Historical context
What does the Quran say about the city of Iram?
It describes Iram as a lost city of great importance, later confirmed by archaeological findings.
Who was Waraqa Ibn Nawfal, and why is he significant?
Waraqa was Khadijah’s cousin and a Christian scholar who supported the Prophet Muhammad early in his mission.
What challenge does the Qur’an present to Christians and doubters?
To produce a chapter like it.
How were Arabian Jews and Christians different from mainstream followers of their faiths?
They adhered to less orthodox, often heretical, sects like the Monophysites and Nestorians.
How does the Qur’an avoid errors in Biblical stories?
By providing corrected and historically accurate versions
What significant title correction does the Qur’an make regarding Joseph’s story?
It calls the ruler “King,” which is historically accurate, instead of “Pharaoh.”
What was the predominant Christian belief in Arabia during Muhammad’s time?
Monophysite Christianity, which held that Jesus had one combined divine-human nature.
Why does the Qur’an reject the idea that it was copied from the Bible?
There were no Arabic translations of the Bible, and the Prophet Muhammad was illiterate.
What does the Qur’an call followers of Jesus who focus on his prophethood rather than divinity?
Masihiyyun, meaning followers of the Messiah.
Why is the term “King” used in Joseph’s story in the Qur’an?
Because it is historically accurate for the period.
What does the Qur’an state about Pharaoh’s body?
That it would be preserved as a sign for future generations.
What does the Qur’an say about Jesus’ crucifixion?
It denies his crucifixion, stating he was raised by God.
What does the Qur’an do instead of repeating stories from earlier scriptures?
It corrects and refines them for clarity and accuracy.
What role did oral traditions play in Jewish and Christian teachings in Arabia?
They were the primary way teachings were transmitted, often distorted and unreliable.
How does the Qur’an describe its own content?
As a divine revelation that cannot be replicated by humans.
What historical figure named Haman is mentioned in the Qur’an, and what was his role?
Haman is mentioned as a close advisor to Pharaoh, aligning with historical findings.
What term does the Qur’an use to describe Christians?
Nasara, derived from Nazareth, the city associated with Jesus.
What does the phrase “nobody trips over a building” mean in the context of the Qur’an?
It means the truth of the Qur’an’s divine origin is too obvious to miss unless deliberately ignored.
What does the Qur’an say about hard copies of the Bible in Arabic?
That they didn’t exist during the Prophet’s time, making copying impossible.
What city is central to Christian theology but not emphasized in the Qur’an?
Nazareth
What is the Qur’an’s relationship to historical details unknown to Arabs at the time?
It includes precise historical knowledge that was inaccessible in Arabia during the 7th century.
How does the Qur’an differ from Jewish and Christian teachings about divine nature?
It emphasizes strict monotheism, rejecting concepts like the Trinity or anthropomorphic depictions of God.
How does the Qur’an address the age of Jesus?
It doesn’t focus on his age but emphasizes his mission as a prophet and messenger of God.
What does the term “poorer representatives of their faiths” refer to?
The heretical Jewish and Christian sects present in Arabia that differed from mainstream beliefs.
How does the Qur’an reference the lost city of Iram?
As a civilization destroyed due to their disobedience to God, confirmed later by archaeology.