Contradictions within the Qur'an: Do Qur'anic Verses Contradict Each Other?
Maxwell Shimba Ministries Org
Monday, August 3, 2015
Introduction
The Qur'an, revered by Muslims as the literal word of God (Allah), claims consistency and perfection in its message. However, a careful comparative reading of its various surahs (chapters) reveals statements that appear contradictory, particularly concerning how Muslims are instructed to treat non-Muslims, especially the "People of the Book" (Christians and Jews). This article seeks to examine a series of Qur'anic verses and analyze the apparent inconsistencies in their directives, questioning the reliability of the text as a divine revelation.
Textual Analysis
In Surah Al-Baqara (2:109), the Qur'an states:
"Many of the People of the Book wish, through envy, to lead you back to unbelief, now that you have embraced the faith and the truth has been made plain to them. Forgive them and bear with them until Allah makes known His will. He has power over all things."
(Qur'an 2:109, Abdel Haleem Translation)
This verse addresses Christians and Jews, referred to as "People of the Book," suggesting that some of them envy Muslims and wish to turn them away from Islam. However, it counsels Muslims to forgive and be patient with them until Allah reveals His final judgment.
Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran (3:20):
"If they turn away, your duty is only to convey the message."
(Qur'an 3:20, Yusuf Ali Translation)
This verse instructs Muslims to merely warn non-believers, indicating that it is not the responsibility of Muslims to force others into belief.
From these two verses, one can deduce:
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It is the duty of Muslims to preach their religion but not to compel people to believe.
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Allah, in His own time, will reveal His will to those who disbelieve.
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Muslims are only responsible for conveying warnings to non-believers.
However, other Qur'anic verses present a starkly different message:
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In Surah An-Nisa (4:101):
"The disbelievers are your sworn enemies."
(Qur'an 4:101, Pickthall Translation) -
In Surah At-Tawba (9:3):
"Announce to those who disbelieve a painful punishment."
(Qur'an 9:3, Sahih International Translation) -
In Surah Al-Anfal (8:39):
"Fight them until there is no [more] persecution, and religion is for Allah [alone]."
(Qur'an 8:39, Sahih International Translation)
These verses appear to transition from patient tolerance to active hostility, including the declaration of enmity, threats of severe punishment, and commands for armed conflict until Islam reigns supreme.
Critical Questions
This textual divergence raises several crucial theological and logical questions:
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Was it the same entity who gave Muhammad the words in 2:109, 3:20, and those in 4:101, 9:3, and 8:39 — or were there multiple sources?
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Why would one verse command tolerance and mere warning, while another instructs hostility and warfare?
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Is this not indicative of forgetfulness — a human trait — which should not be attributed to an omniscient and omnipotent God?
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If it is indeed the same deity, are these verses compatible or contradictory?
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If they are compatible, how can such opposing commands be reconciled logically and theologically?
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If they contradict one another, does this not serve as evidence that the Qur'an is not from the true God, especially since the Qur'an itself establishes consistency as a criterion for divine authenticity?
(cf. Qur'an 4:82: "Do they not then consider the Qur'an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradiction.")
An infallible God cannot issue conflicting instructions, forget His prior declarations, or contradict Himself. Contradictions are a characteristic of human imperfection, not divine revelation.
Conclusion
These apparent contradictions within the Qur'an pose a significant theological problem. The God of the Bible, by contrast, is consistent in character and purpose. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to offer redemption for humanity’s sins, not through coercion but through love, grace, and truth.
Therefore, I warmly invite Muslims to turn to the God of the Bible, who alone offers eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.
May God bless you abundantly.
References
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Abdel Haleem, M. A. S. (2005). The Qur'an: A New Translation. Oxford University Press.
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Yusuf Ali, A. (1934). The Holy Qur'an: Text, Translation and Commentary. Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an.
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Pickthall, M. M. (1930). The Meaning of the Glorious Koran. Alfred A. Knopf.
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Sahih International (1997). The Qur'an: Arabic Text with English Translation.
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The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). (2011). Zondervan.
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Qur'an 4:82 — on the principle of consistency as evidence of divine origin.
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