IS THE SHAHADA THE MOB?

[El Gallo]

Someone (I cannot recall who) here at this site asked for information about the idea that the Islamic Shahada could be the Mark of the Beast. Below is Joel Richardson's chapter on the issue. This was a draft he provided me, and I am not sure how close it is to the one in his book coming out in April. I am afraid the various illustrations he provided will not show up on this format::

Chapter 27

The Mark, The Name, The Number And The Image Of The Beast

Of all of the various mysteries that students of the Bible have wrestled with throughout the millennia, the infamous Mark of the Beast is perhaps the most dogged and stubborn mystery of them all. From the earliest days of the Christian Church, believers have struggled to understand the nature of the Mark of the Beast. What exactly is this mark? And what is its relationship to the infamous number 666? The verses that speak of these things are few and fairly cryptic. They are only found within the pages of the Book of Revelation. Thus the mystery of Mark of the Beast is a puzzle tucked within a book that is often shrouded in mystery itself.

In the earliest days of the Church, some sought to use the Gematria—a mystical form of numerology—to unlock this mystery. They sought to find the number 666 encoded within the names of any number of archenemies of the Church such as the assorted Heresiarchs or the various Roman Caesars who persecuted the Church. In the last century, there have arisen all kinds of bizarre and often humorous speculations on this subject.

In the early 1970’s, various Protestant end-time thrillers popularized the idea that in the last-days, the actual number 666 would be visibly tattooed on people’s foreheads or wrists as an indicator that they have submitted to the Antichrist. In these days of bewildering technological advancement, with microchip implants and invisible barcode tattooing existing as very real technologies, some Christians are now anxiously awaiting the day when all people will be required to receive a microchip implant or an invisible Universal Product Code tattoo on their wrists or foreheads. And if those who hold to this notion were not anxious enough, in recent years the microchip implant has achieved a wide spread usage for pets. As such, I recently heard one individual jokingly remark that their dog had received the Mark of the Beast.

Perhaps there is something to the notion that the prophesied mark will indeed be some form of advanced-technology-based personal identification system, but to be honest with you, I’m quite skeptical. I’m not saying that this technology will not eventually be used in abundance throughout the world. In the same way that ATM bankcards are commonly used throughout the world, I’m quite sure that newer technologies will eventually replace them. But I am very doubtful that there will ever be a global enforcement of this technology for religious purposes. Perhaps this scenario makes some sense to those who know nothing other than life in the highly technological West, but in many parts of the world—particularly the portion that biblical prophecy centers around—there are still far too many people who have yet to see anyone so much as scan an item at the grocery store or swipe their debit cards to pay for items. While we in the West may be accustomed to running our products over the scanner at the self-serve checkout line, there are still vast portions of the world where this type of technology has seen extremely little use. Millions upon millions of people live tremendously simple lives and have no use for credit or debit cards, which we often take for granted. How then do we expect modern technologies such as invisible bar-code tattoos to penetrate every last corner of the world? As I said, while there may be some merit to the microchip or the UPC code idea, I simply see no reason to believe that this is what the Bible is talking about when it mentions the Mark of the Beast.

Please don’t take this the wrong way however, I am not presuming to have all of the answers. But as I said at the beginning of this book, my goal is to help the reader see things in a different light—through Eastern eyes—through the eyes of a native Arab speaker and a former Muslim. I believe that the information presented here will shed some new light on the nature of the Mark of the Beast and even more light on how it relates specifically to the number 666.

Before we begin, I want to say that I’ve always been of the opinion that our interpretations and ideas about the future as seen through biblical prophecy should have a fairly real-world feel. I am very uneasy about so many of the various prophetic scenarios that read more like a poorly done science fiction fantasy/thriller or a comic book than the world that I live in. I think that after you have completed this portion of the study, you will agree that what is suggested here not only makes sense, but it also in many ways demystifies the subject and is certainly a more plausible alternative than many of the other wild and sensational ideas that have been suggested in recent decades.

The Name, the Mark and the Number

Having now made this important qualifier, let’s delve right into Revelation 13:

He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.
—Revelation 13:15-18

What is immediately apparent from this passage is that there are three ways to refer to the Mark of the Beast. While expressed differently, they are nevertheless essentially the same thing. And so we see that this passage uses these three following variations to describe the same reality:

• The Mark of the Beast
• The Name of the Beast
• The Number of the Beast

That the Mark, the Name and the Number are all essentially the same thing expressed slightly differently is the first important fact that needs to be underscored and remembered as we attempt to understand this mystery. So many attempts to understand this subject that I’ve read neglect this most essential point.

An Indicator of Allegiance

The next obvious and essential observation that needs to discussed is that all three of these elements—the Mark, the Name and the Number—are all indicators of allegiance and submission to—or even actual worship of—the Beast:

If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.” This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. —Revelation 14:9-12

In the simplest of terms, the Mark of the Beast is essentially the emblem, the symbol or the identifying mark of the coming Beast kingdom. By donning this mark, people will be identifying with the Kingdom of the Beast as well as identifying with the values and beliefs that this kingdom represents.

Perhaps some will feel that this next point is unnecessary to make, but it is an essential point to grasp: The Mark of the Beast (the identifying symbol of the Antichrist kingdom) is not something that someone might accidentally embrace. It is rather, an outward indicator of an inward allegiance or submission to the Beast. As such, because it is only an outward expression of an inner belief and allegiance, it is something that one must choose to accept. Let’s be very clear here; the Scriptures make it clear that anyone who receives the Mark of the Beast will spend eternity in hell. One cannot accept the Mark of the Beast without also implicitly denying Christ as well. For biblically speaking, it is only a denial or rejection of Christ and his Gospel that can cause any individual to end up in hell. In a sad commentary, I’ve actually spoken with a few individuals who, although they lived a life that reserved absolutely no room for Christ as Lord, they nevertheless adamantly swore that they would never accept the Mark of the Beast! The Mark of the Beast is not some deviation, loophole or back door clause that Satan will use to bypass God’s normal biblical standards of justice in order to slip as many people into hell as he can. Yet as foolish as this may sound, there are some who perceive the Mark of the Beast in precisely this way. In receiving the Mark of the Beast, there is an implicit acceptance and identification with a very specific anti-Yahweh and anti-Christ theology. We will demonstrate this fact as we proceed below.

The Name of the Beast

Again, because the previous verse stated that the Mark of the Beast is also the Number or the Name of the Beast, the first of these three elements that we will examine is the Name of the Beast. By understanding the nature of “the Name” of the Beast, we will be much better able to understand the specific nature of the Number of the Beast and the Mark of the Beast as well.

The first point that needs to be understood is that in biblical thought, a “name” does not always indicate a literal name, as the modern western mind understands the term. In biblical thought, someone’s “name” is essentially a reference to the nature, the character, and the mission of the one who possesses it. It need not indicate a literal name per se.

Consider for example, the following references to Jesus:

He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. —Revelation 19:13

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords. —Revelation 19:16

Or of course, there is also the well-known passage in the Gospel of Matthew from the prophecy of Isaiah:

His name shall be called Emmanuel which means God with us
—Matthew 1:23

In all of these passages, the “names” of Jesus are not literal names. Mary and Joseph did not call Jesus Immanuel, nor did Jesus’ friends call him “the Word of God.” Instead these are all titles and/or descriptions that refer specifically to the nature and the character of who Jesus is. But here is the essential point that needs to be grasped: Beyond being mere descriptions of who Jesus is, the “names” of “The Word of God”, “King of Kings” and “God with us”, are also essentially Christian creedal statements. These names are statements of Christian faith and belief. Those who call Jesus by these names affirm that they worship “the man-befriending God”, who “for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary” (Nicene Creed)—He is the “the word which became flesh and dwelt amongst us” (John 1).

The Name Of The Beast: The Name Of Blasphemy

Now consider the following very different example, this time speaking of the “Name” of the Beast:

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads, the name of blasphemy.
—Revelation 13:1 KJV

This verse is critical in helping us to solve our mystery. In the same way that the Great Harlot of Revelation 17 has her name: “Mystery Babylon, the Mother of Harlots” written on her forehead, so also does the Beast have his name written on all of his respective seven “heads”. But rather than giving us any specific name per se, the Bible simply says that the Name of the Beast is “the name of blasphemy”. The Name of the Beast and “the Name of Blasphemy” are one and the same. But what does this mean?

Firstly, lets define how we should understand blasphemy. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary rightly defines it in the following two ways:

a. The act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God
b. The act of claiming the attributes of deity

And so, biblically speaking, a blasphemy in the general sense is an anti-Yahweh, anti-Christ word or deed. The second definition however, the act of actually claiming the attributes of God, is the highest form of blasphemy. Not ironically then, it is also the specific expressed sin of Satan who said in his heart, “I will be like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14). Satan has always desired to be “like” God. He wishes to be considered equal to or even greater than Yahweh.

Now, if we look again at the verse, we see that the Name of the Beast is not simply a name of blasphemy, but rather it is the name of blasphemy. It is the highest quintessential blasphemy—it relates to a claim to possess the attributes or nature of Yahweh, the God of the Bible. As such, the Name of the Beast is a claim to be equal to or greater than God. Or reworded; the Name of the Beast will most likely contain or imply some form of anti-Yahweh and anti-Christ creedal statement of faith.

When one walks through the logic, this makes very good sense and it also helps to greatly demystify the subject. For we know that the Antichrist will be the premiere representative of a faith that worships not the God of the Bible, but rather the premier adversary of the God of the Bible. And of course, to complicate matters, the god of the Antichrist will not only be God’s premiere enemy, but he will also masquerade as the Most High God. This masquerading has always served a two-fold purpose. First, of course, it serves to fulfill Satan’s desire to be like or to replace God. And secondly, it also serves to confuse and deceive mankind into offering their worship to him in place of God.

The Shahada: Islam’s Blasphemous Creed

Since the earliest days of the Church, Christian theologians have expressed that many elements of the Book of Revelation would only be understandable as the day approaches. As world events begin to take shape, many believe that these events will illuminate the prophecies of the Bible. Because the idea of Islam as the primary vehicle of the Antichrist has not been largely explored up until this juncture in history, there has been little reason to look to Islam to help us solve these prophetic mysteries. However, because we believe that Islam is indeed the Antichrist system—and we have hopefully persuasively argued this case up until this point in the book, it is only reasonable that we would now turn to Islam to see if we might find any obvious corresponding “creeds of blasphemy” which we may identify as a possible fulfillment of the Name of the Beast.

Of course, as we have already seen in chapter ( ), the theology of Islam thoroughly—even systematically—fulfills all of the definitive elements of anti-Yahweh, anti-Christ theology as specified by John the Apostle in his first epistle. Beyond denying the Trinity, Islam also denies the Divine Incarnation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, as well as his death, burial and resurrection. But beyond all of this, Islam has also even memorialized its anti-Yahweh, anti-Christ theology specifically in a creedal formula. The Shahada is the Islamic creed or declaration of faith. In Arabic it reads as follows:

La ilah ha il Allah, Muhammadan Rasul-Allah

Which means, “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the one sent by Allah.” Below is the Shahada as it appears in Arabic calligraphy:




The two elements of this creed are the following:

• Allah is the only One True Supreme God and;

• Muhammad is the final prophet, messenger or apostle of Allah.

These two components of the Shahada, in a very succinct manner, perhaps better than any creedal statement could, perfectly fulfill both dimensions of the definition of blasphemy that we just discussed. First it attempts to claim that another god other than the God of the Bible as the Only True God. This is seen in the fact that the Bible is clear that there is only One True Supreme God, and His name is (most often pronounced as) Yahweh (or Jehovah). According to the Book of Exodus, this is the name that would forever delineate The One True God as distinct from all other so-called “gods”:
Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' " God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'Yahweh, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation. —Exodus 3:13-15
And secondly, the Shahada is blasphemous toward the God of the Bible because it attempts to place Muhammad in the position that only Jesus the Messiah could ever fill. And this claim from a person who, far from being a prophet which could ever supersede Jesus in any way, is instead a false prophet whose claims contradict the very basic tenants of Christian theology:
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last-days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. —Hebrews 1:1-2
Yet despite the quintessentially blasphemous nature of the Shahada, it is recited into the ear of every Muslim child the moment after they are born, and likewise it is the verbally expressed, outward sign of conversion to Islam. And as we have just seen, it is clearly both an anti-Yahweh and anti-Christ creed.

Also very important to note that Muhammad stated that for every Muslim to enter paradise, he must supply a badge written on it “No god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger” please ask me for the Hadith quote and reference, it’s quite amazing----

According to biblical theology, the Shahada could not be more perfectly blasphemous.

But before we move on, it is also important that we briefly explain here another important concept that could also likely relate to our discussion. It is the concept known within Islamic theology as Bay’ah.

Understanding the Bay’ah or the Pledge of Submission

In the early days of Muhammad’s career, he often asked those who had expressed a desire to follow him to make a pledge of allegiance or submission to him. This pledge is known as bay’ah. It is an outward oath or pledge promising allegiance—complete submission even—to the ruler. This concept is articulated in a hadith from the collection of Abu Muslim:

The Messenger of Allah called us and we took the oath of allegiance to him. Among the injunctions that he made binding upon us were: That we would listening to and be obedient to the Ruler (Amir) in both our pleasure and displeasure, in both our adversity and prosperity—even when somebody is given preference over us, without ever disputing the powers delegated to the man duly invested with them. Obedience shall be accorded to him in all circumstances, except when you have clear signs of his disbelief in (or disobedience to) God-signs that could be used as a conscientious justification for non-compliance with his orders. —Abu Muslim Book 020, Number 4541, Narrated by Junida b. Abu Umayya

After Muhammad died, this practice of making a pledge was carried on under the Caliphs. The Muslims would make a pledge of allegiance to the Caliph, and likewise the Caliph would make a pledge of allegiance to Allah to rule strictly according to Islam. As one reads through many modern Islamist books and articles that speak about the restoration of the Caliphate, the giving of the bay’ah is a very common theme. Like anxious children waiting and planning for Christmas morning, many very eager Islamists look forward to the day when all citizens of Dar-al-Islam (the regions and lands under the authority of the Caliphate) will be required to make the bay’ah pledge to the Caliph. According to Islamic tradition, those who do not make this pledge will die the death of an idolater:
One who withdraws his hand from obedience to the Ruler (Amir) will find no argument in his defense when he stands before Allah on the Day of Judgment, and one who dies without having bound himself by an oath of allegiance (bay’ah) to an Amir will die the death of one belonging to the days of Jahillyya (Pre-Islamic ignorance and idolatry). —Abu Muslim Book 020, Number 4562:
All said, for the purposes of our discussion, it is important to understand how Islam uses outward signs of identification to delineate those who believe a certain way versus those who do not. We are not surprised to find out then that it was in the lands of the early Islamic Caliphates that the practice was developed of marking Jews and Christians is a special way so as to make it clear who was and who was not a Muslim. This Islamic practice is what eventually led to the Nazi practice of requiring all Jews to don the yellow Star of David during World War II.

And so as we begin to piece together the puzzle, we have established the fact that the Name of the Beast is essentially a blasphemous anti-Yahweh, anti-Christ creedal declaration of faith that will be an essential aspect of the Beast religion. And because we believe that Islam is indeed that Beast religion, we have thus looked to it for evidence of such a blasphemous creed. And what we have found is that Islam’s premier creed; the Shahada perfectly fulfills our all of our theological expectations. Beyond this, we also shown that in the case of a Caliph—whom we believe will be the Antichrist—coming into power, we can be sure that the bay’ah or the pledge of allegiance and submission would be mandated to all who live under his dominion.

Understanding all of this, it is now possible to shed some light on the mysterious Number of the Beast.

The Number of the Beast

As stated at the beginning of this chapter, there are few supernatural or biblical mysteries that have accorded more research, confusion and debate throughout history than the enigmatic Number of the Beast. And yet, until this time, there has yet to be a single explanation brought forth that has made enough sense to gain any measure of universal recognition and witness within the Church. In fact, if we examine the two most commonly held explanations, we will see that neither sufficiently meets the criteria necessary to explain the meaning of this most significant passage. Briefly then, let us summarize these two leading theories concerning the Number of the Beast and examine why neither explanation is satisfactory.

666 as a Symbol of Mankind’s Shortcomings and Rebellion

This idea is rather simple and is based on numerological symbolism found in the Bible. This theory suggests that because the number seven so consistently throughout Scripture represents God’s divine perfection, that the number six represents fallen mankind’s shortcomings apart from God. Beyond this, it is explained that because the number 6 is repeated three times, that it represents the fullness of fallen and rebellious mankind. While this interpretation may be partially accurate, it cannot represent the ultimate meaning of the passage for a few reasons.

The first reason is that if indeed this theory articulates the full meaning of this verse, then how can this concept also be both the Name and the Mark of the Beast? In other words, as we have already explored, the Number of the Beast must represent something utterly blasphemous, not merely something that has fallen short. The second reason that this explanation is insufficient is because it is simply too vague of an explanation that does little to help us identify any specific Antichrist system or its leader. And in light of the vagueness of this interpretation, it also makes little sense in context. For if this verse were simply calling on us to recognize a system that represents fallen mankind’s spiritual shortcoming, then why on earth would it use such puzzling numerological symbolism to convey such an idea? Why wouldn’t it simply say what it meant rather than present such a vague concept to us in such a detailed and confusing puzzle. The dubiousness of this notion is particularly seen in light of the very strong importance that the Book of Revelation seems to place on the necessity of calculating or discerning this “number”:

This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.
—Revelation 13:18


The Gematria

Having looked at one very common understanding of this verse, let us now look at the most common solution. The technique that the majority of scholars and students of the Scriptures alike have utilized to solve this mystery is what is known as the Gematria. Irenaeus, the second century bishop of Lyons, held to and discussed this interpretation in some detail in his Against Heresies. In short, the Gematria is a mystical form of numerology that assigns a numerical value to each letter from any given name. After the sum total of all of the letters are added up, the final result is the number of that individual’s name. If this sounds strange, that’s because it is. In fact, the use of the Gematria is closely rooted to a form of Jewish Kabbalistic mysticism—a practice that many have labeled as occultic. American pop-star Madonna for instance—not exactly anyone’s role model of biblical virtue—is a strong devotee of a pop-form of Kabbala. In any case, because of the possible occultic dimensions of this practice, some interpreters have suggested that this passage in Revelation has nothing to do with the Gematria at all, as the Bible would never condone such a device.

But beyond being possibly unbiblical and certainly strange, there are other far worse problems with utilizing this method to guide us in our understanding: First of all, nearly every name that you can imagine can be finagled in some way to produce the number 666. So for instance, I remember reading several years ago with sad interest, an article attempting to demonstrate that American President William Jefferson Clinton had a numerical value of 666. And thus, the author reasoned, President Clinton must therefore have been the Antichrist. The same conclusions have been applied to George W. Bush, Ronald Wilson Reagan, Bill Gates, Mikhail Gorbachev and nearly every other world leader or high profile power broker that you can imagine. But again, the problem is that in order to do this, one must convert an English name into Hebrew. Or perhaps one will not use Hebrew, but Greek. Scholars cannot agree as to which language we should expect to find the solution to this problem, nor does the Bible give us any indicator as to what it would recommend. And to complicate the matter, some have even have suggested that it should be found in Latin. Others yet have suggested that it is through using English, the lingua franca of our day that we will find our solution. When all is said and done, depending on which language one decides to use, and depending on how one transliterates the name from its original language, all of these elements expand the endless variables and possibilities and leave room for manipulating the end-result.

Let me give you an example of what I am talking about. Imagine that we were trying to “calculate” whether or not George Bush’s name has a numerical equivalency of 666. Since Latin has no W’s should we use two V’s? Or since Hebrew doesn’t really use vowels, how do we transliterate George into Hebrew properly? How many ways are there to do so? Beyond this, there is also the question of whether or not to use the middle name, or simply to use the first and last name. In President Clinton’s case, there is the question of whether to use Bill or William? Should the title of “President” be retained or not? Should the whole name add up to 666 or should each name—the first, middle and the last name—each simply add up to 6, thus leading to three sixes? Are you beginning to understand the problem? These types of variances go on and on and on. As such, with any name, there are sometimes a dozen possible variations, all of which may be equally legitimate and which also leave a bit of leeway for fudging the results that one wishes to find.

How then will anyone truly ever be impressed at all if some powerful individual comes along and his name is shown to have a numerical value of 666? Ultimately, if some world ruler comes along whose name—in one of its various manifestations—carries the numerical value of 666, will this be the sign that will wake up the Church to the reality of the Antichrist’s presence among us? I really don’t think so. Others have suggested that it will only serve as a confirming equation after the Church has pretty much already figured it out anyway. But this certainly seems rather anti-climatic. For if this is the case, then ultimately, what is the real purpose of this passage after all? Why such a strong command to discern the number of the Beast if it is only confirmatory after all? Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, this is a serious problem for those futurist interpreters who take the Book of Revelation seriously.

But beyond this obvious and very serious problem, there is yet one more problem with this theory that many Bible teachers are largely unwilling to discuss. It is the problem of the actual textual evidence itself.

666, 665 or 616?

While the following news may come as a shock to some—especially to those poor souls that perhaps in their younger and more foolish anti-God days, actually had the number 666 tattooed somewhere on their body—but the number of the beast may not even really be 666 at all. In fact, in the oldest fragment of the Book of Revelation that we have in our possession—the Oxyrhynchus Papyri LVI 4499—rather than the number 666, instead there is the number 616 in its place. (See Figure 1.)





Figure 1 The newest volume of Oxyrhynchus (P.Oxy. LVI 4499). The earliest known witness to this particular section of the Book of Revelation (late third / early fourth century). The number—chi (hexakosiai - 600), iota (deka - 10), stigma (hex - 6)—is in the third line of the fragment.

Irenaeus mentions in his Against Heresies, that he was aware of several texts of the Book of Revelation that contained the number 616 rather than 666. However, in all fairness to the traditional position, Irenaeus does argue thusly:

Such then being the state of the case, and this number being found in all the most approved and ancient copies passage is interesting, as showing how very soon the autographs of the New Testament must have perished, and various readings crept into the mss. of the canonical books. [of the Apocalypse], and those men who saw John face to face bearing their testimony [to it]; while reason also leads us to conclude that the number of the name of the beast, [if reckoned] according to the Greek mode of calculation by the [value of] the letters contained in it, will amount to six hundred and sixty and six. Adversus Haereses (Book V, Chapter 30)

In other words, Irenaeus claimed that the presence of 616 was due to a scribal error. Nevertheless, from this record, we know that the Oxyrhynchus fragment is more than a mere anomaly. Apparently the number 616 was commonly accepted in certain quarters of the early Church. And if all of this isn’t bad enough, there is also at least one text where the number 665 is found instead of either 666 or 616. (http://www.csad.ox.ac.uk/POxy/beast616.htm)


Has God Commanded The Impossible?

So now again, let us consider this sticky wicket that we have found ourselves in as the believing Church. Firstly we believe that the Bible warns us to use wisdom and solve the mystery of the Number of the Beast. However, we must admit that we are to a degree at a loss as to the specifics of how to solve such a mystery. Should we use a Hebrew transliteration of any given suspect’s name? Or should we use a Greek or Latin transliteration? Or should we simply use English? And if we do use any such transliteration, how will we agree as to the proper transliteration, as there is usually more than one way to transliterate any given name from one language to another. Beyond this of course is the question of what form of any individual’s name we should use. Should we use the first and last name only? Or should we include the middle name as well? What about titles like President or King—should they be included also? And lastly, after having examined the earliest Greek New Testament fragments of the Book of Revelation—we are not even sure as to which number should we use! Should we use 616 because it is found in the earliest manuscripts, as is a common practice among translators? Or should we simply stick with 666 so as to stand by the traditional assumption?

Can you see the predicament that the Church finds itself in? We have been commissioned by God Himself to use wisdom and understanding to discern whom this Beast is, yet as we have seen, this is nearly an impossible task to do with the traditional method of using Gematria. Natural circumstances have made this task a fairly impossible request.

Or perhaps we have been approaching this subject matter from a completely wrong angle all along. What if God purposefully allowed the discovery of the textual variances in these latter times, in order to demonstrate the futility of our traditional methods of solving this mystery? What if there is a very different solution—just sitting there, waiting to be grasped?

Of course, most importantly, any such understanding must line up with what we have already come to understand; namely that whatever the Number of the Beast might be, it must also correlate with what we know about the Name of the Beast—namely its blasphemous anti-Yahweh and anti-Christ nature.

Chi Xi Stigma as Seen Through Arab Eyes

As has been said throughout this book, my effort in writing this has been to help the Western reader see these prophecies through my Eastern eyes. As a native Arab speaker, what I first noticed when I first read this passage that spoke of the Number of the Beast in its original language, I immediately noticed something quite disturbing and equally fascinating. What I noticed led me to question whether the number 666 in Revelation 13:18 was ever really intended to be a number at all, or if perhaps the “Number” of the Beast was originally something entirely different.

As soon as I began to examine the Greek text of the Book of Revelation, I immediately noticed that the Greek letters that are used to specify the number 666 (Chi Xi Stigma) look very much like Arabic words and Islamic symbols. While this may sound like quite a stretch to many, as we will see, the Greek letters in Revelation 13:18 most commonly assumed to be the number 666 look eerily similar to the Arabic phrase Bism Allah—“In the Name of Allah” in Arabic, then followed by the symbol of crossed swords which is used universally throughout the Muslim world to signify Jihad. The only catch is that in the Greek text, the name Allah is positioned sideways, or vertically rather than horizontally. Lets look at a few images below to see what I mean:



Image 2
From the Codex Vaticanus, AD 350. Bismillah (In the name of Allah) is clearly visible. The word “Allah” is at an upward angle and the two swords are clear.



Image 3

Here the word Allah is adjusted horizontally as Arabic would read.





Place Updated Arabic Caligraphy With Bismallah From Walid Here.

Image 4
Above, on the top line, we have arranged the actual words (from right to left) Bism (In the name of) Allah followed by the crossed swords of Jihad, taken from an Islamic emblem. Below them are the Greek letters Chi Xi Stigma. Notice the striking similarities between the letters, words and symbols. Of course, the clearest resemblances are the name Allah and the Jihad symbol.




Image 5
Here we have placed the Greek Xi exactly as it appears in the Codex Vatanicus Maniscript next to a flipped Allah.

It is important to point out here that Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Rahim (In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful) is the most commonly used phrase throughout all of Islamadom. It is written or recited at the beginning of every letter, every sacred recitation, and it is mentioned before the slaughter of any animal. In short, it is both a symbol of Islam and perhaps the most widely used phrase throughout the Islamic world.

And so the question is now posed: It is possible that the Apostle John, while receiving his divine revelation, rather than actually seeing Greek letters representing the number 666, instead was shown Arabic words and an Islamic symbol which he then faithfully recorded? Could it be that years after John recorded these images, scribes who were commissioned with copying the text were unable to recognize the foreign words and symbols and thus slightly modified them into the Greek letters that most closely resembled these Arabic words and symbols? Could this difficulty explain why in some texts we have 666 and in others 616 and even 665?

I understand that this is quite a suggestion, and its ramifications are massive. However, consider the fact that the idea that I am offering here indeed meets the biblical requirement that the Name and the Number of the Beast both fulfill the same meaning, namely the Name of Blasphemy—or the name of Allah. While the Name of the Beast is also the Name of Blasphemy, so also then is the Number of the Beast a similar blasphemous name and slogan that is the very name of the god that will be worshipped by the final Antichrist Empire. But if this is so, then how would the English translation of Revelation 13:18 then read? First lets look at how the translators have dealt with the verse until this time. The translators no doubt transliterated word for word, then ascribed the interpretation that was most logical for the context of the verse:

Hode here
Esti is
Sophia wisdom
Echo let him that
nous understanding
Psephizo count/decide/reckon
Arithmos the number/multitude
Therion of the beast
Gar for
Esti it is
Arithmos the number/multitude
Anthropos of a man
Kai and
Autos his
Arithmos number/multitude
chi xi stigma 666

—Revelation 13:18

And now consider the alternate translation that the Allah Theory could produce. Consider that the Greek word Psephizo, translated above as “count”, can also quite naturally mean “reckon” or “to decide”. Likewise the Greek word Arithmos, translated above as “number” can also simply mean “an indefinite number or multitude.” (Strongs) With this in mind, consider the following alternate translation:

Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding reckon (or decide, discern) the multitude of the beast, for it is the multitude of a man [that is, Muhammad and or the Antichrist] and his multitude [are identified through the following] “In the Name of Allah and Jihad”
—Revelation 13:18

This is actually a possibility. Compare this possible translation with the following passage concerning the multitude of the Beast.

And he saith unto me, the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
—Revelation 17:15

The whore sitting on the beast controls the “multitudes,” which are peoples and nations who are part of the Beast Empire. Beyond this, as we have already discussed, according to the Book of Daniel, these “multitudes” will worship “a god of fortresses”—or more clearly, a god of war—surely the best description that one could use to describe Allah, the god of radical Islam.

Likewise, we are not surprised then to see many similarities between the symbols of the various Islamic Jihad groups and the symbols that we have just highlighted as the identifying names and symbols of the Beast.

Consider for example the following images. Below is Tom Fox, age 55. Tom was a member of the Christian Peacemaker Teams a Canadian Quaker Human Rights worker who was taken captive in Iraq by an Islamist group known as the Swords of Righteousness Brigades. Notice the prominantly featured crossed swords motif that also features so prominently in our suggested interpretation of Revelation 13:18.





Tom’s body was later found atop a garbage heap. He died of gunshot wounds to the head and chest. His hands were tied and his broken body bore clear signs of torture. Tom is also seen here sitting with some Iraqi children shortly before his abduction and murder.

Here below we see the Symbol of Al-Muhajiroun, a British Islamic group. On both flags is the Islamic Shahada and behind them are the swords of Jihad.




Al-Muhajiroun

Again, as we see, the two swords and name of Allah are very common symbols among the various Islamist groups.







Hamas



The Mark of the Beast

And so, now having a working understanding of both the Name and the “Number” (or multitude or people) of the Beast, how can this help us to understand the nature of the Mark of the Beast? Lets look again at the verse which best describes the Mark of the Beast:

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number [multitude] of his name.
—Revelation 13:16

Again, here we see the three variations of the Name of the Beast: Mark, Name (title), or Multitude (follower of this multitude).

Charagma—A Badge of Servitude

The Greek word charagma used for “mark” is actually a “badge of servitude” or of allegiance, ownership or servanthood. For instance, it could be used to refer to the branding on an animal signifying to whom the animal belongs. Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon defines charagma as “the mark stamped on the forehead or the right hand as the badge of the followers of the Antichrist.” In this case, the “Name of the Beast”—some variation of the name Allah, worn as a declaration of submission by Muslims, is precisely what we would be looking for. Also note that the phrase “right arm” is from the Greek dexios, which could also be translated “right side.” As discussed above, the Islamic Shahada is actually a declaration of allegiance and servitude to Allah and Muhammad. This declaration is worn by millions of Muslims on the forehead or right arm. It can often be seen among Muslim demonstrators and radical Jihadists (See images below). Of course, it is also very much worth pointing out that the very practice of wearing headbands with religious and political messages is a fairly unique practice found within Islam.



Shamil Basayev, the terrorist leader of a Chechen Islamic separatist guerilla movement. He was most famous for his involvement in the Moscow theater siege and the Beslan school massacre where 344 civilians were killed, 186 of them children, and hundreds more wounded. He was killed by an explosion in July of 2006. Notice the writing on his headband.

In the images below we observe that many of the headbands contain the very mottos, creeds, words and images that we have previously discussed.
























In some cases, there is not even an attempt to veil the real satanic message behind the Islamic mottos and creeds. Behold the anti-Semitic spirit of radical Islam on display:




But wait! Surely the Book of Revelation teaches that followers of the Antichrist will be required to have a chip implanted on their foreheads or their arms/hands, does it not? My response to this notion is to say that if one actually studies the passages they will find nothing of this sort, but rather this conception is only one theory that has essentially developed a life all its own.

What then is the Image of The Beast?

And so, we now have a plausible explanation for the Mark, the Number (or Multitude) and the Name of the Beast. But there is yet one more component of this puzzle that we need to wrestle with before concluding this discussion. What about the “Image of the Beast”? Revelation 13 tells us that after the False Prophet arrives, his primary purpose will be to direct the world’s attention and even its worship toward the “Beast”. He is also said to execute great miracles, “even causing fire to come down out of heaven to earth in the full view of men” (Revelation 13:13). And then we find a very strange description of what is said to follow:

Because of the signs he (The False Prophet) was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.
—Revelation 13:14-15

The picture that is often painted here is that the False Prophet will set up an “image”—an idol or statue—that will actually become indwelt by a demonic spirit and essentially come to life. After this, the statue itself will somehow force all people to worship the Antichrist. Those who refuse will be killed. The passage is clearly a modified allusion to the biblical story of King Nebuchadnezzar and the massive idol of himself that he had erected, which all of his subjects were demanded to bow before. However, because the Image of the Beast can both “speak” and enforce submission, it takes the historical story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s giant idol to an entirely new level. As such, it is admittedly quite a sensational picture, the reality of which is incredibly difficult to imagine. Some modern teachers, in an attempt to paint this passage in what they feel is a more palatable narrative, have speculated that the image is referring to some form of evil robot or an Internet version of “big brother”. Others, in an attempt to take the passage as literally as possible imagine that the Image of the Beast will be a literal spiritually animated statue. The position offered here, we feel is more plausible than any of these more sensational options. Beyond this, it maintains the necessary continuity between the Mark, the Number (or multitude), the Name and now, the Image of the Beast.

In order to understand what this mysterious “Image of the Beast” is, we need to first review who or what the “Beast” is. Throughout the passages in the Book of Revelation where the Beast is discussed, the identity of the Beast always maintains a dual meaning. On one level, the Beast represents the kingdom of the Antichrist, and on another level it represents the king of this kingdom—the Antichrist himself. The Beast motif is used to refer to either the king or the kingdom. The difficulty is in determining specifically when a verse is speaking primarily about the king and when it is moreso focusing on the kingdom. Yet, despite the fact that the king or the kingdom may be used interchangeably, nearly every popular interpretation of the Image of the Beast seems to focus exclusively on the idea that this image will correspond only to the king—the Antichrist. However, few have considered the notion that the Image of the Beast is not specifically set up to represent the king, but rather the Beast Empire. What we will argue here is that this is precisely what the verse is pointing to. But how could this be? How could an “image” be set up to represent a kingdom? The answer is actually fairly easy. Lets walk through this together.

On the surface, the language of the passage is admittedly describing a typical ancient statue-like idol reminiscent of Nebuchadnezzar’s giant idol. In the fact that it can “speak” we see that it is painted as possessing a personal nature. But will the Image of the Beast really be something so primitive and so brazen as a demon possessed statue? Too be honest with you, I simply don’t believe that this passage demands such. Everyone agrees that the earlier portion of the passage that describes the beast coming up out of the earth with two horns is not literal but rather represents a man, but when we come to the portion about a talking statue, suddenly many seem to demand a literal interpretation. Rather, in a way that is not uncommon for apocalyptic literature, the passage may simply be using a well known biblical narrative (the story of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue) to convey an unusual spiritual event or reality. But it does not necessarily need to outwardly reflect what occurred in ancient Babylon with people literally bowing before a statue and so forth.

But if the passage is indeed speaking about the Empire of the Beast and not the Beast specifically, which is certainly a genuine possibility, then how could an image pertain to a kingdom? Our answer may be found in the Prophecy of Hosea. For it is there that the word “image” is also used in connection with a kingdom:

For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or terraphim.
—Hosea 3:4

Here we read that because of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God, she would soon find herself essentially without a national home. She would no longer possess some very important items that essentially defined her and through which she found her identify. These items would be the following:

• King
• Prince
• Sacrifices
• Sacred Stones or a Pillar
• Ephod
• Terraphim — ?

It is easy to understand the first five components. They were all things that represented Israel’s national political or religious identity and heritage. However, the final item—the terraphim—has been a difficult word for many translators to interpret. In general it represents a household graven image or an idol. However, one would certainly think that if Israel went without a national idol that this would be a good thing. Yet here in this passage, it is expressed a negative thing. Beyond this, if we look at the list, what we see are all things that give Israel its national identity in a positive sense. Obviously the passage was not speaking of an idol in the classic sense, as such would have no place among the other elements of the passage. For all of the other items listed with the terraphim are things that were blessed by God. The question then becomes; If Israel did not have a kingdom, what would it be without? Lets look again at the list of things to try to discover a pattern:

• King — A national ruler
• Prince — A future ruler
• Sacrifices — A national religion
• Sacred Stones or a Pillar — A national monument
• Ephod — A national religion
• Terraphim — A national image or emblem

Again, each of the items listed represent something that gives Israel its national identity. As such, because the terraphim represent something akin to a national idol or image, yet in this case, in a positive manner, it would have to be something as simple as a national emblem or image.

In the Book of Revelation, we see that the Antichrist will revive a kingdom, as well as an “image”, an emblem or a symbol that will represent this kingdom. This empire, which was wounded and destroyed, will attempt to regain its former dominion, power and glory. As we have discussed, the Mark of the Beast is also some form of emblem or symbol of the Beast Empire that carries with it a blasphemous creedal element. As such, an Islamic emblem imprinted on arms and foreheads is an excellent possibility of what may be represented in the Mark of the Beast. But to make an “image” or an emblem of a kingdom is to give it a sense of national identity:

He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. —Revelation 13:14

To make or carry an image, a flag or an emblem of something is akin to expressing support for and allegiance to whatever the image or emblem represents. That is, the followers of the Beast will declare their support and submission to the Beast Empire and all that it stands for. They will espouse its purpose, its ideology or doctrines and its goals. But what specifically could the Image of the Beast then be?

The Crescent Moon As the Image of Allah

And so having concluded that an emblem or a flag could be what God was intending to warn us about when he spoke about the Image of the Beast, it is essential at this juncture that we point out a very important portion of Scripture with regard to the nature of this final enemy of mankind. The passage is found in Isaiah 14. It is here that we find the story of the sin and the fall of Satan. What we will discover when we analyze the passage a bit closer are some very telling points. The passage reads as follows:
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
—Isaiah 14:12-14
It is in this passage that we are given the name that has come down through the ages to signify Satan. It is the name Lucifer. Most of us have heard Satan referred to as Lucifer. In truth, the passage may not so much have been giving us a proper name as it was giving us a description of who Satan really is. He is described as Son of the Dawn (or Morning). In Hebrew, the words translated are Heylal Ben Shachar. What is even more fascinating however is that the word Heylal, which is translated in the King James as Lucifer is also found in Arabic, having a nearly identical meaning. Most specifically Hilal in Arabic means Crescent Moon. When we put the whole phrase together Heylal Ben Shachar, it simply means Crescent Moon, son of the Morning Star or the Dawn—or in simpler terms, a crescent moon with a star lingering over it. Of course, this has come to be the very symbol of Islam. Nearly every Islamic flag carries this symbol, as does nearly every mosque brandish this symbol on the pinnacle of its dome and/or its minarets. Consider the implications of this then: the very description that the Bible uses to describe Satan, Islam applies to itself.

Not surprisingly then, one particular Quranic narrative contains several of the very same elements that we find in the biblical account of the fall of Lucifer or Satan. In the Quranic surah entitled Qadr, (power or fate), we find a passage that speaks directly of the dawn—when the angelic host came down from heaven. Let’s look at the Quranic passage that describes the Night of Vision:

“We have sent it to thee in the Night of Vision, what do you know of this Night of Vision. The Night of Vision is better than a thousand months. The angelic hosts descend [to earth] in it with the Spirit by command of their Lord. Peace shall it be until the rising of the Dawn (Morning star).” —Surah 97:1-5

Paralleling the biblical narrative, we have:

• Angels descending
• The rising of the morning star or the Dawn (Satan or Allah)
• A so-called peace is established from that point onwards

According to Islamic tradition, this event occurred on the 27th day of the month of Ramadan. It was then that Muhammad allegedly had his encounter with the “angel” who revealed the Quran. Ramadan is the same month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, basing the fasting season on the appearance of the moon. These words, in fact, parallel Scripture regarding Satan (the Dawn) being cast out of heaven, and taking one third of the angels with him.

It may also be interesting to note that the very sin of Lucifer in this passage as defined by the phrase uttered in his heart; “I will ascend… I will be like the Most High”. The word for ascend in Hebrew is Alah, the name used of course by Muslims for God. In the same way that Allah has laid claim to the title of Almighty God of the universe, despite the fact that he is simply an Arabian moon god, so also Lucifer’s desire was and is to be exalted as an equal to God Almighty. And so as if the divine hint found in the word Heylal, meaning both Lucifer and Crescent Moon is not enough, so also in the very same passage—the use of the word Alah for Lucifer’s sin—may indeed be another prophetic hint unveiling the identity of that ancient and very evil being hiding behind the title of Allah.

And so we may very well expect to see the very flag of Islam with the Crescent Moon symbol featuring prominently on it as the very banner of the revived Islamic Beast Empire. Will the final Antichrist Empire march under the flag of Lucifer? This then may be the Image of the Beast. Or perhaps it will simply be the flag that we have seen emblazoned behind Osama Bin Laden when he makes his televised speeches and on all of the pro-Caliphate web-sites. This would be a black or white flag with the Islamic Shahada written across it in Arabic calligraphy. Either flag would fulfill the purpose of a blasphemous emblem or image.

Beyond this, as we have seen in previous chapters, the nation of Turkey will play a prominent role in the final Islamic Beast Empire. Not surprisingly then, the former flag and emblem of the Ottoman Empire as well as the modern Turkish flag, each display a large crescent moon and star on a field of scarlet. Could it be that the Turkish Flag will fly over the Revived Islamic Beast Empire? Only time will tell.

There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.
—Revelation 17:4




Al-Hilal, Lucifer. The Flag of the Beast?


Conclusion

But how then can those who do not submit to the Beast Empire be forbidden to buy or sell or otherwise be killed? In light of all that we have learned concerning Islam, the answer is quite clear. The empire itself will be founded on Islamic law that will simply not allow anyone to live who does not submit to the empire. To be a functioning part of the empire, one must first be a Muslim—they need to have declared the shahada. Secondly, one will also need to make a pledge of allegiance and submission to the Caliph—they will need to make the bay’ah. There may even be an outwardly worn sign indicating that one is—or one isn’t—a submitted citizen of the Caliphate, which will simply be one more in a long line of world dictatorships that demand absolute obedience and submission. It is not difficult of course, to imagine what life could be like for devout Christians or Jews under such a government. It is certainly quite plausible that those who refuse to make the pledge will be unable to openly participate in society. Like the Jews in Germany and other Nazi occupied countries during WWII, so also will both Jews and Christians need to go into hiding if they wish to survive under such a government. Of course, it goes without saying that normal practices of buying or selling or doing business would be impossible under such circumstances. All in all, it is not at all difficult to image how a future Caliphate could fulfill all of the requirements specified by the Bible to fulfill the role of the Antichrist Empire. By requiring at the threat of death that all citizens of the Caliphate give the pledge or the bay’ah to the flag or the emblem of the Caliphate, we have what could be a very possible explanation for the future fulfillment of the Image of the Beast.

The Mark of the Beast In Islamic Eschatology

(link to Islamic site removed by Abiding)

In one final and fascinating note, with regard to both the “Beast” and “the Mark of the Beast”, Islamic eschatology has once again taken a very negative biblical concept and expropriated it for itself, portraying it as a very positive concept. This pattern seems to repeat itself wherever we look. Some of Allah’s very names in the Quran are the same names that are applied to Satan in the Bible. In the Quran, Allah is referred to as Al-Mutakabbir (The most proud), Al-Dharr (the Destroyer), Al-Mumeet (the Destroyer and the one who causes death). We have already seen that the numerous examples from Islamic tradition showing that the Muslim Messiah, Imam al-Mahdi will do many of things that the biblical Antichrist is prophesied to do. And now, we will show below that even the Beast and the Mark of the Beast are both viewed as positive things in Islamic eschatology. In looking at this whole development, it is difficult not to strongly consider the idea that Satan understood the Bible, and has orchestrated the development of Islamic traditions and prophecies so as to set-up the Muslims.

The Beast from the Earth as a Major Sign of the Last-Days

Among the Major Signs and significant characters that were not discussed in the section on Islamic Eschatology, is a bizarre and mysterious figure known in Arabic as Dabbat al-ard. In English, he is “the Beast of the Earth”. What will this Beast do and how does he relate to the Beast from the earth in the Bible? The answers to these questions are again, quite fascinating as they relate to our discussion.

In a sad and yet slightly humorous turn of events, Muslims actually believe that a genuine beast-like creature will literally emerge from out of the earth in the last-days. It is easy to see that this Islamic tradition found its origin in the Muslim misinterpretation and borrowing of Christian traditions from the Book of Revelation. Obviously, Muhammad mistook the clearly allegorical references in the Book of Revelation to the “Beast from the earth” for a literal creature, ultimately claiming this distorted tradition as part of his own emerging “revelation”. This misinterpreted and stolen tradition even made its way into the Quran itself:

And when the word is fulfilled concerning them, We shall bring forth a beast of the earth to speak unto them because mankind had not faith in Our revelations. —Surah. 27:82

Commentating on the above verse, Ibn Kathir has said that the beast will appear toward the end of time:

When disintegration, corruption, kufr [unbelief] and evil prevail, commands of Allah are ignored, the Deen [Islamic religious community] changed and made a mockery of, it is then Allah will take out the Beast from the earth. (Tafisr Ibn Kathir Surah 27:82)

The tradition of the Beast from the earth is found in many reliable Hadith:

Abdullah-b-Umar said, "I memorised a Hadith from the Messenger of Allah which I have not forgotten. I heard the Messenger of Allah saying, 'The first of the signs that will come is the rising of the sun from the place of its setting and the emergence of the Beast upon the people. Whichever of these two occurs before the other then the other is right behind it." (Sahih Muslim)
The Beast Will Mark the Faces of True Muslim Believers
Shaykh Ahmad Ali in his Major Signs Before the Day of Judgment relays the Islamic traditi

[soulfullyHis]

WOW El Gallo, this is facinating stuff! Joel Richardson seems to make complete sense of Rev. and the connections to Islam. Talk about your inside scoops.

soulfullHis

[SueAnn]

I am so glad I took the time to read that entire post. It is chock full of common sense information. And it certainly makes Revelations easier to understand.

I have always been frustrated with the fact that God would make it clear that we needed to use wisdom in discerning his warnings in revelations...yet make the entire book so hideously confusing. According to the above interpretation, God actually made it easy to recognize the mark of the beast, the number of his name, etc.

If the above article is the true interpretation, there is NO WAY a Christian can accidentally take the mark of the beast. And it clearly has nothing to do with technological advances (biomedical drivers licenses, National ID, etc.)

El Gallo, thank you so much for posting. This theory deserves much thought and prayer on my part.

[DALLAS]

Xxx

[El Gallo]

True, Dallas. In fact, I think Walid co-wrote the book w/ Joel Richardson

[joyfulchild]

15and there was given to it to give a spirit to the image of the beast, that also the image of the beast may speak, and [that] it may cause as many as shall not bow before the image of the beast, that they may be killed.

16And it maketh all, the small, and the great, and the rich, and the poor, and the freemen, and the servants, that it may give to them a **mark upon their right hand or upon their foreheads**,

17and that no one may be able to buy, or to sell, except he who is having the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18Here is the wisdom! He who is having the understanding, let him count the number of the beast, for the number of a man it is, and its number [is] 666.

------------------------------------------------------------

I still dont get it.I read ALL of this and I still dont get it.Wheres this mark on the hand or forehead??Please explain?

[El Gallo]

The illustrations which I could not post (if there is a way, someone tell me) would have helped you a lot. They show Muslims wearing the headbands with the shahada, and how they carry it onthier right side (the favored side in the East). The shahada is a blasphemous oath which all Muslims must say, every day.

The question is whether the correct interpretation tends more to an oath, rather than a chip or tatoo. The bayeh and shahada are oaths of allegiance. The mark we expect (chip or tatoo) is an English translation which may not fully reflect the Greek.

Muslim societies have long controlled the non-Muslim minorities by making them wear distinctive emblems, by imposing a harsh tax called the jizya, and by severely limiting business opportunities or allowing land ownership. However, their eschatology says that even these measures will not be allowed, and those in conquered/controlled territory must swear the shahada or die. This will extend to the bayeh to the Caliph.

I will also note that the logistic difficulties and social revolt related to a universal chip or tatoo would be quite significant. But most conquered peopel would likely be more willing to say the shahada, thinking it means nothing if they mean nothing by it. But the LORD has warned that you can not say this lightly at that time, b/c everyone will be specifically warned by an angel of God.

[joyfulchild]

YOU do have a point.This is very interesting.I went to Joels trumpet too.Its def. worth thinking as LONG AS we are AWARE of WHAT exactly the scriptures DO say re the AC.THIS is worth studying.

[IRQ Conflict]

666 Link removed by admin request.

Satanic signs of qiyâmah 4 Link removed by admin request.

Islamic 'seal of god'

VERY interesting indeed.

EDIT: Just out of curiosity while reading the first link I came across this:

The First Sura in the Quran, 666 , is Praise. This sura is the gift of GOD to us
to establish Contact with Him through our daily Contact Prayers. The G.value of this sura is 10143.

So, for fun I googled 10143. Guess what pops up? Surprise

Logos (Greek λόγος) is an important term in philosophy, analytical psychology, rhetoric and religion. It derives from the verb λέγω legō: to count, tell, say, or speak.[1] The primary meaning of logos is: something said; by implication a subject, topic of discourse or reasoning. Secondary meanings such as logic, reasoning, etc. derive from the fact that if one is capable of λέγειν (infinitive) i.e. speech, then intelligence and reason are assumed.

Satan's Anti-Christ 666 : Islam

Well, isn't this interesting. Oh, the rabbit hole of conspiracy runs deep. I knew I should have stuck with the blue pill.

[El Gallo]

Har! I am always telling my boy about the important of the five spiritual senses, as they let you understand how transient the "matrix" is!

[First Love]

I have enjoyed reading this so very much. I am up on everything and do not really understand it all from a world knowledge, but I do (most) from Bible knowledge.

The first time I read of this it just touched my heart as truth. When I think of how long God has let this Muslem religion ferment, with us Christians in the dark, (as to trying to understand Revelations) then in
His own time He brings it to light. Such an orderly, unfolding of the end
times, no wonder people won't get it.

I think the whole Bible is that way...an unfolding of the plan and purpose of God in our lives. We gentiles were always included in His great plan of salvation. The Jewish nation just is not the priestly people yet. I believe that in eternity they will be. Every nation will come to Jerusalem to worship our God.

Seeing now that the Islam people will be the ones imposing their beliefs on others is a scary thing to me. Not for me, I have been washed in the blood of my Saviour, Jesus Christ...but for those who will be left here I feel sorry for them.

Thanks again for the post, it was well worth the read.

[El Gallo]

None but the Lord have all the right answers First Love. You note you will not be here. I can not say you are wrong. But, frankly, at the same time I was convinced Islam fills eschatological parameters completely (though the EU plays some big part I am trying to figure out), I also became convinced the Prewrath position is correct. So I just ask folks to consider if that could be so, and, if so, how will they prepare spiritually (which is much more important than preparing with supplies, etc).

[IRQ Conflict]

I'd say we are already in the tribulation period. How far into it I'm not sure. I do know there is much work to be done.

[laney]

This is a most interesting read..

[First Love]

One reason I don't think I will be here is because of my age. I am already old. I do think we will see every sign of the tribulation fullilled, and even suffer ourselves.

When the wrath of our God starts, it will be a terrible thing and I don't think I will be here for His full wrath. If I am, I will trust in Him as I do for my eternal salvation.

The greatest hurt for me would be to see one of my children or grandchildren take the mark, or be beheaded..(tho that would be better).
I am not too concerned for myself but for those I love. To see them really suffer is something I am not prepared for, nor do I know how to prepare for that but through faith in Christ.

I can't walk far, nor run and hide so I will be an easy target to be one of the first. That part does not bother me so very much. I am not brave, but I trust God for the strength I will need. (in fact I am a chicken most times)

[El Gallo]

Well, first love, now I understand. You are a true American in the best sense. Like Granny Clampett, you say"Let them come (the Lord is my rock)"!

[SueAnn]

I can't walk far, nor run and hide so I will be an easy target to be one of the first. That part does not bother me so very much. I am not brave, but I trust God for the strength I will need. (in fact I am a chicken most times)

We are in a simialr boat, First Love. Hubby and I are the primary caregivers to my 87 year old Mom. Mom is no longer capable of walking on uneven ground, or walking for more than a few steps at a time.

When it is time to run and hide, we will be staying put. Mom did not desert me when I was 3 and she was advised to put me up for adoption. Her life would have been so much easier if she had.

I will not desert her now. Even if it means certain death for both of us.

[Salty Skipper]

I can't walk far, nor run and hide so I will be an easy target to be one of the first. That part does not bother me so very much. I am not brave, but I trust God for the strength I will need. (in fact I am a chicken most times)

We are in a simialr boat, First Love. Hubby and I are the primary caregivers to my 87 year old Mom. Mom is no longer capable of walking on uneven ground, or walking for more than a few steps at a time.

When it is time to run and hide, we will be staying put. Mom did not desert me when I was 3 and she was advised to put me up for adoption. Her life would have been so much easier if she had.

I will not desert her now. Even if it means certain death for both of us.

to that! The Lord will see you (and all of us) through.

[burien1]

Thank you so much for that, El Gallo. It gave me a chill in my bones that I`ve never received reading about Solano or the ENP stuff. I saw Waleed Shoebat on Zola Levits show myself several years ago. He made a lot of sense on how people from the middle east understand the language and culture of the bible. I firmly believe 9-11 was a wakeup call to the church. Thanks again for sharing. Blessings YSIC

[Abiding in His Word]

One reason I don't think I will be here is because of my age. I am already old.

Me too, First Love. I pray for the younger ones who may be subject to hardship - that He will be their strength!

[mightymac]

This is really incredible. I never heard this (more like just rumors tidbits.) And it is explained is plain language. So I have a question, lets say a child is born of a muslim, it is mentioned that the blasphemy is whispered in thier ear upon birth, is it possible such a thing could affect that child even if they are eventually not raised as a muslim? I also find the specific mention of Turkey as being key in bringing this all about very interesting. The AOC is co-sponsored by a Turk, right? and the AOC is bending over backwards to be islam-friendly. And then I read somewhere here about banks changing their practices to be inline with islam... I really dont see the US swearing allegience as a nation anytime soon though. we are still quite the independent lot, even on the democrat side (meaning they don't like to be told what to do by anyone.) But then God is full of surprises. And then there is Recommendation 666, and a few other things also numbered as such. It could be that by both interpretations, we are without excuse. I've bookmarked this one for later use!

[El Gallo]

Well, it is rather unlikely the A.C. will have world wide control, but just world wide influence. Remember, all the eschaology revolves around the Mideast. What part the EU or U.S. or China, etc. play, is developing, but the Bible only specifically talks about the ME. Now I have long contended that one or more untraceable nukes in container ships at our major ports, followed by back channel threats from the AC, could make the U.S. back out of world military deployments pretty quickly. Then we would not be much of a player. Economically, it is quite possible we are even today seeing that the U.S. may have been set up (not that our citizen's did not greedily go along) for a very big fall. That too would militate against our being a major player.

[Tevye]

Har! I am always telling my boy about the important of the five spiritual senses, as they let you understand how transient the "matrix" is!

Hello El Gallo,
Could you explain the five spiritual senses?

This was a draft he provided me, and I am not sure how close it is to the one in his book coming out in April.

And what is the name of the Joel Richardson book you posted above
that is to come out this month (April)?

Thank you for posting it
very insightful and informative
it opened my eyes
and now I have questions.
Tevye

[El Gallo]

Hello Tevye,

I am glad I found your questions, as I have not been in the AOC section in a while! Joel's new book is delayed, but here is info on his first:

Antichrist: Islam's Awaited Messiah
By Joel Richardson
List Price: $17.99
Price: $12.23 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details




Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com


29 new or used available from $10.23

Average customer review:


Product Description
A highly acclaimed and fascinating examination of Islamic and biblical end-time prophecies. Discover the startling similarities between the biblical Antichrist and Islam's Messiah figure known as Imam al-Mahdi. A must read for anyone interested in Islam, Bible prophecy or the underlying spiritual factors behind many of today's current events.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #5227 in Books
Published on: 2006-04-07
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
284 pages

As to the five spiritual senses, this is simply my description of our ability to perceive the spiritual, over the temporal. Every sense (taste, sight, hearing, touch, smell) has spiritual analogs. Jesus talked about this often, fo instance were he distinguishes a physically blind person, who can be healed, from the spiritually blind Pharisees, who can not. Sometimes it seems more a metaphor, such as where the LORD finds the prayers of the saints to be a sweet aroma. But I believe it goes to the actual ability to preceive spiritual things, such as people who "see" angels when those about them do not, or they also describe a scent of roses when they encounter an angel. I am convinced, though, that normally the spiritual senses can only be used during an emergency situation or after prayer and fasting. Does that answer your question?

[Tevye]

As to the five spiritual senses, this is simply my description of our ability to perceive the spiritual, over the temporal. Every sense (taste, sight, hearing, touch, smell) has spiritual analogs. Jesus talked about this often, fo instance were he distinguishes a physically blind person, who can be healed, from the spiritually blind Pharisees, who can not. Sometimes it seems more a metaphor, such as where the LORD finds the prayers of the saints to be a sweet aroma. But I believe it goes to the actual ability to preceive spiritual things, such as people who "see" angels when those about them do not, or they also describe a scent of roses when they encounter an angel. I am convinced, though, that normally the spiritual senses can only be used during an emergency situation or after prayer and fasting. Does that answer your question?

Hello El Gallo,
yes thank you very much.
I do think there are those who are more in tune
and have a greater sense of those spiritual senses
than others do.

Do you think it be connected to spiritual gifts
and the fruit of the spirit,
but mostly spiritual gifts?

Could some be given a certain spiritual gift
while others receive one that is not as sensetive to spiritual things?
Tevye

[El Gallo]

You are right that certain people are more sensitive to the spiritual world. And generally I believe it is fair to say women are more sensitive than men.

As to whether such senstivity is a spiritual gift, my knee jerk reaction would be to say no, as that is not listed in scripture as a "gift" or ability. But in fact God enables us in all ways, and so I think it is an ability that some are more gifted in, in the same way as some are more gifted in physical or mental abilities.

That being said, I believe that spiritual sensitivity can be increased by prayer, fasting and reading scripture --particularly where the physical senses are simultaneously deprived so as to avoid distraction. A very dangerous practice though is to not understand that spiritual warfare is continuous, so you see all sort of people deceived by trying to achieve generic spiritual experiences, such as by seances, mantric chanting, etc.

[bsheahan]

As to the five spiritual senses, this is simply my description of our ability to perceive the spiritual, over the temporal. Every sense (taste, sight, hearing, touch, smell) has spiritual analogs. Jesus talked about this often, fo instance were he distinguishes a physically blind person, who can be healed, from the spiritually blind Pharisees, who can not. Sometimes it seems more a metaphor, such as where the LORD finds the prayers of the saints to be a sweet aroma. But I believe it goes to the actual ability to preceive spiritual things, such as people who "see" angels when those about them do not, or they also describe a scent of roses when they encounter an angel. I am convinced, though, that normally the spiritual senses can only be used during an emergency situation or after prayer and fasting. Does that answer your question?

I only disagree with it being some kind of emergency situation that "trigger" it. If you have it, you have it. In Luke 11:13, we're encouraged by Jesus to ask for more of the Holy Spirit. Nonetheless, it is an incredibly insightful and wise discernment of the gifts of spiritual senses.

BTW, your post on Joel Richardson's book exerpt - WONDERFUL! I look forward to buying my copy.

[savedbygrace]

After seeing Walid Shoebat in person I really need to get a copy of that book myself! He is absolutely convincing to a listener and this entire theory of an antichrist from the middle east needs to be strongly considered. For those who have an open mind and a willingness to throw aside tradition if necessary...

[bsheahan]

After seeing Walid Shoebat in person I really need to get a copy of that book myself! He is absolutely convincing to a listener and this entire theory of an antichrist from the middle east needs to be strongly considered. For those who have an open mind and a willingness to throw aside tradition if necessary...

I was under the impression that the bible prophesied (in Daniel perhaps?) that the AC would come from European decent or something?

[jgilberAZ]

People have taught that the antichrist would be from a revived Roman empire since it was the Roman army that destroyed the temple in AD 70. However, the Roman army enscripted (sp?) people they had conquered, and the ones who actually destroyed the temple were arabs, not europeans.

Check this out: The People of the Ruler Who Will Come

And this: What about the Roman Empire

- Jeff

[El Gallo]

Not to mention that the Roman Empire was always Mediteranian and Middle East-centric. The Eastern Roman Empire of course, as noted above, survived much longer than the Western (European) Roman Empire. That part of the empire consisted of the Turks and Missdle East -- the people who form the core of Islam today.

[Swayde]

I've been following this site, and reading about the end times prophecies and theories for a few years now. I have always had an interest in Jesus' return and even used to literally look up at the sky on many occasions just expecting to see Christ coming, I still do actually or just try and picture it when I look at the sky. Anyhow, of all the theories and teachings I've read and been taught, the Islam stuff has seems to me to be the most common sense thing and it just seems true to me. I hope that is the Holy Spirit giving me discernment, but it does seem like more people are noticing how very well & clearly Islam fits in the Bible's prophecies.

[SueAnn]

El Gallo,
There is something that has bothered me of late. I do not remember where I first got the idea. It may have come from one of your writings, as it pertains to Islam in the Last Days. It may not have.

I would like to hear your thoughts on this.

We keep looking for the Temple to be rebuilt because we all know the Abomination of Desolation is the AC standing in God's Temple and declaring himself to be God. We are waiting for that doggone Islamic Dome of The Rock building to be destroyed so "our" Temple can be built and End Time Prophecy can kick in. My thought is this. Is it possible that the Abomination of Desolation ALREADY EXISTS and is, in fact, The Dome Of The Rock? Are the Muslim people not proclaiming their deity, Allah, to be God?

El Gallo, your thoughts, please?

[Ready1]

2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

It appears to be the 'temple of God'.

[El Gallo]

Hello Sue Ann,

I considered for a while that the “abomination which causes desolation” could have already occurred when the Muslims built the temples of their blasphemous, antichrist religion on the Temple Mount. But for reasons described below, I do not believe this is plausible.

At the risk of stating the obvious, it is worthwhile to review why most eschatologists believe the temple must be rebuilt. The belief is that is must be rebuilt because in Mathew 24 Jesus first announced that the Temple would be destroyed, without one stone left upon another. This happened in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroyed the Temple to punish the rebellious Jews.

The Jewish/Roman historian Josephus recounted that they burned it and knocked down the walls. They even moved the massive foundation blocks to get at the tons of gold which melted in the intense fire and dribbled in between the great stones. And so, as always happens, not a word of God’s scripture is wrong. (This was a great cultural loss, but the Temple had no especial religious meaning by 70 A.D., in the sense that God’s blessing departed when the Temple veil was torn in two upon Messiah’s death.)

The phrase “abomination of desolation” refers to Matthew 24:15: “So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel - let the reader understand.” This Scripture is referring to Daniel 9:27, “He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” In 167 B.C., a Greek ruler by the name of Antiochus Epiphanes set up an altar to Zeus over the altar of burnt offerings in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. He also sacrificed a pig on the altar in the temple in Jerusalem. This event is known as the “abomination of desolation.”

In Matthew 24:15, Jesus was speaking some 200 years after the abomination of desolation described above had occurred. So, Jesus must have been prophesying that some time in the future another abomination of desolation would occur in a Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Most Bible prophecy interpreters believe that Jesus was referring to the Antichrist, who will do something very similar to what Antiochus Epiphanes did. This is confirmed by the fact that some of what Daniel prophesied in Daniel 9:27 did not occur in 167 B.C. with Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus did not confirm a covenant with Israel for seven years. It is the Antichrist who in the end times will establish a covenant with Israel for seven years and then break it by doing something similar to the abomination of desolation in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.

Whatever the future abomination of desolation is, it will leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that the one perpetrating it is the person known as the Antichrist. Revelation 13:14 describes him making some kind of image to which all are forced to bow down and worship. Turning the Temple of the Living God into a place of worship for himself is about as much of an abomination in God’s eyes as there could possibly be. Those who are alive during the Tribulation should be watchful and recognize that this event is the beginning of 3 1/2 years of the worst of the Tribulation period and that the return of the Lord Jesus is imminent. “Watch therefore, praying in every season that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which shall occur, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). (http://www.gotquestions.org/abomination-desolation.html)

So it is clear the Antichrist will have some aspect of the Temple, in which he will declare himself to be God. Where will this be?

As you probably know, Jewish faithful have assembled everything needed to rebuild the Temple and re-initiate “kosher” Temple worship. Some say perhaps they will agree to rebuild the Temple at another historical site of worship, such as Bethel or Mount Gerizim, where the Jews worshipped before King David established Jerusalem as the central site of Judaism. I find this argument to miss the point of who it is that wants the Temple built. These are modern-day zealots, and they believe God will provide a way for them to build on the Temple Mount. They are in no mood to settle for some half measure.

I also saw and intriguing analyses on this site which argued the Greek words for “wing of the Temple” could reasonably be interpreted to mean the Wailing Wall. However, I do not believe Daniel’s prophecy leaves any room for such a conclusion, and Jesus clearly was speaking of an abomination occurring in the actual Temple.

Moreover, where Revelation discusses the Tribulation Temple it says “But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.” Revelation 11:1-3 . The current archeological exploration, interestingly enough, indicates the Temple could be fully rebuilt, without impinging on the Muslim sites, so long as the area once known as the “outer court” is not included. Accordingly, I believe the Temple will be rebuilt on the Temple Mount, and that it will be a limited version, without the outer court. But how?

As you know, even the thought of Jews at the Wailing Wall enrages many Muslims. They rioted just because former Prime Minister Sharon went there. So how will they stand for a Temple on the Mount?

I believe one explanation could be something similar to what Joel Rosenberg writes about in his fictional work; i.e., that God will destroy the blasphemous Muslim buildings. However, if this were so, it would mean the Muslims (Gentiles) would not be on the Temple Mount at all, so there would be no reason not to build the outer court.

I think the better explanation would be b/c the Mahdi would allow it. My reasoning is that the miracle-working Mahdi would so enrapture the Muslim Umma, that they would trust him implicitly. There is a Muslim concept called “takiya” which allows Muslims to enter into a false peace until they are best positioned to strike the enemy.

Assuming the Mahdi was accepted by the Muslims, but still not ready to directly destroy Israel, he would convince the Muslim leaders and Umma to accept a seven year treaty with the Jews (which Muslim prophecy also predicts). He would likely have any Muslim leaders who dissent killed (perhaps miraculously) and would explain to the Umma that this was takiya.

Why wouldn’t the Jews see through this? Because they are desperate for peace and ignored the exact same tactics from Yassir Arafat while signing truces with him. Besides, if Mahdi has a False Prophet called Isa working along side him, Isa might convince the false Christians to heavily pressure all parties.

The concept of a Temple there is not otherwise outrageous, sine the Muslims have converted any number of churches and synagogues into mosques; it is not the place, but the religion they object to. So they would look forward to taking over this lovely building.

In sum, I believe the Mahdi would have such control of the Umma, that they would trust him to enter the treaty and allow the Temple to be built. Half way through the treaty – true to the spirit of takiya and the Treaty of Hudineya, which Mohammed himself broke with Jews in Medina – he would strike, driving the Jews out, slaughtering them, and claiming the Temple was the house of Allah.

[saved2001]

Thanks El Gallo.


I have long suspected Islam or a variation of it to be the Beast religion.

The more I learn about Islam, it's tenants, it's origins, it's meanings, it's goals...the more I cannot seem to ignore the signs.

You are so very articulate (good thing considering your profession), and persuasive in your arguments...but in this PC world how would we even begin to talk about this to our neighbours and friends and families without making ourselves out to be incredible bigots?

How would we even begin to open dialogue with moderate or secularised (westernized) muslims to show them this in hopes of winning them to Christ?

How do I stop the seed of hatefulness in myself for all things muslim to manifest itself as outward disgust and repulsion for the muslim person?

Well, these are mostly rhetorical questions. (I type too quickly)

Thanks again for this most fascinating read...I shall have to purchase the book.

[El Gallo]

I think, Saved 2001, it is like Jesus said: "This one can only be driven out [i.e. solved] by prayer." Muti-culturalism and its poisonous analog, political correctness, have so disarmed Western leaders and divorced them from the ability to discern the truths (forbiden by these doctrines) that all we can do, is the greatest thing we can do: pray.

Since few missionaries can reach Muslims and they are heavily indoctrinated, I pray that God will appear to Muslims in untold millions by dream and vision to reveal the truth. I pray that God will peel the scales from the eyes of our leaders. And ultimately, I pray for the defeat of Satan; AKA Allah.

We know at some point God will allow the Antichrist to come to power. This will be at the fullness of time when wickedness has reached critical mass and, perhaps, the church is too timid to stand up. It will be a time of great tribulation for the world, and great testing for the church. Eventually the Antichrist will imprison, torture and behead much of the church. Revelation repeatedly warns us "This calls for patient endurance." So my thought is the other thing to do is prepare yourself, and those who will listen.

God bless,

DJT

[SueAnn]

El Gallo, Thank you for explaining your opinion. I am curious about something else. It sounds like the Muslims are happily anticipating their Mahdi as much as we are looking forward to the Second Coming of Jesus. Are there any websites that are the Muslim equivalent of Fulfilled Peophecy? Do Muslims talk about their mahdi dates of appearance like Christians analyze current events?

[El Gallo]

Yes Sue Ann. I believe our site prohibits listing Muslim web sites, but go to Joel's Trumpet and look on the right side of the welcome screen, which has several Muslim sites. Warning, many Muslim sites have terrible photos.

[savedbygrace]

Great stuff El Gallo. This is making way too much sense lately...

[El Gallo]

I think Justin Martyr would agree!

[savedbygrace]

I wonder if the early Christians had any idea how big Islam would become, or if they considered it the devil's religion or the spirit of antichrist, etc... I'll have to read some more of the early church writings to find out and see what I can glean from them.

[El Gallo]

I will look, but have read information that writers at the time Islam began its march thought it to be clearly antichrist. Writers b/f Islam anticipated a ME religion would be the home for the Antichrist.

Btw, here is a bon mot:

Following are excerpts from an interview with Sheik Ali Al-Faqir, former Jordanian minister of religious endowment, which aired on Al-Aqsa TV on May 2, 2008.

Sheik Ali Al-Faqir: We must declare that Palestine, from the [Jordan] River to the [Mediterranean] Sea, is an Islamic land, and that Spain – Andalusia – is also the land of Islam. Islamic lands that were occupied by the enemies will once again become Islamic. Furthermore, we will reach beyond these countries, which are lost at one point. We proclaim that we will conquer Rome, like Constantinople was conquered once, and as it will be conquered again.

Interviewer: Allah willing.

Sheik Ali Al-Faqir: We will rule the world, as has been said by the Prophet Muhammad.

We will face a battlefront that is broader and stronger. Its beginnings were in Palestine, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and in Chechnya. What has begun will be completed. It will not stop.

....... This morning on Al-Jazeera TV, I saw American scientists and strategic theoreticians, who said that America would soon come to its end. They said it before about the USSR, and, indeed, it has come to its end, and we say now that America and the EU will come to an end, and only the rising force of Islam will prevail.

<<VIDEO HERE>>

[Tevye]

Hello El Gallo, any idea of what the name of Joel's new book will be?

[El Gallo]

Not yet Tevye, but he said one more month. And here is a bon mot for you!

The following passages were written in 1916 in Teddy Roosevelt’s book, “Fear God and Take Your Own Part”, reproduced in “What Every American Needs to Know About the Qur’an” by William Federer.
Christianity is not the creed of Asia and Africa at this moment solely because the seventh century Christians of Asia and Africa had trained themselves not to fight, whereas the Moslems were trained to fight.Christianity was saved in Europe solely because the peoples of Europe fought. If the peoples of Europe in the seventh and eighth centuries, an on up to and including the seventeenth century, had not possessed a military equality with, and gradually a growing superiority over the Mohammedans who invaded Europe, Europe would at this moment be Mohammedan and the Christian religion would be exterminated. Wherever the Mohammedans have had complete sway, wherever the Christians have been unable to resist them by the sword, Christianity has ultimately disappeared. From the hammer of Charles Martel to the sword of Sobieski, Christianity owed its safety in Europe to the fact that it was able to show that it could and would fight as well as the Mohammedan aggressor. …..The civilization of Europe, American and Australia exists today at all only because of the victories of civilized man over the enemies of civilization because of victories through the centuries from Charles Martel in the eighth century and those of John Sobieski in the seventeenth century. During the thousand years that included the careers of the Frankish soldier and the Polish king, the Christians of Asia and Africa proved unable to wage successful war with the Moslem conquerors; and in consequence Christianity practically vanished from the two continents; and today, nobody can find in them any “social values” whatever, in the sense in which we use the words, so far as the sphere of Mohammedan influences are concerned.There are such “social values” today in Europe, America and Australia only because during those thousand years, the Christians of Europe possessed the warlike power to do what the Christians of Asia and Africa had failed to do — that is, to beat back the Moslem invader.


William Eaton, US Consul to Tunis, wrote in 1799:
“Considered as a nation, they are deplorably wretched, because they have no property in the soil to inspire an ambition to cultivate it. They are abject slaves to the despotism of their government, and they are humiliated by tyranny, the worst of all tyrannies, the despotism of priestcraft. They live in more solemn fear of the frowns of a bigot who has been dead and rotten above a thousand years, than of the living despot whose frown would cost them their lives…The ignorance, superstitious tradition and civil and religious tyranny, which depress the human mind here, exclude improvement of every kind…”

[laney]

There are such “social values” today in Europe, America and Australia only because during those thousand years, the Christians of Europe possessed the warlike power to do what the Christians of Asia and
Africa had failed to do — that is, to beat back the Moslem invader.

El Gallo, at the risk of sounding stupid, just what warlike power did the Christians of Europe possess that the those of Asia and Africa did not have?

[laney]

I mean how did they "beat back the invader"?

[El Gallo]

They were organized and had incorporated those traits endemic to Christian cultures which gave them a strength the Muslims lacked at critical times. Africa and near Asia (into India) lacked the will, organization, and leadership to stop the Muslim tide.

In 732 at Tours, Charles Martel lead the (mostly) French army in a brutal battle to stops the Muslims in Southern France. His plan was sound and his generalship was for the ages.

After the dark ages Europe was weaker, and the Ottoman Caliphate, operating from modern Turkey, was advancing through southeast Europe. They had taken over large parts of Greece and advanced through modern Serbia to the Gates of Vienna. (Btw, the Muslim brutality as conquerors still bears bitter fruit in places like Kosovo, where Muslims and Orthodox are always n the edge of conflict.) A brilliant defense by the Polish General Sobieski stopped the Ottomans at Vienna, but barely. That was the West's last stand.

If either Martel or Sobieski had failed, history would have been radically different, as Europe would probably have fallen to the Muslims.

[laney]

I see, thanks for answering my question.

[burien1]

This is the book;
http://fulfilledprophecy.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=41151&highlight=

And;
http://fulfilledprophecy.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=41253&highlight=

YSIC