Introduction

“To know that you do not know is the best. To think you know when you do not is a disease. Recognizing this disease as a dis­ ease is to be free of it.” [Lao Tzu]

People with little knowledge of Islam and malice make efforts to misguide the people by twisting the scripture. One such lslamophobe has drawn a fallacious comparison titled: “COMPARE CHRISTIANITY TO ISLAM”. It is considered prudent to unveil the reality for the benefit of people of all faiths, to clear the false propaganda. It is being presented in a series of articles for convenience and better comprehension. In the previous issues of DJ from July to September 2018, some points out of many raised through comparison between Christianity and Islam were responded. Here some issues related with social and moral behaviour are being addressed.

Making False Statement to Save Life

Christianity claims: God says there will be no liars in heaven. (Revelation 21:8)

Accusation against Islam: Allah says that if a Muslim feel threatened it may be necessary to lie, break treaties or deny their faith. (Quran 8:58; 16:106)

Analysis

Lying is not approved by religions, being an immoral human iniquity. It is not approved in Christianity and Islam under normal circumstance.

The Christian theologians are divided on the subject of lying. Some-like Saint Augustine-believed that it is never permissible to lie. Others-like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who had ample time to contemplate this issue from the perspective of a Nazi prison cell-held that under certain circumstances lying was not only morally permissible but morally mandated. Thus, Bonhoeffer advocated deceiving the enemy in circumstances of war, and he had no compunction about lying in order to facilitate escape for Jews facing extermination.

Bible

God commands to refrain from lying: “Keep far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay you not: for I will not justify the wicked” (Exodus; 23:7).

While the Bible never condones lying qua lying (lying for the sake of lying), it does condone lying in order to preserve a higher moral imperative. For example, Rahab purposed to deceive (the lesser moral law) in order to preserve the lives of two Jewish spies (the higher moral law). Likewise, a Christian father today should not hesitate to lie in order to protect his wife and daughters from the imminent threat of rape or murder.

However, deception in war is legitimate according to Biblical Law. Joshua used stratagem in capturing the city of Ai (Joshua :81 and the same was copied against Benjamin (Jud:20). Ehud ben Gera killed Eglon, King of Moab by disguise and deceit (Jud:3:20-22) In recent history Gen. Fred Funston devised an artful plan to entrap Emilio Aguinaldo. Such deceit, however, is recommended in order to avoid needless blood­shed and hasten peace. Deception in war is mentioned at Judges 5 :24-26; Judges 4:17-21. We know that there are specific state­ments asserting very clearly that God does not tell lies (Num. 23 :19; Titus 1:2). However, God does use deception [1 Samuel, Chapter: 16]. In another incidence the king invited the priests of Baal [idol] to a large religious gathering. When they arrived, the Bible reports, “Jehu acted with guile in order to exterminate the worshippers of Baal” (II Kings 10:18-19). When it comes to trying to reconcile feuding parties, Jewish law is remarkably tolerant of “white lies.” Of Aaron, Moses’ brother and Israel’s first high priest, the Rabbis relate that he would utilize untruthful means to make peace between people who had fought (The Fathers According to Rabbi Nathan 12:3).

According to the common Catholic teaching it is never allow­ able to tell a lie, not even to save human life. They admit the doctrine of the ‘lie of necessity’, and maintain that when there is a conflict between justice and veracity it is justice that should prevail. They have formulated The Theory of Mental Reservation’ as a means by which the claims of both justice and veracity can be satisfied. Deception using “mental reservation” is therefore permitted in Catholicism, if for “a good reason.” If, for example, hoodlums or terrorists demand to know if a man is hiding inside your home, it is permissible to deceive them using mental reservation.

Quran

Lying is one of the characteristics of the hypocrites, and it is a blameworthy trait which encourages one to commit evil and pre­ vents one from doing good. Al­ Bukhari (6094) and Muslim (2607) narrated that ibn Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I enjoin you to be truthful, for truthfulness leads to right­eousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man may continue to tell the truth and endeavour to be truthful until he is recorded with Allah as a speaker of truth. And beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to Hell. A man may continue to tell lies and endeavour to tell lies, until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.”

A large number of Quranic verses and traditions condemn the sin of lying and describe its evil consequences. There are many Quranic verses denounce lying:

“Only they forge the lie who do not believe in Allah’s communications, and these are the liars.” [Surah an-Nahl, verse 105}

“Surely Allah does not guide him aright who is a liar, ungrateful.” (Surah az-Zumar 39:3)

It can be understood from the verses of the Quran that a liar calls for divine curse and invites the anger of Allah.

For example:

“… and pray for the curse of Allah on the liars.” (Surah Ali Imran 3:61)

 And also:

“… the curse of Allah be on him if he is one of the liars.” (Surah an-Nur 24:8)

Importance of Human life in Islam

Islam is not very rigid once it is a matter of saving human life, Allah says:

“… if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind…” (Quran;5 :32)

You shall not kill any person – for GOD has made life sacred except in the course of justice (Quran; 17:33)

And whoso slays a believer intentionally, his reward shall be Hell wherein he shall abide. And ALLAH shall be worth with him and shall curse him and shall prepare for him a great punishment. (Quran; 4:93)

Killing of innocent human not permitted: Qur’an; 5:32, 17:33

Suicide is not permissible in Islam: Qur’an; 2:195,4:29, Sahih Al Bukhari Hadith Number: B.126, Sahih Muslim Hadith. Number.486.

Halaal and Haraam and “Law of Necessity” to save life

Among the basic principles of Islamic Sharia is that, under dire need of necessity some forbidden things [Haram] become permissible [Halal], temporarily in exceptional circumstance, not in matters of routine. One such case is to save human life.

Muslims are allowed to eat Halaal meat, slaughtered in Islamic way. Pork and meat of some other animals is not permitted.

“Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al Maitah (the dead animals-cattle beast not slaughtered), blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering (that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah, or has been slaughtered for idols) and that which has been killed by strangling , or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by the goring of horns and that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death) and that which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on An Nusub (stone altars). (Forbidden) also is to use arrows seeking luck or decision; (all) that is Fisqun (disobedience of Allah and sin). This day, those who disbelieved have given up all hope of your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But as for him who is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above-mentioned meats), then surely, Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Quran;5:3)

However, to save life there is “exception”, relaxation of rule temporarily

“And why should you not eat of that (meat) on which Allah’s Name has been pronounced (at the time of slaughtering the animal), while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under com­ pulsion of necessity?” (Quran; 6:119]

This principle, of exceptional relaxation include the following:

1. Eating dead meat for one who cannot find anything else and fears that he will die of hunger.

2. Speaking words of kufr when subjected to torture and force. [This kufr is not from heart but only expressed orally to save life]

3. Warding off an aggressor even if that leads to killing him.

Necessity means cases in which a person will be harmed if he does not take the Haram option, in which the harm will affect the five essentials which are: (1) religion, (2) life, (3) honour, (4) reason and (4) wealth.

With regard to the conditions of a forbidden (Haram) thing becoming permissible (Halal) in the case of necessity, scholars mentioned two conditions. [This principle is one of the basic legal (fiqhi) principles which are indicated by sharee’ah]. Everything that is forbidden becomes temporarily permissible in the case of extreme necessity only.

The First Condition

We should be compelled to do this specific forbidden (Haram thing), meaning that we cannot find anything with which to meet that necessity except this Haram thing. If we can find something else, then it does not become permissible, even though it could meet our necessity.

The Second Condition

The necessity should be met by that forbidden (Haram); if that is not the case, then it remains Haram. If we are not certain whether it will meet the necessity or not, then it also remains Haram. That is because doing something Haram is definitely wrong and meeting necessity by means of it is something concerning which there is doubt, so we should not transgress by doing that which is definitely Haram for the sake of something concerning which there is doubt.

Hence the ruling varies concerning a starving man who cannot find anything but haram meat [meat of dead animal or meat of Haram ani­mal like swine (pork)].

If he says that this is committing a Haram action, we say that it has become permissible because of necessity, because you have nothing else to eat apart from this and because if you eat it you will meet that necessity to save life.

If someone were to say that a person is choking and he has nothing except a cup of wine, so is it permissible for him to drink this cup to stop him choking? The answer is in affirmative, because the two conditions are met in this case. He is compelled to use this exact thing and we are certain that the necessity will be met by it, so we would say: Drink the wine. But once the choking has stopped, he should stop drinking.

If a person is feeling thirsty and has nothing but a cup of wine; can he drink it? The answer is no, according to the scholars, because this is not a case of necessity; rather it will only make him more thirsty, so there is no benefit in transgressing and doing something Haram, because necessity will not be warded off by it and the second condition is not fulfilled.

 

Concealing permitted in exceptional circumstances to save life

Whenever there is a danger to life and the danger can be avoid­ed by concealing, one is allowed. “Anyone who is forced to deny faith after its acceptance, while his heart remains loyal to the faith shall be absolved; but any who denies faith willingly after its acceptance and open his breast to unbelief, shall incur the wrath of Allah and shall be sternly punished.” [Quran;16 :106].

“Allah wishes to lighten your burdens because humans have been created weak by nature” [Quran; 4:28]

There are some people in a minority sect which considers Taqiyyah (dissimulation) as permissible, further relaxing the two conditions mentioned above. Taqiyyah in their religion means presenting outwardly something that is different from what one believes inwardly, as an act of religious devotion. Thus they attribute lying and deceit to the religion of Allah wrongfully, Allah may guide them.

The Judgment

Christianity Claims: Jesus said, “Stop judging others, and you will not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)

Accusation against Islam: Allah gives Muslims the ability and authority to judge between men. (Quran 4:105; 5:49)

Analysis

Malicious twisting of verses of Quran 4:105; 5:49 is a deceit. It is well known that that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), unlike many prophets including Jesus Christ was also a King/Ruler. the ‘judgment’ mentioned in these verses is about the worldly state and social disputes, crimes like Theft, Murder, etc., according to Islamic Law (Sharia). As every state has a judicial system and Chief Judge, so was he. As for those who very well know the “judgment in this life” by the prophets and messengers who receive direct inspiration from Allah and via heavenly books and divine teachings. This is clear in the following verse:

Bible

“You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment” [Deuteronomy 16:18]

“He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah.”[2 Chronicles 19:5]

Bible on Final Judgment

• Isaiah 24:21: In that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven above and the kings of the earth below.

• Isaiah 2:12: The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled),

• Isaiah 11:4: but with right­eousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide in favor of the earths oppressed. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.

Quran

“Surely We have revealed the Book to you with the truth that you may judge between people by means of that which Allah has taught you; and be not an advocate on behalf of the treacherous”. [Quran; 4:105]

And in the following verses:

“(All) people were a single nation; then Allah (SWT) sent prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and He revealed with them the Book with truth, that it might judge between people in that in which they differed”. (Quran; 2:213]

“So be patient in carrying the command of your Lord, and obey not from among them a sinner or an ungrateful one”. [Quran; 76:24] In other words, be patient in judging according to Allah’s rules and laws.

Also as cited in this verse:

“And when he had attained his maturity, we gave him judgment and knowledge: and thus do We reward those who do good.” [Quran; 12:22]

In other words, when he (Joseph) reached the age which would make him responsible enough, we taught him the divine judgment and bestowed him the knowledge of the laws.

Similar to this are Allah’s words in reference to His prophets Lut, Dawood, Sulaiman, Musa, and Yayha (John the Baptist) (May Allah bless them) in similar verses.

Thus, it is clear that the knowledge of Allah’s judgment is present with the prophets and the messengers via the heavenly Books and the direct divine inspirations and teachings. From that, it is clear that the holy Books cannot be separated from the messenger because the knowledge and judgment is distributed with both of them. Thus, we can better under­ stand this verse when Allah said:

“And when they are called to Allah and His Messenger that he may judge between them, a party of them turns aside.” [Quran; 24:48]

And the following verse:

But no! By your Lord! They do not believe (in reality) until they make you a judge of that which has become a matter of disagreement among them, [Quran;4:65]

Allah – The Final Judge

Allah is the Absolute Owner of the Day when all creation shall have completed their journey of existence, evolution and action to the Ultimate Just outcome. And He is the Supreme Law-Giver to humans to enable them to live by the System of Life that He has ordained. People will be ultimately judged according to how well they tried to live by His Laws. Allah has a judgment in every case, matter, dispute, question, and every problem or conflict.

‘The Judgment on Day of J will by God Alone, even no one can intercede without God’s permission.” (Quran 2:255).

“God is the Master of the Day of Judgment”, (Quran:1 :3)

The attributes of His Mercy and Kindness might not mislead anyone into forgetting that on that Day He will gather together all human beings from the first to the last and require each and every one to give an account of all of one’s acts to Him. A Muslim should, therefore, always keep in view the fact that Allah is not only Merciful, but He is also Just. He has, however, full authority to par­ don or punish anyone He pleases, for He has complete power over everything. Therefore we should have full conviction that it lies absolutely in His power to make our end happy or sorrowful.

The following Quranic verses testify to this truth:

“Say: 0 Allah! Originator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen! Thou (only) judgest between Thy servants as to that wherein they differ”. (Quran: 39:46]

“But Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ”. [Quran: 2:113]

“And if there is a party of you who believe in that with which am sent, and another party who do not believe, then wait patiently until Allah judges between us; and He is the best of the Judges”. [Quran: 7:87]

“And Allah decides; there is no adjuster of His decision. And He is swift in account”. [Quran: 13:41]

“That is Allah’s judgment; He judges between you, and Allah Knows, Wise”. [Quran: 60:10]

“And that you should judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their low desires” [Quran:5:49]

“The judgment is only Allah’s; He relates the truth and He is the best of deciders” . [Quran:6:57]

“Surely your Lord will judge between them by his judgment, and He is the Mighty, the knowing”. [Quran: 27:78]

It will become balanced on the Day of Resurrection when the only Judgment will be for Allah alone, and injustice which the people committed will be invalidated and people will come to know that Day the real divine judgment in every case, conflict, dispute, argument, and matter. They will discover their injustices and Allah will invalidate the injustices they have com­ mitted in this world and the oppressors will be punished while the oppressed will receive their confiscated rights.

Hence, we can understand Allah’s words in these verses:

“And most surely your Lord will judge between them on the resurrection day concerning that about which they differed.” [Quran: 16:124]

“All sovereignty that day is for Allah; He will judge between them.” [Quran: 22:56]

”Then to Me shall be your return, so I will judge between you concerning that in which you differed.” [Quran: 3:55]

“Then wait patiently until Allah judges between us; and He is the best of the Judges.” [Quran: 7:87]

As the abovementioned verses indicate, the final verdict will not belong to anyone except Allah alone since He is the Owner of the Day of Judgment and the Day where truth is separated from falsehood.

Offer Other Cheek

Christianity Claims: Jesus said, “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other cheek. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.” [Luke 6:29-30]

Islam is blamed: The Prophet told Islam’s followers to practice retribution; take an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

Analysis

Bible [Torah, OT] has the law of retaliation

Exodus 21:24-25: eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

Leviticus 24:20: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him Deuteronomy 19:21: You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.

“Only one eye for one eye” is the principle that a person who has injured another person is to be penalized to a similar degree, and the person inflicting such punishment should be the injured party. In softer interpretations, it means the victim receives the [estimated] value of the injury in compensation. The intent behind the principle was to restrict compensation to the value of the loss. The principle is sometimes referred using the Latin term lex talionis or the law of talion. The English word talion (from the Latin talio) means a retaliation authorized by law in which the punishment corresponds in kind and degree to the injury. The term lex talionis does not always and only refer to literal eye-for-an-eye codes of justice but applies to the broad­er class of legal systems that specify formulate penalties for specific crimes, which are thought to be fit­ ting in their severity. Some propose that this was at least in part intended to prevent excessive punishment at the hands of either an avenging private party or the state.

Most modern scholars have criticised this law, however Stephen wyIen asserts that the lex talionis is “proof of the unique value of each individual” and that it teaches “equality of all human beings for law.” George Robinson characterizes the passage of Exodus (“an eye for an eye”) as one of the “most controversial in the Bible”. According to Robinson, some have pointed to this pas­ sage as evidence of the vengeful nature of justice in the Hebrew Bible. Abraham Bloch speculates that the “lex talionis has been singled out as a classical example of biblical harshness.” Harry S. Lewis points to Lamech, Gideon and Samson as Biblical heroes who were renowned for “their prowess in executing blood revenge upon their public and private enemies.” Lewis asserts that this “right of ‘wild’ justice was gradually limited.”

Jesus Christ introduces changes to the Law of Moses, when he says

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[c] and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [Matthew:5 :38-46]

This is very humble and nice change introduced to the Torah law, but the Sacred Scripture should be understood according to the way Christ and other holy persons followed and practiced it; said Saint Thomas Aquinas while admonishing for such an imperceptive and myopic reading of scripture.

“To him to strike you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him to takes away your goods do not ask them back.” [Luke 6:29-30]

Regarding “turn the other cheek,” Aquinas recalls us to John 18:23 when Jesus rebukes the guard who struck him. He also reminds us of Paul’s beating in Acts 16:22, “Christ did not turn his other cheek here; and Paul did not do so either. Accordingly, one should not think that Christ has commanded to actually turn our physical cheek to one who has struck the other.” Paul didn’t remain silent when struck in Acts 23:3, but warned his abuser of divine judgment and retribution.

The resistance to evil is advocated

• Ephesians 4:27: and do not give the devil a foothold.

• 1 Peter 5:9: Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

• Ephesians 6: 11: Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.

• Ephesians 6: 13: Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.

• 1 Peter 5:6: Humble your­ selves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.

• 1 Peter 5:8: Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

• There are numerous verses on War in Old Testament, just to quote:

• God is warlike [Exodus; 15:3, lsaiah;51:15]

• Exodus 15:3 states “Yahweh is a man of war. Yahweh is his name.” The Israelite God was not a peace lover, and neither were the Israelites.

• “The Israelites captured the Midianite women and children and took all the Midianite herds, flocks and goods as plunder. They burned all the towns where the Midianites had settled as well as all their camps. They took all the plunder and spoils, including the people and animals, and brought the captives, spoils and plunder to Moses and Eleazar the priest” [Numbers;31:9-12,17 :25]

However, the New Testament is not lagging:

• Jesus Christ also said: “I come not to bring peace, but to bring a sword” (Matthew 10:34)

• “When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath?” [Luke 3:7]

New Testament on War

• Luke 11:21: “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed.

• 1Timothy 1:18: This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight.

• Hebrews 11:34: quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

• Revelation 2:16: ‘Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.

• Revelation 13:4: they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?”

• 1 Corinthians 14:8: For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?

• Jeremiah 4:19: My soul, my soul! I am in anguish! Oh, my heart! My heart is pounding in me; I cannot be silent, because you have heard, 0 my soul, The sound of the trumpet, The alarm of war.

• Proverbs 21 :31: The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.

• Job 38:23: Which I have reserved for the time of distress, For the day of war and battle?

• The Woes of the Pharisees is a list of criticisms by Jesus against scribes and Pharisees recorded in the Gospels of Luke 11:37-54 and Matthew 23:1-39. Mark 12:35-40 and Luke 20:45-47 also include warnings about scribes.

Following the example of Jesus and the saints, how is “turn the other cheek” to be understood? Surely not in passive indifference to evil, or in a feigned helplessness when the treasures of faith and reason are in danger of being lost.

Aquinas shows the way: “To interpret the injunction of the “Sermon on the Mount” literally is to misunderstand it. This injunction signifies rather the readiness of the soul to bear, if it be necessary such things and worse without bitterness to the attacker.” Jesus Christ teaching is by his words and example not to collapse in the face of evil but rather to resist evil while resisting the temptation to hate the evildoer.

Yes, as Jesus said, one must love his enemies and pray for persecutors. A good Christian mustn’t fail in that duty. That duty doesn’t preclude defending the vulnerable, resisting wickedness, or championing what Christ has entrusted to the Church he founded.

Satan and his minions hate God’s handiwork and would destroy on Earth what has been made for Heaven. That war-one with eternal consequences- is being fought in our own hearts and minds. Our love of God is always in danger of growing cold, even as our passion for worldliness is always in danger of being inflamed. And all around us, the popular culture, the arrogance of the state, the witting and unwitting pawns and puppets of idols wish to seduce us or to silence us, and, finally, to consume us. It is a time to see with clarity who sits on the throne of our heart. It’s a time to ascertain whether we have the humility, docility and desire necessary to “enter through the narrow gate” (Matthew 7: 13), which is the only passage into Heaven.

It must be realized that in a war, things don’t look very bright, Saint Bernard preached that, “God chastises the good when they do not fight against evil” Such are the arguments which keep the nice, pacifying words in Gospels, for reading, preaching but not to be practiced.

Jesus asked to go the extra mile for someone who abuses and to pray for enemies instead of resisting them. All of this can be general generally Summarized by saying one needs to be pure inside and out and should be as accommodating as possible for the sake of a lost world. To “turn the other cheek” does not imply pacifism, nor does it mean we place ourselves or others in mortal danger. Like the principle of the eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth in Matthew 5:38, turning the other cheek refers to personal retaliation, not criminal offenses or acts of military aggression. Clearly, Jesus did not mean to negate all God’s laws and injunctions protecting against violent crime or invading armies. Rather, Jesus is speaking here of the principle of nonretaliation to affronts against our own dignity, as well as lawsuits to gain one’s personal assets.

Turning the other cheek means not to return insult for insult in retaliation, which is what most people expect and how worldly people act. Responding to hatred with love just might grab someone’s attention and afford us a chance to share the gospel. When a person respond in a manner that is unnatural, it displays the supernatural power. Jesus was the perfect example because He was silent before His accusers and did not call down revenge from heaven on those who were bent upon crucifying him.

A Pragmatic View

When someone attacks, abuses, or even disrespects, no one benefits by turning the other cheek (“turning the other cheek” meaning, in the biblical sense, that upon being struck we should offer our attacker our “other cheek” to strike as well, a way of representing our commitment to an extreme form of oac1fism in which we willingly allow ourselves to come to harm rather than taking measures to protect ourselves that require us to harm someone else) For the following reasons, one may consider this behavior Jim neither com­ passionate nor moral:

1. Just because it’s our life we may be defending doesn’t make it a life any less valuable or deserving of being defended.

2. In refusing to defend our­ selves against bullying, abuse, or disrespect, we fail to correct our abuser’s behavior, to communicate the important idea that mistreatment of others is wrong. In failing in this way, we actually lack compassion for our abuser, who will likely suffer in the future in some way for not having learned this important lesson. Not only that, we lack compassion for our bully’s future victims, whom we might have helped spare similar abuse by demonstrating with our lives that abusive behavior is wrong and won’t be tolerated (that such a lesson isn’t guar­ anteed to stick as a result of our standing up for ourselves in no way frees us from the obligation to try to teach it).

3. In allowing ourselves to be abused, we role model victimization for others who watch and learn from us.

4. In allowing ourselves to be abused, we harm those who love us. What parent doesn’t suffer because his or her child is victimized by a bully?

Eye for Eye

It could be due to some of the reason mentioned above that the OT have practical approach:

• Exodus 21:24: eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

• Leviticus 24:20: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him.

• Deuteronomy 19:21: You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.

• Matthew 5:21: You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [NT]

Commentary by Scholars

No short phrase could more accurately describe the spirit of the Mosaic legislation “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth”. This is “lex talionis”, the “law of retaliation”. Offences against individuals were to be punished by the injured individual receiving back, as it were, the exact compensation from him who had injured him. While this was originally observed literally, it was in Mishnic times (and probably in the time of our Jesus) softened to payment of money (vide Lightfoot, ‘Hor. Hebr.’). The phrase comes three times in the Pentateuch (Exodus 21 :24; Leviticus24 :20; Deuteronomy 19:21).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: This law of retribution-designed to take vengeance out of the hands of private persons, and commit it to the magistrate-was abused in the opposite way to the commandments of the Decalogue. While they were reduced to the level of civil enactments, this judicial regulation was held to be a warrant for taking redress into their own hands, contrary to the injunctions of the Old Testament itself (Pr 20:22; 24 :29).

Maimonides (Jewish Scholar) says: “If a man cuts off his neigh­ bour’s hand, or foot, he is to be considered as if he was a servant sold in a market; what he was worth then, and what he is worth now; and he must pay the diminution which is made of his price; as it is said, “eye for eye”. From tradition it is learned, that this for, spoken of, is to be understood of paying money; this is what is said in the law, “as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again”. Not that he is to be hurt, as he has hurt his neighbour but inasmuch as he deserves to want a member, or to be hurt as he has done; therefore, he ought to pay the damage.”

An Opinion

Jesus Christ lived at a time when Palestine was under Roman rule. Under the yoke of foreign domination of pagans, pacifist teachings could have been helpful. In peaceful environments it is easy to preach, hence we find.

• “Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.” [Mark 12:17]. Jesus avoided the snare by referring to the submission Jews had already made as a nation to Romans.

• “Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.” [Romans 13:7]

• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. [Matthew 5:9]

• But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Highest; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [Luke 6:35]

• For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. [Romans 8:14]

• But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. [James 3:17]

This policy could continue for next three centuries, till Roman elite converted to Christianity in early fourth century C.E. Then there was no place for pacifism, they draw strength:

• Jesus Christ also said: “I come not to bring peace, but to bring a sword” (Matthew 10:34)

• Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division. [Luke 12:51]

• Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword. [Revelation 6:4)

• “When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath?” [Luke 3:7]

• 1 Timothy 1:18: This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight.

• Hebrews 11:34: quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

• Revelation 2:16:’Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.

• Revelation 13:4: they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?”

• 1 Corinthians 14:8: For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?

• Proverbs 21:31: The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.

• Job 38:23: Which I have reserved for the time of distress, For the day of war and battle?

Bible Advocate Violent, Ruthless Wars of Extermination

Bible does not mince words for the violent, ruthless and indiscriminate wars of extermination:

• “Now therefore Kill every male among the little ones, and Kill every woman (female) that hath known man by lying (having sex) with him. “But keep Alive for your­ selves all the Girls and all the women who are Virgins.” (Numbers;31: 17-18)

• “Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” (1 Samuel;15 :3)

• ‘And they Utterly Destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep, and Ass, with the edge of the sword” (Joshua;6:21)

• “Slay utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark: and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the old men that were before the house.” (Ezekiel; 9:6)

• “and thirty-two thousand per­ sons in all, women who had not known man by lying with him.” (Numbers; 31:35). “But in the cities of these peoples that the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes, (Deuteronomy;20: 16); “He (Joshua) let None remain alive.” (Joshua; 10:28).

• “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm; 149:6-9).

• In the New Testament the Jesus Christ says: “But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.” (Luke; 19:27)

• “I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it is already kindled?” (Luke; 12:49)

• “And, behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his Sword and struck a servant of the high priests, and cut off his ear.” (Matthew; 26:51).

• Saint Paul, in commending the worthy fruits of Faith, mentions the warriors of the Old Testament as his ideals: “And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” (Hebrews; 11: 32-34).

The monkish morality of the Gospels in their present form has never been followed by any self-respecting Christian in the history. The Crusades (1095-1291 C.E), Spanish inquisition against Muslims, Jews and Church inquisitions against different Christian sects on the pre­text of heresy resulted in the death and destruction of millions. Christians slaughtered and massacred their fellow Christians having different views. The practice continued till thirty years war in Europe [1618-1648]. Then brutal wars for colonization were unleashed against non-Christians in Asia, Africa, America, Australia and all around the world.

Conclusion

The above analysis reveals that practically even the Christians don’t find application of Luke 6:29-30. Adherents of Christianity have proved to be a violent and aggressive people, as against some of the pacifist teachings of Jesus Christ, they claim to follow. History is a wit­ ness that anyone found to resist the Christian domination, and power, colonization was declared to be evil and eliminated indiscriminately with brute force. The Crusaders conducted in Europe and Scandinavian countries to convert them by force to Christianity is part of history. The colonization of America and countries in Asia, Africa , Australia , Far East and all around the world during last five centuries is enough to explain. The atomic bombing of two cities of “Japan is one of the heinous crimes against humanity. Over two million people have been killed since 911 in Afghanistan and the Middle East in wars of revenge by the biggest Christian Power of the world (USA) and her allies. The colonization of Palestine by Zionist Jews and Zionist Christians and the inhuman treatment of Palestinians is an example of live holocaust and criminal silence of humanity.

Islamic Law of Qisas (Just Recompense) · and Forgiveness

The Qur’an mentions that, “the eye for an eye” concept as being ordained for the Children of Israel:

“For Jews, We had decreed in the Torah, “Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and equal injury for injury”. If one forgoes retaliation by wav of charity. it shall absolve his or her imperfections. Whoever does not judge or rule according to what Allah has Revealed, such are the wrong­ doers. (Quran: 5:45). The Final Revelation of Allah, the Qur’an has updated Laws for all humanity for all Times. [Exodus 21:24 in the Bible does not leave room for forgiveness on the subject].

The Qur’an allows aggrieved Muslim parties to receive monetary compensation (blood money, diyya) instead of qisas, or forfeit the right of qisas as an act of charity or in atonement for the victim family ‘s past sins.

The principle of Lex talionis in Islam is Qisas (Just Recompense) as mentioned in Qur’an:

“O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! QISAAS (The Law of Just Recompense) has been prescribed for you in dealing with murder. If a free person has committed murder, that free person will face the Law. If a slave has committed murder, that slave will face the Law. And if a woman has committed murder, that woman will face the Law. (The status of the victim or that of the offender, whether they are free men and women or those in bondage, will have no bearing before the Justice System). If the victim’s kin pardons the guilty. he must be appreciative and pay an equitable compensation to the kin in handsome gratitude. This pardon is a concession from your Lord and Mercy. Whoever, after this, tres­passes this Law will have a painful doom (through the court of law and in the Court of Allah) [Quran; 2: 178 (also see (Quran; 4 :92-93), (5:32), (17:33), (42:40)]

Allah says:

“Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend” (Quran; 41:34).

“The recompense of evil is evil like it. Then the one who forgives and opts for compromise has his reward undertaken by Allah. Surely, He does not like the unjust.” (Quran, 42:40)

“ who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good; (Quran 3: 134)

Bible presents two extremes

Extreme-1

Old Testament: “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” [Exodus 21:24]

Extreme-2

New Testament: ”To him to strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not with­ hold your tunic either. Give to every­ one who asks of you. And from him to takes away your goods do not ask them back.” [Luke 6:29-30]

Balanced, Moderate Workable Solution

The Quran provides a balanced and practicable solution to the satisfaction of all parties based upon justice, three options:

1. Qisas (Just Recompense) Eye for Eye

2. Aggrieved party is persuaded for voluntary forgiveness with incentive for rewards and expiation of sins.

3. The aggrieved party may receive monetary compensation (blood money, diyya).

Next……Jesus: The God or Prophet?

References

http://Salaamone.com/christianity-islam