The Qur'an & Earlier Writings
Abstract for research project treating of the Qur'an vis-à-vis earlier writings
Regular readers may have noticed the addition of a new header label: The Qu’ran & Earlier Writings. This is where content anticipated by this Abstract will be listed.
Overview
This Abstract presents in outline the areas of focus for a research project the central features of which are:
The collation of texts which both predate the Qur’an and bear a narrative relation to it;
The systematic comparison of those texts with that of the Qur’an.
The purpose is to derive conclusions which address:
Claims common among critics of the Qur’an that it is derivative of other sources;
The Qur’an’s own statements regarding its relation to earlier writings.
Purview
A popular genre of debate between those critical of the Qur’an and apologists for it typically focuses on subjects of which the Qur’an itself treats, such as:
The Qur’an’s claim to reference certain earlier writings, writings which those who accept the Qur’an acknowledge as valid scripture, at least to some degree;1
The Qur’an’s claim to confirm certain earlier writings;2
The Qur’an’s claim to act as a control over certain earlier writings;3
The Qur’an’s inclusion of accusations levelled at the recipient of the Qur’an:
Additionally, the Qur’an speaks of certain earlier scriptures, the contents of which it evidently either contains or summarises. Since this subject implicitly forms part of the present study, it must be included.
Framework
While the Qur’an indicates what we would today call scripture by means of more than one Arabic word, the word it most frequently employs by which scripture is understood by the English reader is kitāb (pl. kutub), connected with the verb kataba: to write. Thus, the Qur’an’s emphasis is on writings.
We will not attempt to pronounce on the scriptural value of writings external to the Qur’an which feature in this study. The focus will be on such texts de facto — i.e. on the words they contain.
The criteria for consideration of a text within this project are:
That it is generally acknowledged to have existed prior to the revelation of the Qur’an;
That its contents bear comparison with some part of the Qur’an;
That the text available to us today can reasonably be taken to reflect that which existed prior to the revelation of the Qur’an.7
The latitude we are reserving for ourselves by such means as “generally acknowledged” and “can reasonably be taken” is necessary for a project the further development of which cannot at the outset be defined. We hope to be able to sharpen our criteria as our understanding of the project develops.
Naturally, we anticipate that not all texts will be deserving of a uniform degree of confidence, and that distinctions will have to be made between them.
We will consider the Qur’an likewise de facto. We are interested in statements it makes which relate to our subject. Interpretations and interpolations arising in later cultural developments and bodies of literature are extraneous to our purpose.
Purpose
The object is to provide a single, comprehensive resource in the English language which can serve as a reference treating of the subjects listed in the Purview.
By way of broader context: when the Traditionalist8 or Cultural Muslim9 attempts to address criticisms treating of topics in the Purview, he typically:
Does so while conflating the Qur’an with dogma derived from other sources;
Accepts to some degree his critic’s premises (namely, that there exists a one-to-one relationship between those writings which Jews and / or Christians today cite as scripture and certain writings to which the Qur’an makes reference).
To state the second point differently, he proceeds from a position in which he (at least provisionally) accepts to some degree the definition of canon of almost any interlocutor. While this is perhaps good manners, definitions of canon vary, and they can vary significantly; and for those who wish to get at the facts rather than to win debates or be polite such an approach is problematical. Additionally, to attempt to present a case for one’s own religion (one which is only tangentially connected with the scripture one claims as fully valid) on the basis of one’s opponent’s accepted scripture can only create as many problems as it claims to seek to solve.
Further, one observes that when an opponent claims that the Qur’an is “forged” or derived in some way from other documents, it benefits that opponent to leave the substance of the claim either ill-defined or undefined. Left thus vague, such claims tend to create an impression disproportionate to — perhaps even unconnected with — any merit they may actually possess.
By way of analogy, one may claim that a computer one bought is broken and that therefore all computers from that manufacturer are suspect. While that claim may be true, without access to all relevant facts structured within a framework expressive of the features of the computer itself, we cannot say. It is by running a full series of system diagnostics and then looking at the resultant data on the basis of the features of that computer that we can form a view on whether the claim is true and, if so, to what degree.
We are not aware at this time of any work which draws into one place and subjects to comparison and analysis those texts which predate the Qur’an to which the Qur’an’s detractors and supporters refer as part of their respective apologetics, and where the interested student may find the facts on the page in each case presented in a consistent manner.
As stated, this is the object of this project.
Approach
While, at this stage, we cannot commit to a given shape for the project or comment with confidence on its likely findings, the first stage must comprise the following:
Available literature: review the related available literature;10
Earlier texts: collate and review all available writings which predate the Qur’an and which can be compared meaningfully with portions of it;
The Qur’an: make a full review of the text and identify those parts of its contents which relate to the subject.
The shape of the larger project is expected to emerge as a function of these processes.
Bias
We have demonstrated the grounds for our appreciation of the Qur’an in previous projects.11 Naturally, that body of work forms our intellectual starting point and much of our worldview. Nevertheless, we are both agnostic on and curious about the outcomes of the present project.
Timeline
This project begins January, 2024. We are unable to provide an estimate of its duration at this time, but upon completion of the processes outlined in the Approach one should be possible.
Outcomes
We hope to create a repository for all the source materials we collate to be accessible free online;
In process of this research, we will post articles on this platform which summarise findings, as well as make occasional YouTube videos based on the same;
The final written product of this project will:
Be made available as a free download in pdf;
Be made available in hardback also, if appropriate.12
Input
As with the Meditations project, we welcome input from subscribers13 on the following fronts:
By suggesting texts for consideration which meet the criteria outlined here along with an indication of the theme or themes they relate to in the Qur’an;
By providing links to reputable studies we may have missed which relate to the objectives set out in this Abstract;
By identifying typos, syntax errors, errant links, etc.
We ask that links to verses in the Qur’an Reader be made using the copy link feature from the dropdown menu. This highlights the target reference in yellow, making workflow easier.
Please note: I am unlikely to respond in detail to general feedback unless it strongly resonates with the aims of the project as then understood. But I will read it. If someone contributes an insight which materially impacts my thinking, I am more than happy to provide appropriate attribution (given prior consent, of course).
I.e. that it has not changed substantially in the meantime, or that a later text has not supplanted the original and today goes by its name.
We use the term Traditionalist Muslim to denote one who holds to one of the current dominant schools of the religion called Islam which are materially shaped by non-Qur’anic sources.
We use the term Cultural Muslim to denote one who identifies culturally with the Traditionalist Muslim, but who is largely ignorant of his dogmas.
This should result also in an overview of the arguments which typically attach to various sides of this issue.
Currently three works: The Qur’an: A Complete Revelation, The God Protocol, and The Mysterious Letters of the Qur’an: A Complete Solution available at quranite.com both in hardback at 10% less than with online bookstores, as well as free pdfs.
This depends upon what form the project finally takes. That form will indicate whether the content is suited to the printed-book format.
I.e paid subscribers (who can therefore comment on our posts).
Peace Sam,
The Quranic position should be clear and precise as the Arabic text probably will be adopted as the criterion for comparison. But for older writings it will be fascinating to see which source documents you would use.
I came across Job 22:21 for example in one of the YT debates and the translation can vary greatly. Part of the verse states 21 اسْتَسْلِمْ إِلَى اللهِ،…. In Arabic, which struck my attention, if valid this is a very interesting piece of evidence against the prevailing dogma. However, when you look at English translations this is translated in ways where it loses that meaning e.g. KJV Acquaint now thyself with him vs. NIV Submit to God etc…. big difference!
The antagonist will have a lot of latitude here. It will be fascinating to see how you deal with arriving at the authors intended meaning for the older writings since it is not clear what is the ultimate source here.
This project God willing will be an engaging, educational and fascinating, I wish you success in your endeavours.
Peace
To comment on this absolutely enthralling project is at this stage far far above my paygrade! But I can say this that I will await and follow these projects with fascination!