River

heres the original link

http://www.aramaic.org/PARAVLETE.html


I am curious why in the Aramaic scriptures the word "paraclete" is used when talking about the "comforter" and the "advocate". Can you enlighten me on this? I believe as you, that Jesus only spoke Aramaic, not Greek.
Thanks, Ken.

Dear Ken,

You have raised an important question. Why indeed are there any Greek words in the "Aramaic Scriptures?" The short answer is that you were working with the "Peshitto" which is otherwise known as the West Palestinian "Peshitta" that was made to conform to the pre-Christian Septuagint of the Greek church. We know that Jesus did not speak Greek because the Aramaic speaking people in the time of Jesus considered it sinful to speak any other language. This had to be true because the Aramaic Estrangelo Script was the lingua franca in Palestine at the time of Jesus. Aramaic in this script is similar to Arabic and this was the language of commerce and industry. A growing number of scholars now recognize that Jesus spoke this form of Aramaic, not Greek. The square letter Aramaic in Hebraic characters came much later. (See "Western Christian Scholars Awaken to Truth" in the Table of Contents on the Aramaic Bible Society Website). See Eusebius' "Ecclesiastical History", first published in 1928! Also, "The Age of Faith", Will and Ariel Durant's "The Story of Civilization", Vol. 4.

Follow me as we trace the Biblical history of this Greek word "Paraclete". Startling as it may seem, at one time the word read "Periklytos" and "Paraklytos", which is the name for "Muhammad" in Greek. Surprising? It should not be because both words mean "Praised" or "Celebrate," the meaning and character of the man "Muhammad." (1 Jesus in The Qur'an, One World Publications, (c) Geoffrey Parrinder 1965, 1995, ISBN 1-85168-094-2. Knowing this, there is a need for us to study the life of Prophet Muhammad in depth to see if it all stands up. Surprisingly it does.

Of special interest always is what the name for Muhammad was in his mother tongue, Palestinian Aramaic. For this we have to look to the Hebrew and Aramaic scriptures. According to the present day Aramaic scriptures, the word for Muhammad would read "Paraqleyta" or "Paraklytos" in Greek and "Menahem" in Hebrew! In the ancient Aramaic scriptures, before these changes, it read "Ahmad," then Munahammana" which is the Aramaic/Syriac rendering for the name "Muhammad." These are names, not simply words, and they mean "Comforter" or "Muhammad" in Arabic.

There is no Aramaic dictionary where you'll find the word "Paraqleyta" because there is no such word in that language. Therefore, two questions are asked:

Why was "Periklytos" changed to "Paraklytos"?
Why was Ahmad changed to "Munahammana" and then to "Paraqleyta?"
History tells us that Muhammad was the only prophet who came shortly after Jesus and did everything Jesus said he would. But, you ask, what is the meaning of all of this? The answer is given in Luke 6:40, "There is no disciple who is more important than his teacher; for every man who is well developed will be like his teacher" (Lamsa) or "The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master" (KJV). Christians are often told that no one can go to heaven except by Jesus. This tells us that the only way anyone can go to heaven is to be Christ-like. Muhammad was such a man. Muslims make a stronger case. They say that Jesus says the only way one can be with Jesus in Heaven is to be as Him, i.e., one who submits to Alaha's Will (Aramaic), Allah's Will (Arabic). To do this is to be a Muslim! But let us return to the study of the word "Comforter."


John 16:7-13

But I tell you the truth, It is better for you that I should go away; for if I do not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I should go, I will send him to you. And when he is come, he will rebuke the world concerning sin, concerning righteousness, and concerning Judgment. Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; Concerning righteousness, because I go to my Father, and you will not see me again; Concerning judgment, because the leader of this world has been judged. Again, I have many other things to tell you, but you cannot grasp them now. But when the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all the truth: for he will not speak from himself, but what he hears, that he will speak: and he will make known to you things which are to come in the future. He will glorify me; because he will take of my own and show to you. Everything that my Father has is mine; this is the reason why I told you that he will take of my own and show to you. (Lamsa)

The difference between Muslims and Christians is that Muslims use the original words that Jesus and all the prophets used. In speaking of John 16:7-13, most Christians will tell you that the "Comforter" Jesus will send is the Holy Ghost. But keep in mind that the Holy Ghost was around before Jesus. In the Aramaic we see that the translation is "Spirit." Jesus, peace be upon him, was talking about the one who would ONLY appear when He joined His Father in Heaven*. In other words, this Spirit of Truth (a man) was never around before. The man Jesus sent was Muhammad.

If this information is surprising to you, let me take it a step further. Christians and Jews alike have forgotten the history of the Great Nation that was to come out of Ishmael, and the 12 princes that came out of him. Where is the conclusion of the story of Ishmael, and why was it unfinished? Was Ishmael really a bastard, or was there jealousy involved? If Ishmael was a bastard, Isaac was a greater bastard because he was born through incest; Abraham and Sarah were brother and sister (Genesis 20:12). This is in the Christian Bible and in the Torah! Muslims do not say this. Jealousy and hatred towards anyone will always make one degrade the one that is hated.

Having cited the historical shortcomings of the Christian Bibles in matters relevant to its own history and the great nation of Islam, it behooves us to give a brief account of the latter. When God brought Islam, the Muslims won remarkable victories, conquering the Byzantines as well as all other nations. As time went on and the Muslim dynasty flourished, the Muslims developed an urban culture for learning which surpassed that of all other nations. When the Christians forced the Spanish Muslims to accept Christianity, the Christians collected the works of the Muslim physicians and scholars and this work spread all over Europe and of course giving Christians the credit. But it was the Arab caliphs who had supported intercultural institutions like the university at Jundishahpur and the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. It was Arab medicine that had blossomed magnificently. It was the great physicians of the Islamic world who illuminated Europe in the Dark Ages with a well-elaborated science whose outlines are still familiar today.

The story of the rise of the Muslim empire is not unlike that of Nestorius. (See "The Lynching of Nestorius" in the ABS Table of Contents) When Nestorius, patriarch of Constantinople, 428-431, was forced into exile he and some of his people took the enlightenment of math and the sciences into Persia and even into China. Marco Polo discovered the ruins of the Church of the East erected in the eighth century A.D., long after the death of Nestorius.

In Service To God,
Ramazan M. M. Zuberi

(Christian Supplements by Robert E. Allen, Jr., President, The Aramaic Bible Society, Inc.)

* The real message of the life and teachings of Jesus, Muhammad and Nestorius can be likened to that of the Peshitta and the Qur'an. The Church of the East claims that every copy of the Peshitta ever made was certified by every Bishop to be a true and clean copy, the meaning of the word "Peshitta" itself. The Qur'an is likened unto it. The Peshitto or Peshitta of the West was changed, not so often as present day Christian Bibles but changed in ancient times. The Torah was destroyed with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and since has suffered a worse fate. There were only two such scrolls at the time. One was held by the priests, the other by the King. In those times families were charged with the memory of whole books and what was created has been re-written many times to suit the purpose of the writers as with the many versions of the Christian Bible.

* The Muslim view of the phrase, "He joined His Father in Heaven," is that Jesus never joined God, but is in the second heaven waiting until God sends him on his "second coming". Also, it should be pointed out that Muslim's do not praise even Muhammad's name although it means "the praised one".

Peter Kirby

Can you support this? Because it sounds absurd.

best,
Peter Kirby

River

Actually, to be honest I am not sure if I can find support for that piece of information, although the rest of the article has been supported thoroughly by many sources. The Essene Nazarenes as well as Gnostics have relied heavily on Aramaic scripture often stating that the Greek language is a transliteration and loses quite a bit in translation or "interpretation". However, I do believe that on Jesus Christ's (pbuh) imminent return in Damascus, Syria...he will probably return as a "multilingual". For example the Quran expresses the likeness of Jesus to Adam. And the Quranic fact that G-d taught Adam all the Names. Due to the parallels between Prophet Adam and Prophet Jesus, I believe G-d has taught the Christ (Masih) practically everything in the last 2,000 years, training him to be best prepared for a modern world.

The likeness of ‘Isa (Jesus) in Allah's sight is the same as Adam. He created him from earth and then He said to Him: "Be!" and he was. (Surah Al ‘Imran: 59 Noble Quran)

"And He taught Adam the names of all things; then presenting them to the angels, He said: Tell Me the names of these if you are right." (2: 31 Noble Quran)

The very name Jesus is derived from Yehesa/Isa which translates to Son of Adam or 2nd Adam, for history will begin again with The Masih, Jesus (pbuh) . The word Adam appears in the Quran 25x . the word Jesus also appears 25x in the Quran.
-River

River

Jesus Christ lived a "muslim" lifestyle and taught a very close approximation of Islam. St. Saul is the founder of modern Christianity ( the worshipping of Jesus). Jesus Christ is a Palestinian who called God, Allaha in his native tongue, Aramaic. Similarly Moses called God, Elohim in Hebrew.

Lets begin with the basics. I will define Muslim and Islam, respectively.

Muslim-One who submits voluntarily or involuntarily to God's Will.
The term Muslim was first coined by the Biblical Patriarch Abraham( according to Koran) and it was subsequently used by many other Prophets. The Aramaic rendering of the word is Mushlam. It translates to "the Complete".

Jesus called his apostles "the Muslims"(Luke 6:40)Aramaic translated into Hebrew: "Ein talmeed na'leh 'al rabbo; shekken kal adam she'MUSHLAM yihyeh k'rabbo."Translation in English: "No student can be above his teacher, but everyone that is a MUSLIM, can be as his teacher." If you want more details here is a link.
http://www.jewstoislam.com/jesus%20...for%20allah.htm
Jesus says,
"Who will support me in the Message of Allah,?" "We are supporting Allah's message with you, we believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims", said the disciples" (Sura 3:52 Noble Quran)

Islam-Submission to the Will of God, and Peace and Harmony with the laws of nature(under God). Islam is derived from the hebrew root shalom. Shalom means Peace. The Aramaic rendering Shalem translates to "Completion/Perfection" . Islam means all this and more. Islam is the only major religious ideology in the world that is not named after a person or place.
God says,
(Surah Aal'imraan 3:67 Noble Quran)"This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion."

The "Religion" of Islam revolves around 5 pillars. The first Pillar, The Shahada( The Witnessing)is the most important pillar.

{The Shahada} "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God"
If you believe this statement you are in essence a Muslim!

Pillar 1 {Shahada/Witnessing}
Jesus Christ announced the Coming of Prophet Muhammad( Comforter/Paraclete. This is confirmed by the Aramaic Bible Society. For details here is a link
http://www.aramaic.org/PARAVLETE.html

{John 16:7-13 }
"But I tell you the truth, It is better for you that I should go away; for if I do not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I should go, I will send him to you. And when he is come, he will rebuke the world concerning sin, concerning righteousness, and concerning Judgment. Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; Concerning righteousness, because I go to my Father, and you will not see me again; Concerning judgment, because the leader of this world has been judged. Again, I have many other things to tell you, but you cannot grasp them now. But when the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all the truth: for he will not speak from himself, but what he hears, that he will speak: and he will make known to you things which are to come in the future. He will glorify me; because he will take of my own and show to you. Everything that my Father has is mine; this is the reason why I told you that he will take of my own and show to you."

"And when I saw him my soul filled with consolation, saying:"O Muhammad, God be with thee, and may he make me worthy to untie thy shoelatchet, for obtaining this I shall be a Great Prophet and Holy one of God".( Gospel of Barnabus)

(Noble QuranSurah LXI, Vs. 6 And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the apostle of God (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving Glad Tidings of an apostle to come after me, whose name shall be "Ahmad". But when he came to them with Clear Signs, they said, "This is evident sorcery!.?E

Note: Ahmad is Muhammad's Celestial name. Both words mean "The Praised One".

Pillar 2 {Salat/Prayer}

Does the Muslim prayer seem strange to you? Well, this is the way all the Biblical Prophets Prayed!

(Matthew 26:39) And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou Wilt.

(Numbers 20:6 )And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto them. (Numbers 16:20-22 )And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, saying, 21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. 22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt Thou be wroth with the all of the congregation?

(Genesis 17:3) And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 4 As for Me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

Psalm 95:6)"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.", (Joshua 18:42)"And Joshua fell on his face to the Earth, and did worship...",

And be steadfast in prayer;
Practice regular charity;
And bow down your heads
With those who bow down.
Holy Qur'an 2:45

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aca...ible_prayer.htm

Muslims pray five times a day. This number is not exclusive to Islam. In fact Sabeans/Mandeans (religion of St. John the Baptist) and Zoroastrians/(Magian of Quran) also prayed 5 times a day.

In fact Jews prayed the same way as Muslims not too long ago. Heres a link...
http://www.jewsforallah.org/

Pillar 3 { Fasting}

Jesus Christ fasted 40 days a year. Muslims fast 30 days during the month of Ramadan. There are many Muslims who also prefer to fast the extra 10 days.

Jesus spoke in terms of "when" we fast, not "if" we fast (Matthew 6:2,5,16). Jesus also said that after his death, his followers would fast (Matthew 9:15). Prophets and teachers fasted in Antioch (Acts 13:2)

Pillar 4 {Zakat/Charity}

Jesus Christ devoted his whole life to charity. He healed the blind and the lepers. His whole life was all about giving.

"(Jesus said) God has made me blessed wherever I go, and He commanded me to
observe the SALAT PRAYERS and ZAKAT charity for as long as I live." ( Noble Quran 19:31)

Pillar 5{ Hajj/Pilgrimage}

Jesus Christ will perform pilgrimage after defeating the AntiChrist on his 2nd Coming

www.jesuswillreturn.com/

Jesus Christ has many titles in the Quran. He is called Messiah(Masih), Son of Mary, Spirit of God, Word of God, Aya (Sign).

River

About Virgin Mary

The Virgin Mary was a pious Muslim women who wore the hijab( the veil). The hijab is a symbol of Purity, Chastity and LIBERATION. Although it is not mandatory, it is the preferred exalted mode of life. Many modern feminists are also adopting the hijab. The hijab serves a protective function. It prevents objectification of the women's body. The hijab allows women to have full control over her body. It emphasizes one's inner beauty and worth.

BEHOLD! THE ANGELS SAID: "O MARY! GOD HATH CHOSEN THEE AND PURIFIED THEE- CHOSEN THEE ABOVE THE WOMEN OF ALL NATIONS." HOLY QURAN 3:42

"Chosen thee above the women of all nations." Such an honor is not to be found given to Mary even in the Christian Bible! The verse continue:

"O MARY! WORSHIP THY LORD DEVOUTLY: PROSTRATE THYSELF, AND BOW DOWN (IN PRAYER) WITH THOSE WHO BOW DOWN." HOLY QURAN 3:43

Mother Mary is mentioned more times in the Koran than in the New Testament.
In Islam Eve is not directly blamed . In fact the Koran states that Adam and Hawaa (Eve) were punished equally, forgiven equally and then raised together to an exalted position in the eyes of God. Pregnancy and Childbirth is a blessing in Islam( not a burden). One of God's titles is Rahman ( " The womb") . This indicates that He also has Motherly qualities. Islam is the first "religion" to give women full inheritance rights, the right to initiate divorce and also to keep her last name. Islam also allows women to participate actively in politics. The Prophet's wife Khadija was also his bussiness partner. Unfortunately today's Muslim countries are only nominally Islamic. They don't follow the true spirit of Islam.

River

Islam is not a religion . It is a Din. The word religion does not have the depth to define what Islam is. Islam is the cumulative product of revelations from Adam to Ahmad (Muhammad). Islam was revealed to mankind through 125,000 Prophets and 315 Messengers. The Quran does not limit its Prophets to Israelites or Ishmaelite. It does however emphasize the Abrahamic Lineage. It is given priority because the whole course of human history will be affected by it (specifically Jerusalem or Israel). Many have deduced that Eastern Prophets are recognized by the Quran. Buddha is speculated to be the Qur'anic Prophet known as Dhul-kifl (The Nourisher). Since the word Magians are found in the Quran, we can almost safely conclude that Zorothrustra (Zoroaster the Persian Prophet) is also a Prophet of Islam. Many Sufis believe that Krisna ( a god in Hinduism) and Rama also taught Islam and were human prophets. All Prophets taught tawhid (Holy Unity). They taught the Unity of God and the Unity of all things. Unfortunately human nature is inclined towards deifying charismatic leaders. Countless Prophets of India were deified. Buddha was a man, who was later deified. Christ was deified.

Muhammad was almost deified when he died. In one of the noblest speeches recorded in human history, Abu Bakr said" Those that want to worship Muhammad, know that he is dead. Those who worship God, He is Alive Forever".

"And every nation had a Messenger" Qur'an, Sura 10:47

"Certainly We sent Messengers before thee: and there are some of them that We have mentioned to thee and there are others whom We have not mentioned to thee." Qur'an, Sura 40:78 and Sura 4:164

"We have revealed to thee The Book with the Truth, verifying that which is before it of The Book and a guardian over it." Sura 5:48

"You believe the entire Book." Qur'an, Sura 3:116

Islamic theory takes the evolutionary approach. That all religions and family of religions are derived from some Primordial Religion. This is not an afterthought . It is very ingrained in the Koran. Similarly there are different family of Languages ( i.e Indo-Aryan) that branched and formed dialects and other languages. In terms of Darwinian Natural Selection this concept is called Adaptive Radiation (i.e Darwinian finches)

River

http://www.jews-for-allah.org/Muhamm...d-in-Songs.htm

Doctor X

Look hard enough . . . torture the language hard enough . . . and you can find anything you want in a text.

Whether it is really there or not is another question entirely.

Peter:

Agreed. To my understanding Greek was the lingua franca of the region.

--J.D.

River

It is not as tortuous as what some may want to think. Aramaic and Arabic are very closely related Semetic languages . In fact , some recent scholars are endorsing the concept of reading the Qur'an in Syriac-Aramaic. The early Nazarene scriptures of Christianity gives a powerful glimpse into the coming of Islam. Obviously if the Bible was EVER authentic it shouldnt have omitted such a large piece of world history [as Islam]. And Muslims do NOT torture language as much as Christians or adherents of other religions. Islam is a straightforward religion that is based on reasoning .

Evangelion

No they didn't. A few extremists might have done, but this was hardly the majority view.

• Before Alexander the Great, the Greek language was an assortment of localized dialects. Alexander wanted a Greek language common to all peoples. It was called 'koine' or common. By the time the New Testament was written (mid to late 1st century A.D.) koine Greek had become the common language in Israel.
  
  Source.

They also used the LXX. (The NT authors quote it regularly.)

What does that tell you?