Truth About The Crucifixion — Page 156
The first two are very clear in their evidence, while the third may need some explanation. The point to be deduced 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? (aal-e-'Imran 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 well-known 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 148