Based on Muhammad’s farewell address compared to Ephesians 5:22-33
Living in our politically correct society, I have begun to fear the
ignorance of most when it comes to Islam and it’s impending impact on
women in our society. Even the Islam that exists in this country is so
sanitized that most do not realize what will happen if Islam gains a
significant voice in our society. The entire relationship of men and
women will change.Elijah once made an incredible proclamation in determining who had the right to be called, and worshipped as God. “Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long {will} you hesitate between two opinions? If the Jehovah is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people did not answer him a word.” (I King 18:21)
In a very similar and appropriate manner we amend Elijah’s obvious ancient choice. If Jehovah is God, follow Him, but if Allah, follow him!
The purpose of this study will be to determine from the “sacred writings” of Islam what this will mean. One is compelled to observe that wherever in the world that Islam reigns, women are forced into the shadows. Slavery and degradation follow (literally!).
In his farewell sermon Muhammad summarizes his message to mankind. I have chosen two sections of that sermon to set the stage for this study.
- “O people: verily you owe your women their rights, and they owe you yours. They may not lay with another men in your beds, let anyone into your houses you do not want without your permission, or commit indecency. If they do, Allah has given you leave to debar them, send them from your beds, or [finally] strike them in a way that does no harm. But if they desist, and obey you, then you must provide for them and clothe them fittingly. The women who live with you are like captives, unable to manage for themselves: you took them as a trust from Allah, and enjoyed their sex as lawful through a word [legal ruling] from Allah. So fear Allah in respect to women, and concern yourselves with their welfare. Have I given the message? -- O Allah, be my witness.” [source]
- Islam is a religion that is forbidden to change. (I am not taking issue with this, only noting that “true Islam” is described in Muhammad’s farewell sermon) , “O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.” [source]
This sermon has been labeled the Khutbatul Wada delivered shortly before he died, on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, 10 A.H. (632 CE). Sometimes the Koran is both contradictory and confusing. Some of the early passages often called the Madena passages are a little more conciliatory, but the late Muhammad show the true character of the man and the true character of Islam. Since it is not in chronological order, determining the difference is sometimes difficult.
Notice that what is presented to the west is often a “cleaned up” version of Islam. The block of text from Muhammad’s sermon above is from Muslim sources. For our first exercise, let’s notice this version of the same sermon as posted on Wikipedia. This is an edited, toned down version for western consumption…
“ O People, It is true that you have certain rights in regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives, only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste."
What is left out?
One matter beyond any dispute, this farewell sermon characterizes clearly the “final” stance of Islam toward women. Let’s digest it together...
1) It is addressed to the males “you.” You owe your women their rights, and they owe you yours. Islam claims to be a balanced revelation. Let’s determine what this “balance” means.
2) “They” (women) may not lay with another men in your beds, let anyone into your houses you do not want without your permission, or commit indecency.”
- Note that Islam is fundamentally based on an “us against them” mentality. This extends even into the home. Within the Islamic approach to marriage “we” is not really the equation. You and they is the mentality.
- Note the seclusion of women is fundamentally based in Islam. Why do you go to a Muslim country and find women forbidden to drive? Why do they have no voice? Obviously Muhammad did not address whether it is proper for women to have a driver’s license. What he did address is that their judgment was not to be trusted. My closest confidant in life is my wife of 30+ years. I want her advice and treasure it. Ultimately in Islam this is ridiculous.
- The restriction on adultery and indecency is not unique. (nor should it be!)
- “Surah 004.034 Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.”
- 038.043 And take in your hand a green branch and beat her with It and do not break your oath; surely We found him patient; most excellent the servant! Surely he was frequent m returning (to Allah).
Here's a video of an Iranian stoning. Unlike the more ancient versions of stoning as found in the Old Testament, today’s stonings regulate little rocks to drag out the pain. The reality of this is hard to fathom.
4) The women who live with you are like captives, unable to manage for themselves:As I read through this, I must confess what comes to mind is the slavery that existed in this country 150 years ago. I have always wondered how anyone espousing Christianity could own slaves with what the Bible taught about respect. It seems hypocritical doesn’t it? People have always been very good at shutting out what they do not wish to know.
Note here, however, that Muhammad not only promoted various kinds of slavery in the name of God (true Islam still does.)… Muhammad actually reduced women to mere slaves of their husbands. A woman in the literal last address of Muhammad is given to a man as a captive or slave. Note the subtle justification for this is the same justification often used for slavery here 150+ years ago (unable to manage for themselves).
This is far different than the mere subjection taught by Christianity. Things that within the realm of Christianity have come to be taken for granted as “entitlements” are not a part of Islam. For example, for a Christian to lie to his wife, or to treat her without respect is hypocritical. In fact, Peter threatened Christian men that they would lose their souls if they mistreated their wives: “You husbands in the same way, live with {your wives} in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” (I Peter 3:7) Failure to show your wife “honor” within Christianity means a Christian man cannot even pray…
The Muslim counterpart of this? It is ordained by Allah that you can lie to your wife, to make her happy! “It is unlawful to lie, except when making up between two people, or lying to an enemy in war, or to one’s wife. It is also unlawful to praise or blame another with an untruth. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Lying is wrong, except in three things: the lie of a man to his wife to make her content with him; a lie in war, for war is deception; or a lie to settle trouble between people” (Ahmad, 6.459. H).”
Note that the other two acceptable lies are of significant relevance to today’s headlines aren’t they? We see peace overtures and then immediate breaking of these peace overtures… “war is deception!”
Is a marriage where it is acceptable to tell your wife anything needed to just make her happy a “solid” marriage? Not from a Christian perspective!
Ephesians 5:
“22. Wives, {be subject} to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
23. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself {being} the Savior of the body.
24. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives {ought to be} to their husbands in everything.
25. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,
26. so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27. that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.
28. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;
29. for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also {does} the church,
30. because we are members of His body.
31. FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.
32. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.
33. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must {see to it} that she respects her husband."
Note that Husbands are the head of their homes within Christianity, but that headship is far different than the “headship” of Islam. Note the command in verse 25 that "Husbands, love your wives." As a simple exercise, go to any online Koran and do a word search….. see if a Muslim is ever commanded to “love” his wife. Here is an online Koran with a good search engine connected to it.
Love will come up 82 x … now search and compare “not love.” 27x . What does this show? Nearly half of all the teaching in the Koran referring to love is actually telling about what not to love or what Allah does not love. The positive teaching of love is not a fundamental part of the Koran’s teaching. It does have a few passing examples but it is not the core value of the Koran. (And it is certainly not the core teaching, relevant to husbands and wives!)
By comparison the Bible has the simple word “love” in it 310 of it’s verses. i.e. nearly 5x! (Note my search engine only figures on the basis of verses. It often has love 2x in the same verse) when you start adding the variants it literally explodes. “Loves” (62vs) “loved” (86vs) etc. This is a graphic and fundamental difference between teaching of the Bible of Christianity and the Koran of Islam.
Even the tell tale “Not Love” will show up as a graphic difference. In the Bible, you will find that a large number of those phrases are actually admonishments to love in a real way, “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (I John 3:18)
Now, Husbands love your wives… by locking them up and beating them where it doesn’t show? NO!
Ephesians 5:25 says: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
A husband is literally expected to give himself for his family. Note the core teaching here is very different from the core of Islam. These are both summaries of the values behind each religion. Jesus’ death on the cross is the model for a husband.
Compare these two statements…
- “Allah has given you leave to debar them, send them from your beds, or [finally] strike them in a way that does no harm”
- "So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also {does} the church." (Ephesians 5:28-29)
Both Allah of Islam and Jehovah of Christianity claim to have created the world. Both are presented as if they care about said creation. Which statement is more consistent with caring about the welfare of a woman? ________________
I am the father of a wonderful daughter and I have one granddaughter. My daughter is married, my granddaughter is young. With no other considerations, which religious environment would be the most desirable to entrust the welfare of either my daughter, granddaughter or your daughter or granddaughter? ________________________
Is physical violence inflicted on a woman in the home considered to be abuse or discipline in an Islamic home? _______________
Add this point to the consideration: " so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word" (Ephesians 5:26).
This passage is a little abstract for a concrete practical study such as this. The absence of physical violence in his dealing with her is obvious from the block of text included above.
Now focus on Jesus’ described behavior in the phrase “sanctify her...” the term "sanctify" means to set apart in a special way. It is the same term from which we get our term holy, and saint. Cleanse her… Christ cleansed the church through His own blood… not hers! By the word…. Note that Jesus did not pound the church into submission. He gave of Himself and spoke (through the word). So now note the distinction in the methods of husbands and wives in the daily business of living.
By the word…. Where is the reason, discipline, and direction for the family to be obtained and directed? Through a beating or through reason and common ground achieved through the mind? ________________
The Muslim’s example is Muhammad. The Christian’s is Christ.
Now let’s focus on the bold portion of our passage…
"So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also {does} the church," (Ephesians 5:28-29)
With this in mind, focus on this part of the text, “for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it” and compare it to Muhammad’s “Strike them in a way that does no harm.”
If you are the parent of a daughter, which direction would you send your children? _____________________
Is it any wonder that with the decline of the Christian home there has been a rise in violence?____________
Now let’s compare Muhammad’s summary statement to yet another command of the NT...
- “Allah has given you leave to debar them, send them from your beds, or [finally] strike them in a way that does no harm”
- "Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands love your wives and do not be embittered against them." (Colossians 3:18-19)
Note that Paul’s command is not unique to the church of Ephesus, but consistent. This discussion in Colossians is shorter. Obviously Paul does not instruct us to pound our wives into submission mentally (Debarring or banishment from the bedroom while we seek sexual gratification elsewhere). Just as obviously, Paul forbids the same thing physically.
That said, Paul actually goes a step further and forbids us to even be? ______________________
Would this include the cold shoulder or silent treatment? ________________________________
He is commanding an emotion; note that love is commanded, and _______________ is forbidden.
Is satisfaction in marriage deemed to be a choice? __________
If a Christian struck his wife would he be a hypocrite? _______
If a Muslim struck his wife would he be a hypocrite? _________
It is significant that this fundamental philosophical difference is pervasive. For example, for a Christian to pick up a gun and kill in the name of Jesus is forbidden (hypocrisy). For a Muslim to do the same is demanded: "When you meet the unbelievers, strike off their heads; then when you have made wide slaughter among them, carefully tie up the remaining captives." (Surah 47.4)
Now let’s consider Muhammad’s summary statement of the environment of married life: "The women who live with you are like captives, unable to manage for themselves: you took them as a trust from Allah, and enjoyed their sex as lawful through a word [legal ruling] from Allah."
Consider this summary from Peter: "You husbands in the same way, live with {your wives} in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." (1 Peter 3:7)
Compare the “Unable to manager for themselves” to “ In and understanding way.”
Is there an underlying presumption in Christianity that a woman has only ½ the intelligence of a man? _______
Compare “live with you like a captive” to “show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life.” Both Islam and Christianity teach subjection for women in marriage. What that means is obviously miles apart. If a Christian man does not show his wife honor what does he lose? _____________________
What does the weakness of Peter’s summary refer to? A) physically weaker or b) mentally weaker?
-------------------------------
*NEXT: Part 2... Read a comparison between Muhammad’s married life and the kind of marriage taught by Christianity. Did you know that at age 55 Muhammad married a 6 year old girl and consummated the marriage at age 9? *
Hi I am glad you stopped by our blog. These articles are from an emailing that we did several years ago. Today most of our work is on facebook
You can follow my personal page on Facebook by clicking on this link ...
You can follow the postings on the congregation's page by clicking on this link....
If you wish to worship with us....
Las Vegas church of Christ
709 Dora Celeste
Las Vegas, NM 87701
Our meeting times are
10am Sunday morning for Bible study.
11am Sunday morning for the worship service.
6pm Wednesday evening for Midweek Bible study.
If you wish to contact me...
yakipreacher@gmail.com
Be well
Jerry Blount
