Clarifying the Number of Verses in the Holy Bible and the Holy Quran

Introduction

There is often a misconception regarding the number of verses in religious texts, particularly the Holy Quran and the Holy Bible. This article aims to clarify the actual number of verses in both texts and address some commonly held but incorrect beliefs.

The Holy Quran

The Holy Quran is the central religious text of Islam. Contrary to some misconceptions, the Quran does not contain 6,666 verses. The actual number of verses in the Quran is 6,236, excluding Bismillah. If Bismillah is included, the number of verses becomes 6,348. This count is based on the standard and widely accepted manuscripts of the Quran.

About Bismillah

Bismillah (in the name of Allah) is a phrase that appears at the beginning of almost every surah (chapter) of the Quran, except for the 9th surah. Some scholars and researchers include Bismillah as a separate verse, which leads to the total of 6,348 verses. However, in the strictest sense, it is considered a preface to each surah and is not counted as a verse.

The Holy Bible

The Holy Bible is the central religious text of Christianity. It is composed of the Old Testament and the New Testament, each containing a different number of verses. The Old Testament consists of 31,102 verses, and the New Testament has 7,957 verses, bringing the total to 39,059 verses across both Testaments. This makes the Bible significantly longer with more verses than the Quran.

Denominational Differences

It’s important to note that the total number of verses can vary slightly depending on the edition or translation of the Bible used. Different Christian denominations may include or exclude certain books, resulting in minor differences in the verse count. However, these differences are generally minor and do not significantly alter the overall verse count.

Myth and Reality

One of the most persistent myths about the Quran is that it contains 6,666 verses, a number that some individuals associate with the number of the beast, mentioned in the Book of Revelation. This association is not supported by any credible evidence or scholarly research. The reference to 6,666 verses in the Quran is likely due to the splitting of certain verses and the inclusion of Bismillah, as mentioned by Amin Ambur, a respected scholar. However, the number of words and letters in the Quran remains unchanged.

Conclusion

The discrepancy in the number of verses between the Holy Bible and the Holy Quran is clear and can be easily verified through reputable sources and scholarly research. It is crucial to rely on accurate and reliable information to avoid spreading misinformation. Both texts are rich in spiritual and historical significance, and they deserve to be studied and understood without fallacious claims clouding their true meaning.