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THE QUR’AN THE QUR’AN
A CRITICAL ASSESSMENTA CRITICAL ASSESSMENT
20102010(Jay Smith)(Jay Smith)
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Find out what they claim about the Find out what they claim about the Qur’anQur’an
It is It is InimitableInimitable (Therefore above criticism)(Therefore above criticism)::
It is Superior to all other revelationsIt is Superior to all other revelations It is Stylistically perfectIt is Stylistically perfect It is Grammatically perfectIt is Grammatically perfect It is Linguistically perfect (pure Arabic)It is Linguistically perfect (pure Arabic) It is Universally uniqueIt is Universally unique It has no ContradictionsIt has no Contradictions It has no ErrorsIt has no Errors It is Compiled perfectlyIt is Compiled perfectly It has no History (uniquely preserved)It has no History (uniquely preserved)
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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIQUE:Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIQUE:
• The Qur’an is the The Qur’an is the greatest wondergreatest wonder among the 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.
Hadith (Mishkat III, pg. Hadith (Mishkat III, pg. 664)664)
INIMITABLE CLAIMS:
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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is SUPERIOR to all other pieces of SUPERIOR to all other pieces of literatureliterature::
Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is SUPERIOR to all other pieces of SUPERIOR to all other pieces of literatureliterature::• Will they say, ‘Muhammad hath forged it?’ Will they say, ‘Muhammad hath forged it?’
Answer:Answer: ‘ ‘Bring therefore a chapter like unto itBring therefore a chapter like unto it, , and call whom ye to your assistance, besides and call whom ye to your assistance, besides Allah, if ye speak truth.’Allah, if ye speak truth.’
(Suras (Suras 10:37-38; 2:23; 17:8810:37-38; 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 Muslim’s claim the Qur’an has perfect literary style, & content…yet literary style, & content…yet Compare:Compare:
Muslim’s claim the Qur’an has perfect Muslim’s claim the Qur’an has perfect literary style, & content…yet literary style, & content…yet Compare:Compare:• a) Sura 16:93; 76:29-30 a) Sura 16:93; 76:29-30
(Allah controls all)(Allah controls all)• b) Sura 111 b) Sura 111
(The wrath of Allah) (The wrath of Allah) ……
• c) Suras 4:74,84; 5:33; c) Suras 4:74,84; 5:33; 9:29 48:16-17 9:29 48:16-17 (Fight your enemies)(Fight your enemies)
• d) Sura 109d) Sura 109(Allah leaves us alone)(Allah leaves us alone)
• e) Sura 24:2 e) Sura 24:2 (Flog the sinner)(Flog the sinner)
• f) Suras 2:222-223, 282; f) Suras 2:222-223, 282;
4:11, 34,176 4:11, 34,176 (Women are (Women are 22ndnd class) class)
• a) I Tim. 2:4, Luke 15:3-4, Jn. a) I Tim. 2:4, Luke 15:3-4, Jn. 10:14,18 10:14,18 (God lets us (God lets us choose)choose)
• b) Francis of Assisi's prayer b) Francis of Assisi's prayer (The Love of God) (The Love of God)
(see Nehls, (see Nehls, Christians Ask MuslimsChristians Ask Muslims, 1987, pg.75, , 1987, pg.75, no.11)no.11)
• c) Matthew 5:3-12; c) Matthew 5:3-12; I Corinthians 13:4-7I Corinthians 13:4-7
(Bless & love your enemies)(Bless & love your enemies)
• d) Psalm 23d) Psalm 23(The Lord is our Shepherd)(The Lord is our Shepherd)
• e) John 8:3-12 e) John 8:3-12 (Forgive the (Forgive the sinner)sinner)
• f) Ephesians 5:22-25f) Ephesians 5:22-25(Women are equal)(Women are equal)
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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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WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY SAY?SAY?WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY SAY?SAY?German secular scholar German secular scholar Salmon Reinach Salmon Reinach states that:states that:
• ““From the literary point of view, the Koran has little From the literary point of view, the Koran has little merit. Declamation, repetition, puerility, a lack of logic merit. Declamation, repetition, puerility, a lack of logic and coherence strike the unprepared reader at every and coherence strike the unprepared reader at every turn. It is humiliating to the human intellect to think turn. It is humiliating to the human intellect to think that this mediocre literature has been the subject of that this mediocre literature has been the subject of innumerable commentaries, and that millions of men are innumerable commentaries, and that millions of men are still wasting time in absorbing it.” still wasting time in absorbing it.” (Reinach 1932:176)(Reinach 1932:176)
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Theodore NöldekeTheodore Nöldeke::• ““Chaotic Confusion...prosaic...stiff in Chaotic Confusion...prosaic...stiff in
style...tedious style...tedious sermonizing...rhetorical...never 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 awkwardness...tiresome effect of its endless iterations...[so that dogma] turns endless iterations...[so that dogma] turns a defective literary production into an a defective literary production into an unrivalled masterpiece, in the eyes of the unrivalled masterpiece, in the eyes of the believersbelievers” ”
(Nöldeke 1998:36,44-47)(Nöldeke 1998:36,44-47)
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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Grammatically perfect, yet:Grammatically perfect, yet:Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Grammatically perfect, yet:Grammatically perfect, yet:
1)1)2:1772:177, the word , the word SabireenSabireen should be should be Sabiroon; Sabiroon;
2)2)3:593:59, the words , the words Kun feekunuKun feekunu should be should be written, written, Kun fakaanaKun fakaana; ;
3)3)5:695:69, the title , the title al Sabioonal Sabioon, should be written , should be written al Sabieenal Sabieen (see also (see also sura 2:62sura 2:62 & & sura sura 22:1722:17))
4)4)7:1607:160, , Uthnati Uthnati (feminine)(feminine) Ashrat Ashrat (feminine)(feminine) AsbaataanAsbaataan. should be . should be UthnaiyUthnaiy (masculine) (masculine) Ashara SibtaanAshara Sibtaan..
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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an contains only Muslim’s claim the Qur’an contains only Perfect Arabic Perfect Arabic (Suras 12:2; 13:37; 41:41,44)(Suras 12:2; 13:37; 41:41,44)::
• Yet uses Yet uses Egyptian, Hebrew, Syriac, Christian Egyptian, Hebrew, Syriac, Christian Aramaic, & Ethiopic words.Aramaic, & Ethiopic words.
• --AccadianAccadian (No.Iraq) (No.Iraq) words: words: AdamAdam and and EdenEden repeated repeated 24 times. A more correct term for “Adam” in Arabic 24 times. A more correct term for “Adam” in Arabic would be would be basharanbasharan or or insaninsan, meaning “mankind.” , meaning “mankind.” ““EdenEden” would be the word ” would be 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 “the path” has the meaning “the path” has the Arabic equivalent, Arabic equivalent, AltareeqAltareeq.. HoorHoor meaning “disciple” meaning “disciple” has the Arabic equivalent, has the Arabic equivalent, TilmeethTilmeeth. . FirdausFirdaus meaning meaning “the highest or seventh heaven" has the Arabic “the highest or seventh heaven" has the Arabic equivalent, equivalent, JannahJannah..
• --GreekGreek wordswords:: InjilInjil, which means “gospel” was , which means “gospel” was borrowed, yet it has the Arabic equivalent, borrowed, yet it has the Arabic equivalent, BisharahBisharah
Muslim’s claim the Qur’an isMuslim’s claim the Qur’an is
UNIVERSALUNIVERSAL::• Case 1: Case 1: Women’s Position: Women’s Position:
– ((Suras 2:224-230; 4:11,24-25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; Suras 2:224-230; 4:11,24-25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; 78:33)78:33)
• Case 2: Case 2: Violence vs. PeaceViolence vs. Peace– 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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WOMEN IN ISLAM VS. CHRISTIANITYWOMEN IN ISLAM VS. CHRISTIANITYWOMEN IN ISLAM VS. CHRISTIANITYWOMEN IN ISLAM VS. CHRISTIANITY• Polygamy:Polygamy: S S 4:34:3 1 husband/ 4 wives 1 husband/ 4 wives
and what right hand possesses and what right hand possesses (slaves/concubines)(slaves/concubines)
• Inheritance: Inheritance: S 4:11S 4:11 ”inheritance to ”inheritance to the male, equal to that of two the male, equal to that of two females.”females.”
• Wife Beating: Wife Beating: S 4:34S 4:34,, men may men may beat beat wiveswives
• Testimony: Testimony: S 2:282S 2:282, Bukhar1:301 , Bukhar1:301 Muhammad replied, Muhammad replied, “Is not the “Is not the testimony of a woman equivalent testimony of a woman equivalent to half the testimony of a man?to half the testimony of a man?
• Tilth: Tilth: S 2:223S 2:223 “Your women are a “Your women are a tilth tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will”your tilth as ye will”
• Slaves/Concubines: Slaves/Concubines: S 33:50 S 33:50 “We “We have made lawful unto thee whom have made lawful unto thee whom you have paid dowries (contract), you have paid dowries (contract), those whom thy right had possesses those whom thy right had possesses (Slaves) of those whom Allah hath (Slaves) of those whom Allah hath given thee as given thee as spoils of warspoils of war......
• Polygamy...Genesis 2:24, Mt. 19:5, 1 Polygamy...Genesis 2:24, Mt. 19:5, 1 Tim 3:2Tim 3:2,, perfect marriage relationship perfect marriage relationship between 1 man and 1 woman. between 1 man and 1 woman.
• Love one’s wife: 1 Pet. 3:7, Col. 3:19Love one’s wife: 1 Pet. 3:7, Col. 3:19 “husbands must love your wives & “husbands must love your wives & NEVERNEVER treat them treat them harshly.”harshly.”
• Testimony: Matthew Testimony: Matthew 28:9 28:9 First First witnesses of Christ’s resurrection werewitnesses of Christ’s resurrection were womenwomen
• Equality:Equality: Galations Galations 3:28 3:28 “all believers “all believers are are equalequal in Christ” in Christ”
-Hebrews 4:14-16 “both -Hebrews 4:14-16 “both can approach can approach God directlyGod directly..
-1 Peter 3:7-1 Peter 3:7 “ “you are you are equal together equal together in the grace of life.”in the grace of life.”
-1 Corinthians 7:1-40-1 Corinthians 7:1-40, Their bodies , Their bodies belong to each belong to each other. Not one is above other. Not one is above the other.the other.
--Eph 5:25Eph 5:25 As Christ As Christ gave his life gave his life for the for the church, so a husband should do for his church, so a husband should do for his wifewife
• Slavery: Gal. 3:28 Slavery: Gal. 3:28 ‘There is neither ‘There is neither slave nor free...male nor female...all one slave nor free...male nor female...all one in Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ ((Philemon 16 Philemon 16 – Slave -> – Slave -> brother)brother)
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ParadiseParadise In the Qur’an: In the Qur’an:A Beautiful Garden:• Surah 55 :26 two gardens • Surah 56:12 Garden of delights• Surah 56: 31 water flowing constantly, fruit in plentyWith Female and Male Servants:• Surah 55: 56 chaste females whom no man has been
with• Surah 55: 70 fair and beautiful women• Surah 55: 72 - 74 Hûr - beautiful, fair females, guarded
in pavilions - virgins• Surah 56:22 Hûr, with wide, lovely eyes• Surah 55: 76 reclining on green cushions and beautiful
mattresses• Surah 56 : 34-38 on couches or thrones raised high, a
special creation, and made them virgins, loving...
• Surah 56:17 immortal boys will go around, serving with cups...flowing wine
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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an isMuslim’s claim the Qur’an 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….
Looking at the Qur’an:Looking at the Qur’an:
TheThe Peace Verses:Peace Verses:
Sura 2:256Sura 2:256 = = “For there is no compulsion in “For there is no compulsion in religion”religion”
““Law of Abrogation”Law of Abrogation”
(Suras 2:106, 16:101)(Suras 2:106, 16:101)““That which we give, we give something better”That which we give, we give something better”
(Mansukh vs. Nasikh)(Mansukh vs. Nasikh)
Thus, Sura 2:256 is a weak verse, abrogated by 101 Thus, Sura 2:256 is a weak verse, abrogated by 101 verses which follow!verses which follow!
Sura 2:190-193Sura 2:190-193 = = “Those who “Those who fight you, Do not transgress fight you, Do not transgress limits, limits, / /
……and slay them wherever ye and slay them wherever ye catch them, and fight them, until catch them, and fight them, until there prevail faith in Allah”there prevail faith in Allah”
AA ModerateModerate Interpretation:Interpretation:
Sura 5:31-32Sura 5:31-32 (raven, and blood of Abel)(raven, and blood of Abel) ““we we ordained for the Children of Israel ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone slew a that if anyone slew a personperson…it would …it would be as if he slew the be as if he slew the whole peoplewhole people; and ; and if anyone saved if anyone saved a lifea life, it would be as if , it would be as if he saved the life of the he saved the life of the whole whole peoplepeople...”...”
A A RadicalRadical Interpretation:Interpretation:
Sura 5:31-32Sura 5:31-32 “ “we ordained for we ordained for the Children of Israel that if the Children of Israel that if anyone slew a anyone slew a MUSLIMMUSLIM…it …it would be as if he slew would be as if he slew ALL ALL MUSLIMSMUSLIMS; and if anyone saved ; and if anyone saved A MUSLIMA MUSLIM, it would be as if he , it would be as if he saved the life of saved the life of ALL ALL MUSLIMSMUSLIMS...”...”
The Medinan Sword Verse:
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..”
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...”
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 8:38-39 = “Unbelievers…And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail Justice and faith in Allah”
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”
The The Qur’an’sQur’an’s 149 149 Sword VersesSword Verses::
1.1. 2:178 2. 2:179 3. 2:190 4. 2:191 5. 2:193 2:178 2. 2:179 3. 2:190 4. 2:191 5. 2:193 6. 2:194 7. 2:216 8. 2:217 9. 2:218 10. 2:244 6. 2:194 7. 2:216 8. 2:217 9. 2:218 10. 2:244 11. 3:121 12. 3:122 13. 3:123 14. 3:124 15. 3:125 16. 11. 3:121 12. 3:122 13. 3:123 14. 3:124 15. 3:125 16.
3:126 17. 3:140 18. 3:141 19. 3:146 20. 3:152 21. 3:153 22. 3:126 17. 3:140 18. 3:141 19. 3:146 20. 3:152 21. 3:153 22. 3:154 23. 3:155 24. 3:156 25. 3:157 26. 3:165 27. 3:166 28. 3:154 23. 3:155 24. 3:156 25. 3:157 26. 3:165 27. 3:166 28. 3:167 29. 3:169 30. 3:172 31. 3:173 32. 3:195 33. 4:071 34. 3:167 29. 3:169 30. 3:172 31. 3:173 32. 3:195 33. 4:071 34. 4:072 35. 4:074 36. 4:075 37. 4:076 38. 4:077 39. 4:084 40. 4:072 35. 4:074 36. 4:075 37. 4:076 38. 4:077 39. 4:084 40. 4:089 41. 4:090 42. 4:091 43. 4:094 44. 4:095 45. 4:100 46. 4:089 41. 4:090 42. 4:091 43. 4:094 44. 4:095 45. 4:100 46. 4:102 47. 4:104 48. 5:033 49. 5:035 50. 5:082 51. 8:001 52. 4:102 47. 4:104 48. 5:033 49. 5:035 50. 5:082 51. 8:001 52. 8:005 53. 8:007 54. 8:009 55. 8:012 56. 8:015 57. 8:016 58. 8:005 53. 8:007 54. 8:009 55. 8:012 56. 8:015 57. 8:016 58. 8:017 59. 8:039 60. 8:040 61. 8:041 62. 8:042 63. 8:043 64. 8:017 59. 8:039 60. 8:040 61. 8:041 62. 8:042 63. 8:043 64. 8:044 65. 8:045 66. 8:046 67. 8:047 68. 8:048 69. 8:057 70. 8:044 65. 8:045 66. 8:046 67. 8:047 68. 8:048 69. 8:057 70. 8:058 71. 8:059 72. 8:060 73. 8:065 74. 8:066 75. 8:067 76. 8:058 71. 8:059 72. 8:060 73. 8:065 74. 8:066 75. 8:067 76. 8:068 77. 8:069 78. 8:070 79. 8:071 80. 8:072 81. 8:073 82. 8:068 77. 8:069 78. 8:070 79. 8:071 80. 8:072 81. 8:073 82. 8:074 83. 8:075 84. 9:005 85. 9:012 86. 9:013 87. 9:014 88. 8:074 83. 8:075 84. 9:005 85. 9:012 86. 9:013 87. 9:014 88. 9:016 89. 9:019 90. 9:020 91. 9:024 92. 9:025 93. 9:026 94. 9:016 89. 9:019 90. 9:020 91. 9:024 92. 9:025 93. 9:026 94.
9:029 95. 9:036 96. 9:038 97. 9:039 98. 9:041 99. 9:044 9:029 95. 9:036 96. 9:038 97. 9:039 98. 9:041 99. 9:044 100. 9:052 101. 9:073 102. 9:081 103. 9:083 104. 100. 9:052 101. 9:073 102. 9:081 103. 9:083 104. 9:086 105. 9:088 106. 9:092 107. 9:111 108. 9:120 9:086 105. 9:088 106. 9:092 107. 9:111 108. 9:120
109. 9:122 110. 9:123 111. 16:110 112. 22:039 113. 109. 9:122 110. 9:123 111. 16:110 112. 22:039 113. 22:058 114. 22:078 115. 24:053 116. 24:055 117. 25:052 22:058 114. 22:078 115. 24:053 116. 24:055 117. 25:052
118. 29:006 119. 29:069 120. 33:015 121. 33:018 118. 29:006 119. 29:069 120. 33:015 121. 33:018 122. 33:020 123. 33:025 124. 33:026 125. 33:027 122. 33:020 123. 33:025 124. 33:026 125. 33:027 126. 33:050 127. 47:004 128. 47:020 129. 48:015 126. 33:050 127. 47:004 128. 47:020 129. 48:015 130. 48:016 131. 48:017 132. 48:022 133. 48:024 130. 48:016 131. 48:017 132. 48:022 133. 48:024 134. 49:015 135. 59:002 136. 59:005 137. 59:006 134. 49:015 135. 59:002 136. 59:005 137. 59:006 138. 59:007 139. 59:008 140. 59:014 141. 60:009 138. 59:007 139. 59:008 140. 59:014 141. 60:009 142. 61:004 143. 61:011 144. 61:013 145. 63:004 142. 61:004 143. 61:011 144. 61:013 145. 63:004 146. 64:014 147. 66:009 148. 73:020 146. 64:014 147. 66:009 148. 73:020 149.149. 76:00876:008
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TALMUDIC SOURCES:TALMUDIC SOURCES:
*Abraham*Abraham Sura 21:51-71: Sura 21:51-71: (smashed idols,fiery (smashed idols,fiery
pit)pit)
= = Midrash RabahMidrash Rabah - Jewish Folktales & - Jewish Folktales & URUR = "fire" == "fire" =Jonathan Ben UzielJonathan Ben Uziel (2(2ndnd c.) c.)
• Mt. Sinai Sura 7:171 of God lifting up Sura 7:171 of God lifting up Mount Sinai and holding it over the heads of Mount Sinai and holding it over the heads of the Jewsthe Jews
= H= Hails from a second century ails from a second century apocryphal Jewish book, apocryphal Jewish book, The Abodah The Abodah SarahSarah (2(2ndnd c.) c.)
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**Cain and AbelCain and Abel (Sura (Sura 5:31):5:31):• Sura 5:31Sura 5:31
Then Allah sent a Then Allah sent a ravenraven, , who who scratched the scratched the groundground, to show him how , to show him how to to hidehide the shame of his the shame of his brother. `Woe is me!' said brother. `Woe is me!' said he; `Was I not even able he; `Was I not even able to be as this raven, and to to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my hide the shame of my brother?' Then he brother?' Then he became full of regrets.became full of regrets.
• Targum of Jonathan-Targum of Jonathan-ben-Uzziah ben-Uzziah ((150-200 A.D.)150-200 A.D.)
Adam and Eve, sitting by Adam and Eve, sitting by the corpse, wept not the corpse, wept not knowing what to do, for knowing what to do, for they had as yet no they had as yet no knowledge of burial. A knowledge of burial. A ravenraven came up, took the came up, took the dead body of its fellow, dead body of its fellow, and having and having scratched at scratched at the earth, buried itthe earth, buried it thus thus before their eyes. Adam before their eyes. Adam said, `Let us follow the said, `Let us follow the example of the raven,' so example of the raven,' so taking up Abel's body, taking up Abel's body, buried it at once.buried it at once.
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Cain & AbelCain & Abel (Sura 5:32)(Sura 5:32)• Qur'an- sura 5:32Qur'an- sura 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 anyone slew a if anyone slew a personperson -unless it be -unless it be for murder or for for murder or for spreading mischief in spreading mischief in the land- the land- it would be it would be as if he slew the as if he slew the whole peoplewhole people: and : and if if anyone saved a lifeanyone saved a life, , it would be as if he it would be as if he saved the life of the saved the life of the whole peoplewhole people......
• Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5 (5(5thth c.)c.)
• We find it said in the case of We find it said in the case of CainCain who murdered his who murdered his brother, `the voice of thy brother, `the voice of thy brother's blood crieth out' [this brother's blood crieth out' [this latter is a quote from the latter is a quote from the Bible, Genesis 4:10], and he Bible, Genesis 4:10], and he says, `it does not sayeth he says, `it does not sayeth he hath blood in the singular, but hath blood in the singular, but bloods in the plural.'bloods in the plural.'
• Thou was created single in Thou was created single in order to show that order to show that to him who to him who kills a single individual, it kills a single individual, it should be reckoned that he should be reckoned that he has slain the whole racehas slain the whole race. . But But to him who has preserved the to him who has preserved the life of a single individual, it is life of a single individual, it is counted that he has preserved counted that he has preserved the whole racethe whole race..
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Solomon & ShebaSolomon & Sheba - sura 27:17- - sura 27:17-4444• Qur'an- sura 27:17-44Qur'an- sura 27:17-44• (aya 17) And before Solomon were marshalled his (aya 17) And before Solomon were marshalled his
hosts-of Jinns and men, and birds, and they were all hosts-of Jinns and men, and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.kept in order and ranks.
• (aya 20) And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: (aya 20) And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: `Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the `Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?absentees?
• (aya 21) I will certainly punish him with a severe (aya 21) I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence).reason (for absence).
• (aya 22) But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up (aya 22) But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: `I have compassed (territory) which thou hast and) said: `I have compassed (territory) which thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba with not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba with tidings true.tidings true.
• (aya 23) I found (there) a woman ruling over them and (aya 23) I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne...magnificent throne...
• (aya 27) (Solomon) said: `Soon shall we see whether (aya 27) (Solomon) said: `Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the truth or lied!thou hast told the truth or lied!
• (aya 28) Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it (aya 28) Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return."what answer they return."
• (aya 29) (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! Here is-delivered (aya 29) (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! Here is-delivered to me-a letter worthy of respect.to me-a letter worthy of respect.
• (aya 30) It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): `In the (aya 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 arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the true Religion).'"the true Religion).'"
• (aya 32) She said: "Ye chiefs! Advise me in (this) my (aya 32) She said: "Ye chiefs! Advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence."affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence."
• (aya 33) They said: "We are endued with strength, and (aya 33) They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou wilt command."so consider what thou wilt command."
• (aya 35) She said..."But I am going to send him a (aya 35) She said..."But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) return present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) return (my) ambassadors."(my) ambassadors."
• (aya 42) So when she arrived, (aya 44) she was asked (aya 42) So when she arrived, (aya 44) she was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass."palace paved smooth with slabs of glass."
• II Targum of EstherII Targum of Esther (2(2ndnd c.) c.)• "Solomon...gave orders...I will send King and "Solomon...gave orders...I will send King and
armies against thee...(of) Genii [jinn] beasts of the armies against thee...(of) Genii [jinn] beasts of the land the birds of the air.land the birds of the air.
• Just then the Red-cock (a bird), enjoying itself, Just then the Red-cock (a bird), enjoying itself, could not be found; King Solomon said that they could not be found; King Solomon said that they should seize it and bring it by force, and indeed he should seize it and bring it by force, and indeed he sought to kill it.sought to kill it.
• But just then, the cock appeared in the presence But just then, the cock appeared in the presence of the King and said, "I had seen the whole world of the King and said, "I had seen the whole world (and) know the city and kingdom (of Sheba) which (and) know the city and kingdom (of Sheba) which is not subject to thee, My Lord King. They are ruled is not subject to thee, My Lord King. They are ruled by a woman called the Queen of Sheba. Then I by a woman called the Queen of Sheba. Then I found the fortified city in the Eastlands (Sheba) and found the fortified city in the Eastlands (Sheba) and around it are stones of gold and silver in the around it are stones of gold and silver in the streets." By chance the Queen of Sheba was out streets." By chance the Queen of Sheba was out in the morning worshipping the sea, the scribes in the morning worshipping the sea, the scribes prepared a letter, which was placed under the prepared a letter, which was placed under the bird's wing and away it flew and (it) reached the bird's wing and away it flew and (it) reached the Fort of Sheba. Seeing the letter under its wing Fort of Sheba. Seeing the letter under its wing (Sheba) opened it and read it.(Sheba) opened it and 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 please thee to come and ask after my welfare, I will set thee high above all. But if it please thee not, I set thee high above all. But if it please thee not, I will send kings and armies against thee."will send kings and armies against thee."
• The Queen of Sheba heard it, she tore her The Queen of Sheba heard it, she tore her garments, and sending for her Nobles asked their garments, and sending for her Nobles asked their advice. They knew not Solomon, but advised her to advice. They knew not Solomon, but advised her to send vessels by the sea, full of beautiful ornaments send vessels by the sea, full of beautiful ornaments and gems...also to send a letter to him.and gems...also to send a letter to him.
• When at last she came, Solomon sent a When at last she came, Solomon sent a messenger...to meet her...Solomon, hearing she messenger...to meet her...Solomon, hearing she had come, arose and sat down in the palace of had come, arose and sat down in the palace of glass. When the Queen of Sheba saw it, she glass. When the Queen of Sheba saw it, she thought the glass floor was water, and so in thought the glass floor was water, and so in crossing over lifted up her garments. When crossing over lifted up her garments. When Solomon seeing the hair about her legs, (He) cried Solomon seeing the hair about her legs, (He) cried out to her..."out to her..."
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JesusJesus and the Palm Tree: and the Palm Tree: (S(Sura ura 19:22-19:22-26)26)• Qur'an- sura 19:22-26Qur'an- sura 19:22-26• So she conceived him [Jesus], So she conceived him [Jesus],
and she retired with him to a and she retired with him to a remote place.remote place.
• And the pains of childbirth And the pains of childbirth drove her to drove her to the trunk of a palm the trunk of a palm treetree: She cried (: She cried (in her in her anguishanguish): `Ah! would that I had ): `Ah! would that I had died before this! would that I died before this! would that I had been a thing forgotten and had been a thing forgotten and out of sight'!out of sight'!
• Then [the babe ‘Isa (Jesus)] Then [the babe ‘Isa (Jesus)] cried unto her from below hercried unto her from below her, , saying: `Grieve not! for thy Lord saying: `Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath hath provided a rivulet beneath thee: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 (thine) eye.(thine) 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 wearied in the desert by the heatthe heat, she asked Joseph to , she asked Joseph to rest for a little rest for a little under the shade under the shade of a Palm Treeof a Palm Tree. Then Mary . Then Mary looking up and seeing its looking up and seeing its branches 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.' possible to have some fruit.' Just then Just then the child Jesus looked the child Jesus looked up (from below) with a cheerful up (from below) with a cheerful smile, and saidsmile, and said to the Palm to the Palm Tree, `Send down some fruit.' Tree, `Send down some fruit.' Immediately the tree bent itself Immediately the tree bent itself (toward her) and so they ate. (toward her) and so they ate. Then Jesus said, `O Palm Tree, Then Jesus said, `O Palm Tree, arise; be one of my Father's arise; be one of my Father's trees in Paradise, but with thy trees in Paradise, but with thy roots open the fountain (rivulet) roots open the fountain (rivulet) beneath thee and bring water beneath thee and bring water flowing from that fount.'flowing from that fount.'
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*Jesus's Childhood:*Jesus's Childhood:-Baby Jesus talking--Baby Jesus talking- S.19:29-33 S.19:29-33
= = The first Gospel of the Infancy The first Gospel of the Infancy of of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ (2(2ndnd c.) c.)
-Creating birds from clay--Creating birds from clay- S.3:49 S.3:49 = = Thomas' Gospel of the Infancy Thomas' Gospel of the Infancy
of of JesusJesus Christ Christ (2(2ndnd c.) c.)------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• PoetryPoetry in the Qur’an (Meccan Suras)in the Qur’an (Meccan Suras)==Gunther LGunther Lűűlingling: : tracedtraced the the
poetry to poetry to pre-Islamic pre-Islamic Christian Syriac Christian Syriac hymnshymns, written in the , written in the 66thth c., c., with Arab with Arab themes addedthemes added
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CONTRADICTIONS:CONTRADICTIONS:• IfIf the the words of Allahwords of Allah cannot be cannot be changedchanged
((Sura 6:34,115; 10:6Sura 6:34,115; 10:6), then how does Allah ), then how does Allah ‘substitute one revelation for another’ (‘substitute one revelation for another’ (Sura Sura 2:106, 16:1012:106, 16:101)? )?
• Does Does Allah's dayAllah's day equal to equal to 1,0001,000 human years human years ((22:47, 32:522:47, 32:5) or ) or 50,00050,000 human years ( human years (70:470:4)?)?
• Was the Was the earth createdearth created in in 6 days6 days ( (7:54; 25:597:54; 25:59) ) or or 8 days8 days ( (41:9-1241:9-12)?)?
• Does the Does the angel Gabrielangel Gabriel bring the bring the revelationrevelation from Allah to Muhammad (from Allah to Muhammad (2:972:97), or is it the ), or is it the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit ((16:10216:102)?)?
• If the If the BibleBible is considered is considered authoritativeauthoritative ((4:136; 5:47-52,68; 10:95; 21:7; 29:464:136; 5:47-52,68; 10:95; 21:7; 29:46), ), then why is so much of it then why is so much of it contradicted by the contradicted by the Qur’anQur’an ( (5:73-75,1165:73-75,116; 19:7; 28:9; 19:7; 28:9, etc...)?, etc...)?
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((Contradictions cont.)Contradictions cont.)
• Is the Is the punishment for adulteressespunishment for adulteresses life life imprison mentimprison ment ( (4:154:15) or ) or 100 floggings100 floggings ((24:224:2)?)?
• Why is it that Why is it that HomosexualsHomosexuals are are let offlet off if they if they repent (repent (4:164:16), though the same allowance is ), though the same allowance is notnot given for given for heterosexuals heterosexuals ((24:2; 4:1524:2; 4:15).).
• Did Did AbrahamAbraham confront his people and confront his people and smashsmash their their idolsidols ((21:51‑5921:51‑59), or ), or did he notdid he not, and , and leave the area after confronting them leave the area after confronting them ((19:41‑49, 6:74‑8319:41‑49, 6:74‑83)? )?
• Were there Were there 9 plagues9 plagues, or signs (, or signs (17:10117:101), or ), or only only 55 ( (7:1337:133)?)?
• Did Did Jesus not die Jesus not die ((4:1574:157) or ) or did he diedid he die, and , and rise again (rise again (19:3319:33)? [note: refer to sura 19:15, )? [note: refer to sura 19:15, which repeats the same words for Yahya]which repeats the same words for Yahya]
ERRORSERRORS: : ((Historical AnachronismsHistorical Anachronisms and and Scientific Scientific problemsproblems))
1)1) CrossCross:: S.7:124 S.7:124 = = Moses’s PharaohMoses’s Pharaoh --1447BC1447BC, , 12:41 12:41 = = Joseph’s BakerJoseph’s Baker - - 1800BC1800BC::11stst crucifixions = crucifixions = Darius =Darius = 519BC519BC ( (900900 & & 1,3001,300 yrs later). yrs later).
2)2) ( (Sura 19:7Sura 19:7) ) YahyaYahya is a name unique to is a name unique to John John the Baptistthe Baptist; what about (; what about (2Kings 25:232Kings 25:23)?)?
3)3) ( (S.19:28; 66:12; 20:25-30S.19:28; 66:12; 20:25-30) How was ) How was MaryMary, , Jesus’ mother, Jesus’ mother, Aaron’s sisterAaron’s sister and and Imran’s Imran’s daughterdaughter, as she lived, as she lived 1,5701,570 years later years later??
4)4) ((S.20:85-87, 95-97S.20:85-87, 95-97) ) SamaritanSamaritan built ‘ built ‘golden golden calfcalf’ in ’ in 1447 BC1447 BC, Samaritans began in , Samaritans began in 722 722 BCBC, or , or 725 years later725 years 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 to God, as this name is name is BabylonianBabylonian, & the tower was built , & the tower was built 750 years750 years earlier. earlier.
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• 6)6) ( (S.18:96S.18:96) Where is ) Where is Alexander the Great’sAlexander the Great’s ironiron and and brassbrass wallwall between two mountains, in between two mountains, in 330 BC?330 BC? No Record!No Record!
• 7)7) MountainsMountains ( (S.16:15; 21:31; S.16:15; 21:31; 31:1031:10; 78:6-7; 88:19; 78:6-7; 88:19) ) are not are not tent-pegstent-pegs to keep earth from shaking, due to keep earth from shaking, due to to volcanoesvolcanoes & & tectonic platestectonic plates
• 8)8) BadBad MathMath ((S.S.4:11-124:11-12) ) InheritanceInheritance for widow =1/8 for widow =1/8 + 3 + 3 daughter =2/3 +2 parents =1/3, totalling daughter =2/3 +2 parents =1/3, totalling 1&1/81&1/8 oror 112.5%112.5%!!? ?
Or (Or (S.4:11-12 & 176S.4:11-12 & 176) My mother = 1/3, my wife = ) My mother = 1/3, my wife = 1/3, my 1/3, my two sisters = 2/3 totalling: two sisters = 2/3 totalling: 4/3rds4/3rds, or , or 133%!!133%!!
• 9)9) ( (S.86:5-7S.86:5-7) Does ) Does SemenSemen really originate in the really originate in the backback or the or the kidneykidney or is this simply borrowing from 5 or is this simply borrowing from 5thth century B.C.century B.C. HippocratesHippocrates??
• 10)10) DirhamDirham ( (S.12:20S.12:20) ‘a few dirham counted out’ for ) ‘a few dirham counted out’ for JosephJoseph, , yet coins created in 7yet coins created in 7thth cent. BC by cent. BC by LydiansLydians. . DrachmasDrachmas from 590-650 AD, but from 590-650 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 kgs. of = 0.2 kgs. of silver!silver!
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2020thth-21-21stst Century Polemics: Century Polemics: RevisionistsRevisionists
• The Revisionist’s Prime Concern:The Revisionist’s Prime Concern:• To Reassess the Classical Model To Reassess the Classical Model
• Their principle Conclusions:Their principle Conclusions:• Islam, as we know it, did not exist in the 7Islam, as we know it, did not exist in the 7thth
century, but evolved over a period of 200-300 century, but evolved over a period of 200-300 years. years.
(Humphreys 1991:71,83-89)(Humphreys 1991:71,83-89)
• The Qur’an probably was not revealed to one The Qur’an probably was not revealed to one man in 22 years, but likely evolved over a period man in 22 years, but likely evolved over a period of 100-200 years of 100-200 years
(Rippin 1985:155;1990:3,25,60; Lester 99:44-45; (Rippin 1985:155;1990:3,25,60; Lester 99:44-45; Wansbrough 1977:160-163)Wansbrough 1977:160-163)
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THE PRINCIPLE MODERN THE PRINCIPLE MODERN REVISIONISTS:REVISIONISTS:• John Wansbrough (1977-1978):John Wansbrough (1977-1978):
((Qur’anic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural InterpretationQur’anic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation 1977)1977)((The Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic Salvation The Sectarian Milieu: Content and Composition of Islamic Salvation HistoryHistory 1978) 1978)
• Took Schacht’s thesis even further, believing that Took Schacht’s thesis even further, believing that both the Qur’an and the later Hadith came about as both the Qur’an and the later Hadith came about as a result of Jewish & Christian a result of Jewish & Christian Sectarian Sectarian controversiescontroversies, borrowed from outside the Hijaz, , borrowed from outside the Hijaz, then redacted back “then redacted back “onto an Arabian point of onto an Arabian point of originorigin”, so that the Qur’an was a ”, so that the Qur’an was a compositecomposite, which , which evolvedevolved into its canonical form at the end of the 2 into its canonical form at the end of the 2ndnd Muslim centuryMuslim century (Wansbrough- (Wansbrough-Qur’anic StudiesQur’anic Studies 1977:20,44,49,51,79)1977:20,44,49,51,79)
• Looked at the Sira/Maghazi literature Looked at the Sira/Maghazi literature and noticed and noticed that Islam developed after the Arab conquests of that Islam developed after the Arab conquests of the Holy Land in the mid-7th century and so on, the Holy Land in the mid-7th century and so on, and and emerged by means of intense debatesemerged by means of intense debates over over religion between Christians and Jews religion between 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, Took an even more radical approach, rejecting the traditional view on early rejecting the traditional view on early Islamic history almost entirely (i.e. that of Islamic history almost entirely (i.e. that of the Sira, Hadith, Tafsir, Ta’rikh), due to the Sira, Hadith, Tafsir, Ta’rikh), due to their their late compilationlate compilation::
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• Thus, “Thus, “if knowledge of the life of Muhammad if knowledge of the life of Muhammad was transmitted orally for a century before it was transmitted orally for a century before it was reduced to writing, then the chances are was reduced to writing, then the chances are that the that the material will have undergone material will have undergone considerable alterationconsiderable alteration in the process” in the process” (Cook (Cook 1983:65)1983:65)
• So, he So, he went to Greek, Syriac, and Armenian went to Greek, Syriac, and Armenian sourcessources from the 7 from the 7th-8thth-8th c. & found a contrasting c. & found a contrasting picture to the Islamic Traditions.picture to the Islamic Traditions.
• Along with Along with Patricia CrönePatricia Cröne, they, they sought to step sought to step outside the Islamic Traditions and start again, outside the Islamic Traditions and start again, piecing together an original account from non-piecing together an original account from non-Islamic sources of Muhammad’s time. The two Islamic sources of Muhammad’s time. The two together wrote “together wrote “HagarismHagarism”…a sort of “What if” ”…a sort of “What if” in 26 pages, supported by 226 notes in a further in 26 pages, supported by 226 notes in a further 27 pages (Robinson 1996:47)27 pages (Robinson 1996:47)
• Conclusion: Conclusion: suggested that the suggested that the history of Islamhistory of Islam, , at least to the time of the caliph Abd al-Malik at least to the time of the caliph Abd al-Malik (685-704AD), (685-704AD), is a later fabricationis a later fabrication..
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Qibla Qibla (Archaeological Evidence)(Archaeological Evidence)Qibla Qibla (Archaeological Evidence)(Archaeological Evidence)
• Creswell & Fehervari on ancient mosques in the Creswell & Fehervari on ancient mosques in the Middle EastMiddle East
Umayyad mosques in Iraq (670-680)Umayyad mosques in Iraq (670-680)Wassit mosqueWassit mosque‘‘Kufa’ mosqueKufa’ mosqueFustatFustat (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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• Qibla (Documentary Evidence)Qibla (Documentary Evidence)
Christian writer: Christian writer: Jacob of EdessaJacob of Edessa (705 AD) (705 AD)He refers to the ‘Mahgraye,’ saying, “So from all He refers to the ‘Mahgraye,’ saying, “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 Ka’ba, or the Ka’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 ‘Abd al-Malik in 691 AD, and rebuilt by al Zaher Li-Built by ‘Abd al-Malik in 691 AD, and rebuilt by al Zaher Li-
L’zaz in 1022 after an earthquakeL’zaz 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 up to the night when Muhammad went up to heaven to speak with Moses and Allah concerning the number of heaven to speak with Moses and Allah concerning the number of prayers required of the believers (known as the prayers required of the believers (known as the Mi’rajMi’raj))
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•But, But, nno Qiblao Qibla (Suras 17:1 & 2:145-149)(Suras 17:1 & 2:145-149)
•Inner Ambulatories have Qur’anic Inner Ambulatories have Qur’anic inscriptions which do inscriptions which do not parallel the Qur’annot parallel the Qur’an
The JewsThe Jews• According to According to Qur’anQur’an (Sura 2:144, 149-150) (Sura 2:144, 149-150)
Muhammad severed relationship with Jews around Muhammad severed relationship with Jews around 624 AD 624 AD • Doctrina IacobiDoctrina Iacobi (634-640 AD) (634-640 AD)
Warning for Greek Christians about Jews who mix with the Arabs (Saracens)Warning for Greek Christians about Jews who mix with the Arabs (Saracens)
• Armenian Chronicler of 660 ADArmenian Chronicler of 660 AD Muhammad established a community which comprised both Muhammad established a community which comprised both Ishmaelites Ishmaelites
and Jewsand Jews
Break occurred between Jews and Arabs Break occurred between Jews and Arabs in 640 AD in 640 AD after after Jerusalem Jerusalem conquest, 15 years later than Qur’an recordedconquest, 15 years later than Qur’an recorded
• Other references to continued relationship:Other references to continued relationship:Genesis Rabbah (61:7), Babylonian Talmud, & Book of Jubilees,Genesis Rabbah (61:7), Babylonian Talmud, & Book of Jubilees,Abu Dawud Sulayman & Ahmad b. Muhammad ibn HanbalAbu Dawud Sulayman & Ahmad b. Muhammad ibn Hanbal
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• Patricia Cröne (1975, 1987):Patricia Cröne (1975, 1987):
(Slaves on Horses(Slaves on Horses, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, , Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1980)1980)
((Meccan Trade and the Rise of IslamMeccan Trade and the Rise of Islam, Princeton University , Princeton University Press, 1987)Press, 1987)
(“The First-Century Concept of Higra”, (“The First-Century Concept of Higra”, ArabicaArabica, XLI, , XLI, E.J.Brill, Leiden, 1994)E.J.Brill, Leiden, 1994)
Hijra:Hijra: 56 References, but 56 References, but none from Mecca to none from Mecca to MedinaMedina, almost all from the Hijaz to the north., almost all from the Hijaz to the north.
• Often to the Promised LandOften to the Promised Land
Abu Dawud, “there will be ‘hijra’ after ‘hijra,’ Abu Dawud, “there will be ‘hijra’ after ‘hijra,’ but the best of men are to follow the ‘hijra’ of but the best of men are to follow the ‘hijra’ of Abraham.”Abraham.”
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MeccaMecca
1.1. ““Mecca is the center of Islam, and Mecca is the center of Islam, and the center of history.” 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)” Sura 3:96(Mecca)” Sura 3:96
3.3. Mecca is the “mother of all Mecca is the “mother of all settlements.” Sura 6:92 & 42:5settlements.” Sura 6:92 & 42:5
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• Earliest reference to Mecca’s Earliest reference to Mecca’s existence:existence:
Apocalypse of pseudo-MethodiusApocalypse of pseudo-Methodius
Continuatio Byzantia ArabicaContinuatio Byzantia ArabicaEarly reign of caliph Hisham Early reign of caliph Hisham ((724-743 AD724-743 AD))
• CröneCröne in her work points out that the Greek in her work points out that the Greek trading documents refer to the towns of Ta’if trading documents refer to the towns of Ta’if (which is close to present-day Mecca), and to (which is close to present-day Mecca), and to Yathrib (later Medina), as well as Kaybar in the Yathrib (later Medina), as well as Kaybar in the north, but north, but no mention of Mecca.no mention of Mecca.
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• ““Muslim” & “Islam”Muslim” & “Islam”
Magaritai Magaritai (Greek papyri 642)(Greek papyri 642), Mahgre or , Mahgre or Mahgraye (Syriac letters 640)Mahgraye (Syriac letters 640)
-Athanasius in 684 AD termed -Athanasius in 684 AD termed MahgrayesMahgrayes
Jacob of Edessa in 705 AD mentions them as Jacob of Edessa in 705 AD mentions them as HagarenesHagarenes ( (descendants of Abraham & descendants of Abraham &
Hagar)…also Hagar)…also IshmaelitesIshmaelites: Same as Hagarenes: Same as Hagarenes
‘‘MuhajirunMuhajirun’ (’ (those who took part in the hijra those who took part in the hijra or exodus)or exodus)
‘‘IslamIslam’, or the term ‘’, or the term ‘MuslimMuslim’ don’t appear until ’ don’t appear until late 7late 7thth century - sense of ‘submission to God’, century - sense of ‘submission to God’,
now ‘peace’now ‘peace’
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Yehuda D. Nevo (1994)Yehuda D. Nevo (1994)
““Towards a Prehistory of Islam,” Towards a Prehistory of Islam,” Jerusalem Studies in Jerusalem Studies in Arabic and IslamArabic and Islam, vol.17, Hebrew University of , vol.17, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1994Jerusalem, 1994
• Arabic InscriptionsArabic Inscriptions
• Caliphal Protocals (Sufyani and Marwanid Caliphal Protocals (Sufyani and Marwanid Periods, upto ‘Abd al-Malik – 691)Periods, upto ‘Abd al-Malik – 691)
• --no ”Muhammad Formulano ”Muhammad Formula””
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• G.R. HawtingG.R. Hawting (SOAS) (SOAS)
The First Dynasty of Islam, The Umayyad The First Dynasty of Islam, The Umayyad Caliphate AD 661-750Caliphate AD 661-750, London, Groom Helm, , London, Groom Helm, 19861986
• Andrew RippinAndrew Rippin
Muslims, Their Religious Beliefs and PracticesMuslims, Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, , vol. 1, London, Routledge, 2003vol. 1, London, Routledge, 2003
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Critique of the Qur’anic Critique of the Qur’anic ManuscriptsManuscripts
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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an was Muslim’s claim the Qur’an was COLLATEDCOLLATED Perfectly and Completely Perfectly and Completely
Yet, according to Arthur Jefferies, 16 Yet, according to Arthur Jefferies, 16 ‘Codices are noted by 9‘Codices are noted by 9thth c. compilers c. compilers::
4 ‘Metropolitan Codices:4 ‘Metropolitan Codices:
Zaid ibn ThabitZaid ibn Thabit ((MedinaMedina))
Abdullah ibn Mas'udAbdullah ibn Mas'ud ((KufaKufa - no Fatiha, - no Fatiha, nor nor S.113-114S.113-114, , differences in S.3:19, 39 & S.9-differences in S.3:19, 39 & S.9-
Bismillah, Shi’ite readings)Bismillah, Shi’ite readings)
Abu MusaAbu Musa ((BasraBasra,116 Suras),116 Suras)
Ubayy ibn Ka'bUbayy ibn Ka'b ((DamascusDamascus,116 Suras) ,116 Suras)
Missing Vss = 24:32 (stoning), 33:23Missing Vss = 24:32 (stoning), 33:23
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• Curiously Uthman did not have the entire corrected text at hand, as Bukhari admits “a large part of the Qur’an may be lost”; for he then orders three to help Zaid bin Thabit revise the codex of Hafsa (daughter of Umar), and correct it where necessary, even recalling a verse (33:23) which had been missing from the original text!
vvvvvv
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Uthman takes Hafsa’s MSS, and has the four compilers REWRITE the text…and in case they DISAGREED, they were to write it in the DIALECT OF THE QURAISH…”and ordered that all the other Qur’anic materials, whether written in fragmentary manuscripts of whole copies BE BURNT!”
dddddd
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SUMMARYSUMMARY::
• ..Some Qur’anic verses were Some Qur’anic verses were lost.lost.
Many (of the passages) of the Qur’an that were sent down were Many (of the passages) of the Qur’an that were sent down were known by known by those who died on the day of Yamamathose who died on the day of Yamama...but they were ...but they were not known (by not known (by those who) survived themthose who) survived them, , nornor were they were they written downwritten down, nor had Abu Bakr, , nor had Abu Bakr, Umar, or Uthman (by that time) collected the Qur’an, Umar, or Uthman (by that time) collected the Qur’an, nornor were they were they found found with even one (person) after themwith even one (person) after them. (. (Ibn Abi DawudIbn Abi Dawud, , Kitab al-Masahif Kitab al-Masahif p.23).p.23).
• ..Much of the Qur’an has Much of the Qur’an has disappeareddisappeared..
It is reported from Ismail ibn Ibrahim from Ayyub from Naafi from Ibn Umar who It is reported from Ismail ibn Ibrahim from Ayyub from Naafi from Ibn Umar who said: said: ““Let none of you say ‘I have acquired the whole of the Qur’an’. Let none of you say ‘I have acquired the whole of the Qur’an’. How does he know what all of it is when much of the Qur’an has How does he know what all of it is when much of the Qur’an has disappeared? Rather let him say ‘I have acquired what has surviveddisappeared? Rather let him say ‘I have acquired what has survived..’ ’ ((as-Suyutias-Suyuti, [d. 1500sAD] , [d. 1500sAD] Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur’an, Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur’an, p.524).p.524).
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• ..Parts of the Qur’an have been Parts of the Qur’an have been forgottenforgotten..
We used to recite a surah which resembled in length We used to recite a surah which resembled in length and severity to (Surah) and severity to (Surah) Bara’at. Bara’at. I have, however, I have, however, forgotten it with the exception of this which I forgotten it with the exception of this which I remember out of itremember out of it: “If there were two valleys full of : “If there were two valleys full of riches, for the son of Adam, he would long for a third riches, for the son of Adam, he would long for a third valley, and nothing would fill the stomach of the son of valley, and nothing would fill the stomach of the son of Adam but dust”. (Adam but dust”. (Sahih MuslimSahih Muslim, , [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 Qur’anWe used to read a verse of the Qur’an revealed in revealed in their connection, their connection, but later the verse was canceledbut later the verse was canceled. . It was: “convey to our people on our behalf the It was: “convey to our people on our behalf the information that we have met our Lord, and He is information that we have met our Lord, and He is pleased with us, and has made us pleased”. pleased with us, and has made us pleased”. ((Sahih al-Sahih al-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 Haftdhuu alaas-salaati waas-salaatiil-wustaa wa quumuu lillaahi qaanitiin (2.238). When I arrived at the verse I informed her and she ordered: Write it in this way, Hafidhuu alaas-salaati waas-salaatiil-wustaa wa salaatil ‘asri wa quumuu lillaahi qaanitiin. She added that she had heard it so from the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him). (Muwatta Imam Malik, [d.795 AD] p.64).
• ..And others which have been modified.Altogether al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf made eleven modifications in the reading of the Uthmanic text. ... In al-Baqarah (Surah 2.259) 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 Does this sound like a book which was COLLATED Perfectly and was COLLATED Perfectly and Completely?Completely?
Manuscript Evidence for the Qur’anManuscript Evidence for the Qur’an
• 1. 1. ‘‘Ma'il’ Ma'il’ 7th-9th century (Medina 7th-9th century (Medina and Mecca), or and Mecca), or ‘‘Hijazi’Hijazi’. . – ((2165 Brit.Lib. & Sana Manuscript2165 Brit.Lib. & Sana Manuscript))
• 2. 2. ‘‘Mashq’Mashq’ 7th century onwards. 7th century onwards. • 3. 3. ‘‘Kufic’/AbbasidKufic’/Abbasid ((EasternEastern) 8th-) 8th-
11th century, begins with 11th century, begins with AbbasidAbbasid dynasty in 749 AD, see coins for dynasty in 749 AD, see coins for chronological script evolution (needs chronological script evolution (needs landscapelandscape format). format).
• 4. 4. Naskh Naskh 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 text in one manuscript
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Manuscript Variants Manuscript Variants (extant mss. available to Western (extant mss. available to Western researchers)researchers)• Difficulty finding complete early MSS Difficulty finding complete early MSS
• (i.e. 1203 sol at Christie’s)(i.e. 1203 sol at Christie’s)
• Dr. Keith SmallDr. Keith Small:: Sura 14:35-41: Abraham in Mecca, only 20 mss with these Sura 14:35-41: Abraham in Mecca, only 20 mss with these
vssvss
Acts 7:1-8 (Stephen on Abraham, Isaac & UR)Acts 7:1-8 (Stephen on Abraham, Isaac & UR)– 150 available MSS in the 150 available MSS in the 11stst 300 yrs 300 yrs. . – Suras 82-114, only 3 in late 8Suras 82-114, only 3 in late 8 thth c. c.– Suras 108-114, none existSuras 108-114, none exist– ConclusionsConclusions: : Possible standardization of vss by late Possible standardization of vss 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.– HijaziHijazi Scripted Qur’ans only up to Scripted Qur’ans only up to Sura 76Sura 76 (Noja Noseda)(Noja Noseda)
– Canonized text Canonized text only in Abbasid period - only in Abbasid period - post 749 ADpost 749 AD??
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CONCLUSIONS:CONCLUSIONS:CONCLUSIONS:CONCLUSIONS:1. 1. TheThe HijraHijra was more-than-likely not was more-than-likely not
towards Medina, but towards towards Medina, but towards Palestine Palestine or places in the north & or places in the north & ongoing, till 800->ongoing, till 800->..
2. The2. The QiblaQibla was not fixed towards was not fixed towards Mecca until the eighth century, but Mecca until the eighth century, but to an area much further north, and to an area much further north, and possibly Jerusalem.possibly Jerusalem.
3. The3. The JewsJews still retained a still retained a relationship with the Arabs until at relationship with the Arabs until at least 640 AD.least 640 AD.
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4.4. MeccaMecca was not only unknown as was not only unknown as a viable city until the end of the a viable city until the end of the seventh century, but was not seventh century, but was not even on the international even on the international trade trade route route
5. The5. The Dome of the Rock Dome of the Rock was was likely used as a sanctuary.likely used as a sanctuary.
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6.6. MuhammadMuhammad was not known as was not known as God’s universal prophet until the God’s universal prophet until the late seventh century.late seventh century.
7. The terms7. The terms ‘Muslim’/‘Islam’ ‘Muslim’/‘Islam’ were were nnoot used until tt used until the he end of the 7th end of the 7th C.; terms used instead Saracen, C.; terms used instead Saracen, Mahgraye, Muhajirun, HagareneMahgraye, Muhajirun, Hagarene
8. The 8. The five dailyfive daily prayersprayers as well as as well as the Hajj were not standardized the Hajj were not standardized until after 717 A.D.; and not until after 717 A.D.; and not named until 9th century.named until 9th century.
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9. The earliest we even hear of any9. The earliest we even hear of any Qur’anQur’an 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 Qur’anic10. The earliest Qur’anic writingswritings do do not coincide exactly with the current not coincide exactly with the current Qur’anic text.Qur’anic text.
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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?
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 ‘inimitability’ of the Qur’an do not stand up ‘inimitability’ of the Qur’an do not stand up under critical scrutiny.under critical scrutiny.
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• It is not It is not InimitableInimitable, because:, because:• It is It is InferiorInferior to most other revelations to most other revelations
• It is It is StylisticallyStylistically imperfect imperfect
• It is It is GrammaticallyGrammatically impure impure• It isIt is Linguistically Linguistically defective defective (many non Arabic words)(many non Arabic words)
• It is It is UniversallyUniversally inadequate inadequate
• It is It is CompiledCompiled piece-meal piece-meal
• It is full of It is full of ContradictionsContradictions
• It is replete with It is replete with ErrorsErrors
• It has a It has a HistoryHistory (evolving over 100-200 years) (evolving over 100-200 years)
Thus, it is nothing more than a Thus, it is nothing more than a human human documentdocument, borrowed from numerous , borrowed from numerous traditions…traditions…
……made by man!made by man!
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“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they are divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”
(II Corinthians 10:3-5)
What weapons will we What weapons will we use?use?
