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{{QualityScore|Lead=3|Structure=3|Content=3|Language=2|References=3}}A recurring [[:Category:Criticism of Islam|criticism]] of the [[Qur'an|Quran]] is that it, as is argued of many other religious scriptures, contains '''contradictory pronouncements'''. The occurrence of these contradictions, critics argue, is particularly problematic in the case of the Quran because the Islamic tradition holds it to be the the direct, unmediated word of [[Allah]], or God. As such, theologians hold it to be timeless, infallible, and preeminently true - so true, in fact, that in reading it one is said to witness a miracle first hand. The contradictions proposed by critics militate against this doctrine. The critics hold that at least some of these contradictions are irresolvable through any reasonable interpretation and that, to resolve them, exegetes must resort to incredible interpretations. While some of the proposed contradictions, critics admit, may be resolved through the doctrine of [[Naskh (Abrogation)|abrogation]], whereby Allah is said to override his previous instructions (through, for instance, permitting [[alcohol]] at one point and prohibiting at another), many other contradictions are not resolvable in this manner. Indeed, the Islamic tradition holds that the doctrine of abrogation is only applicable in cases of law and not theology - what Allah says at any point with regards to the divine, the hereafter, history, the day of judgement, or other such non-legal matters, must (and, the tradition holds, does) always hold true. Critics, however, have stated that many, including some of the most problematic, of the proposed contradictions are precisely of the theological, and not legal, variety.  
{{QualityScore|Lead=3|Structure=4|Content=4|Language=3|References=4}}A recurring [[:Category:Criticism of Islam|criticism]] of the [[Qur'an|Quran]] is that it, as is argued of many other religious scriptures, contains '''contradictory pronouncements'''. The occurrence of these contradictions, critics argue, is particularly problematic in the case of the Quran because the Islamic tradition holds it to be the the direct, unmediated word of [[Allah]], or God. Indeed, {{Quran|4|82}} makes the confident assertion: "Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction." As such, theologians hold it to be timeless, infallible, and preeminently true - so true, in fact, that in reading it one is said to witness a miracle first hand. The contradictions proposed by critics militate against this doctrine. The critics hold that at least some of these contradictions are irresolvable through any reasonable interpretation and that, to resolve them, exegetes must resort to incredible interpretations. While some of the proposed contradictions, critics admit, may be resolved through the doctrine of [[Naskh (Abrogation)|abrogation]], whereby Allah is said to override his previous instructions (through, for instance, permitting [[alcohol]] at one point and prohibiting at another), many other contradictions are not resolvable in this manner. Indeed, the Islamic tradition holds that the doctrine of abrogation is only applicable in cases of law and not theology - what Allah says at any point with regards to the divine, the hereafter, history, the day of judgement, or other such non-legal matters, must (and, the tradition holds, does) always hold true. Critics, however, have stated that many, including some of the most problematic, of the proposed contradictions are precisely of the theological, and not legal, variety.  


A similar discussion exists between critics and Islamic scholars surrounding supposed [[Contradictions in the Hadith|contradictions contained in the hadiths]].  
A similar discussion exists between critics and Islamic scholars surrounding supposed [[Contradictions in the Hadith|contradictions contained in the hadiths]].  


==Allah==
==Parallel narrative passages==
Many stories in the Quran are repeated in other surahs. This risks ample opportunity for a human author or editor to unwittingly introduce contradictions between the parallel narratives. Indeed this is the case. Most of the examples in this section are from the [https://quranvariants.wordpress.com/narrative-contradictions-in-the-quran/ Quran Variants] website where they are discussed in more depth, with further insights and examples.<BR />
[https://quranvariants.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/narrative-contradictions-quran.pdf Narrative Contradictions in the Quran (pdf)]
 
Due to the columns, if viewing on a mobile phone this section is best viewed by clicking desktop mode at the bottom of the page.
 
===The forgiveness of Adam===
Academic scholars have noticed that the author or editor of the Quran appears to have combined in verses 2:36-39 the stories of Adam in 7:22-25 and 20:121-124, with the awkward result that Allah tells Adam and company to go down from paradise twice, in verses 2:36 and 2:38.<ref>Witztum, Joseph. 2011. [https://www.docdroid.net/EBk1ghM/the-syriac-milieu-of-the-quran-the-recasting-of-biblical-narratives-pdf The Syriac Milieu of the Qur’ ̄an: The Recasting of Biblical Narratives] Ph.D. thesis, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA. pp. 69-79</ref>
 
Moreover, a contradiction was thereby created regarding the timing of Adam's forgiveness by Allah. In Surah 20, Adam is forgiven before the command to descend from paradise (part of a longer section narrated chronologically). In Surah 7 Adam requests forgiveness from Allah, but it does not say whether Allah did forgive him. Instead, it immediately proceeds to the command to descend in 7:24. Surah 2 appears to fix the ambiguity in surah 7 by inserting Allah's forgiveness after (fa<ref name="LanesLexiconFa">fa - [http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume6/00000105.pdf Lane's Lexicon pp. 2321-2323]</ref>) the descent command seen in surah 7:24 (that whole verse is used word for word by 2:36 in the Arabic text). However, the first part of the command to descend as enemies of one another also occurs in 20:123 where the forgiveness has already occurred.
 
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|2|36|39}}
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|7|22|25}}
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|20|121|124}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|2:36 But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been. And We said, <span style="color:#0000FF">"Go down, [all of you],</span><span style="color:#FF0000"> as enemies to one another,</span><span style="color:#008000"> and you will have upon the earth a place of settlement and provision for a time."</span><BR />
2:37 '''Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance.''' Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.<BR />
2:38 We said, <span style="color:#0000FF">"Go down from it, all of you.</span><span style="color:#800080"> And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.</span><BR />
2:39 <span style="color:#800080">And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs - those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally."</span>
|7:22 So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called to them, "Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?"<BR />
7:23 '''They said, "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers."'''<BR />
7:24 [Allah] said, "<span style="color:#0000FF">Descend,</span><span style="color:#FF0000"> being to one another enemies.</span><span style="color:#008000"> And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment for a time."</span><BR />
7:25 He said, "Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth."
|20:121 And Adam and his wife ate of it, and their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred.<BR />
20:122 '''Then his Lord chose him and turned to him in forgiveness and guided [him].'''<BR />
20:123 [Allah] said, "<span style="color:#0000FF">Descend from Paradise - all, [your descendants]</span><span style="color:#FF0000"> being enemies to one another.</span><span style="color:#800080"> And if there should come to you guidance from Me - then whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray [in the world] nor suffer [in the Hereafter].</span><BR />
20:124 <span style="color:#800080">And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind."</span>
|}
 
===Timing of Allah's instructions to Noah===
Two passages telling the story of Noah disagree as to when he was given the instructions about who and what to save in the ship. In 11:40, he receives the instructions when the flood is commanded. In 23:27, instead he receives these instructions earlier, at the same time as he is instructed to build the ark.
 
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|11|37|40}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|23|27}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|11:37 <span style="color:#0000FF">And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are [to be] drowned."</span><BR />
11:38 And he constructed the ship, and whenever an assembly of the eminent of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said, "If you ridicule us, then we will ridicule you just as you ridicule.<BR />
11:39 And you are going to know who will get a punishment that will disgrace him [on earth] and upon whom will descend an enduring punishment [in the Hereafter]."<BR />
11:40 [So it was], '''until when Our command came and the oven overflowed, We said,''' <span style="color:#008000">"Load upon the ship of each [creature] two mates and your family, except those about whom the word has preceded</span>, and [include] whoever has believed." But none had believed with him, except a few.
|So We inspired to him, <span style="color:#0000FF">"Construct the ship under Our observation, and Our inspiration,</span> '''and when Our command comes and the oven overflows,''' <span style="color:#008000">put into the ship from each [creature] two mates and your family, except those for whom the decree [of destruction] has proceeded.</span><span style="color:#0000FF"> And do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are to be drowned.</span>
|}
 
===Abraham and the idols===
{{Quran-range|37|87|97}} contains a simpler version of the story in which Abraham smashes the idols in {{Quran-range|21|57|68}}. The two versions conflict in terms of where the events take place. In surah 37, everything takes place at the location of the idols. After some dialogue, we see in verse 90 “Then they turned away from him, departing” (fatawallaw ʿanhu mud'birīna); Abraham then smashes the idols; and “Then they came toward him, hastening” (fa-aqbalū ilayhi yaziffūna). Lane's Lexicon entry for the conjunction fa used at the start of 37:94 explains that in such usage as we see here, fa conveys proximate and uninterrupted succession.<ref name="LanesLexiconFa />
 
In contrast, the longer surah 21 version has the people return to find the smashed idols but Abraham is no longer present there. They send a party to bring him, and then back amidst the idols he shows them the folly of their ways. So in that version it is Abraham who comes to them.
 
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|21|57|68}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|37|87|97}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|21:57 And [I swear] by Allah, I will surely plan against your idols after you have turned and gone away."<BR />
21:58 So he made them into fragments, except a large one among them, that they might return to it [and question].<BR />
21:59 They said, "Who has done this to our gods? Indeed, he is of the wrongdoers."<BR />
21:60 They said, "We heard a young man mention them who is called Abraham."<BR />
21:61 '''They said, "Then bring him before the eyes of the people that they may testify."'''<BR />
21:62 They said, "Have you done this to our gods, O Abraham?"<BR />
21:63 He said, "Rather, this - the largest of them - did it, so ask them, if they should [be able to] speak."<BR />
21:64 So they returned to [blaming] themselves and said [to each other], "Indeed, you are the wrongdoers."<BR />
21:65 Then they reversed themselves, [saying], "You have already known that these do not speak!"<BR />
21:66 He said, "Then do you worship instead of Allah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you?<BR />
21:67 Uff to you and to what you worship instead of Allah. Then will you not use reason?"<BR />
21:68 They said, "Burn him and support your gods - if you are to act."
|37:87 Then what is your thought about the Lord of the worlds?"<BR />
37:88 And he cast a look at the stars<BR />
37:89 And said, "Indeed, I am [about to be] ill."<BR />
37:90 '''So they turned away from him, departing.'''<BR />
37:91 Then he turned to their gods and said, "Do you not eat?<BR />
37:92 What is [wrong] with you that you do not speak?"<BR />
37:93 And he turned upon them a blow with [his] right hand.<BR />
37:94 '''Then the people came toward him, hastening.'''<BR />
37:95 He said, "Do you worship that which you [yourselves] carve,<BR />
37:96 While Allah created you and that which you do?"<BR />
37:97 They said, "Construct for him a furnace and throw him into the burning fire."
|}
 
===Abraham and the Angels===
The parallel Guests of Abraham stories in the Quran have been analysed in depth in a paper by Joseph Witztum in order to determine the relative chronology of the parallel passages.<ref>Joseph Witztum. “Thrice upon a Time: Abraham’s Guests and the Study of Intra-Quranic Parallels”. In Holger Zellentin (ed.), The Quran’s Reformation of Judaism and Christianity: Return to the Origins. London: Routledge, 2019, pp. 277–302.</ref> Four contradictions between them are particularly notable here and discussed below.
 
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|11|69|79}} (see also {{Quran-range|29|31|32}}
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|15|51|60}}
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|51|24|34}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|11:69 And certainly did Our messengers come to Abraham with good tidings; they said, "Peace." He said, "Peace," and did not delay in bringing [them] a roasted calf.<BR />
11:70 '''But when he saw their hands not reaching for it, he distrusted them and felt from them apprehension. They said, "Fear not. We have been sent to the people of Lot."'''
|15:51 And inform them about the guests of Abraham,<BR />
15:52 '''When they entered upon him and said, "Peace." [Abraham] said, "Indeed, we are fearful of you."'''<BR />
15:53 '''[The angels] said, "Fear not. Indeed, we give you good tidings of a learned boy."'''
|51:24 Has there reached you the story of the honored guests of Abraham? -<BR />
51:25 When they entered upon him and said, "[We greet you with] peace." He answered, "[And upon you] peace, [you are] a people unknown.<BR />
51:26 Then he went to his family and came with a fat [roasted] calf<BR />
51:27 And placed it near them; he said, "Will you not eat?"<BR />
51:28 '''And he felt from them apprehension. They said, "Fear not," and gave him good tidings of a learned boy.'''
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|11:71 '''And his Wife was standing, and she smiled. Then We gave her good tidings of Isaac and after Isaac, Jacob.'''<BR />
11:72 '''She said, "Woe to me! Shall I give birth while I am an old woman and this, my husband, is an old man? Indeed, this is an amazing thing!"'''<BR />
11:73 They said, "Are you amazed at the decree of Allah? May the mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you, people of the house. Indeed, He is Praiseworthy and Honorable."
|15:54 He said, "Have you given me good tidings although old age has come upon me? Then of what [wonder] do you inform?"<BR />
15:55 They said, "We have given you good tidings in truth, so do not be of the despairing."<BR />
15:56 He said, "And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except for those astray?"
|51:29 '''And his wife approached with a cry [of alarm] and struck her face and said, "[I am] a barren old woman!"'''<BR />
51:30 They said, "Thus has said your Lord; indeed, He is the Wise, the Knowing."
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|11:74 '''And when the fright had left Abraham and the good tidings had reached him, he began to argue with Us concerning the people of Lot.''''<BR />
11:75 Indeed, Abraham was forbearing, grieving and [frequently] returning [to Allah].<BR />
11:76 [The angels said], "O Abraham, give up this [plea]. Indeed, the command of your Lord has come, and indeed, there will reach them a punishment that cannot be repelled."
|15:57 '''[Abraham] said, "Then what is your business [here], O messengers?"'''<BR />
15:58 '''They said, "Indeed, we have been sent to a people of criminals,'''<BR />
15:59 Except the family of Lot; indeed, we will save them all<BR />
15:60 Except his wife." Allah decreed that she is of those who remain behind.
|51:31 '''[Abraham] said, "Then what is your business [here], O messengers?"'''<BR />
51:32 '''They said, "Indeed, we have been sent to a people of criminals'''<BR />
51:33 To send down upon them stones of clay,<BR />
51:34 Marked in the presence of your Lord for the transgressors."
|}
 
Various contradictions are apparent in these parallels (the first 3 discussed by Witztum in his paper).
 
1) In Surah 11 and Surah 51 Abraham's fear comes after the angels do not take the food and it is at that point that they reassure him of their mission (either to the people of Lot or to bring him the good tidings). In surah 15 however, Abraham expresses his fear as they arrive exchanging greetings of peace.
 
2) Abraham's wife receives the good tidings either directly (Surah 11) or indirectly having overhead the tidings given to Abraham (Surah 51). Her immediate reaction is the same in both versions.
 
3) In 51:28 (and 15:53) Abraham is only given tidings of a learned boy (singular), which his wife overhears, whereas in 11:71 his wife is given tidings both of Isaac and of Jacob. Again, it is notable that her same immediate reaction is given in 51:29 and 11:72, so these are portraying the same moment.
 
4) In 11:70 the angels calm Abraham's fear by telling him that they have been sent to the people of Lot. Later, in verse 74, he argues with them on behalf of the people of Lot (qawmi lūṭin, again) perhaps having already understood their intention earlier. In surahs 15 and 51 they instead respond to Abraham's fear with the good tidings and it is only later in 15:57 and 51:31 that he seems to learn of their next mission when he asks “Then what” (famā) is their next business.
 
===Lot and the angels===
 
After the business with Abraham and his wife, the angels visit Lot and his family to save them from the destruction coming to the people there.
 
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|15|61|74}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|11|77|83}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|15:61 And when the messengers came to the family of Lot,<BR />
15:62 He said, "Indeed, you are people unknown."<BR />
15:63 They said, "But we have come to you with that about which they were disputing,<BR />
15:64 And we have come to you with truth, and indeed, we are truthful.<BR />
15:65 <span style="color:#0000FF">So set out with your family during a portion of the night and follow behind them and let not anyone among you look back and continue on to where you are commanded."</span><BR />
15:66 And We conveyed to him [the decree] of that matter: that those [sinners] would be eliminated by early morning.<BR />
15:67 '''And the people of the city came rejoicing.'''<BR />
15:68 <span style="color:#008000">[Lot] said, "Indeed, these are my guests, so do not shame me.</span><BR />
15:69 <span style="color:#008000">And fear Allah and do not disgrace me."</span><BR />
15:70 They said, "Have we not forbidden you from [protecting] people?"<BR />
15:71 <span style="color:#800080">[Lot] said, "These are my daughters - if you would be doers [of lawful marriage]."</span><BR />
15:72 By your life, [O Muhammad], indeed they were, in their intoxication, wandering blindly.<BR />
15:73 So the shriek seized them at sunrise.<BR />
15:74 And We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of hard clay.
|11:77 And when Our messengers, [the angels], came to Lot, he was anguished for them and felt for them great discomfort and said, "This is a trying day."<BR />
11:78 '''And his people came hastening to him, and before [this] they had been doing evil deeds.''' <span style="color:#800080">He said, "O my people, these are my daughters; they are purer for you.</span> <span style="color:#008000">So fear Allah and do not disgrace me concerning my guests.</span> Is there not among you a man of reason?"<BR />
11:79 They said, "You have already known that we have not concerning your daughters any claim, and indeed, you know what we want."<BR />
11:80 He said, "If only I had against you some power or could take refuge in a strong support."<BR />
11:81 '''The angels said, "O Lot, indeed we are messengers of your Lord; [therefore], they will never reach you.''' <span style="color:#0000FF">So set out with your family during a portion of the night and let not any among you look back - except your wife; indeed, she will be struck by that which strikes them. Indeed, their appointment is [for] the morning. Is not the morning near?"?</span><BR />
11:82 So when Our command came, We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of layered hard clay, [which were]<BR />
11:83 Marked from your Lord. And Allah 's punishment is not from the wrongdoers [very] far.
|}
 
Three contradictions are evident in these parallel passages.
 
1) In surah 15, the angels tell Lot when they first arrive that they are there to save him and his family from the punishment to come. A mob arrives trying to take the visitors and Lot attempts to placate them by offering his daughters. In Q. 11, the sequence of events is very expressly the other way around, with the mob events occurring first, which leads to the angels explaining how they will save them. Although 15:67 starts with the "And" conjunction (like some of the previous verses), the suspicion of contradiction in Q. 15 is well justified from the textual sequence of the elements (this is, after all, a narrative), and from what naturally reads like the angels explaining themselves upon their arrival in the first few verses. This is even apparent from the way Lot addresses them as "people unknown" (qawmun munkarūna) in 15:62, mirroring the way Abraham addressed them when he greeted them in 51:25 (see above).
 
2) Another contradiction concerns the context in which they tell Lot of their mission to save him and his family. In 15:61-66, the angels reveal this in response to him addressing them as people unknown / strange when they first come to him, alluding in verse 63 to Lot's pleadings to the people in other passages. In surah 11, instead they reveal this to ease the fear he expresses about the mob.
 
3) Finally, the accounts conflict in sequencing the elements of Lot's appeal to the mob. In 11:78 he says “these are my daughters” then asks them to “fear Allah and do not disgrace me”. In 15:68-71 instead he asks them to “fear Allah and do not disgrace me”, the mob responds, and then comes the “These are my daughters” element.
 
===Response from Lot's people===
Two passages make exclusive statements about the response of Lot's people to his arguments before the visit of the angels. Both verses come across as sweeping statements on the response of Lot's people to his pleadings, perhaps reflective of Muhammad's own experiences, except that each uses categorically exclusive language ("the answer of his people was not but they said...").
 
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|27|54|57}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|29|28|29}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|27:54 And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Do you commit immorality while you are seeing?<BR />
27:55 Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly."<BR />
27:56 '''But the answer of his people was not except that they said, "Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure."'''<BR />
27:57 So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; We destined her to be of those who remained behind.
|29:28 And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Indeed, you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds.<BR />
29:29 Indeed, you approach men and obstruct the road and commit in your meetings [every] evil." '''And the answer of his people was not but they said, "Bring us the punishment of Allah, if you should be of the truthful."'''
|}
 
===Moses meets Allah at the fire===
In this example, three accounts of Moses talking with Allah at the fire bear only a passing resemblance to one another. It is worth noting that {{Quran|4|164}} says regarding the nature of the interaction “And Allah spoke to Moses with [direct] speech". Al-Razi notes in his commentary for 20:12 that the Mu’tazilites, Al-Ash’ari and al-Maturidi had different theological views on whether the words of Allah came from via the bush itself, and whether they were audible.
 
All three versions have “O Moses, Indeed, I am Allah” as a common element in the Arabic. However, there is otherwise little attempt at consistency in the variant stories. In surah 27, Allah is introduced as “Lord of the worlds” in the 3rd person and introduces himself with the common element along with another title. In surah 28 we see the opposite sequence with the “Lord of the Worlds” title used in the 1st person after the common introduction.
 
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|20|10|16}}
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|27|7|9}}
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|28|29|30}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|20:10 When he saw a fire and said to his family, "Stay here; indeed, I have perceived a fire; perhaps I can bring you a torch or find at the fire some guidance."
|27:7 [Mention] when Moses said to his family, "Indeed, I have perceived a fire. I will bring you from there information or will bring you a burning torch that you may warm yourselves."
|28:29 And when Moses had completed the term and was traveling with his family, he perceived from the direction of the mount a fire. He said to his family, "Stay here; indeed, I have perceived a fire. Perhaps I will bring you from there [some] information or burning wood from the fire that you may warm yourselves."
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|20:11 And when he came to it, he was called, "<span style="color:#0000FF">O Moses,</span><BR />
20:12 <span style="color:#0000FF">Indeed, I am your Lord</span>, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.<BR />
20:13 And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed [to you].<BR />
20:14 <span style="color:#0000FF">Indeed, I am Allah.</span> There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.<BR />
20:15 Indeed, the Hour is coming - I almost conceal it - so that every soul may be recompensed according to that for which it strives.<BR />
20:16 So do not let one avert you from it who does not believe in it and follows his desire, for you [then] would perish.
|27:8 But when he came to it, he was called, "Blessed is whoever is at the fire and whoever is around it. And exalted is Allah, <span style="color:#008000">Lord of the worlds.</span><BR />
27:9 <span style="color:#0000FF">O Moses, indeed it is I - Allah</span>, the Exalted in Might, the Wise."'''
|28:30 But when he came to it, he was called from the right side of the valley in a blessed spot - from the tree, <span style="color:#0000FF">"O Moses, indeed I am Allah,</span><span style="color:#008000"> Lord of the worlds."</span>
|}
 
===Moses expresses his fears and asks Allah about Aaron===
In this sequence contradiction, Allah has revealed himself at the fire to Moses, who expresses his worries and makes a request. In the surah 26 version, Moses expresses his fear that the people of Pharaoh will deny him; he requests that he be assisted by his brother, Aaron; and finally, Moses mentions that the Egyptians want revenge for someone he had killed. However, in the surah 28 version, these three elements occur in the reverse order.
 
Regardless of differences that could be simply put down to the vagaries of translation from ancient languages or alternative paraphrases and shortening for brevity, the information content and sequencing is more fundamental and susceptible to contradiction, particularly when the Quran claims that such and such was said by a person on a particular occasion.


===Where is Allah?===
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|26|10|17}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|28|33|35}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|26:10 And [mention] when your Lord called Moses, [saying], "Go to the wrongdoing people -<BR />
26:11 The people of Pharaoh. Will they not fear Allah?"<BR />
26:12 <span style="color:#0000FF">He said, "My Lord, indeed I fear that they will deny me</span><BR />
26:13 <span style="color:#008000">And that my breast will tighten and my tongue will not be fluent, so send for Aaron.</span><BR />
26:14 <span style="color:#800080">And they have upon me a [claim due to] sin, so I fear that they will kill me."</span><BR />
26:15 [Allah] said, "No. Go both of you with Our signs; indeed, We are with you, listening.<BR />
26:16 Go to Pharaoh and say, 'We are the messengers of the Lord of the worlds,<BR />
26:17 [Commanded to say], "Send with us the Children of Israel."'"
|28:33 <span style="color:#800080">He said, "My Lord, indeed, I killed from among them someone, and I fear they will kill me.</span><BR />
28:34 <span style="color:#008000">And my brother Aaron is more fluent than me in tongue, so send him with me as support, verifying me.</span> <span style="color:#0000FF">Indeed, I fear that they will deny me."</span><BR />
28:35 [Allah] said, "We will strengthen your arm through your brother and grant you both supremacy so they will not reach you. [It will be] through Our signs; you and those who follow you will be the predominant."
|}


Upon a throne
===How should Moses describe Allah to Pharaoh?===
{{Quran-range|20|47|49}} narrates Allah's instructions to Moses at the fire and his first encounter with Pharaoh, ending with a display of miracles and Pharaoh's subsequent scheming. In this passage, Allah tells Moses to say that he and Aaron are "messengers of your Lord" and the account of their first encounter begins with Pharaoh asking, "So who is the Lord of you two, O Moses?". However, in {{Quran-range|26|16|23}} Allah instructs them to use a different title, "Lord of the worlds", which Pharaoh then enquires upon at the start of the narration of their first encounter, again before the display of miracles and Pharaoh's subsequent scheming. Similarly, {{Quran|7|104}} narrates "And Moses said, "O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds" on their first encounter.


{{Quote|{{Quran|57|4}}|
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days; then He mounted the Throne. He knoweth all that entereth the earth and all that emergeth therefrom and all that cometh down from the sky and all that ascendeth therein; and He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And Allah is Seer of what ye do.}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|20|47|49}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|26|16|23}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|20:47 <span style="color:#0000FF"> So go to him and say, 'Indeed, we are messengers of your</span> '''Lord''', <span style="color:#0000FF">so send with us the Children of Israel</span> and do not torment them. We have come to you with a sign from your Lord. And peace will be upon he who follows the guidance.
20:48 Indeed, it has been revealed to us that the punishment will be upon whoever denies and turns away.' "<BR />
20:49 [Pharaoh] said, "So who is the '''Lord''' of you two, O Moses?"
|26:16 <span style="color:#0000FF"> Go to Pharaoh and say, 'We are the messengers of the</span> '''Lord of the worlds''',<BR />
26:17 <span style="color:#0000FF"> [Commanded to say], "Send with us the Children of Israel.</span>"'"<BR />
...<BR />
26:23 Said Pharaoh, "And what is the '''Lord of the worlds?'''"
|}


{{Quote|{{Quran|11|7}}|
===Pharaoh and his Chiefs===
And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days - and His Throne was upon the water - that He might try you, which of you is best in conduct. Yet if thou (O Muhammad) sayest: Lo! ye will be raised again after death! those who disbelieve will surely say: This is naught but mere magic. }}


Everywhere
Coming after Moses has impressed Pharaoh with the miracles of the serpent and white hand, both surah 7 and 26 immediately then describe a discussion between Pharaoh and his chiefs. In surah 7, Pharaoh asks his council what do they instruct/advise (famādhā tamurūna?), but in surah 26, the same question is transferred from his mouth to the council, apparently asking themselves (in both versions the addressee of the question is plural, and the addressee of the answer is singular i.e. Pharaoh).


{{Quote|{{Quran|2|115}}|
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
To Allah belong the east and the West: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the presence of Allah. For Allah is all-Pervading, all-Knowing. }}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|7|109|112}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|26|34|35}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|7:109 '''Said the eminent among the people of Pharaoh''', "Indeed, this is a learned magician<BR />
7:110 Who wants to expel you from your land [through magic], so what do you instruct?<BR />
7:111 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers<BR />
7:112 Who will bring you every learned magician."
|26:34 '''[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him''', "Indeed, this is a learned magician<BR />
26:35 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?<BR />
26:36 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers<BR />
26:37 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician."
|}


His home, the [[Ka'bah]]
The whole dialogue is identical in Arabic, except for the addition of "by his magic" (bisiḥ'rihi) in verse 26:35 and "send" (ib'ʿath) instead of its synonym (arsil) in 26:36.


{{Quote|{{Quran|14|37}}|
This contradiction (and the awkwardness of the surah 7 version) has attracted the attention of numerous academic scholars. Joseph Witztum notes that Muslim exegetes proposed that both Pharaoh and his chiefs asked the same question in the same way despite it being portrayed at the same place in the same dialogue in both versions. Judging the attempted harmonization attempt to be "far from compelling", instead he observes that the mala (chiefs) are a theme of surah 7, mentioned eight times (three of which are in an Egyptian context) and speaking in all but one of them. That compares with this one time in surah 26.<ref>Witztum, J. (2021) [https://www.lockwoodonlinejournals.com/index.php/jaos/article/view/795/634 Pharaoh and His Council: Great Minds Think Alike] Journal of the American Oriental Society, 139(4), 945–952. https://doi.org/10.7817/jameroriesoci.139.4.0945</ref> It is then easy to see how dialogue could accidentally be transferred into their mouths at some point during composition, editing or transmission. Indeed, it is not uncommon for small details to be merged, transferred or substituted between repeated narratives.<ref>Another example of transferred dialogue relates to the one of the previous contradiction examples. In the quotes in the earlier section we see that Moses mentions to Allah that he killed a man in surahs 26:10-17 and 28:33-35. However, another version in {{Quran-range|20|24|47}} lacks this element in the words of Moses and instead it is Allah who mentions in verse 40 "And you killed someone, but We saved you from retaliation and tried you with a [severe] trial."</ref>
O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that they may give thanks. }}


Nearby
===Who believed in Moses?===
Some days later, Moses defeats the magicians at the arranged contest by performing the snake miracle again. Three surahs narrate that the magicians then professed their belief in Moses, even defying threats made towards them from Pharaoh. However, surah 10 narrates the same occasion but only mentions the tricks by the magicians without a miracle from Moses. It says that then none believed Moses except for youths/offspring from his people.


{{Quote|{{Quran|2|186}}|
There was some discussion by exegetes as to whether “his people” in 10:83 refers to the people of Moses or (awkwardly as al-Tabari notes, since he is only named subsequently) the people of Pharaoh. Regardless, it contradicts the other surahs in which the magicians now believed in him.
When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way. }}


{{Quote|{{Quran|50|16}}|
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
We verily created man and We know what his soul whispereth to him, and We are nearer to him than his jugular vein}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|26|38|51}} (see also {{Quran-range|7|113|129}} and {{Quran-range|20|60|76}})
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|7|161|162}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|26:38 So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day.<BR />
26:39 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate<BR />
26:40 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?"<BR />
26:41 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?"<BR />
26:42 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]."<BR />
26:43 Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw."<BR />
26:44 So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant."<BR />
26:45 Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified.<BR />
26:46 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah].<BR />
26:47 '''They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds,'''<BR />
26:48 '''The Lord of Moses and Aaron."'''<BR />
26:49 [Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all."<BR />
26:50 They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return.<BR />
26:51 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because '''we were the first of the believers."'''
|10:80 So when the magicians came, Moses said to them, "Throw down whatever you will throw."<BR />
10:81 And when they had thrown, Moses said, "What you have brought is [only] magic. Indeed, Allah will expose its worthlessness. Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of corrupters.<BR />
10:82 And Allah will establish the truth by His words, even if the criminals dislike it."<BR />
10:83 '''But no one believed Moses, except [some] youths among his people''', for fear of Pharaoh and his establishment that they would persecute them. And indeed, Pharaoh was haughty within the land, and indeed, he was of the transgressors<BR />
10:84 And Moses said, "O my people, if you have believed in Allah, then rely upon Him, if you should be Muslims."<BR />
10:85 So they said, "Upon Allah do we rely. Our Lord, make us not [objects of] trial for the wrongdoing people<BR />
10:86 And save us by Your mercy from the disbelieving people."
|}


===Is Allah the only protector?===
===Were Pharaoh's army covered by or thrown into the sea?===
In the verses shown on the left column, particularly 10:90, we are told that the Egyptians pursued the Israelites across the sea “until when” (ḥattā idhā) they were drowned. They had pursued them across a "dry path through the sea" (20:77), “Then” (fa - see Lexicon note above) the sea covered them (20:78) which had towered on each side (26:63).


Yes
However, verses 28:40 and 51:40 on the right column state instead that Allah took (akhadhnāhu) Pharaoh and his army then threw them (fanabadhnāhum) into the sea (fī l-yami).


{{Quote|{{Quran|32|4}}|
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
Ye have not, beside Him, a protecting friend or mediator. Will ye not then remember? }}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|10|90}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|28|40}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and '''Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them in tyranny and enmity until, when drowning overtook him''', he said, "I believe that there is no deity except that in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of the Muslims."
|So We took him and his soldiers and threw them into the sea. So see how was the end of the wrongdoers.
|}
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|20|77|78}}<BR />
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|51|40}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|20:77 And We had inspired to Moses, "Travel by night with My servants and strike for them a dry path through the sea; you will not fear being overtaken [by Pharaoh] nor be afraid [of drowning]."
20:78 '''So Pharaoh pursued them with his soldiers, and there covered them from the sea that which covered them,'''
|So We took him and his soldiers and cast them into the sea, and he was blameworthy.
|}
{| class="wikitable"  width="50%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|26|63|66}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|26:63-66
26:63 Then We inspired to Moses, "Strike with your staff the sea," and it parted, and '''each portion was like a great towering mountain.'''<BR />
26:64 And We advanced thereto the pursuers.<BR />
26:65 And We saved Moses and those with him, all together.<BR />
26:66 Then We drowned the others.
|}


Yes
This contradiction has a parallel in the Biblical book of Exodus, which is discussed in detail by Pamela Barmash.<ref>Pamela Barmash. 2017. Through the Kaleidoscope of Literary Imagery in Exodus 15: Poetics and Historiography in Service to Religious Exuberance. Hebrew Studies Vol. 58 (2017) pp. 145-172<BR />
PDF downloadable at [https://hcommons.org/deposits/item/hc:25907/]</ref> Exodus 14:23-28 contains a prose narrative of the episode, considered by academic scholars to be composed of a number of sometimes contradictory sources. The Egyptians follow the Israelites into the midst of the sea. God “shakes off” (naar) the Egyptians in the midst of the sea as they flee the returning waters. Then it says the returning waters cover their chariots, horsemen and all the forces of Pharaoh. The next chapter, Exodus 15, contains the poetic “Song of the Sea”, in which the piled up waters return and cover the Egyptians in verses 8-10, but elsewhere employs a repeated refrain that God has hurled them into the sea as well as other poetic imagery of shattering them with his fist and of burning them like straw. These images combine to give a metaphor of God as a warrior. Barmash observes that “A historical account is replaced by poetic articulation of religious exuberance”.


{{Quote|{{Quran|9|116}}|
===Moses berates Aaron about the golden calf===
Surely Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth; He brings to life and causes to die; and there is not for you besides Allah any Guardian or Helper. }}
After the golden calf incident, Moses grabs Aaron, who makes two very different pleadings in surahs 7 and 20. It is possible with some awkwardness to harmonise that he gave the two different excuses, one after the other, though it is further worth noting that in both accounts Aaron's protest begins with the common address “O son of my mother” as Moses grabs him.


Yes
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|7|150}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|20|90|95}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|And when Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said, "How wretched is that by which you have replaced me after [my departure]. Were you impatient over the matter of your Lord?" And he threw down the tablets and '''seized his brother by [the hair of] his head, pulling him toward him. [Aaron] said, "O son of my mother''', indeed the people oppressed me and were about to kill me, so let not the enemies rejoice over me and do not place me among the wrongdoing people."
|20:90 And Aaron had already told them before [the return of Moses], "O my people, you are only being tested by it, and indeed, your Lord is the Most Merciful, so follow me and obey my order."<BR />
20:91 They said, "We will never cease being devoted to the calf until Moses returns to us."<BR />
20:92 [Moses] said, "O Aaron, what prevented you, when you saw them going astray,<BR />
20:93 From following me? Then have you disobeyed my order?"<BR />
20:94 [Aaron] said, "'''O son of my mother, do not seize [me] by my beard or by my head.''' Indeed, I feared that you would say, 'You caused division among the Children of Israel, and you did not observe [or await] my word.' "<BR />
20:95 [Moses] said, "And what is your case, O Samiri?"
|}


{{Quote|{{Quran|18|102}}|
===Command to the children of Israel upon reaching a town===
Do then those who disbelieve think that they can take My slaves [i.e., the angels, God's Messengers, 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), etc.] as Auliyâ' (lords, gods, protectors, etc.) besides Me? Verily, We have prepared Hell as an entertainment for the disbelievers  }}
In very similar passages in which Muhammad is asked to mention an episode occurring some time after the exodus from Egypt, parallel verses invert the order in which Allah quotes himself telling the children of Israel to enter a city gate bowing humbly and request relief of their burdens. Ironically, the next verse in each case complains about Allah's words being changed.


No, angels too
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|2|58|59}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|7|161|162}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|2:58 And [recall] when We said, "Enter this city and eat from it wherever you will in [ease and] abundance, and <span style="color:#0000FF">enter the gate bowing humbly</span> and say, <span style="color:#008000">'Relieve us of our burdens.'</span> We will [then] forgive your sins for you, and We will increase the doers of good [in goodness and reward]."<BR />
2:59 But those who wronged changed [those words] to a statement other than that which had been said to them, so We sent down upon those who wronged a punishment from the sky because they were defiantly disobeying.
|7:161 And [mention, O Muhammad], when it was said to them, "Dwell in this city and eat from it wherever you will and say, <span style="color:#008000">'Relieve us of our burdens,'</span> and <span style="color:#0000FF">enter the gate bowing humbly</span>; We will [then] forgive you your sins. We will increase the doers of good [in goodness and reward]."<BR />
7:162 But those who wronged among them changed [the words] to a statement other than that which had been said to them. So We sent upon them a punishment from the sky for the wrong that they were doing.
|}


{{Quote|{{Quran|41|31}}|
===The destruction of Thamud===
We are your guardians in this world's life and in the hereafter, and you shall have therein what your souls desire and you shall have therein what you ask for}}
In 54:26, Allah tells the prophet Salih that tomorrow the people of Thamud will know he is not a liar. If this refers merely to the sending of the she-camel the next day, that would contradict other parallel passages where the she-camel does not lead to them accepting Salih as truthful. See 91:11-14 also shown below, where the same root for liar appears as a verb (kadhabūhu) in “But they denied him and hamstrung her” after Salih presents the she-camel, and at the end of 11:65 where it appears as a noun (makdhūbin). Tommaso Tesei has noted that 91:13-14 is likely a later editing or interpolation, the long sentences breaking the metre of the otherwise short verses in that surah and turning verse 15 into theological nonsense (who could think Allah would fear anything?).<ref>Tommaso Tesei, [https://www.academia.edu/75302962/THE_QUR_%C4%80N_S_IN_CONTEXT_S_1 The Qurʾān(s) in Context(s)] Journal Asiatique 309.2 (2021): 185-202 (open access; see pp. 198-200)</ref>


No
"They will know tomorrow who is the insolent liar" could instead mean that the people of Thamud are to be destroyed that next day and thereby learn that Salih is not a liar. However, according to verse 65 of the surah 11 story, their destruction will instead come three days after they hamstrung the she-camel.


{{Quote|{{Quran|5|55}}|
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
Your guardian can be only Allah; and His messenger and those who believe, who establish worship and pay the poordue, and bow down (in prayer). }}
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|54|23|31}}
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|27|7|9}}
! scope=col style="width: 33%;" |{{Quran-range|28|29|30}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|54:23 Thamud denied the warning<BR />
54:24 And said, "Is it one human being among us that we should follow? Indeed, we would then be in error and madness.<BR />
54:25 Has the message been sent down upon him from among us? Rather, he is an insolent liar."<BR />
54:26 '''They will know tomorrow who is the insolent liar.'''<BR />
54:27 Indeed, We are sending the she-camel as trial for them, so watch them and be patient.<BR />
54:28 And inform them that the water is shared between them, each [day of] drink attended [by turn].<BR />
54:29 But they called their companion, and he dared and hamstrung [her].<BR />
54:30 And how [severe] were My punishment and warning.<BR />
54:31 Indeed, We sent upon them one blast from the sky, and they became like the dry twig fragments of an [animal] pen.
|11:64 And O my people, this is the she-camel of Allah - [she is] to you a sign. So let her feed upon Allah 's earth and do not touch her with harm, or you will be taken by an impending punishment."<BR />
11:65 '''But they hamstrung her, so he said, "Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied."'''<BR />
11:66 So when Our command came, We saved Salih and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us, and [saved them] from the disgrace of that day. Indeed, it is your Lord who is the Powerful, the Exalted in Might.<BR />
11:67 And the shriek seized those who had wronged, and they became within their homes [corpses] fallen prone<BR />
11:68 As if they had never prospered therein. Unquestionably, Thamud denied their Lord; then, away with Thamud.
|91:11 Thamud denied [their prophet] by reason of their transgression,<BR />
91:12 When the most wretched of them was sent forth.<BR />
91:13 And the messenger of Allah [Salih] said to them, "[Do not harm] the she-camel of Allah or [prevent her from] her drink."<BR />
91:14 '''But they denied him and hamstrung her.''' So their Lord brought down upon them destruction for their sin and made it equal [upon all of them].<BR />
91:15 And He does not fear the consequence thereof.
|}


No
Al-Razi and Al-Qurtubi mention a view that “tomorrow” is just a turn of phrase to indicate the future. Such an explanation is very dubious given that the next verse promises a specific event (the sending of the she-camel) and given that a clearly literal timescale is given to the same people in 11:65.


{{Quote|{{Quran|9|71}}|
===The destruction of Aad===
The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise. . }}
In a remarkably careless mistake, 41:13 warns that not only Thamud, but both Aad and Thamud were destroyed by a thunderbolt. The next few verses mention a screaming wind sent to Aad over a number of days as a punishment (though without stating that this wind ultimately destroyed them), and goes on to mention the thunderbolt which seized the people of Thamud.


===Is Allah the only ruler/commander?===
Thamud's sudden destruction by a thunderbolt is narrated also in {{Quran|51|44}}, where the thunderbolt seized Thamud as they looked on. The word thunderbolt in these verses is sa'iqatan, which can refer to the sound of a thunderbolt or the lightning bolt itself.<ref>sa'iqatan - [http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume4/00000414.pdf Lane's Lexicon p. 1690]</ref> Similarly, the instantaneous death of the people of Thamud by a thunderous blast (ṣayḥatan) appears in surah 11 and surah 54 quoted above in the previous section, and by a single blast (ṭāghiyati) in Q. 69:5. They were killed by an earthquake in Q. 7:78, though the word  l-rajfatu, needn't mean a literal earthquake, and can mean a convulsion or jolting according to Lane's Lexicon. Thus with some harmonising effort we have a story of sudden thunderous death for the people of Thamud.


Yes
However, all other descriptions of Aad's destruction except for 41:13 say that it was by means of a violent wind over a day or number of days, which uprooted its people like trees and left only ruined homes.


{{Quote|{{Quran|18|26}}|
In an attempt to rescue the contradiction, Al-Tabari in his tafsir for 41:13 claims that sa'iqatan (thunderbolt) is a catch all term for anything that destroys something, while al-Qurtubi claims that the wind was the sa'iqatan.
Say: "Allah knows best how long they stayed: with Him is (the knowledge of) the secrets of the heavens and the earth: how clearly He sees, how finely He hears (everything)! They have no protector other than Him; nor does He share His Command with any person whatsoever. }}


Yes
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! {{Quran-range|41|13|17}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|41:13 But if they turn away, then say, "'''I have warned you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt [that struck] 'Aad and Thamud.'''<BR />
41:14 [That occurred] when the messengers had come to them before them and after them, [saying], "Worship not except Allah." They said, "If our Lord had willed, He would have sent down the angels, so indeed we, in that with which you have been sent, are disbelievers."<BR />
41:15 As for 'Aad, they were arrogant upon the earth without right and said, "Who is greater than us in strength?" Did they not consider that Allah who created them was greater than them in strength? But they were rejecting Our signs.<BR />
41:16 '''So We sent upon them a screaming wind during days of misfortune to make them taste the punishment of disgrace in the worldly life'''; but the punishment of the Hereafter is more disgracing, and they will not be helped.<BR />
41:17 And as for Thamud, We guided them, but they preferred blindness over guidance, so the thunderbolt of humiliating punishment seized them for what they used to earn.
|}
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! {{Quran-range|46|24|25}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|46:24 And when they saw it as a cloud approaching their valleys, they said, "This is a cloud bringing us rain!" Rather, it is that for which you were impatient: '''a wind, within it a painful punishment,'''<BR />
46:25 '''Destroying everything by command of its Lord. And they became so that nothing was seen [of them] except their dwellings.''' Thus do We recompense the criminal people.
|}
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! {{Quran-range|51|41|42}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|51:41 '''And in 'Aad [was a sign], when We sent against them the barren wind.'''<BR />
51:42 '''It left nothing of what it came upon but that it made it like disintegrated ruins.'''<BR />
51:43 And in Thamud, when it was said to them, "Enjoy yourselves for a time."<BR />
51:44 But they were insolent toward the command of their Lord, so the thunderbolt seized them while they were looking on.<BR />
51:45 And they were unable to arise, nor could they defend themselves.
|}
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! {{Quran-range|54|18|20}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|54:18 'Aad denied; and how [severe] were My punishment and warning.<BR />
54:19 '''Indeed, We sent upon them a screaming wind on a day of continuous misfortune,'''<BR />
54:20 '''Extracting the people as if they were trunks of palm trees uprooted'''
|}
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! {{Quran-range|69|4|8}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|69:4 Thamud and 'Aad denied the Striking Calamity.<BR />
69:5 So as for Thamud, they were destroyed by the overpowering [blast].<BR />
69:6 '''And as for 'Aad, they were destroyed by a screaming, violent wind'''<BR />
69:7 '''Which Allah imposed upon them for seven nights and eight days in succession, so you would see the people therein fallen as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees.'''<BR />
69:8 '''Then do you see of them any remains?'''
|}


{{Quote|{{Quran|17|111}}|
There is possibly a second contradiction concerning the destruction of Aad. Some point to the fact that whereas 41:16 says the wind was sent in "days of misfortune" and 69:7 says the wind was imposed for "seven nights and eight days in succession", 54:19 says it was sent on a "day [singular] of continuous misfortune". Exegetes discussed the word "continuous" in 54:19. Al-Tabari and al-Zamakhshari said the misfortune continued until they were destroyed. Al-Razi mentioned the relevant verses and in order to harmonize them, interpreted "continuous" as indicating further days. He considered two views, that "continuous" relates to the word day or to the word misfortune, preferring the former. The verse itself mentions a "day" singular and the preceding Arabic about when the wind was sent is the same in this verse as in Q. 41:16, which then instead says "days":
And say: 'Praise belongs to Allah, who has not taken to Him a son, and who has not any associate in the Kingdom, nor any protector out of humbleness.' And magnify Him with all the magnificence. }}


Yes
arsalnā ʿalayhim rīḥan ṣarṣaran fī yawmi naḥsin mus'tamirri
We sent upon them a screaming wind in a day of continuous misfortune


{{Quote|{{Quran|3|79-80}}| It is not (possible) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom,
arsalnā ʿalayhim rīḥan ṣarṣaran fī ayyāmin naḥisātin
and the prophetic office, should say to people: "Be ye my worshippers rather than Allah's": on the contrary (He would say) "Be ye worshippers of Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all: For ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." Nor would he instruct you to take angels and prophets for Lords and patrons. What! would he bid you to unbelief after ye have bowed your will (To Allah in Islam?)}}
We sent upon them a screaming wind in days of misfortune


Yes
Lane's Lexicon has some discussion of the word mus'tamirrin ("continuous") as it is used in this verse and in Q. 54:2 where it is used in the phrase (“passing magic”) in the same grammatical form.<ref>mus'tamirrin - [http://www.studyquran.org/LaneLexicon/Volume7/00000230.pdf Lane's Lexicon p. 2702]</ref>


{{Quote|{{Quran|6|71}}|Say: "Shall we indeed call on others besides Allah,- things that can do us neither good nor harm,- and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from Allah? - like one whom the evil ones have made into a fool, wandering bewildered through the earth, his friends calling, come to us', (vainly) guiding him to the path." Say: "Allah's guidance is the (only) guidance, and we have been directed to submit ourselves to the Lord of the worlds;}}
===Zechariah expressing his doubts===
Amidst a dialogue with the angel bringing good tidings of John, Zechariah answers that his wife is barren and he is too old in 19:8, but answers the opposite way around in 3:40. The passages then resume in close parallel.


No
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|19|8}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|3|40}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|He said, "My Lord, how will I have a boy when <span style="color:#0000FF">my wife has been barren</span> and <span style="color:#008000">I have reached extreme old age</span>?"
|He said, "My Lord, how will I have a boy when <span style="color:#008000">I have reached old age</span> and <span style="color:#0000FF">my wife is barren</span>?" The angel said, "Such is Allah; He does what He wills."
|}


{{Quote|{{Quran|4|59}}|
==Allah==
O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.}}
===Where is Allah?===


No
Upon a throne


{{Quote|{{Quran|3|26}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|57|4}}|
Say: 'O Allah, Master of the Kingdom, Thou givest the Kingdom to whom Thou wilt, and seizest the Kingdom from whom Thou wilt, Thou exaltest whom Thou wilt, and Thou abasest whom Thou wilt; in Thy hand is the good; Thou art powerful over everything.}}
He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days; then He mounted the Throne. He knoweth all that entereth the earth and all that emergeth therefrom and all that cometh down from the sky and all that ascendeth therein; and He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And Allah is Seer of what ye do.}}


No
{{Quote|{{Quran|11|7}}|
And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days - and His Throne was upon the water - that He might try you, which of you is best in conduct. Yet if thou (O Muhammad) sayest: Lo! ye will be raised again after death! those who disbelieve will surely say: This is naught but mere magic. }}


{{Quote|{{Quran|7|172}}|When thy Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam - from their loins - their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, (saying): "Am I not your Lord (who cherishes and sustains you)?"- They said: "Yea! We do testify!" (This), lest ye should say on the Day of Judgment: "Of this we were never mindful":}}
Everywhere


No, Muhammed must be served
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|115}}|
To Allah belong the east and the West: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the presence of Allah. For Allah is all-Pervading, all-Knowing. }}


{{Quote|{{Quran|6|66}}|But thy people reject this, though it is the truth. Say: "Not mine is the responsibility for arranging your affairs}}
His home, the [[Ka'bah]]


No, whomever obeys Muhammed also obeys Allah
{{Quote|{{Quran|14|37}}|
O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that they may give thanks. }}


{{Quote|{{Quran|4|59}}|O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.}}
Nearby


{{Quote|{{Quran|4|80}}|He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah:}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|186}}|
When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way. }}


{{Quote|{{Quran|24|56}}|So establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity; and obey the Messenger; that ye may receive mercy.}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|50|16}}|
We verily created man and We know what his soul whispereth to him, and We are nearer to him than his jugular vein}}


{{Quote|{{Quran|26|108}}; repeated at {{quran|26|110}}, {{quran|26|126}}, {{quran|26|131}}, {{quran|26|144}}, {{quran|26|150}}, {{quran|26|163}}, & {{quran|26|179}}|"So fear Allah, and obey me.}}No, Muhammad can also cause sinners to be forgiven{{Quote|{{Quran|4|64-65}}|
We sent not a messenger, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the will of Allah. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto thee and asked Allah's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah indeed Oft-returning, Most Merciful. But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make thee judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against Thy decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction}}


===Can Allah be seen?===
===Can Allah be seen?===
Line 154: Line 538:


{{Quote|{{Quran|6|101}}|To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: How can He have a son when He hath no consort? He created all things, and He hath full knowledge of all things.}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|101}}|To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: How can He have a son when He hath no consort? He created all things, and He hath full knowledge of all things.}}
===Is Allah omniscient?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|49|16}}|
Say: Do you instruct Allah about your religion? But Allah knows all that is in the heavens and on the earth; Allah is Knowing of all things. }}
No, Allah needs to test you to know
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|155}}|
Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, }}


===Can only Allah see the unseen?===
===Can only Allah see the unseen?===
Line 178: Line 550:
{{Quote|{{Quran|27|39}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|27|39}}|
Said an 'Ifrit, of the Jinns: "I will bring it to thee before thou rise from thy council: indeed I have full strength for the purpose, and may be trusted." }}
Said an 'Ifrit, of the Jinns: "I will bring it to thee before thou rise from thy council: indeed I have full strength for the purpose, and may be trusted." }}
===Does Allah lead people astray?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|9|115}}|
And Allah will not mislead a people after He hath guided them, in order that He may make clear to them what to fear (and avoid)- for Allah hath knowledge of all things. }}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|25}}|
Of them there are some who (pretend to) listen to thee; but We have thrown veils on their hearts, So they understand it not, and deafness in their ears; if they saw every one of the signs, not they will believe in them; in so much that when they come to thee, they (but) dispute with thee; the Unbelievers say: "These are nothing but tales of the ancients."  }}
===Is Allah similar to anyone or anything?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|42|11}}|(The) Creator (of) the heavens and the earth. He made for you from yourselves, mates, and among the cattle mates; He multiplies you thereby. (There) is not like Him anything, and He (is) the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.}}
Yes, he has a face
{{Quote|{{Quran|55|27}}|
But will abide (for ever) the Face of thy Lord,- full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour}}
Yes, he has eyes
{{Quote|{{Quran|20|39}}|
Saying: Put him into a chest, then cast it down into the river, then the river shall throw him on the shore; there shall take him up one who is an enemy to Me and enemy to him, and I cast down upon you love from Me, and that you might be brought up before My eyes}}
Yes, he has hands
{{Quote|{{Quran|5|64}}|
The Jews say: "Allah's hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from Allah increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them we have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief.}}
Yes, he has hands
{{Quote|{{Quran|38|74-75}}|
(Allah) said: "O Iblis! What prevents thee from prostrating thyself to one whom I have created with my hands? Art thou haughty? Or art thou one of the high (and mighty) ones?}}
Yes, he has hands
{{Quote|{{Quran|39|67}}|
And they esteem not Allah as He hath the right to be esteemed, when the whole earth is His handful on the Day of Resurrection, and the heavens are rolled in His right hand. Glorified is He and High Exalted from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him).}}
Yes, he has legs
{{Quote|{{Quran|68|42}}|
The Day that the shin shall be laid bare, and they shall be summoned to bow in adoration, but they shall not be able.}}
Yes, he sits down
{{Quote|{{Quran|69|17}}|
And the angels will be on the sides thereof, and eight will uphold the Throne of thy Lord that day, above them. }}


===Is Allah kind and merciful?===
===Is Allah kind and merciful?===
Line 243: Line 562:
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|56}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|56}}|
Those who reject our Signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire: as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.}}
Those who reject our Signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire: as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.}}
===Does Allah speak directly with people?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|42|51}}|
It is not fitting for a man that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil, }}
Yes, to Muhammad
{{Quote|{{Quran|53|11}}|
The (Prophet's) (mind and) heart in no way falsified that which he saw}}
Yes, to an ordinary person
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|259}}|
He said: "How long didst thou tarry (thus)?"}}
Yes, to Adam
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|36}}|
We said: "Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood}}
yes, to Moses
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|164}}|
Of some messengers We have already told thee the story; of others We have not;- and to Moses Allah spoke direct}}


===Does Allah forgive everything?===
===Does Allah forgive everything?===
Line 305: Line 597:
Unless he repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful, }}
Unless he repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful, }}


===How long is Allah's day?===
One thousand years
{{Quote|{{Quran|22|47}}|
Yet they ask thee to hasten on the Punishment! But Allah will not fail in His Promise. Verily a Day in the sight of thy Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning. }}
Fifty thousand years
{{Quote|{{Quran|70|4}}|
The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years: }}


==Angels and demons==
==Angels and demons==
Line 335: Line 616:
{{Quote|{{Quran|15|65}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|15|65}}|
So travel with thy household in a portion of the night, and follow thou their backs. Let none of you turn round, but go whither ye are commanded. }}
So travel with thy household in a portion of the night, and follow thou their backs. Let none of you turn round, but go whither ye are commanded. }}
===Can angels guard or protect?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|107}}|
Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper}}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|41|31}}|
"We are your protectors in this life and in the Hereafter: therein shall ye have all that your souls shall desire; therein shall ye have all that ye ask for! }}


===How many angels helped Muhammad at Badr?===
===How many angels helped Muhammad at Badr?===
Line 359: Line 628:
{{Quote|{{Quran|8|9}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|8|9}}|
Remember ye implored the assistance of your Lord, and He answered you: "I will assist you with a thousand of the angels, ranks on ranks." }}
Remember ye implored the assistance of your Lord, and He answered you: "I will assist you with a thousand of the angels, ranks on ranks." }}
Some claim that one of these could refer to the battle of Uhud, but that was a defeat for the Muslims.


Allah does not send angels near disbelievers
Allah does not send angels near disbelievers
Line 365: Line 636:
We send not down the angels save with the Fact, and in that case (the disbelievers) would not be tolerated. }}
We send not down the angels save with the Fact, and in that case (the disbelievers) would not be tolerated. }}


===Does Satan mislead devout Muslims?===
Yes - and Adam and Eve were misled
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|7|16|17}}|(Shaitaan) said, "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit for them (on) Your path, the straight. Then surely, I will come to them from before them and from behind them and from their right and from their left, and not You (will) find most of them grateful." (Allah) said, "Get out of it disgraced and expelled. Certainly, whoever follows you among them, surely, I will fill Hell with you all.}}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|38|82|83}}|He said, "Then by Your might I will surely mislead them all. Except Thy Servants amongst them, sincere and purified (by Thy Grace).}}
===Was Iblis a jinn or an angel?===
Jinn
{{Quote|{{Quran|18|50}}|
Behold! We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam": They bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrong-doers!}}
Angel
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|34}}|
And behold, We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject Faith}}
===Where are the Jinn?===
On earth and they cannot get to the heavens
{{Quote|{{Quran|55|33}}|
O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass! }}
In the heavens and they cannot get to earth
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|37|6|7}}|
We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty (in) the stars,- (For beauty) and for guard against all obstinate rebellious evil spirits, }}


==Creation==
==Creation==
===Which was created first; the Heaven or Earth?===


===Which was created first; the Universe or Earth?===
The Heaven
 
The Universe


{{Quote|{{Quran|79|27}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|79|27|33}}|Are you a more difficult creation or is the heaven? Allah constructed it. He raised its ceiling and proportioned it. And He darkened its night and extracted its brightness. And after that He spread the earth. He extracted from it its water and its pasture, And the mountains He set firmly As provision for you and your grazing livestock.}}
Are ye the harder to create, or is the heaven that He built?}}


Earth
Earth


{{Quote|{{Quran|41|10}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|41|9|12}}|Say, "Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the worlds." And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures'] sustenance in four days without distinction - for [the information] of those who ask. Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, "Come [into being], willingly or by compulsion." They said, "We have come willingly." And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.}}
He placed therein firm hills rising above it, and blessed it and measured therein its sustenance in four Days, alike for (all) who ask; }}
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|41|11}}|
Then turned He to the heaven when it was smoke, and said unto it and unto the earth: Come both of you, willingly or loth. They said: We come, obedient. }}


Earth
Earth
Line 420: Line 652:
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|29}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|29}}|
He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the heaven, and fashioned it as seven heavens. And He is knower of all things.}}
He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the heaven, and fashioned it as seven heavens. And He is knower of all things.}}
===Did heaven and Earth come apart or together?===
Together (presented as evidence that the universe is contracting)
{{Quote|{{Quran|41|11}}|
Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We do come (together), in willing obedience.}}
Apart (presented as evidence that the universe is expanding)
{{Quote|{{Quran|21|30}}|
Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and we made every living thing of water? Will they not then believe? }}


===How long did it take Allah to create heaven and earth?===
===How long did it take Allah to create heaven and earth?===
Line 446: Line 666:
Then He ordained them seven heavens in two Days and inspired in each heaven its mandate; and We decked the nether heaven with lamps, and rendered it inviolable. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Knower}}
Then He ordained them seven heavens in two Days and inspired in each heaven its mandate; and We decked the nether heaven with lamps, and rendered it inviolable. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Knower}}


===What was man created from?===
===What was the first man created from?===


Dust
Dust
Line 460: Line 680:
{{Quote|{{Quran|15|26}}|We created man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape;}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|15|26}}|We created man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape;}}


Sperm
{{Quote|{{Quran|16|4}}|He has created man from a sperm-drop; and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer!}}
Blood clot
{{Quote|{{Quran|96|2}}|Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood:}}
Water
{{Quote|{{Quran|21|30}}|
Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? }}


===How long does it take Allah to create?===
===How long does it take Allah to create?===
Line 486: Line 694:


==Day of Judgement (''Qiyamah'')==
==Day of Judgement (''Qiyamah'')==
===How long will the unbelievers think they remained on Earth?===
An afternoon or morning
{{Quote|{{Quran|79|46}}|It will be, on the Day they see it, as though they had not remained [in the world] except for an afternoon or a morning thereof.}}
An hour


===How many trumpets will be blown on Qiyamah?===
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|30|55|56}}|And the Day the Hour appears the criminals will swear they had remained but an hour. Thus they were deluded. But those who were given knowledge and faith will say, "You remained the extent of Allah 's decree until the Day of Resurrection, and this is the Day of Resurrection, but you did not used to know."}}


Two
Ten days


{{Quote|{{Quran|79|7}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|20|102|104}}|The Day the Horn will be blown. And We will gather the criminals, that Day, blue-eyed. They will murmur among themselves, "You remained not but ten [days in the world]." We are most knowing of what they say when the best of them in manner will say, "You remained not but one day."}}
And the second followeth it, }}


One only
A day or part of a day


{{Quote|{{Quran|69|13}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|23|112|114}}|[Allah] will say, "How long did you remain on earth in number of years?" They will say, "We remained a day or part of a day; ask those who enumerate." He will say, "You stayed not but a little - if only you had known.}}
And when the trumpet is blown with a single blast,}}


===What happens to mountains on ''Qiyamah''?===
===What happens to mountains on ''Qiyamah''?===
Line 509: Line 722:


{{Quote|{{Quran|78|20}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|78|20}}|
And the mountains shall vanish, as if they were a mirage. }}
And the mountains are removed and will be [but] a mirage.}}
 
They will be lifted and levelled
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|69|14}}|And the earth and the mountains are lifted and leveled with one blow}}


===Will disbelievers speak on ''Qiyamah''?===
===Will disbelievers speak on ''Qiyamah''?===
Line 518: Line 735:
And the Word will be fulfilled against them, because of their wrong-doing, and they will be unable to speak}}
And the Word will be fulfilled against them, because of their wrong-doing, and they will be unable to speak}}


Yes
No
 
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|77|34-38}}|Woe, that Day, to the deniers. This is a Day they will not speak, Nor will it be permitted for them to make an excuse. Woe, that Day, to the deniers. This is the Day of Judgement; We will have assembled you and the former peoples.}}
 
Not willingly


{{Quote|{{Quran|36|65}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|36|65}}|
That Day shall We set a seal on their mouths. But their hands will speak to us, and their feet bear witness, to all that they did. }}Several other verses describe dialogue taking place between believers and disbelievers in the hereafter.
That Day shall We set a seal on their mouths. But their hands will speak to us, and their feet bear witness, to all that they did. }}
 
Yes. Other verses describe dialogue taking place between disbelievers and believers or angels on the day of resurrection. For example:
 
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|37|20|28}}|They will say, "O woe to us! This is the Day of Recompense." [They will be told], "This is the Day of Judgement which you used to deny." [The angels will be ordered], "Gather those who committed wrong, their kinds, and what they used to worship Other than Allah, and guide them to the path of Hellfire And stop them; indeed, they are to be questioned." [They will be asked], "What is [wrong] with you? Why do you not help each other?" But they, that Day, are in surrender. And they will approach one another blaming each other. They will say, "Indeed, you used to come at us from the right."}}


===Where do disbelievers receive their record book on Judgment day?===
===Where do disbelievers receive their record book on Judgment day?===
Line 527: Line 752:
On their back
On their back


{{Quote|{{Quran|84|10}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|84|7|12}}|
But he who is given his Record behind his back}}
Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, He will be judged with an easy account And return to his people in happiness. But as for he who is given his record behind his back, He will cry out for destruction And [enter to] burn in a Blaze.}}


On the left hand
On the left hand
Line 549: Line 774:
Whatever good, (O man!) happens to thee, is from Allah. But whatever evil happens to thee, is from thyself. But what has come to these people. That they fail to understand a single fact}}
Whatever good, (O man!) happens to thee, is from Allah. But whatever evil happens to thee, is from thyself. But what has come to these people. That they fail to understand a single fact}}


===Does Allah command evil?===
Allah will not command indecency or evil
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|28}}|When they do aught that is shameful, they say: "We found our fathers doing so"; and "Allah commanded us thus": Say: "Nay, Allah never commands what is shameful: do ye say of Allah what ye know not?"}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|16|90}}|Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds,  and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|131}}|This is because your Lord would not destroy towns unjustly while their people were negligent.}}
Allah commands abomination
{{Quote|{{Quran|17|16}}|And when We would destroy a township We send  commandment to its folk who live at ease, and afterward they  commit abomination therein, and so the Word (of doom) hath effect for it, and we annihilate it with complete annihilation.}}
===Does Allah will that Magic take place?===
No, he does not want it to happen, but he lets it happen when he wants
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|102}}|And they followed what recite(d) the devils over (the) kingdom (of) Sulaiman. And not disbelieved Sulaiman [and] but the devils disbelieved, they teach the people [the] magic and what was sent down to the two angels in Babylon, Harut and Marut. And not they both teach any one unless they [both] say, "Only we (are) a trial, so (do) not disbelieve." But they learn from those two what [they] causes separation with it between the man and his spouse. And not they (could) at all [be those who] harm with it any one except by permission (of) Allah. And they learn what harms them and not profits them. And indeed they knew that whoever buys it, not for him in the Hereafter any share. And surely evil (is) what they sold with it themselves, if they were (to) know.}}
No, for it is evil
{{Quote|{{Quran|113|4}}|
And from the evil of malignant witchcraft}}
===Are animals evil?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|179}}|already have We urged unto hell many of the jinn and humankind, having hearts wherewith they understand not, and having eyes wherewith they see not, and having ears wherewith they hear not. These are as the cattle - nay, but they are worse! These are the neglectful. }}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|166}}|
So when they took pride in that which they had been forbidden, We said unto them: Be ye apes despised and loathed! }}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|22|18}}|
Seest thou not that to Allah bow down in worship all things that are in the heavens and on earth,- the sun, the moon, the stars; the hills, the trees, the animals; and a great number among mankind? But a great number are (also) such as are fit for Punishment: and such as Allah shall disgrace,- None can raise to honour: for Allah carries out all that He wills. }}


==Heaven and Hell==
==Heaven and Hell==
Line 637: Line 822:
{{Quote|{{Quran|10|3}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|10|3}}|
Verily your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority), regulating and governing all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His leave (hath been obtained). This is Allah your Lord; Him therefore serve ye: will ye not receive admonition}}
Verily your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority), regulating and governing all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His leave (hath been obtained). This is Allah your Lord; Him therefore serve ye: will ye not receive admonition}}
===Is Heaven singular or plural?===
There is more than one Heaven (plural, ''samawaat'')
{{Quote|{{Quran|3|133}}|
a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous}}
There is only one Heaven (singular, ''sama'')
{{Quote|{{Quran|57|21}}|
a Garden (of Bliss), the width whereof is as the width of the heaven and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah}}
===Who will men be with in paradise?===
With their wives from Earth
{{Quote|{{Quran|43|70}}|
Enter ye the Garden, ye and your wives, in (beauty and) rejoicing. }}
With heavenly virgins
{{Quote|{{Quran|52|20}}|
They will recline (with ease) on Thrones (of dignity) arranged in ranks; and We shall join them to Companions, with beautiful big and lustrous eyes. }}
===Do all experience hell for some time?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|19|71}}|And (there is) not (any) of you but (will be) passing over it. (This) is upon your Lord an inevitability decreed. Then We will deliver those who feared (Allah), and We will leave the wrongdoers therein bent (on) knees.}}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|47|12}}|
Verily Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow; while those who reject Allah will enjoy (this world) and eat as cattle eat; and the Fire will be their abode}}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|3|157-158}}|
And if ye are slain, or die, in the way of Allah,
forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they could amass.
And if ye die, or are slain, Lo! it is unto Allah that ye are brought together. }}


===Will non-Muslims go to hell forever?===
===Will non-Muslims go to hell forever?===
Line 705: Line 848:
{{Quote|{{Quran|41|28}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|41|28}}|
Such is the requital of the enemies of Allah,- the Fire: therein will be for them the Eternal Home: a (fit) requital, for that they were wont to reject Our Signs}}
Such is the requital of the enemies of Allah,- the Fire: therein will be for them the Eternal Home: a (fit) requital, for that they were wont to reject Our Signs}}
===Will Jesus burn in Hell?===
Yes, because he is worshipped as God by Christians
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|21|98|99}}|
Lo! ye (idolaters) and that which ye worship beside Allah are fuel of hell. Thereunto ye will come. If these had been gods they would not have come thither, but all will abide therein. }}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|3|45}}|
Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah; }}


===What will be the food in hell?===
===What will be the food in hell?===
Line 730: Line 861:
Nor hath he any food except the corruption from the washing of wounds}}
Nor hath he any food except the corruption from the washing of wounds}}


Also ''zaqqum'', hell fruit
Also ''zaqqum'', hell fruit (see also in {{Quran-range|44|40|46}} and {{Quran-range|56|41|52}})


{{Quote|{{Quran|37|65}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|37|62|66}}|
The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of devils}}
Is Paradise a better accommodation or the tree of zaqqum? Indeed, We have made it a torment for the wrongdoers. Indeed, it is a tree issuing from the bottom of the Hellfire, Its emerging fruit as if it was heads of the devils. And indeed, they will eat from it and fill with it their bellies. }}


==Mankind==
==Mankind==
 
===Could someone bear another's burden?===
===What is the purpose of mankind?===
 
Only to worship Allah:
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|51|56}}|
I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me}}
 
To pursue the habits, or ''[[sunnah]]'' of Muhammad:
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|158}}|
Say: "O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He That giveth both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His words: follow him that (so) ye may be guided."}}
 
To perform the best deeds:
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|67|2}}|
[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving ."}}
 
===Are all races equal?===
 
No
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|3|33}}|
Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran above all people,}}


No
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|47}}|
Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all other (for My Message). }}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|49|13}}|
O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.}}
===Does everyone bear their own burden?===
Yes


{{Quote|{{Quran|6|164}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|164}}|
Say: "Shall I seek for (my) Cherisher other than Allah, when He is the Cherisher of all things (that exist)? Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is towards Allah: He will tell you the truth of the things wherein ye disputed." }}
Say: "Shall I seek for (my) Cherisher other than Allah, when He is the Cherisher of all things (that exist)? Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is towards Allah: He will tell you the truth of the things wherein ye disputed." }}


Yes
No


{{Quote|{{Quran|35|18}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|35|18}}|
Nor can a bearer of burdens bear another's burdens if one heavily laden should call another to (bear) his load. Not the least portion of it can be carried (by the other). Even though he be nearly related. Thou canst but admonish such as fear their Lord unseen and establish regular Prayer. And whoever purifies himself does so for the benefit of his own soul; and the destination (of all) is to Allah. }}
Nor can a bearer of burdens bear another's burdens if one heavily laden should call another to (bear) his load. Not the least portion of it can be carried (by the other). Even though he be nearly related. Thou canst but admonish such as fear their Lord unseen and establish regular Prayer. And whoever purifies himself does so for the benefit of his own soul; and the destination (of all) is to Allah. }}


Yes
No


{{Quote|{{Quran|2|286}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|286}}|
Line 789: Line 885:


No
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|17|15}}|
Whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] his soul. And whoever errs only errs against it. And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And never would We punish until We sent a messenger.}}
Yes (notice how directly this contradicts the previous example, 17:15)


{{Quote|{{Quran|16|25}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|16|25}}|
Let them bear, on the Day of Judgment, their own burdens in full, and also (something) of the burdens of those without knowledge, whom they misled. Alas, how grievous the burdens they will bear! }}
Let them bear, on the Day of Judgment, their own burdens in full, and also (something) of the burdens of those without knowledge, whom they misled. Alas, how grievous the burdens they will bear! }}


No
Yes


{{Quote|{{Quran|2|91}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|91}}|
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. Say: "Why then have ye slain the prophets of Allah in times gone by, if ye did indeed believe?" }}
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. Say: "Why then have ye slain the prophets of Allah in times gone by, if ye did indeed believe?" }}


No
Yes


{{Quote|{{Quran|3|181}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|3|181}}|
Allah has certainly heard the saying of those who said: Surely Allah is poor and we are rich. I will record what they say, and their killing the prophets unjustly, and I will say: Taste the chastisement of burning. }}
Allah has certainly heard the saying of those who said: Surely Allah is poor and we are rich. I will record what they say, and their killing the prophets unjustly, and I will say: Taste the chastisement of burning. }}


No
Yes


{{Quote|{{Quran|29|13}}|They will bear their own burdens, and (other) burdens along with their own, and on the Day of Judgments they will be called to account for their falsehoods.}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|29|13}}|They will bear their own burdens, and (other) burdens along with their own, and on the Day of Judgments they will be called to account for their falsehoods.}}


===Does Man have free will?===
===Who takes people's souls?===
 
No
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|10|100}}|
No soul can believe, except by the will of Allah, and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand. }}
 
Yes
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|81|28}}|For whoever wills among you to take a straight way.}}
 
===When was our fate written?===
 
Before Allah created the heavens and the Earth
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|57|22}}|
No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it  into existence:}}
 
On ''Laylatul Qadr'' (lit. "The Night of Fate")
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|44|3}}|
Surely We revealed it on a blessed night surely We are ever warning}}
 
===Who takes peoples souls?===


One angel
One angel
Line 848: Line 926:


==Muslims==
==Muslims==
===Who was the first Muslim?===
===Who was the first Muslim?===


Muhammed
Muhammad (the square brackets is a commentary not present in the Arabic)
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|14}}|Say: "Shall I take for my protector any other than Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth? And He it is that feedeth but is not fed." Say: "Nay! but I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah (in Islam), and be not thou of the company of those who join gods with Allah."}}
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|163}}|No partner hath He: this am I commanded, and I am the first of those who bow to His will.}}
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|39|12}}|"And I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah in Islam."}}
 
Moses
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|143}}| When Moses came to the place appointed by Us, and his Lord addressed him, He said: "O my Lord! show (Thyself) to me, that I may look upon thee." Allah said: "By no means canst thou see Me (direct); But look upon the mount; if it abide in its place, then shalt thou see Me." When his Lord manifested His glory on the Mount, He made it as dust. And Moses fell down in a swoon. When he recovered his senses he said: "Glory be to Thee! to Thee I turn in repentance, and I am the first to believe." }}
 
Abraham
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|132}}|And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob; "Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the Faith of Islam." }}
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|3|67}}|Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to Allah's (Which is Islam), and he joined not gods with Allah.}}
 
Adam
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|3|33}}|
Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran above all people,- }}
 
Egyptians
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|26|51}}|
Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers}}
 
Jesus and his disciples
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|3|52}}|When Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said: "Who will be My helpers to (the work of) Allah?" Said the disciples: "We are Allah's helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.}}
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|5|111}}|"And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me and Mine Messenger: they said, 'We have faith, and do thou bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims'".}}
 
===Is Allah the only ''Wali''?===
 
Yes
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|9|116}}|
Unto Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He giveth life and He taketh it. Except for Him ye have no protector nor helper. }}
 
No
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|5|55}}|
Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and the (fellowship of) believers,- those who establish regular prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship). }}


===How many mothers does one have?===
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|163}}|No partner has He. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first [among you] of the Muslims."}}


One
Noah


{{Quote|{{Quran|58|2}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|10|72}}|And if you turn away [from my advice] then no payment have I asked of you. My reward is only from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of the Muslims."}}
If any men among you divorce their wives by Zihar (calling them mothers), they cannot be their mothers: None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And in fact they use words (both) iniquitous and false: but truly Allah is one that blots out (sins), and forgives (again and again).}}


A plurality
Lot and his family


{{Quote|{{Quran|4|23}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|51|36}}|And We found not within them other than a [single] house of Muslims.}}
Forbidden unto you are your mothers, and your daughters, and your sisters, and your father's sisters, and your mother's sisters, and your brother's daughters and your sister's daughters, and your foster-mothers, and your foster-sisters, and your mothers-in-law, and your step-daughters who are under your protection (born) of your women unto whom ye have gone in - but if ye have not gone in unto them, then it is no sin for you (to marry their daughters) - and the wives of your sons who (spring) from your own loins. And (it is forbidden unto you) that ye should have two sisters together, except what hath already happened (of that nature) in the past. Lo! Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.}}


A plurality
During the time of Abraham


{{Quote|{{Quran|33|6}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|22|78}}|And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.}}
The Prophet is closer to the Believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. Blood-relations among each other have closer personal ties, in the Decree of Allah. Than (the Brotherhood of) Believers and Muhajirs: nevertheless do ye what is just to your closest friends: such is the writing in the Decree (of Allah).}}


===How strong is a believer?===
===How strong is a believer?===
Line 936: Line 966:
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|118}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|118}}|
So eat of (meats) on which Allah's name hath been pronounced, if ye have faith in His signs. }}
So eat of (meats) on which Allah's name hath been pronounced, if ye have faith in His signs. }}
===Is jewelry okay?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|31}}|
O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters. }}
{{Quote|{{Quran|16|14}}|
It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein }}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|28|76}}|Qarun was doubtless, of the people of Moses; but he acted insolently towards them: such were the treasures We had bestowed on him that their very keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men, behold, his people said to him: "Exult not, for Allah loveth not those who exult (in riches).}}
===Is an adopted child real family?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|33|4}}|
Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his (one) body: nor has He made your wives whom ye divorce by Zihar your mothers: nor has He made your adopted sons your sons. Such is (only) your (manner of) speech by your mouths. But Allah tells (you) the Truth, and He shows the (right) Way.
}}
But a foster mother is real family
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|23}}|
Forbidden unto you are your mothers, and your daughters, and your sisters, and your father's sisters, and your mother's sisters, and your brother's daughters and your sister's daughters, and your foster-mothers, and your foster-sisters, and your mothers-in-law, and your step-daughters who are under your protection (born) of your women unto whom ye have gone in - but if ye have not gone in unto them, then it is no sin for you (to marry their daughters) - and the wives of your sons who (spring) from your own loins. And (it is forbidden unto you) that ye should have two sisters together, except what hath already happened (of that nature) in the past. Lo! Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. }}


===Is drinking alcohol okay?===
===Is drinking alcohol okay?===
Line 1,012: Line 1,015:


==Non-Muslims==
==Non-Muslims==
 
===Can people be compelled to follow Islam?===
===What does Allah do with apostates?===
 
Punishes them
 
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|88|23|24}}|
But if any turn away and reject Allah,- Allah will punish him with a mighty Punishment, }}
 
Does not care
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|60|6}}|
There was indeed in them an excellent example for you to follow,- for those whose hope is in Allah and in the Last Day. But if any turn away, truly Allah is Free of all Wants, Worthy of all Praise. }}
 
===Is there compulsion in Islam?===


No
No
Line 1,039: Line 1,029:
Yes
Yes


{{Quote|{{Quran|8|12}}|When inspired your Lord to the Angels, "I am with you, so strengthen those who believed. I will cast in (the) hearts (of) those who disbelieved - the terror, so strike above the necks and strike from them every fingertip[s]."}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|9|5}}|And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.}}


Yes, unless the disbelievers pay you.
Yes, unless the disbelievers pay you.
Line 1,067: Line 1,057:


{{Quote|{{Quran|35|8}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|35|8}}|
Allah leaves stray whom He wills and guides whom He wills }}
Then is one to whom the evil of his deed has been made attractive so he considers it good [like one rightly guided]? For indeed, Allah sends astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. So do not let yourself perish over them in regret. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of what they do.}}


Allah
Allah
Line 1,173: Line 1,163:
{{Quote|{{Quran|5|51}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|5|51}}|
O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk. }}
O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk. }}
===Do Christians and Jews hate or love each other?===
They hate each other
{{Quote|{{Quran|5|64}}|
The Jews say: "Allah's hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from Allah increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them we have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief. }}
They love each other
{{Quote|{{Quran|5|51}}|
O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.}}
===Can you marry non-Muslims?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|221}}|
Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise. }}
Yes (although according to {{Quran|9|29}} Christians are idolaters)
{{Quote|{{Quran|5|5}}|
This day are (all) good things made lawful for you. The food of those who have received the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And so are the virtuous women of the believers and the virtuous women of those who received the Scripture before you (lawful for you) when ye give them their marriage portions and live with them in honour, not in fornication, nor taking them as secret concubines. Whoso denieth the faith, his work is vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter. }}
===Do Muslims and non-Muslims worship the same god?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|109|3}}|
Nor will ye worship that which I worship. }}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|29|46}}|
And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)."}}


===Will Jews and Christians be saved from hell?===
===Will Jews and Christians be saved from hell?===
Line 1,252: Line 1,206:
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|163}}|We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|163}}|We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms}}


The earth itself
{{Quote|{{Quran|99|2|5}}|
And the earth brings forth her burdens, And man says: What has befallen her? On that day she shall tell her news, Because your Lord had inspired her.}}


===Are all Islamic prophets equal?===
===Are all Islamic prophets equal?===
Line 1,269: Line 1,219:
Those messengers We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs), and strengthened him with the holy spirit. If Allah had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after clear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to wrangle, some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they would not have fought each other; but Allah Fulfilleth His plan. }}
Those messengers We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs), and strengthened him with the holy spirit. If Allah had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after clear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to wrangle, some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they would not have fought each other; but Allah Fulfilleth His plan. }}


===Will Muhammad go to Heaven?===
Yes, he will be forgiven of all sins
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|48|1|2}}|
We have given thee (O Muhammad) a clear victory.  That Allah may forgive thee of thy sin that which is past and that which is to come.
}}
He is not sure
{{Quote|{{Quran|46|9}}|
Say: "I am no bringer of new-fangled doctrine among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. }}
===How did Abraham confront the idolaters?===
He destroyed their idols
{{Quote|{{Quran|21|58}}|
So he broke them to pieces, (all) but the biggest of them, that they might turn (and address themselves) to it. }}
He did nothing and goes away
{{Quote|{{Quran|19|49}}|
When he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allah, We bestowed on him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We made a prophet}}
===Can messengers perform miracles?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|29|50}}|
And they say: "Why are not miracles sent down to him from his Lord? Say: "The signs are only with Allah , and I am only a plain warner." }}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|253}}|
We have made some of these apostles to excel the others; among them are they to whom Allah spoke, and some of them He exalted by (many degrees of) rank; and We gave clear miracles to Isa son of Marium, and strengthened him with the holy spirit. }}
===Are all messengers descended from Abraham?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|29|27}}|
and We established the prophethood and the Scripture among his seed. }}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|16|36}}|
And verily We have raised among every people a messenger,
(proclaiming): Serve Allah and shun false gods.  }}
===Was Abraham an idolater?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|135}}|
And they say, 'Be Jews or Christians and you shall be guided.' Say thou: 'Nay, rather the creed of Abraham, a man of pure faith; he was no idolater.  }}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|76}}|
When the night covered him over, He saw a star: He said: "This is my Lord." But when it set, He said: "I love not those that set."}}
===Was Noah banished or exiled by his people?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|54|9}}|
Before them the People of Noah rejected (their messenger): they rejected Our servant, and said, "Here is one possessed!", and he was driven out.  }}
No, he regularly spoke to them
{{Quote|{{Quran|11|38}}|
Forthwith he (starts) constructing the Ark: Every time that the chiefs of his people passed by him, they threw ridicule on him. He said: "If ye ridicule us now, we (in our turn) can look down on you with ridicule likewise!  }}
===Did Noah's son survive the great flood?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|21|76}}|
Remember) Noah, when he cried (to Us) aforetime: We listened to his (prayer) and delivered him and his family from great distress.}}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|37|77}}|
And We made his offspring the survivors.}}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|11|43}}|
The son replied: "I will betake myself to some mountain: it will save me from the water." Noah said: "This day nothing can save, from the command of Allah, any but those on whom He hath mercy! "And the waves came between them, and the son was among those overwhelmed in the Flood. }}
===Was Jonah cast on the shore?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|37|145}}|
Then We cast him on a desert shore while he was sick.}}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|68|49}}|
Had not Grace from his Lord reached him, he would indeed have been cast off on the naked shore while he was reprobate  }}


==Sex==
==Sex==
 
===Is incest okay?===
===Is adultery permitted?===
 
No, fornication is prohibitted
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|24|33}}|
let those who cannot find a match keep chaste till Allah give them independence by His grace. }}
 
Yes, having sex with a slave is fine, even if you are married
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|24}}|
save those captives whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you. }}
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|23|6}}|
(abstain from sex except) from their wives or the slaves that their right hands possess, for then they are not blameworthy, }}
 
===Is incest permitted?===


No
No
Line 1,397: Line 1,231:
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|172}}| And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this we were unaware; }}
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|172}}| And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this we were unaware; }}


===Is polygamy okay?===
===Can multiple wives be dealt with justly?===
 
Both verses use the word "justly" (taʿdilū).


Yes
Yes
Line 1,409: Line 1,245:
Ye will not be able to deal equally between (your) wives, however much ye wish (to do so). But turn not altogether away (from one), leaving her as in suspense. If ye do good and keep from evil, lo! Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. }}
Ye will not be able to deal equally between (your) wives, however much ye wish (to do so). But turn not altogether away (from one), leaving her as in suspense. If ye do good and keep from evil, lo! Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. }}


==Women==
===Are men and women equal?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|3|195}}|
And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: Ye are members, one of another: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain,- verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath;- A reward from the presence of Allah, and from His presence is the best of rewards." }}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|34}}|Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient. They guard their unseen parts because God has guarded them. As for those whom you fear disobedience, admonish them and send them to beds apart and beat them. Then if they obey you, take no further action against them. Surely God is most high.}}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|228}}|Women who are divorced shall wait, keeping themselves apart, three (monthly) courses. And it is not lawful for them that they should conceal that which Allah hath created in their wombs if they are believers in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands would do better to take them back in that case if they desire a reconciliation. And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise. }}
===Can slander of chaste women be forgiven?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|24|5}}|
Unless they repent thereafter and mend (their conduct); for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. }}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|24|23}}|
Those who slander chaste women, indiscreet but believing, are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter: for them is a grievous Penalty,}}


==Qur'an==
==Qur'an==
Line 1,451: Line 1,259:
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|97}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|97}}|
Say (O Muhammad, to mankind): Who is an enemy to Gabriel! For he it is who hath revealed (this Scripture) to thy heart by Allah's leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers; }}
Say (O Muhammad, to mankind): Who is an enemy to Gabriel! For he it is who hath revealed (this Scripture) to thy heart by Allah's leave, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, and a guidance and glad tidings to believers; }}
===Who is the intended audience of the revelation?===
The Arabs


{{Quote|{{Quran|41|44}}|
Had We sent this as a Qur'an (in the language) other than Arabic, they would have said: "Why are not its verses explained in detail? What! (a Book) not in Arabic and (a Messenger an Arab?" }}


All mankind
===Is the Quran clear?===


{{Quote|{{Quran|4|174}}|
Yes
O mankind! Now hath a proof from your Lord come unto you, and We have sent down unto you a clear light; }}


Illiterate people
{{Quote|{{Quran|11|1}}|
(This is) a Book, whose verses are made decisive, then are they made plain, from the Wise, All-aware:}}


{{Quote|{{Quran|62|2}}|It is He Who has sent amongst the unlettered a messenger from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom,- }}
Yes


But at one point, Allah addresses the jinns as well
{{Quote|{{Quran|16|89}}|And [mention] the Day when We will resurrect among every nation a witness over them from themselves. And We will bring you, [O Muhammad], as a witness over your nation. And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.}}


{{Quote|{{Quran|55|33}}|O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! Not without authority shall ye be able to pass! }}
Yes
 
===How was the Qur'an revealed?===
 
On a night
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|44|3}}|Lo! We revealed it (Quran) on a blessed night. Lo! We are ever warning}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|97|1}}|Lo! We revealed it (Quran) on the night of Power.}}
 
In a month
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|185}}|The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Koran was sent down.}}
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|17|106}}|And (it is) a Quran which we have divided (into parts), in order that you might recite it to men at intervals. And we have revealed it by stages}}
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|25|32}}|And those who disbelieve say: "Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once?" thus, that you may strengthen your heart thereby. And we have revealed it to you gradually, in stages.}}


===Is the Quran clear?===
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|114}}|[Say], "Then is it other than Allah I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book explained in detail?" And those to whom We [previously] gave the Scripture know that it is sent down from your Lord in truth, so never be among the doubters.}}


Yes
Yes


{{Quote|{{Quran|11|1}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|12|111}}|There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Qur'an a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.}}
(This is) a Book, whose verses are made decisive, then are they made plain, from the Wise, All-aware:}}


No
No
Line 1,502: Line 1,290:
Alif. Lam. Mim. }}
Alif. Lam. Mim. }}


===Is the Qur'an in pure Arabic?===
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|16|103}}|
We know indeed that they say, "It is a man that teaches him." The tongue of him they wickedly point to is notably foreign, while this is Arabic, pure and clear. .  }}
No, because it contains ''qistas'' (a foreign word)
{{Quote|{{Quran|17|35}}|
Give full measure when ye measure, and weigh '''with a balance''' (بِٱلْقِسْطَاسِ) that is straight: that is the most fitting and the most advantageous in the final determination  }}
No, because it contains ''al-sijjil'' (a foreign word)
{{Quote|{{Quran|15|74}}|
And We turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as '''baked clay''' (سِجِّيلٍ) }}
===Does Allah change or abrogate his words?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|115}}|
The word of thy Lord doth find its fulfilment in truth and in justice: None can change His words: for He is the one who heareth and knoweth all. }}
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|10|64}}|
For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present and in the Hereafter; no change can there be in the words of Allah. This is indeed the supreme felicity. }}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|106}}|
None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?}}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|16|101}}|
When We substitute one revelation for another,- and Allah knows best what He reveals (in stages),- they say, "Thou art but a forger": but most of them understand not. }}


==Miscellaneous==
==Miscellaneous==
===Did Pharaoh or his chiefs ask this question about Moses?===
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|7|109|112}}|(109)'''Said the eminent among the people of Pharaoh''', "Indeed, this is a learned magician
(110) Who wants to expel you from your land [through magic], so what do you instruct?<BR>
(111) They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers
(112) Who will bring you every learned magician."}}
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|26|34|35}}|(34)'''[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him''', "Indeed, this is a learned magician
(35) He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?<BR>
(36) They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers
(37) Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician."}}
In one version the question is spoken by Pharoah to his chiefs, but in the other, it is they who ask it (apparently to themselves, as the 2nd person plural is still used). The whole dialogue is virtually identical in Arabic, and the question is identical except for the addition of "by his magic" (bisiḥ'rihi) in verse 26:35.
This contradiction (and the awkwardness of the surah 7 version) has attracted the attention of numerous academic scholars. Joseph Witztum notes that Muslim exegetes proposed that both Pharaoh and his chiefs made the same statement despite it being portrayed within the same dialogue in both versions. He proposes that in surah 7 the words are given to the chiefs to better fit the context of that surah in which they play a more prominent role.<ref>Witztum, J. (2021) [https://www.lockwoodonlinejournals.com/index.php/jaos/article/view/795/634 Pharaoh and His Council: Great Minds Think Alike] Journal of the American Oriental Society, 139(4), 945–952. https://doi.org/10.7817/jameroriesoci.139.4.0945</ref>
===When did 'the Pharaoh' command the killing of baby boys?===
When Moses was a prophet
{{Quote|{{Quran|40|25}}|
And when he brought them the Truth from Our presence, they said: Slay the sons of those who believe with him, and spare their women. But the plot of disbelievers is in naught but error. }}
When Moses was an infant
{{Quote|{{Quran|20|39}}|
Throw (the child) into the chest, and throw (the chest) into the river: the river will cast him up on the bank, and he will be taken up by one who is an enemy to Me and an enemy to him': But I cast (the garment of) love over thee from Me: and (this) in order that thou mayest be reared under Mine eye. }}
===How many of ''Thamud'' killed the divine she-camel?===
One
{{Quote|{{Quran|54|29}}|
But they called to their companion, and he took a sword in hand, and hamstrung (her). }}
Several
{{Quote|{{Quran|7|77}}|
So they hamstrung the she-camel,}}
===Did the Pagan Meccans get revelation before Muhammad?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran|34|44}}|
But We had not given them Books which they could study, nor sent messengers to them before thee as Warners. }}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|10|47}}|
And every nation had a messenger}}
===Was 'the Pharaoh' killed?===
No
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|10|90|92}}|We took the Children of Israel across the sea: Pharaoh and his hosts followed them in insolence and spite. At length, when overwhelmed with the flood, he said: "I believe that there is no god except Him Whom the Children of Israel believe in: I am of those who submit (to Allah in Islam)." (It was said to him): "Ah now!- But a little while before, wast thou in rebellion!-and thou didst mischief (and violence)! This day shall We save thee in the body, that thou mayest be a sign to those who come after thee! but verily, many among mankind are heedless of Our Signs!"}}
Yes{{Quote|{{Quran|17|102}}|Moses said, "Thou knowest well that these things have been sent down by none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye-opening evidence: and I consider thee indeed, O Pharaoh, to be one doomed to destruction!"}}
Yes
{{Quote|{{Quran|17|103}}|So he resolved to remove them from the face of the earth: but We did drown him and all who were with him.}}
===How long did it take to destroy the ''Aad'' tribe?===
One day
{{Quote|{{Quran|54|19}}|
For We sent against them a furious wind, on a Day of violent Disaster,}}
Several days
{{Quote|{{Quran|41|16}}|
So We sent against them a furious Wind through days of disaster, that We might give them a taste of a Penalty of humiliation in this life; but the Penalty of a Hereafter will be more humiliating still: and they will find no help. }}
A little more than a week
{{Quote|{{Quran|69|7}}|
He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession: so that thou couldst see the (whole) people lying prostrate in its (path), as they had been roots of hollow palm-trees tumbled down! }}
===How many gods are there?===
One
{{Quote|{{Quran|40|62}}|
Such is Allah, your Lord. There is no God save Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He taketh care of all things.}}
Many
{{Quote|{{Quran|23|14}}|
Then fashioned We the drop a clot, then fashioned We the clot a little lump, then fashioned We the little lump bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, and then produced it as another creation. So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators! }}
Many
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|10|28|29}}|
One day shall We gather them all together. Then shall We say to those who joined gods (with Us): "To your place! ye and those ye joined as 'partners'" We shall separate them, and their '''Partners''' shall say: "It was not us that ye worshipped!" }}
Four (see [[Satanic Verses]])
{{Quote|{{Quran|53|19-20}}|
Have ye seen Lat. and 'Uzza and Manat, the third - the other one?}}
===How long  does it take to wean?===
===How long  does it take to wean?===


30 months
30 months (perhaps including 9 months pregnancy)


{{Quote|{{Quran|46|15}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|46|15}}|
Line 1,656: Line 1,304:
And We have enjoined upon man concerning his partners - His mother beareth him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years - Give thanks unto Me and unto thy parents. Unto Me is the journeying}}
And We have enjoined upon man concerning his partners - His mother beareth him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years - Give thanks unto Me and unto thy parents. Unto Me is the journeying}}


===Whom is Jihad for?===
===What are the shares in an inheritance?===
 
Allah
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|61|4}}|Surely Allah loves those who fight in His way in ranks as if they were a firm and compact wall.}}
 
The jihadis themselves
 
{{Quote| {{Quran-range|29|5|6}}|Whoso looketh forward to the meeting with Allah (let him know that) Allah's reckoning is surely nigh, and He is the Hearer, the Knower. And whosoever striveth (''jahada''), striveth only for himself, for lo! Allah is altogether Independent of (His) creatures.<ref>Note: This is the only jihad verse (out of more than 50) which is rather unclear.</ref>}}
 
===Are certain halal things, in fact, haram?===
 
Being good to your parents, phrased as a positive action, sits awkwardly in a list of prohibited things that persons are instructed not do (the word ''haram'' is used in the Arabic).
 
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|151}}|Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, '''and to parents, good treatment''', and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason."}}
 
As some critical scholars have pointed out, the verse seems to be based on similar lists of commandments where the word haram is not used, suggesting that the above verse experienced an unintentional interpolation at some point:


{{Quote|{{Quran|17|23}}|And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.}}
As is much discussed in some detail on external websites, the Quranic inheritance laws can in many situations result in the total shares being greater than 100 percent. This was so problematic that the 'awl system had to be created after Muhammad's death to work around the issue.


{{Quote|{{Quran|2|83}}|And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], "Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah." Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.}}
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|4|11|12}}|Allah chargeth you concerning (the provision for) your children: to the male the equivalent of the portion of two females, and if there be women more than two, then theirs is two-thirds of the inheritance, and if there be one (only) then the half. And to each of his parents a sixth of the inheritance, if he have a son; and if he have no son and his parents are his heirs, then to his mother appertaineth the third; and if he have brethren, then to his mother appertaineth the sixth, after any legacy he may have bequeathed, or debt (hath been paid). Your parents and your children: Ye know not which of them is nearer unto you in usefulness. It is an injunction from Allah. Lo! Allah is Knower, Wise.
<br>
And unto you belongeth a half of that which your wives leave, if they have no child; but if they have a child then unto you the fourth of that which they leave, after any legacy they may have bequeathed, or debt (they may have contracted, hath been paid). And unto them belongeth the fourth of that which ye leave if ye have no child, but if ye have a child then the eighth of that which ye leave, after any legacy ye may have bequeathed, or debt (ye may have contracted, hath been paid). And if a man or a woman have a distant heir (having left neither parent nor child), and he (or she) have a brother or a sister (only on the mother's side) then to each of them twain (the brother and the sister) the sixth, and if they be more than two, then they shall be sharers in the third, after any legacy that may have been bequeathed or debt (contracted) not injuring (the heirs by willing away more than a third of the heritage) hath been paid. A commandment from Allah. Allah is Knower, Indulgent.}}


==See Also==
==See Also==
Line 1,686: Line 1,320:
==External links==
==External links==


*[https://quranvariants.wordpress.com/narrative-contradictions-in-the-quran/ Narrative Contradictions in the Quran] [https://quranvariants.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/narrative-contradictions-quran-8.pdf (Direct pdf download link)] ''- Quran Variants''
*[http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/ Contradictions in the Qur'an] ''- Contradictions in the Qur'an, Answering Islam''
*[http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/ Contradictions in the Qur'an] ''- Contradictions in the Qur'an, Answering Islam''
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20170719052545/http://www.1000mistakes.com/ 1000 Mistakes] ''- Website dedicated to mistakes in the Qur'an''
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20170719052545/http://www.1000mistakes.com/ 1000 Mistakes] ''- Website dedicated to mistakes in the Qur'an''
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