We support Trinity Cross’ removal

Muslims do not believe in the Trinity. The Qur’an says: “Certainly they disbelieve who say: ‘Surely Allah is the third of the three’ and there is no god but the one God, and if they do not desist from what they say, a painful chastisement shall befall those among them who disbelieve.”

(Qur’an 5;73). Muslims also do not believe in the cross. The Qur’an explicitly denies that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) was subjected to the humiliation of crucifixion when it states: “And their saying: ‘Surely we have killed the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, the apostle of Allah,’ and they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared so to them. And most surely those who differ therein are only in doubt about it; they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow a conjecture, and for sure they did not kill him.” (Qur’an 4:15).

In the history that is recorded for all to see, the Islamic position on these issues was so strong that the Qu’ran issued a challenge called Mubaahalah to the Christians of Jarjan saying: “But whoever disputes with you in this matter after what has come to you of knowledge, then say: Come let us call our sons and your sons and our women and your women and ourselves, and yourselves and then let us be earnest in prayer, and pray for the curse of Allah on the liars.” (Qu’ran: 3:61).

As referred to in traditions by Saheeh Muslim Vol IV under the virtues of Ahlul Bayt, for this spiritual contest, the Prophet of Islam came out after dawn on the day holding up his grandson Hosayn with one hand while his elder grandson Hasan walked beside him holding his other hand, his daughter Fatima walked behind him and her husband and cousin of the Prophet, Ali walked behind her, and the Prophet said “O Allah these are my family members.”

On recognising the purity of this group of five, the Bishops of Najran backed down and made a treaty with the Muslims agreeing to practise their religion in peace in the Muslim state and to enjoy the protection of the state through payment of the Jizyah tax.

We do not agree that the name of the country as Trinidad and Tobago is connected to this issue. In any event we are told in the history that the island of Trinidad was named after the three ranges, the Northern, Central and Southern ranges and not after the Trinitarian concept. We are therefore in full support of the decision by Government to replace the award by one that can be embraced by all citizens.