Comparative Analysis of the Qur'an and Bible

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Questions and Answers

What is a possible explanation for the similarities between the Qur'an and the Bible?

One must have been a direct copy of the other.
Both texts may have drawn information from a common source. (correct)
The Qur'an was influenced by Greek philosophy.
The similarities are purely coincidental.

What accusation did the Arabs of Muhammad's time make regarding his teachings?

He was illiterate.
He plagiarized the Bible.
He was a Christian convert.
He had a secret teacher. (correct)

Why is it unlikely that Muhammad had a teacher among the Jews or Christians?

He avoided contact with them.
They were not interested in sharing their scriptures.
He did not spend enough time with them to learn. (correct)
There is no historical evidence of such a relationship. (correct)

What do scholars suggest is necessary to validate claims of copied information between texts?

Substantial historical evidence documenting the claim. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the Qur'an, what is the Source of all authentic revelation?

Allah. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the Quran's account of Adam and Eve's disobedience from that of the Bible?

The Quran states they were forgiven by God. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how does the Quran view the dwelling of Adam and Eve on Earth?

As part of God's preordained plan. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of original sin, how does the Bible's account differ from that of the Quran?

The Quran does not recognize the concept of original sin. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following figures is mentioned in the content as having significant variations in their stories across both scriptures?

Solomon (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key theme in the Quran regarding the actions of Adam and Eve?

They repented and sought forgiveness from God. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one belief held by some members of the pagan Quraysh regarding the source of the ideas in the Qur'an?

The ideas were merely invented by Muhammad. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which foreign influence did some Quraysh suspect could have imparted ideas to Muhammad?

A Christian individual he had encountered. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Muhammad Asad, how are the conjectures regarding the identity of the suspected influential person described?

They are purely speculative and lacking in historical value. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the suspicion of the pagan Meccans imply according to the passage?

They were opposed to acknowledging the depth of Muhammad's ideas. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What kind of evidence is noted as absent concerning the identities speculated by early commentators?

Historical documentation of those figures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which historical prophets are mentioned in the Quran but not in the Bible?

Hud and Salih (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference in the description of the Great Flood between the Quran and the Bible?

The Quran describes the flood as a local event. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which event involving Jesus is described in the Quran?

Speaking from the cradle (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Quran say about the Pharaoh's fate during the Exodus?

He was drowned and his body preserved. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What critical point does the Quran make regarding Jesus?

Jesus was never truly crucified. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the Qur'an's authorship is emphasized?

It is attributed to a non-Arab teacher of the Prophet. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant difference exists between the Qur'an and the Bible according to the content?

There are differences in the concept of God. (D) Signup and view all the answers

During which period were Qur'anic revelations mostly focused on doctrinal differences with Christianity?

Early Meccan period. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the claim that the Qur'an was copied from the Bible considered unconvincing?

There are significant creedal differences between them. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role did Jewish and Christian scholars play during the Prophet's life?

They provided inspiration for his early teachings. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why would Satan, if he inspired the Qur'an, include references that condemn himself?

To discourage people from associating with him. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is most directly opposed by the claim that the Qur'an is the work of the devil?

Satan as an open enemy of man. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of Satan is emphasized in the Qur'an according to the provided content?

He deceives with false promises. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the consequences of taking Satan as a patron in the Qur'an?

It incurs a great loss. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Qur'an portray the relationship between truth and the influence of Satan?

Satan seeks to deceive and mislead people from truth. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Quran explicitly say about Satan's influence over individuals?

Satan makes everyone accountable for their choices. (B), Satan can influence intentions but cannot compel action. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Satan suggest seeking refuge in God before reciting the Quran?

To acknowledge God's ultimate authority. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which verse suggests that everyone is responsible for their own choices?

Q.3:25 (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misinterpretation of Quranic verse 22:52?

The Prophet mistakenly recited words from Satan. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What do the Quranic verses imply about Satan's ultimate power?

God will cancel anything Satan throws in. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In discussing Satan's role, what is stated about doing good?

Satan has a vested interest in moral decay. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does it imply when the Quran says Satan throws something into desires?

Satan can distort intentions but not create them. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes God's nature as per the content?

God is Most Forgiving and compassionate. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested regarding the beauty and eloquence of the Qur’an?

It is unparalleled by any other scripture. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What assumption do non-Muslims make when alleging that the Qur’an is authored by Satan?

That their own beliefs are based on concrete evidence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which criteria are mentioned as necessary for accepting a scripture as absolutely true?

Clear and verifiable criteria established. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the claim of a Satanic origin of the Qur’an?

It may hold based on feedback from supernatural sources. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the argument against the Qur’an's divine authorship position other scriptures?

All scriptures could face similar allegations of authorship. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What belief system tends to dismiss rational arguments against subjective experiences?

Mystical insight (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a consequence of valuing subjective experiences as divine?

All beliefs are equally valid. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of content does the Qur'an include that was previously unknown to contemporaries?

Historical facts about ancient times (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered Satanic in the context of subjective experiences?

Any opposing statement to subjective experience (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about subjective experiences being a source of truth?

They are suspect of ulterior motives. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate ambition of the Qur'an for a human being?

The eradication of vice (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the argument presented, why is the view of the Qur'an as satanic authorship considered unreasonable?

Satan would not undermine his own objectives. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the nature of injustice according to God?

God will not do the least injustice to anyone. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant argument against the Qur'an being linked to Satan?

It promotes virtues opposed to evil. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What biblical reference is used to support the argument against the Qur'an being satanic?

Mark 3:26 (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Similarities and Sources

Similarities between texts do not imply copying; both could share a common source.
The Qur'an claims Allah is the ultimate source of authentic revelation (Q.4:47).
Historical records show the Prophet Muhammad (p) had limited interaction with Christians or Jews prior to his mission.
Critics of the Prophet (p) lacked evidence of any secret influence on him, leading to unsubstantiated conjectures.

Discrepancies in Narratives

In the Qur'an, neither Adam nor Eve is blamed for disobeying God, contrasting with the Bible's portrayal (Genesis 3:12-13).
The Qur'an emphasizes repentance and forgiveness for Adam and Eve (Q.7:23; Q.2:37), while the Bible speaks of original sin (Genesis 3:14-17).
The Qur'an suggests man's earthly existence was part of God’s plan, unlike the Biblical interpretation as punishment.

Unique Stories and Events

The Qur'an recounts stories absent in the Bible, such as the people of 'Ad and Thamud (Q.29:38).
Features dialogues involving Noah and his son (Q.11:42-43) and between Abraham and others (Q.6:74; Q.2:258).
Notable events in the Qur'an include the preservation of Pharaoh's body (Q.10:90-92) and Jesus speaking from the cradle (Q.3:46).
The Great Flood in the Bible is depicted as global, whereas the Qur'an presents it as a local event.

Authorship and Creeds

Claims of the Qur'an’s authorship being traced to a non-Arab teacher are challenged.
Significant creedal differences exist between the Qur'an and Bible regarding God, prophethood, and sin.
The Qur'an critiques the Jewish and Christian scriptures, citing perceived corruptions, especially evident during the Makkan period.

Views on Morality and Satan

Some accuse the Qur'an of being influenced by Satan, an argument countered by the Qur'an’s teachings against evil and moral decay.
The Qur'an portrays Satan as an enemy to humanity, urging individuals to seek refuge from him before reciting it (Q.16:98).
Misinterpretations about the "Satanic verses" suggest external influence over the Prophet (p), though such claims lack reliable evidence.

Rational Inquiry and Evidence

Arguments against the Qur'an's divine origin based on subjective beliefs lack solid reasoning and can be applied to any scripture.
The Qur'an’s scientific and historical insights were unknown at the time of its revelation, raising questions about its human authorship.
The miraculous nature of the Qur'an’s literary style and insights contrasts with claims of it being satanic in origin.

Conclusion

The Qur'an asserts a comprehensive moral framework and tackles themes of truth and deception, emphasizing accountability and forgiveness.
Allegations of satanic authorship seem contradictory to its message promoting good and condemning evil.

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Description

This quiz explores the similarities and discrepancies between narratives in the Qur'an and the Bible, focusing on themes of revelation, sin, and unique stories. Understand how these texts influence cultural perceptions and religious teachings. Engage with various perspectives on shared origins and theological interpretations.