Truth About The Crucifixion — Page 112
from that is that Jesus and John were together in the same state, so either both are dead or both are living. It is admitted by all that John is dead, so Jesus must also have died. . After the death of Muhammad some of his disciples, among them 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, doubted that he was really dead. However, Abu Bakr, after having paid his last respects to his beloved master, ascended the pulpit in the Mosque and recited the verse of the Quran:. Muhammad is only a Messenger. All Messengers before him have passed away. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn upon your heels? (3: 145). Abu Bakr added:. If any of you worshipped Muhammad, let him know that. Muhammad is dead, but if you worship God, you should know that God is Ever-Living and does not die. Chapter on the letters of the Prophet to Kirsa (Chosroes) and Qaisar (Caesar). . This was the first instance of Ijma' or consensus of the. Community, because the response of the disciples is wellknown and reported in the same hadith: By God, it was as if this verse was not revealed by Allah before Abu Bakr recited it, and every one received it from him, and I did not hear any one who did not recite it. No one objected that. Jesus or any other prophet had not died. Every one received it and accepted it and confirmed it! How then can any person deny that which has been confirmed by that august assembly?. It is not within the scope of my address to set out an account of the post crucifixion life of Jesus. That will be done by others. But to end my brief address in a fitting manner I shall quote a well-known verse from Sura alMu'minun (23: 51). And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign and gave them shelter on a pleasant plateau with springs of running water. . Thus after having been delivered from his enemies and their persecutions just as Noah, Moses and Aaron had earlier been delivered from their enemies Jesus, like them, was given the opportunity to complete his mission in another country, of which this verse gives a striking description. . Our last word is that all praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace be upon all His Messengers. 116