Jun
4
Does Mark Gabriel Exist?
June 4, 2008 |
Well, I’ve seen interviews for him, so he is a real person, but the question is whether Mark Gabriel is the person who he says he is. For those unfamiliar with him, just google his name and you can find his bio. The most important part that gives him “credibility” is the fact that he claims he went to Al-Azhar University and earned his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies (and subsequently kicked out). He says he memorized the whole Qur’an and hundreds (or was it thousands) of hadith. He uses this as leverage so that he can put himself out there, not only someone who used to be Muslim, but also a “scholar.”
I really wish this information could be verified by Al-Azhar on whether its true or not. If not then that explains his shallow understanding of the religion which is apparent in his books (or at least the one I read). If its true then it just goes to show how manipulative and deceiving he is by creating lies to make Islam look bad.
Here are 2 very easy examples from his book Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them both). (Keep in mind that I do not know Arabic so I cannot prove using the original language but in these cases the English should be sufficient.)
1.) In Chapter 16 called “Attitudes of Women” he lists many verses and hadith that seemingly show how women are treated like second class citizens or are considered “unclean” or “incompetant.”
He cites the following hadith from Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 9, Number 490:
Narrated ‘Aisha: The things which annul the prayers were mentioned before me. They said, “Prayer is annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of the praying people).” I said, “You have made us (i.e. women) dogs.”
The above hadith seemingly claims that somehow women, dogs, and donkeys are special enough to annul a man’s prayer. The affiliation of women with dogs and donkeys seems especially harsh aside from breaking the prayer. Ayesha is apparently upset that women are being affiliated with dogs and complains.
However on double checking the source he used, one finds that he (purposely?) cut off the rest of the hadith, the same exact one he cited in the same volume, book, and number. This is what the rest of the hadith says
I saw the Prophet praying while I used to lie in my bed between him and the Qibla. Whenever I was in need of something, I would slip away for I disliked to face him.
In another similar hadith, Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 9, Number 493, it says
Narrated ‘Aisha: The things which annual prayer were mentioned before me (and those were): a dog, a donkey and a woman. I said, “You have compared us (women) to donkeys and dogs. By Allah! I saw the Prophet praying while I used to lie in (my) bed between him and the Qibla. Whenever I was in need of something, I disliked to sit and trouble the Prophet. So, I would slip away by the side of his feet.”
In another narration all together, Sahih Bukahri Volume 1, Book 9, Number 492, it is said
Narrated ‘Aisha: the wife of the Prophet, “I used to sleep in front of Allah’s Apostle with my legs opposite his Qibla (facing him); and whenever he prostrated, he pushed my feet and I withdrew them and whenever he stood, I stretched them.” ‘Aisha added, “In those days there were no lamps in the houses.”
So now that we have the rest of the above hadith in full context in addition to the other similar ones narrated by Ayesha (ra) we can see that the situation is completely opposite of what Mark is claiming. Instead the case is that Ayesha heard people telling her that the Prophet said that the prayer is annulled by those 3 things but we can clearly see she is contesting it by giving examples in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed with full knowledge that Ayesha was lying in front if him and in fact in the last narration her feet were facing his direction! So it must be that the narrations quoted about annulling the prayer must have been understood by those sahabah in the wrong context, they heard only a portion, or it was completely made up. Allahu alim.
In general it is commanded for Muslims to have an object in front of them to avoid anyone, male or female, or even animals, from passing in front and interrupted their prayers, however it does not invalidate it if by chance someone does by mistake. For those passing in front of others, it is considered sinful to do so if it is easy to avoid, but this applies to both men and women.
2.) In another chapter of the book called “A Comparison of Practical Teachings” he quotes an ayah in the Qur’an which he claims is instructing Muslims to take revenge. The ayah is
“If a wound (and killing) has touched you, be sure a similar wound (and killing) has touched others.” 3:140
From the translation of meaning he chose, it appears that this verse is telling the Muslims that if they are attacked and injured then to make sure they return the same injuries to the other party. This is where an understanding of the Arabic language would be helpful however other English translations of meaning and tafsir will suffice.
Actually this verse has nothing to do with taking revenge. The author has misunderstood this verse based on the English translation he chose. In fact the verse refers to the Battle of Badr and was telling the Muslims that even though they are suffering wounds and deaths on the side of their army, the other side is also suffering similar wounds and deaths, therefore stay strong and do not be demoralized. It was a means to see who were the true Muslims (those who stayed through thick and thin and those who fled when it was inconvenient to them to defend God). Perhaps different translations would be helpful:
YUSUFALI: If a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyr-witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loveth not those that do wrong.
PICKTHAL: If ye have received a blow, the (disbelieving) people have received a blow the like thereof. These are (only) the vicissitudes which We cause to follow one another for mankind, to the end that Allah may know those who believe and may choose witnesses from among you; and Allah loveth not wrong-doers.
SHAKIR: If a wound has afflicted you (at Ohud), a wound like it has also afflicted the (unbelieving) people; and We bring these days to men by turns, and that Allah may know those who believe and take witnesses from among you; and Allah does not love the unjust.
In Mawdudi’s tafsir of this verse he says
This alludes to the Battle of Badr. The intention is to point out to the Muslims that if the unbelievers were not demoralized by the setback they suffered at Badr then the Muslims should not be disheartened by the setback thev suffered in the Battle of Uhud.
Now whether Mark wants to use this ayah for an example in one of his many other attacks, for example claiming how the “Christian God” is peaceful and would not inflict harm on His creation as opposed to the violent, angry, and chaotic “Muslim God” thats another story, but he cannot use it as proof that Islam preaches revenge as its totally irrelevant.
On the contrary Islam preaches against revenge and promotes forgiveness. For many examples please read the text Gardens of the Righteous, specifically Chapter 74 and Chapter 75.
Anyways, going back to what I mentioned above, either Mark made these very simple mistakes in sheer ignorance which questions his authority as an “Islamic scholar” or he purposely misconstrued these meanings to trick his readers. In the latter case his supporters should be weary of following such a person who feels they have to create lies in order to achieve their goal. If he truly feels Islam is the wrong religion, let him use facts of substance and not superficial mis-contextualization of verses.
I plan to continue other corrections in the future from the same book and others. In the meantime remember:
Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.