Doubtful Origins of Islam

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     Can we trust Muslim sources regarding Islam's origins, and its prophet?

A.S. Ibrahim, professor, Southern Baptist Seminary

     "Muslims (now 1.8 billion) embrace their sacred texts, dating from the 7th century. Muhammad, they believe, received revelations from the angel Gabriel. 

     "A Sunni scholar examined competing texts, challenging the claim that the Quran is without alteration. The book shows that original Muslims acknowledged multiple versions. 

     "One claim is that Muhammed dictated verses to a scribe who took liberties, resulting in variations. A Muslim governor was said to alter the Quranic text to his preference. Another Muslim authority raises doubts about the so-called perfect preservation. Sources and traditions reveal evidence of variations, disputed versions and documented alterations. Testimonies by Muslim authorities indicate the Quranic text evolved over time, with lost verses and sections.

     "A 1964 study found forgeries crafted to advance sociopolitical and sectarian agendas favored by Muslim authors. These accounts, documented at least two centuries after the events, are not factual. One analysis reveals that these writers were less concerned with actual events than addressing contemporary social and political issues. Their narratives supported agendas of caliphs who wanted to legitimize their rule."  

Part 2 tomorrow