The Sunday Mail
Umari Stambuli Holy Qur’aan Speaks
ALTHOUGH it is proven that the text of the Holy Qur’aan has remained intact till today, how are we sure that the words actually originated from God and not some other source?
This short write up takes us to look at the authenticity, authority, or source of the Holy Qur’aan.
Concerning the authorship of the Holy Qur’aan, Muslims believe that it was revealed verbatim (that is word for word) by God, to His Last and Final Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Non-Muslims, however, who do not support this view, can have no differences with Muslims concerning the fact that the Holy Qur’aan was at least first witnessed to be uttered by Muhammad (pbuh), a Makkan Arab, in the 7th century CE. What is immediately striking is that there have been no changes to the records of his utterances since then.
The Muslims’ claim of “internal evidence” for the Divine authorship of the Holy Qur’aan, that is from statements to that effect in the Holy Qur’aan itself (eg Holy Qur’aan 4:82; 6:19; 6:92; 27:6; 45:2, etc), is understandably looked upon with skepticism, as nearly anyone can quote passages from his or her scripture that claim the scripture in question is a Revelation from God.
We are therefore forced by reason and objectivity to look elsewhere for “external evidence” of the Holy Qur’aan’s Divine source or authority.
Those that propound the view or claim that Muhammed (pbuh) was the author of the Holy Qur’aan need only to reflect on the clear records of history as to the life and conduct of Muhammed (pbuh) even prior to his receiving Messengership from The Almighty.
Further, a brief glimpse into the tone and nature of address, in the Holy Qur’aan itself to Muhammed (pbuh) will definitely shed light on the subject matter.
The fact that Muhammad could neither read nor write (Holy Qur’aan 29:48) was well known to all his Muslim and non-Muslim contemporaries and this fact remains uncontested by even present day historians.
He had no formal schooling or teacher of any kind. He had never been known to compose oral poetry or prose.
The Holy Qur’aan, with its all-embracing laws and freedom from all inconsistencies, has its greatness acknowledged even by non-Muslim scholars.
Its contents treat social, economic, political and religious legislation, history, views of the universe, living things, thought, human transactions, war, peace, marriage, worship, business, and everything relating to life – with no contradicting principles.
The Holy Qur’aan has never been edited or revised as it was never in need of any revision or correction. How were such vast subject areas expounded upon with such detail and precision by a 7th century Arab with no formal education or even the ability to read what scant material there may have been in his environment, on such topics? Where and when has history ever produced an illiterate author of such a scripture?
Muhammad’s sincerity, truthfulness and integrity were so well known that he was even nicknamed “As- Saadiq” (The Truthful) and “Al-Ameen” (The Trustworthy) by his pre-Islamic community. His credibility was acknowledged by one and all in community and society.
Not a single lie is recorded against him, and many modern Western Orientalists have themselves admitted this fact contrary to any deliberate deception. That the Prophet had a profoundly sincere conviction that it was revealed to him by God Almighty Himself is undeniable.
If his integrity had been in question, and he was supposed to have been motivated by the desire for personal glory to produce the Holy Qur’aan, why then would he disclaim authorship and instead claim it was from God, especially when the pagan Makkans had conceded that no one could produce such a scripture (Holy Qur’aan 2:23-24, 17:88, etc.), but only marvel at it?
His enemies even offered him kingship over Makkah and any riches he desired if only he would stop reciting the revealed verses of God Almighty. If it was true that he desired his personal glory and leadership, why would he decline the offer when it was presented to him and instead prefer a life of humility, simplicity, persecution, sanctions, and even hostile attack by those who felt threatened by the Message of The One God?
In addition, how reasonable is it to believe that the unlettered Muhammad would author the Holy Qur’aan for personal benefit and then within the Holy Qur’aan correct and reprove himself?
For example: “He frowned and turned away when the blind man came to him…” (Holy Qur’aan 80:1-2)
And also, “…And you did fear men, though God is more deserving that you should fear Him” (Holy Qur’aan 33:37)
There are other verses you may refer to, such as chapter 18, verses 23-24, and many more.
The crucial question is, why would he embarrass himself when he could simply omit or favourably modify such verses in the Holy Qur’aan?
They were certainly not to his advantage if his goals were power and prestige. The existence of such verses only proves that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was indeed a truthful and sincere Messenger of God and he conveyed to humanity, with truthfulness and integrity, the last and final revealed scripture/ Word of God Almighty “The Holy Qur’aan”!
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
Publications Department
PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 04-614078/614004, Fax: 04-614003
e-mail: [email protected]
