3 days or 3 nights?

Another blunder made by Korede. Recently I posted a contradiction from the gospels, where the “Holy Ghost” gave mixed messages to separate authors. Well, it didn’t take long to trigger Korede off. Not only did it put doubts in him, it also proved the gospels which Christians preach is not the actual inspired word of God. There is nothing to suggest those words in the gospels were inspired by “Holy Ghost” as Christian claim.

Now coming back to Korede and his blunder. Korede in response to the Contradiction which I posted, came back with a vengeance, well “borrowed vengeance”. What do I mean by that. Well, what Korede posted is not unique nor did Korede come up with it himself. He merely borrowed this “alleged Contradiction” from anti Muslim websites.  To be honest I remember many years ago this same so-called Contradiction was posed by some Christian fella.  Here is what Korede posted:

Korede Olawoyin

Here is my question for Mustafa Ahmed

Since Allah is the SINGULAR Author of the Qur'an, as compared to the writer of the Bible which is over 40 men, can you please tell us what Allah said EXACTLY in these two verses?

When reporting his message to Zakariyah, did Allah says he will not be able to talk for 3 Days as we see in Quran 3:41

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He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me." Allah said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to mankind for three days except with signals. And remember your Lord much (by praising Him again and again), and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning."
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Or did Allah say it was 3 night as found in Quran 19:10.

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[Zakariya (Zachariah)] said: "My Lord! Appoint for me a sign." He said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect."
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Remember, this is the SAME event, narrated by ONE PERSON, Allah, how come Allah says 3 days in one verse and then turn around to say 3 nights in another verse.

NOTE: The answer to the question will give birth to another interesting discussion.

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Just for the record guys, this is not Koredes own finding, Korede without reading into the text copied and pasted what he thinks is a contradiction.  Now lets study the two verses and find out if they really contradict.

He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me.'' (Allah) said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days except by signals. And remember your Lord much, and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning. (Surah 3:41)

He Zakariyya said: "My Lord! Appoint for me a sign.'' He said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect.'' (Surah 19:10)

Here is Ibn Katheer Tafseer :

(He said: "Your sign is...'') meaning, "Your sign will be...'' (that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect.) Meaning, `your tongue will be prevented from speaking for three nights while you are healthy and fit, without any sickness or illness.' Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, Wahb, As-Suddi, Qatadah and others said, "His tongue was arrested without any sickness or illness.'' `Abdur-Rahman bin Zayd bin Aslam said, "He used to recite and glorify Allah, but he was not able to speak to his people except by gestures. '' Al-`Awfi reported that Ibn `Abbas said, (three nights, though having no bodily defect.) "The nights were consecutive.

This Ayah is similar to what Allah, the Exalted, said in Surah Al `Imran, (He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me.'' (Allah) said "Your sign is that you shall not speak to mankind for three days except with signals. And remember your Lord much, and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning.)﴿3:41﴾ This is a proof that he did not speak to his people for these three nights and their days as well. (except with signals.) Meaning, with bodily gestures, this is why Allah says in this noble Ayah, (Then he came out to his people from the Mihrab) referring to the place where he was given the good news of the child. (he indicated to them by signs) Meaning he made a gesture to them that was subtle and swift. (to glorify ﴿Allah﴾ in the morning and in the afternoon.) That they should be agreeable to what he was commanded to do during these three days, to increase in his deeds and gratitude to Allah for what He had given him. Mujahid said, (he indicated to them by signs) "He made a gesture.'' Wahb and Qatadah said the same.

when Zakariyya (Zachariah)  abstained from speaking, he did not do so as an act of worship. Rather, it was beyond his control and was a sign for him indicating that his wife became pregnant. Allaah Says {He said, “My Lord, make for me a sign.”}[Quran 3:41], meaning a sign indicating that I will have a son. {He said, “Your sign is that you will not [be able to] speak to the people for three days except by gesture.}[Quran 3:41], meaning that you will only be able to gesture to people and you will not be able to speak to them despite the fact that you are in sound and good health; this is the same thing as in the verse of Allaah {He said, “Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights, [being] sound.}[Quran 19:10]; as interpreted by Ibn Katheer .

"... He said: 'The token for you (will be) that you cannot speak unto human beings for three days except by signals..."

Yet, to show his (Zachariah's) gratitude to that bounty, the verse says:

"….and remember your Lord immensely and glorify (Him) in the evening and early morning."

Thus, the Lord accepted the request of Zachariah. But his tongue could not move speaking with people for three days and nights without being involved by any natural cause. Yet, in the meanwhile, he was in a condition that he was still able to be busy murmuring the name of Allah. (tafseer AN ENLIGHTENING COMMENTARY INTO THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY QUR'AN VOL. 3)

“He (Zachariah) said: ‘My Lord! appoint for me a sign.’…”

No doubt Zachariah believed in Allah’s promise, but, in order to be more assured, he asked Him for such a sign. This was similar to Abraham’s, way who was certain of the Resurrection, yet he asked to see an aspect of the resurrection in this world in order that his heart would become more certain.

Then Zachariah (as) received this answer:

“…Said He: ‘Your sign is that you shall not be able to speak to the people for three nights, though sound (in health).”

During those three days and nights Zachariah’s tongue (as) could move only for prayers to Allah (s.w.t.) as well as in supplicating unto Him.

This was a clear sign, of course, in that a person would not able to speak with people while his tongue and his body were utterly sound and he could pray and worship to Allah fluently.

In the books of commentaries of Majma‘-ul-Bayan, of At-Tabari, and Al-Mizan, it has been said that, at the time of recitation of the Divine communications and the remembrance of Allah (s.w.t.), Zachariah’s tongue could utter words fluently and correctly, but when he wanted to use his tongue to speak with people, his tongue remained silent.

Of course, Zachariah (as) asked Allah (s.w.t.) for a sign to recognize between right and wrong, and between the divine revelations and satanic delusions.

This itself is an evidence to the fact that all our actions are under the Will and device of Allah, so that if He let not we are not able to speak even when we are in a complete health. (Tafsir-i-Al-Mizan)

He said ‘Lord appoint for me some sign’ namely some indication of my wife’s becoming pregnant. Said He ‘Your sign for this is that you shall not speak to people that is that you should refrain from speaking to them but not from speaking the remembrance of God exalted be He for three nights that is together with the days thereof as stated in sūrat Āl ‘Imrān ‘for three days’ Q. 341 while you are in sound health’ sawiyyan a circumstantial qualifier referring to the subject of the verb tukallima ‘you shall not speak’ in other words despite there being no defect in you. (Tafsir al-Jalalayn Surah 19:10 )

(He) Zachariah (said: My Lord) O my Lord! (Appoint a token for me) regarding my wife's pregnancy. ((The angel) said: The token unto thee) about your wife's pregnancy ((shall be) that thou shalt not speak) will not be able to speak (unto mankind three days) without being dumb (except by signs) by moving your lips, eyebrows, eyes and hands; it is also said: except by writing on the ground. (Remember your Lord) with your tongue and heart (much) in all circumstances, (and praise (Him) in the early hours of night and morning) pray in the morning and at night as you used to do ( Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn ‘Abbâs Surah 3:41)


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He said: "Your sign is...'') meaning, "Your sign will be...''


[أَلاَّ تُكَلِّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلَـثَ لَيَالٍ سَوِيّاً]


(that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect.) Meaning, `your tongue will be prevented from speaking for three nights while you are healthy and fit, without any sickness or illness.' Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, Wahb, As-Suddi, Qatadah and others said, "His tongue was arrested without any sickness or illness.'' `Abdur-Rahman bin Zayd bin Aslam said, "He used to recite and glorify Allah, but he was not able to speak to his people except by gestures. '' Al-`Awfi reported that Ibn `Abbas said,


[ثَلَـثَ لَيَالٍ سَوِيّاً]


(three nights, though having no bodily defect.) "The nights were consecutive.'' However, the first statement that is reported from him and the majority is more correct. This Ayah is similar to what Allah, the Exalted, said in Surah Al `Imran,


[قَالَ رَبِّ اجْعَل لِّى ءَايَةً قَالَ ءَايَتُكَ أَلاَّ تُكَلِّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلَـثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلاَّ رَمْزًا وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًا وَسَبِّحْ بِالْعَشِىِّ وَالإِبْكَـرِ ]


(He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me.'' (Allah) said "Your sign is that you shall not speak to mankind for three days except with signals. And remember your Lord much, and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning.)[3:41] This is a proof that he did not speak to his people for these three nights and their days as well.


[إِلاَّ رَمْزًا]


(except with signals.) Meaning, with bodily gestures, this is why Allah says in this noble Ayah,


[فَخَرَجَ عَلَى قَوْمِهِ مِنَ الْمِحْرَابِ]


(Then he came out to his people from the Mihrab) referring to the place where he was given the good news of the child.


[فَأَوْحَى إِلَيْهِمْ]


(he indicated to them by signs) Meaning he made a gesture to them that was subtle and swift.


[أَن سَبِّحُواْ بُكْرَةً وَعَشِيّاً]


(to glorify [Allah] in the morning and in the afternoon.) That they should be agreeable to what he was commanded to do during these three days, to increase in his deeds and gratitude to Allah for what He had given him. Mujahid said,


[فَأَوْحَى إِلَيْهِمْ]


(he indicated to them by signs) "He made a gesture.'' Wahb and Qatadah said the same.

Tafsir jalalayn

He said, `My Lord! Appoint for me a sign', that is, an indication of my wife's pregnancy. He said, `Your sign, for this, is that you shall not speak to men, that is, you shall refrain from speaking to them, but not from remembrance of God, save by tokens, gestures, for three days, and nights. And remember your Lord often, and glorify, perform prayer, at evening and dawn', at the end of the day and at its beginning.

Notice how Korede missed what comes after days?

Surah 3:41 says, : "Your sign is that you shall not speak to the people for three days except by signals.”  Here the words after days is signals i.e sign language. Whereas Surah 19:10 says: "Your sign is that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect.'' Here the word used after nights is “though having no bodily defect.”

So where’s the contradiction? Zakariya Pbuh was to fast 3 days and 3 nights. during the days he was unable to speak, he was also unable to speak during the night, however the addition of saying he was without any bodily defect, (I’e he was not sick or ill as one may suggest), this was cleared up in Surah 19:10.

The context of the two verses is that when Zakariyya (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was told by Allah Almighty that he would be granted a baby in such an old age -- which is considered a miracle -- he asked for a sign saying, “My Lord! Appoint a sign for me.” (Aal `Imran 3: 41)

By asking for a sign, Zakariyya (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) wished to recognize the pregnancy of his wife so that he can thank Allah Almighty for this blessing. He was told that the sign would be that he would not be able to speak to people, without any defect, for three days and nights.

Responding to your question, Dr. Sayed Zaki Khalil, professor of Tafsir and Qur’an Sciences, Al-Azhar university, stated,

 
The word “day” (yawm in Arabic) generally is used as the opposite to the night as long as it is not specified to include the night also.

As for the above-mentioned verses, there is no contradiction between “…three days…” and “…three nights…” as mentioning the day includes the night and vice versa. Also, mentioning the “days” in a verse and the “nights” in another one mans three days with their nights or three nights with their days.

Hence, it is understood that Zakariyya was told that the sign he asked for would be that he would not be able to talk to people for three days including their nights. (Dr. Sayed Zaki Khalil, professor of Tafsir and Qur’an Sciences, Al-Azhar university)

Allah Almighty knows best.

In lame man terms (i.e. Korede)

If I said to you, for the next 5  day you are not allowed speak to me you can only text message me during the daytime. And I repeated the same, but this time said during the night you cannot speak to me but you can write me an e-mail would you call that a contradiction? Or course not! it would mean either way your not allowed to speak to me for the next 5 days.  

Another point to not is, the Bible seems to tells us Zachariah became dumb,because he did not believe? 

And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. (Luke 1:20-22 )

The Quran is clear, Zakariyya Pbuh did not doubt nor did he become dumb as the Bible claims. Thus, we can see Surah 19:10 making it clear he was in sound heath without any defects as the people of the Bible thought.

Conclusion, theres is no contradiction with the two verses side by side. Unlike the problem found with the biblical narration, which korede struggled to answer and failed. I’ll repost it so that Korede or any other Christian can give it another go and solve this stupendous discrepancy.

who named him Jesus, Joseph or Mary?

According to the Book of Matthew , Joseph was commanded by the Angel to keep his name Jesus.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

And she will have a son, AND YOU (Joseph) ARE TO NAME HIM JESUS... (Matthew 1:20-21)

The above verse is contradicted by Luke in his Book, Mary was commanded by the Angel Gabriel to keep his name Jesus.

"Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God!

Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, AND YOU (Mary) ARE TO NAME HIM JESUS. (Luke 1:30-31)

What a contradiction, neither of the writers knew who the angel commanded to name him Jesus. seems like the Holy Ghost gave them mix messages.

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friday sunrise to sunset is one day

(now we are on the next day), saturday sunset to sunrise is one night,

(we are still on the same day) Saturday sunrise to sunset is two days,

(now we are on the next day) Sunday sunset to sunrise is two nights?

Friday = 1 day, Saturday = 1 night, Saturday = 1 day, Sunday = 1 night total 2 days 2 nights?

Explain how you got 3 days and 3 nights?

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It's a joke Korede quotes a passage found in Esther 4:16-5:1. Trying to explain this 3 days and 3 nights theory He most probably took it from Norman Geisler, since it's a common passage used by Christians anyways, in Esther 4:16, Esther makes an appeal for Mordecai to "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink three days, NIGHT [emphasis mine] or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

 

The fourth chapter ends with Mordecai doing as Esther had requested. Then, in the fifth chapter, first verse, it says, "On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace [a capital offense without the king's invitation], in front of the king's hall." The chapter goes on to record that the king was pleased by Esther's appearance and allowed Esther to approach him. Esther requested the King and Hamaan (an opponent of the Jews) to appear at a banquet she had prepared for both of them. Oddly, in the Hebrew it isn't even certain that Esther actually broke her fast during this time although she did prepare the meal and was there while the meal was being served.

 

This passage is adduced by Korede (and countless other apologists whom Korede copied from ) as proof that the Jews reckoned any part of a day as a day AND a night. However, this passage proves nothing of the sort. These apologists must assume--without any evidence--that Esther began her fast sometime during the daytime portion of day one and not the period of night preceding it. Moreover, it must be remembered that Esther asked the Jews to fast "three days, NIGHT and day." Here we see the word "day" used in both of its senses, the three civil days, followed by the usage of day with night. Notice also Esther says to fast "NIGHT and day." In the Hebrew text, the word "night" is used before "day" in this phrase (Hendrickson's Interlinear). If the Jews began fasting, say, on Friday at sunset, the first night of the fast would have preceded the first day of the fast (the Jews began and ended their days at sunset). This means if Esther approached the king on the third day, (say Monday afternoon), then the third night preceded it and she would not only be approaching the king on the "third day" but after "three days and three nights" as well since the third night had preceded it.