The problem with this line of argument is that there is not 'uncorrupted' Gospel to go back to. As such those seeking 'true' spiritual guidance need to rely on the Quran. Thus it is correct to say that the Quran supersedes the Gospels as a source of Divine guidance, even if it is purportedly correcting them back to their 'true' state.
Also given that one cannot be a Muslim without repeating the shahada which acknowledges Muhammad as a prophet, it is correct to say it is a supersessionist religion.
Thank you for your comments.
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) created human beings as equals, who are to be distinguished from each other only on the basis of their faith and piety. He tells us: ‘People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that you should know one another. In Allāh’s eyes, the most honoured of you are the ones most mindful of Him: Allāh is all knowing, all aware.’ (Al-Hujurat: 13).
Not only are human beings created as equals, they are given different paths to follow:
‘We have assigned a law and a path to each of you. If Allāh had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to Allāh and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about.’ (Al-Ma’ida: 48).
The message is clear: Whatever path we happen to be on – whatever law we happen to follow – we are each of us called to do good.
People are free to choose whatever religion they wish (or to have no religion at all):
‘There is no compulsion in religion: true guidance has become distinct from error, so whoever rejects false gods and believes in Allāh has grasped the firmest hand-hold, one that will never break. Allāh is all hearing and all knowing. Allāh is the ally of those who believe: He brings them out of the depths of darkness and into the light.’ (Al-Baqara: 256-257).
Professor Muhammad Abdel Haleem writes: ‘This verse begins with the phrase lā ikrāha fī’l-dīn (there is no compulsion in religion). It is introduced by ‘lā’, the particle of absolute negation in Arabic, which negates absolutely the notion of compulsion in religion. Religion in the Qur’an is based on choice, and true choice is based on knowledge and making matters clear for people to choose. The rest of the ‘there is no compulsion in religion’ verse gives reasons justifying and explaining this.’ (‘Exploring the Qur'an: Context and Impact’).
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) says this: ‘For the (Muslim) believers, the Jews, the Sabians, and the Christians – those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and do good deeds – there is no fear: they will not grieve.’ (Al-Ma’ida 69).
Puritans (a minority group in Islam) claim that this verse has been abrogated by the following:
‘If anyone seeks a religion other than complete devotion to Allāh, it will not be accepted from him: he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.’ (Al‘Imran: 85).
The words ‘complete devotion’ are a rendition of ‘
islam’; a word that is never capitalised in Arabic. This word can also be rendered ‘submission’.
Puritans take the word ‘religion’, and then capitalise ‘
islam’; giving the impression that the verse refers to that particular Faith alone. They argue that Islam is the
only religion acceptable to Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla). At the same time, they claim (correctly) that Islam is not
merely a ‘religion’, but a way of life. But so are Christianity and Judaism (and all other religions, too, of course). And the best ‘way of life’ is one spent in complete devotion to Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla).
Al‘Imran: 85 can safely be rendered: ‘If anyone seeks a way of life other than complete devotion to Allāh, it will not be accepted from him: he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.’
Consider this:
‘….those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and do good deeds – there is no fear: they will not grieve.’ This is Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla)’s solemn promise. It has
not been abrogated, since He does not renege on His promises.
All people, regardless of their religion – or none – are required to spread justice and compassion on earth.
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) says this: ‘Spend in Allāh’s cause: do not contribute to your destruction with your own hands, but do good, for Allāh loves those who do good.’ (Al-Baqara: 195); and this: ‘Allāh loves those who keep their pledges and are mindful of Him……who give, both in prosperity and adversity, who restrain their anger and pardon people – Allāh loves those who do good…….. so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them. Consult with them about matters, then, when you have decided on a course of action, put your trust in Allāh: Allāh loves those who put their trust in Him.’ (Al‘Imran: 76; 134; 159): and this: ‘Allāh loves those who seek to purify themselves.’ (Al-Tawba: 108).
Anyone who behaves in the manner described in these verses is loved by Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla). Anyone at all.
There is no reason why a Christian (or a Jew) should read the Qur’an (apart from a desire for knowledge). The writings and teachings of their respective Faiths are more than enough.
By the way, a Muslim man may marry a Christian (or Jewish) woman. She is under no obligation to convert to Islam, and has every right to continue practising her Faith. My wife, for example, is a Catholic. And no…she has never read the Qur’an!
