As for their claim: It is not obligatory for us to follow Muḥammad. This is because many messengers have already come to us before him who have already addressed us in our own language, and have taken from us a solemn vow to abide by our religion upon which we currently hold steadfastly to. They have given us the Torah and the Bible in our own languages. This is a fact that the book that this man brought attests to, as he said in Sūrah Ibrāhīm:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِهِ

“And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people,”
(14:4)

And in Sūrah al-Naḥl:

وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا

“And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger”
(16:36)

We answer this claim with the following:

Multiple Messengers May be Sent to a Single Nation

1. The mere sending of other messengers to you does not—in any way—negate the sending of another subsequent messenger after them. Just as Moses (عليه السلام) was sent to the Children of Israel who adopted the legislations contained within the Torah, after which Allāh—the Blessed, the High—sent the Messiah, ʿĪsá (عليه السلام) and made following and believing in him obligatory; those who refused to believe in ʿIsá were considered disbelievers even if they claimed to be holding steadfastly to the previously revealed book.

In the same manner, if Allāh then sends another messenger after the Messiah, following this messenger would be considered obligatory; whoever refuses to believe in him must be considered a disbeliever. Just as those from among the Children of Israel who refused to believe in ʿĪsá are considered disbelievers.

The Blatant Corruption of Modern-Day Christianity

2. The claim that they currently practice the religion as transmitted to them by the disciples of the Messiah is a plainly evident, bold-faced, blatant lie. Rather, the encompassing majority of their beliefs and legislations were never transmitted to them from the disciples to the Messiah, nor is it found in the Torah or the Bible. This includes, for example, the Christian pledge,¹ praying towards the east, erecting pictures and idols in their churches which they use as intermediaries in worship, seeking intercession from those depicted [in images and statutes]—instating festivals and building churches in their names, declaring the consumption of swine permissible, abandoning circumcision, the innovated practice of monasticism, and observing Lent by fasting [from things] and specifying it as a fifty-day period.

In fact, they currently hold on to a very scant portion of the religion brought to them by the prophets, while also practicing an immense number of innovations and acts that constitute outright disbelief. For example, no narration ever reached them—not from the Messiah nor from his disciples—to say when praying: “Come all of you! Let us prostrate before the Messiah—our Lord” or the invocation: “Virgin Mary, mother of god! ! Open the doors of mercy for us”.²

The Original Bible and Torah Was in a Language Foreign to Most Modern-Day Christians

3. Their claim that the Torah and the Bible were given to them in their own language is only true for some Christians but not all of them. For the Christian Arabs and many other non-Arab Christians never historically received their very own Bible or Torah in their own language. This matter is well-known, as there is no Arabic Bible or Torah in existence that dates back to the time of the disciples. These books were only translated into Arabic much later in their timeline. Therefore, if the Arab Christians—before the raising of Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as a Prophet—are being held responsible for believing in a book that was revealed in a foreign language to them which was then translated into Arabic, how then are the Christian Romans and other non-Arabs not also held responsible for abiding by the Qurʾān which was similarly revealed in a language foreign to them and translated into their language?

The Prophet Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) Clarifies the True Message of the Messiah Following the Christian’s Clear Corruption of it

4. Any ummah that has collectively chosen to change and alter the religion of the messenger that was originally sent to them is most deserving of being sent another messenger from Allāh, such that that which is beloved and pleasing to Allāh may be clarified and made plainly evident to them. In the same way that, when the Children of Israel altered and changed the religion of Moses, Allāh sent the Messiah to them and others in order to clarify the religion that is most beloved and pleasing to Him. Then, when the Children of Israel again altered and changed the religion of the Messiah, Allāh sent to them and others Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) to clarify the religion that is most beloved and pleasing to Him.

It was authentically confirmed that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “Indeed, [before the raising of Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as a messenger] Allāh gazed upon the people of this world with contempt—both upon the Arabs and non-Arabs—all except for those who remained from the People of the Book [who had held steadfastly to their true, uncorrupted religion, i.e. the monotheistic call of Jesus].”³ As those People of the Book were the ones who held onto the religion of the Messiah before the sending of Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). At the time, they would be considered to have adopted the religion of Allāh—the Exalted in Might. However, after Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was raised as a messenger, anyone who disbelieves in him will be from among the people of the Fire. As he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said in an authentic ḥadīth: “By the One in whose hand my soul resides! There is not a Jew or Christian that hears of me then dies without believing in that which I was sent with, except that he will be from among the people of the Fire.”⁴

Disproving the Voracity of the Claim that their Current Revealed Books Were Disseminated from the Disciples in Seventy-Two Different Languages

5. The claim that the Torah, the Bible, and the rest of their revealed books were given to them in seventy-two different languages, and that they all corroborate one another to this day is a claim made only by one who is ignorant—speaking without knowledge or acquaintance with reality. Nay, he is an outright lying falsifier. This is because such a claim would stipulate the current existence of these revealed books in seventy-two different languages, their contents all corroborating with one another in full agreement. This claim consists of four constituents:
   1. All books currently exist in seventy-two languages.
   2. They all fully agree and are consistent with one another.
   3. They were all transmitted from the disciples.
   4. Those disciples were infallible.

Even if we were to acquiesce that these books existed in seventy-two different languages, transmitted from the disciples, and that they exist currently, who among you has the ability to verify that all these books are in agreement with one another? This could only be possible for a person well-versed in all seventy-two languages, who is also in possession of every book, and it is fully confirmed that those very same books were the same ones transmitted from the disciples. He also must be able to confirm that every other copy of the books in his possession, in the entire world, which are in the same language, are in full agreement with his own copy. Then, even if he was to gather all seventy-two versions of the same book in the seventy-two different languages, he would still never be able to confirm that each and every single one was the very same that was transmitted from the disciples; that is, if we were to accept the claim that the disciples themselves even distributed seventy-two versions of these books. Even then, he would still never know if every other copy in the world is in full agreement with his copy. As it is well-known—past and present—that these books are continually being translated from one language to another, like from Hebrew, Syriac, Roman, and Greek to Arabic and other languages.

Considering this, even if he were to come across an Arabic copy of one of these books, he would never know if it was among those translated into Arabic after the (the time of the) disciples or taken from them: again, provided we were to accept that an Arabic copy was ever even taken from them. Then, gathering every single Arabic copy in existence and comparing all of them to one another is an impossible feat. Moreover, we have currently discovered several Arabic copies of these books that are so diametrically opposed, consisting of severe contradictions that would render these copies untrustworthy. I—myself—have read several different Arabic copies of the Zabūr (Book of Psalms) whose translations are so extremely different to one another that it is almost too difficult to keep track of the inconsistencies among them. This should all act as a clear testimony that confirms that their revealed books have been altered and changed, and should not be deemed trustworthy. For I have even seen several Arabic copies of the Torah that a party among the People of the Book themselves openly admit to being a translation that consists of outright lies. [If this is the state of just the Arabic copies], then how could anyone actually gather every single copy of each book, in the seventy-two different languages, then compare each and every single copy to one another, while also simultaneously confirming each one to be from the disciples? Such a comparison would also only be possible for a person who is well-versed in all seventy-two languages, completely and thoroughly acquainted with each language and their nuances. No such person exists among the Children of Ādam. Even if such a savant existed, it was not known that he gathered every copy to perform a verification, and then informed anyone that every copy was in agreement.

Even if this was to occur, his testification would still be considered an unverified, uncorroborated, solitary testimony. Otherwise, every single copy in the severity-two different languages would all have to be translated into a single language like Arabic, then every translation confirmed consistent with every other one. For in absence of this, if a single copy is translated into only one or two languages, they may not be confirmed as consistent with one another unless and until each phrase in one language is confirmed as possessing the exact same meaning in the other language. This is impossible except for one who either knows both languages himself, or by another who can translate both languages into a single one that the verifier speaks. It is well-known that translations of all these books in their seventy-two different languages was never actually translated to a single language and the copies corroborated, nor has anyone ever been known to speak seventy-two different languages anyways.

Therefore, to confirm that all seventy-two books—each in a different language—are all in agreement with one another, or that every copy of each book in the same language is also completely consistent with one another is completely impossible. This [extremely poor state is further compounded by that fact that] all seventy-two versions of each book in existence currently would still have to be the exact same copies transmitted from the disciples within which subsequent translations added no errors. How then could such a confirmation ever be made when, in actual fact, most of the copies read by people today are translations that were made much later into Arabic and other languages?

This is the case if it was ever actually confirmed that the disciples distributed these books in these seventy-two different languages, and that they remained unchanged until today. This is also a matter that can never be truly confirmed. This is because there is no copy of the Torah, Bible, or any other revealed book translated into the Arabic language that dates back to the time of the disciples. Moreover, no copy exists from that time period in most other languages. Even if the disciples distributed these books in seventy-two languages as alleged, it would still not render subsequent changes impossible, as these books were translated perpetually over time. Then, even if they were to confirm that those original books were unchanged, they would never be able to confirm the lack of changes in subsequent translations or even the copies that were made from those originals. These books being in seventy-two different languages as they claim would actually prevent confirmation of complete consistency among these books.

This state is contrary to that of the Qurʾān which is in the Arabic language, written using Arabic letters. This means that confirming the consistency of its copies is quite simple and easy; made even simpler by the fact that it is memorised in its entirety within the chests of the Muslims. Therefore, it does not need protection by means of writing. Its transmission is confirmed by multiple, independent lines of both verbal and written narration.

Clarifying the Christian Misinterpretation of the Qurʾān to Substantiate Their Claims

6. Regarding their statement ‘They have given us the Torah and the Bible in our own languages. This is a fact that the book that this man brought attests to’: The Qurʾān does not confirm the claim that the Torah and the Bible were given to you in your own languages. Rather, your usage of the Qurʾān to support this point is the same as your usage of it to support the position that your current religion is correct, or to justify the innovations and alterations you have made to the religion of the Messiah including belief in the trinity, unification of god with his creation and other than it.

As for the verses used here including “And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people” and “And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger”: there should be no doubt whatsoever that the people of Moses were the Children of Israel, and that the Torah was revealed in their language. The Children of Israel were also the people to whom the Messiah was sent, and he (عليه السلام) used to speak to them in their language. Both messengers never spoke to anyone in any language other than Hebrew. They never spoke the Roman language, or Syriac, Greek or Coptic [like the latter-day Christians spoke].

As for His saying “And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger” it is a general and encompassing statement, just as the Most High said:

وَإِن مِّنْ أُمَّةٍ إِلَّا خَلَا فِيهَا نَذِيرٌ

“And there never was a nation but a warner had passed among them.”
(Fāṭir, 35:24)

The claim that the Torah or the Bible was given to them in their own language is not being addressed in these verses in any way.

Refuting the Claim that the Disciples Were Infallible Messengers of Allāh

7. The main, salient, fundamental basis of their argument is the claim: The disciples, as far as we are concerned, occupy the very same level as Allāh’s messengers, including Abraham and Moses. For we consider the Messiah to be Allāh Himself, and He is the one who sent these disciples to us. Therefore, it is an absolute obligation that they were only sent to us speaking our language, granting us the Torah and the Bible in this language as well.

We respond: How ridiculously quick you are to make such a claim and adopt it as a creed! We shall clarify—by the will of Allāh—the inherent folly of these claims. Regarding the current discussion, you erroneously claim that the Qurʾān brought by Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) co-signs and supports your statement. This is a blatant, plainly evident lie concocted in opposition to him (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and against his book. We will also clarify the lies you have invented against him—regardless of whether you choose to accept his prophethood or not. For it is certainly well-known—beyond any doubt—that he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) never supported the claim that the Messiah is Allāh. Rather, he declared its claimants disbelievers. Nor did he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) ever delineate the disciples as messengers sent by Allāh. Rather, he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) recognised their statement wherein they declare themselves believers and Muslims, saying “we are the helpers of Allāh”. Just as he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) recognised those who believed in him as believers and Muslims, seeking to be the helpers of Allāh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Moreover, those who believed in the message of Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) are superior in rank to the disciples, as his (صلى الله عليه وسلم) generation is the best of all generations. As the Most High said:

فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ

“Then when ʿĪsá (Jesus) came to know of their disbelief, he said: “Who will be my helpers in Allāh’s Cause?” Al-Ḥawāriyyūn (the disciples) said: “We are the helpers of Allāh; we believe in Allāh, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allāh).”
(Ā̵li-ʿImrān, 3:52)

وَإِذْ أَوْحَيْتُ إِلَى الْحَوَارِيِّينَ أَنْ آمِنُوا بِي وَبِرَسُولِي قَالُوا آمَنَّا وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّنَا مُسْلِمُونَ

“And when I (Allāh) put in the hearts of al-Ḥawārīyīn (the disciples) [of ʿĪsá (Jesus)] to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said: “We believe. And bear witness that we are Muslims.”
(Al-Māʾidah, 5:111)

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا أَنصَارَ اللَّهِ كَمَا قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ لِلْحَوَارِيِّينَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ ۖ فَآمَنَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّن بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّائِفَةٌ ۖ فَأَيَّدْنَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا عَلَىٰ عَدُوِّهِمْ فَأَصْبَحُوا ظَاهِرِينَ

“O you who believe! Be you helpers (in the Cause) of Allāh as said ʿĪsá (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), to al-Ḥawārīyūn (the disciples): “Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allāh?” Al-Ḥawārīyīn (the disciples) said: “We are Allāh’s helpers” (i.e. we will strive in His cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost.”
(Al-Ṣaff, 61:14)

Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) never supported the claim that ascribed divinity to the Messiah, nor did he ever declare his disciples as messengers of Allāh, nor that they disseminated the Torah and the Bible in their own language, nor that they were infallible. As for the verse mentioned in support of their erroneous claim “And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people,” it is contextually referring only to the messengers of Allāh and not those subsequently sent by them (i.e., the messengers of the messengers). As for the messengers sent by the messengers, it is perfectly plausible for them to deliver the message of the messenger that sent them in a language that is then translated, provided a translator is present. If the provision of translation is unavailable, the messengers sent by the messengers may speak the tongue of the people they are calling. Even this, in no way stipulates that they must rewrite all the revealed books in the language of the people being called. Rather, it is sufficient in such a circumstance for them to read these revelations in the language of the messenger that was sent and then to translate such that the people may comprehend it. For He—the Glorified—said “And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people”, and He did not say “And We sent not a Messenger except to his people”. For Muḥammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was sent to the tribe of Quraysh, speaking their language and he was also sent to other than them [i.e. all mankind], just as they have mentioned regarding the Messiah who was also sent to his people and others.

Source: Al-Jawāb al-Ṣaḥīḥ 2:86-98
Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī