The Trinity
How can Allah be all-knowing if the Quran states that He forgets?
Quick answer
The Christian response highlights the inconsistency within the Quran regarding Allah's knowledge and memory. While the Quran asserts that Allah does not forget, it also contains verses that indicate He does forget, demonstrating a logical contradiction in the Islamic understanding of God's nature.
Full argument
The Quran presents Allah as an all-knowing being who does not forget, as seen in verses like S. 19:64 and S. 20:52. However, other verses, such as S. 7:51 and S. 9:67, explicitly state that Allah forgets those who forget Him. This contradiction raises questions about the coherence of the Islamic conception of God. If Allah can forget, then He cannot be considered truly omniscient. This inconsistency is further emphasized when comparing the Quran's claims to the Christian understanding of God, who is portrayed in the Bible as eternally knowledgeable and unchanging. The Bible, particularly in verses like John 1:1, presents a consistent view of God's nature that does not allow for forgetfulness or error, contrasting sharply with the conflicting depictions found in the Quran.
Key verses
John 1:1bible
In the beginning was the Word...
S. 19:64quran
and your Lord is never forgetful
S. 7:51quran
So this day We have forgotten them
S. 9:67quran
He hath forgotten them
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