Priest Daniel Sysoev
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Priest Daniel Sysoev Islam: An Orthodox Perspective / Priest Daniel Sysoev. — New Jersey. Daniel Sysoev Inc., 2015. — 112 pages.
This book comprises a critical analysis of Islamic doctrine, as well as analysis of the theological and mystic aspects of the life and work of Muhammad, Islam’s founder, in the context of traditional Orthodox comparative theology. The author discusses the basic tenants of Islam and demonstrates how the Christian religion salvifically differs. The book is intended for a wide range of readers.
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Editorial note On Islam Muhammad Questions and answers
Editorial note Dear Reader, We present to you a book by Daniel Sysoev, a wellknown public figure and priest whose mortal life ended tragically on November 20, 2009. According to one version of the criminal investigation the murder was committed for religious reasons, because of his missionary and evangelical activities among Muslims. The deceased was routinely threatened by members of extremist groups. This edition of Islam: An Orthodox Perspective is a printed version of Father Daniel’s video lectures that were circulated on the Internet. In his lectures the author gives a critical analysis of Islamic doctrine, as well as analysis of the theological and mystic aspects of the life and work of Muhammad, Islam’s founder, in the context of traditional Orthodox comparative theology. His thorough deep knowledge of the Holy Bible and Holy Tradition and his considerable erudition enabled Father Daniel to create a vivid example of Orthodox polemics. The publishers put the author’s oral presentations on paper, preserving Father Daniel’s tone and manner of speaking. Extensive academic work has been conducted to produce this publication: quotes have been
Editorial note
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checked against original texts, inaccuracies have been edited, and references and comments have been added throughout the book. All quotes are taken from The Meaning of The Glorious Koran: an explanatory translation by Marmaduke Pickthall with introduction by William Montgomery Watt. Everyman’s Library, London, 1992. The book consists of three chapters: 1. On Islam; 2. Muhammad; and 3. Answers to questions. Also included are Father Daniel’s biography and the primatial speech of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia after the funeral service of Father Daniel Sysoev. Each chapter not only the explains the basic concepts of Islam, but also demonstrates how the Christian religion salvifically differs from it. Although Father Daniel always took a balanced and reasoned approach to the topic on which he was speaking, substantiating his arguments with quotes from original texts, not all contemporary experts on religion agree entirely with his conclusions. Father Daniel’s public speeches gave occasion to discussions among Orthodox theologians, as well. Father Daniel was known for the freshness of his ideas and his creative energy. He had the gift of a true preacher and missionary, who showed his audience the only way to perfect joy in a world of many sorrows: the way to Christ. We hope that the living word of Father Daniel will help and support people who are seeking the true meaning of life. In loving memory of Father Daniel. Dear reader, we beg your forgiveness for any possible omissions.
On Islam
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oday we’ll be talking not merely about Islam as such. Of course, we’ll need to touch upon this topic, since many people don’t know anything about the religion — they know something about the traditional belief, something about the positive aspects. We’ll talk about this too, but we’ll also speak about the particular trends and forms that exist today, because many people who haven’t the slightest idea of what is going on say: “Well, Muslims commit terrorist attacks, so they’re all terrorists,” or, on the contrary: “Muslims are not terrorists because this particular Muslim does not commit terrorist attacks.” This happens because people do not know the inner structure of the Muslim community, called the ummah1 in Arabic. We can only judge this religious movement from God’s point of view. Why do I say “from God’s point of view”? We Christians try not to have our own point of view. It is not very interesting. As one English writer once said, “You may have a hundred thousand points of view until you find the truth. Then you’ll have only one point of view: the true one.” An ummah is a religious community and a form of social organization. In theory, the Muslim community unites Muslims from all over the world, regardless their ethnic and cultural background. 1