DEBATE QUESTIONS: IF ALLAH IS GOD, WHY DOES THE QUR'AN SAY THESE THINGS?

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba

Shimba Theological Institute

Introduction

The purpose of these questions is to encourage thoughtful discussion about the internal consistency of the Qur'an and its relationship to the earlier biblical Scriptures. These questions reflect a Christian apologetic perspective and invite readers to compare the Qur'an's claims with the Bible's teachings. Muslims and Christians interpret many of these passages differently, so the questions below are intended as topics for respectful debate rather than as established conclusions.

1. Why Does the Qur'an Call Allah "the Best of Planners" or "the Best of Those Who Scheme"?

Qur'an 3:54

"They planned, and Allah planned. And Allah is the best of planners."

Some English translations render the Arabic root makara as "planned," while others translate it as "schemed." Critics argue that the root can carry the idea of plotting or employing strategy, whereas Muslim commentators generally understand the verse to mean that Allah outwitted those who plotted against Jesus.

Debate Question:
If God is perfectly truthful and holy, why is He described with a word that can also be associated with plotting or scheming? Does the context fully resolve the meaning?

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2. Why Does the Qur'an Direct People to the Torah and the Gospel?

Surah 5:68

"Say, O People of the Scripture! You have no ground to stand upon unless you uphold the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord."

Debate Question:
If the Torah and the Gospel were already corrupted before the seventh century, why does the Qur'an instruct the People of the Book to uphold them rather than reject them?

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3. Why Does Muhammad Receive This Instruction?

Surah 10:94

"If you are in doubt concerning what We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you."

Debate Question:
Why would the Qur'an direct Muhammad to consult those who possessed the earlier Scriptures if those Scriptures were considered unreliable or corrupted?

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4. Did Muhammad Believe the Earlier Scriptures Were Trustworthy?

If Muhammad was instructed to consult those who read the Torah and the Gospel, several questions naturally arise:

• Were the biblical Scriptures considered authentic during his lifetime?

• If they were authentic, why are they later claimed by many Muslims to have been corrupted?

• If they were corrupted, why would the Qur'an direct anyone to consult them?

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5. Where Does the Qur'an Say the Torah and Gospel Were Textually Corrupted?

Many Muslims argue that the Bible has been altered.

Debate Question:
Can a verse in the Qur'an explicitly state that the text of the Torah and Gospel themselves were changed, or do the cited passages instead speak of some people misrepresenting or misinterpreting God's revelation?

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6. Which Should Be Trusted When Differences Exist?

The Bible teaches that Jesus was crucified, died, and rose again.

The Qur'an (4:157) denies that Jesus was crucified.

Debate Question:
If the Qur'an affirms the authority of the Torah and Gospel, why does it contradict the central message of the New Testament concerning the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus?

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7. Does God's Character Change?

The Bible declares:

• Numbers 23:19 – "God is not a man, that He should lie."

• Titus 1:2 – "God... cannot lie."

Debate Question:
How should believers understand descriptions of God "planning" or "scheming" in the Qur'an alongside the biblical emphasis that God is perfectly truthful and faithful?

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Conclusion

These questions invite careful examination of the relationship between the Qur'an and the Bible. Christians maintain that the Bible presents God as perfectly truthful and that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Muslims interpret the cited Qur'anic passages differently, often understanding Allah's "planning" as righteous judgment against evil plots and viewing the Torah and Gospel as originally revealed by God.

A meaningful dialogue should consider the historical context, the original languages, and the interpretations offered by both traditions. The goal of debate should be to pursue truth with honesty, fairness, and respect.