says "love Allâh more" no need to hate others.

Isn't "love Allâh more" better than "hate others"?

By the way, We Muslims recognise Jesus as one of messengers of Allah. It seems to me the verse (Luke 14:26) is not What Jesus meant but what Luke meant. Isn't that verse written by Luke and not by Jesus?


Nuray

---

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".