QURAN

QURAN The Book of God W HEN the Prophet Muhammad claimed that the Quran was a divine book revealed to him by God for the guidance of man, there were many who did not believe him. The scriptures to them were human rather than a divine composition. The Quran then gave a challenge to these sceptics asking them to produce “a scripture similar to it”, if what they said was true. (52: 34). It declared moreover, in no uncertain terms that, even if all the human beings and the jinns made collective and concerted efforts to produce a book like the Quran, they would all fail miserably in their attempt. (17: 88) The Prophet’s Miracle Every Prophet is given a miracle—a sign. The miracle of the Prophet of Islam is the Quran. The prophethood of Muhammad, was to be valid until the Last Day. It was imperative, therefore, that his miracle also be one which would last for all time. The Quran was therefore, assigned to the Prophet as his everlasting miracle. The Prophet’s opponents demanded miracles, such as those performed by previous prophets, but the Quran stated clearly that such miracles would not be forthcoming (17: 59). Instead, the revealed Book of God was made into the Prophet’s miracle: They say, ‘Why has no sign been given to him by his Lord?’ Say, ‘The signs are in the hands of God. I am but a plain warner.’ Is it not sufficient for them that we have sent you down the Book to be recited to them? In this surely there is a blessing and an admonition for a people who believe. (29: 50-51) There are many different aspects of the Quran’s miraculous nature. For further discussion, three aspects are highlighted. The Language of the Quran The language of the Quran is Arabic. Unlike other international languages, Arabic has remained a living form of communication over the ages. The languages in which all the ancient scriptures were revealed have been locked in the archives of history. The only exception Every Prophet is given a miracle—a sign. The miracle of the Prophet of Islam is the Quran. The Quran was assigned to the Prophet as his everlasting miracle.