Melchizedek, A DIVINE
BEING and *PRIEST [IMAM]* of the Most High God [El- Elyon]! 1 of
2
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Rahiim
In the Name of Allah, Rahman Rahiim
Salamun alaykum and Ya Ali Madad
JULY 11, 1999 -- IMAMATE DAY KHUSHIALY MUBARAK to my Ismaili Brethren worldwide. May Ali Allah Bless you & your family on this, the most Holy, Happy and Auspicious occasion and fulfill all your worldly and spiritual needs and desires. Grant you health, happiness, peace, and prosperity, and wisdom as well, keep you strong on Sirataal Mustaqiim--Straight Path --- Amen
Navali
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Says TedM:
;>>
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MELCHIZEDEK IS
FIGURATIVE OR
SYMBOLIC. CLEARLY, _CHRISTIANS_ BELIEVE
that Melchizedek
was born of human parents, lived a pious
life, and eventually died.
The genealogy of Melchizedek would trace
itself back to Adam and
Eve. He was a real historical figure
in human history. Melchizedek is
not now alive on the earth, because
he died millennia ago. Yet,
none of these events were recorded of
his life.
[emphasis added by navali]
;>>
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NAVALI: Was it REAL or symbolic, my friend? Please PLAY -- by the SAME RULES, if you mean well!
However, as a Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim, who believes in the ETERNAL ISLAM & IMAMATE of Hzt. Ali (as), as REVEALED in the Gita, Bible, Holy Qur'an and Ahadith, etc., I find the above hypothesis very interesting.
Regardless, allow me to explain this DIVINE CONCEPT _AGAIN_ from the Bible, the Holy Qur'an and the Holy Prophet's (SAS) Ahadith. In addition, I will quote pertinent excerpts from his 2 messages -- and the Dead Sea Scrolls -- in order to substantiate my assertions and refute his.
SAYS THE BIBLE:
Genesis 14:18-22 And MELCHIZEDEK KING
OF SALEM .... : and HE WAS THE PRIEST [IMAM] OF THE MOST HIGH GOD [EL-ELYON--Heb
-- AL-ALIYYUN --Arb]. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram OF
THE MOST HIGH GOD, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be THE MOST
HIGH GOD, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave
him tithes of all. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up
mine hand unto the LORD, THE MOST HIGH GOD the possessor of heaven and
earth,
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Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said,
What have I to do with thee, JESUS, thou Son of the MOST HIGH
GOD? I adjure
thee by God, that thou torment me not.
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Hebrews 7:1-3 For this MELCHISEDEC, KING
OF SALEM, PRIEST [IMAM] OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, who met Abraham returning
from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham
gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness,
and after that also KING OF SALEM, WHICH IS, KING OF PEACE [ISLAM=PEACE];
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning
of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God [JESUS]; abideth
a PRIEST [IMAM] continually.
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VATICAN'S NEW CATECHISM DECLARES MUSLIMS AND JEWS TO BE SAVED!
841 The Church's relationship with the MUSLIMS. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the MUSLIMS; these profess to hold the FAITH OF ABRAHAM, and together with us they *ADORE THE ONE, MERCIFUL GOD,* mankind's judge on the last day."[330]
For both those of the Jewish and Muslim faiths,
this element of faith in Jesus Christ as the raised Son of God is decidedly
lacking. However, the Roman Catholic Church has taken it upon themselves
to boldly proclaim that faith in Jesus Christ is not required,
*ONE ONLY
NEEDS TO BELIEVE IN THE CREATOR AND HAVE ABRAHAM'S FAITH.*
---------
The above Scriptural facts speak for themselves. The Vatican has also rendered its irrefutable verdict, wherein, belief in the Christian Trinity is not all that important for one's salvation. Rather, it has aligned itself with Judaism and Islam in this case. We are told, 'However, the Roman Catholic Church has taken it upon themselves to boldly proclaim that faith in Jesus Christ is not required ....'
Let's turn to Islam and the Holy Qur'an now:
HQ 042.013 He hath ordained for YOU THAT RELIGION which He commended unto NOAH, and that which We inspire in THEE (Muhammad), and that which We commended unto ABRAHAM AND MOSES AND JESUS, saying: Establish THE RELIGION, and be not divided therein. Dreadful for the idolaters is that unto which thou callest them. Allah chooseth for Himself whom He will, and guideth unto Himself him who turneth (toward Him).
HQ. 042.051 And it was not (vouchsafed) to any
mortal that Allah should speak to him unless (it be)
by revelation or from behind a veil, or (that) He sendeth
a messenger to reveal what He will by His leave.
Lo! He is Exalted, Wise --
INNAHUU __ALIYYUN__ HAKIM.
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Here then, is the scriptural evidence which plainly shows that all Jews, Christians and Muslims should and must follow the ABRAHAMAIC FAITH as well, believe in the SAME GOD, the Most High--El-Elyon or Al-Aliyyun [Arb]. Does this mean that all People of the Book namely Jews, Christians and Muslims -- are or must be *MUSLIMS* by faith and practice?
HQ. 002.062 Lo! Those who believe (in
that which is revealed unto thee, Muhammad), and those who are Jews, and
Christians, and Sabaeans - whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day
and doeth right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall
no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
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On the other hand, the Divine Concept of IMAMATE or High Priesthood also UNITES the 3 major faiths of the world together. In addition to the above scriptural facts, please review the following. Says the Holy Qur'an:
HQ. 017.071-72 On the day when We shall
summon all men with their IMAM [DIVINELY APPOINTED HIGH
PRIEST, navali]
-- whoso is given his book in his right hand - such will read their book
and they will not be wronged a shred. Whoso is BLIND
IN THIS--FII HAAZIIHI
-- [recognition] will be BLIND in the Hereafter,
and yet further from the road.
-----
What does this stupendous Qur'anic Revelation mean for Muslims TODAY? Simply put, it means that there is always present in the world a LIVING IMAM of the age and time. HE HAS NEVER BEEN PHYSICALLY ABSENT, because that per se, would go against the very core of Allah's Revelation, HIS DIVINE PURPOSE, Creation, Islam, the Bible and the Holy Qur'an.
Therefore, the need and necessity of HIS CONTINUOUS PRESENCE per se, is established clearly in these Scriptures and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Hence, a Muslim's salvation in the Hereafter DEPENDS on THIS RECOGNITION alone -- i.e., RECOGNIZING THE HOLY IMAM [SA] OF THE AGE AND TIME -- since Allah has not left this world without Him.
Hence, 'He who is Blind *_I_N__T_H_I_S_ -- [recognition, navali] -- _FII HAAZIIHII_* -- will be blind in the Hereafter,' says the Holy Qur'an. Meaning: All other rites and rituals are futile without this recognition.
The Holy IMAMATE [High Priesthood], came into being from Allah's DIVINE Noor--Light -- [HQ. 4:175,176; 5:16; 7:157], from that primordial beginning and long before "Man's" creation.
One may derive this conclusion from the Qur'anic revelation viz., 'On the day when We shall summon all men with their IMAM.' Meaning: The HOLY IMAM [SA] -- was present long before that primordial beginning. Hebrews 7:1-3 quoted above confirms this as well. Anyway, even *Adam--MAN* -- will be summoned with his Imam, otherwise, he may have a case against Allah on that DAY!
Now please review the following in this light only, if you will:
COMMENTARY:
HQ 27:40. It is recorded in 'Khulasatul-Manhaj' of Thalahi who is one of the renowned SUNNI commentators that Abdullah bin Salam asked the Holy Prophet as to who that was who presented the Queen of Sheba on her throne to Solomon.
The Holy Prophet said, 'it was none else but
Ali-ibne-Abi Talib,' and addressing Ali he said, "O Ali, thou has been
HIDDEN with the apostles of God, PRECEDING ME, AND WITH ME THOU ARE MANIFEST."
[The Holy Quran Text, Translation and Commentary, S. V. Mir Ahmed Ali,
pp. 1156-57].
--------
HQ. 18:65
018.065 Then found they [Moses and his companion, navali] one of
Our slaves, unto whom We had given mercy from Us, and had taught him knowledge
from Our presence.
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COMMENTARY:
2411. One of Our servants: his name is not mentioned in the Qur'an, but tradition, gives it as Khidhr. ...... *Khidhr* means *Green*; his knowledge is fresh and green - drawn ....... from God's own PRESENCE. He is a mysterious being, WHO HAS TO BE SOUGHT OUT. .....
The nearest equivalent figure in the literature of the People of the Book is MELCHIZEDEK or MELCHISEDEK [the Greek form in the New Testament). In Gen 18:20, he appears as king of Salem [Peace--Islam, navali]; PRIEST [IMAM] of the Most High God [El-Elyon or Al-Aliyyun-Arb, navali], he blesses Abraham, and Abraham gives him tithes.
St. Paul allegorizes him in his epistle to
the Hebrews (v.6-10; vii:1-10): 'he was without father, without mother,
without descent having neither beginning of days nor end of life.'
That is to say , he appeared mysteriously, neither his parentage nor pedigree
is known, and he seems to LIVE FOR ALL TIMES. These QUALITIES are also
attributed to Khidhr in MUSLIM TRADITION [The Holy Qur'an Translation and
commentary, A. Yusuf Ali pp. 748].
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Allow me to explain the aforesaid ETERNAL DIVINE CONCEPT from the Holy Qur'an as well:
HQ. 033.045 O PROPHET! Lo! We have
sent thee as a WITNESS and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. HQ 033.046
And as a summoner unto Allah by His permission, and as a LAMP THAT GIVETH
LIGHT--Siraajam Muniraa.
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The Holy Prophet (SAS) -- [Siraajam Muniraa] -- is compared with the universal SUN -- [Lamp--Sirajaa]. See also HQ. 25:61; 71:16. Apparently, the FOUNDATION of Islam and the Holy Qur'an is *NOORUN ALA NOOR -- LIGHT UPON LIGHT* [Surah Noor 24:34-36]. Surah Noor is the ONLY Surah--Chapter -- in the Holy Qur'an which Allah had *enjoined* upon Muslims -- HQ. 24:1, regardless.
Having said that, let us now consider another DIVINE aspect that Allah has revealed with regards to the Holy Prophet (SAS):
HQ. 004.041 But how (will it be with
them) when We bring of every people a witness, and WE BRING THEE (O MUHAMMAD)
A WITNESS against these ?
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COMMENTARY:
HQ. 4:41. A proper and an intelligent study of the matter of this verse guides the reader to a very important factor about the personality of the Holy Prophet. The word 'Shaheed' means a WITNESS. When 'Shaheed is followed by 'Ala' it means 'Raqeeb' or 'Mohaimim' meaning a close watcher, a careful observer and a WITNESS in the pure and most perfect sense as used in 2:143, 22:17, and 5:117. The address in the verse is to the Holy Prophet. The question arises can anyone who was not present on any event bear WITNESS over the situation. The verse says that a witness will be called of every people of every age and the HOLY PROPHET WOULD BE CALLED TO BEAR WITNESS over all those witnesses.
This statement of the Holy Qur'an clearly indicates
the Holy Prophet was ESSENTIALLY PRESENT WITH EVERY PROPHET IN EVERY
PART OF THE EARTH AND IN ALL TIMES. And according to 2:141 HE REMAINS SIMILARLY
PRESENT WITH EVERY HOLY IMAM UNTIL THE DAY OF JUDGMENT TO BEAR WITNESS
OVER THEM ALL. It is a serious matter for an intelligent study of
the personality of the Holy Prophet that when the Word of God so strongly
establishes the spiritual or the essential existence of his presence during
all times and in all places ..... .... There is the saying of the Holy
Prophet:
HQ. 016.089 And (bethink you of)
the day when We raise in every nation a witness against them of their own
folk, AND WE BRING THEE (MUHAMMAD) AS A WITNESS against these. And We reveal
the Scripture unto thee as an exposition of all things, and a guidance
and a mercy and good tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allah).
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As Muslims, we believe and/or accept the above as well, submit to the Holy Qur'an because it is Allah's Revelation and Commandment.
Now, let us review TedM's [mis]representation of scriptural facts.
http://www.InsideTheWeb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi?acct=mb49229&MyNum=930682068&P=No&TL=930682068
TedM wrote:
>>
There are a
number of famous priests in the Old Testament that have particular figurative
significance. The most famous are Aaron and Melchizedek. There are
others too.
2. Melchizedek priesthood. Eternal Priesthood
The author of the book of Hebrews noted that Genesis recorded neither his birth, father, mother, genealogy, length of life, nor his death. In Genesis, Melchizedek appeared abruptly on the scene in Genesis Chapter 14 to bless Abraham of whom would arise Aaron. Abraham being blessed by Melchizedek shows that the Melchizedek priesthood is superior to Israel's national Aaronic priesthood. This was important for the author of Hebrews to show to the new Hebrew believers.
"For this Melchizedek,
king of Salem, priest of the Most High God,
who met Abraham
returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also
Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated "king of righteousness,"
and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace," .without father,
without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning
of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest
continually." Hebrews 7:1-3
The significance
of Melchizedek is figurative or symbolic. Clearly,
Christians
believe that Melchizedek was born of human parents, lived a pious life,
and eventually died. The genealogy of Melchizedek would trace
itself back to Adam and Eve. He was a real historical figure in human
history. Melchizedek is not now alive on the earth, because he died
millennia ago. Yet, none of these events were recorded of his life.
Since none of
the these events were recorded of Melchizedek, he
becomes of
excellent symbol of the Son of God as a continuing and eternal
priest.
;>>
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NAVALI: In other words, if all of the above was purely and simply SYMBOLIC then, every matter pertaining to Jesus mentioned therein [Hebrews/NT] must also be viewed in the same light because:
a. The writers of
the Gospels were Jews;
b. As were the apostles
and first followers of Jesus;
c. Neither of whom
subscribed to non-Jewish concepts then.
As such, we can't have 2 different sets of rules, as applied by TedM.
The writer of Hebrews [Paul(?)], says the following to his Jewish audience -- of all people. Hence, if we apply TedM's criterion here as well then, all of this was SYMBOLIC. And that being the case, he has confirmed what the Jews have upheld for millenniums now.
Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in
divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hebrews
1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us BY HIS SON, whom he hath appointed
heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:3 WHO BEING
THE BRIGHTNESS OF HIS GLORY, AND THE EXPRESS IMAGE OF HIS PERSON, and upholding
all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our
sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:4 Being
made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained
a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:5 For unto which of the angels
said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And
again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Hebrews
1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he
saith, AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM. Hebrews 1:8 BUT UNTO
THE SON HE SAITH, THY THRONE, O GOD, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of
righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved
righteousness, and hated iniquity; THEREFORE GOD, EVEN THY GOD, HATH ANOINTED
THEE with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Hebrews 1:10 AND, THOU,
LORD, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens
are the works of thine hands:
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NAVALI: As can be seen, TedM has practically BELIED his own scripture - -the Bible. The writer of the scripture is claiming that 'Jesus was/is a God besides God,' which the Jews did not subscribe to then or ever -- and yet, TedM would have us believe otherwise. Elsewhere he adds:
http://www.InsideTheWeb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi?acct=mb49229&MyNum=930779981&P=Yes&TL=930682068
>>
I apologize for not taking a little more time
with Hebrews 7:3. The verse reads,
"Without father
or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of
days or end
of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest
forever." Heb
7:3 (NIV)
1. "Without father or mother, without genealogy"
In Judaism,
it was vitally important that a priest be able to show
who his father
and mother were. Both the father and the mother had to be from priestly
families. Furthermore, both the paternal and the maternal lineage
had to be an unbroken lineage back to Aaron, the High Priest. If either
the father or the mother were not of the
lineage of
Aaron, the person could not be a priest.
Melchizedek
did not come from a priestly lineage. There is nothing in the history of
Melchizedek to indicate that his father or his mother gave him the prerogative
to be a priest. Neither was there anything in scripture showing that his
genealogy was priestly.
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3. "The order of Melchizedek"
"where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." Heb 6:20 (NAS)
This refers
to the fact that Melchizedek was both king and priest.
The author
of Hebrews is noting that Christ's priesthood is after
'the order
of Melchizedek,' that is, it is both kingly and priestly.
Genesis 14:18
states that Melchizedek was "King of Salem" as well as a "Priest."
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NAVALI: It is either REAL or symbolic, my friend. You can't have it both ways! Here's another interesting link:
http://www.geocities.com/~christianbible/reading.html
1 in Faith: A Critical Bible Study
Reading the New Testament
It is common today to hear the Bible described
as the literal, infallible or "inerrant" word of God. This claim implies
that the New Testament is not a human creation but simply the recording
of divine revelation. It links the idea that God inspired the New Testament
to the actual words on the page. There is, however, nothing in the New
Testament that says it is only a recording of God's words and much to suggest
otherwise. You can see this for yourself by
reading it.
-------
Please go to this link, if you are interested.
Regards
And Peace:Was salaam
Navali
TO BE CONTINUED .......
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