What proof do they offer to back up their assertion that Muhammad restored the faith of Abraham by practicing circumcision and did not observe the Sabbath because it was not part of Abraham's practice?
The assertion that Muhammad restored the faith of Abraham by practicing circumcision and did not observe the Sabbath because it was not part of Abraham's practice is supported by several pieces of evidence from Islamic tradition and religious texts.
Circumcision as a Practice Restored by Muhammad
1. Historical and Religious Context:
According to Islamic belief, the practice of circumcision dates back to the prophet Abraham, who is considered the first person to perform it. This act is seen as a continuation of Abraham's covenant with God, which is emphasized in both Islamic and Jewish traditions.
In Islam, circumcision is regarded as an act of *fitrah* (innate disposition) and is highly recommended, though not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. The hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) reinforce this practice, linking it directly to Abraham].
2. Religious Texts and Teachings:
The Quran encourages Muslims to follow the "creed of Abraham," which includes circumcision as part of the Abrahamic tradition. This is supported by various hadiths that list circumcision among the natural practices (sunnah) of cleanliness and purity. The continuity of this practice from Abraham to Muhammad is thus seen as a restoration and continuation of Abrahamic faith.
Non-Observation of the Sabbath
1. Absence in Abrahamic Tradition:
The Sabbath is a practice specifically associated with Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites after Abraham's time. There is no evidence in Islamic tradition that Abraham observed the Sabbath.
Instead, Islamic teachings emphasize that Abraham followed a more universal and natural law, which did not include the specific observance of the Sabbath.
2. Islamic Practice and Beliefs:
In Islam, the weekly day of communal worship is Friday (Jumu'ah), not the Sabbath (Saturday). This distinction underscores the belief that Muhammad restored the original monotheistic faith of Abraham, which did not include the Sabbath observance. The focus is on the continuity of Abraham's monotheism and the practices directly linked to him, such as circumcision, rather than the later Mosaic laws.
3. Prophetic Tradition:
Prophet Muhammad highlighted the significance of Friday, stating that it is the best day on which the sun rises. He also noted that significant events like the creation of Adam and the Day of Judgment are associated with Friday
In summary, the evidence supporting the assertion that Muhammad restored the faith of Abraham by practicing circumcision and did not observe the Sabbath includes:
Circumcision is traced back to Abraham and is seen as a continuation of his covenant with God, which Muhammad upheld.
Hadiths and Islamic teachings emphasize circumcision as part of the natural and religious practices inherited from Abraham.
The Sabbath is not part of Abraham's practices but a later addition in Mosaic Law, which Islam does not adopt as part of Abrahamic restoration.
These points collectively support the view that Muhammad's practices were aimed at restoring the original faith of Abraham, focusing on universal and natural laws rather than the specific commandments given to later prophets like Moses.
