Does Islam have a Foundation of Evidence?

Conclusions From an Apologetics Perspective

The evidence for truth of Islam is very limited. Clearly Mohammed was a historical figure, who lived in Arabia and founded a religion there. However, all claims for the revelations of Allah to Mohammed are based on Mohammed’s personal experiences, subsequently recorded in the Qur’an. No one else witnessed or received these revelations.

Muslims often claim Christians corrupted the Bible, but as we have seen the historical, archaeological and manuscript evidences for preservation of the original texts in our modern day Bibles are very strong and compelling.

For the Qur’an however this situation is very different. Where are the original manuscripts? What ancient writings have been preserved? How certain can anyone be that the first followers of Mohammed memorized and later recalled all texts perfectly? And compare the process of canonization of the Qur’an to the Bible. The Qur’an was canonized instantly by caliph Uthman through destroying all other manuscripts. Granted, the canonization of the New Testament endured some major struggles, but its criteria were based on apostolic authority and God’s inspiration, not the personal preference of one man.

Additionally, there are no claims in Islam for miracles or fulfilled prophecies or any other facts or events that can support or prove divine inspiration or revelation.

Lastly, I find it personally intriguing to read about the characteristics usually associated with Christian cults[18], like Mormonism and Jehovah Witnesses, and then apply those to Islam. The similarities are striking, like the cults, Islam claims additional revelation, rejects the Trinity, believe only they know the whole truth, distort the teachings of the Bible, require works for salvation and have a system that protects their followers from non-Muslim influences.

Comparing the evidences for Christianity and Islam
	Christianity	Islam
Scripture	The Bible: · Manuscript evidence · Written by 40 people · Historically reliable · Fulfilled prophecies · Consistent accounts	The Qur’an: · Revealed to Mohammed only · Claims exact words of Gabriel · No written records for 40 years · No historical evidences · No logical structure
Founder	Jesus: · Neither worldly nor military · Proved His deity with miracles, prophecies, and resurrection · Came with a purpose: to complete Plan of Redemption	Mohammed: · Spiritual but also military leader · No evidences for his status as a prophet from Allah
Theology	God has a complete plan for men to choose Him by free will and be redeemed through Christ’s blood.	Allah demands worship and submission, but there is no clear plan for salvation. Allah will judge good versus bad.
Worldview	Choose to be a Christian by free will. No demands on social or political structures.	Submission is enforced. Islam can be an enforced dictatorship.

Table 32- 4 : Comparing the Evidences for Islam to Christianity

5. Islam (8)

Conclusions From an Apologetics Perspective