Is Ibraaheem’s building of the Ka‘bah mentioned in the Bible?

Is Ibraaheem’s building of the Ka‘bah mentioned in the Bible?

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Recently one of my Uncle who is not a Muslim and he is doing research on islam at the moment and he is currently living in California USA . He studied both Bible, Torah and Quran. He asked me a question to which I dont know any satisfactory answer, since I am not Qualified. 

Can you please HELP me answer his question. 

Here is the Question: 

It says in the Quran that Abraham was a Muslim and along with his son,they built the Kaaba. According to Torah and Bible, Abraham never went to Mecca. 

So why the differences?

Praise be to Allah

We Muslims do not believe that there is any contradiction between the Holy Qur’an and the original Torah and Gospel, because we believe that they are all divinely revealed books that were sent down from Allah, may He be glorified. Thus they came from the same source, and as that is the case there cannot be any contradiction or conflict between them, as Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions”

[an-Nisa’ 4:82]. 

Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, describes the Holy Qur’an as “confirming” the Books that came before it, and that which confirms something cannot contradict or conflict with it. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“It is He Who has sent down the Book (the Quran) to you (Muhammad SAW) with truth, confirming what came before it. And he sent down the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel).

Aforetime, as a guidance to mankind, And He sent down the criterion (of judgement between right and wrong (this Quran)).”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:3-4]

“And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Quran) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures)”

[al-Maa’idah 5:48]. 

As for what we see nowadays of contradictions in the copies of the Torah and Gospel that are extant today, the reason for that is clear and obvious. It is because these two Books have fallen prey to distortion and alteration, with things being taken away, added and changed. That is in addition to the fact that the sources and manuscripts that have come down to us today cannot be trusted. This is what explains any differences that researchers or students find between these two Books and the Holy Qur’an which has been transmitted to us in a mutawaatir fashion (i.e., narrated by so many from so many that it is inconceivable that they could all have agreed upon a lie), as is attested by both believers and nonbelievers. 

For more discussion on this matter, please see fatwa no. 186196 

Nevertheless we say that Ibraaheem’s arrival in the land of Makkah al-Mukarramah – and indeed his building of the Sacred House – are historical events that are attested to in the Torah and other ancient historical books. We cannot deny the fact that there are different interpretations of these texts of the Torah and so on, and that the context is open to different interpretations. Our aim here here is to confirm that such indications exist. However, the matter should be left to scholars to examine the story in the Old Testament, in order to reach a definitive conclusion.

These references include the following: 

1.

In the book of Genesis 16:7 it says, after mentioning the story of Ibraaheem (Abraham) going in unto Haajar (Hagar) and her becoming pregnant, then Sarai’s [Sarah’s] complaint to Ibraaheem about her: 

[Biblical quotations in English are taken from the King James Version (KJV); some place names have been changed, followed by the place name, in brackets, that is mentioned in the KJV. This is done in line with the point the author is making – see below] 

And when Sarai [Sarah] dealt hardly [harshly] with her, she fled from her face.

7 And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain [spring] of water in the wilderness, by the fountain [spring] in the way to the Hijaz (Shur).

8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.

…

13 And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

14 Wherefore the well was called Be’er lahai roi (Well of the Living One Who sees me); behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. 

See how the name of the Hijaz is mentioned, and Hajar’s departure to that place, after which the blessing of the “Well of the Living One Who sees me” is bestowed by Allah, may He be glorified and exalted; this is the Well of Zamzam. 

2.

In Genesis 13:1-18 it says: 

And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, towards the qiblah (into the south).

2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;

4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.

…

18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord. 

In Genesis 20:1 it also says: 

And Abraham journeyed from thence towards the land of the qiblah (the south country), and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. 

We have quoted these texts [in the original Arabic of this article] from the Torah as translated into Arabic by Sa‘eed al-Fayyoomi, (d. 943 AH); the King James Version of the Bible has been used here]. He was the first one to translate the Old Testament into Arabic. He also wrote a commentary for most of its books. We have not found this Torah anywhere else except in the book of Idrees ‘Abayzah entitled Madhkal ila Diraasat at-Tawraat wa Naqdiha ma‘a Tarjumatihi al-‘Arabiyyah li Sa‘diyyaa Ka’oon al-Fayyoomi (Introduction to the Study and Critique of the Torah, accompanied by its Translation into Arabic by Sa‘diyyaa Ka’oon al-Fayyoomi). 

In other well-known translations of the Torah [into Arabic], instead of the Hijaz it mentions “by a fountain [spring] of water in the wilderness, by the fountain [spring] in the way to Shur” (Genesis 16:7), and instead of the qiblah it mentions “the south” (Genesis 13:1).

[Translator’s note: some English translations say “Negev” instead of “the south’; in the Bible, this word is used for the direction “south”] 

For more information please see (in Arabic): Nabi Ard al-Janoob (Prophet of the Southern Land) by Jamaal ad-Deen ash-Sharqaawi (p. 18-109) 

3.

In Genesis 21:21 it says of Ismaa‘eel (peace be upon him): 

21 And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt. 

This is how it appears in the Samaritan Torah (also known as the Samaritan Pentateuch), and in al-Fayyoomi’s translation of the Torah.

Although many passages in the Torah suggest that Paran is in Palestine, Imam al-Qarraafi said in his book al-Ajwibah al-Faakhirah (p. 165): Paran is Makkah, according to the consensus of the People of the Book. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said in al-Jawaab as-Saheeh liman baddala Deen al-Maseeh (5/200): 

There is no difference of opinion between the Muslims and the People of the Book concerning the fact that Paran is Makkah. But if they say that it is not Makkah, there is nothing strange in that, because they are known for their distortions and fabrications. 

He (may Allah have mercy on him) also said concerning the region around Mount Hira’ in Makkah:

That place is called Faaraan (Paran) to this day. End quote. 

‘Abd al-Haqq Vidyarthi (d. 1978 CE) stated in his famous book Muhammad in World Scriptures:

In the Arabic translation of the Samaritan Pentateuch (Torah), which was published in 1851 CE, it says that Paran is located in the Hijaz, as follows:

“And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt” (Genesis 21:21).

This translation remained in circulation for a long time, but when the Muslims alerted the Christian world to this prophecy, and that it constituted testimony to the truth of this Noble Prophet, the translation was changed. End quote 

4.

In the Old Testament, in Psalms 84:5-6, 10, there is mention of the valley of Baca. This passage, in the King James Version (KJV), reads as follows: 

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

…

10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand (elsewhere). 

There is no valley on earth called Baca (or Bakkah) that contains a house of worship and a spring of water (Zamzam), in which one prayer is better than a thousand prayers offered anywhere else, other than Makkah al-Mukarramah. 

Baca (Bakkah) is one of the names of Makkah. This name is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, where Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning)”

“Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-Alameen (the mankind and jinns)”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:96]. 

But the translators and commentators of the Old Testament distorted the word Baca to buka’ [weeping or crying; the Hebrew cognate denotes the same meaning], even though the meanings of place names should not be translated; rather the name should be transliterated, and even though the meaning of the (original) name has nothing to do with crying or weeping, as a result of their desire to eliminate all references to anything that is proven in the Holy Qur’an, such distortions occurred. 

In conclusion, we say: 

Even if nothing was mentioned in the Old Testament concerning Ibraaheem’s journey to the Hijaz, that does not indicate that this journey did not happen at all. The well known academic principle says that the fact that a thing is not mentioned does not mean that it did not happen. In other words, denying that something happened should take the form of a negative statement. The fact that no mention is made of its happening does not necessarily mean that it did not happen; rather the reason why it was not mentioned may be that it was omitted, forgotten, summarized in brief, and the like. If you find news of something in one newspaper, then you find that it is not mentioned at all in another newspaper, the fact that it is not mentioned in the latter does not mean that it did not happen. Whoever thinks in such terms is lacking in reason and is making no sense. This is also applicable in the case under discussion here. 

Furthermore, if we were to quote the words of non-Muslims who have investigated the story of the Ka‘bah and who really built it, and have determined that Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) is the one who built it, this article would become far too long. But we will limit ourselves to quoting one of the most famous of contemporary history books, The Story of Civilization, by Will Durant. This book is composed of forty-two volumes in which the author discusses the history of most civilizations, including the history of the Arabian Peninsula, concerning which he says: “It (the Ka‘bah) was built the fourth time by Abraham and Ishmael, his son from Hagar.

See Qissat al-Hadaarah, 13/18 (The Story of Civilization). 

And Allah knows best.

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Habakkuk

3

3God came from Teman, And the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, And the earth was full of his praise.

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Isaiah

21

13The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye caravans of Dedanites.13وحي من جهة بلاد العرب. في الوعر في بلاد العرب تبيتين يا قوافل الددانيين.

14Unto him that was thirsty they brought water; the inhabitants of the land of Tema did meet the fugitives with their bread.

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Psalms

84

4Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: They will be still praising thee. Selah4‎طوبى للساكنين في بيتك ابدا يسبحونك. سلاه

5Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; In whose heart are the highways [to Zion].5طوبى لاناس عزهم بك. طرق بيتك في قلوبهم‎.

6Passing through the valley of Weeping they make it a place of springs; Yea, the early rain covereth it with blessings.

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Isaiah

42

Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.1هوذا عبدي الذي اعضده مختاري الذي سرّت به نفسي. وضعت روحي عليه فيخرج الحق للامم.

2He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.2لا يصيح ولا يرفع ولا يسمع في الشارع صوته.

3A bruised reed will he not break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring forth justice in truth.3قصبة مرضوضة لا يقصف وفتيلة خامدة لا يطفئ. الى الامان يخرج الحق.

4He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law.4لا يكل ولا ينكسر حتى يضع الحق في الارض وتنتظر الجزائر شريعته

5Thus saith God Jehovah, he that created the heavens, and stretched them forth; he that spread abroad the earth and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:5هكذا يقول الله الرب خالق السموات وناشرها باسط الارض ونتائجها معطي الشعب عليها نسمة والساكنين فيها روحا.

6I, Jehovah, have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thy hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;6انا الرب قد دعوتك بالبر فامسك بيدك واحفظك واجعلك عهدا للشعب ونورا للامم

7to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.7لتفتح عيون العمي لتخرج من الحبس المأسورين من بيت السجن الجالسين في الظلمة

8I am Jehovah, that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise unto graven images.8انا الرب هذا اسمي ومجدي لا اعطيه لآخر ولا تسبيحي للمنحوتات.

9Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.9هوذا الاوليات قد اتت والحديثات انا مخبر بها. قبل ان تنبت اعلمكم بها.

10Sing unto Jehovah a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth; ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein, the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.10غنوا للرب اغنية جديدة تسبيحه من اقصى الارض. ايها المنحدرون في البحر وملؤه والجزائر وسكانها.

11Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up [their voice], the villages that Kedar doth inhabit; let the inhabitants of Sela sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.11لترفع البرية ومدنها صوتها الديار التي سكنها قيدار. لتترنم سكان سالع. من رؤوس الجبال ليهتفوا.

12Let them give glory unto Jehovah, and declare his praise in the islands.

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Genesis

13

1And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the South.1فصعد ابرام من مصر هو وامرأته وكل ما كان له ولوط معه الى الجنوب.

2And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.2وكان ابرام غنيا جدا في المواشي والفضة والذهب.

3And he went on his journeys from the South even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Ai,3وسار في رحلاته من الجنوب الى بيت ايل. الى المكان الذي كانت خيمته فيه في البداءة بين بيت ايل وعاي.

4unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of Jehovah.

8And Abram moved his tent, and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built there an altar unto Jehovah.

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4For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king, and without prince, and without sacrifice, and without pillar, and without ephod or teraphim:

4لان بني اسرائيل سيقعدون اياما كثيرة بلا ملك وبلا رئيس وبلا ذبيحة وبلا تمثال وبلا افود وترافيم.

5afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek Jehovah their God, and David their king, and shall come with fear unto Jehovah and to his goodness in the latter days.

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1 Kings :8

41Moreover concerning the foreigner, that is not of thy people Israel, when he shall come out of a far country for thy name's sake

41وكذلك الاجنبي الذي ليس من شعبك اسرائيل هو وجاء من ارض بعيدة من اجل اسمك.

42(for they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy mighty hand, and of thine outstretched arm); when he shall come and pray toward this house;

42لانهم يسمعون باسمك العظيم وبيدك القوية وذراعك الممدودة. فمتى جاء وصلى في هذا البيت

43hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the foreigner calleth to thee for; that all the peoples of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by my name.

سفر الملوك الأول - الأصحاح 8
41. ((وكذلك الغريب الذي لا ينتمي إلى إسرائيل شعبك، إذا جاء من أرض بعيدة من أجل اسمك،
42. لأن الناس يسمعون باسمك العظيم ويدك القديرة وذراعك الممدودة وصلى في هذا الهيكل
43. فاسمع من السماء، من مقامك، واعمل بجميع ما يلتمس منك هذا الغريب، ليعرف جميع أمم الأرض اسمك ويخافوك مثل إسرائيل شعبك، ويعلموا أن اسمك على هذا الهيكل الذي بنيته لك.
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http://www.dorar.net/enc/adyan/546


سفر أخبار الأيام الثاني - الأصحاح 6

32. ((وإذا جاء الغريب الذي لا ينتمي إلى بني إسرائيل شعبك، إذا جاء من أرض بعيدة من أجل اسمك، فالناس يسمعون باسمك العظيم ويدك القديرة وذراعك الممدودة، وصلى في هذا الهيكل
33. فاسمع أنت من السماء، من مكان سكناك واستجب ما يرجوه منك هذا الغريب ليعرف جميع أمم الأرض اسمك ويخافوك مثل بني إسرائيل شعبك ويعلموا أن اسمك في هذا الهيكل الذي بنيته لك.