In the name of Allah ,the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

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The Truth About The Original Sin
by:  Dr. Abdullah Bin Hadi Al-Qahtani, P.O.Box 541, Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia.
Publishing house:  Center for Call & Guidance at Az-Zulfi, P.O.Box 182 Az-Zulfi, Tel:(+966-6) 422-5657, Fax:(+966-6) 422-4234.
Publishing date:  August 1996 Second Edition.
The Series:  9/English.
ISBN:  9960-27-560-4.
Press via:  Narjis Printing Press, Tel:(966-1) 231-6653, Fax:(966-1) 231-6866.


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Introduction

            Issues related to belief might seem to be sensitive to dread on. However, with the advances in communication and the breaking up of cultural barriers among people of various cultures, it becomes necessary that beliefs be investigated objectively and with an open mind. All concerned religious scholars and believers need to give a sympathetic ear to alternative positions or beliefs offered by people from distant cultures seeking answers to resolve or at least clarify various issues of universal nature. Especially, if such beliefs are exported to other nations side by side with all types of merchandise. As governments set quality standards on imports of all types, I think it is important to test such common values and beliefs as well. In particular, our relation with the Christian world has become so close that we both need to get acquainted with what each party has to contribute to the understanding of such pressing issues.

            Since the concept of "The Original Sin" in Christianity forms the corner stone out of which a cluster of beliefs like the godship of Jesus (PBUH)[1], crucifixion and salvation have emerged. Therefore, it singles itself out as a good candidate to be studied.

            The methodology that will be followed in this essay about "The Original Sin" involves two types of evidence. The first is to carry on the study based on all logical possibilities that would explain the truth value of "The Original Sin". As a matter of fact, the writer heavily depended on arguments developed by Ibn Taymiyah - a thirteenth century prominent Muslim scholar[2]. The second type of evidence used to study "The Original Sin" depended on drawing evidence from The Bible[3] itself to reveal the truth of the concept in Christianity.

            In doing so, it is ultimately left to the readers whom God has bestowed with intellect that distinguishes them from all other creatures to ponder, analyze, evaluate then decide for themselves.

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[1] PBUH stands for peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (or them for plural).
[2] Ahmad Ibn Taymiyah 'al-jawab as-sahih liman badala deen al-masseh. Vol.I' (This copy does not have references to the publisher nor to the year of publication).
[3] Muslims believe that God has revealed (The Torah) to Prophet Moses (parts of what is called: The Old Testament and (The Injeel) to Prophet Jesus, parts of what is called The New Testament, as guidance to the people. Nevertheless, the current numerous versions of the Bible made it difficult to decide which is the authenticated one. For more details about this issue look at: Ezziah Ali Taha,The Methodology of Collecting the Bible and the Sunnah: A comparative Study. (Dar Al-Buhuth Al-Emiyyah, Kuwait, 1987). Ahmad Deedat, Is the Bible God's Word? International Publishing House (1982) P.1.