While I'm at it, I'll repost this for posterity. It should be in the newspapers as an education. Reads like something from ancient anthropology rather than modern theology:
MOHAMMED'S NOCTURNAL TRIP TO PARADISE
AND THE MOHAMMEDAN CONCEPT OF HEAVEN
by James E. Gibbons, Mt. Airy, NC.
http://jgibbons.8m.com
SOMETIME AGO while teaching the book of Genesis (the account of Abraham and Ishmael was before me) and teaching the book of Revelation (in sections thought to apply to Mohammed, Mohammedanism, and Mohammedan conquests), and with the fact that the Arabs are continually in the news (one way or another), I was sufficiently provoked to do additional research and study involving Mohammed and the religion that came into being through him (in the seventh century this side of Christ). Several trips to Moslem countries, Jerusalem, and the Mosque of Omar were behind me. A copy of the Koran had been on my library shelf for many years untouched except by dust. In spite of how many writers like to speak of the dignity of the Moslem religion, and their lofty monotheistic concept of God, I was not impressed. Could a religion that had to depend on the ravaging sword for its expansion have much going for it?
To read the Bible, and then to try to read the Koran, one is strikingly and refreshingly impressed by the Bible. There is no question mark about which one is from God. (Oh what a Lord and Savior! And the purity of His religion!) The Koran to me in many ways, thrusts us back to the Old Testament and to pre and sub Old Testament levels. Some concepts may sound good [perhaps borrowed from Christianity], but then these are contradicted by others. Regardless how they may talk about the one God, Allah, we are back in the dingy shadows.
Books written in the last century picture the extreme poverty and backwardness of the Moslem nations with the expectant demise of their religion (the contributing factor). However, because of the oil wealth now flowing into some of these Moslem countries it appears that somewhat of a renaissance is being experienced (and the religion is becoming more attractive in the eyes of some uninformed westerners).
MOHAMMED'S NOCTURNAL TRIP TO PARADISE
Those who have visited Jerusalem and the Mosque of Omar (located on the temple mount) learn that Mohammed was supposed to have ascended to heaven from Jerusalem. If we think it like unto the Lord Jesus Christ, we are away off base (there is no similarity). Following is what I found from my study and is said to be believed by followers of Mohammed. This is supposed to have happened in the twelfth year of the acclaimed mission of the prophet Mohammed. He was in Mecca in bed with his most beloved wife Ayesha (she was one of thirteen wives he had--some say 21 wives besides concubines). He was espoused to Ayesha when she was six years old, but did not consummate his marriage until she was eight. Although Mohammed's law as found in the Koran allowed his followers to have only four wives, he had many, many more. He has God saying in the Koran chapter 33, "This is a peculiar privilege granted unto thee above the rest of the true believers.") The angel Gabriel, who was said to have seventy sets of wings, politely knocked on Mohammed's door. Having gained admittance, he informs the prophet that he had been sent to conduct him into the very presence of God to receive finishing touches involving his mission. A glorious milk-white horse called Al Borak (like prophets were supposed to have ridden in more ancient times) was waiting to carry him on his way. For some reason while Gabriel held the bridle for Mohammed to mount, the animal became very desperate and wild. He was brought under control by Mohammed promising him (the horse) a seat in paradise. This accomplished its purpose. Mohammed mounted, and they were off like lightning on the first leg of their journey to Jerusalem. Here the horse was left fastened at the foot of a rock, and Mohammed is said to have ascended to Heaven. All of this (the trip to Jerusalem, to Heaven, and then back to Jerusalem and Mecca) was supposed to have happened in one night...
In ascending to paradise Mohammed found it to be divided into seven heavens.
The first heaven was composed entirely of solid silver. Here he found a decrepit old man who turned out to be Adam. Adam was very pleased with him and thanked God for such a person. It was from the first heaven that Mohammed was supposed to have seen the stars hanging by golden chains suspended from the roof.
When he reach the second heaven (it was a 500 years journey, normally speaking, between the heavens), we are told that it was all of pure gold. Here he meets Noah, who seems to feel very inferior and wants the prayers of the prophet.
The third heaven was of precious stone, and this was the residence of Abraham. But here his attention seems to be more directed toward an angel which he saw. It is said that the distance between the angel's eyes was a 70,000 days' journey, and "consequently his whole height was five million forty thousand days' journey, or four times as high as all his heavens put together, since each was distant from the other five hundred years' journey."
The fourth heaven was of emerald; here Joseph lived.
The fifth heaven was of adamant. Moses was here, and with him Mohammed had a conference.
The sixth heaven was of carbuncle. Here was the abode of John the Baptist.
The seventh heaven was of divine light, and none other than Jesus Christ was here. It is said that in each of the other heavens all whom he saw wanted the prayers of the prophet, but here he says that he requested the prayers of Jesus. It is said that in the highest heaven, "There was also a very remarkable angel...for he had no fewer than seventy thousand heads, in each head seventy thousand tongues, and each tongue uttered seventy thousand distinct voices at once. That is, he spoke audibly three hundred forty three millions of words in an instant." Here it is said that Mohammed finally arrived within two bowshots of the very throne of God. The face of God was covered with 70,000 veils. As he came near through water and snow, and the hand of God was placed on his back, it was so cold it penetrated to his very marrow. He got important secrets from God, was informed that he would be the greatest man upon the earth, then he was conducted back to earth by the angel Gabriel. His horse was waiting just where he left him, and he was back in Mecca in no time (all in one night). (NOTE: another source has Mohammed riding the white horse to heaven and back).
To say the least, this is different from the Christian's belief in Christ ascending to Heaven after his glorious resurrection. Everything about Mohammed's story sounds a little way out. (!!!) Truth and error stand in sharp contrast.
THE MOHAMMEDAN CONCEPT OF HEAVEN
The Christian is set somewhat aback by Mohammed's Koran on this matter of Heaven and Hell in the hereafter. Hell is no less a place of punishment like taught in the Christian Scriptures, but therewith is added such things as the drinking of stinking and boiling water, the eating of briers and thorns, etc. What really is radically different is the sensual paradise promised to the faithful Moslem. Here a great number of youthful and beautiful dark-eyed women have been especially created for the sensual pleasure of each man; they will continually attend unto him with no detraction or distraction. (When I read this I wondered where the faithful Moslem women of earth were supposed to fit into the picture of such a paradise; also, men like the apostle Paul who chose not to be married). And they will drink delicious liquors and wines and not become drunk (although Moslems are forbidden to drink such on earth).
Let us notice some direct quotations from the Koran to show that what I am saying in not misrepresentation:
The Koran chapter 55: "...This is hell, which the wicked deny as falsehood: they shall pass to and fro between the same and hot boiling water. Which, therefore, of the Lord's benefits will ye ungratefully deny? But for him who dreadeth the tribunal of his Lord are prepared two gardens: (Which, therefore, of your Lord's benefits will ye ungratefully deny?) [This question is found between every statement throughout this section, so we will supply three dots, or ellipsis, rather than repeat it each time] planted with shady trees. (...) In each of them shall there be of every fruit two kinds. (...) They shall repose on couches, the finings whereof shall be of thick silk interwoven with gold: and the fruit of the two gardens shall be near at hand together. (...) Therein shall receive them beauteous damsels, refraining their eyes from beholding any besides their spouses: whom no man shall have de- flowered before them, neither any genius. (...) Having complexions like rubies and pearls.( ...) Shall the reward of good works be any other good? (...) And besides these there shall be two other gardens: (...) Of a dark green (...) In each of them shall be two fountains pouring forth plenty of water. (...) In each of them shall be fruits, and palm trees, and pomegranates. (...) Therein shall be agreeable and beauteous damsels: (...) Having fine black eyes, and kept in pavilions from public view: (...) Whom no man shall have deflowered before their destined spouses, nor any genius. (...) Therein shall they delight themselves, lying on green cushions and beautiful carpets. (...) Blessed be the name of the Lord, possessed of glory and honor!"
The Koran chapter 56: "When the inevitable day of judgment shall suddenly come, no soul shall charge the prediction of its coming with falsehood: it will abase some, and exalt others. When the earth shall be shaken with a violent shock; and the mountains shall be dashed in pieces, and shall become as dust scattered abroad and ye shall be separated into three distinct classes: the companions on the right hand; (how happy shall the companions on the right hand be!) and the companions of the left hand: (how miserable shall the companions of the left hand be!) and those who have preceded other in the faith shall precede them to paradise. These are they who shall approach near unto God: they shall dwell in gardens of delight: (There shall be many of the former religions; and few of the last). Reposing on couches adorned with gold and precious stones; sitting opposite to one another thereon. Youths which shall continue in their bloom forever, shall go around about to attend them, with goblets, and beakers, and a cup of flowing wine; their heads shall not ache by drinking the same, neither shall their reason be disturbed: and with fruits of the sorts which they shall desire. And there shall accompany them fair damsels having large black eyes; resembling pearls hidden in their shells: as a reward for that which they shall have wrought. They shall not hear therein any vain discourse, or any charge of sin; but only the salutation, Peace! Peace! And the companions of the right hand (how happy shall the companions of the right hand be!) shall have their abode among lote-trees free from thorns, and trees of mauz loaded regularly with their produce from top to bottom; under an extended shade, near a flowing water, and amidst fruits in abundance, which shall not fail, nor shall be forbidden to be gathered: and they shall repose themselves on lofty beds. Verily we have created the damsels of paradise by a peculiar creation: and we have made them virgins, beloved by their husbands, of equal age with them; for the delight of the companions of the right hand. There shall be many of the former religions, and many of the latter. And the companions of the left hand (how miserable shall the companions of the left hand be!) shall dwell amidst burning winds, and scalding water, under the shade of a black smoke, neither cool nor agreeable; Then ye, O men, who have erred, and denied the resurrection as a falsehood, shall surely eat of the fruit of the tree of al Zakkum, and shall fill your bellies therewith: and ye shall drink thereon boiling water; and ye shall drink as a thirsty camel drinketh..."
(NOTE: If we have misunderstood what we have read in the Koran in any way, please advise us).
AND ALSO
