The Reputed Excellence of the Qurʾān and its Miraculous Character
Exploring the Unfathomable Heights of Sacredness
The Qurʾān, the holy scripture of Islam, is regarded with unparalleled reverence by Muslims worldwide. This sacred text serves not only as a spiritual guide but also as the quintessential symbol of divine wisdom, eloquence, and miracles.
Etymology and Cultural Context
Qurʾān (القرآن): The term is derived from the Arabic root Q-R-ʾ (قرأ), meaning “to read” or “to recite.” The Qurʾān hence signifies “the Recitation,” reflecting its oral transmission and memorization across generations.
Across Islamic cultures, the Qurʾān holds a revered status. Muslims do not touch the Holy Book without performing ablution; they read it with profound respect, hold it above their waists, swear by its verses, use it for seeking divine guidance, and even inscribe its verses on war banners and personal amulets.
Historical Debate on Creation
Theological Controversy: Historically, Muslims have debated whether the Qurʾān is eternal and uncreated, existing in the very essence of God, or created in time. This debate reached a climax under the Abbasid Caliphate:
- Caliph Al-Maʾmūn (A.H. 218): Declared the Qurʾān created, resulting in severe persecution.
- Caliph Al-Mutawakkil: Revoked these edicts, ensuring freedom of belief regarding this truth.
Renowned Attributes and Statements
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and various Islamic traditions highlight the Qurʾān’s miraculous aspects and divine origin:
- Inimitability: Challenge to produce even a chapter like it (Sūrah x. 39, xi. 16, lii. 34).
- Traditions from the Prophet:
- “The best person among you is he who has learned the Qurʾān and teaches it.”
- “The chapter beginning with ‘Say God is one God’ equals a third of the Qurʾān.”
Scriptural Assertions of Excellence
Several Qurʾānic verses assert its unparalleled quality:
- Sūrah iv. 94: “Can they not consider the Qurʾān? Were it from any other than God, they would assuredly have found in it many contradictions.”
- Sūrah ix. 16: “If they say, ‘The Qurʾān is his own device.’ Then bring ten Sūras like it of your devising.”
- Sūrah xlvi. 7: “Will they say, ‘He hath devised it’? Say, if I have devised it, then not one single thing can ye ever obtain for me from God.”
Comparative Praise by Scholars
Prominent Orientalists appreciate particular passages for their literary excellence:
- Chapter of the Sun (Sūrah xci., Verses 1-10):
- English rendering by Mr. Rodwell, German by von Hammer.
- The Drowning of Noah’s Son (Sūrah xi. 44-46):
- Praised by Sir William Jones and D’Herbelot for its grandeur and sublimity.
Exciting Facts and Quotations
- Unburnable Nature: Tradition holds that if wrapped in skin and thrown in fire, the Qurʾān would not burn.
- Protection Verses: Reciting specific chapters offers divine protection from evil and malice.
Inspirational Quote
“The best person among you is he who learns the Qurʾān and teaches it.” – Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Suggested Literature for Further Study
- “The Study Quran” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Qur’anic Interpretations and the Genre of Communal Formation” by Angelika Neuwirth
- “Islam: A Very Short Introduction” by Malise Ruthven
Inspirational Farewell
Embrace the wisdom of the Qurʾān, for within its verses lies the path to eternal enlightenment. May your journey through its divine teachings be ever enlightening and inspirational.
