C. S. Lewis's Liar/Lunatic/Lord: can it be applied elsewhere?

[cardenio]

I’m sure most of you are familiar with CSL’s argument that Jesus could not be just a good man because he claimed to be God.

But, my friend asked me, can’t we apply the same to any religion? Mohammed claimed to be God’s prophet. Therefore, either he is God’s prophet, or he is lying, or he is insane.

I know almost nothing about Islam, so I told him I would do some research and get back with him. But now I am lost. Can somebody help me?

 

[jcaz]

Well cardenio, you have right to be confused.

First off, there is an appropriate response to the CSL, when they say that “either Jesus is a liar, or he is who he says he is.”

I respond: "Jesus, peace be upon him, is definitely not a liar. Rather he is a prophet of God. However, the false statements attributed to him are exagerations/lies/fabrications.

Now, with regards to Muhammad, no one denies that he claimed to be a prophet. So he is either a prophet, was insane, or was a liar. This is for you to decide. And from a Christian perspective, “a good tree bears good fruit.” And when I say that, I do not mean with regards to individual actions over certain years, such as stupid actions of terrorist muslims or stupid actions of radical christians. I’m referring to the overall religion, it’s beliefs, and it’s growth.

For more on the concept of “is Muhammad a prophet”, you can read the following post that I made regarding part of my conversion story. It discusses the thought process that I used at that time.

Take care

 

[jcaz]

Ghosty had asked me to share my “story”, and insha Allaah, I will have the time to write this out shortly. But for now, as this topic is about Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam, I figured that I, from my previous perspective, would share with you my “crazy” thoughts on the prophethood of the prophets.

Please note, I am NOT writing this to present an argument. You can surely come refute everything I am about to say. I am simply sharing with you one of the many thought-processes that was going through my head regarding the status of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

After I had essentially left Catholicism and chosen to follow only the words and teachings of Jesus, peace be upon him, I felt myself conforming, in belief, to that of Islaam. The question of “who is Muhammad” kept coming up, and frankly, I did my darndist to ignore it, as it was my only goal to follow the true teachings of Jesus, peace be upon him. However, as my beliefs became more in line with Islaam, I was ultimately confronted with the question of who is Muhammad, peace be upon him, and this question had to be answered.

I would read the following verses in the Quraan:

Say (O Muhammad SAW): “Allâh has spoken the truth; follow the religion of Ibrâhim (Abraham) Hanifa (Islâmic Monotheism, i.e. he used to worship Allâh Alone), and he was not of Al-Mushrikûn.” (Aali Imran 3:95)

Then, We have inspired you (O Muhammad SAW saying): "Follow the religion of Ibrâhim (Abraham) Hanifa, and he was not of the Mushrikûn (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers, etc.). (An-Nahl 16:123)

And I would also read the verse explaining that Abraham was neither a Jew or a Christian:

Ibrâhim (Abraham) was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa, and he was not of Al-Mushrikûn. (Aali Imran 3:67)

These verses intrigued me, as here was Allaah, commanding Muhammad to tell his followers to follow the religion of Abraham, because with so many man made teachings, it can be confusing as to what is the truth. So x it all, and follow the religion of Abraham. But what was this religion? He was not a Jew, as Judaism is based on the tribe of Judea, and he was not a Christian, as Christianity is based on Jesus, peace be upon him, would had not been sent yet. What was the religion of Abraham? Pure monotheism. Pure submission to his Lord. Pure “Islaam”…so much so that he was willing to sacrifice his son.

to be continued…

 

[jcaz]

and here’s the continuation of that post…

So, here’s a thought-process that I had when trying to decipher who is and is not a real messenger. As Joe, one of the moderators, stated, religion does boil down to belief. So what would make me believe that Moses, or Isaac, or Noah, or jesus, or Muhammad, peace be upon them, were prophets? So imagine oneself at the time of prophet Abraham, peace be upon him, and imagine that you are one of his followers, believing in the one true God. Not a trinity, not a five-part God, but one God. And you believe that messengers will come to mankind, but you do not know who.

Now, you are warped through time and taken to the time of Moses, and it is up to you to decide if he is a messenger. So here were four questions I asked myself, being “a believer in the religion of Abraham”:

1. Is this person, in this case Moses, claiming to be a prophet from the religion of Abraham? The answer: Yes.
2. Are his teachings in line with those of Abraham? Yes.
3. Did God support him with miracles? Yes (ASSUME, since you are there at that time, that you SEE the miracles).
4. What was the result of his message? Well, we can see that Millions of people (Jews) followed the religion of Abraham as a result!
   ANSWER: Moses, peace be upon him, must have been a prophet.

So now you are time-warped to the time of Jesus, peace be upon him, and it is your task to see if he was a true prophet from your religion (Abrahamic faith). So again, here’s the questions:

1. Is this person, in this case Jesus, claiming to be a prophet from the religion of Abraham? The answer: Yes.
2. Are his teachings in line with those of Abraham? Yes (as Jesus ALWAYS called to the worship of his Lord, as he himself worshipped his Lord). And Jesus submittted to his Lord, as we can see in his life.
3. Did God support him with miracles? Yes (ASSUME, since you are there at that time, that you SEE the miracles).
4. What was the result of his message? Well, we can see that over ONE BILLION people (Christians) followed the religion of Abraham as a result!
   ANSWER: Jesus, peace be upon him, must have been a prophet.

Next, we come to David Koresh, and it is our job to decide if we think he is a prophet of our faith. So again, here are the questions:

1. Is this person, in this case David Koresh, claiming to be a prophet from the religion of Abraham? The answer: Yes.
2. Are his teachings in line with those of Abraham? NO.
3. Did God support him with miracles? NO.
4. What was the result of his message? Well, hundreds (i do not remember the exact number) of people were killed!
   ANSWER: He was NOT a prophet.

And we come to Muhammad, from the tribe of Quraysh, and it is our job to decide if we think he is a prophet of our faith. So, to the questions:

1. Is this person, in this case Muhammad, claiming to be a prophet from the religion of Abraham? The answer: Yes.
2. Are his teachings in line with those of Abraham? Yes, and actually, they are completely in line, as he his message was “la ilaaha illa Allaah”, “There is no diety worthy of worship except Allaah.”
3. Did God support him with miracles? Yes (ASSUME, since you are there at that time, that you SEE the miracles).
4. What was the result of his message? Well, we can see that over ONE BILLION people (Musilms) follow the religion of Abraham as a result!
   ANSWER: Muhammad, peace be upon him, must have been a prophet.

Those thoughts, amongst others, definitely made me decide to learn more about the teachings of Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam.

LASTLY: Yes, Ghosty and Hawk and others, you can come make many, many arguments to this. The point of this post is NOT to prove anything, as if it were, it would have many holes in it. As stated at the beginning, Ghosty asked me to share, and this was an opportunity to share some thoughts that went through my tiny, humble brain before I accepted Islaam.

Thank you.

 

[sainted]

Nice conversion story jcaz!
So can it be summed up into these equations:

Abraham + 0 = Abraham

Abraham + Moses = Jew

Abraham + Moses + Jesus = Christian

Abraham + Moses+ Jesus + Muhammad = Muslim

RIGHT??

 

[Petergee]

cardenio:

I’m sure most of you are familiar with CSL’s argument that Jesus could not be just a good man because he claimed to be God.

But, my friend asked me, can’t we apply the same to any religion? Mohammed claimed to be God’s prophet. Therefore, either he is God’s prophet, or he is lying, or he is insane.

I know almost nothing about Islam, so I told him I would do some research and get back with him. But now I am lost. Can somebody help me?

I’d say the difference is that a man only has to be slightly insane/confused/manipulative to say that he is God’s prophet if it’s not true. But if a man really believes and insists that he is God Himself and demands that people worship him, if it’s not true he must be TOTALLY wacko or evil.

As for those who say " I believe the quotes and descriptions of Jesus in the scriptures and traditions which I feel comfortable with are true, but the parts which I’m not comfortable with are lies added in by later interferers" that sounds just a bit too conveniently self-serving.

 

[Hospitaller]

Petergee:

As for those who say " I believe the quotes and descriptions of Jesus in the scriptures and traditions which I feel comfortable with are true, but the parts which I’m not comfortable with are lies added in by later interferers" that sounds just a bit too conveniently self-serving.

Incredibly so. That was, in essence, what the so-called “Jesus seminar” was all about, wasn’t it?

 

[marvin]

I’d say the difference is that a man only has to be slightly insane/confused/manipulative to say that he is **God’s prophet **

if it’s not true. But if a man really believes and insists that he is **God Himself ** and demands that people worship him, if it’s not true he must be TOTALLY wacko or evil.

This is the important point here. Lewis’s argument applies to Christ only. The argument does not apply to anyone else. Mohammed claimed to be God’s prophet.

 

[Faith101]

Petergee:

I’d say the difference is that a man only has to be slightly insane/confused/manipulative to say that he is God’s prophet if it’s not true. But if a man really believes and insists that he is God Himself and demands that people worship him, if it’s not true he must be TOTALLY wacko or evil.

As for those who say " I believe the quotes and descriptions of Jesus in the scriptures and traditions which I feel comfortable with are true, but the parts which I’m not comfortable with are lies added in by later interferers" that sounds just a bit too conveniently self-serving.

The idea is that Jesus never directly told anyone to worship him. Also, and this has been discussed many times on these threads and probably all over the internet world, the Bible serves as proof for BOTH those who say taht Jesus is god and people who say he is the son of god (or both) and people who say he is just a prophet.

it is inconclusive. For every verse that eludes to the idea of him being God, there is another that eludes to the idea that he was JUST a prophet.

Therefore, the lewis guy’s foundation is not correct, b/c the Bible is not conclusive about who Jesus peace be up on him is.

 

[Faith101]

sainted:

Nice conversion story jcaz!
So can it be summed up into these equations:

Abraham + 0 = Abraham

Abraham + Moses = Jew

Abraham + Moses + Jesus = Christian

Abraham + Moses+ Jesus + Muhammad = Muslim

RIGHT??

no

abraham=muslim
moses=muslim
jesus=muslim
mohamed=muslim

peace be upon themall. They all submitted to God and God alone.

 

[JimG]

jcaz:

I respond: "Jesus, peace be upon him, is definitely not a liar. Rather he is a prophet of God. However, the false statements attributed to him are exagerations/lies/fabrications.

How convenient. You will accept scriptural evidence that shows him to be a prophet, but reject as a fabrication any scriptural evidence that shows him to be more than a prophet. You do not accept the testimony of his own disciples as to who he was. So your conclusion is that Jesus was a prophet, but an unsuccessful one.

 

[cute2904]

Faith101:

no

abraham=muslim
moses=muslim
jesus=muslim
mohamed=muslim

peace be upon themall. They all submitted to God and God alone.

Dont you think muhammad was the first muslim?..
Say: Shall I choose for a protecting friend other than Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who feedeth and is never fed? Say: I am ordered to be the first to surrender [aslama] (unto Him). And be not thou (O Muhammad) of the idolaters. S. 6:14 Pickthall

Say, verily my Lord hath directed me into a right way, a true religion, the sect of Abraham the orthodox; and he was no idolater. Say, verily my prayers, and my worship, and my life, and my death are dedicated unto God, the Lord of all creatures: He hath no companion. This have I been commanded: I am the first Moslem (Wa 'Ana 'Awwalu Al-Muslimin). S. 6:161-163 Sale

He hath no associate. This am I commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims. S. 6:163 Rodwell

Say (O Muhammad): Lo! I am commanded to worship Allah, making religion pure for Him (only). And I am commanded to be the first of those who are muslims (surrender unto Him). S. 39:11-12 Pickthall

 

[Petergee]

Faith101:

The idea is that Jesus never directly told anyone to worship him. Also, and this has been discussed many times on these threads and probably all over the internet world, the Bible serves as proof for BOTH those who say taht Jesus is god and people who say he is the son of god (or both) and people who say he is just a prophet.

it is inconclusive. For every verse that eludes to the idea of him being God, there is another that eludes to the idea that he was JUST a prophet.

Therefore, the lewis guy’s foundation is not correct, b/c the Bible is not conclusive about who Jesus peace be up on him is.

You have obviously not read the whole of the New Testament, but only a tiny number of carefully selected and out-of-context verses.

Apart from anything else, ten of the apostles who spent 24/7 with him for 3 years chose to be put to horrible deaths rather than deny that He is the Son of God. (The 11th got to choose life imprisonment.) Would you die for something you knew was a massive lie?

 

[Booklover]

Faith101:

no

abraham=muslim
moses=muslim
jesus=muslim
mohamed=muslim

peace be upon themall. They all submitted to God and God alone.

Where do you get the idea that Abraham, Moses and Jesus were Muslims?LOL Is that another of the myths created by your "prophet?

There was no such thing as Islam until Mohammed started it!

We already know all about your brand of monotheism, so would you please stop hitting us on the heads with it all the time?

 

[jcaz]

Where do you get the idea that Abraham, Moses and Jesus were Muslims?LOL Is that another of the myths created by your "prophet?

There was no such thing as Islam until Mohammed started it!

We already know all about your brand of monotheism, so would you please stop hitting us on the heads with it all the time?

YOU people never cease to impress me with the ignorance that you choose to have. Mind you, either ignorance or just stubborness. Surely, Muslims have explained to you OVER AND OVER that when we say that Abraham was a Muslilm, this does NOT mean that he was a Muslim in the sense of what you see the religion of Islaam today. This does NOT mean he prayed 5 times a day, fasted Ramadan, went to hajj, payed the zakaah, etc.

BUT, considering that Islaam is derived from the verb “aslama”, which means “to submit”, and considering that “Islaam” means “submission”, and considering that a Muslim is one who “submits himself to his Lord”, then surely this is applied to all of the prophets.

NO ONE can claim that Abraham, peace be upon him, was a Christian or Jew, because he did not follow Christ and he was not from the tribe of Judea. Nor can someone claim that he followed Budda or Confusius.

Rather, WHAT WAS THE RELIGION OF ABRAHAAM? You tell me. What was his religion?

He was a monotheistic beleiver, who submitted his own will to the will of his Lord…SO MUCH SO that he was willing to sacrifice his one son.

So yes, this is why Allaah says in the Quraan,

“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian. But he was an upright Muslim.”

Prophet Abraham, peace be upon, eximplified the meaning of Islaam in his life, more than an of us even come close to today. No doubt, he was a submitter to his Lord. No doubt, Abraham “aslama” (submitted) to his Lord. And no doubt, Abraham, peace be upon him, FROM THAT PERSPECTIVE, was a Muslim.

Nice conversion story jcaz!
So can it be summed up into these equations:

Abraham + 0 = Abraham

Abraham + Moses = Jew

Abraham + Moses + Jesus = Christian

Abraham + Moses+ Jesus + Muhammad = Muslim

RIGHT??

Wrong.

Abraham = follower of pure monotheism (submitted his own will to his Lord, the Creator of all). Thus was a Muslim in the true sense of the arabic word.

Abraham + Moses = follower of pure monotheism (submitted his own will to his Lord, the Creator of all). Thus was a Muslim in the true sense of the arabic word.

Abraham + Moses + Jesus = follower of pure monotheism (submitted his own will to his Lord, the Creator of all). Thus was a Muslim in the true sense of the arabic word.

Abraham + Moses + Jesus + Muhammad = follower of pure monotheism (submitted his own will to his Lord, the Creator of all). Thus was a Muslim in the true sense of the arabic word.

 

[cute2904]

jcaz:

YOU people never cease to impress me with the ignorance that you choose to have. Mind you, either ignorance or just stubborness. Surely, Muslims have explained to you OVER AND OVER that when we say that Abraham was a Muslilm, this does NOT mean that he was a Muslim in the sense of what you see the religion of Islaam today. This does NOT mean he prayed 5 times a day, fasted Ramadan, went to hajj, payed the zakaah, etc.

You mean Abraham didnt do any pagans practices like you just mentioned above?

BUT, considering that Islaam is derived from the verb “aslama”, which means “to submit”, and considering that “Islaam” means “submission”, and considering that a Muslim is one who “submits himself to his Lord”, then surely this is applied to all of the prophets.

No. it means submits to the lord under the sword.

NO ONE can claim that Abraham, peace be upon him, was a Christian or Jew, because he did not follow Christ and he was not from the tribe of Judea. Nor can someone claim that he followed Budda or Confusius.

According to our bible Abraham (pbuh) was a Jew. Yes we also never claimed that he was a Christian though…nor following Budha (pbuh) or Confusius (pbuh).

Rather, WHAT WAS THE RELIGION OF ABRAHAAM? You tell me. What was his religion?

According to me Judaism
According to you he was a muslim

He was a monotheistic beleiver, who submitted his own will to the will of his Lord…SO MUCH SO that he was willing to sacrifice his one son.

Isaac according to me
Ismael according to you

Abraham + Moses + Jesus = follower of pure monotheism (submitted his own will to his Lord, the Creator of all). Thus was a Muslim in the true sense of the arabic word.

Abraham + Moses + Jesus + Muhammad = follower of pure monotheism (submitted his own will to his Lord, the Creator of all). Thus was a Muslim in the true sense of the arabic word.

Since Jesus was a muslim, thus Jesus followers also muslim. Then why do we still be called non believers in your koran?

 

[Booklover]

jcaz:

YOU people never cease to impress me with the ignorance that you choose to have. Mind you, either ignorance or just stubborness. Surely, Muslims have explained to you OVER AND OVER that when we say that Abraham was a Muslilm, this does NOT mean that he was a Muslim in the sense of what you see the religion of Islaam today. This does NOT mean he prayed 5 times a day, fasted Ramadan, went to hajj, payed the zakaah, etc.

BUT, considering that Islaam is derived from the verb “aslama”, which means “to submit”, and considering that “Islaam” means “submission”, and considering that a Muslim is one who “submits himself to his Lord”, then surely this is applied to all of the prophets.

NO ONE can claim that Abraham, peace be upon him, was a Christian or Jew, because he did not follow Christ and he was not from the tribe of Judea. Nor can someone claim that he followed Budda or Confusius.

Rather, WHAT WAS THE RELIGION OF ABRAHAAM? You tell me. What was his religion?

He was a monotheistic beleiver, who submitted his own will to the will of his Lord…SO MUCH SO that he was willing to sacrifice his one son.

So yes, this is why Allaah says in the Quraan,

Prophet Abraham, peace be upon, eximplified the meaning of Islaam in his life, more than an of us even come close to today. No doubt, he was a submitter to his Lord. No doubt, Abraham “aslama” (submitted) to his Lord. And no doubt, Abraham, peace be upon him, FROM THAT PERSPECTIVE, was a Muslim.

Wrong.

Abraham = follower of pure monotheism (submitted his own will to his Lord, the Creator of all). Thus was a Muslim in the true sense of the arabic word.

Abraham + Moses = follower of pure monotheism (submitted his own will to his Lord, the Creator of all). Thus was a Muslim in the true sense of the arabic word.

Abraham + Moses + Jesus = follower of pure monotheism (submitted his own will to his Lord, the Creator of all). Thus was a Muslim in the true sense of the arabic word.

Abraham + Moses + Jesus + Muhammad = follower of pure monotheism (submitted his own will to his Lord, the Creator of all). Thus was a Muslim in the true sense of the arabic word.

As far as ignorance or stubborness, the same can certainly be applied to you Muslims! HOW MANY TIMES have we tried to explain the Trinity and that Jesus was the Son of God and 2nd person of that same Trinity and not just a lesser prophet to Mohammed.

Abraham was a JEW so his religion would have been Judaism, and the Jews were the chosen people of God!

Since salvation is coming from THE JEWS, where does Mohammed, an Arab, and enemy of the Jews come in???

 

[cute2904]

Jcaz darling… I quoted these verses but no reply. Kindly you can explain why did you said Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad were muslim while your own prophet claimed to be the first muslim (Wa 'Ana 'Awwalu Al-Muslimin). Do not easily call people opposite you an ignorant. You explain what you can explain we explain what can we explain and see how it goes, ok?!

Say: Shall I choose for a protecting friend other than Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who feedeth and is never fed? Say: I am ordered to be the first to surrender [aslama] (unto Him). And be not thou (O Muhammad) of the idolaters. S. 6:14 Pickthall

Say, verily my Lord hath directed me into a right way, a true religion, the sect of Abraham the orthodox; and he was no idolater. Say, verily my prayers, and my worship, and my life, and my death are dedicated unto God, the Lord of all creatures: He hath no companion. This have I been commanded: I am the first Moslem (Wa 'Ana 'Awwalu Al-Muslimin). S. 6:161-163 Sale

He hath no associate. This am I commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims. S. 6:163 Rodwell

Say (O Muhammad): Lo! I am commanded to worship Allah, making religion pure for Him (only). And I am commanded to be the first of those who are muslims (surrender unto Him). S. 39:11-12 Pickthall

 

[Edris]

Dont you think muhammad was the first muslim?..…
Say: Shall I choose for a protecting friend other than Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who feedeth and is never fed? Say: I am ordered to be the first to surrender [aslama] (unto Him). And be not thou (O Muhammad) of the idolaters. S. 6:14 Pickthall

Say, verily my Lord hath directed me into a right way, a true religion, the sect of Abraham the orthodox; and he was no idolater. Say, verily my prayers, and my worship, and my life, and my death are dedicated unto God, the Lord of all creatures: He hath no companion. This have I been commanded: I am the first Moslem (Wa 'Ana 'Awwalu Al-Muslimin). S. 6:161-163 Sale

He hath no associate. This am I commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims. S. 6:163 Rodwell

Say (O Muhammad): Lo! I am commanded to worship Allah, making religion pure for Him (only). And I am commanded to be the first of those who are muslims (surrender unto Him). S. 39:11-12 Pickthall

   Good question.  I mean it.
and the answer is No,  Muhammad was not the first muslim.   Simply because every single muslim on the face of the earth before he starts praying he says this  "**I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the heavens and the earth Hanifa(Islâmic Monotheism, i.e. worshipping none but Allâh Alone) and I am not of Al-Mushrikûn (the disbelievers in the Oness of Allah),    my Salât (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists), He has no partner And  Of this I have been commanded, and i'm the first of the muslims**"  
 
 After that you start the prayer, so basically every muslim says " and i'm the first of the muslims",   i'll tell u why but listen to this too
  
      "**And when Mûsa (Moses) came at the time and place appointed by Us, and his Lord spoke to him, he said: "O my Lord! Show me (Yourself), that I may look upon You." Allâh said: "You cannot see Me, but look upon the mountain if it stands still in its place then you shall see Me." So when his Lord appeared to the mountain], He made it collapse to dust, and Mûsa (Moses) fell down unconscious. Then when he recovered his senses he said: "Glory be to You, I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers**."     (Qur'an 7:143)


 This phrase "I am the first of the believers (muslims)"   , from my limited knowledge is used for two reasons, i don't know if there are reasons,  but the two that i know are   1)  It's indication of how strong your faith is,  when it's said in arabic at least it gives you the feeling that you really believe in what you are saying  "I'm the first".      2) It shows the meaning of another verse that says ".....and for this let (all) those strive who want to

strive (i.e. hasten earnestly to the obedience of Allâh)." (Qur’an 83:26) in this verse Allah (swt) commands us to compete in getting the good deeds, because in heaven (paradise) we will not be all in the same level, everyone will be placed in level according to his good deeds and/or how much he loved his God in this life. So, by saying “…and i’m the first of the muslims” it reflects that competition.

Peace

 

[cute2904]

Edris:

Good question. I mean it.

From a person that said “but please think before you speak, don’t let your brain be like an extra weight.” Those words were so comforting we do should go out for a beer Edris

and the answer is No, Muhammad was not the first muslim. Simply because every single muslim on the face of the earth before he starts praying he says this “I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the heavens and the earth Hanifa(Islâmic Monotheism, i.e. worshipping none but Allâh Alone) and I am not of Al-Mushrikûn (the disbelievers in the Oness of Allah), my Salât (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists), He has no partner And Of this I have been commanded, and i’m the first of the muslims”

Mind you to explain the other verses I quoted?..

After that you start the prayer, so basically every muslim says " and i’m the first of the muslims", i’ll tell u why but listen to this too

“And when Mûsa (Moses) came at the time and place appointed by Us, and his Lord spoke to him, he said: “O my Lord! Show me (Yourself), that I may look upon You.” Allâh said: “You cannot see Me, but look upon the mountain if it stands still in its place then you shall see Me.” So when his Lord appeared to the mountain], He made it collapse to dust, and Mûsa (Moses) fell down unconscious. Then when he recovered his senses he said: "Glory be to You, I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers.” (Qur’an 7:143)

why not saying THE FIRST OF THE MUSLIM directly?

This phrase “I am the first of the believers (muslims)” , from my limited knowledge is used for two reasons, i don’t know if there are reasons, but the two that i know are 1) It’s indication of how strong your faith is, when it’s said in arabic at least it gives you the feeling that you really believe in what you are saying “I’m the first”. 2) It shows the meaning of another verse that says “…and for this let (all) those strive who want to
strive (i.e. hasten earnestly to the obedience of Allâh).” (Qur’an 83:26) in this verse Allah (swt) commands us to compete in getting the good deeds, because in heaven (paradise) we will not be all in the same level, everyone will be placed in level according to his good deeds and/or how much he loved his God in this life. So, by saying “…and i’m the first of the muslims” it reflects that competition.

Peace

1. Why every prophet claimed to be the first of the believer while they should have known others before them? Sound strange to me to indicate the word Muslim → Believer → Strong faith. Meanwhile, we who have strong faith also can be called muslim or it doesnt imply for people of the book or jews? 2) How many heavens does God provide? If people would be placed according to their levels.