When will Musilms start being honest and open minded when attempting to spread Islam, (part 1)?

Question

I keep seeing Muslims trying to convince us that there is "modern science" in the Koran, so I decided to check it out with an open mind. One of them shows me a couple verses that talks about God creating heaven and Earth, and how he spread it out like a carpet.

[51.47] And the heaven, We raised it high with power, and most surely We are the makers of things ample.
[51.48] And the earth, We have made it a wide extent; how well have We then spread (it) out.

Then the Muslim says...

"LOOK! Allah has revealed the expansion of the universe to Mohammad 1400 years before science found it! It's a MIRACLE! You see my friend? This proves the Koran is from Allah!"

So I point out, "it says that God spread the EARTH out like a carpet, as if the Earth is flat, and we know now that the Earth is NOT flat."

Then I am told "NO! You do not understand! You can NOT use the English Koran! (even though he did) You must look at the Arabic!"
I am then conveniently referred to the the following alternate translations:

“We created the heavens with Our strength and power, and constantly expand them”. (Qur'an 51:47)
and
"And the sky We built it with might, and we cause the expansion of it." (Qur'an 51:47)

So I check a trans-literation and cross reference the verses.
Not only were the alternate translations I was offered INACCURATE, they appear to have been DELIBERATELY ALTERED to support the "scientific prophecy" claim ... AFTER Edwin Hubble's discovery, of course.

There are 3 English translations of the Koran which are highly regarded by Islamic scholars as accurate, and used on DOZENS of Islamic websites. Those translations are by YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL, SHAKIR. Here is the SAME VERSE from these 3 sources...

YUSUFALI: (51.47) With power and skill did We construct the Firmament: for it is We Who create the vastness of pace.
PICKTHAL: (51.47) We have built the heaven with might, and We it is Who make the vast extent (thereof).
SHAKIR: (51.47) And the heaven, We raised it high with power, and most surely We are the makers of things ample.

When I offer my evangelistic chat partner these FACTS, he resorts to a personal attacks and tries to belittle the results of my research. He chastises me with,

"LISTEN! Many scientists who are smarter than you agree with the Koran! You need to learn more before you talk!"

The irony is stranger than fiction! Islam was being pushed on me by a person who says I needed to learn more before I talked, AFTER I learned more before I talked!

Should we all just take their word for it and convert to Islam, or should we learn more first?

Answer 1

And the earth, We have made it a wide extent; how well have We then spread (it) out.

Spreading it out in no way implies that it is flat unless you are hell-bent on accusing this statement of implying it. It's the same as saying that the Earth was LAID DOWN, CREATED.
I for one fail to see the indication of a flat earth in this statement.

Answer 2

I think the person you are speeking too doesn't have alot of knowledge... maybe you should go to a real scholar, and yes to convert to Islam you have to understand why you are doing it.
I'm a muslim and i know that to try and make an opinion of what the Qur'an says is not very good because you might misinterpret it, specially when you don't know what your saying... about the first part it is preaty obvious that if it says earth spread out like a carpet, it doesn't mean the Universe... but IT ALSO DOESN'T MEAN THE EARTH IS FLAT, SPREAD A CARPET IN THE BEACH... WILL IT BE FLAT OR THE DUNES WILL MAKE IT WAVY?anyway i trust this website... feel free to ask me questions if you don't understand or if you want a second thought or brain into your discussions
http://www.harunyahya.com/

Answer 3

I understand what you're saying, but please don't judge Islam or the Qur'an by one muslim. Yes, it's good to learn more. A lot of it is in YOUR interpretation, and in my opinion, that's what God wanted in the first place. We don't need scholars to interpret for us, we have minds to think. I am sorry if this person seems to push Islam at you, this is not usually the case with doing dawah, or inviting to Islam. the way it's supposed to be is to live it, and if someone shows interest, give good information and let them be led by their own choosing, if it is what God wants. The Qur'an says "there is no compulsion in religion" we can't force anyone to believe. If you'd like to read some very interesting articles on the science that is in the Qur'an, Harun Yahya has a site that gives very good examples. Your friend is a bit zealous.

Answer 4

Did you know that Islam is the fastest growing religion? Lol they all spout propaganda like a Kirby salesman. Scientist are becoming Muslims in droves...Abraham was a Muslim...There is no end the only thing anyone can determine from the Qu'ran is that Jesus is not God an there is no trinity and the Qu'ran is the only word of God. Muahmmad is the only uncorrupted woprd of God no prophets after him none before his but Muhammed gives the Qu'ran to show what the prophet said although it is not in agreement with God or the Prophets. Words or scripture...All truth in Islam comes through the hands of one man who bears record of himself. Which is not the way God reveals his truth but Allah does...but wait Allah says he is that God....hmm...nothing makes sense.

Answer 5

Of course there is science in the Koran, just like in the Bible and Torah.
We all accept the same God and many of the early prophets. As we Christians accept Christ as the last prophet, Muslims accept Mohamed.
We are all "people of the Book" and it is time we all realised that and put aside our differences.

Answer 6

Your last line of the first "detail" is correct. You should not convert to Islam unless you are totally convinced.

Brother, InShaAllah Allah will guide you, and guide us all, and especially those who seek to know the truth.

I've studied and applied Scientific concepts all my adult life, in the field and in the office. The relationship between Islam and science is much more solid, and well defined, than it is with any Christian denomiation.

Salam!

Answer 7

Well the fact is Quran does talk about numerous Scientific facts even though Quran is not a Science book but a book of guidance.

Answer 8

I'll take my chances and not accept eternal hellfire, muhammad had no political gain if he created the Qur'an, the christians have a government and a bankroll

Answer 9

what is your point, other than slam an other religion, if picking apart some thing is you hobby or speciality, fine but why are you preaching to the quire

Answer 10

Thanks for the "we" verses.

In the beginning Elohim created... Elohim said, "Let Us make mankind in our image."...

It is also written in the Bible that the earth is a circuit and that the heavens are a circuit.