Contradictions in the Qur'an (Response)
- This article expresses a pro-Islamic viewpoint. It is a response to: Contradictions in the Qur'an
The Qur'an makes the following statement:
"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." [Qur'an, 4:82]
Thus it opens itself up for examination. And challenges the reader to try to disprove it by finding any contradictions within in.
There have been attempts to do so. This article is a response to one such attempt.
My intention is to clarify these matters. Any errors within this article are my own.
"Do not be diverted therefrom by those who do not believe in it - those who pursue their own opinions - lest you fall." 20:16
Contents
- 1 What was Man Created From?
- 2 What were jinn created from?
- 3 How many wings do angels have?
- 4 Are animals evil?
- 5 Does Man have free will?
- 6 Response
- 7 Are martyrs dead or alive?
- 8 Which enters the afterlife? Body or soul?
- 9 Will disbelievers speak on Qiyama?
- 10 Do all Muslims go to hell for some time?
- 11 Are humans naked in paradise?
- 12 Was Abraham an idolator?
- 13 Is grace in Allah's hands only?
- 14 Where is Allah?
- 15 Are men and women equal?
- 16 How long does it take Allah to create?
- 17 Is intercession possible?
- 18 How many gods are there?
- 19 Do Muslims and non-Muslim theists worship the same god?
- 20 Does Allah forgive everything?
- 21 Does Allah forgive worshipping other gods/shirk?
- 22 Does Allah share power?
- 23 Response
- 24 How long did it take to destroy Aad tribe?
- 25 Is Allah similar to anyone or anything?
- 26 Could Allah have a Son?
- 27 Is Allah proud?
- 28 Is Muhammad the last prophet?
- 29 Can messengers perform miracles?
- 30 Are all messengers descended from Abraham?
- 31 Do all messengers eat food?
- 32 When did Pharaoh command killing of baby boys?
- 33 Was the Pharaoh killed?
- 34 Magic
- 35 Should Muslims follow earlier scriptures?
- 36 Who brought the revelation to Muhammad?
- 37 How many angels spoke to Mary?
- 38 Is jewellery okay
- 39 Is drinking alcohol okay?
- 40 How many Thamud killed the she-camel?
- 41 Allah doesn't know mathematics?
- 42 See Also
What was Man Created From?
Contradictions
First of all it was nothing then Allah created the dust the from the dust He created the man. Dust
Nothing
Clay
Sperm
Blood clot
Water
Allah's hands
Response
It's not a contradiction at all to say that a drink is made of sugar,water and tea. Simlarly no contradiction in saying that man is made of water,bone and dust. It is a contradistinction.
So what ARE we made of? That depends on who you ask.
If you ask an anatomist they will say: "organs, muscles, vessels, and bone."
A chemist will say: "Elements - Mainly carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen), or Compounds - Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and WATER.
An astrophysicist will say: "From the EARTH, which it itself made of Star DUST. And before this everything came from a single incredibly dense particle, And before that there was NOTHING."
An Embryologist will tell you: "Part of the SPERM, which develops in the female to produce an embryo which at one stage resembles a blood CLOT."
Which of them is wrong? They are all right on different levels.
And whilst a pure evolutionist will say that Mankind simply became as a result of randomness and chance, the Qur’an say they were created, with God’s own design, by his power.
You are trying to disprove the Qur'an, but instead all you are doing is proving its veracity. Why do you not read the verses again, perhaps you will find yourself addressed therein: open disputer', and 'will you not then believe'?
What were jinn created from?
Contradictions
Fire
Water
Response
Are you disagreeing because you know better? Did you not also claim that a person can't be made from sperm and out of water? Contradistinction, not contradiction.
As you have never seen or studied a Jinn, how would you know how what it is or isn't made of? If it is on the basis that water put fire out, then that is assuming that the fire is the same as what you are familiar with. But already we are told that it is a smokeless fire.
Water is made of hydrogen and oxygen. It is possible that it can be set on fire, and experiments have demonstrated this.
If the hydrogen were released, the resulting flame would be smokeless because there is no source of carbon to create soot.
As for the every living thing is created of water, no one knew that for sure in the days of the Qur'ans revelation. But today science confirms it. The cytoplasm of the cell is made up of around 80% water, and most organisms consist of 50-90% water in their body compositions. The Human body is about 70% water in total if you include the bones; and around 90% if you only consider the tissue.
The fact that the Qur'an has said this 1400 years ago is a sign in itself that we can confirm. So if it also talks about another creation that we are not so familiar with, why should we feel the need to deny it?
How many wings do angels have?
Contradictions
2, 3 or 4
600
Response
There is nothing in the verse that indicates it is limited to these numbers of wings. And quoting a hadith to contradict the Qur’an? The title of contradictions in the Qur’an would lead a person to believe that you would show contradictions within text of the Qur’an itself.
But in any case, the answer to your "contradiction" is within the text of the very verse itself, in the next clause. "He multiplies/increases/adds to in creation whatever He wills."
Therefore, Yes angels do have 2,3 or 4 wings but there is no restriction on what God decides to create. It is up to him to add or take away from whatsoever He chooses.
Are animals evil?
Contradictions
Yes
Response
"They are as the cattle". Meaning they will wander anywhere, eat from anywhere. They follow no laws, and will not have any limitations, direction or governance for themselves. They are “animals”.
Clearly for a human being who is elevated on account of his possessing a superior intellect, being called like cattle, or worse – is indeed degrading.
Think. If I were to call your behaviour bore resemblance to that of an animal, would it be the animal or you who is being insulted?
Yes
Response
If you are an evolutionist, you could take that to mean your behaviour has made you worthy of devolution, (or along a pathway different from that of humans). If you are not an evolutionist, then consider that you should be made into an animal, because your behaviour is fitting of one. No offence to the animal.
No
Response
Everything worships Allah in the way that God has inspired it to do so. It is only the Jinn and the Man who have been given free will.
Does Man have free will?
Contradictions
No
Yes
Response
Those that wish to believe, are worthy to have their heart open to belief. But those who do not wish it, will remain clouded in doubt and obscurity, because they themselves are averse to the truth, they will be made to dislike it (further).
Consider a lamp. When the person want light, the lamp will shine upon them. But if they turn away, the light will be turned away from them. It is only when they themselves really want to find the light by actually turning towards it, will it be turned towards them. Therefore there is free will.
Some people make the mistake of confusing the concept of predestination with free will.
No one except for God has absolute free will. Every that is created exists within the limits and constraints of the abilities and universe that He has created for them. Predestination is regarding things that a person cannot change; in what year and family they are born into, nationality, genetic make up etc. Free will is the choices that a person is allowed to make.
It is like sitting an exam question consisting of four choices. You can't choose the number of questions, the instrument i.e. pencil that you use to fill it in, where you sit the exam and when, but you have free will in choosing the correct answer instead of the wrong answers.
If you have no intention of learning, you won't learn. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. And if you don't learn you don't pass.
Are martyrs dead or alive?
Contradiction
Dead
Alive
Response
Look again at the verse. “And then were slain OR died.”
The two are not the same. Those who were slain are alive, though you do not understand.
Just as you may bury a seed, and think it to be devoid of life, but it is in fact a living thing, thriving.
Which enters the afterlife? Body or soul?
Contradictions
The body
The body
The soul
The soul
Response
The resurrection of mankind will be a bodily one. To the extent that even the fingertips will be recreated. Here’s a question for you: how would a man in Arabia during a time of ignorance, know that every human being has unique fingerprints? Because that is what is being alluded to in this verse.
Now as for the soul, upon death it is separated from the body, until the day of resurrection where it will be reunited with the body that has been remade.
When God refers to a individual he may refer to their soul, as that is the actual part of that has free will, does good or evil, and is thereby worthy of reward or punishment. The righteous soul will be at peace, whilst the unjust will be in distress for their misdeeds. But both will have bodies through which they will given what they earned.
If you say that such and such a number of "poor souls died", do you mean that their bodies are still alive? Or is it merely a reference to them as beings?
Will disbelievers speak on Qiyama?
No
Yes
Response
The first verse says they will be unable to speak. The second one says their mouths will be sealed - therefore they will be unable to speak. NO contradiction there.
BUT it will be their bodily organs which will bear witness against them. That is not out of their choosing. They still would lack the ability to speak.
Do all Muslims go to hell for some time?
Contradiction
Yes
No
Response
Why do you not read the verses directly preceding it?
It only refers to those who are most insolent and rebellious against the Merciful Lord. It is they who will be brought near to it, so that they shall see it.
Those who were God-fearing will be saved from it, while the wrongdoers will be put within it.
Are humans naked in paradise?
Contradiction
Yes
No
Response
If one event was in the past, where there were only two humans, and thereafter their shame was made apparent to them, is it the same as the future where there are many people?
Whatever the case may have been in the past, you can see the verse about the future is that they are wearing garments of silk and bracelets of gold. So why are you in dissension over it?
A person could similarly say when you were in primary school you used to write with a pencil, but when you will go to secondary school you will write with a pen. Is there any contradiction that you can find?
Was Abraham an idolator?
Contradiction
No
Yes
Response
If you are going to take everything out of its proper context, then you can prove or disprove anything. But only those who have no real argument would do such a thing.
Abraham’s saying so was only part of his argument to the people. They stayed awake for a period of twenty four hours. And they watched the sky (just in case you are also going to take this out of context, that does not mean the satellite TV).
Throughout this, his dialogue was a demonstration to the people that that each of the things that they worshipped were not worthy of worship. He is was in effect through this mode of argument saying, so okay, suppose this is my Lord…how can my Lord be one that diminishes and sets? This is indeed not fitting for a God.
Is grace in Allah's hands only?
Contradiction
Yes
No
Response
Everything good is ultimately from God’s hands. Whatever agents or means he chooses to bring it, does not make a difference. The Apostle is from God, appointed by God to represent Him to the people; therefore what he does is from God. If I write a letter and the post man delivers it to you, will you say it is from the postman?
Where is Allah?
Contradictions
Inside your vein
On a royal chair
Far away
Everywhere
His home, the Ka'aba
Nearby
On water/ocean
Response
There is no contradiction between these verses, if only one were to dig a little deeper for the explanation.
“And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge)” [Qaaf 50:16]
"- most of the mufassireen said that what is meant is that He is near by means of His angels whose task it is to record people’s deeds. And those who said that it means that He is near explained it as meaning that He is near by His knowledge, as is said concerning how He is with us." - Shaykh Abd al-Rahmaan al-Barraak [1].
This same explanation can be applied to [Baqarah 2:186]. Allah is near to us in Knowledge. This does not contradict the fact that He rose over His Throne in a manner befitting to Him and that His Throne is above the water (not the ocean, as the 'accusation' implies, since Allah is above the Heavens and this world is certainly not above the Heavens).
Are men and women equal?
Contradiction
Yes
No
Response
ARE they equal? Or should I say exactly the same? Why do you not complain that it is not fair that nature has not allowed men to carry offspring, or women (normally) to grow beards?
According to democracy, isn’t everyone supposedly equal? Yes, but does that mean that all have the same duties and disposition?
Must the ruler be exactly the same in every respect as those he rules over? No, in order to carry out his duties, he has special rights; despite his equivalence as a person.
Or a police officer? The idea is that he is subject to the same laws as everyone else. But in order to enforce them, he is in some situations above them. If he has to protect the people, he is not punished for breaking the speed limits. And a he may be required to carry weapons as part of his job, while others are not allowed this. But it is not so that he is above the law, merely he is given such a degree above others in order to maintain the peace, and give them their rights of security and protection.
Islam says the same thing about marriage. It is the husband’s role to protect his wife, and to provide for her. To do so, he is given certain rights over her. But he must be just in how he treats her. She is no less in the sight of God, but equality in justice does not necessarily mean uniformity in rights. And of the two, the one who is better in deeds and has more piety, is the one who is superior, as far as God is concerned.
Men and women are equal in terms of rewards and punishments. In terms of this life, we are created for different roles and this is just.
What is the purpose of mankind?
Contradiction
Only to worship Allah
Also to pursue the habits/sunnah of Muhammad
Response
How do you know how to worship Allah?
Your answer is in the verse you posted. The Messenger of Allah guides you, so you follow him.
The word worship or serve, is not limited to formal prayer. Every action that is performed that is within the bounds of what he has permitted is considered service to God.
The Messenger's role is to make you aware of what is allowed and what is not.
How long does it take Allah to create?
Contradiction
Long time
Instant
Response
It takes as long as He wills for it to take. Some things may occur in an instant, through which he has set in to effect other things, and created a system which follows laws. If he had wanted, everything could be just like that. But it is so that we may observe the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the various laws and effects, and thereby appreciate him:
In the creation of heavens and Earth, and the alternation between night and day, are signs for those with understanding. Those who remember God while standing, and sitting, and on their sides, and they ponder over the creation of the heavens and the Earth: “Our Lord you did not create this without purpose...” [Qur'an, 3:190-191]
Is intercession possible?
Contradiction
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Response
Intercession is not possible for anyone except for those whom permission has been granted. This can be seen from various verses, such as the mentioned 20:109 .
However, not everyone can benefit from this intercession, how will those who are disbelievers benefit in the hereafter from intercession, if in their worldly life they did not benefit from the warning? Thus in the verses that say there will be no intercession it is seen that they are addressing those that reject faith.
Intercession is only for the believers.
And do not consider every hadith regarding intercession as being authentic. Particularly if your article regards so called contradictions in the Qur’an.
How many gods are there?
Contradictions
One
Many
More than 1 (note plural WE)
Four
Response
This is the logic of one who has no sense.
How many Queen Victoria's are there? Did she not say, "We are not amused." - note the plural WE.
And Lat and Uzza and Manat were idols that were worshipped by the idolators. The story of the satanic verses is completely fabricated. The verses in the Qur'an do not say that they were Gods, but actually:
If the Qur'an ever said there were more than one God, or approved of these idols, why were the pagans so against it? Would they have not rejoiced at this contradiction and the religion would not have lasted, if it were so contradictory as you tried, most unsuccessfully, to suggest.
Do Muslims and non-Muslim theists worship the same god?
Contradiction
No
Yes
Response
Why do you not quote the full thing?:
I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you worshippers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship.
For you is your religion, and for me is my religion."These verses are not addressing the monotheists. They are directed towards the pagan idolators, at a specific time.
Muslims believe that God is the same for everyone. It is as you have quoted: "Our Allah and your Allah is one" Qur'an 29:46
If people worship Him as a formless perfect and peerless God, then they are worshipping God. If they are not, but instead choose to bow to idols or any of creation, then they have been mistaken in who God is.
Does Allah forgive everything?
Contradiction
Yes
No
Response
If Allah forgave all sins, of all people, on all occasions, regardless of whether they were repentant or boastful, then what would be point of heaven and hell? And you really must stop this habit of quoting one verse and ignoring what precedes and follows.
Read the very next verse.
So, Allah will forgive all sins, provided you repent and thereafter submit to his commands.
Does Allah forgive worshipping other gods/shirk?
Contradiction
No
No
Yes
Yes
Response
The above verses indicate that God is fully capable of mercy and forgiveness towards his creation, and may forgive any sin that they may have committed provided they don’t die in the state of disbelief in His Sole Lordship.
For those that have in their life, out of ignorance, associated partners, or worshipped other than Him, if they repent sincerely, they will be forgiven. But if they die without repentance, and without making amends (through accepting monotheism), they will not be forgiven.
Contradiction
No
Yes
Response
Can not the absolute owner, give and take to and from whom he wills? And in any case, the first verse refers to eternal dominion over the heavens and the earth, whereas the second refers to limited temporal power which has been lent to them. Are the two alike? Are you comparing slaves tested with a position, with their Master who gave them the position?
How long did it take to destroy Aad tribe?
Contradiction
One day
Several days
A week
Response
The first verse: do you see anywhere that it limits it to one day?
Saying that something was sent on such a day, whereby great destruction was brought about does not exclude the possibility that the destruction continued into the next day or days.
If it is elaborated on in another place, to the extent that its duration is specified, where is the problem? Or do you think that in a week is not composed of days? Or that it does not begin with one?
Extended Response
There have been well known stories of a lost city named Ubar since Ancient times by the bedouin arabs. This was thought to be only a myth, but in 1990, 12 metres below the sands was uncovered a city. Prior to this, the only evidence for its existence would have been from space. This city was found to be full of tall towers or pillars - its distintive feature. What is interesting is how the Qur'an describes a city:
A city of lofty pillars? Could this be the very same as what was called Ubar? But no historian had ever heard of this city as it could not be found anywhere on record, so IRAM was thought to be nonexistent. That is until the 4300 year old city of Ebla was excavated in Syria. Within its library was a record of all the cities which it had traded with. Iram was one of those mentioned.
So the Qur’an mentions a city which no one knew existed, with its distincitive features by any otherwise unknown name and describes that they were destroyed – and you are contending with its description of how they were destroyed and calling it contradictory!?
And it describes how the Prophet Hud who was sent to the people of Ad warned them.
Today the region in which this city was found is arid and dry desrt, but the Qur’an talks about it having gardens and springs? In fact, it was found that the area had once been full of cultivable fertile green land, (although there was still desert) but climate change had caused it to become as it is now.
From this we can infer that the Ad were destroyed by a destructive wind, such as a cyclone.
According to the Qur’an, the people of Ad, did not recognise their calamity even as it was approaching them. They mistook it for a cloud full of rain.
“The first sign (of a dust or sandstorm) is an approaching wall of dust-laden air which may be several thousand feet in height lifted by the strong rising currents and stirred by a fairly strong wind.” Brian Doe, Southern Arabia, Thames and Hudson, 1971, p. 21}}
A cyclone in the desert that draws up a lot of sand as it passes, can therefore resemble a rain cloud from a distance. The French magazine, Ça M’Interesse states the same as follows “Ubar was buried under a sand of 12 meters thickness as a result of a storm”( Ça M’Interesse, January 1993 )
The Qur’an already 1400 years ago spoke of all this. So the location, name, description and manner of destruction – from its approach to its start is all correct. But you are disputing the duration? Well that is simple enough to see from the verses. It was sent on one day – which was described a s a day of furious disaster, throwing people as if they were uprooted trees. The consequence that would be expected if a cyclone were to rage through a built up area.
Then in another place it says that it raged for 7 nights and eight days one after the other. From that you can deduce it was sent in the daytime of the first day and ended before the night of the last day. But in saying that the cyclone was sent on a day that resulted in destruction, there is no limiting it to remain there for just the one day. It as the Qur’an goes on to explain, raged for a number of days.
Therefore there is no contradiction in this story. Only signs for whoever wishes to accept them.
Is Allah similar to anyone or anything?
Contradiction
No
Yes, face
Response
Wake up! Open up your eyes!
Have you ever heard of figurative language?
If you are in any doubt, look at what I’ve just written. No, I am not under the impression that you (literally) wrote your article whilst you were asleep with your eyes closed. (it means start using your sense)
Britain also has a face, apparently. As does politics, fashion, science as in the “changing face of” Britain/science or whatever else.
This is a metaphor, not a claim that God has a face. One possible meaning of the metaphor being the religion/way of the Lord.
Yes, eyes
Response
Can you show me this ‘eye’ that the United States supposedly has on the Middle east? I’m hearing a lot about it on the news, but I can’t seem to see it anywhere with my own physical eyes. Again it is a metaphor, this time meaning ‘watch’ or ‘observation’.
Yes, hands
Yes, hands
Yes, hands
Response
Again to use the US as an example. It seems they are very 'heavy handed', in using the 'hand' of force, against countries who they fear may get their 'hands' on WMDS.
Hands could mean power/ or possession, depending on the context. In my example you would not interpret it literally. Why then do you always interpret the Qur’an literally? If your answer is that it claims its verses are clear, the fact is they are to the one who wishes to take a clear course. But of course you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. (Again this is a metaphor.)
Yes, legs
Yes, sits down just like us
Response
The Ka'aba is called the "House of God", but does that mean He lives in it? The "Throne" is also just a representation of His Power.
Yes, has a shade like us
Response
Shade means protection, or somewhere to take shelter under. Not a shade as in a shadow produced by an object when it blocks the rays of the sun. How could that be when God is the one who created light? Do you think there is a source greater than Him, that he would be blocking it?
Could Allah have a Son?
Contradictions
Yes
No
Response
Meaning that whatever you may call a son, would be his own creation, just as everything is, so why do you call anyone a son? If anyone is, everyone is, and it is better that you do not call anyone at all, because then you would begin on the path of deifying people and raising them to the rank of godhood, and making them into partners.
In what way could you claim that God has a son, when he is not like us nor does he have any partner. Everything is only a creation of His. Just as Adam was. Just as we all are. So there is no question of God having a son.
Is Allah proud?
Contradiction
yes
No
Response
Who do the best names belong to, if not God. He is stating a fact, and if He is telling us to address him by such names, it is so that we will better understand his attributes.
What are these names? The Forgiving, the Merciful, the Just, the Powerful, the Answerer of prayers.
If I ask the president who is in charge on the country, and he says he is, is that arrogance?
And why do you not read the verses that you yourself post? You have your answers there. He is "free of all wants, worthy of all praise."
He is praised because He is worthy of it.
Is Muhammad the last prophet?
Contradictions
Yes
No, Jesus will return
No, the Mahdi is
Response
The term 'Seal of the Prophets' means that no one will be sent for the mission of Prophethood after him. Jesus was given this rank prior to Muhammad being sent to guide Mankind.
And Jesus’s return is not to bring any new message, but to support the Mahdi in his mission. Both will be following what Muhammad brought, without any alteration, addition, deduction or corruption.
‘The 'Mahdi’ is not a prophet. He is an Imam, or just ruler, from amongst the descendants of the FINAL Prophet, Prophet Muhammad.
Can messengers perform miracles?
Contradiction
No
Yes
Response
They cannot of their own accord perform miracles, except with the permission of Allah.
A demand from people for miracles is only realised when God wishes to show them, not out of the Messenger’s own choice. He has no say in the matter, for he is only a plain warner.
Are all messengers descended from Abraham?
Contradiction
Yes
No
Response
Do you know that many of the world’s royal families or leaders are related? Does that make a difference though that they are rulers in their respective nations?
Do all messengers eat food?
Contradiction
Yes
No
Response
You should be aware that the verse 11:70 refers to angels who have been sent to give them the message of the birth of Isaac to the Prophet Ibrahim, whereas the first verse (25:20) refers to human messengers who were Prophets, not angels. This is clear from the very next verse which states:
Had verse 25:20, referred to angels as well, people would not have made the objection. It can be seen from history that that instance of this verse’s revelation was their objection that why has a messenger who eats food and walks in the markets, been sent to us? Why has an angel not been sent instead?
Therefore, as opposed to proving a contradiction, you have only once again brought to light the truth of it.
When did Pharaoh command killing of baby boys?
Contradiction
When moses was an infant
When moses was a prophet
Response
These are two separate incidents. The first is when Pharaoh was told about the impending birth of one who will destroy him.
The second is when he was trying to dampen the resolve of Moses's followers by killing their children.
Therefore there is no contradiction.
Was the Pharaoh killed?
Contradictions
No
No
Yes
Yes
Response
It does not so much as even imply that the pharaoh was not killed.
You have quoted verses 10:90-2, claiming that they suggest that the pharaoh was not killed. Let us assess your claim. “When the flood over took him.” - so we was just about to be drowned, when he said okay I submit now. But an apology is meaningless when he can see that he is about to be destroyed. So he was told that his body would be preserved and thus be a sign for those who came after him, to see what was the end of the rejecters.
You can see the pharaoh’s body in the museum. So the prophecy of the Qur’an has come true. How would a man in a time of ignorance know this?
If what you are trying to suggest is that by his body being preserved it means that he will be kept alive, you are really stretching it.
Before now I have never heard such an interpretation. So if you are finding contradictions with your novel interpretations, then I suggest that it is your mind that is the source of contradictions and not the book.
One who is looking will find, but the one who only makes excuses will always be left without.
Magic
Contradiction
Moses instructed by Allah to do magic
Magic is evil
Response
If it is magic, then why do the magicians believe in His Prophethood?
It says the magicians plot will not succeed, so how are you saying that Moses was a magician? Nowhere in the Qur’an does it say that any of the Prophets indulged in magic. It is always only the disbelievers that accuse them of it.
Surely, the magicians would be the most acquainted with what is magic and what is not. But consider their response:
It is Pharaoh who is claiming it is magic, while the magicians are saying it nothing but a clear proof.
You will find this again and again:
Are you doing any different when you make similar accusations against clear proofs?
Should Muslims follow earlier scriptures?
Contradiction
Yes, the New Testament, scrolls of Abraham, the Zabur (book of Sabians) and Torah should all be followed
No, you shouldn't
Response
In their original form they are from God, and muslims believe in the earlier scriptures. But they have been corrupted by the hands of man, who write with their own hands, and then claim it is from God.
Whilst believing in the existence of something which was once pure, there is no indication of following it when it has now been corrupted and replaced with something better.
You have no problem believing that the water that enters your sink is pure and clean, but after you wash your dishes with it, will you drink it?
Who brought the revelation to Muhammad?
Contradiction
Holy spirit
Angel Jibreel
Response
The Holy Spirit IS the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel).
Do you have nothing better than this?
One is a title, the other is his name. It's like when we say The Holy Prophet, we mean The Prophet whose name is Muhammad.
How many angels spoke to Mary?
Contradiction
One
Several
Response
These were two separate incidents.
Read the next verse.
The first verse you have quoted tells the story of how the Angel Gabriel was sent to her to inform her that she would give birth to a child.
The Second says how she was told that she has been chosen above all others, and told to submit to Allah by bowing with those who bow. She thus entered the place of prayer.
Is jewellery okay
Contradiction
Yes
No
Response
Where exactly does it say that wearing jewellery is not allowed?
The problem with Qarun was that he thought his wealth made him superior to everyone else. And it is that which led to his downfall. It caused him to be disobedient.
Is drinking alcohol okay?
Contradictions
Paradise has rivers of Alcohol
Yes, as long as you're not praying
Huge sin
Alcohol is from Satan
Response
These are rivers of a kind of pure wine which does not cause intoxication. It is not like the wine of this earth. And it does not say rivers of alcohol.
And in paradise men can wear silk and gold but not so in this world. Therefore it pointless to compare the laws of this world with the reward of the next.
And from the fruit of the date-palm and the vine, ye get out wholesome drink and food: behold, in this also is a sign for those who are wise Qur'an 16:67
Firstly for the verse 16:67 look at the other translatons:
It is only the translator YusufAli who calls it "wholesome drink".
This verse was revealed before it was prohibited. But through it God is telling people something. That is why he is saying there's a sign in that for those who have sense/ponder.It showing that from the same source, you can get strong drink OR good nourishment. The first is therefore not good nourishment.
And all you have done is show how the revelation concerning alcohol came in stages. In the first instance it was put in a verse making a distinction between it (as an intoxicant) and the goodly provision which is also from the same source. So you realise it is not a goodly provision.
Then the believers are told not to pray whilst intoxicated, because then they will not be able to understand what they are saying. Effectively this will prevent them from drinking in the first place, because they have to pray at five times a day, at least, and intoxication may last for a long duration of time. Next they are told that although there is some benefit in it, the harm outweighs the benefit. In the final instance, once people’s minds have been prepared sufficiently and they have been properly weaned off alcohol, they are told that it is from Satan, and that they should leave it aside so that they can be successful. As it is impure, and only the pure are successful.
So where is the contradiction? Remember these are a series of revelations.
Things were prohibited and duties were given stage by stage, so that people would not feel burdened by it. Do you notice how the first thing they were called towards was Acceptance of the unity of God, and thereafter the Prophethood? At the start there was no mention of fasting, pilgrimage, paying the poor rate or prayer. These were encouraged as they had passed the previous stage. This was to make things easy, not difficult. Otherwise the whole Qur'an could have been revealed in one instant.
How many Thamud killed the she-camel?
Contradiction
One
Several
Response
What do you think? That they were all going to carry a sword and each would strike at the exact same moment to hamstring the camel?
As a group they were all guilty even if it was only one of them who actually committed crime, because they all called for it and made no actions to stop it.
This is the same as the criminal law in the UK. If you are part of a group where one member commits a crime and you did not take any action to stop it, you are all considered to have committed it.
Allah doesn't know mathematics?
Contradictions
wife 1/8 = 3/24 daughters 2/3 = 16/24 father 1/6 = 4/24 mother 1/6 = 4/24 total = 27/24
Allah (thus) directs you as regards your Children's (Inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females: if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased Left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases ('s) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-knowing, Al-wise.
In what your wives leave, your share is a half, if they leave no child; but if they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they get an eighth; after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two, they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to any one). Thus is it ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-knowing, Most Forbearing.Response
The Qur'an is the guiding text which explain the general principles of things. However, it is the Apostle's duty to explain the finer details. This can be seen with Prayer for example. The Qur'an stresses the importance of prayer, but doesn't give the exact details of it. However, it points towards obedience to the Prophet and following what is revealed to him for guidance in all matters.
So in the case of inheritance the general principles are mentioned, but as there are a great many potential cases which may arise, they are not all covered under these. The hadith give further information about what to do in other cases.
The example you provided is already well known.
"Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (as) was once interrupted while he was delivering a sermon from the pulpit by someone who asked him how to distribute the inheritance of someone who had died leaving a wife, his parents and two daughters. Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (as) instantly answered:
"The wife's share becomes one ninth."
How?
This answer is in fact the result of a long analysis with a number of steps. Ordinarily, we have to decide on the original share of each of these heirs, in the following way:
The wife takes one eighth, in view of the presence of an inheriting child. [Noble Qur'an, 4:12] The deceased's father and mother take one sixth each. [Noble Qur'an, 4:11] The two daughters take two thirds of the inheritance. [Noble Qur'an, 4:11] So the total will be: 1/8 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 2/3 = 3/24 + 4/24 + 4/24 + 16/24 = 27/24
This means the share becomes less than 1/8 in view of the increase of the total of the shares which are so fixed and prescribed. So the one eighth, the original share due to the wife out of twenty-four total shares, has become three shares out of a total of twenty-seven, which is one ninth."
Therefore, it is not a lack of mathematical knowledge in the Qur'an, but in the one who does not know how to apply it.
If you disagree, consider how many cases and situations it covers. There is great wisdom behind the apportioned amounts for each category of inheritor, if you care to delve into it.
