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THE QURTHE QUR’’AN AN

A CRITICAL ASSESSMENTA CRITICAL ASSESSMENT

20062006(Jay Smith)(Jay Smith)

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THE PRINCIPLE MODERN REVISIONISTS:THE PRINCIPLE MODERN REVISIONISTS:John John WansbroughWansbrough (1977(1977--1978):1978):((QurQur’’anicanic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural InterpretationStudies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation 1977)1977)((The Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic SalvatiThe Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic Salvation Historyon History1978)1978)

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

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Find out what they claim about the Find out what they claim about the QurQur’’anan

It is It is Inimitable Inimitable (Therefore above criticism)(Therefore above criticism)::

It is Superior to all other revelationsIt is Superior to all other revelationsIt is Stylistically perfectIt is Stylistically perfectIt is Grammatically perfectIt is Grammatically perfectIt is Linguistically perfect (pure Arabic)It is Linguistically perfect (pure Arabic)It is Universally uniqueIt is Universally uniqueIt is Compiled perfectlyIt is Compiled perfectlyIt has no ContradictionsIt has no ContradictionsIt has no ErrorsIt has no ErrorsIt has no History (uniquely preserved)It has no History (uniquely preserved)

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MuslimMuslim’’s claim the Qurs claim the Qur’’an is UNIQUE:an is UNIQUE:

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

HadithHadith ((MishkatMishkat III, pg. 664)III, pg. 664)

INIMITABLE CLAIMS:

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is SUPERIOR to all other pieces of literature:MuslimMuslim’’s claim the Qurs claim the Qur’’an is SUPERIOR to an is SUPERIOR to all other pieces of literatureall other pieces of literature::

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

(Suras 10:37(Suras 10:37--38; 2:23; 17:88)38; 2:23; 17:88)•• ““Mother of BooksMother of Books”” (Sura 43:3)(Sura 43:3)

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an has perfect literary style…yet, Compare:MuslimMuslim’’s claim the Qurs claim the Qur’’an has perfect an has perfect literary styleliterary style……yet, Compare:yet, Compare:•• a) sura 76:29a) sura 76:29--30 (or sura 30 (or sura

16:93)16:93)•• b) sura 111b) sura 111

•• c) suras 4:74,84; 5:33; 48:16c) suras 4:74,84; 5:33; 48:16--17 17

•• d) sura 109d) sura 109

•• e) sura 24:2e) sura 24:2

•• f) suras 2:222f) suras 2:222--223; 223; 4:11,24,34,176 4:11,24,34,176

•• g) sura 9:29g) sura 9:29

•• a) I Timothy 2:4, Luke 15:3a) I Timothy 2:4, Luke 15:3--4, 4, John 10:14,18.John 10:14,18.

•• b) Francis of Assisi's prayer b) Francis of Assisi's prayer (see (see NehlsNehls, , Christians Ask Christians Ask MuslimsMuslims, 1987, pg.75, no.11), 1987, pg.75, no.11)

•• c) Matthew 5:3c) Matthew 5:3--1212

•• d) Psalm 23d) Psalm 23

•• e) John 8:3e) John 8:3--1212

•• f) Ephesians 5:22f) Ephesians 5:22--2525

•• g) I Corinthians 13:4g) I Corinthians 13:4--77

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It has many Literary defects:It has many Literary defects:•• Not chronologicalNot chronological•• Endless repetitionsEndless repetitions•• Jumps from one topic to the nextJumps from one topic to the next•• Inconsistencies in grammar, law, and Inconsistencies in grammar, law, and

theologytheology•• Verbs left outVerbs left out

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However, However, AlAl--KindiKindi, a Christian polemicist employed , a Christian polemicist employed in the in the CaliphalCaliphal court (830 A.D.) said:court (830 A.D.) said:

““The result of all of this [process by which the The result of all of this [process by which the QurQur’’an came into being] is patent to you who have an came into being] is patent to you who have read the scriptures and see how, in your book, read the scriptures and see how, in your book, histories are all jumbled together and histories are all jumbled together and intermingled; an evidence that many different intermingled; an evidence that many different hands have been at work therein, and caused hands have been at work therein, and caused discrepancies, adding, cutting out whatever they discrepancies, adding, cutting out whatever they like or disliked. Are such, now, the conditions of a like or disliked. Are such, now, the conditions of a revelation sent down from heaven?revelation sent down from heaven?”” (Muir (Muir 1882:181882:18--19, 28)19, 28)

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WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY SAY?WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY SAY?SAY?German secular scholar German secular scholar Salmon Salmon ReinachReinach states states

that:that:•• ““From the literary point of view, the Koran has From the literary point of view, the Koran has

little merit. Declamation, repetition, puerility, a little merit. Declamation, repetition, puerility, a lack of logic and coherence strike the unprepared lack of logic and coherence strike the unprepared reader at every turn. It is humiliating to the reader at every turn. It is humiliating to the human intellect to think that this mediocre human intellect to think that this mediocre literature has been the subject of innumerable literature has been the subject of innumerable commentaries, and the million of men are still commentaries, and the million of men are still wasting time in absorbing it.wasting time in absorbing it.””((ReinachReinach 1932:176)1932:176)

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Theodore Theodore NNööldekeldeke::•• ““Chaotic Confusion...prosaic...stiff in Chaotic Confusion...prosaic...stiff in

style...tedious sermonizing...rhetorical...never style...tedious sermonizing...rhetorical...never metrical...and the rhyme on the whole a metrical...and the rhyme on the whole a burdensome yoke...superfluous burdensome yoke...superfluous verbiage...syntax betrays great verbiage...syntax betrays great awkwardness...tiresome effect of its endless awkwardness...tiresome effect of its endless iterations...[so that dogma] turns a defective iterations...[so that dogma] turns a defective literary production into an unrivalled literary production into an unrivalled masterpiece in the eyes of the believersmasterpiece in the eyes of the believers””((NNööldekeldeke 1998:36,441998:36,44--47)47)

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Grammatically perfect, yet:MuslimMuslim’’s claim the Qurs claim the Qur’’an is an is Grammatically perfect, yet:Grammatically perfect, yet:1)1)2:1772:177, the word , the word SabireenSabireen should be should be

SabiroonSabiroon; ; 2)2)3:593:59, the words , the words Kun Kun feekunufeekunu should be should be

written, written, Kun Kun fakaanafakaana; ; 3)3)5:695:69, the title , the title al al SabioonSabioon, should be written , should be written

al al SabieenSabieen (see also (see also sura 2:62sura 2:62 & & sura sura 22:1722:17))

4)4)7:1607:160, , UthnatiUthnati (feminine)(feminine) AshratAshrat (feminine)(feminine)AsbaataanAsbaataan. should be . should be UthnaiyUthnaiy (masculine)(masculine)AsharaAshara SibtaanSibtaan..

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MuslimMuslim’’s claim the Qurs claim the Qur’’an contains only Perfect an contains only Perfect Arabic Arabic ((Suras 12:2; 13:37; 41:41,44)Suras 12:2; 13:37; 41:41,44)::

•• Yet uses Yet uses Egyptian, Hebrew, Egyptian, Hebrew, SyriacSyriac, Christian Aramaic, & , Christian Aramaic, & Ethiopic words.Ethiopic words.

•• --AccadianAccadian ((No.IraqNo.Iraq) ) words: words: AdamAdam andand EdenEden repeated 24 repeated 24 times. A more correct term for times. A more correct term for ““AdamAdam”” in Arabic would be in Arabic would be basharanbasharan or or insaninsan, meaning , meaning ““mankind.mankind.”” ““EdenEden”” would be would be the word the word jannajanna in Arabic, which means in Arabic, which means ““garden.garden.””

•• --AssyrianAssyrian words: words: AbrahamAbraham (sometimes recorded as(sometimes recorded as IbrahimIbrahim). ). The correct Arabic equivalent would be The correct Arabic equivalent would be Abu Abu RaheemRaheem..

•• --PersianPersian wordswords:: SiratSirat meaning meaning ““the paththe path”” has the Arabic has the Arabic equivalent, equivalent, AltareeqAltareeq.. HoorHoor meaning meaning ““discipledisciple”” has the Arabic has the Arabic equivalent, equivalent, TilmeethTilmeeth. . FirdausFirdaus meaning meaning ““the highest or the highest or seventh heaven" has the Arabic equivalent, seventh heaven" has the Arabic equivalent, JannahJannah..

•• --GreekGreek wordswords:: InjilInjil, which means , which means ““gospelgospel”” was borrowed, yet was borrowed, yet it has the Arabic equivalent, it has the Arabic equivalent, BisharahBisharah

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIVERSAL:Case 1:Women’s Position: (Suras 2:224-230; 4:11,24-25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; 78:33)

MuslimMuslim’’s claim the Qurs claim the Qur’’an isan is UNIVERSAL:UNIVERSAL:Case 1:Case 1:WomenWomen’’s Position:s Position: ((Suras 2:224Suras 2:224--230; 4:11,24230; 4:11,24--25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; 78:33)25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; 78:33)

• Polygamy: S 4:3 1 husband/ 4 wives and what right hand possesses (slaves/concubines)

• Wife Beating: S 4:34, men may beat wives

• Inheritance: S 4:11 ”inheritance to the male, equal to that of two females.”

• Testimony: S 2:282, Bukhar1:301 Muhammad replied, “Is not the testimony of a woman equivalent to half the testimony of a man?

• Tilth: S 2:223 “Your women are a tilthfor you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will”

• Slaves/Concubines: S 33:50 “We have made lawful unto thee whom you have paid dowries (contract), those whom thy right had possesses (Slaves) of those whom Allah hath given thee as spoils of war...

• Polygamy...Genesis 2:24, Mt. 19:5, 1 Tim 3:2, perfect marriage relationship between 1 man and 1 woman.

• Love one’s wife: 1 Pet. 3:7, Col. 3:19“husbands must love your wives & NEVERtreat them harshly.”

• Testimony: Matthew 28:9 “The first people to see Jesus and be His witnesses were women”

•• Equality:Equality: Galations 3:28 “all believers are equal in Christ”-Hebrews 4:14-16 “both can approach God directly.-1 Peter 3:7 “you are equal together in the grace of life.”-1 Corinthians 7:1-40, husbands and wives fulfil each other emotionally and sexually. Their bodies belong to each other. Not one is above the other.

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

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

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

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

cups...flowing wine

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MuslimMuslim’’s claim the Qurs claim the Qur’’an isan is UNIVERSAL:UNIVERSAL:

Case 2: Case 2: Violence vs. PeaceViolence vs. Peace

• Violence:• Suras 4:74,84; 5:33; 8:39; 9:5,29; 33:49;

47:4; 48:16-17• vs. Bible: Matthew 5:38-44; 26:52….

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Starting with the Starting with the ‘‘PeacePeace’’ Verses:Verses:

Sura 2:190Sura 2:190--193193 = = ““Those who fight you, Those who fight you, Do not transgress limits, Do not transgress limits, / /

……..and and slay themslay them wherever ye catch them, wherever ye catch them, and and fight themfight them, until there prevail faith in , until there prevail faith in AllahAllah”” (is this peaceful?)(is this peaceful?)

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The most common verse on Peace:The most common verse on Peace:

Sura 2:256Sura 2:256 = = ““For there is no For there is no

compulsion in compulsion in religionreligion””

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

(Revealed between (Revealed between 622622--624 AD, so 624 AD, so revealed early, thus revealed early, thus abrogated by over abrogated by over 100 100 MedinanMedinan Sword Sword verses)verses)

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A further A further Peace VersePeace Verse??A A ModerateModerate Interpretation:Interpretation:Sura 5:32Sura 5:32 (raven, and blood of Abel) (raven, and blood of Abel)

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

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A A RadicalRadical Interpretation:Interpretation:

Sura 5:32Sura 5:32 ““we ordained for the we ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone Children of Israel that if anyone slew a slew a MUSLIMMUSLIM……it would be as if it would be as if he slew he slew ALL MUSLIMSALL MUSLIMS; and if ; and if anyone saved anyone saved A MUSLIMA MUSLIM, it , it would be as if he saved the life of would be as if he saved the life of ALL MUSLIMSALL MUSLIMS......””

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The Sword Verses:

Sura 9:5: = “But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay those who join other gods with Allah wherever you find them; besiege them, seize them, lay in wait for them with every kind of ambush..”

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Sword Verse against Christians, Jews:

Sura 9:29 = “...Make war upon such of those to whom the scriptures have been given as believe not in Allah, or in the last day, and who forbid not what Allah and his apostle have forbidden...until they pay tribute...”

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Methodology of Sword Verses:

Sura 47:4 = ”When you encounter the unbelievers, strike off their heads, until ye have made a great slaughter among them...”

Sura 8:39 = “And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail Justice and faith in Allah”

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Recompense for those who die in Jihad:

Sura 4:74 = “Let those who fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the hereafter. To him who fighteth in the cause of Allah, whether he is slain or gets victory, Soon shall we give him a reward of great value”

Sura 47:4-6 = “…But those who are killed in the way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost…and admit them to Paradise”

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The The QurQur’’anan’’ss 149 149 Sword VersesSword Verses::

1.1. 2:178 2.2:178 2. 2:179 3.2:179 3. 2:190 4.2:190 4. 2:191 5.2:191 5. 2:193 6.2:193 6. 2:194 2:194 7.7. 2:216 8.2:216 8. 2:217 9.2:217 9. 2:218 10.2:218 10. 2:244 11.2:244 11. 3:121 12.3:121 12. 3:122 3:122

13.13. 3:123 14.3:123 14. 3:124 15.3:124 15. 3:125 16.3:125 16. 3:126 17.3:126 17. 3:140 18.3:140 18. 3:141 3:141 19.19. 3:146 20.3:146 20. 3:152 21.3:152 21. 3:153 22.3:153 22. 3:154 23.3:154 23. 3:155 24.3:155 24. 3:156 3:156 25.25. 3:157 26.3:157 26. 3:165 27.3:165 27. 3:166 28.3:166 28. 3:167 29.3:167 29. 3:169 30.3:169 30. 3:172 3:172 31.31. 3:173 32.3:173 32. 3:195 33.3:195 33. 4:071 34.4:071 34. 4:072 35.4:072 35. 4:074 36.4:074 36. 4:075 4:075 37.37. 4:076 38.4:076 38. 4:077 39.4:077 39. 4:084 40.4:084 40. 4:089 41.4:089 41. 4:090 42.4:090 42. 4:091 4:091 43.43. 4:094 44.4:094 44. 4:095 45.4:095 45. 4:100 46.4:100 46. 4:102 47.4:102 47. 4:104 48.4:104 48. 5:033 5:033 49.49. 5:035 50.5:035 50. 5:082 51.5:082 51. 8:001 52.8:001 52. 8:005 53.8:005 53. 8:007 54.8:007 54. 8:009 8:009 55.55. 8:012 56.8:012 56. 8:015 57.8:015 57. 8:016 58.8:016 58. 8:017 59.8:017 59. 8:039 60.8:039 60. 8:040 8:040 61.61. 8:041 62.8:041 62. 8:042 63.8:042 63. 8:043 64.8:043 64. 8:044 65.8:044 65. 8:045 66.8:045 66. 8:046 8:046 67.67. 8:047 68.8:047 68. 8:048 69.8:048 69. 8:057 70.8:057 70. 8:058 71.8:058 71. 8:059 72.8:059 72. 8:060 8:060 73.73. 8:065 74.8:065 74. 8:066 75.8:066 75. 8:067 76.8:067 76. 8:068 77.8:068 77. 8:069 78.8:069 78. 8:070 8:070 79.79. 8:071 80.8:071 80. 8:072 81.8:072 81. 8:073 82.8:073 82. 8:074 83.8:074 83. 8:075 84.8:075 84. 9:005 9:005 85.85. 9:012 86.9:012 86. 9:013 87.9:013 87. 9:014 88.9:014 88. 9:016 89.9:016 89. 9:019 90.9:019 90. 9:020 9:020 91.91. 9:024 92.9:024 92. 9:025 93.9:025 93. 9:026 94.9:026 94. 9:029 95.9:029 95. 9:036 96.9:036 96. 9:038 9:038

97.97. 9:039 98.9:039 98. 9:041 99.9:041 99. 9:044 100.9:044 100. 9:052 101.9:052 101. 9:073 102.9:073 102. 9:081 9:081 103.103. 9:083 104.9:083 104. 9:086 105.9:086 105. 9:088 106.9:088 106. 9:092 107.9:092 107. 9:111 9:111

108.108. 9:120 109.9:120 109. 9:122 110.9:122 110. 9:123 111.9:123 111. 16:110 112.16:110 112. 22:039 22:039 113.113. 22:058 114.22:058 114. 22:078 115.22:078 115. 24:053 116.24:053 116. 24:055 117.24:055 117. 25:052 25:052 118.118. 29:006 119.29:006 119. 29:069 120.29:069 120. 33:015 121.33:015 121. 33:018 122.33:018 122. 33:020 33:020 123.123. 33:025 124.33:025 124. 33:026 125.33:026 125. 33:027 126.33:027 126. 33:050 127.33:050 127. 47:004 47:004 128.128. 47:020 129.47:020 129. 48:015 130.48:015 130. 48:016 131.48:016 131. 48:017 132.48:017 132. 48:022 48:022 133.133. 48:024 134.48:024 134. 49:015 135.49:015 135. 59:002 136.59:002 136. 59:005 137.59:005 137. 59:006 59:006 138.138. 59:007 139.59:007 139. 59:008 140.59:008 140. 59:014 141.59:014 141. 60:009 142.60:009 142. 61:004 61:004 143.143. 61:011 144.61:011 144. 61:013 145.61:013 145. 63:004 146.63:004 146. 64:014 147.64:014 147. 66:009 66:009

148.148. 73:020 73:020 149.149. 76:00876:008

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MuslimMuslim’’s claim the Qurs claim the Qur’’an was an was COLLATEDCOLLATEDPerfectly and CompletelyPerfectly and Completely

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

ZaidZaid ibnibn ThabitThabit ((MedinaMedina))Abdullah Abdullah ibnibn Mas'udMas'ud ((KufaKufa -- no no FatihaFatiha, nor , nor

S.113S.113--114114, , differences in S.3:19, 39 & S.9differences in S.3:19, 39 & S.9--BismillahBismillah, , ShiShi’’iteite readings)readings)

Abu MusaAbu Musa ((BasraBasra,116 Suras),116 Suras)UbayyUbayy ibnibn Ka'bKa'b ((DamascusDamascus,116 Suras) ,116 Suras)

Missing Missing VssVss = 24:32 (stoning), 33:23= 24:32 (stoning), 33:23

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SUMMARYSUMMARY::

•• ..Some Some QurQur’’anicanic verses were verses were lost.lost.Many (of the passages) of the QurMany (of the passages) of the Qur’’an that were sent down were an that were sent down were known by those who died on the day of known by those who died on the day of YamamaYamama...but they ...but they were were not known (by those who) survived themnot known (by those who) survived them, , nornor were they were they written downwritten down, nor had Abu , nor had Abu BakrBakr, , UmarUmar, or , or UthmanUthman (by that time) (by that time) collected the Qurcollected the Qur’’an, an, nornor were they were they found with even one found with even one (person) after them(person) after them. (. (IbnIbn AbiAbi DawudDawud, , KitabKitab alal--MasahifMasahif p.23).p.23).

•• ..Much of the QurMuch of the Qur’’an has an has disappeareddisappeared..It is reported from It is reported from IsmailIsmail ibnibn IbrahimIbrahim from from AyyubAyyub from from NaafiNaafi from from IbnIbn UmarUmar who said: who said: ““Let none of you say Let none of you say ‘‘I have acquired the I have acquired the whole of the Qurwhole of the Qur’’anan’’. How does he know what all of it is . How does he know what all of it is when much of the Qurwhen much of the Qur’’an has disappeared? Rather let him an has disappeared? Rather let him say say ‘‘I have acquired what has survivedI have acquired what has survived..’’ ((asas--SuyutiSuyuti, [d. , [d. 1500sAD] 1500sAD] AlAl--ItqanItqan fiifii UlumUlum alal--QurQur’’an, an, p.524).p.524).

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•• ..Parts of the QurParts of the Qur’’an have been an have been forgottenforgotten..We used to recite a We used to recite a surahsurah which resembled in length and which resembled in length and severity to (severity to (SurahSurah) ) BaraBara’’atat. . I have, however, forgotten it I have, however, forgotten it with the exception of this which I remember out of itwith the exception of this which I remember out of it: : ““If there were two valleys full of riches, for the son of Adam, hIf there were two valleys full of riches, for the son of Adam, he e would long for a third valley, and nothing would fill the stomacwould long for a third valley, and nothing would fill the stomach h of the son of Adam but dustof the son of Adam but dust””. (. (SahihSahih MuslimMuslim, , [d. 875 AD] Vol. [d. 875 AD] Vol. 2:2286, p.501).2:2286, p.501).

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

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

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

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

•• ..And others which have been modified.Altogether al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf made eleven modifications in the reading of the Uthmanic text. ... In al-Baqarah(Surah 2.259) it originally read Lam yatasanna waandhur, but it was altered to Lam yatasannah ... In al-Ma’ida (Surah 5.48) it read Shari ya’atan wa minhaajaan but it was altered to shir‘atawwa minhaajaan. (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif p.117).

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•• LostLost•• DisappearedDisappeared•• Forgotten Forgotten •• CancelledCancelled•• MissingMissing•• OverlookedOverlooked•• ChangedChanged•• ModifiedModified

•• Does this sound like a book which was Does this sound like a book which was COLLATED Perfectly and Completely?COLLATED Perfectly and Completely?

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TALMUDIC SOURCES:TALMUDIC SOURCES:

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

= = MidrashMidrash RabahRabah -- Jewish Folktales & Jewish Folktales & URUR= "fire" == "fire" =Jonathan Ben Jonathan Ben UzielUziel (2(2ndnd c.)c.)

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

= H= Hails from a second century apocryphal ails from a second century apocryphal Jewish book, Jewish book, The The AbodahAbodah SarahSarah (2(2ndnd c.)c.)

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

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

•• TargumTargum of Jonathanof Jonathan--benben--UzziahUzziah ((150150--200 A.D.)200 A.D.)

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

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Cain & AbelCain & Abel (Sura 5:32)(Sura 5:32)•• Qur'anQur'an-- sura 5:32sura 5:32•• On that account: On that account: We We

ordained for the ordained for the Children of Israel that Children of Israel that if if anyone slew a personanyone slew a person --unless it be for murder unless it be for murder or for spreading or for spreading mischief in the landmischief in the land-- it it would be as if he slew would be as if he slew the whole peoplethe whole people: and : and if if anyone saved a lifeanyone saved a life, it , it would be as if he would be as if he saved saved the life of the whole the life of the whole peoplepeople......

•• MishnahMishnah Sanhedrin 4:5Sanhedrin 4:5 (5(5thth c.)c.)•• We find it said in the case of We find it said in the case of CainCain

who murdered his brother, `the who murdered his brother, `the voice of thy brother's blood voice of thy brother's blood criethcriethout' [this latter is a quote from the out' [this latter is a quote from the Bible, Genesis 4:10], and he says, Bible, Genesis 4:10], and he says, `it does not `it does not sayethsayeth he hath blood he hath blood in the singular, but bloods in the in the singular, but bloods in the plural.'plural.'

•• Thou was created single in order Thou was created single in order to show that to show that to him who kills a to him who kills a single individual, it should be single individual, it should be reckoned that he has slain the reckoned that he has slain the whole racewhole race. . But to him who has But to him who has preserved the life of a single preserved the life of a single individual, it is counted that he has individual, it is counted that he has preserved the whole racepreserved the whole race..

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Solomon & ShebaSolomon & Sheba -- sura 27:17sura 27:17--4444•• Qur'anQur'an-- sura 27:17sura 27:17--4444•• ((ayaaya 17) And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts17) And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts--of of

JinnsJinns and men, and birds, and they were all kept in order and and men, and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.ranks.

•• ((ayaaya 20) And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: 20) And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: `Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the `Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?absentees?

•• ((ayaaya 21) I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or 21) I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence).absence).

•• ((ayaaya 22) But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) 22) But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: `I have compassed (territory) which thou hast not said: `I have compassed (territory) which thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from compassed, and I have come to thee from SabaSaba with tidings with tidings true.true.

•• ((ayaaya 23) I found (there) a woman ruling over them and 23) I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne...throne...

•• ((ayaaya 27) (Solomon) said: `Soon shall we see whether thou 27) (Solomon) said: `Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the truth or lied!hast told the truth or lied!

•• ((ayaaya 28) Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to 28) Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return."answer they return."

•• ((ayaaya 29) (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! Here is29) (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! Here is--delivered to delivered to meme--a letter worthy of respect.a letter worthy of respect.

•• ((ayaaya 30) It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): `In the 30) It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): `In the name of Allah, most Gracious, Most Merciful: Be ye not name of Allah, most Gracious, Most Merciful: Be ye not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the true Religion).'"true Religion).'"

•• ((ayaaya 32) She said: "Ye chiefs! Advise me in (this) my affair: 32) She said: "Ye chiefs! Advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence."no affair have I decided except in your presence."

•• ((ayaaya 33) They said: "We are endued with strength, and given 33) They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou wilt command."what thou wilt command."

•• ((ayaaya 35) She said..."But I am going to send him a present, 35) She said..."But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) return (my) and (wait) to see with what (answer) return (my) ambassadors."ambassadors."

•• ((ayaaya 42) So when she arrived, (42) So when she arrived, (ayaaya 44) she was asked to 44) she was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her skirts), was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass "smooth with slabs of glass "

•• II II TargumTargum of Estherof Esther (2(2ndnd c.)c.)•• "Solomon...gave orders...I will send King and armies "Solomon...gave orders...I will send King and armies

against thee...(of) Genii [jinn] beasts of the land the birds against thee...(of) Genii [jinn] beasts of the land the birds of the air.of the air.

•• Just then the RedJust then the Red--cock (a bird), enjoying itself, could not cock (a bird), enjoying itself, could not be found; King Solomon said that they should seize it and be found; King Solomon said that they should seize it and bring it by force, and indeed he sought to kill it.bring it by force, and indeed he sought to kill it.

•• But just then, the cock appeared in the presence of the But just then, the cock appeared in the presence of the King and said, "I had seen the whole world (and) know King and said, "I had seen the whole world (and) know the city and kingdom (of Sheba) which is not subject to the city and kingdom (of Sheba) which is not subject to thee, My Lord King. They are ruled by a woman called the thee, My Lord King. They are ruled by a woman called the Queen of Sheba. Then I found the fortified city in the Queen of Sheba. Then I found the fortified city in the EastlandsEastlands (Sheba) and around it are stones of gold and (Sheba) and around it are stones of gold and silver in the streets." By chance the Queen of Sheba silver in the streets." By chance the Queen of Sheba was out in the morning worshipping the sea, the scribes was out in the morning worshipping the sea, the scribes prepared a letter, which was placed under the bird's wing prepared a letter, which was placed under the bird's wing and away it flew and (it) reached the Fort of Sheba. and away it flew and (it) reached the Fort of Sheba. Seeing the letter under its wing (Sheba) opened it and Seeing the letter under its wing (Sheba) opened it and read it.read it.

•• "King Solomon sends to you his Salaams. Now if it "King Solomon sends to you his Salaams. Now if it please thee to come and ask after my welfare, I will set please thee to come and ask after my welfare, I will set thee high above all. But if it please thee not, I will send thee high above all. But if it please thee not, I will send kings and armies against thee."kings and armies against thee."

•• The Queen of Sheba heard it, she tore her garments, The Queen of Sheba heard it, she tore her garments, and sending for her Nobles asked their advice. They knew and sending for her Nobles asked their advice. They knew not Solomon, but advised her to send vessels by the sea, not Solomon, but advised her to send vessels by the sea, full of beautiful ornaments and gems...also to send a letter full of beautiful ornaments and gems...also to send a letter to him.to him.

•• When at last she came, Solomon sent a messenger...to When at last she came, Solomon sent a messenger...to meet her...Solomon, hearing she had come, arose and sat meet her...Solomon, hearing she had come, arose and sat down in the palace of glass. When the Queen of Sheba down in the palace of glass. When the Queen of Sheba saw it, she thought the glass floor was water, and so in saw it, she thought the glass floor was water, and so in crossing over lifted up her garments. When Solomon crossing over lifted up her garments. When Solomon seeing the hair about her legs, (He) cried out to her..."seeing the hair about her legs, (He) cried out to her..."

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The Palm Tree:The Palm Tree: (S(Suraura 19:2219:22--26)26)

•• Qur'anQur'an-- sura 19:22sura 19:22--2626•• So she conceived him [Jesus], and So she conceived him [Jesus], and

she retired with him to a remote she retired with him to a remote place.place.

•• And the pains of childbirth drove And the pains of childbirth drove her to her to the trunk of a palm treethe trunk of a palm tree: : She cried (She cried (in her anguishin her anguish): `Ah! ): `Ah! would that I had died before this! would that I had died before this! would that I had been a thing would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight'!forgotten and out of sight'!

•• Then [the babe Then [the babe ‘‘IsaIsa (Jesus)] cried (Jesus)] cried unto her from below herunto her from below her, saying: , saying: `Grieve not! for thy Lord hath `Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee:provided a rivulet beneath thee:

•• And And shake towards thyself the shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm treetrunk of the palm tree; it will let ; it will let fall fresh ripe datesfall fresh ripe dates upon thee.upon thee.

•• So eat and drink and cool (So eat and drink and cool (thinethine) ) eye.eye.

•• The Lost Books of the BibleThe Lost Books of the Bible(2(2ndnd c.)c.)

•• Now on the third day after Mary Now on the third day after Mary was was wearied in the desert by the wearied in the desert by the heatheat, she asked Joseph to rest for , she asked Joseph to rest for a little a little under the shade of a Palm under the shade of a Palm TreeTree. Then Mary looking up and . Then Mary looking up and seeing its branches seeing its branches laden with fruit laden with fruit (dates)(dates) said, `I desire if it were said, `I desire if it were possible to have some fruit.' Just possible to have some fruit.' Just then then the child Jesus looked up the child Jesus looked up (from below) with a cheerful smile, (from below) with a cheerful smile, and saidand said to the Palm Tree, `Send to the Palm Tree, `Send down some fruit.' Immediately the down some fruit.' Immediately the tree bent itself (toward her) and so tree bent itself (toward her) and so they ate. Then Jesus said, `O they ate. Then Jesus said, `O Palm Tree, arise; be one of my Palm Tree, arise; be one of my Father's trees in Paradise, but with Father's trees in Paradise, but with thy roots open the fountain thy roots open the fountain (rivulet) beneath thee and bring (rivulet) beneath thee and bring water flowing from that fount.'water flowing from that fount.'

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

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

--Creating birds from clayCreating birds from clay-- S.3:49 S.3:49 = = Thomas' Gospel of the Infancy of Thomas' Gospel of the Infancy of

JesusJesus Christ Christ (2(2ndnd c.)c.)------------------------------------------------------------------------------•• PoetryPoetry in the Qurin the Qur’’an (an (MeccanMeccan Suras)Suras)

==GuntherGunther LLűűlingling: : tracedtraced the poetry to the poetry to prepre--Islamic Islamic Christian Christian SyriacSyriac hymnshymns, , written in the written in the 66thth c.,c., with Arab themes addedwith Arab themes added

CONTRADICTIONSCONTRADICTIONS::1) If Allah’s words cannot be changed (6:34,115; 10:6), then how does Allah “substitute one

revelation for another” (2:106, 16:101)?2) How can the Qur’an confirm the Bible (S. 4:136; 5:47-52,68; 10:95; 21:7; 29:46), yet

contradict it (S. 5:73-75,116; 19:7; 28:9)?3) Does Allah's day equal to 1,000 human years (22:47, 32:5) or 50,000 human years (70:4)?4) Was the earth created in 6 days (7:54; 25:59) or 8 days (41:9-12)?5) If Bible is authoritative (4:136; 5:47-52,68; 10:95; 21:7; 29:46), then why contradicted by

Qur’an (5:73-75,116; 19:7; 28:9, etc...)? 6) Is the punishment for adulteresses life imprisonment (4:15) or 100 strokes by flogging

(24:2)?7) Why are Homosexuals let off if they repent (4:16), but heterosexuals are not (24:2; 4:15)?8) Did Abraham smash the idols (21:51-59), or simply shut up and leave the area once he

confronted the people (19:41-49, 6:74-83)?9) Were there 9 plagues, or signs (17:101), or only 5 plagues, or signs (7:133)?10) If Jesus is raised to Allah, (4:158), and stationed near to him (3:45), but worshiped by

millions of Christians, will he not burn in hell, since “the (false) gods that ye worshipbesides Allah are (but) fuel for Hell!” (21:98)?

11) Did Jesus only rise (4:157-158) or did he die and rise again (19:33)? [note:sura 19:15,repeats the same words for Yahya]

12) If wine is Satan's handiwork. (5:90; 2:219); then why are rivers of wine, Satan'shandiwork, in paradise (47:15; 83:25)?

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

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

2)2) ((Sura 19:7Sura 19:7) ) YahyaYahya is a name unique to is a name unique to John the John the BaptistBaptist; what about (; what about (2Kings 25:232Kings 25:23)?)?

3)3) ((S.19:28; 66:12; 20:25S.19:28; 66:12; 20:25--3030) How was ) How was MaryMary, Jesus, Jesus’’mother, mother, AaronAaron’’s sisters sister and and ImranImran’’ss daughterdaughter, , as she livedas she lived 1,5701,570 years lateryears later??

4)4) ((S.20:85S.20:85--87, 9587, 95--9797) ) SamaritanSamaritan built built ‘‘golden calfgolden calf’’in in 1447 BC1447 BC, Samaritans began in , Samaritans began in 722 BC722 BC, or , or 725 725 years lateryears later..

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

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•• 6)6) ((S.18:96S.18:96) Where is ) Where is Alexander the Alexander the GreatGreat’’ss ironiron and and brassbrasswallwall between two mountains, inbetween two mountains, in 330 BC?330 BC? No Record!No Record!

•• 7)7) MountainsMountains ((S.16:15; 21:31; S.16:15; 21:31; 31:1031:10; 78:6; 78:6--7; 88:197; 88:19) are not ) are not tenttent--pegspegs to keep earth from shaking, due to to keep earth from shaking, due to volcanoesvolcanoes& & tectonic platestectonic plates

•• 8)8) BadBad MathMath ((S.S.4:114:11--1212) ) InheritanceInheritance for widow =1/8 + 3 for widow =1/8 + 3 daughter =2/3 +2 parents =1/3, daughter =2/3 +2 parents =1/3, totallingtotalling 1&1/81&1/8 oror112.5%112.5%!!? ? Or (Or (S.4:11S.4:11--12 & 17612 & 176) My mother = 1/3, my wife = 1/3, my ) My mother = 1/3, my wife = 1/3, my two sisters = 2/3 two sisters = 2/3 totallingtotalling: : 4/3rds4/3rds, or , or 133%!!133%!!

•• 9)9) ((S.86:5S.86:5--77) Does ) Does SemenSemen really originate in the really originate in the backback or the or the kidneykidney or is this simply borrowing from 5or is this simply borrowing from 5thth century B.C.century B.C.HippocratesHippocrates??

•• 10)10) DirhamDirham ((S.12:20S.12:20) ) ‘‘a few dirham counted outa few dirham counted out’’ for for JosephJoseph, , yet coins created in 7yet coins created in 7thth cent. BC by cent. BC by LydiansLydians. . DrachmasDrachmasfrom 590from 590--650 AD, but 650 AD, but DirhamsDirhams not minted till not minted till 642 AD,642 AD, by by Caliph Caliph UmarUmar; vs. ; vs. Gen.37:28Gen.37:28 = = ShekelsShekels = 0.2 = 0.2 kgskgs. of . of silver!silver!

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2020thth--2121stst Century Polemics: Century Polemics: RevisionistsRevisionists

•• The RevisionistThe Revisionist’’s Prime Concern:s Prime Concern:•• To Reassess the Classical Model To Reassess the Classical Model •• Their principle Conclusions:Their principle Conclusions:•• Islam, as we know it, did not exist in the 7Islam, as we know it, did not exist in the 7thth century, century,

but evolved over a period of 200but evolved over a period of 200--300 years. 300 years. (Humphreys 1991:71,83(Humphreys 1991:71,83--89)89)

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

((RippinRippin 1985:155;1990:3,25,60; Lester 99:441985:155;1990:3,25,60; Lester 99:44--45; 45; WansbroughWansbrough 1977:1601977:160--163)163)

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THE PRINCIPLE MODERN REVISIONISTS:THE PRINCIPLE MODERN REVISIONISTS:•• John John WansbroughWansbrough (1977(1977--1978):1978):

((QurQur’’anicanic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural InterpretationStudies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation 1977)1977)((The Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic SalvatiThe Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic Salvation on HistoryHistory 1978)1978)

•• Took SchachtTook Schacht’’s thesis even further, believing that both s thesis even further, believing that both the Qurthe Qur’’an and the later an and the later HadithHadith came about as a result came about as a result of Jewish & Christian of Jewish & Christian Sectarian controversiesSectarian controversies, borrowed , borrowed from outside the from outside the HijazHijaz, then redacted back , then redacted back ““onto an onto an Arabian point of originArabian point of origin””, so that the Qur, so that the Qur’’an was a an was a compositecomposite, which , which evolvedevolved into its canonical form at the into its canonical form at the end of the 2end of the 2ndnd Muslim centuryMuslim century ((WansbroughWansbrough--QurQur’’anicanicStudiesStudies 1977:20,44,49,51,79)1977:20,44,49,51,79)

•• Looked at the Looked at the Sira/MaghaziSira/Maghazi literature literature and noticed that and noticed that Islam developed after the Arab conquests of the Holy Islam developed after the Arab conquests of the Holy Land in the midLand in the mid--7th century and so on, and 7th century and so on, and emerged by emerged by means of intense debatesmeans of intense debates over religion between over religion between Christians and Jews Christians and Jews

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

•• Took an even more radical approach, rejecting Took an even more radical approach, rejecting the traditional view on early Islamic history the traditional view on early Islamic history almost entirely (i.e. that of the almost entirely (i.e. that of the SiraSira, , HadithHadith, , TafsirTafsir, , TaTa’’rikhrikh), due to their ), due to their late compilationlate compilation::

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

•• So, he So, he went to Greek, went to Greek, SyriacSyriac, and Armenian sources, and Armenian sourcesfrom the 7from the 7thth--8th8th c. & found a contrasting picture to the c. & found a contrasting picture to the Islamic Traditions.Islamic Traditions.

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

•• Conclusion:Conclusion: suggested that the suggested that the history of Islamhistory of Islam, at , at least to the time of the caliph least to the time of the caliph AbdAbd alal--MalikMalik (685(685--704AD), 704AD), is a later fabricationis a later fabrication..

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Qibla (Archaeological Evidence)QiblaQibla (Archaeological Evidence)(Archaeological Evidence)

•• Creswell & Fehervari on ancient mosques Creswell & Fehervari on ancient mosques in the Middle Eastin the Middle East

Umayyad mosques in Iraq (670Umayyad mosques in Iraq (670--680)680)WassitWassit mosquemosque‘‘KufaKufa’’ mosquemosqueFustatFustat (outside Cairo)(outside Cairo)

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ArabiaArabia

Asia MinorAsia Minor

EgyptEgypt

MeccaMecca

JerusalemJerusalem

CairoCairo

Middle EastMiddle East

BaghdadBaghdad

MedinaMedina

KufaKufa

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•• QiblaQibla (Documentary Evidence)(Documentary Evidence)

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

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Dome of the RockDome of the Rock•• Built by Built by ‘‘Abd alAbd al--Malik in 691 AD, and rebuilt by al Malik in 691 AD, and rebuilt by al

Zaher LiZaher Li--LL’’zaz in 1022 after an earthquakezaz in 1022 after an earthquake•• Third most holy site after Mecca & MedinaThird most holy site after Mecca & Medina•• Built to Built to commemoratecommemorate the night when Muhammad went the night when Muhammad went

up to heaven to speak with Moses and Allah concerning up to heaven to speak with Moses and Allah concerning the number of prayers required of the believers (known the number of prayers required of the believers (known as the as the MiMi’’rajraj))

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••But, But, nno o QiblaQibla (Suras 17:1 & 2:145(Suras 17:1 & 2:145--149)149)

••Inner Ambulatories have Inner Ambulatories have QurQur’’anicanicinscriptions which do inscriptions which do not parallel the Qurnot parallel the Qur’’anan

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•• Patricia Patricia CrCröönene (1975, 1987):(1975, 1987):(Slaves on Horses(Slaves on Horses, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1980), Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1980)((MeccanMeccan Trade and the Rise of IslamTrade and the Rise of Islam, Princeton University Press, , Princeton University Press, 1987)1987)((““The FirstThe First--Century Concept of Century Concept of HigraHigra””, , ArabicaArabica, XLI, , XLI, E.J.BrillE.J.Brill, , Leiden, 1994)Leiden, 1994)

HijraHijra:: 56 References, but 56 References, but none from Mecca to none from Mecca to MedinaMedina, almost all from the , almost all from the HijazHijaz to the north.to the north.

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

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•• MeccaMecca1.1. ““Mecca is the center of Islam, Mecca is the center of Islam,

and the center of history.and the center of history.””2.2. ““The first sanctuary appointed The first sanctuary appointed

for mankind was that at Bakkah for mankind was that at Bakkah (Mecca)(Mecca)”” SuraSura 3:963:96

3.3. Mecca is the Mecca is the ““mother of all mother of all settlements.settlements.””

Sura 6:92 & 42:5Sura 6:92 & 42:5

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•• Earliest reference to MeccaEarliest reference to Mecca’’s existence:s existence:Apocalypse of pseudoApocalypse of pseudo--MethodiusMethodiusContinuatioContinuatio ByzantiaByzantia ArabicaArabicaEarly reign of caliph Early reign of caliph HishamHisham (724(724--743 AD)743 AD)

•• CrCröönene in her work points out that the Greek in her work points out that the Greek trading documents refer to the towns of trading documents refer to the towns of TaTa’’ifif(which is close to present(which is close to present--day Mecca), and to day Mecca), and to YathribYathrib (later Medina), as well as (later Medina), as well as KaybarKaybar in the in the north, but north, but no mention of Mecca.no mention of Mecca.

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•• ““MuslimMuslim”” & & ““IslamIslam””MagaritaiMagaritai (Greek papyri 642)(Greek papyri 642), , MahgreMahgre or or MahgrayeMahgraye ((SyriacSyriac letters 640)letters 640)--Athanasius in 684 AD termed Athanasius in 684 AD termed MahgrayesMahgrayesJacob of Edessa in 705 AD mentions them as Jacob of Edessa in 705 AD mentions them as HagarenesHagarenes ((descendants of Abraham & descendants of Abraham & Hagar)Hagar)‘‘MuhajirunMuhajirun’’ ((those who took part in the those who took part in the hijrahijraor exodus)or exodus)‘‘IslamIslam’’ doesndoesn’’t appear until late 7t appear until late 7thth century century --sense of sense of ‘‘submission to Godsubmission to God’’, now , now ‘‘peacepeace’’

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YehudaYehuda D. D. NevoNevo (1994)(1994)““Towards a Prehistory of Islam,Towards a Prehistory of Islam,”” Jerusalem Studies in Arabic Jerusalem Studies in Arabic and Islamand Islam, vol.17, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1994, vol.17, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1994

•• Arabic InscriptionsArabic Inscriptions•• CaliphalCaliphal ProtocalsProtocals ((SufyaniSufyani and and MarwanidMarwanid Periods, Periods, uptoupto

‘‘AbdAbd alal--MalikMalik –– 691)691)•• --no no ””Muhammad FormulaMuhammad Formula””----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------•• G.R. G.R. HawtingHawting (SOAS)(SOAS)

The First Dynasty of Islam, The Umayyad Caliphate AD The First Dynasty of Islam, The Umayyad Caliphate AD 661661--750750, London, Groom Helm, 1986, London, Groom Helm, 1986

•• Andrew Andrew RippinRippinMuslims, Their Religious Beliefs and PracticesMuslims, Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, vol. 1, , vol. 1, London, London, RoutledgeRoutledge, 2003, 2003

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Critique of the ManuscriptsCritique of the Manuscripts

Manuscript Evidence for the QurManuscript Evidence for the Qur’’anan•• 1. 1. ‘‘Ma'ilMa'il’’ 7th7th--9th century (Medina and Mecca), 9th century (Medina and Mecca),

or or ‘‘HijaziHijazi’’. . ((2165 2165 Brit.LibBrit.Lib. & . & SanaaSanaaManuscriptManuscript))

•• 2. 2. ‘‘MashqMashq’’ 7th century onwards. 7th century onwards. •• 3. 3. ‘‘KuficKufic’’/Abbasid/Abbasid ((EasternEastern) 8th) 8th--11th 11th

century, begins with century, begins with AbbasidAbbasid dynasty in 749 dynasty in 749 AD, see coins for chronological script evolution AD, see coins for chronological script evolution

(needs (needs landscapelandscape format).format).•• 4. 4. NaskhNaskh 11th century till today11th century till today

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Topkapi Manuscript(Topkapi Palace,Istanbul, Turkey)

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Ma’il Qur’an (2165)

British Library (Ridblatt Gallery)

Hijazi Script, dated 8th c.

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Quran Manuscripts in the Early Almail Script

(British Museum)

Jam’ al-Qur’an & Islamic Coins

al-Ma’il script Qur’an (790 AD)

(Kuwait National Museum)

Umayyad coins Abdul Mallek (Mashq script? 697-700 AD)

7.1

7.2

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Topkapi MS

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Samarqand Kufic Codex (9th century)

Abbasid gold Dinars (Kufic script 837 AD)

Early Abbasid coins (Kufic script 750 AD)

11.1 11.2

11.3

(Preserved in Tashkent, former Soviet Union)

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Sana’a Manuscript (705 ):

Karl-Heinz Ohlig (1981-Present):•Qur’an began to be compiled in the last two decades of the 7th century, with other versions continuing until the 9th century

Dr. Gerd Puin (1981-Present):•“Oldest parchments & papers of any Qur’anic Ms.”•Yet, more than half of the text is ambiguous letters which need diacritical marks for understanding. •Adding vowels helped correct mistakes. Changes in orthography found in geographical tradition schools.

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•Many deviations not mentioned in later literature.

•Different numeration, and sura arrangements found i.e. suras 19-22 ----->26-37-36-38...67-

71-72-51 •Difference in scripts, showing evolution in text.

(Puin 1996:111)

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•“Difference is even meaningful in a theological sense”i.e. ‘Qalu’ to ‘Qul’ ->• Sometimes Abraham (S.2), sometimes Ibrahim• ‘Qalu’ 50% with alif b/w Qaf-Lam,

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PalimpsestsPalimpsests

Using Ultra-Violet light, we find a ‘Qur’anic’ script written and washed below that of the existing script. This is the first evidence we have of an evolution in the Qur’anic textin one manuscript

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Manuscript Variants Manuscript Variants (extant mss. available to Western researchers)(extant mss. available to Western researchers)

•• Difficulty finding complete early MSS.Difficulty finding complete early MSS.•• Keith SmallKeith Small: :

–– (Sura 14:35(Sura 14:35--41 41 –– AbrahamAbraham in Mecca)in Mecca)–– Acts 7:1Acts 7:1--8 (Stephen on 8 (Stephen on AbrahamAbraham, Isaac & UR), Isaac & UR)–– 150 available MSS in the 150 available MSS in the 11stst 300 yrs300 yrs. . –– Only 13 with these Only 13 with these vssvss..–– Suras 82Suras 82--114, only 3 in late 8114, only 3 in late 8thth c.c.–– Suras 108Suras 108--114, none exist114, none exist–– ConclusionsConclusions: : Possible standardization of Possible standardization of vssvss by late by late

77thth c., but no extant MS. to support it, just a guess.c., but no extant MS. to support it, just a guess.–– Canonized text only in Abbasid period Canonized text only in Abbasid period --post 749 AD?post 749 AD?

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CONCLUSIONS:CONCLUSIONS:CONCLUSIONS:1. 1. TheThe HijraHijra was morewas more--thanthan--likely not likely not

towards Medina, but towards Palestine towards Medina, but towards Palestine or or places in the north & ongoing, till 800places in the north & ongoing, till 800-->>..

2. The2. The QiblaQibla was not fixed towards Mecca was not fixed towards Mecca until the eighth century, but to an area until the eighth century, but to an area much further north, and possibly much further north, and possibly Jerusalem.Jerusalem.

3. The3. The JewsJews still retained a relationship still retained a relationship with the Arabs until at least 640 AD.with the Arabs until at least 640 AD.

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4.4. MeccaMecca was not only unknown as a was not only unknown as a viable city until the end of the seventh viable city until the end of the seventh century, but was not even on the century, but was not even on the international international trade route trade route

5. The5. The Dome of the RockDome of the Rock was likely was likely used as a sanctuary.used as a sanctuary.

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6.6. MuhammadMuhammad was not known as Godwas not known as God’’s s universal prophet until the late universal prophet until the late seventh century.seventh century.

7. The terms7. The terms ‘‘MuslimMuslim’’//‘‘IslamIslam’’ were nwere noot t used until tused until the he end of the 7th C.; end of the 7th C.; terms used instead Saracen, terms used instead Saracen, MahgrayeMahgraye, , MuhajirunMuhajirun, , HagareneHagarene

8. The 8. The five dailyfive daily prayersprayers as well as the as well as the Hajj were not standardized until Hajj were not standardized until after 717 A.D.; and not named until after 717 A.D.; and not named until 9th century.9th century.

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9. The earliest we even hear of any9. The earliest we even hear of anyQurQur’’anan is not until the late seventh is not until the late seventh century, though fragments exist in century, though fragments exist in the late 7the late 7thth c.c.

10. The earliest Qur10. The earliest Qur’’anicanic writingswritings do do not coincide exactly with the not coincide exactly with the current Qurcurrent Qur’’anic text.anic text.

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From what we have seen here, what Conclusions can we use in our polemics

today?

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

today?today?••The many claims Muslims make for the The many claims Muslims make for the ‘‘inimitabilityinimitability’’ of the Qurof the Qur’’an do not stand up under an do not stand up under critical scrutiny.critical scrutiny.••The QurThe Qur’’an does not have the historical an does not have the historical authority most Muslims desire.authority most Muslims desire.••It has a history, evolving over 100It has a history, evolving over 100--200yrs., 200yrs., much of it borrowed from other sourcesmuch of it borrowed from other sources••This has serious ramifications for the Radical This has serious ramifications for the Radical Muslims today, those who go to this book as the Muslims today, those who go to this book as the authority for most of their theology, and practiceauthority for most of their theology, and practice