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Islam and Scripture: Difference between revisions
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{{QualityScore|Lead=3|Structure=4|Content=3|Language=2|References=3}} | __TOC__ | ||
[[Category:Hadith]] | |||
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[[Category:Qur'an]] | |||
[[Category:Qur'anic textual history]] | |||
{{QualityScore|Lead=3|Structure=4|Content=3|Language=2|References=3}}Islam acknowledges two primary varieties of '''scripture''', the [[Quran]] and the [[hadith]]. The Quran is believed to be directly spoken, eternal, and yet "uncreated" word of Allah, while the hadith comprise reports of varying authenticity from [[Sahabah|Muhammad's companions (the ''sahabah'')]], transmitted through various members of successive generations regarding specific actions, statements, or 'tacit approvals' of Muhammad. The 'tacit approvals' of Muhammad include any event where Muhammad was present or regarding which Muhammad was aware of or made aware of and against which he did not protest - his silence in these cases is held to count as his approval. [[Textual History of the Qur'an|The textual history of the Quran]] is complex and subject to interminable debate, but it is generally agreed that some final version of the Quran was compiled and authorized by the [[Rashidun Caliphs|''Rashidun'' ("rightly guided") Caliphs]] within a decade of [[Muhammad's Death|Muhammad's death]], with all competing versions being outlawed and destroyed. While a select few hadiths were written down in the first century after Muhammad's death, these were, as a rule, not recorded with their chains of transmission (pl. ''asaneed'', s. ''Isnad''). Vastly more hadiths were compiled in writing in the period 150-200 years following Muhammad's death. While Islamic scholars to this day place great faith in the historicity and preservation of the [[sahih]] ("reliable") hadith and especially the Quran, the traditional narrative regarding the preservation of either has been increasingly challenged by professional historians. The hadith in particular have been subjected to wide-ranging criticism and are said to bear the clear marks of early sectarian influence, hagiographic idealization, and the competing fancies of early scholars of [[Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)|Islamic jurisprudence (''fiqh'')]]. | |||
Islam acknowledges two primary varieties of '''scripture''', the [[Quran]] and the [[hadith]]. The Quran is believed to be directly spoken, eternal, and yet "uncreated" word of Allah, while the hadith comprise reports of varying authenticity from [[Sahabah|Muhammad's companions (the ''sahabah'')]], transmitted through various members of successive generations regarding specific actions, statements, or 'tacit approvals' of Muhammad. The 'tacit approvals' of Muhammad include any event where Muhammad was present or regarding which Muhammad was aware of or made aware of and against which he did not protest - his silence in these cases is held to count as his approval. [[Textual History of the Qur'an|The textual history of the Quran]] is complex and subject to interminable debate, but it is generally agreed that some final version of the Quran was compiled and authorized by the [[Rashidun Caliphs|''Rashidun'' ("rightly guided") Caliphs]] within a decade of [[Muhammad's Death|Muhammad's death]], with all competing versions being outlawed and destroyed. While a select few hadiths were written down in the first century after Muhammad's death, these were, as a rule, not recorded with their chains of transmission (pl. ''asaneed'', s. ''Isnad''). Vastly more hadiths were compiled in writing in the period 150-200 years following Muhammad's death. While Islamic scholars to this day place great faith in the historicity and preservation of the [[sahih]] ("reliable") hadith and especially the Quran, the traditional narrative regarding the preservation of either has been increasingly challenged by professional historians. The hadith in particular have been subjected to wide-ranging criticism and are said to bear the clear marks of early sectarian influence, hagiographic idealization, and the competing fancies of early scholars of [[Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)|Islamic jurisprudence (''fiqh'')]]. | |||
The two most authoritative, sahih collections of hadith are [[Sahih Bukhari]] and [[Sahih Muslim]]. | The two most authoritative, sahih collections of hadith are [[Sahih Bukhari]] and [[Sahih Muslim]]. | ||
==The Quran== | ==The Quran== | ||
:''Main Article:'' ''[[Qur'an (definition)|Qur'an]]'' | :''Main Article:'' ''[[Qur'an (definition)|Qur'an]]'' | ||
The ''Qur'ān'' (القرآن) is the central religious text of Islam and is held to be the final and perfect guidance for all of mankind.<ref>[{{Quran-url-only|33|40}} Qur'an, Chapter 33, Verse 40]</ref><ref>Watton, Victor, (1993), ''A student's approach to world religions:Islam'', Hodder & Stoughton, pg 1. ISBN 0-340-58795-4</ref> The text in its original Arabic is believed to be the literal word of Allah<ref>[{{Quran-url-only|2|23}} Qur'ān, Chapter 2, Verses 23-24]</ref> revealed by the angel [[Jibreel (Angel Gabriel)|Jibreel (Gabriel)]] to Prophet Muhammad over a period of twenty-three years.<ref>''Living Religions: An Encyclopaedia of the World's Faiths,'' Mary Pat Fisher, 1997, page 338, | The ''Qur'ān'' (القرآن) is the central religious text of Islam and is held to be the final and perfect guidance for all of mankind.<ref>[{{Quran-url-only|33|40}} Qur'an, Chapter 33, Verse 40]</ref><ref>Watton, Victor, (1993), ''A student's approach to world religions:Islam'', Hodder & Stoughton, pg 1. ISBN 0-340-58795-4</ref> The text in its original Arabic is believed to be the literal word of Allah<ref>[{{Quran-url-only|2|23}} Qur'ān, Chapter 2, Verses 23-24]</ref> revealed by the angel [[Jibreel (Angel Gabriel)|Jibreel (Gabriel)]] to Prophet Muhammad over a period of twenty-three years.<ref>''Living Religions: An Encyclopaedia of the World's Faiths,'' Mary Pat Fisher, 1997, page 338, I.B. Tauris Publishers,</ref><ref>[{{Quran-url-only|17|106}} Qur'an, Chapter 17, Verse 106]</ref> | ||
===Textual history of the Quran=== | ===Textual history of the Quran=== | ||
{{Main|Textual History of the Qur'an}} | {{Main|Textual History of the Qur'an}}The textual integrity of scripture is an important topic in Islamic circles that has been subject to ongoing debate among scholars in both religious and academic circles. Western research on the textual history of the Quran, conducted in the recent past, has reinvigorated these debates and shed unwelcome light on some of the problems inherent in traditional accounts of the Quran's early compilation by bringing details generally ignored by traditional, religious scholarship to the forefront. | ||
The textual integrity of scripture is an important topic in Islamic circles that has been subject to ongoing debate among scholars in both religious and academic circles. Western research on the textual history of the Quran, conducted in the recent past, has reinvigorated these debates and shed unwelcome light on some of the problems inherent in traditional accounts of the Quran's early compilation by bringing details generally ignored by traditional, religious scholarship to the forefront. | |||
====Diacritical marks==== | ====Diacritical marks==== | ||
{{Main|Diacritical Marks of the Qur'an}} | {{Main|Diacritical Marks of the Qur'an}}As Arabic writing system was still in development during the time of Muhammad, the Qur'an was originally written without the diacritical and phonetic marks that today appear in virtually all printed versions of the scripture. These markings were added years after 'the final Qur'anic revelation' and Muhammad's death. Historians and critics have continually noted that the late addition of these markings is problematic for a traditional narrative which argues for the preservation of the Quran, since various sets and arrangements of diacritical markings can and do significantly impact the meaning of the Arabic text. | ||
As Arabic writing system was still in development during the time of Muhammad, the Qur'an was originally written without the diacritical and phonetic marks that today appear in virtually all printed versions of the scripture. These markings were added years after 'the final Qur'anic revelation' and Muhammad's death. Historians and critics have continually noted that the late addition of these markings is problematic for a traditional narrative which argues for the preservation of the Quran, since various sets and arrangements of diacritical markings can and do significantly impact the meaning of the Arabic text. | |||
====Organization==== | ====Organization==== | ||
{{Main|Organization of the Quran|l1=Organization of the Qur'an}} | {{Main|Organization of the Quran|l1=Organization of the Qur'an}}Excepting the first surah, [[Al-Fatiha|''al-Fatiha'']] ("The Opener"), the [[Surah|surahs (chapters)]] contained in the Quran are, broadly speaking, arranged in order of diminishing length. The longest sura is surah 2 (''al-Baqarah'', "The Cow") and the (second) shortest is surah 114 (al-Nas, "The People"). While standard prints of the Qur'an make no distinction between passages revealed to the prophet in [[Mecca]] or [[Medina]], Islamic scholarship and professional historians generally agree that a part of the Qur'an was revealed before and a part after the prophet's hijra, or flight, from Mecca to Medina. | ||
Excepting the first surah, [[Al-Fatiha|''al-Fatiha'']] ("The Opener"), the [[Surah|surahs (chapters)]] contained in the Quran are, broadly speaking, arranged in order of diminishing length. The longest sura is surah 2 (''al-Baqarah'', "The Cow") and the (second) shortest is surah 114 (al-Nas, "The People"). While standard prints of the Qur'an make no distinction between passages revealed to the prophet in [[Mecca]] or [[Medina]], Islamic scholarship and professional historians generally agree that a part of the Qur'an was revealed before and a part after the prophet's hijra, or flight, from Mecca to Medina. | |||
====Chronological order==== | ====Chronological order==== | ||
{{Main|Chronological Order of the Qur'an}} | {{Main|Chronological Order of the Qur'an}}This page lists the chronological (or revelational) order of the Qur'an. Whereas the earlier Meccan verses of the Qur'an focus on matters of belief and general behavior, the later, Medinan verses of the Qur'an, revealed during the prophets political and military campaign in and reign over Arabia, focus a great deal more on matters of Islamic law and jihad. In this order, over time, the revelations also shifted from a poetic and morally exhortative style in Mecca to a more prosaic and often aggressive style in the later years in Medina. | ||
This page lists the chronological (or revelational) order of the Qur'an. Whereas the earlier Meccan verses of the Qur'an focus on matters of belief and general behavior, the later, Medinan verses of the Qur'an, revealed during the prophets political and military campaign in and reign over Arabia, focus a great deal more on matters of Islamic law and jihad. In this order, over time, the revelations also shifted from a poetic and morally exhortative style in Mecca to a more prosaic and often aggressive style in the later years in Medina. | |||
====Abrogation==== | ====Abrogation==== | ||
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The messages of later Medinan Qur'anic revelations frequently changed, contradicted, and revised earlier Meccan ones. As a result the Qur'an, read in its non-chronological organization, appears at surface-level to support a wide variety of doctrines, many of which are mutually exclusive (such as the complete prohibition of alcohol, partial prohibition of alcohol, and outright praising of wine-producing vineyards). To reconcile these differences, drawing on {{Quran|2|106}} and similar verses, developed the doctrine of Abrogation (''Naskh''). While the specifics and application of the doctrine have been and continue to be widely contested by Islamic scholars, with some denying it outright (including, most recently, Sh. Jasser Auda<ref>{{Citation|author=Jasser Auda|title=A Critique of the Theory of Abrogation|publisher=Kube|year=2019|isbn=978-0860377306}}</ref>), it is accepted by most Islamic scholars as operative at at least some, minimal level, since it is difficult to otherwise justify the contradictory messages found throughout the text. | The messages of later Medinan Qur'anic revelations frequently changed, contradicted, and revised earlier Meccan ones. As a result the Qur'an, read in its non-chronological organization, appears at surface-level to support a wide variety of doctrines, many of which are mutually exclusive (such as the complete prohibition of alcohol, partial prohibition of alcohol, and outright praising of wine-producing vineyards). To reconcile these differences, drawing on {{Quran|2|106}} and similar verses, developed the doctrine of Abrogation (''Naskh''). While the specifics and application of the doctrine have been and continue to be widely contested by Islamic scholars, with some denying it outright (including, most recently, Sh. Jasser Auda<ref>{{Citation|author=Jasser Auda|title=A Critique of the Theory of Abrogation|publisher=Kube|year=2019|isbn=978-0860377306}}</ref>), it is accepted by most Islamic scholars as operative at at least some, minimal level, since it is difficult to otherwise justify the contradictory messages found throughout the text. | ||
====Revelational circumstances==== | ====Revelational circumstances==== | ||
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When discussing the applicability of the commands of the Qur'an in modern times, some modern Islamic scholars have argued that the less agreeable verses contained in the Quran apply only to their original revalational circumstances. However, such ideas regarding the evolution and changing of Islamic law are generally considered heresy in traditional formulations of orthodox Sunni Islam, which adjudicates that the relevance and applicability of Quranic verses is 'by the generality of the word (''umoom al-lafdh'') and not by the specificity of the circumstance (''khusus al-sabab'')". With more than a millennium of tradition militating against this revisionary perspective, it is perhaps unsurprising that the overwhelming majority of Islamic scholars have been unwelcoming to attempts at historicizing parts of the Quran. | When discussing the applicability of the commands of the Qur'an in modern times, some modern Islamic scholars have argued that the less agreeable verses contained in the Quran apply only to their original revalational circumstances. However, such ideas regarding the evolution and changing of Islamic law are generally considered heresy in traditional formulations of orthodox Sunni Islam, which adjudicates that the relevance and applicability of Quranic verses is 'by the generality of the word (''umoom al-lafdh'') and not by the specificity of the circumstance (''khusus al-sabab'')". With more than a millennium of tradition militating against this revisionary perspective, it is perhaps unsurprising that the overwhelming majority of Islamic scholars have been unwelcoming to attempts at historicizing parts of the Quran. | ||
====Parallelism with the Bible==== | ====Parallelism with the Bible==== | ||
{{Main|Parallelism Between the Qur'an and Judeo-Christian Scriptures}} | {{Main|Parallelism Between the Qur'an and Judeo-Christian Scriptures}}The similarities between the Qur'an and previous scriptures has been noted since the beginning of Islam. However, the Judeo-Christian tales and their Qur'anic counterparts do not always match. There are three explanations for this: | ||
The | #The original Judeo-Christian scriptures have been corrupted (as Islamic figures often claim). | ||
#Muhammad imperfectly borrowed from the Judeo-Christian scriptures. | #Muhammad imperfectly borrowed from the Judeo-Christian scriptures. | ||
#The Qur'an has been corrupted. | #The Qur'an has been corrupted. | ||
This series of articles looks at the following parallelisms between the Qur'an and Judeo-Christian Scriptures: | This series of articles looks at the following parallelisms between the Qur'an and Judeo-Christian Scriptures: | ||
{{col-begin|width=885px}} | |||
{{col-break}} | {{col-break}} | ||
*Talking baby Jesus | *Talking baby Jesus | ||
*Mary daughter of Amran & sister of Aaron | *Mary daughter of Amran & sister of Aaron | ||
*Sanhedrin 37a | *Sanhedrin 37a | ||
*the raven and the burial of Abel | *the raven and the burial of Abel | ||
*Mary, Jesus and the Trinity | *Mary, Jesus and the Trinity | ||
*Jesus and the clay birds | *Jesus and the clay birds | ||
{{col-break}} | {{col-break}} | ||
*Mary’s upbringing & her relationship with Zachariah | *Mary’s upbringing & her relationship with Zachariah | ||
*Mary, Jesus & the palm tree | *Mary, Jesus & the palm tree | ||
*Satan’s refusal to prostrate to Adam | *Satan’s refusal to prostrate to Adam | ||
*the Queen of Sheba | *the Queen of Sheba | ||
*the wealth of Korah | *the wealth of Korah | ||
*and Abraham & the idols. | |||
*and Abraham & the idols. | |||
{{col-end}} | {{col-end}} | ||
Furthermore, the claim that the Quran describes the Judeo-Christians scriptures as "corrupted" [[Corruption of Previous Scriptures (Qur'an 2:79)|has been substantially critiqued, and is most probably untrue]]. | Furthermore, the claim that the Quran describes the Judeo-Christians scriptures as "corrupted" [[Corruption of Previous Scriptures (Qur'an 2:79)|has been substantially critiqued, and is most probably untrue]]. | ||
===Contents of the Quran=== | ===Contents of the Quran=== | ||
====Al-Fatiha==== | ====Al-Fatiha==== | ||
{{Main|Al-Fatiha}} | {{Main|Al-Fatiha}}The best-known chapter of the Qur'an is al-Fatiha ‘The Opening’. This surah is recited as part of all the mandatory daily prayers and repeated within each prayer. A faithful Muslim who said all their prayers would recite this surah at least seventeen times a day, and over five thousand times a year. The hadith literature make negative references to the Jews and Christians in connection with this surah. Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan and Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali incorporate this within their translation. Ayah 6-7 thus reads; ''"Guide us to the Straight Way. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians)."'' It is remarkable that the daily prayers of every Muslim, part of the core of Islam, include a rejection of Christians and Jews as misguided and objects of Allah’s wrath. | ||
The best-known chapter of the Qur'an is al-Fatiha ‘The Opening’. This surah is recited as part of all the mandatory daily prayers and repeated within each prayer. A faithful Muslim who said all their prayers would recite this surah at least seventeen times a day, and over five thousand times a year. The hadith literature make negative references to the Jews and Christians in connection with this surah. Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan and Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali incorporate this within their translation. Ayah 6-7 thus reads; ''"Guide us to the Straight Way. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians)."'' It is remarkable that the daily prayers of every Muslim, part of the core of Islam, include a rejection of Christians and Jews as misguided and objects of Allah’s wrath. | |||
====Child marriage==== | ====Child marriage==== | ||
{{Main|Child Marriage in the Qur'an}} | {{Main|Child Marriage in the Qur'an}}The Qur'an permits pedophilia. The following Qur'anic verse allows sex with pre-pubescent girls who have not yet menstruated.{{Quote|{{Quran|65|4}}|And (as for) those of your women who have despaired of menstruation, if you have a doubt, their prescribed time shall be three months, '''and of those too who have not had their <i>courses</i>'''; and (as for) the pregnant women, their prescribed time is that they lay down their burden; and whoever is careful of (his duty to) Allah He will make easy for him his affair.}}What is being discussed is the Iddat (العدة), which is a waiting period a female must observe before she can remarry. According to this verse, the stipulated waiting period for a divorced girl who has not yet menstruated is three months. | ||
The Qur'an permits pedophilia. The following Qur'anic verse allows sex with pre-pubescent girls who have not yet menstruated. | |||
{{Quote|{{Quran|65|4}}|And (as for) those of your women who have despaired of menstruation, if you have a doubt, their prescribed time shall be three months, '''and of those too who have not had their <i>courses</i>'''; and (as for) the pregnant women, their prescribed time is that they lay down their burden; and whoever is careful of (his duty to) Allah He will make easy for him his affair.}} | |||
What is being discussed is the Iddat (العدة), which is a waiting period a female must observe before she can remarry. According to this verse, the stipulated waiting period for a divorced girl who has not yet menstruated is three months. | |||
====The final message of the Quran==== | ====The final message of the Quran==== | ||
Chapter 9 of the Qur'an- ''Al Taubah'' (Repentance) is considered to be the closing remarks of Allah. The only Surah (chapter) said to have been revealed after this is ''Al Nasr'' (Victory), which consists of only a few verses. That this chapter is openly militant, containing some of the most controversial verses regarding Jihad, while also being something to the effect of "God's closing statement", would seem to make militant and expansionist interpretations of Islam understandable. The chapter encourages the narrative of dividing the world into the domain of believers (Dar al-Islam) and unbelievers (dar al-kufr) or war (dar al-harb), with the apparent aim of preserving endless enmity between the two. Given its historical context and contemporary importance, this chapter of the Qur'an proves to be essential reading for those interested in understanding Islam, its doctrine's, and it's ultimate world view. | Chapter 9 of the Qur'an- ''Al Taubah'' (Repentance) is considered to be the closing remarks of Allah. The only Surah (chapter) said to have been revealed after this is ''Al Nasr'' (Victory), which consists of only a few verses. That this chapter is openly militant, containing some of the most controversial verses regarding Jihad, while also being something to the effect of "God's closing statement", would seem to make militant and expansionist interpretations of Islam understandable. The chapter encourages the narrative of dividing the world into the domain of believers (Dar al-Islam) and unbelievers (dar al-kufr) or war (dar al-harb), with the apparent aim of preserving endless enmity between the two. Given its historical context and contemporary importance, this chapter of the Qur'an proves to be essential reading for those interested in understanding Islam, its doctrine's, and it's ultimate world view. | ||
====Muqatta'at==== | ====Muqatta'at==== | ||
{{Main|Muqatta'at}} | {{Main|Muqatta'at}}''Muqatta`āt'' (Arabic): مقطعات, are unique letter combinations that begin certain chapters of the Quran. Muqatta`āt, literally, means abbreviated or shortened. They are also known as ''Fawātih'' (فواتح) or openers as they form the opening verse of the respective chapters. In Arabic language, these letters are written together like a word, but each letter is pronounced separately. None of these combinations actually form a meaningful Arabic word. These letters appear joined together. Muqatta'at have been and continue to be a topic of intense research and academic discussions in Islamic literature and Quranic studies. | ||
''Muqatta`āt'' (Arabic): مقطعات, are unique letter combinations that begin certain chapters of the Quran. Muqatta`āt, literally, means abbreviated or shortened. They are also known as ''Fawātih'' (فواتح) or openers as they form the opening verse of the respective chapters. In Arabic language, these letters are written together like a word, but each letter is pronounced separately. None of these combinations actually form a meaningful Arabic word. These letters appear joined together. Muqatta'at have been and continue to be a topic of intense research and academic discussions in Islamic literature and Quranic studies. | |||
==Criticism of the Quran== | ==Criticism of the Quran== | ||
===Contradictions=== | ===Contradictions=== | ||
:''Main Article:'' ''[[Contradictions in the Quran]]'' | :''Main Article:'' ''[[Contradictions in the Quran]]'' | ||
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|82}}|"Why don't they contemplate upon the Qur'an? Had it been originated from anyone besides God, then it would have been abundant with inconsistencies and contradictions"}}This section deals with contradictions in the Qur'an. It is no secret that the Qur'an contains contradictions, as Islamic scholars are familiar with the Abrogation laws within Islam. Below, you will find a large amount of discrepancies. Even when compared with the alleged discrepancies within the Bible, the list is huge. This is especially apparent when you consider the Qur'an is less than a third of the size, and is supposed to have been narrated by a single individual, rather than be a collection of several books authored by various individuals, and compiled over the course of many years. | {{Quote|{{Quran|4|82}}|"Why don't they contemplate upon the Qur'an? Had it been originated from anyone besides God, then it would have been abundant with inconsistencies and contradictions"}}This section deals with contradictions in the Qur'an. It is no secret that the Qur'an contains contradictions, as Islamic scholars are familiar with the Abrogation laws within Islam. Below, you will find a large amount of discrepancies. Even when compared with the alleged discrepancies within the Bible, the list is huge. This is especially apparent when you consider the Qur'an is less than a third of the size, and is supposed to have been narrated by a single individual, rather than be a collection of several books authored by various individuals, and compiled over the course of many years. | ||
===Scientific Errors=== | ===Scientific Errors=== | ||
{{Main|Scientific Errors in the Quran}} | {{Main|Scientific Errors in the Quran}}This page lists various types of scientific errors found in the Qur'an. The subjects of these errors include; Evolution, Astronomy, Biology, Geology, Zoology and many others which are often confirmed by the hadith. | ||
This page lists various types of scientific errors found in the Qur'an. The subjects of these errors include; Evolution, Astronomy, Biology, Geology, Zoology and many others which are often confirmed by the hadith. | |||
===Misinterpretation of the Quran in English=== | ===Misinterpretation of the Quran in English=== | ||
{{Main|Misrepresentations of Islamic Scripture (English)}} | {{Main|Misrepresentations of Islamic Scripture (English)}}Many use paraphrased or outright distorted misinterpretations of Qur'anic verses to propagate Islam in the West. Below is one example.{{Quote|Qur'an|“If anyone slays a person, it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.”<ref>Jacob Bender - [http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/print/jewish_muslim_dialogue_and_the_value_of_peace/ Jewish-Muslim Dialogue and the Value of Peace] - The American Muslim, July 19, 2007</ref>}}{{Quote|{{Quran|5|32}}|On that account: '''We ordained for the Children of Israel''' that if anyone slew a person - unless it be in retaliation for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew all mankind: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all humanity. }}These pages discuss a few of the more popular distortions, and provides accurate translations and the accompanying orthodox interpretations.{{col-float|width=25em}} | ||
*[[If Anyone Slew a Person|If Anyone Slew a Person (Qur'an 5:32)]] | |||
*[[Corruption of Previous Scriptures (Qur'an 2:79)]] | |||
*[[Dealing Justly with Wives and Orphans (Qur'an 4:3)|Dealing Justly with Wives & Orphans (Qur'an 4:3)]] | |||
{{col-float-break|width=25em}} | {{col-float-break|width=25em}} | ||
*[[Christians Jews and Muslims in Heaven|People of the Book in Heaven (Qur'an 2:62)]] | *[[Christians Jews and Muslims in Heaven|People of the Book in Heaven (Qur'an 2:62)]] | ||
*[[To You Your Religion and To Me Mine|To You Your Religion (Qur'an 109:1-6)]] | *[[To You Your Religion and To Me Mine|To You Your Religion (Qur'an 109:1-6)]] | ||
*[[Unjust Treatment of Wives (Qur'an 4:129)]] | *[[Unjust Treatment of Wives (Qur'an 4:129)]] | ||
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===Mistranslations of the Quran in English=== | ===Mistranslations of the Quran in English=== | ||
{{Main|Mistranslations of Islamic Scripture (English)}} | {{Main|Mistranslations of Islamic Scripture (English)}}Some of the most prominent and officially recognized English translators of the Qur'an (like Yusuf Ali, Dr. Rashad Khalifa and Muhammad Asad) have often mistranslated the most controversial and problematic verses in Qur'an. That these inaccurate translations are most common with verses that would be considered barbaric, unscientific, or crude in the West suggests that these mistranslations were not unintentional or due to some unique difficulty of the Arabic words used in these verses. | ||
These pages discuss a few of the more popular ones in detail, and provides you with the correct translations.{{col-float|width=25em}} | |||
*[[Beat your Wives or Separate from Them - Quran 4-34|Beat your Wives or "Separate from Them"? (Qur'an 4:34)]] | *[[Beat your Wives or Separate from Them - Quran 4-34|Beat your Wives or "Separate from Them"? (Qur'an 4:34)]] | ||
*[[Mistranslations of Quran 67-5|Mistranslations of Qur'an 67:5]] | *[[Mistranslations of Quran 67-5|Mistranslations of Qur'an 67:5]] | ||
*[[Quran and Semen Production|Qur'an and Semen Production (Qur'an 86:7)]] | *[[Quran and Semen Production|Qur'an and Semen Production (Qur'an 86:7)]] | ||
{{col-float-break|width=25em}} | {{col-float-break|width=25em}} | ||
*[[The Meaning of Qatal|When Fight Means Murder (Qur'an various)]] | |||
*[[The Meaning of Qatal|When Fight Means Murder (Qur'an various)]] | |||
*[[Allah the Best Deceiver|Allah the Best Deceiver (Qur'an various)]] | *[[Allah the Best Deceiver|Allah the Best Deceiver (Qur'an various)]] | ||
*[[Virgin Conception of Jesus in the Qur'an|Virgin Conception of Jesus in the Qur'an (Qur'an 21:91 & 66:12)]] | *[[Virgin Conception of Jesus in the Qur'an|Virgin Conception of Jesus in the Qur'an (Qur'an 21:91 & 66:12)]] | ||
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==The hadith== | ==The hadith== | ||
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The ''Hadith'' (الحديث ahadith, plural) are traditions of Muhammad, giving us important information about him and his life. They are usually narrations about a certain incident in which he said, did, or tacitly approved of something. Unlike the Qur'an, they typically follow a chronological order, and most of them are compiled by category (i.e. Jihad, Nikah, etc.). The Hadith is where Muslims derive the majority of Islamic law from and determine the ''Sunnah'' (or way) of the prophet, which is all based on Muhammad's words, actions, and practices. This is key to [[Islam]] since Muslims are commanded to obey and [[Uswa Hasana|emulate him]], so even the most insignificant of actions on his part have an effect upon the doctrines and [[Islamic Law|laws]] of Islam. | The ''Hadith'' (الحديث ahadith, plural) are traditions of Muhammad, giving us important information about him and his life. They are usually narrations about a certain incident in which he said, did, or tacitly approved of something. Unlike the Qur'an, they typically follow a chronological order, and most of them are compiled by category (i.e. Jihad, Nikah, etc.). The Hadith is where Muslims derive the majority of Islamic law from and determine the ''Sunnah'' (or way) of the prophet, which is all based on Muhammad's words, actions, and practices. This is key to [[Islam]] since Muslims are commanded to obey and [[Uswa Hasana|emulate him]], so even the most insignificant of actions on his part have an effect upon the doctrines and [[Islamic Law|laws]] of Islam. | ||
===The Importance of Hadith=== | ===The Importance of Hadith=== | ||
{{Main|Quranism}} | {{Main|Quranism}}The Qur'an, often presented as the exclusive domain of God's commands, also contains numerous injunctions from Muhammad himself, and indeed commands obedience of Muhammad.{{Quote|{{Quran|4|80}}|'''He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah''': But if any turn away, We have not sent thee to watch over their (evil deeds).}}In fact, doctrines as important as the [[Five Pillars of Islam]] lack explicit formulation in the Qur'an (as many would argue is the case with the Trinity in the Bible), and are only found in the hadith. | ||
The Qur'an, often presented as the exclusive domain of God's commands, also contains numerous injunctions from Muhammad himself, and indeed commands obedience of Muhammad. | |||
{{Quote|{{Quran|4|80}}|'''He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah''': But if any turn away, We have not sent thee to watch over their (evil deeds).}} | |||
In fact, doctrines as important as the [[Five Pillars of Islam]] lack explicit formulation in the Qur'an (as many would argue is the case with the Trinity in the Bible), and are only found in the hadith. | |||
===Uswa Hasana=== | ===Uswa Hasana=== | ||
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In Islam, Muhammad is known as ''uswa hasana, al-Insān al-Kāmil''. It is an Arabic phrase loosely translated, meaning, the "''perfect human''. We find in the Hadith, Muhammad repeatedly told his followers to follow his Sunnah (example) and in the Qur'an we see that Allah even asserts his morality as being “sublime” (68:4). This particular Islamic doctrine encourages Muslims to emulate Muhammad and his (7th century) actions as closely as they can, as a form of devotion to Allah. | In Islam, Muhammad is known as ''uswa hasana, al-Insān al-Kāmil''. It is an Arabic phrase loosely translated, meaning, the "''perfect human''. We find in the Hadith, Muhammad repeatedly told his followers to follow his Sunnah (example) and in the Qur'an we see that Allah even asserts his morality as being “sublime” (68:4). This particular Islamic doctrine encourages Muslims to emulate Muhammad and his (7th century) actions as closely as they can, as a form of devotion to Allah. | ||
===Sahih=== | ===Sahih=== | ||
{{Main|Sahih}} | {{Main|Sahih}}''Sahih'' (صَحِيْح) is an Arabic word that means genuine/authentic/sound. It is used in classification of ahadith and is the highest level of authenticity given to a narration that pass the highest level of authentication. When dealing with ahadith, a sahih narration is the closest you can get to: "yes this incident definitely happened." Therefore, in orthodox Islam, when refusing to accept the content of a narration, one must generally prove that a sahih hadith is in fact inauthentic in order to reject it, since rejection based on a dislike for the attested actions/statements of the prophet is not considered a rigorous, consistent, or reliable basis for rejection. | ||
''Sahih'' (صَحِيْح) is an Arabic word that means genuine/authentic/sound. It is used in classification of ahadith and is the highest level of authenticity given to a narration that pass the highest level of authentication. When dealing with ahadith, a sahih narration is the closest you can get to: "yes this incident definitely happened." Therefore, in orthodox Islam, when refusing to accept the content of a narration, one must generally prove that a sahih hadith is in fact inauthentic in order to reject it, since rejection based on a dislike for the attested actions/statements of the prophet is not considered a rigorous, consistent, or reliable basis for rejection. | |||
===Daleel=== | ===Daleel=== | ||
{{Main|Daleel}} | {{Main|Daleel}}''Daleel'' (دليل) is an Arabic word meaning ''evidence''. In regards to Islamic hadith, Daleel can either be Maudu (fabricated), Da`if (weak), Hasan (good), or Sahih (authentic). Generally in Islam, only the authentic (sahih) and good (hasan) hadiths are used in deriving the rules. The weak (da`if) hadiths are of much lesser value for the purpose of formulating sharia, and the fabricated (Maudu) narrations are not even considered to be hadith at all (but can sometimes be useful as representatives of common perspectives circulating at the time of the fabricated hadith's origination). | ||
''Daleel'' (دليل) is an Arabic word meaning ''evidence''. In regards to Islamic hadith, Daleel can either be Maudu (fabricated), Da`if (weak), Hasan (good), or Sahih (authentic). Generally in Islam, only the authentic (sahih) and good (hasan) hadiths are used in deriving the rules. The weak (da`if) hadiths are of much lesser value for the purpose of formulating sharia, and the fabricated (Maudu) narrations are not even considered to be hadith at all (but can sometimes be useful as representatives of common perspectives circulating at the time of the fabricated hadith's origination). | |||
==Criticism of the hadith== | ==Criticism of the hadith== | ||
===Weak and Fabricated Hadith=== | ===Weak and Fabricated Hadith=== | ||
{{Main|Mawdu' (Fabricated Hadith)}} | {{Main|Mawdu' (Fabricated Hadith)}}Some have started to reject sahih (authentic) hadith, in favour of maudu (fabricated) or da`if (weak) ones. Some of these hadith are accepted as fabrications without any scriptural sources. | ||
Some have started to reject sahih (authentic) hadith, in favour of maudu (fabricated) or da`if (weak) ones. Some of these hadith are accepted as fabrications without any scriptural sources. | |||
===Contradictions=== | ===Contradictions=== | ||
{{Main|Contradictions in the Hadith}} | {{Main|Contradictions in the Hadith}}This page lists some of the contradictions that are found in Hadith collections, suggesting they cannot be treated as being categorically flawless.{{Quote|{{Muslim|41|7005}}| | ||
Ibn Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). made a mention of Dajjil in the presence of the people and said: Allah is not one-eyed and behold that Dajjal is blind of the right eye and his eye would be like a floating grape.}}{{Quote|{{Muslim|41|7010}}| | |||
Hudhalfa reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Dajjal is blind of left eye with thick hair and there would be a garden and fire with him and his fire would be a garden and his garden would be fire.}} | Hudhalfa reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Dajjal is blind of left eye with thick hair and there would be a garden and fire with him and his fire would be a garden and his garden would be fire.}} | ||
===Scientific Errors=== | ===Scientific Errors=== | ||
{{Main|Scientific Errors in the Hadith}} | {{Main|Scientific Errors in the Hadith}}This page lists various types of scientific errors found within the Hadith. The subjects of these errors include; Astronomy, Biology, Geology, Zoology and many others which often themselves disagree with the scientific claims made in the Qur'an. Some of the narrations further explain vague Qur'anic verses in ways that are scientifically problematic. | ||
This page lists various types of scientific errors found within the Hadith. The subjects of these errors include; Astronomy, Biology, Geology, Zoology and many others which often themselves disagree with the scientific claims made in the Qur'an. Some of the narrations further explain vague Qur'anic verses in ways that are scientifically problematic. | |||
===Absurdities=== | ===Absurdities=== | ||
{{Main|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars: Remarkable and Strange Islamic Traditions}} | {{Main|Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars: Remarkable and Strange Islamic Traditions}}This page lists some of the most humorous narrations that are found in Hadith collections.{{Quote|{{Muslim|30|5654}}|Jabir b. Samura reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying : I recognise the stone in Mecca which used to pay me salutations before my advent as a Prophet and I recognise that even now.}}{{Quote|{{Bukhari|5|58|188}}|Narrated 'Amr bin Maimun: During the pre-lslamic period of ignorance I saw a she-monkey surrounded by a number of monkeys. They were all stoning it, because it had committed illegal sexual intercourse. I too, stoned it along with them.}} | ||
This page lists some of the most humorous narrations that are found in Hadith collections. | |||
{{Quote|{{Muslim|30|5654}}|Jabir b. Samura reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying : I recognise the stone in Mecca which used to pay me salutations before my advent as a Prophet and I recognise that even now.}} | |||
{{Quote|{{Bukhari|5|58|188}}|Narrated 'Amr bin Maimun: During the pre-lslamic period of ignorance I saw a she-monkey surrounded by a number of monkeys. They were all stoning it, because it had committed illegal sexual intercourse. I too, stoned it along with them.}} | |||
==Other important texts== | ==Other important texts== | ||
===Tafsirs=== | ===Tafsirs=== | ||
{{Main|Tafsir}} | {{Main|Tafsir}}Tafsirs are commentaries written by scholars, using the hadith collections to explain the meanings of verses in the Qur'an (as the Qur'an itself does not provide the context of its verses). The most respected and widely used being the ''Tafsir ibn Kathir''. Many who reject the more unsavory aspects of Islam attempt to deflect criticism away from the Qur'an by claiming it can only be correctly understood when read in conjunction with an authoritative tafsir. However, more often than not, the tafsirs render the verses of the Qur'an in an even less favorable and more problematic light. | ||
Tafsirs are commentaries written by scholars, using the hadith collections to explain the meanings of verses in the Qur'an (as the Qur'an itself does not provide the context of its verses). The most respected and widely used being the ''Tafsir ibn Kathir''. Many who reject the more unsavory aspects of Islam attempt to deflect criticism away from the Qur'an by claiming it can only be correctly understood when read in conjunction with an authoritative tafsir. However, more often than not, the tafsirs render the verses of the Qur'an in an even less favorable and more problematic light. | |||
===Sira=== | ===Sira=== | ||
{{Main|Sirat Rasul Allah}} | {{Main|Sirat Rasul Allah}}The ''Sirat Rasul Allah'' (Life of the Messenger of Allah), by ibn Ishaq is a collection of hadith that is arranged in chronological order, forming the earliest biography of Muhammad. This, along with the Qur'an and hadith, are sometimes referred to as the [http://www.cspipublishing.com/ Trilogy of Islam], as all major doctrines are found within these three texts. The sira and hadith collectively form Muhammad's [[Sunnah]], and with the Qur'an, they form the basis for [[Islamic law]], or the [[shariah|Shari'ah]]. | ||
The ''Sirat Rasul Allah'' (Life of the Messenger of Allah), by ibn Ishaq is a collection of hadith that is arranged in chronological order, forming the earliest biography of Muhammad. This, along with the Qur'an and hadith, are sometimes referred to as the [http://www.cspipublishing.com/ Trilogy of Islam], as all major doctrines are found within these three texts. The sira and hadith collectively form Muhammad's [[Sunnah]], and with the Qur'an, they form the basis for [[Islamic law]], or the [[shariah|Shari'ah]]. | |||
===Books of Fiqh=== | ===Books of Fiqh=== | ||
{{Main|Fiqh}} | {{Main|Fiqh}}Books of Islamic jurisprudence (فقه Fiqh) are complimentary expansions of the Shari'ah (Qur'an and Sunnah), written by Islamic jurists (experts on Islam). ''Reliance of the Traveller: The Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law Umdat Al-Salik'' is just one example of many (however, these books are often distorted in their English translations to appear less brutal or absurd to Western audiences; an example of this can be found [http://www.answering-islam.org/Sharia/fem_circumcision.html here]). | ||
Books of Islamic jurisprudence (فقه Fiqh) are complimentary expansions of the Shari'ah (Qur'an and Sunnah), written by Islamic jurists (experts on Islam). ''Reliance of the Traveller: The Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law Umdat Al-Salik'' is just one example of many (however, these books are often distorted in their English translations to appear less brutal or absurd to Western audiences; an example of this can be found [http://www.answering-islam.org/Sharia/fem_circumcision.html here]). | |||
==Muhammad in Other Scriptures== | ==Muhammad in Other Scriptures== | ||
{{Main|Muhammad in Other Scriptures}} | {{Main|Muhammad in Other Scriptures}}The figure of Muhammad and the religion he founded is often depicted negatively in other religious scriptures. | ||
The figure of Muhammad and the religion he founded is often depicted negatively in other religious scriptures. | |||
In the Bhavishya Purana, one of the eighteen major Hindu Puranas, Muhammad is depicted as a reincarnated demon, Islam as a demonic religion, and its followers as "the corrupters of religion". | In the Bhavishya Purana, one of the eighteen major Hindu Puranas, Muhammad is depicted as a reincarnated demon, Islam as a demonic religion, and its followers as "the corrupters of religion". | ||
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In the Haran Gawaitha, a Mandaean text which tells the history of the Mandaeans and their arrival in Iraq as Nasoreans from Jerusalem, Muhammad is referred to as "the Son-of-Slaughter, the Arab", "the most degraded of false prophets", "the Seal of prophets of the Lie", who "converted people to himself by the sword". | In the Haran Gawaitha, a Mandaean text which tells the history of the Mandaeans and their arrival in Iraq as Nasoreans from Jerusalem, Muhammad is referred to as "the Son-of-Slaughter, the Arab", "the most degraded of false prophets", "the Seal of prophets of the Lie", who "converted people to himself by the sword". | ||
And in the Kālachakra Tantra, a ninth century Tibetan Buddhist text, Muhammad is referred to as a demonic incarnation and a "false impostor". Muslims are described as invading "barbarians", bringing with them the barbarian religion ("mleccha-dharma"), a religion of violence ("himsa-dharma") that also advocates savage behavior ("raudra-karman"). | And in the Kālachakra Tantra, a ninth century Tibetan Buddhist text, Muhammad is referred to as a demonic incarnation and a "false impostor". Muslims are described as invading "barbarians", bringing with them the barbarian religion ("mleccha-dharma"), a religion of violence ("himsa-dharma") that also advocates savage behavior ("raudra-karman"). | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
*[[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars]] - ''This section of WikiIslam lists quotations from the Qur'an, Hadith and Islamic Scholars'' | *[[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars]] - ''This section of WikiIslam lists quotations from the Qur'an, Hadith and Islamic Scholars'' | ||
*[[Compendium of Muslim Texts]] | *[[Compendium of Muslim Texts]] | ||
*[[The History of al-Tabari]] | *[[The History of al-Tabari]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||