THE QUR’AN THE QUR’AN A CRITICAL ASSESSMENTA CRITICAL ASSESSMENT

20052005

Find out what they claim about the Qur’anFind out what they claim about the Qur’an It is It is Inimitable (Therefore above criticism)Inimitable (Therefore above criticism):: It is Superior to all other revelationsIt is Superior to all other revelations It is Stylistically perfectIt is Stylistically perfect It is Grammatically perfectIt is Grammatically perfect It is Linguistically perfect (pure Arabic)It is Linguistically perfect (pure Arabic) It is Universally uniqueIt is Universally unique It is Compiled perfectlyIt is Compiled perfectly It has no ContradictionsIt has no Contradictions It has no ErrorsIt has no Errors It has no History (uniquely preserved)It has no History (uniquely preserved)

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIQUE:Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIQUE:•• The Qur’an is the The Qur’an is the greatest wondergreatest wonder among the wonders of the world . . . This among the wonders of the world . . . This book is book is second to nonesecond to none in the world according to the unanimous decision of the learned in the world according to the unanimous decision of the learned men in points of diction, style, rhetoric, thoughts and soundness of laws and men in points of diction, style, rhetoric, thoughts and soundness of laws and regulations to shape the destinies of mankind.regulations to shape the destinies of mankind.

Hadith (Mishkat III, pg. 664)Hadith (Mishkat III, pg. 664)

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is SUPERIOR to all other pieces of Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is SUPERIOR to all other pieces of literatureliterature::

•• Will they say, ‘Muhammad hath forged it?’ Will they say, ‘Muhammad hath forged it?’ Answer:Answer: ‘Bring therefore a ‘Bring therefore a chapter like unto it, and call whom ye to your assistance, besides Allah, if ye speak chapter like unto it, and call whom ye to your assistance, besides Allah, if ye speak truth.’truth.’

(Suras 10:37-38; 2:23; 17:88) (Suras 10:37-38; 2:23; 17:88)

•• ““Mother of BooksMother of Books” (Sura 43:3)” (Sura 43:3)

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an has perfect literary style…yet, Muslim’s claim the Qur’an has perfect literary style…yet, Compare:Compare:•• a) sura 76:29-30 (or sura a) sura 76:29-30 (or sura 16:93)16:93)•• b) sura 111b) sura 111•• c) suras 4:74,84; 5:33; 48:16-17 c) suras 4:74,84; 5:33; 48:16-17 •• d) sura 109d) sura 109•• e) sura 24:2 e) sura 24:2 •• f) suras 2:222-223; 4:11,24,34,176 f) suras 2:222-223; 4:11,24,34,176 •• g) sura 9:29g) sura 9:29•• a) I Timothy 2:4, Luke 15:3-4, John 10:14,18.a) I Timothy 2:4, Luke 15:3-4, John 10:14,18.•• b) Francis of Assisi's prayer b) Francis of Assisi's prayer

(see Nehls, (see Nehls, Christians Ask MuslimsChristians Ask Muslims, 1987, pg.75, no.11), 1987, pg.75, no.11)

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•• c) Matthew 5:3-12c) Matthew 5:3-12•• d) Psalm 23d) Psalm 23•• e) John 8:3-12e) John 8:3-12•• f) Ephesians 5:22-25f) Ephesians 5:22-25•• g) I Corinthians 13:4-7g) I Corinthians 13:4-7

It has many Literary defects:It has many Literary defects:

•• Not chronologicalNot chronological

•• Endless repetitionsEndless repetitions

•• Jumps from one topic to the nextJumps from one topic to the next

•• Inconsistencies in grammar, law, and theologyInconsistencies in grammar, law, and theology

•• Verbs left outVerbs left outIn response to accusations: In response to accusations: The theologian-grammarian al-Rummani (d.996 A.D.) argued, “the ellipses and The theologian-grammarian al-Rummani (d.996 A.D.) argued, “the ellipses and grammatical irregularities were really positive devices rather than evidence of grammatical irregularities were really positive devices rather than evidence of rushed or sloppy writing” (Rippin 1990:27).rushed or sloppy writing” (Rippin 1990:27).

However, Al-Kindi, a Christian polemicist employed in the Caliphal court (830 A.D.):However, Al-Kindi, a Christian polemicist employed in the Caliphal court (830 A.D.):

“The result of all of this [process by which the Qur’an came into being] is patent to you“The result of all of this [process by which the Qur’an came into being] is patent to you who have read the scriptures and see how, in your book, histories are all jumbled who have read the scriptures and see how, in your book, histories are all jumbled together and intermingled; an evidence that many different hands have been at worktogether and intermingled; an evidence that many different hands have been at work therein, and caused discrepancies, adding, cutting out whatever they like or disliked.therein, and caused discrepancies, adding, cutting out whatever they like or disliked. Are such, now, the conditions of a revelation sent down from heaven?” (Muir Are such, now, the conditions of a revelation sent down from heaven?” (Muir 1882:18-19, 28)1882:18-19, 28)

WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY SAY?WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY SAY?German secular scholar Salmon Reinach states that:German secular scholar Salmon Reinach states that:

•• “From the literary point of view, the Koran has little merit. Declamation, “From the literary point of view, the Koran has little merit. Declamation, repetition, puerility, a lack of logic and coherence strike the unprepared reader at repetition, puerility, a lack of logic and coherence strike the unprepared reader at every turn. It is humiliating to the human intellect to think that this mediocre every turn. It is humiliating to the human intellect to think that this mediocre literature has been the subject of innumerable commentaries, and the million of literature has been the subject of innumerable commentaries, and the million of men are still wasting time in absorbing it.” men are still wasting time in absorbing it.”

(Reinach 1932:176)(Reinach 1932:176)

Theodore NöldekeTheodore Nöldeke::•• ““Chaotic Confusion...prosaic...stiff in style...tedious Chaotic Confusion...prosaic...stiff in style...tedious sermonizing...rhetorical...never metrical...and the rhyme on the whole sermonizing...rhetorical...never metrical...and the rhyme on the whole a burdensome yoke...superfluous verbiage...syntax betrays great a burdensome yoke...superfluous verbiage...syntax betrays great awkwardness...tiresome effect of its endless iterations...[so that awkwardness...tiresome effect of its endless iterations...[so that

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dogma] turns a defective literary production into an unrivalled dogma] turns a defective literary production into an unrivalled masterpiece in the eyes of the believersmasterpiece in the eyes of the believers” ”

(Nöldeke 1998:36,44-47)(Nöldeke 1998:36,44-47)

McClintock and Strong’s Encyclopedia:McClintock and Strong’s Encyclopedia:

“The matter of the [Koran] is exceedingly incoherent and sententious, the book “The matter of the [Koran] is exceedingly incoherent and sententious, the book evidently being without any logical order of thought either as a whole or in its evidently being without any logical order of thought either as a whole or in its parts. This agrees with desultory and incidental manner in which it is said to parts. This agrees with desultory and incidental manner in which it is said to have been delivered.” have been delivered.” (McClintock and Strong 1981:151)(McClintock and Strong 1981:151)

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Grammatically perfect, yet:Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Grammatically perfect, yet: 2:1772:177, the word , the word SabireenSabireen should be should be Sabiroon; Sabiroon; 3:593:59, the words , the words Kun feekunuKun feekunu should be written, should be written, Kun fakaanaKun fakaana; ; 5:695:69, the title , the title al Sabioonal Sabioon, should be written , should be written al Sabieenal Sabieen (see (see

also also sura 2:62sura 2:62 & & sura 22:17sura 22:17)) 7:1607:160, , Uthnati Uthnati (feminine)(feminine) Ashrat Ashrat (feminine)(feminine) Asbaataan Asbaataan. .

should be should be UthnaiyUthnaiy (masculine) (masculine) Ashara Sibtaan Ashara Sibtaan..

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an contains only Perfect Arabic Muslim’s claim the Qur’an contains only Perfect Arabic (Suras (Suras 12:2; 13:37; 41:41,44)12:2; 13:37; 41:41,44)::•• Yet uses Yet uses Egyptian, Hebrew, Syriac, Christian Aramaic, & Egyptian, Hebrew, Syriac, Christian Aramaic, & Ethiopic words.Ethiopic words.•• --Accadian (No.Iraq) Accadian (No.Iraq) words: words: AdamAdam and and EdenEden repeated 24 times. repeated 24 times. A more correct term for “Adam” in Arabic would be A more correct term for “Adam” in Arabic would be basharanbasharan or or insaninsan, meaning “mankind.” “, meaning “mankind.” “EdenEden” would be the word ” would be the word jannajanna in in Arabic, which means “garden.”Arabic, which means “garden.”•• --Assyrian Assyrian words: words: AbrahamAbraham (sometimes recorded as (sometimes recorded as Ibrahim Ibrahim). ). The correct Arabic equivalent would be The correct Arabic equivalent would be Abu RaheemAbu Raheem..•• --Persian Persian wordswords:: SiratSirat meaning “the path” has the Arabic meaning “the path” has the Arabic equivalent, equivalent, AltareeqAltareeq.. HoorHoor meaning “disciple” has the Arabic meaning “disciple” has the Arabic equivalent, equivalent, TilmeethTilmeeth. . FirdausFirdaus meaning “the highest or seventh meaning “the highest or seventh heaven" has the Arabic equivalent, heaven" has the Arabic equivalent, JannahJannah..•• --Greek Greek wordswords:: InjilInjil, which means “gospel” was borrowed, yet it , which means “gospel” was borrowed, yet it has the Arabic equivalent, has the Arabic equivalent, BisharahBisharah

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIVERSAL: Case 1:UNIVERSAL: Case 1:Women’s Position:Women’s Position: ((Suras 2:224-230; 4:11,24-25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; 78:33)Suras 2:224-230; 4:11,24-25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; 78:33)•• Polygamy: S 4:3 1 husband/ 4 wives and what right hand possesses (slaves/concubines)• Wife Beating: S 4:34, men may beat wives• Inheritance: S 4:11 ”inheritance to the male, equal to that of two females.”

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• Testimony: S 2:282, Bukhar1:301 Muhammad replied, “Is not the testimony of a woman equivalent to half the testimony of a man?• Tilth: S 2:223 “Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will”•• Slaves/Concubines: S 33:50 “We have made lawful unto thee whom you have paid dowries (contract), those whom thy right had possesses (Slaves) of those whom Allah hath given thee as spoils of war...

• Polygamy...Genesis 2:24, Mt. 19:5, 1 Tim 3:2, perfect marriage relationship between 1 man and 1 woman. • Love one’s wife: 1 Pet. 3:7, Col. 3:19 “husbands must love your wives & NEVER treat them harshly.”•• Testimony: Matthew 28:9 “The first people to see Jesus and be His witnesses were women” • Equality:Equality: Galations 3:28 “all believers are equal in Christ”

-Hebrews 4:14-16 “both can approach God directly.-1 Peter 3:7 “you are equal together in the grace of life.”-1 Corinthians 7:1-40, husbands and wives fulfil each other emotionally and sexually. Their bodies belong to each other. Not one is above the other.

ParadiseParadise In the Qur’an: In the Qur’an:A Beautiful Garden:• Surah 55 :26 two gardens • Surah 56:12 Garden of delights• Surah 56: 31 water flowing constantly, fruit in plentyWith Female and Male Servants:• Surah 55: 56 chaste females whom no man has been with• Surah 55: 70 fair and beautiful women• Surah 55: 72 - 74 Hûr - beautiful, fair females, guarded in

pavilions - virgins• Surah 56:22 Hûr, with wide, lovely eyes• Surah 55: 76 reclining on green cushions and beautiful

mattresses• Surah 56 : 34-38 on couches or thrones raised high, a

special creation, and made them virgins, loving...• Surah 56:17 immortal boys will go around, serving with

cups...flowing wine

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIVERSAL:UNIVERSAL:Case 2: Violence vs. PeaceCase 2: Violence vs. Peace

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• Violence: • Suras 4:74,84; 5:33; 8:39; 9:5,29; 33:49; 47:4; 48:16-17• vs. Bible: Matthew 5:38-44; 26:52….Starting with the ‘Peace’ Verses:Starting with the ‘Peace’ Verses:Sura 2:190-193Sura 2:190-193 = = “Those who fight you, Do not transgress limits, “Those who fight you, Do not transgress limits, / / ….….and and slay themslay them wherever ye catch them, and wherever ye catch them, and fight themfight them, until there, until there

prevail faith in Allah” (is this peaceful?)prevail faith in Allah” (is this peaceful?)

The most common verse on Peace:The most common verse on Peace:Sura 2:256Sura 2:256 = = ““For there is no compulsion in religion”For there is no compulsion in religion”

“Law of Abrogation”“Law of Abrogation” (Suras 2:106, 16:101)(Suras 2:106, 16:101)

(Revealed between 622-624 AD, so revealed early, thus abrogated by (Revealed between 622-624 AD, so revealed early, thus abrogated by over 100 Medinan Sword verses)over 100 Medinan Sword verses)

A further Peace Verse?A further Peace Verse?A Moderate Interpretation:A Moderate Interpretation:Sura 5:31-32Sura 5:31-32 (raven, and blood of Abel) (raven, and blood of Abel) ““we ordained for thewe ordained for the

Children of Israel that if anyone slew a Children of Israel that if anyone slew a personperson…it would be…it would be as if he slew the as if he slew the whole peoplewhole people; and if anyone saved ; and if anyone saved a lifea life, it, it would be as if he saved the life of the would be as if he saved the life of the whole peoplewhole people...”...”

A Radical Interpretation:A Radical Interpretation:Sura 5:31-32 “Sura 5:31-32 “we ordained for the Children of Israel that ifwe ordained for the Children of Israel that if

anyone slew a anyone slew a MUSLIMMUSLIM…it would be as if he slew …it would be as if he slew ALLALL MUSLIMSMUSLIMS; and if anyone saved ; and if anyone saved A MUSLIMA MUSLIM, it would be as if he, it would be as if he saved the life of saved the life of ALL MUSLIMSALL MUSLIMS...”...”

The The Qur’an’sQur’an’s 149 149 Sword VersesSword Verses::

1.1.             2:178 2. 2:178 2.             2:179 3. 2:179 3.             2:190 4. 2:190 4.             2:191 5. 2:191 5.             2:193 6. 2:193 6.             2:194 7.2:194 7.             2:216 8. 2:216 8.             2:217 9. 2:217 9.             2:218 10. 2:218 10.     2:244 11. 2:244 11.     3:121 3:121 12.12.     3:122 13. 3:122 13.     3:123 14. 3:123 14.     3:124 15. 3:124 15.     3:125 16. 3:125 16.     3:126 17. 3:126 17.     3:140 18. 3:140 18.    

3:141 19.3:141 19.     3:146 20. 3:146 20.     3:152 21. 3:152 21.     3:153 22. 3:153 22.     3:154 23. 3:154 23.     3:155 24. 3:155 24.     3:156 3:156 25.25.     3:157 26. 3:157 26.     3:165 27. 3:165 27.     3:166 28. 3:166 28.     3:167 29. 3:167 29.     3:169 30. 3:169 30.     3:172 31. 3:172 31.    

3:173 32.3:173 32.     3:195 33. 3:195 33.     4:071 34. 4:071 34.     4:072 35. 4:072 35.     4:074 36. 4:074 36.     4:075 37. 4:075 37.     4:076 4:076 38.38.     4:077 39. 4:077 39.     4:084 40. 4:084 40.     4:089 41. 4:089 41.     4:090 42. 4:090 42.     4:091 43. 4:091 43.     4:094 44. 4:094 44.    

4:095 45.4:095 45.     4:100 46. 4:100 46.     4:102 47. 4:102 47.     4:104 48. 4:104 48.     5:033 49. 5:033 49.     5:035 50. 5:035 50.     5:082 5:082 51.51.     8:001 52. 8:001 52.     8:005 53. 8:005 53.     8:007 54. 8:007 54.     8:009 55. 8:009 55.     8:012 56. 8:012 56.     8:015 57. 8:015 57.    

8:016 58.8:016 58.     8:017 59. 8:017 59.     8:039 60. 8:039 60.     8:040 61. 8:040 61.     8:041 62. 8:041 62.     8:042 63. 8:042 63.     8:043 8:043 64.64.     8:044 65. 8:044 65.     8:045 66. 8:045 66.     8:046 67. 8:046 67.     8:047 68. 8:047 68.     8:048 69. 8:048 69.     8:057 70. 8:057 70.    

8:058 71.8:058 71.     8:059 72. 8:059 72.     8:060 73. 8:060 73.     8:065 74. 8:065 74.     8:066 75. 8:066 75.     8:067 76. 8:067 76.     8:068 8:068 77.77.     8:069 78. 8:069 78.     8:070 79. 8:070 79.     8:071 80. 8:071 80.     8:072 81. 8:072 81.     8:073 82. 8:073 82.     8:074 83. 8:074 83.    

8:075 84.8:075 84.     9:005 85. 9:005 85.     9:012 86. 9:012 86.     9:013 87. 9:013 87.     9:014 88. 9:014 88.     9:016 89. 9:016 89.     9:019 9:019 90.90.     9:020 91. 9:020 91.     9:024 92. 9:024 92.     9:025 93. 9:025 93.     9:026 94. 9:026 94.     9:029 95. 9:029 95.     9:036 96. 9:036 96.    

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9:038 97.9:038 97.     9:039 98. 9:039 98.     9:041 99. 9:041 99.     9:044 100. 9:044 100.       9:052 101. 9:052 101.           9:073 102. 9:073 102.           9:081 103.9:081 103.           9:083 104. 9:083 104.           9:086 105. 9:086 105.           9:088 106. 9:088 106.           9:092 107. 9:092 107.          

9:111 108.9:111 108.           9:120 109. 9:120 109.           9:122 110. 9:122 110.           9:123 111. 9:123 111.           16:110 112. 16:110 112.           22:039 113.22:039 113.           22:058 114. 22:058 114.           22:078 115. 22:078 115.           24:053 116. 24:053 116.           24:055 24:055 117.117.           25:052 118. 25:052 118.           29:006 119. 29:006 119.           29:069 120. 29:069 120.           33:015 121. 33:015 121.           33:018 122.33:018 122.           33:020 123. 33:020 123.           33:025 124. 33:025 124.           33:026 125. 33:026 125.           33:027 33:027 126.126.           33:050 127. 33:050 127.           47:004 128. 47:004 128.           47:020 129. 47:020 129.           48:015 130. 48:015 130.           48:016 131.48:016 131.           48:017 132. 48:017 132.           48:022 133. 48:022 133.           48:024 134. 48:024 134.           49:015 49:015 135.135.           59:002 136. 59:002 136.           59:005 137. 59:005 137.           59:006 138. 59:006 138.           59:007 139. 59:007 139.           59:008 140.59:008 140.           59:014 141. 59:014 141.           60:009 142. 60:009 142.           61:004 143. 61:004 143.           61:011 61:011 144.144.           61:013 145. 61:013 145.           63:004 146. 63:004 146.           64:014 147. 64:014 147.           66:009 148. 66:009 148.          

73:020 149.73:020 149.           76:008 76:008

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an was Muslim’s claim the Qur’an was COLLATEDCOLLATED Perfectly and Perfectly and CompletelyCompletely

Yet, according to Arthur Jefferies, 16 Codices are noted by 9Yet, according to Arthur Jefferies, 16 Codices are noted by 9thth c. compilersc. compilers: :

Zaid ibn ThabitZaid ibn Thabit ( (MedinaMedina))Abdullah ibn Mas'udAbdullah ibn Mas'ud ( (KufaKufa - no Fatiha, nor - no Fatiha, nor S.113-114, differences S.113-114, differences in S.3:19, 39 & S.9-in S.3:19, 39 & S.9- Bismillah, Shi’ite readings)Bismillah, Shi’ite readings)Abu MusaAbu Musa ( (BasraBasra,116 Suras),116 Suras)Ubayy ibn Ka'bUbayy ibn Ka'b ( (DamascusDamascus,116 Suras) ,116 Suras)

Missing Vss = 24:32 (stoning), 33:23Missing Vss = 24:32 (stoning), 33:23What the Traditions Tell us about The Compilation of the Qur’an:What the Traditions Tell us about The Compilation of the Qur’an:

• Zaid bin Thabit, initially commissioned by to compile the Abu Bakr Qur‘an, still did not know it all himself and therefore was dependent on a number of sources in order to compile his first copy• Narrated Zaid bin Thabit: Abu Bakr as-Siddiq sent for me when the people of Yamama had been killed. Then Abu Bakr said (to me): “You are a wise young man and we do not have any suspicion about you, and you used to write the Divine Inspiration for Allah’s Apostle (saw). So you should search for (the fragmentary scripts of) the Qur’an and collect it (in one book)”. By Allah! If they had ordered me to shift one of the mountains, it would not have been heavier for me than this ordering me to collect the Qur’an. Then I said to Abu Bakr, “How will you do something which Allah’s Apostle (saw) did not do?” Abu Bakr replied “By Allah, it is a good project”,. .So I started looking for the Qur’an and collecting it from (what was written on) palm-leaf stalks, thin white stones, and also from the men who knew it by heart, till I found the last verse of Surat at-Tauba (repentance) with Abi Khuzaima al-Ansari, and I did not find it with anybody other than him. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 6:509, pg. 478-479).

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• Yet, there is some confusion as to whether the Caliph Abu Bakr, or Salim, the freed slave, was the first to have the Qur’an compiled?:• It is reported...from Ali who said: “May the mercy of Allah be upon Abu Bakr, the foremost of men to be rewarded with the collection of the manuscripts, for he was the first to collect (the text) between (two) covers”. (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif p.5).

• It is reported...from Ibn Buraidah who said: “The first of those to collect the Qur’an into a mushaf (codex) was Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhaifah”. (as-Suyuti, Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur’an, p.135).

• We are not sure if we have the entire Qur’an today, for it seems that portions of the Qur’an were irretrievably lost in the battle of Yamama where many of Muhammad’s companions (those who had memorized the text), died:• Many (of the passages) of the Qur’an that were sent down were known by those who died on the day of Yamama...but they were not known (by those who) survived them, nor were they written down, nor had Abu Bakr, Umar, or Uthman (by that time) collected the Qur’an, nor were they found with even one (person) after them. (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif p.23).

• What’s more, not only verses, but entire portions were omitted or abrogated from the Qur’an:• It is reported from Ismail ibn Ibrahim from Ayyub from Naafi from Ibn Umar who said: “Let none of you say ‘I have acquired the whole of the Qur’an’. How does he know what all of it is when much of the Qur’an has disappeared? Rather let him say ‘I have acquired what has survived.’ (as-Suyuti, Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur’an, p.524).

• Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that it had been revealed in the Qur’an that ten clear sucklings make the marriage unlawful, then it was abrogated by five sucklings and Allah’s Apostle (saw) died and before that time it was found in the Qur’an. (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2:3421, pg.740).

• Zirr ibn Hubaish reported: “Ubayy ibn Ka’b said to me, ‘What is the extent of Suratul-Ahzab?’ I said, ‘Seventy, or seventy-three verses’. He said, ‘Yet it used to be equal to Suratul-Baqarah... (As-Suyuti, Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur’an, p.524).

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• Abu Musa al-Ashari, an early authority of the Qur’an, and a companion of Muhammad, mentions a verse he once remembered, but no longer exists in the Qur’an:• We used to recite a surah which resembled in length and severity to (Surah) Bara’at. I have, however, forgotten it with the exception of this which I remember out of it: “If there were two valleys full of riches, for the son of Adam, he would long for a third valley, and nothing would fill the stomach of the son of Adam but dust”. (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2:2286, p.501).

• Even Bukhari refers to a verse which was canceled or abrogated from the Qur’an!:• We used to read a verse of the Qur’an revealed in their connection, but later the verse was canceled. It was: “convey to our people on our behalf the information that we have met our Lord, and He is pleased with us, and has made us pleased”. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 5:416, pg.288).

• One of the most famous ‘missing verses’ is the verse on stoning adulterers (the practice known as Rajam). It seems this was a punishment practiced by Muhammad himself and included in the Qur’an; yet now it no longer can be found [vs. 100 lashes, Sura 24:2]:• Allah sent Muhammad (saw) with the Truth and revealed the Holy Book to him, and among what Allah revealed, was the Verse of the Rajam (the stoning of married persons, male and female, who commit adultery) and we did recite this Verse and understood and memorized it. Allah’s Apostle (saw) did carry out the punishment of stoning and so did we after him. I am afraid that after a long time has passed, somebody will say, ‘By Allah, we do not find the Verse of the Rajam in Allah’s Book’, and thus they will go astray by leaving an obligation which Allah has revealed. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8:817, pg.539).

• “Verily stoning in the book of God is a penalty laid on married men and women who commit adultery, if proof stands or pregnancy is clear or confession is made” (lbn Ishaq, Sirat Rasulullah, p.684)

• Ibn Shihab reported that a man in the time of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) acknowledged having committed adultery and confessed it four times. The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) then ordered and he was stoned.” (Muwatta Imam Malik, p.350).

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• There were times when even Muhammad himself had difficulty remembering portions of the Qur’an:• Aishah said: A man got up (for prayer) at night, he read the Qur’an and raised his voice in reading. When morning came, the Apostle of Allah (saw) said: May Allah have mercy on so-and-so! Last night he reminded me a number of verses I was about to forget. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 3, p.1114).

•• Curiously Curiously UthmanUthman still did not have the entire corrected text at hand, as still did not have the entire corrected text at hand, as Bukhari admits “a large part of the Qur’an may be lost”; for he then orders Bukhari admits “a large part of the Qur’an may be lost”; for he then orders threethree to help Zaid bin Thabitto help Zaid bin Thabit revise the codex of Hafsa (daughter of Umar), and revise the codex of Hafsa (daughter of Umar), and correct itcorrect it where necessary, even recalling a verse ( where necessary, even recalling a verse (33:2333:23) which had been ) which had been missing from the original text!missing from the original text!

Uthman takes Hafsa’s MSS, and has the four compilers REWRITE the text…and in case they DISAGREED, they were to write it in the DIALECT OF THE QURAISH…”and ordered that all the other Qur’anic materials, whether written in fragmentary manuscripts of whole copies BE BURNT!”

SUMMARYSUMMARY::•• ..Some Qur’anic verses were lost.Some Qur’anic verses were lost.

Many (of the passages) of the Qur’an that were sent down were Many (of the passages) of the Qur’an that were sent down were known by those who died on the day of Yamamaknown by those who died on the day of Yamama...but they ...but they were were not known (by those who) survived themnot known (by those who) survived them, , nornor were they were they written downwritten down, nor had Abu Bakr, Umar, or Uthman (by that time) , nor had Abu Bakr, Umar, or Uthman (by that time) collected the Qur’an, collected the Qur’an, nornor were they were they found with even one found with even one (person) after them(person) after them. (Ibn Abi Dawud, . (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif Kitab al-Masahif p.23).p.23).

•• ..Much of the Qur’an has Much of the Qur’an has disappeareddisappeared..It is reported from Ismail ibn Ibrahim from Ayyub from Naafi from IbnIt is reported from Ismail ibn Ibrahim from Ayyub from Naafi from Ibn Umar who said: Umar who said: ““Let none of you say ‘I have acquired the Let none of you say ‘I have acquired the whole of the Qur’an’. How does he know what all of it is whole of the Qur’an’. How does he know what all of it is when much of the Qur’an has disappeared? Rather let him when much of the Qur’an has disappeared? Rather let him say ‘I have acquired what has survivedsay ‘I have acquired what has survived..’ (as-Suyuti, [d. ’ (as-Suyuti, [d. 1500sAD] 1500sAD] Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur’an, Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur’an, p.524).p.524).

•• ..Parts of the Qur’an have been Parts of the Qur’an have been forgottenforgotten..We used to recite a surah which resembled in length and severity to We used to recite a surah which resembled in length and severity to (Surah) (Surah) Bara’at. Bara’at. I have, however, forgotten it with the I have, however, forgotten it with the exception of this which I remember out of itexception of this which I remember out of it: “If there were two: “If there were two valleys full of riches, for the son of Adam, he would long for a third valleys full of riches, for the son of Adam, he would long for a third valley, and nothing would fill the stomach of the son of Adam but valley, and nothing would fill the stomach of the son of Adam but dust”. (dust”. (Sahih Muslim, Sahih Muslim, [d. 875 AD] Vol. 2:2286, p.501).[d. 875 AD] Vol. 2:2286, p.501).

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•• ..Parts have been Parts have been canceledcanceled..We used to read a verse of the Qur’anWe used to read a verse of the Qur’an revealed in their revealed in their connection, connection, but later the verse was canceledbut later the verse was canceled. It was: “convey to . It was: “convey to our people on our behalf the information that we have met our Lord, our people on our behalf the information that we have met our Lord, and He is pleased with us, and has made us pleased”. and He is pleased with us, and has made us pleased”. (Sahih al-(Sahih al-Bukhari, Bukhari, [d. 870AD] Vol. 5:416, pg.288).[d. 870AD] Vol. 5:416, pg.288).

• While others are now missing.Allah sent Muhammad (saw) with the Truth and revealed the Holy Book to him, and among what Allah revealed, was the Verse of the Rajam (the stoning of married persons, male and female, who commit adultery) and we did recite this Verse and understood and memorized it. Allah’s Apostle (saw) did carry out the punishment of stoning and so did we after him. I am afraid that after a long time has passed, somebody will say, ‘By Allah, we do not find the Verse of the Rajam in Allah’s Book ’ , and thus they will go astray by leaving an obligation which Allah has revealed. (Sahih al-Bukhari, [d. 870AD] Vol. 8:817, pg.539).

• There are some verses which have been overlooked.Khuzaimah ibn Thabit said: “I see you have overlooked (two) verses and have not written them”. They said “And which are they?” He replied “I had it directly (tilqiyya - ‘automatically, spontaneously’) from the messenger of Allah (saw) (Surah 9, ayah 128): ‘There has come to you a messenger from yourselves. It grieves him that you should perish, he is very concerned about you: to the believers he is kind and merciful’, to the end of the surah”. Uthman said “I bear witness that these verses are from Allah”. (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif p.11).

• Some verses which have been changed.Abu Yunus, freedman of Aishah, Mother of Believers, reported: Aishah ordered me to transcribe the Holy Qur’an and asked me to let her know when I should arrive at the verse Haftdhuu alaas-salaati waas-salaatiil-wustaa wa quumuu lillaahi qaanitiin (2.238). When I arrived at the verse I informed her and she ordered: Write it in this way , Hafidhuu alaas-salaati waas-salaatiil-wustaa wa salaatil ‘asri wa quumuu lillaahi qaanitiin. She added that she had heard it so from the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him). (Muwatta Imam Malik, [d.795 AD] p.64).

• ..And others which have been modified.Altogether al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf made eleven modifications in the reading of the Uthmanic text. ... In al-Baqarah (Surah 2.259)

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it originally read Lam yatasanna waandhur, but it was altered to Lam yatasannah ... In al-Ma’ida (Surah 5.48) it read Shari ya’atan wa minhaajaan but it was altered to shir ‘atawwa minhaajaan. (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif p.117).

•• LostLost•• DisappearedDisappeared•• Forgotten Forgotten •• CancelledCancelled•• MissingMissing•• OverlookedOverlooked•• ChangedChanged•• ModifiedModified•• Does this sound like a book which was COLLATED Does this sound like a book which was COLLATED Perfectly and Completely?Perfectly and Completely?

TALMUDIC SOURCES:TALMUDIC SOURCES: *Abraham*Abraham Sura 21:51-71: (smashed idols,fiery pit) Sura 21:51-71: (smashed idols,fiery pit)

= = Midrash RabahMidrash Rabah - Jewish Folktales & - Jewish Folktales & URUR = "fire" = "fire" ==Jonathan Ben Uziel (2Jonathan Ben Uziel (2ndnd c.) c.)

•• Mt. Sinai Sura 7:171 of God lifting up Mount Sinai and holding Sura 7:171 of God lifting up Mount Sinai and holding it over the heads of the Jewsit over the heads of the Jews

= H= Hails from a second century apocryphal Jewish book, ails from a second century apocryphal Jewish book, The The Abodah SarahAbodah Sarah (2 (2ndnd c.) c.)

**Cain and AbelCain and Abel (Sura 5:31):(Sura 5:31):•• Sura 5:31Sura 5:31

Then Allah sent a Then Allah sent a ravenraven, who , who scratched the groundscratched the ground, to show him how, to show him how to to hidehide the shame of his brother. `Woe is me!' said he; `Was I not the shame of his brother. `Woe is me!' said he; `Was I not even able to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my brother?' even able to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my brother?' Then he became full of regrets.Then he became full of regrets.

•• Targum of Jonathan-ben-Uzziah (150-200 A.D.)Targum of Jonathan-ben-Uzziah (150-200 A.D.) Adam and Eve, sitting by the corpse, wept not knowing what to do, Adam and Eve, sitting by the corpse, wept not knowing what to do, for they had as yet no knowledge of burial. A for they had as yet no knowledge of burial. A ravenraven came up, took came up, took the dead body of its fellow, and having the dead body of its fellow, and having scratched at the earth, scratched at the earth, buried itburied it thus before their eyes. Adam said, `Let us follow the thus before their eyes. Adam said, `Let us follow the example of the raven,' so taking up Abel's body, buried it at once.example of the raven,' so taking up Abel's body, buried it at once.

Cain & AbelCain & Abel (Sura 5:32) (Sura 5:32)•• Qur'an- sura 5:32Qur'an- sura 5:32

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•• On that account: On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that We ordained for the Children of Israel that if if anyone slew a personanyone slew a person -unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief -unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land- in the land- it would be as if he slew the whole peopleit would be as if he slew the whole people: and : and if anyone if anyone saved a lifesaved a life, it would be as if he , it would be as if he saved the life of the whole peoplesaved the life of the whole people......•• Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5 (5 (5thth c.) c.)•• We find it said in the case of We find it said in the case of CainCain who murdered his brother, who murdered his brother, `the voice of thy brother's blood crieth out' [this latter is a quote from `the voice of thy brother's blood crieth out' [this latter is a quote from the Bible, Genesis 4:10], and he says, `it does not sayeth he hath the Bible, Genesis 4:10], and he says, `it does not sayeth he hath blood in the singular, but bloods in the plural.'blood in the singular, but bloods in the plural.'•• Thou was created single in order to show that Thou was created single in order to show that to him who kills a to him who kills a single individual, it should be reckoned that he has slain the whole single individual, it should be reckoned that he has slain the whole racerace. . But to him who has preserved the life of a single individual, it is But to him who has preserved the life of a single individual, it is counted that he has preserved the whole racecounted that he has preserved the whole race..

Solomon & Sheba - sura 27:17-44Solomon & Sheba - sura 27:17-44•• Qur'an- sura 27:17-44Qur'an- sura 27:17-44 •• (aya 17) And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts-of Jinns (aya 17) And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts-of Jinns and men, and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.and men, and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.•• (aya 20) And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: `Why is (aya 20) And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: `Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?•• (aya 21) I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or (aya 21) I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence).execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence).•• (aya 22) But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: (aya 22) But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: `I have compassed (territory) which thou hast not compassed, and I `I have compassed (territory) which thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba with tidings true.have come to thee from Saba with tidings true.•• (aya 23) I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided (aya 23) I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne...with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne...•• (aya 27) (Solomon) said: `Soon shall we see whether thou hast (aya 27) (Solomon) said: `Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the truth or lied!told the truth or lied!•• (aya 28) Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: (aya 28) Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return."then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return."•• (aya 29) (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! Here is-delivered to me-a (aya 29) (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! Here is-delivered to me-a letter worthy of respect.letter worthy of respect.•• (aya 30) It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): `In the name of (aya 30) It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): `In the name of Allah, most Gracious, Most Merciful: Be ye not arrogant against me, butAllah, most Gracious, Most Merciful: Be ye not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the true Religion).'"come to me in submission (to the true Religion).'"•• (aya 32) She said: "Ye chiefs! Advise me in (this) my affair: no (aya 32) She said: "Ye chiefs! Advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence."affair have I decided except in your presence."•• (aya 33) They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to (aya 33) They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou wilt command."wilt command."•• (aya 35) She said..."But I am going to send him a present, and (aya 35) She said..."But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) return (my) ambassadors."(wait) to see with what (answer) return (my) ambassadors."•• (aya 42) So when she arrived, (aya 44) she was asked to enter (aya 42) So when she arrived, (aya 44) she was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of

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water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass.""This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass."

•• II Targum of EstherII Targum of Esther (2 (2ndnd c.) c.)•• "Solomon...gave orders...I will send King and armies against "Solomon...gave orders...I will send King and armies against thee...(of) Genii [jinn] beasts of the land the birds of the air.thee...(of) Genii [jinn] beasts of the land the birds of the air.•• Just then the Red-cock (a bird), enjoying itself, could not be Just then the Red-cock (a bird), enjoying itself, could not be found; King Solomon said that they should seize it and bring it by force,found; King Solomon said that they should seize it and bring it by force, and indeed he sought to kill it.and indeed he sought to kill it.•• But just then, the cock appeared in the presence of the King But just then, the cock appeared in the presence of the King and said, "I had seen the whole world (and) know the city and kingdomand said, "I had seen the whole world (and) know the city and kingdom (of Sheba) which is not subject to thee, My Lord King. They are ruled (of Sheba) which is not subject to thee, My Lord King. They are ruled by a woman called the Queen of Sheba. Then I found the fortified city by a woman called the Queen of Sheba. Then I found the fortified city in the Eastlands (Sheba) and around it are stones of gold and silver in in the Eastlands (Sheba) and around it are stones of gold and silver in the streets." By chance the Queen of Sheba was out in the morning the streets." By chance the Queen of Sheba was out in the morning worshipping the sea, the scribes prepared a letter, which was placed worshipping the sea, the scribes prepared a letter, which was placed under the bird's wing and away it flew and (it) reached the Fort of under the bird's wing and away it flew and (it) reached the Fort of Sheba. Seeing the letter under its wing (Sheba) opened it and read it.Sheba. Seeing the letter under its wing (Sheba) opened it and read it.•• "King Solomon sends to you his Salaams. Now if it please thee "King Solomon sends to you his Salaams. Now if it please thee to come and ask after my welfare, I will set thee high above all. But if to come and ask after my welfare, I will set thee high above all. But if it please thee not, I will send kings and armies against thee."it please thee not, I will send kings and armies against thee."•• The Queen of Sheba heard it, she tore her garments, and The Queen of Sheba heard it, she tore her garments, and sending for her Nobles asked their advice. They knew not Solomon, sending for her Nobles asked their advice. They knew not Solomon, but advised her to send vessels by the sea, full of beautiful ornaments but advised her to send vessels by the sea, full of beautiful ornaments and gems...also to send a letter to him.and gems...also to send a letter to him.•• When at last she came, Solomon sent a messenger...to meet When at last she came, Solomon sent a messenger...to meet her...Solomon, hearing she had come, arose and sat down in the her...Solomon, hearing she had come, arose and sat down in the palace of glass. When the Queen of Sheba saw it, she thought the palace of glass. When the Queen of Sheba saw it, she thought the glass floor was water, and so in crossing over lifted up her garments. glass floor was water, and so in crossing over lifted up her garments. When Solomon seeing the hair about her legs, (He) cried out to her..."When Solomon seeing the hair about her legs, (He) cried out to her..."

Mary, Imran and Zachariah:Mary, Imran and Zachariah: (sura 3:35-37)(sura 3:35-37) •• Qur'an- sura 3:35-37Qur'an- sura 3:35-37 •• (aya 35) Behold! a (aya 35) Behold! a woman of Imranwoman of Imran said: "O my Lord! I do said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: so dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: so accept this of me: for Thou hearest and knowest all things."accept this of me: for Thou hearest and knowest all things."•• (aya 36) When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold!(aya 36) When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!" And Allah knew best what she I am delivered of a female child!" And Allah knew best what she brought forth- "And no wise is the male like the female. I have named brought forth- "And no wise is the male like the female. I have named her her MaryMary, and I commend her and her offspring to thy protection from , and I commend her and her offspring to thy protection from the Evil One, the Rejected."the Evil One, the Rejected."•• (aya 37) Right graciously did her Lord accept her; He made her (aya 37) Right graciously did her Lord accept her; He made her grow in purity and beauty: grow in purity and beauty: to the care of Zakariya was she assignedto the care of Zakariya was she assigned.. •• The Proto-evangelion's James the LesserThe Proto-evangelion's James the Lesser (2 (2ndnd c.) c.)•• And Anna (wife of Joachim) answered, `As the Lord my God And Anna (wife of Joachim) answered, `As the Lord my God liveth, whatever I bring forth, whether it be male or female, I will liveth, whatever I bring forth, whether it be male or female, I will

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devote it to the Lord my God, and it shall minister to him in holy things,devote it to the Lord my God, and it shall minister to him in holy things, during its whole life'...and called her name Mary...And the high-priest during its whole life'...and called her name Mary...And the high-priest received her; and blessed her, and said, `Mary, the Lord God hath received her; and blessed her, and said, `Mary, the Lord God hath magnified thy name to all generations, and to the very end of time by magnified thy name to all generations, and to the very end of time by thee will the Lord shew his redemption to the children of Israel."thee will the Lord shew his redemption to the children of Israel."

The Palm Tree:The Palm Tree: (S (Sura 19:22-26)ura 19:22-26)•• Qur'an- sura 19:22-26Qur'an- sura 19:22-26 •• So she conceived him [Jesus], and she retired with him to a So she conceived him [Jesus], and she retired with him to a remote place.remote place.•• And the pains of childbirth drove her to And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm the trunk of a palm treetree: She cried (: She cried (in her anguishin her anguish): `Ah! would that I had died before this!): `Ah! would that I had died before this! would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight'!would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight'!•• Then [the babe ‘Isa (Jesus)] cried unto her from below herThen [the babe ‘Isa (Jesus)] cried unto her from below her, , saying: `Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee:saying: `Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee:•• And And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm treeshake towards thyself the trunk of the palm tree; it will let ; it will let fall fresh ripe datesfall fresh ripe dates upon thee. upon thee.•• So eat and drink and cool (thine) eye.So eat and drink and cool (thine) eye.•• The Lost Books of the BibleThe Lost Books of the Bible (2 (2ndnd c.) c.)•• Now on the third day after Mary was Now on the third day after Mary was wearied in the desert by thewearied in the desert by the heatheat, she asked Joseph to rest for a little , she asked Joseph to rest for a little under the shade of a Palm under the shade of a Palm TreeTree. Then Mary looking up and seeing its branches . Then Mary looking up and seeing its branches laden with fruit laden with fruit (dates)(dates) said, `I desire if it were possible to have some fruit.' Just then said, `I desire if it were possible to have some fruit.' Just then the child Jesus looked up (from below) with a cheerful smile, and saidthe child Jesus looked up (from below) with a cheerful smile, and said to the Palm Tree, `Send down some fruit.' Immediately the tree bent to the Palm Tree, `Send down some fruit.' Immediately the tree bent itself (toward her) and so they ate. Then Jesus said, `O Palm Tree, itself (toward her) and so they ate. Then Jesus said, `O Palm Tree, arise; be one of my Father's trees in Paradise, but with thy roots open arise; be one of my Father's trees in Paradise, but with thy roots open the fountain (rivulet) beneath thee and bring water flowing from that the fountain (rivulet) beneath thee and bring water flowing from that fount.'fount.'

*Jesus's Childhood:*Jesus's Childhood:-Baby Jesus talking- S.19:29-33 -Baby Jesus talking- S.19:29-33

= = The first Gospel of the Infancy of The first Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ (2Jesus Christ (2ndnd

c.)c.)-Creating birds from clay- S.3:49 -Creating birds from clay- S.3:49

= = Thomas' Gospel of the Infancy of Thomas' Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ (2Jesus Christ (2ndnd

c.)c.)------------------------------------------------------------------------------•• PoetryPoetry in the Qur’an (Meccan Suras) in the Qur’an (Meccan Suras)

=Gunther L=Gunther Lűűlingling: : tracedtraced the poetry to the poetry to pre-Islamic pre-Islamic Christian Christian Syriac hymnsSyriac hymns, written in the 6, written in the 6thth c., c., with Arab themes added with Arab themes added

CONTRADICTIONSCONTRADICTIONS :: ERRORSERRORS: : ((Historical AnachronismsHistorical Anachronisms and and Scientific problemsScientific problems))

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Cross:Cross: S.7:124 = S.7:124 = Moses’s Pharaoh Moses’s Pharaoh --1447BC1447BC, , 12:41 = 12:41 = Joseph’s Baker Joseph’s Baker - - 1800BC1800BC::11stst crucifixions = crucifixions = Darius =Darius = 519BC519BC ( (900900 & & 1,3001,300 yrs later). yrs later).

2)2) (Sura 19:7) (Sura 19:7) YahyaYahya is a name unique to is a name unique to John the BaptistJohn the Baptist; what ; what about (2Kings 25:23)?about (2Kings 25:23)?

3)3) (S.19:28; 66:12; 20:25-30) How was (S.19:28; 66:12; 20:25-30) How was MaryMary, Jesus’ mother, , Jesus’ mother, Aaron’s Aaron’s sistersister and and Imran’s daughterImran’s daughter, as she lived, as she lived 1,570 1,570 years later? years later?

4)4) (S.20:85-87, 95-97) (S.20:85-87, 95-97) SamaritanSamaritan built ‘ built ‘golden calfgolden calf’ in ’ in 1447 BC1447 BC, , Samaritans began in Samaritans began in 722 BC722 BC, or , or 725 years later725 years later..

5)5) (S.28:38; 29:38; 40:25,38) Can (S.28:38; 29:38; 40:25,38) Can HamanHaman be an be an EgyptianEgyptian who builds a who builds a towertower to to God, as this name is God, as this name is BabylonianBabylonian, & the tower was built , & the tower was built 750 years750 years earlier. earlier.

•• 6)6) (S.18:96) Where is (S.18:96) Where is Alexander the Great’sAlexander the Great’s ironiron and and brass brass wallwall between two mountains, in between two mountains, in 330 BC? 330 BC? No Record! No Record!

•• 7)7) MountainsMountains (S.16:15; 21:31; (S.16:15; 21:31; 31:1031:10; 78:6-7; 88:19) are not ; 78:6-7; 88:19) are not tent-pegstent-pegs to keep earth from shaking, due to to keep earth from shaking, due to volcanoesvolcanoes & &

tectonic platestectonic plates •• 8)8) BadBad MathMath (S. (S.4:11-124:11-12) ) InheritanceInheritance for widow =1/8 + 3 for widow =1/8 + 3

daughter =2/3 +2 parents =1/3, totalling daughter =2/3 +2 parents =1/3, totalling 1&1/81&1/8 or or 112.5%!112.5%!? ? Or (S.4:11-12 & 176) My mother = 1/3, my wife = 1/3, my Or (S.4:11-12 & 176) My mother = 1/3, my wife = 1/3, my two two

sisters = 2/3 totalling: sisters = 2/3 totalling: 4/3rds4/3rds, or , or 133%!!133%!!•• 9)9) (S.86:5-7) Does (S.86:5-7) Does SemenSemen really originate in the really originate in the backback or the or the

kidneykidney or is this simply borrowing from 5 or is this simply borrowing from 5thth century B.C. century B.C.HippocratesHippocrates??

•• 10)10) DirhamDirham (S.12:20) ‘a few dirham counted out’ for (S.12:20) ‘a few dirham counted out’ for JosephJoseph, , yet coins created in 7yet coins created in 7thth cent. BC by cent. BC by LydiansLydians. . DrachmasDrachmas from from

590-650 AD, but 590-650 AD, but DirhamsDirhams not minted till not minted till 642 AD,642 AD, by by Caliph Caliph OmarOmar; vs.; vs. Gen.37:28 = Gen.37:28 = ShekelsShekels = 0.2 kgs. of = 0.2 kgs. of silver!silver!

2020thth-21-21stst Century Polemics: Revisionists Century Polemics: Revisionists •• The Revisionist’s Prime Concern:The Revisionist’s Prime Concern:•• To Reassess the Classical Model To Reassess the Classical Model •• Their principle Conclusions:Their principle Conclusions:•• Islam, as we know it, did not exist in the 7Islam, as we know it, did not exist in the 7thth century, but century, but evolved over a period of 200-300 years. evolved over a period of 200-300 years.

(Humphreys 1991:71,83-89)(Humphreys 1991:71,83-89)

•• The Qur’an probably was not revealed to one man in 22 The Qur’an probably was not revealed to one man in 22 years, but likely evolved over a period of 100-200 years years, but likely evolved over a period of 100-200 years

(Rippin 1985:155;1990:3,25,60; Lester 99:44-45; Wansbrough (Rippin 1985:155;1990:3,25,60; Lester 99:44-45; Wansbrough 1977:160-163)1977:160-163)

THE PRINCIPLE MODERN REVISIONISTS:THE PRINCIPLE MODERN REVISIONISTS:

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•• John Wansbrough (1977-1978): John Wansbrough (1977-1978): ((Qur’anic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Qur’anic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural InterpretationInterpretation 1977) 1977)((The Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic The Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic Salvation HistorySalvation History 1978) 1978)

•• Took Schacht’s thesis even further, believing that both Took Schacht’s thesis even further, believing that both the Qur’an and the later Hadith came about as a result of the Qur’an and the later Hadith came about as a result of Jewish & Christian Jewish & Christian Sectarian controversiesSectarian controversies, borrowed from , borrowed from outside the Hijaz, then redacted back “outside the Hijaz, then redacted back “onto an Arabian point onto an Arabian point of originof origin”, so that the Qur’an was a ”, so that the Qur’an was a compositecomposite, which , which evolvedevolved into its canonical form at the end of the 2into its canonical form at the end of the 2ndnd Muslim century Muslim century (Wansbrough-(Wansbrough-Qur’anic StudiesQur’anic Studies 1977:20,44,49,51,79) 1977:20,44,49,51,79)•• Looked at the Sira/Maghazi literature Looked at the Sira/Maghazi literature and noticed that and noticed that Islam developed after the Arab conquests of the Holy Land in Islam developed after the Arab conquests of the Holy Land in the mid-7th century and so on, and the mid-7th century and so on, and emerged by means of emerged by means of intense debatesintense debates over religion between Christians and Jews over religion between Christians and Jews

•• Michael Cook (1975, 1983): Michael Cook (1975, 1983): ((MuhammadMuhammad, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1983) , Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1983) ((HagarismHagarism, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1977), Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1977)

•• Took an even more radical approach, rejecting the traditional view on Took an even more radical approach, rejecting the traditional view on early Islamic history almost entirely (i.e. that of the Sira, Hadith, Tafsir, Ta’rikh), early Islamic history almost entirely (i.e. that of the Sira, Hadith, Tafsir, Ta’rikh), due to their due to their late compilationlate compilation::

•• Thus, “Thus, “if knowledge of the life of Muhammad was if knowledge of the life of Muhammad was transmitted orally for a century before it was reduced to transmitted orally for a century before it was reduced to writing, then the chances are that the writing, then the chances are that the material will have material will have undergone considerable alterationundergone considerable alteration in the process” in the process” (Cook (Cook 1983:65)1983:65)

•• So, he So, he went to Greek, Syriac, and Armenian sourceswent to Greek, Syriac, and Armenian sources from from the 7the 7th-8thth-8th c. & found a contrasting picture to the Islamic c. & found a contrasting picture to the Islamic Traditions.Traditions.

•• Along with Patricia Cröne, theyAlong with Patricia Cröne, they sought to step outside the sought to step outside the Islamic Traditions and start again, piecing together an Islamic Traditions and start again, piecing together an original account from non-Islamic sources of Muhammad’s original account from non-Islamic sources of Muhammad’s time. The two together wrote “time. The two together wrote “HagarismHagarism”…a sort of “What ”…a sort of “What if” in 26 pages, supported by 226 notes in a further 27 if” in 26 pages, supported by 226 notes in a further 27 pages (Robinson 1996:47)pages (Robinson 1996:47)

•• Conclusion: suggested that the Conclusion: suggested that the history of Islamhistory of Islam, at least to , at least to the time of the caliph Abd al-Malik (685-704AD), the time of the caliph Abd al-Malik (685-704AD), is a later is a later fabricationfabrication..

Qibla (Archaeological Evidence)Qibla (Archaeological Evidence)

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•• Creswell & Fehervari on ancient mosques in the Middle EastCreswell & Fehervari on ancient mosques in the Middle East Umayyad mosques in Iraq (670-680) Umayyad mosques in Iraq (670-680)

Wassit mosqueWassit mosque‘Kufa’ mosque‘Kufa’ mosqueFustat (outside Cairo)Fustat (outside Cairo)

•• Qibla (Documentary Evidence)Qibla (Documentary Evidence)

Christian writer: Jacob of Edessa (705 AD)Christian writer: Jacob of Edessa (705 AD)He refers to the ‘Mahgraye,’ saying, “So from all this it is clear that it is not to He refers to the ‘Mahgraye,’ saying, “So from all this it is clear that it is not to the south that the Jews and the Mahgraye here in the regions of Syria the south that the Jews and the Mahgraye here in the regions of Syria praypray, but , but towards Jerusalemtowards Jerusalem or the Ka’ba, the patriarchal places of their races.” or the Ka’ba, the patriarchal places of their races.”

Dome of the RockDome of the Rock•• Built by ‘Abd al-Malik in 691 AD, and rebuilt by al Zaher Li-L’zaz in 1022 Built by ‘Abd al-Malik in 691 AD, and rebuilt by al Zaher Li-L’zaz in 1022 after an earthquakeafter an earthquake•• Third most holy site after Mecca & MedinaThird most holy site after Mecca & Medina

•• Built to Built to commemoratecommemorate the night when Muhammad went up to heaven to the night when Muhammad went up to heaven to speak with Moses and Allah concerning the number of prayers required of the speak with Moses and Allah concerning the number of prayers required of the believers (known as the believers (known as the Mi’rajMi’raj))

The JewsThe Jews•• According to According to Qur’anQur’an (Sura 2:144, 149-150) (Sura 2:144, 149-150)

Muhammad severed relationship with Jews around 624 AD Muhammad severed relationship with Jews around 624 AD •• Doctrina IacobiDoctrina Iacobi (634-640 AD) (634-640 AD)Warning for Greek Christians about Jews who mix with the Arabs (Saracens)Warning for Greek Christians about Jews who mix with the Arabs (Saracens)•• Armenian Chronicler of 660 ADArmenian Chronicler of 660 AD

Muhammad established a community which comprised Muhammad established a community which comprised both both Ishmaelites and JewsIshmaelites and Jews

Break occurred between Jews and Arabs in 640 AD after Break occurred between Jews and Arabs in 640 AD after Jerusalem Jerusalem conquest, 15 years later than Qur’an recordedconquest, 15 years later than Qur’an recorded

•• Other references to continued relationship:Other references to continued relationship:Genesis Rabbah (61:7), Babylonian Talmud, & Book of Jubilees,Genesis Rabbah (61:7), Babylonian Talmud, & Book of Jubilees,Abu Dawud Sulayman & Ahmad b. Muhammad ibn HanbalAbu Dawud Sulayman & Ahmad b. Muhammad ibn Hanbal

•• Patricia Cröne (1975, 1987): Patricia Cröne (1975, 1987): (Slaves on Horses(Slaves on Horses, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, , Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1980)1980)((Meccan Trade and the Rise of IslamMeccan Trade and the Rise of Islam, Princeton University , Princeton University Press, 1987)Press, 1987)

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(“The First-Century Concept of Higra”, (“The First-Century Concept of Higra”, ArabicaArabica, XLI, E.J.Brill, , XLI, E.J.Brill, Leiden, 1994)Leiden, 1994)

Hijra: 56 References, but Hijra: 56 References, but none from Mecca to Medinanone from Mecca to Medina, almost all from the Hijaz , almost all from the Hijaz to the north.to the north.

•• Often to the Promised LandOften to the Promised LandAbu Dawud, “there will be ‘hijra’ after ‘hijra,’ but the best of men are to follow Abu Dawud, “there will be ‘hijra’ after ‘hijra,’ but the best of men are to follow the ‘hijra’ of Abraham.”the ‘hijra’ of Abraham.”

MeccaMecca

•• “Mecca is the center of Islam, and the center of history.” “Mecca is the center of Islam, and the center of history.”

•• “The first sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Mecca)” “The first sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Mecca)” Sura 3:96Sura 3:96

•• Mecca is the “mother of all settlements.” Mecca is the “mother of all settlements.” Sura 6:92 & 42:5Sura 6:92 & 42:5

•• Earliest reference to Mecca’s existence:Earliest reference to Mecca’s existence:Apocalypse of pseudo-MethodiusApocalypse of pseudo-Methodius Continuatio Byzantia ArabicaContinuatio Byzantia ArabicaEarly reign of caliph Hisham (724-743 AD)Early reign of caliph Hisham (724-743 AD)

•• CröneCröne in her work points out that the Greek trading documents refer to the in her work points out that the Greek trading documents refer to the towns of Ta’if (which is close to present-day Mecca), and to Yathrib (later Medina), towns of Ta’if (which is close to present-day Mecca), and to Yathrib (later Medina), as well as Kaybar in the north, but as well as Kaybar in the north, but no mention of Mecca.no mention of Mecca.

“Muslim” & “Islam”“Muslim” & “Islam” Magaritai (Greek papyri 642)Magaritai (Greek papyri 642), Mahgre or Mahgraye (Syriac letters , Mahgre or Mahgraye (Syriac letters

640)640) -Athanasius in 684 AD termed -Athanasius in 684 AD termed MahgrayesMahgrayes Jacob of Edessa in 705 AD mentions them as Jacob of Edessa in 705 AD mentions them as Hagarenes (Hagarenes (descendants descendants

of Abraham & Hagar)of Abraham & Hagar) ‘Muhajirun’ (‘Muhajirun’ (those who took part in the hijra or exodus)those who took part in the hijra or exodus) ‘‘Islam’ doesn’t appear until late 7Islam’ doesn’t appear until late 7thth century - sense of ‘submission to century - sense of ‘submission to

God’, now ‘peace’God’, now ‘peace’

Yehuda D. Nevo (1994) Yehuda D. Nevo (1994)““Towards a Prehistory of Islam,” Towards a Prehistory of Islam,” Jerusalem Studies in Arabic and Jerusalem Studies in Arabic and IslamIslam, vol.17, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1994, vol.17, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1994

•• Arabic InscriptionsArabic Inscriptions•• Caliphal Protocals (Sufyani and Marwanid Periods, upto Caliphal Protocals (Sufyani and Marwanid Periods, upto ‘Abd al-Malik – 691)‘Abd al-Malik – 691)

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•• --no ”Muhammad Formulano ”Muhammad Formula””----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------•• G.R. Hawting (SOAS)G.R. Hawting (SOAS)

The First Dynasty of Islam, The Umayyad Caliphate AD 661-The First Dynasty of Islam, The Umayyad Caliphate AD 661-750750, London, Groom Helm, 1986, London, Groom Helm, 1986

•• Andrew RippinAndrew RippinMuslims, Their Religious Beliefs and PracticesMuslims, Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, vol. 1, , vol. 1, London, Routledge, 2003London, Routledge, 2003

Critique of the ManuscriptsCritique of the ManuscriptsManuscript Evidence for the Qur’anManuscript Evidence for the Qur’an•• 1. 1. ‘‘Ma'il’ Ma'il’ 7th-9th century (Medina and Mecca), or ‘7th-9th century (Medina and Mecca), or ‘Hijazi’Hijazi’. . ((2165 Brit.Lib. & Sanaa 2165 Brit.Lib. & Sanaa ManuscriptManuscript))•• 2. 2. ‘‘Mashq’Mashq’ 7th century onwards. 7th century onwards. •• 3. 3. ‘‘Kufic’/AbbasidKufic’/Abbasid ( (EasternEastern) 8th-11th century, begins with ) 8th-11th century, begins with AbbasidAbbasid dynasty in 749 AD, see coins for chronological script dynasty in 749 AD, see coins for chronological script evolution (needs evolution (needs landscapelandscape format). format).•• 4. 4. Naskh Naskh 11th century till today11th century till today

PalimpsestsPalimpsestsManuscript Variants Manuscript Variants (extant mss. available to Western researchers)(extant mss. available to Western researchers)•• Difficulty finding complete early MSS.Difficulty finding complete early MSS.•• Keith SmallKeith Small: : –– (Sura 14:35-41 – Abraham in Mecca)(Sura 14:35-41 – Abraham in Mecca)–– Acts 7:1-8 (Stephen on Abraham, Isaac & UR)Acts 7:1-8 (Stephen on Abraham, Isaac & UR)–– 150 available MSS in the 150 available MSS in the 11stst 300 yrs 300 yrs. . –– Only 13 with these vss.Only 13 with these vss.–– Suras 82-114, only 3 in late 8Suras 82-114, only 3 in late 8thth c. c.–– Suras 108-114, none existSuras 108-114, none exist–– ConclusionsConclusions: : Possible standardization of vss by late 7Possible standardization of vss by late 7thth c., c., but no extant MS. to support it, just a guess.but no extant MS. to support it, just a guess.–– Canonized text only in Abbasid period -post 749 AD?Canonized text only in Abbasid period -post 749 AD?

CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS::1. 1. The Hijra was more-than-likely not towards Medina, but towards The Hijra was more-than-likely not towards Medina, but towards

Palestine Palestine or places in the north & ongoing, till 800->or places in the north & ongoing, till 800->..2. The Qibla was not fixed towards Mecca until the eighth century, but 2. The Qibla was not fixed towards Mecca until the eighth century, but

to an area much further north, and possibly Jerusalem.to an area much further north, and possibly Jerusalem.3. The Jews still retained a relationship with the Arabs until at least 640 AD.3. The Jews still retained a relationship with the Arabs until at least 640 AD.4. 4. MeccaMecca was not only unknown as a viable city until the end of the was not only unknown as a viable city until the end of the

seventh century, but was not even on the international seventh century, but was not even on the international trade route trade route

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5. The Dome of the Rock was likely used as a sanctuary.5. The Dome of the Rock was likely used as a sanctuary.6. 6. Muhammad was not known as God’s universal prophet until the late Muhammad was not known as God’s universal prophet until the late

seventh century.seventh century.7. The terms 7. The terms ‘Muslim’/‘Islam’ were n‘Muslim’/‘Islam’ were noot used until tt used until the he end of the 7th C.; end of the 7th C.;

terms used instead Saracen, Mahgraye, Muhajirun, Hagareneterms used instead Saracen, Mahgraye, Muhajirun, Hagarene8. The 8. The five daily prayers as well as the Hajj were not standardized until after 717 five daily prayers as well as the Hajj were not standardized until after 717

A.D.; and not named until 9th century.A.D.; and not named until 9th century.9. The earliest we even hear of any Qur’an is not until the late seventh century, though 9. The earliest we even hear of any Qur’an is not until the late seventh century, though

fragments exist in the late 7fragments exist in the late 7thth c. c.10. The earliest Qur’anic writings do not coincide exactly with the current Qur’anic text.10. The earliest Qur’anic writings do not coincide exactly with the current Qur’anic text.

From what we have seen here, wFrom what we have seen here, what Conclusions can hat Conclusions can we use in our polemics today?we use in our polemics today?

•• The Qur’an does not have the historical authority most Muslims The Qur’an does not have the historical authority most Muslims desire.desire.•• It has a history, evolving over 100-200yrs., much of it borrowed It has a history, evolving over 100-200yrs., much of it borrowed from other sourcesfrom other sources•• This has serious ramifications for the Radical Muslims today, This has serious ramifications for the Radical Muslims today, those who go to this book for most of their theology, and practicethose who go to this book for most of their theology, and practiceCan we use Polemics to Apply it?Can we use Polemics to Apply it?•• Jesus, Paul, and the disciples used itJesus, Paul, and the disciples used it•• The leaders of the church in the 7The leaders of the church in the 7thth-9-9thth c. used it c. used it•• Dr. Carl Pfander in the 19Dr. Carl Pfander in the 19thth c. certainly used it! c. certainly used it!•• The Revisionists today are using it….The Revisionists today are using it….•• So, if it has been a tradition of the church from its very inception,So, if it has been a tradition of the church from its very inception, and exampled for the last 2,000 years, especially against Islam, and and exampled for the last 2,000 years, especially against Islam, and now employed by those from the secular world, then why should we now employed by those from the secular world, then why should we not use it today?not use it today?•• Especially against Radical Muslims today, those who understand Especially against Radical Muslims today, those who understand best the impact it makesbest the impact it makesWhat weapons will we use?What weapons will we use?“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does . The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they are divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”

Papyrus Manuscripts:Papyrus Manuscripts:Sinaiticus:Sinaiticus:

Let’s go and see just how authoritative the Old Testament is:Let’s go and see just how authoritative the Old Testament is:•• Looking at Architecture: From the British Museum….Looking at Architecture: From the British Museum….

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Epic of Creation Epic of Creation Flood Tablets Flood Tablets Ur of the Chaldees & Tablets from Mari, Nuzi, Ebla & ArmanaUr of the Chaldees & Tablets from Mari, Nuzi, Ebla & ArmanaHarps from UrHarps from UrTablets from Amarna (1394 BC)Tablets from Amarna (1394 BC)Neo Hittite FiguresNeo Hittite FiguresAssyrian Architecture:Assyrian Architecture: Jehu Obelisk (841 BC)Jehu Obelisk (841 BC)((2 Kings 9 & 10 – Elisha & Ahab)Tiglath Pileser IIITiglath Pileser III (745-727 BC)(745-727 BC) ((2nd Kings 15:19/20

& 1st Chronicles 5:26 – ‘PUL’)

Sargon II (Sargon II (722-701BC)(2 kings 17:6, 24)& Sennacharib & Sennacharib (704-681BC)

LachishLachishSennacharib cont.Sennacharib cont.‘Tirhakah’ statue‘Tirhakah’ statue(2 Kings 19:9; Isaiah 37:9)Hezekiah MuralHezekiah Mural(II Kings 19:35-36)(II Kings 19:35-36)Murals of Ninevah (Murals of Ninevah (Nahum 1:10, 2:13, 3:13-15))

Book of Daniel and the Nabonidus DrumBook of Daniel and the Nabonidus Drum

Drum – (539 B.C.)Drum – (539 B.C.)Prayer for BalshazzerPrayer for Balshazzer(Daniel 5:16)(Daniel 5:16)

Nabonidus TabletNabonidus TabletPersian ArtifactsPersian Artifacts

Cyrrus CylindarCyrrus CylindarArtaxerxes SilverwareArtaxerxes Silverware

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