William St. Clair Tisdall (1859–1928)

This remarkable book has been written by the Rev. W. St. Clair-Tisdall, Missionary, C.M.S., Julfa, Persia. It takes up a subject never as yet brought properly under discussion either by Muslims or Christians — namely, the origin of the Qur’an, and the Sources from which both it and tradition have been derived.

By the teaching of Muhammad the Qur’an is of divine origin, and was brought down, as tradition tells us, word by word by Gabriel to the Prophet’s ear. The original is “written on a Tablet, kept in Heaven,” “sent down on the night of al Cadr” [2] by the Almighty. Thus the Qur’an comes from God alone, heavenly, divine, and uncreate from all eternity.

Now if it be shown that much of this grand book can be traced to human Sources existing daily around the Prophet, then Islam falls to the ground. And this is what the Author proves with marvelous power and erudition.… (more)