The Camel and the Eye of a Needle
The Qur’an
“The Camel and the Eye of a Needle”
Sura 7
The Elevated Places
40. Surely (as for) those who reject Our communications and turn away from them haughtily, the doors of heaven shall not be opened for them, nor shall they enter the garden until the camel pass through the eye of the needle; and thus do We reward the guilty.
The Bible
“The Camel and the Eye of a Needle”
Matthew
Chapter 19
21. Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
23. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26. But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
COMMENTARY
In the Qur’an:
1. The Qur’an refers to the biblical story of Jesus, but without mentioning its source and true context.
In the Qur’an it is impossible for unbelievers to enter Paradise before a camel will pass through the eye of the needle: “ ...the doors of heaven shall not be opened for them, nor shall they enter the garden until the camel pass through the eye of the needle.”
In the Bible:
1 Jesus spoke this account only to a rich person, not to every unbeliever. He was trying to emphasise how hard it is to rely upon God when one can rely upon one’s wealth instead:
Matthew 19:24 and Mark 10:25
“...a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
Still here is hope: “With men, this is impossible; but with God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 and Mark 10:27)
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