Introduction

Introduction

God says "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."

"With the search for contentment in one's life begins the search for God. This search ends with the personal encounter with his Savior. Then begins one's journey to immortality and eternal life." 

The human race originated in the Middle East (present day Iraq). As the people multiplied they moved in different directions and settled in different places. This led to the development of different civilizations. Two of the oldest civilizations that were prominent in their search for God developed one in the Middle East and the other in the Far East. Each led to the formation of a particular religion - Judaism whose followers are known as Jews and Hinduism whose followers are known as Hindus. Approximately 3500 years ago the saints of these religions began to record their inspirations which led to the origin of the holy books or scriptures of each religion. The moral teachings of these religions have close similarities but they differ on religious ceremonies and rituals.

The scriptures of Judaism along with a few more writings were later accepted as the first part  of the Bible (Old Testament) which is the holy book of the Christians. The second part of the Bible (New Testament) tells about the earthly life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The scriptures of Hinduism are called the Vedas and they are four in number.

A common teaching of both these religions is the revelation about a Savior - a person who will be sent from God who will save the human race from degeneration and death and lead it to immortality or eternal life. The holy book of the Jews call him ‘Messiah’ (meaning ‘Christ’ in Greek and ‘Annointed One’ in English) and the holy book of the Hindus call him ‘Prajapathy.‘

Rigveda (X:121,1) goes thus "Prajapathy alias Hiranya garba, the first born, was born of the Holy Spirit (Paramatma) before Genesis. Upon birth, He became one and only God to the universe comprising the Skies, Stars, Earth and the Seas. He rules the endless firmament and the whole of the earth. We please this deity, Prajapathy, who is called Kan affectionately, with offerings in sacrifice."

Each religion foretells many details regarding the birth, life, and death of this person so that when he comes there should not be any confusion to recognize or identify him. The most striking detail about this person common to both the religions is the description of his death mentioned vividly in the Rigveda (X:90:7) and goes thus "Devas of heaven and the ruling fraternity along with the hermits offered the first born male in sacrifice by consecrating him as the animal of offering by tying him on a wooden sacrificial post." The Bible offers detailed and accurate information about what was promised and how it was fulfilled.

Many have claimed to be this Savior but only one fulfills or matches all the details foretold about him in the holy books. Many believe that Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ is this person.

Islam whose followers are known as Muslims originated in the year 610 AD in Mecca and their holy book is called Koran or Quran. The moral teaching of this religion has close similarities with other religions. The Quran acknowledges Jesus as a great prophet with extraordinary powers but denies his divinity. This is what the Quran says about Jesus and his followers:

Quran 4:157 “And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah Jesus Son of Mary, Allah’s Messenger – they slew him not nor crucified but it appeared so unto them;”

Quran 4:158 “But Allah took him up unto Himself. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise.”

Quran 57:27 “Then we caused our messengers to follow in their footsteps; and We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow, and gave him the Gospel and placed compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him.”

Quran 61:14 “O ye who believe! Be Allah’s helpers, even as Jesus son of Mary said unto the disciples: Who are my helpers for Allah? They said: We are Allah’s helpers. And a party of the Children of Israel believed, while a party disbelieved. Then we strengthened those who believed against their foe and they became uppermost.”

There are many other details mentioned in the Quran about Jesus. Why does he figure so prominently in the holy book of Islam? And why is Mary the only woman mentioned in the Quran?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the evidence available – apply the details foretold and compare them with the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. If he is really the promised Savior you will be able to reason out for yourself if you approach this study with an unbiased attitude and without any preconceived notions.

Note: Please begin with lesson 01 and proceed in sequence.
 

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