The Likeness of the Prophet`s Companions to a Growing Plant; a Comparative Case Study of the Holy Quran and the Four Versions of the Gospel

In the passage "... Such is their likeness in the Torah and their likeness in the Gospel like as sown corn that sendeth forth its shoot and strengtheneth it and riseth firm upon its stalk..." in verse 29 of Surah Fath the Prophet`s companions have been likened to growing plants. According to the above statement, there must be passages containing the parable of the verse in Gospel. The search for such a parable in the four versions of the Gospel makes it clear that in the history of commentary, a small number of contemporary commentators have paid attention to the subject. As discussed in detail in the study, despite the problem of distortion, there are cases in the present versions of the Gospel that can be clearly considered as the corresponding for the Qur'anic likeness. These cases have been miraculously preserved and repeated in the three Gospels of Luke, Matthew, and Mark with minor differences! Interpretative and comparative study of the Qur'anic likeness with the acceptable parallels in the four versions of the Gospel reveals commonalities and differences. Paying attention to individual dimension of religious people`s movement, the principle of resembling human spiritual growth to the growth of the plant and attaining strength and solidity may be taken as the cases of commonalities. Mentioning the name of the Prophet and his companions clearly Muhammad and his companions (Quran), attention to the social dimension of religion (Quran), discussion of the Divine kingdom (Gospel) and the extension of the likening to non-religious peoples (Gospel) may be taken as differences.