Comparative Theology · Monotheism & Christology
The "Islamic Dilemma" Polemic (Surah 5:47)
In short
- 1.This is an **equivocation fallacy**: the Qur'an refers to the **Injil** — the original, pristine revelation given to Jesus — not the 27-book New Testament compiled centuries later.
- 2.The Qur'an acts as **Muhaimin** (guardian/corrector) over previous dispensations (**Surah 5:48**).
- 3.It confirms remaining truths, abrogates outdated laws, and corrects human interpolations (**Tahrif**).
The claim being examined
The argument that Surah 5:47 commands Christians to judge by the modern 27-book New Testament canon, leaving the Qur'an either affirming it or contradicting itself.
The Islamic position
The Qur'an addresses the Injil revealed to Jesus, and stands as Muhaimin — guardian and corrector — over what survives of it.
Analysis
Historical-critical scholarship acknowledges that the earliest layer of Jesus's teaching (e.g. the "Q source") consisted of ethical and monotheistic sayings, lacking later Pauline passion narratives or high Trinitarian christology.
From the Qur'an
Qur'an 5:48
وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ
And We have revealed to you the Book in truth, confirming what came before it of the Scripture and as a guardian over it.
Qur'an 3:78
وَإِنَّ مِنْهُمْ لَفَرِيقًا يَلْوُونَ أَلْسِنَتَهُم بِالْكِتَابِ لِتَحْسَبُوهُ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمَا هُوَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ
And indeed, among them is a party who alter the Scripture with their tongues so you may think it is from the Scripture, but it is not.
From the Bible
Luke 1:1-4
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down by those who were eyewitnesses...
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