Answering Questions Through The Holy Qur'an: For whom is Islam/the Qur'an? To whom was Muhammad sent? Who is the intended audience of the Revelation? Is the Qur’an/Islam only for Arabs?

For whom is Islam/the Qur'an? To whom was Muhammad sent? Who is the intended audience of the Revelation? Is the Qur’an/Islam only for Arabs?

7:158 Say, "O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, to Whom is the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no god except Him, He gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believes in Allah and His Words, and follow him so that you may be guided."

(Muhammad is the Messenger for all mankind)(Allah knows best)

21:107 And We have not sent you, except as a mercy for the worlds. 21:108 Say, "It is only revealed to me that your god is One God; so will you submit/be Muslims?"

41:44 And if We had made a Qur’an in a foreign (language), they would have said, "Why are its Verses not explained in detail? Is it a foreign (language) and an Arab?" Say, "It is for those who believe, a guidance and a healing." And those who do not believe, there is deafness in their ears, and it is for them blindness. Those are being called from a far place."

(One interpretation is that, those who complain because the language of the Qur’an was in Arabic, according to this Verse, if the Qur’an had been revealed in any other language, they would have not believed anyhow, so they use it as an excuse. So the answer to them is “it is for those who believe, a guidance and a healing”, regardless of someone’s native language)(So, the Qur’an was not only sent to the Arabs)(Allah knows best)

26:198 And if We had revealed it to anyone of the foreigners. 26:199 And he had recited it to them, they would not have believed in it. 26:200 Thus We have inserted it into the hearts of the criminals.

(Similarly, those who complain because the Messenger was Arab, according to this Verse, if the Messenger had been non-Arab and were to recite it to them (the criminals), they would have not believed anyhow, so they use it as an excuse)(Allah knows best)

3:96 Indeed, the first House set up for mankind was that at Bakkah, blessed and a guidance for the worlds. 3:97 In it are clear signs, the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it - is safe. And to Allah upon the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to it a way. And whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.

(The House in Mecca is set up for “mankind” (3:96). Bakkah refers to the Kaaba and its surroundings, while Mecca is the name of the city in which the Kaaba and its surroundings are located)(This place of pilgrimage, for mankind, is confirmed in the Bible: Psalm 84:4-7, “Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion”)(Non-Muslims object that Zion is Jerusalem, as if pilgrimage were to Jerusalem in that verse, but Zion is not Jerusalem; it is confirmed by Isaiah 2:3, in which the two places are differentiated: “The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem”. In that sense, the Law is “from Mecca” (but it is called Zion in Isaiah 2:3), because Muslims follow the religion of Abraham (4:125, 16:123), and Abraham and Ishmael built the House in Mecca (2:127). The two places, Zion and Jerusalem, are also differentiated in Amos 1:2 and Micah 3:12)(According to the “dictionary of the Old Testament” by “Tremper Longman”, “the etymology of the word Zion is uncertain”, the word “Zion” might refer to “castle”, or “dry land”; in that sense, Mecca is a dry land; or “Zion” might be derived from the Arabic “sana” (protect or citadel); in that sense, the House in Mecca is a safe place (3:97))(Another interpretation is that Zion is in the Hereafter, because Psalms says that that’s where they appear before God; people can also appear before God in the Hereafter (34:31, 6:30, 11:18, 32:11-12); and believers are also “protected” in the Hereafter from the fire (2:201, 3:16). And Joel 2:1 confirms that Zion is in the Hereafter: “blow the trumpet in Zion … for the day of the Lord is coming”; in that sense, the Qur’an confirms that the trumpet is blown on “that Day” (23:101, 69:13-15)(e.g. Day of Resurrection). In addition, Joel 3:21 says, “the Lord dwells in Zion”; according to the Qur’an God’s Throne extends over the heavens and the earth (2:255), but “earth” is in the context of “matter” (space contains matter), rather than referring to a certain location on planet earth. On the other hand, Zephaniah 3:16 says, “On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion”, as if Jerusalem and Zion were the same place, but notice that the context is “on that day” (Zephaniah 3:15-16), so, there is a distinction between this world and the Hereafter. Why using different words of the same place in the same sentence, unless they are different places?)(The Gospel might confirm that Jews falsely invented that Jerusalem is the main or only place of worship; they were the only ones claiming so, in addition, there is a prediction of a place other than that: John 4:20-21 says, “Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem. Woman, Jesus replied, believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem”. Another point is that, according to John 4:22, the woman, opposing Jerusalem, is Samaritan. The origin of Samaritans is traced back to the time of Moses; in other words, an older source says that the main or only city to worship is not Jerusalem. See the article below “Samaritans existing in ancient Egypt?”)(Another point is that, even if the Torah were to contradict the Qur’an: the Torah is not a reliable source because it is said that it had multiple authors and that its composition took place over centuries. See the links below: “How the Qur’an corrects Judaism?” and “Is the Bible corrupted?”)(Allah knows best)

6:19 Say, "What thing is greatest as a testimony?" Say, "Allah is Witness between me and you. And this Qur’an has been revealed to me so that I may warn you with it and whoever it reaches. Do you truly testify that there are other gods with Allah?" Say, "I do not testify." Say, "He is but One God, and indeed, I am free of what you associate.

36:70 To warn him who is alive, and the Word may be proved true against the disbelievers.

62:6 Say, "O you who are Jews, if you claim that you are allies of Allah , excluding the people, then wish for death, if you are truthful."

2:94 Say, "If the home of the Hereafter with Allah is exclusively for you, and not for others of mankind, then wish for death, if you are truthful."

6:155 And this is a blessed Book which We have revealed, so follow it and fear so that you may receive mercy. 6:156 Lest you say, "The Book was only revealed to the two groups before us, and indeed we were certainly unaware about their study." 6:157 or you say, "If the Book was revealed to us, surely, we (would) have been better guided than them. So verily there has come to you clear proofs from your Lord and a Guidance and a Mercy. Then who is more unjust than (he) who denies the Verses of Allah, and turns away from them? We will recompense those who turn away from Our Signs with an evil punishment because they used to turn away.

50:45 We know best what they say, and you are not the one to compel them. But remind with the Qur’an whoever fears My threat.

7:27 O Children of Adam, (Let) not Satan tempt you as he drove out your parents from Paradise, stripping both of them of their clothing to show both of them their shame. Indeed, he sees you - he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils friends of those who do not believe.

61:6 And when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, "O children of Israel, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad." But when he came to them with clear evidences, they said, "This is obvious magic."

(Jesus was only sent to the Children of Israel. This is supported by Matthew 15:24 “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel”. Jews are required to follow the Qur’an because he announced them the coming of Muhammad (61:6))(On the other hand, Jesus was not sent to those Christians who are not from the Children of Israel. Christians must follow the Qur’an as well, because Muhammad was sent to the whole mankind (7:158, 34:28, 3:96, 21:107, 6:19, 36:70), including Jews and Christians)(See the article below “Is Muhammad mentioned in the Bible?”)(Allah knows best)

5:19 O People of the Book, surely there has come to you Our Messenger, he makes clear to you (after) an interval of the Messengers, lest you say, "There came not to us any bringer of good tidings or a warner." But surely there has come to you a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And Allah is on every thing All-Powerful.

(Christians and Jews are required to follow the Qur’an. Those who deny the Verses of the Qur’an are disbelievers (84:22, 2:91, 52:33-34, 46:10, 10:95-97, 23:38-39, 40:70))(Allah knows best)

2:40 O Children of Israel, remember My Favor which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill My Covenant, I will fulfill your covenant, and fear Me and Me alone. 2:41 And believe in what I have sent down confirming that which is with you, and be not the first disbeliever of it. And do not exchange My Signs for a small price, and fear Me (and Me) Alone.

27:76 Indeed, this Qur’an relates to the Children of Israel most of that (concerning which) they differ in it.

2:135 And they said, "Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided." Say, "Nay, the religion of Abraham, the upright; and he was not of those who associated partners."

(According to Verse 2:135, Jews and Christians do not follow the true religion anymore. But they are required to follow the Qur’an (61:6, 5:19))(Muslims follow the religion of Abraham, so it is not a new religion. According to other Verses, Christians and/or Jews could differ in what they concealed of the Scripture (6:91), and forgot (5:13-14), and in what were burdened (the law was more severe because of their wrongdoing) (16:124, 4:160), and in what they innovated (57:27), and in following their desires (5:48, 2:120), and in committing excess in their religion (4:171), etc.)(See the links below “How the Qur’an corrects Christianity?” and “How the Qur’an corrects Judaism?”)(Allah knows best)

4:174 O mankind, surely a convincing proof has come to you from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light.

(There are Verses directly addressed to “mankind” (4:174, 7:158, 22:1), to “Children of Adam” (7:27, 36:60, 7:31), to people of the Book (Bible)(5:19, 3:64, 3:65), to “Jinn” (6:130, 55:33) and to “Children of Israel” (2:40, 2:47, 20:80). So the Qur’an is for all of them)(Allah knows best)

36:60 Did I not enjoin upon you, O Children of Adam, that do not worship Satan, indeed, he is for you a clear enemy,

3:98 Say, "O People of the Book, why do you disbelieve in the Verses of Allah, while Allah is a Witness over what you do?"

18:4 And to warn those who say, "Allah has taken a son."

62:2 He is the One Who sent (ba’atha) among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves (min’hum) reciting to them His Verses, and purifying them and teaching them the Book and the wisdom although they were surely in clear error before.

(This Verse does not say that the Qur’an was only sent to illiterate people, the word “only” is not there, but Muhammad was “from themselves”. “Ba’atha” (sent / raised) and “min” (from) imply “appearing” or “starting”, while “to” is the intended audience (to all mankind, including themselves))(Allah knows best)

55:33 O assembly of jinn and men, if you are able to pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass. You cannot pass except by authority.

(The Qur’an is also addressed to the jinn. See the comment below, on Verse 34:28)(Allah knows best)

72:1 Say, "It has been revealed to me that a group of jinn listened, and they said, "Indeed, we heard an amazing Qur’an, 72:2 It guides to the right way, so we believe in it, and we will never associate anyone with our Lord.

6:130 O assembly of jinn and men, did there not come to you Messengers from (among) you, relating to you My Verses and warning you of the meeting of this day of yours?" They will say, "We bear witness against ourselves." And the life of the world deluded them, and they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.

25:1 Blessed is He Who sent down the Criterion upon His slave that he may be a warner to the worlds -

34:28 And We have not sent you except to all mankind, as a giver of glad tidings and as a warner. But most people do not know.

(Verse 34:28 says “We have not sent you except to all mankind”; which implies that he has been sent with no exceptions to all mankind. So, the Verse does not imply that other than mankind (e.g. jinns) are excluded, but implies that there are no exclusions among mankind, so the Qur’an is also addressed to the jinn. This is confirmed in Verses 6:130, 72:1-2, 55:33)(Allah knows best)

5:47 And let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed in it. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, then those are the defiantly disobedient. 5:48 And We have revealed to you the Book in truth, confirming the Book that came before it and as a guardian over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their vain desires when the truth has come to you. For each (likullin) of you We have made a law and a clear way. And if Allah had willed, He would have made you one community [and] but to test you in what He has given you; so race to good. To Allah you will all return, then He will inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.

(Verse 5:48 says “for each of you We have made a law and a clear way”; the root of “kullin” (each) is “Kaf-Lam-Lam”, and it means “the parts put together. This is the concrete and it means all or every or each”. So according to the definition, “each of you” refers to the whole (all) mankind, so it is the same law and clear way for everybody. In regard to the sentence, “and if Allah had willed, He would have made you one community” - other communities are disbelievers if they disbelieve in the Verses of the Qur’an. Verses 11:118 says “surely He could have made mankind one community”, and Verse 11:119 says “the Word of your Lord will be fulfilled, “Surely I will fill Hell with Jinn and men all together”. Ways other than Islam (aka “Submission (to God)”) do not lead to Paradise; this is confirmed by Verse 3:85 “and whoever seeks other than Islam as religion – then never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be from the losers”)(“You” in Verse 5:48 is masculine singular, so it is addressed to Muhammad. Those who judge by other than what was revealed to Muhammad is referred as “do not follow their vain desires” (5:48), and the Qur’an is referred as “a guardian over it” (5:48). So, the Qur’an is a Criterion over the Bible to know what is true. And “what Allah has revealed” is in contrast with “their vain desires”, so they do not follow the true religion anymore)(In regard to Verse 5:47, the people of the Gospel are let judge “by what Allah has revealed” in the Gospel, not by what Allah has not revealed (e.g. false concept of trinity). In order to know what is true, the Qur’an is used as a “Criterion” (25:1), and a “Guardian” over the Book (5:48) (eg. previous Scriptures))(Those who deny the Verses of the Qur’an are disbelievers (84:22, 2:91, 52:33-34, 46:10, 10:95-97, 23:38-39, 40:70))(Allah knows best)

22:34 And for every (walikulli) nation We have appointed a rite, that they may mention (the) name (of) Allah over what He (has) provided them of (the) beast (of) cattle. And your God (is) God One, so submit to Him. And give glad tidings (to) the humble ones.

(Verse 22:34 confirms that “kulli” (every / each / all) implies that the same rite is appointed for every nation, because the Verse tells what is the rite about, and it is only one rite, in regard to cattle)(Allah knows best)

5:68 Say, "O People of the Book, you are not on anything until you stand firmly by the Torah and the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord. And that which has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase many of them in rebellion and disbelief. So do not grieve over the disbelieving people. 5:69 Indeed, those who believed and those who are Jews and the Sabians and the Christians, whoever believed in Allah and the Last Day and did good deeds, then no fear on them, nor will they grieve.

(Jews and Christians are required to follow the Qur’an (“what has been revealed to you from your Lord” (5:68)))(The Qur’an is a Criterion (25:1) to know what is true in the Bible. The Qur’an confirms that which God revealed in it (5:47-48), not what God did not reveal in it)(Once the Qur’an was revealed to people, they must believe in the Qu’ran, so they would use it as a Criterion over previous Scriptures (3:3-4). Why so? - There are evidences that the Qur’an is from God, and evidences that the Bible is corrupted. See the links below “The Qur’an and Mathematics”, “Is the Qur'an scientifically correct?” and “Is the Bible corrupted?”)(Notice that Verse 5:69 specifies “those who believed”, so Verse 5:69 could refer, for example, to early Christians who were not trinitarians, and the early people who did not read or receive the Qur’an, and those who believed in God, the Last Day and did good deeds (5:69). It does not refer to those who reject the Qur’an, because those who reject the Verses of the Qur’an are disbelievers (29:47), and trinitarians are disbelievers (5:73, 4:171))(Allah knows best)

5:43 But how can they appoint you a judge while they have with them the Torah, wherein is the Command of Allah , then they turn away after that? And those are not believers. 5:44 Indeed, We revealed the Torah wherein was Guidance and light. The Prophets who submitted judged by it for the Jews, as did the Rabbis and the scholars as they were entrusted with the Book of Allah and they were witnesses to it. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not sell My Verses for a little price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, then those are the disbelievers.

(Verse 5:43 is speaking about disbelievers, who are hypocrites because they don’t believe or follow the Command of Allah in the Torah, then how can they appoint Muhammad a judge, while Muhammad is in fact following the Command of Allah?)(The Prophets who judged by the Torah were Muslims (aka “submitted (to God)”)(5:44). People have to judge by the Qur’an; it is not in contradiction with “judging by the Torah”, because the Qur’an confirms and explains that which God revealed in the Torah and the Gospel (10:37))(Verse 5:44 says, “the Prophets who submitted judged by it”, so the Jews and Christians are required to submit / be Muslims as well)(Allah knows best)

84:21 And when the Qur’an is recited to them, they do not prostrate? 84:22 Nay, those who disbelieved deny,

(Those who deny the Verses of the Qur’an are disbelievers (84:22, 2:91, 52:33-34, 46:10, 10:95-97, 23:38-39, 40:70))(Allah knows best)

12:38 And I follow the religion of my forefathers, Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob. It was not for us to associate anything with Allah. That is from the Grace of Allah upon us, and upon the mankind, but most of the men are not grateful.

4:79 What(ever) good befalls you is from Allah, and whatever evil befalls you is from yourself. And We have sent you for the people as a Messenger, and Allah is sufficient as a Witness.

14:44 And warn mankind (of) a Day (when) the punishment will come to them, then those who did wrong will say, "Our Lord, (give) us respite for a short term; we will answer Your call and we will follow the Messengers." "Had you not sworn before, (that) for you (there would be) no end?

(Another point is that Verse 14:44 says, “we will follow the Messengers”. By following Muhammad, you are also following other Messengers, that’s because God revealed to Muhammad to follow the religion of Abraham (16:123); and Verse 12:38 says, “I follow the religion of my forefathers, Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob”; and Verse 42:13 says, “He has ordained for you of the religion what He enjoined upon Noah, and that which We have revealed to you, and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus”)(Allah knows best)

46:12 And before it (was the) Scripture of Moses (as) a guide and a mercy. And this is a Book confirming, in the Arabic language to warn those who do wrong and glad tidings for the good-doers.

3:23 Have you not seen [to] those who were given a portion of the Scripture? They are invited to (the) Book (of) Allah that (it should) arbitrate between them, then a party of them turns away and they (are) those who are averse.

6:90 Those (are the) ones whom Allah has guided, so you follow [of] their guidance. Say, "I (do) not ask you for it any reward. It (is) not but a reminder for the worlds."

14:50 Their garments of tar, and the Fire will cover their faces. 14:51 So that Allah may recompense each soul (for) what it earned. Indeed, Allah (is) Swift (in) the reckoning. 14:52 This (is) a Message for [the] mankind, that they may be warned with it, and that they may know that He (is) only One God, and that men (of) understanding may take heed.

68:52 And it (is) not/(nothing) but a Reminder to the worlds.

3:3 He revealed to you the Book in truth which confirms that which was before it and He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. 3:4 Before (this), as guidance for mankind. And (He) revealed the Criterion. Verily, those who disbelieved in the Verses of Allah, for them is a severe punishment. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of retribution.