Quran Issues: Detailed Explanation

Overview

The Quran (6:114-115 & 12:111) claims to be a detailed explanation of all things. However, many important details about the Quran and the Islamic religion are not found in the Quran. The following are examples.

Five Pillars: The Quran does not teach that the Islamic religion is built on five pillars of belief and practice (Declaration of Faith, Prayer, Giving, Fasting & Pilgrimage).

Declaration of Faith: The Quran does not contain the Shahadah or teach it as an Islamic initiation rite.

Prayer: The Quran does not teach that Muslims should pray five times per day or detail how Muslims should pray.

Circumcision: The Quran does not teach that male children should be circumcised.

Moses: The Quran does not teach that God gave the Torah to Moses. The Quran says that Moses was given a book but doesn't specify whether this book was the Torah or not.

Jesus: The Quran does not say when or where Jesus was born, where Jesus lived and ministered, what language Jesus spoke, who Jesus' disciples were, what was contained in the book or revelation given to Jesus, or what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah. These details can only be found in the Bible. Muslims therefore need the Bible to understand the historic life and ministry of Jesus. It should be noted too that the New Testament was written shortly after the lifetime of Jesus and six-hundred years before the Quran, which explains why the Bible (in contrast to the Quran) provides more accurate and detailed information about Jesus.

Muhammad: The Quran does not provide biographical information about Muhammad or teach that Muhammad is a descendant of Abraham and Ishmael.

The Quran: The Quran does not specify how many chapters it should contain or how many verses comprise each chapter.

Quran Passages

The Quran 6:114-115 (Sahih International)

(114) [Say], "Then is it other than Allah I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book explained in detail?" And those to whom We [previously] gave the Scripture know that it is sent down from your Lord in truth, so never be among the doubters. (115) And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

The Quran 12:111 (Sahih International)

(111) There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Qur'an a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.