Introduction
Among the most influential Muslim scholars to engage critically with Christianity was Taqī al-Dīn Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 1328 CE). Known primarily for his contributions to Islamic theology (ʿaqīdah), jurisprudence (fiqh), and Qurʾānic exegesis, Ibn Taymiyyah also produced one of the most extensive and systematic Muslim critiques of Christian doctrine in his monumental work Al-Jawāb al-Ṣaḥīḥ li-Man Baddala Dīn al-Masīḥ (“The Sound Reply to Those Who Altered the Religion of the Messiah”).
While much modern discussion of Muslim–Christian polemics focuses on critiques of the Trinity or the divinity of Jesus, Ibn Taymiyyah’s work is notable for another reason: his sustained and detailed critique of St. Paul. Ibn Taymiyyah did not view Paul as a marginal figure, but rather as the central architect of doctrinal transformation within Christianity. According to Ibn Taymiyyah, Paul’s theology fundamentally diverged from the original monotheistic message of Jesus, whom Muslims believe was a prophet of God.
This article explores Ibn Taymiyyah’s critique of St. Paul, the theological assumptions behind it, and its broader implications for Muslim–Christian dialogue.
Ibn Taymiyyah and the Context of Al-Jawāb al-Ṣaḥīḥ
Al-Jawāb al-Ṣaḥīḥ was written in response to Christian polemics circulating in the Mamluk Sultanate, particularly arguments claiming the superiority of Christianity over Islam. Ibn Taymiyyah sought to respond not merely rhetorically, but through detailed textual analysis of the Bible, Church history, and Christian theology.
Unlike earlier Muslim polemicists who focused mainly on philosophical objections, Ibn Taymiyyah engaged directly with Christian scripture itself, including the Gospels and Pauline epistles. He treated Christianity as a historical religion that underwent doctrinal development—and, in his view, doctrinal corruption.
Central to this development, Ibn Taymiyyah argued, was St. Paul.
Paul as the Turning Point in Christian Doctrine
Ibn Taymiyyah repeatedly identifies Paul as the individual most responsible for altering the original teachings of Jesus. According to Ibn Taymiyyah, Jesus preached pure monotheism (tawḥīd), obedience to divine law, and moral reform—principles consistent with the message of earlier prophets and later affirmed by Islam.
Paul, however, introduced ideas that Ibn Taymiyyah considered foreign innovations, including:
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The abrogation of the Mosaic Law
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Justification by faith alone
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The salvific role of Jesus’ crucifixion
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The elevation of Jesus to a divine or semi-divine status
Ibn Taymiyyah argues that these doctrines have no clear basis in the teachings of Jesus as presented in the Synoptic Gospels and instead originate primarily in Paul’s letters.
Questioning Paul’s Authority
A central element of Ibn Taymiyyah’s critique is his challenge to Paul’s apostolic authority. Unlike the twelve disciples who accompanied Jesus, Paul never met Jesus during his ministry. His claim to authority rests on a personal vision, which Ibn Taymiyyah views with skepticism.
From an Islamic theological perspective, divine revelation is conveyed through prophets who are publicly known, morally upright, and confirmed through clear signs. Ibn Taymiyyah contrasts this with Paul’s private visionary experience, arguing that such a claim would not be accepted as authoritative even within Islamic standards of prophecy or revelation.
Moreover, Ibn Taymiyyah notes that Paul was initially a persecutor of Jesus’ followers, raising further doubts—at least from his perspective—about the authenticity of Paul’s later mission.
Paul and the Abrogation of Divine Law
One of Ibn Taymiyyah’s most pointed critiques concerns Paul’s rejection of adherence to Mosaic Law. Paul’s writings emphasize that salvation comes through faith in Christ rather than obedience to the law, a position Ibn Taymiyyah sees as a radical departure from the prophetic tradition.
According to Islamic belief, all prophets—from Moses to Jesus to Muhammad—upheld divine law as a means of guiding human behavior. Ibn Taymiyyah argues that Jesus himself followed Jewish law and instructed others to do so.
Paul’s theology, by contrast, presents the law as a burden superseded by grace. Ibn Taymiyyah interprets this as not only a theological error but a moral danger, opening the door to antinomianism and weakening ethical discipline.
The Doctrine of the Crucifixion and Atonement
Ibn Taymiyyah also attributes the centrality of the crucifixion and atonement theology largely to Paul. While the Gospels describe the crucifixion narratively, Paul frames it as a cosmic event necessary for human salvation.
From Ibn Taymiyyah’s Islamic worldview, this concept is deeply problematic. He rejects the idea that God would require the suffering or death of a righteous prophet to forgive humanity. Divine forgiveness, in Islamic theology, is granted through repentance and God’s mercy—not through vicarious atonement.
Ibn Taymiyyah argues that this theology undermines divine justice and contradicts the consistent prophetic message of moral accountability.
Paul and the Deification of Jesus
Although the doctrine of the Trinity was formalized centuries after Jesus, Ibn Taymiyyah views Paul as laying its theological groundwork. Paul’s exalted language about Christ—referring to him as pre-existent, divine, or uniquely begotten—marks, in Ibn Taymiyyah’s view, a decisive break from strict monotheism.
Ibn Taymiyyah contrasts this with Jesus’ own statements emphasizing his servitude to God, his prayers, and his dependence on divine will. For Ibn Taymiyyah, Paul’s Christology represents a gradual but decisive shift from prophecy to divinity.
Internal Christian Disagreements as Evidence
Ibn Taymiyyah strengthens his argument by pointing to early Christian disagreements. He notes that not all early followers of Jesus accepted Paul’s teachings. Jewish-Christian sects, such as the Ebionites, reportedly rejected Paul and upheld adherence to the law.
For Ibn Taymiyyah, these historical divisions suggest that Paul’s theology was contested from the beginning, reinforcing the claim that it was an innovation rather than an authentic continuation of Jesus’ message.
Ibn Taymiyyah’s Methodology
What distinguishes Ibn Taymiyyah’s critique is not merely its content but its method. He does not rely solely on Islamic scripture to critique Christianity. Instead, he uses:
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Biblical texts
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Historical accounts
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Logical analysis
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Internal Christian contradictions
This approach allows him to argue that even by Christian standards, Paul’s theology is problematic.
Broader Implications for Muslim–Christian Dialogue
Ibn Taymiyyah’s critique of Paul remains influential in Muslim discussions of Christianity today. Many modern Muslim polemicists echo his arguments, particularly regarding Pauline authorship of key Christian doctrines.
However, it is also important to recognize that Ibn Taymiyyah’s work reflects a polemical context, not a modern ecumenical one. His goal was not interfaith harmony but theological clarification and defense of Islam.
Nonetheless, his analysis raises enduring questions about authority, textual transmission, and doctrinal development—questions that continue to be debated by Christian scholars themselves.
Conclusion
In Al-Jawāb al-Ṣaḥīḥ li-Man Baddala Dīn al-Masīḥ, Ibn Taymiyyah presents one of the most detailed Muslim critiques of Christianity ever written. Central to this critique is his sustained challenge to St. Paul, whom he regards as the primary agent responsible for altering the original monotheistic message of Jesus.
Whether one agrees with Ibn Taymiyyah’s conclusions or not, his engagement with Christian texts demonstrates a deep familiarity with Christian theology and history. His critique of Paul is not incidental but foundational, shaping his broader argument that Christianity, as it developed, diverged from the authentic teachings of the Messiah.
As such, Ibn Taymiyyah’s work remains a critical reference point for understanding Muslim perspectives on Christianity—and especially on the role of Paul—in both historical and contemporary contexts.
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