As the unchanged and unerring Word of God, the Qur’an has naturally been considered by Muslims as containing miracles. Many scientific claims have been identified in the Qur’an. Of course, any such identification presumes that the specific scientific claim is … Continue reading
This article is adapted from The Mystery of the Crucifixion: The Attempt to Kill Jesus in the Qur’an, the New Testament, and Historical Sources The four Gospels differ on a number of details in their accounts of the crucifixion of … Continue reading
In Islamic sciences, the term “fiqh” has developed the strictly legal meaning of “studying Shari’a or ‘Islamic law’,” which I briefly explained in my article “Shari’a,” “Fiqh,” and “Usul al-Fiqh” in Islamic Law. But the Arabic root of this term … Continue reading
I will briefly explain three fundamental concepts of Islamic law that are at times confused with each other. These are “Shari‘a,” “Fiqh,” and “Usul al-Fiqh.” 1. Shari‘a This term, which is usually translated as “Islamic law,” refers to the … Continue reading
The term “sunna” occurs fourteen times in nine Qur’anic verses. It is used in four verses in the expression “sunnat al-awwalin” or the “sunna of the ancients.” The term “sunna” is usually interpreted as meaning “example” or “fate,” but it … Continue reading
The term “hadith” is one of the most used Islamic terms by both Muslims and non-Muslims. But despite its importance there is often a good deal of ambiguity about what it exactly means. It is often used inconsistently and inaccurately. … Continue reading
The American administration has been struggling to come to terms with the unfolding events in Egypt and take a stand that has credibility and reflects any defendable principle. This was on glorious display in the 28th/January press briefing by Obama’s … Continue reading
This article is adapted from The Mystery of the Crucifixion: The Attempt to Kill Jesus in the Qur’an, the New Testament, and Historical Sources All four Gospels agree that after his trial or interrogation by the Sanhedrin and high priest, … Continue reading
In a recent poll on this website, visitors were asked what they thought “Religious belief is based on,” and they were given five options to choose the answer from where only one answer can be chosen by the visitor: 1) … Continue reading
Many Qur’anic verses make it absolutely clear that faith is one of the foundations of the belief system of the Muslim. One Qur’anic term that particularly captures this fact is “ghayb.” This term, which occurs 49 times in 48 verses, … Continue reading
