Can errors or contradictions be found in the Quran? Over the past 1400 years, countless attempts have been made, but they’ve proven as fruitless as expecting a lioness to give birth to a cat. Yet, some will cleverly disguise a lion cub as a cat and claim: “See? Lionesses give birth to cats!”.
This mirrors the approach of critics who, unable to find genuine contradictions or errors, resort to misinterpreting verses, taking them out of context, or presenting flawed arguments as evidence.
This article addresses some of the most well-known claims of ‘errors and contradictions’ in the Quran. But before diving into the specifics, let’s explore the mindset and motivations of those who search for these supposed inconsistencies.
Behind the alleged errors and contradictions of the Quran
The challenge of the Quran
God is quite clear. There are no errors in the Quran:
Say, ’ If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants.’
This challenge is present and will always be present until the Last Day.
The test of sincerity
Allah only guides those who are sincere and who are not puffed up with pride, even if they see all the miracles these people will not believe:
I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right; and if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it. And if they see the way of consciousness, they will not adopt it as a way; but if they see the way of error, they will adopt it as a way. That is because they have denied Our signs and they were heedless of them.
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But Allah tells us that this type of people has a strange behavior in front of the verses of the Quran; when they find a verse that they do not understand, instead of thinking with sincerity or asking those who have the knowledge, they rush to interpret the verses according to their liking to satisfy their passion:
It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say, ’ We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord.’ And no one will be reminded except those of understanding.
The wisdom behind the fact that the Quran was revealed with verses of both types is that it is a test, for those whose hearts are led astray will follow what is not entirely clear and thus remain confused. But those who know knowledge well believe in all of it, both what is not entirely clear and what is entirely clear; they know that it is from Allah and that there is no contradiction in it. An example of verses that are not entirely clear is the verses in which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning) to His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) (interpretation of the meaning):
And thus We have revealed to you an inspiration of Our command. You did not know what is the Book or [what is] faith, but We have made it a light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants. And indeed, [O Muhammad], you guide to a straight path -
There is an imaginary contradiction in these two verses, so the one who has a deviation in his heart may think that they contradict each other because in the first verse, there is a negation, and in the second, there is an affirmation. So, he thinks that there is a contradiction in the Quran.
But those who are well versed in knowledge say that there is no contradiction between these two verses because what is meant by guidance in the first verse is guidance by divine help or inspiration, over which no one has control except Allah alone; neither the Messenger nor anyone else has power over it. And what is meant by guidance in the second verse is guidance based on evidence, which may come from Allah or from others, so it may come from the Messengers and their heirs, that is, from sincere scholars.
When the search for contradiction leads to Islam
When one reads the Quran, even with the idea of finding contradictions in it, if one approaches the Quran with sincerity and is ready to recognize our errors of interpretation, one can only find the path of Islam.
This is the example of several people who at first were bitter against Islam; they had then decided to read the Quran to make their own ideas and to find “errors, “but God wanted otherwise; this reading of the Quran led them on the path of Allah, the famous example is that of the mathematician and evangelist Gary Miller, who converted to Islam during the 70s, he went on to write his book, “The Amazing Quran, “in one of his lectures he declares:
No author is going to write a book and then challenge others to find a single error in it . As for the noble Quran, it’s the other way around. It tells the reader that there are no errors, then challenges everyone else to find some, if there are any.Gary Miller
This is also the example of Armando Barcelo, Reverend of the Pentecostal Church in the Philippines, who began to scour the pages of the Holy Quran in the hope of finding contradictions in some form; he ended up embracing Islam. Or Mohammad Fouad Al Hachimi, former Preacher Of The Orthodox Church Of Egypt who declares:
“I found for every question a satisfactory answer, which could not be obtained by any previous religion, whether from the divine religions or from any of the philosophical principles. i found that what they claimed in Islam were defects are merits, and what they thought were contradictions are wisdom and rules and laws for those who reflect . and that what they blamed on Islam was a remedy for humanity, which had long lived in darkness until Islam brought it out of darkness into light.
Mohammad Fouad Al Hachimi Preacher Of The Orthodox Church Of Egypt
Contradictions in the Quran
Here are a few alleged contradictions from the Quran that are circulating on the internet for you to judge.
How many angels speak to Mary?
Accusation
In verses 3:42-45, we are told of several angels, while in verses 19:17-21, only the angel Gabriel is mentioned.
That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muhammad]. And you were not with them when they cast their pens as to which of them should be responsible for Mary. Nor were you with them when they disputed.
[And mention] when the angels said, ’ O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah].
He said, ’ Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ’It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.’ ’
Answer
No contradiction. First of all, these are two distinct events. The first took place before Jesus’ conception when Mary was young. A guardian had not yet been chosen to watch over her. This is why verse 3:44 contains the phrase: For you were not there when they cast their calamums to decide who would take charge of Mary! The second event is the announcement of Jesus’ conception through his determined guardian, the angel Gabriel.
Is the creation process spread over six or eight days?
Accusation
In verse [7:54], creation is spread over 6 days, while in verses [41:9-12], it is spread over 8.
Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He covers the night with the day, [another night] chasing it rapidly; and [He created] the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.
And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures’] sustenance in four days without distinction - for [the information] of those who ask.
Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, ’ Come [into being], willingly or by compulsion.’ They said, ’ We have come willingly.’
And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.
Answer
There is no contradiction between these two verses. Creation takes place over 6 days. Verses [41:9-12] speak of parallel and consecutive actions. The Arabic adverbs thumma and fa, used in verses 11 and 12, express consecutive actions. However, these adverbs are not used in verse 10. Instead, God uses wa to imply parallel action. The 4 days of verse 10, therefore, include the two days of verse 9. Here’s an example to illustrate the point:
Example: Julie is 32. She is a professional skier. She started elementary school at the age of 6. She then spent 12 years before graduating from high school and 24 years training to become a skier. She spent the last 2 years of her life resting and caring for her family.
If we thought like the detractors of Islam, we could accuse Julie of being 44 and lying about her age (6 + 12 + 24 + 2 = 44). The previous statement doesn’t mean that Julie started training at 18. These actions are parallel. If people still want to believe that Julie is 44, well, that’s their problem.
The days of creation of the Earth are described among the scientific miracles of the Quran.
Was Pharaoh forgiven?
Accusation
In verse 4:18, we are told that repentance in the face of death is not accepted, but in verse 10:90-92, we are told that Pharaoh’s repentance was accepted, and he was saved.
But repentance is not [accepted] of those who [continue to] do evil deeds up until, when death comes to one of them, he says, ’ Indeed, I have repented now,’ or of those who die while they are disbelievers. For them We have prepared a painful punishment.
And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them in tyranny and enmity until, when drowning overtook him, he said, ’ I believe that there is no deity except that in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of the Muslims.’
So today We will save you in body that you may be to those who succeed you a sign. And indeed, many among the people, of Our signs, are heedless
Réponse
No contradiction. First of all, In verses 10:90-92, Pharaoh is not saved physically. His body is preserved for future generations so that his story will serve as a lesson to people. Those who choose the moment of their death to repent will not be forgiven, as verse 4:18 tells us. Moreover, God says in verse 10:91:
Now? Whereas before you disobeyed and were of the corrupters!
This word of God confirms verse 4:18. Pharaoh waited until his death to repent even though many signs from the Lord had come to him. Thus, Pharaoh will not be forgiven as God confirms to us in the Quran:
And We caused to overtake them in this world a curse, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be of the despised.
This verse also confirms that Pharaoh perished with his soldiers.
Will Jesus (peace be upon him) burn in Hell?
Accusation
Muslims consider it a sin to pray to anyone other than God. Since Christians address prayers to Jesus, we can thus conclude from the following verse that Muslims believe Jesus will burn in Hell:
Indeed, you [disbelievers] and what you worship other than Allah are the firewood of Hell. You will be coming to [enter] it.
Answer
This baseless accusation is easily refuted since Jesus is considered a prophet in Islam. What’s more, the Arabic word “ma” can only refer to objects, not people. So, this verse refers to the statues of polytheists. Even if we disregarded this crucial fact, we could still reject this accusation because three verses later, God mentions:
[Mention] when Allah said, ’ O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you [in submission to Allah alone] superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ.
She said, ’ My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?’ [The angel] said, ’ Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ’Be,’ and it is.
And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], ’Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead - by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.
So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those who remained [with the evildoers].
Answer
There is no contradiction. The old woman mentioned in verse [26:171] is Lot’s wife. Lot’s wife was old. If Islam’s detractors can’t conceive of this, then that’s their problem. You don’t need a PhD to know that a woman can be both a wife and an elderly person. Lot’s wife was not saved because she refused to believe her husband, the Prophet Lot (peace be upon him). So she died in disbelief.
Who brought revelation? The Holy Spirit or Gabriel?
Accusation
In verse [2:97], we’re told it was the angel Gabriel who sent down the Quran to Muhammad(ﷺ), but in verse [16:02], we’re told it was the Holy Spirit.
Say, ’ Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel - it is [none but] he who has brought the Qur’an down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], by permission of Allah, confirming that which was before it and as guidance and good tidings for the believers.’
Say, [O Muhammad], ’ The Pure Spirit has brought it down from your Lord in truth to make firm those who believe and as guidance and good tidings to the Muslims.’
Answer
No contradiction. The Holy Spirit IS the angel Gabriel! All Muslims believe that the Holy Spirit is Gabriel. This is a fact known to all. Moreover, we can see that in verse 16:102, Muhammad Hamidullah, in his translation of the Quran, includes Gabriel’s name in square brackets []:
Dis: “It was the Holy Spirit [Gabriel] who sent it down
Who causes death?
Accusation
In verse [32:11], we are told that an angel of death takes our soul, but verse 47:27 speaks of angels (plural).
Say, ’ The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord you will be returned.’
So, if one angel is in charge of our person, it makes good sense that many angels are in charge of many people. In verse 47:27, a group of people are mentioned:
Then how [will it be] when the angels take them in death, striking their faces and their backs?
There is no contradiction. However, some persistent detractors tell us that it is God who causes death and not the angels. So, these verses are contradictory. Not at all! God gives the order, and the angels carry out His order since they are entirely subject to Him. Angels cannot disobey God. They are incapable of doing so. It’s God who gives life and death.
How many groups? Two or three?
Accusation
In verses 56:7-11, we are told that on Judgment Day, people will be divided into three groups, whereas in verses 90:17-20, only two groups are mentioned.
But they who disbelieved in Our signs - those are the companions of the left.
عَلَيْهِمْ نَارٌ مُّؤْصَدَةٌ
Over them will be fire closed in.
Answer
No contradiction. There is no indication from reading verses 90:17-20 that there are only two groups. The fact that the third is not mentioned does not mean that it does not exist. Here’s a concrete example:
There are three cars in the garage. The one on the right is blue, and the one on the left is red.
Indeed, in this brief example, the color of the third is not mentioned, but this does not imply its non-existence. On the other hand, if we were to think like the detractors of Islam, we would conclude that there are only two cars. Incredible but true!
As usual, this accusation of contradiction is false.
How long is a day? 1,000 or 50,000 years?
Accusation
In verse [70:4], we are told that the length of a day is 50,000 years, but in verse [22:47], we are told that the day lasts only 1,000 years.
And they urge you to hasten the punishment. But Allah will never fail in His promise. And indeed, a day with your Lord is like a thousand years of those which you count.
Answer
No contradiction. The Arabic word Yaoum (day) can also be used to designate a period of time, just as in French. Here’s an example: He’s waiting for the day when he can take his revenge. The word day used here doesn’t necessarily mean 24 hours, but a certain point in time. The same rule also applies in Arabic. In verse [70:4], God speaks of a period lasting 50,000 years. These two verses also constitute one of the scientific miracles of the Quran, alluding to the relativity of time.
What is man made of?
Accusation
We are told that man is created from water (21:30), from clay (23:12), from a drop of sperm (75:36-38), from an adhesion (96:1-2), and finally from nothing at all (19:67). So what’s the right answer?
Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?
Does man not remember that We created him before, while he was nothing?
Réponse
No contradictions. All answers are correct since they describe different stages of creation. The following three statements form a concrete example:
1- I made a pizza with dough. 2- I made a pizza with tomato sauce. 3- I made a pizza with cheese.
If we were to think like the detractors of Islam, we would say that all three statements are false. The truth is that all three statements are true since they represent different stages in the creation of a pizza. Here’s a detailed explanation of the verses mentioned: Science tells us that all living creatures are at least 70% water. Yet God tells us the same thing in the Quran: We have separated them and made every living thing from water. Humans are also created from the Earth (clay). If we analyze his bones and tissues, we realize that the same elements are also found in the Earth: oxygen, potassium, carbon, calcium, iron, and so on. So, verse 23:12: We have indeed created man from clay is quite logical.
Science also dictates that the Human is created from a fertilized egg (adherence to verse 96:1-2). To obtain a fertilized egg, we need a spermatozoon (the sperm of verse 75:37). There’s nothing illogical about this verse; it’s quite the opposite.
Finally, verse 19:67 does not say that man was created out of nothing. Read for yourself! Whereas he was nothing does not mean from nothing, but rather that man was nothing before his creation. No illogic! Once again, this accusation of contradiction is false!
Is it allowed to enter homes without permission?
Accusation
In verses 24:27-28 we are told that it is forbidden to enter dwellings without permission, while in verse 24:29 we are told the opposite.
O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded.
And if you do not find anyone therein, do not enter them until permission has been given you. And if it is said to you, ’ Go back,’ then go back; it is purer for you. And Allah is Knowing of what you do.
There is no blame upon you for entering houses not inhabited in which there is convenience for you. And Allah knows what you reveal and what you conceal.
Answer
No contradiction. Those making accusations have obviously not read the verses concerned properly. In verse 24:29, we are told of deserted houses that are no longer inhabited ( No grievance against you for entering uninhabited houses). This permission is given only to recover any personal effects (where there is property for you.)
But verses 24:27-28 clearly speak of inhabited houses. Moreover, it is mentioned that the permission of the inhabitants of the house is required to enter it, even if they are not present.
Can we ask forgiveness for our parents?
Accusation
Verses 9:113-114 tell us that it is not permissible to ask God’s mercy for associators even if they are our own relatives, but in verses 17:23-24 we are told the opposite.
It is not for the Prophet and those who have believed to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire.
And the request of forgiveness of Abraham for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became apparent to Abraham that his father was an enemy to Allah, he disassociated himself from him. Indeed was Abraham compassionate and patient.
And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], ’ uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.
And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ’ My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.’
Answer
There is no contradiction. Verses 17:23-24 speak of a Muslim’s obligation to be kind to his parents while they are still alive. Indeed, this passage ends with the sentence: “O my Lord, show mercy to them both, as they brought me up as a child.” However, verses 9:113-114 do not say that it is forbidden to ask God’s mercy for one’s parents. These verses clearly say that while it has become clear to them that these are the people of Hell. Now, we can conclude that it is not permissible to ask forgiveness for people who have clearly refused to believe in God. God gives us the example of Abraham, who disowned his father as soon as it became clear to him that he was among the associators. So there’s no contradiction.
What is the direction of prayer?
Accusation
contradiction between [2:115] and [2:144]. 2:115 -> Any direction. 2:144 -> towards Mecca.
We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Muhammad], toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased. So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces toward it [in prayer]. Indeed, those who have been given the Scripture well know that it is the truth from their Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what they do.
Answer
There is no contradiction on the direction of the Qibla (orientation of prayer). These two verses deal with a completely different subject. Verse 2:115 speaks of God’s omniscience, his omnipotence. God knows everything we do. So wherever we are, God’s face is there. Moreover, the verse ends with the following words: He is Omniscient. Verse 2:144, on the other hand, deals explicitly with prayer and mentions the direction of Mecca: Turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque.
Is wine legal?
Accusation
contradiction between two verses: [5:90] -> Wine is illicit. [47:15] -> Wine is lawful.
O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.
Is the description of Paradise, which the righteous are promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey, in which they will have from all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord, like [that of] those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink scalding water that will sever their intestines?
Answer
Alcohol is forbidden because it causes people to lose their reason. However, the wine of paradise is not a drink that creates enmity between people:
Quran Soura 37 Aya 45-47 :
يُطَافُ عَلَيْهِم بِكَأْسٍ مِّن مَّعِينٍ
There will be circulated among them a cup [of wine] from a flowing spring,
بَيْضَاءَ لَذَّةٍ لِّلشَّارِبِينَ
White and delicious to the drinkers;
لَا فِيهَا غَوْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ عَنْهَا يُنزَفُونَ
No bad effect is there in it, nor from it will they be intoxicated.
They will exchange with one another a cup [of wine] wherein [results] no ill speech or commission of sin.
So, there’s no contradiction between these two verses. The fact that the drink is called “wine” does not make it an alcoholic beverage. You don’t need a PhD to understand something as basic as that. Beer and root beer are not the same thing!
Contradiction concerning the worship of the golden calf?
Accusation
In verses 7:14 and 9, we are told that Moses’ people stopped worshipping the golden calf before Moses came down from Mount Sinai, while in verse 20:91, Moses’ people only repented after Moses’ return.
And the people of Moses made, after [his departure], from their ornaments a calf - an image having a lowing sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them to a way? They took it [for worship], and they were wrongdoers.
And when regret overcame them and they saw that they had gone astray, they said, ’ If our Lord does not have mercy upon us and forgive us, we will surely be among the losers.’
And when Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said, ’ How wretched is that by which you have replaced me after [my departure]. Were you impatient over the matter of your Lord?’ And he threw down the tablets and seized his brother by [the hair of] his head, pulling him toward him. [Aaron] said, ’ O son of my mother, indeed the people oppressed me and were about to kill me, so let not the enemies rejoice over me and do not place me among the wrongdoing people.’
And Aaron had already told them before [the return of Moses], ’ O my people, you are only being tested by it, and indeed, your Lord is the Most Merciful, so follow me and obey my order.’
They said, ’ We will never cease being devoted to the calf until Moses returns to us.’
Answer
There is no contradiction. There is no indication that the events recounted in verse 149 occur before verse 150. Read for yourself. It seems that those who cry contradiction forget the first part of verse 149, which says: AND WHEN. The following verse (150) contains no adverbs that imply what follows, such as “Thumma” or “Fa”. In fact, verse 150 begins with Wa, which implies a parallel action. Therefore, these two actions occur simultaneously. Once again, this accusation of contradiction is false.
Was Noah driven out?
Accusation
In verse 54:9, we’re told that Noah was driven out, while in verse 11:38, we’re told that his people mocked him when he built the ark. How could his people laugh at him if he was expelled?
And he constructed the ship, and whenever an assembly of the eminent of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said, ’ If you ridicule us, then we will ridicule you just as you ridicule.
Answer
There is no contradiction. Noah was not expelled. The word repulsed in verse 54:9 does not mean expelled. The Arabic verb “Zajara” translates as rebuked or pushed away, but not expelled. So, once again, this accusation is unfounded.
Are humans destined for Hell?
Accusation
In verse 51:56, we are told that humans and Jinn were created to worship God, but in verse 7:179, we are told that they are destined for Hell.
And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.
Answer
There is no contradiction. Firstly, verse 7:179 speaks of many Jinns and humans, not all of them. These humans and the Jinns in question have earned Hell by their actions in this world and their refusal to submit to God’s will. God cites the people of Pharaoh as an example in the Quran:
[Theirs is] like the custom of the people of Pharaoh and those before them. They denied Our signs, so Allah seized them for their sins. And Allah is severe in penalty.
As usual, there are no errors or contradictions.
Was Noah’s family saved?
Accusation
In verse 11:42-43, we are told that Noah’s Son was swept away in the flood, but in verse 37:75-77, we are told the opposite.
And it sailed with them through waves like mountains, and Noah called to his son who was apart [from them], ’ O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers.’
[But] he said, ’ I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.’ [Noah] said, ’ There is no protector today from the decree of Allah, except for whom He gives mercy.’ And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned.
.
Answer
There is no contradiction. Verses 11:42-43 tell us about one of Noah’s sons who died in unbelief, not about the family as a whole. Verses 37:75-77, on the other hand, deal with the pious members of Noah’s family. The Quran also confirms this two verses later. If only Islam’s detractors would take the time to read before accusing…
[But] he said, ’ I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.’ [Noah] said, ’ There is no protector today from the decree of Allah, except for whom He gives mercy.’ And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned.
And it was said, ’ O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold [your rain].’ And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished, and the ship came to rest on the [mountain of] Judiyy. And it was said, ’ Away with the wrongdoing people.’
And Noah called to his Lord and said, ’ My Lord, indeed my son is of my family; and indeed, Your promise is true; and You are the most just of judges!’
He said, ’ O Noah, indeed he is not of your family; indeed, he is [one whose] work was other than righteous, so ask Me not for that about which you have no knowledge. Indeed, I advise you, lest you be among the ignorant.’
As always, this is a baseless accusation.
When did Pharaoh order the murder of newborn babies?
Accusation
In verse 20:39, we are told that Moses’ mother threw him into the river to escape Pharaoh’s decree to kill newborn babies. But, in verse 40:25, we are told that Pharaoh gave this order when Moses became a prophet.
[Saying], ’Cast him into the chest and cast it into the river, and the river will throw it onto the bank; there will take him an enemy to Me and an enemy to him.’ And I bestowed upon you love from Me that you would be brought up under My eye.
And when he brought them the truth from Us, they said, ’ Kill the sons of those who have believed with him and keep their women alive.’ But the plan of the disbelievers is not except in error.
Answer There is no contradiction. Pharaoh gave this order twice. Pharaoh was a ruthless tyrant. That he gave this order twice is not surprising.
How long does the night prayer last?
Accusation
In verses 73:1-5 we are told that night prayer lasts all night, but in verse 20, it is mentioned that it represents less than two-thirds of the night.
Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur’an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Answer
There is no contradiction. Firstly, verses 1-5 are addressed directly to the Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ), who recited what was revealed to him during the night. It’s not about the length of the 5th prayer (‘isha). The envelope in verse 1, therefore, refers to him. As for verse 20, it mentions a group recitation. So as not to overburden anyone, God specifies in this verse: God determines night and day. He knows that you will never be able to spend the whole night in prayer. He has shown you forbearance. Recite what you can of the Quran. He knows that among you will be some who are sick, and some who will travel the Earth in search of God’s grace, and some who will fight in the way of God. So, recite as much of it as you can. Where’s the contradiction?
Is it the Human who needs God, or is it the other way around?
Accusation
In verse 35:15, we’re told that it’s the Human who needs God, but in verse 51:56, we’re told the opposite!
And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.
Answer
God needs nothing and no one. God created man to ADORE Him. This is the profound nature of the human being. God expects nothing from man except complete submission. And even if the human being refuses to do so, this does not harm Him, for God is sufficient unto Himself. Here are two verses that explain it well:
And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And We have instructed those who were given the Scripture before you and yourselves to fear Allah. But if you disbelieve - then to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And ever is Allah Free of need and Praiseworthy.
O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.
There is no contradiction between these two verses. What’s more, the verses that follow 51:56 prove that God needs nothing. It seems, however, that Islam’s detractors haven’t taken the time to read them…
Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you should be within towers of lofty construction. But if good comes to them, they say, ’ This is from Allah ’ ; and if evil befalls them, they say, ’ This is from you.’ Say, ’ All [things] are from Allah.’ So what is [the matter] with those people that they can hardly understand any statement?
What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, [O man], is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness.
Answer
There is no contradiction between these two verses. God has given us reason, and we are responsible to Him for our actions. Yes, everything comes from God, but our actions in this world have consequences. God lets evil happen so that people can taste the fruits of their actions. So, there’s no contradiction between these two verses. Here’s a second verse from the Quran that explains it clearly:
Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].
O sister of Aaron, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste.’
Response:
These people will be asked to do two things:
Reflect, because it’s not normal for Marie to be the sister of Moses when many centuries were between them!
Learn, because this allegation dates back 1400 years, and the Prophet himself has already answered it:
Al-Mughîra ibn Shu’ba says: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) sent me to Najran [Yemen]. There they said to me: “You recite this passage: ‘O Sister of Aaron’ [Quran 19/28]; yet, between the time of Moses and that of Jesus there was the time that everyone knows!” I didn’t know what to say to them. When I returned (to Medina), I asked the Prophet about it. He said to me: “You would have informed them that they gave themselves as names those of the prophets and the pious who lived before them.””” (reported by Muslim, no. 2135, At-Tirmidhî, no. 3155, Ahmad, no. 17491).
The hadith explains that Harun’s sister means belonging to Aaron. The belonging here is either a symbolic belonging, where a pious woman is associated with a prophet of Israel. Or a family tie (Mary was adopted by Zakaria and his wife Elizabeth, who was descended from Aaron (Gospel of Luke 1-5).
The miracle: enlightened people will notice another proof of the Prophet’s veracity. In fact, if the Prophet had copied from the Bible, would he have gone so far as to assert that Mary has a brother named Aaron if not a divine order he cannot change?
The Christian Trinity is not Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but Father, Son, and Mother (Mary).
Accusation
The Quran says that Christians worship a trinity made up of Father, Son, and Mary, but this is false. Christians do not worship or deify Mary, and the Trinity is made up of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit:
And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, ’ O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, ’Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah?’’ He will say, ’ Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen.
Answer
In the verse quoted, there is no question of the Trinity; it is a question of the divinization of Mary. The other verses of the Quran that speak about the Trinity do not say explicitly what it is composed of, but it is clear that it speaks about the Trinity, which the Christians today believe:
They have certainly disbelieved who say, ’ Allah is the third of three.’ And there is no god except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.
Now, back to the question: the Quran says that Christians took Mary as a deity, and Christians say no. In reality, Christians do take Mary as a deity ( Ilah) apart from Allah; l must understand that in the Arabic language, the word Ilah denotes anything that is worshipped (جاء في لسان العرب (إله) أن الإله هو الله، وأن كل ما اتخذ من دونه معبوداً إله), everything worshipped.
How do Christians divine Mary?
Christians consider Mary “Mother of God” (or “who gave birth to God”), and to emphasize this status, they convened a special council in 430 (Council of Ephesus) to rule that Mary is Mother of God and not “Mother of Christ” as Nestorius proclaimed at the time.
Catholics and Orthodox devote a special cult to her, called hyperdulia, unlike the Dulia cult, which is for the saints, and latria, which is for the Trinity.
During their worship services, Catholics and Orthodox say prayers to Mary, such as “Ave Maria” or “Sub Tuum Praesidium,” where they say: “Under the shelter of your mercy, we take refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our prayers when we are in trial, but from all dangers, deliver us always, glorious and blessed Virgin.” To address such prayers to Mary is to take her as a divinity apart from Allah, for only Allah is worthy of prayer.
Scientific Errors in the Quran
Scientific inconsistency?
Accusation
Verses 25:45-46 tell us that the Sun moves to create shadow. But science proves otherwise! It’s the Earth that moves, not the Sun!
Have you not considered your Lord - how He extends the shadow, and if He willed, He could have made it stationary? Then We made the sun for it an indication.
ثُمَّ قَبَضْنَاهُ إِلَيْنَا قَبْضًا يَسِيرًا
Then We hold it in hand for a brief grasp.
Answer
Have those who make such accusations really read these verses? See for yourself. Where in these two verses is it mentioned that the Sun moves to create a shadow? We can only conclude from these verses that the position of the Sun in the sky is a “clue” to the length of the shadow. That’s it!
The Sun revolves around a fixed orbit. Around the Earth?
According to these two verses, the Sun revolves around a fixed orbit. Around the Earth:
It is not allowable for the sun to reach the moon, nor does the night overtake the day, but each, in an orbit, is swimming.
Answer
Here, we see the classic scarecrow argument: you make the Quran say what it doesn’t say, and then you attack what you’ve just associated with the Quran.
Nowhere in the two verses does it say that the Sun revolves around the Earth, but it does say that the Sun and the Moon each have a different orbit, which is totally true in the light of current scientific knowledge – we know today that the Sun has an orbit just like the other planets:
The Sun is in orbit around the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way. A complete revolution of the Sun takes around 250 million years. Like the planets, the Sun also rotates around its axis. It takes just over 25 days to make one complete rotationy
It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases - that you may know the number of years and account [of time]. Allah has not created this except in truth. He details the signs for a people who know
Answer
What detractors call error is, in fact, one of the miracles of the Quran, but they need a little Arabic:
The Arabic word for Sun in the Quran is “Shams.” It is called Siraj, meaning a “torch,” or Wahhaaj, meaning “a blazing lamp,” or diya, meaning “shining glory.” All three descriptions are appropriate for the Sun, as it generates intense heat and light through its internal combustion.
The Arabic word for Moon is “Qamar,” and it is described in the Quran as “Mounir”, which is a light-giving body. Again, the Quran’s description perfectly matches the true nature of the Moon, which gives off no light itself and is an inert body that reflects sunlight.
And made the moon therein a [reflected] light and made the sun a burning lamp?
One thousand four hundred years ago, people didn’t know that the Moon didn’t radiate visible light. Today, we know that the Moon can only reflect visible light. The Sun is the only object in our solar system that emits visible light. The Sun radiates while the Moon does not. No mistakes in the Quran.
Putting stars in the sky
Accusation The Quran also gives the impression that the Sun and stars are placed in the sky, as one might indeed believe after a visual examination, but which obviously does not correspond to reality.
Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars
We’ve known for centuries that the stars don’t hang in the sky but are much further away from the Earth.
Answer
The word Samae ( translated here as Heaven ) in the Quran does not mean the atmosphere of the Earth; it means our nearest universe. The seven heavens in the Quran allude to the universe and not just to the small portion of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Also, neither in these verses nor anywhere does the Quran speak of stars hanging from a firmament; moreover, there is no question of a flat earth surrounded by a firmament in the Quran; this is a Christian conception of the universe ( see the roundness of the Earth in the Quran ), the preceding verses simply mean that the stars are in the sky( universe) and that in the view of the inhabitants of the Earth, embellish the view of the sky.
