Is the Quran Copied from Other Religious Scriptures?

The validity and originality of the Quran have been under scrutiny from various scholars and researchers. One of the central debates is whether parts of the Quran were copied from other religious scriptures or whether they are truly unique. This article delves into these claims and examines evidence that supports the theory of Quranic plagiarism.

Evidence of Quranic Plagiarism

One of the most prominent examples of Quranic plagiarism is the story of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, found in Quran 18:16-26. This tale is depicted similarly to the Christian account, but with unique Islamic modifications. For example, the Quranic version includes a dog who allegedly kept watch at the entrance of the cave for the entire duration of their sleep. This narrative is paralleled in Christian myth and The New Testament Apocryphia, a collection of extra canonical Christian writings.

Plagiarism from Syriac Manuscripts

The theory that the Quran was derived from older Syriac manuscripts is supported by the work of scholars such as Luxembourg and Dr. Günther Lülling of Germany. According to their research, the original text of a story called “Kairiana” from Syro-Aramaic lectionaries became the basis for “dark chapters” in the Quran. This text became a significant source for various Quranic chapters, including Surah al-Kahf (The Companions of the Cave), which was allegedly derived from a Greek children’s book entitled “The Adventures of Alexander.” Other chapters, especially those related to biblical figures such as Jesus and Mary, are believed to have been taken from the New Testament Apocryphia.

Distinctive Quranic Plagiarisms

Several instances of Quranic plagiarism have been identified across different chapters:

Sura As-Saffat (Surah al-Kahf): This surah is said to have been copied from a Greek children's book titled “The Adventures of Alexander.” This claim is based on the similarities in the story of the seven youths who fell asleep in a cave, paralleling the tale of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus. Sura Al-Ma’ida (5:110) and Sura Al-Imran (3:49): These two verses are claimed to have relied on ancient Christian writings, suggesting the Quran's authors drew directly from texts such as the Protoevangelium of James and the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew. Sura Al-Inshirah (76), Sura Al-Mursalaat (77), Sura Al-Naba (78), and Sura Al-Takwir (83): The conceptions of heaven and hell in these chapters are said to be plagiarized from the Hymns of Paradise, a collection of Christian hymns from the 4th century, predating the time of Muhammad by 300 years. Story of Solomon and Bathsheba: This narrative is believed to have originated from a Jewish source called the Second Targum of Esther, or Targum Sheni. Abraham in the Furnace: Sura Al-Baqarah 2:260 is said to draw from the Midrash Genesis Rabba, a Jewish work from the 5th century, including an interesting translation error relating to the city of Ur.

Conclusion and Implications

The evidence of Quranic plagiarism raises significant questions about the authenticity and originality of the Quran. While some argue that the similarities are coincidental, many scholars suggest that these similarities can be attributed to the use of older texts and manuscripts. Nonetheless, further investigation and comparison of various texts are needed to confirm or refute these claims.

Regardless of the validity of these claims, it is important to critically analyze religious texts and their historical and cultural contexts. This article aims to contribute to the ongoing academic debate on the origin of the Quran, providing a multidisciplinary analysis that includes insights from religious studies, linguistics, and comparative literature.