IS THE INJEEL CORRUPTED? AN INVESTIGATION
Part 1 of 7 – Introduction
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Shimba Theological Institute
Introduction
As-salāmu ʿalaykum to my respected Muslim brothers and sisters, Christian readers, and all seekers of truth. This academic series endeavors to carefully and critically examine a significant theological claim prevalent in Islamic tradition—that the Injeel (Arabic: الإنجيل), commonly understood as the Gospel or New Testament, has been corrupted (taḥrīf, تحريف). This claim, if true, carries profound implications not only for Christian theology but also for interfaith understanding between Muslims and Christians. If false, however, then it compels a reevaluation of commonly held assumptions and doctrines about the scriptures prior to the Qur'an.
We therefore invite readers of all backgrounds and beliefs to approach this study with an open mind, intellectual curiosity, and a shared commitment to truth and historical integrity.
What Is the Injeel?
The term Injeel originates from the Arabic الإنجيل, which is etymologically derived from the Greek word euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), meaning “good news” or “glad tidings.” This term was already in use by Arab Christians in the pre-Islamic era, referring to the message of Jesus the Messiah (ʿĪsā al-Masīḥ, عيسى المسيح) as preserved in the canonical New Testament writings.
The Injeel, in Christian theological context, is not a single book revealed to Jesus word-for-word (as often assumed in Islamic doctrine), but rather the eyewitness testimonies of Jesus’ life, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection as recorded by His disciples and earliest followers under divine inspiration. These include the four canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—as well as the writings of the apostles that form the foundation of the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ.
The Islamic Mandate to Believe in Previous Scriptures
The Qur’an instructs its followers to believe in the previous revelations: the Tawrat (Torah), the Zabur (Psalms), and the Injeel (Gospel), among others. Numerous verses emphasize the divine origin of these scriptures. For example, Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:46) says:
"And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light..."
(Qur’an 5:46, Sahih International)
Surah Al-Imran (3:3) similarly affirms:
"He has sent down upon you the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel."
(Qur’an 3:3)
These verses assert not only that God revealed the Gospel, but that it contained “guidance and light”—a clear endorsement of its divine authority.
Yet, despite these affirmations, many Muslims refrain from reading or consulting the New Testament, on the grounds that it has allegedly been altered or corrupted. This belief stems from the doctrine of taḥrīf, which holds that previous scriptures were either misinterpreted, misrepresented, or deliberately changed over time by human hands.
The Doctrine of Taḥrīf (تحريف)
The Islamic concept of taḥrīf can be classified into different interpretations by classical Muslim scholars:
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Taḥrīf al-lafẓī – corruption of the actual text.
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Taḥrīf al-maʿnawī – distortion of the meaning or interpretation.
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Taḥrīf al-nasḫ – abrogation of earlier scriptures by subsequent revelations.
Over time, many Islamic scholars argued that the Jews and Christians altered the original messages of God either by editing the texts themselves (textual corruption) or by distorting their meanings (interpretive corruption). Consequently, it is claimed that God sent the Qur’an as the final, preserved, and incorruptible revelation to correct these distortions.
However, this doctrinal development raises a series of important theological, historical, and logical questions, which form the basis of this investigation. If God truly revealed the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospel, and commanded believers to follow them, would He then allow His Word to be lost or irretrievably corrupted before the final revelation? And if so, does this not undermine the reliability of any divine scripture, including the Qur’an?
Purpose and Scope of This Study
In this seven-part academic series, we will undertake a thorough investigation into the question: Is the Injeel corrupted? This inquiry will not be polemical, but scholarly and respectful, relying on classical sources, scriptural analysis, historical evidence, and rational inquiry. The goal is not to win arguments, but to seek truth in the light of divine revelation, history, and reason.
The study will be divided into the following parts:
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Introduction – Defining terms and framing the issue. (You are here.)
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What Does the Qur’an Say About the Injeel?
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What Did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Early Muslims Say About the Injeel?
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What Is the Historical Evidence for or Against Corruption?
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What Do Christian and Jewish Sources Say About Their Scriptures?
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Logical and Theological Analysis of the Doctrine of Taḥrīf
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Conclusion: Is the Injeel Corrupted? A Balanced Assessment
Throughout this journey, we will also compare scriptural teachings from the Qur’an, the Bible, and other historical documents. The purpose is to clarify misunderstandings, correct misrepresentations, and build bridges of understanding across faiths.
A Call to Honest Inquiry
Finally, I urge every reader—Muslim, Christian, or otherwise—to approach this study not with defensiveness, but with humility and courage. If the Injeel is indeed the Word of God, preserved and attested to by history and by the very Qur’an that affirms it, then it deserves to be read, studied, and honored. And if questions remain, let us confront them with integrity and mutual respect.
Let the words of the Qur’an guide our attitude as we investigate:
"Say, 'Bring your proof if you are truthful.'" (Qur’an 2:111)
Let us therefore bring our proofs, examine them, and seek the truth together.
Coming Next: What Does the Qur’an Say About the Injeel?
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
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