Introduction

   For the benefit of Christian readers, this introduction provides some essential information about Islam in addition to the Islamic attitude towards Christianity and the Bible. 

Who is Allah?

   "Say (O Muhammad): "He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah to Whom the creatures turn for their needs; He begets not, nor was He begotten; there is none like Him." (Qur`an, 112:1-4).
'Allah us the name of the God of Muslims, Christians and Jews. He is the God of Prophet Moses 'peace be upon him' (bpuh), Prophet Jesus (pbuh), Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and all the other Prophets. The name 'Allah' is not a new name, but rather the true name of God. It is used by Muslims as well as Arabic-speaking Christians. 
   …. and say: "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you (Jews and Christians); our God and your God is One; and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims)". (Qur'an, 29:46). 

What is the Qur'an?

   The Qur'an is the literal Word of Allah revealed to His Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), through the angel Gabriel, about fourteen hundred years ago. The Qur'an is the eternal miracle of Islam. Allah has challanged mankind to produce anything to match it or even match one short chapter of it, yet no human has ever been able to meet the challenge.
   "And if you are in doubt about what We have revealed to Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a chapter of the like thereof, and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allah if you are truthful." (Qur'an, 2:23).
   Since the Qur'an is the literal Word of Allah, it exists only in its original Arabic in which it was revealed, and cannot be translated into another language. However, for the benefit of those who do not speak Arabic, the meanings of the Qur'an can be translated. Therefore, the quotations in this book are not the Qur'an but only translations of its meanings. 

What does the word 'Islam' mean? 

   The word 'Islam' means the conscious and peaceful obedience and submission to the Will of the only true God 'Allah'. All religions were named either after their founders or after nations or tribes e.g. Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity, while the name 'Islam' is not associated with any person, tribe or nation but was given by Allah in the Qur'an:
   "This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (Qur'an, 5:3).
The word 'Muslim' is a description, anyone who submits himself to Allah's Will and obeys Him is a Muslim.
   All the Prophets were Muslims because they obeyed Allah and submitted themselves to His Will. furthermore, the true followers and companions of those Prophets were Muslims. 
   "Then when Jesus came to know of their disbelief, he said:'Who will be my helpers in Allah's cause?" The disciples said:"We are the helpers of Allah (i.e. we will strive in His cause); we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allah). Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down and we follow the Messenger (Jesus) so write us down among those who bear witness." (Qur'an 3:52,53).
   Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all people to Jesus -the son of Mary-. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one (Islamic Monotheism)." (Bukhari)