Ask Saint Latest Questions

  1. In Islamic terminology, "Mushrikeen" and "Kuffaar" refer to two different categories of non-Muslims, and they are distinguished based on their beliefs and practices. Here's a brief explanation of each term and the categorization of Jews and Christians:Mushrikeen:Definition: Mushrikeen are those whoRead more

    In Islamic terminology, “Mushrikeen” and “Kuffaar” refer to two different categories of non-Muslims, and they are distinguished based on their beliefs and practices. Here’s a brief explanation of each term and the categorization of Jews and Christians:Mushrikeen:Definition: Mushrikeen are those who associate partners with Allah (God) in worship. This association of partners, often referred to as “shirk,” is considered a fundamental theological error in Islam. Examples: People who engage in polytheism, idol worship, or believe in multiple deities would be categorized as Mushrikeen.Belief: They are seen as holding beliefs that are incompatible with Islamic monotheism.Kuffaar (Kafir, singular):Definition: Kuffaar, often translated as “disbelievers” or “unbelievers,” is a broader term that encompasses all non-Muslims who do not accept Islam as their faith.Examples: This category includes various non-Muslim groups, such as atheists, agnostics, people of different religious faiths, and those who have not embraced any religious faith.Belief: Kuffaar is viewed as not adhering to Islamic beliefs and teachings. Regarding Jews and Christians: Jews (Ahl al-Kitab): In Islamic terminology, Jews and Christians are often referred to as “Ahl al-Kitab,” which means “People of the Book.” This designation recognizes that both groups have received divine scriptures in the past (the Torah for Jews and the Bible for Christians). They are granted a special status in Islam because of their monotheistic beliefs and the historical connection to prophetic traditions. Categorization: While Jews and Christians are considered “Ahl al-Kitab” and are not classified as Mushrikeen (polytheists), they are still seen as non-Muslims (Kuffaar) from an Islamic perspective because they do not accept the final prophethood of Muhammad. However, Islam encourages respectful interactions with People of the Book and recognizes commonalities in monotheistic beliefs. It’s important to note that these terms are used in a religious context and may not reflect the views or self-identifications of individuals from these groups. Islam teaches tolerance and respect for people of different faiths, including Jews and Christians, and emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence.

    See less
  1. The Old Testament and the New Testament are two distinct sections of the Christian Bible, and they have several key differences. 1- Religious Tradition: Old Testament: The Old Testament is primarily a collection of religious texts and scriptures that are sacred to Judaism. It includes books such asRead more

    The Old Testament and the New Testament are two distinct sections of the Christian Bible, and they have several key differences. 1- Religious Tradition: Old Testament: The Old Testament is primarily a collection of religious texts and scriptures that are sacred to Judaism. It includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, and Isaiah. These texts form the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh, which is the central religious scripture of Judaism. New Testament: The New Testament is exclusively part of the Christian Bible and contains writings that are considered sacred by Christians. It includes the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), the Acts of the Apostles, various letters (epistles) written by apostles like Paul, and the Book of Revelation.2. Time Period: Old Testament: The Old Testament contains texts that were written before the birth of Jesus Christ and covers events and teachings in ancient Israel. New Testament: The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the early Christian Church. It was written in the 1st century CE 3. Religious Beliefs: Old Testament: The Old Testament is the foundational scripture of Judaism and contains the core beliefs, history, and laws of the Jewish faith.New Testament: The New Testament is central to Christian beliefs and provides accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus, the promise of salvation through faith in Him, and the establishment of the Christian Church. As for whether Jews consider the New Testament to be holy, the answer is generally no. The New Testament is not considered a sacred text in Judaism. Jews primarily adhere to the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the Talmud, which are the core religious texts of their faith. While the New Testament contains some elements of Jewish history and tradition, it is a distinctly Christian scripture and is not recognized as holy by Jewish religious authorities. It’s important to note that there can be respectful dialogue and cooperation between members of different religious traditions, but each religion maintains its own distinct sacred texts and beliefs.

    See less