Contradictions and Inconsistencies in Historical Narratives and Their Impact on the Formation of Intellectual Extremism

Abstract

The contradictions and inconsistencies among Islamic narratives in the books of Islamic heritage represent one of the most severe problems and destructive tools in distorting many historical truths. It is well known that Islamic history, with its numerous accounts, reached us through two main sources: first, the Book of God, which admits no falsehood, and second, Islamic writings authored by fallible human beings. Therefore, to understand history, we must acknowledge that most prevailing historical accounts reflect the politics of their time, serving as protectors of ruling authorities or representatives of dominant intellectual currents. Consequently, the public remains deprived and captive to the ruling elite, influenced by the nature of this elite and its proximity to truth.

In the early centuries of historiography, historians hastened to legitimize the existing order. When reporting on opposition movements, for instance, they did not act as faithful transmitters of truth but rather aligned their narratives with the orientations of ruling authorities. Thus, most early works described opponents of rulers with labels such as “heretics,” “rabble,” “apostates,” “instigators of sedition,” or “extremists.”

This phenomenon was particularly evident in Islamic history, where historians did not merely play the role of researchers of past events but also assumed the roles of jurists and judges. As a result, historical studies were marked by a lack of scientific courage to penetrate the rigid and stagnant historical layers, despite widespread recognition of the flaws.

The gravity of these issues has distorted intellectual and historical truths. Accordingly, this research will address these ideas comprehensively and present historical and religious texts that were altered for political, doctrinal, social, and even economic reasons, across three major sections that will tackle these problematic areas.