Islam - The Summit of Religious Evolution — Page 69
69 becoming like the chaff of the summer threshing floors. The order of events in the dream, their interpretation by Daniel and their historical fulfillment make their meaning absolutely clear. History records that Persia and Midia succeeded Babylon as great world powers. Alexander destroyed these powers and that of Rome later replaced his Empire. The Roman Empire, from its Eastern seat of authority at Constantinople, laid the foundation of a mighty Europo-Asiatic Empire. This Asiatic Roman Empire was later defeated and destroyed by the Holy Prophet and his Companions in total compliance of this Biblical prophecy. The Holy Prophet himself led the initial expedition against the Roman forces to the Syrian border after receiving a report about their imperative attack on the Muslims. However the two armies never engaged in a full-scale battle; only irregular skirmishes and raids took place. This situation continued till after the Holy Prophet's death when full scale fighting was initiated. It was during the time of the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, when the total discomfiture and annihilation of the Roman Empire occurred. Later, during the time of the second Caliph, Umar, the Muslim armies also defeated the Persian Empire. Thus, these once mighty empires suffered humiliation and defeat and lost their eminence. References to the stone of Daniel’s prophecy is also contained elsewhere in the Bible. 93, 94 Isaiah refers to the Holy One as: And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 93 And many among them shall stumble, and fall and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. 94 Matthew indicates that the Promised One, the stone of the prophecy, is not Jesus but another entity coming after Jesus. Matthew thus describes the stone: 95 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. Similarly, Psalms also refers to this stone: 96 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This stone is further referred to in Matthew: 97 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. As stated earlier, Jesus himself denied all claims to this prophecy, which applies to one coming after the son is slain. Christians today fondly apply the prophecy to their church. However, this attempt will not avail. According to Daniel, the thighs of the image were made of brass, the legs (i. e. the Roman Empire) of iron and the feet of iron and clay; the stone smote the image upon his feet. Early