Debate Challenge: The Book of David (Dawud) in Islam

Proposed by: Dr. Maxwell Shimba

Shimba Theological Institute

Topic: Where is the Book that was given to David (Dawud) by Allah before the birth of Muhammad?

Opening Statement:

According to Islamic belief, David (Dawud) is recognized as a prophet and a Muslim. Muslims, alongside the Quran, affirm that Allah gave David a divine scripture known as the Zabur (Psalms). The Quran itself testifies to this in:

Surah An-Nisaa 4:163:
"Indeed, We have revealed to you (O Muhammad) as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him. And We revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Descendants, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon — and to David We gave the Zabur (Psalms)."

If it is true that Allah sent down the Zabur to David, then the following critical questions require clear, evidence-based answers from the Muslim side:

Debate Questions:

1. To which specific Ummah (nation or community) was David sent as a prophet? Muslims, kindly state the name of that Ummah.

2. Where is a preserved, verifiable copy of the original Zabur that Allah revealed to David before the Quran?

3. In which city did David receive this divine scripture from Allah?

4. Can you provide a verse from the original Zabur (prior to the Quran) where David himself declares the Islamic Shahada (bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger)?

Important Note:
Quranic verses are not acceptable as evidence in response to these questions, because the Quran was revealed long after David’s time. The inquiry pertains specifically to the Zabur that was allegedly revealed before the Quran.

Final Challenge:
If any Muslim scholar, cleric, or apologist can present authentic, historical, and textual proof addressing the four questions above —
I, Dr. Maxwell Shimba, will publicly accept Islam today.

Thank you.
In His service,
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

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