❀ Common Narratives in the Qur’an and the Bible
Since all divine scriptures were revealed by the same source—Allah (ﷻ), it is natural for them to share similar events and themes. A common objection raised is: If the same story appears in two scriptures, does that indicate plagiarism?But why should the same event be described differently, when the event itself was singular and historical?
❖ Similarities Do Not Prove Plagiarism
The existence of similar accounts in the Qur’an and the Bible does not imply that the Qur’an copied from earlier scriptures. Rather, such similarity reinforces the concept of a common divine origin. Even in the Bible, despite corruption and alterations, traces of original revelation remain. That’s why common truths are found across traditions.❖ The Accusation of Copying the Bible
Yes, the Qur’an contains events also found in the Bible. But this does not justify the accusation that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ copied them. If such logic were accepted, then:- Prophet Mūsā (عليه السلام) could be accused of copying laws from Nūḥ (عليه السلام).
- ʿĪsā (عليه السلام) could be accused of borrowing from the Old Testament.
Such allegations are illogical and unfair, and they disregard divine continuity in revelation.
❖ Tisdall's Accusation Mirrors Jewish Objections
Orientalist Tisdall's claims about the Qur’an copying the Bible mirror older Jewish accusations against the Gospel, saying Christianity borrowed from Judaism. Christianity, in turn, faced accusations of absorbing Greek and Zoroastrian elements due to the cultural exposure of its time.These double standards show that such arguments often reflect bias, not scholarship.
❖ A Christian Missionary’s Response Applies to the Qur’an
A Christian missionary, in his book Ḥall al-Ishkāl, responded to Jewish criticism by stating that such claims of copying were baseless. The same response applies to Qur’anic accusations made by biased orientalists. Truth doesn’t become falsehood due to its presence in more than one place.❖ Unique Elements in the Qur’an
The Qur’an contains details not found in previous scriptures. It also corrects distortions found in earlier texts. These aspects affirm the Qur’an’s originality and divine source.❖ Logical Questions to the Critics
Those accusing the Prophet ﷺ of plagiarism must answer:① Why is there no record of any teacher who educated the Prophet ﷺ, despite detailed historical records of his life?
② Why didn’t the Quraysh use this accusation during the 13 years they opposed him?
③ How could his close relatives and companions believe him if they suspected he copied teachings?
④ Why did Jewish and Christian scholars like ʿAbdullah ibn Salam embrace Islam if the Qur’an was a borrowed text?
⑤ If there was a secret source, how did it remain hidden for 23 years?
⑥ Why did the revelation occur spontaneously, often in response to events, in the presence of witnesses?
❖ The Integrity of the Prophet’s ﷺ Life
A sincere reading of the Prophet’s ﷺ life shows that his character, honesty, and the circumstances of revelation rule out plagiarism. Even some Western scholars have acknowledged this.❖ Scholarly Acknowledgment from the West
Karen Armstrong in A History of God writes:"In 610 CE, a merchant from Makkah who had never read the Bible nor heard of Jeremiah or Ezekiel, had an experience startlingly similar to theirs."
— (p.132)
Roger DuPasquier writes in Unveiling Islam:
"No anti-Muslim writer has convincingly explained how an illiterate man of the 7th-century trade routes could produce such a powerful and wise text, emotionally stirring and intellectually superior. Western attempts to trace his sources have only served to reveal their own bias."
— (p.53)
❖ Conclusion
The similarities between the Qur’an and earlier scriptures are a testament to their shared divine origin, not evidence of plagiarism. The distinctive features, depth, and truthful narrative of the Qur’an mark it as the final, preserved revelation from Allah.و الله أعلم
(And Allah knows best)
