Is Islam Logically Coherent and Free from Internal Contradiction?
Introduction Islam claims to be the final, complete, and perfect revelation from God. It asserts internal consistency and logical coherence. However, does it withstand scrutiny when tested by the classical laws of logic and principles of rationality? This article applies critical reasoning and logical analysis to assess whether Islam is internally consistent or plagued by contradictions and fallacies.
1. The Law of Non-Contradiction The law of non-contradiction states that contradictory claims cannot both be true in the same sense at the same time.
Example 1: Qur’an 4:157 vs. Qur’an 3:55
4:157: “They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them.”
3:55: “God said: O Jesus, I will cause you to die and raise you to Myself…”
If Jesus was not crucified (4:157), how did he die before being raised (3:55)? Some argue that tawaffa means sleep or metaphorical death, but the plain reading contradicts the narrative.
Contradiction: Jesus both died and did not die.
Example 2: Fate vs. Free Will
Qur’an 76:29–30: “Whoever wills may take a path to his Lord. But you cannot will unless Allah wills…”
Qur’an 18:29: “Let him who wills believe, and let him who wills disbelieve.”
This results in a fatalistic paradox: humans are responsible for belief or disbelief, but can only choose what Allah has already willed.
Contradiction: Human will is both autonomous and predetermined.
2. The Law of Identity The law of identity holds that each thing is identical to itself. A concept cannot be both itself and something else at the same time.
Example: Allah as Merciful vs. Allah as Torturer
Qur’an 7:156: “My mercy encompasses all things.”
Qur’an 4:56: “Those who disbelieve... We shall roast them in fire. Whenever their skins are roasted away, We will replace them with new skins so they may taste the punishment.”
Problem: An all-merciful being cannot, by definition, endlessly torture billions of people. That would violate the identity of what “mercy” means in both language and moral reasoning.
3. Fallacies in Argumentation Islamic apologetics and scripture often rely on logical fallacies:
a. Circular Reasoning (Begging the Question)
“The Qur’an is the word of God because it says so.”
This is circular. No external validation is provided beyond the claim itself.
b. False Dilemma
“Either you submit to Allah or you are corrupt and misguided.”
This excludes alternative worldviews and moral systems, presenting a false binary.
c. Special Pleading
Criticism of Islam is rejected because “you don’t understand Arabic” or “only scholars can interpret it.”
This excuses Islam from the same critical scrutiny applied to other ideologies.
4. Contradictory Moral Teachings
Violence vs. Peace
Qur’an 2:256: “There is no compulsion in religion.”
Qur’an 9:5: “Kill the polytheists wherever you find them…”
Many Muslims argue for historical context, but the verses remain textually present and frequently cited to justify opposing ethical positions.
Contradiction: Islam is both peaceful and violent, depending on selective interpretation.
5. The Problem of Abrogation (Naskh)
Qur’an 2:106: “Whatever verse We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better or similar to it.”
This doctrine permits Allah to cancel earlier verses. But if the Qur’an is timeless and perfect, how can any verse be improved upon or replaced?
Logical Problem: A perfect, eternal message should not contain obsolete or inferior commands.
Conclusion When subjected to the laws of logic and critical reasoning, Islam reveals internal contradictions, logical fallacies, and theological inconsistencies. Key doctrines such as predestination, the nature of Jesus, divine mercy, and scriptural coherence do not align logically when analyzed systematically. These issues challenge the claim that Islam is free from contradiction or error. If a belief system asserts universal truth, it must withstand the tests of rationality, consistency, and empirical integrity—tests which Islam, upon close scrutiny, struggles to pass.
Sources and References
The Qur’an (Sahih International and Pickthall translations)
William Lane Craig. Reasonable Faith
Samir Khalil Samir. 111 Questions on Islam
Nabeel Qureshi. No God But One: Allah or Jesus?
Logical principles: Aristotle’s Organon; Copi & Cohen, Introduction to Logic
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