Comparative Religion

In this set of three powerful essays, the late, world-renowned scholar and philosopher Isma'il Al Faruqi displays his formidable insight, vast knowledge, and unique trademark logic, brought to bear on subjects still considered to be at the forefront of discourse on comparative religion.

The International Institute of Islamic Thought

Adults

English

9781565645981

Isma'il Al Faruqi

In this set of three powerful essays, the late, world-renowned scholar and philosopher Isma'il Al Faruqi displays his formidable insight, vast knowledge, and unique trademark logic, brought to bear on subjects still considered to be at the forefront of discourse on comparative religion. Al Faruqi delves deep into the heart of the debate on the metaphysical nature of values in the Western and Muslim traditions, the history of religions, and other issues, ultimately to guide readers to a clarity of understanding on Islam's position in relation to them. This will interest and stimulate many readers, enlightened thinkers, modern secularists, philosophers, and theologians—Muslim or otherwise—as Al Faruqi strives to arrive at an accurate assessment of the fundamentals of these important subjects and their significance for the human condition.

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In this set of three powerful essays, the late, world-renowned scholar and philosopher Isma'il Al Faruqi displays his formidable insight, vast knowledge, and unique trademark logic, brought to bear on subjects still considered to be at the forefront of discourse on comparative religion. Al Faruqi delves deep into the heart of the debate on the metaphysical nature of values in the Western and Muslim traditions, the history of religions, and other issues, ultimately to guide readers to a clarity of understanding on Islam's position in relation to them. This will interest and stimulate many readers, enlightened thinkers, modern secularists, philosophers, and theologians—Muslim or otherwise—as Al Faruqi strives to arrive at an accurate assessment of the fundamentals of these important subjects and their significance for the human condition.

Paperback

11038

This monumental study examines issues of anthropomorphism in the three Abrahamic Faiths, as viewed through the texts of the Hebrew Bible.

International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT)

Adults

English

9781565645752

Zulfiqar Ali Shah

This monumental study examines issues of anthropomorphism in the three Abrahamic faiths, as viewed through the texts of the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the Quran. Throughout history Christianity and Judaism have tried to make sense of God.

While juxtaposing the Islamic position against this, the author addresses the Judeo-Christian worldview and how each has chosen to framework its encounter with God, to what extent this has been the result of actual scripture and to what extent the product of theological debate or church decrees of later centuries and absorption of Hellenistic philosophy. Shah also examines Islam’s heavily anti-anthropomorphic stance and Islamic theological discourse on tawheed as well as the ninety-nine names of God and what these have meant in relation to Muslim understanding of God and His attributes. Describing how these became the touchstone of Muslim discourse with Judaism and Christianity, he critiques theological statements and perspectives that came to dilute if not counter strict monotheism. As secularism debates whether God is dead, the issue of anthropomorphism has become of immense importance.

The quest for God, especially in this day and age, is partly one of intellectual longing. To Shah, anthropomorphic concepts and corporeal depictions of the Divine are perhaps among the leading factors of modern atheism. As such he ultimately draws the conclusion that the postmodern longing for God will not be quenched by premodern anthropomorphic and corporeal concepts of the Divine which have simply brought God down to this cosmos, with a precise historical function and a specified location, reducing the intellectual and spiritual force of what God is and represents, causing the soul to detract from a sense of the sacred and thereby belief in Him.

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This monumental study examines issues of anthropomorphism in the three Abrahamic faiths, as viewed through the texts of the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the Quran. Throughout history Christianity and Judaism have tried to make sense of God.

While juxtaposing the Islamic position against this, the author addresses the Judeo-Christian worldview and how each has chosen to framework its encounter with God, to what extent this has been the result of actual scripture and to what extent the product of theological debate or church decrees of later centuries and absorption of Hellenistic philosophy. Shah also examines Islam’s heavily anti-anthropomorphic stance and Islamic theological discourse on tawheed as well as the ninety-nine names of God and what these have meant in relation to Muslim understanding of God and His attributes. Describing how these became the touchstone of Muslim discourse with Judaism and Christianity, he critiques theological statements and perspectives that came to dilute if not counter strict monotheism. As secularism debates whether God is dead, the issue of anthropomorphism has become of immense importance.

The quest for God, especially in this day and age, is partly one of intellectual longing. To Shah, anthropomorphic concepts and corporeal depictions of the Divine are perhaps among the leading factors of modern atheism. As such he ultimately draws the conclusion that the postmodern longing for God will not be quenched by premodern anthropomorphic and corporeal concepts of the Divine which have simply brought God down to this cosmos, with a precise historical function and a specified location, reducing the intellectual and spiritual force of what God is and represents, causing the soul to detract from a sense of the sacred and thereby belief in Him.

Paperback

10805

This book brings together the writings of Christian and Muslims scholars on the topic of the man and the message of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him).

International Islamic Publishing House

Adults

English

9789960850825

Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

Jesus Christ represents the common link between the two major religions of Christianity and Islam. This book brings together the writings of Christian and Muslims scholars on the topic of the man and the message of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him). It aims to present an objective view of Jesus Christ and the importance of his message.

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Jesus Christ represents the common link between the two major religions of Christianity and Islam. This book brings together the writings of Christian and Muslims scholars on the topic of the man and the message of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him). It aims to present an objective view of Jesus Christ and the importance of his message.

Paperback

7964

The book concludes with a survey of what Jewish, Christian, and Islamic scripture have had to say about past civilizations that have been destroyed precisely because of their arrogance.

Amana Publications

Adults

English

9781590080788

Dr. Jerald F. Dirks

Both Jewish and Islamic sources relate the story of the first known sin in the universe, i.e., Satan refusing to obey God s command to bow down to Adam. In the present volume, Dr. Dirks explores both Jewish and Islamic sources on the first sin, compares and contrasts them, and identifies the underlying root cause behind Satan refusing to bow down to Adam, which was arrogance. Given that arrogance was the character trait that caused Satan to sin, Dr. Dirks next examines what Jewish, Christian, and Islamic scripture and religious writings have had to say about arrogance, pride, and self-conceit.

This latter analysis focuses not just upon arrogance in general terms, but also on two specific types of arrogance, i.e., racial arrogance and religious arrogance. The book then concludes with a survey of what Jewish, Christian, and Islamic scripture have had to say about past civilizations that have been destroyed precisely because of their arrogance.

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Both Jewish and Islamic sources relate the story of the first known sin in the universe, i.e., Satan refusing to obey God s command to bow down to Adam. In the present volume, Dr. Dirks explores both Jewish and Islamic sources on the first sin, compares and contrasts them, and identifies the underlying root cause behind Satan refusing to bow down to Adam, which was arrogance. Given that arrogance was the character trait that caused Satan to sin, Dr. Dirks next examines what Jewish, Christian, and Islamic scripture and religious writings have had to say about arrogance, pride, and self-conceit.

This latter analysis focuses not just upon arrogance in general terms, but also on two specific types of arrogance, i.e., racial arrogance and religious arrogance. The book then concludes with a survey of what Jewish, Christian, and Islamic scripture have had to say about past civilizations that have been destroyed precisely because of their arrogance.

Paperback

8547

Useful and comprehensive guide for Muslims...

International Islamic Publishing House

Adults

English

9786035010405

Majed S. al-Rassi

Majed Al-Rassi’s popular booklet, compiled from the works of respected writers on the subject of comparative religion, has been revised and greatly expanded in this new edition. Islam is Your Birthright is a useful and comprehensive guide for Muslims who would like to know how to address non-Muslims on the subject of the relationship between Islam, Christianity and other religions. It is as well a helpful, easy-to-follow explanation of the basic precepts of Islam that interested non-Muslims can pick up and read, without having had any prior study of Islam.
Wise men and women know that they are in existence for a purpose and a final destination, whether they know that destination or not. Also, wise people know that if they do not know where they are going, then they will never arrive. In this little book, light is focused on:

• Why human beings were created
• What is their final destination
• How to reach ‘safely’ to that destination

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Majed Al-Rassi’s popular booklet, compiled from the works of respected writers on the subject of comparative religion, has been revised and greatly expanded in this new edition. Islam is Your Birthright is a useful and comprehensive guide for Muslims who would like to know how to address non-Muslims on the subject of the relationship between Islam, Christianity and other religions. It is as well a helpful, easy-to-follow explanation of the basic precepts of Islam that interested non-Muslims can pick up and read, without having had any prior study of Islam.
Wise men and women know that they are in existence for a purpose and a final destination, whether they know that destination or not. Also, wise people know that if they do not know where they are going, then they will never arrive. In this little book, light is focused on:

• Why human beings were created
• What is their final destination
• How to reach ‘safely’ to that destination

Paperback

5869

A story follows the increasing trend in modern times of people coming to Islam...

International Islamic Publishing House

Adults

English

9786035010863

Yahya M. A. Ondigo

Born into a strict Christian household in Kenya, Yahya Ondigo was always a man of faith. He went on to join the military, and it was during this time that he was given his first exposure to the Muslim way of life. When his questions about the Christian faith were left inadequately answered, and with the help of his elder brother who had recently converted to Islam, Ondigo’s search for the truth led him towards Islam.
My Journey from Christianity to Islam is an autobiographical work, charting this faith journey with some reflections that Ondigo made along the way concerning both religions. He discusses discrepancies in the Christian faith, particularly those with regards to the position of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him). He also touches on some of the uplifting discoveries he made about the Islamic faith and how it calls Muslims to live their daily lives.
This story follows the increasing trend in modern times of people coming to Islam and also provides insight for those interested in comparative religion.

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Born into a strict Christian household in Kenya, Yahya Ondigo was always a man of faith. He went on to join the military, and it was during this time that he was given his first exposure to the Muslim way of life. When his questions about the Christian faith were left inadequately answered, and with the help of his elder brother who had recently converted to Islam, Ondigo’s search for the truth led him towards Islam.
My Journey from Christianity to Islam is an autobiographical work, charting this faith journey with some reflections that Ondigo made along the way concerning both religions. He discusses discrepancies in the Christian faith, particularly those with regards to the position of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him). He also touches on some of the uplifting discoveries he made about the Islamic faith and how it calls Muslims to live their daily lives.
This story follows the increasing trend in modern times of people coming to Islam and also provides insight for those interested in comparative religion.

Paperback

5862

In What You Weren't Taught In Sunday School, Dr. Jerald Dirks, a former ordained minister (deacon) in the United Methodist Church and a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, kicks open the door and reveals some of the skeletons hidden in the closet of Biblical and Christian history, skeletons that raise disturbing questions.

Amana Publications

Adults

English

9781590080696

Jerald F. Dirks

In What You Weren't Taught In Sunday School, Dr. Jerald Dirks, a former ordained minister (deacon) in the United Methodist Church and a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, kicks open the door and reveals some of the skeletons hidden in the closet of Biblical and Christian history, skeletons that raise disturbing questions. How is it that the various Christian denominations have never agreed on what and how many books are to be included in both the Old Testament and the New Testament? Did St. Paul attempt to murder St. James and corrupt beyond recognition the actual teachings of Jesus? Just how completely was Paul at violent odds with the earliest form of Christianity as taught by the Jerusalem Church of St. James and the actual disciples of Jesus? How thoroughly are the concepts of Holy War and genocide embedded in the Bible? Does the Bible claim that two different people killed Goliath? Did Moses have a Nubian wife long before he married Zipporah of Midian? Was "Doubting" Thomas the actual brother of Jesus? Which Jesus was crucified, and which Jesus was freed? Where and when were various Biblical passages altered by either addition to or deletion from the original Biblical text? How is Jesus portrayed in Jewish and Islamic literature, and how do those portrayals differ from that found in the New Testament? How badly does the claim that America was founded as a Christian nation distort the actual historical facts? These are just some of the questions raised. As troublesome as these questions may be, their answers are sometimes even more disturbing.

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In What You Weren't Taught In Sunday School, Dr. Jerald Dirks, a former ordained minister (deacon) in the United Methodist Church and a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, kicks open the door and reveals some of the skeletons hidden in the closet of Biblical and Christian history, skeletons that raise disturbing questions. How is it that the various Christian denominations have never agreed on what and how many books are to be included in both the Old Testament and the New Testament? Did St. Paul attempt to murder St. James and corrupt beyond recognition the actual teachings of Jesus? Just how completely was Paul at violent odds with the earliest form of Christianity as taught by the Jerusalem Church of St. James and the actual disciples of Jesus? How thoroughly are the concepts of Holy War and genocide embedded in the Bible? Does the Bible claim that two different people killed Goliath? Did Moses have a Nubian wife long before he married Zipporah of Midian? Was "Doubting" Thomas the actual brother of Jesus? Which Jesus was crucified, and which Jesus was freed? Where and when were various Biblical passages altered by either addition to or deletion from the original Biblical text? How is Jesus portrayed in Jewish and Islamic literature, and how do those portrayals differ from that found in the New Testament? How badly does the claim that America was founded as a Christian nation distort the actual historical facts? These are just some of the questions raised. As troublesome as these questions may be, their answers are sometimes even more disturbing.

Paperback

6062

Insightful essays on Christian-Muslim relations by one of the world’s leading experts.

Orbis Books

Adults

English

9781570758607

Thomas F. Michel, S.J.

Insightful essays on Christian-Muslim relations by one of the world’s leading experts.
A Christian View of Islam brings together fifteen key essays by Tom Michel, the noted Jesuit scholar of Islam. This compendium is organized into three major categories:

1. Inter-religious Dialogue: Encountering the "Other"
2. Christian-Muslim Studies: Comparative Perspectives
3. A Christian View of Islam.

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Insightful essays on Christian-Muslim relations by one of the world’s leading experts.
A Christian View of Islam brings together fifteen key essays by Tom Michel, the noted Jesuit scholar of Islam. This compendium is organized into three major categories:

1. Inter-religious Dialogue: Encountering the "Other"
2. Christian-Muslim Studies: Comparative Perspectives
3. A Christian View of Islam.

Paperback

5135

The Bible is the basis for the teachings of Christianity, and the Qur’an is the main source of Islamic Religion and Law, this book compares Islam and Christianity according to a comparative study of the Bible and the Quran.

Darrussalam

Adults

English

9789960861425

Naser Al-Moghamis

The Bible is the basis for the teachings of Christianity, and the Qur'an is the main source of Islamic Religion and Law, this book compares Islam and Christianity according to a comparative study of the Bible and the Qur'an.

Preface
A religion should not be judged by the opinions and attitudes of its biased enemies. Neither should it be judged by the behavior of some of its nominal followers because there are bad people among every religious group, nor making a judgment based on those people are misleading as they may be violating their religion. A religion should rather be judged by its teachings as well as the effects of these teachings on its real followers.
Since the Bible is the basis for the teachings of Christianity, and the Qur'an is the main source of Islamic Religion and Law, this book compares Islam and Christianity according to a comparative study of the Bible and the Qur'an. This approach ensures that the comparison is based on facts and not on prejudice or misunderstanding.
It should be emphasized that when this book talks about Islam, it does not give exaggerated or insincere information to persuade the reader, but rather presents the real teachings of Islam. Everything mentioned in this book, about Islam, is supported by Verses from the Qur'an which was revealed about fourteen hundred years ago. Likewise, everything mentioned about Christianity is supported by verses from the Bible.

The Purpose of this Book
The purpose of this book is to achieve the following objectives using the Qur'an and what survived in the Bible from the teachings of the Prophets (peace be upon them), with the help of our common sense, reason and intellect:

• To confirm that Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was a great Messenger of Allah, that he was the Christ, that he was given the Gospel, that he was born miraculously without a father and that he gave life to the dead by Allah's leave and healed him who was born blind and the leper by Allah's leave.
  
• To confirm that the original Gospel revealed to Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was lost and that the existing gospels include few parts of that original Gospel mixed with people's texts and interpretations, which contain a lot of errors and contradictions.
  
• To disprove misrepresentations and lies in the Bible against Allah.
  
• To disprove false charges in the Bible against the Prophets, Lot, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, and Job (peace be upon them).
  
• To disprove false charges in the Bible against Prophet Jesus (pbuh).
  
• To point out the wrong beliefs which were added (intentionally or unintentionally) into the message of Prophet Jesus (pbuh). To disprove the doctrines of Trinity, Original Sin, Blood Atonement and Divine Sonship of Prophet Jesus (pbuh).
  
• To prove that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah and the last revealed Book this has never been changed or adulterated. To prove that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the awaited Prophet prophesied in the Bible.
  
• To present the real Islam through the Qur'an and remove lies and misrepresentations wrapped around Islam by its enemies.

0

The Bible is the basis for the teachings of Christianity, and the Qur'an is the main source of Islamic Religion and Law, this book compares Islam and Christianity according to a comparative study of the Bible and the Qur'an.

Preface
A religion should not be judged by the opinions and attitudes of its biased enemies. Neither should it be judged by the behavior of some of its nominal followers because there are bad people among every religious group, nor making a judgment based on those people are misleading as they may be violating their religion. A religion should rather be judged by its teachings as well as the effects of these teachings on its real followers.
Since the Bible is the basis for the teachings of Christianity, and the Qur'an is the main source of Islamic Religion and Law, this book compares Islam and Christianity according to a comparative study of the Bible and the Qur'an. This approach ensures that the comparison is based on facts and not on prejudice or misunderstanding.
It should be emphasized that when this book talks about Islam, it does not give exaggerated or insincere information to persuade the reader, but rather presents the real teachings of Islam. Everything mentioned in this book, about Islam, is supported by Verses from the Qur'an which was revealed about fourteen hundred years ago. Likewise, everything mentioned about Christianity is supported by verses from the Bible.

The Purpose of this Book
The purpose of this book is to achieve the following objectives using the Qur'an and what survived in the Bible from the teachings of the Prophets (peace be upon them), with the help of our common sense, reason and intellect:

• To confirm that Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was a great Messenger of Allah, that he was the Christ, that he was given the Gospel, that he was born miraculously without a father and that he gave life to the dead by Allah's leave and healed him who was born blind and the leper by Allah's leave.
  
• To confirm that the original Gospel revealed to Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was lost and that the existing gospels include few parts of that original Gospel mixed with people's texts and interpretations, which contain a lot of errors and contradictions.
  
• To disprove misrepresentations and lies in the Bible against Allah.
  
• To disprove false charges in the Bible against the Prophets, Lot, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, and Job (peace be upon them).
  
• To disprove false charges in the Bible against Prophet Jesus (pbuh).
  
• To point out the wrong beliefs which were added (intentionally or unintentionally) into the message of Prophet Jesus (pbuh). To disprove the doctrines of Trinity, Original Sin, Blood Atonement and Divine Sonship of Prophet Jesus (pbuh).
  
• To prove that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah and the last revealed Book this has never been changed or adulterated. To prove that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the awaited Prophet prophesied in the Bible.
  
• To present the real Islam through the Qur'an and remove lies and misrepresentations wrapped around Islam by its enemies.

Paperback

3366

This book will help you understand the religious commonalities that Muslims share with Christians.

Amana Publications

Adults

English

9781590080023

Jerald F. Dirks

In The Cross and The Crescent, Dr. Jerald Dirks, a former ordained minister (deacon) in the United Methodist Church and a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, reaches out to Christians and Muslims for an interfaith dialogue. Drawing on his seminary education and thirty years of interaction with Muslims in America and overseas, the author digs deep into the roots of Christianity to bring out obscure information that highlights what was once common between Christianity and Islam. He envisioned that "in writing this book, I would like to touch the lives of those Christians who have not been given the knowledge that I have gained both about Islam, from my direct contact with Muslims, and about Christianity from my seminary education. I want to share with those Christians who are willing to listen—what is so often known by their clergy and church leaden, but seldom finds its way into their knowledge of their own religion. Likewise, I also would like to reach out to the Muslims, in order to help them understand the religious commonality that they share with Christians."

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In The Cross and The Crescent, Dr. Jerald Dirks, a former ordained minister (deacon) in the United Methodist Church and a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, reaches out to Christians and Muslims for an interfaith dialogue. Drawing on his seminary education and thirty years of interaction with Muslims in America and overseas, the author digs deep into the roots of Christianity to bring out obscure information that highlights what was once common between Christianity and Islam. He envisioned that "in writing this book, I would like to touch the lives of those Christians who have not been given the knowledge that I have gained both about Islam, from my direct contact with Muslims, and about Christianity from my seminary education. I want to share with those Christians who are willing to listen—what is so often known by their clergy and church leaden, but seldom finds its way into their knowledge of their own religion. Likewise, I also would like to reach out to the Muslims, in order to help them understand the religious commonality that they share with Christians."

Paperback

4589

The book presents the similarities and contrasts between Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Amana Publications

Adults

English

9781590080313

Jerald F. Dirks

The book presents the similarities and contrasts between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It shows how each of the three religions shares a common core of religious and ethical teachings with the other two, although differing in places with regard to specific doctrine and dogma.

About the Author:
DR. JERALD F. DIRKS holds B.A. and M. Divinity from Harvard University and doctorate in Psychology from the University of Denver. He is a former ordained minister (deacon) in the United Methodist Church and is author of The Cross & The Crescent, The Abrahamic Faiths, Understanding Islam, and Abraham - The Friend of God. He published over sixty articles in the field of clinical psychology and over one hundred and fifty articles on Arabian horses. He has traveled extensively in the Middle East and interacted widely with the Muslim communities in the United States.

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The book presents the similarities and contrasts between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It shows how each of the three religions shares a common core of religious and ethical teachings with the other two, although differing in places with regard to specific doctrine and dogma.

About the Author:
DR. JERALD F. DIRKS holds B.A. and M. Divinity from Harvard University and doctorate in Psychology from the University of Denver. He is a former ordained minister (deacon) in the United Methodist Church and is author of The Cross & The Crescent, The Abrahamic Faiths, Understanding Islam, and Abraham - The Friend of God. He published over sixty articles in the field of clinical psychology and over one hundred and fifty articles on Arabian horses. He has traveled extensively in the Middle East and interacted widely with the Muslim communities in the United States.

Paperback

8552