Mind you All scholars and wana be’s
In the Holy Quran which was revealed 600 years after Esa Elehisalam, and the concept of Trinity was well established and known to all…
Allah did praise the Christians and called them Ahli kitab… and not Mushriq…Right?
But there are People who seem to be labeling Muslims as Mushriq in this thread, dont you think that would be extreme considering what the Holy Quran says about Christians???
Re: Presence of Shirk among sunni and shia muslims
Where ? please elaborate and share details 
What are you trying to tell ?. Please state it clearly and elaborate. We are not solving riddles but sharing our understanding of this topic. Maybe you have a valid point and arugment. and it open up a avenue for research 
Re: Presence of Shirk among sunni and shia muslims
OK Code Ji, will provide the details later tonight Insha Allah. usually when I make this statement people get a glazed look as if I am speaking Greek!
Re: Presence of Shirk among sunni and shia muslims
In my humble opinion and very limited knowledge these following ayat can be interpretted literally:
These I copied from Islamicity.com and are Mohammad Asad’s translation, and I believe Pikhtal has similar translation:
[2:62 VERILY, those who have attained to faith [in this divine writ], as well as those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Christians, and the Sabians -all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds-shall have their reward with their Sustainer; and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve.
5:69 for, verily, those who have attained to faith [in this divine writ], as well as those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Sabians, and the Christians - all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds - no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve.
5:82 Thou wilt surely find that, of all people, the most hostile to those who believe [in this divine writ] are the Jews as well as those who are bent on ascribing divinity to aught beside God; and thou wilt surely find that, of all people, they who say, “Behold, we are Christians,” come closest to feeling affection for those who believe [in this divine writ]: this is so because there are priests and monks among them, and because these are not given to arrogance.
The fact this ayat (2:62 & 5:69) is repeated twice does make it significant!
and the fact about Jews & Christians addressed as Ahli kitab is known to all!
Re: Presence of Shirk among sunni and shia muslims
Ever read ayah about trinitarians in Quran?
This ayah is for previous nations who were before Prophet Muhammad(SAW).
**(And whoever seeks religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers) (3:85). **
you’ve missed the ayah before
5:68
(68. Say: "O People of the Scripture! You have nothing till you act according to the Tawrah, the Injil, and what has (now) been sent down to you from your Lord (the Qur’an).‘’ Verily, the revelation that has come to you from your Lord makes many of them increase in rebellion and disbelief. So do not grieve for the people who disbelieve.)
Said bin Jubayr, As-Suddi and others said that these Ayat were revealed concerning a delegation that An-Najashi (King of Ethiopia) sent to the Prophet in order to hear his words and observe his qualities. When the delegation met with the Prophet and he recited the Qur'an to them, they embraced Islam, cried and were humbled. Then they returned to An-Najashi and told him what happened. Ata’ bin Abi Rabah commented, "They were Ethiopians who embraced Islam when the Muslims who migrated to Ethiopia resided among them.‘’ Qatadah said, "They were some followers of the religion of `Isa, son of Maryam, who when they saw Muslims and heard the Qur’an, they became Muslims without hesitation.‘’ Ibn Jarir said that these Ayat were revealed concerning some people who fit this description, whether they were from Ethiopia or otherwise.
They are called People of the Book but it doesn’t mean that they don’t commit shirk.
Re: Presence of Shirk among sunni and shia muslims
Ever read ayah about trinitarians in Quran?
This ayah is for previous nations who were before Prophet Muhammad(SAW). *(And whoever seeks religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers) (3:85). *
you've missed the ayah before 5:68 (68. Say: "O People of the Scripture! You have nothing till you act according to the Tawrah, the Injil, and what has (now) been sent down to you from your Lord (the Qur'an).'' Verily, the revelation that has come to you from your Lord makes many of them increase in rebellion and disbelief. So do not grieve for the people who disbelieve.)
Said bin Jubayr, As-Suddi and others said that these Ayat were revealed concerning a delegation that An-Najashi (King of Ethiopia) sent to the Prophet in order to hear his words and observe his qualities. When the delegation met with the Prophet and he recited the Qur'an to them, they embraced Islam, cried and were humbled. Then they returned to An-Najashi and told him what happened.Ata' bin Abi Rabah commented, "They were Ethiopians who embraced Islam when the Muslims who migrated to Ethiopia resided among them.'' Qatadah said, "They were some followers of the religion of `Isa, son of Maryam, who when they saw Muslims and heard the Qur'an, they became Muslims without hesitation.'' Ibn Jarir said that these Ayat were revealed concerning some people who fit this description, whether they were from Ethiopia or otherwise.
They are called People of the Book but it doesn't mean that they don't commit shirk.
All that you have quoted is correct Sister and I agree, the point I am trying to get across is to pass judgement of Shirk against believing Muslims is not our domain, each one will get their reward or punishment from Allah Subhanhu wa Taala.
Re: -[Splt] Why does Holy Quran Praise Ahl-e-Kitab (JEWS, Christians) ?
SindSagar has put forward a very interesting dimension. IMO we need to investigate the validity, viability of this subject and its substance :)
I have made this a topic a new thread considering its importance and more imporantly the negative connotations associated with the topic.
I am of the opinion that holy quran extensively discussed topic regarding Ah-e-kitab (people of the book) and if i am not wrong then almost one fifth of holy quran is dedicated to discussion abt them.
We need to ponder over this subject deeply and with a cool head. We might arrive at some new discoveries.
SindSagar, I will reply in this thread in detail. :)
Re: -[Splt] Why does Holy Quran Praise Ahl-e-Kitab (JEWS, Christians) ?
I thought the trinity concept developed later on?
Anyway, the ayahs are clear. We are to respect one another. Christians and the Jewish peoples follow and revere the same prophets (for the most part) that we revere, and in that sense, we do need to be tolerant of them and respectful.
That does not mean we believe in exactly the same things. Or practice the same way.
Re: -[Splt] Why does Holy Quran Praise Ahl-e-Kitab (JEWS, Christians) ?
I thought the trinity concept developed later on?
Anyway, the ayahs are clear. We are to respect one another. Christians and the Jewish peoples follow and revere the same prophets (for the most part) that we revere, and in that sense, we do need to be tolerant of them and respectful.
That does not mean we believe in exactly the same things. Or practice the same way.
Trinity concept was much older. Thats why we got Sura-e-Ahad confronting that.
Re: -[Splt] Why does Holy Quran Praise Ahl-e-Kitab (JEWS, Christians) ?
Allah did praise the Christians and called them Ahli kitab ,,,,
This statement is not true
Sura Baqara is revelaed to condemn Jews
Sura Aale Imran to cndemn christians
Calling them Ahl-e-kitaab is just a reality, its not a praise
Concept of trinity is always there. Sura Aale Imran talks about that
Re: -[Splt] Why does Holy Quran Praise Ahl-e-Kitab (JEWS, Christians) ?
It is too late to discuss any good things that Quran may say about Ahle-Kitab. Majority Muslim opinion, especially in the Middle East is already set in stone that Ahle-Kitab are infidels.
It will take a monumental effort to reverse that perception. In other words, the cannot and will not improve as long as the current Islamic thought is totally replaced by some Ijtihad.
Re: -[Splt] Why does Holy Quran Praise Ahl-e-Kitab (JEWS, Christians) ?
Allah did praise the Christians and called them Ahli kitab ,,,,
This statement is not true
Sura Baqara is revelaed to condemn Jews Sura Aale Imran to cndemn christians
Calling them Ahl-e-kitaab is just a reality, its not a praise
Concept of trinity is always there. Sura Aale Imran talks about that
Well ! hasty statement without thorough research may not drive you to right conclusions, at least in this subject.
Allah did praise Ahl-e-kitab in holy quran on many ocasions while admonishing them at the same time ...
See Sura Aale Imran verse 199
[quote]
And most surely of the followers of the Book there are those who believe in Allah and (in) that which has been revealed to you and (in) that which has been revealed to them, being lowly before Allah; they do not take a small price for the communications of Allah; these it is that have their reward with their Lord; surely Allah is quick in reckoning.
[/quote]
sura Maida Verses 82 ,83
[quote]
Certainly you will find the most violent of people in enmity for those who believe (to be) the Jews and those who are polytheists, and you will certainly find the nearest in friendship to those who believe (to be) those who say: We are Christians; this is because there are priests and monks among them and because they do not behave proudly. {82} And when they hear what has been revealed to the messenger you will see their eyes overflowing with tears on account of the truth that they recognize; they say: Our Lord! we believe, so write us down with the witnesses (of truth). *{83}
[/quote]
*
Since the explaination is provided by hareem01 in her post. It make it easier to understand :)
Re: -[Splt] Why does Holy Quran Praise Ahl-e-Kitab (JEWS, Christians) ?
Now in the same chapter 5 Sura Maida We see that Allah forbade muslims from making friends among Ahle kitaab
[quote]
O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. **{51}
[/quote]
Again the same warning but with explaination and reasoning
**
[quote]
O you who believe! do not take for guardians those who take your religion for a mockery and a joke, from among those who were given the Book before you and the unbelievers; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah if you are believers. {57} And when you call to prayer they make it a mockery and a joke; this is because they are a people who do not understand. *{58}
[/quote]
*
Now if we spare some time to read the complete chapter we can easily understand that Allah is not happy with Ahle-kitab in general as they have changed the word of God and most of them are transgressers. But at the same time Allah speaks softly for people among them who are noble and dont harbour evil designs. They, genuinley are curious and seek guidance. thus the verses 82, 83 speak in their praise and Allah tell muslims that they can be friends with those chirstians who are not hostile and are interested and curious about your religion.
IMO the same consession should be extended to all curious and non-hostile non-muslims.
Re: -[Splt] Why does Holy Quran Praise Ahl-e-Kitab (JEWS, Christians) ?
Peace bros SindSagar and tariqlkhan
Below in your quotes are two sides of the coin. SindSagar states that the Qur’an does not call the Jews and Christians Ahlalkitab and tariqlkhan states that it is not an honourable title, but merely a classification.
These two points I think are worth clarifying in accordance to many tafsir both of these are wrong understandings.
Yes, the Qur’an does honour the Jews and Christians and the likes as Ahlalkitab, but that is always attached to an invitation in calling them towards a better and correct understanding. It can be seen as a luring invitation. So the honour is there!
At the same time, the Qur’an does not avoid the issue of making clear the shirk that the Ahlalkitab do. Ahlalkitab are generally a racial denomination it is a label for a type of people. However, mushrikun is not a label for a tribe or geographic type of people, it is a classification of behviour. Therefore it quite possible for Ahlalkitab and Mushrikun to be one in the same. i.e. in the body of Christians who practice shirk with Allah (SWT) with Ar-Ruh and Isa (AS) making them from the mushrikun but at the same time when they are being invited the Qur’an calls them ahlalkitab inviting them to a better way.
There is more of the classification which bridges more than one category …
The munafiqun can be from the Muslims and the non-Muslims. The fasiqun are a subset of the Muslimun, but are separate from the moi’minun. The mohsinun are an exclusive subset of the muslimun which are separate from the moi’minun. Da’lun or Da’leen as in Surah Fatihah refers to the Christians which means ‘Astray’ers’ or people gone astray. Maghdubi’alayhim ‘The ones who earned Your Wrath’ are typically referred to as the Jews, but both Jews and Chrisitans are also called Ahlalkitab … an honourable title.
Some scholars have differentiated between them … they say that only the good and pious and honest from amongst the Jews and Christians are rightfully called Ahlalkitab, but the general, bad and impious from amongst them are rightfully called by their others titles.
However, it is quite possible for the same person to be appointed two titles based on the premise of approach and subject at hand.
When it comes to marrying them … it is best to seek the best from amongst them. The ones who avoid shirk also should be an important criterion.
It is true that Trinity was well established then, but also in those days the population of monotheistic Christians and Jewish Christians was much higher than it is today. The vast monotheists from amongst the Ahlalkitab that were living in the Arab peninsula became Muslim.
Re: -[Splt] Why does Holy Quran Praise Ahl-e-Kitab (JEWS, Christians) ?
wasnt it because of their devotion to God and the prophets at the time ...
not sure..
but i mean a lot of the thigns Christians and Jews believe relate to Islamic beliefs as well.