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Although it is proven that the text of the Quran has
remained intact till today, how are we sure that the words actually originated
from God and not some other source? This takes us to look at the authenticity,
authority, or source of the Quran.
Concerning the authorship of the Quran, Muslims believe that
it was revealed verbatim (i.e. word for word) by God, to Muhammad, may the
mercy and blessings of God be upon him. Non-Muslims, however, who do not
support this view, can have no differences with Muslims concerning the fact
that the Quran was at least first witnessed to be uttered by Muhammad, a Meccan
Arab in the 7thcentury CE and, as proved above, there have been no changes to
the records of his utterances since then.
Muslims’ claim of “internal evidence” for the divine
authorship of the Quran, i.e. from statements to that effect in the Quran
itself (e.g. Quran 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 revelation from
God. We are therefore forced by reason and objectivity to look elsewhere
for “external evidence” of the Quran’s divine source or authority.
The simple proposed structure for the presentation of this
“external evidence” is an elimination process, where we get to the answer of
the question – “Who is the author of the Quran?” – by eliminating all
alternative answers to this question which are definitely implausible. In
other words, the definite or (at least) most probable author or source of the
Quran is identified by eliminating unacceptable alternative candidates.
There are various contradictory views and opinions held by
some non-Muslims as to the source of the Quran. The following list of
“possible” authors reflects the main theories:
1) Muhammad.
2) Some other Arab poet(s), scholars, etc.
3) Some non-Arab scholars, or poets or
religious personalities.
4) Monks or Rabbis (i.e. from the Bible or
Judeo-Christian sources).
5) Satan (or other deceitful “spirits” or
“aliens”, etc.).
6) God.
We may now proceed to examine from a closer study of the
Quran and history how plausible these theories are.
Muhammad: Unlettered and Had No Teachers
The fact that Muhammad could neither read nor write (Quran
29:48) is well known and uncontested by even his non-Muslim contemporaries and
present day historians. He had no schooling or teacher of any kind.
He had never been known to compose oral poetry or prose. The Quran, with
its all-embracing laws and freedom from all inconsistencies, has its greatness
acknowledged even by non-Muslim scholars.[1] 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 Quran 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 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 Known Integrity
Muhammad’s sincerity, truthfulness and integrity were so
well known that he was even nicknamed “Al-Ameen” (The Trustworthy) by
his pre-Islamic community. Not a single lie is recorded against him, and
many modern Western Orientalists have themselves admitted that contrary to any
deliberate deception, that the Prophet had a profoundly sincere conviction that
it was revealed to him by God Himself is undeniable.[2]
If his integrity had been in question, and he was supposed
to have been motivated by the desire for personal glory to produce the Quran,
why then would he disclaim authorship and instead claim it was from God,
especially when the pagan Meccans had conceded that no one could produce such a
scripture (Quran 2:23-24, 17:88, etc.), but only marvel at it? His
enemies even offered him kingship over Mecca
and any riches he desired if only he would stop reciting. 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 One God?
In addition, how reasonable is it to believe that unlettered
Muhammad would author the Quran for personal benefit and then within the Quran
correct and reprove himself? For example:
“He frowned and turned away when the blind man came to him…”
(Quran 80:1-2)
And also,
“…And you did fear men, though God is more deserving that
you should fear Him” (Quran 33:37)
There are other verse you may refer to, such as
chapter18,verse 23-24, and others. Why would he embarrass himself when he
could simply omit or favorably modify such verses in the Quran? They were
certainly not to his advantage if his goals were power and prestige. The
existence of such verses only proves that Muhammad was indeed a truthful and
sincere Messenger of God!
Footnotes:
[1] See Fredrick Denny, Islam, NY:
Harper & Row, 1987, p.88; Dr. Maurice Bucaille, The Bible, the Quran and
Science, Indianapolis :
American Trust Publications, 1983, p.163; and H.A.R. Gibb, Wither Islam, NY:
A.M.S. Press, 1932, p.350; etc.
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