The Qur’an: A Few Claims Worth Investigating
by Kashif Shahzada
Are you someone born and brought up in a Muslim household, who accepts by default, that the Qur’an is a Divine text? Or someone not-so-sympathetic, someone who was told a lot of negative things about the Book and now you harbour such views yourself. Or simply in search of the truth – a common voyager without any strong affiliations. In any case, you owe it to yourself to know what the Book is all about. Compare what people claim it to be to what you find it to be yourself, of your own personal study and without any external influence or coercion whatsoever.
Make up your own mind, my friend, form your own conclusions! Don’t just follow the crowd! Don’t blindly listen to those who praise it, and on the other hand don’t pay heed to its critics unquestioningly, but weigh and consider your options.
Something is not true just because our parents lovingly taught it to us, or we embraced it from our society. Truth stands on its own two feet, can fight for itself and is not dependent on anyone for its existence. So what we have been tutored to accept does not necessarily mean, is the truth. We have to labour for the truth, and arrive at it objectively.
I am sure you will agree with me that it is not honest and wise to form an opinion about something without really knowing what it is. How would you feel if someone who never met you, who never came across credible evidence about your real personality, suddenly starts your character assassination in front of other people?
Same holds true for the Qur’an. We shouldn’t form an opinion about its origin, message and features without ever bothering to check it up ourselves. But sadly, many people do that. They hold views that they have been ‘programmed’ to accept from their peers and environment, such rarely being an outcome of their personal investigation.
So for your curiosity and interest, in this blog, I would like to discuss with you some of the claims of the Book, with a desire that you will perhaps examine these claims of your own effort and then make an informed decision about their validity.
The salient feature of these claims is that they originate internally, within the Qur’anic text itself. In other words you are going to read about what the Qur’an claims to be by itself, and not what people say what it is.
Mind you these are claims, whether they are true or not, you owe it to yourself to confirm. Here are a few of them.
1. A REVELATION FROM GOD
“The revelation of this Book is from God, Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge.” 41:2
Very clearly, in non ambiguous terms, the Book claims to be Divine Revelation.
2. THE TRUTH
“That which We have revealed to thee of the Book is the Truth…” 35:31
3. GOD’S SPEECH IN THE FIRST PERSON
“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.” 2:186
A reflection. Who is the speaker in the above statement?
4. ADDRESSED DIRECTLY TO YOU
When reading the Book you discover that it is addressed to you, i.e. the Reader with the Speaker claiming to be God and addressing you directly at this very point in time:
“O Man! What has beguiled you from your Lord, the Gracious one.”
“Who created you, then made you complete, then made you symmetrical?”
“Into whatever form He pleased He constituted you.”
“Nay! But you give the lie to the judgment day.” 82:6-9
In the above, the “you” is “Al Insaan”, i.e the Human being and he is being addressed directly. God is speaking to you right at this very moment when you read the Qur’an!
5. CONTAINS ITS OWN EXEGESIS
“And no question do they bring to thee but We reveal to thee the truth and the best explanation (thereof).” 25:33
“A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail;- a Qur’an in Arabic, for people who understand.” 41:3
6. GOD IS ITS TEACHER
“(God) Most Gracious! It is He Who has taught the Qur’an.” 55:1-2
“Nay more, it is for Us to explain it (and make it clear).” 75:16-19
7. PRESERVATION VOUCHSAFED BY GOD
“We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).” 15:9
“Those who reject the Message when it comes to them (are not hidden from Us). And indeed it is a Book of exalted power. No falsehood can approach it from before or behind it: It is sent down by One Full of Wisdom, Worthy of all Praise.” 41:41-42
8. INIMITABLE
Say: “If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support. 17:88
“This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than God…” 10:37
9. CLEAR AND PLAIN
“By the Book that makes things clear.” 43:2
“…We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom.” 3:118
The Book claims to be clear and plain and not confusing.
10. EASY TO UNDERSTAND
“And We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?” 54:17, 22, 32 & 40
The Speaker claims that He has made the Qur’an easy.
11. FOR ALL HUMANKIND
“Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind,…” 2:185
Not sent as a guide to Arabs or Pakistanis but to humankind. It is for everyone who falls within humanity.
12. THE CRITERION TO DETERMINE RIGHT FROM WRONG
We all have our own standards and judgments for accepting or rejecting things. On the other hand the Qur’an also has standards. In its pages, we find that while identifying the right conduct, the wrong behavior is also highlighted so people can amend themselves. Continuing the same verse cited above, another of the Qur’an’s attributes occurs i.e. Al Furqan which means The criterion or judgment between right and wrong:
“Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong)…” 2:185
13. FREE FROM DISCREPANCY
“Do they not consider the Qur’an (with care)? Had it been from other Than God, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.” 4:82
A very clear cut statement. That the Book has no internal conflict and is consistent with itself. And also states the nature of what is not coming from God.
14. FOR ALL TIMES AND GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS
“Verily this is no less than a Message to (all) the Worlds!” 81:27
“Zikr un Lil Alameen” - a remembrance to the Worlds. Notice that the literal meaning of Alameen is “Worlds” (in plural). Does it mean that the Qur’an is a guide to mankind beyond the boundaries of this world as well? Strange, is it not? We are just dwelling on planet earth at present, the moment we conquer outer space and make habitations on other planets, it is then that this claim will really be put to the test.
15. HAS ALL THINGS NECESSARY FOR GUIDANCE
“..and We have revealed the Book to you explaining clearly everything, and a guidance and mercy and good news for those who submit.” 16:89
“Is it not enough for them that We have revealed to you the Book which is recited to them? Most surely there is mercy in this and a reminder for a people who believe.” 29:51
“Say: ‘Shall I seek for judge other than God? – when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail?” 6:114
“…Nothing have we omitted from the Book…” 6:38
16. PROMOTES PEACE
“…There hath come to you from God a (new) light and a perspicuous Book, Wherewith God guideth all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety…” 5:15-16 17.
17. A SOLACE TO THE SUFFERING
“We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe…” 17:82
18. REMOVES YOUR ILLS AND IMPROVES YOUR CONDITION
“But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and believe in the (Revelation) sent down to Muhammad – for it is the Truth from their Lord,- He will remove from them their ills and improve their condition.” 47:2
19. CONSISTENT WITH NATURAL PHENOMENA
“Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed Signs for people of understanding, Those who remember God, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the creation in the heavens and the earth, (With the thought): “Our Lord! Not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire.” 3:190-191
The Qur’an is calling to study the natural world. Would it do so if it were not consistent with it?
20. PROPHECY ABOUT CONQUEST OF SPACE BY MAN
“And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: Behold, in that are Signs indeed for those who reflect.” 45:13
21. PROPHECY ABOUT LIFE IN OUTER SPACE AND ITS CONTACT WITH HUMANITY
“And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and what He has spread forth in both of them of living beings; and when He pleases He is all-powerful to gather them together.” 42:29
Here it foretells us that there are living beings in both – heavens as well as earth and one day they can join together! Time will tell.
22. IT WILL AMAZE YOU
“Say: It has been revealed to me that a party of the jinn listened, and they said: Surely we have heard an amazing Quran!” 72:1
Aren’t you amazed by what you have read so far?
23. IT WILL BRING YOU OUT FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT
“A. L. R. A Book which We have revealed unto thee, in order that thou mightest lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light – by the leave of their Lord – to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!” 14:1
24. IT WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART
“And when they listen to the revelation… thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognise the truth…” 5:82
“…Whenever the Signs of (God) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.” 19:58
A REFLECTION
So here you are. Two dozen claims. Quite a long list. You hold in your hand a Book that claims to be from the Almighty Creator, claims to be perfect, free from discrepancy, incorruptible and perfectly preserved, claims to provide Divine guidance for your day to day living, wherever you may be, and in whatever time frame you may exist, is easy and comprehensible, but will be revealed on you according to situation and spiritual development.
These are some really unique claims worth investigating, don’t you think. Ever come across any other religious Scripture that has within its pages such direct claims?
To the Muslim reader. As I said earlier, you need to take up the Book by yourself. You have tarried long enough with your ignorance. It is your own job to know the reality, not the job of your local Imam or your mother or father or brother or your in-laws to do it for you for that matter. You don’t know the Book and your non Muslim friend doesn’t know it either. What makes you special then?
So have you got your copy of the Qur’an ready? Have you started to read the meanings and make notes and pointers? Ramadan is the time to start of with this.
Now to the skeptic. It is very easy to attempt to disprove the Qur’an. All you have to do is come forward with the proof to nullify these claims.
E.g. in 2:23-24 it states that no one will be able to produce a Surah similar to the Qur’an. All you have to do to prove that the Qur’an is wrong is to meet this challenge.
Or in 4:82 it states that there is no discrepancy in the Book – you just need to come forward with one contradiction to prove your case.
The Qur’an not only offers claims, but also provides numerous tests for its authentication. Above are a few claims – why not work at them, because if they are indeed true, and you are in the habit of falsifying them without credible reason then it is your neck on the day of account.
I have presented to you an alternate view, then one which perhaps is known to you. But I won’t ask you to believe everything just like that. It is not within my domain to make you believe or accept a certain viewpoint.
Nobody can convince anyone. We need to arrive at the truth about things at our own pace, and as a result of our own labour and reflection. Therefore what will be stated is for your personal investigation and analytical study. Ramadan is still on and the ball is in your court to verify their truthfulness. So go to your Qur’an and start studying. I will leave you to your endeavors.
View related video here.
How do you respond to people when they ask “If we follow the Qur’an, how can we learn to pray?”
Thanks.
The biggest issue we at The Confessors have with the Qur’an is its claim that Isa did not die on the cross. As a Christian group, the foundation of our belief and ministry is Isa’s death and resurrection; because of this, we would reject the Qur’an’s claim that Isa did not die but only appeared to die. Thus, by historical standards the Qur’an fails a key test, which means it fails all tests: “Or in 4:82 it states that there is no discrepancy in the Book – you just need to come forward with one contradiction to prove your case.” However, just because we disagree with Islam does not mean we hate you or any other Muslims. Our 2nd most important commandment is to love thy neighbor as thy self whether Christian or not.
In God’s Love through Christ,
The Confessors
@ theconfessors: You said: “As a Christian group, the foundation of our belief and ministry is Isa’s death and resurrection…..Thus, by historical standards the Qur’an fails a key test, which means it fails all tests”
You allude to your beliefs as history? May I know whether you believe in the death & resurrection of Christ due to reading specific historical books or upon reading Gospel narratives? Could you please cite names/titles of the former (if applicable)? If not applicable, then would you say that your belief in the death/resurrection is primarily on the basis of New Testament accounts?
Kashif Shahzada,
Thanks for your response back. Actually the majority of New Testament historians in the world would agree that Jesus died on the Roman cross. We’re not just talking about Conservative Evangelical Scholars, but scholars all across the board in beliefs.
We personally believe this by faith, and see this in the Gospels; but that would be irrelevant if we were to take a look at the life and death of Jesus critically from a historical perspective. Personal biases in this case need to be left at the door as much as possible (although it would be completely impossible to keep all biases out at the door). So when we say that it is as much as a historical fact as one could get that Christ died, we’re not saying this from our faith’s perspective but from a perspective of actually reading and researching what New Testament Scholars say about this. Two books at polar opposites of each other that we’d recommend reading would be The Historical Jesus by Gary Habermas and The Resurrection of Christ by Gerd Ludemann.
You said: “…We personally believe this by faith, and see this in the Gospels… from a perspective of actually reading and researching what New Testament Scholars say about this….”
Am I right to understand that you believe what you believe because of
(1) faith, (2) your reading of the Gospels and (3) writings of New Testament scholars?
The point of that statement was to say that we believe this stuff…yes, but we’re trying to go beyond that and look at the crucifixion and life of Christ historically; putting aside our Christian biases as much as possible to analyze the arguments and data available.
Asalam WR WB.
Nice analytical essay. May Allah SWT reward you for encouraging the reading of the Almighty’s Book.
You left a comment on my page above. The Quranic Visual exercise was based on the same premise of encouraging people to ponder and delve into the Quranic texts after looking at word occurrences and associations.
Please make dua for a brother
Jazakallah Khayr
H
Without being very familiar with the Quran, I am aware of its claims to divinity. As with any critical investigation, one who claims something must be able to back up his or her claim with evidence. Otherwise, why not believe anything about anything?
Since the Quran claims (and its followers claim) that it is a revelation from God, that must be proved. I have never heard a shred of evidence which does so.
Thus, the Quran is worthless as is what its followers believe.
As for The Confessor’s claim you have no evidence that Isa was resurrected. One worthlessness compared to another equals nothing.
Best,
Anton.
@ antonahill you said:
“Without being very familiar with the Quran, I am aware of its claims to divinity.”
And at the same time you also said:
“Since the Quran claims….that it is a revelation from God, that must be proved. I have never heard a shred of evidence which does so. ”
Obviously if you are not familiar with something, how can you be privy to the evidence concerning it? Is it not reasonable to familiarize yourself with the text first and then make up your mind?? Why dismiss something without even knowing what it is?
Interestingly, the Book has prophecised such an approach:
“No; but they have cried lies to that whereof they comprehended not the knowledge, and whose interpretation has not yet come to them. Even so those that were before them cried lies; then behold how was the end of the evildoers! ” 10.38
Kashif said:
“Obviously if you are not familiar with something, how can you be privy to the evidence concerning it?”
Because I don’t have to be an expert on Shakespeare to recognize his merit as an author. I do know that the Q’oran, as with other “holy” books, claims divinity as I’ve read passages which do and have met Muslims who echo this claim. As with any claim, this claim requires evidence to be verified. I have never heard a shred of evidence for this claim.
“Is it not reasonable to familiarize yourself with the text first and then make up your mind??”
I have.
“Why dismiss something without even knowing what it is?”
This is ridiculous. I didn’t say “I have no clue what the Q’Oran is or what it’s about.” I said I wasn’t completely familiar with it. I’m also not completely familiar with the works of Mark Twain, yet I’ve read enough to form an opinion.
I dismiss the Q’Oran because no claims to divinity have evidence.
Best,
Anton.
@ AntonHill
“…I have never heard a shred of evidence for this claim….I dismiss the Q’Oran because no claims to divinity have evidence…”
Thank you for the reply. May I ask what type of evidence hasn’t come your way? Or what exactly is it that you will consider as “evidence”?
Dear Kashif,
How do you respond to people when they ask “If we follow the Qur’an, how can we learn to pray?”
Thanks.
I will respond by saying, follow it first then come and talk to me.
Sorry Sir, l that is avoiding the issue!! People who read the Qur’an do not find the method of prayer in there!!
@MubashirInayat: “Sorry Sir, l that is avoiding the issue!!”
No Sir, that is certainly not avoiding the issue. Those who follow the Book in life would very well know “how” to learn anything from it, because learning comes first and following second.
MubashirInayat said: “People who read the Qur’an do not find the method of prayer in there!!”
Brother out of the global Qur’an reading population how many did you interview in person?
Given your exclamation, and the sheer number of times I have been getting the same question over & over from you at the blog as well as in private, I am assuming that you would have done that, at least, for a minimum of 5% of the global Qur’an readers population. Don’t tell me you didn’t even interview 5%!
a) As you are claiming to speak on behalf of (in your own words) “people who read the Qur’an..” and are asserting about them finding or not finding anything in their study it is fair to ask you as to how YOU (yes you!) came to be the voice of all those people? Did you interview all of them? Or have you been elected as their spokesperson?
b) Or would you go back and correct your self and say that you do not know what all of those who read the Qur’an believe in and have not interviewed each and everyone of them. And that you are just speaking for yourself or a handful of like minded individuals and not the entire Qur’an reading population.
So what will it be? (a) or (b)?
Best wishes.
Thanks for your response.
Just to keep things short, can you be kind enough to point out the method of offering salaat prayer? Please explain the whole process as the Muslims are practicing these days. To keep simple, let us stick to Sunni Muslims only.
This will save time and avoid getting into semantics.
Thanks in advance
@ Mubashir Inayat: ” Just to keep things short, can you be kind enough to point out the method of offering salaat prayer? Please explain the whole process as the Muslims are practicing these days. To keep simple, let us stick to Sunni Muslims only. This will save time and avoid getting into semantics.”
Brother I was expecting your answers to my questions. But it saddens me that you didn’t reply. Now you are asking me to write in detail such a lengthy process for you? You will save time. All you need to do is do a web search and you’ll find plenty of websites which teach the Muslims salaat prayer.
I also pray in the same manner as Muslims the world over pray 5 times a day and as you can witness being performed in Haram Shareef in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
If you are a new Muslim and want to learn how to pray Salah, then my advice to you is to view videos of the prayer being performed in Kaaba shareef or go to your local mosque and ask the Imam to teach you about the basics of the Muslim prayer. Also frequent the mosque and you will learn by imitation.
In the future, I shall certainly try to dedicate a blog on the subject, Insha’Allah.