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THE BIBLE VS THE THE BIBLE VS THE QUR’ANQUR’AN

A CRITICAL ASSESSMENTA CRITICAL ASSESSMENT

20122012

Jay SmithJay Smith

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Find out what they claim about the Find out what they claim about the Qur’anQur’an

It is It is InimitableInimitable (Therefore above criticism)(Therefore above criticism)::

It is Superior to all other revelationsIt is Superior to all other revelations It is Stylistically perfectIt is Stylistically perfect It is Grammatically perfectIt is Grammatically perfect It is Linguistically perfect (pure Arabic)It is Linguistically perfect (pure Arabic) It is Universally uniqueIt is Universally unique It is Compiled perfectlyIt is Compiled perfectly It has no ContradictionsIt has no Contradictions It has no ErrorsIt has no Errors It has no History (uniquely preserved)It has no History (uniquely preserved)

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIQUE:Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIQUE:

• The Qur’an is the The Qur’an is the greatest wondergreatest wonder among the among the wonders of the world . . . This book is wonders of the world . . . This book is second second to noneto none in the world according to the in the world according to the unanimous decision of the learned men in unanimous decision of the learned men in points of diction, style, rhetoric, thoughts and points of diction, style, rhetoric, thoughts and soundness of laws and regulations to shape soundness of laws and regulations to shape the destinies of mankind.the destinies of mankind.

Hadith (Mishkat III, pg. Hadith (Mishkat III, pg. 664)664)

INIMITABLE CLAIMS:

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is SUPERIOR to all other pieces of SUPERIOR to all other pieces of literatureliterature::

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is SUPERIOR to all other pieces of SUPERIOR to all other pieces of literatureliterature::• Will they say, ‘Muhammad hath forged it?’ Will they say, ‘Muhammad hath forged it?’

Answer:Answer: ‘ ‘Bring therefore a chapter like unto itBring therefore a chapter like unto it, , and call whom ye to your assistance, besides and call whom ye to your assistance, besides Allah, if ye speak truth.’Allah, if ye speak truth.’

(Suras 10:37-38; 2:23; 17:88)(Suras 10:37-38; 2:23; 17:88)

•““Mother of BooksMother of Books” (Sura 43:3-4)” (Sura 43:3-4)

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an has Muslim’s claim the Qur’an has perfect literary style…yet, perfect literary style…yet, Compare:Compare:

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an has Muslim’s claim the Qur’an has perfect literary style…yet, perfect literary style…yet, Compare:Compare:• a) sura 76:29-30 (or sura a) sura 76:29-30 (or sura

16:93)16:93)• b) sura 111b) sura 111

• c) suras 4:74,84; 5:33; c) suras 4:74,84; 5:33; 48:16-48:16- 17 17

• d) sura 109d) sura 109

• e) sura 24:2e) sura 24:2 • f) suras 2:222-223; f) suras 2:222-223;

4:11,24,34,176 4:11,24,34,176 • g) sura 9:29g) sura 9:29

• a) I Timothy 2:4, Luke 15:3-a) I Timothy 2:4, Luke 15:3-4, 4, John 10:14,18.John 10:14,18.

• b) Francis of Assisi's prayer b) Francis of Assisi's prayer (see Nehls, (see Nehls, Christians Christians

Ask MuslimsAsk Muslims, 1987, , 1987, pg.75, no.11)pg.75, no.11)

• c) Matthew 5:3-12c) Matthew 5:3-12

• d) Psalm 23d) Psalm 23

• e) John 8:3-12e) John 8:3-12

• f) Ephesians 5:22-25f) Ephesians 5:22-25

• g) I Corinthians 13:4-7g) I Corinthians 13:4-7

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It has many Literary defects:It has many Literary defects:

• Not chronologicalNot chronological

• Endless repetitionsEndless repetitions

• Jumps from one topic to the nextJumps from one topic to the next

• Inconsistencies in grammar, law, and Inconsistencies in grammar, law, and theologytheology

• Verbs left outVerbs left out

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According to According to Al-KindiAl-Kindi, a Christian polemicist , a Christian polemicist employed in the Caliphal court (830 A.D.):employed in the Caliphal court (830 A.D.):

““The result of all of this [process by which the The result of all of this [process by which the Qur’an came into being] is patent to you who have Qur’an came into being] is patent to you who have read the scriptures and see how, in your book, read the scriptures and see how, in your book, histories are all jumbled together and histories are all jumbled together and intermingled; an evidence that many different intermingled; an evidence that many different hands have been at work therein, and caused hands have been at work therein, and caused discrepancies, adding, cutting out whatever they discrepancies, adding, cutting out whatever they like or disliked. Are such, now, the conditions of a like or disliked. Are such, now, the conditions of a revelation sent down from heaven?” (Muir revelation sent down from heaven?” (Muir 1882:18-19, 28)1882:18-19, 28)

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WHAT DO THE EXPERTS WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY SAY?TODAY SAY?WHAT DO THE EXPERTS WHAT DO THE EXPERTS TODAY SAY?TODAY SAY?German secular scholar German secular scholar Salmon Reinach Salmon Reinach states states

that:that:

• ““From the literary point of view, the Koran has From the literary point of view, the Koran has little merit. Declamation, repetition, puerility, a little merit. Declamation, repetition, puerility, a lack of logic and coherence strike the unprepared lack of logic and coherence strike the unprepared reader at every turn. It is humiliating to the reader at every turn. It is humiliating to the human intellect to think that this mediocre human intellect to think that this mediocre literature has been the subject of innumerable literature has been the subject of innumerable commentaries, and that million of men are still commentaries, and that million of men are still wasting time in absorbing it.” wasting time in absorbing it.” (Reinach 1932:176)(Reinach 1932:176)

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Theodore NöldekeTheodore Nöldeke::• ““Chaotic Confusion...prosaic...stiff in Chaotic Confusion...prosaic...stiff in

style...tedious style...tedious sermonizing...rhetorical...never sermonizing...rhetorical...never metrical...and the rhyme on the whole a metrical...and the rhyme on the whole a burdensome yoke...superfluous burdensome yoke...superfluous verbiage...syntax betrays great verbiage...syntax betrays great awkwardness...tiresome effect of its awkwardness...tiresome effect of its endless iterations...[so that dogma] turns endless iterations...[so that dogma] turns a defective literary production into an a defective literary production into an unrivalled masterpiece in the eyes of the unrivalled masterpiece in the eyes of the believersbelievers” ”

(Nöldeke 1998:36,44-47)(Nöldeke 1998:36,44-47)

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Grammatically perfect, yet:Grammatically perfect, yet:Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Muslim’s claim the Qur’an is Grammatically perfect, yet:Grammatically perfect, yet:

1)1)2:1772:177, the word , the word SabireenSabireen should be should be Sabiroon; Sabiroon;

2)2)3:593:59, the words , the words Kun feekunuKun feekunu should should be written, be written, Kun fakaanaKun fakaana; ;

3)3)5:695:69, the title , the title al Sabioonal Sabioon, should be , should be written written al Sabieenal Sabieen (see also (see also sura 2:62sura 2:62 & & sura 22:17sura 22:17))

4)4)7:1607:160, , Uthnati Uthnati (feminine)(feminine) Ashrat Ashrat (feminine)(feminine) Asbaataan Asbaataan. should be . should be UthnaiyUthnaiy (masculine) (masculine) Ashara Sibtaan Ashara Sibtaan..

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an contains only Muslim’s claim the Qur’an contains only Perfect Arabic Perfect Arabic (Suras 12:2; 13:37; 41:41,44)(Suras 12:2; 13:37; 41:41,44)::

• Yet uses Yet uses Egyptian, Hebrew, Syriac, Christian Egyptian, Hebrew, Syriac, Christian Aramaic, & Ethiopic words.Aramaic, & Ethiopic words.

• --AccadianAccadian (No.Iraq) (No.Iraq) words: words: AdamAdam and and EdenEden repeated repeated 24 times. A more correct term for “Adam” in Arabic 24 times. A more correct term for “Adam” in Arabic would be would be basharanbasharan or or insaninsan, meaning “mankind.” , meaning “mankind.” ““EdenEden” would be the word ” would be the word jannajanna in Arabic, which means in Arabic, which means “garden.”“garden.”

• --AssyrianAssyrian words: words: AbrahamAbraham (sometimes recorded as (sometimes recorded as IbrahimIbrahim). The correct Arabic equivalent would be ). The correct Arabic equivalent would be Abu Abu RaheemRaheem..

• --PersianPersian wordswords:: SiratSirat meaning “the path” has the meaning “the path” has the Arabic equivalent, Arabic equivalent, AltareeqAltareeq.. HoorHoor meaning “disciple” meaning “disciple” has the Arabic equivalent, has the Arabic equivalent, TilmeethTilmeeth. . FirdausFirdaus meaning meaning “the highest or seventh heaven" has the Arabic “the highest or seventh heaven" has the Arabic equivalent, equivalent, JannahJannah..

• --GreekGreek wordswords:: InjilInjil, which means “gospel” was , which means “gospel” was borrowed, yet it has the Arabic equivalent, borrowed, yet it has the Arabic equivalent, BisharahBisharah

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an isMuslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIVERSALUNIVERSAL:: Case 1Case 1::Women’s Position:Women’s Position: ((Suras 2:224-230; 4:11,24-Suras 2:224-230; 4:11,24-

25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; 78:33)25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; 78:33)

Muslim’s claim the Qur’an isMuslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIVERSALUNIVERSAL:: Case 1Case 1::Women’s Position:Women’s Position: ((Suras 2:224-230; 4:11,24-Suras 2:224-230; 4:11,24-

25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; 78:33)25,34,176; 55:56; 56:36; 78:33)• Polygamy: S 4:3 1 husband/ 4 wives

and what right hand possesses (slaves/concubines)

• Wife Beating: S 4:34, men may beat wives

• Inheritance: S 4:11 ”inheritance to the male, equal to that of two females.”

• Testimony: S 2:282, Bukhar1:301 Muhammad replied, “Is not the testimony of a woman equivalent to half the testimony of a man?

• Tilth: S 2:223 “Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will”

• Slaves/Concubines: S 33:50 “We have made lawful unto thee whom you have paid dowries (contract), those whom thy right had possesses (Slaves) of those whom Allah hath given thee as spoils of war...

• Polygamy...Genesis 2:24, Mt. 19:5, 1 Tim 3:2, perfect marriage relationship between 1 man and 1 woman.

• Love one’s wife: 1 Pet. 3:7, Col. 3:19 “husbands must love your wives & NEVER treat them harshly.”

• Testimony: Matthew 28:9 “The first people to see Jesus and be His witnesses were women”

• Equality:Equality: Galations 3:28 “all believers are equal in Christ”-Hebrews 4:14-16 “both can approach God directly.-1 Peter 3:7 “you are equal together in the grace of life.”

-1 Corinthians 7:1-40, husbands and wives fulfil each other emotionally and sexually. Their bodies belong to each other. Not one is above the other.

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ParadiseParadise In the Qur’an: In the Qur’an:A Beautiful Garden:• Surah 55 :26 two gardens • Surah 56:12 Garden of delights• Surah 56: 31 water flowing constantly, fruit in plentyWith Female and Male Servants:• Surah 55: 56 chaste females whom no man has been

with• Surah 55: 70 fair and beautiful women• Surah 55: 72 - 74 Hûr - beautiful, fair females, guarded

in pavilions - virgins• Surah 56:22 Hûr, with wide, lovely eyes• Surah 55: 76 reclining on green cushions and beautiful

mattresses• Surah 56 : 34-38 on couches or thrones raised high, a

special creation, and made them virgins, loving...

• Surah 56:17 immortal boys will go around, serving with cups...flowing wine

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an isMuslim’s claim the Qur’an is UNIVERSAL:UNIVERSAL:

Case 2: Case 2: Violence vs. PeaceViolence vs. Peace

•Violence:

•Suras 4:74,84; 5:33; 8:39; 9:5,29; 33:49; 47:4; 48:16-17

•vs. Bible: Matthew 5:38-44; 26:52….

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The The Qur’an’sQur’an’s 149 149 Sword VersesSword Verses::

1.1.       2:178 2.       2:179 3.       2:190 4.       2:191 5.       2:193        2:178 2.       2:179 3.       2:190 4.       2:191 5.       2:193 6.       2:194 7.       2:216 8.       2:217 9.       2:218 10.   2:244 6.       2:194 7.       2:216 8.       2:217 9.       2:218 10.   2:244 11.   3:121 12.   3:122 13.   3:123 14.   3:124 15.   3:125 16.   11.   3:121 12.   3:122 13.   3:123 14.   3:124 15.   3:125 16.  

3:126 17.   3:140 18.   3:141 19.   3:146 20.   3:152 21.   3:153 22.   3:126 17.   3:140 18.   3:141 19.   3:146 20.   3:152 21.   3:153 22.   3:154 23.   3:155 24.   3:156 25.   3:157 26.   3:165 27.   3:166 28.   3:154 23.   3:155 24.   3:156 25.   3:157 26.   3:165 27.   3:166 28.   3:167 29.   3:169 30.   3:172 31.   3:173 32.   3:195 33.   4:071 34.   3:167 29.   3:169 30.   3:172 31.   3:173 32.   3:195 33.   4:071 34.   4:072 35.   4:074 36.   4:075 37.   4:076 38.   4:077 39.   4:084 40.   4:072 35.   4:074 36.   4:075 37.   4:076 38.   4:077 39.   4:084 40.   4:089 41.   4:090 42.   4:091 43.   4:094 44.   4:095 45.   4:100 46.   4:089 41.   4:090 42.   4:091 43.   4:094 44.   4:095 45.   4:100 46.   4:102 47.   4:104 48.   5:033 49.   5:035 50.   5:082 51.   8:001 52.   4:102 47.   4:104 48.   5:033 49.   5:035 50.   5:082 51.   8:001 52.   8:005 53.   8:007 54.   8:009 55.   8:012 56.   8:015 57.   8:016 58.   8:005 53.   8:007 54.   8:009 55.   8:012 56.   8:015 57.   8:016 58.   8:017 59.   8:039 60.   8:040 61.   8:041 62.   8:042 63.   8:043 64.   8:017 59.   8:039 60.   8:040 61.   8:041 62.   8:042 63.   8:043 64.   8:044 65.   8:045 66.   8:046 67.   8:047 68.   8:048 69.   8:057 70.   8:044 65.   8:045 66.   8:046 67.   8:047 68.   8:048 69.   8:057 70.   8:058 71.   8:059 72.   8:060 73.   8:065 74.   8:066 75.   8:067 76.   8:058 71.   8:059 72.   8:060 73.   8:065 74.   8:066 75.   8:067 76.   8:068 77.   8:069 78.   8:070 79.   8:071 80.   8:072 81.   8:073 82.   8:068 77.   8:069 78.   8:070 79.   8:071 80.   8:072 81.   8:073 82.   8:074 83.   8:075 84.   9:005 85.   9:012 86.   9:013 87.   9:014 88.   8:074 83.   8:075 84.   9:005 85.   9:012 86.   9:013 87.   9:014 88.   9:016 89.   9:019 90.   9:020 91.   9:024 92.   9:025 93.   9:026 94.   9:016 89.   9:019 90.   9:020 91.   9:024 92.   9:025 93.   9:026 94.  

9:029 95.   9:036 96.   9:038 97.   9:039 98.   9:041 99.   9:044 9:029 95.   9:036 96.   9:038 97.   9:039 98.   9:041 99.   9:044 100.      9:052 101.      9:073 102.      9:081 103.      9:083 104.      100.      9:052 101.      9:073 102.      9:081 103.      9:083 104.      9:086 105.      9:088 106.      9:092 107.      9:111 108.      9:120 9:086 105.      9:088 106.      9:092 107.      9:111 108.      9:120

109.      9:122 110.      9:123 111.      16:110 112.      22:039 113.      109.      9:122 110.      9:123 111.      16:110 112.      22:039 113.      22:058 114.      22:078 115.      24:053 116.      24:055 117.      25:052 22:058 114.      22:078 115.      24:053 116.      24:055 117.      25:052

118.      29:006 119.      29:069 120.      33:015 121.      33:018 118.      29:006 119.      29:069 120.      33:015 121.      33:018 122.      33:020 123.      33:025 124.      33:026 125.      33:027 122.      33:020 123.      33:025 124.      33:026 125.      33:027 126.      33:050 127.      47:004 128.      47:020 129.      48:015 126.      33:050 127.      47:004 128.      47:020 129.      48:015 130.      48:016 131.      48:017 132.      48:022 133.      48:024 130.      48:016 131.      48:017 132.      48:022 133.      48:024 134.      49:015 135.      59:002 136.      59:005 137.      59:006 134.      49:015 135.      59:002 136.      59:005 137.      59:006 138.      59:007 139.      59:008 140.      59:014 141.      60:009 138.      59:007 139.      59:008 140.      59:014 141.      60:009 142.      61:004 143.      61:011 144.      61:013 145.      63:004 142.      61:004 143.      61:011 144.      61:013 145.      63:004 146.      64:014 147.      66:009 148.      73:020 146.      64:014 147.      66:009 148.      73:020 149.149.      76:008      76:008

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Muslim’s claim the Qur’an was Muslim’s claim the Qur’an was COLLATEDCOLLATED Perfectly and Completely Perfectly and Completely

Yet, according to Arthur Jefferies, 16 Yet, according to Arthur Jefferies, 16 Codices are noted by 9Codices are noted by 9thth c. compilers c. compilers::

Zaid ibn ThabitZaid ibn Thabit ( (MedinaMedina))

Abdullah ibn Mas'udAbdullah ibn Mas'ud ( (KufaKufa - no Fatiha, - no Fatiha, nor nor S.113-114, S.113-114, differences in S.3:19, 39 & S.9-differences in S.3:19, 39 & S.9-

Bismillah, Shi’ite readings)Bismillah, Shi’ite readings)

Abu MusaAbu Musa ( (BasraBasra,,116 Suras)116 Suras)

Ubayy ibn Ka'bUbayy ibn Ka'b ( (DamascusDamascus,116 Suras) ,116 Suras)

Missing Vss = 24:32 (stoning), 33:23Missing Vss = 24:32 (stoning), 33:23

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SUMMARYSUMMARY::

• ..Some Qur’anic verses were Some Qur’anic verses were lost.lost.

Many (of the passages) of the Qur’an that were sent down were Many (of the passages) of the Qur’an that were sent down were known by known by those who died on the day of Yamamathose who died on the day of Yamama...but they were ...but they were not known (by not known (by those who) survived themthose who) survived them, , nornor were they were they written downwritten down, nor had Abu Bakr, , nor had Abu Bakr, Umar, or Uthman (by that time) collected the Qur’an, Umar, or Uthman (by that time) collected the Qur’an, nornor were they were they found found with even one (person) after themwith even one (person) after them. (. (Ibn Abi DawudIbn Abi Dawud, , Kitab al-Masahif Kitab al-Masahif p.23).p.23).

• ..Much of the Qur’an has Much of the Qur’an has disappeareddisappeared..

It is reported from Ismail ibn Ibrahim from Ayyub from Naafi from Ibn Umar who It is reported from Ismail ibn Ibrahim from Ayyub from Naafi from Ibn Umar who said: said: ““Let none of you say ‘I have acquired the whole of the Qur’an’. Let none of you say ‘I have acquired the whole of the Qur’an’. How does he know what all of it is when much of the Qur’an has How does he know what all of it is when much of the Qur’an has disappeared? Rather let him say ‘I have acquired what has surviveddisappeared? Rather let him say ‘I have acquired what has survived..’ ’ ((as-Suyutias-Suyuti, [d. 1500sAD] , [d. 1500sAD] Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur’an, Al-Itqan fii Ulum al-Qur’an, p.524).p.524).

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• ..Parts of the Qur’an have been Parts of the Qur’an have been forgottenforgotten..

We used to recite a surah which resembled in length We used to recite a surah which resembled in length and severity to (Surah) and severity to (Surah) Bara’at. Bara’at. I have, however, I have, however, forgotten it with the exception of this which I forgotten it with the exception of this which I remember out of itremember out of it: “If there were two valleys full of : “If there were two valleys full of riches, for the son of Adam, he would long for a third riches, for the son of Adam, he would long for a third valley, and nothing would fill the stomach of the son of valley, and nothing would fill the stomach of the son of Adam but dust”. (Adam but dust”. (Sahih MuslimSahih Muslim, , [d. 875 AD] Vol. [d. 875 AD] Vol. 2:2286, p.501).2:2286, p.501).

• ..Parts have been Parts have been canceledcanceled..

We used to read a verse of the Qur’anWe used to read a verse of the Qur’an revealed in revealed in their connection, their connection, but later the verse was canceledbut later the verse was canceled. . It was: “convey to our people on our behalf the It was: “convey to our people on our behalf the information that we have met our Lord, and He is information that we have met our Lord, and He is pleased with us, and has made us pleased”. pleased with us, and has made us pleased”. ((Sahih al-Sahih al-BukhariBukhari, , [d. 870AD] Vol. 5:416, pg.288).[d. 870AD] Vol. 5:416, pg.288).

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• While others are now missing.Allah sent Muhammad (saw) with the Truth and revealed the Holy Book to him, and among what Allah revealed, was the Verse of the Rajam (the stoning of married persons, male and female, who commit adultery) and we did recite this Verse and understood and memorized it. Allah’s Apostle (saw) did carry out the punishment of stoning and so did we after him. I am afraid that after a long time has passed, somebody will say, ‘By Allah, we do not find the Verse of the Rajam in Allah’s Book’, and thus they will go astray by leaving an obligation which Allah has revealed. (Sahih al-Bukhari, [d. 870AD] Vol. 8:817, pg.539).

• ..There are some verses which have been overlooked.Khuzaimah ibn Thabit said: “I see you have overlooked (two) verses and have not written them”. They said “And which are they?” He replied “I had it directly (tilqiyya - ‘automatically, spontaneously’) from the messenger of Allah (saw) (Surah 9, ayah 128): ‘There has come to you a messenger from yourselves. It grieves him that you should perish, he is very concerned about you: to the believers he is kind and merciful’, to the end of the surah”. Uthman said “I bear witness that these verses are from Allah”. (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif p.11).

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• Some verses which have been changed.Abu Yunus, freedman of Aishah, Mother of Believers, reported: Aishah ordered me to transcribe the Holy Qur’an and asked me to let her know when I should arrive at the verse Haftdhuu alaas-salaati waas-salaatiil-wustaa wa quumuu lillaahi qaanitiin (2.238). When I arrived at the verse I informed her and she ordered: Write it in this way, Hafidhuu alaas-salaati waas-salaatiil-wustaa wa salaatil ‘asri wa quumuu lillaahi qaanitiin. She added that she had heard it so from the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him). (Muwatta Imam Malik, [d.795 AD] p.64).

• ..And others which have been modified.Altogether al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf made eleven modifications in the reading of the Uthmanic text. ... In al-Baqarah (Surah 2.259) it originally read Lam yatasanna waandhur, but it was altered to Lam yatasannah ... In al-Ma’ida (Surah 5.48) it read Shari ya’atan wa minhaajaan but it was altered to shir ‘atawwa minhaajaan. (Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif p.117).

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• LostLost

• DisappearedDisappeared

• Forgotten Forgotten

• CancelledCancelled

• MissingMissing

• OverlookedOverlooked

• ChangedChanged

• ModifiedModified

• Does this sound like a book which Does this sound like a book which was COLLATED Perfectly and was COLLATED Perfectly and Completely?Completely?

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TALMUDIC SOURCES:TALMUDIC SOURCES:

*Abraham*Abraham Sura 21:51-71: Sura 21:51-71: (smashed idols,fiery (smashed idols,fiery

pit)pit)

= = Midrash RabahMidrash Rabah - Jewish Folktales & - Jewish Folktales & URUR = "fire" == "fire" =Jonathan Ben UzielJonathan Ben Uziel (2(2ndnd c.) c.)

• Mt. Sinai Sura 7:171 of God lifting up Sura 7:171 of God lifting up Mount Sinai and holding it over the heads of Mount Sinai and holding it over the heads of the Jewsthe Jews

= H= Hails from a second century ails from a second century apocryphal Jewish book, apocryphal Jewish book, The Abodah The Abodah SarahSarah (2(2ndnd c.) c.)

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**Cain and AbelCain and Abel (Sura (Sura 5:31):5:31):• Sura 5:31Sura 5:31

Then Allah sent a Then Allah sent a ravenraven, , who who scratched the scratched the groundground, to show him how , to show him how to to hidehide the shame of his the shame of his brother. `Woe is me!' said brother. `Woe is me!' said he; `Was I not even able he; `Was I not even able to be as this raven, and to to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my hide the shame of my brother?' Then he brother?' Then he became full of regrets.became full of regrets.

• Targum of Jonathan-Targum of Jonathan-ben-Uzziah ben-Uzziah ((150-200 A.D.)150-200 A.D.)

Adam and Eve, sitting by Adam and Eve, sitting by the corpse, wept not the corpse, wept not knowing what to do, for knowing what to do, for they had as yet no they had as yet no knowledge of burial. A knowledge of burial. A ravenraven came up, took the came up, took the dead body of its fellow, dead body of its fellow, and having and having scratched at scratched at the earth, buried itthe earth, buried it thus thus before their eyes. Adam before their eyes. Adam said, `Let us follow the said, `Let us follow the example of the raven,' so example of the raven,' so taking up Abel's body, taking up Abel's body, buried it at once.buried it at once.

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Cain & AbelCain & Abel (Sura 5:32)(Sura 5:32)• Qur'an- sura 5:32Qur'an- sura 5:32• On that account: On that account: We We

ordained for the ordained for the Children of Israel that Children of Israel that if anyone slew a if anyone slew a personperson -unless it be -unless it be for murder or for for murder or for spreading mischief in spreading mischief in the land- the land- it would be it would be as if he slew the as if he slew the whole peoplewhole people: and : and if if anyone saved a lifeanyone saved a life, , it would be as if he it would be as if he saved the life of the saved the life of the whole peoplewhole people......

• Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5 (5(5thth c.)c.)

• We find it said in the case of We find it said in the case of CainCain who murdered his who murdered his brother, `the voice of thy brother, `the voice of thy brother's blood crieth out' [this brother's blood crieth out' [this latter is a quote from the latter is a quote from the Bible, Genesis 4:10], and he Bible, Genesis 4:10], and he says, `it does not sayeth he says, `it does not sayeth he hath blood in the singular, but hath blood in the singular, but bloods in the plural.'bloods in the plural.'

• Thou was created single in Thou was created single in order to show that order to show that to him who to him who kills a single individual, it kills a single individual, it should be reckoned that he should be reckoned that he has slain the whole racehas slain the whole race. . But But to him who has preserved the to him who has preserved the life of a single individual, it is life of a single individual, it is counted that he has preserved counted that he has preserved the whole racethe whole race..

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Solomon & ShebaSolomon & Sheba - sura 27:17- - sura 27:17-4444• Qur'an- sura 27:17-44Qur'an- sura 27:17-44• (aya 17) And before Solomon were marshalled his (aya 17) And before Solomon were marshalled his

hosts-of Jinns and men, and birds, and they were all hosts-of Jinns and men, and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.kept in order and ranks.

• (aya 20) And he took a muster of the Birds; and he (aya 20) And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: `Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among said: `Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?the absentees?

• (aya 21) I will certainly punish him with a severe (aya 21) I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence).reason (for absence).

• (aya 22) But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up (aya 22) But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: `I have compassed (territory) which thou and) said: `I have compassed (territory) which thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba with tidings true.Saba with tidings true.

• (aya 23) I found (there) a woman ruling over them and (aya 23) I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne...magnificent throne...

• (aya 27) (Solomon) said: `Soon shall we see whether (aya 27) (Solomon) said: `Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the truth or lied!thou hast told the truth or lied!

• (aya 28) Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver (aya 28) Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) it to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return."see what answer they return."

• (aya 29) (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! Here is-(aya 29) (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! Here is-delivered to me-a letter worthy of respect.delivered to me-a letter worthy of respect.

• (aya 30) It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): `In the (aya 30) It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): `In the name of Allah, most Gracious, Most Merciful: Be ye name of Allah, most Gracious, Most Merciful: Be ye not arrogant against me, but come to me in not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the true Religion).'"submission (to the true Religion).'"

• (aya 32) She said: "Ye chiefs! Advise me in (this) my (aya 32) She said: "Ye chiefs! Advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have I decided except in your affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence."presence."

• (aya 33) They said: "We are endued with strength, (aya 33) They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou wilt command."thee; so consider what thou wilt command."

• (aya 35) She said..."But I am going to send him a (aya 35) She said..."But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) return present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) return (my) ambassadors."(my) ambassadors."

• (aya 42) So when she arrived, (aya 44) she was asked (aya 42) So when she arrived, (aya 44) she was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass."palace paved smooth with slabs of glass."

• II Targum of EstherII Targum of Esther (2(2ndnd c.) c.)• "Solomon...gave orders...I will send King and "Solomon...gave orders...I will send King and

armies against thee...(of) Genii [jinn] beasts of the armies against thee...(of) Genii [jinn] beasts of the land the birds of the air.land the birds of the air.

• Just then the Red-cock (a bird), enjoying itself, Just then the Red-cock (a bird), enjoying itself, could not be found; King Solomon said that they could not be found; King Solomon said that they should seize it and bring it by force, and indeed he should seize it and bring it by force, and indeed he sought to kill it.sought to kill it.

• But just then, the cock appeared in the presence But just then, the cock appeared in the presence of the King and said, "I had seen the whole world of the King and said, "I had seen the whole world (and) know the city and kingdom (of Sheba) which (and) know the city and kingdom (of Sheba) which is not subject to thee, My Lord King. They are ruled is not subject to thee, My Lord King. They are ruled by a woman called the Queen of Sheba. Then I by a woman called the Queen of Sheba. Then I found the fortified city in the Eastlands (Sheba) and found the fortified city in the Eastlands (Sheba) and around it are stones of gold and silver in the around it are stones of gold and silver in the streets." By chance the Queen of Sheba was out streets." By chance the Queen of Sheba was out in the morning worshipping the sea, the scribes in the morning worshipping the sea, the scribes prepared a letter, which was placed under the prepared a letter, which was placed under the bird's wing and away it flew and (it) reached the bird's wing and away it flew and (it) reached the Fort of Sheba. Seeing the letter under its wing Fort of Sheba. Seeing the letter under its wing (Sheba) opened it and read it.(Sheba) opened it and read it.

• "King Solomon sends to you his Salaams. Now if it "King Solomon sends to you his Salaams. Now if it please thee to come and ask after my welfare, I will please thee to come and ask after my welfare, I will set thee high above all. But if it please thee not, I set thee high above all. But if it please thee not, I will send kings and armies against thee."will send kings and armies against thee."

• The Queen of Sheba heard it, she tore her The Queen of Sheba heard it, she tore her garments, and sending for her Nobles asked their garments, and sending for her Nobles asked their advice. They knew not Solomon, but advised her to advice. They knew not Solomon, but advised her to send vessels by the sea, full of beautiful ornaments send vessels by the sea, full of beautiful ornaments and gems...also to send a letter to him.and gems...also to send a letter to him.

• When at last she came, Solomon sent a When at last she came, Solomon sent a messenger...to meet her...Solomon, hearing she messenger...to meet her...Solomon, hearing she had come, arose and sat down in the palace of had come, arose and sat down in the palace of glass. When the Queen of Sheba saw it, she glass. When the Queen of Sheba saw it, she thought the glass floor was water, and so in thought the glass floor was water, and so in crossing over lifted up her garments. When crossing over lifted up her garments. When Solomon seeing the hair about her legs, (He) cried Solomon seeing the hair about her legs, (He) cried out to her..."out to her..."

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The Palm Tree:The Palm Tree: (S(Sura ura 19:22-26)19:22-26)

• Qur'an- sura 19:22-26Qur'an- sura 19:22-26• So she conceived him [Jesus], So she conceived him [Jesus],

and she retired with him to a and she retired with him to a remote place.remote place.

• And the pains of childbirth And the pains of childbirth drove her to drove her to the trunk of a palm the trunk of a palm treetree: She cried (: She cried (in her in her anguishanguish): `Ah! would that I had ): `Ah! would that I had died before this! would that I died before this! would that I had been a thing forgotten and had been a thing forgotten and out of sight'!out of sight'!

• Then [the babe ‘Isa (Jesus)] Then [the babe ‘Isa (Jesus)] cried unto her from below hercried unto her from below her, , saying: `Grieve not! for thy Lord saying: `Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath hath provided a rivulet beneath thee:thee:

• And And shake towards thyself the shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm treetrunk of the palm tree; it will let ; it will let fall fresh ripe datesfall fresh ripe dates upon thee. upon thee.

• So eat and drink and cool So eat and drink and cool (thine) eye.(thine) eye.

• The Lost Books of the BibleThe Lost Books of the Bible (2(2ndnd c.) c.)

• Now on the third day after Mary Now on the third day after Mary was was wearied in the desert by wearied in the desert by the heatthe heat, she asked Joseph to , she asked Joseph to rest for a little rest for a little under the shade under the shade of a Palm Treeof a Palm Tree. Then Mary . Then Mary looking up and seeing its looking up and seeing its branches branches laden with fruit laden with fruit (dates)(dates) said, `I desire if it were said, `I desire if it were possible to have some fruit.' possible to have some fruit.' Just then Just then the child Jesus looked the child Jesus looked up (from below) with a cheerful up (from below) with a cheerful smile, and saidsmile, and said to the Palm to the Palm Tree, `Send down some fruit.' Tree, `Send down some fruit.' Immediately the tree bent itself Immediately the tree bent itself (toward her) and so they ate. (toward her) and so they ate. Then Jesus said, `O Palm Tree, Then Jesus said, `O Palm Tree, arise; be one of my Father's arise; be one of my Father's trees in Paradise, but with thy trees in Paradise, but with thy roots open the fountain (rivulet) roots open the fountain (rivulet) beneath thee and bring water beneath thee and bring water flowing from that fount.'flowing from that fount.'

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*Jesus's Childhood:*Jesus's Childhood:-Baby Jesus talking--Baby Jesus talking- S.19:29-33 S.19:29-33

= = The first Gospel of the Infancy The first Gospel of the Infancy of of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ (2(2ndnd c.) c.)

-Creating birds from clay--Creating birds from clay- S.3:49 S.3:49 = = Thomas' Gospel of the Infancy Thomas' Gospel of the Infancy

of of JesusJesus Christ Christ (2(2ndnd c.) c.)------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• PoetryPoetry in the Qur’an (Meccan Suras)in the Qur’an (Meccan Suras)==Gunther LGunther Lűűlingling: : tracedtraced the the

poetry to poetry to pre-Islamic pre-Islamic Christian Syriac Christian Syriac hymnshymns, written in the , written in the 66thth c., c., with Arab with Arab themes addedthemes added

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CONTRADICTIONS:CONTRADICTIONS:• IfIf the the words of Allahwords of Allah cannot be cannot be changedchanged ( (Sura Sura

6:34,115; 10:66:34,115; 10:6), then how does Allah ‘substitute ), then how does Allah ‘substitute one revelation for another’ (one revelation for another’ (Sura 2:106, 16:101Sura 2:106, 16:101)? )?

• Does Does Allah's dayAllah's day equal to equal to 1,0001,000 human years human years ((22:47, 32:522:47, 32:5) or ) or 50,00050,000 human years ( human years (70:470:4)?)?

• Was the Was the earth createdearth created in in 6 days6 days ( (7:54; 25:597:54; 25:59) ) or or 8 days8 days ( (41:9-1241:9-12)?)?

• Does the Does the angel Gabrielangel Gabriel bring the bring the revelationrevelation from Allah to Muhammad (from Allah to Muhammad (2:972:97), or is it the ), or is it the Holy Holy Spirit Spirit ((16:10216:102)?)?

• If the If the BibleBible is considered is considered authoritativeauthoritative ( (4:136; 4:136; 5:47-52,68; 10:95; 21:7; 29:465:47-52,68; 10:95; 21:7; 29:46), then why is ), then why is so much of it so much of it contradicted by the Qur’ancontradicted by the Qur’an ((5:73-75,1165:73-75,116; 19:7; 28:9; 19:7; 28:9, etc...)?, etc...)?

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((Contradictions cont.)Contradictions cont.)

• Is the Is the punishment for adulteressespunishment for adulteresses life life imprison mentimprison ment ( (4:154:15) or ) or 100 floggings100 floggings ((24:224:2)?)?

• Why is it that Why is it that HomosexualsHomosexuals are are let offlet off if they if they repent (repent (4:164:16), though the same allowance is ), though the same allowance is notnot given for given for heterosexuals heterosexuals ((24:2; 4:1524:2; 4:15).).

• Did Did AbrahamAbraham confront his people and confront his people and smashsmash their their idolsidols ((21:51‑5921:51‑59), or ), or did he notdid he not, and , and leave the area after confronting them leave the area after confronting them ((19:41‑49, 6:74‑8319:41‑49, 6:74‑83)? )?

• Were there Were there 9 plagues9 plagues, or signs (, or signs (17:10117:101), or ), or only only 55 ( (7:1337:133)?)?

• Did Did Jesus not die Jesus not die ((4:1574:157) or ) or did he diedid he die, and , and rise again (rise again (19:3319:33)? [note: refer to sura 19:15, )? [note: refer to sura 19:15, which repeats the same words for Yahya]which repeats the same words for Yahya]

ERRORSERRORS: : ((Historical AnachronismsHistorical Anachronisms and and Scientific problemsScientific problems))

1)1) Cross:Cross: S.7:124 S.7:124 = = Moses’s PharaohMoses’s Pharaoh --1447BC1447BC, , 12:41 12:41 = = Joseph’s BakerJoseph’s Baker - - 1800BC1800BC::11stst crucifixions = crucifixions = DariusDarius == 519BC519BC ( (900900 & & 1,3001,300 yrs later). yrs later).

2)2) ( (Sura 19:7Sura 19:7) ) YahyaYahya is a name unique to is a name unique to John John the Baptistthe Baptist; what about (; what about (2Kings 25:232Kings 25:23)?)?

3)3) ( (S.19:28; 66:12; 20:25-30S.19:28; 66:12; 20:25-30) How was ) How was MaryMary, , Jesus’ mother, Jesus’ mother, Aaron’s sisterAaron’s sister and and Imran’s Imran’s daughterdaughter, as she lived, as she lived 1,5701,570 years later years later??

4)4) ((S.20:85-87, 95-97S.20:85-87, 95-97) ) SamaritanSamaritan built ‘ built ‘golden golden calfcalf’ in ’ in 1447 BC1447 BC, Samaritans began in , Samaritans began in 722 722 BCBC, or , or 725 years later725 years later..

5)5) ( (S.28:38; 29:38; 40:25,38S.28:38; 29:38; 40:25,38) Can ) Can HamanHaman be an be an EgyptianEgyptian who builds a who builds a towertower to God, as this to God, as this name is name is BabylonianBabylonian, & the tower was built , & the tower was built 750 years750 years earlier. earlier.

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• 6)6) ( (S.18:96S.18:96) Where is ) Where is Alexander the Great’sAlexander the Great’s ironiron and and brassbrass wallwall between two mountains, in between two mountains, in 330 BC?330 BC? No No Record!Record!

• 7)7) MountainsMountains ( (S.16:15; 21:31; S.16:15; 21:31; 31:1031:10; 78:6-7; 88:19; 78:6-7; 88:19) ) are not are not tent-pegstent-pegs to keep earth from shaking, due to keep earth from shaking, due to to volcanoesvolcanoes & & tectonic platestectonic plates

• 8)8) BadBad MathMath ((S.S.4:11-124:11-12) ) InheritanceInheritance for widow =1/8 for widow =1/8 + 3 + 3 daughter =2/3 +2 parents =1/3, totalling daughter =2/3 +2 parents =1/3, totalling 1&1/81&1/8 oror 112.5%112.5%!!? ?

Or (Or (S.4:11-12 & 176S.4:11-12 & 176) My mother = 1/3, my wife = ) My mother = 1/3, my wife = 1/3, my 1/3, my two sisters = 2/3 totalling: two sisters = 2/3 totalling: 4/3rds4/3rds, or , or 133%!!133%!!

• 9)9) ( (S.86:5-7S.86:5-7) Does ) Does SemenSemen really originate in the really originate in the backback or the or the kidneykidney or is this simply borrowing from 5 or is this simply borrowing from 5thth century B.C.century B.C. HippocratesHippocrates??

• 10)10) DirhamDirham ( (S.12:20S.12:20) ‘a few dirham counted out’ for ) ‘a few dirham counted out’ for JosephJoseph, , yet coins created in 7yet coins created in 7thth cent. BC by cent. BC by LydiansLydians. . DrachmasDrachmas from 590-650 AD, but from 590-650 AD, but DirhamsDirhams not minted till not minted till 642 AD,642 AD, by by Caliph Caliph UmarUmar; vs. ; vs. Gen.37:28Gen.37:28 = = ShekelsShekels = 0.2 kgs. of = 0.2 kgs. of silver!silver!

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From what we have seen here, wFrom what we have seen here, what hat Conclusions can Conclusions can we use in our polemics we use in our polemics

today?today?

From what we have seen here, wFrom what we have seen here, what hat Conclusions can Conclusions can we use in our polemics we use in our polemics

today?today?

The many claims Muslims make for the The many claims Muslims make for the ‘inimitability’ of the Qur’an do not stand up ‘inimitability’ of the Qur’an do not stand up under critical scrutiny.under critical scrutiny.

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• It is not It is not InimitableInimitable, because:, because:• It is It is InferiorInferior to most other revelations to most other revelations

• It is It is StylisticallyStylistically imperfect imperfect

• It is It is GrammaticallyGrammatically impure impure• It isIt is Linguistically Linguistically defective defective (many non Arabic words)(many non Arabic words)

• It is It is UniversallyUniversally inadequate inadequate

• It is It is CompiledCompiled piece-meal piece-meal

• It is full of It is full of ContradictionsContradictions

• It is replete with It is replete with ErrorsErrors

• It has a It has a HistoryHistory (evolving over 100-200 years) (evolving over 100-200 years)

Thus, it is nothing more than a Thus, it is nothing more than a human human documentdocument, borrowed from numerous , borrowed from numerous traditions…traditions…

……made by man!made by man!

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Critique of the ManuscriptsCritique of the Manuscripts

Manuscript Evidence for the Qur’anManuscript Evidence for the Qur’an• 1. 1. ‘‘Ma'il’ Ma'il’ 7th-9th century (Medina and 7th-9th century (Medina and

Mecca), or Mecca), or ‘‘Hijazi’Hijazi’. . ((2165 Brit.Lib. & 2165 Brit.Lib. & Sanaa Sanaa ManuscriptManuscript))

• 2. 2. ‘‘Mashq’Mashq’ 7th century onwards. 7th century onwards. • 3. 3. ‘‘Kufic’/AbbasidKufic’/Abbasid ( (EasternEastern) 8th-11th ) 8th-11th

century, begins with century, begins with AbbasidAbbasid dynasty in dynasty in 749 AD, see coins for chronological script 749 AD, see coins for chronological script evolution evolution (needs (needs landscapelandscape format). format).

• 4. 4. Naskh Naskh 11th century till today11th century till today

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Topkapi Manuscript (Topkapi Palace,Istanbul, Turkey)

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Ma’il Qur’an (2165)

British Library (Ridblatt Gallery)

Hijazi Script, dated 8th c.

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Quran Manuscripts in the Early Almail Script

(British Museum)

Jam’ al-Qur’an & Islamic Coins

al-Ma’il script Qur’an (790 AD)

(Kuwait National Museum)

Umayyad coins Abdul Mallek (Mashq script? 697-700 AD)

7.1

7.2

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Topkapi MS

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Samarqand Kufic Codex (9th century)

Abbasid gold Dinars (Kufic script 837 AD)

Early Abbasid coins (Kufic script 750 AD)

11.1 11.2

11.3

(Preserved in Tashkent, former Soviet Union)

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Sana’a Manuscript (705 ):

Karl-Heinz Ohlig (1981-Present): •Qur’an began to be compiled in the last two decades of the 7th century, with other versions continuing until the 9th century

Dr. Gerd Puin (1981-Present): •“Oldest parchments & papers of any Qur’anic Ms.” •Yet, more than half of the text is ambiguous letters which need diacritical marks for understanding. •Adding vowels helped correct mistakes. Changes in orthography found in geographical tradition schools.

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•Many deviations not mentioned in later literature.

•Different numeration, and sura arrangements found i.e. suras 19-22 -----> 26-37-36-38...67-

71-72-51 •Difference in scripts, showing evolution in text.

(Puin 1996:111)

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•“Difference is even meaningful in a theological sense” i.e. ‘Qalu’ to ‘Qul’ ->

• Sometimes Abraham (S.2), sometimes Ibrahim

• ‘Qalu’ 50% with alif b/w Qaf-Lam,

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PalimpsestsPalimpsests

Using Ultra-Violet light, we find a ‘Qur’anic’ script written and washed below that of the existing script. This is the first evidence we have of an evolution in the Qur’anic text in one manuscript

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Manuscript Variants Manuscript Variants (extant mss. available to Western (extant mss. available to Western researchers)researchers)

• Difficulty finding complete early MSS.Difficulty finding complete early MSS.

• Keith SmallKeith Small: : – (Sura 14:35-41 – Abraham in Mecca)(Sura 14:35-41 – Abraham in Mecca)– Acts 7:1-8 (Stephen on Abraham, Isaac & UR)Acts 7:1-8 (Stephen on Abraham, Isaac & UR)– 150 available MSS in the 150 available MSS in the 11stst 300 yrs 300 yrs. . – Only 13 with these vss.Only 13 with these vss.– Suras 82-114, only 3 in late 8Suras 82-114, only 3 in late 8thth c. c.– Suras 108-114, none existSuras 108-114, none exist– ConclusionsConclusions: : Possible standardization of vss by Possible standardization of vss by

late 7late 7thth c., but no extant MS. to support it, just a c., but no extant MS. to support it, just a guess.guess.

– Canonized text only in Abbasid period -post 749 Canonized text only in Abbasid period -post 749 AD?AD?

Textual Criticism of the Textual Criticism of the NT and the Qur’anNT and the Qur’an

A Direct ComparisonA Direct Comparison

NEW TESTAMENT AND THENEW TESTAMENT AND THE QUR’AN CRITICAL TEXTS QUR’AN CRITICAL TEXTS

NT CTNT CT

-EXISTING -EXISTING MANUSCRIPTSMANUSCRIPTS

COLLATED INTO COLLATED INTO TEXT FAMILIES: TEXT FAMILIES:

ALEXANDRIAN, ALEXANDRIAN,

WESTERN, WESTERN,

BYZANTINE,BYZANTINE,

CAESAREANCAESAREAN

QUR’AN CT-EXISTING MANU- SCRIPTS COLLATED INTO FAMILIES BY READING (Qira’at): 10 Qira’at- slightly different versions; 2 in print- Hafs and Warsh

KINDS OF VARIANTS KINDS OF VARIANTS

• NT: NT: WRITTEN VARIANTSWRITTEN VARIANTS

• QUR’AN: QUR’AN: WRITTEN AND ORAL WRITTEN AND ORAL VARIANTSVARIANTS

NT VARIANTS: CODEX BEZAENT VARIANTS: CODEX BEZAE

Paris BNParis BN

Ms 328Ms 328

Hijazi Hijazi ScriptScript

ORAL AND WRITTEN ORAL AND WRITTEN VARIANTS VARIANTS

““...oral tradition is characterized by variants ...oral tradition is characterized by variants resulting from words wrongly heard, from resulting from words wrongly heard, from words confused with similar sounding words, words confused with similar sounding words, and from whole episodes being forgotten, and from whole episodes being forgotten, misplaced, or reinterpreted. Leaving aside misplaced, or reinterpreted. Leaving aside the art of calligraphy, written tradition is the art of calligraphy, written tradition is characterized by variants resulting from characterized by variants resulting from copyists errors, words read wrongly, revised, copyists errors, words read wrongly, revised, or left out by a careless eye, and by random or left out by a careless eye, and by random passages getting lost, or being added to on passages getting lost, or being added to on the basis of other sources”.the basis of other sources”.

Adrian BrockettAdrian Brockett

•Qur’an: Qur’an: oral type match what oral type match what are recorded as having existed are recorded as having existed in the Companions Collections, in the Companions Collections, but none of these are in extant but none of these are in extant manuscripts.manuscripts.

•NT: NT: Written type are in mss, as Written type are in mss, as well as some from hearing the well as some from hearing the text read aloud.text read aloud.

Qur’an’Qur’an’s s Textual Textual Trans-Trans-missionmission

Islamic Islamic ViewView

NT Textual TransmissionNT Textual Transmission

• Both Christian and Islamic Both Christian and Islamic Traditions recognize the same Traditions recognize the same kinds of textual variants, and kinds of textual variants, and that they don’t change the that they don’t change the basic meaning of their texts.basic meaning of their texts.

• The NT MSS still contain a range The NT MSS still contain a range of variants while the Qur’an of variants while the Qur’an MSS almost universally contain MSS almost universally contain only minor ones. only minor ones.

• Asserting the Qur’an’s text has Asserting the Qur’an’s text has notnot been changed is false and been changed is false and misleading.misleading.

• Asserting the Bible’s text has Asserting the Bible’s text has been corrupted is false and been corrupted is false and misleading.misleading.

•The Original Qur’an text The Original Qur’an text cannot be discovered from cannot be discovered from existing Qur’an MSS.existing Qur’an MSS.

Thus, we have the Qur’an of Thus, we have the Qur’an of Faith, with a questionable Faith, with a questionable early history.early history.

•The Original NT text can be The Original NT text can be recovered from existing NT recovered from existing NT MSS.MSS.

We have the NT of History We have the NT of History and it establishes our Faithand it establishes our Faith

Steven MasoodSteven Masood

• ““Documentary evidence shows that Documentary evidence shows that whereas the message has indeed whereas the message has indeed been preserved, both books have been preserved, both books have suffered from editing errors and suffered from editing errors and some variants in the text. Christians some variants in the text. Christians are very open about this matter. are very open about this matter. Information of variations in the Information of variations in the biblical text can be found biblical text can be found reproduced in most of the modern reproduced in most of the modern translations available to us.”translations available to us.”

Steven MasoodSteven Masood

• ““In contrast we find that the present In contrast we find that the present translations and commentaries of translations and commentaries of the Qur’an are silent about its the Qur’an are silent about its variants and omissions. One has to variants and omissions. One has to go to the classical writings of Muslim go to the classical writings of Muslim scholars to obtain such information.”scholars to obtain such information.”

(pp. 206-207 (pp. 206-207 The Bible and the Qur’an)The Bible and the Qur’an)

Michael Nazir-AliMichael Nazir-Ali

• ““The attitude of Christian scholars The attitude of Christian scholars towards the variety of MSS available is in towards the variety of MSS available is in striking contrast to the Muslim position striking contrast to the Muslim position that there should be only one recension of that there should be only one recension of the Qur’an available. As is well known, the Qur’an available. As is well known, only the recension of the Qur’an made only the recension of the Qur’an made under the Caliph ‘Uthman has survived. under the Caliph ‘Uthman has survived. Therefore, when a modern edition or Therefore, when a modern edition or translation of the Qur’an is prepared, only translation of the Qur’an is prepared, only one line of MS evidence is available.”one line of MS evidence is available.”

M. Nazir-Ali con’t.M. Nazir-Ali con’t.

• ““When a critical edition or When a critical edition or translation of the New Testament translation of the New Testament is being prepared, scores of more is being prepared, scores of more or less variant MSS in many or less variant MSS in many different ancient languages are different ancient languages are available, and the critical text is available, and the critical text is established by sustained established by sustained comparative work on these MSS.”comparative work on these MSS.”

M. Nazir-Ali, con’t.M. Nazir-Ali, con’t.

The survival of variant MSS is The survival of variant MSS is regarded as a strength by Christian regarded as a strength by Christian scholars in establishing a critical text of scholars in establishing a critical text of the New Testament. The variations do the New Testament. The variations do not appear to compromise either the not appear to compromise either the historical integrity of the New historical integrity of the New Testament or its reliability as a canon Testament or its reliability as a canon of Christian doctrine in any substantive of Christian doctrine in any substantive way. way.

M. Nazir-Ali, con’t.M. Nazir-Ali, con’t.

• ““The existence of a large number of MSS The existence of a large number of MSS in different ancient languages, with their in different ancient languages, with their origins in widely separated churches yet origins in widely separated churches yet in substantial agreement with each in substantial agreement with each other, is an argument in favour of the other, is an argument in favour of the integrity of the Scriptures.”integrity of the Scriptures.”

(p. 48, ‘Frontiers in Muslim-Christian Encounter’)(p. 48, ‘Frontiers in Muslim-Christian Encounter’)

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[I] HISTORICAL ANALASIS OF THE BIBLE

LOOKING AT THE NEW TESTAMENT EVIDENCE:LOOKING AT THE NEW TESTAMENT EVIDENCE:

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[A] THE CANON[A] THE CANON

1) was it authoritative:

2) was it prophetic: was it written by a man of God?

did it come from God?

Did it have the seal of apostolic authority?

3) was it authentic: rule-of-thumb was “if in doubt, throw it out.”

4) was it dynamic: did it change lives?

5) was it used: was it read and collected by early Christians? (II Peter 3:16)?

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[B] MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCE[B] MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCE

(1) Manuscripts:

(2) Dating

(3) Eyewitness accounts:

(4) Hostile Accounts:

(5) Versions or Translations:

(6) Lectionaries:

(7) Early Church Father’s Letters:

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(1) Manuscripts:(1) Manuscripts:

New Testament New Testament extantextant manuscripts manuscripts

5,300 Greek

10,000 Latin Vulgate

9,300 other early versions

+ 24,000 manuscript copies, or portions

230 MSS compiled before the 7th century!!

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(2) Dating(2) Dating

Author Date Written Earliest Copy Time Span Copies (extent)Secular Manuscripts:Herodotus (History) 480 ‑ 425 BC 900 AD 1,300 years 8Thucydides (History) 460 - 400 BC 900 AD 1,300 years ?Aristotle (Philosopher) 384 ‑ 322 BC 1,100 AD 1,400 years 5Caesar (History) 100 ‑ 44 BC 900 AD 1,000 years 10Pliny (History) 61 ‑ 113 AD 850 AD 750 years 7Suetonius (Roman History) 70 - 140 AD 950 AD 800 years ?Tacitus (Greek History) 100 AD 1,100 AD 1,000 years 20

Biblical Manuscripts: (note these are individual manuscripts)Magdalene Ms (Matthew 26) 1st century 50-60 AD co-existant(?)John Rylands (John) 90 AD 130 AD 40 yearsBodmer Papyrus II (John) 90 AD 150-200 AD 60-110 yearsChester Beatty Papyri (N.T.) 1st century 200 AD 150 yearsDiatessaron by Tatian (Gospels) 1st century 200 AD 150 yearsCodex Vaticanus (Bible) 1st century 325-350 AD 275-300 yearsCodex Sinaiticus (Bible) 1st century 350 AD 300 yearsCodex Alexandrinus (Bible) 1st century 400 AD 350 years

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Papyrus Manuscripts: Papyrus Manuscripts: Upto 4Upto 4thth CenturyCentury

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Sinaiticus:Sinaiticus: • New TestamentNew Testament

• 44thth Century Century

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ALEXANDRINUSALEXANDRINUS

-Old & New Testament-Old & New Testament

-5-5thth Century Century

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Peshita (Syriac - 5Peshita (Syriac - 5thth century century AD)AD)

(3) Eyewitness accounts: Internal Corroboration

(3) Eyewitness accounts: Internal Corroboration

Luke 1:1-3(Disciples)

“...to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word have handed them down to us, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order.”

Acts 2:22(Jews)

“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know...”

Acts 26:24-26(Secular Auth.)

“...Paul said, 'I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter the words of sober truth. For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner.”

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LUKE’S accuracy:LUKE’S accuracy:

Erastus = Corinth treasurer (Rom. 16:23)Erastus = Corinth treasurer (Rom. 16:23) -pavement found in 1929 with this name

Politarchs = civil authority of Thessalonica (Acts 17:6)Politarchs = civil authority of Thessalonica (Acts 17:6)

-19 inscriptions use it, 5 in Thesselonica

Praetor = for Philippian ruler instead of DuumuirPraetor = for Philippian ruler instead of Duumuir

-Romans used Praetor earlier

Proconsul = title for Gallio (Acts 18:12)Proconsul = title for Gallio (Acts 18:12)

-corroborated by Delphi Inscription (52 AD) Gallio held this position for 1 year only.

-corroborated by Delphi Inscription (52 AD) Gallio held this position for 1 year only.

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(4) Hostile Accounts:External Corroboration

(4) Hostile Accounts:External Corroboration

1) Thallus: a Greek historian

2) Tacitus: a Roman historian

3) Josephus: a Jewish historian

4) Suetonius: a Greek historian

5) Pliny the Younger: a Roman author and administrator

52 AD, crucifixion, day suddenly turned dark, and earth tremled

80-84 AD, death of Christ, reign of Tiberius’,by governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate

90-95 AD, death of Jesus, martyrdom of James, John the Baptist, resurrection

Expulsion from Rome of followers of Crestus,

by emperor Claudius, (Acts 18:2)

112 AD of the Christian community in Asia Minor,and of their devotion to Christ

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(5) Versions or Translations:19,284 translations, in 11 languages!(note: 230 examples between 2nd - 6th C.)

(5) Versions or Translations:19,284 translations, in 11 languages!(note: 230 examples between 2nd - 6th C.)

LatinLatin

SyriacSyriac

CopticCoptic

ArmenianArmenian

GothicGothic

GeorgianGeorgian

EthiopicEthiopic

Nubian

150 AD -> (over 10,000 examples)

150-250 AD -> (350 examples)

early 3rd and 4th centuries (100 + examples)

400 AD -> (2,587 examples)

4th century -> (6 examples)

5th century -> (4,101 examples)

6th century -> (2,000 examples)

6th century ->

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(6) Lectionaries:(6) Lectionaries:

2,135 lectionaries2,135 lectionaries6th century6th century

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(7) Early Church Father’s Letters:(7) Early Church Father’s Letters:

Clement of AlexandriaClement of Alexandria 2,406 quotes

TertullianTertullian 7,258 quotes

Justin MartyrJustin Martyr 330 quotes

IrenaeusIrenaeus 1,819 quotes

OrigenOrigen 17,922 quotes

HippolytusHippolytus 1,378 quotes

EusebiusEusebius 5,176 quotes

36,289 quotes36,289 quotes

Dr. Jean Burgon: 86,489 quotesSir David Dalrymple: 36,289 quotes before Sir David Dalrymple: 36,289 quotes before 44thth C. C.

+36,000 quotes from before 325 AD = all but 11 verses of the New Testament!!!!

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Conclusion:Conclusion:

No other book, religious or secular, can make the claims the Bible can make…so be proud of the authority you have, and use it wisely ‘for His Kingdom’.

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OLD TESTAMENT AUTHORITYOLD TESTAMENT AUTHORITYOLD TESTAMENT AUTHORITYOLD TESTAMENT AUTHORITY

PEOPLE:PEOPLE:

-50 Old Testament people-50 Old Testament people

-27 New Testament people-27 New Testament people

I.e. Daniel 5:16I.e. Daniel 5:16 Belshazar?Belshazar?

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Let’s go and see just how Let’s go and see just how authoritative the Old authoritative the Old Testament is:Testament is:• Looking at Architecture: From the British Looking at Architecture: From the British

Museum….Museum…. Epic of Creation Epic of Creation

Flood Tablets Flood Tablets

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Ur of the Chaldees & Tablets from Ur of the Chaldees & Tablets from Mari, Nuzi, Ebla & ArmanaMari, Nuzi, Ebla & Armana

Harps from UrHarps from Ur

Tablets from Amarna Tablets from Amarna (1394 BC)(1394 BC)

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Armana tablets:Armana tablets:

Ebla tablets:Ebla tablets:

Mari tablets:Mari tablets:

Nuzi tablets:Nuzi tablets:

(1900=Abraham, 1700=Joseph, 1447=Moses, 1000=David)

Case Laws, Customs, and Judicial Proceedings

Apiru or Habiru first found = Genesis 14:13

(Deuteronomy 22:22-30)

Arriyuk, or Arioch found in Genesis 14

a) a barren wife giving a handmaiden to her husbandb) a bride chosen for the son by the fatherc) a dowry paid to the father-in-lawd) work done to pay a dowry (i.e. Jacob)e) the unchanging oral will of a father (i.e. Isaac)f) a father giving his daughter a slave-girl (i.e. Leah, Rachel)g) the sentence of death for stealing cult gods (i.e. Jacob).

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Neo Hittite FiguresNeo Hittite Figures

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Assyrian Architecture:Assyrian Architecture:

Jehu Obelisk Jehu Obelisk (841 BC)(841 BC)

((2 Kings 9 & 10 – Elisha & Ahab)

Tiglath Pileser IIITiglath Pileser III

(745-727 BC)(745-727 BC) ((2nd Kings 15:19/20

& 1st Chronicles 5:26 – ‘PUL’)

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Sargon II Sargon II ((722-701BC)

(2 kings 17:6, 24)

& Sennacharib & Sennacharib (704-681BC)

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LachishLachish

Taylor PrismTaylor Prism1. Hezekiah rebelled against Senacharib.2. The fortified towns of Judah fell.3. Lachish also fell4. Hezekiah was shut up in Jerusalem5. He paid 30 talents of gold in tribute to

Senacharib to gain favour6. Jerusalem did not fall7. The Assyrian army left without firing a single

arrow at Jerusalem.

‘‘Tirhakah’ Tirhakah’ ((2 Kings 19:9, and Isaiah 37:9)

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Sennacharib cont.Sennacharib cont.

‘‘Tirhakah’ Tirhakah’ statuestatue

(2 Kings 19:9; Isaiah 37:9)

Hezekiah MuralHezekiah Mural(II Kings 19:35-36)(II Kings 19:35-36)

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Murals of Ninevah Murals of Ninevah ((Nahum 1:10, 2:13, 3:13-15))

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Book of Daniel and the Nabonidus Book of Daniel and the Nabonidus DrumDrum

Drum – (539 B.C.)Drum – (539 B.C.)

Prayer for Prayer for BalshazzerBalshazzer

(Daniel 5:16)(Daniel 5:16)

Nabonidus TabletNabonidus Tablet

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Persian ArtifactsPersian Artifacts

Cyrrus Cyrrus CylindarCylindar

Artaxerxes SilverwareArtaxerxes Silverware

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EVENTS:EVENTS:

-The Flood-The Flood

-Tower of Babel-Tower of Babel

(Gen. 11:1-9)

-David's capture of Jerusalem via water shafts

(II Samuel 5:6-8; I Chronicles 11:6)

-David's capture of Jerusalem via water shafts

(II Samuel 5:6-8; I Chronicles 11:6)

(Macalister, J.G. Duncan, and Kathleen Kenyon)

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What the Archaeologists sayWhat the Archaeologists say

G.E. Wright: “We shall probably never prove that Abram really existed.. but what we can prove is that his life and times, as reflected in the stories about him, fit perfectly within the early second millennium, but imperfectly within any later period.”

G.E. Wright: “We shall probably never prove that Abram really existed.. but what we can prove is that his life and times, as reflected in the stories about him, fit perfectly within the early second millennium, but imperfectly within any later period.”

Sir Frederic Kenyon: “The evidence of archaeology has been to re-establish

the authority of the Old Testament, and likewise to augment its value by rendering it moreintelligible through a fuller knowledge of its background and setting.”

Sir Frederic Kenyon: “The evidence of archaeology has been to re-establish

the authority of the Old Testament, and likewise to augment its value by rendering it moreintelligible through a fuller knowledge of its background and setting.”

William F. Albright: “The excessive skepticism shown toward the Bible by important historical schools of the 18th and 19th centuries, certain phases which still appear periodically, has been progressively discredited. Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details, and has brought increased recognition to the value of the Bible as a source of history.”

William F. Albright: “The excessive skepticism shown toward the Bible by important historical schools of the 18th and 19th centuries, certain phases which still appear periodically, has been progressively discredited. Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details, and has brought increased recognition to the value of the Bible as a source of history.”

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Millar Burrows: “On the whole, archaeological work has unquestionably strengthened confidence in the reliability of the scriptural record.”Millar Burrows: “On the whole, archaeological work has unquestionably strengthened confidence in the reliability of the scriptural record.”

Joseph Free: confirms that while thumbing through the book of Genesis, he mentally noted that each of the 50 chapters are either illuminated or confirmed by some archaeological discovery, and that this would be true for most of the remaining chapters of the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Joseph Free: confirms that while thumbing through the book of Genesis, he mentally noted that each of the 50 chapters are either illuminated or confirmed by some archaeological discovery, and that this would be true for most of the remaining chapters of the Bible, both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Nelson Glueck: (a Jewish Reformed scholar and archaeologist) “To date no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a single, properly understood biblical statement”

Nelson Glueck: (a Jewish Reformed scholar and archaeologist) “To date no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a single, properly understood biblical statement”

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Conclusion:Conclusion:

No other book, religious or secular, can make the claims the Bible can make…so be proud of the authority you have, and use it wisely ‘for His Kingdom’.