Demystifying TANAKH 02 Feb 2011

8/7/2019 Demystifying TANAKH 02 Feb 2011

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Demystifying TANAKH

A. Background:

1. I have no pretension to accept that my knowledge of TANAKH is very limited and to

be sure it was only on these TOPIX threads that I heard this name.

2. In my early days, like all Muslims of my age, I thought that Jews were given the book

of Torah and David was given the book of ZABUR (Psalm) and Jesus was given the bookof INJEEL (Gospel).

3. I was also told that these books do not exist any more in their original forms and havebeen corrupted and changed by their followers. To what extent, I had no knowledge, but

enough to make them unreliable to be dogmatic about them.

4. I studied in class 8 to 12 in a Christian Missionary School and one of the subjects they

taught us was Bible Study. It was not compulsory and no exams were taken. Eachyear they will give us one Gospel to studyI went thru Gospel of Matthew, Mark, and

Luke in my first three years.

5. I used to think that since I am not Christian, they are not giving me the Gospel of

Jesus, I did not know who were there Matthew, Mark and Luke and how can theywrite INJEEL, which was the Book given by Allah to Jesus.

6. I distinctly remember that before the general assembly of students which started at

09:50 AM, our Christian Teachers used to gather in a hall and recite some songs in a jointvoice. Each of them had a book in his hand and would read from it. It made a good

impression..I do not know from which book they all read , but now my hunch is, that itmust be from book of Psalms.

7. After coming out from that Christian School , I went to University and got busy in my

Science and Engineering degrees having no time or intention to learn aboutChristianity or Bible.

8. No one discussed about religion with any body else. Hindus, Muslims , Christians andSikhs they were all in one class and being friends with each other and not talking or

asking about their religions. We all seem to Know that we are on right path and the

other guy is Going to hell for worshipping false gods or by making partners with god)

9. Any religious studies during my college and my education days were restricted to my

own religion, knowledge about other religion was only from hearsay and what we picked

up from our books.


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10. After serving for six years in India, I got an opportunity to get job in Saudi Arabia

and there I heard for the first time Mr. Ahmad Deedat about Christianity and Bible. It got

me excited and I ordered his tapes from Saudi Arabia and then I got Urdu Translation ofIZHARUL HAQ (The Book often referred to by Mr. Deedat is his lectures).

11. The original book is in Arabic and written almost 150 years back by MaulanaRahmatullah Keeranvi of India after his famous debate with Rev. Founders. The Urdu

Translation is called From Bible to Quran, it is in three volumes and notes and

commentaries are done by Maulana Taqi Usmani of Pakistan.

12. After reading that book, I really got to know what is Bible and how it is divided into

two main parts and who wrote what and what is its status as a source and as a foundation

of religion. Then I got to know about history of Biblical Canon, how it evolved andthen Devolved after the protestant movement.

13. In 1988, I purchased my own copy of RSV and read it page by page and compared it

with the books that I readslowly and slowly I built up my knowleunderstanding of Bible


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C- TANAKH : What it is?

1. I had heard the world like Talmud, MITHNA etc as Jewish books of laws and orallaws and commentary of those OT books.but then some one on these threads

mentioned the name TANAKH, as Jewish Scriptures, and I was taken by surprise. I had

not heard this word before, and from where a New set of Scriptures came into being.

2. Then some one on the thread de-mystified the situation by telling that TANAKH is

actually an acronym. Now people in this modern age are familiar with acronyms andwonder what the world would become if these acronyms were replaced by their actual

long worded equivalents.

3. So TANAKH is acronym for Torah + Prophets + Scriptures (In Jewish language Torah+ Neviem + Ktuvim) , In Arabic language it is TORAH + NABIEEIEN + KUTUB (In

words of Jesus, Torah, prophets and Books). The original books are in Hebrew, the Same

or Almost same manuscripts which Protestants Used for their OT books.

4. So I looked on Internet site and found that in content TANAKH is same as protestants

OT books. The total number of books in TANAKH is also 39 as number of books inProtestant OT. They use the same or similar Hebrew Manuscripts. Only the ORDER in

which these books are placed is different.

5. In Jewish Canon they firs have 5 books of Torah, then they have 21 books of prophetfollowed by 14 Books of Scripture and the total is 39 books.

6. In the Protest Canon they have 5 Book of Torah , then 2 books of prophets (Joshua andJudges), then 1 book of Scripture (Ruth), and then 4 books of Prophets (1& 2 Sam, 1 & 2

Kings), then 10 Books of Scriptures (1 & 2 Chronicles , Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job)

followed by 16 books of Prophets and sandwiched is the Book of Daniel called asscripture by Jews and the sum total is again 39 books.

7. Now as to which arrangement is as per God direction, I reserve my judgment, but myhunch is that, it has nothing to do with God instructions. It was made by Jewish scholars

and Christian priests. They just followed the particular manuscripts they had with them

followed the arrangement of books as in that manuscript.

8. In following pages I will highlight some of the commonalities between Protestant OT

and Jewish TANAKH


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D. Comparing OT and TANAKHTexts :

The first point is about the numbers of chapters and number of verses in each of the bookand each of the chapter of that book. This will show how these two sets of documents

differ with each other. I have verified these books and my report on completeness is as

below:

1 The First Five Books (The Pentateuch or Torah of Jews):

a.The First Book -Genesis (Called BERIESHT): It has 50 chapters in both versions.

The number of versions are exactly same in the two versions, except the last verse of

Chapter 31 of OT is the first verse of Chapter 32 of TANAKH, so total number of verses

are same i.e. 1535

b. The second book - Exodus (called SHEMOS): Both versions have 38 chapters and

number of verses in each chapter correspond exactly with each other, except the same

phenomenon for Chapter 21 & 22 where the last verse of TANAKH is the first verse ofOT in the next chapter. So total number of verses are same i.e. 1207

c. The Third Book -Leviticus: (called VAIKRA): Both versions have 27 chapters and

number of verses in each chapter correspond exactly with each other, except the same

phenomenon for Chapter 5 & 6 where the last 7 verse of TANAKH are the first 7 verses

of OT in the next chapter. So total number of verses are same i.e. 859

d. The fourth Book -Numbers (called BAMIDBARS): Both versions have 36 chapters

and number of verses in each chapter correspond exactly with each other, except thesame phenomenon for Chapter 16 & 17 where the last 15 verses of OT are the first 15

verse of TANAKH in the next chapter. And similar phenomenon is observed for the last

verse and opening verse of Chapters 29 & 30 . So total number of verses are same i.e.1288

e. The fifth book - Deuteronomy (Called DEVARIM): Both versions have 34 chaptersand number of verses in each chapter correspond exactly with each other, except the

same phenomenon for Chapter 12 & 13 and Ch 28 & 29 where the last verse of

TANAKH is the first verse of OT in the next chapter.

In Chapter 5, OT splits the verse 17 of TANAKH into 3 parts ca

Commandment as a separate verse. This is minor problem in numbering as the text is

exactly same in the two scriptures.

So total number of verses are 955 in TANAKH and 957 in OT


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2. The books of Prophets (called NEVIM or NABIEEOON in Arabic)

a. The first book - Joshua (Called YEHESHUA):

Both versions have 24 chapters and number of verses in each chapter correspond exactly

with each other, except that OT versions have two verses extra in Ch 21. But these versesare dealing with only minor matters (lands allotted to each tribe). Total number of verses

are 656 in TANAKH and 658 in OT.

b. The second book - Judges (called SHAFTIM):


with each other, total number of verses are same i.e. 618

c. The Third Book- 1Sam (Called SHMUEL1):

Both versions have 31 chapters and number of verses in each chapter correspond exactlywith each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 23 & 24 where the last verse

of TANAKH is the first verse of OT in the next chapter. So total number of verses aresame i.e. 807

d. The Fourth Book- 2 Sam: (called SHMUEL2):


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 18 & 19 where the last verse

of TANAKH is the first verse of OT in the next chapter. So total number of verses aresame i.e. 695

e. The Fifth Book -1 King (called MELACHIM 1 or MALAK in Arabic):


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 4 & 5 where the last 14 versesof TANAKH are the first verses of OT in the next chapter. And one verse is split into

two in the last chapter. So total number of verses are 817 in TANAKH and 816 in OT.

f. The Sixth book- 2 King (Called MELACHIM-2):


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 11 & 12 where the last verseof TANAKH is the first verse of OT in the next chapter. So total number of verses are

same i.e. 719.


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g. The Seventh Book- Isaiah (called YESHAYAHU):

Both versions have 66 chapters and number of verses in each chapter correspond exactlywith each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 8 & 9 where the last verse of

TANAKH is the first verse of OT in the next chapter. So total number of verses are same

i.e. 640.

h. The Eighth Book- Jeremiah (called YIRMIYAHU):


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 8 & 9 and 30 & 31 where the

last verse of TANAKH is the first verse of OT in the next chapter. So total number of

verses are same i.e. 1356.

i. The Ninth Book- Ezekiel (called YECHEZKEL):

Both versions have 48 chapters and number of verses in each chapter correspond exactlywith each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 20 & 21 where the last FIVE

verses of TANAKH are the first five verses of OT in the next chapter. So total number ofverses are same i.e. 1273.

j. The Tenth Book- Hosea: (Called HOSHEA):


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 1 & 2 and 12 & 13 where the

last verse of TANAKH is the first verse of OT in the next chapter. In the last chapter oneverse of OT is split into two in TANAKH, So total number of verses as per TANAKH is

197 and 196 as per OT, but this is a minor difference and the texts are same.

k. The Eleventh Book - Joel (Called YOEL):

The last five verses of Ch2 of OT are split to make Ch3 of TANAKH , so there is anextra chapter in TANAKH, but the total numbers of verses are same i.e. 73 in the two

versions.

l. The Twelfth book- Amos (Called Amos):


with each other, total number of verses are i.e. 146.

m. The Thirteenth Book- Obadiah (Called OVADIAH):

It is a small one chapter book having 21 verses in both Versions.


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n. The Fourteenth book- Jonah (Called YONAH):

Both versions have 4 chapters and number of verses in each chapter correspond exactlywith each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 1 & 2 where the last verse of


i.e. 48.

o. The Fifteenth book- Micah (Called MICHAH):


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 4 & 5 where the last verse of


i.e. 105.

p. The Sixteenth book- Nahum (called NACHUM):

Both versions have 3 chapters and the last verse of 1

st

chapter is the first verse of 2

nd

chapter in the other version, but the total number of verses are same i.e. 47.

q. The Seventeenth Book- Habakkuk(Called CHAVAKEEM):

Both versions have 3 chapters and number of verses corresponding exactly with each

other. Total verses are 56.

r. The Eighteenth Book- Zephaniah (called TZEFANIAH):

Both versions have 3 chapters and number of verses corresponding exactly with each

other. Total verses are 53.

s. The Nineteenth Book - Haggai (called CHAGGAI):

Both versions have 2 chapters and number of verses corresponding exactly with eachother. Total verses are 38.

s. The Twentieth Book- Zechariah: (called ZECHARIAH)


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 1 & 2 where the last three

verses of TANAKH are the first three verses of OT in the next chapter. So total numberof verses are same i.e. 211

u. The Twenty First book- Malachi (called MALACHI or MALAKI in Arabic meaningMy Angel or My prophet):

Total number of verses in the two versions are same i.e. 61, but the last 6 versus of Ch 3

in TANAKH are made a new chapter 4 in OT version. It is only a minor rearrangement..


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Comparing OT and TANAKHTexts

3. The books of Scriptures or KTUVIM or KUTUB (i.e. Books in Arabic)

a. The First Book- the Book of Psalms (called TEHILIM):

This is the book with 150 chapters and they tally in numbers between OT and TANAKH.

Total number of verses in TANAKH is 2584.

However in 59 chapters (or Individual Psalms) we find that the last verse of OT has been

divided into two separate verses in the TANAKH. Since this is the ending verse, it does

not cause much confusion.

Then in Chapter 51 & 52 we find that opening statements are not counted as verses in OT

while they are counted as two verses in TANAKH, so it may cause some confusion when

one wants to cross check the quotations, but text wise they are same.

b. The Second book- Proverbs (called MISHLEI or MITHAL in Arabic):


with each other, total number of verses are same i.e. 915

c. The Third Book- Job (called IYOU or AYYUB in Arabic):

Both versions have 42 chapters and number of verses in each chapter correspond exactlywith each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 40 & 41 where the last two

verses of TANAKH are the first two verses of OT in the next chapter. So total number of

verses are same i.e. 1064.

d. The Fourth Book - Song of Songs (called SHIR HASHIRIM):


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 6 & 7 where the last verse of


i.e. 117.

e. The Fifth Book - Ruth (Called RUT):


with each other, total number of verses are 85.


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f. The Sixth book - Lamentation (Called EICHAH) :

Both versions have 5 chapters and number of verses in each chapter correspond exactlywith each other, total number of verses are 157.

g. The Seventh Book- Ecclesiast(called KOHALET) :


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 4 & 5 where the last verse ofTANAKH is the first verse of OT in the next chapter. So total number of verses are same

i.e. 221

h. The Eighth Book - Esther:


with each other, total number of verses are 167.

j. The Ninth Book - Daniel :


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 3 & 4 where the last 3 verses

of TANAKH are the first 3 verses of OT in the next chapter. Verse 26 of Ch 6 of OT is

split into two verses in TANAKH, So total number of verses 357 in TANAKH and 356 inOT. But the texts are same.

k. The Tenth Book- Ezra:


with each other, total number of verses are 281

l. The Eleventh Book - Nehemiah (called NECHMIAH):


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 3 & 4 AND 9 & 10 where the

last verses of TANAKH are the first verses of OT in the next chapter. So total number of

verses are same i.e. 406

m. The Twelfth Book- 1 Chronicles (called DIVERI HAYAMIN 1) :


with each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 5 & 6 where the last 15 verses

of TANAKH are the first 15 verses of OT in the next chapter. So total number of versesare same i.e. 944.


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n. The Thirteenth Book - 2 Chronicles (called DIVERI HAYMIN 2) :

Both versions have 36 chapters and number of verses in each chapter correspond exactlywith each other, except the same phenomenon for Chapter 1 & 2 and 13 and 14 where the

last verse of TANAKH is the first verse of OT in the next chapter. So total number of

verses are same i.e. 822

E. Summary of books and Verses in TANAKH and some quiz:

If we summarize the details presented in Chapters 3, 4 and 5 we get the following:

1. Torah :

a. Total Number of Books 5

b. Total number of Chapters: 187

c. Total Number of Verses: 5, 844

2. Prophets or NEVEIM:

a. Total Number of books: 21

b. Total Number of Chapters: 381

c. Total Number of verses: 8, 634

3. Scriptures or KTUVIM:

a. Total Number of books:13

b. Total number of Chapters: 342

c. Total number of verses:8, 120

4. The Complete TANAKH:

a. Total number of books: 39

b. Total Number of Chapters:910

c. Total Number of verses: 22, 598

Note: And that corresponds almost exactly with what we find as OT in the Protestants

Bible!! So TANAKH is nothing but OT in its content (Minus small rearrangement in thebooks and numbering of verses in a few books and in a few chapters)


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A Small Quiz on TANAKH:

While searching for above details, I noticed some interesting points, which I would like

to ask from my correspondents.

For experts and Great scholars of TANAKH they may seem trivial or childish, but for

novices like me they seem like fun:

1. Which is the book in TANAKH or OT that has most number of chapters?

2. Which is book in TANAKH or OT that has second most number of Chapters?

3. Which is the book and Chapter that has largest number of verses in it?

4. Which is the book that has second largest number of verses in it?

5. Which is the book and chapter that has LOWEST number of verses in it?

5A. Which is the book and chapter that have second LOWEST number of verses in it?

6. Which is the book and chapter where same statement is repeated maximum number of

times?

7. Which is the book and chapter that says There is no peace for the Wicked?

8. In which book we find the word HELLELUJAH (believe me, I thought that it was

the word concocted by the Christians, I was surprised when I noticed that it is in

TANAKH!!).

9. How Many Times, Israel and Jews and Jerusalem and the land of Israel have been

cursed in TANAKH by Jewish prophets ? (And why should Jews and Christians object if

Quran curses Jews and Christians in a few places?)

10. Why do Jews try to convince that TANAKH is different from OT of ProtestantChristians?


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Answers to the Small Quiz on TANAKH:

1. Which is the book in TANAKH or OT that has most number of chapters?

Answer: The book of Psalms what else which has 150 Chapters, no one comes close to it.

And many songs are prayers are not from the lips of David.

2. Which is book in TANAKH or OT that has second most number of Chapters?

Answer: That is the book of Isaiah with 66 chapters

3. Which is the book and Chapter that has largest number of verses in it?

Answer: Book of Psalms, Chapter # 119 which has 176 verses, no one comes even closeto it.

4. Which is the book that has second largest number of verses in it?

Answer: That is Book of Numbers Chapter 7, which has 89 verses.

5. Which is the book and chapter that has LOWEST number of verses in it?

Answer: That is the book of Psalms Chapter 117 that has only Two Short verses

1. Praise the Lord, all nations, laud Him, all peoples.

2. For His kindness has overwhelmed us, and the truth of the Lord is eternal. Hallelujah!

5A. Which is the book and chapter that have second LOWEST number of verses in

it?

Answer: There are Chapters in the book of Psalms (# 131) and in Esther (# 10) that have

only three verses in it.


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6. Which is the book and chapter where same statement is repeated maximum

number of times?

Answer: In the Book of Psalms Chapter 136, this statement is repeated 26 times (in each

verse) His Kindness is Eternal

7. Which is the book and chapter that says There is no peace for the Wicked?

Answer: It is repeated two times in the Book of Isaiah , Chapter 48 and Chapter 57, last

verses. So the peace is not for the wicked people and why should the wicked people

complain if they receive no peace?

8. In which book we find the word HELLELUJAH (believe me, I thought that it

was the word concocted by the Christians, I was surprised when I noticed that it is

in TANAKH!!).

Answer: It is mentioned many times in the book of Psalms. I am not sure if it ismentioned in any other book of TANAKH.the experts should provide more details.

9. How Many Times, Israel and Jews and Jerusalem and the land of Israel have

been cursed in TANAKH by Jewish prophets ? (And why should Jews and

Christians object if Quran curses Jews and Christians in a few places?)

Answer: Countless times, it is really a waste of time if we start counting the warningswhich God gives to jews to repent and turn back and follow in the ways and paths of

God. But after each warning, their hearts grew harder and harder till they became even

harder than stone (and such are the people who generally infest these threads and spewhate against other people)

And then these Hard hearted people try to convince others that it is Quran and Muslimwho curse or admonish these Jews for their opposition to truth and walking in the ways of

their Lord and Creator.

10. Why do Jews try to convince that TANAKH is different from OT of Protestant

Christians?

Answer: Only because of their stupidity and using jargon names and mystery lookingphrases. If you start checking, you will find that TANKH in content is nothing more than

OT, having minor differences in arrangement of books and divisions into chapter and

verses.

And this division is by no way dogmatic and was done at a later date. The old

manuscripts have no such division and numbering of verses.


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E. TANAKH and OT: Integrity of Translation:

a. Now we come to the most sensitive part of this TANAKH versus OT debate, as wehave seen that manuscript wise there is hardly any difference in TANAKH and OT

books.

b. OT books have been translated from Hebrew Manuscript to English by Christian

Scholars who have knowledge about Hebrew and TANAKH has been translated to

English by Jewish Scholars who have knowledge about both these languages.

c. Whose translation should be considered as More authentic and as close to original as

it can? This is a tricky question, if the translators were honest and were merely

translating the Hebrew text to the best of their abilities, the two translations wouldconvey the same message with different choice of words.

d. But where the people have bias and want to try to prove their own dogmas and

article of faiths from Scriptures, the translations some time become dishonest. Unlessone is expert in Hebrew and English language, then only one can decide whose

translations are more accurate.

e. We can see this in prophesies about Jesus in OT books, according to Christians there

are hundreds of prophesies about Jesus and his life in almost ALL the books of OT, andaccording to Jews there is not even a single clear cut prophesy about Jesus in the entire

39 books of their TANAKH.

f. Similar approach from Jews and Christians we see, when we raise the question of Lastand Final Prophet (prophet Mohammad) being prophesized in OT books. Now both Jews

and Christians join together and see that No, we have read every word of entireTANAKH and / or OT books and we find NO mention of any Last and Final Prophet inthese books!! They seem to forget that a few moments back, Jews and Christians were

fighting about Jesus being prophesized in OT and TANAKH!!

g. So there is no end to such arguments, peoples mind get programmed from what they

hear from their parents, their society and from their religious scholars. So that a very

clear verse and prophesey to one group looks muddled up and out of context and

downright wrong to another group.

h. Coming back to the right of translation, it is Jews who have the first right to translate

their books into English..however if Christians feel that Jews have been dishonest intheir translations, they should point out their mistake verse by verse and word by word.

But for rest on Non controversial parts we should accept Jewish translation of these

Hebrew Manuscripts.

J. The truth cannot be hidden by these gimmicks and it is bound to come out. There will

be honest and learned men in each group who will come forward and clarify the trueposition.


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Conclusion:

After all these arguments let me conclude by saying:

1. TANAKH is nothing more than Protestant OT.

2. Both these match content wise more than 99.9 %., as for as Hebrew Manuscripts are

concerned.

3. The translations from both these parties are dishonest. Each trying to prove their case

and disprove the case of their opponent by mistranslation of twisting and turning certain

key words is some verses.

4. It is not possible to solve these differences thru arguments and counter arguments. We

should try to be honest and then leave the matter for God, who will do justice between us

on the last day.

This is the demystification of TANAKH from me.and Allah Knows best.

PS:

There is a very interesting anecdote about Ancient Manuscript of Jewish, ChristianScriptures and Quranic text. It is recorded that during the reign of Abbasid Caliphate (3 rd

Century of Hegira) One learned Jew scholar came to Baghdad. He was very conversant

in Hebrew, Greek and Arabic language and very knowledgeable.

When the Caliph talked to him, he was much impressed with his knowledge and invited

him to become a Muslim. But the Jewish Scholar declined the offer and left the court.

After two or three years, he came back to Baghdad and started speaking about Islam and

its good points, Caliph recognized him and asked are you not the same person who camea few years back, how come you are now a Muslim?

The man replied, I had some doubts about the authenticity and preservation of Quran and

texts of Jewish and Christian Scriptures. So I wanted to test my theories.

First I made a few copies of the texts of Jewish Scriptures and did some changes

deliberately in the text, I bound the volume and decorated it and then presented it toJewish Scholars, to verify and buy them. They appreciated my efforts and bought the

books at a handsome price (Those were the days when there was no press, so each book

had to be handwritten-MUQ).

I did the same thing with Christian scriptures, I made a few copies, made some deliberate

changes, decorated them and bound them beautifully and gave it to Christian priests, they

also commended me and bought those books at handsome prices.


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Then I wanted to do the same thing with Quran, I made a few copies of Quran, made

some changes in the text and bound them and decorated them and gave it to Muslim richmen to buy them.after a few days, all the copies were returned to me saying that we

cannot buy it as they have some grave mistakes in the text.

This convinced me that it in only the text of Quran which is protected and preserved as

no other religious scripture, so I became a Muslim

Documents

Demystifying TANAKH 02 Feb 2011