The Claim of the Qur’an Borrowing from Judaism: A Critical Study of Abraham Geiger’s View

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Al-Mustafa International University/ Al-albayt International University

2 Member of the Board of Al-Mustafa Al-Alamiya Society

Abstract

Problem Statement:
The claim that the Holy Quran borrowed from Judaism is considered one of the most serious issues addressed by Orientalists, particularly Jewish Orientalists, as this view aims to prove that Judaism was one of the most important sources of the Holy Quran. This trend was founded on the studies of the Jewish Orientalist Abraham Geiger, who attempted to link Quranic texts to Jewish traditions in an effort to undermine the authenticity of the revelation and its divine source.
Objective:
This research aims to critique Abraham Geiger’s claim regarding the Quran borrowing from Judaism and to expose the invalidity of the foundations upon which this theory was built. This is achieved through a systematic analytical study focused on discussing his evidence in the light of both rational and textual evidence (reason and transmission), highlighting the incoherence of his arguments and their contradiction with Quranic and historical truths.
Methodology:
The study relied on a scientific and objective critical method by presenting Geiger’s evidence for the borrowing claim and analyzing it in detail, followed by discussing and refuting it using reason, Quranic texts, and reliable historical sources. Furthermore, the study demonstrated the methodological flaws in his reasoning and revealed instances of haste and distortion in his utilization of religious texts and historical documents.
Results:
The results showed that Abraham Geiger lacked accurate knowledge of Quranic facts and many historical issues. It also became evident that, in some instances, he deliberately distorted texts and falsified facts to serve his preconceived vision. The study revealed that the Holy Quran enjoys complete independence in its source, structure, and semantics, and that the attempt to attribute it to Judaism lacks any scientific and methodological basis, thereby confirming its divine authenticity and its unique conceptual unity.

Keywords

References

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    Journals:

    Huwaydi, Ahmad Mahmud. "Refutation of the Allegations of the Jewish Orientalist Abraham Geiger regarding the Stories of the Prophets in the Holy Quran". Majallat Kulliyyat Al-Adab, Cairo University, Vol. 60, Issue 4, 2000 CE.

Contemporary Quranic Studies
Volume 4, Issue 14
March 2026
Pages 8-40

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