THE QUESTION BEFORE US
Can a messenger who contradicts Jesus be received as confirming him?
Choose a verse number, book icon or underlined word to read more here.
An example to follow, an authority to test.
The Qur’an presents Muhammad as a good example for believers () and praises his character (). That makes his message and conduct matters of public examination. A claim to speak for God cannot establish its own truth merely by demanding acceptance. If the messenger also claims to confirm Jesus, we should compare what he permits and proclaims with what Jesus actually taught.
Consider what these revelations permit Muhammad himself to do. Qur’an allows him to marry a believing woman who offers herself to him if he wishes, expressly making that provision exclusive to him. Verse gives him discretion in deferring or receiving women in this household setting. Verse restricts further marriages and replacing wives, while retaining its exception for enslaved women he owns. Aisha is also reported as saying that women were made lawful to him again before his death (Tirmidhi 3216). Ibn Kathir gives a later lifting of the restriction as one explanation, while adding that Muhammad did not marry again after it. These rulings concern the messenger’s own marriages and sexual access. The man who conveys these rulings as God’s word is also the man who benefits from them. His claim to revelation cannot serve as its own proof.
Qur’an 33:50 Qur’an 33:51 Qur’an 33:52 Jamiʿ al-Tirmidhi 3216 Ibn Kathir · Qur’an 33:52 (Arabic)
Can a later message contradict the Lord it claims to honor?
Jesus requires people to honor the Son as they honor the Father, saying that whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him (John ). Qur’an honors Jesus as a messenger, forbids saying “Three” and denies that God has a son; rejects identifying God with the Messiah. These are incompatible claims about the honor due to Jesus. Calling him a prophet does not fulfill his demand that the Son receive the honor given to the Father.
The risen Jesus tells his disciples that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness would be proclaimed in his name. He appoints them as witnesses (Luke ). Qur’an 4:157–158 denies that Jesus’ opponents killed or crucified him and says God raised him up to himself. However Muslims explain the appearance of the event, that account does not proclaim the crucified and risen Savior whom Jesus’ witnesses announce.
Jesus commands love for enemies and says that his servants would fight to prevent his arrest if his kingdom were of this world. Qur’an instead commands fighting those among the People of the Book whom it describes as not believing in God or the Last Day, not forbidding what God and his messenger forbid, and not following the religion of truth, until they pay in submission. This is not a command to kill every non-Muslim, nor does Jesus’ teaching abolish every civil use of force. The contrast concerns religious authority: Christ sends a church to bear witness and love its enemies; the Qur’anic command places other religious communities under compelled political submission.
Jesus says that receiving those he sends is receiving him. Paul accordingly warns that even an angel from heaven must be rejected if it brings another gospel. The claim “an angel revealed this” therefore cannot override the gospel it is supposed to confirm. A Muslim may answer that the earlier witnesses were corrupted. That answer needs evidence for the replacement, not a reconstruction defined by agreement with the later claimant. The words of Jesus and his commissioned witnesses are the test, not an obstacle to be removed.
What kind of life may lead Christ’s people?
Jesus tells his followers to recognize false prophets by their fruit. He also warns those who call him Lord while disobeying him, so Christians stand under this test themselves. We examine public teaching and conduct, not a person’s hidden motives. The New Testament requires an overseer or elder to be and to lead as an example rather than dominate the flock. Christians have differed over whether the phrase also excludes a remarried widower; Paul permits remarriage after a spouse’s death. It excludes simultaneous polygamy.
Matthew 7:15–23 1 Timothy 3:1–13 Titus 1:5–9 1 Peter 5:1–3 1 Corinthians 7:2, 7, 21, 39
This is a standard for church leadership, not a verse naming the qualifications of a Muslim prophet. Yet the comparison matters when a life is offered as a moral example. Jesus grounds marriage in the Creator’s joining of man and woman as . Qur’an permits two, three or four wives, directing a man to one if he fears injustice. A different permission does not satisfy Christ’s standard merely because it is called revelation.
Does owning a woman make sexual access right?
Qur’an permits sexual relations with wives and with enslaved women described as those a man’s right hand possesses. These are separate categories: the permission concerning an enslaved woman does not require her to be his wife. Qur’an makes an exception to the prohibition concerning married women. Muslim 1456a relates this to women captured by Muhammad’s army at Awtas: some of his companions hesitated to have sex with them because the women had polytheist husbands, and the report says God then revealed , making them lawful once their waiting period ended. Qur’an also makes enslaved women granted to Muhammad as spoils of war lawful to him. The Qur’an commends freeing slaves, but it still permits a man to own a woman and have sexual relations with her. Provisions for freeing slaves do not answer whether ownership should give a man that power over another person.
Qur’an 33:50 Qur’an 23:5–6 Qur'an 4:24 Qur’an 90:13 Qur’an 24:33 Sahih Muslim 1456a
Christians must be equally plain about their own Scriptures. Leviticus allows Israelites to buy foreigners as slaves and pass them to their children as property. The Torah also regulates a man’s relations with captive or bought women. Deuteronomy allows a soldier to take a captive woman as his wife after a month for her to mourn her parents; if he rejects her, he must let her go free and may not sell her. Exodus addresses a daughter sold as a servant and designated for her master or his son: her food, clothing and marital rights must not be reduced if he takes another wife, and the law provides release if those obligations are denied. These women are brought into marriage, with obligations on the man, while Qur’an retains ownership as a separate category permitting sexual relations.
Deuteronomy 21:10–14 Exodus 21:7–11 Qur’an 23:5–6 Leviticus 25:39–46
Ephesians 6 still addresses slaves and masters rather than announcing immediate legal abolition. Yet the New Testament tells masters they share one impartial Master, calls Onesimus a beloved brother, condemns enslavers and urges use of an opportunity for freedom. In marriage Paul gives duties reciprocally to husband and wife; he does not list ownership as an alternative sexual relationship. The Lord Christians follow takes a servant’s place and gives himself for others. Those teachings call us to serve people whom appetite or power would treat as possessions.
1 Corinthians 7:2, 7, 21, 39 Ephesians 6:5–9 1 Timothy 1:9–10 Philemon 10–17 Philippians 2:5–8
Before menstruation: what does the classical reading permit?
Qur’an assigns a divorce waiting period to women who no longer menstruate and to those who have not menstruated. Ibn Kathir explicitly includes young girls who have not yet begun menstruating. Qur’an says divorce before consummation requires no waiting period. On that classical reading, the waiting period therefore applies even after a man has had sexual intercourse with a girl who has not yet begun menstruating. The moral question concerns sex with a child. These verses give no age of nine; that explicit age comes from the examined below. A permission to have sex with a child requires a moral answer. Historical custom cannot by itself establish that this is the timeless example God wants people to follow.
Qur'an 65:4 Qur’an 33:49 Ibn Kathir · commentary on Qur’an 65:4 (Arabic)
His own adopted son’s former wife.
Qur’an presents Muhammad’s marriage to the former wife of his own adopted son, Zayd, as a marriage arranged by God. Its stated purpose is to remove the objection to believers marrying the former wives of their adopted sons. Qur’an declares that adopted sons are not actual sons and directs people to use their biological fathers’ names. Bukhari 4782 records that Zayd had been called Zayd son of Muhammad before this change. The man conveying this revelation is also the man whose marriage it authorizes. The Qur’an’s commands to care for orphans do not answer the moral question raised by that marriage.
Qur’an 33:4–5 Qur’an 33:37 Qur'an 93:9 Qur'an 2:220 Sahih al-Bukhari 4782 · Zayd son of Muhammad
The gospel offers a different depth to the language of belonging. Jesus’ apostle describes believers , crying to God as Father and becoming heirs through Christ. This is , not a claim that a child’s biological ancestry disappears. Nor does it mean every person already possesses saving sonship: John places that gift with receiving Christ and believing in his name. The Christian promise is more than protection at a distance. Through the Son, those who trust him are welcomed into the Father’s family.
Test the message, not the confidence of its defenders.
Scripture says that God cannot lie, while Jesus calls the devil the father of lies. This sets a serious standard for anyone claiming revelation. The Qur’an itself commands upright speech and company with the truthful. Its allowance for a coerced denial while the heart remains faithful () is not a general command to lie to outsiders. Jesus, by contrast, calls his disciples to confess him before others even under threat. The Christian call is courageous truthfulness, sustained by mercy for sinners who repent.
Titus 1:1–2 John 8:44 Matthew 10:28–33 Qur’an 9:119 Qur’an 33:70 Qur’an 16:106
Qur’an describes a counterplot against those plotting against Jesus. The word in that setting cannot simply be equated with ordinary lying. Ibn Kathir explains the counterplot as God making another man resemble Jesus, so that the attackers crucified that man while believing him to be Jesus. That raises a concrete question: would God create the appearance of Jesus’ crucifixion, then reject the crucified Savior proclaimed by Jesus’ witnesses? The Bible also speaks of for people who reject the truth (2 Thessalonians ). That judgment does not authorize inventing testimony about Christ. We must decide which account of Jesus is true, not settle the question by choosing a softer English translation.
Luke 24:44–49 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12 Qur’an 3:54 Ibn Kathir · commentary on Qur’an 3:54 (Arabic)
Qur’an tells Muhammad, conditionally, that if he doubts what has been sent down, he should ask those reading the earlier Scripture. The condition is not an admission that he actually doubted; al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir record reports that he neither doubted nor asked. The appeal still matters. Earlier Scripture is treated as a source of confirmation for the hearer. A later claim should therefore be tested against that prior testimony, rather than protected from it by assuming that anything contradictory must have been altered.
Qur'an 10:94 al-Tabari · commentary on 10:94 (Arabic) Ibn Kathir · commentary on 10:94 (Arabic)
What the two preserve.
The add specific reports to the Qur’anic permissions. Bukhari 4788 records Aisha’s jealousy about women offering themselves to Muhammad, followed by her observation that his Lord seems to hasten to fulfill his wishes. The report is not her rejection of his prophethood or his confession of invention. It does make the question of personal benefit visible within the Sunni tradition’s own record.
On Aisha’s age, the two contain nine numbered reports: Bukhari 3894, 3896, 5133, 5134 and 5158, and Muslim 1422a–d. All nine place the start of Muhammad’s sexual relations with Aisha when she was nine years old. Eight put the marriage at six; Muslim 1422c gives seven. Seven are narrated from Aisha, three of them in the first person; two are statements from Urwa. The claim concerns Muhammad having sex with a nine-year-old girl. It appears in the two collections traditionally given the highest authority in Sunni Islam, not as a marginal accusation supplied by Christian critics.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5133 Sahih al-Bukhari 5134 Sahih Muslim 1422a Sahih Muslim 1422c Sahih al-Bukhari 3894 Sahih al-Bukhari 3896 Sahih al-Bukhari 5158 Sahih Muslim 1422b Sahih Muslim 1422d
The reports pass through three routes: Hisham from Urwa; al-Zuhri from Urwa; and al-A’mash through Ibrahim and al-Aswad. The latter two do not pass through Hisham. Counting separately the chains combined within Muslim’s numbered reports yields eleven strands under one convention; counting every named teacher separately changes the total. Nine reports therefore do not mean nine independent eyewitnesses, and “eleven ” obscures what is being counted. Their standing in the tradition and their agreement on nine are the stronger points.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5133 Sahih Muslim 1422a Sahih Muslim 1422c Sahih Muslim 1422b Sahih Muslim 1422d
Muslim 2436 records that Muhammad married no other woman while Khadija lived; Bukhari 5067 reports nine wives later. Muslim 1456a connects the captive-women exception with captives from Awtas whose husbands were polytheists. Bukhari 3 describes Muhammad’s fear after the first revelation, Khadija’s reassurance and Waraqa’s identification of the messenger. It does not say a demon spoke to him. Fear by itself proves neither divine nor demonic origin. Encouragement from relatives cannot settle the message’s truth; its content must still pass the test.
Sahih Muslim 2436 Sahih al-Bukhari 5067 Sahih Muslim 1456a Sahih al-Bukhari 3
Context, duties and a different moral law?
A Muslim may answer that God gives prophets special duties and permissions; Muhammad’s marriages served communal purposes; emancipation improved an existing slave system; and adoption rules protect ancestry while preserving orphan care. Aisha’s words can be understood as jealousy or teasing. Early marriage belonged to a different society. A Muslim may also interpret in the context of war and government rather than as an order to force conversion. A Muslim may also point to the restriction in , although reports about its later lifting must be considered as well. These explanations describe how a believer can reconcile the accounts with an authority already accepted. They still require evidence that this authority is from God.
Qur’an 33:50 Qur’an 33:52 Qur’an 24:33 Qur’an 33:4–5 Qur'an 93:9 Qur’an 9:29 Jamiʿ al-Tirmidhi 3216 Ibn Kathir · Qur’an 33:52 (Arabic) Sahih al-Bukhari 4788
The Muslim can also ask why Christians judge Muhammad while their own Scriptures record kings with many wives and regulate slavery. And if Jesus did not marry, how can he teach a husband? Bukhari 5063 portrays Muhammad defending marriage against a companion’s resolve never to marry. A fair comparison must answer those questions from the Bible, rather than pretend its difficult passages do not exist.
Deuteronomy 17:17 2 Samuel 11–12 Leviticus 25:39–46 Sahih al-Bukhari 5063
Christ defines the example; privilege does not prove it.
The Old Testament warns kings against multiplying wives. Nathan recalls the household God gave David, then condemns him for taking Uriah’s wife and arranging Uriah’s death. Scripture does not portray every royal marriage in the same way, but neither does it make a king’s appetite the measure of righteousness. Jesus directs his hearers back to the Creator’s joining of two as . Recorded royal practice cannot cancel that instruction.
The New Testament honors marriage, recognizes singleness as a gift and condemns forbidding marriage. It tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her. A husband follows the unmarried Jesus by imitating his faithful, sacrificial love, not by duplicating every circumstance of his earthly life. The contrast is between a pattern of self-giving love and personal permissions that only the claimant’s own revelation can authorize.
1 Corinthians 7:2, 7, 21, 39 Ephesians 5:18–32 Hebrews 13:4 1 Timothy 4:1–5
Permission claimed in a later revelation cannot establish who speaks for God. Jesus identifies himself as the Son whom all must honor. After his resurrection, he sends witnesses to proclaim his suffering, rising and forgiveness of sins. These claims require an answer; personal privileges and a community’s acceptance cannot overturn them. We test a later message against the Christ whom the earlier revelation makes known.
Poison and the Qur’an’s own warning
Qur'an warns that, had the messenger fabricated sayings against God, God would have seized him and cut his . Bukhari 4428 reports Muhammad, in his final illness, saying that he still suffered from the food at Khaybar and felt the cutting of his from that poison.
Sahih al-Bukhari 4428 · final illness and Khaybar poison Qur’an 69:44–46 Ibn Kathir · Qur’an 69:46 (Arabic)
This also raises a direct question: if seven dates protect against poison, why was Muhammad harmed by poison? Bukhari 5445 promises protection that day to someone who eats seven dates in the morning. These reports do not establish that he ate them on the morning of the poisoned Khaybar meal, so his poisoning alone does not prove that the promise failed under its stated conditions. That missing detail supplies no evidence that the promised protection works.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5445 · seven Ajwa dates Sahih al-Bukhari 4428 · final illness and Khaybar poison
Both and can be translated aorta, and classical lexicons give them overlapping meanings for vital vessels connected to the heart. They are different Arabic words, so the verbal match is less direct than identical English translations suggest. That difference does not erase the correspondence: both passages describe the cutting of a vital vessel. This remains relevant evidence to weigh, although the reported sensation does not establish an observed arterial rupture.
Lisan al-Arab · abhar (Arabic) Lisan al-Arab · watin (Arabic)
The Muslim reply is that his time had come after completing his mission, that his death was martyrdom, and that the Qur'anic warning threatens prompt punishment for fabrication. This assigns his death a different meaning; it does not establish the promise or make the correspondence disappear. His teaching must still be tested against the revelation he claims to confirm.
Ibn Kathir · Qur’an 69:44 (Arabic) IslamQA 261224 · the martyrdom and timing reply
To see Christ, and become like him.
The Qur’an describes paradise with gardens, rivers of wine and companions. It also denies the harmful effects of that wine, promises purified hearts and says God’s acceptance is greater than the gardens. Islamic hope cannot fairly be reduced to sex and drink. Christians should compare the actual promises rather than a caricature.
Qur'an 47:15 Qur’an 37:47 Qur'an 2:25 Qur'an 44:54 Qur'an 9:72 Qur'an 15:47
The Bible likewise celebrates created gifts: marriage is honorable, Isaiah speaks of a feast, and Jesus promises the fruit of the vine in his Father’s kingdom. Yet Jesus says people do not marry in the resurrection. The final joy is God dwelling with his people, and the promise that believers will be like Christ when they see him. Christian hope joins a restored creation to transformed character: desire itself made holy, not only satisfied.
Hebrews 13:4 Isaiah 25:6–8 Matthew 26:26–29 Matthew 22:23–33 Revelation 21:1–4 1 John 3:1–3
Paul’s contrast between flesh and Spirit does not condemn the body. The works of the flesh include hatred, envy and idolatry as well as sexual immorality and drunkenness. The Spirit produces love, joy, peace and self-control. Believers are called to set their affections above and put on love now. The Savior who washes his disciples’ feet is both our pattern and our hope: God changes our desires so that holiness, love and his presence become our delight.
Galatians 5:19–23 Colossians 3:1–14 Romans 8:5–8 John 13:12–15 Psalm 16:11
The Lord who gives himself.
Jesus refuses the pattern of rulers who dominate. He came to serve and give his life as a for many. Here is authority displayed through self-giving: the Lord bears the burden of sinners at the cross, rises from the dead and calls us into the love he has shown. The Christian invitation is not to admire a civilization or excuse a church’s sins. It is to trust this Savior.
Examine the claims before you. Do they honor the Son as he commanded, preserve the gospel his witnesses preached and lead us into his character? We need more than permission for our appetites. We need forgiveness, a new heart and life with God. In Jesus Christ, the One who calls us to holiness is the One who gives himself to bring us home.
Go to the sources.
Complete source list(104)
King James Version
Deuteronomy 21:10–14
10¶ When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast taken them captive,
11And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife;
12Then thou shalt bring her home to thine house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails;
13And she shall put the raiment of her captivity from off her, and shall remain in thine house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month: and after that thou shalt go in unto her, and be her husband, and she shall be thy wife.
14And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.
King James Version
Exodus 21:7–11
7¶ And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.
8If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
9And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.
10If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
11And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 33:50
50O Prophet! Lo! We have made lawful unto thee thy wives unto whom thou hast paid their dowries, and those whom thy right hand possesseth of those whom Allah hath given thee as spoils of war, and the daughters of thine uncle on the father's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the father's side, and the daughters of thine uncle on the mother's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the mother's side who emigrated with thee, and a believing woman if she give herself unto the Prophet and the Prophet desire to ask her in marriage - a privilege for thee only, not for the (rest of) believers - We are Aware of that which We enjoined upon them concerning their wives and those whom their right hands possess - that thou mayst be free from blame, for Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 33:51
51Thou canst defer whom thou wilt of them and receive unto thee whom thou wilt, and whomsoever thou desirest of those whom thou hast set aside (temporarily), it is no sin for thee (to receive her again); that is better; that they may be comforted and not grieve, and may all be pleased with what thou givest them. Allah knoweth what is in your hearts (O men), and Allah is ever Forgiving, Clement.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 33:52
52It is not allowed thee to take (other) women henceforth, nor that thou shouldst change them for other wives even though their beauty pleased thee, save those whom thy right hand possesseth. And Allah is ever Watcher over all things.
King James Version
Deuteronomy 17:17
17Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
King James Version
2 Samuel 11
1And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
2¶ And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
3And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
4And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.
5And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.
6¶ And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.
7And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.
8And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king’s house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king.
King James Version
Mark 10:42–45
42But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
King James Version
Matthew 19:4–6
4And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 33:21
21Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembereth Allah much.
King James Version
Matthew 7:15–23
15¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 68:4
4And lo! thou art of a tremendous nature.
King James Version
1 Timothy 3:1–13
1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
King James Version
Titus 1:5–9
5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
King James Version
1 Peter 5:1–3
1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
King James Version
1 Corinthians 7
1Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
2Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
3Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
4The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
5Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
6But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
7For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
8I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 4:3
3And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus it is more likely that ye will not do injustice.
King James Version
Ephesians 5:18–32
18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
King James Version
Hebrews 13:4
4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
King James Version
1 Timothy 4:1–5
1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 47:15
15A similitude of the Garden which those who keep their duty (to Allah) are promised: Therein are rivers of water unpolluted, and rivers of milk whereof the flavour changeth not, and rivers of wine delicious to the drinkers, and rivers of clear-run honey; therein for them is every kind of fruit, with pardon from their Lord. (Are those who enjoy all this) like those who are immortal in the Fire and are given boiling water to drink so that it teareth their bowels?
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 37:47
47Wherein there is no headache nor are they made mad thereby.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 2:25
25And give glad tidings (O Muhammad) unto those who believe and do good works; that theirs are Gardens underneath which rivers flow; as often as they are regaled with food of the fruit thereof, they say: this is what was given us aforetime; and it is given to them in resemblance. There for them are pure companions; there for ever they abide.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 44:54
54Even so (it will be). And We shall wed them unto fair ones with wide, lovely eyes.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 9:72
72Allah promiseth to the believers, men and women, Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide - blessed dwellings in Gardens of Eden. And - greater (far)! - acceptance from Allah. That is the supreme triumph.
King James Version
Isaiah 25:6–8
6¶ And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
7And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.
8He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
King James Version
Matthew 26:26–29
26¶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
King James Version
Galatians 5:19–23
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
King James Version
Matthew 22:23–33
23¶ The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
24Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
25Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
26Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
27And last of all the woman died also.
28Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
29Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
30For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
King James Version
Revelation 21:1–4
1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
King James Version
1 John 3:1–3
1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
King James Version
Colossians 3:1–14
1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
King James Version
Romans 8:5–8
5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 15:47
47And We remove whatever rancour may be in their breasts. As brethren, face to face, (they rest) on couches raised.
King James Version
John 13:12–15
12So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
King James Version
Psalms 16:11
11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 23:5–6
5And who guard their modesty -
6Save from their wives or the (slaves) that their right hands possess, for then they are not blameworthy,
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 4:24
24And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you. Lawful unto you are all beyond those mentioned, so that ye seek them with your wealth in honest wedlock, not debauchery. And those of whom ye seek content (by marrying them), give unto them their portions as a duty. And there is no sin for you in what ye do by mutual agreement after the duty (hath been done). Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Wise.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 90:13
13(It is) to free a slave,
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 24:33
33And let those who cannot find a match keep chaste till Allah give them independence by His grace. And such of your slaves as seek a writing (of emancipation), write it for them if ye are aware of aught of good in them, and bestow upon them of the wealth of Allah which He hath bestowed upon you. Force not your slave-girls to whoredom that ye may seek enjoyment of the life of the world, if they would preserve their chastity. And if one force them, then (unto them), after their compulsion, lo! Allah will be Forgiving, Merciful.
King James Version
Leviticus 25:39–46
39¶ And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:
40But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:
41And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.
42For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.
43Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.
44Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.
45Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.
46And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour.
King James Version
Ephesians 6:5–9
5Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
9And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
King James Version
1 Timothy 1:9–10
9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
King James Version
Philemon 1:10–17
10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
King James Version
Philippians 2:5–8
5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 33:4–5
4Allah hath not assigned unto any man two hearts within his body, nor hath He made your wives whom ye declare (to be your mothers) your mothers, nor hath He made those whom ye claim (to be your sons) your sons. This is but a saying of your mouths. But Allah saith the truth and He showeth the way.
5Proclaim their real parentage. That will be more equitable in the sight of Allah. And if ye know not their fathers, then (they are) your brethren in the faith, and your clients. And there is no sin for you in the mistakes that ye make unintentionally, but what your hearts purpose (that will be a sin for you). Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 33:37
37And when thou saidst unto him on whom Allah hath conferred favour and thou hast conferred favour: Keep thy wife to thyself, and fear Allah. And thou didst hide in thy mind that which Allah was to bring to light, and thou didst fear mankind whereas Allah hath a better right that thou shouldst fear Him. So when Zeyd had performed that necessary formality (of divorce) from her, We gave her unto thee in marriage, so that (henceforth) there may be no sin for believers in respect of wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have performed the necessary formality (of release) from them. The commandment of Allah must be fulfilled.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 93:9
9Therefor the orphan oppress not,
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 2:220
220Upon the world and the Hereafter. And they question thee concerning orphans. Say: To improve their lot is best. And if ye mingle your affairs with theirs, then (they are) your brothers. Allah knoweth him who spoileth from him who improveth. Had Allah willed He could have overburdened you. Allah is Mighty, Wise.
King James Version
Galatians 4:4–7
4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
King James Version
Romans 8:14–17
14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
King James Version
John 1:12
12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 10:94
94And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers.
King James Version
Galatians 1:6–9
6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 65:4
4And for such of your women as despair of menstruation, if ye doubt, their period (of waiting) shall be three months, along with those who have it not. And for those with child, their period shall be till they bring forth their burden. And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, He maketh his course easy for him.
King James Version
John 5:22–23
22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
King James Version
Luke 24:44–49
44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48And ye are witnesses of these things.
49¶ And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
King James Version
Matthew 5:43–48
43¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
King James Version
John 18:36
36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
King James Version
John 13:20
20Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
King James Version
Titus 1:1–2
1Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
King James Version
John 8:44
44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
King James Version
2 Thessalonians 2:10–12
10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
King James Version
Matthew 10:28–33
28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
32Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 4:171
171O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One Allah. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 5:72
72They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah (himself) said: O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Lo! whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah, for him Allah hath forbidden paradise. His abode is the Fire. For evil-doers there will be no helpers.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 4:157
157And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger - they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 4:158
158But Allah took him up unto Himself. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 9:29
29Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 33:49
49O ye who believe! If ye wed believing women and divorce them before ye have touched them, then there is no period that ye should reckon. But content them and release them handsomely.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 9:119
119O ye who believe! Be careful of your duty to Allah, and be with the truthful.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 33:70
70O ye who believe! Guard your duty to Allah, and speak words straight to the point;
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 16:106
106Whoso disbelieveth in Allah after his belief - save him who is forced thereto and whose heart is still content with the Faith - but whoso findeth ease in disbelief: On them is wrath from Allah. Theirs will be an awful doom.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 3:54
54And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers.
M. Pickthall · English translation
Qur’an 69:44–46
44And if he had invented false sayings concerning Us,
45We assuredly had taken him by the right hand
46And then severed his life-artery,
King James Version
Leviticus 25:44–46
44Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.
45Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.
46And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour.
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Word meaning · Arabic
الجِزْيَة
jizya
A tax taken from protected non-Muslims (ahl al-dhimma) under Muslim rule.
In this context
Qur’an 9:29 commands fighting those of the People of the Book it describes until they pay the jizya, humbled.
Word meaning · Greek
μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἀνήρ
mias gynaikos anēr
Literally “a man of one woman”: the husband of one wife.
In this context
The qualification for an overseer or elder in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6. Christians have differed over how it applies to remarriage; its exclusion of concurrent polygamy is clear.
Word meaning · Greek
σάρκα μίαν
sarka mian
“One flesh” (sarx, flesh; mia, one): a single bodily union.
In this context
Jesus quotes Genesis in Matthew 19:5–6: “they twain shall be one flesh … no more twain, but one flesh.”
Word meaning · Arabic
الحَدِيث
hadith (ḥadīth)
A report or account. In Islamic usage, a transmitted report of what Muhammad said or did.
In this context
Used for the reports gathered in collections such as al-Bukhari’s and Muslim’s. These readings treat them as secondary to the Qur’an.
Word meaning · Greek
υἱοθεσία
huiothesia
Adoption; literally “placing as a son.”
In this context
Paul’s word for believers received as God’s children and heirs (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5).
Word meaning · Arabic
مَكْر
makr
Scheming, stratagem or deception: a hidden plan that turns someone from what he intends. Classical lexicons call it praiseworthy or blameworthy according to its aim.
In this context
Qur’an 3:54 names God’s counterplot. Ibn Kathir describes God making another man resemble Jesus, so that Jesus’ enemies crucified that man while believing him to be Jesus. Makr describes a stratagem and can include deception; it is not simply a synonym for a spoken lie. That lexical range does not remove the question raised by the substitution account.
Word meaning · Greek
ἐνέργεια πλάνης
energeia planēs
“A working of error”: energeia, active working; planē, error or delusion.
In this context
2 Thessalonians 2:11: God sends those who refused the love of the truth “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie,” as judgment.
Word meaning · Arabic
صَحِيح
Sahih (ṣaḥīḥ)
Sound, correct, true; the opposite of false.
In this context
Used here for the collections titled Sahih by al-Bukhari and Muslim, traditionally assigned the highest status in Sunni hadith scholarship.
Word meaning · Arabic
الوَتِين
watin (al-watīn)
A great vessel of the heart, often translated “aorta”; lexicons say death follows if it is cut.
In this context
Qur’an 69:44–46: had the messenger forged sayings against God, God would have seized him and cut his watin. Ibn Kathir reports Ibn Abbas: it is the vessel from which the heart hangs.
Word meaning · Arabic
الأَبْهَر
abhar (al-abhar)
A great artery: lexicons describe two abhars issuing from the heart, from which the other arteries branch, and say its cutting is fatal.
In this context
Bukhari 4428 records Muhammad saying in his final illness that he felt the cutting of his abhar from the poisoned food at Khaybar.
Word meaning · Arabic
عَجْوَة
Ajwa (ʿajwa)
A choice variety of date grown in Medina.
In this context
Bukhari 5445 promises protection from poison and magic for that day to whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning.
Word meaning · Greek
λύτρον
lytron
A ransom: the price paid to set someone free.
In this context
Mark 10:45: the Son of man came “to give his life a ransom for many” (λύτρον ἀντὶ πολλῶν).