Allah Affirms the Covenant with Israel

Submitted by Hamilton (United States), Oct 4, 2006 at 13:13

Dr RJP, there can be no doubt as to the present moral superiority of the contemporary interpretations of Judaism and Christianity when compared to the prevailing Wahabiist gloss on Islam. And indeed, there is little if anything that you've written that I disgree with. It is true that Islam as interpreted does indeed believe in subjegating all others, but Christians committed atrocities as well over the centuries, until Christians found an interpretation of Christianity that was truly consonant with the message of love that Jesus preached.

I would only note that there appears to me to be resources within Islam to allow it to find an interpretation that is consistent with the demands of morality, and the true demands of God. For example consider Sura 2, which clearly affirms the covenant:

[2.40] O children of Israel! call to mind My favor which I bestowed on you and be faithful to (your) covenant with Me, I will fulfill (My) covenant with you; and of Me, Me alone, should you be afraid. [2.41] And believe in what I have revealed, verifying that which is with you, and be not the first to deny it, neither take a mean price in exchange for My communications; and Me, Me alone should you fear. [2.42] And do not mix up the truth with the falsehood, nor hide the truth while you know (it). [2.43] And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and bow down with those who bow down. [2.44] What! do you enjoin men to be good and neglect your own souls while you read the Book; have you then no sense? [2.45] And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones, [2.46] Who know that they shall meet their Lord and that they shall return to Him. [2.47] O children of Israel! call to mind My favor which I bestowed on you and that I made you excel the nations.

* * *

[2.62] Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.

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