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The TEN Commandments
King James’ version is couched in old English. So I have chosen to quote from Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton , Illinois , 1996 Comments: Quran claims to attest the Holy Books (Torah and the Gospels) revealed before it. But it also says that it oversees them. This means that Quran points out the alterations made by vested interests in the Holy Words. The comparison between Biblical verses and Quranic verses has been made clear above. The contrast on some points needs to be made clear. (a) A jealous God: Bible says of God that He cannot tolerate sharing of our affection with others gods. Quran also says something similar," Allah will not forgive (your) assigning Partners with Him, and may forgive lesser sins to whom He wishes" ( 4:48 ) "Verily, Polytheism is a great injustice" (31:13) (b) Punishing children for sins of parents. Bible says God will punish children for the sins of parents to the 3rd and 4th generations, but will shower His love on the obedient for thousand generations. Quran says, "No one does any deed but its burden is on him/her alone. No one will bear the burden of another"(6:161) According to Quran accountability for sins is personal and does not extend to children. However, it says, "He who brings one good deed will be awarded ten times, but he who brings one Evil deed will be awarded only for that (single) and they will not be done injustice" (6:160). This is out of His Mercy. (c) Sabbath: Bible orders Jews to hold Sabbath as a holiday (no work) just as God rested on the 7th day after creating the Universe for six days. Quran has a different view. Jews were ordered to observe certain restrictions on fishing on Sabbath day (as a test). But they violated God’s order, so were punished by God. Quran says, "He made the night for rest and the day for earning livelihood" (78:11). There is no concept of a ‘holy-day’ without work in Islam. Even on its sacred days (Fridays) Quran orders us to hasten for prayers but to disperse in the land for seeking livelihood after prayers are over. (62:9-10) (d) God needs no rest: Bible says God rested on the 7th day after creating universe. Quran says: Allah is never fatigued by administrating matters of the Universe. He needs no sleep (or rest). Busy always. (e) Murder: Killing any one without right is prohibited both in Bible and Quran. Quran goes further, "We ordained for Children on Israel that He who kills one person (but for retaliation or terrorism in the land)) is like killing a whole mankind. ( 5:32 ) (f) Adultery: Bible prohibits only the act of adultery. Quran prohibits even its preliminaries, i.e. any acts exiting lustful feelings. This is because once hormones are excited it is difficult to keep them under control. So why not nip the evil in the bud! (g) Stealing: Quran prescribes a rather harsh punishment for thieves (male or female). This has been criticized by Western critics as ‘barbarous’ punishment. But Quran does not care for criticism. It has public safety in view. Once a thief has his/her hands cut off it will be a most effective deterrent for others. (h) False evidence: Quran orders Muslims not to hide evidence, but to testify truth even if it goes against self or parents or relatives (4:135). Moreover, Quran extends this order for all Believers and does not restrict it to neighbors only (as in Bible). (i) Coveting: Bible limits coveting to neighbor’s property only. Quran goes further and extends the prohibition to all society. Lastly let me add a sad comment. The present debate over Ten Commandments is limited to removal of a monument containing 10 engraved Commandments from one place to another. People don’t care to act on these Commandments. On the contrary, the present state of morals in society is nothing but ridiculing the Ten Commandments. Who will reform us?
Edited thesis of I.A. Arshed Ph.D Referenced from http://islam101.net/human-relations-mainmenu-27.html |