very interesting reading Buty, and one that definitely gives cause to continue discussing.
I think we all could keep discussing our beliefs regarding the basis of our beliefs in who Jesus was referring too in the Gospels that would come after Him. I do add, that it's rather surprising, that like some Christians who question the reliability of scripture, Muslims generally seem to pick and choose which parts of scripture are to be accepted, and which parts have been corrupted, maybe someone would like to discuss that point with me, but let's change direction and again return to the suppostition that Mohammed and not the Holy spirit was the one who was to come after Jesus. Let's now question his credentials as The Prophet who would guide humankind into all truth
Proof of His prophetic credentials
My understanding is that there are several evidences for Muhammed's prophetic claims. Sura 9:32 is an often exegeted source which I'll use here in my comments/question/concerns.
The Glorious Light that is described in this surah is described as a four fold evidence of Muhammed's role as his prophet
1. His miracles show him as prophet
Miracles authenticate and prove the claim to be prophet.
2. The glorious Qur'an is in itself proof, as Muhammad was illiterate and so the reciting of the Qur'an was one of the greatest miracles.
3. The Islamic Law that Muhammed transmitted exalting God and calling people into submission to Him
4. The flawless message that Muhammad preached, a message calling people to God and to God alone.
It has been described by some Muslim Theologians that to try and extinguish such a Light is like trying to extinguish the Sun itself.. an Impossible task.
Proof that Muhammad is the the promised prophet falls into two main categories.. His miracles and His message. Some speak of a third proof.. God himself will fulfill His promise to Muhammad and bring his light to perfection.
Now.. before we can continue on with this discussion, I need some help from those of you who speak Arabic. Can you please tell me the literal meaning as you know it of the word "ummiyya" or ummi or umma. Once we have established what this important word means, we can look at the "miracle" of the Qur'an in more detail.
Now let's think about His message.. what is it that makes us think he might be God's prophet, and how do his political and military victories prove that Islam is God's perfect religion?
My understanding is that your theologians think and teach that whilst Judaism, Christianity and Islam are all God given religions, Islam is the by far the best of the three and the last given.
Your theologians state that Judaism characterises Justice and Christianity characterises Grace, whereas Islam perfectly unites the two.
Now I do apologize, my husband needs the computer. Please comment on what I have said so far, and I'll finish this in my morning in a new post
My apologies again
Carol