Polemic Views about the Source of Qur’ān in Medieval Christian Writings with a Reflection upon Contemporary Orientalists: A Critical Review

Before the advent of Islam, there was a strong tradition of polemic writings both among the Jews and the Christians to prove the errors of adversary. But, after the advent of Islam in general, and the conquering of Roman / Byzantine empire by the Muslims in the era of Righteous Califate in specific, due to embracing Islam by a large number of local populace, the flux of Christian polemic writing was directed towards Islam. A number of polemic writings surfaced as a resort to keep their religion alive. These writings tried to belittle all basic concepts, beliefs, and creeds of Islam, and even the personality of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the Holy Qur’ān. The contemporary orientalist polemic writers have claimed that there are several accounts originating from Jewish and Christian sources which tried to allegedly prove that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was instructed by Jewish or Christian scholars in the composition of Holy Qur’ān, and to support this claim, they not only point out to certain Jewish or Christian sources, but have parroted their arguments as well, with the similar motives. With this, they have attempted to discredit Islam by raising doubts about the origin of Qur’ān. But despite of their efforts the fact remains firm that the Qur’ān has a Divine origin and was revealed by Allah Ta‘ālā unto Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In this regard, the purpose of this article is to analyze the medieval polemic writings, their motives, and their rumination by the orientalists of the contemporary age. A critical approach is adopted in this analytical, and historical study, using published authentic data and literature including academic books, research papers, periodicals, dictionaries and reliable web sites also.

پاکستان میں اردو لسانی تحقیق : تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Language and associated fields have always been favorite topics of discussion among Urdu scholars. Initially these discussions were introductory but gradually they expanded. The grammar had been compiled, dictionaries published and brief discussions ensued about the creation and evolution of Urdu language. During the colonial era in India the socio-linguistics' issues imparted a vital role in these language researches discussions but always remained in the background. There were a number of prominent orientalists who pioneered modern language research in India. Although later on under colonial influence and in the socio-political scenario of India, Muslim and Hindu etymologists also indulged in these language discussions using modern techniques and theories. The growth of English language and the resistance against it, Urdu-Hindi dispute and Hind-Islamic cultural identity are major factors which enhanced the importance of language and helped to establish linguistics as a field of study. So as a result by 1947 many vital and notable works had already emerged. After the establishment of Pakistan, studies in language continued and appreciable efforts can be found in improving existing language studies. In this new scenario modern linguistic theories and discourse has become important and the traditional language-related studies stayed behind as compared to more recognized and scientific methods that had evolved. Not only existing data of language study had been analyzed thoroughly but many new theories and trends discovered as well. The primary purpose of my research is to study, analyze and evaluate the whole language related discourse of Urdu in Pakistan. Through this the scattered material would be collected and easily determined its status, worth and significance. This research would help understand the details of studies in Urdu language.