A Study of Innate Human Disposition in Quran and Bible, from the Perspective of Gordon D. Nickel's book 'The Quran with Christian Commentary'

Abstract This paper examines the divergent perspectives of Islam and mainstream Christianity regarding human nature and the doctrine of sin. In Islamic thought, every human being is created upon fitrah (a pure and natural disposition) and thus enters the world free from sin. However, under the influence of environment, the lower self (nafs), and Satan, individuals may transgress, for which the Qur’an prescribes repentance and righteous deeds as the path to forgiveness. By contrast, mainstream Christianity posits that humanity is inherently sinful from birth, and that redemption from this condition required the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Nonetheless, the Bible also reflects another viewpoint—closely aligned with the Islamic conception—where sins are forgiven through repentance and good works. Gordon D. Nickel, however, argues in his book “The Quran with Christian commentary” that both the Qur’an and the Bible affirm the inherent sinfulness of human beings, presenting various supporting arguments. This paper contends that such a conclusion is inaccurate, as both scriptures contain significant teachings that challenge and, in fact, contradict the claim of innate human sinfulness.