Pfander's 19th century Pfander's 19th century polemics against Muhammadpolemics against Muhammad

HPCF 2012HPCF 2012Jay SmithJay Smith

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Muhammad’s Muhammad’s BiographiesBiographies• 1,548 biographies have been listed 1,548 biographies have been listed (Hamadeh 1965:112-283; taken from Royster (Hamadeh 1965:112-283; taken from Royster

1972:49)1972:49)

• Karen ArmstrongKaren Armstrong: Muhammad was the man “: Muhammad was the man “who gave who gave birth to a literary masterpiece, created a major religion birth to a literary masterpiece, created a major religion and founded a world power, whose descendants are and founded a world power, whose descendants are viewed as a profound threat to Western civilizationviewed as a profound threat to Western civilization” ” (Armstrong (Armstrong 1992:back cover)1992:back cover)

• W.Montgomery WattW.Montgomery Watt: Muhammad was a “: Muhammad was a “seer..a seer..a statesman, and an administratorstatesman, and an administrator” ” (Watt 1961:237)(Watt 1961:237)

• Maxine RodinsonMaxine Rodinson: Muhammad was an ideal, “: Muhammad was an ideal, “the utopia the utopia that has never been achieved [which] is always before usthat has never been achieved [which] is always before us” ”

• Michael CookMichael Cook: Muhammad was “: Muhammad was “a historical figure whose a historical figure whose historicity yet leaves us much in doubthistoricity yet leaves us much in doubt” ” (Cook 1983:61)(Cook 1983:61)

• Alfred GuillaumeAlfred Guillaume:: Gives us the closest and best translation of Ibn Hisham’s 9th century biography, derived from Ibn Ishaq.

II II PFANDER’S HISTORICAL PFANDER’S HISTORICAL ASSESSMENTASSESSMENT

CLASSICAL ACCOUNT:CLASSICAL ACCOUNT:•570570 Muhammad was bornMuhammad was born

•610610 Met ‘Jibril’ in the Hira CaveMet ‘Jibril’ in the Hira Cave

•610-622610-622 Received ‘Meccan Revelations’Received ‘Meccan Revelations’

•621621 ‘Mi’raj’ to the 7 heavens (5 ‘Mi’raj’ to the 7 heavens (5 prayers)prayers)

•622622 ‘Hijra’ from Mecca to Medina‘Hijra’ from Mecca to Medina

•622-632622-632 Received ‘Medinan Revelations’Received ‘Medinan Revelations’

•630630 Conquered Mecca peacefullyConquered Mecca peacefully

•632632 Died (poisoning?)…no written Died (poisoning?)…no written Qur’anQur’an

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Dependency on THE Dependency on THE TRADITIONSTRADITIONS• Many traditions speak of Muhammad’s Many traditions speak of Muhammad’s

sayings, works, miracles and prophecies, sayings, works, miracles and prophecies, which gave him his authority.which gave him his authority.

• Dr. Carl Pfander Dr. Carl Pfander doubts their doubts their authenticity, for a number of reasons:authenticity, for a number of reasons:– The primary sources for these traditions The primary sources for these traditions

come from relatives and followers of come from relatives and followers of Muhammad, who would have had an agenda.Muhammad, who would have had an agenda.

– Those who collected them were not from that Those who collected them were not from that period, or from that area.period, or from that area.

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Problem #1: Problem #1: Late DatesLate Dates

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Pfander’s 9 Problems with the TraditionsPfander’s 9 Problems with the Traditions

No extant MSS is written before 800 AD: No extant MSS is written before 800 AD:

• SiraSira (Hisham=833AD), (Hisham=833AD),

• HadithHadith (Bukhari=870AD, (Bukhari=870AD, Mishkat al- Mishkat al-Masabih Masabih 14th C.14th C.), ),

• Tafsir, TarikhTafsir, Tarikh– Tabari=923AD,Tabari=923AD,– al-Baladhuri=892, al-Baladhuri=892, – az-Zamakshari=1144, az-Zamakshari=1144, – al-Baydawi=1282, al-Baydawi=1282, – as-Suyuti=1502as-Suyuti=1502

• Thus, not Primary, but Thus, not Primary, but SecondarySecondary sources sources

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Pfander’s ConclusionPfander’s Conclusion

• Since almost all the material Since almost all the material available to us concerning the life of available to us concerning the life of Muhammad, and the emergence of Muhammad, and the emergence of Islam from the 7Islam from the 7thth c. (i.e. that of the c. (i.e. that of the Sira, Hadith, Tafsir, Ta’rikhSira, Hadith, Tafsir, Ta’rikh), is not ), is not compiled until the 9compiled until the 9thth - 10 - 10thth c., c., Pfander (and others) believe it Pfander (and others) believe it cannot be trusted.cannot be trusted.

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Contrast with Christ’s Contrast with Christ’s BiographyBiography

• PfanderPfander: : “On the other hand, all the “On the other hand, all the sayings, doings, and miracles of Christ, sayings, doings, and miracles of Christ, were related by those who, with their own were related by those who, with their own eyes and ears, heard and saw him”eyes and ears, heard and saw him”

• Paul’s Letters = 15-20 years (Tafsir)Paul’s Letters = 15-20 years (Tafsir)

• Acts = 20-25 years (Tahrikh)Acts = 20-25 years (Tahrikh)

• 3 Gospels = 20-40 years (Sira & 3 Gospels = 20-40 years (Sira & Hadith)Hadith)04/18/2304/18/23

Problem #2: Problem #2: CredibilityCredibility

• The The compilerscompilers took their material from took their material from collections compiled within the decades collections compiled within the decades around around 800 A.D800 A.D., and ., and notnot from any documents which from any documents which were written in the were written in the seventh centuryseventh century, and , and certainly certainly notnot from the person of from the person of MuhammadMuhammad or or his companions his companions

– (Humphreys 1991:73, 83; Schacht 1949:143 1949:143-145; 145; Goldziher Goldziher 1889 (Humphreys 1991:73, 83; Schacht 1949:143 1949:143-145; 145; Goldziher Goldziher 1889

1889-90:72).1889-90:72). • The The MaghaziMaghazi, which are stories of the , which are stories of the prophet's prophet's

battlesbattles and campaigns, are the earliest Muslim and campaigns, are the earliest Muslim documents which we possess. They should have documents which we possess. They should have given us the best snapshot of that time, yet they given us the best snapshot of that time, yet they tell us littletell us little concerning the concerning the prophet's lifeprophet's life or or teachings. In fact, oddly enough teachings. In fact, oddly enough nowherenowhere in in these documents is there a these documents is there a venerationveneration of of Muhammad as a Muhammad as a prophetprophet!!– John Wansbrough (1977-1978): John Wansbrough (1977-1978):

• ((Qur’anic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural InterpretationQur’anic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation 1977) 1977)• ((The Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic Salvation HistoryThe Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic Salvation History 1978) 1978)

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Problem #3: Problem #3: ContradictionsContradictionsAl-Tabari’sAl-Tabari’s conflicting accounts - conflicting accounts - i.e.15 different i.e.15 different

accountsaccounts of child Muhammad meeting a religious man of child Muhammad meeting a religious man (Crone 1987:219-220(Crone 1987:219-220))

• during his infancy (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)during his infancy (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)• when he was 9 (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)when he was 9 (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)• or 12 years old (Ibn Sa’d 1960:120)or 12 years old (Ibn Sa’d 1960:120)• Or when he was 25 (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:119)Or when he was 25 (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:119)• seen by Ethiopian Christians (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)seen by Ethiopian Christians (Ibn Hisham ed.1860:107)• or by Jews (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972: 318)or by Jews (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972: 318)• Or by a seer (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972: 318)Or by a seer (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972: 318)• or a or a KahinKahin (Ibn Sa’d 1960:166) (Ibn Sa’d 1960:166)• at either Mecca, (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972:317)at either Mecca, (‘Abd al-Razzaq 1972:317)• or Ukaz (Abu Nu’aym 1950:116f). or Ukaz (Abu Nu’aym 1950:116f). • or Dhu’l-Majaz (Abu Nu’aym 1950:95). or Dhu’l-Majaz (Abu Nu’aym 1950:95). ““What we have here is nothing more than fifteen equally What we have here is nothing more than fifteen equally

fictitious versions of an event that never took place.” fictitious versions of an event that never took place.” (Crone 1987:220)(Crone 1987:220)

Problem #4: Problem #4: ProliferationProliferation

• Ishaq (765 AD):Ishaq (765 AD): ‘ ‘AbdallahAbdallah had died early had died early enough to leave Muhammad an orphan; enough to leave Muhammad an orphan; but as to the specific details of his death, but as to the specific details of his death, “God knew best” “God knew best” (Cook 1983:63)(Cook 1983:63)

• Waqidi: Waqidi: (50 yrs. Later) when ‘Abdallah when ‘Abdallah died, how he died, where he died, what died, how he died, where he died, what his age was, and the exact place of his his age was, and the exact place of his burialburial. .

• According to Michael Cook, According to Michael Cook, “this evolution in “this evolution in the course of half a century from uncertainty to the course of half a century from uncertainty to a profusion of precise detail suggests that a fair a profusion of precise detail suggests that a fair amount of what Waqidi knew was not amount of what Waqidi knew was not knowledge.” knowledge.” (Cook 1983:63-65) (Cook 1983:63-65)

• Bukhari:Bukhari: from from 600,000600,000 down to down to 7,3977,397 = =1.2%1.2% (or (or 2,762 non-repetitive Hadith)2,762 non-repetitive Hadith)

Problem #5: Problem #5: IsnadIsnad

• Names of transmitters Names of transmitters

• No documentation before 9th centuryNo documentation before 9th century

• Prophetic authority begins with Sha’fi Prophetic authority begins with Sha’fi (820AD)(820AD)

• Based on Oral Tradition…Based on Oral Tradition…

-Embellishment-Embellishment

-No need for Oral Tradition after 4-No need for Oral Tradition after 4thth c.c.

-Conquest of Literate metropolises-Conquest of Literate metropolises

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Problem #6: Problem #6: StorytellersStorytellers

• KussasKussas:: “ “As storyteller followed upon As storyteller followed upon storyteller, the recollection of the past was storyteller, the recollection of the past was reduced to a common stock of reduced to a common stock of stories, stories, themes, and motifsthemes, and motifs that could be that could be combinedcombined and and recombinedrecombined in a profusion of apparently in a profusion of apparently factual accounts. Each combination and factual accounts. Each combination and recombination would generate recombination would generate new detailsnew details, , and as spurious information accumulated, and as spurious information accumulated, genuine information would be lost. In the genuine information would be lost. In the absence of an alternative tradition, early absence of an alternative tradition, early scholars were forced to rely on the tales of scholars were forced to rely on the tales of storytellers, as did storytellers, as did Ibn Ishaq, WaqidiIbn Ishaq, Waqidi, and , and other historians. It is because they other historians. It is because they relied on relied on the same repertoirethe same repertoire of tales that they all said of tales that they all said such similar things”. such similar things”. (Crone 1987:225)(Crone 1987:225)

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Problem #7: Problem #7: Ridiculous language & Ridiculous language & ideasideas

– VirginsVirgins in heaven are grown out of the in heaven are grown out of the ground ground ‘like roses on the banks of the river of ‘like roses on the banks of the river of paradise, gathered by believers, and replaced paradise, gathered by believers, and replaced by new virginsby new virgins’’

– ‘‘BirdsBirds of Paradise descend upon tables, of Paradise descend upon tables, already cooked and roasted, and when eaten already cooked and roasted, and when eaten they come to life again and fly awaythey come to life again and fly away’’

– ‘‘1000 years before it was lighted, 1000 years before it was lighted, HellHell was was blown by bellows’blown by bellows’

– ‘‘The damned wear The damned wear shoesshoes of fire, whose heat of fire, whose heat is so great it causes their brains to boil’is so great it causes their brains to boil’

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– ‘‘Gabriel wanted to take Gabriel wanted to take clayclay from the earth, from the earth, but the clay refused, until the angel of death but the clay refused, until the angel of death took it by force, gave it to Gabriel, who then took it by force, gave it to Gabriel, who then created mankind with it’created mankind with it’

– ‘‘AngelsAngels are so large that the expanse of are so large that the expanse of heaven only comes to their loins, and heaven only comes to their loins, and travelling from the shoulder to the ear would travelling from the shoulder to the ear would take 700 years’take 700 years’

– ‘‘God created the God created the dogdog from Satan’s spittle’ from Satan’s spittle’– ‘‘Iblis, the accursed, after Adam’s death, Iblis, the accursed, after Adam’s death,

urinatedurinated at the foot of a vine, which caused at the foot of a vine, which caused wine to be intoxicating’wine to be intoxicating’

– ‘‘At judgement, men will At judgement, men will sweatsweat so much, it so much, it will reach above their heads’will reach above their heads’

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Problem #8: Problem #8: Traditions contradict the Traditions contradict the Qur’anQur’an

• Traditions claim he was born a believer, Traditions claim he was born a believer, while the Qur’an says he was first while the Qur’an says he was first ignorant.ignorant.

• Traditions claim he did many miracles, Traditions claim he did many miracles, while the Qur’an only denies them (Suras while the Qur’an only denies them (Suras 2:118-119; 6:37, 124; 13:7; 17:59; 54:1)2:118-119; 6:37, 124; 13:7; 17:59; 54:1)

• Traditions claim Muhammad is without Traditions claim Muhammad is without sin, while Suras 40:55sin, while Suras 40:55; ; 47:19; 47:19; 48:1-248:1-2; ; 94:1-3 claim he sinned.94:1-3 claim he sinned.04/18/2304/18/23

Problem #9: Problem #9: The Traditions The Traditions contradict themselvescontradict themselves

• In the “Haqq-ul-Yakin” it states In the “Haqq-ul-Yakin” it states forgiveness cannot come thru forgiveness cannot come thru lamentations, worship, prostrations, lamentations, worship, prostrations, fasting, or reading the Qur’an. Yet a few fasting, or reading the Qur’an. Yet a few traditions state sins are forgiven by traditions state sins are forgiven by reading the Qur’an, purifications, and reading the Qur’an, purifications, and almsgiving.almsgiving.

• In the same tradition Muhammad will be In the same tradition Muhammad will be called first in the day of judgement, while called first in the day of judgement, while in leaf 188 it is Noah who is called first.in leaf 188 it is Noah who is called first.04/18/2304/18/23

• In the “Hyat-ul-Kuloub”, vol.2, leaf 175 In the “Hyat-ul-Kuloub”, vol.2, leaf 175 Muhammad is in the 2Muhammad is in the 2ndnd heaven, while in heaven, while in leaf 180, on the authority of Ibn Babiwihi leaf 180, on the authority of Ibn Babiwihi Iman Mohammed Bakir, he is in the 7Iman Mohammed Bakir, he is in the 7thth heaven.heaven.

• Many of the Sunni traditions contradict Many of the Sunni traditions contradict the Shia traditionsthe Shia traditions

• As Ali Ibn Talib concludes “As Ali Ibn Talib concludes “I find that I find that some of the traditions handed down from some of the traditions handed down from Mohammed contradict one another and Mohammed contradict one another and that you even do not count them that you even do not count them reliable…how should we know a true reliable…how should we know a true tradition?tradition?””04/18/2304/18/23

II II PFANDER’S PERSONAL PFANDER’S PERSONAL ASSESSMENT OF MUHAMMADASSESSMENT OF MUHAMMAD

4 Biblical qualities of a true Prophet of 4 Biblical qualities of a true Prophet of GodGod

• A Prophet must be born in the PropheticA Prophet must be born in the Prophetic Race Race ((Genesis 17 & 22)Genesis 17 & 22)

• A Prophet's Predictions must be Verifiable, or he A Prophet's Predictions must be Verifiable, or he must perform a must perform a miraclemiracle to verify his authority to verify his authority ((Deut. 18:21-22; Is. 43:9; John 13:18-21)

• A Prophet's A Prophet's MessageMessage must Conform to previous must Conform to previous Revelation (Revelation (Deut. 4:1-2; Is. 8:20; Psl. 89:35; Matt. 5:17-18; 24:35; Rev. 22:18-20)

• A Prophet’s A Prophet’s CharacterCharacter must be a model for must be a model for humanity, humanity, everywhere, and alwayseverywhere, and always

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1) MIRACLES & PREDICTIONS1) MIRACLES & PREDICTIONS1) MIRACLES & PREDICTIONS1) MIRACLES & PREDICTIONS

Sheikh Haji Rahmatu'llah Kairanvi’s Kairanvi’s Position:Position:•Supernatural witnessSupernatural witness points to points to Muhammad's Prophet-hood (angels & heart, Muhammad's Prophet-hood (angels & heart, protective cloud)protective cloud)•ProphesyingProphesying points to his Prophet-hood (Sura points to his Prophet-hood (Sura 30:1-430:1-4 ‘defeat in a few years’…615 vs. 628) ‘defeat in a few years’…615 vs. 628)..•MiraclesMiracles point to his Prophet hood (Challenge point to his Prophet hood (Challenge in Sura 17:90-93)in Sura 17:90-93)•IlliterateIlliterate Creator of the Qur'an points to his Creator of the Qur'an points to his Prophet hood (Sura 7:157 & 62:2 = Prophet hood (Sura 7:157 & 62:2 = ‘u‘unlettered’)nlettered’)..

Pfander’s Response:Pfander’s Response:

• Muhammad responded in Suras Muhammad responded in Suras 2:118-119; 6:37, 124; 13:7; 17:59 = 2:118-119; 6:37, 124; 13:7; 17:59 = ‘‘nothing more than a teacher, a nothing more than a teacher, a warner, an apostlewarner, an apostle’’

• Pfander asks why Muhammad didn’t Pfander asks why Muhammad didn’t point to a miracle from the past?point to a miracle from the past?

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Kairanvi’s Miracle 1: Kairanvi’s Miracle 1: Splitting the Moon, (Sura 54:1)Splitting the Moon, (Sura 54:1)

• Muhammad split the moon as proof Muhammad split the moon as proof of his prophet-hoodof his prophet-hood

• 2020thth C.: ‘Supposedly Neil Armstrong C.: ‘Supposedly Neil Armstrong saw the fissure on the back side of saw the fissure on the back side of the moon, as proof’the moon, as proof’

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Pfander’s Response:Pfander’s Response:

Quoting:Quoting:

•Baidawi: Baidawi: “Some say the meaning of this “Some say the meaning of this verse is that in the day of judgment the verse is that in the day of judgment the moon will be split”moon will be split”

•Hadifa: Hadifa: “Truly the moon has been split, “Truly the moon has been split, that is to say, the resurrection has drawn that is to say, the resurrection has drawn nigh; and truly the sign of its approach nigh; and truly the sign of its approach hath appeared, and that sign is, that the hath appeared, and that sign is, that the moon has been split”moon has been split”

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Tafsir Tibyan:Tafsir Tibyan:

• ““The advent of the resurrection is at The advent of the resurrection is at hand, for the moon has become split; hand, for the moon has become split; that is one of the signs of the that is one of the signs of the resurrectionresurrection””

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Pfander’s Conclusion:Pfander’s Conclusion:

• He contends that neither in this verse, He contends that neither in this verse, nor elsewhere in the Qur’an is there any nor elsewhere in the Qur’an is there any indication that it occurred by indication that it occurred by Muhammad’s hand.Muhammad’s hand.

• Certainly, Muhammad would have Certainly, Muhammad would have mentioned it as a proof of prophet-hood mentioned it as a proof of prophet-hood when questioned by the Jews in: Suras when questioned by the Jews in: Suras 2:118-119; 6:37, 124; 13:7; 17:59 2:118-119; 6:37, 124; 13:7; 17:59

• Thus, this is a Thus, this is a future renderingfuture rendering, and , and cannot be attributed to Muhammad.cannot be attributed to Muhammad.04/18/2304/18/23

Kairanvi’s Miracle 2: Kairanvi’s Miracle 2: Sand in the Enemy’s Eyes (Sura, The Sand in the Enemy’s Eyes (Sura, The spoils)spoils)

• Kairanwi: At the Battle of Badr Kairanwi: At the Battle of Badr Muhammad threw sand into the eyes Muhammad threw sand into the eyes of the Meccans, blinding them and of the Meccans, blinding them and bringing about victory.bringing about victory.

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Pfander’s Response:Pfander’s Response:

• This is no miracle, but a common This is no miracle, but a common gesture by military commanders to gesture by military commanders to urge on their troops.urge on their troops.

• Besides, a handful of sand would not Besides, a handful of sand would not rout 900-1000 men.rout 900-1000 men.

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Pfander’s Conclusion:Pfander’s Conclusion:

• ““We now see that in no passage of the We now see that in no passage of the Koran is it said that Mohammed Koran is it said that Mohammed performed a certain miracle in a certain performed a certain miracle in a certain place, at such a time; that when those place, at such a time; that when those who denied his mission demanded a who denied his mission demanded a miracle, he always excused himself”miracle, he always excused himself”

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Kairanvi: Kairanvi: Muhammad’s Predictions:Muhammad’s Predictions:

Prediction 1:Prediction 1:

•Kairanvi: Muhammad predicted a Kairanvi: Muhammad predicted a victory at Badrvictory at Badr

– ““They say, We are a body of men able to They say, We are a body of men able to prevail. The multitude shall surely be prevail. The multitude shall surely be put to flight and shall turn their backs”put to flight and shall turn their backs”

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Pfander’s Response:Pfander’s Response:

• This is nothing more than an This is nothing more than an encouragement to the troops before encouragement to the troops before the battle.the battle.

• The fact the battle is won is merely The fact the battle is won is merely coincidental.coincidental.

• Besides, did he not also say he would Besides, did he not also say he would win at ‘Uhud’, in 625 AD, yet he was win at ‘Uhud’, in 625 AD, yet he was routed, and nearly killed!routed, and nearly killed!

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Prediction 2:Prediction 2:

• Sura 30:1-4Sura 30:1-4

• ‘‘The Greeks (Byzantines) have been The Greeks (Byzantines) have been overcome in the nearest part of the overcome in the nearest part of the land; but after their defeat they shall land; but after their defeat they shall overcome within 3-9 years”overcome within 3-9 years”

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Pfander’s Response:Pfander’s Response:

• This is a 50/50 chance prophecy, This is a 50/50 chance prophecy, great odds to ‘take to Las Vegas’great odds to ‘take to Las Vegas’

• Besides, Sura 30 was revealed in 615 Besides, Sura 30 was revealed in 615 ADAD– Yet the Byzantines didn’t overcome Yet the Byzantines didn’t overcome

the Persians until 628 AD…13 the Persians until 628 AD…13 years lateryears later

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2) CONTRADICTORY MESSAGE2) CONTRADICTORY MESSAGE

• The Qur’an, Muhammad’s revelation, The Qur’an, Muhammad’s revelation, contradicts much of the Bible. We are contradicts much of the Bible. We are told to beware of those who were false told to beware of those who were false prophets (Matt.24:11,24; Gal.1:8-9)prophets (Matt.24:11,24; Gal.1:8-9)

• Thus, according to Pfander, God would Thus, according to Pfander, God would not send contradictory revelations, which not send contradictory revelations, which puts doubt on Muhammad’s prophetic puts doubt on Muhammad’s prophetic office.office.

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3) MUHAMMAD’S CHARACTER3) MUHAMMAD’S CHARACTER

Muhammad’s WivesPreferences:

•al-Zamakhshari: ‘Muhammad bestowed his love most often on Aisha, Hafsa, Um Salama and Zaynab’

•‘But deferred the turn of five of his women (Ummu Habiba, Maymuna, Sawda, Juwayrid, and Safiyya). These he would visit according to whim’

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MaryamMaryam, the Copt, and , the Copt, and HafsaHafsa

•Muhammad had a rota with his wives. When Hafsa was out during her slot he slept with Maryam, in Hafsa’s bed, but when discovered declared an oath not to sleep with her again; yet did for a month when questioned by Aisha.

• S. 66:1 "S. 66:1 "O prophet, why forbiddest thou O prophet, why forbiddest thou what God has made lawful to thee, what God has made lawful to thee, seeking the good pleasure of thy seeking the good pleasure of thy wives..wives...?“ .?“ – (Mizanu'l Haqq, pg.330 and Mishkat II, pgs.680-681) (read Ali's version of 66:1, plus (Mizanu'l Haqq, pg.330 and Mishkat II, pgs.680-681) (read Ali's version of 66:1, plus

footnotes).footnotes).

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ZaynabZaynab wife of Zaid, his adopted son wife of Zaid, his adopted son

(S.33:36-38) Zaid divorces Zaynab once Zaid divorces Zaynab once hearing Muhammad finds her beautiful.hearing Muhammad finds her beautiful.

– (Hyat-ul-Kuloub Vol2,chap.53)(Hyat-ul-Kuloub Vol2,chap.53)

•Then the Almighty Allah revealed: you (Muhammad) may put off whom you please of them, you may take to you whom you wish, and if you desire any whom you have separated, no blame attaches to you” (Sura 33:51)

•Pfander: Marrying Zaynab could not be kept secret, and would offend the Arabs, so he produced this verse

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AishaAisha, Muhammad’s favourite, Muhammad’s favourite

•Muhammad married Aisha when she was seven years old, and she was taken to his house as a bride when she was nine, along with her dolls…he was 53. When Muhammad died she was only eighteen. (al Bukhari 7:64, 88) (al Bukhari 7:64, 88)

•Pfander: is this a legitimate example for a prophet today?

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Bukhari 7:64, 88 (referring to Aisha) = that the Prophet married her when she was sixyears old and he consummated his marriage when she was nine years old, and then she

Should Prophets follow their Should Prophets follow their Revelations?Revelations?

• Sura 4:3 = 1 man can have up to 4 wivesSura 4:3 = 1 man can have up to 4 wives– Muhammad had 9, or 11, or 15!Muhammad had 9, or 11, or 15!– Was permitted any number in S.33:50Was permitted any number in S.33:50

• Sura 4:3 = Men must treat their wives Sura 4:3 = Men must treat their wives equallyequally– S.33:51 gave Muhammad permission to S.33:51 gave Muhammad permission to

dissolve his oath not to sleep with Maryam dissolve his oath not to sleep with Maryam over Hafsaover Hafsa

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Manipulating ScriptureManipulating Scripture

• S. 2:217 – Permits fighting during the S. 2:217 – Permits fighting during the month of ‘Peace’month of ‘Peace’

• When When Abdullah ibn Jahsh Abdullah ibn Jahsh attacked a attacked a Quraishi caravan during the month of Quraishi caravan during the month of ‘peace’ near Taif, Muhammad ‘received’ ‘peace’ near Taif, Muhammad ‘received’ S. 2:217, allowing him to fight during this S. 2:217, allowing him to fight during this month, and so permitting him 1/5month, and so permitting him 1/5thth of the of the booty for this raid. booty for this raid. – (Rauzat ul Abbab, Vol.2,Pgs.146-147)(Rauzat ul Abbab, Vol.2,Pgs.146-147)

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Muhammad’s violenceMuhammad’s violence

• Muhammad Muhammad participated in 27 battles, and participated in 27 battles, and planned another 38planned another 38

• NadherNadher and and OkbaOkba were slain for suggesting were slain for suggesting the Qur’an was derived from fablesthe Qur’an was derived from fables

• Asma Bint Mervan Asma Bint Mervan was was slain by Omar ibn slain by Omar ibn Adij while suckling her child; her crime: Adij while suckling her child; her crime: writing poetic verse against Muhammadwriting poetic verse against Muhammad

• Kaab ibn Ashraf Kaab ibn Ashraf was killed by Abu Naila for was killed by Abu Naila for praising some slain Quraishispraising some slain Quraishis

• 700-800 700-800 Banu Quraiza Jewish Banu Quraiza Jewish men had men had their throats slit after the battle of the their throats slit after the battle of the trenchestrenches04/18/2304/18/23

Psychological ManifestationsPsychological Manifestations• Ibn Ishaq’s ‘Insan-ul-AyunIbn Ishaq’s ‘Insan-ul-Ayun’: ‘’: ‘When receiving When receiving

Qur’anic revelations, with his eyes closed, he Qur’anic revelations, with his eyes closed, he would become unconscious, tremble, his mouth would become unconscious, tremble, his mouth would foam, and he would bellow like a camel’would foam, and he would bellow like a camel’..

• Zaid ibn Thabit: Zaid ibn Thabit: He would be in agony, lose his He would be in agony, lose his senses, and become intoxicated.senses, and become intoxicated.

• Abu Harira: Abu Harira: ““While revelation was descending While revelation was descending on him, none of us could look upon him, because on him, none of us could look upon him, because his mouth foamed, and his eyes closed, and his mouth foamed, and his eyes closed, and sometimes he would cry like a camelsometimes he would cry like a camel””

• PfanderPfander: These are examples of Epileptic fits, & : These are examples of Epileptic fits, & visions; thus Muhammad believed he was visions; thus Muhammad believed he was inspired.inspired.04/18/2304/18/23

Many didn’t Believe himMany didn’t Believe him

• AishaAisha: When he died, the Arabs left : When he died, the Arabs left Islam, the Jews and Christians rejoiced, Islam, the Jews and Christians rejoiced, and the Hypocrites scattered and fled.and the Hypocrites scattered and fled.

• Abu ObeidaAbu Obeida: Upon Muhammad’s death : Upon Muhammad’s death most Meccans gave up Islam, forcing the most Meccans gave up Islam, forcing the governor of Mecca, Attab, to stay in his governor of Mecca, Attab, to stay in his house for several days, out of fear.house for several days, out of fear.

• PfanderPfander: It was only due to the : It was only due to the aggressive wars of Abu Bakr and Umar, aggressive wars of Abu Bakr and Umar, attributing their victories to Muhammad attributing their victories to Muhammad that Islam was retained, established, and that Islam was retained, established, and then spread.then spread.04/18/2304/18/23

Pfander Concludes: ‘Does God allow a prophet to not follow his revelation, or manipulate that revelation, or break an oath to gratify his passion, or marry the wife of another person? Absolutely not; thus, these revelations are not from God, but entirely composed by Muhammad himself, while his character proves he can be no prophet worthy of God.’

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Pfander: Were there Pfander: Were there Prophecies Concerning Prophecies Concerning Muhammad?Muhammad?• SSura 7:157: ura 7:157: ““Those who can follow the Those who can follow the

Messenger, Messenger, the Prophet the Prophet who can who can neither neither read nor writeread nor write whom they whom they find written find written with them with them in the Taurut and the in the Taurut and the InjeelInjeel……””

• 61:6: 61:6: ““And when ‘Isa son of Maryam And when ‘Isa son of Maryam said ‘O Children of Israel! I am the said ‘O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you, confirming Messenger of Allah unto you, confirming the Taurat [Torah] before me, and the Taurat [Torah] before me, and giving glad tidings of giving glad tidings of a Messenger to a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be come after me, whose name shall be AhmadAhmad…”…”04/18/2304/18/23

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Kairanvi: Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-Kairanvi: Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-2020

Kairanvi: Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-Kairanvi: Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-2020

1. 1. ComparisonComparison: Who is the prophet like : Who is the prophet like Moses? Is it his life or mission?Moses? Is it his life or mission?

2. 2. ContrastContrast: This prophet cannot be : This prophet cannot be Muhammad (“brothers”=Muhammad (“brothers”=Israelite 17:15)Israelite 17:15)..

3. 3. CondemnationCondemnation: See the punishment for a : See the punishment for a ‘false ‘false prophet’…’Must be put to death!’ prophet’…’Must be put to death!’ (Deut. 18:20)(Deut. 18:20)4. 4. ConsiderationConsideration: This prophet must be : This prophet must be Jesus Jesus (John (John 1:45; John 5:46; John 6:14;1:45; John 5:46; John 6:14; Acts 3:22Acts 3:22))..

5. 5. ConclusionConclusion: Without a prediction where is : Without a prediction where is Muhammad's authority?Muhammad's authority?

Kairanvi: Other Predictions in the Old Kairanvi: Other Predictions in the Old Testament?Testament?Kairanvi: Other Predictions in the Old Kairanvi: Other Predictions in the Old Testament?Testament?

•swordsword (Psalm 45:2-5; 149; Isaiah (Psalm 45:2-5; 149; Isaiah 63). 63).

•geographical locationgeographical location (Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 21 & 42 (Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 21 & 42 (kedar), 63; Habakkuk 3:3)(kedar), 63; Habakkuk 3:3)

•NameName: : (Genesis 49:8-10=Judah; (Genesis 49:8-10=Judah; Haggai 2:7=Hemdah)Haggai 2:7=Hemdah)

Kairanvi: Song of Solomon Kairanvi: Song of Solomon 5:165:16

Song of Solomon 5:16 = "His mouth is Song of Solomon 5:16 = "His mouth is sweetness itself; he is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovelyaltogether lovely. . This is my lover, this my friend, O daughters This is my lover, this my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."of Jerusalem."

‘‘Machmad’ (Ahmad)Machmad’ (Ahmad) vs. vs. HemdanHemdan Adjectival phrase Adjectival phrase vs. vs. Proper NounProper Noun

1 Kings 20:6 1 Kings 20:6 = "Yet I will send my servants to = "Yet I will send my servants to thee tomorrow about this time, and they shall thee tomorrow about this time, and they shall search thy house, and the houses of thy servants; search thy house, and the houses of thy servants; and it shall be, [that] whatever is and it shall be, [that] whatever is MuhammadMuhammad in in thy eyes, they shall take [it] in their hand, and thy eyes, they shall take [it] in their hand, and carry [it] away”carry [it] away” (see also: (see also: 2 Chronicles 36:19; Isaiah 64:11; 2 Chronicles 36:19; Isaiah 64:11; Lamentations 1:10, 11; 2:4; Ezekiel 24:16, 21, 25; Lamentations 1:10, 11; 2:4; Ezekiel 24:16, 21, 25; Hosea 9:6, 16; Joel 3:5Hosea 9:6, 16; Joel 3:5))

Kairanvi: MuKairanvi: Muhammad in the Injil?hammad in the Injil?Kairanvi: MuKairanvi: Muhammad in the Injil?hammad in the Injil?

ParakletosParakletos or or PeriklytosPeriklytos (John 14:16 & (John 14:16 & 16:7)16:7)??

Pfander:Pfander:

•Greek language confirms parakletos.Greek language confirms parakletos.

•Greek manuscripts confirm parakletosGreek manuscripts confirm parakletos

•Therefore Muhammad could not be Therefore Muhammad could not be the parakletosthe parakletos

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So who is the So who is the PParakletosarakletos??So who is the So who is the PParakletosarakletos??• 14:16="he will be with you for ever" 14:16="he will be with you for ever"

• 14:17="he will be the 14:17="he will be the spirit of truthspirit of truth" "

• 14:17="the world neither sees him..." 14:17="the world neither sees him..."

• 14:17="...nor knows him" 14:17="...nor knows him"

• 14:17="and he will be in you" 14:17="and he will be in you"

i.e. = i.e. = Holy SpiritHoly Spirit, who arrived 50 days , who arrived 50 days later (Acts 1:4-5)later (Acts 1:4-5)

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THE DANISH CARTOON THE DANISH CARTOON CONTROVERSYCONTROVERSYThe original 12 Danish Cartoons, printed in Jyllands Posten Newspaper, Denmark, in Sept. 2005

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Danish Cartoon reprinted in the Egyptian Danish Cartoon reprinted in the Egyptian Al-Al-FajrFajr Newspaper, on Oct. 17, 2005, yet, Newspaper, on Oct. 17, 2005, yet, resulting in no protests! So why such a resulting in no protests! So why such a contrast?contrast?

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Imam Ahmad Abu LabanImam Ahmad Abu Laban (leader of the (leader of the Islamic Society of Denmark) & his campaign Islamic Society of Denmark) & his campaign to anger the Muslim Worldto anger the Muslim World

Imam Ahmad Abu LabanImam Ahmad Abu Laban

Aug. 15 photo of Jacques Barrot competing at the annual French Pig-Squealing Championships in Trie-sur-Baise

Why is he significant to Why is he significant to Muslims?Muslims?• His role in historyHis role in history

• His role as intercessorHis role as intercessor

What are the claims they are making today?What are the claims they are making today?

• Their relationship with himTheir relationship with him

How can We use this in Evangelism?How can We use this in Evangelism?

• The need for a personal relationship The need for a personal relationship with god/manwith god/man

• This is a great bridge to introduce This is a great bridge to introduce Jesus as God/ManJesus as God/Man

• We have what they all want!!!! We have what they all want!!!! 04/18/2304/18/23

THE GREATEST, JESUS OR THE GREATEST, JESUS OR MUHAMMAD?MUHAMMAD?• Sura 19:20 Sura 19:20 = Isa ‘born of a virgin’= Isa ‘born of a virgin’

• Sura 3:46 Sura 3:46 = Isa able to speak from the = Isa able to speak from the cradlecradle

• Sura 3:49Sura 3:49 = Isa: = Isa:

• Created birds out of clayCreated birds out of clay

• Healed the blindHealed the blind

• Healed the leperHealed the leper

• Resuscitated the deadResuscitated the dead

• Sura 19:19 Sura 19:19 – Isa the ‘righteous son’– Isa the ‘righteous son’– S.48:1-2: Muhammad asks forgiveness for sinS.48:1-2: Muhammad asks forgiveness for sin04/18/2304/18/23

PFANDER’S CONCLUSIONS:PFANDER’S CONCLUSIONS:• All we know of Muhammad comes from the Islamic TraditionsAll we know of Muhammad comes from the Islamic Traditions

• These Traditions are from the 8These Traditions are from the 8thth-9-9thth centuries, thus too late centuries, thus too late

• The traditions are not credible; derived from Oral TraditionsThe traditions are not credible; derived from Oral Traditions

• They begin to proliferate from the 9They begin to proliferate from the 9thth century on century on

• They use ridiculous language and ideasThey use ridiculous language and ideas

• They contradict the Qur’an and themselvesThey contradict the Qur’an and themselves

• Thus, much of Muhammad’s biography is suspectThus, much of Muhammad’s biography is suspect

• Muhammad doesn’t fulfil the 4 Biblical criteria for prophet-hoodMuhammad doesn’t fulfil the 4 Biblical criteria for prophet-hood

• He could not provide any miracles, nor predictionsHe could not provide any miracles, nor predictions

• He could not control his wives, and was not a universal modelHe could not control his wives, and was not a universal model

• He used violence, was psychologically suspectHe used violence, was psychologically suspect

• He is not referred to anywhere in the Old or New Testament!He is not referred to anywhere in the Old or New Testament!

• He is inferior to Jesus, and cannot give what Jesus can…He is inferior to Jesus, and cannot give what Jesus can…– Salvation from sin and an eternal life!!!Salvation from sin and an eternal life!!!