Islamic Dilemma regarding the Bible
When I was living in London, I went to Speaker’s Corner and would often talk with Muslims. It was then that I was surprised to discover that it is often asserted by Muslims that the books of the Jews and Christians have been corrupted, and this is why they so often contradict the Qur’an.
However, after reading the Qur’an, I found such a position inconsistent with the Islamic holy book…
Preservation
Allah’s words can’t be changed
The Qur’an affirms that nobody can change Allah’s words:
…None can change His words…
Qur’an 6.115
…none can change His Words…
Qur’an 18.27
…and we have manuscripts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls which long pre-date the rise of Islam which show a consistent corpus with what we have today.
The books are present at the time of Muhammad
And when there came to them a Book from Allah confirming that which was with them…
Qur’an 2.89
When it is said to them, “Believe in what Allah Hath sent down, “they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us:” yet they reject all besides, even if it be Truth confirming what is with them [literally: in between their hands]. Say: “Why then have ye slain the prophets of Allah in times gone by, if ye did indeed believe?”
Qur’an 2.91
O ye People of the Book! believe in what We have (now) revealed, confirming what was (already) with you…
Qur’an 4.47
Say: “O People of the Book! ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.” …
Qur’an 5.68
Confirmation
The Qur’an is meant to confirm the Torah and the Injil
It is He Who sent down to thee…the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).
Qur’an 3.3
Muhammad is described in the Jewish and Christian books
Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them.
Qur’an 7.157
Where is Muhammad found in the Bible?
Muhammad is to go to Jews and Christians for confirmation
So if you are in doubt, [O Muhammad], about that which We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you
Qur’an 10.94
It makes little sense to go to people for confirmation who are reading corrupted books.
Judging by the earlier Scriptures
Jews
But how is it that they come to you for judgement while they have the Torah, in which is the judgement of Allah?…
Qur’an 5.68
Christians
Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein.
To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety [literally: a guardian]: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed… To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute
Qur’an 5.47 – Qur’an 5.48
Promise that followers of Jesus will be “uppermost”
I want to end this post with a related issue. Please consider the following passages:
I will make those who follow thee [Jesus] superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection
Qur’an 3.55
Jesus the son of Mary to the Disciples, “Who will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah?” Said the disciples, “We are Allah’s helpers!” then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved: But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed.
Qur’an 61.14
If Christians aren’t authentic followers of Jesus (assuming they have corrupted scriptures and have committed blasphemy by calling him God), who are these people who should be around today (given that we are not yet at the Day of Resurrection).