Is the Qur’an the Word of God?

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The Muslim Holy Scripture is called the Qur’an, an Arabic form of the infinitive derived from Qara’a, which means to read. Not only do Muslims read the Qur’an for drawing guidance in all aspects of their life, but they also recite it for other purposes such as obtaining rewards from Allah and gaining blessings that emanates from uttering the divine word.

Recitation of the Qur’an is made at different times and various occasions. Muslims read parts of the Qur’an in their five daily prayers that they establish in early morning, noon, afternoon, after sunset and night. Due to the fact that Muslims forming ¼ of the world’s population are spread all over the world, one can comfortably say that the Qur’an is unique in the sense that it is recited twenty four hours a day. Since the time of the revelation of its first verses, the Qur’an has been memorized in many hearts. As the number of Muslims rapidly increased the number of Hafiz increased as well. A widely spread tradition in all Muslim locations throughout all historical eras is the practice of sending children to Kuttabs to learn Qur’an by heart. And this is how the Qur’an was verbally passed from one generation to another until it reached us in its intact form. Nevertheless, this is not the only way. The Muslim Holy Scripture is also called The Book as it has been committed to writing since the time of its revelation. The Qur’an was revealed at intervals over a period of 23 years. Whenever any part of it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) he would go out and recite it so the ten Quranic scribes would write it and some of the companions would learn it by heart. The fact that these two descriptions have come to be treated as names of the divine Book refers to its rightful treatment, which requires that it be kept and preserved in two places instead of one: people’s memory and pages of a book. Angel Gabriel used to review the Qur’an with Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) on an annual basis. But in the year of Prophet Muhammad’s demise Angel Gabriel reviewed the Qur’an with him twice. There is no doubt that the Qur’an is the only Holy Scripture committed to writing during the lifetime of its prophet.

This intensive care makes it impossible for an error to find its way to the Qur’an. This exceptional care ensures that the Qur’an remains in an unassailable position with regard to it accuracy and purity from all types of distortion, which is a fulfillment to God’s promise. God said: “It is We who have revealed the reminder and it is We who shall truly preserve it (from all corruption).” (Trans15:9)

The Muslim Holy Scripture has been given many names e.g. the Reminder, the Light, the Mercy, the Criterion, the Wisdom, the Straight path, the Great News, the Revelation, the Truth, the Guide, the Admonition, the Just, the Glad tidings, the Warner etc. Each of these respective names connotes certain significance of the Qur’an.

As soon as we open the Qur’an we encounter a unique genre of literature. We notice that it embodies precepts of belief and conduct, moral directives, legal prescriptions, exhortation and admonition, censure and condemnation of evildoers, warnings to deniers of the Truth, good tidings and words of consolation and good cheer to those who have suffered for the sake of God, arguments and corroborative evidence in support of its basic message, stories from the past and signs of God visible in the universe. But the ultimate aim of the Qur’an is to call people to the purest path.

Pre-Islamic Arabs took great pride in their language and in articulate and accurate speech. The latter formed one of the main requisites for social prominence. On this particular point, Professor Hitti wrote: No people in the world manifest such enthusiastic admiration for literary expression and are moved by the word, spoken or written, as the Arabs. Hardly any language seems capable of exercising over the minds of its users such an irresistible influence as Arabic.

Whenever a poet emerged in an Arab tribe, other tribes would come to congratulate, feasts would be prepared, women would join together on lutes as they do at weddings and old and young men would all rejoice at the good news. The Arabs used to congratulate each other only on the birth of a child and when a poet rose among them

The paramount importance Arabs gave to linguistic skills that could be manifested by the significance of poetry in pre-Islamic Arabia was underscored by the annual fairs, the most famous of which was the Suq Ukaz, in which poets competed for fame and recognition through recitations of their poems. The recitations constituted the main form of entertainment at the fairs, which were cultural as well as trading events.

The Qur’an has without doubt provided a level of linguistic excellence unparalleled in the history of the Arabic language. Theologians explain this phenomenon as God’s wisdom in addressing the articulate Arabs through the medium in which they were most adept and with which they felt most comfortable. The effectiveness of the Qur’an was thus ensured by the fact that it represented a level of eloquence unattainable even by their most eloquent speakers. The Qur’an remains a book of inimitable quality, not only from a linguistic, but also from and intellectual, point of view. When Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was challenged by his fellow countrymen to present a miracle, in keeping with the tradition of other prophets, he presented the Qur’an to them. The inimitably of the Qur’an is repeatedly emphasized in the Holy Book itself. Thus the Qur’an challenges the disbelievers:

“And if you are in doubt as to what we have revealed, then produce a chapter like unto it.” (Trans.2:23)

In spite of the fact that the Qur’an is so wonderfully arranged and so marvelously composed, and so exalted is its literary excellence that it is beyond what any mere creature could attain, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) has never purportedly attributed it to himself. On the contrary, he always confirmed its divine origin. In addition, in the Qur’an mentioning other prophets outnumbers mentioning prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.). Prophet Muhammad has been mentioned 4 times, Jesus 25, Moses 131, Abraham 63, Noah 50, Isaac 16, Job 16, Josef 26 and Lute 27.

God offered the Qur’an as the Prophet’s sign in the same way as He offered signs for all the other prophets. He sent the things most appropriate to the time in which they were sent. Thus Moses had the power to divide the sea with his hand and rod, and to let the rock burst forth with water in the desert, and all his other signs in a time of magic. And Jesus had the power to bring the dead back to life, to make birds out of clay, to cure those who had been blind from birth and the leprous, and all his other signs in a time of medicine. And Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) had the book and all his other signs in a time of eloquence.

Since they believe the Qur’an is the final divine book, Muslims describe the Qur’an as the ever lasting miracle. It proves its authenticity and accuracy to all generations. Its wonderful arrangement and marvelous composition, and so exalted literary excellence that it is beyond what any mere creature could attain have been miraculous aspects of the Qur’an since the time of its revelation and will remain until the last Day. The challenge presented to all mankind to present a peace of work comparable to the Qur’an has been declared since the time of its revelation and no body has ever claimed any fruitful efforts in this regard.

When searching for jewels in seas, some divers are satisfied with sea-shells and they appear first while others break the shells and carefully examine the pearls inside them. Likewise, the shell of the jewels of the Qur’an, its garment, is the Arabic language and its context is the real jewel. The excellence of the Qur’an is not limited to its language. In fact, the Holy Book of Islam is held by Muslims to be excellent not only in its language but also in its context. The Qur’an is just like an ocean teeming with jewels of a wide range of valuables.

A critic can carefully study what an earlier writer has produced and may find something that the author missed or overlooked. It is very common to find mistakes in others’ work. When senior officials write a talk prior to their presentation they give it to their advisers to check it. When an author writes a book he gives it to a proof reader to make sure that everything is right. Usually there is a need for another person to read it. All these efforts and others are exerted to avoid mistakes. In spite of that you can read a short book and still find mistakes or paradoxes. The Qur’an, the most ever read book, made of 114 chapters almost of the same size of the Bible revealed 1500 years ago, does not have one mistake or paradox. God said: “Do they not then consider the Qur’ân carefully? Had it been from other than Allâh, they would surely have found therein many a contradiction.” (Trans4:82)

A clear manifestation of the authenticity of the Qur’an is represented by a chapter revealed in Mecca at a very early phase of the Islamic promulgation namely chapter 80 called ‘Abasa. A unique incident is narrated at the very beginning of this chapter. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), whose gentle heart was ever sympathized with the poor and the afflicted, was blamed and without the least hesitation that event has been published in the revelation which forms the Muslim Holy Scripture. The story is as follows:

While Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was deeply and earnestly engaged in trying to explain the Glorious Qur’an to the Pagan Quraish leaders, a blind man called ‘Abdullah Ibn Um Maktoum kept interrupting the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Unaware that the prophet was busy ‘Abdullah Ibn Um Maktoum kept asking the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to teach him some verses of the Qur’an. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was not very pleased at this interruption and turned away. God said: “(The Prophet (P.B.U.H.)) frowned and turned away. Because there came to him the blind man (i.e. ‘Abdullâh bin Umm-Maktûm, who came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) while he was preaching to one or some of the Quraish chiefs). And how can you know that he might become pure (from sins)? Or he might receive admonition, and the admonition might profit him? As for him who thinks himself self-sufficient, To him you attend; What does it matter to you if he will not become pure (from disbelief: you are only a Messenger, your duty is to convey the Message of Allah). But as to him who came to you running, And is afraid (of Allah and His punishment). Of him you are neglectful and divert your attention to another, Nay, (do not do like this); indeed it (this Qur’an) is an admonition. So whoever wills, let him pay attention to it.”(Trans.80:1-12)

Since its initial revelation, the meanings within the Qura’n have maintained relevance, despite science’s latest discoveries and theories giving credibility to some and refuting others. Nevertheless, it seems to be an unsound attempt to enhance the authenticity of the Qur’anic facts using scientific theories. Likewise, it seems to be unsound attempt by some scientists to elucidate the Qur’an in the light of scientific discoveries. The authenticity of the Qur’an is not dependent on science or any field of knowledge. The Qur’an is the Holy Scripture with a system of discipline for leading a various life, decreed by Allah for the benefit and welfare of mankind. However, Allah knew that in the course of time there would emerge sceptics, who would proclaim the decline of the age of divine power and hail the power of science. To foil this misconception, Allah mentioned in the Qur’an many scientific facts. For instance, progress in botany at the time of Muhammad –P.U.H. – was in no country advanced enough to establish a rule that we follow today. The Qur’an states that plants have male and female parts. God said: “God is the One Who sent water down from the sky and their by We (God) brought fourth pairs of plants each separate from each other.” (Trans. 20:53) In full conformity to the scientific fact that fruit come from plants that have sexual characteristics, Allah said: “And fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two.” (Trans13:3) The earth moves around the sun. We only came to learn such a conceptual fact in the sixteenth century when the Greek astronomer Nicolas Copernicus explained that the earth and some other planets rotate around the sun. Prior to that it was believed that the earth was the centre of the universe. In the late 16th Century and early 17th century Galileo invented his telescope to watch the earth moving. The conceptual fact of the sixteenth century is in conformity with the Qur’anic verse revealed 15 centuries ago. Allah said: “And you will see the mountains and think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds. The Work of Allah, Who perfected all things, verily He is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” (Trans27:88)

In 1648 Blaise Pascal proved a significantly important theory for the whole process of navigation. He proved that the higher you are from the sea level the less air pressure you have and consequently the less oxygen you have. In other words, the higher man goes, the less oxygen he can get. And at some higher stages it is difficult to breath. But when passing these stages it is impossible to breath. The Qur’an proved this fact long time before Blaise Pascal. Allah said: “And whomsoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his heart to Islam; and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. Thus Allah puts the wrath on those who believe not.” (Trans6:125) In 1983 the Czech anatomist Purkinje discovered fingerprints and classified them into types. In 1858 William Herschel indicated to the fact that fingerprints vary from one person to another. In 1892 Dr. Francis Galton proved that, in spite of the physical changes that occur due to various aging phases, fingerprints remain the same throughout the entire person’s life. Galton confirmed that embryos in the womb have fingerprints between the age of 100 and 120 days. When the disbelievers argued that there would be no resurrection, Allah revealed the following verses. Allah said: “I swear by the Day of Resurrection. And I swear by the self-reproaching person (a believer). Does man (a disbeliever) think that We shall not assemble his bones? Yes, We are Able to put together in perfect order the tips of his fingers.” (Trans. 75:1-4) In other words, man will be resurrected along with his very personal delicate ID that no other person shares with him. The Qur’an that presents these and other scientific facts was revealed 15 centuries ago. Allah revealed it to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) through angel Gabriel. How could it have presented to our today’s world all these facts, had it not been from Allah, the All-Knowing, all-Hearing? At this point it should be marked that the Qur’an is the divine book that encourages people to apply their mental faculties and does not allow any step taken to curtail people from practicing their right of thinking. The Qur’an urges man to seek knowledge about Allah through His universal signs – the earth, the heavens and all that exists. This method has been recently called “The Law of Walking and Looking.” In the Qur’an God frequently bids man to ponder over the universe. Allah said: “Say: “Behold all that is in the heavens and on earth” (Trans10:101). In another place Allah said: “Say (to them O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) “I exhort you to one (thing) only: that you stand up for Allah’s sake in pairs and singly, and reflect” (Trans34:46) Again Allah said: “Say: “Travel in the land and see how (Allah) originated creation, and then Allah will bring forth the creation of the Hereafter (i.e. resurrection after death). Verily, Allah is Able to do all things.” (26:20)

In a wonderful example, as a proof to the unique Qura’nic logical methodology, the Qur’an logically argues against a phalanx of deniers of resurrection. On the basis of the idle parallel they drew between man’s power and Allah’s, they denied resurrection. In return, the Qur’an replied with an irrefutable argument. Allah said:

“Does not man see that We have created him from Nutfah (mixed male and female sexual discharge – semen drops). Yet behold he (stands forth) as an open opponent. And he puts forth for Us a parable, and forgets his own creation. He says: “Who will give life to these bones after they are rotted and have become dust?” Say: (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) “He will give life to them Who created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of every creation!” He, Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, when behold you kindle therewith. Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth, Able to create the like of them? Yes, indeed! He is the All-Knowing Supreme Creator.” (Trans 36:77-81)

The Qur’an is the comprehensive divine book that encompasses man’s affairs of this life and the life to come. For instance, the Qur’an encourages people to perform rituals as well as worldly affairs. In Islam there is no demarcation between what is spiritual and what is material, for all actions performed in obedience to Allah are deemed to be acts of virtue and worship. If one is following the way of Allah in every field of activity, no matter whether he is praying in a mosque, working in a field, voyaging on high seas or otherwise, all these activities will be rewarded. Allah said: “And when the prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land and seek of the bounty of Allah and remember Allah much that you may prosper.” (Trans62:10)

The Qur’an, described as the ever-lasting miracle, can prove its authenticity. From within the Qur’an proofs of its accuracy could be taken. The Qur’an was revealed to the unlettered man named Muhammad 15 centuries ago. His followers, from a wide range of various backgrounds and races, are widely spread all over the world. They speak different languages. They have various cultures. Nevertheless, throughout all historical eras they have had one book called the Qur’an carrying the same letters and wordings. It includes the same chapters. No one has ever claimed that he has a different Qur’an. Is that the overwhelming miracle? Had the Qur’an not been from Allah, and had Allah not promised to preserve it, it would have been distorted. But Allah will never allow this to happen because we need an authentically preserved revelation to live in its light. Let no one worry, no one will be able to relinquish Allah’s light that He destined to remain lit.

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