Did Muhammad Take Ideas from the Bible and Torah for the Quran?

The question of whether Muhammad drew on ideas from the Bible and Torah in composing the Quran is one that has been debated for centuries. Traditionally, those who believe in Islam argue that the Quran is a direct revelation from Allah, while those with other religious backgrounds often question this claim. This article aims to offer a critical and objective examination of this assertion, drawing on historical and scholarly perspectives.

Was Muhammad Literate?

According to many accounts, Muhammad was illiterate. Historical sources suggest that he could neither read nor write. If this is true, then the task of composing the Quran falls on the shoulders of his associates or disciples. As a result, Muhammad lacked the ability to create the text himself, and it was his followers who compiled and wrote down the revelations as they came to him.

Compilation of the Quran

After Muhammad’s death, his followers faced the challenge of preserving his revelations. It is documented that several versions of the Quran existed in the early years following the death of the Prophet. However, the third Caliph, Uthman, standardized the text around 20–30 years after Muhammad’s death. Through his efforts, a unified version of the Quran was created, which is the one we have today. This process illustrates the importance of these early followers in ensuring that the revelations were faithfully recorded.

Did Muhammad Borrow from the Bible and Torah?

Muhammad was known to have acknowledged stories and teachings from the Old Testament (which includes the Torah). However, these borrowings or influences were often given unique twists within the context of the Quran. For example, many Islamic scholars believe that Muhammad used familiar narratives to explain concepts that were central to Islam, such as monotheism and the principles of morality. The Quran does indeed reference the stories from the Book of Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy, among others, but in a way that supports Islamic teachings rather than directly copying the Bible and Torah.

Timing and Context

The timeline of religious texts provides some insight into why certain borrowings might have occurred. The Torah was written around 1400 BC, the last book of the Bible (Revelation) was written around 90 AD, and the Quran was written around 630 AD. Given this temporal context, it is plausible that Muhammad and his followers had exposure to and were familiar with the contents of the Bible and Torah during their lifetime or shortly thereafter. However, the claim that Muhammad directly borrowed from the Bible and Torah is largely unsubstantiated by concrete evidence.

Reacting to Denial and Misquotation

The reaction of Jews and Christians to Islamic teachings and the Quran is a complex issue. They often accuse Muhammad of borrowing from their scriptures but are sometimes vociferous in denying their own religious texts. This confounding behavior is seen as a sign of dogma and faith. Muhammad, on the other hand, claimed to have received the Quran directly from Allah, seeking to align with the monotheistic traditions of the Old and New Testaments.

It is crucial to approach verses selectively quoted from the Quran with a critical eye. For instance, verse 9:5 is often cited out of context. To fully understand a verse, it is helpful to read the surrounding verses. For instance, when reading Quran 9:5, refer to 9:4 and 9:6. Terms like “infidel” or “Mushrik” in Arabic often refer to pagan Arabs or Meccans rather than Jews or Christians.

Additionally, verse 5:51 advises Muslims not to befriend Christians and Jews. However, verse 5:57 provides context, clarifying the scope of this advice. Similarly, verse 2:190 may seem confrontational when taken alone. However, reading verses 190-194 offers a fuller understanding of the situation.

Conclusion

While Muhammad did acknowledge the stories from the Bible and Torah, contemporary scholarship suggests that the Quran was not pieced together from existing texts. Instead, it represents a unique revelation that was recorded and compiled by Muhammad’s followers. The idea that Muhammad directly borrowed from the Bible and Torah is more contentious than definitively proven. Understanding these nuances through a careful study of the texts and their historical context can provide valuable insights into the origins and nature of the Quran.