Help understanding two ayats from the Qur'an...

[A4B4]

Could someone explain what these two ayats are saying, and how they coincide? I'm sure I'm just misunderstanding or misinterpreting one or both of them, but to me they seem somewhat contradictory.

[2:62] Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

[3:85] If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).

Thanks in advance!

 

[TashaN]

Thanks for the question dear A4B4,

As you know Quran was revealed through 23 years to prophet Mohammed by the angel Gabriel and it was revealed according to specific events in the life of prophet Mohammed step by step.

About the first verse you mentioned which is (2:62), while one of the companions (Salman al-farsi) "who was christian before being a muslim" was telling the prophet Mohammed about his christian friends and how much they were worshipping God, fasting and waiting for the prophet who will appear in arabia "Mohammed" and they would believe in him and follow him if they met him but they died before meeting him. Prophet Mohammed told him that they are in hell because they are not muslims because God say so. Then Allah revealed to prophet Mohammed that verse which means that any jew who followed prophet Moses was in the right bath till God sent Jesus Christ and who so ever believe in Jesus and follow him at that time is in the right bath till prophet Mohammed appeared with the new revelation from God.

Therefore, after this verse Allah revealed to prophet Mohammed the other verse which is:

[3:85] If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).

You are welcome anytime to ask whether about this topic or any other one.


Peace ..

 

[Nehustan]

I suppose it rests upon your understanding of the word Islam. A muslim would obvious think that Islam when related to the 'act of submission' (one of its meanings) as opposed to the religion revealed via the Quran, is the religion of the prophets. Unless one argues that they were not in submission to God, this would be true even if you're a believer in preceeding messagers/messages.

If however one has the idea of Islam as an Arabic religion begun by Muhammad, then these Surah would appear to be in contradiction

 

[A4B4]

Thanks for the help!

I had thought the same thing as you, Nehustan. Truth, what do you think about that; could it be in 3:85 Islam is just submission to Allah, and not limited to the Islamic religion? Just curious, if you don't mind me asking.

But on several occasions, upon asking a Muslim for clarification, I've been told how a particular ayat coincides with the circumstances surrounding Muhammad's life at the time, which generally helps to understand. Is there any reference I could turn to, to see where each ayat fits into Muhammad's life?

Thanks!

 

[Nehustan]

I don't know the context of the ayat, but quite often that is very important to what the ayat meant, especially at the time of the prophet. As it is also a book for all people and all time, I would venture that it has a wider meaning also.

 

[TashaN]

The story i mentioned in post # 2 about Salman Al-farsi is from prophet Mohammed's life and one of the reasons why Allah revealed these verses to him and it wasn't from my mind but from a Tafseer book which is the explinations of the Quran. It's avilable in arabic and i failed until now to find any translated one into english.

Regarding to the verse 3:85, i take it litreally as most of Muslims do so but Allah knows best.

Thanks ..