Distributed for Brigham Young University
Critique of Christian Origins
A Parallel English-Arabic Text
In the Critique of Christian Origins Abd al-Jabbār—the leading Muslim intellectual of the late tenth century—develops what might be considered the first Islamic history of Christianity, analyzing the Bible, church rituals, and miracles. Unlike Muslim scholars before him, Abd al-Jabbār criticizes Christianity not only theologically but also on historical grounds. He argues that the schemes of secular and religious leaders led to the suppression of the Islamic religion of Jesus and the creation of Christianity in its place. The Critique of Christian Origins contains a wealth of information on the ideological contours of Abd al-Jabbār’s time, including perspectives on Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, and several sects within Islam itself, in addition to Christianity.
This edition, which includes a fully vocalized Arabic edition of the text and a complete English translation accompanied by detailed explanatory notes, a glossary, a bibliography, and three indexes, makes this important work readily accessible to students and specialists alike.
Reviews
Table of Contents
Abbreviations and Other Conventions
Foreword to the Series
Preface
Translator’s Introduction
Part One – Introduction
Muhammad’s report on Christian doctrine in the Qur’rān as proof of his prophethood
Nestorians, no different from other Christians, teach invalid doctrines
On the invalidity of pre-Islamic religions and the current threat of the Qarāmita
Muhammad’s report on Christianity
Part Two – Doctrine
Christians believe in three gods, despite their claims
Christ was only a servant of God
Heterodox Muslims also rely on speculation and esotericism
Christians misinterpret metaphorical language in the Bible
Christ, as Muhammad proclaimed, was not crucified
This logical argument of recognition can be used to disprove the claims of other religious groups
Large groups cannot conceal or fabricate accounts
The attempts of the Shī’a, Christians, and Qarāmita to invalidate Sunnī Islam are misguided
The authentic Passion account proves that Jesus was not crucified
Various arguments against the crucifixion and divinity of Christ
A defense of the statement in Qur’ān 5:116 regarding Mary
Part Three – Practice
Christian practice, like their doctrine, is contrary to the teachings and actions of Christ
Historical accounts of how the Islamic religion of Jesus was falsified: Bible
Historical accounts of how the Islamic religion of Jesus was falsified: Paul
Historical accounts of how the Islamic religion of Jesus was falsified: Constantine
On Christian practice and its origin
On moral corruption in Byzantine society
Against the Christian apologetical argument based on miracles
On the false claims of various sects
On the Christian claim that their religion was established by miracles
Against the Christian apologetical argument based on austerity
That Christianity is not the religion of Christ can be seen from the Bible
Flaws of the Bible
False reports of miracles that Christians use as evidence for their religion
Christian leaders seek to control Christians through deception
Glossary of Technical Terms in the Translation
Bibliographies
‘Abd al-Jabbār – Published Works
‘Abd al- Jabbār – Islamic Biographies
Early (through the fourth/tenth century) Islamic Anti-Christian Polemics
Early (through the fourth/tenth century) Christian Arabic Apologies
Secondary Sources on ‘Abd al- Jabbār and the Critique of Christian Origins
Index of Arabic Names and Terms
Index of Citations and References
Index of People, Places and Subjects