Syed Huq wrote:
Then why do early verses in the Quran say that Jews and Christians (people of the Book) or OK and can continue practicing their religion and later say that they must be converted? That would seem like a contradiction to me.The Quran considers Jews and Christians as people of the Book because Allah had given them the Torah and the Bible(which got corrupted by man). Also, Islam believes in the same prophets as Abraham, Moses and Jesus(Prophet Isa). There are "NO" mentions in the Quran to convert anyone. Infact conversion to religion is forbidden in Islam. One may preach Islam to any and all and it is left upto the receipient to make his/her own decision.Here you go: Surah 2:62: "Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve." Seems to me like Jews and Christians are OK. Surah 5:82: "You will find that the worst enemies of the believers are the Jews and the idol worshipers. And you will find that the closest people in friendship to the believers are those who say, "We are Christian." This is because they have priests and monks among them, and they are not arrogant." Oops. The Jews are not longer so friendly. If that is not a contradiction, then I don't know what is.What you are doing is quoting bits and pieces from here and there and trying to make a contradiction. Read Surah 5:81 the verse above the one you had quoted: "If they believed in Allah and the Prophet and that is which is revealed unto him, they would not choose them for their friends. But many of them are of evil conduct. 5:81"
OK. This makes sense.
Because Jews and Christians do not believe in the last prophet(Muhammad(pbuh), they are 'not in the right path' anymore. So even though they are people of the book, they are still the wrong doers, evil conduct etc etc etc
This also makes sense.
So your own bits-an-pieces-interpretation is causing this contraction. You should read the entire Surah and then understand what is being said.
This does not make sense. You completely avoid the fact that Surah 2:62 says that "they have nothing to fear." So, is a Jews or a Crhsitian on the right path as Surah 2:62 indicates if he "(1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life ..." OR is he "not on the right path" as you say Surah 5:81,82 indicates? Again, thank you for your explanation of Surah 5:81,82. This clarifies that particular point for me, but fails to address the contradiction.
Peace be upon you my friend..
And peace be unto you.
- Rathon
-Roberto
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