True. Is this because Islam wouldn't stand up under scrutiny?
For instance, Abraham the father of Isaac and Israelite patriarch, is also the father of Ishmael. Ishamel and Hagar were sent away when Sara is pregnant/gives birth to Isaac.
Abraham is also considered a patriarch of Arabs/Islam. Can he be both? Was he both? Genetically he could, but philospohically could he be a patriarch of a 'religion' that would call for the demise of Israelites?
From a website:
More than five thousand years ago today, the father of the prophets, prophet Ibraham (Peace be upon him) the Upright (Haneef), had built the present structure of the Ka’bah under Allah’s own orders. He (Peace be upon him) had built it along with his youthful son, Ishmael (Peace be upon him), forefather of the Arabs. This is how the Qur'an describes their building it together: "And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) and (his son) Isma'il (Ishmael) were raising the foundations of the House (the Ka'bah) at Makkah, ( saying), ‘Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, all Knower.’" ( Qur’an 2:127). The father and the son, true Monotheists (Muslims), were thus raising the foundations with trembling hearts, for the Muslims are Allah’s most devoted servants, ever fearful of his displeasure. While building the Ka'bah, therefore, both of them were afraid that Allah may not accept their humble service, hence that prayer of theirs. How touching of such fidelity, how moving of such humility towards Allah the Great! It is the essence of Monotheism, the ideal pattern of Faith and Actions great and small for all Muslims to follow. When raised to a certain height, Ibraham (Peace be upon him) ordered his son to choose a piece of stone to mark the main cornerpoint. Even as the lad was searching for it, the Archangel Gabriel appeared with the Black Stone from Heaven.
Now, first of all, has the Kabba ever been scientifically tested to see if it is 5,000 years old?
Second, did Abraham stay with Sara and Isaac or go off with Ishmael? Did Abraham renounce the faith of the Israelites?
In Deuteronomy 17:2-5
2 If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,
3 And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;
4 And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:
5 Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.
Yet, in the Qu'ran, they have Gabriel bringing a black stone from heaven, to mark the corner and now many pray to and kiss this stone on their hajj. But, it's NOT idolatry! Yeah right.
So, while Abraham may be a patriarch to both Jews and Arabs, can he be a prophet to both 'religions', when the one seeks the destruction of the other?
Just curious.