Through Force or Faith? — Page 299
Chapter 7 — Novelty in the Teachings of Muhammad 299 tassels on the corners of their garments to remember all the com- mandments of the LORD. Consequently, it teaches: And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My command- ments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, then I will give you the rain for your land and its sea- son, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil (Deuteronomy 11:13). The punishment is described in these words: Take heed to yourselves, lest heart be deceived and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, lest the Lord’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no pro- duce, and you perish quickly from the good land which Lord is giving you (Deuteronomy 11: 16–17). These teachings make it clear that the stated attributes of God have no internal harmony with reference to the being of God; instead the Jews themselves are the focal point. All emphasis is on God being One, and on His reward and punishment. The reward and punishment are depicted purely in physical terms so much so that to love God shall be rewarded with wealth and worldly pos- sessions. There is no indication concerning life after death. There is nothing that teaches to pray to seek God’s help to gain some- thing or avoid something.