But the verse that you quoted was about the people, not about the religion.
So the Quran is not saying that Christianity is closer to Islam than Judaism, but that christians are closer to muslims.
Okay.. Agreed..
In arabic the word Yahoodi, is close to "Hooda" (Guidance), and "Yahdi" (To guide).
2.62 Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews
2.62 Ina ladhina amanoo wa ladhina hadoo
Maybe someone could confirm if it's correct.
yes, the root of the name reciprocal to Judah, Yahooda, in Arabic is Huda/Hooda (guide.. in Persian, Kurdish etc. also it is used for God.. and also the name of Imam Mahdi is also from the same root.. meaning Guide)
And, I agree it may also mean the ones were given guidance..
there are quite many verses upon the grace of God on Children of Israel.. and one of them is:
[SIZE=-1]"..Those were some of
the prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace,- of the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel of those whom We guided (yahdi) and chose. Whenever the Signs of (Allah) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.[/SIZE]."
and, the suffix "
-i" in Arabic mentions relation (ie. by bloodline.. adherence.. etc.).. So, keeping in mind that no other tribe had so many divine guides, "yahoodi" may also mean those who are related to the guides.. but, the accepted definition is this:
Yahoda - Wiki - Arabic
that the religion of Judaism ( اليهودية ) was named after Judah; ( يهودا ).. interestingly not Joseph, or other sons of Jacob..
Anyway.. About Quran confirming the old scriptures, and Prophets confirming their predecessors, I believe it does not mean adhering to the old in every aspect.. One should focus on the divine teacher of his time.. There are certain basic teachings in Divine Religion that does not change.. However, rules and regulations do.. that's why the jurisprudance of Abrahamic Religions differ.. In Islam religious laws (sharia) changed according to the necessities of time.. See what God says about it in Quran:
"
...It was We who revealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed to God's will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them was entrusted the protection of God's book, and they were witnesses thereto .../... And We prescribed to them in it that life is for life, and eye for eye, and nose for nose, and ear for ear, and tooth for tooth, and (that there is) reprisal in wounds; but he who foregoes it, it shall be an expiation for him; and whoever did not judge by what God revealed, those are they that are the unjust. And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah. Let the people of the Gospel judge by what God hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what God hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel. To thee We sent the Scripture (Quran) in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed Sharia (a law) and Minhaaj (an open way). If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to God..." Quran 5:44-49
lol. I don't suggest religious pluralism here.. Please see this verse also:
"When Allah made the covenant with the Prophets, He said. 'Here are the Scripture and the wisdom which I have given you. Later a Prophet will come to you confirming what you possess. You shall believe in Him and you shall help him. He then said: 'Do you agree to this and take the responsibility I placed on you?' They answered: 'We agree." He said: 'Then bear witness and I will bear witness with you." (Quran; 3:81)
Shouldn't they respect and believe the prophets (ie, Jesus, Muhammad..) confirming what they already possessed? Thanks..