The Place of Taḥrīf and Tabshīrāt in the Raddiyya Tradition and Contributions of ʿAbd Allah al-Tarjumān

Fikret Soyal

Makale detayları

The Place of Taḥrīf and Tabshīrāt in the Raddiyya Tradition and Contributions of ʿAbd Allah al-Tarjumān

Yazarlar:

Fikret Soyal

Yayıncı:

Yozgat Bozok University

Ana Başlıklar:

Kelam

Dergi:

Bozok Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.27 Issue 27, pp.117-141

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

6/2025

Belge Dili:

Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.):

2001352264

pISSN:

2458-9934

Anahtar kelimeler:

Özet:

 This study aims to examine Christian criticisms within the framework of the Islamic raddiyya tradition, focusing specifically on the concepts of taḥrīf scriptural corruption and tabshīrāt prophetic annunciation, and evaluates the significant contributions of ʿAbd Allah ibn ʿAbd Allah al-Tarjumān d. 8321429 in this regard. Formerly a Catholic priest known as Anselmo Turmeda, al-Tarjumān embraced Islam and authored the work Tuhfat al-arīb fī al-radd ʿalā ahl al-ṣalīb, which represents a distinctive position in the corpus of Muslim apologetics due to its methodological emphasis on scriptural intertextuality and internal critique of Christian doctrines. The raddiyya literature constitutes a substantial part of Islamic theological engagement with other religious traditions, particularly with Judaism and Christianity. Central to this tradition is the notion of taḥrīf, which denotes the belief that earlier divine revelations have been altered or distorted by human intervention. Similarly, tabshīrāt refers to the prophetic foreshadowing of the Prophet Muḥammad peace be upon him within the previous scriptures. Al-Tarjumāns treatise revolves around these two axes, contributing both theological argumentation and exegetical analysis rooted in Christian textual sources. Divided into three main sections, the works third and most comprehensive chapter is dedicated to an extensive critique of Christian dogmas. Here, al-Tarjumān discusses discrepancies among the four canonical Gospels, theological divergences among Christian sects, and the influence of Paul on the formation of Christian doctrine. He asserts that the authors of the extant Gospels had no direct encounter with Jesus, and that the internal contradictions among their narratives serve as clear evidence of textual tampering and theological manipulation. Al-Tarjumān further disputes the attribution of divinity to Jesus by citing Gospel passages that emphasize his humanity and prophetic role. What distinguishes al-Tarjumāns approach is his reliance on naqlī transmitted evidence from the Christian scriptures themselves, as opposed to the predominantly ʿaqlī rational arguments favored by many earlier Muslim polemicists. This methodological preference underscores his deep familiarity with Christian sources and enhances the persuasive force of his critique. In addressing tabshīrāt, al-Tarjumān argues that the advent of Prophet Muḥammad is clearly alluded to in the Torah, Psalms, and Gospels. He interprets the term Paraclete found in the Gospel of John as a reference to the Prophet of Islam and associates the phrase He appeared from the mountains of Paran with the region of Mecca and the al-Ḥijāz. He further explores symbolic prophecies in the books of Isaiah and Micah, asserting that these descriptions correspond with the characteristics and mission of Prophet Muḥammad. These claims are consistent with the kalam traditions classification of such allusions under bashāʾir al-nubuwwa prophetic glad tidings, which function as evidentiary tools in affirming the finality and authenticity of prophethood. Al-Tarjumāns methodology thus transcends mere polemics, offering a nuanced exegetical engagement that combines theological critique with historical-textual analysis. His emphasis on scriptural inconsistencies and exegetical readings reflects a broader Islamic concern with safeguarding the integrity of tawḥīd divine unity against what is perceived as doctrinal deviation in Christianity. As such, Tuhfat al-arīb is not only a theological rebuttal but also a significant contribution to comparative religious discourse and the history of Muslim-Christian engagement. Drawing on both classical and contemporary sources, this study first outlines the development of the concepts of taḥrīf and tabshīrāt within the broader raddiyya tradition. Subsequently, it evaluates al-Tarjumāns place in this intellectual lineage, analyzing the content and method of his work. His unique perspective remains a valuable resource for contemporary studies on interfaith polemics, scriptural interpretation, and the evolution of theological discourse between Islam and Christianity.

 Bu çalışma, İslâm düşünce geleneğinde önemli bir yere sahip olan reddiye literatürü çerçevesinde, Hıristiyanlık eleştirilerini tahrif ve tebşîrat kavramları üzerinden değerlendirmekte ve bu bağlamda Abdullah b. Abdullah et-Tercümanın ö. 8321429 katkılarını incelemektedir. Katolik bir rahipken İslâmı kabul eden ve Anselmo Turmeda adıyla bilinen Tercüman, Tuḥfetül-erîb fir-red ʿalâ ehliṣ-ṣalîb adlı eseriyle Hıristiyanlık eleştirisini hem bilgi hem yöntem açısından farklı bir düzleme taşımıştır. Reddiye geleneği, İslâm dünyasında Hıristiyanlık ve Yahudilik gibi dinlerin teolojik öğretilerine karşı geliştirilen eleştirileri içermektedir. Bu geleneğin temel kavramlarından biri olan tahrif, ilahî kitapların zamanla insanlar eliyle değiştirildiğini ve orijinal mesajdan saptığını ifade eder. Tebşîrat ise, Hz. Muhammedin peygamberliğinin önceki kutsal metinlerde müjdelendiği inancına dayanır. Tercümanın çalışması, bu iki kavram etrafında şekillenmiş olup hem teolojik hem de metinsel açıdan özgün katkılar sunar. Üç ana bölümden oluşan eserin üçüncü ve en geniş kapsamlı bölümü Hıristiyan inançlarının eleştirisine ayrılır. Bu bölümde, dört İncil arasındaki metinsel çelişkiler, Hıristiyan mezheplerinin görüş ayrılıkları ve Pavlusun Hıristiyanlık üzerindeki etkisi gibi konular detaylandırılır. Tercüman, mevcut dört İncilin yazarlarının Hz. İsa ile doğrudan bağlantılarının bulunmadığını ve metinlerin birbirinden farklı ifadeler içermesinin, kutsal kitapların tahrif edildiğine delil olduğunu öne sürer. Yazar, Hıristiyanların Hz. İsaya tanrılık vasfı atfetmelerini, İncil metinlerindeki bazı ifadelerle çürütmeye çalışır. Ona göre Hz. İsanın bir insan ve peygamber olduğu yönündeki deliller bizzat İncilin içinde bulunmaktadır. Tercüman ayrıca, Pavlusun Hıristiyanlık inancına getirdiği felsefi etkilerle dini özünden uzaklaştırdığını ve hakikatin üzerinin bu sayede örtüldüğünü belirtir. Bu noktada, Tercümanın kullandığı delillerin çoğunlukla Hıristiyan kutsal metinlerinden seçilmiş olması dikkat çeker; bu yaklaşım onu klasik reddiye yazarlarından ayıran önemli bir özelliktir. Tebşîrat kısmında ise Hz. Muhammedin peygamberliğinin Tevrat, Zebur ve İncilde yer aldığı iddialarına odaklanılır. Tercüman, özellikle Paraklit kavramının Hz. Muhammedi ifade ettiğini, Farân dağlarından doğdu. gibi ifadelerin Mekke ve Hicaz bölgesine işaret ettiğini savunur. Bu yorumlarıyla Tercüman, Hz. Muhammedin peygamberliğinin önceki ilahî kitaplarda açık ya da örtük biçimde yer aldığını ifade eder. Özellikle Yeşaya ve Mika gibi metinlerdeki sembolik anlatımların İslâm peygamberiyle ilişkili olduğunu öne sürer. Tercümanın bu yorumları, kelâm geleneğindeki beşâirün-nübüvve anlayışıyla paralellik göstermekte ve nübüvvetin ispatı açısından önemli bir yöntem olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Bu bağlamda, Tercüman yalnızca teolojik bir savunma yapmamakta; aynı zamanda metin merkezli tarihsel bir analiz ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuç olarak Tercümanın reddiye anlayışı, klasik İslâm reddiye geleneğine özgün bir katkı sunmaktadır. Naklî delillere dayanarak yaptığı eleştiriler, onu aklî delillere ağırlık veren önceki yazarların ötesine taşımakta, Hıristiyan metinlerinin iç tutarsızlıklarını vurgulayarak İslâmın tevhîd anlayışını savunmaktadır. Bu yönüyle Tuḥfetül-erîb sadece bir teolojik metin değil aynı zamanda tarihsel, metinsel ve polemiksel bir inceleme niteliğini haizdir. Klasik ve çağdaş kaynaklara dayanarak hazırlanan çalışmada, öncelikle reddiye geleneğinde tahrif ve tebşîrat konusu incelenmiş ardından Tercümanın konumu tespit edilmiştir. Bu tespitten sonra onun eserini hem içerik hem yöntem açısından analiz etmek amaç ve hedef olarak belirlenmiştir. Tercümanın yaklaşımı, hem İslâm-Hıristiyan ilişkileri bağlamında hem de teolojik tartışmaların dönüşümü açısından önemli bir kaynak olmaya devam etmektedir.

 This study aims to examine Christian criticisms within the framework of the Islamic raddiyya tradition, focusing specifically on the concepts of taḥrīf scriptural corruption and tabshīrāt prophetic annunciation, and evaluates the significant contributions of ʿAbd Allah ibn ʿAbd Allah al-Tarjumān d. 8321429 in this regard. Formerly a Catholic priest known as Anselmo Turmeda, al-Tarjumān embraced Islam and authored the work Tuhfat al-arīb fī al-radd ʿalā ahl al-ṣalīb, which represents a distinctive position in the corpus of Muslim apologetics due to its methodological emphasis on scriptural intertextuality and internal critique of Christian doctrines. The raddiyya literature constitutes a substantial part of Islamic theological engagement with other religious traditions, particularly with Judaism and Christianity. Central to this tradition is the notion of taḥrīf, which denotes the belief that earlier divine revelations have been altered or distorted by human intervention. Similarly, tabshīrāt refers to the prophetic foreshadowing of the Prophet Muḥammad peace be upon him within the previous scriptures. Al-Tarjumāns treatise revolves around these two axes, contributing both theological argumentation and exegetical analysis rooted in Christian textual sources. Divided into three main sections, the works third and most comprehensive chapter is dedicated to an extensive critique of Christian dogmas. Here, al-Tarjumān discusses discrepancies among the four canonical Gospels, theological divergences among Christian sects, and the influence of Paul on the formation of Christian doctrine. He asserts that the authors of the extant Gospels had no direct encounter with Jesus, and that the internal contradictions among their narratives serve as clear evidence of textual tampering and theological manipulation. Al-Tarjumān further disputes the attribution of divinity to Jesus by citing Gospel passages that emphasize his humanity and prophetic role. What distinguishes al-Tarjumāns approach is his reliance on naqlī transmitted evidence from the Christian scriptures themselves, as opposed to the predominantly ʿaqlī rational arguments favored by many earlier Muslim polemicists. This methodological preference underscores his deep familiarity with Christian sources and enhances the persuasive force of his critique. In addressing tabshīrāt, al-Tarjumān argues that the advent of Prophet Muḥammad is clearly alluded to in the Torah, Psalms, and Gospels. He interprets the term Paraclete found in the Gospel of John as a reference to the Prophet of Islam and associates the phrase He appeared from the mountains of Paran with the region of Mecca and the al-Ḥijāz. He further explores symbolic prophecies in the books of Isaiah and Micah, asserting that these descriptions correspond with the characteristics and mission of Prophet Muḥammad. These claims are consistent with the kalam traditions classification of such allusions under bashāʾir al-nubuwwa prophetic glad tidings, which function as evidentiary tools in affirming the finality and authenticity of prophethood. Al-Tarjumāns methodology thus transcends mere polemics, offering a nuanced exegetical engagement that combines theological critique with historical-textual analysis. His emphasis on scriptural inconsistencies and exegetical readings reflects a broader Islamic concern with safeguarding the integrity of tawḥīd divine unity against what is perceived as doctrinal deviation in Christianity. As such, Tuhfat al-arīb is not only a theological rebuttal but also a significant contribution to comparative religious discourse and the history of Muslim-Christian engagement. Drawing on both classical and contemporary sources, this study first outlines the development of the concepts of taḥrīf and tabshīrāt within the broader raddiyya tradition. Subsequently, it evaluates al-Tarjumāns place in this intellectual lineage, analyzing the content and method of his work. His unique perspective remains a valuable resource for contemporary studies on interfaith polemics, scriptural interpretation, and the evolution of theological discourse between Islam and Christianity.

 This study aims to examine Christian criticisms within the framework of the Islamic raddiyya tradition, focusing specifically on the concepts of taḥrīf scriptural corruption and tabshīrāt prophetic annunciation, and evaluates the significant contributions of ʿAbd Allah ibn ʿAbd Allah al-Tarjumān d. 8321429 in this regard. Formerly a Catholic priest known as Anselmo Turmeda, al-Tarjumān embraced Islam and authored the work Tuhfat al-arīb fī al-radd ʿalā ahl al-ṣalīb, which represents a distinctive position in the corpus of Muslim apologetics due to its methodological emphasis on scriptural intertextuality and internal critique of Christian doctrines. The raddiyya literature constitutes a substantial part of Islamic theological engagement with other religious traditions, particularly with Judaism and Christianity. Central to this tradition is the notion of taḥrīf, which denotes the belief that earlier divine revelations have been altered or distorted by human intervention. Similarly, tabshīrāt refers to the prophetic foreshadowing of the Prophet Muḥammad peace be upon him within the previous scriptures. Al-Tarjumāns treatise revolves around these two axes, contributing both theological argumentation and exegetical analysis rooted in Christian textual sources. Divided into three main sections, the works third and most comprehensive chapter is dedicated to an extensive critique of Christian dogmas. Here, al-Tarjumān discusses discrepancies among the four canonical Gospels, theological divergences among Christian sects, and the influence of Paul on the formation of Christian doctrine. He asserts that the authors of the extant Gospels had no direct encounter with Jesus, and that the internal contradictions among their narratives serve as clear evidence of textual tampering and theological manipulation. Al-Tarjumān further disputes the attribution of divinity to Jesus by citing Gospel passages that emphasize his humanity and prophetic role. What distinguishes al-Tarjumāns approach is his reliance on naqlī transmitted evidence from the Christian scriptures themselves, as opposed to the predominantly ʿaqlī rational arguments favored by many earlier Muslim polemicists. This methodological preference underscores his deep familiarity with Christian sources and enhances the persuasive force of his critique. In addressing tabshīrāt, al-Tarjumān argues that the advent of Prophet Muḥammad is clearly alluded to in the Torah, Psalms, and Gospels. He interprets the term Paraclete found in the Gospel of John as a reference to the Prophet of Islam and associates the phrase He appeared from the mountains of Paran with the region of Mecca and the al-Ḥijāz. He further explores symbolic prophecies in the books of Isaiah and Micah, asserting that these descriptions correspond with the characteristics and mission of Prophet Muḥammad. These claims are consistent with the kalam traditions classification of such allusions under bashāʾir al-nubuwwa prophetic glad tidings, which function as evidentiary tools in affirming the finality and authenticity of prophethood. Al-Tarjumāns methodology thus transcends mere polemics, offering a nuanced exegetical engagement that combines theological critique with historical-textual analysis. His emphasis on scriptural inconsistencies and exegetical readings reflects a broader Islamic concern with safeguarding the integrity of tawḥīd divine unity against what is perceived as doctrinal deviation in Christianity. As such, Tuhfat al-arīb is not only a theological rebuttal but also a significant contribution to comparative religious discourse and the history of Muslim-Christian engagement. Drawing on both classical and contemporary sources, this study first outlines the development of the concepts of taḥrīf and tabshīrāt within the broader raddiyya tradition. Subsequently, it evaluates al-Tarjumāns place in this intellectual lineage, analyzing the content and method of his work. His unique perspective remains a valuable resource for contemporary studies on interfaith polemics, scriptural interpretation, and the evolution of theological discourse between Islam and Christianity.

Makale detayları

The Place of Taḥrīf and Tabshīrāt in the Raddiyya Tradition and Contributions of ʿAbd Allah al-Tarjumān

Yazarlar:

Fikret Soyal

Yayıncı:

Yozgat Bozok University

Ana Başlıklar:

Kelam

Dergi:

Bozok Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.27 Issue 27, pp.117-141

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

6/2025

Belge Dili:

Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.):

2001352264

pISSN:

2458-9934

Kalām

Raddiyya

Prophethood

Taḥrīf

Tabshīrāt

ʿAbd Allah al-TarjumānKelâm

Reddiye

Nübüvvet

Tahrif

Tebşîrat

Abdullah et-Tercüman

Sayı

Makale detayları

Yazarlar: Fikret Soyal

Yayıncı: Yozgat Bozok University

Ana Başlıklar: Kelam

Dergi: Bozok Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.27 Issue 27, pp.117-141

Belge Tipi: Makale

Yayın Tarihi: 6/2025

Belge Dili: Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.): 2001352264

pISSN: 2458-9934

Sayı

Yazarlar:

Fikret Soyal

Yayıncı:

Yozgat Bozok University

Ana Başlıklar:

Kelam

Dergi:

Bozok Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.27 Issue 27, pp.117-141

Belge Tipi:

Makale

Yayın Tarihi:

6/2025

Belge Dili:

Türkçe

Document ID (Org No.):

2001352264

pISSN:

2458-9934