The Definitive Case Against the Quran's Claim: Resolving the Islamic Dilemma

The Islamic Dilemma poses a critical challenge to the Quran’s internal consistency, particularly in its relationship to the Torah and Gospel. By examining the Quran’s own statements, we can construct a definitive and unambiguous argument that exposes this contradiction. Let’s break it down step by step, removing conditional language to present a clear, absolute case.

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The Core Argument: An Internal Inconsistency

The Quran claims to confirm the Torah and Gospel, yet its teachings contradict the core doctrines of these earlier scriptures. Simultaneously, the Quran affirms the authority and authenticity of these scriptures at the time of Muhammad, making its claim self-refuting. Below is the definitive formulation of this problem:

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Premise 1: The Quran Affirms the Torah and Gospel as Divinely Revealed and Uncorrupted

The Quran explicitly acknowledges the divine origin and ongoing authority of the Torah (revealed to Moses) and the Gospel (revealed to Jesus). It never accuses these scriptures of corruption during Muhammad’s time. Instead, it commands belief in and adherence to them.

Key Quranic Evidence:

• Quran 5:46:
  "And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel..."

  • This verse establishes that the Gospel was divinely revealed and confirms the Torah.

• Quran 5:68:
  "Say, 'O People of the Scripture, you are [standing] on nothing until you uphold the Torah and the Gospel and what has been revealed to you from your Lord.'”

  • Here, the Quran acknowledges the authority of the Torah and Gospel, urging the People of the Scripture to follow them.

• Quran 10:94:
  "So if you are in doubt, [O Muhammad], about that which We have revealed to you, ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you."

  • This verse recognizes the Torah and Gospel as valid references for clarifying doubts.

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Premise 2: The Quran Contradicts the Core Teachings of the Torah and Gospel

The Quran’s teachings conflict with key doctrines of the Torah and Gospel on central theological points. These contradictions demonstrate that the Quran cannot confirm these earlier scriptures.

Examples of Contradictions:

1. The Nature of Jesus:

   • Quran 5:116 denies Jesus’s divinity, stating he never claimed to be God.

   • John 1:1 affirms Jesus as divine: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

2. The Crucifixion:

   • Quran 4:157 denies Jesus was crucified: “They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them.”

   • Luke 23:33 unequivocally states: “When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there.”

3. The Trinity:

   • Quran 4:171 denies the Trinity: “Say not, ‘Three.’ Cease, it is better for you.”

   • Matthew 28:19 affirms the Trinity: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

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Premise 3: The Quran’s Affirmation of the Torah and Gospel Makes Its Contradictions Illogical

The Quran not only claims to confirm the Torah and Gospel but also urges people to follow them and consult them for guidance. If these scriptures were corrupted, such commands would make no sense.

Key Quranic Evidence:

• Quran 5:68:
  Commands adherence to the Torah and Gospel, implying their validity.

• Quran 10:94:
  Instructs Muhammad to consult those familiar with these scriptures, indicating their trustworthiness.

By affirming the authenticity of the Torah and Gospel, the Quran undermines itself when its teachings contradict these scriptures.

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Conclusion: The Quran is Internally Inconsistent

From the premises, we reach the following conclusion:

1. If the Torah and Gospel are uncorrupted, the Quran cannot confirm them due to direct contradictions.

2. If the Quran contradicts the Torah and Gospel, it invalidates its claim to confirm them.

3. If the Torah and Gospel were corrupted, the Quran’s commands to follow and consult them are illogical and misleading.

Therefore, the Quran’s internal claims about its relationship to the Torah and Gospel are self-refuting, and it cannot be the divine word it claims to be.

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Why This Formulation is Definitive

1. No Conditional Language:

   • The argument avoids hypothetical framing and presents the Quran’s claims and their logical consequences as absolute statements.

2. Based Solely on Quranic Evidence:

   • The premises are derived directly from the Quran itself, ensuring the argument is internally consistent and avoids reliance on external interpretations.

3. Logical Necessity:

   • The conclusion follows unavoidably from the premises. There is no wiggle room to reinterpret or escape the logical implications.

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Implications of the Islamic Dilemma

This definitive formulation exposes a central inconsistency in the Quran’s claim of divine authorship. By highlighting its irreconcilable contradictions with the Torah and Gospel, the argument forces a reevaluation of the Quran’s authenticity based on its own words.

The Islamic Dilemma is not merely an intellectual challenge—it is an invitation to examine the Quran’s claims critically, using logic and evidence to assess their validity.

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This structured, absolute argument highlights the core contradiction in the Quran’s claim to confirm earlier scriptures, presenting it in a way that leaves no room for ambiguity or reinterpretation.