Answer
Some Muslims accuse Christians of corrupting the Bible. While this charge would explain the differences between the Qur’an and the Bible, the allegation has no credible evidence. The Qur’an praises the Bible, and scholars verify the Bible’s authenticity.
The Bible is commended in the Qur’an
Islam teaches that the Bible has been corrupted. However, the Qur’an commends the Bible: “And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah—a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil)” (Surah 5:46). Muhammad was commanded by Allah to “recite what has been revealed to you of the Book” (Surah 29:45).
In addition, the Qur’an says that God’s Word cannot be changed (Surah 6:34; 10:34, 64), and it makes no distinction between the various revelations of God. “We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them” (Surah 2:136).
The Bible is verified by scholars
Scholarly evidence proves that nothing of doctrinal significance differs in the various Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible. Aside from grammar and spelling variation, the Bible today is essentially the same Bible that Muhammad praised (Surah 3:3).
The New Testament was completed 500 years before Muhammad received the Qur’an. It is not enough to say, “The Bible and the Qur’an are different, and thus the Bible must be wrong.” Proof of corruption must be forthcoming. If a modern author wrote a book on the Gallic Wars that was found to conflict with Julius Caesar’s account of the same events, then the older, historically accepted text would carry more weight. Caesar, whose writing was contemporaneous with the events, would have more authority than the modern author. In other words, when discrepancies in a historical document are alleged, the burden of proof rests on the newer text.
The Bible is truth
God has preserved His truth forever. “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:5-6; see also Psalm 119:160; Matthew 5:17, 18; Luke 16:17; John 10:35b; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:13-17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Revelation 22:18, 19).
Those who cling to the unfounded charge of corruption are rejecting life-giving truth. The Bible shows the way to heaven. Find out what God prescribes as the only way to escape hell and reach heaven.
