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Counteracting this evasive or even hostile attitude is the purpose of this

Contradictions in the Qur'an page. If both sides can come to the recognition that their own book, the
scripture which is the basis of their faith, be it the Bible or the Qur'an,
http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/index.html contains some very difficult passages which might even look like plain
errors or logical contradictions (depending on the level of hostility
The purpose of this page employed when looking at it), then we might be more forgiving towards
the other and be motivated to not judge prematurely but to make a
We do not reject the Qur'an because of this list of contradictions. There serious effort to understand each of the books and the essential teachings
are many reasons of much more substantial nature why we do not believe of the respective faith in a deeper way before we come to a decision why
the Qur'an to be from the one true God. You will find those discussed on we do or do not believe them.
other pages of this web site (e.g. [1], [2]). This page is not intended as an
attack on the Qur'an. Sadly, many Muslims have become unnecessarily Debates about contradictions are rarely fruitful because people tend to
aggravated because they did not understand the purpose of this insist reading the texts of the opponent in the most rigid and literal
collection. manner to make it look bad, while being very lenient with their own
book, allowing extra assumptions, metaphorical interpretations and other
It is my experience that many Muslims try to evade a discussion of the means to somehow explain how this can be understood without being a
real issues regarding the truth of Islam and Christianity by pushing "101 contradiction.
Bible Contradictions" (or similar compilations) into our face. Muslim
web sites abound in articles and collections attacking the integrity of the Some Muslims have proven by their provided responses that they
Bible by means of contradiction lists. Many have the attitude that possess a quite ingenious and creative mind. It is for our readers to
"because the Bible is riddled with contradictions, errors, absurdities and decide whether or not the provided answers are fully satisfactory for
problems, there is no need for me to make the effort to understand it." them. It is not for me to make that decision on their behalf. This is one
With such an attitude no real dialog can develop. Our goal is to get reason that I will not remove even those contradictions that I find
beyond superficial word games to discussing the relevant core issues answered to my personal satisfaction. A second reason is that keeping
over which we differ. the effectively answered contradictions on this site will help Muslims
and Christians who don't know the possible responses to contradictions
It has mostly proven useless to explain one set of contradictions because they encountered elsewhere, to find them here. As such this page can be
there is always another one that can be added to the list. It is important to a valuable resource for both Christians and Muslims, similar to various
be able to give explanations of the difficult Biblical passages including Christian pages about seeming Bible contradictions. To compare like
those that seem contradictory. We are working hard to provide good with like, I will make the strongest possible case for something being
answers to honest questions in our Bible Commentary and the section on contradictory and wrong, similar to the Muslim attacks on the Bible. The
alleged Bible contradictions. However, most Muslims' rejection of the difference to Muslim web sites is that we give the right of response.
Bible is not based on such contradiction lists. For most Muslims this
rejection is an integral part of their faith long before they have ever seen It is our prayer that even this page may help Muslims and Christians to
any such "contradictions". These lists are usually only used as a make progress in mutual understanding, to come to a proper perspective
convenient means to justify a rejection of the Bible which would regarding the "contradictions issue" and to a realization what the real
otherwise be very difficult to explain rationally. issues are which we need to concentrate on in our dialogs and debates.

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Having clarified the purpose of this page we now challenge our Muslim of the difficulties in the Bible. Try to be fair and evaluate the Bible with
friends with the following compilation to rethink their approach for an equal standard as the Qur'an. Don't judge it with harsher criteria than
determining the truth of scripture. you are ready to use when reading the Qur'an. Even better, read the Bible
to understand its meaning and message and not to find fault with it on
such superficial levels.

Introduction Think about this: Errors in the Bible prove that the Qur'an is not from
God.
Because the Bible seemingly contains errors therefore the Bible is not
God's word. The Qur'an on the other hand is free from discrepancies and To several of the presented problems Muslim responses are available on
this is proof that the Qur'an is from God since Sura 4:82 states: our site. Links to the individual responses will be given usually at the
bottom of the pages dealing with the specific issue. If you want to
Do they not ponder on the Qur'an? contribute your personal response to one of the topics below I need to
Had it been from other than Allah, insist that you do this in this format also outlining my policy on linking
they would surely have found therein much discrepancy. or displaying Muslim responses, as well as the issue of using English
translations of the Qur'an. But some think my offer is dishonest. There
See also this Muslim presentation: The no-contradiction challenge of the are further Muslim responses to this summary page available.
Qur'an.

But reality is not as simple as many would want us believe.


There are three basic categories of contradictions in the Qur'an: Important notice: This is an overview page which only gives short
summaries of the observed contradictions. Before you respond to any of
1. Internal contradictions: Verses contradicting each other or the them, first click on the link to the detailed discussion of the individual
laws of logic contradiction!
2. External errors: Verses contradicting the facts of history or
science Internal Contradictions:
3. Verses contradicting the earlier revelations
1. Who suffers loss if Muhammad was wrong? Sura 34:50
Further: Contradictions between Muslim Traditions and the Qur'an commands Muhammad to say, "If I go astray, I go astray only to
my own loss," which is a severe factual error in the Qur'an as
 Other web web sites with pages on errors, contradictions or problems well as contradicting the teaching of the Qur'an in a number of
in the Qur'an. other verses.
2. Allah, Adam, and the Angels. There are a great number of
For your convenience: Download all contradictions in a .zip format. problems and inconsistencies between the several accounts of
Adam's creation, Allah's command to prostrate before Adam,
If you are able to resolve to your own satisfaction the Qur'an problems Satans refusal, etc.
presented here, then probably you will be able to understand that 3. Who Was the First Muslim? Muhammad [6:14, 163], Moses
Christians can with a similar effort explain to their own satisfaction most [7:143], some Egyptians [26:51], or Abraham [2:127-133, 3:67]

3 4
or Adam, the first man who also received inspiration from Allah 14. Should Muslims Accept Peace or Not?
[2:37]? 15. Fighting All People Until They Do What?
4. Can Allah be seen and did Muhammad see his Lord? Yes [S. 16. Can They Disbelieve in the Last Day and be Safe?
53:1-18, 81:15-29], No [6:102-103, 42:51]. 17. Should Muslims show kindness to their parents? On the one
5. Were Warners Sent to All Mankind Before Muhammad? Allah hand, the Quran commands all Muslims to show kindness to their
had supposedly sent warners to every people [10:47, 16:35-36, parents, even if they are disbelievers [17:23-24, 31:14-15, 29:8,
35:24], Abraham and Ishmael are specifically claimed to have etc.]. On the other hand, it demands not to show any love or
visited Mecca and built the Kaaba [2:125-129]. Yet, Muhammad friendship to those who oppose Muhammad, even if they are their
supposedly is sent to a people who never had a messenger before parents [9:23, 58:22].
[28:46, 32:3, 34:44, 36:2-6]. This article also raises other issues: 18. Can one be a believer in God and oppose Muhammad at the same
What about Hud and Salih who supposedly were sent to the time?
Arabs? What about the Book that was supposedly given to 19. How many mothers does a Muslim have? Only one [58:2, the
Ishmael? Etc. woman who gave birth and none else], or two [4:23, including
6. What will be the food for the people in Hell? The food for the the mother who nursed him], or at least ten [33:6]?
people in Hell will be only "Dhari" [Sura 88:6], or only foul pus 20. And it just doesn't add up: Sura 4:11-12 and 4:176 state the
from the washing of wounds [S. 69:36], or will they also get to Qur'anic inheritance law. When a man dies, and is leaving behind
eat from the tree of Zaqqum [S. 37:66]? Together, these verses three daughters, his two parents and his wife, they will receive
constitute three contradictions. the respective shares of 2/3 for the 3 daughters together, 1/3 for
7. Can Angels Cause the Death of People? The Qur'an attacks those the parents together [both according to verse 4:11] and 1/8 for the
who worship anyone besides God (e.g. angels or prophets) wife [4:12] which adds up to more than the available estate. A
because those can neither create, nor give life, nor cause anyone second example: A man leaves only his mother, his wife and two
to die. Yet, the Qur'an explicitly states that one angel or several sisters, then they receive 1/3 [mother, 4:11], 1/4 [wife, 4:12] and
angels are causing certain people to die [Sura 4:97, 16:28, 32, 2/3 [the two sisters, 4:176], which again adds up to 15/12 of the
32:11]. available property.
8. Confusion Concerning Identity of the Spirit and Gabriel (a long 21. How many angels were talking to Mary? When the Qur'an speaks
discussion of dozens of references) about the announciation of the birth of Jesus to the virgin Mary,
9. 'Iddah rules for divorced and widowed women appear to be Sura 3:42,45 speaks about (several) angels while it is only one in
arbitrary and inconsistent. Sura 19:17-21. (This article has received many Muslim responses
10. Is there a minimum age of marriage for girls? which are quoted or linked and/or discussed at the end of the
11. To Marry or Not to Marry? The Qur'an forbids believers to marry article.)
idolatrous women [Sura 2:221], and calls Christians idolaters and 22. Further numerical discrepancies Does Allah's day equal to 1,000
unbelievers [9:28-33], but still allows Muslims to marry Christian human years (Sura 22:47, 32:5) or 50,000 human years (Sura
women [5:5]. 70:4)? --- According to Sura 56:7 there will be THREE distinct
12. Will it be accepted of them or not? groups of people at the Last Judgement, but 90:18-19, 99:6-8, etc.
13. Will Allah reward the good deeds of Unbelievers? S. 9:17 and mention only TWO groups. --- There are conflicting views on
9:69 clearly say no. However, S. 99:7 implies yes. Moreover, S. who takes the souls at death: THE Angel of Death [32:11], THE
2:62 promises Christians reward for their good deeds. But S. angels (plural) [47:27] but also "It is Allah that takes the souls (of
9:28-33; 5:17, 72-73 calls Christians idolaters, and S. 9:17 is very men) at death." [39:42] Angels have 2, 3, or 4 pairs of wings
clear that idolaters will have no reward.
5 6
[35:1]; but Gabriel had 600 wings. [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, 6:51; 82:18-19; etc.]. Yes: [20:109; 34:23; 43:86; 53:26; etc.].
Book 54, Number 455] Each position can be further supported by ahadith.
23. How many days did Allah need to destroy the people of Aad? 33. How the Islamic Doctrine of Intercession undermines Allah's
One day [54:19] or several days [41:16; 69:6,7] Omniscience
24. Six or eight days of creation? Sura 7:54, 10:3, 11:7, and 25:59 34. Where is Allah and his throne? Allah is nearer than the jugular
clearly state that God created "the heavens and the earth" in six vein [50:16], but he is also on the throne [57:4] which is upon the
days. But in 41:9-12 the detailed description of the creation water [11:7], and at the same time so far away, that it takes
procedure adds up to eight days. (This topic also includes many between 1,000 and 50,000 years to reach him [32:5, 70:4].
Muslim responses and further discussion.) 35. The origin of calamity? Is the evil in our life from Satan [38:41],
25. Quick or Slow Creation? Allah creates the heavens and the earth Ourselves [4:79], or Allah [4:78]?
in six days [7:54] and many Muslims want to be modern and 36. How merciful is Allah's mercy? He has prescribed mercy for
scientific, and make that six eons, but then again, He creates himself [6:12], yet he does not guide some, even though he could
instantaneously [2:117], "Be! And it is". [6:35, 14:4].
26. Heavens or Earth? Which was created first? First earth and then 37. Does Allah command to do evil? No [7:28, 16:90]. Yes [17:16, ].
heaven [2:29], heaven and after that earth [79:27-30]. Two examples are also given, where Allah clearly commanded or
27. Calling together or ripping apart? In the process of creation permitted indecent actions [2:229-230, 2:187].
heaven and earth were first apart and are called to come together 38. Should Muhammad Get Paid Or Shouldn’t He?
[41:11], while 21:30 states that they were originally one piece 39. Will there be inquiry in Paradise? "neither will they question one
and then ripped apart. another" [23:101] but nevertheless they will be "engaging in
28. What was man created from? A blood clot [96:1-2], water [21:30, mutual inquiry" [52:25], "and they will ... question one another"
24:45, 25:54], "sounding" (i.e. burned) clay [15:26], dust [3:59, [37:27].
30:20, 35:11], nothing [19:67] and this is then denied in 52:35, 40. Are angels protectors? "NO protector besides Allah" [2:107,
earth [11:61], a drop of thickened fluid [16:4, 75:37] 29:22]. But in Sura 41:31 the angels themselves say: "We are
29. Fully Detailed Or Incomplete? The Qur'an claims for itself to be your protectors in this life and the Hereafter." And also in other
(fully) detailed, that nothing is left out of the book [6:38, 6:114, suras is their role described as guarding [13:11, 50:17-18] and
12:111, 16:89 etc.]. However there are plenty of important issues protecting [82:10].
which are left unclear in the Qur'an. This article discusses the 41. Is Allah the only Wali? On the one hand, Allah is supposedly the
confusion found in the quranic statements on wine. only wali (protector, helper, friend) [9:116, 17:111, 32:4, 42:28],
30. Worshiping the Same or a Different God? Muhammad is on the other hand, the messenger and the believers are walis
commanded to speak to the disbelievers: ... nor do you worship [5:55, 9:71], Allah has walis [10:62], and he raises walis [4:75].
what I worship [109:3]. However, other verses in the Qur'an state 42. Does Allah Act Alone Or Does He Have Partners That Assist
clearly that those disbelieving his message are in fact worshiping Him?
the same God, Allah. 43. Is Allah the Only Judge or Not?
31. Did the Meccan Polytheist Believe That Allah Was The Supreme 44. Are all obedient and prostrating to Allah? That is the claim in
Being? 16:49 and 30:26, but dozens of verses speak of the proud
32. To Intercede or Not To Intercede? - That is the Question! The disobedience of Satan [7:11, 15:28-31, 17:61, 20:116, 38:71-74,
Qur'an makes contradictory statements whether on the Day of 18:50] as well of many different human beings who reject His
Judgment intercession will be possible. No: [2:122-123, 254; commands and His revelations.

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45. Does Allah forgive shirk? Shirk is considered the worst of all 55. Do not say, "Three"!? It is impossible to recite Sura 4:171
sins, but the author of the Qur'an seems unable to decide if Allah without transgressing the command contained in it.
will ever forgive it or not. No [4:48, 116], Yes [4:153, 25:68-71]. 56. The infinite loop problem Sura 26:192,195,196: "It (the Qur'an)
Abraham committed this sin of polytheism as he takes moon, sun, is indeed a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds, ... in clear
stars to be his Lord [6:76-78], yet Muslims believe that all Arabic speech and indeed IT (the Qur'an) is in the writings of the
prophets are without any sin. earlier (prophets)." Now, the 'earlier writings' are the Torah and
46. The event of worship of the golden calf: The Israelites repented the Injil for example, written in Hebrew and Greek. HOW can an
about worshipping the golden calf BEFORE Moses returned from ARABIC Qur'an be contained in books of other languages?
the mountain [7:149], yet they refused to repent but rather Furthermore, it would have to contain this very passage of the
continued to worship the calf until Moses came back [20:91]. Qur'an since the Qur'an is properly contained in them. Hence
Does Aaron share in their guilt? No [20:85-90], yes [20:92, these earlier writings have to be contained in yet other earlier
7:151]. writings and we are in an infinite loop, which is absurd.
47. Was Jonah cast on the desert shore or was he not? "Then We cast 57. Is the Torah like the Qur'an, or is it not? The Muslim claim of the
him on a desert shore while he was sick" [37:145] "Had not corruption of the Bible leads to a contradiction between S. 2:24
Grace from his Lord reached him, he would indeed have been and 17:88 on the one hand, and 28:49 and 46:10 on the other.
cast off on the naked shore while he was reprobate." [68:49] 58. Should Jews and Christians follow the Bible or the Quran?
48. Moses and the Injil? Jesus is born more than 1,000 years after 59. "An old woman" and God's character About the story of Lot: "So
Moses, but in 7:157 Allah speaks to Moses about what is written we delivered him and his family, - all exept an old woman who
in the Injil [the book given to Jesus]. lingered behind." [Sura 26:170-171] And again: "But we saved
49. Can slander of chaste women be forgiven? Yes [24:5], No him and his family, exept his wife: she was of those who lagged
[24:23]. behind. [Sura 7:83]. Either this is a contradiction or if indeed
50. How do we receive the record on Judgment Day? On Judgement Lot's wife is derogatorily called "an old woman" then this does
day the lost people are given the Record (of their bad deeds): not show much respect for her as a wife of a prophet.
Behind their back [84:10], or in their left hand [69:25]. 60. More problems with the story of Lot "And his people gave NO
51. Can angels disobey? No angel is arrogant, they all obey Allah answer but this: They said, "Drive them out of your city: these
[16:49-50], but: "And behold, we said to the ANGELS: 'Bow are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!" [Sura 7:82 &
down to Adam'. And THEY bowed down, EXCEPT Iblis. He 27:56]. Yet: "But his people gave NO answer but this: They said:
refused and was haughty." [2:34]. This article includes links to "Bring us the Wrath of Allah if thou tellest the truth." [Sura
answers to four Muslim responses. 29:29]. Obviously these answers are different.
52. How many wings does an angel have? Angels have 2, 3, or 4 61. The "pleasure" of Allah? Is God's action of punishment or mercy
wings [35:1]; but Gabriel had 600 wings according to Sahih al- and guidance or misguidance arbitrary?
Bukhari. 62. Did Abraham smash the idols? The accounts of Abraham, Suras
53. Is Satan an angel or a jinn? 19:41-49, 6:74-83 differ quite a bit from Sura 21:51-59. While in
54. Three contradictions in 2:97 and 16:101-103 Who brings the Sura 21 Abraham confronts his people strongly, and even
revelation from Allah to Muhammad? The ANGEL Gabriel destroys the idols, in Sura 19 Abraham shuts up after his father
[2:97], or the Holy Spirit [16:102]? The new revelation confirms threatens him to stone him for speaking out against the idols. And
the old [2:97] or substitutes it [16:101]? The Qur'an is PURE he seems not only to become silent, but even to leave the area
Arabic [16:103] but there are numerous foreign, non-Arabic ("turning away from them all").
words in it.
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63. What about Noah's son? According to Sura 21:76, Noah and his 70. How are the sexually immoral supposed to be punished?
family is saved from the flood, and Sura 37:77 confirms that his 71. Who suffers the consequence of sins? The Qur'an declares that
seed survived. But Sura 11:42-43 reports that Noah's son drowns. everyone will be held responsible only for his own sins [S. 17:13-
64. Was Noah driven out? "Before them *the people of Noah* 15, 53:38-42]. Yet, the Qur'an accuses the Jews of Muhammad's
rejected (their messenger): They rejected Our servant and said, day for the sins committed some 2000 years earlier by other
'Here is One possessed!' And he was driven out." [Sura 54:9] Jews, e.g. worshipping the Golden Calf idol.
Now, if he is driven out [expelled from their country] how come 72. Will Christians enter Paradise or go to Hell? Sura 2:62 and 5:69
they can scoff at him while he is building the ark since we read say "Yes", Sura 5:72 (just 3 verses later) and 3:85 say "No".
"Forthwith he (starts) constructing the Ark: Every time that the 73. God alone or also men? Clear or incomprehensible? The Qur'an
Chiefs of *his people* passed by him, they threw ridicule on is "clear Arabic speech." [16:103] Yet "NONE knows its
him." [Sura 11:38] He cannot be both: Driven out and near interpretation, save only Allah." [3:7]. Actually, "men of
enough that they can regularly pass by. understanding do grasp it." [3:7]
65. Pharaoh's Magicians: Muslims or Rejectors of Faith? Did the 74. Was Pharaoh Drowned or Saved when chasing Moses and the
Magicians of Pharaoh, Egyptians, become believers in the God of Israelites? Saved [10:92], drowned [28:40, 17:103, 43:55].
Moses [7:103-126; 20:56-73; S. 26:29-51] or did only Israelites 75. When Commanded Pharaoh the Killing of the Sons? When
believe in Moses [10:83]? Moses was a Prophet and spoke God's truth to Pharaoh [40:23-
66. Pharaoh's repentance in the face of death? According to Sura 25] or when he was still an infant [20:38-39]?
10:90-92, Pharaoh repented "in the sight of death" and was saved. 76. When/how are the fates determined? "The night of power is
But Sura 4:18 says that such a thing can't happen. better than a thousand months. The angels and spirit descend
67. Abrogation? "The words of the Lord are perfect in truth and therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees."
justice; there is NONE who can change His words." [Sura 6:115] [97:3,4] "Lo! We revealed it on a blessed night." [44:3] To
Also see 6:34 and 10:64. But then Allah (Muhammad?) sees the Muslims, the "Night of Power" is a blessed night on which fates
need to exchange some of them for "better ones" [Sura 2:106, are settled and on which everything relating to life, death, etc.,
16:101]. And it is not for ignorant people to question Allah which occurs throughout the year is decreed. It is said to be the
because of such practices! night on which Allah's decrees for the year are brought down to
68. Guiding to truth? "Say: 'God - He guides to the truth; and which the earthly plane. In other words, matters of creation are decreed
is worthier to be followed ...?" [Sura 10:35] But how much is left a year at a time. Contradicting this, Sura 57:22 says, "No
over of this worthiness when we also read: "Allah leads astray affliction befalls in the earth or in your selves, but it is in a Book
whom he pleases, and he guides whom He pleases, ..." [Sura before we create it." This means it is written in the Preserved
14:4]. And how do we know in which of Allah's categories of Tablet, being totally fixed in Allah's knowledge before anyone
pleasure we fall? How sure can a Muslim be that he is one of was created. All of the above is contradicted by "And every
those guided right and not one of those led astray? man's fate We have fastened to his own neck." This says that man
69. What is the punishment for adultery? Flogging with a 100 stripes alone is responsible for what he does and what happens to him.
(men and women) [24:2], "confine them to houses until death do [17:13]
claim them (lifelong house arrest - for the women) [4:15]. For 77. Wine: Good or bad? Strong drink and ... are only an infamy of
men: "If they repent and amend, leave them alone" [4:16]. 24:2 Satan's handiwork. [5:90, also 2:219]. Yet on the other hand in
contradicts both the procedure for women and men in Sura 4. Paradise are rivers of wine [47:15, also 83:22,25]. How does
And why is the punishment for women and men equal in Sura 24 Satan's handiwork get into Paradise?
but different in Sura 4?
11 12
78. Good News of Painful Torture? Obviously, announcing torment 89. Could Allah have a son? Sura 39:4 affirms and Sura 6:101 denies
and suffering to anyone is bad news, not good news. However, this possibility.
the Qur'an announces the good news of painful torment [3:21, 90. Did Jesus Die already? Sura 3:144 states that all messengers died
4:138, 9:3, 9:34, 31:7, 45:8, and 84:24]. before Muhammad. But 4:158 claims that Jesus was raised to
79. Jinns and men created for worship or for Hell? Created only to God (alive?).
serve God [Sura 51:56], many of them made for Hell [Sura 91. One Creator or many? The Qur'an uses twice the phrase that
7:179]. Allah is "the best of creators" [23:14, 37:125]. What other
80. Preferred for Hell? S. 17:70 says that Allah prefers (all) the creators are in mind? On the other hand, many verses make clear
children of Adam over many of his creatures, but S. 98:6 declares that Allah alone is "the creator of all things" [e.g. 39:62]. There is
the majority of men to be the worst of creatures, many of them nothing left for others to be a creator of.
being even created specifically for Hell (S. 7:179). 92. From among all nations or from Abraham's seed? Sura 29:27
81. Will all Muslims go to Hell? According to Sura 19:71 every states that all prophets came Abraham's seed. But 16:36 claims
Muslim will go to Hell (for at least some time), while another that Allah raised messengers from among every people.
passage states that those who die in Jihad will go to Paradise 93. Marrying the wives of adopted sons? It is important that Muslims
immediately. can marry the divorced wives of adopted sons [Sura 33:37], yet it
82. Will Allah disgrace Muslims? On the day of judgment Allah will is forbidden to adopt sons [Sura 33:4-5].
not humiliate or disgrace the Prophet and those who believe in 94. Messengers were never sent to other than their own people? So it
him [S. 66:8]. However, 19:71 says that everyone will enter Hell, is claimed in Sura 14:4 and 30:47. However, the Bible and the
and 3:192 states that whomsoever Allah sends to Hell, is Qur'an, and the Muslim traditions confirm that Jonah was sent to
disgraced thereby. a different nation.
83. Will Jesus burn in Hell? Jesus is raised to Allah, [Sura 4:158], 95. Messengers Were Sent Only to Their Own People? Sura 14:4
near stationed with him [Sura 3:45], worshiped by millions of states that never was a messenger sent except in the language of
Christians, yet Sura 21:98 says, that all that are worshiped by his own people. Yet, the Quran itself claims that Jesus is
men besides Allah will burn in Hell together with those who supposed to be a sign to all people, that the Torah and Gospel are
worship them. for all people, that Moses was sent to Pharaoh of Egypt, and that
84. Is Jesus God or Not? In Sura 16:17, 20-21 and S. 25:3 we find a Muhammad is sent to all of mankind. The hadith also claim that
criterion to distinguish the true God from false gods. Yet, Noah was sent to "the inhabitants of the earth".
according to S. 3:49, 55, 4:157-158, 5:110, 6:2, and 38:71-72 96. Messengers Amongst the Jinns and Angels? Allah sent only men
Jesus satisfies the definition and should be considered true Deity. as messengers [Suras 12:109, 21:7-8, 25:20-21] but there
85. Is Jesus Like Adam? S. 3:59 makes this claim, but how many seemingly are messengers from Jinns and Angels [6:130;
aspects of likeness are there really? 11:69,77; 22:75; etc., see article for details].
86. Can there be a son without a consort? Allah cannot have a son 97. Do all of God's messengers eat food?
without a consort [Sura 6:101], but Mary can have a son without 98. A Messenger from among the beasts? Allah sent only men as
a consort because that is easy for Allah [Sura 19:21]. messengers [Suras 12:109, 21:7-8, 25:20-21]. Yet, the Qur'an
87. Who is the father of Jesus? A more involved argument that is also speaks about a beast that is a messenger from Allah to men
difficult to summarize in one sentence. [S. 27:82].
88. Begetting and Self-sufficiency A self-contradiction on account of 99. Is Muhammad Only A Warner or a Prophet/Messenger?
confused terminology. 100. Did the Messengers Perform Miracles?
101. Another eleven contradictions...
13 14
Further: Is this possible based on our knowledge about the mode and
complexity of ant communication?
 Examples of conflicting versions of the same story in the Qur'an 2. The stars and the moon The Qur'an teaches that there are seven
 Contradictory Grammar heavens one above the other [67:3, 71:15], and that the stars are
 ... and more ... in the lower heaven [67:5, 37:6, 41:12], but the moon is depicted
 Statements that are difficulties only because of the wording in the as being in/inside the seven heavens [71:16], even though in
English translation: reality the stars are much further away from the earth than the
To speak or not to speak? Say: I shall not speak to any man moon.
today. (Sura 19:26) 3. Qur'an and Science: Section Four in Dr. Campbell's book
4. Qur'an and Embryology
Further pages with Muslim responses: 5. Can non-living matter think, feel and have a will?
6. The human embryonic development
 A summary response to (some of items) above 7. The place of Sun rise and Sun set
 Misha'al Al-Kadhi's response titled "Does the Word of God in the 8. The Seven Earths
Noble Qur'an Contain Contradictions?" He never informed me that he 9. Stars created to be thrown at devils?
was writing about me ... Maybe he hoped that as long as I don't know 10. Sun and moon are subject to man?
about it he will not be refuted? Carefully compare my reasoning and his 11. Mountains and Earthquakes
reply, since many times he only responds to the short abstract given on 12. The impossible conversation
this page, without paying any attention to the detailed discussion of each 13. Solomon and the animals...
of these contradictions, found when one follows the given links. 14. Shaking the trunk of the palm tree?
 The same approach was taken by Laaman Ball in his Response to 15. Thinking with the breasts?
Internal Contradictions which prompted my question in return. 16. All things are made in pairs? Sura 51:49 claims that everything is
 Some interesting responses from the sectarian Qur'an Only camp: [*] created in pairs. But this is not true! There are quite a number of
 Osama Abdallah also put together a number of responses [*] things that have no counterpart and species where only one
gender exists.
 Answering Islam's Critics is Shabir Ally's new page in response to the
Qur'an Contradictions. Having just written a response to only the first
entry above, he already claims they are all invalid. That seems somewhat History:
premature to us.
17. The Qur'an Attacks ... Christianity?
18. Selling Joseph for a few Dirhams? (before coins were even
invented)
External Contradictions: 19. Moses and the Samaritan?
20. The farthest Mosque?
Introductory question 21. Alexander the Great, a Muslim?
22. None else was named "John" before John the Baptist?
Science: 23. Two Pharaohs who crucified?
24. Burnt bricks in Egypt?
1. Solomon listening to ants? In Sura 27:18-19 Solomon overhears a 25. Were they utterly destroyed?
"conversation of ants". 26. Jesus was not crucified?
15 16
27. The anachronistic title al-`Aziz given to Potiphar [with special 11. Did God teach Adam the names of the animals?
gratitude to Islamic Awareness for making such a big deal about a minor point 12. Were Believers Really Called Muslims Before the Time of
on a defunct web page, and forcing the issue into public attention.] Muhammad?
13. The Quran’s Mistakes regarding the Biblical Patriarchs
14. Who Adopted Moses: Pharaoh’s Daughter or Pharaoh’s Wife?
15. A Flood in the time of Moses?
The Qur'an in Contradiction to the Earlier Revelations: 16. The Quran, Moses and the Tablets of Stone
17. Solomon Working with Demons
Ultimately, the strongest, most serious problem of the Qur'an is that it 18. Israel's Response to the Covenant: ‘We Obey’ or ‘We Disobey’?
affirms the scriptures of the Jews and the Christians as authentic and true 19. Where is the Blood?
revelation from God (cf. what the Qur'an says about the Bible), while 20. Animal sacrifices for Christians?
radically denying central aspects of their message, e.g. the core themes 21. How many messengers at Noah's time?
of sacrifice and atonement in the Torah, the crucifixion of Jesus, the 22. Why did the Queen of Sheba come to Solomon?
deity of Jesus and even the mere messianic title "Son of God" for Jesus, 23. Ezra the Son of God?
the very nature of God, the fall and the sinfulness of man (*, *), 24. Jesus reached old age?
necessity and means of salvation, etc. For this reason Muslims had to 25. Did the golden calf say 'Moo'?
invent the unwarranted theory of corruption of the earlier scriptures, 26. Did disobedience result in extra commandments?
even against the clear testimony of the Qur'an itself. 27. How many messengers were sent to Noah's people?
28. The Progeny of Abraham?
In the following some smaller discrepancies between the Qur'an and the 29. Two young men?
scriptures it supposedly confirms. 30. How many wings does an angel have?

Historical Compressions:  More contradictions between Qur'an and Bible

1. Saul, David, Gideon and Goliath Do they not ponder on the Qur'an?
2. A Samaritan tempting the Israelites in Moses time? Had it been from other than Allah,
3. Prophets and Kings in Israel before the time of Moses? they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.
4. Moses and the Gospel? -- Sura 4:82
5. Punishment for future disobedience?
6. Mary, the sister of Aaron? Since this verse is claiming that there is "no contradiction / discrepancy"
7. Pharaoh and Haman? in the Qur'an, therefore itself has to be part of the list of contradictions
8. Did Joseph's parents go to Egypt? because it contradicts the existence of the above listed contradictions.
9. Abraham's name Or would you say because it says "much" and the above aren't "enough
10. Abraham and Solomon of them" yet to qualify for "much", all is actually fine?

Other contradictions in comparison to the Bible:

Introductory remark If you want to use these contradictions when talking to your Muslim
friends, then read this.
17 18
I take no joy in this approach. Muslims have forced it on me with their
pages.
A book on this topic, listing several hundred difficult issues in the Qur'an Please read the purpose statement for this page to understand my
is: motivation better.

`Abdallah `Abd al-Fadi Furthermore, there are "genuinely" Muslim pages, that are not just
Is the Qur'an Infallible? relying on the atheists, but they have their own Bible contradictions. I am
Order Number VB 4009 E giving again several locations of the identical text, to show how
available from: important these books are to Muslims and how often they are used.
Light of Life, P.O.Box 13, A-9503 Villach, Austria
Also available in Arabic.  Shabir Ally's "101 Clear Contradictions in the Bible" are quite
popular, but it is interesting to note that none of the Muslim pages is
Other Pages on these topics: willing to link to the Christian response to their attack on the Bible. What
is the fear? Why do Muslims demand that we link to their responses on
 Contradictions in the Qur'an the Qur'an contradictions but they are not willing to link to the Christian
 Chapters 6 - 11 in the book "Behind the Veil" response to Bible contradictions?
 Errors in the Qur'an  Abdul Rahman Dimashkiah presents "Let the Bible Speak" ([1], [2],
 A Partial List of Problems and Contradictions in the Quran [3], [4], [5])
 Quran Contradictions  Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya's "God: Is not the Author of
Confusion" is responded to on our site
If you know of another contradiction or error I have missed so far, I  101 Questions About Christianity ([1], [2], [3])
would appreciate a message informing me about it.

Allah, Adam, and the Angels


The reason for this page...
Sam Shamoun
If you have browsed the contradictions page and have the feeling this is a
really mean, disrespectful and distasteful attack on the Qur'an, ... and
Muslims would never do things like that to the Bible ... maybe you The Quran has a lot to say about the relation between Allah, Adam, the
would like to have a look around some Muslim sites: angels and Satan. In fact, some of what the Quran says regarding these
persons or entities raises a series of questions and comments. This is
 The Bible Criticism Page [1], [2], [3], [4] is copied and displayed on specifically the case with Surah 2:30-38 which we will shortly quote.
many Islamic sites and often one of the first links that you see when
entering these Islamic pages: [1], [1a], [2], ... [3], and a similar page is This article is essentially an expansion of points already raised in the
here. following papers:

What do you think about Muslims using Atheist material?


19 20
www.answering-islam.org/Shamoun/wonders.htm#4 Secondly, Allah secretly teaches Adam unspecified names in order to
www.answering-islam.org/Responses/Abualrub/twoadams_ss1.htm silence the angels for complaining against man. Was it not unfair for
www.answering-islam.org/Responses/Abualrub/twoadams_ss2.htm Allah to teach Adam these names and then proceed to challenge the
angels to do likewise? Does Allah have to use deception and lies in order
We decided to take the points already discussed in the above links and to vindicate himself against the charges brought against Adam by the
post them separately from the bulk of the material which was unrelated angels (charges which turned out to be correct)? Is it not obvious that
to this specific issue. Adam would have been just as ignorant as the angels were regarding
these things had it not been for Allah teaching him? What kind of
And when thy Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am about to place a vindication is this seeing that Adam only knew of these names because
viceroy (khaleefatan) in the earth, they said: Wilt thou place therein Allah taught him, whereas the angels were ignorant because Allah hadn't
one who will do harm therein and will shed blood, while we, we taught them these things?
hymn Thy praise and sanctify Thee? He said: Surely I know that
which ye know not. And He taught Adam all the names, then showed And how does the naming of things justify the creation of man despite
them to the angels, saying: Inform Me of the names of these, if ye are all the evil and violence he will commit? After all, if there is a superior
truthful. They said: Be glorified! We have no knowledge saving that value in humans that justifies their creation, despite their violent and
which Thou hast taught us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Knower, the sinful behavior, then it should be stated in a clear way instead of using
Wise. He said: O Adam! Inform them of their names, and when he deceptive tricks that hardly show the superiority of humans. Allah could
had informed them of their names, He said: Did I not tell you that I have taught those names to anyone. This act of teaching man to name all
know the secret of the heavens and the earth? And I know that which things does not provide a sufficient reason at all why humans should be
ye disclose and which ye hide. And when We said unto the angels: created despite the fact that they will shed blood. Allah could have
Prostrate yourselves before Adam, they fell prostrate, all save Iblis. simply taught those names to the angels, and then somebody would
He demurred through pride, and so became a disbeliever. And We said: know them (if that was the objective), without there being bloodshed. So
O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and eat ye freely (of what is the point of the story, really?
the fruits) thereof where ye will; but come not nigh this tree lest ye
become wrong-doers. But Satan caused them to deflect therefrom and Thirdly, after using deception to silence the angels Allah then proceeds
expelled them from the (happy) state in which they were; and We said: to command the angels to worship the man. This command to worship
Fall down, one of you a foe unto the other! There shall be for you on was obviously the result of the man having bested them by naming the
earth a habitation and provision for a time. Then Adam received from things which Allah had personally taught him. We therefore need to ask,
his Lord words (of revelation), and He relented toward him. Lo! He is why make angels worship Adam for being able to name things that they
the relenting, the Merciful. We said: Go down, all of you, from hence; couldn't when the man only knew these names as a result of Allah having
but verily there cometh unto you from Me a guidance; and whoso taught them to him? And why is Allah commanding them to bow down
followeth My guidance, there shall no fear come upon them neither shall to Adam, a creature, when it is absolutely forbidden to do so in Islam? If
they grieve. S. 2:30-38 Pickthall it is argued that the prostration signified respect and not worship then
why are such acts of respect forbidden in Islam today? It is obvious that
The above passage brings up several questions. First, how did the angels Allah, unlike the true God of the Holy Bible, is always changing his
know what the condition of man would be prior to his creation? Where mind and commands as time goes by.
did they get the idea that man would be a violent creature? Who told
them? The text doesn’t say anything about Allah giving them this piece
of information. Are angels omniscient?
21 22
Fourth, Iblis or Satan is blamed for not worshiping Adam even though Surah Ta Ha chapter 20 verse 116
the command was given to angels. According to the Quran, Iblis isn't an Surah Sad chapter 38 verses 71-74
angel, but rather he is said to be a jinn: But in Surah Al Kahf chapter 18 verse 50 the Qur’an says:

And when We said to the angels, 'Bow yourselves to Adam'; so they "Behold! We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam." they bowed down except
bowed themselves, save Iblis; he was one of the jinn, and committed Iblis He was one of the Jinns."
ungodliness against his Lord's command. What, and do you take him and [Al-Qur’an 18:50]
his seed to be your friends, apart from Me, and they an enemy to you?
How evil is that exchange for the evildoers! S. 18:50 Shakir 2. Arabic Rule Of Tagleeb

The English translation of the first part of the verse ‘We said to the angels bow
The late Maulana Muhammad Ali wrote in his Quranic translation: down to Adam: they bowed down except Iblis’, gives us the impression that Iblis
was an angel. The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic. In Arabic grammar there is a
50a. Iblis is one of the jinn or the evil spirits, so it is an error to take him rule known as Tagleeb, according to which, if the majority is addressed, even
for an angel or a good spirit. The spirit of evil is always rebellious, and it the minority is included. If for example, I address a class containing 100
is against this that man is warned, so that he should resist every evil students of whom 99 are boys and one is a girl, and if I say in Arabic that the
boys should stand up, it includes the girl as well. I need not mention her
tendency. (Source; underline emphasis ours) seperately.

Why then does Allah blame Iblis for not obeying a command directed to Similarly in the Qur’an, when Allah addressed the angels, even Iblis was
angels, not to the jinn? The following Muslim thinks he has the answer: present, but it is not required that he be mentioned separately. Therefore
according to that sentence Iblis may be an angel or may not be an angel, but
18. IBLIS - ANGEL OR JINN? we come to know from Surah Al Kahf chapter 18 verse 50 that Iblis was a Jinn.
No where does the Qur’an say Iblis was an angel. Therefore there is no
Question: contradiction in the Qur’an. (Source)

The Qur’an in several places says that Iblis was an angel, but in Surah To show why this ad hoc explanation is rather forced and very weak, let
Kahf it says that Iblis was a Jinn. Isn’t this a contradiction in the Qur’an? us take his same analogy and change it a bit. If for example, I address the
same class containing 100 students of whom 99 are boys and one is a
Answer: girl, and it so happens that there are parents also present with their
children, and I say in Arabic that all the boys should stand up and yet
1. Incidence of Iblis and Angels mentioned in the Qur’an
none of the parents stand, I cannot legitimately hold them liable since I
wasn't addressing them directly. Let us also assume that at this class,
The story of Adam and Iblis is mentioned in the Qur’an in various places in
which Allah (swt) says, "We said to the angels bow down to Adam: and they both the principal and the vice-principal were present and didn't stand up
bowed down: not so Iblis". after having told the boys to rise from their seats. Could I legitimately
hold them accountable for failing to comply with my orders? Of course
This is mentioned in: not, since they do not fall under the category of boys, nor do they come
under the category of classmates. If I wanted both the parents and school
Surah Al Baqarah chapter 2 verse 43 officials to stand up I would need to mention them specifically.
Surah Al ‘Araf chapter 7 verse 17
Surah Al Hijr chapter 15 verses 28-31
Surah Al Isra chapter 17 verse 61
23 24
The only way Naik’s example could serve as a valid analogy is if we ourselves; and this world's life deceived them, and they shall bear
took for granted that Iblis belongs to the same category of being as that witness against their own souls that they were unbelievers. S. 6:128-130
of angels. It is obvious that the girl in Naik's analogy falls under the
same general category of classmates and children, so a reference to boys And certainly We have created for hell many of the jinn and the men;
can include her since the term boys wouldn't be gender specific in this they have hearts with which they do not understand, and they have eyes
case. (But even that would have to be gleaned from the context in which with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not
the word is being used since you may have a class which is made up of hear; they are as cattle, nay, they are in worse errors; these are the
entirely boys). The mention of boys in this context would be a general heedless ones. S. 7:179
statement referring to a group consisting of young children and
schoolmates. The term would therefore include all the persons which On that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin. S.
would fall under that category, irrespective of gender. 55:39

But there is nothing within the Quran indicating that jinn are of the same {Note: To see the problem with the claim that angels do not disobey
category of creatures like angels, or that they share the same nature. In please consult the following papers: [1], [2], [3], [4].}
fact, Muslims see in the following texts a denial that jinn are angels since
they believe that these passages somehow indicate that they were formed One main problem with the Muslim position is that even though there are
from different elements and that angels are said to never disobey references that speak of the jinn being created from fire:
whereas jinn actually can if they so choose:
And the jinn did We create aforetime of essential fire. S. 15:27
To God bows everything in the heavens, and every creature crawling on
the earth, and the angels. They have not waxed proud; they fear their And the jinn did He create of smokeless fire. S. 55:15
Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded. S. 16:49-50
The Quran is totally silent on the creation of angels, i.e. whether they
O you who believe! save yourselves and your families from a fire whose were created from some other element from the jinn and are therefore a
fuel is men and stones; over it are angels stern and strong, they DO NOT different category of creatures or whether they were both created from
DISOBEY Allah in what He commands them, and do as they are the same material. Still, it is the belief of many, if not most, Islamic
commanded. S. 66:6 Shakir scholars that angels and jinn are different creatures.

And on the day when He shall gather them all together: O assembly of Also, there are situations where only part of the class is supposed to
jinn! you took away a great part of mankind. And their friends from stand up. Just imagine there are 30 boys and ten girls in a class. The
among the men shall say: Our Lord! some of us profited by others and teacher says that all the boys should stand up. Does he mean all the
we have reached our appointed term which Thou didst appoint for us. He pupils then? Or could it be that he meant really only the boys and not the
shall say: The fire is your abode, to abide in it, except as Allah is girls? E.g. because the boys should then leave the room to attend auto
pleased; surely your Lord is Wise, Knowing. And thus do We make mechanic class to learn how to repair cars while the girls remain in the
some of the iniquitous to befriend others on account of what they earned. room for learning knitting, or something of that nature. Thus, it isn’t the
O assembly of jinn and men! did there not come to you apostles from rule, really, but the context that determines the meaning.
among you, relating to you My communications and warning you of the
meeting of this day of yours? They shall say: We bear witness against Now had the Quran simply said that Allah commanded the heavenly
beings, or the inhabitants of heaven to worship Adam then that would
25 26
have been a different story. The reference to heavenly inhabitants would (ye people). With enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your
include Iblis, presuming of course that this event took place in heaven dwelling place and your means of livelihood for a time." Y. Ali
and that he was a heavenly creature as opposed to an earthly one. (This
latter point is not necessary since he could have ascended into heaven The above passage seems to place the Garden in heaven above since
after being created on earth. After all, it is just as likely that Iblis, Adam and Eve are said to be going down to dwell on the earth. As Yusuf
although a jinn, is an earthly creature since the jinn are said to be on Ali noted regarding Surah 2:35:
earth not in heaven.)
Was the Garden of Eden a place on this earth? Obviously not. For in
To help further drive this point home here is another illustration. verse 36 below, it was after the Fall that the sentence was pronounced:
Suppose in heaven there had been angels, jinn, men and animals present "On earth will be your dwelling place." Before the Fall, we must suppose
when Allah chose to single out one man, Adam, for special honor and Man to be on another altogether plane of felicity, innocence, trust, a
blessing. Suppose Allah had commanded that all the angels should bow spiritual existence with the negation of enmity, want of faith, and all evil.
down before Adam, which they do, but none of the other humans, jinn or Perhaps Time and Space also did not exist, and the Garden is allegorical
animals do so. Could Allah blame them for failing to bow before Adam as well as the tree. The forbidden tree was not the tree of knowledge for
despite the fact that he never specifically singled any of these other man was given in that perfect state fuller knowledge than he has now (ii.
groups out as he did with the angels? The obvious answer is, of course 31): it was the tree of Evil, which he was forbidden not only to eat of, but
not. even to approach. (Ali, The Qur’an: Text, Translation and Commentary
[Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc., Elmhurst NY, Paperback edition], p. 25,
As it stands, Naik's argument is pretty weak and quite unconvincing. Dr. fn. 50)
Naik is simply committing the fallacy of false analogy at this point.
Maulana Muhammad Ali concurred with him:
Fifth, the passage says that Adam/Man was to be Allah's
viceroy/vicegerent on earth, with other verses stating that he was created 35a. The garden spoken of in this verse was on this earth, as it was on
from mud, dust, clay etc.: the earth that man was placed. It was certainly not the paradise to which
men go after death, and from which they will never be expelled (15:48)
Lo! the likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He … (Source)
created him of dust, then He said unto him: Be! and he is. S. 3:59
But this leaves us with the problem of Adam having been created from
We created man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape. S. mud, dust, etc. while being in heaven. Are we to therefore assume that
15:26 heaven, a spiritual realm, contains all these physical elements?

Amongst his signs is this, that he created you from dust. S. 30:20 Now someone may suggest that although Adam and Eve were created on
the earth, they eventually ascended into heaven above to dwell in the
Adam and his wife were then told to enter the Garden together, which Garden. This seems to be supported by Surah 2:35 since it does say:
can mean that this Garden was located somewhere on the earth. Yet
Surah 2:36 suggests otherwise: And We said: O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the garden and eat
from it a plenteous (food) wherever you wish and do not approach this
Then did Satan make them slip from the (Garden), and get them out of tree, for then you will be of the unjust. Shakir
the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all
27 28
The command to dwell in the Garden may presuppose (but not And certainly We created you, then We fashioned you, then We said to
necessarily so) that initially Adam and Eve were somewhere else. Thus, the angels: Make obeisance to Adam. So they did obeisance except Iblis;
a Muslim may wish to reason that after Allah had created them on and he was not of those who did obeisance. He said: What hindered you so
from the earth, he then placed them in the heavenly Garden. (But as we that you did not make obeisance when I commanded you? He said: I am
indicated above, being somewhere else doesn’t necessarily mean better than he: Thou hast created me of fire, while him Thou didst
somewhere other than the earth. They could have been created in a create of dust. He said: Then get forth from this (state), for it does not
different earthly location from that of the physical, earthly Garden). befit you to behave proudly therein. Go forth, therefore, surely you
are of the abject ones. He said: Respite me until the day when they are
The above explanation still leaves us with the problem of explaining why raised up. He said: Surely you are of the respited ones. He said: As Thou
Adam was in heaven when he was created to dwell on the earth as hast caused me to remain disappointed I will certainly lie in wait for
Allah's vice-regent. He wasn't created to dwell in heaven (at least not them in Thy straight path. Then I will certainly come to them from
initially since the Quran does say that eventually all true believers will before them and from behind them, and from their right-hand side and
end up in the Garden). So again, why was Adam in heaven when Allah from their left-hand side; and Thou shalt not find most of them thankful.
had specifically created him to dwell on the earth? He said: Get out of this (state), despised, driven away; whoever of them
will follow you, I will certainly fill hell with you all. S. 7:11-18 Shakir
Others may say that the statement in Surah 2:36 doesn't imply a literal
descent from a higher location to a lower one. Rather, it refers to a And (remember) when thy Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am creating a
descent in position and honor, that Adam and Eve were demoted in rank mortal out of potter's clay of black mud altered, So, when I have made
and prestige. This would imply that the statement referring to earth being him and have breathed into him of My Spirit, do ye fall down,
their dwelling place signifies the fact that instead of enjoying the prostrating yourselves unto him. So the angels fell prostrate, all of them
luxuries and bounties of an earthly Paradise, the couple would now be together Save Iblis. He refused to be among the prostrate. He said: O
forced to work for their own food and raiment. The problem with this Iblis! What aileth thee that thou art not among the prostrate? He said: I
exegesis is that it ignores the fact that the command to descend wasn't am not one to prostrate myself unto a mortal whom Thou hast created
directed only to Adam and Eve, but to all the parties involved which out of potter's clay of black mud altered! He said: Then go thou forth
includes Satan as well. As Yusuf Ali noted: from hence, for lo! thou art outcast. And lo! the curse shall be upon
thee till the Day of Judgment. He said: My Lord! Reprieve me till the
God’s decree is the result of man’s action. Note the transition in Arabic day when they are raised. He said: Then lo! thou art of those reprieved
from the singular number in ii. 33, to the dual in ii. 35, and the plural Till the Day of appointed time. He said: My Lord! Because Thou hast
here [2:36], which I have indicated in English by "All ye people." sent me astray, I verily shall adorn the path of error for them in the
Evidently Adam is the type of all mankind, and the sexes go together in earth, and shall mislead them every one, Save such of them as are Thy
all spiritual matters. Moreover, the expulsion applied to Adam, Eve, and perfectly devoted slaves. He said: This is a right course incumbent upon
Satan, and the Arabic plural is appropriate for any number greater than Me: Lo! as for My slaves, thou hast no power over any of them save
two. (Ibid., p. 26, fn. 53; bold, underline emphasis and statements within such of the froward as follow thee, And lo! for all such, hell will be the
brackets ours) promised place. It hath seven gates, and each gate hath an appointed
portion. S. 15:28-44
Satan had already been demoted in honor and prestige, becoming
accursed for his refusal to worship Adam: When your Lord said to the angels; Surely I am going to create a mortal
from dust: So when I have made him complete and breathed into him of
My spirit, then fall down making obeisance to him. And the angels did
29 30
obeisance, all of them, But not Iblis: he was proud and he was one of the hell and will not follow the guidance which will come from Allah.
unbelievers. He said: O Iblis! what prevented you that you should do Therefore, it is quite obvious that the plural is addressed to all of
obeisance to him whom I created with My two hands? Are you proud or mankind, that humanity suffered expulsion due to their federal head,
are you of the exalted ones? He said: I am better than he; Thou hast Adam, a point reiterated elsewhere:
created me of fire, and him Thou didst create of dust. He said: Then
get out of it, for surely you are driven away: And surely My curse is God said, `Go forth, some of you will be enemies of others. And for you
on you to the day of judgment. He said: My Lord! then respite me to the there is an abode on the earth and a provision for a time.' S. 7:24
day that they are raised. He said: Surely you are of the respited ones, Till
the period of the time made known. He said: Then by Thy Might I will As Ibn Kathir stated regarding 2:38-39:
surely make them live an evil life, all, Except Thy servants from among
them, the purified ones. He said: The truth then is and the truth do I Allah informs of His warning to Adam, his wife and Satan, THEIR
speak: That I will most certainly fill hell with you and with those among OFFSPRING, when he ordered THEM to descend from Paradise. He
them who follow you, all. S. 38:71-85 Shakir says he will send messengers with Scriptures, signs and proofs… (Tafsir
Ibn Kathir, Part 1, Surah Al-Fatiah Surah Al-Baqarah, ayat 1 to 141,
This therefore shows that the descent wasn't solely in rank or position. Abridged by Sheikh Nasib Ar-Rafa‘i [Al-Firdous Ltd., London: Second
The descent was a literal one, being cast out of a higher plane or realm Edition 1998], pp. 109-110; capital emphasis ours)
(the heavenly Garden) to a lower one (the earth below).
Here, too, are his comments on 7:24:
But this introduces even more difficulties. The above passages say that
Allah expelled Satan from Paradise for refusing to worship Adam. Then <Get down>, was addressed to Adam, Hawwa', Iblis and the snake.
how in the world did he get into Paradise to tempt Adam and Eve? Some scholars did not mention the snake, and Allah knows best.
Furthermore, after expelling and demoting Satan Allah swore to give (Source)
him respite till the Day of Resurrection, which suggests that he wouldn’t
suffer any more punishment until the Judgment Day. Then how could An obvious question at this point is: What snake? Where does the Quran
Satan be expelled from Paradise and demoted a second time? Did Allah mention a snake at all in this context? In Biblical understanding the
renege on his word? snake is a reference to Satan, in the commentary above, they seem to be
different entities. Ibn Kathir’s comment regarding the snake is also
Sixth, Adam’s sin clearly impacted all future generations of mankind problematic since what would a snake be doing in the heavenly Garden?
since in both 2:36 and 38 the plural (more than two) is used, as opposed This presupposes that the Garden was on earth, which introduces all the
to the dual. Here, again, is 2:38 including 37 as well for context: other problems already mentioned above. But the very fact that Ibn
Kathir mentions Iblis and the snake, along with Adam and Eve,
Then Adam received from his Lord words (of revelation), and He presupposes that the text is addressing more than two individuals.
relented toward him. Lo! He is the relenting, the Merciful. We said: Go
down, ALL OF YOU, from hence; but verily there cometh unto you It is obvious that the plural in both 2:38 and 7:24 refers to Adam and his
from Me a guidance; and whoso followeth My guidance, there shall no descendents. The late Muhammad Asad essentially argues along the
fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. same lines by saying that the story of Adam and Eve is nothing more
than an allegory about collective humanity. He wrote regarding 7:24:
We already saw how the plural in 2:36 includes Satan, but here in 2:38
the plural cannot be a reference to Satan since he stands condemned to
31 32
16 Sc., "from this state of blessedness and innocence". As in the parallel Moreover, the expulsion applied to Adam, Eve, and Satan, and the
account of this parable of the Fall in 2:35-36, the dual form of address Arabic plural is appropriate for any number greater than two. (Bold and
changes at this stage into the plural, thus connecting once again with underline emphasis ours)
verse 10 and the beginning of verse 11 of this surah, and making it clear
that the story of Adam and Eve is, in reality, an ALLEGORY of human The Quran is essentially agreeing with the Holy Bible that Adam caused
destiny. In his earlier state of innocence man was unaware of the all his offspring to be expelled from the Garden. We are not the only
existence of evil and, therefore, of the ever-present necessity of making a ones to see it this way; the following Muslim sources also saw it in this
choice between the many possibilities of action and behaviour: in other same manner:
words, he lived, like all other animals, in the light of his instincts alone.
Inasmuch, however, as this innocence was only a condition of his It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira and Hudhaifa that the
existence and not a virtue, it gave to his life a static quality and thus Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Allah, the Blessed
precluded him from moral and intellectual development. The growth of and Exalted, would gather people. The believers would stand till the
his consciousness-symbolized by the wilful act of disobedience to God's Paradise would be brought near them. They would come to Adam and
command-changed all this. It transformed him from a purely instinctive say: O our father, open for us the Paradise. He would say: What turned
being into a full-fledged human entity as we know it - a human being you out from the Paradise WAS THE SIN OF YOUR FATHER
capable of discerning between right and wrong and thus of choosing his ADAM. I am not in a position to do that; ... (Sahih Muslim, Book 001,
way of life. In this deeper sense, the ALLEGORY of the Fall does not Number 0380)
describe a retrogressive happening but, rather, a new stage of human
development: an opening of doors to moral considerations. By Narrated Abu Huraira:
forbidding him to "approach this tree", God made it possible for man to The Prophet said, "Adam and Moses argued with each other. Moses said
act wrongly-and, therefore, to act rightly as well: and so man became to Adam. 'O Adam! You are our father WHO DISAPPOINTED US
endowed with that moral free will which distinguishes him from all other AND TURNED US OUT OF PARADISE.' Then Adam said to him, 'O
sentient beings. - Regarding the role of Satan - or Iblis - as the eternal Moses! Allah favored you with His talk (talked to you directly) and He
tempter of man, see note 26 on 2:34 and note 31 on 15:41. (Source; wrote (the Torah) for you with His Own Hand. Do you blame me for
underline and capital emphasis ours) action which Allah had written in my fate forty years before my
creation?' So Adam confuted Moses, Adam confuted Moses," the
He basically reiterates this in his comments on 2:36: Prophet added, repeating the Statement three times. (Sahih Al-Bukhari,
Volume 8, Book 77, Number 611)
30 With this sentence, the address changes from the hitherto-observed
dual form to the plural: a further indication that the moral of the story Abu Huraira reported that God’s messenger told of Adam and Moses
relates to the human race as a whole… (Source; underline emphasis holding a disputation in their Lord’s presence and of Adam getting the
ours) better of Moses in argument. Moses said, "You are Adam whom God
created with His hand, into whom He breathed of His spirit, to whom He
Here, also, are Y. Ali’s comments on 2:36 which we had cited above: made the angels do obeisance, and whom He caused to dwell in his
garden; then BECAUSE OF YOUR SIN caused MANKIND to come
… Note the transition in Arabic from the singular number in ii. 33, to the down to the earth." Adam replied, "And you are Moses whom God
dual in ii. 35, and the plural here [2:36], which I have indicated in chose to deliver His messages and to address, to whom He gave the
English by "All ye people." Evidently Adam is the type of all tablets on which everything was explained, and whom He brought near
mankind, and the sexes go together in all spiritual matters. as a confidant. How long before I was created did you find that God has
33 34
written the Torah? Moses said, "Forty years." Adam asked, "Did you Adam said: "My Lord, is the sin I committed one that was destined for
find in it, ‘And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred’?" On being told that me before You created me or is it something I brought upon myself?"
he did, he said, "Do you then blame me for doing a deed which God Allah replied: "I preordained it upon you before I created you." Adam
had decreed that I should do forty years before He created me?" said: "Lord forgive me it as You have preordained it upon me". The
God’s messenger said, "So Adam got the better of Moses n the narrator said, hence the verse <Then Adam received words from his
argument." Muslim transmitted it. (Mishkat Al-Masabih English Lord, and his Lord relented towards him.>. Narrated al-‘Awfi, Sa’id
Translation With Explanatory Notes by Dr. James Robson, Volume I Ibn Jubayr, Sa’id Ibn Ma‘bad and al-Hakim quoting Ibn ‘Abbas: Adam
[Sh. Muhammad Ahsraf Publishers, Booksellers & Exporters, Lahore- said to Allah: "Have You not created me with Your own hands?" The
Pakistan, Reprint 1990], p. 23; bold and capital emphasis ours) answer was yes. Then he asked: "And You have breathed into me of
Your spirit?" The answer again was yes. He added: "And You decreed
Yahya related to me from Malik from Abu'z-Zinad from al-Araj from for me to do this?" Yes was the answer he received. He said: "If I repent,
Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant will You send me back to Paradise?" Allah said: "Yes." (Tafsir Ibn
him peace, said, "Adam and Musa argued and Adam got the better of Kathir, Abridged by Sheikh Muhammad Nasib Ar-Rafa’i, p. 106;
Musa. Musa rebuked Adam, 'You are Adam WHO LED PEOPLE underline emphasis ours)
ASTRAY and brought them out of the Garden.' Adam said to him, 'You
are Musa to whom Allah gave knowledge of everything and whom he What the foregoing implies is that Allah had already determined that
chose above people with His message.' He said, 'Yes.' He said, 'Do you Adam would end up on earth by sinning against Allah’s command,
then censure me for a matter which was decreed for me before I was thereby necessitating his expulsion from the Garden!
created?'" (Malik's Muwatta, Book 46, Number 46.1.1)

This Ayah mentions the great honor that Allah granted Adam, and Allah
reminded Adam's offspring of this fact. Allah commanded the angels to Quran Contradiction
prostrate before Adam, as this Ayah and many Hadiths testify, such as
the Hadith about the intercession that we discussed. There is a Hadith Who Was the First Muslim?
about the supplication of Musa, "O my Lord! Show me Adam who
caused us and himself to be thrown out of Paradise.'' When Musa met According to several passages in the Quran, Muhammad was the first
Adam, he said to him, "Are you Adam whom Allah created with His Muslim:
Own Hands, blew life into and commanded the angels to prostrate
before?'' Iblis was among those ordered to prostrate before Adam, Say: Shall I choose for a protecting friend other than Allah, the
although He was not an Angel. (Ibn Kathir on surah 2:34; online edition; Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who feedeth and is never fed?
bold and italic emphasis ours) Say: I am ordered to be the first to surrender [aslama] (unto Him). And
be not thou (O Muhammad) of the idolaters. S. 6:14 Pickthall
These narrations further complicate matters. It blames Adam’s sin and
subsequent expulsion on Allah’s predetermined decree, that Allah had Say, verily my Lord hath directed me into a right way, a true religion, the
already predestined that Adam would fall from favor. Here again is Ibn sect of Abraham the orthodox; and he was no idolater. Say, verily my
Kathir’s commentary, this time regarding 2:37: prayers, and my worship, and my life, and my death are dedicated unto
God, the Lord of all creatures: He hath no companion. This have I been
… Narrated Sufyan At-Thawri quoting ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Ibn Rafi‘ that
someone heard Mujahid quoting ‘Ubayd Ibn ‘Umayr as saying that
35 36
commanded: I am the first Moslem (Wa 'Ana 'Awwalu Al-Muslimin). S. And when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House: Our
6:161-163 Sale Lord! accept from us; surely Thou art the Hearing, the Knowing: Our
Lord! and make us both submissive (muslimayni) to Thee and (raise)
He hath no associate. This am I commanded, and I am the first of the from our offspring a nation submitting (ommatan muslimatan) to Thee,
Muslims. S. 6:163 Rodwell and show us our ways of devotion and turn to us (mercifully), surely
Thou art the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful. Our Lord! and raise
Say (O Muhammad): Lo! I am commanded to worship Allah, making up in them an Apostle from among them who shall recite to them Thy
religion pure for Him (only). And I am commanded to be the first of communications and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and purify
those who are muslims (surrender unto Him). S. 39:11-12 Pickthall them; surely Thou art the Mighty, the Wise. And who forsakes the
religion of Ibrahim but he who makes himself a fool, and most certainly
This is contradicted by both the Quran and various Islamic traditions We chose him in this world, and in the hereafter he is most surely among
which refer to the presence of true believers both before and during the righteous. When his Lord said to him, Be a Muslim (aslim), he said: I
Muhammad’s alleged "call" to prophethood. The Quran mentions that submit myself (aslamtu) to the Lord of the worlds. And the same did
Adam, Noah, the Patriarchs, the twelve tribes of Israel, Moses, Jesus etc., Ibrahim enjoin on his sons and (so did) Yaqoub. O my sons! surely
were all believers and many of them even messengers who lived a long Allah has chosen for you (this) faith, therefore die not unless you are
time before Muhammad: Muslims (illa waantum muslimoona). Nay! were you witnesses when
death visited Yaqoub, when he said to his sons: What will you serve after
Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." me? They said: We will serve your God and the God of your fathers,
They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq, one God only, and to Him do we submit
and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy (wanahnu lahu muslimoona). S. 2:127-133 Shakir
holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not."… And behold, We
said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down. Not so When Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said: "Who will be My
Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject Faith. We helpers to (the work of) Allah?" Said the disciples: "We are Allah's
said: "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are
bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not Muslims. S. 3:52
this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression."… When learnt Adam
from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord Turned towards him; Ibrahim was not a Jew nor a Christian but he was (an) upright (man), a
for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. S. 2:30, 34-35, 37 Muslim (musliman), and he was not one of the polytheists. S. 3:67
Shakir
We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers
after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the They are not all alike; of the followers of the Book there is an upright
Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave party; they recite Allah's communications in the nighttime and they
the Psalms. S. 4:163 adore (Him). They believe in Allah and the last day, and they enjoin
what is right and forbid the wrong and they strive with one another in
We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) guided: and before him, We hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good. And whatever
guided Noah, and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, good they do, they shall not be denied it, and Allah knows those who
Moses, and Aaron: thus do We reward those who do good: S. 6:84 guard (against evil). S. 3:113-115 Shakir

37 38
Then will Allah say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favour to regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your
thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, Protector - the Best to protect and the Best to help! S. 22:78
so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity.
Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel and Would that not qualify them as being Muslims and believers even before
behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My Muhammad? Certainly, this would make Adam the first believer, the
leave, and thou breathest into it and it becometh a bird by My leave, and first Muslim, wouldn’t it?
thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold!
thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the
Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the
clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but Excursus:
evident magic.’ And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me
and Mine Messenger: they said, 'We have faith, and do thou bear The Quran says that every person is created in a natural state of religion,
witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims.’" S. 5:110-111 which the hadith interprets as Islam. In other words, every human being
is born Muslim!
Lo! it is from Solomon, and lo! it is: In the name of Allah, the
Beneficent, the Merciful; Exalt not yourselves against me, but come unto Then set your face upright for religion in the right state -- the nature
me as those who surrender (muslimeena). ... So, when she came, it was made by Allah in which He has made men; there is no altering of Allah's
said (unto her): Is thy throne like this? She said: (It is) as though it were creation; that is the right religion, but most people do not know -- S.
the very one. And (Solomon said): We were given the knowledge before 30:30 Shakir
her and we had surrendered (wakunna muslimeena) (to Allah). ... It was
said unto her: Enter the hall. And when she saw it she deemed it a pool Narrated Abu Huraira:
and bared her legs. (Solomon) said: Lo! it is a hall, made smooth, of Allah's Apostle said, "Every child is born with a true faith of Islam
glass. She said: My Lord! Lo! I have wronged myself, and I surrender (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) but his parents convert him to
(aslamtu) with Solomon unto Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. S. 27:30-31, Judaism, Christianity or Magianism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby
42, 44 Pickthall animal. Do you find it mutilated?" Then Abu Huraira recited the holy
verses: "The pure Allah's Islamic nature (true faith of Islam) (i.e.
Apart from various groups being called guided, having the right faith, or worshipping none but Allah) with which He has created human beings.
even having been given inspiration, we have at least Abraham and the No change let there be in the religion of Allah (i.e. joining none in
disciples of Jesus being explicitly called Muslims (3:52, 67, 5:111). worship with Allah). That is the straight religion (Islam) but most of men
Certainly both Abraham and the disciples of Jesus lived long before know, not." (30.30) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number
Muhammad. 441)

In fact, the Quran claims that all believers were essentially Muslims: Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, "Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e.
And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under to worship none but Allah Alone) and his parents convert him to Judaism
discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in or Christianity or Magianism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby
religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named animal. Do you find it mutilated?" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Book
you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger 23, Number 467)
may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish
39 40
Again, doesn’t this show that every person who lived before Muhammad it and then said (to the pagans), "I do not eat of what you slaughter on
was already a Muslim, at least for some time, even though many of them your stone altars (Ansabs) nor do I eat except that on which Allah's
may have deviated from the path later on? Name has been mentioned on slaughtering." (Sahih Al-Bukhari,
Volume 7, Book 67, Number 407)

Amazingly, it was one of these very Hanifs that convinced Muhammad


Ibn Ishaq mentions four persons during Muhammad’s time who were that he was a prophet of God:
said to be followers of the religion of Abraham:
Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin
One day when the Quraysh had assembled on a feast day to venerate and Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the PreIslamic Period became a
circumambulate the idol to which they offered sacrifices, this being a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He
feast which they held annually, four men drew apart secretly and agreed would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to
to keep their counsel in the bonds of friendship. They were Waraqa b. write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to
Naufal, Ubaydullah b. Jahsh, whose mother was Umayma d. 'Abdu'l Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa
Muttalib, Uthman b. al-Huwayrith and Zayd b. 'Amr. They were of the asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Apostle described
opinion that their people had corrupted the religion of their father whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the
Abraham, and that the stone they went round was of no account, it could secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were
neither hear nor see, nor hurt nor help. ‘Find yourselves a religion,’ they young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you
said, ‘for by God you have none.’ So they went their ways seeking the out." Allah's Apostle asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in
‘Hanaffiya’ -- the religion of Abraham. (The Life of Muhammad, trans. the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something
Alfred Guillaume [Oxford University Press Karachi], p. 99; underlined similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I
emphasis ours) should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would
support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine
Interestingly, the Quran calls Abraham a Hanif: Inspiration was also paused for a while. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 1,
Book 1, Number 3)
Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim
Hanifa, and he was not of the Mushrikin. S. 3:67 Ibn Kathir(*) These sources make it quite evident that Muhammad was by no means
the first believer.
Say: "Truly, my Lord has guided me to a straight path, a right religion,
the religion of Ibrahim, a Hanif." S. 6:161 Ibn Kathir(*) It doesn’t stop here. The Quran elsewhere claims that Moses was the first
to believe:
Al-Bukhari records Muhammad’s run in with one of these so-called
Hanifs: When Moses came to the place appointed by Us, and his Lord addressed
him, He said: "O my Lord! show (Thyself) to me, that I may look upon
Narrated 'Abdullah: thee." Allah said: "By no means canst thou see Me (direct); But look
Allah's Apostle said that he met Zaid bin 'Amr Nufail at a place near upon the mount; if it abide in its place, then shalt thou see Me." When
Baldah and this had happened before Allah's Apostle received the Divine his Lord manifested His glory on the Mount, He made it as dust. And
Inspiration. Allah's Apostle presented a dish of meat (that had been Moses fell down in a swoon. When he recovered his senses he said:
offered to him by the pagans) to Zaid bin 'Amr, but Zaid refused to eat of
41 42
"Glory be to Thee! to Thee I turn in repentance, and I am the first to When we read the story of Moses in Sura 7, we read how he refered[sic]
believe." S. 7:143 to himself as the first of the believers. Obviously Moses did not mean
that he is the first believer of all time, but what he meant is that he was
According to the Quran, to be a believer is to be a Muslim since there is the first to believe from among his own people: (Source)
no other religion acceptable before Allah:
This last explanation is simply erroneous since nothing in the passages
The true religion with God is Islam. Those who were given the Book state that "first" here means that they were the first to receive the
were not at variance except after the knowledge came to them, being message. In fact, the Quran itself refutes this claim since we find in the
insolent one to another. And whoso disbelieves in God's signs. God is case of Moses that both his mother and brother Aaron were believers
swift at the reckoning. S. 3:19 Arberry who had received inspiration:

Whoso desires another religion than Islam, it shall not be accepted of We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers
him; in the next world he shall be among the losers. S. 3:85 Arberry after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the
Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave
And, as the above verses showed, the Quran claims that all the prophets the Psalms. S. 4:163
and messengers were Muslims. Hence, for Moses to be the first believer
means that he was also the first Muslim. Then after them sent We Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his chiefs
with Our Signs. But they were arrogant: they were a people in sin. S.
In fact, people can be called Muslims without being Mu'mineen 10:75
(believers) yet, but certainly not vice versa since the Quran states:
And, out of Our Mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron, (also) a
The Arabs said, "We are Mu'mens (believers)." Say, "You have not prophet. S. 19:53
believed; what you should say is, ‘We are Muslims (submitters),’ until
belief is established in your hearts." If you obey GOD and His In the past We granted to Moses and Aaron the criterion (for judgment),
messenger, He will not put any of your works to waste. GOD is Forgiver, and a Light and a Message for those who would do right,- S. 21:48
Most Merciful. S. 49:14 R. Khalifa
He said: "O my Lord! I do fear that they will charge me with falsehood:
We obviously can’t have two "firsts." Either Muhammad was the first to "My breast will be straitened. And my speech may not go (smoothly): so
believe or Moses was the first. Some Muslims get really ingenious and send unto Aaron. And (further), they have a charge of crime against me;
claim that these passages are simply stating that Muhammad and Moses and I fear they may slay me." Allah said: "By no means! proceed then,
were the first to believe from their respective generations. Others claim BOTH OF YOU, with Our Signs; We are with you, and will listen (to
that these passages actually mean that these individuals were the first your call). So go forth, BOTH OF YOU, to Pharaoh, and say: 'We have
amongst their contemporaries to receive the message: been sent by the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds 'Send thou with us the
Children of Israel.’" S. 26:12-17 (Cf. S. 20:29-41; 23:45; 25:35; 28:33-
The Quran refers to every messenger as the first believer among his 35; 37:114-120)
people. This is quite logical since the messenger is the first to receive the
message. Muhammad is spoken of as the first Muslim/Believer among And We inspired the mother of Moses, saying: Suckle him and, when
his people, since the revelation came to him before all others. thou fearest for him, then cast him into the river and fear not nor grieve.

43 44
Lo! We shall bring him back unto thee and shall make him (one) of Our The sorcerers’ response presupposes that Aaron was there assisting
messengers. S. 28:7 Moses and was therefore a believer; the fact that Moses assigns him as
his successor further assumes this point.
Although one could perhaps argue that God spoke to Moses slightly
earlier than to Aaron, in the case of Moses’ mother, she clearly received It is quite evident in light of the foregoing that God spoke with Aaron
divine inspiration (and believed and obeyed it) before God spoke to around the same time he had spoken with Moses. This means that Moses
Moses. was neither the first believer, nor necessarily the first person that God
spoke with.
The Holy Bible states:
Furthermore, we already saw that both the Quran and Islamic sources
"Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, ‘Is plainly show that Muhammad was by no means the first believer. The
there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. Quran also shows that there were other believers besides Aaron during
And moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees the time of Moses:
you, he will be glad in his heart. You are to speak to him and put the
words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his A believer, A MAN from among THE PEOPLE OF PHARAOH,
mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do. Moreover, he shall who had concealed his faith, said: "Will ye slay a man because he says,
speak for you to the people; and he will be as a mouth for you and you ‘My Lord is Allah’? - when he has indeed come to you with Clear
will be as God to him’… Now the LORD said to Aaron, ‘Go to meet (Signs) from your Lord? And if he be a liar, on him is (the sin of) his lie:
Moses in the wilderness.’ So he went and met him at the mountain of but, if he is telling the Truth, then will fall on you something of the
God and kissed him. Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD with (calamity) of which he warns you: truly Allah guides not one who
which He had sent him, and all the signs that He had commanded him to transgresses and lies! O my people! Yours is the dominion this day: Ye
do." Exodus 4:14-16, 27-28 have the upper hand in the land: but who will help us from the
Punishment of Allah, should it befall us?" Pharaoh said: "I but point out
In fact, the immediate context of Sura 7:143 shows that Aaron was to you that which I see (myself); Nor do I guide you but to the Path of
already a believer at this time: Right!" Then said the man who believed: "O my people! Truly I do fear
for you something like the Day (of disaster) of the Confederates (in sin)!
They said, 'We believe in the Lord of all Being, the Lord of Moses and - Something like the fate of the People of Noah, the Àd, and the
Aaron… And We appointed with Moses thirty nights and We completed Thamüd, and those who came after them: but Allah never wishes
them with ten, so the appointed time of his Lord was forty nights; and injustice to His Servants. And O my people! I fear for you a Day when
Moses said to his brother Aaron, 'Be my successor among my people, there will be Mutual calling (and wailing),- A Day when ye shall turn
and put things right, and do not follow the way of the workers of your backs and flee: no defender shall ye have from Allah: any whom
corruption.'… And when Moses came to Our appointed time and his Allah leaves to stray, there is none to guide. And to you there came
Lord spoke with him, he said, 'Oh my Lord, show me, that I may behold Joseph in times gone by, with Clear Signs, but ye ceased not to doubt
Thee!' Said He, 'Thou shalt not see Me; but behold the mountain -- if it of the (Mission) for which he had come: at length, when he died, ye
stays fast in its place, then thou shalt see Me.' And when his Lord said: 'No messenger will Allah send after him.' Thus doth Allah
revealed Him to the mountain He made it crumble to dust; and Moses leave to stray such as transgress and live in doubt,- (Such) as dispute
fell down swooning. So when he awoke, he said, 'Glory be to Thee! I about the Signs of Allah, without any authority that hath reached
repent to Thee; I am the first of the believers.' S. 7:121-122, 142 them, very hateful (is such conduct) in the sight of Allah and of the
Believers. Thus doth Allah seal up every heart - of arrogant
45 46
tyranical"… The man who believed said further: "O my people! brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to
Follow me: I will lead you to the Path of Right. O my people! This life collect- And bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed.’ So the
of the present is nothing but (temporary) enjoyment: it is the Hereafter sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known,
that is the Home that will last. "He that works evil will not be requited And the people were told: ‘Are ye (now) assembled?- That we may
but by the like thereof: and he that works a righteous deed - whether man follow the sorcerers if they win?’ So when the sorcerers arrived, they
or woman - and is a Believer- such will enter the Garden (of Bliss): said to Pharaoh: ‘Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if we
therein will they have abundance without measure. And O my people! win?’ He said: ‘Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to
How (strange) it is for me to call you to Salvation while ye call me to the posts) nearest (to my person).’ Moses said to them: ‘Throw ye- that
Fire! Ye do call upon me to blaspheme against Allah, and to join with which ye are about to throw!’ So they threw their ropes and their rods,
Him partners of whom I have no knowledge; and I call you to the and said: ‘By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!’
Exalted in Power, Who forgives again and again! Without doubt ye do Then Moses threw his rod, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all
call me to one who has no claim be called to, whether in this world, or in the falsehoods which they fake! THEN did the sorcerers fall down,
the Hereafter; our return will be to Allah: and the Transgressors will be prostrate in adoration, Saying: ‘We believe in the Lord of the
Companions of the Fire! Soon will ye remember what I say to you Worlds, The Lord of Moses and Aaron.’ Said (Pharaoh): ‘Believe ye
(now), My (own) affair I commit to Allah: for Allah (ever) watches in Him before I give you permission? Surely he is your leader, who has
over His Servants." Then Allah SAVED HIM from (every) evil that taught you sorcery! But soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your
they plotted (against him), but the brunt of the Chastisement hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all!’ They
encompassed on all sides THE PEOPLE OF PHARAOH. In front of said: ‘No matter! For us, we shall but return to our Lord! Only, our
the Fire will THEY be brought, morning and evening: and (the desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, SINCE WE ARE
sentence will be) on the Day when the Hour comes to pass: "Cast ye THE FIRST TO BELIEVE.’" S. 26:29-51
the people of Pharaoh into the severest Penalty!" S. 40:28-35, 38-46
Y. Ali Here it is the magicians that are the first ones who came to faith! This
contradicts the earlier passages claiming that Muhammad was the first to
The presence of an Egyptian believer shows that Moses wasn’t the first believe, and that Moses was the first to believe. Even if one wants to
believer of his generation. This person must have been a believer for a restrict it to mean only the first ones among the Egyptians, it contradicts
while since he knows of the prophets sent to the people of Ad and 40:28 quoted above which reports about another Egyptian believer.
Thamud, of Noah, Joseph, and those that came later. Moreover, Moses had grown up among the Egyptians (from early
infancy until well into his adulthood), he had even been adopted by the
The problem worsens since this last passage contradicts the following wife of the Pharaoh (according to the Quran), so he was certainly
Sura: counted as an Egyptian by them, not as a foreigner.

"(Pharaoh) said: ‘If thou takest any god other than me, I will certainly Now, someone may say that first here doesn’t mean historically the first
put thee in prison!’ (Moses) said: ‘Even if I showed you something clear to believe, but that Muhammad was first in the sense of being the
(and) convincing?’ (Pharaoh) said: ‘Show it then, if thou tellest the foremost of believers, the most prominent in position. After all, the
truth!’ So (Moses) threw his rod, and behold, it was a serpent, plain (for Quran does mention that Allah has chosen some prophets above others:
all to see)! And he drew out his hand, and behold, it was white to all
beholders! (Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him: ‘This is indeed a And those Messengers, some We have preferred above others; some
sorcerer well-versed: His plan is to get you out of your land by his there are to whom God spoke, and some He raised in rank. And We gave
sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?’ They said: ‘Keep him and his Jesus son of Mary the clear signs, and confirmed him with the Holy
47 48
Spirit. And had God willed, those who came after him would not have For the data demonstrating this, we encourage the reader to consult the
fought one against the other after the clear signs had come to them; but following articles:
they fell into variance, and some of them believed, and some
disbelieved; and had God willed they would not have fought one against http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/messiah.htm
the other; but God does whatsoever He desires. S. 2:253 http://answering-islam.org/Responses/Osama/sinless_jesus.htm

And thy Lord knows very well all who are in the heavens and the earth; Even in the above texts where it is stated that Allah has preferred some
and We have preferred some Prophets over others; and We gave to David to others, the author of the Quran didn’t mention Muhammad but Jesus
Psalms. S. 17:55 and David. Thus, based on the immediate contexts themselves, we can
safely say that Jesus and David were definitely two of the messengers
The problem with this view is that the Quran does not explicitly present preferred above the others. But we can’t say this of Muhammad.
Muhammad as the premier prophet or messenger. A careful analysis of
the Quran actually shows that both Jesus and Moses are in fact greater. Besides, one still has to deal with the problem of Moses being the first
Note, for instance, what is said about Jesus’ supposed family and believer, which could also be understood as implying that he was the
ancestral line (we say supposedly since Jesus wasn’t a descendant of most prominent, thereby contradicting the claim that Muhammad was.
Imran): Even the hadiths say that Muhammad wasn’t as great as Moses:

God chose Adam and Noah and the House of Abraham and the House of Narrated Abu Huraira:
Imran above all beings, the seed of one another; God hears, and knows. "A man from the Muslims and a man from the Jews quarreled, and the
When the wife of Imran said, 'Lord, I have vowed to Thee, in dedication, Muslim said, ‘By Him Who gave superiority to Muhammad over all the
what is within my womb. Receive Thou this from me; Thou hearest, and people!’ The Jew said, ‘By Him Who gave superiority to Moses over all
knowest.' And when she gave birth to her she said, 'Lord, I have given the people!' On that the Muslim lifted his hand and slapped the Jew. The
birth to her, a female.' (And God knew very well what she had given Jew went to Allah's Apostle and informed him of all that had happened
birth to; the male is not as the female.) 'And I have named her Mary, and between him and the Muslim. The Prophet said, ‘Do not give me
commend her to Thee with her seed, to protect them from the accursed superiority over Moses, for the people will fall unconscious on the Day
Satan.' … And when the angels said, 'Mary, God has chosen thee, and of Resurrection, I will be the first to regain consciousness and behold,
purified thee; He has chosen thee above all women. S. 3:33-36, 42 Moses will be standing there, holding the side of the Throne. I will not
know whether he has been one of those who have fallen unconscious and
Here, Jesus’ mother is exalted above all women with her father Imran then regained consciousness before me, or if he has been one of those
being chosen above all else. The text seems to be narrowing down the exempted by Allah (from falling unconscious).’" (See Hadith No. 524,
line of those whom Allah chose above the rest, i.e. beginning with Vol. 8) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 93, Number 564)
Adam, Noah, then chooses Abraham and his descendants, and from all of
Abraham’s descendants chooses the family or house of Imran above the The hadith also has Muhammad admitting that Abraham was the best
rest. The claim that Mary is exalted above all women supports this creature, not him:
understanding of the passage, i.e. that from all of Abraham’s seed Imran
and his household, which according to the Quran includes Jesus, were Anas b. Malik reported that a person came to Allah's Messenger (may
chosen above them all. Furthermore, there are other things which the peace be upon him) and said: O the best of creation; thereupon Allah's
Quran says about Jesus which makes him vastly superior to Muhammad. Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: He is Ibrahim (peace be upon
him). (Sahih Muslim, Book 030, Number 5841)
49 50
The Muslim may say that Moses and Muhammad were the most seas, though I may have to journey on for ages. But when they reached
prominent amongst their respective contemporaries. In other words, the place where the two seas met, they forgot their fish and it made its
Moses and Muhammad were both the first in the sense of being way into the sea going away quickly. And when they had gone beyond
preeminent over their respective generations. that place, he said to his young companion, `Bring us our morning meal.
Surely, we have suffered much fatigue on account of this journey of
But even this explanation is problematic since the context shows that, at ours.' He replied, `Didst thou see, when we betook ourselves to the rock
least as far as Muhammad is concerned, first can only mean the first one for rest and I forgot the fish - and none but Satan caused me to forget to
(in time) to submit to the unity of Allah: mention it to thee - it took its way into the sea in a marvelous manner?
He said, `That is what we have been seeking.' So they both returned,
Say: Shall I choose for a protecting friend other than Allah, the retracing their footsteps. Then they found a servant of OURS, upon
Originator of the heavens and the earth, Who feedeth and is never fed? whom WE had bestowed mercy from US, and whom WE had taught
Say: I am ordered to be the first to surrender (unto Him). And be not thou knowledge from Ourselves. Moses said to him, `May I follow thee on
(O Muhammad) of the idolaters. S. 6:14 Pickthall condition that thou teach me some of the guidance which thou hast been
taught?' He replied, `Thou canst not have patience with me; And how
Say: "Verily, my Lord hath guided me to a way that is straight,- a can thou have patience about the things the knowledge of which thou
religion of right,- the path (trod) by Abraham the true in Faith, and he comprehendest not?' He said, `Thou wilt find me, if ALLAH please,
(certainly) joined not gods with Allah." Say: "Truly, my prayer and my patient and I shall not disobey any command of thine.' He said, `Well, if
service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the thou wouldst follow me, then ask me no questions about anything till I
Cherisher of the Worlds: No partner hath He: this am I commanded, and myself speak to thee about it.' So they both set out till, when they
I am the first of those who bow to His will. S. 6:161-163 Y. Ali embarked in a boat, he made a hole in it. Moses said, `Hast thou made a
hole in it to drown those who are in it ? Surely, thou hast done a grievous
In S. 6:14 the temporal aspect is obvious. "First" in Sura 6:161-163 has thing.' He replied, `Did I not tell thee that thou canst not have patience
to be understood in a temporal sense as well, since the text speaks of with me?' Moses said, `Take me not to task for what I forgot and be not
having been guided to a way that is straight, to the right religion, hard on me for this lapse of mine.' So they journeyed on till when they
presupposing that he was on a different way before. So there is a change met a young boy; he slew him. Moses said, `What! hast thou slain an
in time in regard to his beliefs, and he is supposed to be the first one who innocent person without his having slain anyone ! Surely, thou hast done
bows to Allah’s will. a hideous thing.' He replied, `Did I not tell thee that thou couldst never
bear with me patiently?' Moses said, `If I ask thee concerning anything
The reference to Abraham, the true in faith (6:161) may be taken as an after this, keep me not in thy company, for then thou shalt have got
indication that 6:163 is referring to Muhammad being the first Muslim of sufficient excuse from me.' So they went on till, when they came to the
his time, or among his people, as otherwise it would be in contradiction people of a town, they asked its people for food, but they refused to
to the statement only two verses earlier. receive them as their guests. And they found therein a wall which was
about to fall and he repaired it. Moses said, If thou hadst so desired, thou
More importantly, the Quran shows that Moses wasn’t the most couldst have taken payment for it.' He said, `This is the parting of the
prominent of his time since there was someone named Al-Khadir who ways between me and thee. I will tell thee the meaning of that which
was greater: thou wast not able to bear with patience; As for the boat, it belonged to
certain poor people who worked on the sea and I desired to damage it,
And remember the time when Moses said to his young companion, `I for there was behind them a king who seized every boat by force; And as
will not cease pursuing my course until I reach the junction of the two for the youth, his parents were believers, and we feared lest on growing
51 52
up he should involve them into trouble through rebellion and disbelief; 5. Sura 26 contradicts Sura 40 since we are told that Pharaoh’s
So we desired that their Lord should give them in exchange one better magicians were the first to believe.
than he in purity and closer in filial affection; And as for the wall, it
belonged to two orphan boys in the town, and beneath it was a treasure To make matters worse, the claim that some of Pharaoh’s magicians
belonging to them, and their father had been a righteous man, so thy believed in Moses contradicts S. 10:83 which says that none believed in
Lord desired that they should reach their age of full strength and take out him except some of Moses’ own people! (Cf. this article.)
their treasure, as a mercy from thy Lord and I did it not of my own
accord. This is the explanation of that which thou could not bear with Our analysis leads us to conclude that first cannot mean preeminence or
patience.' S. 18:60-82 Sher Ali prominence, but must mean the first in time, either in all of history or
within the respective generations. Yet either understanding results in
Therefore, not only is it a mere assumption that first here refers to contradictions to other statements of the Quran which show that neither
prominence or preeminence, this assertion directly contradicts the Moses nor Muhammad was the first to believe even during their
context of the passages which clearly define first to mean the first one generations.
submitting to and believing in the unity of Allah (at least in the case of
Muhammad). They are also at tension with the Quran’s reference to a And it becomes even more complicated ... There seems to be evidence
servant from Allah who was more knowledgeable and greater than which shows that the Quran views Abraham as the first Muslim. We saw
Moses. that in several places believers are called to embrace the religion of
Abraham, that Islam is the belief system which Abraham espoused and
And, as we saw above, Muhammad was definitely not the first one to exhorted his children to walk in (cf. 2:132-133; 3:67; 4:125; 6:161;
submit to Allah since the so-called Hanifs, which we already mentioned, 22:78).
were said to be monotheists following the religion of Abraham.
The constant emphasis on Islam being the religion of Abraham — as
Let us summarize all the problems thus far: opposed to Adam, Noah etc. —, may mean that the Quran’s author
assumed that the faith actually started with him. This understanding can
1. The Quran claims that Muhammad was the first be inferred from the following text:
believer/submitter.
2. Both the Quran and Islamic sources show that there were true And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under
believers both before Muhammad’s birth and during his lifetime, discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in
specifically before his alleged call to faith and prophethood, religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named
demonstrating that the latter was far from being the first. you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Apostle may
3. The Quran also claims that Moses was the first to believe. Since be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish
you cannot have two firsts, this is a clear-cut contradiction. regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to God! He is your
Moreover, Abraham is explicitly called a Muslim and he lived a Protector - the Best to protect and the Best to help! S. 22:78 Y. Ali
long time before both of them.
4. This last claim, i.e. Moses being the first to believe, is negated by The implication of the above is that Allah started using the term Muslim
passages mentioning persons during Moses’ time that also for believers during the time of Abraham, and that is why it is called his
believed, i.e. the Egyptian of Sura 40 who knew of God’s faith or cult. Not coincidentally Abraham is the first one among all the
messengers/prophets such as Joseph. prophets and messengers who are mentioned in the Quran that is
expressly called a Muslim!
53 54
The following are the occurrences of the words Muslim, Muslims, If this is the case then we have several more contradictions which the
surrender (i.e. aslama, aslamoo, aslimoo, oslima, aslamtu) so that the Muslims must work through. Abraham being the first Muslim would
readers can investigate this issue for themselves: 2:112, 128, 131-133, contradict the statements that Moses and/or Muhammad were the first
136; 3:20, 52, 64, 67, 80, 83-84, 102; 4:92, 125; 5:44, 111; 6:14, 163; believers/Muslims. This also contradicts the fact that there were other
7:126; 10:72, 84, 90; 11:14; 12:101; 15:02; 16:89, 102; 21:108; 22:34, prophets and messengers before Abraham, such as Adam and Noah, who
78; 27:31, 42, 81, 91; 28:53; 29:46; 30:53; 33:35; 37:103; 39:12, 54; obviously were believers otherwise they couldn’t be Allah’s
40:66; 41:33; 43.69; 46:15; 49:14, 17; 51:36; 66:05; 68:35; 72:14 spokespersons! That is, unless we are to understand from this that even
though Noah and others were believers before Abraham, their religion
Now lest we be accused of misunderstanding the text or distorting the wasn’t Islam. They actually had a different religion.
teaching of the Quran, note what the following Muslim author says about
this very issue: If the foregoing conclusion regarding Abraham is correct then Muslims
have a lot of problems that they must deal with.
The misunderstanding and poor interpretation here stems from their lack
of understanding of the word Islam (Submission). In spite of the fact that Qur'an Contradiction
God tells us in the Quran that Islam (Submission to God Alone) is as old
as Abraham WHO WAS THE FIRST MUSLIM (see 2:128, 2:131, To Marry or Not to Marry?
2:133) AND WHO WAS THE FIRST TO NAME US MUSLIMS
(22:78), still the Muslim scholars today insist that Islam is confined to The Quran prohibits Muslim men from marrying unbelievers and
being the religion of the Quran!!! associators, saying that it is better for them to marry believing women:

By creating such a false statement, the Muslim scholars claim to be the And do not marry the idolatresses until they believe, and certainly a
custodians of the message! In 3:67 God specifically tells us that believing maid is better than an idolatress woman, even though she
Abraham was neither Jewish nor Christian, but a monotheist Muslim. should please you; and do not give (believing women) in marriage to
God also tells us in 5:111 that Jesus and the Disciples were Muslim. In idolaters until they believe, and certainly a believing servant is better
27:44 tells us that Solomon was Muslim and in 5:44 we are told of all the than an idolater, even though he should please you; these invite to the
prophets who were given the Torah and who were all Muslim. fire, and Allah invites to the garden and to forgiveness by His will, and
makes clear His communications to men, that they may be mindful. S.
What all these verses are confirming is that there are Muslims who 2:221 Shakir
followed the Torah and the Bible and who knew nothing of the Quran.
These Muslims were submitters to God Alone, Lord of the universe. The words rendered as idolatresses and idolaters are from the Arabic
(Source; capital emphasis ours) term mushrik, which comes from shirk, and more literally means one
who associates or ascribes partners to Allah. This is how the late
In the above quotation there seems to be a misunderstanding regarding S. Muhammad Asad translated these words:
22:78. One probably has to understand this verse in the sense that it was
not Abraham but Allah who gave the believers the name "Muslims". AND DO NOT many women who ascribe divinity to aught beside God
Still, we would agree that these passages give the impression that this ere they attain to [true] belief: for any believing bondwoman [of God] is
happened first at the time of Abraham, i.e. Abraham and his descendants certainly better than a woman who ascribes divinity to aught beside
are the first ones who are explicitly called Muslims in the Quran. God, even though she please you greatly. And do not give your women

55 56
in marriage to men who ascribe divinity to aught beside God ere they for lords besides ALLAH. And so have they taken the Messiah, son
attain to [true] belief: for- any believing bondman [of God] is certainly of Mary. And they were not commanded but to worship the One God.
better than a man who ascribes divinity to aught beside God, even There is no God but HE. Holy is HE far above what they associate
though he please you greatly. [Such as] these invite unto the fire, (yushrikoona) with Him! They seek to extinguish the light of ALLAH
whereas God invites unto paradise, and unto [the achievement of] with their mouths; but ALLAH refuses but to perfect HIS light, though
forgiveness by His leave; and He makes clear His messages unto the disbelievers (al-kafiroona) may resent it. HE it is Who has sent
mankind, so that they might bear them in mind. Muhammad Asad HIS Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, that HE may
make it prevail over every other religion, even though the idolaters (al-
The next text commands Muslim men not to remain married to mushrikoona) may resent it. S. 9:28-33 Sher Ali
unbelievers:
The above passage claims that not only are Christians idolaters (or of
O you who believe! when believing women come to you flying, then those who associate partners with God) and blasphemers (or
examine them; Allah knows best their faith; then if you find them to be disbelievers), but the Jews are as well. It even classifies the Jews and
believing women, do not send them back to the unbelievers, neither are Christians as unclean!
these (women) lawful for them, nor are those (men) lawful for them, and
give them what they have spent; and no blame attaches to you in They indeed have disbelieved (kafara) who say, `Surely ALLAH - He is
marrying them when you give them their dowries; and hold not to the the Messiah, son of Mary.' Say, `Who then has any power against
ties of marriage of unbelieving women, and ask for what you have ALLAH, if HE desired to destroy the Messiah, son of Mary, and his
spent, and let them ask for what they have spent. That is Allah's mother and all those that are in the earth?' And to ALLAH belongs the
judgment; He judges between you, and Allah is Knowing, Wise. S. 60:10 Kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what is between them. HE
Shakir creates what HE pleases and ALLAH has power over all things. S. 5:17
Sher Ali
The word for unbeliever comes from the term kafir, which refers to one
who makes kufr. According to the Quran, the Jews and Christians They are unbelievers (kafara) who say, 'God is the Messiah, Mary's son.'
(specifically the latter) fall under these categories of mushrik and kafir: For the Messiah said, 'Children of Israel, serve God, my Lord and your
Lord. Verily whoso associates with God anything (innahu man yushrik
O ye who believe! surely, the idolaters are unclean (al-mushrikoona biAllahi), God shall prohibit him entrance to Paradise, and his refuge
najasun). So they shall not approach the Sacred Mosque after this year shall be the Fire; and wrongdoers shall have no helpers.' S. 5:72 Arberry
of theirs. And if you fear poverty, ALLAH will enrich you out of HIS
bounty, if HE pleases. Surely, ALLAH is All-Knowing, Wise. Fight Certainly they disbelieve (kafara) who say: Surely Allah is the third
those from among the people of the Book, who believe not in ALLAH, (person) of the three; and there is no god but the one God, and if they
nor in the Last Day, nor hold as unlawful what ALLAH and HIS desist not from what they say, a painful chastisement shall befall those
Messenger have declared to be unlawful, nor follow the true religion, among them who disbelieve. S. 5:73 Shakir
until they pay the tax considering it a favour and acknowledge their
subjection. And the Jews say, ‘Ezra is the son of ALLAH,’ and the The following sahih hadith confirms the view that Christians are both
Christians say, ‘the Messiah is the son of ALLAH;’ that is what they mushriks and kafirs:
say with their mouths. They only imitate the saying of those who
disbelieved (kafaroo) before them. ALLAH's curse be on them! How Narrated Nafi’:
they are turned away. They have taken their priest and their monks Whenever Ibn ‘Umar was asked about marrying a Christian lady or a
57 58
Jewess, he would say: "Allah has made it unlawful for the believers to Qur'an Contradiction
marry ladies who ascribe partners in worship to Allah, and I do not
know of a greater thing, as regards to ascribing partners in worship, etc. Fighting All People Until They Do What?
to Allah, than that a lady should say that Jesus is her Lord although he
is just one of Allah's slaves." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 63, Sam Shamoun
Number 209)
The Quran commands Muslims to fight all unbelievers:
This online Salafi site unapologetically calls Christians kafirs and says
that: Fight those who believe not in God nor the Last Day, nor hold that
forbidden which hath been forbidden by God and His Apostle, nor
This is something that is well known among the Muslims, and they are acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the
UNANIMOUSLY AGREED that the Christians are kaafirs, and even Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel
that those who do not regard them as kaafirs ARE ALSO KAAFIRS. themselves subdued. S. 9:29
Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhaab said concerning the things
which are unanimously agreed to nullify Islam: The above emphatically exhorts Muslims to conquer the following
groups of people until they pay a sum of money (Jizya) as a sign of their
"Whoever does not regard the mushrikoon as kaafirs, or doubts that they subjection and humiliation:
are kaafirs, or thinks their religion is correct, is himself a kaafir." ...
(Question #12713: Is the trinity that the Christians believe in mentioned  Atheists/Agnostics (those who believe not in God nor the Last
in Islam?; underline and capital emphasis ours) Day).
 Jews and Christians (people of the Book).
Yet the following verse says that Muslim men can marry women who are  Everyone else, whether Hindus/ Magians, Buddhists etc., since
Jews and Christians! these groups do not prohibit what Muhammad forbade nor
believe in Islam, the so-called "religion of Truth".
Today the good things are permitted you, and the food of those who were
given the Book is permitted to you, and permitted to them is your food; Please note that the passage does not limit the taking of Jizya from the
Likewise believing women in wedlock, and in wedlock women of them Jews and Christians; it clearly says that the Jizya is to be extracted from
who were given the Book before you if you give them their wages, in all of the subjugated groups that are listed, i.e. those who do not believe
wedlock and not in licence, or as taking lovers. Whoso disbelieves in the in Allah and the last day, or forbid what Muhammad forbade etc.
faith, his work has failed, and in the world to come he shall be among the
losers. S. 5:5 Arberry To say, as some try do, that this verse is referring only to the Jews and
Christians makes absolutely no sense when we note that these groups
No true book of God would contradict itself like this. Hence, based on believe in Allah and the last day, just as the Quran testifies:
the confusion in the above passages the Quran definitely cannot be from
God. And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means
better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict
wrong (and injury): but say, "We believe in the revelation which has

59 60
come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our God and from hunger; we used to wear clothes made up of fur of camels and hair
your God is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)." S. 29:46 of goats, and to worship trees and stones. While we were in this state, the
Lord of the Heavens and the Earths, Elevated is His Remembrance and
Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish Majestic is His Highness, sent to us from among ourselves a Prophet
(scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians, - any who believe in whose father and mother are known to us. Our Prophet, the Messenger of
God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, - on them shall be no our Lord, has ordered us to fight you till you worship Allah Alone or
fear, nor shall they grieve. S. 5:69, cf. 2:62 give Jizya (i.e. tribute); and our Prophet has informed us that our Lord
says:-- "Whoever amongst us is killed (i.e. martyred), shall go to
This last reference presupposes that Jews and Christians are among those Paradise to lead such a luxurious life as he has never seen, and whoever
who believe in Allah and the last day. How, then, can the Jews and amongst us remain alive, shall become your master." (Al-Mughira,
Christians be listed with those who do not believe in the existence of then blamed An-Nu’man for delaying the attack and) An-Nu'man said to
God and the final judgment? Doesn’t this make it rather obvious that the Al-Mughira, "If you had participated in a similar battle, in the company
Quran has some other group in view besides the Jews and Christians of Allah's Apostle he would not have blamed you for waiting, nor would
from whom Jizya can be extracted? he have disgraced you. But I accompanied Allah’s Apostle in many
battles and it was his custom that if he did not fight early by daytime, he
This, perhaps, explains why Muslim leaders such as Umar ibn al-Khattab would wait till the wind had started blowing and the time for the prayer
took Jizya from the Persians even though they were labeled pagans, was due (i.e. after midday)." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 53,
specifically al-mushrikeen or those who ascribe partners with Allah: Number 386)

Narrated Jubair bin Haiya: Now lest a Muslim say that the Persians were also classified as being
from the people of the book note the following text:
'Umar sent the Muslims to the great countries to fight the pagans. When
Al-Hurmuzan embraced Islam, 'Umar said to him, "I would like to And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it
consult you regarding these countries which I intend to invade." Al- and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy: Lest ye should say: "The
Hurmuzan said, "Yes, the example of these countries and their Book was sent down to two Peoples before us, and for our part, we
inhabitants who are the enemies of the Muslims, is like a bird with a remained unacquainted with all that they learned by assiduous study:" S.
head, two wings and two legs; If one of its wings got broken, it would 6:155-156
get up over its two legs, with one wing and the head; and if the other
wing got broken, it would get up with two legs and a head, but if its head The two peoples mentioned here are the Jews and Christians:
got destroyed, then the two legs, two wings and the head would become
useless. The head stands for Khosrau, and one wing stands for Caesar (Lest ye should say) so that you will not say, O people of Mecca, on the
and the other wing stands for Faris. So, order the Muslims to go towards Day of Judgement: (The Scripture was revealed only to two sects) the
Khosrau." So, 'Umar sent us (to Khosrau) appointing An-Nu’man bin people of two religions (before us) i.e. the Jews and Christians, (and we
Muqrin as our commander. When we reached the land of the enemy, the in sooth were unaware) ignorant (of what they read) their reading of the
representative of Khosrau came out with forty-thousand warriors, and an Torah and the Gospel; (Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn ‘Abbâs; source)
interpreter got up saying, "Let one of you talk to me!" Al-Mughira
replied, "Ask whatever you wish." The other asked, "Who are you?" Al- We have revealed it, lest you should say, 'The Scripture was revealed
Mughira replied, "We are some people from the Arabs; we led a hard, only upon two parties - the Jews and the Christians - before us and we
miserable, disastrous life: we used to suck the hides and the date stones (in has been softened, its noun omitted, in other words [read as] inna)
61 62
indeed have been unacquainted with their study', their reading [of the lay siege to a fort and the besieged appeal to you for protection in the
scripture], not knowing any of it, since it is not in our own language. name of Allah and His Prophet, do not accord to them the guarantee of
(Tafsir al-Jalalayn; source) Allah and His Prophet, but accord to them your own guarantee and the
guarantee of your companions for it is a lesser sin that the security given
Clearly, the Quran doesn’t include anyone other than the Jews and by you or your companions be disregarded than that the security granted
Christians as the people of the book since they were the only ones who in the name of Allah and His Prophet be violated. When you besiege a
were given the book from Allah. Therefore, if the Quran were limiting fort and the besieged want you to let them out in accordance with Allah’s
the taking of Jizya to the people of the book then Muhammad violated Command, do not let them come out in accordance with His Command,
the orders of his own scripture by permitting the Persians to pay it since but do so at your (own) command, for you do not know whether or not
they are not part of this group. you will be able to carry out Allah’s behest with regard to them. (Sahih
Muslim, Book 019, Number 4294)
In fact, Muhammad himself is reported to have permitted his followers to
take Jizya from the pagans/polytheists: All of this presupposes that Islam permits the existence of other religions
and worldviews under its umbrella, provided that those who embrace
Chapter 2: APPOINTMENT OF THE LEADERS OF such beliefs are willing to pay Jizya.
EXPEDITIONS BY THE IMAM AND HIS ADVICE TO THEM
ON ETIQUETTES OF WAR AND RELATED MATTERS This may account for why the following Muslim scholar believed that Q.
9:29 refers to all disbelieving groups, not just to Jews and Christians:
It has been reported from Sulaiman b. Buraid through his father that
when the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) appointed Verse 28 appearing earlier referred to Jihad against the Mushriks of
anyone as leader of an army or detachment he would especially exhort Makkah. The present verses talk about Jihad against the People of the
him to fear Allah and to be good to the Muslims who were with him. He Book. In a sense, this is a prelude to the battle of Tabuk that was fought
would say: Fight in the name of Allah and in the way of Allah. Fight against the People of the Book. In Tafsir al-Durr al-Manthur, it has been
against those who disbelieve in Allah. Make a holy war, do not embezzle reported from the Quran commentator, Mujahid that these verses have
the spoils; do not break your pledge; and do not mutilate (the dead) been revealed about the battle of Tabuk. Then, there is the reference to
bodies; do not kill the children. When you meet your enemies who are ‘those who were given the Book’. In Islamic religious terminology, they
polytheists, invite them to three courses of action. If they respond to any are referred to as ‘ahl al-Kitab’ or People of the Book. In its literal sense,
one of these, you also accept it and withhold yourself from doing them it covers every disbelieving group of people who believe in a Scripture
any harm. Invite them to (accept) Islam; if they respond to you, accept it but, in the terminology of the Holy Quran, this term is used for Jews and
from them and desist from fighting against them. Then invite them to Christians only - because, only these two groups from the People of the
migrate from their lands to the land of Muhajirs and inform them that, if Book were well-known in and around Arabia. Therefore, addressing the
they do so, they shall have all the privileges and obligations of the Mushriks of Arabia, the Holy Quran has said…
Muhajirs. If they refuse to migrate, tell them that they will have the
status of Bedouin Muslims and will be subjected to the Commands of lest you should say, "The Book was sent down only upon two groups
Allah like other Muslims, but they will not get any share from the spoils before us, were ignorant of what they studied." – 6:156
of war or Fai' except when they actually fight with the Muslims (against
the disbelievers). If they refuse to accept Islam, demand from them the As for the injunction of Jihad against the People of the Book given in
Jizya. If they agree to pay, accept it from them and hold off your hands. verse 29, it is really not particular to the People of the Book. The fact
If they refuse to pay the tax, seek Allah’s help and fight them. When you is that this very injunction applies to all disbelieving groups -
63 64
because, the reasons for the injunction to fight mentioned next are for God is All-knowing, All-wise… The Jews call 'Uzair a son of God,
common to all disbelievers. If so, the injunction has to be common and the Christians call Christ the son of God. That is a saying from
too. But, the People of the Book were mentioned here particularly to their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to
serve a purpose… say. God's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth!
They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in
Regarding the instruction given in this verse that once these people have derogation of God, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of
agreed to pay jizyah, fighting should be stopped, a little explanation may Mary; yet they were commanded to worship but One God: there is no
be useful. According to the majority of Muslim jurists, it includes all god but He. Praise and glory to Him: (Far is He) from having the
disbelievers – whether from the People of the Book or from those partners they associate (yushrikoon) (with Him). Fain would they
other than them. However, the Mushriks of Arabia stand excluded from extinguish God's light with their mouths, but God will not allow but that
it for jizyah was not accepted from them. (Mufti Shafi Usmani, Maariful His light should be perfected, even though the Unbelievers may detest
Quran, Volume 4, pp. 360-361, 365; source; bold and underline (it). It is He Who hath sent His Apostle with guidance and the Religion
emphasis ours) of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may
detest (it). S. 9:3-6, 28, 30-33
But this contradicts other passages of the Quran, as well as specific
Islamic narratives, which demand that those who claim that Allah has a The foregoing plainly states that:
son or that he has co-equal partners must convert to Islam or die:
 Muslims must fight and slay al-mushrikeen wherever they find
And an announcement from God and His Apostle, to the people them unless they repent and convert to Islam.
(assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage,- that God and His  Al-mushrikeen are unclean and therefore cannot approach the
Apostle dissolve (treaty) obligations with the Pagans (al-mushrikeen- sacred mosque, that is the Kaba in Mecca.
literally, those who associate partners with God). If then, ye repent, it  Jews and Christians are al-mushrikeen because they ascribe
were best for you; but if ye turn away, know ye that ye cannot frustrate partners with God, i.e. Jews believe that Ezra is God’s son and
God. And proclaim a grievous penalty to those who reject Faith. (But the that their rabbis are lords besides God, whereas the Christians
treaties are) not dissolved with those Pagans (al-mushrikeen) with profess that Jesus is the Son of God and that he and the Christian
whom ye have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently monks are lords in place of God.
failed you in aught, nor aided any one against you. So fulfil your
engagements with them to the end of their term: for God loveth the What this basically implies is that Muslims must fight and slay the Jews
righteous. But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay and Christians until they repent and become Muslims. The hadith
the Pagans (al-mushrikeen) wherever ye find them, an seize them, literature provides substantiation for our exegesis since it quotes
beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but Muhammad as saying that he was ordered to fight the people, not just the
if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, Meccans, until they become Muslims:
then open the way for them: for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. If
one amongst the Pagans (al-mushrikeen) ask thee for asylum, grant it to Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:
him, so that he may hear the word of God; and then escort him to where
he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge… O Allah's Apostle said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the
ye who believe! Truly the Pagans (al-mushrikoon) are unclean; so let people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but
them not, after this year of theirs, approach the Sacred Mosque. And if Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle, and offer the prayers
ye fear poverty, soon will God enrich you, if He wills, out of His bounty, perfectly and give the obligatory charity, so if they perform a that, then
65 66
they save their lives an property from me except for Islamic laws and (perceiving the justification of) fighting (against those who refused to
then their reckoning (accounts) will be done by Allah." (Sahih al- pay Zakat) and I fully recognized that the (stand of Abu Bakr) was right.
Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 24) (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0029)

Narrated Anas bin Malik: It is reported on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of
Allah said: I have been commanded to fight against people so long as
Allah's Apostle said, "I have been ordered to fight the people till they they do not declare that there is no god but Allah, and he who professed
say: ‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.’ And if they say so, it was guaranteed the protection of his property and life on my behalf
pray like our prayers, face our Qibla and slaughter as we slaughter, then except for the right affairs rest with Allah. (Sahih Muslim, Book 001,
their blood and property will be sacred to us and we will not interfere Number 0030)
with them except legally and their reckoning will be with Allah."
Narrated Maimun ibn Siyah that he asked Anas bin Malik, "O Abu It is narrated on the authority of Jabir that the Messenger of Allah said: I
Hamza! What makes the life and property of a person sacred?" He have been commanded that I should fight against people till they declare
replied, "Whoever says, ‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allah’, that there is no god but Allah, and when they profess it that there is no
faces our Qibla during the prayers, prays like us and eats our slaughtered god but Allah, their blood and riches are guaranteed protection on my
animal, then he is a Muslim, and has got the same rights and obligations behalf except where it is justified by law, and their affairs rest with
as other Muslims have." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 8, Number Allah, and then he (the Holy Prophet) recited (this verse of the Holy
387) Qur'an): "Thou art not over them a warden" (lxxxviii, 22). (Sahih
Muslim, Book 001, Number 0032)
Chapter 9: COMMAND FOR FIGHTING AGAINST THE
PEOPLE SO LONG AS THEY DO NOT PROFESS THAT THERE It has been narrated on the authority of Abdullah b. 'Umar that the
IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH AND MUHAMMAD IS HIS Messenger of Allah said: I have been commanded to fight against people
MESSENGER till they testify that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad is the
messenger of Allah, and they establish prayer, and pay Zakat and if they
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that when the Messenger of do it, their blood and property are guaranteed protection on my behalf
Allah (may peace be upon him) breathed his last and Abu Bakr was except when justified by law, and their affairs rest with Allah. (Sahih
appointed as his successor (Caliph), those amongst the Arabs who Muslim, Book 001, Number 0033)
wanted to become apostates became apostates. 'Umar b. Khattab said to
Abu Bakr: Why would you fight against the people, when the Messenger And:
of Allah declared: I have been directed to fight against people so long as
they do not say: There is no god but Allah, and he who professed it was And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "I have been
granted full protection of his property and life on my behalf except for a sent just before the Hour with the sword, so that Allaah will be
right? His (other) affairs rest with Allah. Upon this Abu Bakr said: By worshipped ALONE with no partner or associate." Narrated by Ahmad,
Allah, I would definitely fight against him who severed prayer from 4869; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami', 2831.
Zakat, for it is the obligation upon the rich. By Allah, I would fight (Question No. 34647: The reason why jihaad is prescribed; source;
against them even to secure the cord (used for hobbling the feet of a capital and underline emphasis ours)
camel) which they used to give to the Messenger of Allah (as zakat) but
now they have withheld it. Umar b. Khattab remarked: By Allah, I found
nothing but the fact that Allah had opened the heart of Abu Bakr for
67 68
Thus, even Jews and Christians, not just the Arab pagans, had to convert There is a way in which Muslims can reconcile Q. 9:29 with what
to Islam otherwise Muslims would have to kill them as well if they immediately precedes and follows. One can understand from Sura 9 that
didn’t. all those who convert to Islam, whether pagans, Jews, Christians etc., are
to pay Jizya as a sign that they have been subdued and brought into the
This further implies that Jews and Christians could not approach Mecca fold of Islam.
since, being al-mushrikeen, they are unclean. We again find the hadiths
substantiating this very point: Although this may solve the contradiction within the Quran it doesn’t
help resolve the problems raised by the hadith literature. The Islamic
Narrated Ibn 'Umar: narratives quote Muhammad as expressly stating that the people must be
Umar expelled the Jews and the Christians from Hijaz. When Allah's fought until they testify that Allah is god and that he is his messenger
Apostle had conquered Khaibar, he wanted to expel the Jews from it as which not only contradicts the Quran but also conflicts with the other
its land became the property of Allah, His Apostle, and the Muslims. reports that we quoted where Muslims allowed pagans such as the
Allah's Apostle intended to expel the Jews but they requested him to let Persians to remain in their religion provided that they paid Jizya.
them stay there on the condition that they would do the labor and get half
of the fruits. Allah’s Apostle told them, "We will let you stay on thus Hence, no matter how a Muslim tries to reconcile all of this some of the
condition, as long as we wish." So, they (i.e. Jews) kept on living there contradictions will still remain.
until 'Umar forced them to go towards Taima' and Ariha'. (Sahih al-
Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 39, Number 531) All Quranic citations were taken from the Abdullah Yusuf Ali version.

It has been narrated by 'Umar b. al-Khattab that he heard the Messenger Quran Difficulty
of Allah (may peace be upon him) say: I will expel the Jews and
Christians from the Arabian Peninsula and will not leave any but Should Muslims Show Kindness to Parents?
Muslim. (Sahih Muslim, Book 019, Number 4366)
The Quran exhorts believers, in fact mankind in general, to be kind to
To summarize the contradictions: parents:

 Q. 9:29 along with certain Islamic narrations teach that Muslims Say: ‘Come, I will tell you what your Lord has made binding on you:
are to fight all the unbelievers until they pay the Jizya and feel that you shall serve no other gods besides Him; that you shall show
subdued. This presupposes that Islam allows even pagans to live kindness to your parents; that you shall not kill your children because
under Muslim rule without having to convert to the Islamic faith. you cannot support them (We provide for you and for them); that you
 Q. 9:1-6, 28, 30-33 all say that Muslims are to kill those who shall not commit foul sins, whether openly or in secret; and that you shall
associate other beings with God, including Jews and Christians, not kill – for that is forbidden by God – except for a just cause. Thus
until they repent and become Muslims. The hadith literature God exhorts you, that you may grow in wisdom.’ S. 6:151; cf. 4:36
provides attestation that this is precisely what Muhammad
commanded, specifically, that he (and subsequently his Your Lord has enjoined you to worship none but Him, and to show
followers) was to fight all the people until they became Muslims. kindness to your parents. If either or both of them attain old age in
This naturally assumes that Jews and Christians, not just the your dwelling, show them no sign of impatience, nor rebuke them; but
pagans, must convert to the Islamic faith or die. speak to them kind words. Treat them with humility and tenderness and

69 70
say: ‘Lord, be merciful to them. They nursed me when I was an infant.’ Yet, the foregoing instructions directly conflict with the following verses
S. 17:23-24 which prohibit Muslims from loving and befriending unbelievers, even if
they happen to be their own parents:
The fact that the command to be kind to one’s parents is repeatedly listed
right after the central command of Islam, to worship none but Allah, Let believers not make friends with infidels in preference to the faithful –
gives special emphasis to it and can only mean that this command is to he that does this has nothing to hope for from God – except in self-
be taken very seriously. Furthermore, the Quran repeats this command in defence. God admonishes you to fear Him: for to Him you shall all
various ways in several other passages: return. S. 3:28

(We enjoined man to show kindness to his parents, for with much pain Believers, do not befriend your fathers or your brothers if they choose
his mother bears him, and he is not weaned before he is two years of age. unbelief in preference to faith. Wrongdoers are those that befriend them.
We said: ‘Give thanks to Me and to your parents. To me shall all things Say: ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your tribes,
return. But if they press you to serve besides Me deities you know the property you have acquired, the merchandise you fear may not be
nothing of, do not obey them. Be kind to them in this world, and follow sold, and the homes you love, are dearer to you than God, His apostle
the path of those who turn to Me. To Me you shall return, and I will and the struggle for His cause, then wait until God shall fulfill His
declare to you all that you have done.’) S. 31:14-15; cf. 29:8 decree. God does not guide the evil-doers.’ S. 9:23-24

We have enjoined man to show kindness to his parents. With much pain It will not help to claim that the term befriend (auliya) in Q. 3:28 and
his mother bears him, and with much pain she brings him into the world. 9:23 actually means protectors, i.e. that Muslims are not to seek the
He is born and weaned in thirty months. When he grows to manhood and protection of unbelievers even if they be their parents, since this word is
attains his fortieth year, let him say: ‘Inspire me, Lord, to give thanks for used in specific contexts to denote friendship:
the favours You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and to do
good works that will please You. Grant me good descendants. To You I Behold! verily on the friends of God (auliya Allahi) there is no fear, nor
turn and to You I surrender myself.’ shall they grieve; S. 10:62 Y. Ali
Such are those for whom We will accept their noblest works and whose
misdeeds We shall overlook. We shall admit them among the heirs of Unless Muslims want to argue that even Allah has people who protect
Paradise: true is the promise that has been given them. him, this passage should make it clear that auliya refers to taking
But he that rebukes his parents and says to them: ‘For shame! Do you someone as a friend.
threaten me with a resurrection, whom generations have passed away
before me?" – he that, when they pray for God’s help and say: ‘Woe to And as if this weren’t enough to show that the obvious meaning of Q.
you! Have faith. The promise of God is true,’ replies: ‘This is but a fable 9:23 is that Muslims are not to take their unbelieving parents as friends,
of the ancients’ – S. 46:15-17 Q. 58:22 takes it a step further by saying that true believers do not love
their own parents who reject Muhammad:
The interesting thing about this is that some of the above passages
expressly mention the fact that some parents will be disbelievers who Thou wilt not find any people who believe in God and the Last Day,
will even try to dissuade their children from following Islam. Yet loving those who resist God and His Apostle, even though they were
Muslims must, nonetheless, still be kind to their parents. their fathers or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred. For such
He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with a spirit
from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens beneath which Rivers
71 72
flow, to dwell therein (for ever). God will be well pleased with them, and In this case, the son puts before his own father the choice of embracing
they with Him. They are the Party of God. Truly it is the Party of God Islam now or death. He prevents his father from fleeing. The son is the
that will achieve Felicity. Y. Ali direct cause that his father is killed by his fellow Muslims.

With these points in mind, it is very hard to see how Muslims are able to For contrast: Abu Talib, the uncle of Muhammad, protected him against
show kindness to their parents when they cannot even befriend or love the opponents of Islam in Mecca. Abu Talib remained a pagan until his
them! After all, what type of kindness is this, which actually prohibits death. He did not believe in Muhammad’s message, but he gave
Muslims from even loving, let alone befriending, their parents? Muhammad the freedom to believe differently and even to preach his
message to the people. Muhammad and his followers did not return this
Note, as well, that Q. 58:22 says that "For such He has written Faith in favor when they became powerful, but instead forced the alternative of
their hearts" which implies that the Muslims not loving even their Islam or death even upon their closest relatives.
parents is "the mark of a true believer," being a sign that Allah has put
faith in their hearts! Basically, this means that faith in Islam results in a Clearly, Abu Talib in his "unbelief" was nobler and more civilized than
believer receiving strength and determination to hate anyone who Muhammad and his followers.
opposes Muhammad, even if they happen to be the closest of relatives! It
forbids them to love them, to honor them, to treat them in friendship. Muslim sources report another instance where a Muslim son is willing to
And the Islamic source materials show how far this can go in extreme kill his non-Muslim father:
instances:
According to Ibn Humayd- Salamah- Muhammad b. Ishaq- 'Asim b.
They (the narrators) said: The Apostle of Allah sent a force under al- 'Umar b. Qatadah: 'Abdallah b. 'Abdallah b. Ubayy b. Salul came to the
Dahhak Ibn Sufyan Ibn ‘Awf Ibn Abu Bakr al-Kilabi, against al-Qurara. Messenger of God and said: "Messenger of God, I have been told that
Al-Asyad Ibn Salamah Ibn Qart was with him. They encountered them at you want to kill 'Abdallah b. Ubayy because of what has been reported to
al-Zujj, the Zujj of Lawah and invited them to embrace Islam. They you concerning him. If you are going to do it, command me to do it and I
refused, so they attacked them and forced them to flee. Then al-Asyad will bring you his head. By God, al-Khazraj know that there has never
met his father Salamah who was on his own horse, in a pond of al-Zujj. been among them a man more dutiful to his father than I. I am afraid that
He invited his father to embrace Islam promising him amnesty. He you may order someone else to do it and that he may kill him; and then
(father) abused him and his creed. Consequently al-Asyad hamstrung the my soul will not allow me to look on the slayer of 'Abdallah b. Ubayy
horse of his father. When the horse fell on his hoofs Salamah reclined on walking among the people: I would kill him, killing a believer to avenge
his spear in water. He (al-Asyad) held him till one of them (Muslims) an unbeliever, and thereby enter the Fire [of Hell]." The Messenger of
came there and killed him. His son did not kill him. (Ibn Sa’ad’s Kitab God said, "No, we will be gentle with him and associate with him on
Al-Tabaqat Al-Kabir, English translation by S. Moinul Haq, M.A., PH.D friendly terms as long as he stays with us." Thus, after that day whenever
assisted by H.K. Ghazanfar M.A. [Kitab Bhavan Exporters & Importers, he did anything objectionable, it was his own tribesmen who reproved
1784 Kalan Mahal, Daryaganj, New Delhi - 110 002 India], Volume II, him, corrected him, censured him, and threatened him. When word of
p. 201) how they were behaving reached the Messenger of God, he said to 'Umar
b. al-Khattab: "What do you think, Umar? By God, had I killed him the
Thus, Muhammad’s religion destroys the relationship between Muslim day you ordered me to kill him, prominent men would have been upset,
convert children and their still non-Muslim parents. who, if I ordered them today to kill him, would do so." 'Umar said, "Now
by God I know that what the Messenger of God ordered had more of a
blessing in it that what I would have ordered." (The History of al-Tabari:
73 74
The Victory of Islam, translated by Michael Fishbein [State University of saved many lives by his courageous intervention, see the detailed
New York Press (SUNY), Albany 1997], Volume VIII (8), p. 55) discussion in this article. Moreover, the above cited report assumes that
this man was not to be judged in a fair and public trial, and then executed
Being a devout Muslim, the son does not question Muhammad’s right to based on this open verdict, but to be murdered by sending a killer after
command that his father be killed.[1] He even seems to consider it him, the same way that Muhammad used to get rid of many of his other
meritorious to follow that order. He does not fear that killing his own opponents, see many of the articles in the section Muhammad and his
father would send him to hell, but only that avenging the murder by enemies.
killing the murderer would do so.

Both cases illustrate Q. 9:23 and 58:22. Just as they were commanded,
their Muslim faith and devotion to Muhammad has suppressed in them Quran Error and Contradiction
the natural love and loyalty towards their parents.
Can One Be A Believer in God And Oppose Muhammad At
To summarize the contradictory statements in the Quran regarding the The Same Time?
treatment of disbelieving parents:
The Quran makes the following claim:
 On the one hand, the Quran commands all Muslims to show
kindness to their parents, even if they are disbelievers (Q. 17:23- Thou wilt not find any people who believe in God and the Last Day,
24, 31:14-15, 29:8, etc.). loving those who resist God and His Apostle, even though they were
 On the other hand it demands not to show any love or friendship their fathers or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred. For such He
to those who oppose Muhammad, even if they are their parents has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with a spirit from
(Q. 9:23, 58:22). Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow,
to dwell therein (for ever). God will be well pleased with them, and they
But this is not the end of problems for the Quran. Sura 58:22 leads to with Him. They are the Party of God. Truly it is the Party of God that
another contradiction, see the article Can one be a believer in God and will achieve Felicity. Sura 58:22 Yusuf Ali
oppose Muhammad at the same time?
You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
Unless stated otherwise, all quotations taken from the N. J. Dawood making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger even
version of the Quran. though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their
kindred (people). … Al-Hilali & Khan
Sam Shamoun and Jochen Katz
Note that this first sentence in this verse is not a command but it is
formulated as a statement of fact. A command is not invalidated by the
Endnote: existence of some or even many people who disobey it. But a general
claim stating something as a certain fact can easily be proven wrong by
1. What was the crime of 'Abdallah b. Ubayy b. Salul that justified the providing counterexamples.
death penalty? He was a tribal leader in Medina who had dared to oppose
Muhammad when the latter intended to slaughter a Jewish tribe. He
thwarted Muhammad's attempt of a genocide of the Banu Qaynuqa`, and
75 76
The first statement in the above quoted verse is wrong for several and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with
reasons. their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. S. 2:62

I find it hard to imagine that there do not exist converts to Islam (whether Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish
former Christians, agnostics, atheists, pagans, or else), i.e. people who (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in God
now sincerely believe in Allah and the Last Day but who still love their and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor
fathers or sons and brothers despite their disbelief in Islam and rejection shall they grieve. S. 5:69
of Muhammad as a messenger from God. Taken as a statement of fact
about all Muslims this claim in Sura 58:22 was certainly as wrong in And the Quran is adamant in its claim that Christians and Muslims
Muhammad’s time as it is wrong today. As fierce and harsh as some believe in the same one God:
Muslims can be, most Muslims are quite normal people, and the above
statement cannot possibly be true of all Muslims in the way it is stated. And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way)
that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe
As much as I consider the above objection to be common sense, many in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our God
Muslims may dismiss it as subjective and irrelevant. So be it. The rest of and your God is One, and unto Him we surrender. S. 29:46
this article will present reasons why this claim is still obviously and
objectively wrong. Without question, according to the Quran, Christians belong to the
"people who believe in God and the Last Day", thus they are part of the
Anyone who knows the Christian faith knows that Christians believe in people referred to in Sura 58:22, with all the detrimental consequences
God and in the Last Day. outlined above.

Moreover, there are plenty of Christians (i.e. people who believe in God Christians are commanded to love each other (John 13:34-35) and even
and the Last Day) who love other Christians who also resist and oppose their enemies (Matthew 5:44). Though too many may fail to fully obey
Islam. To be specific: My father is a devout Christian who loves me, the this command, there are plenty of Christians who strive to live according
author of this article, and I obviously resist and oppose Muhammad and to these commands.
his message. And there are plenty of other Christians around me, who
love me and have made friendship with me. Thus, Sura 58:22 is Therefore, Christians love other Christians, and those Christians who
objectively wrong. know the Bible and see how Islam contradicts the Bible will also resist
and reject Muhammad as being a man who falsely claimed to be a
This is the factual error in this verse. messenger from God. Thus, there are plenty of believers in God and the
Last Day who love others who resist Islam.
However, this statement is not only factually wrong, it also creates a
logical contradiction in the Quran because the Quran itself states In fact, even the Quran itself states that Christians love/are friends with
explicitly that Christians are among those who believe in God and in the other Christians or Jews (who both reject Muhammad):
Last Day:
O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They
Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is
(scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk. S. 5:51 Pickthall

77 78
To summarize, Sura 58:22, contains not only an objective error, but is Muslim responses: First, second, third, fourth, fifth
also in contradiction to other statements in the Quran:

 Jews and Christians believe in God and the Last Day (S. 2:62,
5:69, 29:46). How many gardens are there in paradise?
 Jews and Christians reject Muhammad as a messenger from God.
 Jews and Christians are friends to each other (S. 5:51) ONE: 39:73, 41:30 [the Garden], 57:21 [a Garden], 79:41 [the Garden],
or
Yet, the Quran claims also: MANY: 18:31, 22:23, 35:33, 78:32 [each time: "Gardens"]?

 You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last The plural "Gardens" has to refer to at least three because if it/they were
Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His two, then the Arabic would use the dual form of the noun. Therefore this
Messenger … (S. 58:22) is a discrepancy of at least 200% from "one" to "several".

The contradiction is blatantly obvious. Muslim responses

Sura 58:22 features also in another set of contradictory passages in the


Quran, see the article Should Muslims Show Kindness to Parents?
Sura 56:7 mentions three distinct groups of people for judgement. But
Jochen Katz 90:18-19, 99:6-8, etc. mention only two groups

A Muslim's response

Numerical discrepancies in the Qur'an: There are conflicting views on who takes the souls at death.

Does Allah's day equal to 1,000 (Sura 22:47, 32:5) or 50,000 years (Sura Sura 32:11 reads "Say: THE Angel of Death, put in charge over you,
70:4)? will (duly) take your souls. Then shall ye be brought back to your Lord",
i.e. on specific angel is in view.
Observe how similar 32:5 and 70:4 are worded (in English - I don't know Sura 47:27 says "But how (will it be) when THE angels take their souls
the Arabic) "ascend unto him in a day the measure whereof is [fifty] at death?", which again presupposes their specific identity and a greater
thousand years [of your reckoning]." number than one.
But then Sura 39:42 doesn't speak of angels anymore at all: "It is Allah
Maybe it originally was "fifty thousand" in both and "fifty" dropped out that takes the souls (of men) at death."
in one place? A corrupted manuscript? Or does God just not know how
to relate the length of his days to human years? A Muslim's response

79 80
Sura 73:15-16 says that one messenger was sent to Pharaoh, while Sura Qur'an Contradiction:
10:75 speaks of two (Moses and Aaron).
Six or eight days of creation?
73:15 only says "a" (not a stress on "one") messenger, but the
comparison of this messenger to Muhammad, who is sent just in the
same way makes a strong point for the "one", since Muhammad Sura 7:54, 10:3, 11:7, and 25:59 clearly say that God created "the
undoubtedly was only one in his time. And verse 16 affirms this by heavens and the earth" in six days. But then there is also the following
saying "the" messenger. passage:

Also 7:103 also speakes only of sending Moses.


2 Say: Is it that ye deny Him Who created the earth in
TWO Days
A Muslim's response And do ye join equals with Him? He is the Lord of
(all) the Worlds.
+
He set on the (earth), mountains standing firm, high
The Qur'an states: above it,
and bestowed blessings on the earth, and measured
therein all things
35:1 4 to give them nourishment in due proportion, in FOUR
Praise be to Allah, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and Days
the earth, Who made the angels, messengers with wings,- two, or in accordance with (the needs of) those who seek
(Sustenance).
three, or four (pairs): He adds to Creation as He pleases: for
Allah has power over all things. Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky,
and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the
According to Sura 35:1 angels have 2, 3, or 4 pairs of wings. This is earth:
contradicted by several hadith which state that Gabriel had 600 wings. "Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly."
They said: "We do come (together), in willing
Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 54, Number 455: obedience."
+
Narrated Abu Ishaq-Ash-Shaibani: 2 So He completed them as seven firmaments in TWO Days,
and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command.
And We adorned the lower heaven with lights,
I asked Zir bin Hubaish regarding the Statement of Allah: "And and (provided it) with guard.
was at a distance Of but two bow-lengths Or (even) nearer; So Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might,
did (Allah) convey The Inspiration to His slave (Gabriel) and Full of Knowledge.
then he (Gabriel) Conveyed (that to Muhammad). (53.9-10) On -- Sura 41:9-
that, Zir said, "Ibn Mas'ud informed us that the Prophet had seen 12 (Yusuf Ali)
Gabriel having 600 wings." = 8 altogether these are EIGHT Days.

See also Volume 6, Book 60, Number 379 & 380.


81 82
Two days for the creation of the earth, then four days to fill the earth That is how the structure of the text presents itself (to the reader without
with mountains, blessings and nourishment for all its inhabitants, and in an agenda to fit it into six days).
the end two more days to create the seven heavens and create the stars in
them. This adds up to 2+4+2 = 8 days in contradiction to the 6 days The full explanation from Yusuf Ali's footnote 4470 is:
mentioned in the other verses.
The Commentators understand the "four Days" in verse 10 to include the
The structure is very clear: These are the three "layers" which are created two Days in verse 9, so that the total for the universe comes to six Days.
bottom up: This is reasonable, because the processes described in verses 9 and 10
form really one series. In one case it is the creation of the formless
matter of the earth; in the other case it is the gradual evolution of the
*** FIRMAMENTS [the sky, the "roof" over the earth] form of the earth, its mountains and seas, and its animal and vegetable
in 2 days
---------- life, with the "nourishment in due proportion", proper to each.
:-) BLESSINGS [filling the earth with everything
needed for life] in 4 days As explained, I don't think this explanation is acceptable. But I would
--------- welcome a clearer presentation based on the text by anybody who can
=== The EARTH [the foundation] completed in 2 days
give one.

Yusuf Ali starts out his commentary with "This is a difficult passage..." Yusuf Ali reports this as THE opinion of the commentators. For the
before he tries to explain away the problem. But it just doesn't look like major commentators there does not even seem to exist the possibility of
the first two days are part of the four day period since the second period this second attempt below given by some Muslims to reconcile the
presupposes the existence of the earth which is now to be filled after it number of days from eight to six:
had been created.
Here, the commentators generally have been confronted with this
Had the first period been four and the second two days, the second could question: If it is admitted that the creation of the earth took two days and
be included in the first, since "filling the earth" is part of "creating the the setting up of the mountains and placing of the provisions and
earth", but the other way around doesn't make sense. The earth that isn't blessings in it took four days, and the creation of the heavens, took
existing yet cannot be filled. But mathematically it is just not possible to another two days, the total number of the days would be eight, whereas
include four days in two days. And it is very clear from the text that the at several places in the Quran Allah has said that the creation of the earth
first two days are connected with "creating" the next four days are and heavens took six days in all. (For example, see 7:54, 10:3, 11:7, and
characterized by "putting ON it", "bestowing on it", "giving them". 25:59). This question can easily be answered as follows:

That verse 9 and 10 describe different stages is further supported by the The two days of the creation of earth are not separable from the two days
text structure since the two phases are "separated" by the second line of in which this universe as a whole was created. If we consider the
verse 9 asking a rhetorical question to the listener/reader based on what following verses, we see that in them the creation of both the earth and
has been done in this first stage. Before it goes on to look at the second the heavens has been mentioned together, and then it has been stated that
stage of creation. Allah made the seven heavens in two days. These seven heavens imply
the whole universe, one part of which is also our earth. Then, when like
the other countless stars and planets of the universe this earth also took
the shape of a unique globe within two days, Allah began to prepare it
83 84
for animate creatures, and in four days created in it all those provisions, That the earth is finished before God turns to the creation of the heaven
which have been mentioned in the above verse. is confirmed in Sura 2:29 which says,

It is interesting to note that this second theory is sharply contradictory to He it is Who hath created for you all that is on earth.
the (usual) one given by Yusuf Ali, who includes the first two days in the Then He turned to the heaven, and made them into seven heavens.
second period of four days.
This makes again clear that all that is in/on the earth is created BEFORE
Why did Yusuf Ali not think that explanation was at least worth God turns to the creation of the seven heavens. God cannot create things
mentioning? In other difficult passages he does give several options on ON the earth before the earth itself is in existence. The Qur'an explicitly
how different scholars have explained it. The very fact that there exist denies the second of the above proposed theories trying to solve the
contradictory explanations defies the above remark that this problem problem by identifying the first and the last two days.
could "easily" be explained this way.
Having gotten a Muslim's response that the word "thumma" translated
Anyway. Above I have expressed my doubts about the validity of Yusuf above as "then" can also mean "and" and not necessarily indicates an
Ali's "harmonization", So let me explain why this explanation also falls "after" in time, I want to respond that in this verse, the meaning is crystal
short of being satisfactory for several reasons: clear to be a sequence. It doesn't even depend on the word "then" but the
verb itself indicates the sequence of doing one thing and then TURNING
The beginning of verse 11 is translated by Pickthall and Shakir by to the next. If several tasks are done parallel then there is no "turning"
"THEN turned he to the heavens..." which does for sure indicate a from on to the other.
temporal sequence. For example Pickthal:
Furthermore, there is yet to be found a verse in the Qur'an where
Then He turned to the heaven, which was only smoke at that time. He "thumma" does signify a "parallelism" and not a "sequence".
said to the heaven and the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or
unwillingly." The existance of contradictory explanations is always the result of
confusion and the sign that no theory is really fitting the data. If one
It is specifically said, that the heavens were only smoke "at that time" (as explanation would really make full sense, then all others would have
this translation says it) or "when IT was smoke" or "and IT was vapor" been abandoned long ago. This is not the case. The problem is still there
(as others say) [i.e. no stars and planets formed together yet out of the and there is no solution that really captures the features of the text as it is
smoke], which is stated in contrast to the earth whose formation was given into a coherent interpretation.
already finished as described in the immediately preceeding verses. If all
of it were to be smoke and the forming of the earth and the heavens is a I acknowledge that I am not able to read the Arabic and I investigated
parallel action, then it would have to be something like "He turned to the this passage from the English translations only but the translators are
heavens and the earth, when THEY were only like smoke ..." but that is experts in the Arabic language and usually one can trust them. I invite
not so, the smoke stage explicitely only refers to the heaven while the anybody who can give a clear exposition based on the (Arabic) text
earth is addressed as a "finished" entity when God calls heaven and earth which makes good sense and solves the problem. But reading several
together. The earth was finished, only the firmament or "roof" was left to translations which all agree on the basic features of the text, I do feel that
be finished up, and "all of it to be pulled together". my interpretation is coherent with the text, and all would be fine if this
were the only text in the Qur'an about creation of heavens and earth, but
Is that not a fair interpretation?
85 86
since other Qur'an passages say that it was six days and not eight,
therefore it is indeed a rather obvious problem. [fourth day instead of four days? he declares it to be two
days, clearly
in order to avoid just the above pointed out difficulty.
He probably
means that God created "the earth AND what is in it" in 4
But this scenario also has its scientific problems. If we want to believe days, just as
Yusuf Ali reports it as the general opinion of the
that the earth was fashioned and filled with life first before the "smoke" commentators.]
was gathered into forming the heavens [stars, planets] then this
contradicts very clearly all (current) scientific theories of astronomy. 41:12 2 days meaning Thursday and Friday.

In any case, we do see that both the above quoted hadith as well as this
Further there is a hadith in Sahih Muslim, Chapter MCLV, The tafsir take the days literally, contradicting several "modern Muslims"
beginning of creation and the creation of Adam, Hadith No. 6707: who rather want to interpret these days as "periods" or "epochs". But
obviously Muhammad himself as well as the early commentators did not
Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (mpbuh) took hold of my see it that way.
hands and said: Allah the Exalted and Glorious, created the clay on
Saturday and He created the mountains on Sunday and He created the The tafsir in contradiction to the hadith seems to confess that Saturday is
trees on Monday and He created the things entailing labour on Tuesday the Sabbath [day of rest] like in the Bible.
and created light on Wednesday and He caused animals to spread on
Thursday and created Adam (pbuh) after 'Asr on Friday; the last creation Jochen Katz
at the last hour of the hours of Friday, ie. between afternoon and night.

From Saturday to Friday there are seven days. Now this doesn't say that
these are all the days of creation, but there are at least seven days, Postscript
maybe eight or more. But it does disagree without reconciliation with the
account of the six day creation. And within these seven days Allah hasn't There is an additional problem with this passage, namely a grammatical
done anything on the heavens yet. one. According to the late Iranian Islamic scholar, Ali Dashti, there is an
error regarding the grammar of 41:11. Dashti wrote:
Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 3, Number 1041 & 1042 also mention the
creation of Adam on Friday. This does not square with the interpretation ... Sky and earth in Arabic are feminine nouns, and the verb "said" in
of days as "long periods". A Friday is not longer than a day and the other verse ten [note: in most English translations it is verse eleven] is
weekdays are not either. accordingly feminine and dual; but the adjective "willing" at the end of
the verse is masculine and plural, and thus at variance with the rules of
In Tafsir Al-Jalalyn we find this explanation: the Arabic grammar. (Dashti, 23 Years: A Study of the Prophetic Career
of Mohammad, translated from the Persian by F.R.C. Bagley [Mazda
Publishers, Costa Mesa, CA 1994], p. 163; bold emphasis mine)
41:9 2 days meaning Sunday and Monday
41:10 4 days meaning Tuesday and Wednesday

87 88
Arabic, unlike English, has not only singular and plural forms of verbs Does this aya not say that God creates instantaneous? Does this really
and adjectives. It also has a dual form that is used when the referent leave room for billions of years of development?
consists of two entities. The plural is used when three or more entities
are in view. Verbs and adjectives also take on masculine and feminine Six days are still pretty quick and acceptable in the range of "Be! And it
forms as a way of corresponding to or identifying the gender of the is" given the massive size of the universe and the complexity of life ...,
subject or object within the sentence. To help the readers appreciate but wouldn't it be quite a stretch to translate Sura 2:117 as "When He
Dashti's point the following sentence is an attempt to mimic the error in decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! And it finally came to pass
the English: after about 10 billion years."?

Rachel and Mary both said, "The three of us men come willingly." And he said to Adam: "Be! And as evolution went its way, after about 3
billion years, Adam emerged."
Anyone reading this can clearly see the considerable grammatical errors
of the sentence, confusing both gender and numbers. This is precisely Again, this can be harmonized with a dose of good will. But these
what we find in Surah 41:11. contradiction pages are written for those Muslims who have little good
will and who insist on a literal reading of the Bible so that contradictions
Quick or Slow Creation? may emerge. Therefore, insisting on a literal reading of the Qur'an, we
manage to do just the same.
We find in the Qur'an
Notes:
7:54
Lo! your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in 1. For example on Shabir Ally's page.
six Days, ...
See also our Qur'an and Science section.
Many Muslims in recent days try to become modern in their
interpretation and bring the six days into line with cosmology and its
currently proposed 15 billion years as age of the universe. So, they claim
that the word for day does not only mean day, but can mean period, or A Muslim response which forgets to take into account that the
even eon. And they even claim that the Qur'an is on this very much in understanding of "yawm" as ordinary week days are not just those of
line with science in this regard,[1] even though the earlier commentators fallible scholars, but the understanding of Muhammad himself as pointed
and Muhammad himself took the creation days to be literal 24 hours out in the link above. The author then added a comment on the above
week days. hadith.

Yet the Qur'an makes another statement about the speed of Allah's Qur'an Contradiction:
creation:
Heaven or Earth, which was created first?
2:117
The Originator of the heavens and the earth!
When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: "Be!" And it is.

89 90
He it is Who hath created for you all that is on earth. with gross scientific errors, showing quite clearly that the Quran is
Then He turned to the heaven, and made them into seven heavens. -- incompatible with established scientific theories and fact.
Sura 2:29
This said, we therefore proceed with our examination of key Quranic
Sura 41:9-12 also gives details on the creation process and confirms that passages and the authentic Muslim interpretation of these passages to
the earth was created first and then the heavens. But then we read also: show whether Naik's claim of scientific compatibility holds any weight.

Are you the harder to create, or is the heaven that He built? Say: Is it that ye deny Him Who created the earth in two Days?
He raised the height thereof and ordered it; And do ye join equals with Him? He is the Lord of (all) the
and He has made dark the night thereof, and He brought forth the morn Worlds. He set on the (earth), mountains standing firm, high
thereof. above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth, and measure
And after that, He spread out the earth. -- Sura 79:27-30 therein its sustenance, in four Days, alike for (all) who ask.
THEN (thumma) He turned to the sky, and it had been (as)
Response to Zakir Naik's Claims for the Quran, Appendix smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together,
willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We do come (together), in
The Quranic Account of Creation and Science willing obedience." So He completed them as seven firmaments
in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and
Sam Shamoun command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and
(provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted
in Might, Full of Knowledge. S. 41:9-12

Dr. Zakir Naik claims that the Quranic account of creation is compatible It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth;
with modern scientific views on the origin of the universe. Naik also THEN (thumma) He turned to the heavens, and made them into
asserts that the Genesis account of creation is totally incompatible with seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.
science. S. 2:29

Seeing that this has already been addressed in the second part of our Dr. William Campbell comments:
rebuttal, we would simply like to strengthen the case against the Quran's
alleged compatibility with modern science. a. The Quranic Days of Creation.

As we examine both the Quran and the Muslim interpretation of In Chapter II of Section I, we talked about the meaning of the
particular Quranic passages, one thing clearly sticks out. Namely, Dr. word "smoke" in relation to the days of creation. In this section
Naik regularly neglects the authentic interpretation of his own prophet we want to look a little more at the number of days and their
Muhammad in relation to key Quranic passages that Naik often uses to order. There are seven references which speak of God creating
show compatibility with modern science. Dr. Naik seems to realize that the heavens and the earth in six days - 7:54, 10:3, 11:7, 25:59,
he must discard his own prophet's interpretation to maintain credibility 32:4, 50:38, and 57:4. Of these it will be sufficient to quote the
with both scientists and laypersons. This is due primarily to the fact that Late Meccan Sura of Jonah (Yunus) 10:3, which includes all the
ascribing to Muhammad's understanding of the Quran would leave Naik information given by the others.

91 92
"Indeed, your Lord is God Who created the heavens and and going along together, thus allowing a total of only six days.
the earth in six days, then He mounted on the throne That still leaves the problem of the earth being formed, cooled,
directing all things. There is no intercessor except after and growing nourishment, before the heavens are formed - a
his permission. That is God your Lord, so worship Him." sequence which is also found in the Sura of the Heifer (Al-
Baqara) 2:29 which says,
That all sounds very straight forward, but in the Late Meccan
Sura of Ha-Mim Al-Sajda 41:9-12, it reads, "He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then
He turned to the heaven, and fashioned it as seven
"Say, 'Do you deny Him Who created the earth in two heavens."
days? And do you join equals to Him? He is the Lord of
the worlds, and He placed therein firm hills rising above These Quranic statements do not agree at all with modern
it, and blessed it and measured therein its nourishment in theories of the beginning of the universe, but I shall allow
four days, according to (the need) of those who ask (for others to attempt a solution to that. (Campbell, The Qur'an &
food). Then He turned equally to the heaven when it was the Bible in the Light of History & Science [Middle East
smoke, and said unto it and unto the earth, "Come Resources 1992, ISBN 1-881085-00-7], pp. 178-179; bold italic
together willingly or unwillingly." They both said, "We emphasis ours)
come obediently." And He completed them seven heavens
in two days and inspired in each heaven its command, Not only do the passages above contradict modern science, but they also
and We adorned the lower heaven with lamps and contradict the following Quranic passage as well:
rendered it guarded. That is the decree of the Mighty, the
Knower.'" What! Are ye the more difficult to create or the heaven (above)?
(Allah) hath constructed it: On high hath He raised its canopy,
It doesn't take a genius in mathematics to read this and see that it and He hath given it order and perfection. Its night doth He
seems to say that God made the earth in two days, and the endow with darkness, and its splendor doth He bring out (with
nourishment according to the needs of each one in four days, light). And the earth, MOREOVER (bad'a), hath He extended (to
which makes a total of six. And after the mountains were formed a wide expanse); He draweth out therefrom its water and its
and nourishment - presumably plants and animals - THEN God pasture; And the mountains hath He firmly fixed;- S. 79:27-32
made the seven heavens in two days for a total of eight days.
According to this passage, the heavens came first then the earth.
So now we have a contradiction!?
To resolve these problems, Muslims posit new meanings to already
The Qur'an says seven times that God did it in six days, while established Arabic words. Worse still, Muslims attach meanings to
here it says eight days, so what does one do? According to the words that, although valid for a different era, were not known or defined
rule suggested by Aristotle which was quoted at the end of as such by either Muhammad or his companions.
Section Three, Chapter I, we should give the benefit of the doubt
to the author, and not take it to ourselves. For instance, Muslims presume that the term thumma does not
necessarily imply sequential or chronological time. Rather, the term can
Therefore, it seems logical to make the basic assumption that in also denote parallel action as well.
Muhammad's understanding some of these days were concurrent
93 94
Words have different meanings in different context at different times. "We have stated before that time is but hours of night and day
Hence, we must read the available literature from the seventh century and that the hours are but traversal by the sun and the moon of
Arabia in order to know what thumma meant to Muhammad and his the degrees of the sphere. Now then, this being so, there is (also)
companions. We are reminded of the words of Abdullah Yusuf Ali: a sound tradition from the Messenger of God told us by Hannad
b. al-Sari, who also said that he read all of the hadith (to Abu
"Every serious writer and thinker has a right to use all the Bakr)- Abu Bakr b. 'Ayyash- Abu Sa'd al-Baqqal- 'Ikrimah- Ibn
knowledge and experience he possesses in the service of the Abbas: The Jews came to the Prophet and asked him about the
Qur'an. But he must not mix up his own theories and creation of the heavens and the earth. He said: God created the
conclusions, however reasonable, with the interpretation of earth on Sunday and Monday. He created the mountains and
the Text itself, which is usually perfectly perspicuous, as it the uses they possess on Tuesday. On Wednesday, He created
claims to be. Our difficulties in interpretation often arise from trees, water, cities and the cultivated barren land. These are four
various causes, of which I will mention just a few: (days). He continued (citing the Qur'an): 'Say: Do you really not
believe in the One Who created the earth in two days, and set up
"(1) Arabic words in the Text have acquired other meanings than others like Him? That is the Lord of the worlds. He made it
those which were understood by the Apostle and his firmly anchored (mountains) above it and blessed it and decreed
Companions. All living languages undergo such transformations. that it contain the amount of food it provides, (all) in four days,
The early Commentators and Philologists went into these equally for those asking'- for those who ask. On Thursday, He
matters with a very comprehensive grasp, and we must created heaven. On Friday, He created the stars, the sun, the
accept their conclusions. Where they are not unanimous, we moon, and the angels, until three hours remained. In the first
must use our judgment and historic sense in adopting the of these three hours He created the terms (of human life), who
interpretation of that authority which appeals to us most. We would live and who would die. In the second, He cast harm upon
must not devise new verbal meanings." (Yusuf Ali as cited by everything that is useful for mankind. And in the third, (He
Dr. William Campbell, The Qur'an and the Bible in the light of created) Adam and had him dwell in Paradise. He commanded
History and Science [Middle East Resources, PO Box 96, Upper Iblis to prostrate himself before Adam, and He drove Adam out
Darby, PA 19082), pp. 9-10) of Paradise at the end of the hour. When the Jews asked: What
then, Muhammad? He said: 'Then He sat straight upon the
Therefore, we must look at the way the early Muslim scholars Throne.' The Jews said: You are right, if you had finished, they
understood the term thumma, especially its use in the context of creation. said, with: Then He rested. Whereupon the Prophet got very
Once this is done, one discovers that both Muhammad and his angry, and it was revealed: 'We have created the heavens and the
Companions believed that the earth was created first and then the earth and what is between them in six days, and fatigue did not
heavens. This indicates that nearly all the early Muslims understood the touch Us. Thus be patient with what you say.'"
use of thumma in the Quranic account of creation as referring to
sequential or chronological development or time. Most, if not all, According to this tradition from Ibn Abbas, Muhammad believed the
Muslim commentators such as at-Tabari and Ibn Kathir record this fact. earth and everything within it was created on the first four days whereas
The following traditions are taken entirely from The History of al- the heavens and the constellations were created afterwards on Thursday
Tabari, Volume 1- General Introduction and from the Creation to the and Friday. Hence, Muhammad believed that vegetation was created
Flood (trans. Franz Rosenthal, State University of New York Press, even before the heavens and the sun, a gross scientific error!
Albany 1989), pp. 187-193:

95 96
"According to al-Muthanna- al-Hajjaj- Hammad- 'Ata' b. al-Sa'ib- the sun and the entire constellations after the earth and its nourishment
'Ikrimah: The Jews asked the Prophet: What about Sunday? had already been made.
The Messenger of God replied: On it, God created the earth
and spread it out. They asked about Monday, and he replied: On Ibn Kathir comments on S. 2:29:
it, He created Adam. They asked about Tuesday, and he replied:
On it, He created the mountains, water, and so on. They asked Before Allah mentioned proof of the creation to the disbelievers
about Wednesday, and he replied: Food. They asked about and what they witness in themselves. In this verse, He mentions
Thursday, and he replied: He created the heavens. They asked another proof of the creation of the heavens and the earth: <He
about Friday, and he replied: God created night and day. Then, created for you all that there is on earth; then He turned to
when they asked about Saturday and mentioned God's rest(ing on the sky and fashioned it into seven heavens.>
it), he exclaimed: God be praised! God then revealed: 'We have
created the heavens and the earth and what is between them in six Mujahid said that Allah created the earth before the heavens,
days, and fatigue did not touch Us.'" and when He did, smoke evolved and rose- by the will of Allah-
<then He turned to the sky>. The action of turning to the sky
We again have the heavens being created after the earth. involves movement because the verb is followed by the
preposition (to). <and fashioned it into seven heavens.> that is
At-Tabari then comments: created seven heavens. The interpreters do not agree as to
whether Allah created the earth before the heavens or vice versa.
"The two reports transmitted by us from the Messenger of Each has evidence although the evidence of those supporting
God have made it clear that the sun and the moon were the opinion that the creation of the earth preceded the heavens
created after God had created many things of His creation. IS STRONGER BECAUSE ALLAH SAID: <He created for
That is because the hadith of Ibn Abbas on the authority of you all that there is on the earth; then he turned to the sky>
the Messenger of God indicates that God created the sun and using the adverb "then", WHICH IMPLIES SEQUENCE, that
the moon on Friday. If this is so, earth and heaven and what was is Allah created the earth and what is in it, then He moved to the
in them, except the angels and Adam, had been created before sky and fashioned it into seven heavens. On the other hand, those
God created the sun and the moon. All this (thus) existed while who support the opinion that the creation of the heavens was
there was no light and no day, since night and day are but before the earth refer to the verse <What! Are you harder to
nouns designating hours known through the traversal by the sun create than the heaven which He has built? He raised it high
and the moon of the course of the sphere. Now, if it is correct that and fashioned it. He made dark its night and brought out its
the earth and the heaven and what was between them, except light. And after that He spread the earth, And then drew its
what we have mentioned, were in existence when there was no water and its pastures. Then the mountains he fixed:> (79:27-
sun and no moon, the conclusion is that all existed when there 32) This was narrated by Ibn Jarir who quoted Qatadah.
was no night or day. The same (conclusion results from) the However, this opinion is not sound; in fact, the truth is the
following hadith of Abu Hurayrah reported on the authority of reverse. Al-Bukhari mentions in his Sahih that when Ibn 'Abbas
the Messenger of God: God created light on Wednesday- was asked about this very issue his reply was that the earth was
meaning by 'light' the sun, if God wills." created before the heavens, and that it was spread out after the
creation of the heavens. The phrase 'spread out' was further
At-Tabari is therefore honest enough to state that both the Quran and explained in the verse <And after that he spread the earth,
Muhammad's interpretation of it clearly posit the creation of the heavens, And then drew from it water and pastures. Then the
97 98
mountains He fixed:> (79:31-32) whereby the action of ... And Allah says:
spreading is explained by drawing out the water stored in it and
thus causing plants to flourish in their myriad types, forms, kinds, <Are you more difficult to create or is the heaven that He
colours and shapes. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir - Part 1 Surah Al-Fatiah constructed?> until; ...
Surah Al-Baqara, ayat 1 to 141, abridged by Shaikh Muhammad
Nasib Ar-Rafai'i [Al-Firdous Ltd., London, 1998 second edition], <And after that He spread the earth.> (79:27-32)
pp. 92-93; bold italic emphasis ours)
So He mentioned the creation of the heavens before the earth,
Here also is Ibn Kathir's lengthy commentary on S. 41:9-12: then He said:

<Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days> (7:54), <Say: "Do you verily disbelieve in Him who created the earth in
two Days?" ...> until; ...
is explained in more detail; the creation of the earth and the
creation of the heaven are discussed separately. Allah says that <We come willingly.> Here He mentioned the creation of the
He created the earth FIRST, because it is the foundation, and earth before the creation of the heavens ...’
the foundation should be built first, then the roof. Allah says
elsewhere: Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with Him, replied: ‘...

<He it is Who created for you all that is on the earth. Then He Allah created the earth in two days, THEN He created the
rose over (Istawa ila) the heaven and made them seven heavens> heavens, THEN He (Istawa ila) the heaven and gave it its shape
in two more days. THEN He spread the earth, which means that
With regard to the Ayat ... He brought forth there from its water and its pasture. And he
created the mountains, sands, inanimate things, rocks and
<Are you more difficult to create or is the heaven that He hills and everything in between, in two more days. This is
constructed? He raised its height, and has perfected it. Its night what Allah says:
He covers with darkness and its forenoon He brings out (with
light). And after that He spread the earth, And brought forth its <(He) spread (the earth)> (79:30)
water and its pasture; And the mountains He has fixed firmly, (to
be) a provision and benefit for you and your cattle.> (79:27-33) And Allah saying:

This Ayah states that the spreading of the earth came after the <(He) created the earth in two Days> So He created the earth
creation of the heavens, but the earth itself was created and everything in it in four days, and He created the heavens in
BEFORE the heavens according to some texts. THIS WAS two days ...’" (Tafsir Ibn Kathir - Abridged Volume 8 Surat Al-
THE RESPONSE OF IBN 'ABBAS, may Allah be pleased Ahzab, verse 51 to the end of Surat Ad-Dukhan, pp. 517-521;
with him, as recorded by Al-Bukhari in his Tafsir of this Ayah bold and capital emphasis ours)
in his Sahih. He recorded that Sa'id bin Jubayr said: "A man said
to Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, saying: ‘I find Ibn Kathir continues:
some things in the Qur'an which confuse me: ...

99 100
<(He) created the earth in two Days> means Sunday and Muhammad states that vegetation preceded the formation of light, i.e. the
Monday... sun. This presumes that the heavens were fashioned after God had
already created the earth and all its nourishment.
<He placed therein firm mountains from above it, and He blessed
it.> Some Muslims have tried to claim that this tradition is weakly attested.
Yet, M.S.M Saifullah notes that not all Muslims agree that this hadith is
means, He blessed it and gave it the potential to be planted with weak. In a footnote to on his articles, # 64, Saifullah quotes some
seeds and bring forth produce... Muslims that believed this tradition to be actually sound:

<And measured therein its sustenance> 64. Ibn Taimiyyah, Majmu' Fatawa (37 vols., ed. Abd al-Rahmân
b. Qasim & his son Muhammad, Riyad, 1398), 18:18f. Ibn
means, what its people need of provision and places in which to Taimiyyah mentions that Imâm Muslim's authentication of
plant things and grow crops. This was on Tuesday and this hadîth is supported by Abû Bakr al-Anbari & Ibn al-
Wednesday, which together with the two previous days add Jauzi, whereas al-Baihaqi supports those who disparaged it. Al-
up to four days... Albani says that it was Ibn al-Madini who criticised it, whereas
Ibn Ma'in did not (the latter was known to be very strict,
...<Then He completed and finished their creation (as) seven both of them were shaikhs of al-Bukhârî). He further says
heavens in two Days> that the hadîth is Sahih, and does not contradict the Qur'ân,
contrary to the probable view of the scholars who criticised
means, He finished forming them as seven heavens in two more the hadîth, since what is mentioned in the Qur'ân is the
days, which were Thursday and Friday. (Ibid., pp. 521-522; creation of the heavens and the earth in six days, each of
bold emphasis ours) which may be like a thousand years, whereas the hadîth
refers to the creation of the earth only, in days which are
The problem with Ibn Kathir's proposed harmonization is that it shorter than those referred to in the Qur'ân (Silsilah al-
contradicts both the Quran in S. 41:9-12 and the traditions cited earlier Ahadîth as-Sahihah, no. 1833). (Source: this article)
by at-Tabari that the earth and all its life-sustaining items, such as
vegetation, was created before the heavens, a fact affirmed in Sahih Ibn Kathir himself cites this hadith from Abu Hurayrah with approval.
Muslim, Chapter MCLV, The beginning of creation and the creation of Ibn Kathir commented on S. 7:54 stating:
Adam, Hadith No. 6707:
Imam Ahmad recorded Abu Huraryah saying: Allah's Messenger
"Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (mpbuh) took hold told me:...
of my hands and said: Allah the Exalted and Glorious, created the
clay on Saturday and He created the mountains on Sunday and ((Allah created the dust on Saturday, and He created the
He created the trees on Monday and He created the things mountains on Sunday, and He created the trees on Monday, and
entailing labour on Tuesday and created light on Wednesday He created the unpleasant things on Tuesday and He created the
and He caused animals to spread on Thursday and created Adam light on Wednesday and He spread the creatures through out it
(pbuh) after 'Asr on Friday; the last creation at the last hour of the on Thursday and He created Adam after 'Asr on between 'Asr and
hours of Friday, ie. Between afternoon and night." the night.)) (Tafsir Ibn Kathir - Abridged Volume 4, Surat Al-
A'raf to the end of Sura Yunus, p. 77)
101 102
Here is Yusuf Ali's footnote to S. 41:9-12, #4470: the earth that He spread out thereafter. He brought forth from it
its water and its pasture, and the mountains He anchored firmly."
"...The Commentators understand the 'four Days' in verse 10 to It means that He created the heavens and the earth. When he had
include the two Days in verse 9, so that the total for the universe finished with heaven before creating food of the earth, He
comes to six Days. This is reasonable, because the processes spread the food on it after creating heaven. And He firmly
described in verses 9 and 10 form really one series. In one anchored the mountains. This is meant by "spreading it out." The
case it is the creation of the formless matter of the earth; in food and the plants of the earth used to be good only on the night
the other case it is the gradual evolution of the form of the and the day. This (meant by) God's word: "And it was the earth
earth, its mountains and seas, and its animal and vegetable He spread out thereafter." Have you not heard that He continues:
life, with the 'nourishment in due proportion', proper to each. "He brought forth from it its water and its pasture"?

Hence, Yusuf Ali concurs with our assessment. Abu Ja'far (al-Tabari) says: Regarding this, the correct
statement, in our opinion, is the one of those who said: God
So problematic the passage S. 79:27-32 turned out to be for Muslims, created the earth on Sunday. He created the heaven on
that At-Tabari presents their struggles in trying to reconcile this passage Thursday, and He created the stars and the sun and the moon
with the other Quranic verses stating that heaven was created after the on Friday. (We consider it correct) because of the soundness
earth: of the report mentioned earlier on the authority of Ibn
'Abbas from the Messenger of God. The tradition transmitted to
Others said: God created the earth with the food it provides us on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas is not impossible. It says that
before heaven, without spreading it out. "Then He stretched out God created the earth but did not spread it out. Then He created
straight toward heaven and fashioned it into seven heavens." the heavens "and fashioned them (into seven heavens)," and
thereafter "spread out" the earth. "He then brought forth its water
Thereafter, He spread out the earth. and its pasture, and the mountains He anchored firmly." Indeed,
in my opinion this is the correct statement. That is because the
Those who said meaning of "spreading out" is different from that of "creating."
God says, "Are you more difficult to create than the haven He
According to 'Ali b. Dawud- Abu Salih ('Abdallah b. Salih_- constructed? He raised high its roof and fashioned it. He
Mua'wiyah (b. Salih)- 'Ali b. Abi Talhah- Ibn 'Abbas, darkened its night and brought forth its morning. And it was the
commenting on God's word when He mentioned the creation of earth He spread out thereafter. He brought forth from it its water
the earth before heaven and then mentioned heaven before and its pasture, and the mountains He anchored firmly." (Ibid.,
the earth: (It is explained by the fact that) He created the earth pp. 214-216)
with the food it provides before heaven, without spreading it out.
"Then He stretched out straight toward heaven and fashioned it The preceding hadiths transmitted on the authority of Ibn Abbas claim
into seven heavens." Thereafter, He spread out the earth. This is that the earth's nourishment, i.e. food, water etc., was created only after
(meant by) God's word: "And it was the earth that He spread out the formation of the heavens. As was already noted, this contradicts S.
thereafter." 41:9-12 as well as the other traditions and Yusuf Ali's footnote that posit
the creation of food, vegetation etc. prior to the formation of the heavens.
According to Muhammad b. Sa'd- his father- his paternal uncle- Therefore, these hadiths along with Yusuf Ali's comments leave no room
his father- his father- Ibn 'Abbas, commenting on: "And it was for understanding S. 79:27-32 in the manner prescribed by Ibn Kathir.
103 104
At-Tabari also comments on those who would try to translate ba'da in S. between the two in both cases) disbelieve in Him Who created
79:27-32 to mean other than "after that": the earth in two days, Sunday and Monday, and ascribe to Him
associates? That is the Lord, in other words, the Possesser, of
Someone might say: You realize that a number of interpreters [all] the Worlds (al-'ālamīn, the plural of 'ālam, which denotes
have considered God's word: "And it was the earth that He spread everything apart from God. On account of the variety [of beings]
out thereafter," to mean: "He spread out simultaneously" that it subsumes, it has been expressed in the plural form ending
(attributing to the preposition ba'da "after" the meaning of with -īn, as a way of giving prevalence [in the address] to rational
ma'a " together [simultaneous] with"). Now, what is your beings). (Source)
evidence for the soundness of your statement that we have here
the meaning of "after", the opposite of "before"? The reply would And He set (wa-ja'ala, the beginning of a new [independent]
be: The meaning of "after" generally known in Arabic sentence and cannot be a supplement to [the preceding] relative
speech, as we have said, is that of the opposite of "before," clause containing alladhī, 'Who', because of the intervening
and not "simultaneous with." Now, word meanings clause that is [syntactically] unrelated) therein firm mountains
considered applicable are those that are preponderant and [rising] above it, and blessed it, with an abundance of water,
generally known among speakers (of a language), and no crops and stock, and ordained, divided, therein its [various means
others are. (Ibid., p. 216) of] sustenance, for human beings and beasts, in four, complete,
days - in other words, the 'setting therein [of mountains]'
The renowned Muslim commentators, the two Jalals, were also of the together with what has been mentioned in addition [all] took
opinion that the earth was fashioned before the heavens. They write in place on Tuesday and Wednesday - evenly (sawā'an, in the
reference to S. 2:29: accusative because it is a verbal noun) in other words, the four
days were exactly four, neither less nor more, for [all] enquirers,
He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth, that is, the about the creation of the earth and all that is in it. (Source; bold
earth and all that is in it, so that you may benefit from and learn and underline emphasis ours)
lessons from it; then, after creating the earth, He turned to, that is,
He made His object, heaven and levelled them (fa-sawwāhunna: Then He turned to the heaven when it was smoke, [consisting of]
the pronoun [-hunna] refers to 'heaven', since, it [heaven] is rising vapours, and He said to it and to the earth, "Come both of
implicit in the import of the sentence attributed to it [the you, to what I desire from you, willingly, or unwillingly!"
pronoun]), that is to say, He made them thus, as [He says] in (taw'an aw karhan, their [syntactical] locus is that of a
another verse, [fa-qadāhunna] so He determined them [Q. circumstantial qualifier, in other words, '[Come] being obedient
41:12]) seven heavens and He has knowledge of all things, in or coerced'). They said, "We come, together with all those
their totality and in their individual detail, so do you not then inhabiting us, willingly!" (tā'i'īna mainly indicates masculine
think that the One who has the power to create this to begin with, rational beings; it may also be that they are referred to in this way
which is much greater than what you are, also has the power to because they are being addressed thus). (Source)
bring you back [after death]? (Tafsir al-Jalalayn; source)
Then He ordained them (the [suffixed] pronoun refers back to al-
And here is what they say regarding 41:9-12: samā', 'the heaven', because it [al-samā'] actually denotes that
plural [sense] to which it will lead [in the following clause), in
Say: 'Do you [really] (read a-innakum, pronouncing both hamzas, other words, He made them to be, seven heavens in two days -
or by not pronouncing the second one but inserting an alif Thursday and Friday. He completed them in the last hour
105 106
thereof, in which He created Adam - which is why He does not try you, which of you is best in conduct. Yet if thou (O
say sawā'an, 'evenly' here [as He did earlier]; what is said here Muhammad) sayest: Lo! ye will be raised again after death! those
concords with those verse in which it is stated that the heavens who disbelieve will surely say: This is naught but mere magic. S.
and the earth were created in six days; and in each heaven He 11:7
revealed its commandment', that to which He commanded those
in it [to follow], in the way of obedience and worship. And We A revelation from Him Who created the earth AND (wa) the high
adorned the lowest heaven with lamps, with stars, and [this was heavens, S. 20:4
also] to guarded them (hifzan is in the accusative because of its
implicit verbal sense, in other words, 'We guarded it against the Who created the heavens AND (wa) the earth AND (wa) all that
devils lest they try to listen therein [to the angels] by stealth with is between them in six Days, THEN (thumma) He mounted the
meteors'). That is the ordaining of the Mighty, in His kingdom, Throne. The Beneficent! Ask anyone informed concerning Him!
the Knower, of His creatures. (Source; bold and underline S. 25:59
emphasis ours)
And verily We created the heavens AND (wa) the earth, AND
Clearly even these scholars believed that the earth was created before the (wa) all that is between them, in six Days, and naught of
heaven! weariness touched Us. S. 50:38

Now the author of the Quran could have avoided all these difficulties by He it is Who created the heavens AND the earth in six Days;
using a different word in place of thumma, a word which does not THEN (thumma) He mounted the Throne. He knoweth all that
necessarily convey sequence or chronology. For instance, the Quran in entereth the earth and all that emergeth therefrom and all that
several places mentions the creation of the heavens and the earth by cometh down from the sky and all that ascendeth therein; and He
either placing heavens before the earth or vice-versa, where the Arabic is with you wheresoever ye may be. And Allah is Seer of what ye
wa (and) is used in place of thumma: do. S. 57:4

Lo! your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens AND (wa) the It is evident that the Arabic conjunction, wa, in these passages is not
earth in six Days, THEN (thumma) mounted He the Throne. He meant to emphasize the order of creation, i.e. that the heavens were
covereth the night with the day, which is in haste to follow it, created first etc., but to creation in general, i.e. that God created the
AND (wa) hath made the sun AND (wa) the moon AND (wa) the entire cosmos. In some of these passages the conjunction stands in
stars subservient by His command. His verily is all creation and contrast to thumma, where thumma clearly conveys sequence or time.
commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Worlds! S. 7:54 For instance, thumma is used in relation to God assuming the throne after
finishing his work of creation. This shows that thumma, at least in these
Lo! your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens AND (wa) the passages, implies a time sequence.
earth in six Days, THEN (thumma) He established Himself upon
the Throne, directing all things. There is no intercessor (with Thus, the author of the Quran knew of a word (wa) that does not
Him) save after His permission. That is Allah, your Lord, so necessarily imply time or order, and even used it when recounting the
worship Him. Oh, will ye not remind? S. 10:3 creation account. This clearly provides additional evidence for our claim
that the author, by not using this word in surahs 2:29 and 41:9-12, truly
And He it is Who created the heavens AND (wa) the earth in six believed that the earth was created before the heavens and used a word
Days - AND (wa) His Throne was upon the water - that He might
107 108
(thumma), which primarily denotes time sequence and/or order, to "Our religion is based on the Qur'an and the Hadith, 50-50."
convey that.
To give another example of the importance of the Hadith (also
This, therefore, leaves us with an irreconcilable contradiction not just called "traditions" in English) it has recently been reported that
with established scientific theories, but within the Quran itself. 200,000 volumes of the Qur'an and the Hadith of Al-Bukhari
have now been printed in the Uygur language in China. We
Dr. Naik is a Sunni Muslim. Therefore, as a Sunni Muslim we presume would expect that after many years of persecution under atheism
he accepts the authority of both the Sunnah and the authentic Hadiths and the Red Guard, the Muslims would want to reprint the Qur'an
since these things are foundational for Sunni Muslims. As Dr. William just as the Chinese Christians want to reprint the Bible. But we
Campbell notes: see that in addition they wished to print a collection of the
Hadith.[1] (Al-Bukhari, along with Muslim, is one of the most
The word Hadith could be translated as a speech or a saying or respected of those who collected the traditions of Muhammad.)
even small talk. But in Islamic theology the term refers to a
narrative concerning a deed or utterance of the Prophet When in conversation, Muslims quote Hadith almost as often as
Muhammad reported by his companions. These are broken down the Qur'an to prove a doctrine under discussion. One friend
into various classes such as the Hadith Qudsi in which God explained it this way, "The Qur'an gives the basic doctrine. The
Himself speaks, and the Hadith Nabawi in which the words, and Hadith shows the things which are not clear in the Qur'an and
the custom or practice (Sunna) of Muhammad are recorded. makes plain the decrees of the Qur'an".

At one time the words "sunna" and "hadith" were almost The Editor of the book Quarante Hadiths de Imam Nawawi[2]
synonymous, but later the word "sunna" came to have a special says in his preface, "The Qur'an, the word of God revealed to
religious meaning. The sayings and practices of Muhammad, in Muhammad; and the Hadith, the teachings of the Prophet, are the
addition to being repeated for the spiritual edification of the two sources of Islam. The knowledge of this religion would be
believer, were codified as legally binding precedents. Called the impossible apart from these two texts." (Ibid., pp. 54-55)
"Sunna", it thus became a second source of law in addition to the
law found in the Qur'an, and the following story will help us And,
understand its importance.
As I said above, this was all very puzzling. On the one hand the
After having lived in Tunisia for some time, I met a Mu'addib. A Hadith seemed extremely important; and on the other hand it
Mu'addib is a person who helps the families of the dead in their seemed arbitrary and not important at all. Then I read Fazlur
mourning by reciting the Qur'an over the graves of the dead Rahman's book entitled Islam, in which he makes the following
relatives. This man, though poorly dressed, was very well statement:
informed. Not only did he know his own religion, but he was "For, if the Hadith as a whole is cast away, the basis for
knowledgeable about many subjects - quoting Abraham Lincoln the historicity of the Qur'an is removed at one
and other men of history. stroke."[11] (Italics his, boldfacing mine)

As we talked, the conversation turned to religion, and when he Some readers may disagree with this statement, but if they
spoke about Islam he made the following statement, consider it carefully, I think that they will have to agree that it is
true. For although the Qur'an contains narrative material, it has
109 110
very little narrative material about Muhammad's life, the battles Allah has created souls devoted to the mission of preserving
he fought, etc. the Sunnah. (Ibid, p. 5; bold emphasis ours)

Therefore it is true, if the Hadith as a whole were removed, we The author himself notes,
would know almost nothing about how Muhammad used to go
out to fast and meditate in a cave, or how the first revelation The Qur'an is both the foundation and fountain of Faith and,
came, or the flight to Medina. Though the Battle of Badr is very among the fundamentals of Divine Law, the Shari'ah, its place is
important to Islamic history, it is mentioned by name exactly one unique. Its purpose however is only to lay down the principles.
time in the Qur'an, in the Sura of the Family of 'Imran (Ali Its elaboration and interpretation are left to the Sunnah and
'Imran) 3:123 from 2-3 AH. To understand what happened and the Hadith. (Ibid., p. 8)
why it was so important one must turn to the Hadith, and in
Section Three, Chapter III of this book, almost all the material on And,
the origin of the Qur'an is from the Hadith.
Along with the teaching of the Scripture, the teaching of 'wisdom'
The logical conclusion is that the Qur'an, believed by every has also been declared to be the Prophet's function.
Muslim to be pure revelation, can only be proved and
justified as pure revelation, by using the human,[12] less For a proper understanding of the word 'wisdom' we first refer to
certain material from the Hadith. Therefore every Muslim, the Qur'an itself which contains numerous verses stating that
even one who belittles the Hadith, must decide whether the 'wisdom', too, was one of the things revealed by Allah. In al-
testimony of Abu Bakr, 'Umar Ibn Khattab, 'Uthman, and the Nisa', for example, it is said:
others quoted in the Hadith is true enough and has been
transmitted with enough accuracy so that their reports of 'Allah revealeth unto thee the Scripture and wisdom, and
Muhammad bringing the Qur'an can be believed. (Ibid., pp. 60- teacheth thee that which thou knewest not. The grace of
61) Allah towards thee has been infinite (al-Nisa' 4:113).

The introduction to Muslim author, Habib-Ur-Rahman Azami's book, And in al-Baqarah:


The Sunna In Islam - The Eternal Relevance of the Teaching and
Example of the Prophet Muhammad (UK Islamic Academy, 1989), And remember Allah's grace upon you and that which He
states: hath revealed unto you of the Scripture and of wisdom,
whereby He doth exhort you (al-Baqarah 2:231).
This monograph which we are privileged to present to English
readers expounds the true role and degree of the Prophet (peace From Surah Al-Ahzab we learn that with the verses of the Qur'an,
be upon him) and establishes the eternal relevance of the Sunnah 'wisdom', also, was recited in the apartments of the pious wives
and the Qur'an. Islamic Shari'ah is complete only with recourse of the Prophet:
to both,the Qur'an and the Sunnah. As Allah has promised to
preserve the Qur'an, so also He has arranged for the And bear in mind that which is recited in your houses of
preserving of an authentic and exhaustive record of the life- the revelations of Allah and of wisdom (al-Ahzab 33:34).
example, the sayings and deeds, of the Prophet. In every age,

111 112
Now, what else was read in the houses of the Prophet's wives It is a fundamental and universally accepted principle among
apart from the Scripture? And what other things did the Prophet the Muslims and whoever denies it is not one of them. The
recite to his pious wives besides the Qur'an? It could be nothing Prophet himself said: 'The Qur'an was bestowed upon, and, along
more but his own Sunnah and Traditions. In addition, since the with it, another thing which was similar to it' (Kitab al-Ruh).
command given in this verse is to bear wisdom in mind, the (Ibid., pp. 14-15; bold emphasis ours)
necessity of learning the Sunnah and the Tradition by heart is
self-evident. Moreover, knowledge, recitation and learning by Finally, renowned Muslim scholar Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips,
heart are not an end in themselves. Their real object is in their comments on the sources Muslims must appeal in order to understand
action. From above the Tradition, therefore, the obligation to such things as possession:
act upon the Sunnah and the Tradition is manifest.
From the aforementioned arguments, it may be concluded that
So when 'wisdom' is simply another name for Sunnah, we can those who deny the possibility of diabolical possession rely on
establish from the three verses given earlier (in which 'wisdom' only two sources- Qur'anic texts and logic- while those who
like the Scriptures is stated to be a Divine revelation) that the affirm it rely on three- Qur'anic texts, texts from the Sunnah and
Sunnah, too, was taught directly by the Almighty Creator to logic. According to the correct methodology of Qur'anic
His Messenger. interpretation outlined by Ibn Katheer in the introduction of his
exegesis of the Qur'aan, the interpretations of the Sunnah are
As we turn from the Qur'an to its teacher, it again becomes clear essential for determining the correct understanding of the
that there was another thing, aside from the Qur'an, which Qur'anic text. Ibn Katheer wrote,
was revealed by Allah to the Prophet. Namely, 'wisdom'. Says
he: 'The Qur'an was bestowed upon me, and, along with it, If it is asked what is the best method of interpretation, the reply is
another thing which is similar to it' (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, that the most correct method is that of [interpretation of] the
Darmi). Qur'aan by the Qur'aan. This is because what has been
generalized in one place has been specified in another. If an
In view of these pronouncements, both from the Qur'an and the explicit explanation is not found in another verse, then the
Sunnah, the learned scholars of Islam are in agreement that the answers are found in the Sunnah, for it explains and clarifies
word 'wisdom' in, 'And teacheth you the Scripture and wisdom' the Qur'aan. In fact, Imaam Muhammad ibn Idrees ash-Shaafi'ee
(Al Imran 3:164), and in similar verses denotes the Sunnah, and said, "Whatever the Messenger of Allaah ruled was based upon
further, that the Sunnah, too, is a kind of Divine revelation. what he understood from the Qur'aan...
Ibn Qayyim, for instance, remarks: 'Allah, the Glorious One,
sent down two kinds of revelations to His Messenger and Due to this fact, the Messenger of Allaah stated,
made it obligatory to believe in and act upon both of them.
These are the Qur'an and wisdom.' Ibn Qayyim then quotes in 'I have been given the Qur'aan and something similar to it along
support the verses referred to by us earlier and goes on to say with it.'
that: 'The Scripture mentioned in them means the Qur'an and
'wisdom', in the unanimous opinion of the pious precursors, He meant the Sunnah, because the Sunnah was revealed to
the Sunnah. What the Messenger communicated after learning him as the Qur'aan was revealed, except that it was not
about it from Allah and what Allah revealed through the recited as the Qur'aan was recited. (Philips, The Exorcist
tongue of His Messenger are equally required to be accepted.
113 114
Tradition in Islaam [Dar Al Fatah; Sharjah U.A.E., 1997], pp. 87- Then He turned to the heaven, which was only smoke at that time. He
88; bold emphasis ours) said to the heaven and the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or
unwillingly." -- Sura 41:11
In light of the preceding factors and considerations we would like to ask
Zakir Naik the following questions: Have not the disbelievers seen that the heavens and the earth were one
piece and We parted them?
1. Do you accept the Sunna of your prophet? Do you accept the And we made every living thing from water. Will they not then believe?
authentic traditions attributed to your prophet? -- Sura 21:30
2. If you answer yes, then why do you neglect to include your
prophet's own interpretation and understanding of the Quranic Here does arise the question: Have heaven and earth first been of one
passages that you often use to prove scientific compatibility? piece which Allah then parts, or have they first been far apart so that He
3. Is it because you realize that to cite your prophet's own has to call them together?
interpretation of the Quran would sound the death knell to your
theory of Quranic compatibility with modern science? Qur'an Contradiction:
4. Why do you propose new interpretations and new meanings to
words that go against the consensus of Muslim commentators What was man created from?
such as Ibn Kathir and at-Tabari? Why do you propose meanings
that neither your prophet nor his companions ever dreamed of?
5. Why do you use science as the standard to test what you believe The very first revelation starts out with providing an ingredient for
to be God's truth? Is science a superior and infallible criterion contradiction:
over against what you believe to be God's ultimate Criteria, the
Quran al-Furqan? Proclaim!
6. Is it not dishonesty on your part to neglect the authoritative In the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, who created -
interpretation of your prophet in order to convince people created man, out of a mere clot of congealed blood.
ignorant of your traditions that the Quran is a scientific miracle? -- Sura 96:1-2
7. Since you believe in the Day of Judgment and eternal damnation,
do you not realize that your deceptive methods can cause Apart from the fact that "a mere blood clot" is scientifically wrong, let us
innocent people to believe in a lie and suffer eternal see what further ideas the Qur'an presents on how God creates human
consequences because of it? beings.

Perhaps Naik would care to answer these questions. Until then we will It is he who has created man from water
continue to remain in the service of our risen Lord of Glory, Jesus Christ, -- Sura 25:54
God's eternal beloved Son. Amen. Come Lord Jesus, we love you
forever! And God has created every living creature from water.
-- Sura 24:45
Calling Together or Ripping Apart?

115 116
We created man from sounding clay, As for the claim that the Qur'an is scientifically wrong,
from mud moulded into shape. I also suggest you read what Jochen has referenced. In
this link it explains the meanings of the word that has
-- Sura 15:26 been translated as "clot" and admits that it can have a
scientifically viable meaning eventhough it is trying to
Amongst his signs is this, "prove" it as unscientific.
that he created you from dust.
-- Sura 30:20 Was there a discrepancy in my making of a cake? If not,
then where is the discrepancy in the Qur'an's testimony of
what a man is made from?
Blood clot? water? clay? dust? The Qur'an doesn't really seem all that
sure what God used and seems to imply that He took just anything he
could get his hands on. But this is still not all in this confusion:
I wonder how you would look if I said "I made a cake from nothing"
God createth what He willeth: since Sura 19:67 says
When he hath decreed a plan,
He but saith to it, "Be," and it is! But does not man call to mind that We created him before out of
-- Sura 3:47 nothing?
He just says the word "be" and it is, there is no making a mess with which fits together with the above mentioned "be and it is" (3:47).
water, clay, blood clots or dust, just a clean "there it is". Right? Although you might mention different ingredients at different verses, but
none of those goes together with "nothing".
Sura 4:82 claims that there is no discrepancy in this Qur'an!
The above "harmonization" is another ad hoc explanation since there is
no indication that these verses were giving "some of the ingredients
only". They do not read that way. They never say: "We created man from
A Muslim's Response by Randy Desmond
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 1996 12:36:30 PDT water among other things".

I made a cake. And I bet, if today I do say only that "I made a cake from water" that you
I made a cake from flour. would still not believe me. And if I say next week "I made a cake from
I made a cake from sugar. sugar" then you would also find that strange. Because you know that
I made a cake from eggs.
I made a cake from water.
nobody can make a cake from sugar only or from water only. But you
would not automatically assume that the water and sugar are supposed to
Do you think I just "took anything I could get my hands go together. After all, I am telling you so at vastly different times. And
on" to make my cake? (I think leaving out any of those these suras are also revealed sometimes with years in between them.
ingredients would no longer render it a cake) Do any of my Assuming that they belong together and each give only some ingredient,
statements contradict each other? So just like I know what is a rather artificial explanation. What do you think was the truth content
my cake is made from, so does the Qur'an know what man was
made from. of the verses revealed at the beginning if the Muslims didn't know if
there even would be any more revelations to give more ingredients? For

117 118
them these were indeed absolute statement. Just as they appear to us Saying "I made a cake from water" does not imply that
today. there are anymore or anyless ingredients. If my initial
response (or any response) seems so general, does that
render my explanation wrong?

There is an assumption on your part, and I also assumed it


for my initial response, that what man was created from
was an ingredients list. While I do believe four of the Well, it does imply that there are NOT any less ingredients. If he says
six verses you quote do list "ingredients", there is "from water" then we would expect that water is at least a part of it.
another possibility we left out. What about "from" in the Otherwise it is just a lie. And you haven't touched at all at the statement
temporal or conceptual sense? Aren't any of these in 3:47.
possible?

For example... Your adding another sentence of making cakes out of "batter" or "a
rising thing" doesn't change the argument at all, it only adds a few more
I made a cake. ingredients. The "recipe" is not comparable since that is an algorithm and
I made a cake from a recipe. not a (material) ingredient. All the verses cited so far are concerned with
I made a cake from batter. the matter out of which man is created.
I made a cake from a rising thing.

And what do you know...


Surah 3:47 states that God created man out of nothing. I
Surah 40:67
did not address this because I thought it was easy to
"He it is who created you from dust, then from a
understand. There was no creation before creation, right?.
sperm-drop, then from a leech-like clot, then brings
Does it not make sense that man was created from nothing?
you forth as a child ..."
Surah 23:12-14
"Verily We created man from a product of wet earth, I would, once again, like to stress that the above verses
then placed him as a drop of seed in a safe lodging, are not necessarily an ingredients list. There is nothing
then We fashioned the drop a clot, and of the clot saying that they can not denote stages. The verse quoted
We fashioned bones, and We clothed the bones with above shows that they may.
flesh. Then We produced it as another creation."

Now, back to the top of the page, we see 96:1-2 as a


stage. We see the ingredients of water, dust, sounding Okay, I think that is my last comment on it. You now produce a mixed
clay and mud in the other verses can be resolvbed with
elementarty set theory. argument that some are "ingredients" and some are "stages". The
problem is that you can't see this from the text. They look pretty much all
And one more thing, does the fact that God can create at the same: "... created from ..." If you want to explain it that way, that is
will by saying "`Be` and it is" mean he can not form man fine with me. But that is the view of somebody who already is a believer
however he wishes. God is the owner of all. He can do and therefore committed to find some harmonization. Maybe we can
whatever He wants.
have a compromise in the following way: It is possible to give a
somehow intelligible harmonization, but it is obvious that the statements
seem to be able to be interpreted in many different ways. Therefore we
119 120
cannot claim on the other hand that the Qur'anic verses give a precise This Quran could not possibly be authored by other than GOD. It
scientific statement about the development of man as many Muslims confirms all previous messages, and provides a fully detailed scripture. It
claim. The verses are far too ambiguous and unclear. This flexible poetic is infallible, for it comes from the Lord of the universe. S. 10:37 R.
language lends itself to read a lot of different interpretations into it. Khalifa
Some which are favorable to the Muslim understanding and others just
as obvious which are less favorable. Therefore: "To you your In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no
interpretation and to me mine." In this case, the Qur'an can be neither invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a
disproven nor are these statements proof of divine authorship. For using detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk
them as proof they would have to be more precise so that they are who believe. S. 12:111 Pickthall
actually falsifiable. They are just not clear enough to do a scientific
evaluation on them. One day We shall raise from all Peoples a witness against them, from
amongst themselves: and We shall bring thee as a witness against these
(thy people): and We have sent down to thee the Book explaining all
Qur'an Contradiction: things, a Guide, a Mercy, and Glad Tidings to Muslims. S. 16:89 A.
Yusuf Ali
Fully Detailed Or Incomplete?
Nothing could be further from the truth! The Quran fails to provide many
E.g., The Statements On Wine important details in relation to key passages. This in turn leaves the
reader confused and even perplexed in trying to understand the Quranic
narratives and/or specific injunctions. In the words of the late Iranian
Scholar Ali Dashti:
The Quran claims to be completely comprehensive in its instructions,
being fully detailed: "The Qor'an contains sentences which are incomplete and not fully
intelligible without the aid of commentaries; foreign words, unfamiliar
There is not an animal in the earth, nor a flying creature flying on two Arabic words, and words used with other than the normal meaning;
wings, but they are peoples like unto you. We have neglected nothing in adjectives and verbs inflected without observance of the concords of
the Book (of Our decrees). Then unto their Lord they will be gathered. S. gender and number; illogically and ungrammatically applied pronouns
6:38 Pickthall which sometimes have no referent; and predicates which in rhymed
passages are often remote from the subjects. These and other such
Shall I seek other than Allah for judge, when He it is Who hath revealed aberrations in the language have given scope to critics who deny the
unto you (this) Scripture, fully explained? Those unto whom We gave Qor'an’s eloquence. The problem also occupied the minds of devout
the Scripture (aforetime) know that it is revealed from thy Lord in truth. Moslems. It forced the commentators to search for explanations and was
So be not thou (O Muhammad) of the waverers. S. 6:114 Pickthall probably one of the causes of disagreement over readings." (Dashti,
Twenty-Three Years: A study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammad,
This is the path of thy Lord, a straight path. We have detailed Our Allen and Unwin, London, 1985, pp. 48-49; emphasis ours)
revelations for a people who take heed. S. 6:126 Pickthall
"To sum up, more than one hundred Qor’anic aberrations from the
normal rules and structure of Arabic have been noted. Needless to say,
the commentators strove to find explanations and justifications of these
121 122
irregularities. Among them was the great commentator and philologist pure earth, then wipe your faces and your hands; surely Allah is
Mahmud oz-Zamakhshari (467/1075-538/1144), of whom a Moorish Pardoning, Forgiving. S. 4:43 Shakir
author wrote: ‘This grammar-obsessed pedant has committed a shocking
error. Our task is not to make the readings conform to Arabic grammar, This verse forbids Muslims from coming to prayers while intoxicated.
but to take the whole of the Qor’an as it is and make Arabic grammar This gives the impression that drinking before praying is permissible,
conform to the Qor’an.’" (Ibid., p. 50; emphasis) provided that one doesn’t get drunk.

An example of such incoherence and unintelligibility is the Quranic view They ask thee concerning wine (al-khamri) and gambling. Say: "In them
of strong drinks and wine. The Quran is clearly confused regarding its is great sin, AND SOME PROFIT, for men; but the sin is greater than
view of intoxicants as the following passages conclusively demonstrate: the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: "What is
beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah Make clear to you His Signs: In
And We have not revealed to you the Book except that you may make order that ye may consider. S. 2:219 A. Yusuf Ali
clear to them that about which they differ, and (as) a guidance and a
mercy for a people who believe. And Allah has sent down water from the Here, wine (which falls under the category of intoxicants) is said to be
cloud and therewith given life to the earth after its death; most surely both sinful and profitable, with the sin being greater. Even this passage
there is a sign in this for a people who would listen. And most surely stops short of explicitly prohibiting the consumption of wine.
there is a lesson for you in the cattle; We give you to drink of what is in
their bellies -- from betwixt the feces and the blood-- pure milk, easy and Finally:
agreeable to swallow for those who drink. And of the fruits of the palms
and the grapes -- you obtain from them intoxication (sakaran) and O ye who believe! Intoxicants (al-khamru) and gambling, (dedication of)
goodly provision; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who stones, and (divination by) arrows, are AN ABOMINATION,- OF
ponder. And your Lord revealed to the bee saying: Make hives in the SATAN’S HANDWORK: eschew such (abomination), that ye may
mountains and in the trees and in what they build: Then eat of all the prosper. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you,
fruits and walk in the ways of your Lord submissively. There comes with intoxicants (al-khamri) and gambling, and hinder you from the
forth from within it a beverage of many colours, in which there is healing remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain? S.
for men; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who reflect. S. 5:90-91 A. Yusuf Ali
16:64-69 Shakir
This passage says that intoxicants are the handiwork of Satan! Hence, the
The impression given by this passage is that intoxicants are something Quran goes from describing wine as something good to something
good, since the context deals with signs or proofs of God’s care and completely evil.
provisions for mankind. Nothing is said about the negative affects of
intoxicants or whether it is impermissible for believers. Now a Muslim may interject here and claim that the verses which permit
intoxicants were abrogated. Yet, this is precisely the point. How does a
O you who believe! do not go near prayer when you are Intoxicated Muslim know that these verses have been abrogated? Where does the
(sukara) UNTIL YOU KNOW (WELL) WHAT YOU SAY, nor when Quran explicitly, or even implicitly, state this? Second, how does the
you are under an obligation to perform a bath -- unless (you are) Muslim know for certain which verses came first? Does the Quran give
travelling on the road-- until you have washed yourselves; and if you are the date these "revelations" were allegedly sent down so that we can
sick, or on a journey, or one of you come from the privy or you have know which passage came first? After all, one can just as likely claim
touched the women, and you cannot find water, betake yourselves to
123 124
that S. 16:66-67 was "revealed" last and therefore abrogated S. 2:219 and (a) The People of the Book (Jews, Christians, perhaps Sabians)?
5:90-91. How can one know for certain? (b) The Meccan idolaters?

A Muslim may claim that Muslims don’t follow the Quran alone, but The Qur’an itself does not specify whom Muhammad is supposed to
also consult the hadith literature. If so, then try telling the following address this way.
Muslims that they need the hadith literature:
Second problem: Whether it is option (a) or (b) above, Surah 109
The Submitters, who present their reasoning in the articles listed contradicts other passages in the Qur’an which state that both groups
on this page: Hadith & Sunna were worshipping the same God as the Muslims.

Furthermore, the moment one appeals to the hadiths for clarification of Passages claiming that group (a) worshipped the same God:
these passages one ends up falsifying the Quran. The Quran is shown to
be incomplete and therefore false in its claim of being fully detailed. Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians,
and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does
Sam Shamoun good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear
for them, nor shall they grieve. S. 2:62 Shakir
Muhammad and the Unbelievers:
Say (unto the People of the Scripture): Dispute ye with us concerning
Worshipping the Same or a Different God? Allah when He is our Lord and your Lord? Ours are our works and
yours your works. We look to Him alone. S. 2:139 Pickthall
More Evidence for the Incoherence and Incompleteness of the
Qur’an Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to an agreement between us and
you: that we shall worship none but Allah, and that we shall ascribe no
partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside
According to the 109th Surah of the Qur’an, Muhammad and the Allah. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they
unbelievers did not worship the same Being: who have surrendered (unto Him). S. 3:64

Say: O disbelievers! I worship not that which ye worship; Nor worship And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way)
ye that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which ye worship. that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe
Nor will ye worship that which I worship. Unto you your religion, and in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our God
unto me my religion. S. 109:1-6 Pickthall and your God is One, and unto Him we surrender. S. 29:46 Pickthall

The problems that this Surah poses should be apparent to anyone Passages showing that group (b) also worshipped the same God, even
familiar with both the Qur’an and the Islamic traditions. though they worshipped a host of other gods and goddesses along with
Allah:
First problem: Whom exactly is this Surah referring to?
If indeed thou ask them who has created the heavens and the earth and
subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law), they will certainly reply,
"Allah". How are they then deluded away (from the truth)? Allah
125 126
enlarges the sustenance (which He gives) to whichever of His servants There is one other passage which refers to unnamed individuals who
He pleases; and He (similarly) grants by (strict) measure, (as He believed in Allah as the Creator of all things:
pleases): for Allah has full knowledge of all things. And if indeed thou
ask them who it is that sends down rain from the sky, and gives life And if thou ask them, ‘Who has created the heavens and the earth?’
therewith to the earth after its death, they will certainly reply, "Allah!" They will, surely, answer, ‘ALLAH.’ Say, ‘All praise belongs to
Say, "Praise be to Allah!" But most of them understand not. S. 29:61-63 ALLAH.’ But most of them have no knowledge. S. 31:25 Sher Ali

The worshippers of false gods say: "If Allah had so willed, we should Whether this passage is addressing group A or group B, or even both, it
not have worshipped aught but Him - neither we nor our fathers,- nor is clear from this that the Quran presumes that the contemporaries of
should we have prescribed prohibitions other than His." So did those Muhammad knew and believed in Allah.
who went before them. But what is the mission of messengers but to
preach the Clear Message? S. 16:35 To summarize the above quoted passages:

The pagans in the preceding passage were basically repeating what Allah 1. Jews and Christians are said to worship Allah.
supposedly said to Muhammad: 2. The pagans and idolaters also worshipped Allah, despite
worshipping a host of other gods.
If it had been Allah's plan, they would not have taken false gods: but We
made thee not one to watch over their doings, nor art thou set over them This being the case, how can Surah 109 claim that the unbelievers were
to dispose of their affairs. S. 6:107 NOT worshipping that which Muhammad worshipped? This is a
clear contradiction.
Finally:
To say that this is referring to the idols that the pagans were wrongly
Surely pure religion is for Allah only. And those who choose protecting worshipping doesn’t solve the problem since:
friends beside Him (say): We worship them only that they may bring
us near unto Allah. Lo! Allah will judge between them concerning that 1. How does a Muslim know that this is referring to the pagans?
wherein they differ. Lo! Allah guideth not him who is a liar, an ingrate. Where is this explicitly stated in the text?
S. 39:3 2. Even if this were referring to the pagans, does not the Qur’an say
that the pagans knew of and worshipped Allah, and therefore
In the above passage we see that the pagans’ MAIN direction of worship were worshippers of that which Muhammad worshipped?
was Allah, that the other gods were only intermediaries/intercessors for
the purpose of bringing them near to Allah! Thus, Allah was not just It may be true that Muhammad didn’t worship (most of) their gods, but
one of their many gods, but he was the main and highest one of all their the fact remains that both Muhammad and the pagans worshipped Allah,
gods. and hence the pagans DID worship that which Muhammad was
worshipping, in sharp contradiction to Surah 109:3.
In fact, the very name of the worst sin in Islam, SHIRK, means
"association". Associating what (other gods) with WHOM? With Allah For instance, the Quran has Muhammad saying that he doesn’t worship
of course! The very name of this sin would not make sense if their gods what the pagans worshipped except for Allah:
were all distinct from Allah. It presupposes that Allah is one of their
gods.
127 128
Say: O people! if you are in doubt as to my religion, then (know that) I Finally, some may claim that worship here refers to religious practices,
do not serve those whom you serve besides Allah but I do serve Allah, i.e. that Muhammad didn’t engage in the religious practices of the
Who will cause you to die, and I am commanded that I should be of the pagans and vice-versa. This is wrong for at least two reasons. The text
believers. S. 10:104 Shakir does not state that the disbelievers "do not worship HOW I worship", or
"IN THE MANNER in which I worship", but that they "do not worship
Say (O Muhammad): I am forbidden to worship those unto whom ye cry THAT WHICH I worship". It clearly is the object of worship not the
beside Allah since there have come unto me clear proofs from my Lord, method (i.e. the religious practices) that is referred to. However, even if
and I am commanded to surrender to the Lord of the Worlds. S. 40:66 we were to allow for this forced interpretation, it is still not correct, since
Pickthall the pagans were already observing four of the five Islamic pillars prior to
Muhammad’s time. See for instance the article Muhammad and Idolatry.
These passages presuppose that the pagans were worshipping Allah,
along with a host of other gods. Thus, Muhammad may have not Further discussion on the incoherence and the incompleteness of the
worshipped all the host of gods of the pagans, but they were indeed Qur’an is found in these articles:
worshipping Allah.
http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/incomplete.htm
There are some translations which put 109:3 into the future instead of the http://answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/incomplete.html
present tense, turning it into a prophecy instead of a statement about the http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/incomplete_mecca.htm
current situation. Yusuf Ali, for example, renders these verses as:
Qur'an Contradiction:
Say: O ye that reject Faith! I worship not that which ye worship, nor will
ye worship that which I worship. And I will not worship that which ye To Intercede or Not To Intercede?
have been wont to worship, nor will ye worship that which I worship. That is the Question!
This is no solution either. What would be the time frame that is referred
to: next month, next year, or the rest of their lives? Surah 109 is The Quran has much to say about intercession on the Day of Judgment.
generally held to be an early Meccan Surah, most inhabitants of Mecca In fact, the Quran says contradictory things regarding intercession as the
were pagans at the time, and most commentators are convinced following passages show.
Muhammad is addressing the Meccan idolaters. The Meccan pagans,
however, never abandoned their worship of Allah which would have 1. There Will Be No Intercession
been necessary to turn 109:3 into a true prophecy. On the contrary, as
hostile as they originally were towards Islam, eventually Muhammad a. The Quran
conquered Mecca and nearly all citizens converted to Islam with the
consequence that Allah was then no longer just one of their gods but O children of Israel! call to mind My favor which I bestowed on you and
their one and only object of worship. Whether referring to the time that I made you excel the nations. And be on your guard against a day
before or after their conversion the Meccans always "worshipped that when ONE SOUL shall not avail ANOTHER in the least, neither
which Muhammad worshipped". Surah 109:3 remains in error whether shall intercession on its behalf be accepted, nor shall any
interpreted as present tense or future tense. compensation be taken from it, nor shall they be helped. S. 2:47-48

129 130
O children of Israel, call to mind My favor which I bestowed on you and Allah it is Who created the heavens and the earth, and that which is
that I made you excel the nations. And be on your guard against a day between them, in six Days. Then He mounted the Throne. Ye have not,
when NO SOUL shall avail ANOTHER in the least neither shall any beside Him, a protecting friend or mediator. Will ye not then
compensation be accepted from it, nor shall intercession profit it, nor remember? S. 32:4
shall they be helped. S. 2:122-123
Verily We have revealed the Book to thee in Truth, for (instructing)
These two passages make it clear that intercession will not avail ANY mankind. He, then, that receives guidance benefits his own soul: but he
person, not just the Israelites, since the references to "NO SOUL" and that strays injures his own soul. Nor art thou set over them to dispose of
"ONE SOUL" not availing another naturally includes every human their affairs. It is Allah that takes the souls (of men) at death; and those
being. that die not (He takes) during their sleep: those on whom He has passed
the decree of death, He keeps back (from returning to life), but the rest
O you who believe! spend out of what We have given you before the day He sends (to their bodies) for a term appointed verily in this are Signs for
comes in which there is no bargaining, neither any friendship nor those who reflect. What! Do they take for intercessors others besides
intercession, and the unbelievers - they are the unjust. S. 2:254 Allah? Say: "Even if they have no power whatever and no intelligence?"
Say: Unto Allah belongeth all intercession. His is the Sovereignty of
"Not your desires, nor those of the people of the Book (can prevail): the heavens and the earth. And afterward unto Him ye will be brought
Whosoever works evil, will be requited accordingly. Nor will he find, back. S. 39:41-44
besides God, any protector or helper. If any do deeds of righteousness,
- Be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and Again, what will explain to thee what the Day of Judgment is? (It will
not the least injustice will be done to them" S. 4:123-124 be) the Day when no soul shall have power (to do) aught for another:
For the command, that Day, will be (wholly) with Allah. S. 82:18-19
And warn with it those who fear that they shall be gathered to their Lord
- there is no guardian for them, nor any intercessor besides Him - The Quran asks:
that they may guard (against evil). S. 6:51
Is he on whom the word of doom is fulfilled (to be helped), and
Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and canst thou (O Muhammad) rescue him who is in the Fire? S.
amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world. But proclaim (to 39:19 Pickthall
them) this (truth): that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts: it
will find for itself no protector or intercessor except Allah: if it This verse evidently implies that Muhammad cannot save anyone from
offered every ransom, (or reparation), none will be accepted: such is (the hell.
end of) those who deliver themselves to ruin by their own acts: they will
have for drink (only) boiling water, and for punishment, one most Amazingly, the Quran says that even prophets and angels can only hope
grievous: for they persisted in rejecting Allah. S. 6:70 for God’s mercy:

Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: Say: Cry unto those (saints and angels) whom ye assume (to be gods)
He is our protector": and on Allah let the Believers put their trust. S. beside Him, yet they have no power to rid you of misfortune nor to
9:51 change. Those unto whom they cry seek the way of approach to their
Lord, which of them shall be the nearest; they hope for His mercy and

131 132
they fear His doom. Lo! the doom of thy Lord is to be shunned. S. nursed him when he got sick, but he died. We shrouded him in his
17:56-57 Pickthall clothes, and Allah's Apostle came to our house and I said, (addressing
the dead 'Uthman), ‘O Abu As-Sa'ib! May Allah be merciful to you. I
testify that Allah has blessed you.’ The Prophet said to me, "How do you
b. The Hadith know that Allah has blessed him?" I replied, ‘I do not know O Allah's
Apostle! May my parents be sacrificed for you.’ Allah's Apostle said,
Narrated Abu Huraira: ‘As regards Uthman, by Allah he has died and I really wish him every
The Prophet said, "(On the Day of Resurrection) camels will come to good, yet, by Allah, although I am Allah's Apostle, I do not know
their owner in the best state of health they have ever had (in the world), what will be done to him.’ Um Al-Ala added, ‘By Allah I shall never
and if he had not paid their Zakat (in the world) then they would tread attest the piety of anybody after him. And what Allah's Apostles said
him with their feet; and similarly, sheep will come to their owner in the made me sad.’ Um Al-Ala further said, "Once I slept and saw in a dream,
best state of health they have ever had in the world, and if he had not a flowing stream for Uthman. So I went to Allah's Apostle and told him
paid their Zakat, then they would tread him with their hooves and would about it, he said, ‘That is (the symbol of) his deeds.’" (Sahih Al-Bukhari,
butt him with their horns." The Prophet added, "One of their rights is that Volume 3, Book 48, Number 852)
they should be milked while water is kept in front of them." The Prophet
added, "I do not want anyone of you to come to me on the Day of Narrated Kharija bin Zaid bin Thabit:
Resurrection, carrying over his neck a sheep that will be bleating. Such a Um Al-'Ala an Ansari woman who had given the Pledge of allegiance to
person will (then) say, ‘O Muhammad! (please intercede for me,)’ I will Allah's Apostle said, "'Uthman bin Maz'un came in our share when the
say to him. ‘I can't help you, for I conveyed Allah's Message to you.’ Ansars drew lots to distribute the emigrants (to dwell) among
Similarly, I do not want anyone of you to come to me carrying over his themselves, He became sick and we looked after (nursed) him till he
neck a camel that will be grunting. Such a person (then) will say ‘O died. Then we shrouded him in his clothes. Allah's Apostle came to us, I
Muhammad! (please intercede for me).’ I will say to him, ‘I can't help (addressing the dead body) said, "May Allah's Mercy be on you, O Aba
you for I conveyed Allah's message to you.’" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, As-Sa'ib! I testify that Allah has honored you." The Prophet said, ‘How
Volume 2, Book 24, Number 485) do you know that?’ I replied, ‘I do not know, by Allah.’ He said, ‘As for
him, death has come to him and I wish him all good from Allah. By
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah, though I am Allah's Apostle, I neither know what will happen
When Allah revealed the Verse: "Warn your nearest kinsmen," Allah's to me, nor to you.’" Um Al-'Ala said, "By Allah, I will never attest the
Apostle got up and said, "O people of Quraish (or said similar words)! righteousness of anybody after that." She added, "Later I saw in a dream,
Buy (i.e. save) yourselves (from the Hellfire) as I cannot save you from a flowing spring for 'Uthman. So I went to Allah's Apostle and
Allah's Punishment; O Bani Abd Manaf! I cannot save you from mentioned that to him. He said, ‘That is (the symbol of) his good deeds
Allah's Punishment, O Safiya, the Aunt of Allah's Apostle! I cannot (the reward for) which is going on for him.’" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume
save you from Allah's Punishment; O Fatima bint Muhammad! Ask 9, Book 87, Number 145)
me anything from my wealth, but I cannot save you from Allah's
Punishment." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 51, Number 16) These hadiths state that Muhammad cannot and/or will not intercede for
Muslims, especially those who failed to pay the Zakat.
Narrated Um Al-Ala:
That when the Ansar drew lots as to which of the emigrants should dwell The preceding passages are quite clear and unambiguous that no
with which of the Ansar, the name of Uthman bin Mazun came out (to be intercession will avail any soul on Judgment Day, and that Allah is the
in their lot). Um Al-Ala further said, "Uthman stayed with us, and we only intercessor since all intercession belongs entirely to him.
133 134
This has led some Muslims to deny that the intercession of prophets and The myth of intercession is one of Satan's most effective tricks to
messengers will be permitted on the Day of Judgment. Shaikh Gamal al- dupe millions of people into idol worship. Millions of Christians
Banna, in an article titled The Islamic Concept of God and Prophet, believe that Jesus will intercede for them with God, and millions of
writes: Muslims believe that Muhammad will not only intercede on their behalf,
but will actually take them out of hell!
Islam stresses the human character of the Prophet ... Therefore, any kind
of mediation is not permissible or recognized in Islam. Prophets are Consequently, these people have made Jesus and Muhammad their
mere messengers of God; they cannot forgive anyone if he commits a sin Saviours and as a result have idolized them! (Source; bold and underline
or exempt him from the punishment he deserves. They cannot also emphasis ours)
intercede with God on anybody's behalf, for Islam does not
recognize the idea of intercession as such." (The Muslim World League Someone may claim that these verses are referring to unbelievers such as
Journal, May-June 1983, Volume 10, Number. 8, p. 9) the idolaters who will not be given any intercession. This claim cannot
be sustained since some of these passages make no mention of idolaters
The following Muslim article states: or unbelievers. In fact, some of them are actually directed towards the
God-fearing believers (cf. 2:254; 6:51).
There is a traditional view which exists among present day Muslims
regarding the concept of intercession which is based on hadith literature.
This view is not supported by the Quran. The Quran repeatedly holds 2. There Will Be Intercession
each individual responsible for his or her own conduct ...
a. The Quran
The true concept of God who is running the affairs of the universe is
only contained in the Quran, as it is given by god Himself to mankind. The next set of passages contradict the preceding passages regarding the
One of the attributes frequently mentioned by god about himself is 'Aziz- permissibility of intercession:
ul-Hakeem' which is translated as the Exalted in Power, the Wise. The
very concept of intercession means to give someone advantage which Allah! There is no god but He,- the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal.
one does not deserve and is against the concept of justice. God the No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens
Wise can never be expected to do that. This concept if accepted, brings and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He
down the whole building block of 'din' as presented in the Quran by permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or
god. We all know that a person who accepts intercession in worldly life after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge
can never expected to deliver justice. (Source; bold emphasis ours) except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the
earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He
Another Muslim article, in trying to refute the claim that the Quran is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory). S. 2:255
contradicts itself regarding this issue, argues:
Verily your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six
The concept of intercession, which is strictly prohibited in the Quran, days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority), regulating
is the act of interceding on behalf of another person to have his/her sins and governing all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except
forgiven on Judgement Day ... after His leave (hath been obtained). This is Allah your Lord; Him
therefore serve ye: will ye not receive admonition? S. 10:3

135 136
On the day when We shall gather the righteous unto the Beneficent, a And those unto whom they cry instead of Him possess no power of
goodly company. And drive the guilty unto hell, a weary herd, They will intercession, saving him who beareth witness unto the Truth
have no power of intercession, save him who hath made a covenant knowingly. S. 43:86
with his Lord. S. 19:85-87
How many-so-ever be the angels in the heavens, their intercession will
On that Day shall no intercession avail except for those for whom avail nothing except after Allah has given leave for whom He pleases
permission has been granted by (Allah) Most Gracious and whose and that he is acceptable to Him. S. 53:26
word is acceptable to Him. S. 20:109

And We did not send before you any messenger but We revealed to him b. The Hadith
that there is no god but Me, therefore serve Me. And they say: The
Beneficent Allah has taken to Himself a son. Glory be to Him. Nay! they Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:
are honored servants They do not precede Him in speech and (only) The Prophet said, "A man keeps on asking others for something till he
according to His commandment do they act. He knows what is before comes on the Day of Resurrection without any piece of flesh on his
them and what is behind them, and they do not intercede except for face." The Prophet added, "On the Day of Resurrection, the Sun will
him whom He approves and for fear of Him they tremble. And whoever come near (to, the people) to such an extent that the sweat will reach up
of them should say: Surely I am a god besides Him, such a one do We to the middle of the ears, so, when all the people are in that state, they
recompense with hell; thus do, We recompense the unjust. S. 21:25-29 will ask Adam for help, and then Moses, and then Muhammad (p.b.u.h)."
The sub-narrator added "Muhammad will intercede with Allah to
"No intercession can avail in His Presence, except for those for whom judge amongst the people. He will proceed on till he will hold the ring
He has granted permission. So far (is this the case) that, when terror is of the door (of Paradise) and then Allah will exalt him to Maqam
removed from their hearts (at the Day of Judgment, then) will they say, Mahmud (the privilege of intercession, etc.). And all the people of the
‘what is it that your Lord commanded?’ they will say, ‘That which is true gathering will send their praises to Allah. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2,
and just; and He is the Most High Most Great’." S. 34:23 Book 24, Number 553)

Those who sustain the Throne (of Allah) and those around it Sing Glory ... 'Surely! Allah wrongs not even of the weight of an atom (or a smallest
and Praise to their Lord; believe in Him; and implore Forgiveness for ant) but if there is any good (done) He doubles it.' (4.40) The Prophet
those who believe: "Our Lord! Thy Reach is over all things, in Mercy added, "Then the prophets and Angels and the believers will
and Knowledge. Forgive, then, those who turn in Repentance, and intercede, and (last of all) the Almighty (Allah) will say, ‘Now
follow Thy Path; and preserve them from the Penalty of the Blazing remains My Intercession.’ He will then hold a handful of the Fire from
Fire! And grant, our Lord! that they enter the Gardens of Eternity, which He will take out some people whose bodies have been burnt, and
which Thou hast promised to them, and to the righteous among their they will be thrown into a river at the entrance of Paradise, called the
fathers, their wives, and their posterity! For Thou art (He), the Exalted water of life ... (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 93, Number 532s)
in Might, Full of Wisdom. And preserve them from (all) ills; and any
whom Thou dost preserve from ills that Day,- on them wilt Thou have Narrated Abu Huraira:
bestowed Mercy indeed: and that will be truly (for them) the highest Allah's Apostle said, "For every Prophet there is one invocation which is
Achievement." S. 40:7-9 definitely fulfilled by Allah, and I wish, if Allah will, to keep my that
(special) invocation as to be the intercession for my followers on the

137 138
Day of Resurrection." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 93, Number Lord, my followers! My followers!’ It will be said, ‘Go and take out of
566) it all those who have faith in their hearts equal to the weight of a
small ant or a mustard seed.’ I will go and do so and return to praise
Narrated Ma’bad bin Hilal Al’Anzi: Him with the same praises, and fall down in prostration before Him. It
will be said, ‘O, Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you will be
We, i.e., some people from Basra gathered and went to Anas bin Malik, listened to, and ask, for you will be granted (your request); and
and we went in company with Thabit Al-Bunnani so that he might ask intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.’ I will say, ‘O Lord,
him about the Hadith of Intercession on our behalf. Behold, Anas was my followers!’ Then He will say, ‘Go and take out (all those) in whose
in his palace, and our arrival coincided with his Duha prayer. We asked hearts there is faith even to the lightest, lightest mustard seed. (Take
permission to enter and he admitted us while he was sitting on his bed. them) out of the Fire.’ I will go and do so."
We said to Thabit, "Do not ask him about anything else first but the
Hadith of Intercession." He said, "O Abu Hamza! There are your When we left Anas, I said to some of my companions, "Let's pass by Al-
brethren from Basra coming to ask you about the Hadith of Hasan who is hiding himself in the house of Abi Khalifa and request him
Intercession." Anas then said, "Muhammad talked to us saying, ‘On the to tell us what Anas bin Malik has told us." So we went to him and we
Day of Resurrection the people will surge with each other like waves, greeted him and he admitted us. We said to him, "O Abu Said! We came
and then they will come to Adam and say, ‘Please intercede for us with to you from your brother Anas Bin Malik and he related to us a Hadith
your Lord.’ He will say, ‘I am not fit for that but you'd better go to about the intercession the like of which I have never heard." He said,
Abraham as he is the Khalil of the Beneficent.’ They will go to Abraham "What is that?" Then we told him of the Hadith and said, "He stopped at
and he will say, ‘I am not fit for that, but you'd better go to Moses as he this point (of the Hadith)." He said, "What then?" We said, "He did not
is the one to whom Allah spoke directly.’ So they will go to Moses and add anything to that." He said, Anas related the Hadith to me twenty
he will say, ‘I am not fit for that, but you'd better go to Jesus as he is a years ago when he was a young fellow. I don't know whether he forgot
soul created by Allah and His Word.’ (Be: And it was) they will go to or if he did not like to let you depend on what he might have said." We
Jesus and he will say, ‘I am not fit for that, but you'd better go to said, "O Abu Said! Let us know that." He smiled and said, "Man was
Muhammad.’ created hasty. I did not mention that, but that I wanted to inform you of
it.
They would come to me and I would say, ‘I am for that.’ Then I will
ask for my Lord's permission, and it will be given, and then He will Anas told me the same as he told you and said that the Prophet added, ‘I
inspire me to praise Him with such praises as I do not know now. So I then return for a fourth time and praise Him similarly and prostrate
will praise Him with those praises and will fall down, prostrate before before Him me the same as he ‘O Muhammad, raise your head and
Him. Then it will be said, ‘O Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for speak, for you will be listened to; and ask, for you will be granted (your
you will be listened to; and ask, for your will be granted (your request): and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.’ I will
request); and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.’ I will say, ‘O Lord, allow me to intercede for whoever said, ‘None has the
say, ‘O Lord, my followers! My followers!’ And then it will be said, ‘Go right to be worshiped except Allah.’ Then Allah will say, ‘By my
and take out of Hell (Fire) all those who have faith in their hearts, Power, and my Majesty, and by My Supremacy, and by My Greatness, I
equal to the weight of a barley grain.’ I will go and do so and return to will take out of Hell (Fire) whoever said: ‘None has the right to be
praise Him with the same praises, and fall down (prostrate) before Him. worshipped except Allah.’" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 93,
Then it will be said, ‘O Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you Number 601)
will be listened to, and ask, for you will be granted (your request);
and intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.’ I will say, ‘O
139 140
It is reported on the authority of Abu Zubair that he heard from Jabir b. Allah will accept them as intercessors for him. (Sahih Muslim, Book
'Abdullah, who was asked about the arrival (of people on the Day of 004, Number 2072)
Resurrection). He said. We would come on the Day of Resurrection like
this, like this, and see, carefully, that which concerns "elevated people". Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as
He (the narrator) said: Then the people would be summoned along with saying: I shall be pre-eminent amongst the descendants of Adam on the
their idols whom they worshipped, one after another. Then our Lord Day of Resurrection and I will be the first intercessor and the first
would come to us and say: Whom are you waiting for? They would say: whose intercession will be accepted (by Allah). (Sahih Muslim, Book
We are waiting for our Lord. He would say: I am your Lord. They would 030, Number 5655)
say: (We are not sure) till we gaze at Thee, and He would manifest
Himself to them smilingly, and would go along with them and they These hadiths say that Muhammad will not only be permitted to
would follow Him; and every person, whether a hypocrite or a believer, intercede, but that many Muslims undeserving of Paradise will be taken
would be endowed with a light, and there would be spikes and hooks on out of hell because of his intercession!
the bridge of the Hell, which would catch hold of those whom Allah
willed. Then the light of the hypocrites would be extinguished, and the
believers would secure salvation. and the first group to achieve it would 3. Discussion
comprise seventy thousand men who would have the brightness of full
moon on their faces, and they would not be called to account. Then the Now there are some Muslims who also point to the following passages as
people immediately following them would have their faces as the proof that Allah will accept the intercession of his prophets:
brightest stars in the heaven. This is how (the groups would follow one
after another). Then the stage of intercession would come, and they Thus it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and
(who are permitted to intercede) would intercede, till he who had had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed
declared: "There is no god but Allah" and had in his heart virtue of the from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and
weight of a barley grain would come out of the Fire. They would be then take counsel with them in the affair; so when you have decided, then
brought in the courtyard of Paradise and the inhabitants of Paradise place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who trust. S. 3:159
would begin to sprinkle water over them till they would sprout like the
sprouting of a thing in flood water, and their burns would disappear. (Abraham) "O our Lord! cover (us) with Thy Forgiveness - me, my
They would ask their Lord till they would be granted (the bounties) of parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day that the Reckoning will be
the world and with it ten more besides it. (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, established!" S. 14:41
Number 0367)
(Abraham) "Forgive my father, for that he is among those astray;" S.
'Abdullah b. 'Abbas reported that his son died in Qudaid or 'Usfan. He 26:86
said to Kuraib to see as to how many people had gathered there for his
(funeral). He (Kuraib) said: So I went out and I informed him about the So know (O Muhammad) that there is no Allah save Allah, and ask
people who had gathered there. He (Ibn 'Abbas) said: Do you think they forgiveness for thy sin and for believing men and believing women.
are forty? He (Kuraib) said: Yes. Ibn 'Abbas then said to them: Bring Allah knoweth (both) your place of turmoil and your place of rest. S.
him (the dead body) out for I have heard Allah's Messenger (may peace 47:19 Pickthall
be upon him) as saying: If any Muslim dies and forty men who associate
nothing with Allah stand over his prayer (they offer prayer over him), And when it is said to them, "Come, the Messenger of Allah will pray
for your forgiveness", they turn aside their heads, and thou wouldst see
141 142
them turning away their faces in arrogance. S. 63:5 cf. 4:64; 9:103; forbidden Paradise for the disbelievers." Then he will be addressed, ‘O
24:62; 60:12 Abraham! Look! What is underneath your feet?’ He will look and there
he will see a Dhabh (an animal,) blood-stained, which will be caught by
Several comments are in order. First, even though the Quran commands the legs and thrown in the (Hell) Fire." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book
the prophets and messengers to pray on behalf of others, there are other 55, Number 569)
passages which show that their prayers are not always accepted by Allah:
This hadith also provides support that the prophets' intercession will be
And do not plead on behalf of those who act unfaithfully to their of no avail, even though this refers to an unbeliever. At the same time,
souls; surely Allah does not love him who is treacherous, sinful; S. 4:107 this contradicts those traditions stating that their intercession does avail!

Ask forgiveness for them (O Muhammad), or ask not forgiveness for Second, the prayers in these references do not take place at the Day of
them; though thou ask forgiveness for them seventy times Allah will Judgment. As such, they cannot be used to establish that Allah will allow
not forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in Allah and His prophets and messengers to intercede on behalf of others.
messenger, and Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk. S. 9:80 Pickthall
Finally, these passages only add to the confusion since they do
And never (O Muhammad) pray for one of them who dieth, nor absolutely nothing to resolve the problem. They simply provide further
stand by his grave. Lo! they disbelieved in Allah and His messenger, proof that there are irreconcilable contradictions within the Quran.
and they died while they were evil-doers. 9:84 Pickthall
A Muslim may bring out an additional argument to resolve the issue.
And Noah called upon his Lord, and said: "O my Lord! surely my son is There are two contradictory passages that actually appear alongside side
of my family! and Thy promise is true, and Thou art the justest of each other, namely S. 2:254-255:
Judges!" He said: "O Noah! He is not of thy family: For his conduct is
unrighteous. So ask not of Me that of which thou hast no knowledge! O you who believe! spend out of what We have given you before the day
I give thee counsel, lest thou act like the ignorant!" Noah said: "O my comes in which there is no bargaining, neither any friendship nor
Lord! I do seek refuge with Thee, lest I ask Thee for that of which I intercession, and the unbelievers - they are the unjust. Allah! There is no
have no knowledge. And unless thou forgive me and have Mercy on me, god but He,- the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can
I should indeed be lost!" S. 11:45-47 seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who
is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He
Interestingly, the following hadith demonstrates that Abraham’s alleged knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind
prayer for his parents in S. 14:41 and 26:86 was not accepted: them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He
willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He
Narrated Abu Huraira: feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most
The Prophet said, "On the Day of Resurrection Abraham will meet his High, the Supreme (in glory). S. 2:254-255
father Azar whose face will be dark and covered with dust. (The Prophet
Abraham will say to him): ‘Didn't I tell you not to disobey me?’ His A Muslim may claim that this passage demonstrates that there is no
father will reply: ‘Today I will not disobey you.’ Abraham will say: ‘O contradiction in the Quran, since it explains that no intercession can avail
Lord! You promised me not to disgrace me on the Day of unless Allah permits it.
Resurrection; and what will be more disgraceful to me than cursing
and dishonoring my father?’ Then Allah will say (to him): ‘I have
143 144
Again, a couple of comments are in order. First, even if we were to deed leaves its effect on the human personality. The Quran has used
accept such an explanation for this passage, seeing that the two verses metaphor to draw parallels with our experience in society. For example,
exist side-by-side, it wouldn’t solve the other set of conflicting passages we see in a court how the accused is tried in the presence of witnesses
which are often far removed from each other. Based on the laws of logic, for both the defence and the prosecution. Sentence is then pronounced
however, a contradiction remains a contradiction whether the based on the evidence produced. (Source; bold emphasis ours)
contradictory statements are several chapters apart or found in the same
paragraph. Such glaring contradictions make it hard for any open minded and
intelligent person to take seriously the claim that the Quran is the word
Second, there is a debate regarding the proper understanding of this of the true God.
passage. For instance, does this passage teach that the only intercession
acceptable to God is that which he permits? Or does this passage actually Sam Shamoun
mean that God can permit intercession if he wanted to, but won’t do so
since he has determined that all intercession belongs exclusively to him? Where is Allah?
For an example of the latter interpretation, note the following comments He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days;
taken from a Muslim article: then He mounted the Throne. ... (Pickthall Translation)
-- Sura 57:4
Those who support intercession, however, quote the following verse
from the Quran to support their views: 'God! There is no God but He, - It was We Who created man,
the living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him:
sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there to for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein. (Yusuf Ali)
intercede in His presence except as he permitteth? He knoweth what -- Sura 50:16
(appeared to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall
they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His throne Is the throne of Allah at your jugular vein? That question is silly, so it
doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and he feeleth no fatigue in seems. Obviously one can easily understand these verses to mean, that
guarding and preserving them. For He is the most High the Supreme (in Allah is near to you and to everyone equally since he is not in any
glory)' (2:255). It is instructive to quote the verse immediately prior location in particular. Allah is "everywhere" in the sense that there is no
to the above from the Quran: place that is without his presence. What about the throne? The throne
symbolizes the power and sovereignty of Allah's rule. One does not need
"O ye who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for to understand it as a physical location. And in fact, Yusuf Ali translates it
you, before the Day comes when no Bargaining (will avail), nor as if it is not an act of sitting down on the throne (which is the literal
Friendship nor Intercession. Those who reject faith - they are the wrong- meaning of the Arabic), but as a metaphorical expression for his power.
doers" (2:254).
He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days,
This verse puts beyond doubt that there is no intercession, as is and is moreover firmly established on the Throne (of Authority). ...
repeated in the verse (4:123-124) quoted above. Clearly, there is no
need to go into more detail regarding the interpretation of the verse
(2:255), otherwise there appears to be a contradiction in the Quran
which is not possible. According to the Law of Requital every human
145 146
This would solve the question if each mentioning of Allah's throne could Is Evil from Satan, Ourselves, or Allah?
always be understood metaphorically. But what then do we make of this
following ayat? 4:78
Say: "All things are from Allah."
And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days - 4:79
and His Throne was upon the water - Whatever good, (O man!) happens to thee, is from Allah;
that He might try you, which of you is best in conduct. ... but whatever evil happens to thee, is from thyself.
-- Sura 11:7 4:82
Do they not ponder on the Qur'an?
Is the water also metaphorical? Even though it may not be entirely clear Had it been from other than Allah,
where this water was (the ocean, the rain clouds, ...?), this seems to be they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.
clearly a statement of location for this throne and is no longer
metaphorical. Also, the Arabic is past tense, and the question is then: Is Evil things are without doubt a subset of "all things", and if "all things
the throne still upon the water, and if not, where has it moved to? And are from Allah" then the evil things are from Allah as well, and the
then there are these verses: author of the Qur'an can't pass the guilt on and blame others as done in
verse 79.
He rules (all) affairs from the heavens to the earth:
in the end will (all affairs) go up to Him, on a Day, It is interesting that Muhammad would contradict himself within two
the space whereof will be (as) a thousand years of your reckoning." consecutive verses and then write three verses later that discrepancy is a
-- Sura 32:5 sign that it is not from God.

The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day But this topic isn't over with just yet.
the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years:
-- Sura 70:4 38:41
Commemorate Our Servant Job, behold he cried out to his Lord:
If Allah is nearer to us than our jugular vein, why is there any need for "Satan has afflicted me with distress and suffering!"
the "affairs" (?), angels and the spirit to travel at all to reach Allah? Is
there any interpretation of Sura 32:5 and 70:4 which does not involve a Now we have a third party joining the contest for responsibility. Is evil
physical "distance" between the earth and Allah that has to be bridged? from ourselves? Is it from Satan? Or is it from Allah?

Sura 50:16 could be understood that Allah is equally near everywhere, Any two of them contradict each other, but in particular do the first two
and there is no place you can go to be nearer to Him than were you are at (4:79, 38:41) contradict the third (4:78) as Allah claimed all things as
this time. from himself.

Then why does anyone or anything have to travel to reach Allah? In fact, the above passages are only the beginning of the problems raised
in the Qur'an and Hadith on the issue of predestination, free will, and the
Qur'an Contradiction: responsibility for sin.

147 148
Carefully notice the wording of the text; Allah commands and the people
Qur'an Contradiction commit ungodliness. In other words, it is Allah’s command that leads the
people to commit indecency which then results in their destruction!
Does Allah Command Evil and Abomination or Doesn’t He?
Egyptian Christian writer and scholar, Dr. Labib Mikhail, commented on
The Quran says that Allah doesn’t command indecency and the theological ramifications of the above text and shows how the literal
abomination: meaning is that Allah is commanding the people to commit evil in order
to destroy them:
And whenever they commit an indecency they say, 'We found our fathers
practising it, and God has commanded us to do it.' Say: 'God does not I have to mention, as one who mastered the Arabic as my first language
command indecency; what, do you say concerning God such things as and who has read the different versions of the Koran, that some of who
you know not?' S. 7:28 translated the Koran into English were not honest; they tried to deceive
the English speaking reader. Here are a few examples of their deception.
Surely God bids to justice and good-doing and giving to kinsmen; and
He forbids indecency, dishonour, and insolence, admonishing you, so (4) In Surat Al-Isra we read this Arabic verse in the Koran, where Allah
that haply you will remember. S. 16:90 is saying:

In fact, the Quran says it is Satan who does: Wa eza aradna an nohlika kariatan amarna motrifiha fafasako feha
fahaqa Alliah alkowl fadamarnaha (Surat Al-Isra 17:16)
O men, eat of what is in the earth lawful and good; and follow not the
steps of Satan; he is a manifest foe to you. He only commands you to evil The correct translation of this verse should be:
and indecency, and that you should speak against God such things as you
know not. S. 2:168-169 And when we (Allah) decide to destroy a village, we send a definite
command to those who lead a life of luxury in it to commit lewdness,
The Quran further says that Allah does not destroy any city unjustly: and thus the word of torment is justified against them. Then we destroy it
with complete destruction.
That is because thy Lord would never destroy the cities unjustly, while
their inhabitants were heedless. S. 6:131 This means that when Allah wants to destroy a village that he will
command the elite of that town to commit gross sins. Then after that he
Yet we are told elsewhere that Allah does indeed command wickedness will punish them because they obeyed his commands. (Mikhail, Islam,
and indecency: Muhammad and the Koran: A Documented Analysis [Blessed Hope
Ministry, Springfield VA; Second edition, Revised and Expanded 2002],
And when We desire to destroy a city, WE COMMAND its men who live pp. 111, 112-113; online edition)
at ease, AND THEY COMMIT UNGODLINESS therein, then the Word is
realized against it, and We destroy it utterly. S. 17:16 Another Christian writer, the late ‘Abdallah Abd al-‘Fadi, said in
reference to these passages:

Does God desire to destroy the people he created? Would He really


command people who live at ease in a certain place to commit
149 150
ungodliness, so that they would be worthy of punishment, together with defiled. That would be detestable in the eyes of the LORD. Do not
the poor who live among them? Is this compatible with God’s justice, bring sin upon the land the LORD your God is giving you as an
holiness and faithfulness? How could anyone ascribe to God such inheritance." Deuteronomy 24:1-4
infamy, injustice and ungodliness?
"God says, 'If a husband divorces his wife and she goes from him and
Besides, the Qur’an contradicts this statement in many other places… belongs to another man, will he still return to her? Will not that land be
(Al-‘Fadi, Is the Qur’an Infallible? [Light of Life, P.O. Box 13, A-9503 completely polluted? But you are a harlot with many lovers; Yet you turn
Villach, Austria], p. 131) to Me,' declares the LORD. Lift up your eyes to the bare heights and see;
Where have you not been violated? By the roads you have sat for them
Al-‘Fadi proceeded to quote the very same texts cited above. Since both Like an Arab in the desert, And you have polluted a land with your
these gentlemen are/were Arab Christians and know/knew Arabic, one harlotry and with your wickedness." Jeremiah 3:1-2
cannot accuse them of failing to understand or properly exegeting the
Arabic text of the Quran. Here, the God of the Holy Bible prohibits a man from remarrying a
divorcee who has remarried and either been divorced again or widowed.
The Quran does not provide specific examples of the particular sins or Contrast this to the following Quranic command:
ungodliness that Allah would command people to perform if he wants to
destroy a city. Nevertheless, the above is a clear contradiction on an Divorce is twice; then honourable retention or setting free kindly. It is
abstract level. Does God command indecency or does he not? The Quran not lawful for you to take of what you have given them unless the couple
makes both statements. fear they may not maintain God's bounds; if you fear they may not
maintain God's bounds, it is no fault in them for her to redeem herself.
Two further observations: Those are God's bounds; do not transgress them. Whosoever transgresses
the bounds of God -- those are the evildoers. If he divorces her finally,
First, one perverse consequence of S. 17:16 is that the people in that city she shall not be lawful to him after that, until she marries another
are ultimately punished and destroyed for obeying Allah’s commands husband. If he divorces her, then it is no fault in them to return to each
given to them, not for disobedience to the commands that they had other, if they suppose that they will maintain God's bounds. Those are
received. God's bounds; He makes them clear unto a people that have knowledge.
S. 2:229-230
Second, looking at the Torah in comparison to the Quran, there is at least
one behavior that the Holy God of the Bible has forbidden explicitly, Muslim tradition even goes so far as to say that the woman must engage
which he even called detestable, but which Allah has made an explicit in sexual intercourse with the man before she can return to her former
command for the Muslims. This is what the Bible says: husband:

"If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he Narrated 'Aisha:
finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of Rifa'a Al-Qurazi divorced his wife irrevocably (i.e. that divorce was the
divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, and if after she final). Later on 'Abdur-Rahman bin Az-Zubair married her after him. She
leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man, and her second came to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! I was Rifa'a's wife and
husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her he divorced me thrice, and then I was married to 'Abdur-Rahman bin
and sends her from his house, or if he dies, then her first husband, who AzZubair, who, by Allah has nothing with him except something like
divorced her, is not allowed to marry her again after she has been this fringe, O Allah's Apostle," showing a fringe she had taken from her
151 152
covering sheet. Abu Bakr was sitting with the Prophet while Khalid Ibn Malik said, about the muhallil, that he could not remain in the marriage
Said bin Al-As was sitting at the gate of the room waiting for admission. until he undertook a new marriage. If he had intercourse with her in that
Khalid started calling Abu Bakr, "O Abu Bakr! Why don't you reprove marriage, she had her dowry.
this lady from what she is openly saying before Allah's Apostle?" Allah's
Apostle did nothing except smiling, and then said (to the lady), "Perhaps (Malik's Muwatta, Book 28, Number 28.7.19)
you want to go back to Rifa'a? No, (it is not possible), unless and until
you enjoy the sexual relation with him ('Abdur Rahman), and he Allah calls permissible what Yahweh calls shameful and abominable.
enjoys the sexual relation with you." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8,
Book 73, Number 107) Here is another instance of Allah permitting indecency, lewdness:

Yahya related to me from Malik from al-Miswar ibn Rifaa al-Quradhi Permitted to you, upon the night of the Fast, is to go in to (alrrafathu)
from az-Zubayr ibn Abd ar-Rahman ibn az-Zubayr that Rifaa ibn Simwal your wives; -- they are a vestment for you, and you are a vestment for
divorced his wife, Tamima bint Wahb, in the time of the Messenger of them. God knows that you have been betraying yourselves, and has
Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, three times. Then she turned to you and pardoned you. So now lie with them, and seek what
married Abd ar-Rahman ibn az-Zubayr and he turned from her and could God has prescribed for you. And eat and drink, until the white thread
not consummate the marriage and so he parted from her. Rifaa wanted to shows clearly to you from the black thread at the dawn; then complete
marry her again and it was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah, may the Fast unto the night, and do not lie with them while you cleave to the
Allah bless him and grant him peace, and he forbade him to marry her. mosques. Those are God's bounds; keep well within them. So God makes
He said, "She is not halal for you until she has tasted the sweetness of clear His signs to men; haply they will be godfearing. S. 2:187
intercourse." (Malik's Muwatta, Book 28, Number 28.7.17)
The word alrrafathu, which comes from rafath, refers to obscene,
Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Said from al-Qasim ibn immoral behaviour and conduct. The word is used in this manner in the
Muhammad that A'isha, the wife of the Prophet, may Allah bless him following citation:
and grant him peace, said when asked whether it was permissible for a
man to marry again a wife he had divorced irrevocably if she had The pilgrimage is (in) the well-known months, and whoever is minded to
married another man who divorced her before consummating the perform the pilgrimage therein (let him remember that) there is (to be) no
marriage, "Not until she has tasted the sweetness of intercourse." lewdness (rafatha) nor abuse nor angry conversation on the pilgrimage.
(Malik's Muwatta, Book 28, Number 28.7.18) And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it. So make provision for
yourselves (Hereafter); for the best provision is to ward off evil.
The man who makes the woman lawful for her former husband is called Therefore keep your duty unto Me, O men of understanding. S. 2:197
Muhallil: Pickthall

Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that when asked ... Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj ...
whether it was permissible for a man to return to his wife if he had Y. Ali
divorced her irrevocably and then another man had married her after him
and died before consummating the marriage, al-Qasim ibn ... abstain from lewd speech, from all wicked conduct, and from
Muhammad said, "It is not halal for the first husband to return to quarrelling ... Asad
her."

153 154
Renowned Sunni expositor Ibn Kathir commented on the meaning of 197b. Three things are prohibited in pilgrimage, rafath, fusuq and jidal.
Rafath in Sura 2:197: Rafath means foul, unseemly, immodest or obscene speech (LL). Fusuq,
according to a saying of the Prophet, signifies abusing (Rz). Jidal
Prohibition of Rafath (Sexual Intercourse) during Hajj signifies contending in an altercation or disputing or litigating (LL). The
pilgrimage represents the final stage of spiritual progress, and hence the
Allah said: ... pilgrim is enjoined not to speak words which should be a source of
annoyance to anybody. Perfect love of God requires perfect peace with
<He should not have Rafath> man; hence no offence should be caused to any man. The doing of good
to others is recommended instead in the words whatever good you do,
This Ayah means that those who assume the Ihram for Hajj or `Umrah Allah knows it. (Source: *, *)
are required to avoid the Rafath, meaning, sexual intercourse. Allah's
statement here is similar to His statement: Now intercourse itself is obviously not obscene or lewd when done
within the confines of marriage between a husband and wife. God is the
<It is made lawful for you to have Rafath (sexual relations) with your one who created us as sexual beings and sanctioned sexual intimacy in
wives on the night of the fast.> (2:187) the first place. It is therefore obvious that the Quran is referring to and
sanctioning obscene sexual acts, lewd sexual behavior, acts that are
Whatever might lead to sexual intercourse, such as embracing, kissing unnatural and abnormal. In this verse, the Quran does not use the
and talking to women about similar subjects, is not allowed. Ibn Jarir common word for intercourse, nikkah (e.g. S. 2:230, 4:22, 33:53; cf. this
reported that Nafi` narrated that `Abdullah bin `Umar said, "Rafath article), but rafath. In other words, Allah is explicitly permitting Muslim
means sexual intercourse or mentioning this subject with the tongue, by men to commit obscene, lewd conduct with their wives!
either men or women." `Ata' bin Abu Rabah said that Rafath means
sexual intercourse and foul speech. This is also the opinion of `Amr bin As the following source says:
Dinar. `Ata' also said that they used to even prevent talking (or hinting)
about this subject. Tawus said that Rafath includes one's saying, "When I The Arabic word rafath is defined by Abu Ubaida and other reliable
end the Ihram I will have sex with you." This is also the same Arabic commentaries as "behaving in an obscene manner". But
explanation offered by Abu Al-`Aliyah regarding Rafath. `Ali bin Abu translators of the Quran into English have been biased. The original
Talhah said that Ibn `Abbas said, "Rafath means having sex with the Arabic verse does not just use the expression, "go unto your wives," but
wife, kissing, fondling and saying foul words to her, and similar acts." succinctly and explicitly states: "go and behave in an obscene manner
Ibn `Abbas and Ibn `Umar said that Rafath means to have sex with with your wives." (The True Guidance: Commentary on Quranic Verses
women. This is also the opinion of Sa`id bin Jubayr, `Ikrimah, Mujahid, [Light of Life, P.O. Box 13, A-9503 Villach, Austria], part 5, pp. 40-41)
Ibrahim An-Nakha`i, Abu Al-`Aliyah who narrated it from `Ata' and
Makhul, `Ata Al-Khurasani, `Ata' bin Yasar, `Atiyah, Ibrahim, Ar-Rabi`, [All Quranic quotations are taken from A.J. Arberry's translation unless
Az-Zuhri, As-Suddi, Malik bin Anas, Muqatil bin Hayyan, `Abdul- noted otherwise.]
Karim bin Malik, Al-Hasan, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak, and others.
(Source; italic and underline emphasis ours) Sam Shamoun

The late Maulana Muhammad Ali wrote: Qur'an Contradiction:

155 156
Protectors or no protectors? Now, to say God protects, and by his command angels
protect is a coherent explanation. It does not attribute
double-talk to God, and logically coincides.

Besides Allah you have NO protector nor helper [2:107, 29:22] Would God say there are not discrepencies and then command
that there would be? No way. If you have been following
But in Sura 41:31 the angels themselves say: the responses I have put forth, no proposed contradiction
has been proven. It is up to you to read what Jochen
proposes and what the response is and decide if there is
"We are your protectors in this life and the Hereafter." any contradiction at all. I know I am convinced there are
no contradictions, but I am still looking at Jochen's web
And also in other suras is their role described as guarding [13:11, 50:17- page. Could there be a contradiction? I have enough faith
18] and protecting [82:10]. and experience to say that these proposed contradictions
are probably misunderstandings. Being honest to ourselves
is the most important step in drawing any meaningful
Obviously the "solution" is to say that the angels are protectors "by the conclusion from these discussions.
leave or command of Allah", but then again nothing happens withoutthe
leave of Allah and this is a little too convenient an explanation which It's time for my question to the reader. What would you do
would cover all contradictions ever imaginable. Even the contradictions if you also come to the conclusion that there are no
contradictions in the Qur'an? I hope you would become a
in the Qur'an are in there only "by the leave of Allah" and therefore they
Muslim because of the simple beauty of its message; God is
don't contradict anymore other statements which "Allah" makes in the One, and all worship is for him only.
Qur'an like that "there are no contradictions"?

Quran Contradiction
A Muslim's Response by Randy Desmond
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 1996 13:45:57 PDT Is Allah the Only Judge or Not?

Jochen gave us the obvious solution. Let's keep it. Sam Shamoun

As for the argument that this would make contradictions in The Quran says that there is no other judge besides Allah and that he
the Qur'an uncontradictory because the contradictions doesn’t allow anyone to share in his decision-making or rule:
would be there by the leave of God, that is a faulty
logical arguement.
Shall I seek other than Allah for judge, when He it is Who hath
Why? revealed unto you (this) Scripture, fully explained? Those unto whom
We gave the Scripture (aforetime) know that it is revealed from thy Lord
Because one of the commands of Allah is that you would in truth. So be not thou (O Muhammad) of the waverers. S. 6:114
have found a discrepancy if the Qur'an was not from God.
To say that a contradiction is present by God's command is Say: "Allah knows best how long they stayed. With Him is (the
to attribute hypocrisy to God (I seek shelter in God from
all evil and ask his forgiveness). God is, afterall, the knowledge of) the unseen of the heavens and the earth. How clearly He
Truth. sees, and hears (everything)! They have no Wali (Helper, Disposer of

157 158
affairs, Protector, etc.) other than Him, and He makes NONE to share in But in Sura 7:155-157 is the problem that Moses prays to Allah and in
His Decision and His Rule." S. 18:26 Hilali-Khan Allah's response to Moses we read

But elsewhere in the Quran Muhammad is said to share in Allah’s Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet,
decisions and judgments: whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures), -
in the Taurat and the Gospel - .... -- Sura 7:157
O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger and those of you
who are in authority; and if ye have a dispute concerning any matter, The obvious problem is that the Gospel has not been revealed yet at that
refer it to Allah and the messenger if ye are (in truth) believers in Allah time, and nobody was able to find anything in it a nonexisting gospel.
and the Last Day. That is better and more seemly in the end. S. 4:59

We sent no messenger save that he should be obeyed by Allah's leave.


And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come unto A Muslim's Response by Randy Desmond
thee and asked forgiveness of Allah, and asked forgiveness of the Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 14:02:51 PDT
messenger, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful. But nay,
We should realize that this is God telling Moses(pbuh)
by thy Lord, they will not believe (in truth) until they make thee judge that Muhammad(pbuh) will be found in the Tawrah (Torah)
of what is in dispute between them and find within themselves no dislike and Injil (Gospel). If the past tense seems confusing, it
of that which thou decidest, and submit with full submission. S. 4:64-65 shouldn't. Arabic and Hebrew both used past tense when
Pickthall prophecies were mentioned.

Amazingly, the above citation says that Muhammad also shares Allah’s Qur'an Contradiction:
ability to forgive sinners! And:
Behind their Back, or in their Left?
And it becometh not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah
and His messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should
(after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah Sura 84:10 says that the lost people are given the Record (of their bad
and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest. S. 33:36 deeds) behind their back, but in Sura 69:25 it is given in their left hand.
Yusuf Ali's commentary states that their hands are tied behind their
In light of the above what exactly is a person to believe? Is Allah the backs [where does he get that from?] and it is given into their left hand,
only judge and does he refuse to share his decision and rule with behind their back ... but that's not what the Quran says, and a
anyone? Or does Muhammad also judge and make decisions for his "harmonizing assumption" has to be made to resolve the problem.
community?

Unless stated, all verses taken from the Muhammad Marmaduke


Pickthall version of the Quran. A Muslim's Response by Randy Desmond
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 14:12:14 PDT
Many verses in the Qur'an make clear that the Injil is given to Jesus who Yusuf Ali assume the Qur'an does not conflict. His
was born several hundred years [about 1,400] after Moses. "harmonizing assumption" does not assume anything

159 160
contradictory to the Qur'an and it is perfectly acceptable P.S. I agree that this problem can be resolved when taking the context
explanation. into account, but that would clearly be against the rules in the discipline
of hyperliteral interpretations, see the above mentioned article.
Qur'an Contradiction

Do not say, "Three"!? Qur'an Contradiction:

The following "contradiction" is dedicated to the eminent Muslim Gabriel, the Holy Spirit, Confirmation and Pure Arabic
scholar and top apologist of Islam, Osama Abdallah, who loves to
understand statements only in a hyperliteral way, to the point of the
ridiculous. The reason for the publication of this little gem — sufficient
to invalidate the whole Qur'an all by itself — will be readily apparent to Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel -
anyone who has read this article. for he brings down the (revelation) to thy heart by Allah's will,
a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings
In the Qur'an, we find the following command: for those who believe, - ...
-- Sura 2:97
... So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease!
(it is) better for you! ... S. 4:171 Pickthall

The Qur'an is very clear: People should believe in Allah and His When We substitute one revelation for another, -
messengers and not say the word "three." More specifically, they should and Allah knows best what He reveals, - they say,
not say the Arabic word for three. "Thou art but a forger": but most of them understand not.
On the other hand, Muslims are expected to recite the Qur'an in Arabic. Say, the Holy Spirit has brought
Traditionally, at least during Ramadan, the complete Qur'an is recited in the revelation from thy Lord in Truth,
most mosques. That is impossible to do without also reciting the word in order to strengthen those who believe,
for three in this verse (and plenty of other verses as well, cf. S. 2:196, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims.
228, 3:41, 4:3, 19:10, 24:58, 56:7, 77:30, etc.).
We know indeed that they say,
In a nutshell: It is impossible to recite S. 4:171 without being disobedient "It is a man that teaches him."
to the command it contains. The tongue of him they wickedly point to
is notably foreign,
This must be the shortest contradiction or logical problem contained in while this is Arabic, pure and clear.
the Qur'an. -- Sura 16:101-103
Jochen Katz This gives three contradictions:

161 162
First, 2:97 says that it is the (angel) Gabriel who brings down the
revelation from Allah to Muhammad, while 16:102 says it is the Holy
Spirit. BECAUSE of these two verses Muslims usually identify the Holy A Muslim's Response by Shaahin Amiri-Sharifi
Spirit with Gabriel and say that this is just another name for Gabriel. Date: Wed Nov 27 00:19 EST 1996
However, in another context they completely forget that they have made
this identification already since they ALSO want Muhammad to be the this is to answer:
Holy Spirit and Comforter promised by Jesus in John 14-16 in order to --Three contradictions in 16:101-103 ,
desperately find a prophecy of Muhammad as claimed in Sura 61:6. But
obviously the Holy Spirit cannot be both, he cannot be Gabriel and --according to muslim belief, based on quran,
"gabriel" is the name for "holy spirit" the dearest
Muhammad at the same time. That is, unless Muslims believe Gabriel is angle of god. and it is NOT the prophet. it is also
Muhammad! mentioned in quran as (angle) "rouh" , meaning spirit.

[There has been a Muslim response to this observation by Moiz Amjad. Sam about john 14:16, the verse never mentiones the
Shamoun has two detailed and carefully argued articles on the issue: Is "the comforter
Holy Spirit" only another name for the Angel Gabriel?, The Quranic is holy spirit. if it is a christian interpretation of
Confusion Concerning Identity of the Spirit and Gabriel] the verse (John 14:16) i adont know about that, but
what muslims say is that, this comforter is
mohamed(pbuh).
Second, in Sura 2:97 the Qur'an claims to be a confirmation of the
earlier revelation (as it does in many other verses), while in Sura 16:101 so if christians believe that "comforter" is holy
the Qur'an is viewed as "substituting" the earlier revelations. And the spirit,
people call him a forgerer exactly because it does not fit together with and muslims belive that "comforter" is mohamed(pbuh),
the established revelation of God. this
does NOT result in that holy spirit is mohamed(pbuh)!
you are reffering to oposite sides to get a result.
What is Muhammad's answer? "They just don't understand" (verse 101).
regarding 2:97 and 16:101, and "confirmation" of the
Third, despite the fact that 16:103 says "this is Arabic, pure and clear" — earlier revelations and at the same time "substituting"
them,
a statement that is supposedly refuting those who say Muhammad
quran does confirm earlier revelations (not the changed
learned his message from a human teacher who was not fluent in Arabic vertion of them of course!), and please note that
—, the Qur'an contains words and phrases that belong to other the word translated as "substituting" means rather
languages. Just two of many examples: "transforming" and not substituting . and what is meant
is like "updating". point is, islam is the religion of
adam (pbuh) to mohamed (pbuh), but in different levels.
"Pharoah" comes from the Egyptian language and means king or it was "updated" untill it reached the final form which
potentate. The word for "king" in Arabic is different. was brought by mohamed (pbuh). so while maintainig the
same spirit, it was "transformed" to what it is now.
"Injil", which means "gospel" = "good news", comes from the Greek i hope this explanation makes the situation clear!
language. The correct word in Arabic is "bisharah".
about quran being in "pure" arabic. yet another
misunderestanding of quran caused by looking a
For a detailed treatment of this topic, see the scholarly work, The "translated"
Foreign Vocabulary of the Qur'an by the late scholar Arthur Jeffery. copy rather than arabic! the word "mobeen" means clear
with
163 164
explanation, understandable, NOT pure (in the way you But let us assume this word does mean "clear and understandable". Then
percieve). and of course it is not in pure arabic. you are only trading in one contradiction for another.
there is no "pure" language at all! in every language
you
can find the trace of other languages, older or He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or
contemporary fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the
ones. Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity
shaahin
follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching
for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except
Allah.
And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in
I have read that Muslims believe all of the revealed books are exact the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the
copies from (part) of the book kept by God in heaven, [not sure if that is Message except men of understanding.
Qur'anic, but it is tradition]. If it is being "updated" one might wonder if -- Sura 3:7
the tablets in heaven became updated too... And how can God and his
word be perfect if his word needs "updating"? If this verse says anything, then it is this: There are verses in the Qur'an
which are far from clear in their meaning.
I am often amazed how utterly unable Yusuf Ali seems to be in his
translation.... Yes, I do know I read a translation, but please, do give me
a translation you think is a good one and I will then argue based on that Qur'an Contradiction:
translation. If you say it is not translatable, then why would I believe that
you can give a better translation for the word above than Ali gives? Abrogation?
Anyway. Let us look at the context and not just at one word. Isn't the
point that verse 103 makes exactly that it cannot originate from this
person charged to be behind the forgery, because this person is a
foreigner, not speaking pure Arabic, while the Qur'an is pure Arabic? If The words of the Lord are perfect in truth and justice;
this means not "pure" then the whole point that this verse is trying to there is NONE who can change His words.
make falls to the ground. There is no reason why a foreigner cannot He both heareth and knoweth.
explain and speak "clearly" and "understandably". The contrast is "that -- Sura 6:115
this foreigner doesn't speak pure Arabic" with the "purity of the language
of the Qur'an". And this is exactly what Yusuf Ali says in his footnote None can change the words of God;
2143: "... They must need to postulate some human teacher. -- Sura 6:34
Unfortunately for their postulate, any possible human teacher they could
think of would be poor in Arabic speech if he had all the knowledge that There is no changing the words of God;
the Qur'an reveals of previous revelations. Apart from that, even the that is the mighty triumph.
most eloquent Arab could not, and cannot, produce anything of the -- Sura 10:64
eloquence, width and depth of the Qur'anic teaching, as is evident from
every verse of the Book." (That is quite an exaggeration in itself, I And recite what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord,
cannot resist to add.) there is none who can alter His words;

165 166
and you shall not find any refuge besides Him. Limited 3 Library Ramp, Gibraltar rpt. 1993], p. 443, fn. 35; online
-- Sura 18:27 edition)

However: The following Muslim cites Sura 10:64 as proof that the Quran is
unchangeable:
And for whatever verse we abrogate and cast into oblivion
We bring a better or the like of it; 5. Why don't Muslims adapt the Quran to the needs of the modern
knowest thou not that God is powerful over everything? age?
-- Sura 2:106
a.
And when We exchange a verse in place of another verse -- The Quran states: there is no changing the words of God. (1) (GF
and God knows very well what He is sending down -- Haddad, Frequent Questions About Islam And Religion; online source)
they say, 'Thou art a mere forger!'
Nay, but the most of them have no knowledge. In the footnote, this is what we find the author citing:
-- Sura 16:101
1
Here is Ibn Kathir's commentary on Sura 18:27 taken from Tafsir Ibn Those who believe and guarded (against evil): They shall have good
Kathir, Abridged Volume 6 (Surat Al-Isra’, verse 39 To the end of Surat news in this world's life and in the hereafter; there is no changing
Al-Mu’minun), abridged by a group of scholars under the supervision of the words of Allah; that is the mighty achievement.
Shaykh Safiur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri, Darussalam Publishers & Sura Yunus (10) verses 63/64 (Source)
Distributors, Riyadh, Houston, New York, Lahore; First Edition, July
2000: The problem is obvious: On the one hand, Sura 6:115, 6:34, 10:64, 18:27
make it clear that NONE CAN change the words of God (which is
The Command to recite the Qur’an and to patiently keep Company supported by the explanation of the commentators quoted). But, on the
with the Believers other hand, God DOES exchange one verse for another verse (Sura
2:106, 16:101). And he does so through his messengers like Jesus
Commanding his Messenger to recite his Holy Book and convey it to [supposedly changing some rules given through Moses] and like
mankind, Allah says, Muhammad who gives rules different again from those of Moses and of
Jesus.
<None can change His Words,> meaning, no one can alter them, distort
them or misinterpret them. (p. 142)

Muhammad Asad comments on the same verse: Muhammad Asad’s above mentioned footnote 87 on Sura 2:106 is quite
interesting:
"... According to Razi, it is on this passage, among others, that the
great Qur’an-commentator Abu Muslim al-Isfahani based his "... The principle laid down in this passage - relating to the supersession
rejection of the so-called ‘doctrine of abrogation’ discussed in my of the Biblical dispensation by that of the Qur’an - has given rise to an
note 87 on 2:106." (Asad, Message of the Qur’an [Dar Al-Andalus erroneous interpretation by many Muslim theologians. The word
ayah ('message') occurring in this context is also used to denote a ‘verse’
167 168
of the Qur’an (because every one of these verses contains a message). destroys this foundation when it declares that no part of it is at variance
Taking this restricted meaning of the term ayah, some scholars conclude with another: "Will they not then meditate on the Qur'an? And if it were
from the above passage that certain verses of the Qur’an have been from any other than Allah, they would have found in it many a
‘abrogated’ by God’s command before the revelation of the Qur’an was discrepancy" (4 : 82). It was due to lack of meditation that one verse was
completed. Apart from the fancifulness of this assertion - WHICH thought to be at variance with another; and hence it is that in almost all
CALLS TO MIND THE IMAGE OF A HUMAN AUTHOR cases where abrogation has been upheld by one person, there has been
CORRECTING, ON SECOND THOUGHT, THE PROOFS OF HIS another who, being able to reconcile the two, has repudiated the alleged
MANUSCRIPT, deleting one passage and replacing it with another - abrogation. (Ali, The Religion of Islam [The Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at
there does not exist a single reliable Tradition to the effect that the Islam (Lahore) U.S.A., Eighth Edition 2005], p. 32; bold and italic
Prophet ever declared a verse of the Qur’an to have been ‘abrogated’. At emphasis ours)
the root of the so-called ‘doctrine of abrogation’ MAY LIE THE
INABILITY OF SOME EARLY COMMENTATORS TO What Ali's candid admission shows is that the Muslims who appeal to
RECONCILE ONE QUR'ANIC PASSAGE WITH ANOTHER; a abrogation do so primarily because they are unable of reconciling the
difficulty which was overcome by declaring that one of the verses in errors within the Quran. Abrogation therefore becomes the convenient
question had been ‘abrogated’. This arbitrary procedure explains way of explaining away these discrepancies.
also why there is no unanimity whatsoever among the upholders of
the ‘doctrine of abrogation’ as to which, and how many, Qur’an- Amazingly, among the Muslims that accept abrogation are some who
verses have been affected by it; and furthermore, as to whether this openly admit that the doctrine implies that there are contradictions within
alleged abrogation implies a total elimination of the verse from the the Quran! Note, for example, what this Islamic site claims are the
context of the Qur’an, or only a cancellation of the specific ordinance qualifications which are needed for someone seeking to be a mujtahid,
or statement contained in it. In short, the ‘doctrine of abrogation’ has i.e. a person wanting to 'exert himself' to form an opinion in legal
no basis in historical fact, and must be rejected ..." (Asad, Message of the matters:
Qur’an [Dar Al-Andalus Limited 3 Library Ramp, Gibraltar rpt. 1993],
pp. 22-23, n. 87; online edition; bold and capital emphasis ours) A mujtahid should have the knowledge of nasikh and mansukh
(abrogating and abrogated), i.e., which one out of two
Asad correctly points out that abrogation is an indication of human CONTRADICTORY and opposite texts is later in revelation. This might
imperfections and weakness. have occurred due to change of a rule, replacement, withdrawal or
omission. It is not necessary to remember all such texts. But one must
Another Muslim, the Maulana Muhammad Ali of the Ahmadiyya sect, enquire the text related to the concerned issue. Past scholars have done a
rejected the doctrine of abrogation because it violates the claim of the lot of work about an-Nasikh, and have listed all such verses and hadiths.
Quran that it is free from errors and discrepancies. Yet he readily Now it is not difficult to find it out anytime. (IslamOnline.net,
admitted that this concept was developed because Muslims were Conditions of a Mujtahid; source; capital and underline emphasis ours)
confronted with references that conflicted with one another which they
could not satisfactorily explain: Say: 'God - He guides to the truth;
and which is worthier to be followed --
The principle on which the theory of abrogation is based is unacceptable, He who guides to the truth,
being contrary to the clear teachings of the Qur'an. A verse is considered or he who guides not unless he is guided?
to be abrogated when the two cannot be reconciled with each other; in What then ails you, how do you judge?
other words, when they appear to contradict each other. But the Qur'an -- Sura 10:35
169 170
You would sure agree, that this verse argues that we should follow only explain that the disciples and all of early Christianity believed in the
God, because he is the one who guides to truth. And any other can only crucifixion?
guide to truth if he himself is guided. Therefore, why rely on any other
and not directly follow God? Allah leads astray whom he pleases,
and he guides whom He pleases, ...
But, this argument only holds water when we can indeed trust that God -- Sura 14:4
leads to truth those who trust him and doesn't deceive those who follow
his words and deeds. And how do we know in which of Allah's categories of pleasure we fall?
How sure can a Muslim be that he is one of those guided right and not
That they said (in boast) one of those led astray? Indeed how do we know that all of Islam is not
"We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary the Apostle of Allah"; the "leading astray" category and Christianity is the right one?
but they killed him not nor crucified him
but so it was made to appear to them The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication, -
and those who differ therein are full of doubts flog them each with a hundred stripes.
with no (certain) knowledge but only conjecture to follow -- Sura 24:2
for of a surety they killed him not.
-- Sura 4:157

WHO did make this appear to them as if Jesus was crucified? Isn't it If any of your women are guilty of lewdness,
clear that that is God's acting? Now, in this verse God does both deceive take the evidence of four (reliable) witnesses from amongst you against
the onlookers about what is happening and then "complain" about the them;
fact that the people believe what he has made them believe. and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them,
or Allah ordain for them some (other) way.
God made it appear as if Jesus is crucified and killed, but God shifts the
blame of being ignorant and full of doubt on those who believe in what is If two (men) among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both.
the deed of God himself. If they repent and amend, leave them alone;
for Allah is Oft-returning, Most Merciful.
This testimony about God given in the Qur'an doesn't inspire much -- Sura 4:15-16
confidence in this God and his revelations. After all, how do I know that
at any time, he isn't currently deceiving me? But taken together with Yusuf Ali says "men", other translations just say "two". It is the
10:35 which says that God is the one who guides to the truth, that is a masculine dual form of the word. This "could" also mean a man and a
contradiction. woman, but it might be more natural as reading this as a rule how to deal
with homosexual acts, since verse 15 deals only with women, and so the
Sura 10:35 does NOT say He guides to truth EXCEPT in a few attention turns to men in verse 16.
circumstances. "God guides to truth" is an ABSOLUTE statement. And
it is wrong, because in 4:157 he does make believe people in something If 4:16 is about male homosexual acts, then interestingly, the
that is false. And the problem is, he mislead also those who want to homosexual men are to be left alone when they repent of their deed,
follow God, not only those who are his enemies anyway. Or how do you while adulterers are to be punished in any case. This alone is not a
contradiction, but certainly strange. Maybe because in an homosexual act
171 172
no other man's right over a woman is violated? While in adultery with Quran banishes women to a form of house arrest if they are caught in
the wife of another man the "property" or right of an undefiled wife of some type of immoral act:
this man is violated?
If any of your women are guilty of lewdness (al-fahishata), Take the
A homosexual act would violate only the wife of this other man but the evidence of four (Reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them;
violation of a woman is not as severe? and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or
God ordain for them some (other) way. If two men among you are guilty
Nevertheless, there is the contradiction whether for a female adulteress of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, Leave them
the is punishment one hundred stripes [Sura 24:2] or confinement in the alone; for God is Oft-returning, Most Merciful. S. 4:15-16 Y. Ali
house until death [4:15].
Here is the way various versions translated the word fahishah:
If 4:16 does not speak only about homosexual acts but also about
adultery of man and woman, then another contradictory element is And those of your women who commit illegal sexual intercourse… And
added: If they repent they can get off the hook without punishment? Who the two persons (man and woman) among you who commit illegal
will not repent with the prospect of a hundred stripes waiting for them? sexual intercourse… Hilali-Khan

Apart from the question whether the punishment should be as in 24:2 or Those who commit adultery among your women… The couple who
4:15, how come the man and woman are treated equal in 24:2, but commits adultery shall be punished… Rashad Khalifa
seemingly different in 4:15?
It should be noted that the word that the Quran most often uses for sexual
All this is further complicated by the fact that in the Sharia the actual immorality, whether fornication or adultery, is zina. The following
punishment for adultery is stoning on the basis of the Sunna of commentary written by Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi of India states
Muhammad and various hadiths and there are even traditions that the regarding Q. 24:2:
verse of stoning was originally part of the Qur'an.
171. The Arabic word zanaa denotes sexual intercourse between any
For further and more detailed discussion of these issues, see How are the man and woman, whether married or not, who do not stand to each other
sexually immoral supposed to be punished? in the relation of husband and wife; and, as such, has no single word
equivalent in English language. It includes both adultery (i.e., illicit
sexual intercourse of two persons either of whom is married to a third
Qur'an Contradiction person) and fornication (i.e., illicit sexual intercourse of unmarried
persons)… Islam condemns Zina in all its forms… (Tafsir-ul-Quran
How Are the Sexually Immoral Supposed To Be Punished? [Darul – Ishaat, Urdu Bazaar Karachi – 1 Pakistan, First Edition 1991],
Volume III, pp. 210-211; underline emphasis ours)
Sam Shamoun
The late translator Muhammad Asad writes in reference to Q. 24:2 that:
The Quran is confused regarding the punishment that is to be
administered to those guilty of sexual sin. In the following citation the The term zina signifies voluntary sexual intercourse between a man and
a woman not married to one another, irrespective of whether one or both
of them are married to other persons or not: hence, it does not -- in
173 174
contrast with the usage prevalent in most Western languages -- Or does this verse refer to the male and female engaged in this sin as
differentiate between the concepts of "adultery" (i.e., sexual intercourse understood by both Hilali-Khan and Khalifa? If so, does it refer to a
of a married man with a woman other than his wife, or of a married married man sleeping with a married woman, or to a married person
woman with a man other than her husband) and "fornication" (i.e., sexual sleeping with someone other than his/her spouse? Or is it addressing the
intercourse between two unmarried persons). For the sake of simplicity I issue of unmarried couples committing fornication? How does anyone
am rendering zina throughout as "adultery", and the person guilty of it as know for certain?
"adulterer" or "adulteress", respectively. (Source; underline emphasis
ours) And if Q. 4:16 does have two males in mind then this implies that the
men who commit this wicked act are to receive some unspecified
Interestingly, the Quran classifies zina as a kind of fahishah: punishment, whereas the women’s punishment is that they are to be
banished to their homes till they die. But if the passage has in view the
And go not nigh to fornication (al-zina); surely it is an indecency couple that is caught in this unlawful act then this shows that not only do
(fahishatan) and an evil way. S. 17:32 Shakir the women get banned to their houses till death but they must also
receive some punishment for their illicit act.
Note the way other translators render this passage:
One could ask even more questions: The second part of this verse
And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a appears to be understood by all/most of the above translators as two
Fahishah [i.e. anything that transgresses its limits (a great sin)], and an persons who commit indecency with each other (whether homosexual or
evil way (that leads one to Hell unless Allah forgives him). Hilali-Khan heterosexual). Does that mean that the first part then also refers to "those
of your women who commit indecency with each other" (i.e. lesbian
Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, acts), or each of the women with another man, or a beast? Moreover,
opening the road (to other evils). Y. Ali does the last part of the verse, "If they repent and amend, leave them
alone", refer only to the second part regarding the "two persons" or also
With the foregoing in perspective it seems evident that the fahishah to the first part about the women? Are the women to be punished by
which Q. 4:15 has in mind is sexual immorality, more specifically zina in seclusion no matter what, but men could be left alone if they repent?
all its various forms, with the prescribed punishment for such a crime
being house banishment for women. The other problem raised by this specific text is that it is in direct tension
with the punishment prescribed elsewhere for sexual immorality or zina:
Yet this introduces several problems, one of which is that Q. 4:16
prescribes some unspecified punishment for the two who commit a The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication (Al-zaniyatu
similar crime. The question is, two from whom? Two males as Y. Ali wa al-zanee), - flog each of them with a hundred stripes: Let not
understood it? And if so, then is this referring to two males engaging in compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by God, if ye
homosexual acts? Or does this refer to two men sleeping with the same believe in God and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness
woman or even women at the same time, i.e. an orgy of sorts? What their punishment. Let no man guilty of adultery or fornication marry and
about bestiality? Two men using the same beast? Whatever the case, the but a woman similarly guilty, or an Unbeliever: nor let any but such a
two men must be linked in some way, otherwise it would make no sense man or an Unbeliever marry such a woman: to the Believers such a thing
to specifically mention "two". is forbidden. And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and
produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations), - flog them
with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are
175 176
wicked transgressors; - Unless they repent thereafter and mend (their We, therefore, have an inconsistency since the punishment for zina
conduct); for God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. S. 24:2-5 Y. Ali according to Q. 24:2 is one hundred lashes for both the man and the
woman, which is in tension with the punishment prescribed for woman
The context makes it apparent that this text has the same sin in view in Q. 4:15!
which is mentioned in Q. 4:15, since they both refer to the need for four
witnesses. And as we noted, zina refers to a host of sexual sins such as This, perhaps, explains why some Muslims believed that Q. 24:2
fornication and adultery, making it even more likely that Q. 24:2 has the abrogated Q. 4:15:
same crime in mind.
The Adulteress is Confined in her House; A Command Later
Yet this leads to a bit of confusion for the reader of the Quran since one Abrogated
doesn’t know for certain whether zina in the context of Q. 24:2 refers to
adultery, fornication, or some other type of sexual sin. And trying to read At the beginning of Islam, the ruling was that if a woman commits
the varying English versions of the Quran doesn’t solve the problem but adultery as stipulated by sufficient proof, she was confined to her home,
only adds to the confusion since various translators rendered the term without leave, until she died. Allah said…
differently.
<And those of your women who commit illegal sexual intercourse, take
For example, Y. Ali understood zina here to refer to both adultery and the evidence of four witnesses from among you against them; and if they
fornication, that the punishment prescribed here is for the person who testify, confine them (i.e. women) to houses until death comes to them or
either commits fornication or adultery. Ali’s rendering differs from other Allah ordains for them some (other) way.> `Some other way' mentioned
translations: here is the abrogation of this ruling that came later. Ibn `Abbas said,
"The early ruling was confinement, until Allah sent down Surat An-Nur
The fornicatress and the fornicator… Arberry (chapter 24) which abrogated that ruling with the ruling of flogging (for
fornication) or stoning to death (for adultery)." Similar was reported
The adulterer and the adulteress… Pickthall from `Ikrimah, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Al-Hasan, `Ata' Al-Khurasani, Abu
Salih, Qatadah, Zayd bin Aslam and Ad-Dahhak, and this is a matter that
The woman and the man guilty of illegal sexual intercourse… Hilali- is agreed upon. Imam Ahmad recorded that `Ubadah bin As-Samit said,
Khan "When the revelation descended upon the Messenger of Allah, it would
affect him and his face would show signs of strain. One day, Allah sent
In light of this, how is one to understand Q. 24:2? Does this refer to any down a revelation to him, and when the Messenger was relieved of its
sexual sin, whether fornication or adultery? Or does it refer to fornication strain, he said…
alone or to adultery?
<<Take from me: Allah has made some other way for them. The married
Regardless of the specific sexual sin that Q. 24:2 has in mind the with the married, the unmarried with the unmarried. The married gets a
punishment mentioned in Q. 4:15 would still be applicable here, at least hundred lashes and stoning to death, while the unmarried gets a hundred
in the case of the women, since, as we saw, fahishah includes zina in all lashes then banishment for a year.>>" Muslim and the collectors of the
of its various forms. And neither text restricts the meaning of either Sunan recorded that `Ubadah bin As-Samit said that the Prophet said…
fahishah or zina to something specific, which would allow the reader to
see that the reason why these citations prescribe different punishments is <<Take from me, take from me. Allah has made some other way for
because they have different sexual sins in view. them: the (unmarried) gets a hundred lashes and banishment for one
177 178
year, while the (married) gets a hundred lashes and stoning to death.>> The prescribed punishment was explained thus in the hadith, 'Come
At-Tirmidhi said, "Hasan Sahih". Allah said… listen to me! Come listen to me! God has now made a way out for them',
as reported by Muslim. (Tafsir al-Jalalayn; source; bold, italic and
<And the two persons among you who commit illegal sexual intercourse, underline emphasis ours)
punish them both.> Ibn `Abbas and Sa`id bin Jubayr said that this
punishment includes cursing, shaming them and beating them with The late Abdullah Yusuf Ali wrote that:
sandals. This was the ruling until Allah abrogated it with flogging or
stoning, as we stated. Mujahid said, "It was revealed about the case of 523. Most commentators understand this to refer to adultery or
two men who do it." As if he was referring to the actions of the people of fornication; in that case they consider that the punishment was altered by
Lut, and Allah knows best. The collectors of Sunan recorded that Ibn the later verse, xxiv. 2… (Ali, The Holy Qur’an: Translation and
`Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah said… Commentary, p. 183)

<<Whoever you catch committing the act of the people of Lut Not only did Ali claim that Q. 4:15 was abrogated by Q. 24:2 but he
(homosexuality), then kill both parties to the act.>> Allah said… even admitted that most commentators understood Q. 4:15 to be
referring to a woman that has committed adultery or or fornication.
<And if they repent and do righteous good deeds>, by refraining from
that evil act, and thereafter their actions become righteous… Even though the following commentary doesn’t say that Q. 4:15 was
canceled out by Q. 24:2, it still claims that the former was abrogated
<leave them alone>, do not verbally abuse them after that, since he who nonetheless:
truly repents is just like he who has no sin…
(As for those of your women) your free, married women (who are guilty
<Surely, Allah is Ever the One Who accepts repentance, Most of lewdness) i.e. of fornication, (call to witness) that they were caught
Merciful.> The following is recorded in the Two Sahihs… red-handed in the act (four of you against them) four of your free men.
(And if they testify) to the Truth of the allegation (then confine them to
<<When the slave-girl of one of you commits illegal sexual intercourse, the houses) keep them in prison (until death take them) until they die in
let him flog her and not chastise her afterwards.>> because the lashes prison (or (until) Allah appoint for them a way) out by means of stoning.
she receives erase the sin that she has committed. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir; Imprisoning a free, married woman who commits fornication until she
source; underline emphasis ours) dies in prison was later abrogated by stoning. (Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min
Tafsîr Ibn ‘Abbâs; source; bold and italic emphasis ours)
We will have something to say about stoning and banishment later.
The problem that Muslims face by appealing to the doctrine of
As for those of your women who commit lewdness, adultery, call four, abrogation is that this is nothing more than an implicit admission that the
Muslim men, of you to witness against them; and if they witness, against Quran contradicts itself. As one Muslim put it:
them such [lewdness], then detain them in their houses, and prevent them
from mixing with people, until, the angels of death take them or, until, The principle on which the theory of abrogation is based is unacceptable,
God appoints for them a way, out of it. This was stipulated for them at being contrary to the clear teachings of the Qur'an. A verse is considered
the very beginning of Islam, but then a way out was appointed for them to be abrogated when the two cannot be reconciled with each other; in
through [the stipulation] that the virgin should receive a hundred other words, when they appear to contradict each other. But the Qur'an
lashes and be banished for a year, and the married woman be stoned. destroys this foundation when it declares that no part of it is at variance
179 180
with another: "Will they not then meditate on the Qur'an? And if it were Apostle carried out the penalty of Rajam, and so did we after him."
from any other than Allah, they would have found in it many a (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 82, Number 816)
discrepancy" (4 : 82). It was due to lack of meditation that one verse was
thought to be at variance with another; and hence it is that in almost all … In the meantime, 'Umar sat on the pulpit and when the call makers for
cases where abrogation has been upheld by one person, there has been the prayer had finished their call, 'Umar stood up, and having glorified
another who, being able to reconcile the two, has repudiated the alleged and praised Allah as He deserved, he said, "Now then, I am going to tell
abrogation. (Maulana Muhammad Ali, The Religion of Islam [The you something which (Allah) has written for me to say. I do not know;
Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at Islam (Lahore) U.S.A., Eighth Edition perhaps it portends my death, so whoever understands and remembers it,
2005], p. 32; bold and italic emphasis ours) must narrate it to the others wherever his mount takes him, but if
somebody is afraid that he does not understand it, then it is unlawful for
Hence, to say that Q. 4:15 has been canceled is simply a tacit admission him to tell lies about me. Allah sent Muhammad with the Truth and
that there are verses and/or certain reports which contradict this specific revealed the Holy Book to him, and among what Allah revealed, was
reference. the Verse of the Rajam (the stoning of married person (male &
female)) who commits illegal sexual intercourse, and we did recite this
However, there is a way to reconcile the discrepancies between Q. 4:15 Verse and understood and memorized it. Allah's Apostle did carry out
and 24:2 without having to appeal to abrogation. Instead of saying that the punishment of stoning and so did we after him.
the punishment prescribed in Q. 4:15 has been annulled a Muslim can
assume that the punishment for a woman caught committing I am afraid that after a long time has passed, somebody will say, ‘By
zina/fahishah is one hundred lashes AND house banishment till she dies. Allah, we do not find the Verse of the Rajam in Allah's Book,’ and thus
Or, a Muslim can argue that the penalty of one hundred lashes is the they will go astray by leaving an obligation which Allah has revealed.
other way that Q. 4:15 stated Allah would prescribe for the women. (Yet And the punishment of the Rajam is to be inflicted to any married person
one is still left wondering why this other way wasn’t instituted from the (male & female), who commits illegal sexual intercourse, if the required
very beginning.) evidence is available or there is conception or confession. And then we
used to recite among the Verses in Allah's BOOK: ‘O people! Do not
Even thought the above harmonizations may reconcile the two texts in claim to be the offspring of other than your fathers, as it is disbelief
question, the problems are just beginning for the Muslims since the (unthankfulness) on your part that you claim to be the offspring of other
ahadith prescribe a completely different punishment for zina, namely than your real father’ …" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 82,
stoning! Number 817)

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: Muslim scholars, on the basis of certain Islamic narratives such as the
'Umar said, "I am afraid that after a long time has passed, people may ones above, limit stoning to married couples that commit adultery,
say, ‘We do not find the Verses of the Rajam (stoning to death) IN whereas the punishment prescribed for the unmarried engaged in sexual
THE HOLY BOOK,’ and consequently they may GO ASTRAY by sin is lashing and/or banishment for a year. As the late A. Y. Ali stated in
leaving AN OBLIGATION that Allah has revealed. Lo! I confirm that his notes to Q. 24:2:
the penalty of Rajam be inflicted on him who commits illegal sexual
intercourse, if he is already married and the crime is proved by 2954. Zina includes sexual intercourse between a man and a woman not
witnesses or pregnancy or confession." Sufyan added, "I have married to each other. It therefore applies both to adultery (which implies
memorized this narration in this way." 'Umar added, "Surely Allah's that one or both of the parties are married to a person or persons other
than the ones concerned) and to fornication, which, in its strict
181 182
signification, implies that both parties are unmarried. The law of TWO WOMEN ERRS THE OTHER WILL REMIND HER; and let the
marriage and divorce is made easy in Islam, so that there may be the less witnesses not refuse, whenever they are summoned. And be not loath to
temptation for intercourse outside the well-defined incidents of marriage. write it down, whether it be small or great, with its term; that is more
This makes for greater self-respect for both man and woman. Other sex equitable in God's sight, more upright for testimony, and likelier that you
offenses are also punishable, but this Section applies strictly to Zina as will not be in doubt. Unless it be merchandise present that you give and
above defined. Although zina covers both fornication and adultery, in take between you; then it shall be no fault in you if you do not write it
the opinion of Muslim jurists, the punishment laid down here applies down. And take witnesses when you are trafficking one with another.
only to unmarried persons. As for married persons, their And let not either writer or witness be pressed; or if you do, that is
punishment, according to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be on ungodliness in you. And fear God; God teaches you, and God has
him), is stoning to death. (Ali, The Holy Qur’an: Translation and knowledge of everything. S. 2:282
Commentary, p. 896; bold and underline emphasis ours)
Muhammad explained the reason why two women were required to
{Note: The bolded text is not part of Yusuf Ali’s original comments, but testify:
an addition made by Muslim publishers in their revision of Ali’s original
work. Regardless of this being a later insertion it still serves the purpose Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:
of illustrating the viewpoint of Muslim jurists and exegetes.} Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) on ‘Id-
al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O
But even this proposed explanation by the scholars and hadith poses women! Give alms, as I have seen that THE MAJORITY of the dwellers
problems since neither Q. 24:2 nor Q. 4:15 limits the punishment to the of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's
unmarried person. And since neither citation defines the nature and Apostle?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your
extent of zina or fahishah we are to assume that the prescribed penalty is husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and
to be inflicted on both the married and unmarried parties who are guilty religion THAN YOU. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by
of sexual immorality. some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient
in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not THE EVIDENCE OF
The final problem facing the Muslims is that both Q. 4:15 and 24:4 TWO WOMEN EQUAL TO THE WITNESS OF ONE MAN?" They
prescribe four witnesses, but do not specify whether they are to be replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her
strictly from among the men or whether they can also include women. intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during
But if these witnesses can be from either gender, i.e. a combination of her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the
males and females, then this introduces another problem since Q. 2:282 deficiency in her religion." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 6,
likens the witness of one man to two women: Number 301)

O believers, when you contract a debt one upon another for a stated term, And:
write it down, and let a writer write it down between you justly, and let
not any writer refuse to write it down, as God has taught him; so let him Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:
write, and let the debtor dictate, and let him fear God his Lord and not The Prophet said, "Isn't the witness of a woman equal to half of that of a
diminish aught of it. And if the debtor be a fool, or weak, or unable to man?" The women said, "Yes." He said, "THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE
dictate himself, then let his guardian dictate justly. And call in to witness DEFICIENCY OF A WOMAN’S MIND." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 3,
two witnesses, men; or if the two be not men, then one man AND TWO Book 48, Number 826)
WOMEN, such witnesses as you approve of, THAT IF ONE OF THE
183 184
What the foregoing implies is that the four witnesses must be from the  Similarly, one cannot be certain whether Q. 4:15 refers to women
men otherwise the number of those testifying would increase if women sleeping with men, with other women, or with animals, all of
were included. Depending on the ratio of men to female witnesses the which would be classified as zina and therefore fahishah.
total number required to confirm an act of zina/fahishah would be:  If this refers to the couple engaged in fahishah it is uncertain
whether this is addressing a married man sleeping with a married
1. Eight female witnesses (this assumes, of course, that the Quran woman, or to a married person sleeping with someone other than
doesn’t require at least one male witness in order for the his/her spouse, or to an unmarried couple committing fornication.
testimony to be acceptable. The problem with this assumption is  In either case, this implies that the woman who is caught in the
that Q. 2:282 pretty much requires the testimony of at least one act not only suffers house banishment but also must receive some
man). unspecified punishment to go along with it. The man, on the
2. One male and six female witnesses (seven witnesses total). other hand, suffers some form of punishment but no house arrest.
3. Two male and four female witnesses (six witnesses total).  Q. 24:2 prescribes one hundred lashes as the punishment for zina.
4. Three male and two female witnesses (five witnesses total). Again, there is nothing contextually to show that zina has a more
restricted meaning, which means that the punishment here is for
To summarize the problems raised by the Quran in regards to the the person who commits either fornication or adultery.
punishment of the sexually immoral:  This means that the woman is to be lashed one hundred times
which conflicts with the punishment prescribed for her in Q.
 Q. 4:15 prescribes house banishment for those women who are 4:15, unless one assumes that she is to receive both forms of
engaged in fahishah. punishment, i.e. one hundred lashes and house banishment.
 Q. 17:32 lists zina as fahishah, leading many Muslim expositors  This would further imply that the one hundred lashes mentioned
to conclude that Q. 4:15 is addressing the punishment that is to be in Q. 24:2 is actually the unspecified punishment which Q. 4:16
inflicted upon those who commit zina. says the couple caught in zina are to receive.
 Zina in a broader sense refers to any sexual sin such as  The hadith literature and Islamic scholarship add to the confusion
fornication and adultery. It is the context that will limit the by claiming that the prescribed punishment for zina is stoning in
meaning of the term. the case of the married person, and flogging and banishment for a
 There is nothing in Q. 4:15 which suggests that zina has a more year if the individual is unmarried. The Quran, however, doesn’t
restricted meaning. This implies that zina here refers to any make such distinctions nor does it prescribe different
sexual sin that a person commits, i.e. whether the woman has punishments for the married and unmarried.
committed fornication or adultery her punishment will be the  Both Q. 4:15 and 24:4 prescribe four witnesses but doesn’t
same. explain whether those testifying must be from among the men or
 Q. 4:16 prescribes an unspecified punishment for the two who whether women can be included as well.
committed fahishah. The problem is that it is unclear whether this  The problem with including women as witnesses is that
refers to two men or to the couple caught in the act of fahishah. according to both Q. 2:282 and specific Islamic narratives a
 If two men then it is not clear whether this is addressed to two man’s testimony is equal to that of two females. It is therefore
males engaged in homosexual acts, or whether this refers to two uncertain whether the number of witnesses would have to be
men sleeping with the same woman or with an animal. (See more than four if women are included.
above.)
So much for the Quran’s assertion that it is a clear and coherent text
which is free of discrepancies! (1, 2)
185 186
Perhaps there is a Muslim out there who can satisfactorily harmonize all So be not thou in doubt concerning that which these (folk) worship. They
of the problems and discrepancies raised by these specific Quranic verses worship only as their fathers worshipped aforetime. Lo! we shall pay
and Islamic reports. them their whole due unabated. S. 11:109

Further Reading I.e. no deduction from the punishment for the reason of having been
misled.
http://answering-islam.org/Responses/Osama/lesbian.htm
http://answering-islam.org/Responses/Osama/extramarital.htm Yet these statements are contradicted by the next set of passages:

That they may bear their burdens entirely on the day of resurrection and
Qur'an Contradiction: also of the burdens of those whom they lead astray without knowledge;
now surely evil is what they bear. S. 16:25 Shakir
Who Suffers the Consequence of Sins according to the
Qur'an? And those who disbelieve say to those who believe: Follow our path and
we will bear your wrongs. And never shall they be the bearers of any of
their wrongs; most surely they are liars. And most certainly they shall
The Qur'an states that a person will only be responsible for his/her carry their own burdens, AND OTHER BURDENS WITH THEIR OWN
actions: BURDENS, and most certainly they shall be questioned on the
resurrection day as to what they forged. S. 29:12-13 Shakir
And every man's work have WE fasten to his neck; and on the Day of
Resurrection WE shall bring out for him a book which he will find wide Interestingly, the Qur'an contradicts itself in a space of two verses. This
open. It will be said to him, ‘Read thy book. Sufficient is thy own soul as last passage says that disbelievers will not carry the believers' sins. But
a reckoner against thee this day.’ He who follows the right way follows it right after saying this, the Qur'an says that on the resurrection day the
only for the good of his own soul; and he who goes astray, goes astray unbelievers will not only carry their own burden of sins, but the burden
only to his own loss. And no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of of others as well!
another. And WE shall never punish until WE have sent a Messenger. S.
17:13-15 Sher Ali Now someone may say that these passages are only denying that the
unbelievers will carry the burdens of the believers' sins, but it doesn't
That no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another, And that man deny that they will carry the burdens of other disbelievers. Even with this
will have nothing but what he strives for; And that the result of his proposed harmonization, these passages still contradict Surahs 17:13-15
striving shall soon be known; Then will he be rewarded for it with the and 53:38-42 mentioned above. Those surahs say that a person will not
fullest reward; And that with thy Lord is the final judgment; S. 53:38-42 carry the burden of anyone else's sins, whether he is a believer or not.
Sher Ali
We are not the first to observe that this constitutes a contradiction.
The Qur'an also states that even people who simply followed the (wrong) Scholar of Islamic Studies, Arthur Jeffery has this note on Surah 16:25:
customs of their ancestors, i.e. were misled by them into transgressing
God's law, cannot pass the burden and punishment to those who led them "This is in contradiction with the oft-repeated statement that no burdened
astray, but will have to bear their punishment in full: soul will bear the burden of another. But that statement seems meant to
exclude hope in a Redeemer who will take on himself the guilt of others,
187 188
whereas here the meaning is that some of the guilt of those led astray were told, ‘Eat and drink of what ALLAH has provided, and commit not
will be placed on those who have led them astray." (The Koran, Selected iniquity in the earth, creating disorder.’ And remember when YOU said,
Suras, footnote 4 to Sura 16) O Moses, surely we will not remain content with one kind of food; pray,
then, to thy Lord for us that HE may bring forth for us of what the earth
Another verse contradicting the principle that "no bearer of burden shall grows - of its herbs and its cucumbers and its wheat and its lentils and its
bear the burden of another" is the following: onions.’ He said, ‘Would you take in exchange that which is worse for
that which is better? Go down to some town and there is for you what
O ye who believe! respond to ALLAH, and the Messenger when he calls you ask.’ And they were smitten with abasement and destitution, and
you that he may give you life, and know that ALLAH comes in between they incurred the wrath of ALLAH; that was because they rejected the
a man and his heart, and that HE it is unto Whom you will be gathered. Signs of ALLAH and sought to slay the Prophets unjustly; this was
And beware of an affliction which will surely not smite exclusively those because they rebelled and transgressed... And remember the time when
among you who have done wrong. And know that ALLAH is severe in WE took a covenant FROM YOU AND RAISED YOU ABOVE THE
requiting. S. 8:24-25 Sher Ali MOUNT, saying, ‘Hold fast that which WE have given you and bear in
mind what is therein, that you may be saved.’ Then YOU turned back
Here, even the innocent will suffer the affliction that will smite the thereafter; and had it not been for ALLAH's grace and HIS mercy upon
wrongdoers just as the commentators show. The two Jalals said YOU, YOU would surely have been of the losers. And surely, you have
regarding Surah 8:25: known the end of those AMONGST YOU, who transgressed in the
matter of the Sabbath. So WE said to them, ‘Be ye apes, despised.’ Thus
And guard yourselves against a trial which, if it were to fall upon you, WE made it an example to those of its time and to those who came after
would certainly not fall exclusively upon the evildoers among you, but it, and a lesson to those who fear God. S. 2:60-61, 63-66 Sher Ali
would encompass them and others, and the way to guard against it is to
repudiate that evil which necessarily results in [precipitating] it; and And remember the time when YOU killed a person and differed among
know that God is severe in retribution, against those who oppose Him. yourselves about it, and ALLAH, would bring to light what YOU were
(Tafsir al-Jalalayn; source; underline emphasis ours) hiding. Then WE said, ‘Compare this incident with some other similar
ones’ and YOU will discover the truth. Thus does ALLAH give life to
Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn 'Abbâs states: the dead and show YOU HIS Signs that YOU may understand. Then
YOUR hearts became hardened after that, till they were like stones or
(And guard yourselves against a sedition) any sedition that happens harder still; for of stones there are some out of which gush forth streams,
(which cannot fall exclusively on those of you who are wrong-doers) but and of them there are some out of which flows water when they cleave
rather befalls on both the wrong-doers AND THE WRONGED, (and asunder. And indeed of them are some that humble themselves for the
know that Allah is severe in punishment) when He punishes. (Source; fear of ALLAH. And ALLAH is not unmindful of what YOU do. S.
capital emphasis ours) 2:72-73 Sher Ali

The Qur'an also blames the Jews of Muhammad’s time for the sins their And Moses came to YOU with manifest Signs, THEN YOU TOOK THE
ancestors had committed before their time, like making the golden calf: CALF FOR WORSHIP IN HIS ABSENCE, and YOU were
transgressors. And remember the time when WE took a covenant from
And remember the time when Moses prayed for water for his people and YOU and raised high above YOU the Mount, saying ‘Hold firmly to
WE said, ‘Strike the rock with thy rod;’ And there gushed forth from it what WE have given you and hearken;’ They said, ‘We hear and we
twelve springs, so that each tribe knew their drinking place. And they disobey;’ and their hearts were saturated with the love of the calf because
189 190
of their disbelieve. Say ‘Evil is that which your faith enjoins on you if For more on Ezekiel 18 and Deuteronomy 5:9-10, we recommend the
you are believers,’ Say ‘If the abode of the Hereafter with ALLAH is following article:
solely for you to the exclusion of all other people, then wish for death if
you are truthful.’ But never shall they wish for it, because of what their http://www.tektonics.org/lp/paydaddy.html
own hands have sent on before them; and ALLAH knows the
wrongdoers well. S. 2:92-95 Sher Ali
Sam Shamoun and Jochen Katz
The first quotations state clearly that nobody shall have to bear the sins
of other people. Each person is only responsible for his own sins. Yet,
the Qur'an (Allah / Muhammad) levels accusations at the Jews in the 7th P.S.: S. 16:25 and 29:12 are also in contradiction to S. 34:50 which is the
century for the sins of some of their ancestors in about 1400 BC, roughly topic of another article, Who suffers loss if Muhammad was wrong?
2000 years earlier. These accusations are clearly in contradiction to the
"general principle" that nobody shall bear the sins (burdens) of others. Believers, Jews, Sabaeans and Christians -
whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does what is right -
Significantly, this is not a thing of the past, but has consequences in our shall have nothing to fear or regret.
time. To this day, Muslims vilify the Jews because of the sins of some -- Sura 5:69
Jews of long ago. Jews are still the favorite objects of Muslim contempt
based on the quranic condemnation of them. Also Christians are still But just three verses further in the text it says
summarily accused and maligned for the crusades, although the last one
was some 700 years ago. Unbelievers are those that say:
"God is the Messiah, the son of Mary." For the Messiah himself said:
Now, one reason for even bringing this up is because of the common "Children of Israel, serve God, my Lord and your Lord."
appeal by Muslims to similar statements of the Holy Bible in order to He that worships other gods besides God, God will deny him Paradise,
"prove" contradictions within the Sacred Scriptures. For instance, and the fire shall be his home. None shall help the evil-doers.
Muslims will try to pit Ezekiel 18:1-4, 20 against passages such as -- Sura 5:72
Deuteronomy 5:9-10 and Romans 5:12-21, especially as it relates to the
Christian belief in Original Sin and the concept of Imputation (i.e., the So, are Christians believers or unbelievers? Are they allowed to remain
sin of Adam and the righteousness of Christ being imputed to others). as Christians (knowing they worship Christ) as long as they do what is
right, or are they condemned outright for their faith? Do we have to
The Muslim must deal with the preceding quranic passages, and yet worry or not to worry according to the Qur'an?
whatever answer he/she comes up with to reconcile them will apply
equally to the biblical passages. In other words, it becomes an issue of Sometimes I even wonder if single Suras were even completely authored
consistency and integrity. Muslims in general, and Muslim apologists by the same person.
specifically, need to learn to apply their methodology fairly and not
simply adopt a method which seeks to undermine the Holy Bible when Now, the obvious answer that a Muslim would give is that the "true"
that same method can be used equally, if not more forcefully, against the Christians do not worship Jesus as God. Hence there is no contradiction.
Qur'an. But the first verse does not specify that. It only talks about the belief in
the existence of God and in the (Judgment of the) Last Day and doing
right. Any serious Christian will fall in this category.
191 192
Muslims try to save the Qur'an by claiming that any Trinitarian is not a interested enough they can go to the library and find the
true Christian and hence verse 72 does not apply to them. But the material.
problem is only shifted. Either the contradiction is as above, or, with the
And what does "the same nature of God" mean? In refuting a
shift, the contradiction is with reality. It is historical fact that Christianity contradiction about what a "day" means in some verses of
has always considered Jesus to be the LORD, to be of the same nature of the Qur'an, I was unjustly accused of "moving God around"
God. when I wanted to illustrate the relativity of time without
saying or implying God physically moves around. However,
having God (or part of God) become man, then "moving God
Therefore, either the Qur'an contradicts itself, or it shows itself very around" on Earth is a perfectly acceptable logical belief?
ignorant of historical Christianity. God is One. I have submitted to Him in Islam, and you are
also invited. Just a reminder before the Day comes when a
One more comment: No Christian would ever say that Jesus is "another reminder will be too late.
god" as this verse mistakenly says, nor that "God is Jesus". It is only the
other way around: "Jesus is God, but not 'all of God'". But this is a big
topic that cannot be dealt with in a few sentences here, so let me point
you to the material on the deity of Christ and Trinity that is on this site. But you didn't take a look at the Trinity articles I pointed to, did you?
What point it is to be asked again and again for proof if you don't read
The Trinity is a great, insightful presentation. the proof I have already provided? I give up. But looking the other way
and demanding proof while refusing to look at it isn't very smart.
A collection of much further material on the topic of the Trinity
There is a second set of these statements:

Those who believe (in the Qur'an),


A Muslim's Response by Randy Desmond and those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures),
Date: Wed, 2 Oct 1996 05:12:50 PDT and the Christians and tha Sabians, -
any who believe in Allah and the Last Day,
Jochen gives the correct answer for the Muslim
and work righteousness,
perspective; true Christians do not worship Jesus(Peace be
upon him) as God, and, as such, there is no contradiction. shall have their reward with their Lord
on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
For Jochen to prove there is any sort of contradiction, he -- Sura 2:62
must show that it is a "historical fact" that Christianity
has always considered Jesus to be "LORD, to be of the same If anyone desires a religion other than Islam
nature of God." (Are you saying Jesus is God or not? Never
mind, I see you say "he is God, but not 'all of God'")
never will it be accepted of him;
and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost.
Where are these "historical facts"? I have yet to be shown -- Sura 3:85
where Jesus(pbuh) is said to mention he is God or even
shares in the Godhead (I seek shelter in God from such In 2:62, those of the religions of Jews or Christians, in fact any who
thoughts). As for historical facts that Christians have believes a small set of things and does good deeds will be saved [what
only worshipped God only, just take a look at a history
book about the stuff. I have read the stuff before - I did else is the meaning of "will not grieve"?] yet in 3:85 those who are part
not keep a record of the books. I'm sure if anyone
193 194
of religions other than Islam are unacceptable and among those who are delight, On couches facing one another; A cup from a gushing
lost. spring is brought round for them, White, delicious to the
drinkers, Wherein there is no headache nor are they made
mad thereby. And with them are those of modest gaze, with
Qur'an Contradiction lovely eyes, (Pure) as they were hidden eggs (of the ostrich). S.
37:40-49 Pickthall
Is Wine good or bad?
The heavenly wine, it is claimed, which believers will drink will not
Wine is forbidden for a Muslim here on earth: cause headaches or madness, thereby justifying Allah's decision to
permit it in paradise.
O you who believe! Strong drink and games of chance and idols
and divine arrows are only an infamy of Satan's handiwork. The main problem with citing this is that the passage nowhere identifies
Leave it aside that you may succeed. this drink as wine. It does not even mention either the word wine or
-- Sura 5:90 strong drinks/intoxicants. It simply says that believers will drink from a
cup something which is white in color which does not cause headiness. If
See also Sura 2:219. anything, one can make an argument that this drink is actually milk.
After all, the Quran does mention the fact that believers will be given
On the other hand in Paradise are rivers of wine: rivers of milk, and milk is indeed white:

A similitude of the Garden which those who keep their duty (to A similitude of the Garden which those who keep their duty (to
Allah) are promised: Therein are rivers of water unpolluted ... Allah) are promised: Therein are rivers of water unpolluted, and
and rivers of wine delicious to the drinkers. rivers of milk whereof the flavour changeth not, and rivers of
-- Sura 47:15 wine delicious to the drinkers, and rivers of clear-run honey;
therein for them is every kind of fruit, with pardon from their
Surely the pious will be in bliss ... their thirst will be slaked with Lord. (Are those who enjoy all this) like those who are immortal
pure wine sealed. in the Fire and are given boiling water to drink so that it teareth
-- Sura 83:22,25 their bowels? S. 47:15 Pickthall

Is wine good or bad? Are we forbidden on earth something that is truly Here is the other text which Muslims quote to prove that the wine in
good? Or in Paradise are we not only allowed it, but even provided in paradise will be different:
overflowing measures (rivers of ...) something that is so bad that it is
called "Satan's handiwork"? with goblets, and ewers, and a cup from a spring (no brows
throbbing, no intoxication) S. 56:18-19 Arberry
Some Muslims attempt to explain away the discrepancy by appealing to
the following passage: Again, the reference nowhere mentions wine and can be referring to the
other drinks which the Quran says will be given to believers, i.e. honey,
Save single-minded slaves of Allah; For them there is a known milk, water etc. In fact, the Sura goes on to mention the flowing waters
provision, Fruits. And they will be honoured In the Gardens of which believers will have:

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By water flowing constantly, S. 56:31 Hilali-Khan And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam, and We have
carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with At-Taiyibat
Thus, one can legitimately say that the spring which the Quran says will (lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those
not cause throbbing or intoxication are these very waters. This becomes whom We have created with a marked preference. S. 17:70 Al-Hilali &
even more apparent when we realize that the Quran mentions the fruits Khan
that the believers will eat from right after the Quran refers to the spring
and flowing waters: Despite a small difference in emphasis that is seen in these two
translations (which is discussed in this article), it is clear that, according
and such fruits as they shall choose, S. 56:20 Arberry to this verse, the Children of Adam, i.e. human beings, are (highly)
preferred by Allah over much of the rest of creation.
And fruit in plenty, S. 56:32 Hilali-Khan
Note that there is a restriction in the last clause. Human beings are
In light of the foregoing, it seems pretty certain from the context that the preferred above many of those that Allah created, but not above all of the
drink which the Quran says doesn't cause intoxication is in fact the very rest of creation. It remains unclear what other creatures Allah is
flowing waters that are mentioned later on in the chapter. preferring above human beings, but apparently there are some. Note also
that there is no restriction when talking about the Children of Adam, i.e.
Moreover, one can even argue that the reason these passages emphasize Allah does not prefer only some or many or most of the Children of
that these particular drinks don't cause headiness or intoxication is to Adam, but the human race in its entirety and without any distinction is
distinguish them from the wine which believers will have access to when preferred above most of creation.
in paradise. In other words, the qualification presupposes that these
drinks are different from the wine which believers will be drinking since, However, the Quran also makes other statements about human beings
unlike wine, these specific drinks don't cause madness or headaches. that do not harmonize well with the positive pronouncement of Sura
Putting it in another way, these texts are not identifying these drinks as 17:70.
wine, but are actually contrasting them to wine by highlighting the point
that they don't have the common affects associated with intoxicants. Verily, those who disbelieve (in the religion of Islam, the Qur'an and
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) from among the people of the
Further reading: The Quranic Teaching on Wine and Strong Drink Scripture (Jews and Christians) and Al-Mushrikun will abide in the Fire
of Hell. They are the worst of creatures. S. 98:6 Al-Hilali & Khan

Quran Contradiction And surely, We have created many of the jinns and mankind for Hell.
... S. 7:179 Al-Hilali & Khan
Preferred for Hell?
Obviosly, neither an individual human being nor a group of people can
The Quran states regarding the position of human beings that: be "preferred above much of creation" and at the same time also be "the
worst of creatures". Sura 98:6 is clearly contradicting S. 17:70, but the
We have honoured the Children of Adam and carried them on land and contradiction will become even more startling when we look at the
sea, and provided them with good things, and preferred them greatly numbers of Muslims ("believers", even including the nominal non-
over many of those We created. S. 17:70 Arberry practicing ones) and non-Muslims ("unbelievers", whether Jews,
Christians or pagan idolaters according to Islamic understanding).
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Today, Muslims make up about 1.2 billion out of about 6 billion human verse does not speak of only a few but of many of mankind who are
beings. That is roughly 20 percent. Christians alone are about 2 billion or created for Hell.
33 percent.
One could nearly get the impression that being preferred by Allah means
As noted above, S. 17:70 makes a general statement about the Children being destined for Hell.
of Adam, without any restrictions. A general statement may still
considered to be true even if it does not hold for a small exceptional Jochen Katz
group. [Example: Human beings have five fingers on every hand. That is
true for more than 99.5% of human beings. Nevertheless, there are
humans who have lost fingers due to accidents, and there are others who Further Reading
are born with six fingers on one or both hands, or with fewer than five
fingers. These exceptional cases do not disprove the generally true How, how much, and above whom are the Children of Adam preferred?
statement — unless it specifically claims to be true in an absolute sense,
e.g. by formulating "every single man on earth has ...", or "human
beings, without exception, have ...".] However, if a general statement
turns out to be wrong for a sizable portion, let alone the majority of those Are Martyrs Spared or Will all Muslims go to Hell?
about whom it is made, then it is no longer a true statement.
From the entry under Martyrs in The Concise Encyclopedia of Islam by
Since the "unbelievers" (according to Islam) are the vast majority of Cyril Glassé:
mankind, and thus are "the worst of creatures" according to S. 98:6, the
general statement that the Children of Adam are preferred by Allah over Believers who die for their faith, in defense of it, or persecuted
many of his creation is falsified. These two verses contradict each other. for it, are assured of Heaven. They are buried as they died,
unwashed and in the same clothes, the bloodstains testifying to
Moreover, at the time this statement was "revealed" to Muhammad the their state.
Muslims were a tiny minority of mankind, definitely less than one
percent, probably less than 0.1%. Both suras, 17 and 98, are dated near This is also expressed in various hadiths. For example we find in
the end of the Meccan period or the beginning of the Medinan period, i.e. Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 93, Number 621:
before or at the very beginning of the military expansion of Islam when
the Muslims numbered at most a couple of thousand people. Narrated Al-Mughira:

Some may argue that 17:70 is true "in principle" and it expresses Allah's Our Prophet has informed us our Lord's Message that whoever of
intention, but the unbelievers then lose that status of being preferred due us is martyred, will go to Paradise.
to their unbelief and disobedience to Allah. However, this solution to the
contradiction is prevented by S. 7:179 which clearly states that many of The following passages of the Qur'an support the general Muslim belief
mankind are originally created for Hell, i.e. Allah intended them to go to that the martyrs go to paradise immediately:
Hell from the very beginning, from the time they were created. It is not
their unbelief that destroyed Allah's good intentions; Allah's purpose for And if ye are slain, or die, in the way of Allah,
them has been Hell even before he created them. Note also here, this forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they

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could amass. This verse tells clearly that all Muslims [everybody] will go to Hell,
And if ye die, or are slain, Lo! it is unto Allah that ye are (inevitable, decreed, determined) and only some of them will eventually
brought together. be rescued from Hell, while others will be left there forever.
-- Sura 3:157-158
Obviously, it cannot be that all go through hell (Sura 19:71) and that
Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. martyrs go directly to paradise, being spared hell, and "they live (present
Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of tense), finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord."
their Lord;
-- Sura 3:169

Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their Besides being contradictory, Sura 19:71-72 must be incredibly disturbing
goods; to Muslims, who can only look forward to go to Hell when they die. At
for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): least it was disturbing to Sultan Muhammad Khan, who was moved to
they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: carefully study everything that Islam says about salvation and later
a promise binding on Him in truth, became a Christian because of his research. You can read about this in
through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: his testimony.
and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah?
then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: Side remark on Sura 9:111 stating that "theirs is the garden: they fight in
that is the achievement supreme. His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth,
-- Sura 9:111 through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to
his covenant than Allah?" -- There are no such passages in the Torah or
On the other hand, we read also that, the Gospel which promise paradise to those slain in a military battle for
God. This is another false claim in the Qur'an. I am not sure there is even
There will be no one of you who will not enter it (Hell). any such concept as us fighting a military battle for God. It is usually
This was an inevitable decree of your Lord. God who fights for us. God is much more powerful and glorious that he
Afterwards he may save some of the pious, God-fearing Muslims needs our weapons or strength to fight for him.
out of the burning fire.
-- Sura 19:71-72 Mishaal Al-Kadhi responds to the question "Will all Muslims go to
Hell?" with this paragraph:
Or as Arberry translates it more literally:
Mariam(19):71 is described by the prophet (pbuh) and also by the
No one of you there is, but he shall go down to it; That for thy companions ibn Masood and Sulaiman ibn Murrah among others.
Lord is a thing decreed, determined. Then We shall deliver those The verse is a description of how all mankind shall have to pass
that were god-fearing; and the evildoers We shall leave there, over Hellfire upon the "sirat" (path) in order to reach Heaven.
hobbling on their knees. Only the pious make it across. The prophet (pbuh) was quoted by
-- Sura 19:71-72 the Companion Sulaiman ibn Murrah as saying that for the pious
this traversal shall not harm them since God shall make it safe for
them just as He made the fire of earth safe for prophet Abraham
(pbuh). This traversal shall be at speeds directly proportional to
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that person's piety and obedience on earth, with some of them Sam Shamoun
passing as fast as lightning, some as fast as a swift wind, some
running, some walking, some crawling, etc. All of this We continue our discussion of surah 19:71 by addressing a Muslim’s
information can be found in various hadeeths of the prophet. response to the initial article on this passage. Moiz Amjad published a
response to Jochen Katz’s analysis of whether or not the Quran teaches
Let me repeat, Mr. Al-Kadhi claims that they (pious Muslims) will not that all Muslims will enter hell. Mr. Amjad’s response, even though
be entering Hell, but just be passing over Hell via some sort of a bridge. intended to refute our argument, actually serves to reinforce the points
He claims that this is a traversal that will not harm. made in Part 1 as we shall shortly see here.

Obviously, he is more devoted to "some traditions" (which he refuses to Mr. Amjad begins:
provide specific references for so that we can't even check them out) than
he is to the clear word of the Qur'an: In one of his articles[1] Mr. Jochen Katz has pointed out a contradiction
in Aal Imraan 3: 157 -- 158, 169, Al-Taubah 9: 111 and Maryam 19: 71.
There will be no one of you who will not enter it (Hell).
This was an inevitable decree of your Lord. Elaborating upon the contradiction in the stated verses, Mr. Katz writes:
Afterwards he may save some of the pious, God-fearing Muslims
out of the burning fire. According to Sura 19:71 every Muslim will go to Hell (for at least some
-- Sura 19:71-72 time), while another passage states that those who die in Jihad will go to
Paradise immediately.
Or as Arberry translates it more literally:
Before analyzing the stated contradiction, I would first like to inform my
No one of you there is, but he shall go down to it; That for thy readers that it is not merely the martyrs in the way of God, who have
Lord is a thing decreed, determined. Then We shall deliver those been promised complete immunity from hellfire, but, in fact, all the God-
that were god-fearing; and the evildoers We shall leave there, fearing believers have been promised to be kept in protection from the
hobbling on their knees. slightest of evil. Al-Zumar 39: 60 -- 61 declares:
-- Sura 19:71-72
And on the Day of Resurrection, you will see those, who blasphemed
Both translators agree that Sura 19:71 speaks of "entering it" or "going against God, their faces turned black -- Is not in the hellfire [a most
down to it" which is certainly different from passing over it without suitable] abode for the arrogant? And God shall deliver the righteous
harm. I wonder if Mr. Al-Kadhi has ever had a close look at this verse. with salvation, no harm shall [even] touch them, nor shall they grieve.

According to Al-Anbiyaa 21: 98 -- 103 the pious shall not only be saved
from all evil, but shall be kept so far away from the burning fire that they
shall not even hear the horrifying sounds of the growling fires. The
verses read as:
Qur'an Contradiction:
You and whatever you worship except God shall be the fuel of hellfire,
Will all Muslims go to Hell? to which, all of you shall surely come -- had these truly been gods, they
would not have reached this [end] -- all [burning] in it, forever. In it, for
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them shall be painful groans of anguish and in they shall be bereft of And [yet, disregarding the power of God,] this [rejecting] man says:
hearing. Indeed, those, for whom We have already promised the good, 'When I am dead, would I really be raised again?' Does this man not
they shall be kept away from this [hellfire]. They shall not even hear the remember that before this, We created him, while he was nothing? Thus,
slightest sound of the growling fire; and they shall be among all that their by [the providence of] your Lord, indeed We shall gather them as well as
souls shall desire, forever. They shall not be grieved by the great terror. [all] the devils and then We shall bring them forth, around the hellfire,
And the angels shall receive them [saying]: 'This is the day, of which you squatting. Then, of each group, We shall separate the one, who was most
were promised'. obstinate in his rebellion against the Most Merciful. And We are indeed
aware of those, who are most deserving of burning in it. And each one of
It is clearly stated in the aforementioned verses that all pious, God- you, shall surely come to this [fire]. This is a promise of your Lord, that
fearing and righteous people shall not be even touched or brought close must come to pass. Then, we shall save the righteous [from all suffering]
to the encompassing flames of the hellfire. Thus, it is not merely the and We shall abandon the wrong-doers in it, squatting.
martyrs, but all those, who do not deserve to be thrown in the burning
fires of hell, who shall remain completely immune from even the In the context of the verse, it is quite clear that the words "Each one of
slightest of pains and tortures of hellfire. you..." are addressed to the rejecters of the Prophet's call. The addressees
of this verse are, in fact, the same people who are being warned and
RESPONSE: admonished in the immediately preceding verses. Thus, seen in the
correct perspective, the referred verses of Surah Maryam are, more or
Mr. Amjad, by mentioning these passages, has only compounded the less, similar in meaning to the cited verses of Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Thus,
problem. We showed in the first part of our paper that the contextual Al-Raaziy has also mentioned the foregoing opinion about the referred
evidence points to everyone, including Muslims, entering hell. Even the verse in his commentary. He writes:
Muslim commentators admitted that the majority of Muslims held this
view. Hence, Mr. Amjad’s appeal to passages that deny that Muslims Some of them are of the opinion that the addressees in this verse are the
will suffer in hell only reinforces Mr. Katz’s claim that the Quran is same rejecters, who are mentioned in the preceding verses. They are first
contradicting itself. In one place it says ALL shall enter hell, in other addressed in the third person and then admonished in the second person.
places it says that believers will be kept from even hearing the sound of The adherents of this opinion say: 'It is not correct to assume that the
the growling fire, a blatant contradiction. believers shall enter hellfire, on the basis of the following: Firstly, the
Qur'an has declared in Al-Anbiyaa 21: 101 that "Indeed, those, for whom
Furthermore, as was also noted in the first part, surah 21:98 provides We have already promised the good, they shall be kept away from this
evidence for understanding the Arabic word wurood in surah 19:71 as hellfire", being 'kept away' from hellfire cannot be spoken for those who
implying a literal entrance into hell. Even Mr. Amjad realizes this fact. shall enter it. Secondly, the Qur'an says: "They shall not hear its slightest
More on this later. sound". Were they to enter the hellfire, the believers would then most
certainly hear its sounds. And thirdly, the Qur'an says: "They [i.e. the
Mr. Amjad continues: believers] shall that day be secure from all panic".

Keeping the foregoing clarification in perspective, now let us take a As should be clear from the foregoing explanation, the Qur'an does not,
close look at the relevant verses of Surah Maryam. The verses cited by at any instance, declare that the true believers shall be made to enter
Mr. Katz (verses 71 -- 72), with a few of its preceding verses are hellfire. Such an end is promised only for those whose arrogance and
reproduced below: pride drove them to reject the truth even after having clearly recognized
it.
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RESPONSE: 3. The believers, too, will enter hell (v. 71) but will then exit by the
mercy of Allah (v. 72).
Mr. Amjad presumes that his proposed interpretation that 19:71 refers to
Muhammad’s rejecters is "quite clear", whereas this isn’t necessarily the It may even be that "man" (singular) refers to the disbelief that all the
case. First, notice that ar-Razi doesn’t give any contextual reasons from pagan Arabs in Mecca initially had regarding the resurrection, whether
surah 19 to deny that every one will enter hell. Instead, ar-Razi simply believers or unbelievers. The text then moves on from there to
mentions some Muslims who denied that believers would enter hell on distinguish between those who choose to believe from those who remain
the basis of other Quranic verses! But this is precisely the problem we doubtful about the possibility of an actual general resurrection of the
had raised, namely, that the Quran is contradicting itself on the fate of dead. The text would therefore be understood to mean that:
Muslims. One can’t simply quote verses that deny that believers will go
to hell and somehow assume that this solves the problem, since the only 1. The pagan Arabs in their entirety at some point doubted the
thing these other passages show is that there is a substantial error within resurrection.
the Quran. 2. Some of them chose to overcome such doubts and believe that
God has the ability to raise the dead back to life.
Second, a careful look at the overall context of the passage demonstrates 3. Others chose to remain in disbelief.
that several different groups are in view: 4. Allah sends all men, both believers and unbelievers, into hell
(including satans).
And says man, `What! when I am dead, shall I be brought forth alive?' 5. Once there, Allah will then separate the believers from the
Does not man remember that WE created him before, when he was unbelievers by taking out the former and leaving in the latter to
nothing? And, by thy Lord, WE shall assuredly gather them together, and hobble there.
the satans too; then shall WE bring them on their knees around Hell.
Then shall WE certainly pick out, from every group, those of them who Third, as we had mentioned in Part 1, the majority of Muslims agreed
were most stubborn in rebellion against the Gracious God. And surely, and settled on the interpretation that surah 19:71 is not limited to those
WE know best those deserving to be burnt therein. And there is not one who rejected Muhammad, but believed that everyone would enter hell.
of YOU but will come to it. This is an absolute decree of thy Lord. S. That they believed that everyone will enter hell, whether believer or
19:66-71 Sher Ali unbeliever, righteous or unrighteous, shows that even these Muslims
didn’t think that the group entering hell was limited to only those that
Note carefully the shift in referents. The passage speaks of the rejected Muhammad’s call. They saw nothing in the context which
unbelievers by referring to them in a collective sense ("man", "them"), limited the discussion to unbelievers.
then to the satans, and then changes from third person usage to second
person plural (YOU). Now a change in address doesn’t necessarily imply Even Mr. Amjad’s own source, ar-Razi, implies that many other
that there is a change in referent. But when the passage mentions and Muslims agreed that 19:71 refers to every person entering hell. Do note
interjects a different group within the discussion, namely satans, then a ar-Razi’s comments carefully:
case can be made that more than one entity is being addressed. It is quite
easy to see three groups here, specifically unbelievers, satans and SOME OF THEM are of the opinion that the addressees in this verse are
believers. The text is therefore implying that: the same rejecters, who are mentioned in the preceding verses…

1. Unbelieving man enters hell and remains there. Ar-Razi’s SOME OF THEM implies that not all shared the same
2. Satans (jinns) will also be brought down to hell. opinion, but that there were other Muslims who held to a different view
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from the one proposed by Mr. Amjad. We are currently working on Mr. Amjad’s own interpretation of the verse doesn’t disprove that
translating ar-Razi’s comments and will post them here for all to read. believers will enter hell, but rather proves our position; it proves that
believers WILL ENTER hell, even though Mr. Amjad’s rendering
Fourth, Mr. Amjad’s attempt of trying to connect the passage with the implies that they will be spared any suffering while there. To put it in
verses that mention those who rejected the message introduces additional another way, Mr. Amjad’s rendering implies that the righteous, or those
problems. The verse right after 71 says: who kept themselves from doing evil, will not experience any suffering
while in hell, but they will still enter in hell nonetheless, precisely what
Then We shall rescue those who kept from evil, and leave the evil-doers some Muslims of the past believed. See Part 1 for the details. Hence,
crouching there. Pickthall irrespective of whether believers suffer pain or not, this point is still
clear: Mr. Amjad’s own proposed translation inevitably leads to the fact
Thus, according to 19:72, Allah will take out of hell those who were that Muslims will definitely enter hell.
righteous, which implies that if Mr. Amjad’s understanding is correct
then: Mr. Amjad’s preferred translation even proves our point that the Arabic
word translated "shall surely come to this" (wariduha from wurood),
1. Some of those who rejected Muhammad were actually righteous. implies a literal entrance into hell. Note, again, how he rendered 19:71:
2. Or, those evildoers who reject Muhammad have a chance of
exiting hell. And each one of you, shall surely come to this [fire]…
3. This implies that the evildoers had a change of heart while in hell
and became righteous; otherwise they couldn’t be classified as Mr. Amjad understands the text to be saying that people will come to the
righteous. fire, demonstrating our case that the passage does refer to a literal
4. This further implies that Allah will even grant repentance to the entrance into hell. Realizing this, Mr. Amjad is then forced to find a way
inhabitants of hell, to those who rejected Muhammad while on of differentiating between those who come to it from the righteous who
earth, giving them an opportunity to become righteous. are saved. His translation therefore implies that there are two groups in
view, not one. We already saw why his reconciliation causes him more
Yet this last point contradicts the following passage: problems than solutions.

The forgiveness is not for those who do ill-deeds until, when death Be that as it may, Mr. Amjad acknowledges that the text does speak of
attendeth upon one of them, he saith: Lo! I repent now; nor yet for those people actually entering INTO hell, and not simply passing over it as
who die while they are disbelievers. For such We have prepared a some suggest. Thus, even his own exegesis lends further support to what
painful doom. S. 4:18 Pickthall we have been saying. It demonstrates that the natural reading of the text
points in the direction of everyone having to go down into hell, which
Mr. Amjad cannot avoid accepting the above conclusions since they are means that every Muslim must spend some time there as well. Mr.
the natural result of both the context of the passage and of his preferred Amjad has been trying hard to deny this last fact, but to no avail.
interpretation. Note how Mr. Amjad himself renders the text:

Then, we shall save the righteous [from all suffering] and We shall
abandon the wrong-doers in IT, squatting. The Quran on Muslims Entering Hell

209 210
Sam Shamoun comprised within this address in the sense that all "will come within
sight of it": hence my rendering. (Source; capital and italic emphasis
According to surah 19:70-72, everyone will enter into hell, including ours)
Muslims. Allah will then bring out the god-fearing:
Despite Asad’s rendering of the Arabic as "will come within sight of it",
Then We shall pluck forth from every party whichever of them was the his candid admission that the majority of Islamic scholarship held the
most hardened in disdain of the All-merciful; then We shall know very position that the verse is addressing every person is quite significant. We
well those most deserving to burn there. Not one of you there is, but he will have more to say about this point later on.
shall go down to it (wariduha); that for thy Lord is a thing decreed,
determined. Then We shall deliver those that were godfearing; and the For a sample of Muslim responses please consult the following articles:
evildoers We shall leave there, hobbling on their knees. A.J. Arberry [1], [2].

Many Muslims have tried to deny that the text says that everyone will Instead of responding here to all the objections we will provide a host of
enter hell. They argue that the expression "go down" (wurood) doesn’t translations, hadiths and commentaries to see how those Muslims
necessarily mean to enter hell, but it can also mean to pass through or understood the passage. We want to see whether Muslims have
over. Some will even argue that the text is simply saying that people will traditionally interpreted this passage to imply that everyone will enter
cross over hell into Paradise on a bridge called Sirat, even though the hell. We will then, in the second part, take a look at a specific Muslim
Quran nowhere alludes to such a bridge. The late A.Y. Ali wrote: response and see whether the arguments presented hold any real weight.

Three interpretations are possible, (1) The GENERAL interpretation is To make it easier for our readers to follow our arguments, we break
that EVERYONE must pass through or by or over the Fire. Those who down our article into the following sections.
have Taqwa (see n. 26 to ii.2) will be saved by Allah’s Mercy, while
unrepentant sinners will suffer the torments in ignominy, (2) If we refer 1. The Translations
the pronoun "you" to those "in obstinate rebellion" in verse 69 above, 2. The Quran’s Use of wurood
both leaders and followers in sin, this verse only applies to the wicked, 3. The Hadiths
(3) Some refer this verse to the Bridge over Hell, the Bridge Sirat, over 4. The Muslim Commentators
which all must pass to their final Destiny. This Bridge is not mentioned
in the Qur’an. (Ali, The Holy Qur’an: Translation and Commentary, fn. Summary Analysis
2518; underline and capital emphasis ours)
5. A Contradiction
Pay close attention to Yusuf Ali’s claim that the general Muslim
understanding of the passage has been that everyone will have to pass
through, by or over the Fire. The late Muhammad Asad stated: 1. The Translations

55 Lit., "none of you but will reach it". According to SOME of the Here is how both Muslims and non-Muslims render the word wurood in
classical authorities, the pronoun "you" relates to the sinners spoken of in S. 19:71.
the preceding passages, and particularly to those who refuse to believe in
resurrection; the MAJORITY of the commentators, however, are of the Muslim Translations
opinion that ALL HUMAN BEINGS, sinners and righteous alike, are
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There is not one of you but shall approach it… Pickthall No one is there of you who shall not go down unto it… J.M. Rodwell

Not one of you but will pass over it… Y. Ali Rodwell’s footnote 25 reads:

And there is not one of you but shall pass over it… Daryabadi Even the pious on their way to Paradise are to pass the confines of Hell.
(Source)
There is not a single one of you, who shall not pass over it… F. Malik
The preceding renderings make one thing clear. Muslim translators, for
There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell)… Hilali-Khan the most part, are more likely to render the passage in such a way as to
deny that everyone will enter hell. Sarwar is the exception, with the
And there is not one of you but shall come to it… M.M Ali translations of SAHEEH INTERNATIONAL, Irving and the Omar
brothers implying that men will enter.
And every one of you will come within sight of it… Asad
On the other hand, the non-Muslims render the phrase to mean actual
And there is not one of you but shall come to it… Shakir entrance into hell, with the exception of Dawood.

And there is not one of you but will come to it… Sher Ali Since the translations are not conclusive at this point, we now turn our
attention to the Quran itself.
And there is none of you except he will come to it… SAHEEH
INTERNATIONAL
2. The Quran’s Use of Wurood
there is not one of you but he will be led up to it… T.B. Irving
In several places the Quran uses different forms of the word wurood in
Every single one of you must see it… Khalifa the same context of people entering hell.

There is none among you, (O those condemned to Hell!), but shall reach He will go before his people on the Day of Judgment, and lead them into
there (- the Hell)… Amatul & ‘Abdul Manan ‘Omar the Fire (fa awradahumu alnnara) (as cattle are led to water): But
woeful indeed will be the place to which they are led! S. 11:98 Y. Ali
It is the inevitable decree of your Lord that every one of you will be
taken to hell. Muhammad Sarwar But the sinners will we drive unto (wirdan) Hell, like flocks driven to the
watering. S. 19:86 Rodwell
Non-Muslim translations
Verily, ye, and what ye worship beside God, shall be fuel for hell: ye
There is not one of you who shall not pass through it… N.J. Dawood shall go down into it (waridoona). S. 21:98 Rodwell

There shall be none of you but shall descend into the same [hell]… The only possible meaning in these contexts is that evildoers will
George Sale actually enter into hell itself. Interestingly, 19:86 appears in the same
surah just some fifteen verses after 19:71. Since these contexts are
virtually identical to 19:71 it therefore follows to reason that the meaning
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will be the same as well, especially when some fifteen verses later the will be listened to; and ask, for your will be granted (your request); and
same word is used in connection with sinners literally entering hell. intercede, for your intercession will be accepted.' I will say, 'O Lord, my
followers! My followers!' And then it will be said, 'Go and take out of
Furthermore, the verse right after 19:71 supports the view that people Hell (Fire) all those who have faith in their hearts, equal to the weight of
will literally enter hell: a barley grain.' I will go and do so and return to praise Him with the
same praises, and fall down (prostrate) before Him. Then it will be said,
"And there is not one of you but will come to it. This is an absolute 'O Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you will be listened to,
decree of thy Lord. And WE shall save the righteous, and shall leave the and ask, for you will be granted (your request); and intercede, for your
wrongdoers therein, on their knees." intercession will be accepted.' I will say, 'O Lord, my followers! My
followers!' It will be said, 'Go and take out of it all those who have faith
The statement that Allah will deliver the righteous and leave the in their hearts equal to the weight of a small ant or a mustard seed.' I
wrongdoer in hell presumes that the righteous are in there as well. will go and do so and return to praise Him with the same praises, and fall
down in prostration before Him. It will be said, 'O, Muhammad, raise
Hence, the usage of the term wurood within the Quran in contexts your head and speak, for you will be listened to, and ask, for you will be
similar to 19:71, as well as the immediate context of the passage itself, granted (your request); and intercede, for your intercession will be
conclusively point in the direction of all people, including all Muslims, accepted.' I will say, 'O Lord, my followers!' Then He will say, 'Go and
having to enter into hell for a short while. take out (all those) in whose hearts there is faith even to the lightest,
lightest mustard seed. (Take them) out of the Fire.' I will go and do so."'

3. The Hadiths
Anas told me the same as he told you and said that the prophet added, 'I
The hadiths provide evidence for the view that Muslims will enter hell then return for a fourth time and praise Him similarly and prostrate
and then come out. We do need to be cautious here. The hadiths do not before Him. He asks me the same as he did, 'O Muhammad, raise your
indicate that ALL Muslims will enter hell. They suggest that there will head and speak, for you will be listened to; and ask, for you will be
be many Muslims in hell which Allah will bring out on the basis of granted (your request): and intercede, for your intercession will be
Muhammad’s intercession. accepted.' I will say, 'O Lord, allow me to intercede for whoever said,
'None has the right to be worshiped except Allah.' Then Allah will say,
SAHIH AL-BUKHARI 'By my Power, and my Majesty, and by My Supremacy, and by My
Greatness, I will take out of Hell (Fire) whoever said: 'None has the right
… Anas then said, "Muhammad talked to us saying, 'On the Day of to be worshipped except Allah.'" (Volume 9, Book 93, Number 601)
Resurrection THE PEOPLE will surge with each other like waves, and
then they will come to Adam and say, 'Please intercede for us with your SAHIH MUSLIM
Lord.'…
… It would be said to me: O Muhammad, raise your head, and say and it
They would come to me and I would say, 'I am for that.' Then I will ask would be heard; ask and it would be granted; intercede and intercession
for my Lord's permission, and it will be given, and then He will inspire would be accepted. So I would say: My people, my people. It would be
me to praise Him with such praises as I do not know now. So I will said to me: Go and take out from it (Hell) him who has in his heart faith
praise Him with those praises and will fall down, prostrate before Him. equal to the weight of a mustard seed. I would go and do that. I would
Then it will be said, 'O Muhammad, raise your head and speak, for you again return to my Lord and extol Him with those praises. I would then
215 216
fall in prostration. It would be said to me: O Muhammad, raise your It was related by al-Bukhari (also by Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, and Ibn
head: say, and you would be listened to; ask and it would be granted; Majah). (Source)
intercede and intercession would be accepted. I would say: My Lord, my
people, my people. It would be said to me: Go, and bring out of the Fire The following tradition indicates that others will intercede for people in
him who has in his heart as much faith as the smallest, smallest, smallest hell and be heard:
grain of mustard seed. I would go and do that. (Book 1, Number 377)
Narrated Anas ibn Malik
HADITH QUDSI 36
Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The inhabitants of Hell
The believers will gather together on the Day of Resurrection and will will be drawn up in line, and when one of the inhabitants of Paradise
say: Should we not ask [someone] to intercede for us with our Lord? So passes them one of them will say, 'So and so, do you not recognise me? I
they will come to Adam and will say: You are the Father of mankind; am the one who gave you a drink.' And one of them will say, 'I am the
Allah created you with His hand He made His angels bow down to you one who gave you water for ablution.' He will then intercede for him and
and He taught you the names of everything, so intercede for us with you bring him into Paradise."
Lord so that He may give us relief form this place where we are. And he
will say: I am not in a position [to do that] - and he will mention his Ibn Majah transmitted it. (Al-Tirmidhi Hadith, Number 1473– taken
wrongdoing and will feel ashamed and will say: Go to Noah, for he is the from the ALIM CD-ROM version)
first messenger that Allah sent to the inhabitants of the earth… So they
will come to me and I shall set forth to ask permission to come to my These traditions demonstrate the plausibility of interpreting 19:71 to
Lord, and permission will be given, and when I shall see my Lord I shall mean that every Muslim will enter hell. After all, if Allah allows bad
prostrate myself. He will leave me thus for such time as it pleases Him, Muslims to enter hell and then come out due to Muhammad’s
and then it will be said [to me]: Raise your head. Ask and it will be intercession, then he can also allow good Muslims to enter there as well.
granted. Speak and it will be heard. Intercede and your intercession will
be accepted. So I shall raise my head and praise Him with a form of More importantly, these hadiths do not necessarily state that Muhammad
praise that He will teach me. Then I shall intercede and HE will set me a is interceding simply for bad Muslims. The context says that the people,
limit [as to the number of people], so I shall admit them into Paradise. specifically believers, will look for help from the prophets, without
Then I shall return to Him, and when I shall see my Lord [I shall bow stating that these are evildoers. Thus, the natural implication is that
down] as before. Then I shall intercede and He will set me a limit [as to everyone will seek aid from the prophets on the Day of Judgment with
the number of people]. So I shall admit them into Paradise. Then I shall Muhammad specifically interceding for Muslims, whether good or bad.
return for a third time, then a fourth, and I shall say: There remains in
Hell-fire only those whom the Quran has confined and who must be It seems that Allah’s purpose in doing this is to allow the Muslims to
there for eternity. There shall come out of Hell-fire he who has said: better appreciate his "grace" and the "blessings" of Paradise after having
There is no god but Allah and who has in his heart goodness weighing a experienced hellfire for a while.
barley-corn; then there shall come out of Hell-fire he who has said:
There is no god but Allah and who has in his heart goodness weighing a There is one hadith, however, which states that mankind in general will
grain of wheat; then there shall come out of Hell-fire he who has said: enter hell and come out, some faster than others, depending on their
There is no god but Allah and who has in his heart goodness weighing an deeds (or lack thereof):
atom.

217 218
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud
Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Mankind WILL GO 4. The Muslim Commentators
DOWN TO HELL and then COME UP up from it because of their
deeds, the first of them like a flash of lighting, the next like the wind, the Our dear brother Dimitrius, a very fine Christian gentleman, writer,
next like a horse's gallop, the next like one riding on his pack-saddle, the apologist in his own right, translated the following section entirely from
next like a man's running, the next like his walking." Tirmidhi the Arabic. Needless to say, this section would not have been possible
transmitted it. (Tirmidhi Hadith, Number 1475- ALIM CD-ROM without Dimitrius’ hard efforts in producing it. For that, we are
Version) completely grateful to him for taking time out of his busy schedule to
assist us. May our risen and immortal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
This narration provides support for understanding surah 19:71 to be richly bless this young soldier and his family with God’s eternal riches.
referring to all mankind entering hell. Amen.

In fact, here is another narration which indicates that Allah's promise to Dimitrius writes:
send people to hell also includes Muslims:
Here are the translations of all four commentaries of Surah 19:71
Narrated Abu Huraira: (Muslims going through hell) given by Ibn Kathir, Jalalayn, Qurtubi and
Allah's Apostle said, "Any Muslim who has lost three of his children will Tabari.
not be touched by the Fire except that which will render Allah's oath
fulfilled." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 78, Number 650) I need to make a few notes about the translation itself.

The Quran translators Al-Hilali and Khan quote this hadith in their All four commentaries agree that the meaning of the word wurood means
commentary on surah 19:71 and state that the oath mentioned in this to enter and pass through hell. However, they also present the other
narration refers to the promise made by Allah in this very Quranic verse lesser authoritative opinions on the topic, i.e. like wurood meaning to
to send people to hell: "walk over hell" but not actually into hell, or that wurood could mean to
be sick on earth with a fever so you don’t go to hell in the afterlife.
* Allah's Oath alluded to here is the Qur'anic Verse: "There is not one of
you but will pass over it (Hell), this is with your Lord, a Decree which The last two explanations of course don’t make sense but the
must be accomplished." (V. 19:71) (Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud Din Al- commentators have included the quotes of people who make these
Hilali & Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Interpretation of the Meanings claims. Please note that the majority of quotes are of the opinion that
of the Noble Qur'an: With Comments from Tafsir At-Tabari, Tafsir Al- Muslims will go into hell like everyone else, and then later Allah will
Qurtubi and Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Ahadith from Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih save them and take them out of the fire, or the intercession of the
Muslim and other Ahadith Books [Darussalam Publishers & Distributors, prophets and other Muslims will remove them from hell. If you notice,
Riyadh, Lahore, Houston, New York, First Edition: January 2000], Part Jalalyn’s commentary is only one sentence long and it says that all
4. From Surah 16 to 20, p. 400, fn. to Q. 19:71) Muslims must go into hell…

Thus, the above narrative substantiates that Allah’s decree in surah 19:71 I have tried to translate the entire commentaries word for word as
means that even Muslims will be sent to hell! opposed to re-phrasing the meaning in my own words. I have not
inserted any personal statements into the translation. However, it was at
times necessary to add a word to make the sentence read better and in
219 220
those cases I placed the word I added in brackets ( ).Usually this was have done righteousness. Then I met Jabir Ibn Abdallah and I informed
done when the commentator keeps referring to "it" in a long sentence him that we differed about the meaning of, ‘Pass through it,’ and he
and I would have to write (in brackets) what the "it" was referring to. replied that, "EVERYONE SHALL ENTER IT."

Another point to keep in mind is that the commentator’s writing style is Also Sulaiman Ibn Murrah said THAT EVERYONE SHALL ENTER IT
lengthy, unformatted and loaded with run-on sentences. At other times (hell). Then he placed his fingers near his ears and said, "I would have
their sentences are only 2 or 3 words long. Basically, their style is very remained silent had I not heard the apostle of Allah -pbuh- say, ‘There
unstructured when writing an explanation. As a matter of fact, each of shall not remain a righteous or sinful person but shall enter hell. To the
their commentaries on a verse in the Arabic version is one long believer the fire will be cool and pleasant as it was to Abraham to the
paragraph that runs several pages long. point that hell will be noisy because the believers are cold. Then Allah
will save those who have avoided (evil) and greatly torment the sinners
This brings me to the next point. The majority of their writing has to do in it.’"
with quoting narrators who said such and such a thing. As a result, the
phrase "narrated by" and "said" is repeated over and over again. This Also narrated by Hassan Ibn Arfa, narrated by Marwan Ibn Mu’awiya,
may require you to look at the punctuation narrated by Bahar Ibn Abu Marwan, narrated by Khalid Ibn Ma’dan who
stated, "The people of paradise said after they entered paradise, ‘Didn’t
I have used at the beginning and end of quotes. I also had to break up our Lord promise that we will pass through hell?’ And they will be told,
the commentary into sectioned paragraph, where the topic changes. ‘You passed through it (hell) while it’s flames were calm.’"

Again, this translation is word for word, with no personal comments Also narrated by Abdel Razak, narrated by Ibn Ayena, narrated by Ismail
added. I only re-organized the format but did not change the content. I Ibn Abu Khalid, narrated by Qais Ibn Abu Hazem who said that
suggest that you allow someone fluent in both English and Arabic… read Abdallah Ibn Rawaha placed his head on his wife’s lap and BEGAN TO
the original and the translated commentaries to assess its accuracy. I’m WEEP, so his wife began to weep also. So he asked her, "Why are you
pretty confident that I have captured it all but its best to double check. weeping?" She responded, "I saw you weeping and so I started to weep."
He said, "I remembered the saying of Allah - who is glorified and
And now on to the translations. All capital and underline emphasis ours. exalted- (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through it,’ AND I
DON’T KNOW IF I WILL BE SAVED FROM IT OR NOT." In another
narration it adds the phrase, ‘he said this while he was ill.’

Ibn Kathir’s Commentary Also narrated by Ibn Jarir, narrated by Abu Kurayb, narrated by Ibn
Yaman, narrated by Malik Ibn Maghul, narrated by Ibn Ishaq who said,
Surah 19:71 Not one of you but will pass through it: this is, with thy "Whenever Abu Maysarah would lie down on his bed he would say, ‘I
Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished. wish my mother had never bore me.’ And then he would begin to weep.
When asked why he was weeping he would respond, ‘We were told that
Imam Ahmad narrated that Sulaiman Ibn Harb narrated that Khalid Ibn WE WOULD ENTER HELL, BUT WE WEREN’T TOLD THAT WE
Sulaiman narrated that Kathir Ibn Ziad Al- Barsani narrated that Abu WOULD EXIT FROM IT.’"
Sumaya said, "We differed about the meaning of ‘Passing through it’
(wari-duha). For some of us said that no believer will enter hell and Also narrated by Abdallah Ibn Al-Mubarak, narrated by Al-Hassan Al-
others said all (people) shall enter it and then Allah will save those who Basri who said, "A man said to his brother ‘Have you been told that you
221 222
shall enter hell?’ The brother answered ‘YES.’ He then asked, ‘Have you Narrated by Abu Dawud Al-Tayalisi, narrated by Sha’aba, narrated by
also been told that you shall exit from it?’ The brother responded ‘NO.’ Abdallah Ibn Al-Sa’ib about those who heard Ibn Abbas read the verse
So he asked, ‘Then why the laughter?’ The brother responded, ‘I have (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through (Waridu-ha) it,’
not seen a person laugh until he joined Allah.’ meaning the infidels. This is how it was narrated by Amru Ibn Al-Walid
Al-Basti that he heard Ikrimah read it likewise.
Narrated by Abdel Razak, narrated by Ibn Ayena narrated by Amru who
told us that he heard Ibn Abbas feud with Nafi Ibn Al-Azraq regarding Also narrated by Al-Awfi, narrated by Ibn Abbas who said, "(Surah
the meaning of, ‘Entering (Al-wurood).’ He said it meant ‘Entering 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through (Waridu-ha) it’ means that
(Hell),’ but Nafi disagreed. Thus Ibn Abbas read (Surah 21:98) "‘Verily the righteous and the sinner (shall enter hell). For don’t you hear what
ye, and the gods that ye worship besides Allah, are but fuel for Hell! To Allah said to Pharaoh (Surah 11:98) ‘He will go before his people on the
it will ye surely will enter (Wardan),’ and asked did they enter or not? Day of Judgment, and lead them (Awrada-hum) into the fire,’ and also
He also read (Surah 11:98) ‘He will go before his people on the Day of the verse (Surah 19:86) ‘And We shall drive the sinners to hell being
Judgment, and lead them (Awrada-hum) into the fire: but woeful indeed lead (Wirdan)’? So he called ‘passing through’ (Wird) AN ENTRY
will be the place (Wird) to which they are led (Al-mawrud)!’ Did they INTO HELL AND NOT AN EXIT OUT OF IT."
enter or not? As for you and I, WE WILL ENTER IT but let us see if we
will exit from it and I don’t see Allah taking you out of it because you lie Narrated by Imam Ahmed, narrated by Abdel Rahman, narrated by
(regarding its meaning)." Nafi then laughed. Israel, narrated by Al-Suddi, narrated by Murrah, narrated by Abdallah,
who is known as Ibn Mas’ud, regarding (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you
Narrated by Ibn Jarir, narrated by Atta who stated that Abu Rashid Al- but will pass through (Waridu-ha) it.’ The prophet said, "All people will
Harury, who is called Nafi Ibn Al-Azraq, said, "They (the believers) will enter (Yarud) hell and exit it by their deeds." This was also narrated by
not hear hell’s roar." So Ibn Abbas responded, "Woe to you! Are you Al-Tirmidhi, narrated by Abd Ibn Hamid, narrated by Ubaid Allah,
insane? What of Allah’s verse (Surah 11:98) ‘He will go before his narrated by Israel, narrated by Al-Suddi. This was also narrated through
people on the Day of Judgment, and lead them (Awrada-hum) into the Shu’bah, narrated by Al-Suddi, narrated by Murrah, narrated by Ibn
fire,’ and also the verse (Surah 19:86) ‘And We shall drive the sinners to Mas’ud.
hell being lead (Wirdan)’? And also the verse (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of
you but will pass (Waridu-ha) through it’? By Allah, the supplication of It was also narrated by Asbat, narrated by Al-Suddi, narrated by Ibn
those who lived previously used to be, ‘O Allah TAKE ME OUT OF Mas’ud who said, "All people shall walk (Yarud) on the (bridge) of Sirat
HELL FIRE peacefully and allow me to enter paradise victorious.’" and pass through (wu-rooda-hum) the fires of hell, then they will exit the
(bridge) of Sirat by their deeds. Some of them will pass (as fast) as
Narrated by Ibn Jarir, narrated by Muhammad Ibn Ubaid Al-Mihrabu, lightning; some of them will pass (as fast) as the wind; some of them will
narrated by Asbat, narrated by Abdel Malik, narrated by Ubaid Allah pass (as fast) as birds; some of them will pass (as fast) as running horses;
narrated by Mujahid who said, "I was in the company of Ibn Abbas when some of them will pass (as fast) as running beasts, some of them will
a man called Abu Rashid, who is also known as Nafi Al-Azraq, came pass (running) as a man’s enemy so that the last one of them (passing)
and asked Ibn Abbas, ‘Have you seen the saying of Allah (Surah 19:71) will have light shining only on the toes of his feet and the Sirat (bridge)
‘Not one of you but will pass through (Waridu-ha) it: this is, with thy will then be full. The Sirat (bridge) will be slippery with many thorns
Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished?’ Ibn Abbas replied, ‘As for like a thorn bush. On either side of it will be angels with fiery shackles
you and I, O Abu Rashid, WE SHALL ENTER IT (hell), but let us see used for capturing people." This same hadith was also narrated by Ibn
WHETHER we shall exit from it or not.’" Abu Hatim.

223 224
Narrated by Ibn Jarir, narrated by Khalid Ibn Aslam, narrated by Al- narrated by Ma’mar, narrated by Al-Zuhri narrated by Ibn Al-Maseeb,
Nadir, narrated by Israel, narrated by Abu Ishaq, narrated by Abu Al- narrated by Abu Huraira who related that the prophet said, "If a person’s
Ahwas, narrated by Abdallah who stated that regarding verse (Surah three children die the fire (of hell) will not touch him, he will be saved
19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through (Waridu-ha) it,’ the bridge from it by (Allah’s) oath." This was the meaning of entry (wurood). Abu
of Sirat that passes through hell is as sharp as a sword. The first layer of Zuhri stated this regarding (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass
people will pass as lightning, the second as the wind, the third as running through it: this is, with thy Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished.’
horses, the fourth as running beasts. As they pass the angels will say, "O
Allah save, save." To this hadith there are many references in both Sahih Narrated by Jarir, narrated by Imran Ibn Bakar Al-Kila’i, narrated by
(Bukhari and Muslim) and others from the narration of Ans and Abu Abu Mughira, narrated by Abdel Rahman Ibn Yazid Ibn Tamim,
Sa’id and Abu Huraira and Jabir and others from among the companions, narrated by Ismail ibn Ubaid Allah, narrated by Abu Salih, narrated by
may Allah be pleased with them. Abu Huraira who related that he was with the prophet -pbuh- who went
out looking for one of his companions who was ill with a fever and said,
Narrated by Ibn Jarir, narrated by Yaqub, narrated by Ibn Alia, narrated "Allah the exalted says, ‘It is My fire that I impose on my believing
by Al-Jariri, narrated by Abu Al-Salik, narrated by Ghunaim, narrated by servant, that it may be his portion of fire in the afterlife.’"
Qais who stated that regarding, ‘entering (wurood) hell,’ Ka’b related,
"Hell fire will hold on to people with great intensity so that the soles of Narrated by Abu Kurayb, narrated by Abu Al-Yaman, narrated by
the feet of ALL PEOPLE, both RIGHTEOUS and sinners, will be Uthman Ibn Al-Aswad, narrated by Mujahid who related that fever is
charred. Then one will cry out to hell saying, ‘Hold on to your people every believer’s portion of hell fire and then he recited (Surah 19:71)
AND LET MY PEOPLE GO. Then hell will know who belongs to it ‘Not one of you but will pass through (Waridu-ha) it.’
better than a man knows his own son and the believers will exit with
whitened garments.’" Ka’b also added that the distance between one Narrated by Imam Ahmad, narrated by Hassan, narrated by Ibn Luhay’a,
guardian (of hell) and the next is a year’s travel. Each one of them holds narrated by Zaban Ibn Fa’id, narrated by Sahil Ibn Mu’ath Ibn Ans Al
a column containing two branches and with one thrust of the column, Juhani, narrated by his father who related that the prophet said, "He who
70,000 people are thrown into the fire. reads the verse, ‘Say Allah is one,’ and completes it ten times, Allah will
build a palace for him in paradise." Then Umar responded, "O prophet of
Narrated by Imam Ahmad, narrated by Abu Mu’awiya, narrated by Al- Allah, then we will increase (the number of times we recite it)." The
A’mash, narrated by Abu Sufyan, narrated by Jabir, narrated by Um prophet replied, "Allah is the increase and more pleasant." The prophet
Bashir, narrated by Hafsa who related that the prophet -pbuh- said, "It is also said, "He who reads a thousand verses for the sake of Allah will be
my wish that those who participated in the battles of Badr and written on the day of resurrection as being among the prophets,
Hudaibiyah will not enter hell, Allah willing." Hafsa then asked, believers, martyrs and righteous who are worthy companions, if Allah
"Doesn’t Allah say (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through wills it. He who voluntarily stands guard behind Muslims for the sake of
(Waridu-ha) it?’ The prophet then replied (Surah 19:72) ‘Then we will Allah, not being forced to do so by a sultan, his eyes will not see the fires
save those who have avoided (evil)." of hell for the oath (of Allah) rescues him."

In both Sahih (of Bukhari and Muslim) there is a hadith narrated by Al- Allah the exalted stated, (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass
Zuhri, narrated by Sa’id, narrated by Abu Huraira - may Allah be pleased through it,’ and reciting (the Quran) for the sake of Allah is worth 700
with him- who related that the prophet - pbuh- said, "No Muslim whose times more than charity; in another narration it is stated worth 700,000
three children die will have the fires of hell touch him, for he will be times more than charity.
saved by the oath of (Allah)." This was also narrated by Abdel Razak,
225 226
Narrated by Abu Dawud, narrated by Abu Tha’hir, narrated by Ibn There is not one of you but shall come to it, that is, [but] shall enter
Wahb, narrated by Yahya Ibn Ayub, narrated by Zaban, narrated by Hell. That is an inevitability [already] decreed by your Lord, [something
Sahil, narrated by his father who related that the prophet -pbuh- said, which] He made inevitable and [which] He decreed; He will not waive it.
"Prayer is exalted, and fasting and recitation are increased above charity (Source)
for the sake of Allah by 700 times."
Then We will deliver (read nunajjī or nunjī) those who were wary, of
Narrated by Abdel Razak, narrated by Mumar, narrated by Qatada who [committing] idolatry or disbelief, [We will deliver them] from it, and
said, (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through it (wurood),’ leave those who did wrong, by way of idolatry and disbelief, crouching
means to go through. Also, Abdel Rahman Ibn Zaid Ibn Aslam stated therein, on their knees. (Source)
regarding (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through it,’ that
Muslims will pass over ("wurood") hell on a bridge, while the infidels
will pass through hell. The prophet -pbuh- said, "The men and women
who will be passing on the bridge (of Sirat) on judgment day will be Al-Tabari’s Commentary
many and there will be two groups of angels supplicating and saying ‘O
Allah! Save, save.’" Surah 19:71 Not one of you but will pass through it:

Also, narrated by Al-Sadi, narrated by Murrah, narrated by Ibn Masud The meaning of Allah’s saying, ‘Not one of you but will pass through it,’
who stated that regarding (Surah 19:71) ‘a decree which must be is that from you people there shall be none who will not enter hell, for
accomplished,’ means that the decree is an oath that must be fulfilled. this was the will of thy Lord, O Muhammad; an order that will be
Mujahid also stated that the decree is a certainty of judgment. (Arabic fulfilled. For He has commanded it and revealed it in the mother of all
source) books (the Quran).

The men of learning have differed about the meaning of pass through
"wurood" that was mentioned in this verse. Some of them say that pass
Al-Jalalayn’s Commentary through "wurood" mean ENTRY INTO HELL. Of those that mentioned
this meaning:
Surah 19:71 Not one of you but will pass through it: this is, with thy
Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished. Narrated by Hassan Ibn Yahya, narrated by Abdel Razak, narrated by
Ibn Ayena, narrated by Amru who stated that someone had heard Ibn
"Not one" means that there will be none. Abbas feud with Nafi Ibn Al-Azraq. Ibn Abbas said, "Passing through
(wurood) means ENTRY INTO HELL." Nafi replied, "No." So Ibn
"Of you" means ALL PEOPLE. Abbas recited (Surah 21:98) ‘Verily ye, and the gods that ye worship
besides Allah, are but fuel for Hell! To it will ye surely will enter
"But will pass through" means THE ENTRY INTO HELL. (Wardan),’ and asked did they enter or not? He also read (Surah 11:98)
‘He will go before his people on the Day of Judgment, and lead them
"A decree which must be accomplished" means it is a certainty and a (Awrada-hum) into the fire: but woeful indeed will be the place (Wird) to
judgment from which (Allah) will not relent from. (Arabic source) which they are led (Al-mawrud)!’ Did they enter or not? As for you and
I, WE WILL ENTER IT but let us see IF WE WILL EXIT FROM IT
Here is an alternate translation of Tafsir al-Jalalayn:
227 228
and I don’t see Allah taking you out of it because you lie (regarding its paradise, "Didn’t our Lord promise that we will pass through hell?" They
meaning). Nafi then laughed. will be told, "You passed through it (hell) while its flames were calm."

Narrated by Kasim, narrated by Al-Husain, narrated by Hajaj, narrated Narrated by Ibn Urfa, narrated by Marwan Ibn Mu’awiya, narrated by
by Ibn Juraih, narrated by Ibn Abu Rabah, narrated by Abu Rashid Al- Bakar Ibn Abu Marwan, narrated by Abu Jamida, narrated by
Harury who said, "They (the believers) will not hear hell’s roar." Ibn Muhammad Ibn Al-Mathna, narrated by Marhum Ibn Abd Al-Aziz,
Abbas responded, "Woe to you! Are you insane? What of Allah’s verse narrated by Abu Khalid who said, "The earth will one day be aflame, so
(Surah 11:98) ‘He will go before his people on the Day of Judgment, and how have you prepared for it?" he said, "This is the saying of Allah in
lead them (Awrada-hum) into the fire,’ and also the verse (Surah 19:86) (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through it: this is, with thy
‘And We shall drive the sinners to hell being lead (Wirdan),’ and also the Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished.’"
verse (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass (Waridu-ha) through
it.’ By Allah, the supplication of those who lived previously used to be, Narrated by Yaqub Ibn Ibrahim, narrated by Ibn Alia, narrated by Al-
"O Allah TAKE ME OUT OF HELL FIRE peacefully and allow me to Jariri, narrated by Abu Al-Salil, narrated by Ghunaim Ibn Qais who
enter paradise victorious." related that concerning the entry (wurood) into hell fire Ka’b said, "Hell
fire will hold on to people with great intensity so that the soles of the feet
Ibn Juraih narrated that passing though (Wurood) which Allah mentioned of ALL PEOPLE, both RIGHTEOUS and sinners, will be charred. Then
in the Quran means ENTRY INTO HELL, so that into hell shall enter one will cry out to hell saying, ‘Hold on to your people AND LET MY
EVERY RIGHTEOUS and sinner. In the Quran, entry into hell is PEOPLE GO. Then hell will capture everyone that belongs to it, for hell
mentioned 4 times: (Surah 11:98) ‘and lead them (awrada-hum) into the will know who belongs to it better than a man knows his own son BUT
fire,’ and (Surah 21:98) ‘Verily ye, and the gods that ye worship besides THE BELIEVERS WILL EXIT WITH THEIR BODIES.’" Ka’b also
Allah, are but fuel for Hell! To it will ye surely will enter (Wardan).’ added that the distance between one guardian (of hell) and the next is a
And (Surah 19:86) ‘And We shall drive the sinners to hell being lead year’s travel. Each one of them holds a column containing two branches
(Wirdan),’ and (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass (Waridu-ha) and with one thrust of the column, 70,000 people are thrown into the fire.
through it.’
Narrated by Abu Kurayb, narrated by Ibn Yaman, narrated by Malik Ibn
Narrated by Muhammad Ibn Sa’d, narrated his father, narrated by his Maghul, narrated by Abu Ishaq who said, "Whenever Abu Maysarah
uncle, narrated by Ibn Abbas who said the verse (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one would lie down on his bed he would say, ‘I wish my mother had never
of you but will pass (Waridu-ha) through it,’ means EVERYONE, bore me’ and then he would begin to weep. When asked why he was
whether righteous or sinner. For have you not heard what Allah the weeping he would respond, ‘We were told that WE WOULD ENTER
exalted said to Pharaoh in (Surah 11:98) ‘He will go before his people on HELL, but WE WEREN’T TOLD THAT WE WOULD EXIT FROM
the Day of Judgment, and lead them (Awrada-hum) into the fire.’ And IT.’"
He also said in (Surah 19:86) ‘And We shall drive the sinners to hell
being lead (Wirdan),’ so passing through (wurood) meant entering hell Narrated by Ibn Hamid, narrated by Hakam, narrated by Ismail, narrated
fire, not exiting from it. by Qais who related that Abdallah Ibn Rawaha WEPT DURING HIS
ILLNESS, so his wife wept also. He then asked her, "Why are you
Narrated by Hassan Ibn Urfa, narrated by Marwan Ibn Mu’awiya, weeping?" She responded, "I saw you weeping and so I started to weep."
narrated by Bakar, narrated by Abu Mu’awiya, narrated by Khalid Ibn Ibn Rawaha said, "I KNOW THAT I WILL ENTER HELL FIRE, BUT I
Ma’dan who related that the people of paradise said when they entered DON’T KNOW WHETHER I WILL BE TAKEN OUT OF IT OR
NOT."
229 230
Narrated by Qasim, narrated by Al-Husain, narrated by Amru Dawud Ibn Others have said that pass through (wurood) means entry into hell for the
Al-Zabarkan, narrated by Al-Suddi, narrated by Mura Al-Hamadani, infidels, not the believers. Of those who said this:
narrated by Ibn Masud who said, ‘Not one of you but will pass (Waridu-
ha) through it,’ means ENTRY (into hell). Narrated by Al-Mathna, narrated by Abu Dawud, narrated by Shu’ba,
narrated by Abdallah Ibn Al-Sa’ib about a man who heard Ibn Abbas
Narrated by Qasim, narrated by Al-Husain, narrated by Hajaj, narrated read (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through it,’ in regards
by Ibn Jarih, narrated by Mujahid, narrated by Ibn Abbas who said, to the infidels, but the believers will not enter it.
"’Not one of you but will pass (Waridu-ha) through it,’ means ENTRY
(into hell). Narrated by Muhammad Ibn Bashar, narrated by Abdel Rahman,
narrated by Amru Ibn Al-Walid Al-Shinni, narrated by Ikrimah who said
Narrated by Al-Hussan Ibn Yahya, narrated by Abdel Razak, narrated by that (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through it,’ refers to the
Ibn Ayina, narrated by Ismail Ibn Abu Khalid, narrated by Qais Ibn Abu infidels.
Hazim who said that Abdallah Ibn Rawaha placed his head on his wife’s
lap and BEGAN TO WEEP, so his wife began to weep also. So he asked Others have said that ‘pass through’ (wurood) refers to all believers and
her, "Why are you weeping?" She responded, "I saw you weeping and so infidels, with the difference being that (wurood) as applied to the
I started to weep." He said, "I remembered the saying of Allah - who is believers means to walk through while (wurood) as applied to the
glorified and exalted- (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass infidels means to enter and stay. Of those who mentioned this:
through it,’ AND I DON’T KNOW IF I WILL BE SAVED FROM IT
OR NOT." Narrated by Yunus, narrated by Ibn Wahb, narrated by Ibn Zaid who
stated regarding (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through it,’
Others have said that ‘Pass through’ (wurood) means to pass over hell that (wurood) for the Muslims will be to walk over the center of hell on
fire. Of those who mentioned this: the bridge (of Sirat) but (wurood) for the infidels will be to enter hell.
For the prophet -pbuh- said, "The men and women who will be passing
Narrated by Bishr, narrated by Yazid, narrated by Sa’id, narrated by on the bridge (of Sirat) on judgment day will be many and there will be
Qatada, who said that, ‘Not one of you but will pass through it,’ means two groups of angels supplicating and saying, ‘O Allah! Save, save.’’"
that people passed over hell.
Others have said that (wurood) for the believer is what befalls him in this
Narrated by Al-Hassan, narrated by Abdel Razak, narrated by Mu’amar, world from fever and illness. Of those who said this:
narrated by Qatada who said that ‘Not one of you but will pass through
it,’ means that people will pass over hell. Narrated by Abu Kurayb, narrated by Ibn Yaman, narrated by Uthman
Ibn Al-Aswad, narrated by Mujahid who said, "Fever is the portion of
Narrated by Khalid Ibn Aslam, narrated by Al-Nadir, narrated by Israel, every believer from hell fire." He then read (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of
narrated by Abu Ishaq, narrated by Abu Al-Ahwas, narrated by Abdallah you but will pass through it.’
said regarding (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through it’,
"The Sirat (bridge) over hell is as sharp as a sword. The first layer (of Narrated by Imran Ibn Bakar Al-Kila’i, narrated by Abu Mughira,
people) will pass as lightning, the second layer as the wind, the third narrated by Abdel Rahman Ibn Yazid Ibn Tamim, narrated by Ismail Ibn
layer as running horses and the fourth layer as running beasts. Then the Ubaid Allah, narrated by Abu Salih, narrated by Abu Huraira who
angels will pass saying, ‘O Allah! Save, save.’" related that he was with the prophet -pbuh- who went out looking for one
of his companions who was ill with a fever and said, "Allah the exalted
231 232
says, ‘It is My fire that I impose on my believing servant, that it may be ask (for the reward) of the world and ten times as much will be given to
his portion of fire in the afterlife.’" them."

Others have said, (Yaru-daha) means ALL PEOPLE will enter hell and Also narrated by Al-Qasim, narrated by Al-Husain, narrated by Ibn Al-
the believers will exit by their deeds. Of those who said this: Mubarak who said, "A man said to his brother ‘Have you been told that
you shall enter hell?’ The brother answered ‘YES.’ He then asked, ‘Have
Narrated by Ibn Al-Mathna, narrated by Yahya Ibn Sai’d, narrated by you also been told that you shall exit from it?’ The brother responded
Shu’ba, narrated Al-Suddi, narrated by Murrah, narrated by Abdallah ‘NO.’ So he asked, ‘Then why the laughter?’ The brother responded, ‘I
regarding (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through it.’ He have not seen a person laugh until he joined Allah.’"
said that all people will enter it (hell) and exit from it by their deeds.
Narrated by Yunus, narrated by Ibn Wahb, narrated by Amru Ibn Al-
Narrated by Muhammad Ibn Ubaid Al-Miharibi, narrated by Asbat, Harith, narrated by Bakara that he said to Basir, "A certain man says that
narrated by Abdul Malik, narrated by Ubaid Allah, narrated by Mujahid passing through (wurood) hell fire means passing over it." Basir replied
who said, "I was in the company of Ibn Abbas when a man called Abu that he heard Abu Huraira say, "On judgment day, all people will be
Rashid, who is also known as Nafi Al-Azraq, came and asked Ibn Abbas, gathered and a voice will cry out ‘Let all people join themselves to the
‘Have you seen the saying of Allah (Surah 19:71) "Not one of you but deities they used to worship.’ So some will go to stones, others to horses
will pass through (Waridu-ha) it: this is, with thy Lord, a Decree which and others to wood until those who remain are people who worshipped
must be accomplished"?’ Abu Abbas replied, ‘As for you and I, O Abu Allah. Then Allah will come to them and they will rise when they see
Rashid, we SHALL ENTER IT (hell), but let us see WHETHER we shall Him and follow Him over the (bridge) of Sirat where there are traps.
exit from it or not.’" Then intercession will be allowed, so the people will pass and the
prophets will say, ‘O Allah! Save, save.’"
Narrated by Ibn Bashar, narrated by Abu Asim, narrated by Ibn Juraih,
narrated by Abu Zubair who reported hearing Jabir Ibn Abdallah ask The most PREFERRED of the correct sayings is he who said, "ALL
about the meaning of (wird) so he said, "On judgment day we will either PEOPLE WILL ENTER IT; then the believers will exit from it, whom
be branded or restful standing above the people. Then all nations will be Allah will save, but He will keep the infidels in it."
called by the name of their deities or what they worshipped, one after the
other shall they follow. Then all people, hypocrites and believers, will be The meaning of the word(s) ‘passing through’ (wurood-daha) is revealed
given a light to cover their darkness and follow (their deity) onto the in the narrations about the prophet -pbuh- when he spoke of the
bridge (of Sirat) where the shackles of hell will take those whom Allah (believers) passing through the crowd of hell on the bridge (of Sirat) and
wills. The light of the hypocrite will then be darkened and the believer the Muslims are then HEAPED UP FROM HELL. Of the narrations that
will be rescued and the first group will be saved like a (bright) night with mentioned this:
a full moon and 70,000 will not be judged. The ones behind them will be
as bright as the stars in the skies and likewise saved. Then, intercession Narrated by Abu Kurayb, narrated by Ibn Idris, narrated by Al-Amash,
will dwell and they will intercede AND OUT OF HELL FIRE WILL narrated by Abu Sufyan, narrated by Jabir, narrated by Um Mubshir the
EXIT ANYONE WHO SAID, ‘There is no god but Allah,’ who had the wife of Zaid Ibn Haritha who stated that the prophet -pbuh- said while he
weight of a single hair of goodness in his heart. They will be hurled was in the house of Hafsa, "Those who participated in the battles of Badr
towards paradise where the people in paradise will dowse them with and Hudaibiyah will not enter hell." Hafsa then asked, "Doesn’t Allah
water. They will then sprout like a plant in the downpour and they will say (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through (Waridu-ha)

233 234
it?’" The prophet then replied (Surah 19:72) ‘Then we will save those some of them will be engulfed to their necks but not their faces. They
who have avoided (evil).’" will be removed from the fire and cast into the water of life."

Narrated by Hassan Ibn Mudrik, narrated by Yahya Ibn Hamad, narrated It was asked, "What is the water of life, O prophet of Allah?" He replied,
by Abu Awana, narrated by Al-Amash, narrated by Abu Sufyan, narrated "To be washed by the people of paradise and they will sprout as a plant
by Jabur, narrated by Um Mubshir narrated the same hadith as above. sprouts from the foam of a flood. Then the prophets will intercede on
behalf of anyone who faithfully witnessed that there is no god but Allah
Narrated by Abu Kurayb, narrated by Abu Mu’awiya, narrated by Al- and the believers will be saved from it (hell fire) and Allah will have
Amash, narrated by Abu Sufyan, narrated by Jabur, narrated by Um compassion by His mercy on THOSE LEFT IN IT so that there will not
Mubshir, narrated that Hafsa stated that the prophet - pbuh- said, "It is be left in it a worshipper who has an atom’s weight of faith in his heart
my wish that those who participated in the battles of Badr and who will not be REMOVED FROM HELL."
Hudaibiyah will not enter hell, Allah willing." Hafsa then asked,
"Doesn’t Allah say (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through Narrated by Muhammad Ibn Abdallah Ibn Abdel Hakim, narrated by
(Waridu-ha) it?’" The prophet then replied (Surah 19:72) "Then we will Abu Shu’ayb Ibn Al-Laith, narrated by Laith Ibn Khalid, narrated by
save those who have avoided (evil)." Yazid Ibn Abu Hilal, narrated by Zaid Ibn Aslam, narrated Atta Ibn
Yassar, narrated by Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri who related that the prophet
Narrated by Yaqub Ibn Ibrahim, narrated by Ibn Ayena, narrated by said, "The bridge will be brought on judgment day and placed in the
Muhammad Ibn Ishaq, narrated by Ubaid Allah Ibn Al Mughira Ibn center of hell." We asked, "O prophet, what is the bridge?" He replied,
Mu’ikab, narrated by Sulaiman Ibn Umru Ibn Abd Al-Atwari, a member "A slippery slope on which are placed catchers and shackles and
of the tribe of Laith, who was in the lap of Abu Sa’id related that he flattened fish bones that have raised thorns called Sa’dan. The believer
heard Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri narrate that the apostle -pbuh- said, "The will pass on it like a glance, lightning, wind, running horses and riders.
Sirat (bridge) will be placed over the center of hell and on it will be Then there will be rescued Muslims, scratched Muslims all compacted in
thorns similar (to the bones) of an ape. Then the Muslim will pass onto hell and the last of them will pass quickly. You will not seek me in truth
the bridge being wounded but saved from the crowded imprisonment. more urgently, by Allah the blessed and exalted, than the believers on
When Allah has finished from judging the people, the believers will look that day, who will see some saved but their brothers left behind."
for men who were with them on earth praying as they prayed, paying the
same Zakat they paid, fasting the same fast they fasted, performing the Narrated by Ahmad Ibn Issa, narrated by Sa’id Ibn Kathir Ibn Afeer,
same pilgrimage they performed and making the same raids they made. narrated by Ibn Luhay’a, narrated by Abu Zubair who related that he
The believers will then ask, ‘O, our Lord! There were servants who asked Jabir Ibn Abdallah about the meaning of (wurood), who replied
worshipped you that were with us on earth and used to pray as we that he heard the prophet -pbuh- say, "It means ENTRY." They (the
prayed, pay the same Zakat we paid, fast the same fast we fasted, believers) WILL ENTER HELL and then exit from it. The last man to
perform the same pilgrimage we performed and make the same raids we remain on the Sirat (bridge) will crawl so Allah will raise for him a tree
made but we don’t see them.’ and the man will cry out, ‘O my Lord, bring me closer to it.’ So Allah -
the blessed and exalted- will bring him closer to it. Then the man will
Allah will say to them, ‘Depart to hell and whomever of these believers say, ‘O my Lord, place me in paradise,’ and Allah will tell him to ask for
you find TAKE THEM OUT.’ So they will find that THE FIRE HAD it and the man will ask. Then Allah will say to him, ‘It is yours and ten
ENGULFED THE BELIEVERS according to their deeds. For some of times more or so.’ The man will ask, ‘O Lord, are you mocking me?’
them will be engulfed by the fire to their feet, some of them will be Then he will laugh to the point that his gums and back teeth show.
engulfed to their knees, some of them will be engulfed to their chest and
235 236
Narrated by Yunus, narrated by Ibn Wahb, narrated by Yahya Ibn Ayub, Muhammad b. Ja'far b. al-Zubayr from 'Urwa b. al-Zubayr said: The
narrated by Abi Kurayb, narrated by Muhammad Ibn Zaid, narrated by apostle sent his expedition to Mu'ta in Jumada'l-Ula in the year 8 and put
Rashid, who all heard from Zaid Ibn Fa’id, narrated by Sahl Ibn Mu’ath, Zayd b. Haritha in command; if Zayd were slain then Ja'far b. Abu 'Talib
narrated by his father who narrated that the prophet said, "He who was to take command, and if he were killed then 'Abdullah b. Rawaha.
voluntarily stands guard behind the Muslims, not taken by the sultan The expedition got ready to the number of 3,000, and prepared to start.
with guards, will not see the fires of hell with his eyes when he is When they were about to set off they bade farewell to the apostle's chiefs
released by Allah’s oath. For Allah the exalted says, (Surah 19:71) ‘Not and saluted them. When 'Abdullah b. Rawaha took his leave of the chiefs
one of you but will pass through (Waridu-ha) it.’ he wept and when they asked him the reason he said, 'By God, it is not
that I love the world and am inordinately attached to you, but I heard the
Narrated by Al-Hassan Ibn Yahya, narrated by Abdel Razak, narrated by apostle read a verse from God's book in which he mentioned hell: "There
Ma’mar, narrated by AL-Zuhary, narrated by Ibn Al-Maseeb, narrated by is not one of you but shall come to it; that is a determined decree of your
Abu Huraira that the prophet said, "He whose three children die will not Lord," and I do not know how I can return after I have been to it.'
be touched by the fires of hell for he will be released from it by the oath The Muslims said, 'God be with you and protect you and bring you back
(of Allah)," regarding wurood. (Arabic source) to us safe and sound.' ... (Ishaq's Sirat Rasulullah (The Life of
Muhammad), translated by Alfred Guillaume [Oxford university Press,
The following is taken from The History of Al-Tabari: The Victory of Karachi, tenth impression 1995], p. 532; bold emphasis ours)
Islam, translated by Michael Fishbein (State University of New York
Press [SUNY], Albany 1997), Volume VIII (8), pp. 152-153:

According to Ibn Humayd- Salamah- Muhammad b. Ishaq- Muhammad Al-Qurtubi’s Commentary


b. Ja‘far b. al-Zubayr- ‘Urwah b. al-Zubayr, who said: The Messenger of
God sent his expedition to Mu’tah in Jumada I of the year 8. He put Zayd There are five issues:
b. Harithah in command of the men and said, "If Zayd b. Harithah is
killed, Ja‘far b. Abi Talib shall be in command of the men; if Ja‘far is The first is the saying of Allah "And of you" which is a vow (in Surah
killed, ‘Abdallah b. Rawahah shall be in command… When ‘Abdallah b. 19:71). The "And" has been explained in the hadith of the prophet -pbuh-
Rawahah said goodbye with the other commanders of the Messenger of when he said, "No Muslim whose three children die will have the fires of
God who were doing so, HE WEPT. They said to him, "What is making hell touch him, he will be saved by the oath of (Allah)." Al-Zuhri stated
you weep, Ibn Rawahah?" He said, "By God, I have no love of this world that it seems that by this hadith is explained the meaning of the verse
or excessive love for you, but I heard the Messenger of God recite a (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but will pass through it.’ So the oath
verse from the Book of God that mentioned the Fire [of Hell] - ‘Not one mentioned in (Surah 19:71) ‘this is, with thy Lord, a Decree which must
of you there is, but he shall go down to it; that for thy Lord is a thing be accomplished,’ refers to the previous verse of, ‘Not one of you but
decreed, determined’ - AND I DO NOT KNOW HOW I CAN COME will pass through it.’ Some have mentioned that the oath mentioned in
OUT AFTER GOING DOWN." The Muslims said, "May God this verse actually refers to (Surah 51:1), ‘The bounties given,’ but the
accompany you, defend you, and bring you back to us in good health." first meaning is the more famous and fits the meaning.

The second issue:
The above story is reported by Ibn Ishaq, one of the first who wrote a
biography on Muhammad: People have differed regarding the meaning of the word (wurood), for
some say wurood means entry into hell. It is narrated by Jabir Ibn
237 238
Abdallah that he heard the prophet -pbuh- say, "Wurood is entry (into Abu Bakir Al-Anbari stated that there were some men of learning who
hell). There shall not remain A RIGHTEOUS MAN or sinner who will followed the teachings of Al-Hassan and cited the verse of Allah (Surah
not enter hell. For the believer, it will be cool and peaceful as it was to 21:101) ‘Those for whom the Good (Record) from Us has gone before,
Abraham. Then we will save those who have avoided (evil) and greatly will be removed far from there (hell),’ as proof for their belief. They said
torment the sinners in it." Abu Omar gave the chain of transmission that no person can enter hell if Allah has guaranteed to protect them from
(isnad) to this hadith in his book, "The Preparation (Al-Tam-heed)," and it. They used to change the pronunciation of the word ‘Then" (Thumma)
this is also narrated by Ibn Abbas, Khalid Ibn Mu’adh, Ibn Jarih and to (Thama) in the verse (Surah 19:72), ‘But then We shall save those
others. who guarded against evil.’

It is related that Yunus used to read (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you but Others objected to what these people said by stating that the meaning of
will pass through it,’ to mean entry into hell and felt that some of the (Surah 21:101) ‘will be removed far from there (hell),’ is that the
narrators erred in explaining the meaning of wurood, so he established righteous will be removed from the torment and burning found in hell.
(its meaning) from the Quran. They also said that whoever enters hell and does not feel ache or pain
because of it, he is in reality removed from it. They then confirm this
From Al-Darimi, narrated by Abdallah Ibn Mas’ud who related that the teaching by pronouncing the word ‘Then’ as (Thumma) in the verse
prophet -pbuh- said, "All people will ENTER (yarud) hell then exit it by (Surah 19:72), ‘Then we will save those who avoided (evil).’ So the
their deeds. Some of them will exit like a glance, lightning, wind, a word ‘Then’ (Thumma) illustrates that there is A CHRONOLOGICAL
galloping horse, a glorious rider on a journey and a man walking in ORDER of events; first the entry into hell then being saved from it.
stride."
In Sahih Muslim it is related that the prophet said, "The bridge will be
It is narrated that Abu Abbas said regarding this issue to Nafi Ibn Al- brought on judgment day and placed in the center of hell." We asked, "O
Azraqi Al-Khariji, "As for you and I, WE MUST ENTER IT. As for me, prophet, what is the bridge?" He replied, "A slippery slope on which are
Allah will then save me from it but for you, I doubt He will save you placed catchers and shackles and flattened fish bones that have raised
because you lie regarding it." thorns called Sa’dan. The believer will pass on it like a glance, lightning,
wind, running horses and riders. Then there will be rescued Muslims,
Many scholars have diligently VERIFIED THE SURETY OF ENTRY scratched Muslims all compacted IN HELL."
(wurood) INTO HELL but expressed IGNORANCE ABOUT EXIT
FROM IT and have stated so in the book ‘The Preparation (Al-Tam- Some used this hadith as evidence that the meaning of (wurood) is to
heed)’. walk on the Sirat (bridge) as opposed to mean entry into hell. Others said
that wurood means to behold, look at and approach hell, for the place of
A group said that wurood means walking on the bridge of (Sirat). It is judgment will be near hell. So people will see it and look at it during the
narrated from Ibn Abbas, and Ibn Mas’ud, and Ka’b Al-Ahbar, and Al- judgment then Allah will save those who have sought refuge from what
Suddi who narrated it from Ibn Mas’ud who narrated it from the prophet they saw and usher them into paradise.
-pbuh.
The verse (Surah 19:72) ‘and We shall leave the wrong-doers therein,’
Al-Hassan also said, "Wurood does not mean entry, rather, you can say, means that the evil doers will be commanded into hell fire for Allah the
‘I have arrived (warad-tu) to (the city of) Basra but I have not entered it. exalted says (Surah 28:23) ‘And when he arrived at the watering (place)
So wurood means to pass on the Sirat (bridge)." in Madyan,’ means that Moses approached the water but did not enter in
it.
239 240
Hafsa narrated that the prophet -pbu- said, "Those who participated in Ones (with them); then shall We bring them forth on their knees round
the battles of Badr and Hudaibiyah will not enter hell." Hafsa then asked, about Hell; Then shall We certainly drag out from every sect all those
"O apostle of Allah, what about Allah’s saying (Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of who were worst in obstinate rebellion against (Allah) Most Gracious.
you but will pass through (Waridu-ha) it?’" The prophet then replied, And certainly We know best those who are most worthy of being burned
(Surah 19:72) ‘Then we will save those who have avoided (evil) and therein. Not one of you but will pass over it,’ as referring to the infidels
compact the evil doers in it.’ Imam Muslim brought forth this hadith as referenced in those verses. Ikrimah also said likewise.
narrated by Um Mubshir who heard the prophet say it while at Hafsa’s
house. Another group said that the words (in Surah 19:71) ‘Not one of you’
refers to the infidels and implies the meaning, ‘O Muhammad tell the
Al-Zujaj also supported this opinion by (Surah 21:101) ‘Those for whom infidels…’ and this explanation is easily reached when considering
the Good (Record) from Us has gone before, will be removed far there (Surah 76:21-22), ‘Upon them will be green Garments of fine silk and
from (hell).’ Mujahid said, "Entry (wurood) into hell for the believers is heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with Bracelets of silver; and
to have a fever on this earth; for it is every believer’s portion of hell fire their Lord will give to them to drink of a Wine pure and Holy. Verily this
but he will not enter it." is a Reward for you, and your Endeavor is accepted and recognized,’
where the believers here are addressed in a similar manner.
Abu Huraira narrated that the prophet -pbuh- visited a man with illness
and fever and said to him, "Rejoice! For Allah the blessed and exalted However, THE MAJORITY (of scholars) say that ALL THE PEOPLE
says, ‘It is My fire that I impose on my believing servant, that it may be OF EARTH are being addressed in (Surah 19:71) and it is necessary
his portion of fire in the afterlife.’" Abu Umar also supported this hadith FOR ALL PEOPLE TO ENTER HELL. This is where disagreements
by narrating that Abdel Warih Ibn Sufyan, narrated by Kasim Ibn have occurred about the meaning of wurood. We have shown the sayings
Asbagh, narrated by Muhammad Ibn Ismail Al-Sa’igh, narrated by Abu of the scholars AND IT IS APPARENT THAT wurood MEANS
Usama, narrated by Abdel Rahman Ibn Yazid Ibn Jabir, narrated by ENTRY INTO HELL, for the prophet says (when the fires of hell touch
Ismail Ibn Ubaid Allah Al-Ash’ari (from Abu Salih), narrated by Abu him). The sense of touch is a reality in the (Arabic) language, SO THE
Huraira who reported the hadith about the prophet going to visit a sick FIRE WILL TOUCH THE BELIEVERS but it will be cool and pleasant
man and then mentioned that, ‘Fever is the believer’s portion of hell on them and thus they will be delivered from it safely.
fire.’
Khalid Ibn Ma’dan who related, "The people of paradise said after they
Another group stated that wurood means to look at hell from the grave; entered paradise, ‘Didn’t our Lord promise THAT WE WILL ENTER
where the winner will be saved from it and those destined to enter it will HELL?’ and they will be told, ‘You ENTERED IT and found it ashes.’"
do so, but they also will exit from it through intercession or by Allah’s
mercy. These people use a hadith of Ibn Umar as evidence, ‘If one of This hadith gathers the meaning of the various sayings; for the believers
you dies, he will be offered a seat noon and evening time.’ who enter hell are not hurt by its flames and heat but are (eventually)
removed and saved from hell; may Allah save us all from it by His
Also, narrated by Waki, narrated by Sha’ba, narrated by Abdallah Ibn kindness and make us of those who entered hell peacefully and existed
Al-Sa’ib, narrated by Rajul, narrated by Ibn Abbas that he stated that from victorious. If it is asked, ‘Do the prophets enter hell?’ we respond,
(Surah 19:71), ‘Not one of you but will pass through it,’ is addressed to ‘That is not what we are saying." However, we do say that all of
the infidels. It is also reported that he used to read the words, ‘Not one of humanity will enter hell as the hadith of Jabir demonstrated. Those of
them’ (instead of one of you) belonging to (Surah 19:68-70), ‘So, by thy ancient times followed by the transgressors will enter with their crimes,
Lord, without doubt, We shall gather them together, and (also) the Evil
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then the overlords and the joyful (will enter) for their intercession, and For Allah’s saying (Surah 19:71) ‘This is, with thy Lord, a Decree which
between each group is a gap. must be accomplished,’ the decree is an affirmative judgment meaning
that this will be done with certainty. A ‘decree’ means that Allah has
Ibn Al-Bari stated, WHILE OBJECTING TO UTHMAN’S VERSION ordered it to be so and Ibn Masud calls it an obligatory oath. (Arabic
OF THE QURAN AND THE WAY IT WAS RECITED IN THE source)
PUBLIC, that it is permissible in the (Arabic) language to switch from
addressing the absent to addressing the present hearers as found in
(Surah 76:22), ‘Verily this is a Reward for you, and your Endeavor is
accepted and recognized.’ So he switched a letter in that verse to convey A Commentary Attributed to Ibn Abbas
that meaning. This same argument was also given by Yunus.
(There is not one of you but shall approach it) there is not a single one of
{Side Note: Ibn Al-Bari’s complaint against Uthman’s recension of the you, to the exclusion of prophets and messengers, save that he will enter
Quran demonstrates that the Qurans which were in circulation were not it, i.e. Hell. (That is a fixed ordinance of your Lord) it is a decree that
uniform, but contained major differences, and that not all Muslims must necessarily take place. (Source)
approved of the Uthmanic version.}
(Then We shall rescue those who kept from evil) those who ward off
The third issue: disbelief, idolatry and indecency, (and leave the evil-doers) the idolaters
(crouching) all gathered for eternity (there) in Hell. (Source)
The petition in the saying of the prophet (until he is saved by the oath)
may be an intermitted petition but the (divine) oath will nevertheless A brief note at this point. This commentary says that only prophets and
save the person. This is a common expression among the Arabs and the messengers are exempted from entering hell which presupposes that
meaning is that the fires of hell don’t even touch the person because the everyone else will indeed enter, including believers.
oath has to be fulfilled. When Allah says, ‘Not one of you but shall pass
through it,’ it could mean to walk on the Sirat (bridge) or to look upon
hell or to enter it safely. In all these cases, there is no contact with the
flames for the prophet says, ‘There shall not die three children for any of A Modern Commentary
you, but will then be counted for you as a paradise from the fire.’ This is
in reference to the preventative paradise or the protective curtain that This more recent commentator, although believing that the text states
will prevent the fire from touching a person in the first place, or if it did that believers will go across hell, nonetheless still admits that:
touch then it will not be hot…
This means that everybody - be he believer or an infidel - will go across
Al-Nakash related about those who claimed that verse (Surah 19:71) Hell. However, this does not mean that they would go to stay in it; they
‘Not one of you but will pass through it,’ was abrogated by the verse would only go across it. But even if the word means "entry", then the
(Surah 21:101) ‘those who have received a foretime goodness from Us, pious believers on entry into Hell will feel no discomfort because its fire
those will be removed from it (hell).’ But this is a weak saying because will cool down and will do no harm to them. Sayyidna Abu Sumayya has
Surah 19:71 has no abrogation. We have demonstrated that if the person related that The Holy Prophet once said that:
is not touched by the fire, then it has been removed from him.
"Everybody whether is a pious man or a sinner will initially enter
The fifth issue: Hell, but for the pious believers the fire will cool down just as the fire of
243 244
Namrud cooled down when Sayyidna Ibrahim was cast into it. "Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in
Thereafter, the believers will be taken to Paradise." Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me
WILL NEVER DIE. Do you believe this?’ She said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; I
This view is confirmed by the next sentence which means then We have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who
will save those who feared Allah - 19:72. A similar view has also been comes into the world.’" John 11:25-27 NASB
expressed by Sayyidna Ibn 'Abbas, thus even if the word ... occurring
in the Qur'an is taken to mean ... (entry) then the word ... will be "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He
interpreted as synonymous with the word ... (going across). Thus, there is who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death." Revelation 2:11
no contradiction in the meaning of the word. (Mufti Shafi Uthmani, NASB
Maariful Quran, Volume 6, p. 66; source)
"Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the
second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found
written IN THE BOOK OF LIFE, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
Summary Analysis Revelation 20:14-15

The traditions and comments presented by some of Islam’s leading The Lord’s resurrection from the dead proves that Christ can and will do
exegetes conclusively show that the view that every person entering hell all that he says and promises.
is the correct one, being held by the majority of Muslims. As the above
scholars clearly articulated, the majority of Muslims historically
accepted the fact that every Muslim would enter hell, but weren’t certain
about coming out. In fact, certain Muslims were so frightened by this 5. A Contradiction
passage that they would weep over the uncertainty of whether they
would be taken out of the hellfire! In light of the foregoing data which state that Muslims shall indeed enter
hell, the following verse becomes quite interesting.
Some of these Muslims believed that the fire would not harm the
believers, a view nowhere supported by the Quran itself. It seems that Our Lord! surely whomsoever Thou makest ENTER the fire, him Thou
these Muslims were really troubled by the thought of having to enter hell hast indeed brought to disgrace, and there shall be no helpers for the
and so came up with the interpretation that the fire will not affect the unjust: S. 3:192 Shakir
believers. Be that as it may, the point is clear that Muslims traditionally
understood and interpreted surah 19:71 to mean that believers must of … Truly Thou coverest with shame… Y. Ali
necessity enter hell.
According to the Quran, entering the fire is a sign of a person being
What a vast difference there is in following Allah and in following the shamed, humiliated, disgraced by Allah. Since the Quran says that
Lord Jesus. Christ, not Allah, promises and guarantees all his followers Muslims shall enter hell, this means that Allah has decreed that all
that they would never see death, meaning hell: Muslims must experience shame, humiliation, and disgrace!

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him Note the implications here:
who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has
passed out of death into life." John 5:24 NASB  Entering hell is a sign of disgrace, humiliation and shame.
245 246
 Allah has decreed that all Muslims will enter hell. The preceding hadith was even mentioned by our commentators as one
 Therefore, all Muslims will be disgraced, humiliated and shamed of the reasons some Muslims didn’t believe that every believer was
by Allah. going to enter hell. Yet others took this to mean that a believer, once in
hell, would not suffer harm which to them implied that a believer wasn’t
Allah obviously delights in humiliating his followers since he has really in hell.
decreed their descent into hell.
In fact, this is the very narration which, according to Hilali-Khan, refers
But this introduces an additional problem, namely a contradiction, since to Allah’s oath in surah 19:71 that everyone must enter hell. What this
elsewhere the Quran says: hadith is basically saying is that the person who has lost three children
will have to spend some time in hell since Allah must fulfill his oath,
O you who disbelieve! do not urge excuses today; you shall be rewarded which means that this report actually substantiates the fact that even
only according to what you did. O you who believe! turn to Allah a Muslims shall enter Hell per 19:71!
sincere turning; maybe your Lord will remove from you your evil and
cause you to enter gardens beneath which rivers flow, on the day on Whatever the meaning, it is rather apparent that Muhammad was
which Allah will not abase the Prophet and those who believe with him; confused about the fate of Muslims and in the process left his
their light shall run on before them and on their right hands; they shall companions confused as well.
say: Our Lord! make perfect for us our light, and grant us protection,
surely Thou hast power over all things. 66:7-8 Shakir Now, contrast the difference between following Allah and following the
true God of the Holy Bible:
… the Day that God will not permit to be humiliated the Prophet and
those who believe with him… Y. Ali "Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on
works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written,
… the day God will not disgrace the Prophet nor those who believe with ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;
him… Palmer and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’" Romans 9:32-33
ESV
Allah says that neither Muhammad nor the believers will be abased,
disgraced, humiliated etc., contradicting surah 19:71 which says that "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe
believers shall enter hell and therefore will be disgraced. in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For
with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one
These passages aren't the only ones contradicting surah 19:71, but this confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in
following hadith contradicts it as well: him will not be put to shame.’" Romans 10:9-11

Narrated Abu Huraira: True believers in the risen and immortal Lord Jesus will never be put to
The Prophet said, "No Muslim whose three children died will go to the shame or humiliated, unlike the Muslims who follow Allah.
Fire except for Allah's oath (i.e. everyone has to pass over the bridge
above the lake of fire)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number This concludes Part 1. Continue with Part 2.
342)
Part 2 ::

247 248
According to Al-Anbiyaa 21: 98 -- 103 the pious shall not only be saved
from all evil, but shall be kept so far away from the burning fire that they
Qur'an Contradiction: shall not even hear the horrifying sounds of the growling fires. The
verses read as:
Will all Muslims go to Hell?
You and whatever you worship except God shall be the fuel of hellfire,
Sam Shamoun to which, all of you shall surely come -- had these truly been gods, they
would not have reached this [end] -- all [burning] in it, forever. In it, for
We continue our discussion of surah 19:71 by addressing a Muslim’s them shall be painful groans of anguish and in they shall be bereft of
response to the initial article on this passage. Moiz Amjad published a hearing. Indeed, those, for whom We have already promised the good,
response to Jochen Katz’s analysis of whether or not the Quran teaches they shall be kept away from this [hellfire]. They shall not even hear the
that all Muslims will enter hell. Mr. Amjad’s response, even though slightest sound of the growling fire; and they shall be among all that their
intended to refute our argument, actually serves to reinforce the points souls shall desire, forever. They shall not be grieved by the great terror.
made in Part 1 as we shall shortly see here. And the angels shall receive them [saying]: 'This is the day, of which you
were promised'.
Mr. Amjad begins:
It is clearly stated in the aforementioned verses that all pious, God-
[1] fearing and righteous people shall not be even touched or brought close
In one of his articles Mr. Jochen Katz has pointed out a contradiction
in Aal Imraan 3: 157 -- 158, 169, Al-Taubah 9: 111 and Maryam 19: 71. to the encompassing flames of the hellfire. Thus, it is not merely the
martyrs, but all those, who do not deserve to be thrown in the burning
Elaborating upon the contradiction in the stated verses, Mr. Katz writes: fires of hell, who shall remain completely immune from even the
slightest of pains and tortures of hellfire.
According to Sura 19:71 every Muslim will go to Hell (for at least some
time), while another passage states that those who die in Jihad will go to RESPONSE:
Paradise immediately.
Mr. Amjad, by mentioning these passages, has only compounded the
Before analyzing the stated contradiction, I would first like to inform my problem. We showed in the first part of our paper that the contextual
readers that it is not merely the martyrs in the way of God, who have evidence points to everyone, including Muslims, entering hell. Even the
been promised complete immunity from hellfire, but, in fact, all the God- Muslim commentators admitted that the majority of Muslims held this
fearing believers have been promised to be kept in protection from the view. Hence, Mr. Amjad’s appeal to passages that deny that Muslims
slightest of evil. Al-Zumar 39: 60 -- 61 declares: will suffer in hell only reinforces Mr. Katz’s claim that the Quran is
contradicting itself. In one place it says ALL shall enter hell, in other
And on the Day of Resurrection, you will see those, who blasphemed places it says that believers will be kept from even hearing the sound of
against God, their faces turned black -- Is not in the hellfire [a most the growling fire, a blatant contradiction.
suitable] abode for the arrogant? And God shall deliver the righteous
with salvation, no harm shall [even] touch them, nor shall they grieve. Furthermore, as was also noted in the first part, surah 21:98 provides
evidence for understanding the Arabic word wurood in surah 19:71 as
implying a literal entrance into hell. Even Mr. Amjad realizes this fact.
More on this later.
249 250
Mr. Amjad continues: certainly hear its sounds. And thirdly, the Qur'an says: "They [i.e. the
believers] shall that day be secure from all panic".
Keeping the foregoing clarification in perspective, now let us take a
close look at the relevant verses of Surah Maryam. The verses cited by As should be clear from the foregoing explanation, the Qur'an does not,
Mr. Katz (verses 71 -- 72), with a few of its preceding verses are at any instance, declare that the true believers shall be made to enter
reproduced below: hellfire. Such an end is promised only for those whose arrogance and
pride drove them to reject the truth even after having clearly recognized
And [yet, disregarding the power of God,] this [rejecting] man says: it.
'When I am dead, would I really be raised again?' Does this man not
remember that before this, We created him, while he was nothing? Thus, RESPONSE:
by [the providence of] your Lord, indeed We shall gather them as well as
[all] the devils and then We shall bring them forth, around the hellfire, Mr. Amjad presumes that his proposed interpretation that 19:71 refers to
squatting. Then, of each group, We shall separate the one, who was most Muhammad’s rejecters is "quite clear", whereas this isn’t necessarily the
obstinate in his rebellion against the Most Merciful. And We are indeed case. First, notice that ar-Razi doesn’t give any contextual reasons from
aware of those, who are most deserving of burning in it. And each one of surah 19 to deny that every one will enter hell. Instead, ar-Razi simply
you, shall surely come to this [fire]. This is a promise of your Lord, that mentions some Muslims who denied that believers would enter hell on
must come to pass. Then, we shall save the righteous [from all suffering] the basis of other Quranic verses! But this is precisely the problem we
and We shall abandon the wrong-doers in it, squatting. had raised, namely, that the Quran is contradicting itself on the fate of
Muslims. One can’t simply quote verses that deny that believers will go
In the context of the verse, it is quite clear that the words "Each one of to hell and somehow assume that this solves the problem, since the only
you..." are addressed to the rejecters of the Prophet's call. The addressees thing these other passages show is that there is a substantial error within
of this verse are, in fact, the same people who are being warned and the Quran.
admonished in the immediately preceding verses. Thus, seen in the
correct perspective, the referred verses of Surah Maryam are, more or Second, a careful look at the overall context of the passage demonstrates
less, similar in meaning to the cited verses of Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Thus, that several different groups are in view:
Al-Raaziy has also mentioned the foregoing opinion about the referred
verse in his commentary. He writes: And says man, `What! when I am dead, shall I be brought forth alive?'
Does not man remember that WE created him before, when he was
Some of them are of the opinion that the addressees in this verse are the nothing? And, by thy Lord, WE shall assuredly gather them together, and
same rejecters, who are mentioned in the preceding verses. They are first the satans too; then shall WE bring them on their knees around Hell.
addressed in the third person and then admonished in the second person. Then shall WE certainly pick out, from every group, those of them who
The adherents of this opinion say: 'It is not correct to assume that the were most stubborn in rebellion against the Gracious God. And surely,
believers shall enter hellfire, on the basis of the following: Firstly, the WE know best those deserving to be burnt therein. And there is not one
Qur'an has declared in Al-Anbiyaa 21: 101 that "Indeed, those, for whom of YOU but will come to it. This is an absolute decree of thy Lord. S.
We have already promised the good, they shall be kept away from this 19:66-71 Sher Ali
hellfire", being 'kept away' from hellfire cannot be spoken for those who
shall enter it. Secondly, the Qur'an says: "They shall not hear its slightest Note carefully the shift in referents. The passage speaks of the
sound". Were they to enter the hellfire, the believers would then most unbelievers by referring to them in a collective sense ("man", "them"),
then to the satans, and then changes from third person usage to second
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person plural (YOU). Now a change in address doesn’t necessarily imply Even Mr. Amjad’s own source, ar-Razi, implies that many other
that there is a change in referent. But when the passage mentions and Muslims agreed that 19:71 refers to every person entering hell. Do note
interjects a different group within the discussion, namely satans, then a ar-Razi’s comments carefully:
case can be made that more than one entity is being addressed. It is quite
easy to see three groups here, specifically unbelievers, satans and SOME OF THEM are of the opinion that the addressees in this verse are
believers. The text is therefore implying that: the same rejecters, who are mentioned in the preceding verses…

1. Unbelieving man enters hell and remains there. Ar-Razi’s SOME OF THEM implies that not all shared the same
2. Satans (jinns) will also be brought down to hell. opinion, but that there were other Muslims who held to a different view
3. The believers, too, will enter hell (v. 71) but will then exit by the from the one proposed by Mr. Amjad. We are currently working on
mercy of Allah (v. 72). translating ar-Razi’s comments and will post them here for all to read.

It may even be that "man" (singular) refers to the disbelief that all the Fourth, Mr. Amjad’s attempt of trying to connect the passage with the
pagan Arabs in Mecca initially had regarding the resurrection, whether verses that mention those who rejected the message introduces additional
believers or unbelievers. The text then moves on from there to problems. The verse right after 71 says:
distinguish between those who choose to believe from those who remain
doubtful about the possibility of an actual general resurrection of the Then We shall rescue those who kept from evil, and leave the evil-doers
dead. The text would therefore be understood to mean that: crouching there. Pickthall

1. The pagan Arabs in their entirety at some point doubted the Thus, according to 19:72, Allah will take out of hell those who were
resurrection. righteous, which implies that if Mr. Amjad’s understanding is correct
2. Some of them chose to overcome such doubts and believe that then:
God has the ability to raise the dead back to life.
3. Others chose to remain in disbelief. 1. Some of those who rejected Muhammad were actually righteous.
4. Allah sends all men, both believers and unbelievers, into hell 2. Or, those evildoers who reject Muhammad have a chance of
(including satans). exiting hell.
5. Once there, Allah will then separate the believers from the 3. This implies that the evildoers had a change of heart while in hell
unbelievers by taking out the former and leaving in the latter to and became righteous; otherwise they couldn’t be classified as
hobble there. righteous.
4. This further implies that Allah will even grant repentance to the
Third, as we had mentioned in Part 1, the majority of Muslims agreed inhabitants of hell, to those who rejected Muhammad while on
and settled on the interpretation that surah 19:71 is not limited to those earth, giving them an opportunity to become righteous.
who rejected Muhammad, but believed that everyone would enter hell.
That they believed that everyone will enter hell, whether believer or Yet this last point contradicts the following passage:
unbeliever, righteous or unrighteous, shows that even these Muslims
didn’t think that the group entering hell was limited to only those that The forgiveness is not for those who do ill-deeds until, when death
rejected Muhammad’s call. They saw nothing in the context which attendeth upon one of them, he saith: Lo! I repent now; nor yet for those
limited the discussion to unbelievers. who die while they are disbelievers. For such We have prepared a
painful doom. S. 4:18 Pickthall
253 254
Mr. Amjad cannot avoid accepting the above conclusions since they are means that every Muslim must spend some time there as well. Mr.
the natural result of both the context of the passage and of his preferred Amjad has been trying hard to deny this last fact, but to no avail.
interpretation. Note how Mr. Amjad himself renders the text:

Then, we shall save the righteous [from all suffering] and We shall Qur'an Contradiction:
abandon the wrong-doers in IT, squatting.
Will Jesus burn in Hell?
Mr. Amjad’s own interpretation of the verse doesn’t disprove that
believers will enter hell, but rather proves our position; it proves that Jesus is given in the Qur'an a position very close to Allah, he is not only
believers WILL ENTER hell, even though Mr. Amjad’s rendering raised to paradise, but to Allah Himself, he has the place "nearest to
implies that they will be spared any suffering while there. To put it in Allah" as 3:45 even says:
another way, Mr. Amjad’s rendering implies that the righteous, or those
who kept themselves from doing evil, will not experience any suffering Sura 4:158. Nay, Allah raised him [Jesus] up unto Himself; ...
while in hell, but they will still enter in hell nonetheless, precisely what Sura 3:45. ... Jesus, Son of Mary; high honored shall he be in this world
some Muslims of the past believed. See Part 1 for the details. Hence, and the next, near stationed to Allah.
irrespective of whether believers suffer pain or not, this point is still
clear: Mr. Amjad’s own proposed translation inevitably leads to the fact The Qur'an condemns with strong words those who worship Jesus as
that Muslims will definitely enter hell. God (through the rethorical device of Jesus himself denying to ever have
asked for such worship):
Mr. Amjad’s preferred translation even proves our point that the Arabic
word translated "shall surely come to this" (wariduha from wurood), They do blaspheme who say: "Allah is Christ the son of Mary." But said
implies a literal entrance into hell. Note, again, how he rendered 19:71: Christ: "O Children of Israel! worship Allah my Lord and your Lord."
Whoever joins other gods with Allah - Allah will forbid him the garden
And each one of you, shall surely come to this [fire]… and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one
to help..
Mr. Amjad understands the text to be saying that people will come to the -- Sura 5:72
fire, demonstrating our case that the passage does refer to a literal
entrance into hell. Realizing this, Mr. Amjad is then forced to find a way And behold! Allah will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say
of differentiating between those who come to it from the righteous who unto men worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah?"
are saved. His translation therefore implies that there are two groups in He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to
view, not one. We already saw why his reconciliation causes him more say). Had I said such a thing thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou
problems than solutions. knowest what is in my heart Thou I know not what is in Thine. For Thou
knowest in full all that is hidden.
Be that as it may, Mr. Amjad acknowledges that the text does speak of Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me to say
people actually entering INTO hell, and not simply passing over it as to wit 'worship God my Lord and your Lord'; and I was a witness over
some suggest. Thus, even his own exegesis lends further support to what them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou
we have been saying. It demonstrates that the natural reading of the text wast the Watcher over them and Thou art a witness to all things.
points in the direction of everyone having to go down into hell, which -- Sura 5:119-120

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And now the verse that brings the contradiction to the above: The apostle sat one day, so I have heard, with al-Walid b. al-Mughira in
the mosque, and al-Nadr b. al-Harith came and sat with them in the
Surely you and what you worship besides Allah assembly where some of Quraysh were. When the apostle spoke al-Nadr
are the firewood of hell; to it you shall come. interrupted him, and the apostle spoke to him until he silenced him. Then
-- Sura 21:98 he read to him and to the others: "Verily ye and what ye serve other
than God is the fuel of hell. You will come to it. If these had been
The logic is clear, Jesus is not God [5:75], millions of Christians are gods they would not have come to it, but all will be in it everlastingly.
worshiping Jesus today and even the Qur'an acknowledges this [5:119], There is wailing and there they will not hear".
therefore Jesus will be fuel for the Hell fire [21:98] together with the
Christians. This clearly contradicts the verses on Jesus' special place near Then the apostle rose and `Abdullah b. al-Ziba`ra al-Sahmi came and sat
to Allah [Sura 3:45; 4:158 and others]. down. Al-Walid said to him: "By God, al-Nadr could not stand up to the
(grand)son of `Abdu'l-Muttalib just now and Muhammad alleged that we
==> Muhammad himself gave this response after his revelation was and our gods are fuel for hell" `Abdullah said: "If I had found him I
questioned on those same grounds. would have refuted him. Ask Muhammad, `Is everything which is
worshipped besides God in Gehenna with those who worship it?' We
worship the angels; the Jews worship `Uzayr; and the Christians
worship Jesus Son of Mary." Al-Walid and those with him in the
An alert Muslim will point out that I need to just look ahead a few verses assembly marvelled at `Abdullah's words and thought that he had argued
in this sura and the problem introduced in verse 98 will find its solution convincingly. When the apostle was told of this he said: "Everyone who
in verses 101-103. wishes to be worshipped to the exclusion of God will be with those who
worship him. They worship only satans and those they have ordered to
Surely you and what you worship besides Allah be worshipped." So God revealed concerning that "Those who have
are the firewood of hell; to it you shall come. received kindness from us in the past will be removed far from it
-- Sura 21:98 and will not hear its sound and they abide eternally in their heart's
desire", i.e. Jesus Son of Mary and `Uzayr and those rabbis and monks
Surely (as for) those for whom the good has already gone forth from who have lived in obedience to God, whom the erring people worship as
Us, lords beside God. And He revealed concerning their assertion that they
they shall be kept far off from it; worship angels and that they are the daughters of God, "And they say the
They will not hear its faintest sound, and they shall abide in that Merciful has chosen a son, (exalted be He above this); nay, they are but
which their souls long for. honoured slaves, they do not speak before He speaks, and they carry out
The great fearful event shall not grieve them, His commands", as far as the words, "and he of them who says, I am
and the angels shall meet them: This is your day which you were God as well as He, that one we shall repay with Gehenna. Thus do they
promised. repay the sinful ones."
-- Sura 21:101-103
As we can see, the contradiction was identified by the critics of
It is now necessary to look carefully at the occasion for the revelation of Muhammad on the very day the verse was uttered. And Muhammad gave
this verse. It is described in detail in Ibn Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah, a response which supposedly solves the issue. ... Or does it?
translated as "The Life of Muhammad" by A. Guillaume, page 163:
What is the problem with this story?
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Every contradiction can be saved and reconciled when we allow to add already believes ... and is determined not to let anything shake his faith
in or add on some extra information, or some conditional clause and confidence.
("except...") or similar constructions.
But if you don't have already predecided that the Qur'an is from God,
IF this text from 21:98 to 21:101 had been revealed together, in one then how do you test this? The above story could be part of the test and
sitting, then I would say, yes, verse 101 dissolves the problem. And God one indication that something is wrong here.
surely knew that verse 98 by itself would be contradicting both reality
and the other passages of the Qur'an. Essential question: Would Allah be in need to repair a faulty revelation?
And if the author of the Qur'an apparently is in this need, then, maybe,
Knowing that this is contradictory and that God does not give he is not the God he claims to be?
contradictory revelation [cf. Sura 4:82], would it not be reasonably to
assume that God would have revealed all of it at once to make sure his This is something to think about.
revelation is free of contradiction at any given given time?

But as it is, and ackowledged in al-Sirat, Muhammad was caught in this Qur'an Contradiction
contradiction first and then in response to it he brings another verse.
Obviously he claims that this is just the next part of revelation from God. Is Jesus God or Not?
But I hope you can see that this looks awefully like Muhammad patching
up the faulty text. The Quran presents criteria to distinguish the true God from false gods.

Does God make errors? Is He then Who creates like him who does not create? Do you not then
mind?... And those whom they call on besides Allah have not created
Humans make errors. And if these humans are reasonable they will anything while they are themselves created; Dead (are they), not living,
acknowledge they were wrong and correct their errors. and they know not when they shall be raised. S. 16:17, 20-21 Shakir

Here some "revelation" had to be repaired by an extra piece of "further And they have taken besides Him gods, who do not create anything
revelation" to dissolve a contradiction. That looks very much like a while they are themselves created, and they control not for themselves
human being would act - not like the nature of God, the All-Wise. Do any harm or profit, and they control not death nor life, nor raising (the
you think the Quraish caught God by surprise? No. Do you think they dead) to life. S. 25:3 Shakir
could catch Muhammad by surprise with a clever question/conclusion?
They certainly could. And they clearly did. These preceding passages state that:

This is not a 100% proof that this part of the Qur'an is made up by 1. The objects which others call upon besides God (i.e., whether
Muhammad. You always can say: I cannot explain it, but who am I to other gods, angels, and/or individuals) have not created anything.
question Allah if he in his wisdom chooses to reveal in bits and pieces 2. These objects cannot bring death, cause life, or resurrect.
and in response to the Quraish ... Allah does as he pleases ... 3. These objects of worship are dead.

But such a response could be used to cover anything, even the worst Which implies that:
nonsense. "Allah knows better" solves everything for the one who
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1. God is the Creator. the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so
2. God is the Source of Life. that in everything he might have the supremacy." Colossians 1:15-18
3. God is ever-Living.
"but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he
It is no secrect that the Holy Bible states that the Lord Jesus created the appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
cosmos and was called upon in worship by the first Christians: The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of
his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had
"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the
has been made... He was in the world, and though the world was made Majesty in heaven... And again, when God brings his firstborn into the
through him, the world did not recognize him." John 1:3, 10 world, he says, 'Let all God's angels worship him'... But about the Son
he says... 'In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
"In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you
him in a vision, 'Ananias!' 'Yes, Lord,' he answered. The Lord told him, remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a
'Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and
Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man your years will never end.'" Hebrews 1:2-3, 6, 8a, 10-12
named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.'
'Lord,' Ananias answered, 'I have heard many reports about this man and According to the same Holy Bible, the Lord Jesus is alive forever and
all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come ever, having conquered death and ushering in glorious immortality:
here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your
name.' But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his
instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of
before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of
my name.' Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This
hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord-Jesus, who appeared to grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it
you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus,
see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit'... All those who heard him who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to
were astonished and asked, 'Isn't he the man who raised havoc in light through the gospel." 2 Timothy 1:8-10
Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come
here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?'" Acts 9:10-17, 21 "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his
right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
"To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and
called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.'" Revelation 1:17-18
name of our Lord Jesus Christ-their Lord and ours:" 1 Corinthians 1:2
"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again."
BY HIM all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible Revelation 2:8
and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all
things were created BY HIM and FOR HIM. He is before all things, By conquering death, Christ demonstrated that he is truly the source of
and IN HIM all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, life for all:
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"In him was life, and that life was the light of men." John 1:4 It is not the object of this present paper to provide the evidence which
establishes the historical veracity of the NT documents, or to
"For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the demonstrate that the first followers of Christ confessed their belief in the
Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it... I tell you the truth, a absolute Deity of the Lord Jesus, or in his death and resurrection. For
time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear THE that we simply defer our readers to the following articles and links:
VOICE OF THE SON OF GOD and those who hear will live... Do
not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their http://www.rationalchristianity.net/skeptics.html#reasons
graves will hear HIS VOICE and come out-those who have done good www.christian-thinktank.com
will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be www.tektonics.org
condemned." John 5:21, 25, 28-29 www.carm.org
http://answering-islam.org/Case/index.html
"Jesus said to her, 'I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/documents.htm
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives http://answering-islam.org/Quran/Bible/index.html
and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?' 'Yes, Lord,' she
told him, 'I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to What we would like to do here is to show that even according to the
come into the world.'" John 11:25-27 testimony of the Quran, the Lord Jesus perfectly fulfills the criteria of
being Deity.
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and THE LIFE. No one
comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6 and he shall be a prophet to the people of Israel (saying), that I have
come to you, with a sign from God, namely, that I will CREATE for
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from you out of clay (annee AKHLUQU lakum mina ALTTEENI) as
there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to though it were the form of a bird, and I will blow thereon and it shall
bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so become a bird by God's permission; and I will heal the blind from
that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21 birth, and lepers; and I will bring the dead to life by God's
permission; and I will tell you what you eat and what ye store up in your
"For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When houses. Verily, in that is a sign for you if ye be believers. S. 3:49 Palmer
Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in
glory." Colossians 3:3-4 When God shall say, O Jesus son of Mary, remember my favour towards
thee, and towards thy mother; when I strengthened thee with the holy
The Lord Jesus fits the criteria given in the Quran which demonstrates spirit, that thou shouldest speak unto men in the cradle, and when thou
true Deity (i.e., the Creator, the Source of Life, and ever-Living). wast grown up; and when I taught thee the scripture, and wisdom, and
Christians are therefore justified in worshiping him as their sovereign the law, and the gospel; and when thou didst CREATE of clay (wa-ith
Lord. TAKHLUQU mina ALTTEENI) as it were the figure of a bird, by my
permission, and didst breathe thereon, and it became a bird by my
Now the Muslim will definitely object to our appeal to the Holy Bible on permission; and thou didst heal one blind from his birth, and the leper,
the grounds that it doesn't accurately reflect the life and teachings of the by my permission; and when thou didst bring forth the dead [from
historical Jesus, and as such it cannot be used to prove that Jesus and his their graves], by my permission; and when I with-held the children of
original followers truly believed that Christ was God. Israel from [killing] thee, when thou hadst come unto them with evident

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[miracles], and such of them as believed not, said, this is nothing but the word "khalaqa" means to make out of nothing, which is
manifest sorcery. S. 5:110 Sale something that ONLY ALLAH CAN DO; it is impossible for anyone
except Allah to do this. It also carries the meaning of decreeing or
These two passages demonstrate that Christ has the breath of life and can foreordaining. [**]
create in exactly the same way God creates:
See Fath al-Bari Sharh Saheeh al-Bukhari, 13/390. (439: Evidence that
HE it is Who created you from clay (Huwa allathee KHALAQAKUM only Allah is the Creator of life; bold and capital emphasis ours)
min TEENIN) and then HE decreed a term. And there is another term
fixed with HIM. Yet you doubt. S. 6:2 Y. Ali But this very same word is applied to Christ which means, at least
according to the above position, that Jesus must be God! Note how this
Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man from works out logically:
clay (innee KHALIQUN basharan min TEENIN): When I have
fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, 1. God alone can create out of nothing (i.e. the literal meaning of
fall ye down in obeisance unto him." S. 38:71-72 Y. Ali khalaqa).
2. Khalaqa is applied to Jesus.
Note the connection between God breathing his Spirit into man with 3. Therefore, Jesus must be God according to Islam.
Christ being strengthened with the Holy Spirit, breathing life into clay
birds and resurrecting the dead. And also notice that Christ created a The Quran also implies that Christ is alive in heaven:
living bird from clay just as God created man from clay. These passages
therefore teach that Christ had the same life-giving Spirit of God! And when Allah said: O Isa, I am going to terminate the period of your
stay (on earth) and cause you to ascend unto Me and purify you of
The Quran says by way of mocking the gods of the people: those who disbelieve and make those who follow you above those who
disbelieve to the day of resurrection; then to Me shall be your return, so I
"O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so listen to it (carefully): will decide between you concerning that in which you differed. S. 3:55
verily! Those on whom you call besides Allah cannot create (even) a fly, Shakir
even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly
snatched away a thing from them, they would have no power to release it That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the
from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought." S. 22:73 Apostle of God"; - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it
was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of
Even though Jesus didn't create a fly, he did create a bird and breathed doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of
life into it just as Allah did to Adam! a surety they killed him not:- Nay, God raised him up unto Himself;
and God is Exalted in Power, Wise; - S. 4:157-158 Y. Ali
In fact, according to one Salafi Muslim site the word for create (khalaqa)
refers to creating something from nothing, an act which only God can Orthodox Islam has generally understood these passages to mean that
perform: Christ was taken alive into heaven, into the very presence of God
himself.
Imam al-Bukhari reported in his Saheeh from Abu Sa`eed (may Allah be
pleased with him) that the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Moreover, specific Islamic narrations teach that Jesus will be an
Him) said: "There is no created being but Allah created it." In Arabic, intercessor for his people:
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... "Surely! Allah wrongs not even of the weight of an atom (or a smallest But this directly conflicts with the following text:
ant) but if there is any good (done) He doubles it." (4.40) The Prophet
added, "Then THE PROPHETS and Angels and the believers will And those whom they invoke besides God HAVE NO POWER OF
intercede, and (last of all) the Almighty (Allah) will say, 'Now remains INTERCESSION;- only he who bears witness to the Truth, and they
My Intercession. He will then hold a handful of the Fire from which He know (him). If thou ask them, who created them, they will certainly say,
will take out some people whose bodies have been burnt, and they will God: How then are they deluded away (from the Truth)? (God has
be thrown into a river at the entrance of Paradise, called the water of life. knowledge) of the (Prophet's) cry, "O my Lord! Truly these are people
..." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 93, Number 532s) who will not believe!" S. 43:86-88

Ibn Kathir wrote in reference to Sura 3:45 that: No intercessor will they have from those whom they made equal with
Allah (partners i.e. their socalled associate gods), and they will
<Held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of (themselves) reject and deny their partners. S. 30:13 Hilali-Khan
those who are near to Allah.> meaning, he will be a leader and honored
by Allah in this life, because of the Law that Allah will reveal to him, The above references claim that those invoked by the unbelievers have
sending down the Scripture to him, along with the other bounties that no power to intercede. Jesus happens to be one of those very beings that
Allah will grant him with. `Isa will be honored in the Hereafter and will so-called unbelieving Christians invoked and continue to invoke in their
intercede with Allah, by His leave, on behalf of some people, just as is prayers. Thus, either Jesus can intercede which means that the Quran is
the case with his brethren the mighty Messengers of Allah, peace be wrong; or he cannot intercede which means that the Islamic tradition is
upon them all. (Source) wrong.

The next text supports the interpretation that Jesus may intercede: In light of the aforementioned citations, we are left with the conclusion
that:
And We did not send before you any apostle but We revealed to him that
there is no god but Me, therefore serve Me. And they say: The 1. Jesus creates in the same way God creates.
Beneficent God has taken to Himself a son. Glory be to Him. Nay! they 2. Jesus gives life in the same way God gives life.
are honored servants. They do not precede Him in speech and (only) 3. Jesus is alive in heaven.
according to His commandment do they act. He knows what is before
them and what is behind them, and they do not intercede except for him Therefore, the Quran clearly shows that the Lord Jesus fits the
whom He approves and for fear of Him they tremble. And whoever of description of God, fulfilling the very criteria which demonstrates that
them should say: Surely I am a god besides Him, such a one do We Christ is indeed very God of very God.
recompense with hell; thus do, We recompense the unjust. S. 21:25-29
Shakir Yet, it is at this precise point that we have a contradiction within the
Quran itself. There is no denying that the Quran rejects the Deity of
This reference says that at least some of those honored servants who Jesus (cf. 4:171; 5:17, 70-75; 9:30). But, as we just saw, the Quran
were wrongly worshiped as gods or considered children of God will attributes titles, qualities and functions to Christ which shows that he is
indeed intercede. And since according to the Quran Jesus is an honored indeed God. Other titles given to Christ which affirm his essential Deity
servant who was wrongly worshiped as God and as the Son of God this include the Word of God and a Spirit from God (cf. 3:39, 45; 4:171).
therefore means that he may well be one of those interceding.

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A Muslim may say that Jesus was given the ability to create and give life For the sake of convenience and to facilitate easier reading we have
by God, just as the passages themselves state. He didn't have this ability broken down this paper into the following sections:
within himself. This response doesn't solve the contradiction, but only
pushes it a step further. 1. Introduction: Explaining the Purpose for and Meaning of Sura
3:7
Why would God grant Jesus the abilities and characteristics of Deity? 2. Contradictory teachings about Jesus in the Quran:
Why is God permitting Jesus to perfectly fit the description and fulfill A. The Quran on Jesus’ Prehuman Existence
the criteria which places one within the category of God? B. Jesus as Creator in the Quran
C. The Quran on Jesus’ Last Days
Second, the expression "by God's permission" doesn't necessarily mean 3. Concluding Remarks
that Christ was given abilities he did not already have. The statements
can be understood in light of the biblical teaching that Christ did nothing 1. Introduction: Explaining the Purpose for and Meaning of Sura
on his own initiative, but did everything in perfect union with his 3:7
Father's will. (cf. John 5:16-30)
The Quran claims that it contains two sets of passages, one set in which
In other words, the Quranic expression simply implies that Christ only there are verses that are clear and that form the basis of the book. The
exercised his divine prerogatives in accordance with the decree of God, other set are verses which are allegorical and whose meanings only God
never acting on his own behest or initiative. It need not deny that Christ knows. The Quran says that those who are perverted at heart, those who
always had these divine attributes and characteristics. This becomes all seek to bring discord and mischief, focus on these allegorical, unclear
the more likely when we recall that the Quran describes Christ as God's passages:
Word and a Spirit proceeding from God, titles which point to Christ's
divinity and pre-existence. He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or
fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the
Sam Shamoun Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity
follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching
for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except
The above observations are relevant for a correct understanding of Sura God. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe
3:7. A detailed discussion of the consequences of this contradiction, and in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the
some others, are found in the article Muhammad's attempt of damage Message except men of understanding. S. 3:7 Y. Ali
control.
It is He who sent down upon thee the Book, wherein are verses clear
that are the Essence of the Book, and others ambiguous. As for those in
Muhammad's attempt of damage control whose hearts is swerving, they follow the ambiguous part, desiring
dissension, and desiring its interpretation; and none knows its
How Sura 3:7 suddenly makes sense interpretation, save only God. And those firmly rooted in knowledge say,
'We believe in it; all is from our Lord'; yet none remembers, but men
Sam Shamoun possessed of minds. Arberry

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In several passages in the Quran we find the statement that it was given first eighty-three verses of Sura Al-Imran (Chapter 3) are addressing a
in Arabic so that it be CLEAR and understood by its audience: group of Christians who had come to debate and challenge Muhammad.
For example, Muslim scholar Mahmoud M. Ayoub writes regarding this
And certainly We know that they say: Only a mortal teaches him. The chapter:
tongue of him whom they reproach is barbarous, and this is clear Arabic
tongue. S. 16:103 Shakir This sura is composed of 200 verses. It was revealed in Madina after sura
8, al-Anfal (The Booty). Commentators are generally agreed that the first
It (the Qur'an) is indeed a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds, eighty-odd verses were revealed concerning the Christian delegation of
with it came down the spirit of truth Upon your heart so that you may be Najran, an ancient town in South Arabia.
one of the warners in clear Arabic speech and indeed IT (the Qur'an) is
in the writings of the earlier (prophets). S. 26:192-196 Wahidi reports:

The Quran further claims that its purpose is to make things clear and to "Commentators have said that a delegation from Najran consisting of
solve differences: sixty horsemen came to the Messenger of God. Among them were
fourteen of their notables. Three of these fourteen held special authority
By Allah, most certainly We sent (apostles) to nations before you, but among their people. They were al-‘Aqib, ‘Abd al-Masih by name, who
the Shaitan made their deeds fair-seeming to them, so he is their was the leader of the people and guardian of their affairs, and whose
guardian today, and they shall have a painful punishment. And We have opinion was never opposed. The other was called al-Ayham who was the
not revealed to you the Book except that you may make clear to them sayyid (chief) of the people and their leader. The third was Abu Harithah
that about which they differ, and (as) a guidance and a mercy for a b. ‘Alqamah who was their bishop and religious leader (imam), and the
people who believe. S. 16:63-64 Shakir head of their religious school (midras). He attained high honor among
his people because he studied all their (sacred) books, so that he acquired
And the day We shall raise up from every nation a witness against them great learning. Even Byzantine kings honored him, bestowing on him
from amongst them, and We shall bring thee as a witness against those. great wealth and building churches for him because of his great wisdom.
And We have sent down on thee the Book making clear everything, and These men came to the Messenger of God in his mosque at the time of
as a guidance and a mercy, and as good tidings to those who surrender. the midafternoon prayers. They were clad in Yamani attire, garments and
S. 16:89 Arberry mantles. They were equal in elegance and beauty to the men of the tribe
of Banu al-Harith b. Ka‘b. Those of the companions of the Messenger of
Yet Sura 3:7 says there are some or even plenty of verses that nobody God who saw them exclaimed, ‘We have never seen a delegation like
knows what they really mean except God. The question arises: What them!’ When the time for their prayers had come, they arose and prayed
then is the point of including those verses into the Quran? Why would in the mosque of the Messenger of God, and the Prophet said, ‘Let them
God not leave them out altogether and spare his community the strife and pray.’ They thus prayed facing east. Then al-Sayyid and al-‘Aqib spoke
discord caused by them? with the Messenger of God and he said to them, ‘Accept islam!’ They
answered, ‘We have been muslims long before you!’ He replied, ‘You do
Many may simply shrug this verse off as a bit strange, or maybe not tell the truth! Your claim that God has a son, your worship of the
conclude that this passage itself falls under the category of the unclear cross and your eating of the swine prevent you from being muslims.’
verses. However, the significance and meaning of this text will suddenly They retorted, ‘If Jesus were not the son of God, then who is his father?’
become clear when one learns something about the circumstances or They thus debated with the Prophet concerning Jesus. He argued, ‘Do
occasion of its alleged "revelation." According to Muslim expositors, the you not know that there is no child but that he must resemble his father?’
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‘Yes,’ they said. He continued, ‘Do you not know that our Lord is living Tabari then relates the tradition already cited from Wahidi, but on the
and will never die, while Jesus is subject to extinction?’ They said, authority of Ibn Ishaq, who reported in turn on the authority of
‘Yes.’ The Prophet argued further, ‘Do you not know that our Lord has Muhammad b. Ja‘far b. al-Zubayr. He adds that the men of Najran who
control over all things which He alone preserves and sustains?’ ‘Yes,’ spoke to the prophet were adherents of the "king’s religion," perhaps
they said. He said, ‘Does Jesus possess the power to do any of these meaning that they were Melkites.
things?’ ‘No,’ they answered. He then continued, ‘It is our Lord who
formed Jesus in the womb as he willed [cf. verse 6, below]. Our Lord, Tabari asserts further that "Christians were nonetheless in disagreement
moreover, neither eats, drinks, nor does he void. Do you not know,’ he among themselves, some saying that Jesus is God, others that he is the
went on, ‘that the mother of Jesus bore him in the same manner as son of God, and, still others, that he is ‘the third of three’ [see Q. 5:73].
women bear children, and delivered him as they do, and that he was then These are the claims of the Christians. They have argued in support of
nurtured as would any child. Then he ate, drank, and voided.’ They the claim that Jesus is God from the fact that he used to raise the dead,
consented saying, ‘Yes.’ The Prophet concluded, ‘How could it then be cure diseases and foretell unknown things. He also used to fashion out of
as you say!’ But they were silent. Thus God sent down concern in them clay the shape of a bird, then breathe into it, and it became a bird (Q.
the first eighty-odd verses of this sura" (Wahidi, pp. 90-91). 3:49 and 5:110). All this, however," Tabari continues, "was by God’s
permission, to make Jesus a sign for humankind. Christians have
Tabari begins his commentary on this sura with the following general likewise argued that Jesus is the son of God in that they say that he had
statement: no known father. He also spoke in the cradle (Q. 3:46, 5:110 and 19:29),
a thing which none of the children of Adam had done before him. They
"It is related that God begins in revealing the opening of this sura as He have contended that Jesus is ‘the third of three’ on the basis of God’s
does with the negation of divinity of any being other than He, and saying ‘We did’ ‘We commanded’ ‘We created’ and ‘We have decreed.’
describes Himself as He does at its beginning [i.e., verse I] as an They thus argue that had God been only one, He would have said, ‘I did’
argument against a group of Christians who came to the Messenger of ‘I commanded, ‘I decreed’ and ‘I have created.’ This refers, therefore, to
God from Najran. They debated with him concerning Jesus and God, Jesus and Mary. It is concerning all these claims that Qur‘anic
manifested unbelief in God. God, therefore, sent down the first eighty- verses were sent down. Thus, God informed His Prophet of their claims"
odd verses of this sura concerning them and Jesus, and as an argument (Tabari, VI, pp. 152-153). (Ayoub, The Qur‘an and Its Interpreters: The
for His Prophet against them and any others who may have held similar House of ‘Imran [State University of New York (SUNY) Press, Albany
views. Yet these men persisted in their rejection of faith and grave error. 1992], Volume II, pp. 1-4)
The Prophet called them to the mubahalah [i.e., praying to God and
invoking His curse on those who are in the wrong; see verse 59, below], One of Sunni Islam’s renowned commentators Ibn Kathir concurs with
but they refused. They asked instead that he accept from them the jizyah all the above and also had this to say about the sixth verse:
poll tax. This he did, and they returned to their country. However, even if
it may be true that they were primarily intended by God in this argument, (Chapter 3)
nevertheless, any other people who share their rejection of faith in God
by taking other beings beside Him as lords and gods worthy of worship, Surah Al `Imran was revealed in Al-Madinah, as evident by the fact that
are likewise included in this divine reproof. They are also subject to the the first eighty-three Ayat in it relate to the delegation from Najran that
proof of the criterion (furqan) by which God judged between them and arrived in Al-Madinah on the ninth year of Hijrah (632 CE). We will
His Messenger (Tabari, VI pp. 150-151). " elaborate on this subject when we explain the Ayah about the Mubahalah
[3:61] in this Surah, Allah willing. We should also state that we

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mentioned the virtues of Surah Al `Imran along with the virtues of Surat refer to the Muhkam Ayat to understand the Mutashabih Ayat, will have
Al-Baqarah in the beginning of the Tafsir of Surat Al-Baqarah… acquired the correct guidance, and vice versa. This is why Allah said,

<He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He wills.> <They are the foundations of the Book>,

meaning, He creates you in the wombs as He wills, whether male or meaning, they are the basis of the Qur'an, and should be referred to for
female, handsome or otherwise, happy or miserable. clarification, when warranted, …

<La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the <And others not entirely clear>
Almighty, the All-Wise.>
as they have several meanings, some that agree with the Muhkam and
meaning, He is the Creator and thus is the only deity worthy of worship, some that carry other literal indications, although these meaning might
without partners, and His is the perfect might, wisdom and decision. not be desired.
This Ayah refers to the fact that `Isa, son of Mary, is a created
servant, just as Allah created the rest of mankind. Allah created `Isa in The Muhkamat are the Ayat that explain the abrogating rulings, the
the womb (of his mother) and shaped him as He willed. Therefore, how allowed, prohibited, laws, limits, obligations and rulings that should be
could `Isa be divine, as the Christians, may Allah's curses descend on believed in and implemented. As for the Mutashabihat Ayat, they include
them, claim `Isa was created in the womb and his creation changed from the abrogated Ayat, parables, oaths, and what should be believed in, but
stage to stage, … (Source; bold and underline emphasis ours) not implemented.

And about Sura 3:61, Ibn Kathir stated: Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar commented on, …

The reason for the call to Mubahalah and the revelation of the Ayat from <In it are verses that are entirely clear> as "Containing proof of the
the beginning of this Surah until here, is that a delegation from the Lord, immunity for the servants and a refutation of opponents and of
Christians of Najran (in Yemen) came to Al-Madinah to argue about falsehood. They cannot be changed or altered from what they were
`Isa, claiming that he was divine and the son of Allah. Allah sent down meant for." He also said, "As for the unclear Ayat, they can (but must
the beginning of this Surah until here, to refute their claims, as Imam not) be altered and changed, and this is a test from Allah to the servants,
Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar and other scholars stated. (Source) just as He tested them with the allowed and prohibited things. So these
Ayat must not be altered to imply a false meaning or be distorted from
Furthermore, Ibn Kathir applied Sura 3:7 to Christians who attempted to the truth."
utilize the Quran to prove that Jesus is divine:
Therefore, Allah said, …
The Mutashabihat and Muhkamat Ayat
<So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation>
Allah states that in the Qur'an, there are Ayat that are Muhkamat, entirely
clear and plain, and these are the foundations of the Book which are meaning, those who are misguided and deviate from truth to falsehood,
plain for everyone. And there are Ayat in the Qur'an that are …
Mutashabihat not entirely clear for many, or some people. So those who
<they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof>
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meaning, they refer to the Mutashabih, because they are able to alter its came up with the convenient explanation that those verses are
meanings to conform with their false interpretation since the wordings of allegorical, and their real meanings are known only to God.
the Mutashabihat encompass such a wide area of meanings. As for the
Muhkam Ayat, they cannot be altered because they are clear and, thus, Therefore, the following sections will discuss a number of contradictory
constitute unequivocal proof against the misguided people. This is why and confusing passages in the Quran in regard to the nature, power and
Allah said, … current state of Jesus. Our desire is that after we finish discussing these
specific citations the readers will hopefully see the obvious; namely that
<seeking Al-Fitnah> the Quran’s author made some grave mistakes and then tried covering it
up by setting forth the response given in Sura 3:7.
meaning, they seek to misguide their following by pretending to prove
their innovation by relying on the Qur'an -- the Mutashabih of it -- but,
this is proof against and not for them. For instance, Christians might 2. Contradictory teachings about Jesus in the Quran
claim that [`Isa is divine because] the Qur'an states that he is
Ruhullah and His Word, which He gave to Mary, all the while A. The Quran on Jesus’ Prehuman Existence
ignoring Allah's statements, …
The Quran in several places calls Jesus God’s Word and a Word from
<He [`Isa] was not more than a servant. We granted Our favor to him.> God. In one other place Jesus is also expressly said to be a Spirit from
[43:59], God:

and, … While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto
him: "God doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a
<Verily, the likeness of `Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He Word from God, and (be besides) noble, chaste, and a prophet, - of the
created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" and he was.> [3:59]. (goodly) company of the righteous." … Behold! the angels said: "O
Mary! God giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will
There are other Ayat that clearly assert that `Isa is but one of Allah's be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the
creatures and that he is the servant and Messenger of Allah, among other Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to God; S. 3:39, 45 Y.
Messengers. (Source; bold and underline emphasis ours) Ali

With the foregoing in mind, we would like to examine some of the People of the Book, go not beyond the bounds in your religion, and say
references which Christians have commonly used to support their view not as to God but the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only
that Jesus is divine. We will also examine certain other texts to show the Messenger of God, and His Word that He committed to Mary, and a
how there are contradictory statements within the Quran. Our purpose in Spirit from Him (ruhun minhu). So believe in God and His Messengers,
bringing forth these points is to show that Sura 3:7 was primarily given and say not, 'Three.' Refrain; better is it for you. God is only One God.
to do some damage control. The author of the Quran said certain things Glory be to Him -- That He should have a son! To Him belongs all that is
with the obvious intention of trying to appease Jews, Christians and in the heavens and in the earth; God suffices for a guardian. S. 4:171
others, hoping to win them over to his religion, without realizing how Arberry
these statements would backfire against him. After seeing how his own
statements were being used to refute his claims he then needed to devise These passages support Jesus’ prehuman existence, that prior to
a way to escape the problems he had caused for himself. The author becoming man from the blessed virgin Mary, Christ already existed with
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God. After all, God’s Word is uncreated and originates from within mind that there is no god besides Me and there is no Lord besides Me
himself implying that Jesus, since he is God’s Word, must also have and do not associate anything with Me. It is I Who should be sending to
originated from God himself and is therefore eternal. you My messengers in order to remind you My agreement and My
covenant and it is I who would send you My Books. They said: We bear
Furthermore, the expression a Spirit from Him is used only one other witness to the fact that Thou art our Lord, Thou art our Object of
time in the Quran: worship. There is no Lord besides Thee and there is no object of worship
besides Thee. They confirmed this (pledge). Adam was raised above
Thou shalt not find any people who believe in God and the Last Day who them so that he would see them and he saw the rich and the poor, those
are loving to anyone who opposes. God and His Messenger, not though having handsome faces and even those inferior to them and he said: My
they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their clan. Lord, why is it that Thou hast not made Thy servants alike? He said: I
Those -- He has written faith upon their hearts, and He has confirmed wish that I should be thanked. And he also saw the Prophets, some
them with a Spirit from Himself; and He shall admit them into gardens amongst them like lamps with light in them, distinguished by another
underneath which rivers flow, therein to dwell forever, God being well- covenant regarding messengership and prophethood, viz. the words of
pleased with them, and they well-pleased with Him. Those are God's the Blessed and the High: And when We made covenant with the
party; why, surely God's party -- they are the prosperers. S. 58:22 prophets - up to His words: Jesus son of Mary (33:7). He was among
those spirits and He sent him to Mary (peace be upon both of them).
It is obvious from this text that the Spirit shares in the divine qualities And it is narrated by Ubayy that he entered by her mouth.
and attributes of God. After all, the Spirit is able to empower, strengthen
all believers, indicating that he is all-present (omnipresent) and all- Transmitted by Ahmad. (Tirmidhi Hadith, Number 41– ALIM CD-ROM
powerful (omnipotent). But only God is omnipresent and omnipotent! Version)

What this means is that Jesus must also be omnipresent and omnipotent Notice carefully that Jesus is said to be one of those spirits that was sent
since he is that Spirit from God. It further supports Jesus’ prehuman to Mary, a clear affirmation of Christ’s prehuman existence. Now a
existence since Sura 4:171 doesn’t say that Jesus was a Spirit created in Muslim will obviously say that the above narration doesn’t just support
Mary’s womb. Rather, it expressly says that he is a Spirit from God and Jesus’ prehuman existence, but the prehuman existence of all human
his Word which was given to Mary. The Islamic narrations provide beings. The problem with that explanation is that the Quran does not
additional support for this position: support the prehuman existence of anyone besides Jesus. Sura 7:172
doesn’t support it since this text only shows that humanity was created in
Narrated Ubayy ibn Ka'b Adam, that when Adam was created all his seed was created alongside
him since he is the progenitor of the human race. That is why the Sura
In regard to the words of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, "Your Lord itself expressly says that mankind was drawn from Adam’s loins. Jesus is
brought forth their offspring from the loins of the children of Adam." different since he is the Word and Spirit of God that sprung forth from
(7:172) Ubayy said: He gathered them and paired them then fashioned him and entered Mary, something said of no one else, whereas all the
them and endowed them with the power of speech and they began to rest of mankind sprung forth from the very loins of Adam.
speak. He then made an agreement and covenant with them. He made
them bear witness about themselves (saying) Am I not your Lord. They
said: Yes. He said: I call to witness seven heavens and seven earths B. Jesus as Creator in the Quran
regarding you and I call witness your father Adam regarding you lest you
should say on the Day of Resurrection: We do not know this. Bear this in
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The Quran chides the unbelievers for worshiping or calling on objects by My leave, as the likeness of a bird, and thou breathest into it, and it is
which cannot create: a bird, by My leave; and thou healest the blind and the leper by My
leave, and thou bringest the dead forth by My leave; and when restrained
Say: 'Who is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth?' Say: 'God.' Say: from thee the Children of Israel when thou camest unto them with the
'Then have you taken unto you others beside Him to be your protectors, clear signs, and the unbelievers among them said, "This is nothing but
even such as have no power to profit or hurt themselves?' Say: 'Are the sorcery manifest." S. 5:110
blind and the seeing man equal, or are the shadows and the light equal?
Or have they ascribed to God associates who created as He created, Jesus created birds and breathed into them life in the same way that
so that creation is all alike to them?' Say: 'God is the Creator of Allah created Adam and breathed into him:
everything, and He is the One, the Omnipotent.' S. 13:16
And when thy Lord said to the angels, 'See, I am creating a mortal of a
Is He who creates as he who does not create? Will you not remember? … clay of mud moulded. When I have shaped him, and breathed My spirit
And those they call upon, apart from God, created nothing, and in him, fall you down, bowing before him!' S. 15:28-29
themselves are created, S. 16:17
Thus Jesus, unlike the other objects of worship, creates exactly the same
And those they call upon, apart from God, created nothing, and way that Allah does! Christ also has the very same breath of life, the
themselves are created, dead, not alive; and are not aware when they same ability to grant life, that Allah has making them equal in creative
shall be raised. S. 16:20-21 power and talent. Not only that, but according to both the Quran and
Islamic tradition Jesus is actually still alive as we shall see in the next
The implication of the above texts is that those things or persons that are section! Since Christ is alive right now in heaven, this means that it is
worshiped besides Allah are not worthy of such honor since they cannot legitimate for a person to call upon him. After all, doesn’t the Quran
create as he does. We can infer from this that if there were a person who complain that those whom others call upon are dead, implying that the
could create in a similar fashion to the way Allah creates, then that mistake is to call upon non-living or unconscious entities? This seems to
individual would be worthy of the same praise and worship. imply that if they are not dead then calling upon them is not wrong. And
since Jesus is alive and could create in the same way that Allah can to
Astonishingly, the Quran says that Jesus is such a person! therefore worship him cannot be viewed as sin or idolatry.

to be a Messenger to the Children of Israel saying, "I have come to you A more detailed discussion on this issue can be found in the article Is
with a sign from your Lord. I will create for you out of clay as the Jesus God or Not?
likeness of a bird; then I will breathe into it, and it will be a bird, by the
leave of God. I will also heal the blind and the leper, and bring to life the
dead, by the leave of God. I will inform you too of what things you eat, C. The Quran on Jesus’ Last Days
and what you treasure up in your houses. Surely in that is a sign for you,
if you are believers. S. 3:49 We turn our attention to Jesus’ last hours, specifically his ascension into
heaven. The Quran, in two places, specifically says that Allah took Jesus
When God said, 'Jesus Son of Mary, remember My blessing upon thee to himself:
and upon thy mother, when I confirmed thee with the Holy Spirit, to
speak to men in the cradle, and of age; and when I taught thee the Book, When God said, 'Jesus, I will take thee to Me and will raise thee to Me
the Wisdom, the Torah, the Gospel; and when thou createst out of clay, and I will purify thee of those who believe not. I will set thy followers
281 282
above the unbelievers till the Resurrection Day. Then unto Me shall you <For surely; they killed him not But Allah raised him up unto Himself.
return, and I will decide between you, as to what you were at variance And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise. And there is none of the people
on. S. 3:55 Arberry of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) but must believe in him before his
death. And on the Day of Resurrection, he [`Isa] will be a witness
"Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me to say, against them.> [4:156-159]
to wit, 'worship God, my Lord and your Lord'; and I was a witness over
them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou `His death' refers to `Isa, and the Ayah means that the People of the
wast the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things." S. Book will believe in `Isa, before `Isa dies. This will occur when `Isa
5:117 Y. Ali comes back to this world before the Day of Resurrection, as we will
explain. By that time, all the People of the Book will believe in `Isa, for
Ibn Kathir commented on Sura 3:55: he will annul the Jizyah and he will only accept Islam from people. Ibn
Abi Hatim recorded that Al-Hasan said that Allah's statement,…
Meaning of ‘Take You’
<I will take you>
Allah said, …
is in reference to sleep, for Allah raised `Isa while he was asleep.
<I will take you and raise you to Myself> (Source; underline emphasis ours)

while you are asleep. Allah said in a similar Ayat,… Just when it seems that the Quran couldn’t be any more clear… there are
other Muslims who actually believe that these same verses should be
<It is He Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep).> [6:60], translated to mean that Jesus did die before Allah took him into heaven!
and,…
Remember the time when ALLAH said' `O Jesus, I will cause thee to die
<It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and a natural death (innee mutawaffeeka) and will raise thee TO MYSELF, …
those that die not during their sleep.> [39:42]. Sher Ali

The Messenger of Allah used to recite the following words when he … And I was a witness over them as long as I remained among them, but
would awaken;… since Thou didst cause me to die (tawaffaytanee), Thou, hast been the
Watcher over them, and Thou art Witness over all things; Sher Ali
<All the thanks are due to Allah Who brought us back to life after He
had caused us to die (sleep), and the Return is to Him>. The reason for the confusion hinges on how one translates mutawaffeeka
and tawaffaytanee. Both these words stem from the verb waffa, which
Allah said, … has various meanings depending on the way it is used in a given context.
It can mean completing a term and can refer to a person completing
<And because of their disbelief and allegations against Maryam and his/her earthly period by dying. In other words, the verb is used in
because of their saying "We killed Al-Masih `Isa, son of Maryam, the relation to a person's earthly life being completed upon dying, that death
Messenger of Allah," but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it terminates one's earthly sojourn.
appeared that way to them> until, …

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Because the verb can mean completing a term or terminating a specific And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary,
period, Muslims have generally understood from this that Jesus' life was Allah's messenger - they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared
terminated, or his earthly stay came to a conclusion, but not necessarily so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt
by death. To put it another way, even though the verb does imply that thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture;
Jesus completed his period on earth, the termination of his earthly life they slew him not for certain. But Allah took him up unto Himself.
didn't come as a result of death. It came as a result of God taking him Allah was ever Mighty, Wise. There is not one of the People of the
physically out of the earth while still being alive. Scripture but will believe in him before his death, and on the Day of
Resurrection he will be a witness against them - S. 4:157-159 Pickthall
As one Muslim debater and lecturer puts it:
Here is what Ibn Kathir said about 4:157-159:
c) "Mutawaffika" in (3:55) and "Tawaffaytani" in (5:120) refer to
"completing" your term or mission on earth. "Tawaffi" is used also in the The Evil Accusation the Jews Uttered Against Maryam and Their
Qur'an for other than death (6:60, 39:42). (Dr. Jamal Badawi, Jesus in Claim that They Killed `Isa
the Quran and the Bible)
Allah said,…
But this interpretation poses other problems. If the use of the verb in
these specific contexts implies that Jesus' earthly life was completed, or <And because of their (Jews) disbelief and uttering against Maryam a
terminated, then this means that Christ will not return. After all, the verb grave false charge.>
indicates that Jesus completed the period designated for him to remain
on earth showing that there is no need for him to return now that his `Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn `Abbas stated that the Jews accused
mission has come to an end. Maryam of fornication. This is also the saying of As-Suddi, Juwaybir,
Muhammad bin Ishaq and several others. This meaning is also apparent
And if Jesus’ earthly stay is completed without him having to die then in the Ayah, as the Jews accused Maryam and her son of grave
this stands in stark contradiction with the following passage which says accusations: They accused her of fornication and claimed that `Isa was
every soul must die: an illegitimate son. Some of them even claimed that she was
menstruating while fornicating. May Allah's continued curse be upon
Every soul shall taste of death; and We try you with evil and good for a them until the Day of Resurrection. The Jews also said,…
testing, then unto Us you shall be returned. S. 21:35
<"We killed Al-Masih, `Isa, son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah,">
There is obviously a considerable amount of confusion in the Quran
regarding this matter. meaning, we killed the person who claimed to be the Messenger of
Allah. The Jews only uttered these words in jest and mockery, just as the
For more on the issue of the translation of the above citations and the polytheists said,…
implication they have on Jesus’ final moments on earth, please read this
article. <O you to whom the Dhikr (the Qur'an) has been sent down! Verily, you
are a mad man!>
Still, there is at least one citation which emphatically denies that Jesus
was killed and suggests that he will die at same later point in time: When Allah sent `Isa with proofs and guidance, the Jews, may Allah's
curses, anger, torment and punishment be upon them, envied him
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because of his prophethood and obvious miracles; curing the blind and spoke to her. All this was a test from Allah for His servants out of His
leprous and bringing the dead back to life, by Allah's leave. He also used wisdom. Allah explained this matter in the Glorious Qur'an which He
to make the shape of a bird from clay and blow in it, and it became a bird sent to His honorable Messenger, whom He supported with miracles and
by Allah's leave and flew. `Isa performed other miracles that Allah clear, unequivocal evidence. Allah is the Most Truthful, and He is the
honored him with, yet the Jews defied and belied him and tried their best Lord of the worlds Who knows the secrets, what the hearts conceal, the
to harm him. Allah's Prophet `Isa could not live in any one city for long hidden matters in heaven and earth, what has occurred, what will occur,
and he had to travel often with his mother, peace be upon them. Even so, and what would occur if it was decreed. He said,…
the Jews were not satisfied, and they went to the king of Damascus at
that time, a Greek polytheist who worshipped the stars. They told him <but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared as that to
that there was a man in Bayt Al-Maqdis misguiding and dividing the them,>
people in Jerusalem and stirring unrest among the king's subjects. The
king became angry and wrote to his deputy in Jerusalem to arrest the referring to the person whom the Jews thought was `Isa. This is why
rebel leader, stop him from causing unrest, crucify him and make him Allah said afterwards,…
wear a crown of thorns. When the king's deputy in Jerusalem received
these orders, he went with some Jews to the house that `Isa was residing <and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain)
in, and he was then with twelve, thirteen or seventeen of his companions. knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture.>
That day was a Friday, in the evening. They surrounded `Isa in the
house, and when he felt that they would soon enter the house or that he referring to the Jews who claimed to kill `Isa and the ignorant Christians
would sooner or later have to leave it, he said to his companions, "Who who believed them. Indeed they are all in confusion, misguidance and
volunteers to be made to look like me, for which he will be my bewilderment. This is why Allah said,…
companion in Paradise" A young man volunteered, but `Isa thought that
he was too young. He asked the question a second and third time, each <For surely; they killed him not.>
time the young man volunteering, prompting `Isa to say, "Well then, you
will be that man." Allah made the young man look exactly like `Isa, meaning they are not sure that `Isa was the one whom they killed.
while a hole opened in the roof of the house, and `Isa was made to sleep Rather, they are in doubt and confusion over this matter…
and ascended to heaven while asleep. Allah said,…
<But Allah raised him up unto Himself. And Allah is Ever All-
<And (remember) when Allah said: "O `Isa! I will take you and raise Powerful,>
you to Myself.">
meaning, He is the Almighty, and He is never weak, nor will those who
When `Isa ascended, those who were in the house came out. When those seek refuge in Him ever be subjected to disgrace,…
surrounding the house saw the man who looked like `Isa, they thought
that he was `Isa. So they took him at night, crucified him and placed a <All-Wise.> in all that He decides and ordains for His creatures. Indeed,
crown of thorns on his head. The Jews then boasted that they killed `Isa Allah's is the clearest wisdom, unequivocal proof and the most glorious
and some Christians accepted their false claim, due to their ignorance authority. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Ibn `Abbas said, "Just before
and lack of reason. As for those who were in the house with `Isa, they Allah raised `Isa to the heavens, `Isa went to his companions, who were
witnessed his ascension to heaven, while the rest thought that the Jews twelve inside the house. When he arrived, his hair was dripping water
killed `Isa by crucifixion. They even said that Maryam sat under the and he said, `There are those among you who will disbelieve in me
corpse of the crucified man and cried, and they say that the dead man twelve times after he had believed in me.' He then asked, `Who
287 288
volunteers that his image appear as mine, and be killed in my place. He before the death of `Isa, son of Maryam, peace be upon him. Al-`Awfi
will be with me (in Paradise)' One of the youngest ones among them reported similar from Ibn `Abbas. Abu Malik commented;…
volunteered and `Isa asked him to sit down. `Isa again asked for a
volunteer, and the young man kept volunteering and `Isa asking him to <but must believe in him, before his death.>
sit down. Then the young man volunteered again and `Isa said, `You will
be that man,' and the resemblance of `Isa was cast over that man while "This occurs after `Isa returns and before he dies, as then, all of the
`Isa ascended to heaven from a hole in the house. When the Jews came People of the Scriptures will believe in him." (Source; underline
looking for `Isa, they found that young man and crucified him. Some of emphasis ours)
`Isa's followers disbelieved in him twelve times after they had believed
in him. They then divided into three groups. One group, Al-Ya`qubiyyah But wait, there is more! The Quran refers to a prophet named Idris,
(Jacobites), said, `Allah remained with us as long as He willed and then which some Muslims believe is the prophet Enoch, or perhaps even
ascended to heaven.' Another group, An-Nasturiyyah (Nestorians), said, Elijah:
`The son of Allah was with us as long as he willed and Allah took him to
heaven.' Another group, Muslims, said, `The servant and Messenger of And make mention in the Scripture of Idris. Lo! he was a saint, a
Allah remained with us as long as Allah willed, and Allah then took him prophet; And We raised him to high station. S. 19:56-57 Pickthall
to Him.' The two disbelieving groups cooperated against the Muslim
group and they killed them. Ever since that happened, Islam was then Ibn Kathir wrote:
veiled until Allah sent Muhammad." This statement has AN
AUTHENTIC CHAIN OF NARRATION leading to Ibn `Abbas, and Mentioning Idris
An-Nasa'i narrated it through Abu Kurayb who reported it from Abu
Mu`awiyah. MANY AMONG THE SALAF stated that `Isa asked if Allah complimented Idris for being a truthful Prophet and He mentioned
someone would volunteer for his appearance to be cast over him, and that he raised him to a high station. It has previously been mentioned that
that he will be killed instead of `Isa, for which he would be his in the Sahih it is recorded that the Messenger of Allah passed by Idris on
companion in Paradise. (Source; capital and underline emphasis ours) the night of the Isra (Night Journey) and he (Idris) was in the fourth
heaven. Sufyan reported from Mansur that Mujahid said, …
And:
<And We raised him to a high station.> "This means the fourth heaven."
All Christians Will Believe in `Isa Before He Dies Al-Hasan and others said concerning Allah's statement, …

Allah said,… <And We raised him to a high station.> "This means Paradise." (Source)

<And there is none of the People of the Scripture, but must believe in Being raised to a high station may imply that Idris was taken into heaven
him, before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection, he will be a without dying, especially if Idris is supposed to be Enoch. The late
witness against them.> Muhammad Asad noted:

Ibn Jarir recorded that Ibn `Abbas commented,… 41 The majority of the classical commentators identify the Prophet Idris-
who is mentioned in the Qur'an once again, namely in 21:85-with the
<And there is none of the People of the Scripture, but must believe in Biblical Enoch (Genesis v. 18-19 and 21-24), without, however, being
him, before his death.> able to adduce any authority for this purely conjectural identification.
289 290
Some modern Qur'an-commentators suggest that the name Idris may be daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked
the Arabicized form of Osiris (which, in its turn, was the ancient Greek with God, and he was not, for God took him." Genesis 5:21-24
version of the Egyptian name As-ar or Us-ar), said to have been a wise
king and/or prophet whom the Egyptians subsequently deified (cf. "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was
Maraghi XVI, 64, and Sayyid Qutb, Fi Zildl al -Qur'an, Cairo, n.d., vol. not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was
XVI, 44); but this assumption is too far-fetched to deserve any serious commended as having pleased God." Hebrews 11:5
consideration. Finally, some of the earliest Qur'an-commentators (`Abd
Allah ibn Mas'ud, Qatadah, `Ikrimah and Ad-Dahhak) assert-with, to my "When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask what I shall do for
mind, great plausibility-that "Idris" is but another name for Ilyas, the you, before I am taken from you.’ And Elisha said, ‘Please let there be a
Biblical Elijah (regarding whom see note 48 on 37: 123). (Source; double portion of your spirit on me.’ And he said, ‘You have asked a
underline and italic emphasis ours) hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so
for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.’ And as they still
One Muslim author claims: went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated
the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And
As for Bahgat's statement that he does not know any other information Elisha saw it and he cried, ‘My father, my father! The chariots of Israel
about Idris, then this is true as far as his knowledge. The long hadith of and its horsemen!’ And he saw him no more." 2 Kings 2:9-12a
Abu Thar (narrated by Tabari, Ibn Hiban, Ibn Al-Jawzi and Abu Naim)
whereby the Prophet -pbuh- numbers the prophets and groups some The foregoing data presents Muslims with some major problems. The
according to their languages explicitly mentions that Idris is Enoch. (The claim that Jesus and Idris/Enoch/Elijah didn’t die (this assumes, of
Legend of Idris = Osiris?: Source; underline emphasis ours) course, that Idris is either Enoch or Elijah and that the statement in the
Quran that he was taken up refers to either of these prophets’ ascension)
Another Muslim site has no doubt that Idris is Enoch: contradicts several Quranic passages which say that Allah has granted no
man immortality:
Prophet Enoch (Idris)
And We sent none before thee, but men to whom We made revelation --
Allah has praised Enoch, describing him as being a prophet and truthful: question the People of the Remembrance, if you do not know -- nor did
Mention in the Book (Qur'an) Idris (Enoch). Verily! He was a man of We fashion them as bodies that ate not food, neither were they
truth (and) a prophet. We raised him to a high station. (Ch 19:56-57 immortal; S. 21:7-8 Arberry
Qur'an). (The Holy Quran: Stories of the Prophets: Source)
We appointed immortality for no mortal BEFORE THEE. What! if
Hence, if Idris is indeed Enoch (or Elijah if the alternative identification thou diest, can they be immortal! Every soul must taste of death, and We
mentioned by Asad is true) then this makes it quite certain that the above try you with evil and with good, for ordeal. And unto Us ye will be
Quranic text is saying that he didn’t taste death since according to the returned. S. 21:34-35 Pickthall
Holy Bible Enoch and Elijah didn’t die. They were both taken into
heaven to be with God in glory: We have not assigned to any mortal BEFORE THEE to live forever;
therefore, if thou diest, will they live forever? Every soul shall taste of
"When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked death; and We try you with evil and good for a testing, then unto Us you
with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and shall be returned. Arberry

291 292
These passages clearly say that those living before Muhammad all died Count not those who were slain in God's way as dead, but rather living
since none of them was given immortality. The texts are obviously with their Lord, by Him provided, rejoicing in the bounty that God has
saying that everyone must die until the Day of Resurrection when God given them, and joyful in those who remain behind and have not joined
will then raise the dead to life. Notice the words of the late, renowned them, because no fear shall be on them, neither shall they sorrow, S.
Sunni commentator Ibn Kathir: 3:169-170

No One has been granted Immortality in this World … Now these martyrs had obviously experienced physical death, after all
that is why they’re martyrs and said to have been slain! If we were to
<And We granted not to any human being immortality before you;> interpret these passages with those that deny that anyone has experienced
immortality then the meaning must be that no one has continued
means, O Muhammad. experiencing an embodied existence, that no person’s physical life has
been extended beyond their time on earth.
<immortality>
Further substantiation that Allah hasn’t extended the physical life of any
means, in this world. On the contrary, … person beyond their earthly sojourn can be found in the following texts:

<Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish. And the Face of your Lord The Messiah, son of Mary, was only a Messenger; Messengers before
full of majesty and honor will remain forever.> [55:26-27] … him passed away; his mother was a just woman; they both ate food.
Behold, how We make clear the signs to them; then behold, how they
<then if you die> perverted are! S. 5:75

means, O Muhammad, … Muhammad is naught but a Messenger; Messengers have passed away
before him. Why, if he should die or is slain, will you turn about on your
<would they live forever> heels? If any man should turn about on his heels, he will not harm God in
any way; and God will recompense the thankful. S. 3:144
means, they hope that they will live forever after you, but that will not
happen; everything will pass away. So Allah says: … The preceding citations support the view that all the messengers before
Muhammad died, which would also include Jesus.
<Everyone is going to taste death,> … (Source)
Interestingly, the late Maulana Muhammad Ali of the Ahmadiyyah sect
The texts are obviously referring to a person’s physical existence, that actually used the last text to support his case that Jesus died:
there has been no human being that continues living in an embodied state
since all must physically die. To help clarify this point note what the "While this verse lays stress on the essential truth of Islam, it served
following verses say: another important purpose at the death of the Prophet. Some of the
companions thought that the Prophet was not dead. Abu Bakr went in,
And say not of those slain in God's way, 'They are dead'; rather they are and seeing that life had departed, ascended the pulpit and read this verse,
living, but you are not aware. S. 2:154 which had a magical effect upon his hearers, all of them being convinced
that the Prophet had passed away, as all prophets had passed away before
him. The prophets were but mortals, and their span of mortal life must no
293 294
doubt terminate like that of other mortals. This verse affords a 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' 'Yes,' said Gabriel.
conclusive proof that Jesus Christ was also dead; otherwise Abu 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' - (The Prophet added:). -
Bakr's argument could not have silenced the doubters of the There I met Joseph and greeted him, and he replied, 'You are welcomed,
Prophet's death." (Ali, Holy Quran [USA; Ahmadiyyah Anjuman O brother and a Prophet!' Then we ascended to the 4th heaven and again
Isha'at Islam Lahore Inc., 1995], pp. 168-169, f. 496: Source; bold the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous
emphasis ours) heavens. There I met Idris and greeted him. He said, 'You are welcomed
O brother and Prophet.' Then we ascended to the 5th heaven and again
Another citation strongly implying that Jesus died is this one: the same questions and answers were exchanged as in previous heavens.
There I met and greeted Aaron who said, 'You are welcomed O brother
And He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and He has enjoined and a Prophet". Then we ascended to the 6th heaven and again the same
on me prayer and poor-rate so long as I live; S. 19:31 questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There
I met and greeted Moses who said, 'You are welcomed O brother and a
Jesus, while still in the cradle, supposedly said that Allah required him to Prophet.' When I proceeded on, he started weeping and on being asked
pay the poor tax as long as he lived. If Jesus didn’t die then this means why he was weeping, he said, 'O Lord! Followers of this youth who was
that he is still required to pay alms while in heaven! sent after me will enter Paradise in greater number than my followers.'
Then we ascended to the seventh heaven and again the same questions
To summarize, this results in several contradictions. It contradicts the and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and
conviction of the majority of Muslims who believe that Jesus was taken greeted Abraham who said, 'You are welcomed O son and a Prophet.'
to heaven alive, without having first died. These statements definitely Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma'mur (i.e. Allah's House). I asked
contradict the testimony of the Holy Bible which reports that Enoch and Gabriel about it and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma'mur where 70,000
Elijah were taken into heaven alive, and they possibly contradict also the angels perform prayers daily and when they leave they never return to it
reference to Idris in the Quran, depending on which person exactly did (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily).' Then I was shown Sidrat-
the author of the Quran have in mind, and what "raised to a high station" ul-Muntaha (i.e. a tree in the seventh heaven) and I saw its Nabk fruits
was intended to mean. which resembled the clay jugs of Hajr (i.e. a town in Arabia), and its
leaves were like the ears of elephants, and four rivers originated at its
The problems are far from over. When we introduce the so-called sahih root, two of them were apparent and two were hidden. I asked Gabriel
ahadith, the allegedly undisputed sound narrations of Islam, we run into about those rivers and he said, 'The two hidden rivers are in Paradise,
additional problems. In the above texts, the author of the Quran says that and the apparent ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.' (Sahih Al-Bukhari,
Allah took Jesus to himself, which obviously means that Jesus entered Volume 4, Book 54, Number 429)
the very presence of Allah. But specific narrations attributed to
Muhammad say something different: If the above hadith is sound then Jesus wasn’t taken to Allah. Yet the
Quran says that Allah did take Jesus to be with him, meaning that this
... Then we ascended to the second heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' narration must be in error. But if this narration is in error then this calls
Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was said, 'Who is with you?' He said, into question the veracity of these so-called sound, undisputed traditions.
'Muhammad' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' He said, 'Yes.' It was
said, 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!" Then I met Jesus We now come to the final part of our discussion. We saw above that the
and Yahya (John) who said, 'You are welcomed, O brother and a Quran implies that Jesus didn’t die when he was taken into heaven, but
Prophet.' Then we ascended to the third haven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' will die at some later time. There is another passage which has been
Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is with you? Gabriel said, understood to mean that Christ will return to the earth:
295 296
And when the son of Mary is mentioned as an example, lo! thy people <And there is none of the People of the Scripture but must believe in him
raise a clamour thereat; And they say, `Are our gods better, or he?' They before his death> (4:159). -- meaning before the death of `Isa, peace be
mention not this to thee but for the sake of disputation. Nay, but they are upon him -- …
a contentious people. He was only Our servant, on whom WE bestowed
Our favour, and WE made him an Example for the children of Israel. <And on the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them>
And if WE so willed, WE could make from among you angels to be your 4:159
successors in the earth. But, verily, he was a sign of the Hour. So
entertain no doubt about it, but follow me. This is the right path. And let This meaning has the support from an alternate recitation of the Ayat
not Satan hinder you, he is to you an open enemy. And when Jesus came
with clear proofs, he said, `Truly, I have come to you with wisdom, and <And he shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the Hour.>
to make clear to you some of that about which you differ. So fear
ALLAH and obey me. Verily, ALLAH - HE is my Lord and your Lord. means, evidence that the Hour will surely come. Mujahid said: …
So worship HIM. This is the right path.' But the parties differed among
themselves. So woe to the wrongdoers because of the punishment of a <And he shall be a sign for (the coming of) the Hour.>
painful day! S. 43:57-65 Sher Ali
means, sign and "One of the signs of the Hour will be the appearance of
Many Muslims believe that this passage establishes Jesus’ return from `Isa son of Maryam before the Day of Resurrection." Something similar
heaven as a sign that the last hour is near: was also narrated from Abu Hurayrah, Ibn `Abbas, `Abu Al-`Aliyah,
Abu Malik, `Ikrimah, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak and others. Many
And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): Mutawatir Hadiths report that the Messenger of Allah said that `Isa will
therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me: this is a descend before the Day of Resurrection as a just ruler and fair judge.
Straight Way. Y. Ali (Source; capital emphasis ours)

Others translate this in a way so that there is no connection with Christ: The Sunni ahadith provide additional support for this view:

And lo! verily there is knowledge of the Hour. So doubt ye not Narrated Abu Huraira:
concerning it, but follow Me. This is the right path. S. 43:61 Pickthall
Allah's Apostle said, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, surely
Traditionally, most Sunni Muslims have understood this to be a (Jesus,) the son of Mary will soon descend amongst you and will judge
reference to Jesus’ second coming. If this is correct then this means that mankind justly (as a Just Ruler); he will break the Cross and kill the pigs
Jesus will die as stated in Sura 4:159 after descending to the earth from and there will be no Jizya (i.e. taxation taken from non Muslims). Money
heaven. Ibn Kathir writes: will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it, and a single
prostration to Allah (in prayer) will be better than the whole world and
<And he (`Isa) shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the Hour.> whatever is in it." Abu Huraira added "If you wish, you can recite (this
verse of the Holy Book): -- 'And there is none Of the people of the
The CORRECT VIEW concerning this phrase is that it refers to his Scriptures (Jews and Christians) But must believe in him (i.e. Jesus as an
descent before the Day of Resurrection, as Allah says: … Apostle of Allah and a human being) Before his death. And on the Day
of Judgment He will be a witness Against them." (4.159) (See Fateh Al

297 298
Bari, Page 302 Vol 7) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 55, Number 10. Still others believe that specific verses, namely Suras 3:55 and
657) 5:117, teach that Jesus' earthly sojourn was terminated, was
completed without dying when Allah took Jesus alive to be with
The foregoing implies that either Jesus didn’t die before ascending into himself, to be in the very presence of Allah.
heaven, but will do so when he returns; or he did die before he was taken 11. This means that Jesus will not return since the period of his stay
up only to return again to die a second time! on earth has come to an end, thereby implying that there is no
need for him to come back again.
12. But if Jesus was taken physically alive into heaven because his
3. Concluding Remarks earthly mission was completed, which implies that he will not
return, then this contradicts the Quran's teaching that every
Our examination of the Quranic teaching on Christ hopefully person must taste death.
accomplished the purpose of demonstrating the gross confusion and 13. Not only is the Quran confused and contradictory with itself,
contradictions surrounding the Islamic view of Jesus. To summarize all even the so-called sound narrations are contradicting it,
the points raised in this article, here is what we learned so far from the especially in relation to Jesus being taken alive to be with Allah
foregoing discussion: himself. The hadiths deny that Jesus was taken to be with Allah
since they claim that he was taken into the second heaven instead.
1. The Quran denies that Jesus is God or the Son of God. 14. Furthermore, as we already mentioned, the narrations also speak
2. At the same time the Quran applies specific titles and functions to of Christ returning which means that Jesus' earthly period wasn't
Jesus which clearly show that he is more than human, strongly complete but had to be extended to a future date.
supporting his Divinity and prehuman existence.
3. The Quran says that those objects that are wrongly worshiped by Is it any wonder that the author of the Quran came up with the
others are unable to create, therefore disqualifying them from explanation found in Sura 3:7? Here it is again:
being worthy of such adoration and devotion.
4. Jesus, on the other hand, creates in the same way that Allah He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are
creates which shows that he is worthy of the very worship and decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then
praise due to Allah. as for those in whose hearts there is perversity they follow the part of it
5. The Quran denies that Allah has granted immortality to anyone. which is allegorical, seeking to mislead and seeking to give it (their own)
6. Yet the Quran says that Jesus ascended into heaven without interpretation but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those
dying, and was neither killed nor crucified, meaning that for over who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from
2,000 years he has remained alive! our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding. Shakir
7. The Quran suggests, with the Islamic narrations making this point
explicit, that Jesus will return to the earth as a sign that the last From our detailed examination we can safely conclude that this response
hour is at hand. was obviously given as a desperate attempt of evading the charge of
8. It also teaches that all the Jews and Christians will believe in blatant contradiction and confusion. After seeing that his statements
Jesus before he dies, which will presumably take place after his regarding Jesus were being used against him, and that he was obviously
second coming. contradicting himself, the author came up with the excuse that some of
9. But at the same time the Quran says that Jesus died already, these statements were allegorical and therefore not to be taken literally.
which must have obviously happened prior to his ascension into He accused the Christians who were using these so-called allegorical or
heaven. unclear passages against him of being perverse at heart, trying to sow
299 300
discord and confusion amongst the Muslims. But as we saw, the fault lay there be for me a son, when no man hath touched me, nor am I
not with the Christians but with the author who failed to remain unchaste? He said: Even so shall it be; thy Lord saith: It is easy for Me.
consistent regarding his view of Jesus, often teaching contradictory That We may make a sign for mankind and a mercy from Us; and it is a
things about him. thing ordained.

Finally, Sura 3:7 introduces an additional major problem for the The Negus wept, and his bishops wept also, when they heard him recite,
Muslims. According to this text Allah is the only one who knows the and when it was translated they wept again, and the Negus said: 'This
exact, precise meaning of these so-called allegorical or unclear verses. hath truly come from the same source as that which Jesus brought.' Then
Since this verse refers to Christological texts that Christians were using he turned to the two envoys of Quraysh and said: 'Ye may go, for by God
to prove their case against Muhammad, this means that Muslims cannot I will not deliver them unto you; they shall not be betrayed.'" (Lings,
really tell us what those citations actually mean. In other words, Muslims Muhammad, His Life Based on the Earliest Sources [Inner Traditions
cannot tell us what passages such as Sura 3:45 or 4:171 literally mean, International, Ltd. Rochester, Vermont 1983], p. 83)
citations which call Jesus God’s Word and his Spirit, since only Allah
knows their exact meanings. Hence, anytime a Muslim says that these Muslim Neal Robinson, in his comments on Nöldeke's chronology of the
passages do not prove that Jesus is Divine and then proceed from there to Quran, solidifies our charge that the Muslims were being deceptive:
provide an alternate explanation, they are falsifying their own scripture
which says none know their precise meanings except Allah. … In their present state, all the suras which contain extensive
references to Jesus also include a denial that God has offspring. It is
Besides, to discount the citations used by Christians to prove their beliefs possible that this is because these suras WERE REVISED DURING
about Jesus is to ignore one important, crucial fact; Muhammad’s own THE MEDINAN PERIOD. For example Nöldeke maintains that sura
followers used some of these very passages to give the misleading and nineteen ORIGINALLY consisted of 19:1-33, 41-47 since these ayas all
deceptive impression that they were in agreement with Christian beliefs. rhyme in -iyyan whereas ayas 34-40 end in the much more common -una
Muslim emigrants to Ethiopia tried to appease the Christian ruler by frequently found in the Medinan period. This accords with the Muslim
making it appear as if their beliefs were virtually identical to his own by tradition that the emigrants recited part of this sura to the Negus of
quoting only specific parts of Sura 19. In the words of Muslim Martin Abyssinia. What they recited was presumably the original nucleus
Lings: WHICH LACKED THE STRIDENT DENIALS THAT GOD HAD
OFFSPRING. (Robinson, Christ In Islam and Christianity [State
"The royal interpreters translated all that he (i.e. Ja'far) had said. The University of New York Press, Albany 1991], pp. 32-33; bold and capital
Negus then asked if they had with them any Revelation that their Prophet emphasis ours)
had brought them from God and, when Ja'far answered that they had, he
said: 'Then recite it to me,' whereupon Ja'far recited a passage from the And:
Surah of Mary, which had been revealed shortly before their departure:
According to Nöldeke's chronological scheme the earliest statement is
And make mention of Mary in the Book, when she withdrew from her 19:33, the infant Jesus' reference to the day of his death and the day of
people unto a place towards the east, and secluded herself from them; his being raised. In the original version of the revelation - the version
and We sent unto her Our Spirit, and it appeared unto her the likeness of recited to the Abyssinians by the Muslim refugees from Mecca - this
a perfect man. She said: I take refuge from thee in the Infinitely Good, if was probably the culmination of the story. The Abysinnians may well
any piety thou hast. He said: I am none other than a messenger from thy have understood it as referring to the crucifixion and the
Lord, that I may bestow on thee a son most pure. She said: How can resurrection on the third day. The statement itself is, however, much
301 302
less precise. It does not specify how and when Jesus was to die nor how We ask: Is not the occurrence of such ambiguous verses a defect in the
and when he was to be raised. In view of 19:15, where similar things are Qur'an's supposed eloquence and clarity? How can we be sure of the
said about John, it is perhaps the general resurrection on the day of verses whose interpretation God alone knows? The Bible says: "Test all
judgement which is envisaged. In any case the very fact that similar things; hold fast what is good?" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Is the Qur'an
things are said about John detracts from the uniqueness of Jesus. In capable of being put to the test? (Al-Fadi, Is the Qur'an Infallible? [Light
short the statement sounds more Christian than it is. This is in of Life, PO Box 13, A-9503 Villach Austria], pp. 334-335; underline
character with the general tenor of 19:1-33 where the aim seems to emphasis ours)
be THAT OF APPEALING TO CHRISTIAN SENTIMENT without
making too many concessions to Christian belief. (Ibid., p. 112; bold Recommended Reading
and capital emphasis ours)
Our intention in this paper wasn’t to interact with the common Muslim
In other words, Muhammad inserted those christological verses in order responses and allegations that are often presented to refute the Christian
to give Christians the appearance as if he is indeed bringing a compatible use of the Quran to prove their case regarding the uniqueness of the Lord
message. But when Christians take those verses which were given Jesus Christ. For more on the Quranic view of Jesus, specifically the
specifically FOR THEM, and take them in their obvious meaning, then titles given to him and the implication they have on Christ’s person, as
they are accused of twisting and perverting the texts and are suppose to well as reading our interaction with the Muslim responses regarding
NOT focus on them! Yet were not these verses specifically given for the these issues, we recommend the following articles:
reason of attracting Christians? Putting it bluntly, after classifying these
verses as unclear or allegorical, doesn’t it become obvious that this was http://answering-islam.org/Mna/frag2.5.html
part of Muhammad’s game of fooling people regarding his precise views http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/titles.html
on Christ and other issues? http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/uniqueness.html
http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/Vol2/5c.html
We can’t help but agree with assessment of the late Christian writer and http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/Sharing/11unique.html
Scholar, 'Abdallah 'Abd al-Fadi: http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/Sharing/12son.html
http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/tabari_on_jesus.htm
The Qur'an itself claims to contain clear, intelligible verses that require http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/preserved-crucifixion.htm
no further explanation; these also do not allow several possible http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/badawi-jesus3.htm
interpretations. But it states also that it has ambiguous ones whose http://answering-islam.org/Responses/Saifullah/t5_73.htm
meanings are not clear, either because they are too brief or because their http://answering-islam.org/Responses/Shabir-Ally/jesusinquran.htm
literal meaning is not compatible with the context. Supposedly, only God http://answering-islam.org/Responses/Shabir-Ally/jesusinquran2.htm
knows the interpretation of these, and the faithful have to merely accept http://answer-islam.org/Son.html
them.

Who is the Father of Jesus?

Is Jesus the son of Allah? The Qur'an says no. Yet it is also entirely
consistent with the Qur'an to consider Allah the Father of Jesus for the
following reasons:
303 304
1) Allah caused Mary to become pregnant with Jesus 2) Allah determined some of the physical characteristics of Jesus.
2) Allah determined some of the physical characteristics of Jesus When Allah said "Be", did he have something specific in mind?
3) All of the genetic characteristics of Jesus were determined by just two Certainly! Allah had a very detailed plan in mind for Jesus. In particular,
parties: Allah and Mary. Allah decided that Jesus would be male. Normally, it is the sperm that
decides the gender of the baby. Here Allah made the choice instead.
A Muslim might argue "Being a father implies having sex", and therfore
Allah cannot be the father. Not necessarily so. Modern science has 3) All of the genetic characteristics of Jesus were determined by
brought us "test tube babies", which are conceived without any sex. precisely two parties: Allah and Mary.
There is nothing to support the idea that if Allah wants a baby, he must This is clear because they were the only two parties involved. So we
resort to normal human means to have one. conclude that Allah and Mary are the only two possible candidates for
the title "Father".
Again, a Muslim may say that if we are going to call Jesus the son of
Allah, then we should say that Adam is the son of Allah too. No, we Hence it appears legitimate to call Allah the father of Jesus, at least in a
cannot compare Adam to Jesus this way because Adam came into figurative sense. Therefore we are at a loss to explain why the Qur'an
existence without a mother. spends so much space arguing against this. Certainly more and better
justification is needed than what appears in these passages:
Let us first review some background material. What does the Qur'an say
about how Mary became pregnant with Jesus? In Surah 3:45-49 we read: Surely they lie when they declare: "Allah has begotten children".
-- Sura 37:151
The angels said to Mary: "Allah bids you rejoice in a word from him. His
name is the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary. He shall be noble in this Where is the "lie" in our reasoning above?
world and the hereafter, and shall be favored by Allah. He shall preach to
men in his cradle and the prime of manhood, and shall lead a righteous They say: "Allah has begotten a Son". Glory be to Him! His is what the
life." heavens and the earth contain; all things are obedient to Him. Creator of
"Lord", she said, "how can I bear a child when no man has touched me?" the heavens and the earth! When he decrees a thing, He need only say
He replied: "Such is the will of Allah. He creates whom He will. When "Be", and it is.
He decrees a thing He need only say: 'Be' and it is. He will instruct him -- Sura 2:116
in the Scriptures and in wisdom, in the Torah and in the Gospel, and send
him forth as an apostle to the Israelites..." Allah made Mary pregnant. What more would Allah have to do if he
wanted a legitimate son?
From this passage we can draw the conclusions presented above:
1) Allah caused Mary to become pregnant with Jesus. Muslims infer Allah forbid that He Himself should beget a son! When He decrees a
from this passage and others like it that Jesus was conceived while Mary thing He need only say "Be," and it is. -- Sura 19:35
was a virgin by the word spoken by Allah, and not by a man.
So is Allah unable to beget a son by saying "Be"?
Not that this in itself implies that Allah is the father. When a doctor
causes a woman to become pregnant by artificial insemination, he is not Say: "If the Lord of Mercy had a son, I would be the first to worship
considered the father. Hence the following two points: him". -- Sura 43:82

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We would prefer something more convincing from the Qur'an than this. science has brought us "test tube babies", which are
conceived without any sex.

The key word there is "might". I, as a Muslim, think it


would take sperm from a man to fertilize an egg from a
Muslim Response by Randy Desmond women in order for there to be two biological parents. God
Date: Thursday, 27 Feb 1997 is not a biological parent because God is NOT a biological
being. God is uncreated. Anyway, where do the test tube
This proposed internal contradiction (that Allah has a sperms come from? Or did you think they created a sperm in
son) is so outside the scope of logical deduction, that I the lab?! And why don't you worship these test-tube babies
am compelled to refute this section-by-section (and line- since they don't have a father or mother (according to
by-line where necessary). your logic anyway)?

Additionally, I have made the text which I am responding There is nothing to support the idea that if Allah wants a
to smaller than my response. The purspose of this is to baby, he must resort to normal human means to have one.
distinguish the response from the original argument and
highlight the response as opposed to the origianl text Correct. So if you are saying God is not a biological
(which can be seen in the normal font elsewhere anyway). parent, fine. What kind of parent is he? A metaphorical
one? Well, we know that's how the Bible describes God
Who is the Father of Jesus? often. Remeber God calls Israel His first born (according
to the Bible)? Is God then the parent? And yet Israel came
ANSWER: No one. (to be expounded upon by refuting any from biological parentage! Or do you claim that Israel's
claims that God is) parentage is a metaphorical parantage and Jesus(pbuh)'s is
literal?
Is Jesus the son of Allah? The Qur'an says no. Yet it is
also entirely consistent with the Qur'an to consider Allah Again, a Muslim may say that if we are going to call Jesus
the Father of Jesus for the following reasons: the son of Allah, then we should say that Adam is the son
of Allah too. No, because Adam popped into existence
1) Allah caused Mary to become pregnant with Jesus without a mother. We cannot compare Adam to Jesus this
2) Allah determined some of the physical characteristics way.
of Jesus
3) All of the genetic characteristics of Jesus were Then what is the difference between the creation of Adam
determined by just two parties: Allah and Mary. and Jesus which makes Adam not a Son of God and Jesus a
Son of God? Is your answer, "because Jesus's mother was a
Let me say that (1) is a justified claim, (2) and (3) are creation of God therefore Jesus is the Son of God, but
questionable because God shapes everyone according to His since Adam had no earthly mother, Adam is not the Son of
will as He pleases. I personally do not know "how" God God."? Another point, it is not that Muslims say Adam is
made Mary pregnant - but I guess you know! Did God turn the Son of God. Read your Bible. Email me if you need the
Mary's egg into an embryo directly, or did He create a verse.
sperm to fertilize it, or did He just put an embryo there
without Mary's egg or a created sperm? Tell me if you Let us first review some background material. What does
really know! the Qur'an say about how Mary became pregnant with Jesus?
In Surah 3:45-49 we read:
A Muslim might argue "Being a father implies having sex",
and therfore Allah cannot be the father. No. Modern The angels said to Mary: "Allah bids you rejoice in a word
from him. His name is the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary.
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He shall be noble in this world and the hereafter, and Mary supplied the egg and God suppled the sperm. May Allah
shall be favored by Allah. He shall preach to men in his protect us from such blasphemous thoughts!
cradle and the prime of manhood, and shall lead a
righteous life." "Lord", she said, "how can I bear a child I'm not hiding that I don't know "how" Mary became
when no man has touched me?" He replied: "Such is the will pregnant with Jesus(pbuh), and I am not pretending to
of Allah. He creates whom He will. When He decrees a thing know. God said "Be" and it happened. I'm just asking, "How
He need only say: 'Be' and it is. He will instruct him in do you know Mary's egg was part of the process? How do you
the Scriptures and in wisdom, in the Torah and in the know?" The truth is you don't know. Admit you don't know
Gospel, and send him forth as an apostle to the "how" Jesus(pbuh) was placed in the womb of Mary and be
Israelites..." humble to your Lord, God.

From this passage we can draw the conclusions presented Hence it appears legitimate to call Allah the father of
above: 1) Allah caused Mary to become pregnant with Jesus. Jesus,
Muslims infer from this passage and others like it that
Jesus was conceived while Mary was a virgin by the word
No...
spoken by Allah, and not by a man.
at least in a figurative sense.
Muslims do not know "how" Mary was made to be pregnant
with Jesus (pbuh). How she became pregnant is God's
knowledge. We only know that God commanded it. Interesting... He is not the biological father. He does
not beget children. So what kind of father is he? A
metaphorical/figurative one at best! Just refer to what I
Not that this in itself implies that Allah is the father.
said above about Israel being God's first born in the
When a doctor causes a woman to become pregnant by
Bible. Or do you also worship Israel? Or if you think God
artificial insemination, he is not considered the father.
is then a figurative father, did he then supply a
Hence the following two points:
figurative "sperm"? Again, may God protect us from such
blasphemous thoughts!
Good thinking! You are right. This does not imply Allah is
a father.
Therefore we are at a loss to explain why the Qur'an
spends so much space arguing against this.
2) Allah determined some of the physical characteristics
of Jesus. When Allah said "Be", did he have something
How can you not understand this? May God make you see it.
specific in mind? Certainly! Allah had a very detailed
The Qur'an is an a message to straighted out the errors
plan in mind for Jesus. In particular, Allah decided that
which the followers of previous prophets have fallen into.
Jesus would be male. Normally, it is the sperm that
You may not believe it is an error, but if it was not,
decides the gender of the baby. Here Allah made the choice
then there would be no reason to correct it, would there?
instead.
I mean the message of the Qur'an id Guidance and part of
that is pointing out the errors we should not fall victim
3) All of the genetic characteristics of Jesus were to.
determined by precisely two parties: Allah and Mary. This
is clear because they were the only two parties involved.
Certainly more and better justification is needed than
So we conclude that Allah and Mary are the only two
what appears in these passages:
possible candidates for the title "Father".
Surely they lie when they declare: "Allah has begotten
Ever hear of surrogate mothers? Perhaps mary was just
children". - - Sura 37:151
that; a surrogate mother. I mean really, how do you know
"how" Jesus was formed? It seems you are assuming that
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Where is the "lie" in our reasoning above? Say: "If the Lord of Mercy had a son, I would be the first
to worship him". -- Sura 43:82
I have shown it. You assume two postulates ( numbers 2 and
3 above) which are assumed truths. They are nothing but We would prefer something more convincing from the Qu'ran
conjecture and the Qur'an has mentioned that Christians than this.
follow nothing but conjecture. You can't make up your own
religion. That is equivalent to worshipping Satan. That is the key comment in your post. What is it that
would convince you that God did not beget a son? I mean,
They say: "Allah has begotten a Son". Glory be to Him! His if it is true that God did not have a son, then what is
is what the heavens and the earth contain; all things are the convincing proof you would require? What's the proof
obedient to Him. Creator of the heavens and the earth! that he had a son? You seem to agree with the Qur'an's
When he decrees a thing, He need only say "Be", and it is. description of God's capability to create Jesus(pbuh). I
-- Sura 2:116 mean even the Qur'an says that if the Qur'an wasn't from
God there would be dicrepencies. Does your religion offer
Allah made Mary pregnant. What more would Allah have to do you a proof of authenticity? Is it the supposed
if he wanted a legitimate son? Resurrection of Jesus? Just compare the four gospels in
detail to each other, along with the book of Acts, and see
if the Resurrection really happened. Go on... Do it. I
Excuse me, but you assume God wants a son in the first
dare you. Are you afraid of what you will find? How will
place. That may be a whole other discussion, but certainly
you rationalize the inconsistencies? Is it that you have
has nothing to do with a proposed inconsistency in the
no discrepencies in your Bible? If you think so, you are
Qur'an. The Qur'an never says that God ever wanted a son
deluding yourself (or Satan is deluding you). Even the
(metaphorical or literal - whatever a "literal" son of God
maintainer of these web pages admits to those
may mean - a'uuthu billah! I seek shelter in God from such
contradictions, and yet none of the proposed contradiction
blasphemous thoughts!).
of the Qur'an are proven to be contradictions. That's
right. None have been proven to be contradictions. If so,
Allah forbid that He Himself should beget a son! When He which ones? Be honest. Are they conclusively
decrees a thing He need only say "Be," and it is. -- Sura contradictions? Have you considered the Arabic? All
19:35 contexts? All meanings? God's word (the Qur'an) is
protected. Don't kid yourself.
So is Allah unable to beget a son by saying "Be"?
I hope you realize you've disappointed a lot of people
Your wrong assumption here is that saying "Be" is the same here. First, you attempted to find a contradiction in the
as begetting a son. It has been shown that that is not the Qur'an where none existed. Second, you claimed knowledge
case. Do you doubt that? How can you doubt it, if you do? of "how" Jesus(pbuh) was formed (and that is knowledge you
Or should I say that because God commanded all of us to just don't have). Third, you used that false knowledge in
"Be", we then are the children of God? Do we then worship trying to concoct an argument as to how Jesus could be the
ourselves? (I am mentioning that because that is really son of God - unsuccessfully. Lastly, you take the Qur'an
the point of trying to proven God has a son, isn't it? You and interpret it to your own desires -something the Qur'an
want Muslims to become deluded and worship a creature like says we can not do. So you have used the Qur'an
you do. The Qur'an is right when it says that the Jews and incorrectly to try to prove something the Qur'an doesn't
Christians would never be satisfied unless we follow their support based on assumed knowledge you just don't have. Do
form of religion. Well, may God protect us from that.) Why you think your arguments have any crediblity now?
can't Christians just understand that "son of God" and
"children of God" are not literal terms, but literary Look, it is not too late to say, "hey, I made a mistake,"
devices and expressions? and move on. The doors of Mercy from God are still open.

311 312
If I have been harsh in my response it is because I want Did Jesus Die Already?
the message to get through. You really don't know the joy
of believing in God without concocted beliefs added in by
Satan until you become a Muslim. Please think about the This observation I learned from an Ahmadiyya as this group claims that
arguments I have put forth. Jesus did indeed die.

Thank you for reading my response in full. 4:157. That they said (in boast)
"We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary the
Apostle of Allah";
Could Allah have a Son? but they killed him not nor crucified him
but so it was made to appear to them
In the Qur'an we find the following two statements: and those who differ therein are full of doubts
with no (certain) knowledge but only conjecture to
follow
39:4
for of a surety they killed him not.
Had Allah wished to take to Himself a son, 4:158. Nay Allah raised him up unto Himself; ...
He could have chosen whom He pleased out of those whom He
doth create: 5:75 The Messiah, son of Mary, was only a Messenger;
but Glory be to Him! (He is above such things.) ...
He is Allah, the One, the Irresistible. (Yusuf Ali) 3:144 And Muhammad is but a Messenger.
Verily all Messengers have passed away before him
If Allah had willed to choose a son, ...
He could have chosen what He would of that which He hath (Translation by Maulvi Sher Ali)
created.
Be He Glorified! He is Allah, the One, the Absolute. (Pickthall) Does 3:144 not not imply that Jesus has died?

6:101 This contradicts the standard Muslim interpretation of 4:158 that God
Wonderful Originator of the heavens and the earth; raised him to himself alive and he will come back to die after his second
How can He have a son when He has no consort? coming, i.e. after and not before Muhammad.
He created all things, and He hath full knowledge of all things.
The word used here for "messengers" is al-russul, which means THE
Sura 39:4 and 6:101 agree on the actuality, that Allah does not have a messengers (al = the, russul = messengers), indicating that this verse
son, but they contradict each other in the issue of ability or possibility. refers to ALL the messengers.

Sura 39:4 clearly states that God could have taken Himself a son from If I were to translate it, it would be like:-
among his creation, i.e. without the necessity of a consort to father
such a son. But Sura 6:101 clearly rejects the same idea as a logical indeed (all) the Messengers have passed away before him.
impossibility.
For a detailed discussion of the Qur'anic passage on the crucifixion
Quran Contradiction: (4:157-158) see chapter 5: "Jesus Christ: Crucified?" in Chawkat
Moucarry's Islam and Christianity at the Crossroads and Sam

313 314
Shamoun's article The Crucifixion of Christ - A Christian Critique of the Such is Allah, your Lord. There is no God save Him, the Creator of all
Quran. things, so worship Him. And He taketh care of all things.
-- Sura 6:102
It is interesting to make some observations how different the verse 3:144
is rendered by the various translators of the Qur'an. They are clearly Say: Who is Lord of the heavens and the earth? Say: Allah. ... Say: Allah
struggling with this problem. For this verse, it seems the above is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Almighty.
Ahmadiyya translation is indeed closest to the actual meaning. -- Sura 13:16

As such, accepting the Ahmadiyya interpretation, the contradiction If all things are created by Allah, the One, then nothing is created by
would be resolved. But it remains a contradiction in the classical and anyone else, and so, none else can legitimately be called a creator.
orthodox understanding of the Qur'an.
Do all the above use the same word for "creator" and "creators"?

The various translators deal with this issue differently ...


How many creators are there?

Then fashioned We the drop a clot, then fashioned We the clot a little
lump, then fashioned We the little lump bones, then clothed the bones Comment to the above by MaSeeHi:
with flesh, and then produced it as another creation. So blessed be Allah,
the Best of creators! To tell you the truth, I see no contradiction in it (Arabically
-- Sura 23:14 Speaking). In a way it's like saying "Allahu Akbar = God is
greater".
Will ye cry unto Baal and forsake the Best of creators, ... ?
-- Sura 37:125 Two others points:-

How can it be that Allah is the best of creators (plural)? What other According to Tafseer Al-Qurtubi, it is used like this because
creators are in view when the Qur'an makes these statements? Jesus created too (remember the Quranic story where the young
Jesus created a bird, which is similar to the apocrypha).
After all, we find it stated very clearly that there is only one creator
(2:54, 6:102, 12:101, 13:16, 14:10, 15:86, 35:1, 35:3, 36:81, 39:46, And another point in the Tafseer, creation can be linked to man in
39:62, 40:62, 42:11, 56:59, 59:24), in particular: the sense of making. Like I created this email message.

Allah is Creator of all things, and He is Guardian over all things. In other words, I think that it's a weak contradiction.
-- Sura 39:62
However, even though not a fatal contradiction, given the strong
Such is Allah, your Lord, the Creator of all things, There is no God emphasis on the oneness of God, it is still an oddity of expression, some
save Him. How then are ye perverted? kind of inconsistency in the message. There is often the claim that
-- Sura 40:62 everything fits together in the Qur'an perfectly. Here is not a
contradiction, but a discrepancy nevertheless. Furthermore, al-Qurtubi's
315 316
explanation serves to strengthen the recognition of the unique position And nothing prevented men from believing when the guidance came to
Jesus is given in the Qur'an. them, except that they said: "Has Allah sent a man as (His) Messenger?"
Say: "If there were on the earth, angels walking about in peace and
security, We should certainly have sent down for them from the heaven
an angel as a Messenger." S. 17:94-95
Quran Contradiction
The two Jalals had this to say of Q. 17:95:
A Messenger From Among the Beasts?
Say, to them, 'Had there been in the earth, instead of humans, angels,
Sam Shamoun walking [and living] secure, We would have sent down to them from the
heaven an angel as Messenger', for when a messenger is sent to a
The Quran expressly proclaims that all of Allah’s messengers and people he is [always] of their kind, so that they are able to speak to him
prophets were humans: and understand from him [his message]. (Tafsir al-Jalalayn; source; bold
and underline emphasis ours)
And We sent not before you (as Messengers) ANY BUT MEN, whom
We inspired from among the people of townships. Have they not The following commentary attributed to Ibn Abbas stated regarding this
travelled through the earth and seen what was the end of those who were same text that:
before them? And verily, the home of the Hereafter is the best for those
who fear Allah and obey Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, (Say) O Muhammad, to the people of Mecca: (If there were in the earth
and by performing righteous good deeds). Do you not then understand? angels walking secure, We had sent down for them from heaven an angel
S. 12:109 as messenger) for we send angel messengers only to angels and human
messengers to humans. (Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn ‘Abbâs;
And We sent not before you (O Muhammad SAW) BUT MEN to whom source; bold and underline emphasis ours)
We inspired, so ask the people of the Reminder [Scriptures - the Taurat
(Torah), the Injeel (Gospel)] if you do not know. And We did not create Hence, the Quranic logic goes something like this: Allah sends humans
them (the Messengers, with) bodies that ate not food, nor were they as his messengers because he is communicating his divine message to
immortals, S. 21:7-8 human beings. If Allah were revealing the Quran to some other creatures
then Allah would raise a messenger from their species so as to be able to
And We never sent before you (O Muhammad SAW) any of the communicate to them on their level. Thus, if Allah were speaking to
Messengers but verily, they ate food and walked in the markets. And We angels he would send an angel, if he were speaking to beasts he would
have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience? And raise up a beast etc.
your Lord is Ever All-Seer (of everything). And those who expect not for
a Meeting with Us (i.e. those who deny the Day of Resurrection and the The Quran also says that Muhammad is the last prophet:
life of the Hereafter), say: "Why are not the angels sent down to us, or
why do we not see our Lord?" Indeed they think too highly of Muhammad (SAW) is not the father of any man among you, but he is the
themselves, and are scornful with great pride. S. 25:20-21 Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever
All Aware of everything. S. 33:40
The Quran provides the reason why Allah sent only men:
Here is a summary of the points raised by the foregoing texts:
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 All of Allah’s messengers were human beings. By sending forth a beast to warn human beings Allah has provided an
 The reason why they were human beings is because Allah argument for the unbelievers against Muhammad. After all, the Quran
directed his communications to humanity. records the unbelievers inquiring as to why didn’t Allah send an angel to
 The Quran states in Q. 17:94-95 that Allah’s policy is to raise communicate with them in order to convince them of Muhammad’s
messengers from among the very species he is addressing, i.e. if apostleship, with the response being that Allah would have done so if
they are angels he will raise up a fellow angel, if the intended they were angels. Yet Allah has no problem sending an animal to
audience is animals he will then send an animal etc. communicate to human beings, so why should there be a problem with
 This basically means that Allah will not send a messenger to sending an angel to speak to them? If one species can communicate to a
humanity who is not a fellow human being. different kind of species then why can’t angels speak to human beings,
 Muhammad is the last of Allah’s prophets which Muslims take to especially when the Quran says that angels have spoken with humans
mean that Allah will not send forth anymore prophets and before?
messengers.
They followed what the Shayatin (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic)
Yet Allah fails to maintain his own stated policy since the Quran claims in the lifetime of Sulaiman (Solomon). Sulaiman did not disbelieve, but
that he will send forth a beast, an animal, to speak to humanity! the Shayatin (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things
that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Harut and Marut, but
And when the Word (of torment) is fulfilled against them, We shall neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had
bring out from the earth a beast to them, which will speak to them said, "We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic
because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Ayât (Verses of the from us)." And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause
Qur'ân and Prophet Muhammad SAW). S. 27:82 separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm
anyone except by Allah's Leave. And they learn that which harms them
Here is what the two Jalals stated: and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic)
would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for
And when the word [of judgement] falls upon them, [when] they deserve which they sold their ownselves, if they but knew. S. 2:102
that chastisement befalls them as well as all [other] disbelievers, We
shall bring forth for them a beast from the earth which shall speak to Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in Al-
them [saying], that is, which shall speak IN ARABIC to those who Mihrab (a praying place or a private room), (saying): "Allah gives you
are alive at the time when it appears, among its other statements, it glad tidings of Yahya (John), confirming (believing in) the Word from
will say to them on Our behalf: 'Indeed mankind (read tukallimuhum Allah [i.e. the creation of 'Iesa (Jesus), the Word from Allah ("Be!" - and
inna'l-nasa; a variant has tukallimuhum bi-anna'l-nasa, 'to tell them that he was!)], noble, keeping away from sexual relations with women, a
mankind') had no faith in Our signs', in other words, they did not believe Prophet, from among the righteous." … And (remember) when the
in the Qur'an and what it comprises [of the mention] of resurrection, angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified
reckoning and requital. With its [the beast's] appearance the enjoining of you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women
decency and forbidding of indecency will cease, and thereafter no of the 'Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of her lifetime)."… (Remember)
disbeliever will believe - just as God revealed to Noah [when He said to when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the
him]: None of your people will believe except he who has already glad tidings of a Word ["Be!" - and he was! i.e. 'Iesa (Jesus) the son of
believed [Q. 11:36]. (Tafsir al-Jalalayn; source; bold and capital Maryam (Mary)] from Him, his name will be the Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus),
emphasis ours) the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the

319 320
Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah." S. 3:39, 42, The unbelievers say, 'Why has a sign not been sent down upon him from
45 his Lord?' Thou art ONLY a warner (innama anta munthirun), and a
guide to every people. S. 13:7 Arberry
Moreover, if a beast will come forth to warn human beings about their
disbelief then this essentially rules out Muhammad as the last prophet And they say: "Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord? Say:
and messenger. After all, this beast is acting as Allah’s messenger, his "The signs are only with Allah (qul innama al-ayatu AAinda Allahi),
agent of revelation to mankind. and I am ONLY a plain warner (wa-innama ana natheerun
mubeenun)." S. 29:50 Hilali-Khan
Finally, Muhammad is also believed to be a messenger to the jinn and
supposedly converted a group of them who had heard his message (cf. Q. They ask: When will this promise be (fulfilled)? - If ye are telling the
46:29-32; 72:1-14). Thus, Muhammad himself violated this policy of truth. Say: "As to the knowledge of the time, it is with God alone (Qul
human messengers being sent only to humans! innama alAAilmu AAinda Allahi): I am (sent) ONLY to warn plainly in
public (wa-innama ana natheerun mubeenun)." S. 67:25-26 Y. Ali
All citations taken from the Hilali-Khan version of the Quran.
These passages are rather emphatic that Allah does not enable a warner
Further Reading to do signs and wonders, nor does he grant a warner the knowledge of
the hour of judgement. This is due to the Arabic word innama which is a
http://answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/jinn_messengers.html particle that negates whatever is stated in the immediate context, which
http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/talking_beast.htm in these specific verses negates the possibility of warners being able to
http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/last_prophet.htm perform wonders or of knowing the end time.
http://answering-islam.org/Quran/Incoherence/last_messenger.html
To help illustrate the point regarding the implication that the particle has
on the meaning of these verses note how it is used in the following texts:
Quran Inconsistency
This is a clear message for mankind in order that they may be warned
Did the Messengers Perform Miracles? thereby, and that they may know that He is ONLY One God (annama
huwa ilahun wahidun), and that men of understanding may take heed. S.
Sam Shamoun 14:52 Pickthall

The Quran, in more than one place, expressly denies that a warner is Allah hath said: Choose not two gods. There is ONLY One God (innama
capable of performing miracles: huwa ilahun wahidun). So of Me, Me only, be in awe. S. 16:51 Pickthall

Then, it may be that you will give up part of what is revealed to you and Is there any Muslim who would deny that innama is completely negating
your breast will become straightened by it because they say: Why has not the idea of there being any other god besides Allah?
a treasure been sent down upon him or an angel come with him? You are
ONLY a warner (innama anta natheerun); and Allah is custodian over Moving along, the Quran further says that the apostles of Allah were sent
all things. S. 11:12 Shakir only as agents of good news and as warners, being the means through
which Allah warned the people:

321 322
And We send not the Messengers but (illa) as givers of glad tidings and Your God is only (innama) the One God; there is no god, but (illa) He
as warners (wa munthireena). So whosoever believes and does alone who in His knowledge embraces everything. S. 20:98 Arberry
righteous good deeds, upon such shall come no fear, nor shall they
grieve. S. 6:48 Hilali-Khan Again, which Muslim would deny that in these passages illa negates any
possibility that other gods besides Allah exist?
And We send not the Messengers except (illa) as giver of glad tidings
and warners (wa munthireena). But those who disbelieve, dispute with Here is another example:
false argument, in order to refute the truth thereby. And they treat My
Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and that He is but (illa) a servant whom we have been gracious to, and we have
with which they are warned, as jest and mockery! S. 18:56 Hilali-Khan made him an example for the children of Israel. S. 43:59 Palmer

Recall that the above passages unambiguously deny that warners were Muslims have no problem seeing how illa here refutes any notion of the
capable of performing miracles… that was not part of their job Quran ascribing divinity to Christ.(1)
description, it wasn’t one of the functions which Allah enabled them to
do. And yet here we are told that Allah’s messengers were sent only as Yet if a Muslim is to remain consistent s/he must accept that the use of
warners who also proclaimed glad tidings. illa in the above citations where the apostles are said to be nothing more
than warners and bringers of good news means exactly what it says.
Therefore, since warners were not equipped to perform miracles and
since the apostles were warners this means that the apostles were not Now this introduces a major problem within the Quran since the Muslim
granted the ability to perform supernatural feats and wonders. Notice the scripture recounts many miracles which the apostles performed. One
logic behind this: such messenger is Jesus Christ:

A. Allah’s warners could not perform miracles. We formerly delivered the book [of the law] unto Moses, and caused
B. Allah’s apostles were sent as warners. apostles to succeed him, and gave evident miracles to Jesus the son of
C. Therefore, the apostles could not perform miracles. Mary, and strengthened him with the holy spirit… S. 2:87 Sale

And lest a Muslim object to our understanding of the use of illa in these We have made some of these apostles to excel the others; among them
particular references, note how this very same word is used elsewhere in are they to whom Allah spoke, and some of them He exalted by (many
relation to the unity of Allah: degrees of) rank; and We gave clear miracles to Isa son of Marium, and
strengthened him with the holy spirit… S. 2:253 Shakir
God bears witness that there is no god but (illa) He -- and the angels, and
men possessed of knowledge -- upholding justice; there is no god but He, "And (appoint him) an apostle to the Children of Israel, (with this
the All-mighty, the All-wise. S. 3:18 Arberry message): ‘I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I
make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into
And We sent no messenger before thee but We inspired him, (saying): it, and it becomes a bird by God's leave: And I heal those born blind, and
There is no God save (illa) Me (Allah), so worship Me. S. 21:25 the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by God's leave; and I declare to you
Pickthall what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign
for you if ye did believe;’" S. 3:49 Y. Ali

323 324
Then will God say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favour to prophets/messengers but not to his warners? Or are some simply called
thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, prophets or messengers because Allah gives them that title, and others he
so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. calls warners, even though there is no difference in what they do since all
Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel and of these groups bring a message and warn those who would not believe
behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My it? Is a messenger only a warner by a different name?
leave, and thou breathest into it and it becometh a bird by My leave, and
thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! Perhaps there is a Muslim who can actually clarify this mass confusion
thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the that exists within his/her scripture.
Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the
clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but Further reading:
evident magic.’ And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me
and Mine Apostle: they said, ‘We have faith, and do thou bear witness Was Muhammad the Last Messenger? also discusses the difference
that we bow to God as Muslims.’" S. 5:110-111 Y. Ali between nabi and rasul
The Roles of Muhammad
Therefore, how can the Quran claim that messengers like Jesus could
perform supernatural feats when it expressly says that apostles were
nothing more than warners and that warners could not work miracles? Endnotes

To us, that looks like an obvious contradiction. (1) To see how this passage contradicts other references in the Quran that
do attribute Divine characteristics and functions to Christ we recommend
However, these verses also create another problem. When, according to the following articles:
Q. 6:48 and 18:56, messengers (Arabic: rasul) are sent for no other
purpose than to be givers of glad tidings (bashir) and warners (nadhir), http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/sura3_7.htm
what then is the difference between a warner and a messenger? In other http://answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/jesus_creator.htm
words, what makes a messenger a messenger, or what characteristics http://answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/jesus_unlike_adam.html
does a messenger have that a warner does not have? http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/jesus_most_exalted_q.htm
http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/jesus_most_high_q.htm
It seems that there should be some kind of a difference, because in this http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/titles.html
article we saw how the Quran says that prophets/messengers can http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/uniqueness.html
function in the role of a warner but not the other way around. In other http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/Vol2/5c.html
words, to be a warner doesn’t automatically make a person a prophet or http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/Sharing/11unique.html
messenger since the Quran refers to a few warners who were neither http://answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/Sharing/12son.html
prophets nor messengers.

What is it that makes a prophet/messenger more than a warner according


to the Quran? If the difference is not performing miracles then what is it? MORE CONTRADICTIONS
It cannot be "bringing a message". The warner needs to have a message
too, otherwise, what would be the content of his warning or his good IN THE QUR'AN
news? Is it a "divine scripture", a book, which Allah gives to his
325 326
INTRODUCTION have passed over the drop (nutfah), Allah sends an Angel to it, who
The Quran, with its many ambiguous statements, is an ideal shapes it and make its ears, eyes, skin, flesh and bones. Then he says,
scripture to find contradictions. At the same time, its ambiguity "O Lord, is it male or female?" and your Lord decides what He
provides a good opportunity for Muslims to find some explanation wishes" (Hadith, Muslim, Book 33, No. 6392)
or the other to negate a contradiction. Some of the contradictions
mentioned below might have already appeared on other Web Sites 2. Width of the Garden
with slight variations. There is a clear discrepancy with reference to the width of the Paradise
Though Muslim scholars emphasize on the need to understand the or Garden in the Quran. Verse 3:133 says that it is all the heavens
CONTEXT of every verse to understand its implication better, the (Samawath: plural) and the earth combined. Verse 57:21 says that the
job is easily said than done. The innumerable repetitions and width is the (lower?) heaven (Sama: singular) and the earth combined.
frequent appearance of irrelevant verses make the CONTEXT-
finding task indeed difficult. One would expect a scripture to be
organized in some logical manner to enable people to understand it (3:133) (57:21)
better. Unfortunately the Quran, often projected by Muslims as the ".... a Garden whose width is ".... a Garden (of Bliss), the width
FINAL TESTAMENT from God, fails in this criterion too. that (of the whole) of the whereof is as the width of the heaven
"Better than a thousand verses devoid of meaning is a single heavens and the earth, prepared and the earth, prepared for those
meaningful verse for the righteous," who believe in Allah .... "
which can bring tranquility to the one who hears it"
Dhammapada, 101
3. Who misleads people? Satan or Allah?
According to verse 4:119-120, Satan (the rejected one) is the one who
1. Embryonic Sex Determination
One of the references on human reproduction which Muslims often creates false desires and misleads people. Refer also 15:42. However,
quote from the Quran is verse 53:45-46. This is interpreted as a reference according to verse 16:93, it is God who leaves people astray as He wills!
to the determination of sex at the fertilization stage itself. However, See also 4:78.
elsewhere, the Quran says that the sex of a developing embryo is
determined well after the leech-like clot stage!
(4:119-120)
"I will mislead them, and I (16:93)
(53:45-46) (75:38-39) will create in them false "If Allah so willed, He could make you
desires....." (says Satan) all one people. But He leaves straying
"That He did create the "Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in
pairs - male and female lowly form)? Then did he become a leech- "Satan make them promises whom He pleases and He guides whom
from a sperm-drop* like clot; then did (Allah) make and fashion and creates in them false He pleases ...."
(nutfah) when lodged (in (him) in due proportion. And of him He hopes...." (vouched by Allah)
its place)" made the sexes, male and female" **
4. Attitude towards unbelieving parents
___________ Al-Quran givens contradicting information as to what a believer
* Note the conspicuous absence of ovum required for fertilization. should do when unbelieving parents and brothers insist on worshipping
** This view is further supported by this Hadith: "When 42 nights their gods. Verse 31:15 asks believers to keep company with unbelieving
327 328
parents even if they insist (on following their religion?), but verse 9:23 them (anew)? ...." unto Him! Enter thou, thee among my
asks believers not to take their fathers and brothers as protectors if they (75:3-4) Devotees! Yea, enter thou My Heaven!"
disbelieved! "Does man think that We (31:28)
cannot assemble his "Your creation and your rising (from the
bones? Nay we are able to dead) are only as (the creation and the
(9:23) to put together in perfect rising of) a single soul..." (Pickthall)
(31:15)
"O ye who believe! Take order the very tips of his
"But if they strive (Jahada) to make thee
not protectors your fathers fingers..."
join in worship with Me things of which
and your brothers if they
thou hast no knowledge, obey them not;
love infidelity above faith:
yet bear them company in this life with
If any of you do so, they do In Islam, the bliss in Paradise is not complete without the corporeal
justice (and consideration)..."
wrong" and sense pleasures. Otherwise, how can one drink Zanzabil (76:17), feel
the moderate temperature (76:13), enjoy maidens (55:56) and drink
honey and milk (47:16-17). These are all joys in state for the faithful.
These verses of course appear in different contexts. Apologists can Yousuf Ali (note 6128 for verse 89:27-30) also says that it is the soul
argue that verse 9:23 is applicable only in the context of hostilities and which enters the heaven, and not the gross body which perishes (His
not otherwise. Then we have to define what is hostility. We must not comment is contradictory to what verse 75:3-4 says!). Read verse 31:28
forget that many passages in the Quran reflect an hostile environment of also. It says man's creation or resurrection is in no wise but as an
fluctuating fortunes between believers and unbelievers. Since neither the individual soul*. Pickthall's translation (see box above) is more clear.
Suras nor all the verses within Suras are arranged chronologically, the _____________
contexts of these `revelations' become that much difficult to understand. * Unlike in Vedic scriptures, the Quran does not clearly recognize the
Interestingly, verse 31:15 also seems to appear in the context of SOUL as a distinct entity from the BODY. The soul is often referred as a
`Striving' from the Unbelievers' side. Note the word `Jahada'! source of all inclinations and desires (3:61, 12:53). The Arabic word
`Nafs' has been translated differently by different translators: as SOUL,
5. Which enters the Paradise: Soul or Body or Both? MIND, SPIRIT and even as HEART! The word `Nafs' at times refers to
After resurrection, it is the body (after reuniting with the soul?) the individual (12:53), sometimes to the Soul (6:93, 39:42), and
which enters the Paradise. This has been emphasized throughout the sometimes to God Himself (6:12,54)!. Of particular interest is verse
Book. See verses 13:5, 17:98-99, 20:55, 34:7, 75:3-4. However verses 21:35 which says "Every soul shall have a taste of death.... ". This
27-30 in Sura 89 state that it is the Soul (Nafs)* which enters the verse could mean: (i) that the Soul gets a taste of death after separation
Garden! from the body, as Yousuf Ali interprets or (ii) that the Individual gets a
taste of death as it is generally implied on most occasions (3:61, 51:21).
Those who are of the opinion that `Nafs' in 21:35 only mean the real
Soul would then have to consider this verse as another contradiction to
(17:99) (89:27-30)
verses 39:42 and 89:27-30 which imply that the Soul is taken back by
"See they not that Allah (To the righteous soul will be said) "O
Allah, momentarily during sleep and decisively at death. Does it mean
who created the heavens (tho) soul, in (complete) rest and
that the Soul has no death?
and the earth has the satisfaction! Come back thou to thy Lord -
power to create the like of well pleased (thyself), and well-pleasing

329 330
6. God needs man or man needs God? Can anyone understand what God says here? The fact that both Good
A very clear contradiction exists between verses 51:56 and 35:15. and Evil are from Allah or only Good is from Allah?
While the former verse says that God created Jinns and mankind for His
own reasons (read also 67:2), the latter one says it is man who is in need 8. Who has to be blamed for BELIEF AND DISBELIEF ?
of God! Read also 51:57.

(6:12) (10:100)
(51:56) "It is they who have lost their own "No soul can believe except by
"I have only created Jinns and souls, that they will not believe" the will of Allah"
men, that they may serve me" 35:15
* "O mankind! It is you that have need
(67:2) of God: but God is the One Free of all No explanation required for this contradiction!
"He who created Death and wants, worthy of all praise"
Life, that He may try which of 9. Who has to be blamed for the wrongs done?
you is the best in deed" From verses 35:8, 16:93, 74:31, 2:142, we learn that it is Allah who
has to be blamed for all the misguidance. While other verses hold man
himself responsible for the wrongs done (30:9, 4:79).
_____________
* Of interest in this regard is the popular (but probably fabricated)
Hadith: "I was a secret treasure, and I created the creatures in order (35:8)
that I might be known" (*, *) (30:9)
"Allah leaves stray whom He
"It was not Allah who wronged them,
wills and guides whom He
7. EVIL AND GOOD: Where do they come from? but they wronged their own souls"
wills"
While one verse says that both Evil and Good issue from Allah, the
very next verse says only Good comes from Allah!
10. UNBELIEVERS: To be persecuted or forgiven?
Verses 23:117 and 98:6 say that unbelievers will not prosper and are
(4:78) (4:79) the worst of creatures!. Verse 9:29 also asks believers to fight those who
".... If some good befalls them, they say "Whatever good, (O man!) do not believe in Allah, the Last Day, His rules and His religion of truth.
"This is from Allah". But if evil, they happens to thee, is from Allah. But verse 45:14 says otherwise. Read also 16:128.
say "This is from thee" (O prophet). But whatever evil happens to
Say: "All things are from Allah....."* thee, is from thyself"
(9:29) (45:14)
"Fight those who believe not in "Tell those who believe, to forgive
________________
Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold those who do not hope for the
* Interestingly, the remainder of this verse goes like this: "But what
that forbidden which has been Days of Allah; It is for Him to
has come to these people. That they fail to understand a single fact?" forbidden by Allah and His recompense (for good or evil)
331 332
Messenger, nor acknowledge the each people according to what we recommend the directives in verse 8:38-39 as the standard method to
religion of Truth ....." they have earned" be followed by all Muslims? Or is the latter verse given during the
context of war? To me, these verses reflect the changing moods of the
prophet in response to the public reaction he received. We see a content
Apologists can argue that verse 9:29 was revealed in the context of
& tolerant messenger in verse 3:20 and a contempt and aggressive
war and 45:14 perhaps towards the end of hostilities. The fact is that the
messenger in verse 8:38-39!
Quran does not specify what verses are applicable in the context of war
and what is to be followed during other occasions. And also what rulings
I am yet to see a scripture without any apparent internal/external
were for the past, what are for the present and what are for the future!
contradiction in it. In general, the bigger the size of the Book, greater the
God has unfortunately left everything to our discretion. Ironically,
number of contradictions. Particularly when the texts are a compilation
Apologists claim that the Quran contains solutions for the problems of
of `revelations' attributed to many seers or prophets. We are living in a
the Past, Present and Future. There is little doubt that their claims is
pluralistic environment and our effort must to understand the sublime
more emotional than factual.
teachings of all religious texts. Those who sincerely wish to investigate
the Truth should do it without any bias and prejudice. Emotion should
11. God's advice to Muhammed on propagating Islam not take an upper hand at the expense of common sense!
We have seen apologists quoting verses from the Quran in support of "Those who take error for truth, and the truth for error, will never
their claim that the Quran does not recommend forceful conversions. The attain the supreme goal,
verse they often quote is 2:256 which says "There is no compulsion in for they are led astray by vain desires and false views"
religion". There are also many verses in the Quran which suggest Dhammapada, 11.
otherwise and these have already appeared on web pages. Here we see
two contradicting directives from God on conveying Allah's religion to Note: Readers should not get carried away by the fact that I have quoted
the people: verses from Buddhist scripture Dhammapada. I don't mind quoting
verses from any scripture as long as they meet these two criteria: (i) If its
message is sensible and is of great value to the present and (ii) if it does
(3:20) not contradict another verse of the same Book.
(8:38-39)
"So if they dispute thee, say: "I
"Say to the Unbelievers, if (now)
have permitted my whole self to Presented by Dr. N.V.K. Ashraf
they desist (from disbelief), their
Allah and so have those who
past would be forgiven; but if they
follow me"..... "Do you (also) Email to the author will be forwarded through this address.
persist, the punishment of those
submit yourselves? If they do,
before them is already (a matter of
they are in right guidance. But if
warning to them). And fight them
they turn back, thy duty is to
on until there is no more
convey the message. And in An Examination of
persecution and the religion
Allah's sight are (all) His
becomes Allah's in its entirety... "
servants" The Parallel Passages of the Quranic Text:

CONCILIATION OR CONFLICT?
Is verse 8:38-39 an abrogation of verse 3:20? If that is the case, can
Sam Shamoun
333 334
A common allegation presented by Muslim apologists seeking to family, "Tarry ye: I information, Or I will family, he perceived
discredit the New Testament documents is the fact that one often finds in perceive a fire; Bring you A burning A fire in the direction
the Gospel accounts stories of Jesus told in a slightly different manner. perhaps I can Bring brand to light our fuel of Mount Tur. He
When reading the NT records, one will find that the writers often modify you some burning That ye may Warm said To his family:
and summarize Jesus' words in relation to the audience they are writing. brand Therefrom, or yourselves." But when "Tarry ye; I perceive
This being the case Muslims assert that the Gospels are unreliable and find some guidance At he came To the (Fire), a a fire; I hope To
should be discarded. the fire." But when he voice Was heard: bring you from there
came to the fire, a "Blessed are those In the Some information, or
This assertion presumes that accurate writing requires comprehensive voice Was heard: "O Fire and those around: a burning Firebrand
and complete detail in regard to an event being reported. In other words, Moses! "Verily I am And Glory to God, The that ye may warm
a writer is obligated to leave nothing out of his narrative when describing thy Lord! Therefore Lord of the Worlds. "O yourselves." But
an event, even irrelevant material. (in My presence) Put Moses! Verily I am God, when he came To the
off thy shoes: thou art the Exalted In Might, (Fire), a voice was
Such an understanding on how narratives should be written leaves two In the sacred valley the wise!... "Now do heard from the right
problems for Muslims. Firstly, no historian comprehensively records Tuwa. "I have chosen throw thy rod!" But back Of the valley,
every minute detail but will often summarize and modify his account in thee: Listen, then, to when he saw it Moving from a tree In
order to bring out that material which is relevant to his intended the inspiration (Sent (of its own accord) As if hallowed ground: "O
audience. Hence, the gospel writers accurately record Jesus' words in to thee). "Verily, I am it had been a snake, He Moses! Verily I am
summarized format. God: There is no god turned back in Retreat, God, the Lord of the
but I: So serve thou And retraced not his Worlds ... Now do
Secondly, this criteria if true would serve to discredit the Quran. The Me (only), And steps: "O Moses!" (it thou throw thy rod!
Quran often reports the same events with variant wording. Hence, if the establish regular was said), "Fear not: But when he saw it
Muslim assumption would be enforced, we would also have to reject the prayer For celebrating truly, in My presence, Moving (of its own
Quran. My praise. Verily the Those called as apostles accord) As if it had
hour is coming- My Have no fear,- But if been a snake, He
In the following examples, citations will be given and highlighted by design is to keep it Any have done wrong turned back in retreat
italics for the sake of comparison. This will help demonstrate that the Hidden- for every soul And have thereafter and retraced not his
Quran contains parallel accounts that contain conflicting wording and To its reward By the substituted Good to take steps: "O Moses!" (It
details. measure of its the place of the evil, was said), "Draw
endeavor. Therefore Truly, I am Oft- near, and fear not;
let not such as Believe Forgiving, Most For thou art of those
not therein But follow Merciful. "Now put thy Who are secure.
MOSES AND THE BURNING BUSH their own Lusts, divert hand into Thy bosom, "Move thy hand into
thee therefrom, Lest and it will Come forth thy bosom, and it will
Has the story of Behold! Moses said to Now when Moses thou perish!" "And white without stain (Or Come forth to thy
Moses Reached Thee? his family "I perceive A had fulfilled The what is that in thy harm): (These are) side (To guard)
Behold he saw a fire: fire; soon will I bring term, and was right hand, O Moses?" among The nine Signs against fear. Those
So he said to his you From there some traveling With his He said, "It is My rod: (thou wilt take) To are the two

335 336
on it I lean; with it I Pharaoh and his people: credentials From thy an enemy to him': But I cast (the apostles... And she said to the sister
beat down fodder For For they are A people Lord to Pharaoh And garment Of) love over thee from Of (Moses), "Follow him". So she
my flocks; and In it I Rebellious in his Chiefs: for truly Me: And (this) in order that Thou (the sister) Watched him In the
find Have Other uses." transgression." But They are a people mayest be reared Under Mine eye. character of a stranger. And they
(God) said, "Throw it, when Our Signs came Rebellious and Behold thy sister goeth forth And knew not. And We ordained that he
O Moses!" He threw To them, that should wicked." [S. 28:29- saith, `Shall I show you One who Refused suck at first, until (His
it, and behold it was a opened their eyes, they 33] will nurse And rear the (child)?' So sister came up and) said: "Shall I
snake Active in said: "This is Sorcery We brought thee back To thy Point out to you the people Of a
motion. (God) said manifest!" And they mother, that her eye Might be house that will nourish And bring
"Seize it And fear not: rejected those Signs In cooled and she Should not grieve. him up For you And be sincerely
We shall return it at iniquity and arrogance, Then thou didst slay A man, but attached To him?... Thus did We
once To its former Though their Souls were We saved thee From trouble, and restore him To his mother, that Her
condition... Now draw convinced Thereof: so We tried Thee in various ways. eye might be comforted, that she
thy hand Close to thy see what was The end of Then didst thou tarry a number of might not grieve, and that She
side: It shall come those Who acted years With the people of Midian. might know the promise of God is
forth white (And corruptly. [S. 27:7-14] Then didst thou come hither As true: but Most of them do not
shining), without ordained, O Moses!" [S. 20:38-40] understand. [S. 28:7,11-13]
harm (or stain),- As a
another Sign,- In
order that we may
show thee (Two) of ISRAEL AND OBEDIENCE
our Greater Signs. Go
thou to Pharaoh For And remember We said: "Enter And remember it was said to them:
he has indeed this town, and eat of the plenty "Dwell in this town And eat therein
Transgressed all therein As ye wish; but enter The as you wish, But say The word of
bounds." [S. 20:9-24] gate with humility, In posture and humility and enter the gate In a
in words, And We shall forgive you posture of humility: We shall
your faults And increase (the forgive you Your faults; We shall
portion of) Those who do good." increase (The portion of) those
MOSES' CHILDHOOD But the transgressors Changed the Who do good." But the
word from that Which had been transgressors among them Changed
"Behold! We sent To thy mother, "So we sent this inspiration To the given them; So we sent on the the word from that Which had
by inspiration, The Message: mother of Moses: `Suckle (thy transgressors A plague from Been given them So we sent on
`Throw (the child) Into the chest, child), but when Thou hast Fears heaven, for that they infringed them a plague from heaven For that
and throw (The chest) into the about him, Cast him into the river, (Our command) repeatedly. [S. they repeatedly transgressed. [S.
river: The river will cast him Up But Fear not nor grieve: For We 2:58-59] 7:161-162]
the bank, and he will be taken up shall restore him To Thee, and We
by one Who is an enemy to Me And shall make Him one of Our Of particular interest is A. Yusef Ali's footnote:
337 338
These verses, 58-59, may be compared to vii. 161-162. There are two know for certain, Which of us can and I Will cause you all To die On
verbal differences. Here (ii. 58) we have "enter the town" and in vii. 161 give The more severe and the more the cross!" They said: "No matter!
we have "dwell in the town." Again in ii. 59 here we have "infringed Lasting punishment." They said, For us, we shall but return to our
(Our command)," and in vii. 162, we have "transgressed." The verbal "Never shall we Regard thee as Lord! Only, our desire is That our
differences make no difference to the sense. (Ali, The Holy Quran- more than The Clear Signs that Lord will forgive us our faults,
Translation and Commentary, p. 31, f. 72) have Come to us, or than Him who That We may become Foremost
created us! So decree whatever among the Believers!" [S. 26:41-
thou Desirest to decree: for thou 52 (Cf. 7:111-126)]
Canst only decree (touching) The
MOSES AND THE SORCERERS life of this world. For us, we have
believed In our Lord: may He
They said: "O Moses! Whether wilt So when the sorcerers arrived, Forgive us our faults, And the
thou That thou throw (first) Or that They said to Pharaoh: "Of course- magic to which Thou didst compel
we be the first to throw?" He said, shall we have a suitable reward if us: For God is Best And Most
"Nay, throw ye First!" Then behold we win?" He said: "Yea, (and Abiding." [S. 20:65-73]
Their ropes and their rods- So it more),- For ye shall in that case Be
seemed to him on account of their (raised in posts) Nearest (to my
magic- Began to be in lively person)." Moses said to them,
motion! So Moses conceived In his "Throw ye- which ye are about to One Muslim scholar commented on the phenomena of verbal variations
mind A (sort of ) fear. We said: throw!" So They threw their ropes of the same stories within the Quran:
"Fear not! For thou hast indeed The And their rods, and said: "By the
upper hand: Throw that which is In might of Pharaoh It is we who will "Among the mutashabih (things which resemble one another)
thy right hand: Quickly will it Certainly win!" Then Moses threw verses are those which tell the story of Moses in many places of
swallow up That which they have his rod, When, behold, it the Qur'an, and those, like them, which employ different words to
faked What they have faked Is but a straightway swallows up all The express similar meanings. Some examples of these are: 'Let into
magician's trick: And the magician falsehoods which they fake! Then it' and 'Carry in it [the Ark]', (Q. 23:27 and 11:40); 'Slip in
thrives not (No matter) where he did the Sorcerers fall down, your hand' and 'Enter your hand [O Moses into your bosom]',
goes. So the magicians were prostration in adoration, Saying: (Q. 28:32 and 27:12); and 'He [Moses] cast down his staff and,
Thrown down in prostration: They "We believe in the Lord of the behold, it became a snake slithering' and 'He cast it down and,
said, "We believe In the Lord of Worlds, The Lord of Moses and behold, it became an unmistakable serpent', (Q. 20:20 and
Aaron and Moses." (Pharaoh) said: Aaron." Said Pharaoh: "Believe ye 7:107). Ibn Zayd then comments, 'All this is in order to show
"Believe ye In Him before I give In Him before I give You God's judgment between the prophets and their peoples.' Ibn
You permission? Surely This must permission? Surely he is your Zayd goes on, 'Anyone whom God wishes to test and cause to
be your leader, Who has taught you leader who has Taught you fall into error would say, "Why is this not like that, and why
magic! Be sure I will cut off Your sorcery! But soon shall ye know!" is that like this!"' (Tabari, VI, pp. 177-179)" (Mahmoud M.
hands and feet On opposite sides, Ayoub, The Qur'an and Its Interpreters, Vol. II - The House of
and I Will have you crucified On "Be sure I will cut off Your hands Imran [State University of New York Press, Albany; 1992], p.
trunks of palm-trees: So shall ye and your feet On opposite sides, 23; bold emphasis ours)

339 340
Hence, Muslim themselves have discovered and stumbled on the fact Signs; So relate the story; Perchance they may reflect. [S. 7:175-
that the same Quranic stories contain verbal variations. 177]

These few examples should sufficiently demonstrate to the reader that For the worst of beasts in the sight of God are the deaf and the
the Quran, along with the Bible, contain accounts that although parallel, dumb, - those who understand not. [S. 8:22]
are slightly modified in wording and detail. Other examples include S.
11:77-83 with 15:61-75 and 29:32-34, as well as 26:160-175 with 27:54- For the worst of beasts in the sight of God are those who reject
58 and 29:28-30. Him: They will not believe. [S. 8:55]

The similitude of those Who were charged With the (obligations


of the) Mosaic Law, But who subsequently failed in those
QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE? (obligations) is That of an ASS which carries huge tomes (But
understands them not). Evil is the similitude of the people who
Another attack on Scripture relates to the biblical usage of "dogs" and falsify The Signs of God: And God guides not people who do
"swine" in describing unbelievers and Gentiles (Cf. Matthew 7:6, 15:26; wrong. [S. 62:5]
Philippians 3:2). Muslims claim that it is offensive to insinuate that
prophets would actually use such descriptions in describing human In light of these passages, will a Muslim now assume that God sinned
beings. Hence, to ascribe such terminology to prophets is to accuse them (God forbid!) by using such metaphorical expressions to describe
of sin. evildoers? If not, then to attack the Bible for using such metaphors is
unwarranted.
It is obvious to anyone reading the Bible that such terms are used
metaphorically to show how depraved and corrupt man can be, and is, In concluding this paper we must state that there are no good objections
without the grace of God. Without the guidance of God, man is totally against the Bible which a Muslim can bring up. The reason being that
corrupt, doing things that even animals would not do. every argument presented against the Bible can also be used against the
Quran. Instead of attacking the Bible, it is our hope that Muslims will
Furthermore, the Quran itself uses such metaphors to describe evildoers: read it with an open heart and discover the glorious riches contained
within it.
Say: "Shall I point out To you something much worse Than this,
(as judged) By the treatment it received From God? Those who AMEN
incurred the curse of God And His wrath, those of whom some He
transformed into apes and swine..." [S. 5:60] All Quranic references taken from A. Yusuf Ali's translation

Relate to them the story Of the man to whom We sent Our Signs,
But he passed them by: So Satan followed him up and he went Qur'an Difficulty:
astray. If it had been Our Will, We should have elevated him
With Our Signs; but he Inclined to the earth, And followed his Ants Cannot Talk
own vain desires. His similitude is that of a dog; if you attack
Him, he lolls out his tongue, or if you leave him alone, He (still)
lolls out his tongue. That is the similitude of those who reject Our
341 342
At length, when they came to a valley of ants, one of the ants said: "O worker ant through time. ... stridulation in ants produces a
ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you monotonous series of chirps with limited meaning. [p. 257]
(under foot) without knowing it."
The signaling pattern is independent of the triggering stimulus.
So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order That is, the ants do not modify the drumming to identify the
me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which Thou has bestowed on category of danger to the nest. [p. 256]
me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will
please Thee: And admit me, by They Grace to the ranks of Thy All the above is taken from:
Righteous Servants."
-- Sura An-Naml [The Ant] (27):18-19 Bert Hölldobler and Edward O. Wilson
The Ants
But then there are these Amazing Facts About Ants that in contradiction Cambridge, Mass., Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1990. xii,
to the Qur'an, ants do communicate using smells, not modulation of 732 p.,
sounds. Solomon could not have heard any talk since ants do not produce ISBN 0674040759, Library Call Number: QL568 .F7 H57 1990
any.
Chapter 7, pages 227-297 speak about communication. Page 228 gives a
Additionally, to imagine that ants communicate such sophisticated table of different signals in communication between ants. Of the 17
information as the Qur'an claims seems rather to belong into the land of "messages" listed 14 are chemical, 2 are tactile, 1 is "chemical or tactile".
fairy tales than science (e.g. an ant being able to distinguish between In all the intensive studies of ants, "speech" (modulated sound of
Solomon and a soldier). complex meaning) has never been observed.

Even though basically all communication between ants is through When a live ant is marked with the chemical [one that develops in dead
chemical signals, there are, however, a few subspecies of ants which do ants], i.e. sending the message that this ant is dead, the struggling ant is
use some sound communication. But of what kind and complexity is it? nevertheless taken by the others and carried out to the rubbish dump.
Chemicals take the precedence over anything else. Surely no intelligent
The use of vibrational signals is weakly developed in ants in speech communication as claimed in this Qur'an passage. Action is blind
comparison with communication by pheromones. ... Two forms reaction to the chemical message [pheromones]. (See From Gaia to
of sound production have been identified., body rapping against selfish genes : selected writings in the life sciences, edited by Connie
the substratum and stridulation, the latter employing files and Barlow, Cambridge, Mass., MIT Press, 1991, 273 p, the chapter "From
scrapers clearly evolved for a communicative purpose. ... [p. 255] ants to anthropology" by E. O. Wilson, page 153-154.)

It has long been known, thanks to the experiments of ... that ants A recommendation I got: The great Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson
are nearly deaf to airborne vibrations but extremely sensitive to has spent his life studying the captivating ants. See your local bookstore
vibrations carried through the substratum ... [p. 257] for his several works available on his studies of ants. If you live near a
Barnes and Noble bookstore, they stock his books.
No evidence exists to rank the chirps of stidulation as anything
more than simple unitary signals. In other words, ants do not
"talk" by modulating sound through time. ... sounds ... do not
appear to vary within species or within the repertory of one
343 344
This verse is the only one in the Qur'an talking about ants and the As a poetic way of expression this is acceptable, even though there are,
information it conveys is wrong. The Qur'an only shows an scientifically speaking, no discernable stages in the universe that would
understanding on the common level of other fables known from the same allow us to differentiate between those various heavens.
time in history.
However, the Qur'an specifically assigns the stars to a lower or even the
Last edited: January 16, 1997 lowest heaven, while it states the relationship of the moon to the totality
of the seven heavens is that it is "in them" (fehinna). This gives the
impression that the moon is at least as far away as the stars if not further.

The Location of the Moon and the Stars But everyone knows today that the stars are much much further away
from the earth than the moon. This is not a small difference, it is an issue
In the Qur'an we find the following statements about the moon and the of several magnitudes. The average distance from the earth to the moon
stars: is 384,400 km, while Proxima Centauri, the closest star to us outside of
the solar system, is already about 4.3 light years = 40,682,300,000,000
He Who created the seven heavens, one above the other ... km (40 trillion kilometers) away, or expressed differently, we need to
And We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps ... (67:3,5) multiply the distance of the moon by more than 100 million to reach
even the nearest of all the stars.
And He completed them seven heavens in two days
and inspired in each heaven its command; Had the Qur'an formulated "and the moon in the middle of them" then
and We adorned the lower heaven with lamps, this would have been unambiguously wrong. The formulation "in them"
and rendered it guarded... (41:12) is vague enough to still allow the possibility of the moon to be in the
lowest heaven as well. The wording of the Qur'an is certainly less than
We have indeed adorned the lower heaven with the beauty of the stars. scientific in this instance and suggesting wrong notions even though it is
(37:6) sufficiently vague to not make it a clear error. It does, however, throw
substantial doubt on the claim that God made the Qur'an scientifically as
Do you not see how God has created the seven heavens a proof of its divine origin.
one above the other,
and made the moon a light in their midst, Though it seems quite strenuous, one could say that maybe all the stars
and made the sun as a lamp? (71:15-16) are in the lowest of the seven heavens (as the Qur'an does) and the moon
is on the lowest part of the lowest heaven (which the Qur'an neither says
The above is Yusuf Ali's translation. Pickthall renders Sura 71:16 as nor implies). The Qur'anic expression relates the location of the moon to
the plurality of the heavens and says that the moon is "in them". It does
And hath made the moon a light therein, and made the sun a lamp? not say it is exactly in the middle, but it does say somewhere "inside"
when we look how this word is used elsewhere.
The Qur'an seems to teach that there are seven heavens, one above the
other, whether it was imagined to be like storeys in a high building (flat There are a good number of other verses where the Qur'an uses the exact
layers) or like shells or the layers of an onion. same Arabic word "Fihinna" as in the verse we are talking about. In the
verses 9:36 and 2:197 it is used in the phrase "the holy months, IN

345 346
THEM do not ...", i.e. with the meaning of "during this time". It is used in confusion and corruption! Nay, We have sent them their
speaking of a temporal "inside". admonition, but they turn away from their admonition.

In the following a list of verses where this word is used for location: Again, IN THEM, means 'inside' those living in the earth or in the
heavens.
55:56
(about the gardens of Paradise) Finally the verse 71:16 that is in question:
IN THEM will be (Maidens), chaste, restraining their glances, ...
55:70 Pickthall: And hath made the moon a light therein, and made the sun a
IN THEM will be fair (Companions), good, beautiful;- lamp?

This is clearly stating that these beautiful women are inside these Yusuf Ali: And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun
gardens, and more or less in the middle or distributed, but not that they as a (Glorious) Lamp?
are all huddling on the boundaries of it. This will be imporant below.
Clearly "in their midst" is a valid translation and there is no need to
5:120 understand this as "exactly in the middle heaven" but it is "inside". What
"Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me does "in" refer to? It is THEM, i.e. the seven heavens, since that is what
to say, to wit, 'worship God, my Lord and your Lord'; and I was a the Qur'an talks about in the verse before it.
witness over them whilst I dwelt AMONGST THEM; when Thou
didst take me up Thou wast the Watcher over them, and Thou art Do you not see how God has created the seven heavens
a witness to all things. one above the other,
and made the moon a light in their midst,
Again, this is about Jesus, and the whole point is that he lived AMONG and made the sun as a lamp? (71:15-16)
THEM, not a life at an obscure point at the periphery, not he was in their
midst and they have no excuse that they did not hear his message No indication that the moon is on the boundary of these heavens, or even
because they didn't know about it. at the lower boundary of the lowest one of the seven. The natural reading
is still "somewhere inside". And clearly, Yusuf Ali thought that was the
17:44 natural reading.
The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings THEREIN,
declare His glory: there is not a thing but celebrates His praise; In distinction to this, we have the very clear statement that the stars are
And yet ye understand not how they declare His glory! Verily He "on the boundary" of the seven heavens since they are in the LOWEST
is Oft-Forbear, Most Forgiving! heaven as Sura 67:5 says.

Again, the totality is meant, not just the beings at the periphery. As such, maybe one cannot say that the moon is further away than the
stars, but given that the stars are in the lowest and the moon is inside the
23:71 heavens, the moon is at least as far away as the nearest stars and that is
If the Truth had been in accord with their desires, truly the scientifically problematic. If it is not outright wrong what the Qur'an says
heavens and the earth, and all beings THERIN would have been due to the vagueness of expression, it does nevertheless give a wrong
impression.
347 348
Furthermore: Yusuf Ali in his commentary reports that Zul-qarnain is
thought to be Alexander the Great. And so does the "Concise Dictionary
Originally this was a very short page which I now extended due to some of Islam." Looking at verses 98-101, this would make Alexander the
misunderstandings that arose about my formulations as evidenced in this Great a Muslim -- 1000 years before Muhammad. Yet that is for sure not
Muslim response. I am grateful to Mohamed Ghounem to have pointed true. The history does not relate that Alexander the Great had any other
this out to me. religion than the pagan Greeks he came from and ruled over. This is
historically blatantly false.

Qur'an & Science Problem: Many more details about this historical issue are available in the articles
on Zul-Qarnain, his gate, and the place of sunset.
The place of Sun rise and Sun set

Till, when he [the traveller Zul-qarnain] reached


the setting-place of the sun, Muslim Response by Randy Desmond
Date: Thurs, 13 Mar 1997
he found it going down into a muddy spring, ...
-- Sura Sura 18:86 I looked in the translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali,
"Towards Understanding the Qur'an" by Mawdudi, a small
Till, when he reached the rising-place of the sun, translation by two muslims whose names I have forgotten
he found it rising on a people (but their translation reflects some famous tafsirs and
sources of ahadith), and, lastly, my (new) Arabic
for whom We had appointed no shelter from it. dictionary. I found that Mawdudi's tafsir and the Arabic
-- Sura Sura 18:90 dictionary to be the most comprehensive in giving
information about this subject matter (second, of course,
First: It is scientifically proven that the sun does not go down in a muddy to just plain reading the Qur'an).
spring.
Those verses are talking from Dhul-Qarnayn's perspective
of where the sun set/rose. Dhul-Qarnayn found the sun
Second: This seems to presuppose a flat earth, otherwise how can there setting in a murky spring, and Dhul-Qarnayn found the sun
be an extreme point in the West or in the East? It does not say, he went rising on a certain people. Allah gives His factual
as far as possible on land in these directions and then observed the sun- descriptions BEFORE describing how Dhul-Qarnayn found
rise or sun-set while standing at this shore. A sunrise there would be where/when the sun was setting/rising.
basically just the same as at any other place on this earth, at land or sea.
It would still look as if it is setting "far away". It does say, that he Until (Hattaa) as (idhaa) he reached (balagha) the place
or time of sunset/west
reached THE PLACE where the sun sets and in his second journey the (maghriba)... (18:86)
place where it rises.
As (idhaa) he reached (balagha) the rise/time of rising
See also the thorough discussion of this issue in Islam and the Setting of [of
the Sun. celestial bodies]/break [of day] (maTli`a)... (18:90)

To further explain: just like Morocco is called Al-Maghrib


(the West) and we have a prayer at sunset time called

349 350
maghrib (the "a" on the end of the word in the verse is a "It is Allah Who has created seven heavens, and earths as many ..." S.
vowel denoting accusative grammatical case) and maghrib is 65:12, F. Malik's translation
used today even today to mean the direction west.

The key here is that Dhul-Qarnayn found the sun setting in What should we understand these seven earths to be? Earth in the sense
a murky spring. The verse is very explicite in showing of a land mass, i.e. seven continents located on our one planet earth?
that the setting of the sun (and the rising) are from Other planets similar to our earth? Before we can evaluate whether this
Dhul-Qarnayn's perspective. Quranic statement is true, i.e. decide about its scientific correctness, we
need to clarify the exact understanding of these ‘seven earths’,
Knowing this information, we can understand the
description of where the sun set and rose (from Dhul-
particularly how Muhammad understood them. The teaching on the
Qarnayn's perspective) to be simply human descriptions of seven earths is found in the early Islamic data, the ahadith and
the areas (both westerly and easterly) of Dhul-Qarnayn's commentaries on the Qur'an.
reign.

I hope that clears it up.


Evidence from the Ahadith
As for Dhul-Qarnayn being Alexander the Great, that is
only speculation at best. So don't jump on accusing the Sahih Al-Bukhari
Qur'an of what it does not say. Some scholars say it was
Alexander the Great, but some scholars may be wrong Narrated Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Al-Harith:
sometimes too. They are not prophets. Muslims are warned
not to follow blindly. We are taught to seek knowledge and
correct our brothers if they do wrong. Know this, at best from Abu Salama bin 'Abdur-Rahman who had a dispute with some
the answer to the question of who is the personage of people on a piece of land, and so he went to 'Aisha and told her about it.
Dhul-Qarnayn is simply speculation. Having said that, I She said, "O Abu Salama, avoid the land, for Allah's Apostle said, ‘Any
know some scholars say it was King Cyrus, the Persian person who takes even a span of land unjustly, his neck shall be
Emperor, who is described in the Book of Ezra as a God-
fearing king who liberates the Israelites because he is
encircled with it down seven earths.’" (Volume 4, Book 54, Number
such a God-fearing individual. (source: Mawdudi's "Towards 417; see also Numbers 418, 420; Volume 3, Book 43, Numbers 632-634)
understanding the Qur'an") Additionally, Mawdudi writes,
"Nevertheless, the information available to date does not Narrated 'Abdullah:
enable us to form a definitive opinion concerning Dhul-
Qarnayn's identity." God knows best.
A (Jewish) Rabbi came to Allah's Apostle and he said, "O Muhammad!
We learn that Allah will put all the heavens on one finger, and the
earths on one finger, and the trees on one finger, and the water and the
Qur'an & Science Problem:
dust on one finger, and all the other created beings on one finger. Then
He will say, ‘I am the King.’" Thereupon the Prophet smiled so that his
The Seven Earths pre-molar teeth became visible, and that was the confirmation of the
Their Existence and their Location Rabbi. Then Allah's Apostle recited: ‘No just estimate have they made of
Allah such as due to Him.’ (39.67) (Volume 6, Book 60, Number 335)

It may come as a surprise to some of our readers to find that the Qur'an
teaches that Allah created seven earths.
351 352
their replying that Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) knew
Sahih Muslim best, he said, "Under it there is another Earth with a journey of five
hundred years between them," and so on till he had counted seven
Muhammad b. Ibrahim said that Abu Salama reported to him that there earths with a journey of five hundred years between each pair. He
was between him and his people dispute over a piece of land, and he then said, "By Him in Whose hand Muhammad's soul is, if you were to
came to 'A'isha and mentioned that to her, whereupon she said: Abu drop a rope to the lowest earth it would not pass out of Allah's
Salama, abstain from getting this land, for Allah's Messenger (may peace knowledge." He then recited, "He is the First and the Last, the Outward
be upon him) said: He who usurps even a span of land would be made to and the Inward, and He is omniscient." (Tirmidhi commented that
wear around his neck seven earths. (Book 010, Number 3925; see also Allah's Messenger's recitation of the verse indicates that it would go
Numbers 3920-3924) down within Allah's knowledge, power and authority, for Allah's
knowledge, power and authority are everywhere, while He is on the
Throne, as He described Himself in His Book.)
Al-Tirmidhi
Ahmad and Tirmidhi transmitted it. (Number 1513- taken from the
Narrated AbuHurayrah ALIM CD-ROM Version)

While Allah's Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions were
sitting clouds came over them and Allah's Prophet (peace be upon him) Note: This hadith is particularly relevant, since the reference to the seven
asked, "Do you know what these are?" On their replying that Allah earths is this time not made in passing while talking about some other
and His Messenger knew best, he said, "These are the clouds (anan), topic. It is Muhammad himself who takes the initiative to teach his
these are the water-carriers of the Earth, which Allah drives to people followers the structure of the universe. The ‘fact’ that there are seven
who do not thank Him or call upon him." He then asked, "Do you know heavens and seven earths is already stated in the Qur'an. Muhammad,
what is above you?" On their replying that Allah and His Messenger however, wants his followers to know also what the relation is between
(peace be upon him) knew best, he said, "It is the firmament, a ceiling these seven heavens and the seven earths, what exactly is their relative
which is guarded and waves which are kept back." He then asked, "Do position and the distance between them.
you know what is between you and it?" On their replying that Allah and
His Messenger (peace be upon him) knew best, he said, "Between you
and it are five hundred years." He then asked, "Do you knew what is Narrated Ubayy ibn Ka'b
above that?" On their replying that Allah and His Messenger (peace be
upon him) best he said, "Two heavens with a distance of five hundred In regard to the words of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, "Your Lord
years between them." He went on speaking like that till he counted seven brought forth their offspring from the loins of the children of Adam."
heavens, the distance between each pair being like between Heaven and (7:172) Ubayy said: He gathered them and paired them then fashioned
Earth. He then asked, "Do you know what is above that?" On their them and endowed them with the power of speech and they began to
replying that Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) knew best, speak. He then made an agreement and covenant with them. He made
he said, "Above that is the Throne, and the distance between it and the them bear witness about themselves (saying) Am I not your Lord. They
(seventh) heaven is the same as that between each pair of heavens." He said: Yes. He said: I call to witness seven heavens and seven earths
then asked, "Do you know what is below you?" On their replying that regarding you ...
Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) knew best, he said, "It is
the earth." He then asked, "Do you know what is under that?" On
353 354
Transmitted by Ahmad. (Number 41- taken from the ALIM CD-ROM and what they blow away, I ask of You for the good of this city and the
Version) good of its inhabitants and the good of what is in it. I seek refuge in You
from its evil and the evil of its inhabitants and the evil of what is in it."
This is related by an-Nasa'i, ibn Hibban, and al-Hakim who calls it sahih
Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri ... (Volume 2, Number 119b- taken from the ALIM CD-ROM Version)

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said that Moses asked his Lord ... Khalid b. Walid reported that once he suffered from insomnia. The
to teach him something with which to make mention of Him or to Prophet, peace be upon him, said to him, "Shall I teach you words that
supplicate Him, and was told to say, "There is no god but Allah." He will make you go to sleep when you say them? Say, ‘O Allah, the Lord
replied to his Lord that all His servants said this, but he wanted of the seven heavens and whatever they cover, Lord of the earths and
something particularly for himself, and He said, "Moses, were the seven whatever they contain, Creator of devils and whomever they mislead,
heavens and their inhabitants, apart from me, and the seven earths put be my protector from the evil of all Your creatures lest some of them
on one side of a balance and ‘There is no god but Allah’ on the other, may hasten with insolence against me or transgress the bounds. Honored
‘There is no god but Allah’ would outweigh them." is he who is in Your protection and blessed be Your name, there is no
god except You’." (Reported by At-Tabrani in his Al-Kahir and Al-
It is transmitted in Sharh as-Sunnah. (Number 731- taken from the ALIM Awsat. Its chain is sound, although Abdur-Rahman did not hear it from
CD-ROM Version) Khalid. Al-Hafiz al-Mundhari has mentioned it)… (Volume 4, Number
122- taken from the ALIM CD-ROM Version)

Narrated Ya'la ibn Murrah


Evidence from Early Muslim Historians and Commentators
Ya'la told of hearing Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) say, "If
anyone wrongly takes a span of land, Allah, Who is Great and Glorious, Tafsir Ibn Abbas
will make him dig it till he gets to the end of seven earths, and then he
will have it tied round his neck till the Day of Resurrection when men (Allah it is Who hath created seven heavens) one above the other like a
are judged." dome, (and of the earth the like thereof) seven earths BUT THEY ARE
FLAT. (The commandment cometh down among them slowly) He says:
Ahmad transmitted it. (Number 885- taken from the ALIM CD-ROM He sends the angels down from heaven with revelation, Scripture and
Version) calamities, (that ye may know) and acknowledge (that Allah is Able to
do all things) relating to the dwellers of the heavens and the earths, (and
that Allah surroundeth all things in knowledge) and that His knowledge
Fiqh-us-Sunna encompasses everything.' (Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn 'Abbâs;
online source; bold, underline and capital emphasis ours)
... Ata ibn abi Marwan states from his father that Ka'b took an oath by
the One who opened up the sea for Moses that Suhaib related to him that Al-Tabari
whenever the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alehi wasallam saw a city
which he wished to enter, he would say: "O Allah, Lord of the seven According to Muhammad b. Sahl b. 'Askar-Isma'il b. 'Abd al-Karim-
heavens and what they shade, Lord of the seven earths and what they Wahb, mentioning some of his majesty (as being described as follows):
carry, Lord of the satans and those that they misguide, Lord of the winds
355 356
The heavens and the earth and the oceans are in the haykal, and the Hell. There dwells a nation called Tamis, whose food is their own flesh
haykal is in the Footstool. God's feet are upon the Footstool. He carries and whose drink is their own blood. The third earth is called Arqa,
the Footstool. It became like a sandal on His feet. When Wahb was wherein dwell mulelike eagles with spearlike tails. On each tail are three
asked: What is the haykal? He replied: Something on the heavens' hundred and sixty poisonous quills. Were even one quill placed on the
extremities that surrounds the earth and the oceans like ropes that are face of the earth, the entire universe would pass away. The inhabitants
used to fasten a tent. And when Wahb was asked how earths are thereof are a nation called Qays, who eat dirt and drink mothers' milk.
(constituted), he replied: They are seven earths that are FLAT and The fourth earth is called Haraba, wherein dwell the snakes of Hell,
islands. Between each two earths, there is an ocean. All that is which are as large as mountains. Each snake has fangs like tall palm
surrounded by the (surrounding) ocean, and the haykal is behind the trees, and if they were to strike the hugest mountain with their fangs it
ocean. (History of Al-Tabari-General Introduction and From the would be leveled to the ground. The inhabitants of this earth are a nation
Creation to the Flood, Volume 1, trans. Franz Rosenthal [State called Jilla, and they have no eyes, hands or feet but have wings like bats
University of New York Press, Albany 1989], pp. 207-208) and die only of old age. The fifth earth is called Maltham, wherein
stones of sulphur hang around the necks of infidels. When the fire is
Ibn Kathir kindled the fuel is placed on their breasts, and the flames leap up onto
their faces, as He hath said: The fire whose fuel is men and stones (2:24),
<and of the earth the like thereof.> means, He created seven earths. In and Fire shall cover their faces (14:50). The inhabitants are a nation
the Two Sahihs, there is a Hadith that states ... called Hajla, who are numerous and who eat each other. The sixth earth
is called Sijjin. Here are the registers of the people of Hell, and their
In the beginning of my book, Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, I mentioned the works are vile, as He hath said: Verily the register of the actions of the
various narrations for this Hadith when I narrated the story of the wicked is surely Sijjin (83:7). Herein dwells a nation called Qatat, who
creation of the earth. All the thanks and praise is due to Allah. are shaped like birds and worship God truly. The seventh earth is called
Ajiba and is the habitation of Iblis. There dwells a nation called Khasum,
Those who explained this Hadith to mean the seven continents have who are BLACK and short, with claws like lions. It is they who will be
brought an implausible explanation that contradicts the letter of the given dominion over Gog and Magog, who will be destroyed by them…
Qur’an and the Hadith without having proof. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Tales of the Prophets-Qisas al-anbiya, trans. Wheeler M. Thackston Jr.
(Abridged) Volume 10 (Surat At-Tagabun to the end of the Qur’an), [Great Books of the Islamic World, Inc., Distributed by Kazi
abridged by a group of scholars under the supervision of Shaykh Safiur- Publications; Chicago, IL 1997], pp. 8-9)
Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri [Darussalam Publishers & Distributors,
Riyadh, Houston, New York, London, Lahore; first edition, September Shaykh Al-Albani
2000], pp. 55-56; bold emphasis ours)
The late renowned modern hadith scholar Al-Allamah Muhammad Nasir
Muhammad ibn 'Abd Allah al-Kisa'i ud-Deen Al-Albani, after citing the following narration:

... There are seven earths. The first is called Ramaka, beneath which is 134 - "When death was approaching the Prophet of Allaah Nooh –
the Barren Wind, which can be bridled by no fewer than seventy sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – he said to his son: I will narrate to you
thousand angels. With this wind God destroyed the people of Ad. The my bequest; I command you with two things and prohibit you from two
inhabitants of Ramaka are a nation called Muwashshim, upon whom is things. I command you with 'La ilaha ‘illa Allaah' (‘There is none worthy
everlasting torment and divine retribution. The second earth is called of worship in truth except Allaah) if the seven heavens and the seven
Khalada, wherein are the implements of torture for the inhabitants of earths were placed upon a scale and 'La ilaha ‘illa Allaah' was placed on
357 358
the other, then 'La ilaha ‘illa Allaah' would be heavier… Silsilah "Allah it is Who hath created seven heavens, and of the earth the like
Saheehah: 134 thereof ..." Pickthall

Stated that: "Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a similar
number ..." Yusuf Ali
4 - The seven earths are like the seven heavens. There are many
Ahadeeth regarding this in Bukharee and Muslim and in other books. All these translations show that the emphasis of this verse is not the
Perhaps one day we will have time to follow up these Ahadeeth and number of heavens and earths, the purpose of this ayah is clearly to
research them. What supports these Ahadeeth is the saying of Allaah answer the question: Who is the creator of the seven heavens and earths?
Tabaraka wa Ta' aala : << It is Allaah Who has created seven heavens That there are indeed seven heavens and seven earths is assumed. This is
and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven). >> I.e. they are similar in not new information. In the many ahadith quoted above, the fact that
creation and in number. Muhammad specified the number of the heavens and the earths to be
seven never evoked any surprise. It was the general understanding at the
So, you should not pay any attention to the one who explains it away, time, believed by many. In fact, in the second hadith quoted above, it is a
there by it ends up as a negation of similarity as well as in numbers, Jewish Rabbi who comes to Muhammad and speaks of a plurality of
being deceived by the Europeans and where their knowledge has heavens and a plurality of earths. The Qur'an only stresses, that the
reached to, from having gone up in to space however they do not creator of them all is Allah, not any other of the many gods the Arabs
know of seven earths, along with that they do not know about seven still believed in at the time. He alone is the creator of all the earths, and
heavens. Will we reject the speech of Allaah and the speech of His therefore he alone has the power over all the earths. The rest of the ayah
Messenger due to the ignorance of the Europeans and others along with confirms this emphasis:
them, declaring that the more they increase their knowledge of the
universe, the more they increase in their ignorance of it. Allaah the Most "Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a similar
Great has spoken the truth when He said : << And of knowledge, you number, through the midst of them (all) descends His Command: that ye
(mankind) have been given only a little >> (Al-Albani, The Ahadeeth of may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah
Tawheed from the Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah; source; bold and comprehends all things in (His) Knowledge." Yusuf Ali
underline emphasis ours)

The preceding citations demonstrate beyond any reasonable doubt that Conclusion
the first Muslims, Muhammad and his companions, believed that there
were seven actual earths. In addition, these sources conclusively prove Taking into account all the early Islamic data presented above, is there
that Muhammad taught all these seven earths, including the earth we live any way to avoid the conclusion that the Quranic teaching about the
on, to be flat, something like a continental plate, but not spherical like a universe as being structured in seven heavens and seven earths is merely
globe. (For further data, see the article The Earth: Flat or Round?). It is a repetition of the beliefs and superstitions of the people of Muhammad's
quite evident that Muhammad was grossly mistaken here. day? The ancient belief in seven earths is a major scientific error and this
false understanding was not only explicitly taught by Muhammad but
One more important observation needs to be made about this issue: even included in the Qur'an as if being a scientific fact. This provides
further evidence that Muhammad is not God's prophet, the Qur'an is not
"It is Allah Who has created seven heavens, and earths as many ..." F. God's word and that the Allah of Islam is not the true God.
Malik
359 360
Jochen Katz on them than I do. The contrary is true. Mankind is subject to them in
various ways.

Qur'an Contradiction: The presence or absence of sunlight (day and night) determines to a great
degree what we can or cannot do. The moon heavily influences high tide
Throwing Stars at the Devils? and low tide of the oceans. People living in coastal areas are subject to it,
they cannot change it but have to adjust their lives to it.

The invention of electricity has changed much of this "being subject" to


And We have (from of old), adorned the lowest heaven with lamps, the availability of sunlight, at least in the industrialized areas of the
and we have made such (Lamps as) missiles to drive away Satans, ... world. We have found a certain substitute for the natural light.
-- Sura 67:5 Nevertheless, although we can "locally" make night into day and day
into night because of our modern technology, sun and moon are still not
We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty (in) the stars, influenced by us at all. They are not subject to us.
(for beauty) and for guard against all obstinate rebellious Satans.
(So) they should not strain their ears in the direction of the Exalted It would have been acceptable to say that God placed sun and moon in
Assembly but be cast away from every side. the sky for our benefit, but to claim they are subject to us is simply not
-- Sura 37:6-8 true since we cannot influence them in any way.

See also Suras 15:16-18, 55:33-35 etc. which seem to speak about the
same thing. Qur'an Difficulty:

The stars were created by Allah as missiles to throw at the devils? In Mountains and Earthquakes
order to not let them eavesdrop on the heavenly coucil? Not exactly a
"scientific" world view.

The Prophets (Al-Anbiya') 21:31, Middle Meccan,


``And We have set on the earth firm mountains, lest it
Qur'an & Science Problem:
should
shake with them...''
Are Sun and Moon subject to mankind?
And He has made subject to you the sun and the moon, The Bee (Al-Nahl) 16:15, Late Meccan,
``And He has cast onto the earth firm mountains lest it
both diligently persuing their courses; should
and the night and the day has He (also) made subject to you. shake with you...''
-- Sura 14:33
Luqman 31:10, Late Meccan, ``He has created the heavens
without
They were never subject to me. They pursue their courses whether or not supports that you can see, and has cast onto the earth
I want them to, and I am sure, the reader does not have more influence firm
mountains lest it should shake with you..''

361 362
of quran happened to you (and some others) because of
The News (Al-Naba') 78:6-7, Early Meccan, reading
``Have We not made the earth an expanse, and the translations in english instead of the arabic text!
mountains as when quran says montains are there to prevent from
stakes.''(``as those used to anchor a tent in the ground'' shaking, the
- "surface" is not meant, but the "whole sphere earth" is
Bucaille p182.) the
matter here! without mountains the revolutional movement
The Overwhelming (Al-Ghashiya) 88:17,19, Early Meccan, of
``Do they (the unbelievers) not look...at the mountains, earth around its axis would'nt be "smoth", and it would
how they "shake"
have been pitched (like a tent)'' (Translation Bucaille p as n the case of a nonhomogeneous roulette. when earth
181) was in
its original liquid state, these mountains appeared in
I have heard several Muslims talk about this and how this is the latest exactly
right places (according to laws of physics, fluid
scientific insight. On the scientific discussion of this issue see the chapter dynamics, if
in Dr. Campbell's book. I have a different question here: we want to be accurate) to prevent it "shaking" (as
described
Given that this idea is given quite some emphasis in the Qur'an since it is above). so these mountains are there to make the earth
an overall
repeated several times, I am wondering what Muslims think about the "homogeneous" object to be able to have a smoth (non
several dozens of earthquakes that happen every year? Some of them of "shaky")
greatly devastating power! If the prevention of earthquakes was the revoloution around its axis. this is an undisputeable
purpose for mountains, why are they not preventing them? Isn't this "fact",
claim [without any science] refuted by anybody who is able to read a scientifical fact, now, and i can provide you with exact
mathematical
newspaper? and physical explanations in this regard.
as a further explanation, one can observe the
You might want to inform yourself at the QUAKES Home Page I didn't revoloutional movement
find anything about mountains as a means of quake-prevention... of asteroids. they have never been in liquid state so
the "mountains"
on their surface do not adjust this rotational movement
and
therefore thier spinning is "shaky". that would cause
A Muslim's Response by Shaahin Amiri-Sharifi very strong
Date: Sun Nov 24 21:44 EST 1996 and wild, at the same time periodical, "tides" that
makes living or
even sticking to the ground on them so hard, if not
this is to answer: impossible!
--Mountains and Earthquakes. this fact has nothing to do with earthquakes!

--regarding earthquke and its relation to these verses of shaahin


quran
i have to say that, for the thousandth time, this Then I do have to wonder why Dr. Bucaille talks about mountains and
misunderstanding earthquakes in his book "The Bible, Qur'an and Science" which is so

363 364
highly praised by Muslims? How come Muslims haven't protested yet and the son was among those overwhelmed in the Flood.
about this completely erroneous mistranslation? Please do read Dr. -- Sura 11:42-43
Campbell's chapter on the issue following the first link on this page. It is
fantastic how Muslims are often able to completely change their One of Noah's sons dies in the Flood in contradiction to 21:76 which
interpretations within the time you need to blink with your eyes as soon states that Allah saved him and his family. Now, this contradiction is
as they see the thing propagated so far doesn't work anymore. ... "solved" in the Qur'an itself. When we read on in Sura 11 up to verse 46
we find Allah replying to Noah in regard to exactly this complaint that
But maybe your interpretation is sustainable from the Arabic language. he has not saved his son: "O Noah! He is not of thy family: For his
Let us assume so. Please do give the exact mathematical and physical conduct is unrighteous. So ask not of Me that of which though Hast no
explanation for your assertions. I am a mathematician, I am not affraid of knowledge!"
it. And I am teaching Calculus II currently and have just finished the
center of mass topic which is relevant to this rotation axis issue. I am So, we see that this problem is solved by "divine exclusion" and the
pretty convinced this is scientifically even more shaky than you suppose Qur'an even admits that this can be something rather difficult to
the asteroids to be. I wonder if you could give me even one scientific comprehend for normal human beings, even for the prophet of God,
reference to tumbling asteroids. Never heard of such a thing. Noah.

It is certainly possible to disinherit sons or otherwise to deny them the


legal status of a son, but it is impossible even for God that a biological
Noah and his son son looses the property of being the seed of his father. As such, the
formulation in Sura 37:77 "And made his seed the survivors" (of the
(Remember) Noah, when he cried (to Us) aforetime: Flood), is still difficult to reconcile with Allah's answer in Sura 11:46.
We listened to his (prayer) and delivered
him and his family from great distress. A further question might be raised from Sura 11:27 in regard to the
-- Sura 21:76 identity of those saved and those drowned in the flood.

But the chiefs of the Unbelievers among his people said [in response to
Noah]:
So the Ark floated with them on the waves (towering) like mountains, "We see (in) thee nothing but a man like ourselves:
and Noah called out to his son, who had separated himself (from the Nor do we see that any follow thee but the meanest among us,
rest): in judgment immature: Nor do we see in you (all) any merit above us:
"O my son! embark with us, and be not with the unbelievers!" in fact we think ye are liars!"

The son replied: "I will betake myself to some mountain: it will save me It is clear that Noah found some who believed his message and followed
from the water." him. That the unbelievers call the believers "mean" and "immature" is to
Noah said: "This day nothing can save, from the command of Allah, be expected and angry rethorics. But it cannot be denied that he had
any but those on whom He hath mercy!" And the waves came between some followers, apart from his immediate family (which would not
them, create this reaction, given that it is expected that the family follows the
head of the family). This is again hinted at in Sura 7:64 stating:

365 366
But they rejected him, and We delivered him, and those with him, in the And Noah called upon his Lord, and said:
Ark: "O my Lord! surely my son is of my family!
but We overwhelmed in the flood those who rejected Our signs. and Thy promise is true,
They were indeed a blind people! and Thou art the justest of Judges!"
-- Sura 11:45
Those "in the Ark" are contrasted with (i.e. are the opposite of) those
"who rejected", i.e. they are those who believed. It is not as clear as Allah's answer is:
11:27, but it is pointing in the same direction.
He said: "O Noah! He is not of thy family:
Two issues arise here: For his conduct is unrighteous.
So ask not of Me that of which thou hast no knowledge!
1. This contradicts the Torah where it is clear that only his family and all I give thee counsel, lest thou act like the ignorant!"
of his family are saved (eight people, Noah, and his wife and the three -- Sura 11:46
sons and their wives).
Those Allah excluded beforehand are still called "your family" in 11:40,
2. Given that the Qur'an speaks of further people who believe him, why but in regard to the son, of whose exclusion Noah had no knowledge
were those who followed him outside his family not saved as well? (until Allah's response in 11:46), it is said that he is not of his family.
Again, it says: "And made his seed the survivors" (37:77).
This is a substantial inclusion-exclusion confusion.
The inclusion / exclusion dynamics are rather complex in this story. In
Sura 66:10, Noah's wife is assigned to Hell, and Yusuf Ali's commentary Furthermore, there is a completely different, scientific problem. This
implies she perished in the flood. In Sura 11:40, we find the command whole conversation in 11:42-43 is impossible in the way it is reported. If
for embarking on the Ark: you ever have been at sea when the waves are towering like mountains
then you know how loud it is. Conversation, even when shouting is
At length, behold! there came Our command, absolutely impossible. Note, it does not say that the water was already as
and the fountains of the earth gushed forth! deep as a mountain is high (but with a calm surface), it specifically
We said: "Embark therein, of each kind two, male and female, speaks of waves, which means that there have to be strong winds to
and your family - except those against whom the word has already gone produce these waves. And that is always very loud. Also, the Ark, a big
forth,- ship was already afloat, i.e. "out on the water", while Noah's son seems
and the Believers." but only a few believed with him. during this conversation to be standing on the dry land in a distance
allowing conversation (even if there were no noise around), and not
Here again, we read of "a few believed with him", but why are they swimming in the water and struggling with the waves. This is physically
seemingly not saved according to Sura 37:77? And looking again at impossible for any normal landscape imaginable. After all this was not in
11:42-43 (above), Noah calls out to his son to embark the Ark. So, he a haven build for regular docking of ships.
was not one "against whom the word has already gone forth" since then
Noah would not have called him in disobedience to Allah's command. Muhammad was a son of the desert, not aquainted very well with large
Clearly he was not forewarned about the perishing of this son as his amounts of water as at an ocean. That might explain why this story is
prayer to Allah shows: narrated in such an unrealistic way.

367 368
Surely He knows well all the thoughts within the breasts.
-- Sura 11:5
How can little worm eat away Solomans staff? Was Solomon standing
there for months and waited for the little worm to finish until it fell Die in your rage; God knows the thoughts in the breasts.
apart? -- Sura 3:119

Solomon is amused at the speech of an ant? (27:19) How could Solomon The above is Arberry's translation. Yusuf Ali translates "heart" instead of
keep his sanity if he heard all the voices of all the insects around him? "breasts," but whether heart or breast, the question would be the same.
He must have been drowned in constant chatter.
This wouldn't even be worth mentioning as a "problem" if Muslims were
But, after all, who believes that the ants do think in these terms about not stressing so much the scientific accuracy of the Qur'an. The Semitic
humans? I have never seen ants run away when I put my foot over them. people thought the location of "thinking" to be in the chest/heart area
If they knew they would be crushed if they don't go away quickly why [many Bible verses show the same view]. I can easily accept it for both
don't they move? Bible and Qur'an that these verses do not make any scientific claims nor
do they give medical descriptions of the seat of thinking, but that they
Solomon has supposedly has an army of birds and an army of jinns just employ the commonly used expressions to communicate the truth
(27:17), but even more "astonishing" is a long conversation with a the author wants to express here, namely that God knows our deepest
Hoopoe bird in 27:21-28 which is for sure rather unlikely (scientific secrets and thoughts. To this day we say (in English) that God knows our
questionability). "heart" and we don't mean the muscle in our physical body but our
motives and desires. And we speak that way due to tradition even though
According to the Qur'an Solomon then sends this bird to the Queen of we know those are to be located in the brain if one can give it a location
Sheba demands that she come and worship Allah, and he is questioning at all.
her.
I don't want to parade this example as a difficulty or contradiction in the
The Biblical account says very differently, that she hears of his fame Qur'an. It only shows that this was the common way of speaking about it
wisdom and achievements, and comes to test Solomon with hard in the Middle East and even until today in our "scientific age."
questions and afterwards is very impressed and led to praise the Lord
God of Israel. But it is not "threat" as in the Qur'an but being impressed But it is one passage which shows that the Qur'an uses the normal
with Solomon's wisdom and the blessings God has bestowed on him that language to communicate, and is indeed very unscientific by doing so. I
elicit her praise to God [1 Kings 10:9]. believe that the Qur'an is equally unscientific in many other verses where
Muslims try to extract scientific miracles and which are just lending
themselves in their vageness better to be twisted into harmony with some
Qur'an Difficulty: modern science theories even though nothing like that was intended in
the text.
Thinking located in the breasts?
But if Muslims insist in a general scientific accuracy of the Qur'an and
want to make scientific accuracy of the Qur'an a proof for its divine
inspiration, then the above verses are indeed a clear mistake and

369 370
Muslims who want to make a case for the Qur'an on the basis of another important point about quran is, its multi-
scientific accuracy will have to deal with it. dimensionality.
a verse could be about, say, economics, yet giving
a scientific impression, too(in biology, physics, ...)
so, one should not interpret it "partly" scientific and
partly something else, they should rather do it this way
I didn't think there was really anything to reply to, but here comes a reply OR the other wat, and not mix the issues. these two
interpretations
anyway. Shaahin is basically affirming what I have said in the above, are both correct, but one talks about, say, biology and
even though he expresses it a bit differently. He seemingly doesn't want the other
to accept "current scientific knowledge" when it is not in harmony with about laws of inheritance! to make it clear, consider
the Qur'an, but does accept it when it appears to confirm the Qur'an. This your example:
is inconsistent, turning the whole thing into a rather subjective endeavor god knows what you have in your "breasts" (or hearsts),
this means,
and rendering it utterly useless for verification of divine origin. again as you mentioned, He is aware of all secrets, but
lets look
at it scientificaly, is really the location of
"thoughts"
A Muslim's Response by Shaahin Amiri-Sharifi in the breasts, hearts?! is there a scientific
Date: Wed Nov 27 22:52 EST 1996 interpretation of
this verse, relating thoughts to breasts, hearts? A.
Carel winner
of nobel prize in biology, in his book about praying, (i
this is to answer: do not
--Thinking with the breasts? remember the title exactly), doesnt deny the relation.
but if it is
--about quran and science, a lot has been said! most the final explanation, scientificaly, i do not know! the
important point is: quran is NOT a text book to isuue is
learn science from. it is not meant to do so. it not well-searched yet. so what will the scientific
is a book of general guidence. it gives you hints explanation be?
about them (scientific facts) to make you think and who knows!? we should just wait for the day somebody
try to comprehende them, but it never explains the reveals the
details, this is our job. to give an example quran talks secret!
about "unseen columns" holding the skies above us, in this regard, there are a lot of other questions.
after discovery of "gravitation" this has a scientific thus, please note that, asking these kind of questions
explanation, now. this way science helps us to about quran
understand is easy, answering them is not! it takes a big deal of
quran better. this is what we mean by scientific scientific
accuracy knowledge, that might not even be known to humanity. all
of quran, progress of science helps (better) people
understanding who comment of quran admit this as a fact.
of quran. side point is, here, there will never be an I remember a speech of imam khomeini, who mentioned the
ultimate comprehension of quran! (this is what god means importance
by: of the job of a commentator on quran, he mentioned, as
only "allah" knows quran!), we mortals, just keep an example,
enhancing this verse of quran that says, god is the "noor" of
our understanding of quran. skies and earth.

371 372
(noor=light), he then said, all commentators, explain as But on the other hand, they are also very dangerous since one
:god is counterexample proves such a bold claim wrong.
"monavvar" of skies and earth! (monavvar=the one who
sheds light)
this shows the delicacy of commenting on quran. In electricity there is positive and negative charge creating electrical
as a summary, if you ask scientific questions about force fields, this is true. But where is the counterpart for the force of
quran and gravitation? It always is attracting. There is no repelling gravity.
i (or anybody else) cannt answer, this is not because
there is
something wrong! i can ask thousands of questions about But maybe Yusuf Ali was just a bit too enthusiastic with his
physics interpretation of everything? Mayby the Qur'an meant only things that
that nobody, absolutely nobody not even the giants of are somehow "alive" like plants and animals? The Qur'an does say
the science, "everything" but let us look then to the restricted part of living beings.
can answer! this only shows that, there is a lot to be
learn
from quran. I took the freedom to ask around on the biology newsgroups to find out
more about this claim. Here a list of some responses I got.
shaahin
There are quite a few examples of organisms which are
exclusively
And of every thing We have created pairs: parthenogenetic. I might refer you to Graham Bell's
That ye may receive instruction. "The Masterpiece
of Nature", a weighty tome which has all you could care
-- Sura 51:49 to know about
the evolution of sexual reproduction.
And in his commentary on this verse Yusuf Ali writes:
Even though there are quite a few example of
parthenogens, they tend
All things are in twos: sex in plants and animals, by which we
to be taxanomically isolated, suggesting that they are
are individual is complementary to another, in the subtle forces of all of recent
nature, Day and Night, positive and negative electricity, forces origin (often due to hybridization between two
of attraction and repulsion: and numerous other opposites, each disparate specied) and
fulfilling its purpose, and contributing to the working of God`s are short-lived in evolutionary time.
Universe: and in the moral and spiritual world, Love and There is one notable exception, however, which is the
Aversion, Mercy and Justice, Striving and Rest, and so on; all topic of study
fulfilling their functions according to the Artistry and wonderful in my lab. Bdelloid rotifers are an entire class of
purpose of God. Everything has its counterpart, or pair, or animals which,
complement. God alone is one, with none like Him, or needed to as far as anyone can tell, has been reproducing
entirely without any
complement Him. These are noble things to contemplate. and form of genetic exchange for quite some time (perhaps
they lead to a true understanding of God`s Purpose and Message. more than 50
million years), with over 350 species identified.
To make a claim about everything is always bold and indeed only God
If you're interested in more info about bdelloids and
will ever be able to make claims about everything since such claims need our work, I'd
omniscience.
373 374
refer to our lab web page, which includes a copy of our but they are not based on meiosis and gametic fusion as
research in true
proposal which gives a fair amount of background sex. Your best place to start to find out about them
material. You can is in a
reach the page at good introductory text such as the 4th ed of
http://golgi.harvard.edu/meselson/. Alexopoulus, Mimms
and Blackwell (Wiley, 1996). This will point yopu to
and the specific
organisms that fulfil the criteria you are looking for.
There is a whole group of organisms wich do no practise
sex:
Actually, one of the students here told me that there fungi imperfecti. This is a group of mushrooms, which
is don't
such a thing as a purely asexual reproducing organism. produce gamets and therefore cannot be put in an
Here is the reference: Science 203: 1247-1249. 1979. certain taxon.
It is a lizard called Cnemidophoras. An other curious member is the european population of
Personnally I don't believe it to be possible, but this Elodea.
"accident" may have arrived quite late in the All plants here are of the same sex and can therefore
evolution. only
Unless this organism "reverts" to sexuality, it is in use vegetative amplification.
my view in an evolutive pitfall, if it is an asexual
reproducer.
The list is actually decently long : bacteria, fungi Could it be that God is wrong? And wrong in so many cases? Or could it
imperfecti, etc. be that the one who was wrong here was not God? Maybe Muhammad
All members of the Monera Kingdom reproduce asexually was a good observer of the world around him, but he was not omniscient.
only. Yes, the And it shows in the above and other contradictions collected here.
Plantae and Protista Kingdoms do produce both ways, but
almost never
only asexually. As for the fungi, a certain group, the
fungi
imperfecti, are classified as such because no forms of
sexual
reproduction have been observed. Concerning your
question about Last edited: April 29, Glory to (Allah)
"higher" species, no members of the Kingdom Animalia Who did take His Servant for a journey by night,
produce only From the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque.
asexually (the scientific term is not non-sexual). -- Sura 17:1
There are some
rare cases of lysogeny (sp?), but it is very rare.
Hope this helps. Problem: The Farthest Mosque (Al-Masjid-ul-Aqs-a) was built many
There is a whole group of fungi (Deuteromycete/Fungi years after the death of Muhammad. It is utterly impossible that
Imperfecti) Muhammad visited it on his Night Journey.
which do not have sexual cycles. All are related to
sexual
species but do not reproduce sexually. Many have "When the Arabs conquered Jerusalem they found the Temple Mount
rather complex abandoned and filled with refuse. ... `Umar ordered it cleaned and
mechanisms (parasexual cycles) to allow genetic performed a prayer there. The sanctuary [the Dome of the Rock] ... was
recombination
375 376
built by Caliph `Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan around 72/691."[1] The al- "What was the period in between them?" He replied, "Forty
Aqsa mosque proper, also located on the Temple Mount was as well (years)." He then added, "Wherever the time for the prayer comes
built at the end of the 7th Century.[2] upon you, perform the prayer, for all the earth is a place of
worshipping for you."
The Temple of Solomon had been completely destroyed in 70 AD, i.e.
550 years before the alleged time of the Miraj in 622 AD, the twelfth This hadith actually introduces yet another problem. Abraham
year of Muhammad's mission. A Temple that didn't exist anymore does supposedly (re)built the Kaaba, (and Abraham lived about 2000 BC) and
not provide any better solution to this problem than a Mosque which the Temple was built by Solomon in about 958-951 BC, then
wasn't built yet. Muhammad gave another historically false information based on a major
confusion about the time when these people lived.
At the time this verse was revealed [about 622] Jerusalem was not in the
hand of the Muslims but in Christian hand and there was no Mosque at Side remark: Farthest? If it is not just a name, but actually
all in this place (not even a church). The Dome of the Rock and the Al supposed to describe a distance then from the perspective
Aqsa Mosque (both on the site of Solomon's Temple which had been of Mekka or Medina, Mosques in Bagdad for example were
sure farther away than Jerusalem and this is wrong too. No
destroyed A.D. 70 by the Romans) were only began to be build 53 years "mosque" and not "farthest".
after the death of Muhammad.
But should the Temple itself or Churches qualify to be
Could it be that later history was "projected back" into the text of the called "mosques" then for sure, it was not the farthest.
Qur'an and is this one indication that the text of the Qur'an was changed The Hagia Sophia, originally a church and also converted
into a Mosque later is in Istanbul and much farther away.
(or even completely written only) long after Muhammad's time when
these historical realities were not clear to the writer?
Also one might ask the question: If Islam supposedly was
the original religion of mankind, why were there not many
For this reason some Muslims are quick to acknowledge that the mosques all around and one so very near to Mekka has to be
"Farthest Mosque" has to refer to something else than what is known called "farthest"?
under this name today. In Yusuf Ali's commentary on this verse we read:
"The Farthest Mosque must refer to the site of the Temple of Solomon in
Jerusalem..." So, it is interpreted to be not the building itself, but only the
site, the location where it had been. I might be wrong, but this seems to References:
be contradicted by a hadith and Muhammad's understanding that Al- 1. Cyril Glassé, The Concise Encyclopedia of Islam, Harper & Row,
Masjid-ul-Aqs-a is something that is built, not just a location. Al-Masjid- 1989, p. 102
ul-Haram after all was a building. 2. ibid., p. 46

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 55, Number 636:


1997 Qur'an Contradiction:
Narrated Abu Dhaar:
Alexander the Great, a Muslim?
I said, "O Allah's Apostle! Which mosque was built first?" He
replied, "Al-Masjid-ul-Haram." I asked, "Which (was built)
next?" He replied, "Al-Masjid-ul-Aqs-a (i.e. Jerusalem)." I asked, According to the Quran (Surah 18:89-98) Alexander the Great was a
377 378
devout Muslim and lived to a ripe old age. Historical records however
show that Alexander the Great died young at 33 years of age (356 - 323 About Zul-Qayrnoon, Muhammad Ali says (p586):
{The word qarn means a horn, as also a generation or a
B.C.), and believed he himself was divine, forcing others to recognize century and dhul
him as such. In India on the Hyphasis River (now Beas) Alexander qarnain literally means the two-horned one, or one
erected twelve altars to twelve Olympian gods. belonging to the two
generations or two centures. The reference here seems to
be to the two
Once again the Quran shows errors in historical and religious fact. horned ram of Daniel's vision (dan. 8:3), which he
interpreted as the
Kindoms of Media and Persia, which were combined into a
single kindom under
A Muslim's Response by Shaahin Amiri-Sharifi one ruler, Cyrus, who is erroneousy called Darius in the
Date: Sun Nov 24 22:04 EST 1996 Bible. The
reference in Daniel's vision is, however, not to Cyrus but
to Darius I
Hystaspes (521-485 B.C.), "who allowed the Jews to rebuild
hi
their temple,
this is to answer:
and is reffered to in Ezra 4:5,24;5:5;6:1;Hag1:1;2:10;Zech
--Alexander the Great, a Muslim?
1;7, and
probably in Neh 12:22. His liberality towards the Jews is
--regarding "zol qarnayn" in quran, some though of him as
in complete
the same person as alexander the great, which seems not
accord with what we know otherwise of his general policy
to be
in relgious matter
correct. others believ this name is to refer to "Cyrus"
towards the subject nations"
the great, king of iran in 2500 years ago, the great
That the "two horned ram" of Daniel's vision is
savoir of jews, which seems to be more exact.
the king of Media
about "zol qarnayn" being "muslim", quran calls abraham
and Persia is made plain in Daniel's book, where the
(ibrahim in quran) a muslim, too! in quran it is said
interpretation of the
that
dream is given in the following words: "The ram which thou
the religion is one religion to god, islam. meaning that
sawest having
islam is not a religion brought by prophet mohumed
two horns are the Kings of Media and Persia" (Dan8:20).
(pbuh)
The reference in
unprecedentedly, what our prophet did, was to bring the
the Qur'an in the history of Dhulqarnain is to Darius I:
"final"
"Darius was the
version of it to people. so jesus (pbuh) was a muslim
organizer of the Persian Empire. His conquests served to
and moses (pbuh) a muslim too. being in the right
round off the
religion
boundaries of his realm in Armenia, the Causcasus and
in any time is equivalent to be a muslim.
India, and along the
Turanian steppes and the highland of Central Asia" (Jewish
shaahin
En., Darius I).
The following remarks in the En. Br. strengthen this view:
"Darius in his
inscriptions apears as a ferven tbeliever in the true
From aarsha@tc3net.com Thu Feb 27 21:02 EST 1997 relgion of Zoroaster.
From: aarsha@tc3net.com (Ali Arshad) But he was also a great statesman an dorganizer. The time
Subject: Errors in the Qur'an of conquest had

379 380
come tp an end; the wars which Darius undertook, like galae, Tapuri, Cadusii, Amardi, Utii and other tribes in
those of Augustus, Northern Media and
only served the purpose of gaining strong natural on the shores of Caspain, were not Iranians."}
frontiers for the empire Maududi says:
and keeping down the barbarous tribes on its border. Thus {Early commenators on the Qur'an were generally inclined
Darius subjgated to believe that it
the wild nations of Caucasus. for the same reason he referred to Alexander. The characteristics attribute to
fought against the Dhul Qarnayn,
Sace and other Turanian tribes." The references in this however, hardly apply to Alexander. In the light of the
quotation to latest historical
Darius being a fervent believer in the true religion of evidence, contemporary commentators on the Qur'an are
Zoroaster, to his inclined to believe
subduing the barabarous tribes on the border, to his gaing that Dhul Qarnayn signifies the Persian Emperor, Cyrus.
stron natural This, in any case,
fronties for the empire, and to his fighting against the seems more plausible. Nevertheless, the info available to
Sacae clearly date does not
point him out as the Dhul Qarnain of the Qur'an. enable us to form a definitive opinion concerning Dhul
The three journeys alluded to seem to have been Qarnayn's id.
undertaken with the Four points:
object of stregthening the fronties of the empire, the 1) The title "The Two-Horned' was at least familiar to the
mostimportant of Jews. This is
thes being that spoken of in v.93, the part of the eviden tfrom the fact they they had instigated the Makkan
frontier between the unbelievers to
Caspian and the Black Seas, where the Caucasus afforded a ask the Prophet about him. One must, therefore,
natural inevtiably turn to Jewish
protection against the attacks of the Scythians. Darius literature to find out who this person was or to establish
goes first whiat was the
westward to the Black sea (v.85, 86). Then he undertakes kingdom know as 'The Two-Horned.'
an eastward 2)(in summary of Maududi) there are only a few people who
journey-- the land of the rising sun. the description of fit this description
the people found 3) The title of Dhul Qarnaynmay be used for a ruler who,
here, a people who had no shelter from the sun, is a being concerned
description of the with the defence of his kingdom from the assaults of Go
barbarous aboriginal tribes on the shores of the Caspian. and magog, had a
The En. Br. says strong protective wall construceted across a mountain
in the article on Media: "The names in the assyrian pass. Who were they,
inscriptions prove that and where is the wall?
the tribes in the Zagros and the northern parts Media were 4)He is a God concious person.
not Iranians nor (Maududi then goes on to find evidence on each point).}
Ind-Eurpoeans, but an aboriginal population, like the Note that Greeks were hated by the Arabs, as evidenced by
early inhabitanbt of the verse about
Armenia, perhaps connected with the numerous tribes of the laden eyed people going to Hell, which literally
Caucasus. we translates into gray-blue
can see how the Iranian elemt gradually became dominant: eyes. Rodwell points this out as a hatred for the Greeks.
prinecs with My feeble 16
Iranian names occasionally occr as the ruler of these yr. old mind, which should be doing his homework, so is
tribes. But the hurrying, cannot

381 382
recall the verse. Muslims complain about the biblical portrayal of prophets and
messengers being sinners, committing gross sinful acts, and view this as
an indication that the Holy Bible has been corrupted. We have discussed
these points elsewhere on our site, so we are not seeking to explain or
I don't have a problem to call Abraham a Muslim in the generic sense of defend the reason why the Holy Bible presents specific prophets in a
somebody who is a believer in the one true God and submits himself to negative light.
this God. But Alexander the Great is proven to be an idolator and even
claimed deity for himself and cannot by the widest stretch of imagination We, instead, want to use this criterion against the Quran and show that
be called a Muslim. the Muslim scripture is guilty of slandering Allah’s messengers. This is
basically a continuation of a series of articles on this subject that can be
read here:
Because of the facts on Alexander that came to be known more and http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/sins_of_prophets.htm
more, Muslims want to deny this identity and come up with many http://answering-islam.org/Shamoun/adam_and_eve_shirk.htm
theories.
Here, we want to examine the Quran’s claim that Solomon had demons
The renowned Encyclopaedia of Islam, New Edition, Vol. IV, 1978 states working for him and under his authority.
Al-ISKANDAR. It is generally agreed both by Muslim commentators The Holy Bible says that demons know God is one:
and modern occidental scholars that Dhu 'l-Karnayn, "the two horned",
in Sura XVIII, 83/82-98 is to be indentified with Alexander the Great. "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--
and shudder!" James 2:19
The renowned Muslim commentators, the two Jalals, say regarding S.
18:83 that: They even know that Jesus is the Holy Son of God who can destroy
them:
And they, the Jews, question you concerning Dhū'l-Qarnayn, whose
name was Alexander; he was not a prophet. Say: 'I shall recite, relate, to "for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around
you a mention, an account, of him', of his affair. (Tafsir al-Jalalayn; him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell
online source; underline emphasis ours) down before him and cried out, ‘You are the Son of God.’" Mark 3:10-
11
Plentiful evidence is presented in "The Qur'an: Is It A Miracle?" in the
chapters starting with "The Gate". "When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with
a loud voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High
God? I beg you, do not torment me.’ For he had commanded the unclean
Quran Contradiction spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He
was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would
The Quran’s Slander of Solomon: The Communion of break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then
Demons asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Legion,’ for many

383 384
demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to have no common ground by which to come and work together or have
depart into the abyss." Luke 8:28-31 communion with each other.

But despite this, no believer can have fellowship or work with Satan or Yet the Quran says that Solomon had demons, or jinn, working for him
his demons: and that he was in communion with them:

"What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an And to Solomon the wind, strongly blowing, that ran at his command
idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to unto the land that We had blessed; and We had knowledge of everything;
demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with and of the Satans some dived for him and did other work besides; and
demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. We were watching over them. S. 21:81-82
You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?" 1 He said, 'O Council, which one of you will bring me her throne, before
Corinthians 10:19-22 they come to me in surrender?' An efreet of the jinns said, 'I will bring it
to thee, before thou risest from thy place; I have strength for it and I am
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has trusty.' Said he who possessed knowledge of the Book, 'I will bring it to
righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with thee, before ever thy glance returns to thee.' Then, when he saw it settled
darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a before him, he said, 'This is of my Lord's bounty that He may try me,
believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of whether I am thankful or ungrateful. Whosoever gives thanks gives
God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I thanks only for his own soul's good, and whosoever is ungrateful -- my
will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be Lord is surely All-sufficient, All-generous.' S. 27:38-40
their God, and they shall be my people.’" 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
Ibn Kathir wrote:
The Holy Scriptures clearly warn true believers from having fellowship
with Satan and the demons. If a prophet decided to fellowship or partner <O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to
with Satan he would clearly be sinning against God. me surrendering themselves in obedience (as Muslims)>." ...

Even the demons know that true believers cannot and do not have <An `Ifrit from the Jinn said:> Mujahid said, "A giant Jinn." Abu Salih
fellowship with them: said, "It was as if he was a mountain." ...

"When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two <I will bring it to you before you rise from your place.> Ibn `Abbas, may
men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of Allah be pleased with him, said, "Before you get up from where you are
the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that sitting." As-Suddi and others said: "He used to sit to pass judgements and
way. And they cried out, saying, ‘What business do we have with each rulings over the people, and to eat, from the beginning of the day until
other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?’ noon." ...
Matthew 8:28-29
<And verily, I am indeed strong and trustworthy for such work.> Ibn
The demons ask Jesus what business do they have with each other, with `Abbas said: "Strong enough to carry it and trustworthy with the jewels it
the implied answer being "absolutely nothing". Believers and demons contains. Sulayman, upon him be peace, said, "I want it faster than that."
From this it seems that Sulayman wanted to bring this throne as a
385 386
demonstration of the greatness of the power and authority that Allah had The true Word of God says that it was human agents, not demons or
bestowed upon him and the troops that He had subjugated to him. Power devils, which did the work for Solomon under his supervision (Cf. 1
such as had never been given to anyone else, before or since, so that this Kings 3-8; 1 Chronicles 22, 28-29; 2 Chronicles 2-7).
would furnish proof of his prophethood before Bilqis and her people,
because this would be a great and wondrous thing, if he brought her Thus, not only do the above Quranic texts slander Solomon by accusing
throne as if he were in her country, before they could come to it, him of working with demons, but they also attack God’s character by
although it was hidden and protected by so many locked doors. When claiming that God permitted demons to work on building his holy
Sulayman said, "I want it faster than that, ... temple!

<One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said:> Ibn `Abbas The Quran says that certain people followed what Satans slanderously
said, "This was Asif, the scribe of Sulayman." It was also narrated by said about Solomon:
Muhammad bin Ishaq from Yazid bin Ruman that he was Asif bin
Barkhiya' and he was a truthful believer who knew the Greatest Name of and they follow what the Satans recited over Solomon's kingdom.
Allah. Qatadah said: "He was a believer among the humans, and his Solomon disbelieved not, but the Satans disbelieved, teaching the
name was Asif." ... people sorcery, and that which was sent down upon Babylon's two
angels, Harut and Marut; they taught not any man, without they said, 'We
<I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!> Meaning, lift your are but a temptation; do not disbelieve.' From them they learned how
gaze and look as far as you can, and before you get tired and blink, you they might divide a man and his wife, yet they did not hurt any man
will find it before you. Then he got up, performed ablution and prayed to thereby, save by the leave of God, and they learned what hurt them, and
Allah, may He be exalted. Mujahid said: "He said, O Owner of majesty did not profit them, knowing well that whoso buys it shall have no share
and honor." ... (Source) in the world to come; evil then was that they sold themselves for, if they
had but known. S. 2:106
And here now is the final Quranic text:
Since the Quran slanderously accuses Solomon of working with demons,
And to Solomon the wind; its morning course was a month's journey, these stories must have originated from these very same Satans as a
and its evening course was a month's journey. And We made the Fount means of degrading David’s son. These tales must have been some of the
of Molten Brass to flow for him. And of the jinn, some worked before things which Satan interjected into Muhammad’s message:
him by the leave of his Lord; and such of them as swerved away from
Our commandment, We would let them taste the chastisement of the We sent not ever any Messenger or Prophet before thee, but that Satan
Blaze; fashioning for him whatsoever he would -- places of worship, cast into his fancy, when he was fancying; but God annuls what Satan
statues, porringers like water-troughs, and anchored cooking-pots. casts, then God confirms His signs -- surely God is All-knowing, All-
'Labour, O House of David, in thankfulness; for few indeed are those that wise -- S. 22:52
are thankful among My servants.' And when We decreed that he should
die, naught indicated to them that he was dead but the Beast of the Earth All Quranic quotations taken from A. J. Arberry’s version.
devouring his staff; and when he fell down, the jinn saw clearly that, had
they only known the Unseen, they would not have continued in the Sam Shamoun
humbling chastisement. S. 34:12-14

Qur'an Contradiction:
387 388
No Animal Sacrifices for Christians cried lies to Our signs; then behold how was the end of them that were
warned! S. 10:73 Arberry

Sura 22:34 says that rites of animal sacrifice have been appointed to
ALL people. This is not true, there are no such laws for Christians.
The Quran claims that another flood took place during the time of
Qur'an Contradiction Moses!

A Flood in the time of Moses? So We let loose upon them the flood (alttoofana) and the locusts, the lice
and the frogs, the blood, distinct signs; but they waxed proud and were a
The Quran, in several places, refers to the flood which took place at the sinful people… So We took vengeance on them, and drowned them in
time of Noah: the sea, for that they cried lies to Our signs and heeded them not. S.
7:133, 136 Arberry

Indeed, We sent Noah to his people, and he tarried among them a


thousand years, all but fifty; so the Flood (alttoofanu) seized them, while And We brought the Children of Israel over the sea; and Pharaoh and his
they were evildoers. S. 29:14 Arberry hosts followed them insolently and impetuously till, when the drowning
overtook him, he said, 'I believe that there is no god but He in whom the
Children of Israel believe; I am of those that surrender.' 'Now? And
before thou didst rebel, being of those that did corruption. So today We
But they cried him lies; so We delivered him, and those with him, in the shall deliver thee with thy body, that thou mayest be a sign to those after
Ark, and We drowned those who cried lies to Our signs; assuredly they thee. Surely many men are heedless of Our signs.' S. 10:90-92 Arberry
were a blind people. S. 7:64 Arberry

We took the Children of Israel across the sea: Pharaoh and his hosts
But they rejected him, and We delivered him, and those with him, in the followed them in insolence and spite. At length, when overwhelmed with
Ark: but We overwhelmed in the flood those who rejected Our signs. the flood, he said: "I believe that there is no god except Him Whom the
They were indeed a blind people! Y. Ali Children of Israel believe in: I am of those who submit (to God in
Islam)." S. 10:90 Y. Ali

But they cried him lies; so We delivered him, and those with him, in the
Ark, and We appointed them as viceroys, and We drowned those who The reason for quoting Y. Ali’s version is to show how his rendering
implies that Pharaoh actually drowned as a result of the flood, something
not reflected in Arberry’s version. Yet reading the passages sequentially
389 390
or chronologically it seems pretty clear that Allah first sent a flood as feared that it was a form of torment. They said to Musa, ‘Invoke your
part of the plagues upon Egypt and then afterwards drowned Pharaoh in Lord to release us from this rain, and we will believe in you and send the
the sea when the latter pursued Israel. Children of Israel with you.’ Musa invoked his Lord and He removed the
affliction from them. However, they did not believe, nor did they send
the Children of Israel with him… Muhammad bin Ishaq bin Yasar said,
"The enemy of Allah, Fir`awn, went back defeated and humiliated, after
Be that as it may, this fact is certain … the Quran erroneously presumes the sorcerers believed (in Musa). He insisted on remaining in disbelief
that God sent a flood upon Pharaoh and his people! Further confirmation and persisted in wickedness. Allah sent down the signs to him, and he
that this is what the Quran is actually saying can be seen from the (and his people) were first inflicted by famine. Allah then sent THE
statements of noted Sunni commentator Ibn Kathir regarding Sura 7:133: FLOOD, the locusts, the Qummal, the frogs then blood, as consecutive
signs. When Allah sent THE FLOOD, it filled the surface of the earth
with water. But the water level receded, and they could not make use of
it to till the land or do anything else… (Source; capital and underline
<So We sent on them the Tufan> emphasis ours)

Ibn `Abbas commented; "It was a heavy rain that ruined the produce and Another commentator, the noted Muslim historian Al-Tabari, wrote:
fruits.'' He is also reported to have said that Tuwfan refers to mass death.
Mujahid said it is water that carries the plague every where …

The account returns to that of al-Suddi. As for al-Suddi, he said in his


account: It is mentioned that the signs by which God tested the people of
Ibn Abi Najih narrated from Mujahid about Allah's statement, … Pharaoh came before the meeting of Moses with the sorcerers. When the
arrow returned to him stained with blood, Pharaoh said, "We have slain
the God of Moses," whereupon God sent upon the flood, which was
heavy rain; everything they possessed drowned. They cried out, "O
<So We sent on them: the flood, the locusts …> Moses! Pray to your Lord to relieve us, and we will believe in you, and
we will send the Israelites with you." God relieved them of the flood, and
their seeds sprouted... (The History of Al-Tabari: The Children of Israel,
translated by William M. Brinner [State University of New York Press
"Eating the nails on their doors and leaving the wood." As for the (SUNY), 1991], Volume III, p. 59; bold emphasis ours)
Qummal, Ibn `Abbas said that it is the grain bug, or, according to another
view, small locusts that do not have wings. Similar was reported from
Mujahid, `Ikrimah and Qatadah. Al-Hasan and Sa`id bin Jubayr said that
‘Qummal’ are small black insects. Abu Ja`far bin Jarir recorded that Ibn Ishaq said - Ibn Humayd - Salamah: And God brought the signs upon
Sa`id bin Jubayr said, "When Musa came to Fir`awn, he demanded, him with the drought when he refused to believe after all that had
‘Release the Children of Israel to me.’ But, Fir`awn did not comply; and happened to him and the sorcerers. So He sent upon him the deluge, then
Allah sent the Tuwfan, and that is a rain which continued until they the locusts, then the vermin, then the frogs, then blood, all successive
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signs. He sent the deluge, and it overflowed the face of the earth; then it they sat; and the locusts, which consumed their crops and fruits, likewise
became still, so they could not plow or do anything until they suffered [engulfing them for seven days]; and the lice (al-qummal is like al-sus,
hunger... (p. 66; bold emphasis ours) 'woodworm', or al-qurad, 'ticks'), which would follow [and consume]
what the locusts left behind; and the frogs, such that they infested their
houses and food supplies; and the blood, [flowing] in their water -
distinct, clear, signs: but they were too scornful, to believe in them, and
Ibn Humayd related to us - Salamah - Ibn Ishaq - Buraydah b. Sufyan b. were a sinful folk. (Source; bold and underline emphasis ours)
Farwah al-Aslami - Muhammad b. Ka'b al-Qurazi, who said: 'Umar b.
'Abd al-'Aziz asked me about the nine signs that God showed Pharaoh,
and I said: "The deluge, the locusts, the vermin, the frogs, the blood, his
staff, his hand, the obliteration, and the sea." ... (p. 68) As anyone reading the Holy Bible knows there was never a flood during
the time of the Exodus. The Holy Bible nowhere says that God flooded
Egypt during the time of Moses, certainly not as part of the plagues sent
against Egypt for Pharaoh's refusal to let the Israelites leave. And lest
The Tafsir of Ibn Abbas (Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn 'Abbâs) states Muslims claim that the Bible is corrupt at this point we only need to
in reference to Sura 7:133: remind them of the following text:

(So We sent them) Allah inflicted upon them (the flood) continuous, And We gave Moses nine signs, clear signs. Ask the Children of Israel
uninterrupted rain: day and night, from Saturday to Saturday (and the when he came to them, and Pharaoh said to him, 'Moses, I think thou art
locusts) He sent on the locust which ate everything that the earth bewitched.' He said, 'Indeed thou knowest that none sent these down,
produced: vegetation and fruits (and the vermin) and He also inflicted except the Lord of the heavens and earth, as clear proofs; and, Pharaoh, I
them with the vermin-crawling creatures without wings-which devoured think thou art accursed.' He desired to startle them from the land; and We
whatever the locusts left uneaten (and the frogs) and after this He set on drowned him and those with him, all together. S. 17:101-103 Arberry
them frogs so much so that they harmed them (and the blood) after
which He inflicted on them blood such that their wells and rivers filled
with blood (a succession of clear signs) of one month interval. (But they
were arrogant) and refused to believe (and became guilty) idolaters. And certainly We gave Musa nine clear signs; so ask the children of
(Source; bold and underline emphasis ours) Israel. When he came to them, Firon said to him: Most surely I deem
you, O Musa, to be a man deprived of reason. S. 17:101 Shakir

The Tafsir al-Jalalayn wrote regarding this same text:


The Muslims are told to ask the Israelites regarding the circumstances
surrounding the Exodus and the plagues which God wrought during that
time. As any educated Israelite that knows the Holy Bible can tell you,
So We unleashed upon them the flood, of water, which penetrated their God never sent a flood upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Interestingly,
houses and which for seven days would come up to people's necks as Sura 17:101 introduces another error, namely the claim that God sent
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Moses with nine signs as opposed to ten. The Quran repeats this error in past tense [fa-sa'ala, 'and he asked']), when he came to them, Pharaoh
another passage: said to him, 'O Moses, I truly think that you are bewitched', duped, your
mind deceived. (Source; bold and underline emphasis ours)

And put thy hand into the bosom of thy robe, it will come forth white but
unhurt. (This will be one) among nine tokens unto Pharaoh and his As the late Christian writer, ‘Abdallah ‘Abd al-Fadi, noted:
people Lo! they were ever evil-living folk. But when Our tokens came
unto them, plain to see, they said: This is mere magic, S. 27:12-13
Pickthall
The plagues God sent down upon Egypt were ten; blood (Exodus 7:20),
frogs (Exodus 8:6), gnats (Exodus 8:17), flies (Exodus 7:24), death of
livestock (Exodus 9:6), boils (Exodus 9:10), hail (Exodus 9:23), locusts
In fact, here is Ibn Abbas' Tafsir on Sura 17:101 which lists these nine (Exodus 10:14), darkness (Exodus 10:23), and death of the firstborn
signs: (Exodus 12:29,30).

(And verily We gave unto Moses nine tokens clear proofs (of Allah's As for the flood mentioned in Sura al-A‘raf, there was no such event that
Sovereignty)) nine clear signs: the hand, the staff, THE FLOOD, the happened in Egypt during the time of Pharaoh. What the Qur’an is
locusts, the lice, blood, the years of drought and the disappearance of confusing here is the global deluge that occurred during the days of
properties. (Do but ask the Children of Israel) 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and Noah, as it is expressed in Sura al-A‘raf 7:63,64 [see Genesis 6-9]. (Al-
his followers (how he) Moses (came unto them, then Pharaoh said unto Fadi, Is the Qur’an Infallible? [Light of Life, P.O. Box 13, A-9503
him: Lo! I deem thee one bewitched, O Moses) I think that you are Villach, Austria], pp. 88-89)
possessed. (Source; bold and underline emphasis ours)

Thus, here is another time where the Quran commits a plain error by
Al-Jalalayn also presents a list: contradicting the previous revelation and sacred history.

Confusion and/or Errors in the Qur'an?

And verily We gave Moses nine manifest signs, clear [signs], namely, Were Believers Really Called Muslims Before the Time of
[those of] the hand, the staff, THE FLOOD, the locusts, the lice, the Muhammad?
frogs, the blood and the obliteration [of their possessions, cf. Q. 10:88],
the years [of dearth] and scarcity of fruits [cf. Q. 7:130]. Ask, O The following article is a work in progress. My thoughts are not yet
Muhammad (s), the Children of Israel, about this (a [rhetorical] question finalized on every issue that I am going to raise. I want to invite the
meant as an affirmation for the idolaters of your sincerity; or [it means
that] We said to him [Muhammad, s], 'Ask'; a variant reading has the
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feedback and thoughts of the readers in regard to the meaning of Surah one who named you "Submitters" originally. Thus, the messenger shall
22:78 and the observations that I am presenting here. serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among
the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and
The Qur'an makes the following claim: give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and hold fast to GOD; He is your
Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter.
And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under
discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in Other Muslims have followed this interpretation and teach it in their
religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named publications, e.g. in this article by A. Muhammed:
you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger
may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish The misunderstanding and poor interpretation here stems from their lack
regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your of understanding of the word Islam (Submission). In spite of the fact that
Protector - the Best to protect and the Best to help! S. 22:78 Yusuf Ali God tells us in the Quran that Islam (Submission to God Alone) is as old
as Abraham who was the first Muslim (see 2:128, 2:131, 2:133) and who
and struggle for God as is His due, for He has chosen you, and has laid was the first to name us Muslims (22:78), still the Muslim scholars today
on you no impediment in your religion, being the creed of your father insist that Islam is confined to being the religion of the Quran !!!
Abraham; He named you Muslims aforetime and in this, that the
Messenger might be a witness against you, and that you might be By creating such a false statement, the Muslim scholars claim to be the
witnesses against mankind. So perform the prayer, and pay the alms, and custodians of the message! In 3:67 God specifically tells us that
hold you fast to God; He is your Protector -- an excellent Protector, an Abraham was neither Jewish nor Christian, but a monotheist Muslim.
excellent Helper. S. 22:78 Arberry God also tells us in 5:111 that Jesus and the Disciples were Muslim. In
27:44 tells us that Solomon was Muslim and in 5:44 we are told of all the
The topic of this discussion is the part that I underlined in the above prophets who were given the Torah and who were all Muslim.
quotations. First, we need to recognize that there is a certain amount of
ambiguity in the formulation of the statement. Reading it with the What all these verses are confirming is that there are Muslims who
statement that comes before, the first question is, "Who named you followed the Torah and the Bible and who knew nothing of the Quran.
Muslims?" Most interpreters believe it is Allah, and in my opinion this is These Muslims were submitters to God Alone, Lord of the universe.
probably the intended meaning, but there are other Muslims who think (Source; underline emphasis mine)
the pronoun "he" refers to Abraham, the nearest antecedent to the
pronoun, i.e. "it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is he (Abraham) For contrast, here is Ibn Kathir's classical interpretation:
who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation)". At
least one Muslim translator of the Qur'an, Rashad Khalifa, understood it (He has named you Muslims both before and in this (Qur'an),) Imam
in this way. The following is Khalifa's translation of S. 22:78 together `Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak said, narrating from Ibn Jurayj, from `Ata',
with his interpretation given in a footnote: from Ibn `Abbas: concerning Allah's saying, (He has named you
Muslims before) "This refers to Allah, may He be glorified." This was
Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam* also the view of Mujahid, `Ata', Ad-Dahhak, As-Suddi, Muqatil bin
Hayyan and Qatadah. Mujahid said, "Allah named you Muslims before,
78. You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His in the PREVIOUS BOOKS and in Adh-Dhikr, (and in this) means, the
cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in Qur'an." This was also the view of others, because Allah says: (He has
practicing your religion-the religion of your father Abraham. He is the chosen you, and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship) Then He
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urged them to follow the Message which His Messenger brought, by Muhammad brings the same message and practice of religion that was
reminding them that this was the religion of their father Ibrahim. Then preached and observed by Abraham and all the prophets of God. In fact,
He mentioned His blessings to this Ummah, whereby He mentioned the first part of S. 22:78, the verse under discussion, claims exactly that:
them and praised them long ago in the Books of the Prophets which were "And strive hard in Allah's cause as you ought to strive. He has chosen
recited to the rabbis and monks. Allah says: (He has named you Muslims you, and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship. It is the religion
both before) meaning, before the Qur'an, (and in this.) Under the of your father Ibrahim." (Ibn Kathir) Thus, those who were Muslims
explanation of this Ayah, An-Nasa'i recorded from Al-Harith Al-Ash`ari before Muhammad — according to the understanding of Islam — seem
from the Messenger of Allah , who said: (Whoever adopts the call of to be included in the "you" of this statement. Somehow one has to
Jahiliyyah, will be one of those who will crawl on their knees in Hell.) A account for the word "before" in the phrase, "He named you Muslims
man said, "O Messenger of Allah, even if he fasts and performs Salah" before and in this". The natural understanding is that this refers at least to
He said, (Yes, even if he fasts and performs Salah. So adopt the call of those believers in Allah who are called Muslims in the Qur'an, even
Allah whereby He called you Muslims and believers and servants of though they lived a long time before Muhammad.
Allah.) (Source; bold, capital and underline emphasis mine)
Would it not be fair to understand the statement, "He named you
Implicitly, Ibn Kathir testifies to the fact that it is not immediately clear Muslims before and in this", in a corporate sense, i.e. saying that Allah
whom the pronoun "he" refers to, since otherwise, he would not have had named YOU Muslims BEFORE (meaning all believers past) and IN
to explain and cite various authorities in support of his interpretation that THIS (all believers present)? The YOU, although referring first of all to
"he" refers to Allah. the Muslims in Muhammad's time, those directly addressed, includes all
believers past and present, the YOU being viewed much the same way
To summarize the first issue connected with this verse, the formulation that the author of the Qur'an used it in reference to the Jews of
in the Arabic is such that it could be Allah or Abraham who named the Muhammad's time when he accused them of killing the prophets before
believers "Muslims". Allah is probably the intended subject in the their time and of making the golden calf during the Exodus etc. (cf. these
naming process, but the Qur'an is ambiguous. Had the Qur'an said "WE articles: *, *), i.e. the YOU is used in a corporate sense which includes
named you Muslims ..." or "ALLAH named you Muslims ..." instead of both the past, present and perhaps the future members of a particular
"he named you Muslims ...", the confusion could have been avoided. religious or secular group.
Since clarity is always better than confusion, either one would be a
definite improvement compared to the current formulation. We need to reflect a bit on the term "Muslim" as well. Literally it simply
means "one who submits" and it is at times used in a very generic sense.
The second issue with the statement, "He named you Muslims before It should not be a surprise that all religions which teach the existence of
and in this", is this: Whom exactly does the pronoun "you" refers to? one God or even of multiple gods, also call the believers to worship the
deity or deities and submit to his or their will. The concept of submitting
There is no question that the Qur'an gives the name "Muslims" to those to God is nothing that is distinctive of Islam. It is an essential part in
who believe in it and obey its message. It certainly includes the nearly every religion. Buddhism is an exception in some sense, since
companions of Muhammad and all believers in his message from then original Buddhism does not have a deity, but it still has
on. Does it also include monotheist believers before Muhammad's time? rules/laws/principles that a true believer is supposed to follow, i.e. to
The Qur'an considers earlier prophets and believers to be Muslims — submit to.
and it actually makes several statements to that effect (cf. the article,
Who Was the First Muslim?, for a detailed discussion). The author of the The New Testament explicitly calls believers to submit to God. In the
Qur'an exerts great efforts to connect Islam with Abraham, claiming that Epistle of James we read:
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James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, that the readers will no doubt be familiar with. Yet, gladly, those terms
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. ... of insult do not therefore become their recognized name.
SUBMIT yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you. Naming has a legal aspect. A person is usually named after his birth, and
Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 1:1, 4:7-8 then this is his recognized name, it is part of his legal identity. The
procedure of naming establishes a legal fact, your name. When a person
Christians are clearly called to "submit to God". Should Christians is born, he enters a new realm. He is given a name that identifies him.
therefore call themselves Muslims, even though they worship Jesus as
God and call him the Lord? In the generic sense of the word Muslim, one It appears to me that in Islam it is understood in a similar way, that if a
who submits to God, that would certainly be justified. Nevertheless, person decides to believe in Allah, his message and his messenger(s),
Muslims will usually not be comfortable with the thought that the word and speaks the Shahada as an expression of his faith, this establishes a
Muslim should be used in such a general way that somebody in new "relationship" to Allah, so it would be appropriate that someone
submission to the old Egytian gods Isis and Osiris, to the Greek gods who enters Islam would get a new name or identity, i.e. being from then
Zeus and Poseidon, to the Hindu goddess Shiva, or to any other god that on called "a Muslim". After all, being a Muslim or not being a Muslim
is clearly not the Allah of Islam, could or should be called "a Muslim". If has a lot of consequences in terms of rights and obligations as specified
everyone who is religious in some sense and submits to the will of some in Shariah. In many Islamic countries, one's religion is printed on the
kind of god, i.e. the god of any religion, should therefore be called a identity card! Whether it states "Muslim" or "Christian" will often make
Muslim, then the term loses all its distinctiveness and therefore its quite a difference in these countries. It is a legal issue. Allah did not call
meaning. If everyone is a Muslim, what point is there to call myself a everyone Muslim in a generic sense, simply because he submitted to
Muslim? whatever god or gods, but he named those Muslim who believed in Allah
and his very distinctive message of Islam.
With that said, we turn to the verb in the statement, "He named you
Muslims before and in this". Names are always given for the purpose of In Islam, it is understood that everyone who worships (the true) God
distinguishing and identifying. Allah is said to have named the believers without associating anyone else with him is a Muslim, even those who
in his message "Muslims", he did not merely call them Muslims, but this did not know of Muhammad yet, because they lived before his time.
term was given them as a name to distinguish them from disbelievers, However, there is an important historical difference between "being
those who reject his message, and from believers in other gods. In fact, something" and "being called something". People or other entities can
the Arabic does not simply say "Muslims" but "THE Muslims (AL- already be something before they are called by that name.
muslimeen)" with the definite article. Therefore, the word cannot be
understood in the generic sense as "submitted ones" but must be taken as I want to illustrate this last point. For example, the Bible reports the
the definite name, MUSLIMS. Apart from asking some Arab friends, I creation of the animals before they are later given their names by Adam.
looked at about a dozen different English translations of the Qur'an and The existence and essential identity is not dependent on whether the
every single one of them translated the Arabic verb, sammâ, as "named". name that we have today was already known in earlier times. (The horse
was a horse even before anyone gave it the name horse.) Some people
What is the difference between calling and naming? A husband may call first appear in public under a pseudonym and only later reveal their real
his wife "darling" or "honey" (very common in America), but that is not name. Yet, their true identity, what and who they really were, does not
her name, and it does not become her name by calling her this way. On change by the fact that they are only given their real or final name at a
the other hand, many people are fond of using insults against others. later time. A Biblical example would be the identity of the Angel of the
They may be calling people "idiot", "dirt bag", or use even worse terms Lord, a figure that appears several times in the Hebrew Scriptures.
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Christians believe that those were appearances of Jesus, the eternal Son When we turn to the previous books, when we examine the Bible, we see
of God, but before his incarnation, and before he was given the name that it never uses the term Muslims, neither the Arabic word nor its
Jesus which happened after his birth. Therefore, assuming this Hebrew or Greek equivalent. Given that Abraham, Solomon, Jesus, and
identification to be correct, it is acceptable to say that Jesus appeared to summarily all the prophets and even all believers of biblical times are
Abraham and to Gideon (even though he did not bear this name at that called Muslims in the Qur'an, and it is explicitly stated that they were
time), since he is the same person. However, it would be wrong to say named Muslims not only in the Qur'an but also before, this appears to be
that the Angel of the Lord was named or known under the name of Jesus a rather glaring and a quite considerable historical error in the Qur'an.
in the Hebrew Scriptures. The name Jesus only appears in the New
Testament. As explained above, there is a considerable difference between calling
somebody something and naming somebody something. Yet, there is not
Similarly, the author of the Qur'an may claim that the believers and even one case of God addressing the believers as "submitters", "Oh ye
prophets of earlier times, e.g. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, who submit", or similar.
Solomon, and others were truly Muslims, i.e. that from the later Islamic
perspective they are considered Muslims in a generic sense — though The command or expectation that believers should submit to the will and
they have not been called that way in their lifetime. This would be a laws of God is found in every religion. That is not the issue. The claim of
theological or religious claim which people may agree or disagree with, the Qur'an is more specific. It claims that already before the time of
and it could not easily be proven or disproven. People will believe it if Muhammad, Allah had named the believers "Muslims". This is false.
they consider Islam and the Qur'an as a whole to be trustworthy, but will There is not a trace of it found anywhere in the Bible.
probably reject this claim, if they do not believe in Islam. Such a claim
would basically be a matter of faith. This is particularly interesting when we realize that (re)naming is a very
important feature in the Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments. God
However, the statement that they were called and even named Muslims actually does give new names to key figures at decisive moments,
already before the time of Muhammad, is a historical claim. That can be particularly at the time when they take a major step in their journey of
checked against the known historical facts. It is not a matter of faith, it is faith. Even more interestingly, it is reported that God gave a new name
a question of history, and it is either true or false based on objective to Abraham and to Jacob.
reality.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and
At this point, we have arrived at the main problem with Sura 22:78. To said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will
say, "He named you Muslims before and in this", contains a historical confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your
claim and is therefore subject to historical evaluation. numbers." Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, "As for me, this is
my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No
The above quoted tafsir (commentary) by Ibn Kathir explains what longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have
"before" and "in this" refers to when it states: "Allah named you made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will
Muslims before, in the previous Books and in Adh-Dhikr, (and in this) make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my
means, the Qur'an" and "... whereby He mentioned them and praised covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your
them long ago in the Books of the Prophets which were recited to the descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and
rabbis and monks." There is no question that the books studied by the the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where
Jewish rabbis and Christian monks are the Old and New Testaments of you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and
the Bible. your descendants after you; and I will be their God." Genesis 17:1-8
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"You are the LORD God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur Here is an example from the New Testament, where Jesus gives a new
of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham. You found his heart faithful name to Simon, who will later become one of the most important
to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the apostles of Christ:
land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and
Girgashites. You have kept your promise because you are righteous." Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and
Nehemia 9:7-8 they came to him. He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—
that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach
Abram is given his new name Abraham at the time when God makes his and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he
covenant with him, a covenant that will change the history of mankind, appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of
an everlasting covenant that is not only about Abraham personally, but Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges,
also about his descendants. It is explicitly connected with the issue of which means Sons of Thunder) ... Mark 3:13-17
who will be the God of Abraham's descendants. This is the context of
Abram receiving his new name, Abraham. His new name is an important And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are
feature of this event, but he was not called a Muslim. Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated,
is Peter). John 1:42
The Qur'an also claims that Abraham is first called a Muslim when he
prays for himself and for his descendants to be in the right faith (S. Obviously, the Bible puts quite an emphasis on God's acts of re-naming
2:127-133). The Qur'an, however, knows nothing of God's covenant with important men of faith. This makes it all the more glaring that they are
Abraham, nor that Abraham was a name given to him by God himself. never called Muslims. Driven by the desire to connect his message with
The Qur'an tells a completely different story without any historical basis. that of the earlier prophets of the Jews and the Christians, and
It stands it stark contradiction to the Torah. particularly with Abraham, the author of the Qur'an made the claim that
these earlier prophets were not only considered to be Muslims, but that
God also gives a new name to Jacob: they were actually called Muslims. This is an obvious historical error. If
the Qur'an is wrong on such an essential issue, it has therefore to be
... But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." The rejected as a revelation from God.
man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered. Then the
man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you Ezra, the Son of God?
have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." Jacob said,
"Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?"
Then he blessed him there. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is
because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared." Genesis In Surah at-Taubah, 9:30, we find the astonishing statement:
32:26-30
And the Jews say, "Ezra is the Son of God;"
Based on this event, the descendants of Jacob are called "the children of and the Christians say, "The Messiah is the Son of God." ...
Israel". Interestingly, the Qur'an regularly uses this name, Bani Israil, but
does not provide any clue as to where this name comes from. Based on While the statement about the Christian doctrine is correct, the claim that
the Qur'an, one would not be able to know why the descendants of Jacob "Ezra is the Son of God" is wrong and such a belief has never been a
are called the children of Israel. tenet of the Jewish faith. It cannot be found in the Jewish Scriptures nor

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in the commentaries like Talmud and Mishnah [as far as I know, but Representatives of both faiths have set out to prove their point, but since
please prove me wrong by giving a reference!]. everyone is already committed to a definite conviction, objectivity is
hardly possible. I, as a Christian, most probably am not as objective
Until then, this is a clear error in the Qur'an. towards Islam as I should be - and neither will the Muslim reader be
unbiased towards the Bible.
Qur'an Contradiction:
Within the framework of these studies we shall look only at scriptural
The Old Age of Jesus? and historical facts that are established, and will not engage in
philosophical polemics. We do not want to argue about theological
concepts either, but desire rather to discuss those that can be checked
The ministry of Jesus lasted until he was about 33. This is even admitted tested and verified by anyone, anywhere - provided one is able to turn to
by Yusuf Ali in his comment no. 388 on Sura 3:46. the sources mentioned. For that reason an attempt has been made to
document all assertions as thoroughly as possible.
But Sura 5:110 says he taught the people in (up to his) old age. Can 33
years considered "old age" by any stretch of imagination? In recent years the Quran has undergone a process of spiritualisation.
Some Muslims actually use Christian concepts, foreign to Quranic and
traditional thinking, and explain that this is the spirit of Islam. These
sentiments are difficult to accept unless they can be substantiated in the
WHY DO THE BIBLE AND THE QURAN NOT AGREE? Islamic literature of old.

Despite similarities, stemming from the same subject matter, history and Since the Bible existed before the Quran, the difference between the two
persons mentioned, the Bible and the Quran differ widely on may be solved by providing:
fundamental concepts of faith and practice in religion.
1. Evidence that proves that the Quran is based on a false or poor
There are at least two possible reasons: understanding and knowledge of the earlier revelation (God
cannot change, and will not give contradictory statements to
1. The Bible and the Quran do not stem from the same source, i.e. different prophets!);
one of the two, or both, are of human or spiritist origin. 2. Evidence that proves a change was made in the message of the
2. The Bible or the Quran, or both, have undergone editing and Bible by Jews and/or Christians, with acceptable reasons for
consequently the original nature and message has become lost. doing so.

In that case one of the two books, or both, contain error and cannot be The Quran repeatedly and emphatically states that the Torah and Gospel
termed reliable and trustworthy. Both Muslims and Christians are - we take this to stand for the Old and New Testaments - are revelations
absolutely convinced of the divine origin, reliability and total by the same God as the God of the Quran.
trustworthiness of their respective book. One (or both) must be false. In
that case very many millions of followers of the respective faiths base What the Quran teaches about the Bible
their hopes for eternity on error or even deception.
"Say ye: 'We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and
to Abraham, Ismail, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to
407 408
Moses, and Jesus, and that given to all prophets from their Lord: WHICH HAS COME DOWN TO US AND THAT WHICH
WE MAKE NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ONE AND CAME DOWN TO YOU". (S. Ankabut 29:46).
ANOTHER OF THEM." (S. Baqara 2:136).
"This is a book which We have revealed, bringing blessings, and
"Allah! There is no God but He, - the Living, the Selfsubsisting, confirming (the revelations) which came before it: that thou
Eternal ... He sent down Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her." (Sura
Jesus) ... as a guide to mankind." (S. Al-i-Imran 3:2-3). 6:92).

"0 ye who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Apostle - and the What else does this mean, than that Mohammed claims to bring
scripture which He sent before them". (S. Nisaa 4:136). revelation to Mecca and the Arabs, confirming and establishing what
was sent before him?
"It was We who revealed the Law (to Moses); therein was
guidance and light ... if any do fail to judge by the light of what "Before thee, also, the apostles We sent were but men, to whom
Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) unbelievers ... We We granted inspiration: If ye realize this not, ASK OF THOSE
sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come WHO POSSESS THE MESSAGE (Sura 21:7).
before him: We sent him the Gospel: Therein was guidance and
light ... a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah. We can clearly see that the Quran presupposes the divine revelation of
LET THE PEOPLE OF THE GOSPEL JUDGE BY WHAT "the Book" and its unpolluted content at the time of the prophet
ALLAH HATH REVEALED THERElN. IF ANY DO FAIL TO Mohammed. The Quran criticises, however, the twisting and
JUDGE BY THE LIGHT OF WHAT ALLAH HATH misinterpretation of "the Book":
REVEALED, THEY ARE (no better than) THOSE WHO
REBEL. Judge. . . what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their "Ye People of the Book! Why do ye clothe truth with falsehood
vain desires ... "(S. Ma-ida 5:44,46,47,49). and conceal the truth, while ye have knowledge? (S. Al-i-Imran
3:71).
"People of the Book! ... Stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and
all the revelation that hath come to you from YOUR LORD. It is "There is among them a section who distort the Book with their
the revelation that has come to thee from THY LORD." (ibid. vs. tongues: (as they read) you would think it is part of the Book, but
68). it is no part of the Book." (S. ibid. vs. 78). (All emphasis in the
quotations is my own).
"The Quran is ... a confirmation of (revelations) that went before
it". (S. Yi'inus 10:37). If there is anything that comes out very clearly, it is that the Quran is
emphatic that the Torah and the Gospel are revelation from God. This is
"If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee, what Christians believe too. The Quran says in this regard:
then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee.
The truth had indeed come to thee from thy Lord." (ibid. vs. 94). "No change can there be in the words of Allah" (Sura 10:64)

"AND DISPUTE YE NOT WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE "There is none that can alter the words of Allah" (Sura 6:34).
BOOK ... BUT SAY: WE BELIEVE IN THE REVELATION

409 410
Besides that, history and archaeology prevent one from arguing that the "They (the Jews) said (in boast), 'We killed Christ Jesus the son
Bible has undergone any change since its official canonisation in A.D. of Mary, the Apostle of Allah', - but they killed him not, nor
324. In fact almost all portions of the New Testament in their present crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them ... " (Sura
form were in general circulation among the churches of the Second 4:157).
Century A.D. It was by general agreement at a Council of the bishops of
318 churches that all these were fully recognized and accepted as The crucifixion receives the widest attention in the Gospel and was
Apostolic and inspired. When Mohammed referred to "the Book" or unmistakably prophesied in the Old Testament some 700-1000 years
"Taurat" or "Injil", he referred, no doubt, to what was in circulation in before it happened. See "Christians Answer Muslims", pages 48 ff., 97
Arabia in his day and age. If words mean anything at all, then ff.
Mohammed referred to this "Book" (al-Kitab) as revelation. We take this
as an established fact on the strength of the above evidence, unless it can In Sura 19:35 we are informed that
be proved wrong.
"it beseemeth not God to beget a son"
Why should a Jew or Christian before or after the time of Mohammed be
interested in changing God's revelation? Does he want to go to hell? and near the end of the Quran (Sura 112:3) it says:

"I warn every one who hears the words of the prophecy of this "He begetteth not, nor is He begotten",
book; if any one adds to them, God will add to him the plagues
described in this book, and if any one takes away from the words which is also part of the Rak'at.
of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the
tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." This again, is in contrast to the Bible. The words "it is not befitting Allah
(Revelation 22:18-19). that He should beget a son" (Sura 19:35 and 92) suggest a physical act,
which is as outrageous to Christians as it is to Muslims.
These are virtually the last verses of the Bible. The only conceivable
reason to bring about changes would be that the Quran differs from the Jesus was born of a virgin. She asked:
"Book". Consequently there are two possibilities: either the Christians
refusing to accept the Quran tried to change all similarities between the " 'How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me,
Bible and the Quran; or Muslims seeing that the "Book" was in contrast and I am not unchaste?' He (an angel) said: 'So (it will be): Thy
to the Quran, expediently claim that the Bible must have been corrupted. Lord saith, 'That is easy for me: and (We wish) to appoint him as
The first assumption is against all evidence and logic. a sign unto men and a mercy from Us.' " (Sura 19:2-21).

QUESTION: Why do Muslims keep on claiming that the Bible is This, as in the Bible, does not indicate a begetting act. The whole
corrupt? When was the Bible allegedly polluted? Why does the concept of the "begotten" son is based on a misconception. In the
Quran not clearly state that it was polluted? original Greek the word "monogenes" is used, which means "only born".
That God by the word of His power was the initiator of the pregancy of
There are differences between the Bible and the Quran. Mary is as clearly reflected in the Qur'an (Sura 19:16-22) as it is in the
Bible. Even so, Islam assumed the Bible to teach that Jesus was
The Quran states that both the Torah and Gospel are revealed. But in "begotten", i.e. sexually conceived, an act which cannot possibly
contrast, it also claims that Jesus was not crucified: perceived of God: "It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He
411 412
should beget a son", we read. But immediately the biblical position is translation transliterates this statement therefore as "on none by that
presented: "Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, he only says name have We conferred distinction before." His explanation:
to it 'be', and it is." (Sura 19:35).
"... for we read of a Johanan ... in II Kings 25:23."
A very similar misunderstanding we find in the concept of the "Trinity",
which according to the Quran is understood to consist of Jesus and Mary Is a "translator" allowed to change a text like this to correct an error?
besides God, God being one of three (Sura 5:116). This is in no way in
keeping with the biblical texts. Christians believe in what the Bible Abraham was the son of Azar in Sura 6:74 and the son of Terah in
teaches. In both the Old Testament (B.C.) and the New Testament we Genesis 11:27. Who would change a name from early history at random?
know of ONE God only. ("Christians Answer Muslims, pp. 92 ff.). It is a What purpose would it serve? None. Only an error can be responsible.
tragedy that many Muslims think that Christians worship three gods. Does Azar stand for Eliezer? He is mentioned in Genesis 15:2 as a
This is indeed not the case. servant of Abraham.

There are, moreover, many other differences between the Quran and the Worse differences occur in the narrative about Moses. We are rightly
Bible, which are more of an historical nature than doctrinal: told that Imran (Biblical Amram) was the father of Moses, Aaron and
Miriam (by implication in Suras 19:28, 66:12, 20:25-30).
Noah escaped the flood, but his son drowned (Sura 11:42-46) according
to the Quran narrative, but he (Noah) escaped with his wife, three sons But that this Miriam (or Mary) is the mother of Jesus (who was actually
and their wives (Genesis 6:7,18) in the Bible. born 1500 years later!) is rather unlikely.

The angel, announcing the birth of John the Baptist (Yahya) to his father, The explanation offered by Yusuf Ali that she and her cousin Elizabeth
says: were called "sisters of Aaron", because they were (in the case of Mary,
"presumably": comm. 375) of a priestly family, is rather vague. The
"We bring thee tidings of a son, whose name shall be John: we phrase, it is suggested, was derived from Luke 1:5, where Elizabeth, the
have not caused any to bear the same name before him" (Sura mother of John the Baptist, being of priestly descent, was called "of the
19:7 according to George Sale's translation). daughters of Aaron". What Yusuf Ali does not explain, is that the father
of Aaron and Mary, the mother of Jesus, happens to be Imran according
or to the Quran. This, no doubt, shows human error which can hardly be
regarded as a copying mistake. It is based on lack of knowledge of, or
"No namesake have We given him aforetime" (according to A.J. information about, the Bible.
Arberry's translation).
That Moses was adopted by Pharaoh's wife (Sura 28:9) is contradicted
or by Exodus 2:10, where he was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter (otherwise
he would also have been adopted by Pharaoh himself).
"that name we have given to none before him" (Palmer's and
Rodwell's translation). Moses' wife - we understand from the context (in Sura 28:22-28), that
this must be Zipporah the daughter of Jethro - was given to Moses in
This is incorrect. Johanan, the Hebrew form of John (Jahveh's Gift) was exchange for 8-10 years' service. The Bible does not account for this
quite a common name, mentioned in the Old Testament. Yusuf Ali in his (Exodus 2:16-22). We are, however, strongly reminded of Genesis 29:18
413 414
where Jacob pledges to serve Laban 7 years in exchange for Rachel. This "We have appointed for every nation a holy rite that they may
was approximately 220 years prior to the time of Moses. Again we mention Allah's name over such beasts of the flocks as He has
should like to inquire what possible purpose could any man have in provided them ... And the beasts of sacrifice - We have appointed
changing the words of the Bible in historical narratives like these? Or them for you as among Allah's waymarks; therein is good for you
could it have been Mohammed who confused some the stories he had ... The flesh of them shall not reach Allah, neither their blood (!).
heard? But godliness from you shall reach Him."

The same applies to the statement that Haman was a servant of Pharaoh. The Christian reader immediately notices in the above a total
According to the Quran, he is ordered by Pharaoh to light a kiln to bake contradiction of the Biblical message.
bricks out of clay to "build me a lofty palace" (Sura 28:38, Yusuf Ali); or
"high tower that I may ascend unto the God of Moses" (G. Sales); or "a "Where I see the blood, I will pass over you." (Exodus 12:13).
tower, that I may reach the avenues of the heavens and ascend unto the
God of Moses" (by Palmer and Rodwell); or "and make me a tower that I These are the words of God to Moses and the Jews after telling them that
may mount up to Moses' god" (by Arberry). by applying the blood of a sacrifice to the lintels and doorposts of their
homes, their families would escape the judgment of God that would
We do recall the building of the tower of Babel in the Bible. But this strike Egypt.
event in Genesis 11 occurred 750 years before the time of Pharaoh in
Exodus, and Haman (Book of Esther) lived 1100 years after Pharaoh. "The life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it for you
Yusuf Ali suggests (comm. 3331) that this refers to another Haman, but upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls; for it is the
there is none other by that name in the Bible. We find it strange that blood that makes atonement, by reason of the life." (Leviticus
Yusuf Ali in contrast to all other translators, speaks of a lofty palace, 17:11).
rather than a tower. Did he want to obscure the obvious similarities,
which are embarrassing because they are historical misfits? This is a concise statement, representing the very heart of the Law given
to Moses. Although this ultimately points to the sacrifice of Jesus, who
In the Bible (Judges 7) we read how God made Gideon select his small ratified all the offerings presented by the people under the Old Covenant,
army of 300 from 32,000 men, for a special task. In Sura 2:249 we read the demand of God still stands:
of a very similar event, but this time under King Saul. Yusuf Ali in his
commentary is aware of this, and remarks "as Gideon did before Saul" "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins
(comm. 284). This deed of Saul's is not found in the Bible and we take it (Hebrews 9:22).
to be another error.
It is a misjudgment of God's holiness and man's sinful nature to assume
Muslims believe that Ishmael was the son to be offered by Abraham on that our good deeds will ever be able to compensate for the evil in our
the altar. The Bible states that it was Isaac. This incidence highlights the lives.
whole concept of sacrifice, where a wide difference between the two
Books can be detected. The origin of Idu'l-Azha can be traced back to the year when, a few
months after the Hejira, Mohammed observed the Jews of Medina
Idu'l-Azha is based on Sura 22:34-37 where it says, inter alia: celebrating the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) and he saw the role that
sacrifice played among the people of the Book, the Jews. A Tradition
records that Mohammed asked them why they kept the fast. He was
415 416
informed that it was a memorial to the deliverance of Israel under Moses The Islamic concept that Ishmael was on the altar can be supported only
from the hands of the Egyptians. by the Traditions (Yusuf Ali Commentary, note 4096, 4101)
("Dictionary of Islam", page 219). Bearing everything in mind we are
"We have a greater right in Moses than they" said Mohammed and fasted tempted to conclude that the Islamic view is motivated by expediency.
with the Jews, commanding his followers to do the same.
Regarding the meaning of the sacrifice (Qurban = "approaching near", to
The following year the initially friendly atmosphere between the whom? How? Why?), Muslims deny any implication of Biblical
Muslims and Jews had deteriorated and with it the Qibla was changed concepts whatsoever; we hold that this is not legitimate, since we are
from Jerusalem to Mecca. Mohammed and his followers did not dealing with Biblical narrative and content. To the Muslim the Qurban is
participate in the "Yom Kippur" (Day of Atonement) celebrated then. merely a remembrance rite to make one think of Ishmael. But even in the
Instead, he instituted the Idu'l-Azha. He killed two young goats, one for Quran, although denied in other passages (Sura 22:37), the issue is clear:
himself and his family and one for the people (See Leviticus 16), still "Ransomed by sacrifice"! Liberated from death by someone else
remaining true to Biblical demands. Idolatrous Arabs had been stepping in, a momentous, noble sacrifice to redeem Isaac (or Ishmael, if
performing the annual Hajj to Mecca at this time of the year. The you wish).
sacrifice of animals was also part of their ceremonial, so the institution
of Idu'l-Azha may be seen also as a well-timed token of goodwill Here is Biblical ground. Here is the pointer to the sacrifice of Jesus
towards the Arabs of Mecca. Christ. He became the momentous noble sacrifice to die in our stead!
Today Idu'l-Azha is a feast of rejoicing. But the sacrifice is not
Although there is no reference in the Quran to the fact, it is generally interpreted as being a ransom! Muslims claim that Abraham took Hagar
accepted by Muslims that this feast was instituted to commemorate and Ishmael, as a baby yet unweaned, to Paran (believed by Muslims to
Abraham's sacrifice of his son Ishmael on Mount Mina near Mecca. be near Mecca). This clashes with the Genesis account in the following
respects:
The reason for the above assumption is as follows: if Abraham's "only
son" (Genesis 22:2) was offered, Isaac could not have been born at that a)
stage, for Ishmael could not have been the only son anymore. But Hagar and Ishmael were sent away, unaccompanied by Abraham,
Genesis 22:2 is quite clear on this point. It actually states the name Isaac. when
In Sura 37:100-111 the story of the sacrifice of Abraham's son is b)
recorded without naming the son: "We gave him the good news of a boy Isaac had already been born, i.e. Ishmael was at least 14 years old
ready to suffer and forbear". Although this Sura deviates somewhat from (and not weaned!).
the Biblical narrative, the event of the sacrifice is reported. As a parallel c)
passage we should mention Sura 11:71, where, however, the chronology Paran is not near Mecca but is south of Israel in the Sinai
of the event has been somewhat mixed up. Peninsula.

The reference in Sura 37 culminates in the words: We noted that in Genesis 22:2 Isaac is called Abraham's only son. This is
biologically incorrect, but legally correct, for it obviously refers to:
"We ransomed him (the son) with (another) momentous (or
noble) sacrifice." (My emphasis). i)
the covenant bearer (Genesis 21:12); and
ii)
417 418
Abraham's marriage to Sarah (Hagar was Abraham's concubine) We Christians believe this too. Let us assume for a moment that there is
no discrepancy between the message of the Bible and the Quran, which,
A Muslim may contend that the given Quranic text is "nazil", or has as we have seen, is not the case, and consider the Quran on its own.
come as revelation from heaven: God knows about the matter and it need
not have been reported in the Bible for Him to know. Of course God The problem of abrogation.
knows all things, past present and future. He revealed many events of the
future comprehensively through the prophets in the Bible to demonstrate "When We substitute one revelation for another, - and Allah
His authorship, and every reader is able to check and test if the facts knows best what He reveals, - they say 'Thou art a forger: But
reveal the divine imprint. But judging unemotionally, just guided by the most of them understand not. Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the
evidence, Christians fail to see any divine imprint in the Quran. See pp. revelation from thy Lord in truth."
39 ff.
"None of our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten,
QUESTION: How can one, in the light of the opening text of this but We substitute something better or similar--Knowest thou not
chapter, account for these differences? that Allah hath power over all things?....Would you question your
Apostle as Moses was questioned of old?" (Suras 16:101 and
A book on this topic, listing several hundred difficult issues in the Qur'an 2:106,108).
is:
We should like to find out how a divine revelation can be improved. We
`Abdallah `Abd al-Fadi would have expected it to have been perfect and true right from the start.
Is the Qur'an Infallible? Yusuf Ali tries to explain:
Order Number VB 4009 E
available from: "....it means that God's message from age to age is always the
Light of Life, P.O.Box 13, A-9503 Villach, Austria same, but that its form may differ according to the needs and
Also available in Arabic. exigencies of the time. Some commentators apply it also to the
Ayat (revelation) of the Quran. There is nothing derogatory in
CONTRADICTIONS WITHIN THE QURAN this if we believe in progressive revelation.
In Sura 3:7 we are told distinctly about the Quran, that some of
"Do they not consider the Quran? Had it been from other than its verses are basic and fundamental, and others are allegorical,
Allah, they would surely have found therein much and it is mischievous to treat the allegorical verses and follow
discrepancies." (Sura 4:82). them (literally)." (comm 107).

This verse is further amplified by the already quoted texts: This is fully acceptable. God has revealed His Word progressively, the
revelation being levelled at the comprehension and culture of the people
"No change can there be in the Words of Allah (Sura 10:64) to whom it was first given. Everybody will agree that an allegory should
"There is none that can alter the Words of Allah (Sura 6:34) not be taken literally. But what about the law of 'mansukh' (=abrogated
verse; please note Sura 2:106 does not speak of intellect, culture or
progressive revelation with reference to scriptures given prior to
Mohammed, but to Quranic verses only!) and 'nasikh' (=the verses that
take the place of the mansukh verses)? .
419 420
We must recognize one important principle: If we want to know what a The treatment of adulteresses is to be life imprisonment (Sura
certain passage really means we have to make a proper exegesis. We 4:15), which was changed to flogging with 100 strokes (Sura
have to establish what exactly the text in question was intended to say to 24:2). This despite the leniency prescribed for homosexuals (Sura
the original hearers. How did they understand it? Only having done that 4:16) on repenting.
can we interpret a text in today's situation without distortion. There are
various possible ways of establishing the original meaning, but one The retaliation in cases of crime, particularly murder, was to be
should also look at the very old commentaries and see how they confined to people of equal rank (slave for slave, free for free
understood and interpreted the text. etc.) (Sura 2:178) This is in disagreement with Sura 5:48 and
Sura 17:33 where retaliation is allowed against the murderer
The "Tafsir-i-Azizi" explains three kinds of abrogations (=cancellations): only.

i) where a verse has been removed from the Quran and another given in The Jihad or Holy War was forbidden in the sacred months (Sura
its place; 9:5) but is allowed, even encouraged in verse 36 which replaces
the former.
ii) where the injunction (command) is abrogated and the letters of the
verse remain; ! "Sura 2:106 occurs immediately before a series of sweeping
changes, or rather modifications, introduced by Muhammad in
iii) where both the verse and its injunction are removed from the text both the ritual and the legal spheres.The verse thus precedes a
change in the Qibla (vss. 115,177,124-151); in the pilgrimage
Jalalu'd-Din, says that the number of abrogated verses has been variously rites (vs. 158); in the dietary laws (vss. 168-l74); in the law
estimated to range from 5 to 500 ("Dictionary of Islam", page 520) relating to talio (vss. 178-179); in bequests (vss. 180-182); in the
fast (vss. 182-187); and again in the pilgrimage (vss. 191-203).
In his 'Itqan' he furnished a list of 20 verses, which are acknowledged by
all commentators to be abrogated ("Dictionary of Islam", page 520). Similarly, Sura 16:101 is followed by allusions to modifications
in the dietary laws (vss 114-119), and in the Sabbath laws
Just a few be mentioned here: (vs.124)" ("The Collection of the Quran" by John Burton).

The Qibla (prayer direction) was changed from Jerusalem to Elaborating on this we note that the fast is compulsory "but if any
Mecca (Sura 2:142-144); of you is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be
made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship)
The division of inheritance left by parents or other relatives is a ransom, the feeding of one, that is indigent." (Sura 2:184).
according to Sura 4:7 had to be equal (a share and a share which
has to be determined). This was abrogated and replaced by verse "'Here one can hardly escape the conclusion that the first verse
11, where it is commanded that males must get double the share (i.e. 184) allows a rich man to buy himself out of the fast."
of females. ("Islam" by A. Guillaume). The next verse is said to replace the
former. It allows no compensation of any kind for the fast.
The night prayer performed by reciting the Quran ought to be
more or less half the time of the night (Sura 73:2). This was In verse 180 of the same Sura "it is prescribed, when death
changed to as much as may be easy for you (verse 20). approaches any of you, if he leaves any goods, that he make a
421 422
bequest to parents and next of kin....". This is said to be replaced "The 'naskh' (sic) of the wording and recital occured by means of
by Sura 4:11, according to which a double portion of inheritance God's causing them to forget it. He withdrew it from their
falls to males compared to that of females. memories, while commanding them to neglect its public recital
and its recording in the mushaf. With the passage of time, it
The much discussed "verses of the sword": "....fight and slay the would quite disappear like the rest of God's revealed Books
pagans wherever ye find them and seize them, beleaguer them which He mentions in the Quran, but nothing of which is known
and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (or war)." (Sura 9:5) today. This can have happened either during the Prophet's life so
and "....when you meet the unbelievers (in fight) cut off their that, when he died, the forgotten material was no longer being
necks..." (Sura 47:4) are "said to have cancelled no less than 124 recited as part of the Quran; or it might have happened after the
verses which enjoined toleration and patience." (A. Guillaume). death of the Prophet. It would still be extant in writing, but God
would cause them to forget it. He would then remove it from
To us it is surprising to find the mansukh and nasikh verses often near to their memories. But, of course, the naskh of any part of the
each other. We judge these to be cases of interpolation. revelation after the death of the Prophet is not possible." ("The
Collection of the Quran" by John Burton p.97).
As stated earlier, we do believe in progressive revelation. The Old
Covenant of the Law, as given to Moses, was superseded by the New We suggest that Allah could have spared us a lot of confusion, doubt and
Covenant of grace, which Jesus introduced. But these developments took explaining, had He given the better text right from the beginning.
place over a considerable time (1 500 years) with many prophetic
warnings and predictions in between, so that no arbitrary action may be "There was a series of Hadiths designed expressly to give the
assumed on the side of God. In the light of this we find it unacceptable impression that Muhammad had forgotten part of the revelations.
that within a space of 20 years a need for change or correction can The reports were specific and detailed enough to identify the
become necessary. This surely suggests that God is either not all- actual wording of the verses in question. Anas is reported in the
knowing or else the recorder made a correction. two Sahih's (i.e. al-Bukhari and Muslim) as declaring: There was
revealed concerning those slain at Bi'r Ma'una a Quran verse
There are other verses which further add to the confusion: which we recited until it was withdrawn: "Inform our tribe on our
behalf that we have met our Lord. He has been well pleased with
"If we wished, we could make away with what we have revealed us and has satisfied our desires.' ("al-Itqan by Jalal al Din).
to you!" (Sura 17:86). "We shall teach you to recite it (i.e. the
Quran) and you will not forget - except that Allah wills (Sura 'Abdullah b. al Zubair therefore asked 'Uthman what had
87:6-7). possessed him to include Sura 2:240 in the 'mushaf' (document or
canon), when he knew it to have been abrogated by Sura 2:234.
Why should anything be forgotten of an eternal revelation? To 'Because', he replied 'Uthman, 'I know it to be part of the Quran
"substitute for it something better"? We do admit that an inspired man text.' '(ibid.). ("The Collection of the Quran" by John Burton).
can err at times, but an inspired book (nazil) cannot!
A further problem arises from the fact that there is by no means any
Zarkasi explains the above concept more deeply. He states (vol. I p. certainty which verses are mansukh and which nasikh, since the order in
235): which the Quran was written down is not chronological, but according to
the length of the Suras. However, even the Suras were not necessarily
given in one piece. It happened that a certain portion of a Sura was
423 424
given, and the next given text would be directed by Mohammed to be "Allah has prescribed for himself as law to act merciful" (Sura
added to another Sura, and later again another addition was made to the 6:12).
first again, etc. The Hadis gives no conclusive information about the
chronological order either, so that strictly speaking, there is no means of is contradicted in the same Sura: (verses 35-39):
determining which of two disagreeing texts is mansukh, and which
nasikh. "If it were Allah's will, he would gather them into true
guidance.... Whom Allah willeth he leaves to wander, whom he
In any case we Christians see in this whole subject just a theological willeth, he placeth on the way that is straight".
gimmick to "explain" contradictions. The quotation:
As we shall see (pp 21ff.), the Muslim's hope rests on that despairing
"No change can there be in the Words of Allah" and "There is word:
none that can alter the Words of Allah. Already hast thou
received some account of those Apostles." or "the other Apostles "IF it pleases Allah."
also said so." (Suras 10:64 and 6:34).
This is striking, for even in the Old Testament the believer was aware of
is contradicted by all those Muslims who claim that the Bible which is the Law of cause and Effect. Once a believer broke any of God's Laws
admitted to be a revealed book, has been altered and corrupted. he was cut-off from God, and was lost and perishing. But if he atoned
therefor in repentance according to God's prescribed ordinance (the
To underline our point let us just look at two passages of the Quran that sacrifice) his sin was forgiven. God had committed Himself to it. This is
have not been reconciled in terms of the law of abrogation. even further elaborated in the New Testament:

In Sura 41:9-12 we read that the world was created in eight days, in Sura "If we confess our sins (while we have fellowship with God: vs.
7:54 we are told it were six days. It is, we suppose, up to the believer to 6), He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us
make up his mind which of the two he will accept. from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9).

QUESTION: Must we assume that God is inconsistent? Knowing all We see a definite regression from this standard in the Quran.
things, such contradiction surely does not originate from God?
We also find it strange to read:
Problems regarding the consistency of Revelation.
"Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find
The Quran is inconsistent regarding commitments on the part of Allah on the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the
which the believer can reckon or on which he can build his life. believers wilt thou find those who say, 'we are Christians'." (Sura
Commitments that are given are contradicted elsewhere: 5:85)

"Allah has inscribed for himself (the rule of) mercy" This is supported to some extent by an explanatory note in the "Mishkat"
(IV page 103, note 2380) where we are told that "nearly two-thirds of
or paradise" will be filled with "the followers of the Holy Prophet and the
followers of other prophets will form one-third." In strange contrast to
this are the words of Sura 5:51
425 426
"Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends." The words of thy Lord are perfect in truth and in
justice;
NONE can change His words:
What about being together in Paradise? The reason is just as strange: For He is the one who heareth and knoweth all.

"They (Jews and Christians) are but friends and protectors to each
other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is Sura 6:34
of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust. There is none that can alter the words of Allah.
Already hast thou received some account of those
It can hardly be said that Jews and Christians have ever protected each messengers.
other, except that they agree on the authenticity of the Old Testament.
Sura 10:64
It is said of Mohammed that he was the first to bow down to Allah (in
Islam) (Sura 6:14, 163, 39:12). But it is also said of Abraham, his sons There is no changing the words of God;
and Jacob that they were Muslims (Sura 2:132), and of all earlier that is the supreme triumph.
prophets who brought 'books' (i.e. Moses, David and Jesus) (Sura 28:52-
53). Again it is reported of the disciples of Jesus that they were Muslims Further in Sura 3:3 and others, the Qur'an confirms
(Sura 3:52). that Torah, Zabur
and Injil are words of God.
All these we view as contradictions. Some would not be of a serious
nature, were it not for the claim that the Quran is "nazil" or "brought Do you believe the Qur'an is true in its statement
that NOBODY can change the words of God?
down" from heaven to Mohammed without the touch of human hand -
except for the act of writing itself. Something to ponder for you.

QUESTION: Is there any uncontradicted statement in the Quran on


Every time you dig out an "error" in the
which a Mulsim can rely to have eternal life in heaven? [Torah/Gospel],

you confirm that the Qur'an is WRONG

and prove that the very foundation of your religion


is faulty.
Some people really enjoy digging their own grave! The Qur'an states this at least three times to make
sure you don't
174 contradictions of verses in Bible. overlook it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
If you think the Bible is wrong BECAUSE of some
was the header of a recent newsgroup posting. contradictions
you have piled up, then think about the
Please see what the Qur'an says: contradiction between
the Qur'an and your confidence in this "proof". In
Sura 6:115 my opinion this

427 428
is a serious logical problem for Islam. their lack of faith, or forced Muhammad's regulations on them and
subjected them to live as second-class citizens (see the section on Non-
A Plain Error and Contradiction in the Qur'an: Muslims under Islamic Rule).

Who suffers loss if Muhammad was wrong? Ironically, these people have suffered loss even if Muhammad had been
a true prophet. Whether Muhammad was astray or guided, many lives
have been destroyed by Muslim attacks on unbelievers, so that this
In Sura 34:50, Muhammad is commanded to say the following: statement is not only logically false, but false also in factual history.

Say: ‘If I go astray, I go astray only to my own loss; if I am guided, it Putting aside all the atrocities and suffering in this earthly life that
is by what my Lord reveals to me. He is All-hearing, Ever-nigh.’ Arberry resulted from Muhammad's teachings, the intention of this verse was
certainly to make a statement about the loss suffered in eternity, i.e.
Say: "If (even) I go astray, I shall stray only to my own loss. But if I whether people will be punished or rewarded in the Last Judgement
remain guided, it is because of the Inspiration of my Lord to me. Truly, based on their acceptance or rejection of God's message.
He is AllHearer, Ever Near (to all things)." Hilali & Khan
Under the assumption that Muhammad was a true messenger, those who
The error in this verse should be obvious to anyone pondering this were killed as unbelievers because they did not accept his message on
statement for a little bit. The issue here is not whether, objectively, the spot have lost not only their lives but also the opportunity to become
Muhammad went astray or was guided; Muslims and non-Muslims will convinced by the truth of Islam by having the time to study the message
continue to disagree about that. This verse is logically wrong, of Islam in-depth. [Had Islam restricted its method of expansion to
independent of whether Muhammad was guided or not. peaceful proclamation and intellectual persuasion instead of using (also
and much too quickly) violence and force, the situation would be vastly
The Error different.] As it is, these people have lost their lives on earth, and they
will suffer eternal punishment because they died in rejection of God's
Who suffered and still suffers loss if Muhammad was wrong? message. Thus, many unbelievers will suffer eternal loss even if
Muhammad was right. Though Muslims may argue that in the quranic
The first point is somewhat trivial. Muslims are commanded in the view this may be justified, it is unquestionable that they did suffer
Qur'an to take Muhammad as their model, and therefore many Muslims temporal and eternal loss due to the violent nature of Islam.
imitate him in the smallest details of life. They dress like Muhammad,
they use a miswak to brush their teeth like Muhammad did, etc. If If, on the other hand, the Bible is true and Muhammad was a false
Muhammad was wrong, then this would mean a life of unnecessary prophet then the number of those who suffer eternal loss increases
inconvenience for millions of Muslims. vastly: (1) The unbelievers (idolaters, atheists, ...) who were killed for
rightly rejecting Islam still lost their opportunity to hear, understand and
There are, however, a lot of not so trivial aspects. If Muhammad's accept the true message of God. (2) Millions and millions of Muslims
message and regulations were wrong, he has subjected millions of who have rejected the authentic Gospel of Jesus based on Muhammad's
Muslim women to a life of misery (see the various articles on Women in message will be lost forever because they rejected the salvation from sin
Islam) without any reward in return! Moreover, not only those who offered by God through Jesus' death on the Cross.
followed Muhammad have lost, but millions of the so-called
"unbelievers" have suffered because Muslims have either killed them for
429 430
Thus, an enormous number of people will suffer both earthly and eternal Though the statement "If I go astray, I go astray only to my own loss" is
loss if Muhammad was wrong, in stark contradiction to Sura 34:50. hypothetical (i.e. the assumption is that Muhammad is not astray but on
the right path), it stands in obvious tension to a multitude of verses in the
After pondering these facts there can hardly be any doubt that Sura 34:50 Qur'an that demand that believers should obey and follow the messenger
is an objectively wrong statement. It is a plain error in the Qur'an. (Muhammad), i.e. Muhammad's words and example are supposed to
directly impact those who believe in Allah. Some examples:
Does God make errors? Would God inspire a statement as wrong as this
one? Say: Obey Allah and the messenger. But if they turn away, lo! Allah
loveth not the disbelievers (in His guidance). S. 3:32 Pickthall
This verse exposes the very human nature of the Qur'an. It obviously did
not come from God, but from Muhammad himself, and it can easily be And obey Allah and the messenger, that ye may find mercy. S. 3:132
explained why Muhammad would add such a statement into his Pickthall
revelation. If time permits, I may later write an appendix to this article
dealing with the psychological aspect of this error. These are the limits (imposed by) Allah. Whoso obeyeth Allah and His
messenger, He will make him enter Gardens underneath which rivers
Finally, there is one more crucial observation to be made in this section. flow, where such will dwell for ever. That will be the great success. S.
Simply looking at how Muhammad dealt with those who propagated a 4:13 Pickthall
different message than Islam, or voiced critique of Islam (cf. these
articles), exposes that Muhammad did not even believe this statement They ask thee (O Muhammad) of the spoils of war. Say: The spoils of
himself. In particular, Muhammad's instruction is: Whoever leaves war belong to Allah and the messenger, so keep your duty to Allah, and
Islam, kill him (e.g. Sahih Al-Bukhari 4.260; for detailed discussions on adjust the matter of your difference, and obey Allah and His messenger,
the issue of apostasy in Islam consult the links at the bottom of this if ye are (true) believers. S. 8:1 Pickthall
page). Obviously, Muhammad considered apostasy, and publically
speaking of a belief other than Islam such a grave danger to the Islamic It is not for any believer, man or woman, when God and His Messenger
community that the harshest possible measures had to be instituted have decreed a matter, to have the choice in the affair. Whosoever
against it. Nowhere in an Islamic society is open preaching of another disobeys God and His Messenger has gone astray into manifest error. S.
religion permitted. Why not, if those who do so will "only go astray to 33:36 Arberry
their own loss"? The laws in the Shariah, and the reactions of Muslims
towards those who want to publically invite (Muslims) to another faith O believers, obey God, and obey the Messenger, and do not make your
prove that they do not believe Sura 34:50 to be true. own works vain. S. 47:33 Arberry

There is no blame for the blind, nor is there blame for the lame, nor is
The Contradiction there blame for the sick (that they go not forth to war). And whoso
obeyeth Allah and His messenger, He will make him enter Gardens
Yet, there is more. Sura 34:50 is not only a factual error (i.e. underneath which rivers flow; and whoso turneth back, him will He
contradicting objective reality) as outlined above, it is also part of an punish with a painful doom. S. 48:17 Pickthall
internal contradiction in the Qur'an which will be the topic for the
remainder of this article. Whoso obeyeth the messenger hath obeyed Allah, ... S. 4:80 Pickthall

431 432
Establish worship and pay the poor-due and obey the messenger, that As stated above, these verses do not yet posit a clear-cut contradiction to
haply ye may find mercy. S. 24:56 Pickthall S. 34:50, but they are in considerable tension. The plain contradiction
arises when we add the following verses into the equation:
Those who swear fealty to thee [Muhammad] swear fealty in truth to
God; God's hand is over their hands. Then whosoever breaks his oath And those who disbelieve say to those who believe: Follow our path and
breaks it but to his own hurt; and whoso fulfils his covenant made with we will bear your wrongs. And never shall they be the bearers of any of
God, God will give him a mighty wage. S. 48:10 Arberry their wrongs; most surely they are liars. S. 29:12 Shakir

Whatsoever spoils of war God has given to His Messenger from the That they may bear their burdens entirely on the day of resurrection and
people of the cities belongs to God, and His Messenger, and the near also of the burdens of those whom they lead astray without knowledge;
kinsman, orphans, the needy and the traveller, so that it be not a thing now surely evil is what they bear. S. 16:25 Shakir
taken in turns among the rich of you. Whatever the Messenger gives you,
take; whatever he forbids you, give over. And fear God; surely God is These verses make it clear that "following those who lead you astray"
terrible in retribution. S. 59:7 Arberry does not absolve you from your own responsibility. On Judgement Day,
those leaders will not bear the punishment (burden) for your going
And there are many more like these, see S. 4:59, 69; 5:92; 8:20, 24, 46; astray. Nobody will be able to excuse himself completely with "but I
9:71; 24:51-52, 54; 33:33, 71; 49:14; 58:13; 64:12, etc. only followed this or that false prophet or teacher". S. 16:25 seems to
indicate that some part of the burdens of those who were led astray may
The Qur'an does not only make it mandatory to obey Muhammad's be put on the one who had misled them, but it still shows that the
explicit commands (whether they are verses found in the Qur'an or remainder has to be shouldered by the person who followed the false
Muhammad's own words, see S. 24:45, 57:9), it makes everything prophet into transgression and disobedience to God. Thus, those who
Muhammad does and says the standard to emulate: lead astray cause their followers to suffer divine punishment and
eternal loss.
Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. Nor does he say
(aught) of (his own) desire. It is no less than inspiration sent down to Therefore, Sura 34:50 ("If I go astray, I go astray only to my own loss"),
him: He was taught by one Mighty in Power, ... S. 53:2-5 Yusuf Ali together with the many verses that command believers to follow and
obey Muhammad, strongly and obviously contradicts Sura 16:25 and
And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character. 29:12.
S. 68:4 Hilali & Khan
[ Side remark: This is not a trivial contradiction of whether Allah's day
Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good equals 1000 or 50000 years, or whether Allah created the universe in six
example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and or eight days. This is a contradiction at the very core of the religion, i.e.
the Last Day and remembers Allah much. S. 33:21 Hilali & Khan what happens to those who follow a false prophet! ]

Based on verses like these, Muhammad is considered the perfect and Suras 16:25 and 29:12 also play a significant role in a somewhat
divinely endorsed role model, and he is followed in the minutest details different but closely related contradiction which is discussed in the
of life. To claim, therefore, that if he goes astray it will still not result in article Who Suffers the Consequence of Sins according to the Qur'an?
any harm to those who follow him in everything (S. 34:50), is hardly
coherent.
433 434
There are a considerable number of additional verses which state that sent among them warners. Then see the nature of the consequence for
those who follow others who are astray (the reference is usually to the those warned, S. 37:63-73 Pickthall
ancestors) are not therefore excused as being only victims, but are
condemned by Allah for following them into falshood: Here, these people are following the religion taught to them by their
fathers, and some even doing shameful acts passed on to them by their
When it is said to them: "Follow what God hath revealed:" They say: forebears, so they have been misled. Yet, Allah still condemns them for
"Nay! we shall follow the ways of our fathers." What! even though their these beliefs and practices, and they will still have to bear their full
fathers were void of wisdom and guidance? S. 2:170; cf. 5:104 punishment (S. 11:109). It does not even help them to claim that it was
Allah who enjoined it on them (S. 7:28), perhaps through some prophet
They said: "Comest thou to us, that we may worship God alone, and give in the past who claimed to bring commands from Allah, but who was
up the cult of our fathers? bring us what thou threatenest us with, if so be actually a false prophet.
that thou tellest the truth!" He said: "Punishment and wrath have already
come upon you from your Lord: dispute ye with me over names which People who follow false teachers or prophets will suffer loss and
ye have devised - ye and your fathers, - without authority from God? punishment caused at least in part by those who led them astray. This is a
then wait: I am amongst you, also waiting." S. 7:70-71 common sense principle which is contradicted by Sura 34:50, a severe
error and a glaring contradiction in the Qur'an
And when they commit an indecency they say: We found our fathers
doing this, and Allah has enjoined it on us. Say: Surely Allah does not
enjoin indecency; do you say against Allah what you do not know? S.
7:28

So be not thou in doubt concerning that which these (folk) worship. They
worship only as their fathers worshipped aforetime. Lo! we shall pay
them their whole due unabated. S. 11:109

We bestowed aforetime on Abraham his rectitude of conduct, and well


were We acquainted with him. Behold! he said to his father and his
people, "What are these images, to which ye are (so assiduously)
devoted?" They said, "We found our fathers worshipping them." He said,
"Indeed ye have been in manifest error - ye and your fathers." S. 21:51-
54

Lo! We have appointed it a torment for wrong-doers. Lo! it is a tree that


springeth in the heart of hell. Its crop is as it were the heads of devils
And lo! they verily must eat thereof, and fill (their) bellies therewith.
And afterward, lo! thereupon they have a drink of boiling water. And
afterward, lo! their return is surely unto hell. They indeed found their
fathers astray, But they make haste (to follow) in their footsteps. And
verily most of the men of old went astray before them, And verily We
435 436

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