WikiIslam

Contradictions in the Quran: Difference between revisions

Page Discussion

Contradictions in the Quran (view source)

Revision as of 20:51, 6 April 2022

2,720 bytes added ,  6 April 2022
no edit summary
[checked revision][checked revision]
mNo edit summary
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
{{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. 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.  
{{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]].  
Line 5: Line 5:
==Parallel narrative passages==
==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 following article where they are discussed in more depth, with further insights and examples.<BR />
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 following article where they are discussed in more depth, with further insights and examples.<BR />
[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)]  
[https://quranvariants.wordpress.com/narrative-contradictions-in-the-quran/  Narrative Contradictions in the Quran] - [https://quranvariants.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/narrative-contradictions-in-the-quran-1.pdf (Direct pdf download link)]  
 
===The forgiveness of Adam===
Academic scholars have noticed that the author or editor of the Quran appears to have combined in 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> In Surah 7 Adam requests forgiveness from Allah, but does not say whether Allah did forgive him. Instead, it immediately proceeds to the command to descend taken word for word from 7:24 in the Arabic text. Surah 20 on the other hand has Adam forgiven before the command to descend (part of a longer section narrated chronologically). Surah 2 appears to fix the ambiguity in surah 7 by inserting Allah's forgiveness after (fa - see note above) the part of the descent command from surah 7, which can be seen also partly 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>
|}
 
===Was Noah exiled by his people?===
The Quran records that Noah was driven out by his people when he tried to reason with them. Another verse implies that he remained in the vicinity, building the ark.
 
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|54|9}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|11|38}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|Before them the People of Noah rejected (their messenger): they rejected Our servant, and said, "Here is one possessed!", and he was driven out.
|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!
|}


===Abraham and the idols===
===Abraham and the idols===
Line 130: Line 177:


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.
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===
===Moses meets Allah at the fire===
Line 285: Line 347:


{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center"
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|7|150}}<BR />
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran|7|150}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|20|90|95}}
! scope=col style="width: 50%;" |{{Quran-range|20|90|95}}
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|- 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."
|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 />
|20:90 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 />
20:91 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 />
20:92 [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 />
20:93 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 />
20:94 [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?"
20:95 [Moses] said, "And what is your case, O Samiri?"
|}
|}


===Command to the children of Israel upon reaching a town===
===Command to the children of Israel upon reaching a town===
Line 311: Line 372:
|}
|}


===The forgiveness of Adam===
Academic scholars have noticed that the author or editor of the Quran appears to have combined in 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> In Surah 7 Adam requests forgiveness from Allah, but does not say whether Allah did forgive him. Instead, it immediately proceeds to the command to descend taken word for word from 7:24 in the Arabic text. Surah 20 on the other hand has Adam forgiven before the command to descend (part of a longer section narrated chronologically). Surah 2 appears to fix the ambiguity in surah 7 by inserting Allah's forgiveness after (fa - see note above) the part of the descent command from surah 7, which can be seen also partly 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>
|}
===The destruction of Thamud===
===The destruction of Thamud===
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).  
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>


"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.
"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.
Line 359: Line 399:
91:12 When the most wretched of them was sent forth.<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 />
91:13 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].
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.
|}
|}


Line 434: Line 475:
|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."
|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."
|}
|}
===When did 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|28|4}}|
Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions, oppressing a sector among them, slaughtering their [newborn] sons and keeping their females alive. Indeed, he was of the corrupters.}}
===Was 'the Pharaoh' killed?===
Maybe not
{{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.}}
===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. }}


==Allah==
==Allah==
Line 616: Line 604:
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 682: Line 659:
{{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 736: Line 701:


==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 771: Line 741:
{{Quote|{{Quran|27|85}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|27|85}}|
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}}
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
Not willingly
Line 778: Line 752:


Yes. Other verses describe dialogue taking place between disbelievers and believers or angels on the day of resurrection. For example:
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."}}
{{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."}}


Line 854: Line 829:
{{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}}
===How wide is the garden?===
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}}
===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 923: Line 868:
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==
===Are all races equal?===
===Could someone bear another's burden?===
 
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 964: Line 892:


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.}}
 
===Who takes peoples souls?===


One angel
One angel
Line 1,011: Line 933:


==Muslims==
==Muslims==
===Who was the first Muslim?===
Muhammad (the square brackets is a commentary not present in the Arabic)
{{Quote|{{Quran|6|163}}|No partner has He. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first [among you] of the Muslims."}}
Noah
{{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."}}
Lot and his family
{{Quote|{{Quran|51|36}}|And We found not within them other than a [single] house of Muslims.}}
During the time of Abraham
{{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.}}
===How strong is a believer?===
===How strong is a believer?===


Line 1,082: Line 1,022:


==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 1,109: Line 1,036:
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 1,243: Line 1,170:
{{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. }}
===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.}}


===Will Jews and Christians be saved from hell?===
===Will Jews and Christians be saved from hell?===
Line 1,298: Line 1,213:
{{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 1,314: Line 1,225:
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|253}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|253}}|
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. }}
===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.  }}




Line 1,375: Line 1,274:
{{Quote|{{Quran|11|1}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|11|1}}|
(This is) a Book, whose verses are made decisive, then are they made plain, from the Wise, All-aware:}}
(This is) a Book, whose verses are made decisive, then are they made plain, from the Wise, All-aware:}}
Yes
{{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.}}
Yes
{{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
{{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.}}


No
No
Line 1,388: Line 1,299:


==Miscellaneous==
==Miscellaneous==
===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-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!" }}
===How long  does it take to wean?===
===How long  does it take to wean?===


Line 1,411: Line 1,310:
{{Quote|{{Quran|31|14}}|
{{Quote|{{Quran|31|14}}|
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}}
===What are the shares in an inheritance?===
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-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==
Lightyears
Editors, em-bypass-2, Reviewers, rollback, Administrators
2,743

edits

Retrieved from "http://wikiislam.net/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/135182"