Is the Qur'an the Word of God?
Faten Sabri
Preface
One day, during my discussion with a skeptic of the Qur'an, he wanted to prove that the Qur'an is a book that a group of people brought to existence.
He said: I do not even support the idea that Satan is the writer of the Qur'an because Satan is not so naive as to make a grave mistake, such as mentioning the verse "clothed the bones with flesh." It has been scientifically proven that flesh is formed before the bones.
I told him: Yes, Satan is not naive because he has been able to play with many people's minds. The Qur'an did not say that God created the bones before He created the flesh.
God said:
then We developed the drop into a clinging clot ˹of blood˺, then developed the clot into a lump ˹of flesh˺, then developed the lump into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, then We brought it into being as a new creation. So blessed is God, the Best of Creators[1].
For example, when you want to dress your daughter up, you certainly do not make the cloth while she is being dressed up, but the cloth should be already there. Accordingly, the sentence "clothed the bones with flesh" does not mean that the flesh did not exist before the bones. Instead, God covered the bones with flesh. Which is called scientifically:
"Wrapping of muscles around bones"[2]. This process is presented in one of the development stages of the fetus, where the muscles are fixed to the bones by tendons. From the Qur'anic rhetoric, the meaning of clothing is achieved simultaneously, so the skin becomes thicker and darker after it was transparent. Thus, the process of covering the bones with the flesh, along with the process of covering them by making the skin opaque, is achieved simultaneously, expressed by the Qur'an with one expression, "clothed the bones".
The bones would disappear behind the muscles and the opaque skin. Therefore, the intended meaning of clothing is achieved. Embryologists say that most tissues are created in parallel rather than in series.
…So, the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment]… [3]
Based on this story, I decided to write this summary to prove the Quranic source's divinity. I pray to God to make this Book a source of guidance for all.
They believe in part of the Book and disbelieve in others
Some people deny the entire Qur'an as a divine revelation. In contrast, some even including adherents of the Islamic faith reject some facts and rulings in the Qur'an. They claim that some of the texts are not understood or not suitable to their thoughts and lifestyles. For example, they demand the changing of the inheritance portions due to lack of conviction in Qur'anic rulings, claiming that these rulings are not appropriate for our time, or demanding separating the compartmentalising of the religion from the seculer life of society.
God says in the Qur'an:
…So do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part? Then what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life; and on the Day of Resurrection they will be sent back to the severest of punishment. And Allah[4] (God) is not unaware of what you do[5].
Concerning this, the British Muslim Paul Williams says disapproving: "A secular Muslim is someone who believes that the Creator was sufficiently capable of creating exact mathematical and physical laws to control the motion of bodies, but was not sufficiently capable of creating laws regulating human society".
What is the Qur'an?
● The Qur'an is the last revelation sent from the Creator. Unlike the Divine scriptures that preceded. Muslims did not keep the Qur'an in the hands of any particular group or Muslim clergymen, which could have led to its misinterpretation or alteration. No religious hierarchy in Islam. The Qur'an is in everyone's hands. Muslims recite the Qur'an in their daily prayers and refer to it in all life affairs, and it is a way of life.
● Muslims believe in all scriptures that God sent before the Qur'an in their original pristine form (the scriptures of Abraham, the Torah of Moses, and the Gospel of Jesus, etc.).
● Muslims believe that the true essence of the message in all previous scriptures was pure monotheism: Believing in God (the Creator), and that He has no partner or son. He does not incarnate in any of His creations. Also, humans need to have a direct connection with Him, not through any priest, saint, or idol.
● God revealed the Qur'an, the final scripture, in the Arabic language, which is the tongue of Quraysh (the tribe of Prophet Muhammad), as the Gospel of Jesus, for example, was in Aramaic language, which is the tongue of his people, and the Torah of Moises was in the Hebrew language. Therefore, God reveals His books in the language of the people of the place.
● The Qur’an is still in its original language (Arabic) without any changes, distortions, or alterations. God preserved it until our time and will remain preserved, as God promised to do so. It is available to all Muslims. It's known by heart by a large number of Muslims.
● Current Qur'an translations in multiple languages are nothing but a translation of the Qur'an's meanings.
● The Holy Qur'an received unparalleled care during the life of the Prophet Muhammad and after his death. Undoubtedly, the way of receiving the Qur'an was through phonetical oral transmissions.
✓ Prophet Muhammad heard the Qur'an vocally from the angel Gabriel; peace be upon them.
✓ The scribes of revelation heard the Qur'an vocally from the Prophet Muhammad.
✓ Listeners among all Muslims heard the Qur'an vocally from the scribes of revelation.
✓ Qur'an students heard the Qur'an vocally so far from the qualified memorizers. Therefore, vocally receiving the Qur'an is the principle from the beginning of the Qur'anic revelation until the day of resurrection.
● Documenting the Qur'an on paper is not the standard, but knowing it by heart. Therefore, it is impossible to distort the Qur'an. If today someone burns all copies of the Qur'an, Muslims would collect it in a short period from the memories of children before adults.
● The Messenger left the Qur'an documented and written down by the Companions to recite it and teach it to others. When Abu Bakr - may God be pleased with him - assumed the caliphate, he ordered the collection of these papers to be in one place as a reference.
● As for the era of the third caliph Uthman - may God be pleased with him - Companions in the countries had paper copies that existed in different dialects, and Uthman sent an order to burn these copies. He sent them new copies identical to the original, which the Prophet left and compiled by the first caliph "Abu Bakr", to ensure that all countries refer to the exact original copy, which is the only one left by the Prophet. Uthman compiled the Qur'an in one dialect, which is the tongue of Quraysh, in which God revealed the Qur'an. He kept the letter structure of the Qur'an without punctuation which allowed various kinds of differences in vocal performance to some words that do not go beyond the form of letters, based on the divine permission to recite it in multiple dialects.
● Despite the existence of different sects, the Qur'an is one. The recitations are various ways in the vocal performance of a few well-known words in the Qur'an, which are a revelation from God.
● Multiple readings of the Qur'an are evidence that the Qur'an is the word of God, because, despite its plurality, it does not lead to a contradiction in content. It is not acceptable to create a new reading. Each recitation has a chain of transmission connected to the Messenger of God, with frequent chains of communication, from well-known narrators known for their sincerity. It is impossible to have a regular reading that contradicts another reading but rather complements its meaning. The diversity of Holy Qur'an recitations does not result in different religious principles. It is a variety of methods controlled by strict rules in vocal performance.
● God revealed the Holy Qur'an to the Prophet for twenty-three years in the tongue of
Quraysh. Throughout that period, the Prophet used to recite the Qur'an to his Companions in this dialect. Nearly two years before Prophet Muhammad's death, after the number of adherents to Islam increased, God's permission came to recite the Qur'an in multiple dialects so that tribes with different dialects would be able to understand the Qur'an and work according to it.
● The variety of the recitations is a variety of vocal performances. There is a valid origin of the Qur'an in all recitations. The frequent recitations are precise; not a single word differs from them. It is unacceptable to invent a new recitation. It is impossible to have a repetitive recitation that contradicts another recitation but rather complements its meaning. Each recitation has a chain of transmission linked to the Messenger with frequently transmitted chains of well-known and trustworthy narrators, which distinguished the Islamic nation from the rest of the nations in preserving its Book.
● Muslims in the entire world recite the Qur'an in the same way the Messenger and his companions recited, without changing, adding, or removing any of its letters.
God says:
Indeed, upon Us[6] is its collection [in your heart] and [to make possible] its recitation[7].
Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an, and indeed, We will be its guardian[8].
The reality today bears witness to the infallibility of the Qur'an. Sir William Muir, an English orientalist who wrote: "The Biography of the Prophet and Islamic History," which is one of the reliable references in English and Indian universities, said:
"The Qur'an collected by Uthman was transmitted from hand to hand until it reached us without any distortion. It has been preserved with great care so that there has been no change in it. Rather, we can say: it has not undergone any change at all in the unchangeable copies. It was only one Qur'an in the Islamic countries for all the conflicting Muslim sects. This collective use of the same text accepted by all even today is an argument and evidence for the correctness of the available text, which goes back to the era of Uthman"[9].
God says to His Messenger:
And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise, the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt[10].
God Almighty says:
And thus We have revealed to you an inspiration of Our command. You did not know what is the Book or [what is] faith, but We have made it a light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants. And indeed, [O Muhammad], you guide to a straight path - (52) The path of Allah, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Unquestionably, to Allah, do [all] matters evolve[11].
God says:
That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muhammad]. You knew it not, neither you nor your people, before this. So be patient; indeed, the [best] outcome is for the righteous[12].
The Prophet Muhammad did not know the Torah and the Gospel, nor could he write nor read, and he did not see anything of what he told.
The enemies of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, claimed that the stories of the Noble Qur'an are nothing but legends and myths, similar to the stories and poems of the Persians, Indians, and the Romans.
God said:
When Our verses are recited to him, he says, "Legends of the former peoples.[13]"
God said:
That is [deserved by them] because Allah has sent down the Book in truth. And indeed, those who differ over the Book are in extreme dissension[14].
He said also:
And among them are those who listen to you, but We have placed over their hearts coverings, lest they understand it, and in their ears deafness. And if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it. Even when they come to you arguing with you, those who disbelieve say, "This is not but legends of the former peoples.[15]"
And He said:
And when Our verses are recited to them, they say, "We have heard. If we willed, we could say [something] like this. This is not but legends of the former peoples.[16]"
And He said informing:
And they say, "Legends of the former peoples which he has written down, and they are dictated to him morning and afternoon.[17]"
His reply was:
Say, [O Muhammad], "It has been revealed by He who knows [every] secret within the heavens and the earth. Indeed, He is ever Forgiving and Merciful.[18]"
And He said:
And those who disbelieve say, "This [Qur'an] is not except a falsehood he invented, and another people assisted him in it" … [19]
The reply was:
…But they have committed an injustice and a lie[20].
We understand here:
● In the scientific knowledge of ancient civilizations there were some truth, but it also includes many legends and myths. How could an illiterate prophet who grew up in a desolate desert copy only the correct information and facts in the ancient civilizations and leave the tales and untruths behind?
● Non-Muslims testify that the Qur'an is distinguished from other books, it contains scientific miracles and there is no human intervention. Therefore, when one acknowledges the validity of a doctrine which contradicts his ideology, it is the most excellent proof of its validity.
● The similarities prove that God sent only one message, but the people of the previous books distorted their books. What the Prophet Muhammad brought is not evidence of deception, so these similar stories are remnants of the truth. For example, when two people buy identical products from the same store, it does not indicate that one is stealing from the other.
When some polytheists claimed that one of the learned monks of the time had helped write the Qur'an, this learned monk was a non-Arab, which itself completely refutes this claim.
God says:
And We certainly know that they say, "It is only a human being who teaches the Prophet." The tongue of the one they refer to is foreign, and this Qur'an is [in] a clear Arabic language[21].
And He says:
And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise, the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt. (48) Rather, the Qur'an is distinct verses [preserved] within the breasts of those who have been given knowledge. And none reject Our verses except the wrongdoers[22].
We understand from the above:
● It is very well known to the experts of the Torah and the Gospel that the Qur'an is not a translation of them.
● God revealed the Qur'an in a clear Arabic tongue. If it was a translation from a foreign language, none of the Jews or Christians would have translated it into Arabic with such accuracy and eloquence.
● The Qur'an is in eloquent Arabic, and everyone who has practiced translating between languages is aware of the problems that occur during translation.
● The Qur'anic stories are evidence of the Prophet's sincerity and are evidence that he confirms the books that came before him. The existence in the Qur’an of what ensures the previous scriptures is evidence that the Qur'an is from God.
● None of the Arabs, not even the Jews - despite their vehement denial - claimed to attribute this Qur'an to himself. If the Qur'an was from the Jews, the Jews would be the quickest people to attribute it to themselves.
And they say, "Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?" Has there not come to them evidence of what was in the former scriptures[23]?
The Qur'an tells the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) about things they know and others about which they differ.
This Qur'an explains to the Children of Israel most of the matters concerning which they have disagreements[24].
The Qur'an indicates the truth of Christ.
The Messiah, son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger before whom many Messengers have passed away; and his mother adhered wholly to truthfulness, and they both ate food (as other mortals do). See how We make Our signs clear to them; and see where they are turning away[25]!
God Almighty created Jesus Christ without a father, just as He created Adam without a father or a mother. He is God who creates and begets not.
The Qur'an contains news and rulings in which they differed.
All food (that is lawful in the Law revealed to Muhammad) was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful to themselves before the revelation of the Torah. Tell them: 'Bring the Torah and recite any passage of it if you are truthful.[26]'
We have to understand that:
● The Prophet was known for his honesty and trustworthiness, even among his enemies. His tribe nicknamed him Al-Sadiq Al-Amin (the truthful – the trustworthy).
● The language and style of the Qur'an are entirely different from the words of the Prophet in his sayings (hadiths). Despite the eloquence of the Prophet's sayings, they don't reach the eloquence of the Qur'an. The Prophet's sayings are not organized into a single book as smooth as the Qur'an.
● Assuming that the Messenger was not illiterate and copied from the books of other civilizations, such as the Greeks, Indians, Persians, and Pharaohs, that means he has surpassed the most potent global search engines in the amount of information compared to our time. He also beat all humans in language to formulate texts that could not come up with any creature.
● The Prophet grew up among a pagan people isolated from Jews and Christians who replaced monotheism with the Trinity, except for a few of them. How can he collect this information?
● The challenge remains: whoever doubts the Qur'an, let him compose for us something like it.
We must also understand:
● The Prophet was not present among those who are mentioned in the Qur'anic stories.
● The Qur'an was not identical to the Torah and the Gospel, but it was a validator and corrector for distorted books.
● The Prophet was illiterate. God sent him among a nation famous for eloquence in language. Yet, an illiterate nation did not know how to read or write except a few of them, so the Prophet can't collect stories from the East and the West to compile the Qur’an.
It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom - although they were before in clear error[27].
● God revealed the Qur'an gradually to the Prophet Muhammad through Angel Gabriel over approximately twenty-three years. Yet, the entire Qur'an is well-narrated and solid in style. This is the most significant evidence that it is the word of God.
● The Qur'an has narrated stories that are neither in the Torah nor in the Gospel. The Qur'an gives details of stories about which the Arabs know little.
And [We destroyed] 'Aad and Thamud, and it has become clear to you from their [ruined] dwellings. And Satan had made pleasing to them their deeds and averted them from the path, and they were endowed with perception[28].
Their dwellings were a witness to them. The dwellings of the people of Lot as well were a witness to the punishment that God had sent down on them.
Indeed, he was of Our believing servants. (132) And indeed, Lot was among the messengers. (133) [So mention] when We saved him and his family, all, (134) Except his wife among those who remained [with the evildoers]. (135) Then We destroyed the others. (136) And indeed, you pass by them in the morning (137) And at night. Then will you not use reason[29]?
The polytheists of Quraysh claimed that the Qur'an is the saying of a poet.
God says:
Indeed they, when it was said to them, "There is no deity but Allah," were arrogant (35) And were saying, "Are we to leave our gods for a mad poet?" (36) Rather, the Prophet has come with the truth and confirmed the [previous] messengers[30].
God says:
[That] indeed, the Qur'an is the word of a noble Messenger. (40) And it is not the word of a poet; little do you believe. (41) Nor the word of a soothsayer; little do you remember. (42) [It is] a revelation from the Lord of the worlds. (43) And if Muhammad had made up about Us some [false] sayings, (44) We would have seized him by the right hand; (45) Then We would have cut from him the aorta. (46) And there is no one of you who could prevent [Us] from him. (47) And indeed, the Qur'an is a reminder for the righteous. (48) And indeed, We know that among you are deniers. (49) And indeed, it will be [a cause of] regret upon the disbelievers. (50) And indeed, it is the truth of certainty. (51) So exalt the name of your Lord, the Most Great[31].
And He says:
And We did not give Prophet Muhammad, knowledge of poetry, nor is it befitting for him. It is not but a message and a clear Qur'an[32].
And He says:
And the poets - [only] the deviators follow them; (224) Do you not see that in every valley they roam (225) And that they say what they do not do? - (226) Except those [poets] who believe and do righteous deeds and remember Allah often and defend [the Muslims] after they were wronged. And those who have wronged are going to know to what [kind of] return they will be returned[33].
We understand from the above:
● In this verse, God Almighty denied that the Prophet Muhammad was a poet.
● The Messenger was the first to apply what he called others to do. His words matched his actions. He did not ask for a worldly wage for what he called for and lived poor, generous, merciful, and humble, and he was the most sacrificing and the most ascetic of people.
● Concerning the Arabs, lying in their poetry increases its beauty, and that is why it has been said that: "The best poetry is the most dishonest," However the Qur'an came eloquently with no lies, yet managed to cause a huge impact.
● Every poet improves speech in a specific field, becomes weak in other fields. The Qur'an came to be very eloquent in all areas, whether it was to incentify or intimidate, or otherwise.
As an incentive God said:
And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do[34].
Similarly, Almighty God threatens the disobedient with the punishment.
He said:
And they requested victory from Allah, and disappointed, [therefore], was every obstinate tyrant. (15) Before him is Hell, and he will be given a drink of purulent water[35].
We have to know that:
● The speech of the Arabs does not depart from poetry and prose. The Arabs do not know any other than them. Some scholars mention the existence of a third section, which is "al-saja'a'", that is included in the prose and is not a separate section. God Almighty revealed the Qur'an to His Prophet Muhammad, and it was not among these sections. The words of the Qur'an dazzled the minds of the Arabs, leaving them in confusion; neither is it the poetry that they organize nor is it the prose that they say.
● Whoever among the Arabs says that the Qur'an is "poetry" is arrogant, knowing that he is not honest or that he does not know poetry.
● If the Qur'an was poetry, what prevented the skeptics from bringing the like of it?
The Almighty said:
Indeed, he thought and deliberated. (18) So may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. (19) Then may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. (20) Then he considered [again]; (21) Then he frowned and scowled; (22) Then he turned back and was arrogant (23) And said, "This is not but magic imitated [from others]. (24) This is not but the word of a human being.[36]"
Al-Waleed bin Al-Mughirah one of the Quraysh leaders (enemy of Prophet Muhammad), said when he heard the Qur'an:
"By God, I have just heard Muhammad's words, which for sure are neither a human's nor a jinn's. They are euphonious and relaxing, like a tree full of reachable fruits. They are of the highest quality and cannot be out-perfected".
What about the possibility that intelligent demons dictated and influenced Muhammad, peace be upon him, to write the Qur'an? What kind of demons call for good manners, worship of God, reverence for Christ and his mother Mary, giving Alms to the poor, warning from Satan, and asking to take refuge in God against Satan before reading the Qur’an?
The Canadian researcher Miller was one of the very active missionaries in preaching Christianity, and he loved mathematics greatly, so he loved logic. He decided to read the Qur'an to find some errors in it that strengthen his position when calling Muslims to the Christian religion.
Researcher Miller knows that some say: Demons wrote the Qur'an. By reading the Qur'an, he found this verse:
It was not the devils that revealed it. (210) It is not in their interests, nor in their power. (211) They are barred from hearing[37].
God says:
So when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy][38].
Here the researcher said:
"Is this Satan's way of writing any book? He writes a book and then says, before you read this book, you must seek refuge against me? These verses contain a logical response to those who claim this".
The devils cannot compose the Qur'an because God expelled them from His mercy. The Qur'an is above the standing of humans and jinn, so neither jinn nor humans can do it.
Say, "If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants.[39]"
Jinns not heaving the ability to hear is evidence that the Messenger was not one of those possessed by demons. Instead, he speaks the word of God.
… from [its] hearing, are removed[40].
Shall I inform you upon whom the devils descend? (221) They descend upon every sinful liar. (222) They pass on what is heard, and most of them are liars[41].
God says:
So, remind [O Muhammad], for you are not, by the favor of your Lord, a soothsayer or a madman. (29) Or do they say [of you], "A poet for whom we await a misfortune of time?[42]"
By making a simple comparison between the Prophet Muhammad and any priest of the present day, we will recognize his sincerity. He refused all the privileges offered to him from money and prestige or even any priestly position. He did not listen to confession or forgive the sins of the believers; instead, he commanded his followers to resort directly to the Creator.
● If the Prophet's prophecy was false and the Qur'an was his creation, the Messenger would have attributed divine attributes to himself and called people to worship him, made himself an authority, and claimed prophethood for his descendants.
● There is no interest for any sane person who hopes for leadership and challenges people with wonders and miracles to support his claim, then he attributes these miracles to others, even though he could have attributed them to himself, thus increasing his stature and greatness.
● A man, no matter how clever and pure his heart is, will not be able to mention the conditions of the past nations, the issues of beliefs and laws, and what is in Heaven and Hell of bliss and torment, then he tells us some of what will happen in the future.
● None of the historical sources spoke about joining the Prophet, Jewish rabbis, or Christian monks for study.
● The meeting of the Prophet with Buhaira-the monk who told that the characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad mentioned in the Bible - was sometime before the prophecy, and it was short in time; It is unreasonable to receive all this knowledge.
● The only meeting between Prophet Muhammad with Waraqah bin Nawfal - the cousin of Khadija - the Prophet's wife, may God be pleased with her - was after the prophecy. He told the Prophet that the angel who came to him is the same angel who came to Moses, and God will help him.
● If the Qur'an was the Prophet's speech, it would not contain reproach to him. Humans, according to their habits, do not accept criticism and claim perfection. There is no human approach in which its owner blames or reproaches himself. Every speech humans develop tries to delude themselves and people into believing he is perfect. The Qur'an has not been altered or changed. If that happened, such verses that reprimands the Prophet would have been deleted or at least distorted.
God rebuked His Prophet, and said to him:
And never say of anything, "Indeed, I will do that tomorrow," (23) Except [when adding], "If Allah wills." And remember your Lord when you forget [it] and say, "Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer than this to right conduct.[43]"
When some people rumored that the sun had eclipsed due to the death of Ibrahim- the son of the Prophet- the Prophet addressed them and said a phrase that gave a message to everyone who adopts countless myths about solar eclipses to this day.
He said more than fourteen centuries ago:
"The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone's death or life but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah, so pray whenever you see them.[44]"
Islam emphasizes the infallibility of the prophets from error in what they report about the Creator. There is no infallibility of a priest or saint. Islam completely forbade resorting to anyone besides the Creator to seek help even if the request is from the prophets themselves. Resorting to the Creator is an honor while resorting to others is humiliating. Is it reasonable to equate the king with the ordinary people by request?
God said:
To Him [alone] is the supplication of truth. And those they call upon besides Him do not respond to them with a thing[45].
God commanded His Messenger to say:
Say, "I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allah has willed. And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me. I am not except a warner and a bringer of good tidings to a people who believe.[46]"
Surprisingly, they attribute such a wise book to someone other than God.
And this [Qur'an] is a blessed message which We have sent down. Then are you with it unacquainted[47]?
God Almighty affirms that people's denial of their prophets was common as if they agreed on rejection:
Similarly, there came not to those before them any messenger except that they said, "A magician or a madman." (52) Did they suggest it to them? Rather, they [themselves] are a transgressing people[48].
● Accusing the Messengers of God of insanity can only be done by the arrogant to follow the truth.
● Calling people to believe in the Creator of the universe and worship Him alone, without a priest or a saint, can only be done by a sane person.
Magic is a weak act, and there is no success in it.
God said:
Then We sent after them Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his establishment with Our signs, but they behaved arrogantly and were a criminal people (75) So when there came to them the truth from Us, they said, "Indeed, this is obvious magic." (76) Moses said, "Do you say [thus] about the truth when it has come to you? Is this magic? But magicians will not succeed." (77) They said, "Have you come to us to turn us away from that upon which we found our fathers and so that you two may have grandeur in the land? And we are not believers in you." And Pharaoh said, "Bring to me every learned magician." (79) So when the magicians came, Moses said to them, "Throw down whatever you will throw." (80) And when they had thrown, Moses said, "What you have brought is [only] magic. Indeed, Allah will expose its worthlessness. Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of corrupters. (81) And Allah will establish the truth by His words, even if the criminals dislike it.[49]"
The Prophet's miracle represented in the Holy Qur'an came from the type of eloquence for which the Arabs were famous. If it was magic, they would have tried to come up with the same, as we see in the story of Moses, peace be upon him:
They said, "O Moses, either you throw or we will be the first to throw." (65) He said, "Rather, you throw." And suddenly their ropes and staffs seemed to him from their magic that they were moving [like snakes]. (66) And he sensed within himself apprehension, did Moses. (67) Allah said, "Fear not. Indeed, it is you who are superior. (68) And throw what is in your right hand; it will swallow up what they have crafted. What they have crafted is but the trick of a magician, and the magician will not succeed wherever he is." (69) So the magicians fell down in prostration. They said, "We have believed in the Lord of Aaron and Moses.[50]"
We conclude with the testimony of Utbah bin Rabi'ah, one of the eminent and educated wise men and dignitaries of Mecca, where he tells his story upon hearing the verses of chapter Fussilat:
Ha, Meem. (1) [This is] a revelation from the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful - (2) A Book whose verses have been detailed, an Arabic Qur'an for a people who know, (3) As a giver of good tidings and a warner...[51]
Until he reached the verse:
But if they turn away, then say, "I have warned you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt [that struck] 'Aad and Thamud.
Utbah could not control himself from not listening. Terror and panic took him in every direction. His heart almost broke out, and he felt as if a thunderbolt would descend on him in a situation in which he forgot about his hostility and forgot about the matter of negotiations; instead, he forgot his position and prestige. He put his hand on the mouth of the Prophet Muhammad and said: I adjure you by God and mercy, I adjure you by God and mercy to stop. Immediately after that, Utbah dragged his robe, scattering about it, running to his people, not looking behind him, his eyes turned astray, and his breath was choppy until he reached the Quraysh leaders. The people saw him from afar and said: "By God! Utbab's face has changed. He does not look the same man that he was when he went from here."
Then, when he came back and sat down, the people asked, "What have you heard?" Utbah began telling his experience. He began to speak as if he was one of the preachers of Islam and said: "By God! I have heard something the like of which I had never heard before. By God, it's neither poetry, sorcery, nor magic. O chiefs of the Quraysh, listen to what I say and leave this man to himself. I think what he recites is going to have its effect. If the other Arabs overcome him, you will be saved from raising your sword against your brother, and the others will deal with him. But if he overcomes Arabia, his sovereignty would be your sovereignty and his honor is your honor." The chiefs spoke out: "You too, O father of Walid, have been bewitched by his tongue." Utbah replied, "I have given you my opinion; now you may act as you please.[52]"
God says:
And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds[53].
Only criminals, bandits, and spoilers in the land will object to these laws or punishment due to their fear for themselves, which God set up to deter and punish those who intend to corrupt the community, with evidence that Muslims must suspend the application of penal code because of hunger or great need or suspition.
Let's imagine together a mayor of a village declaring publicly: Your rights are reserved. Your money is under our strict guard. Whoever approaches it as a thief or a murderer, we will cut his hand off and end his life. You are in our eyes; your life is dear to us, and your money is safe.
Now, what can we call the ruler of this village? Can we call him barbaric?
Those who challenge Islamic punishments have considered the benefit of the criminal and forgotten the benefit of society. They pity the offender and neglect the victim. They overemphasize the penalty and diminish the severity of the crime.
If they compared the punishment and the crime, they would undoubtedly come out with the wisdom behind these penalties and their compatibility with these kinds of crimes.
When we recall the act of a thief walking in darkness, breaking the lock, raising a weapon, and terrifying people, violating the sanctity of homes to kill those who resist him, then we would realize the great wisdom of the Islamic Law's harshness.
Many people say:
I tried to read the Qur'an and found the events not sequential. Why is the Qur'an not arranged chronologically according to the time of events? Why does each chapter contain topics that are not related to each other?
The answer is:
● Each chapter has a particular focus and primary objective.
● God Almighty mentions the appropriate historical story for the goal that He chose for the chapter.
● The stories mentioned come to serve this purpose.
The Qur'an is not a book that narrates historical events but rather a book of guidance, so stories are mentioned in it to take caution and a lesson.
For example:
The focus of chapter Al-Baqarah is the succession on earth.
God Almighty mentioned in chapter Al-Baqarah different stories of different personalities and peoples to serve this goal.
● Adam's succession on earth (Introductory Experience):
And (remember) as your Lord said to the Angels, "Surely I am making in the earth a successor. (30)
● The Children of Israel is a story of succession on earth whose followers failed in the test.
O Children of Israel! Remember My Blessing that I bestowed upon you and how I preferred you above all the worlds. (47)
● Prophet Ibrahim, the story of succession on earth for those who succeeded in their test.
˹Remember˺ when Abraham was tested by his Lord with ˹certain˺ commandments, which he fulfilled. Allah said, “I will certainly make you into a role model for the people.” Abraham asked, “What about my offspring?” Allah replied, “My covenant is not extended to the wrongdoers.”. (124)
The one who follows the system of God that He chose for humanity is the one who takes responsibility for the construction of the earth, and the one who abandons this system does not have a share of God's covenant
And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it[54].
God Almighty has entrusted the preservation of the Torah and the Gospel to their scholars and monks. They changed their Books and altered them according to their whims, with some truth remaining in these books. Their scholars admitted these changes.
The previous books were temporary in their time, especially since the era of the Qur'an is close to the era of the Bible, with only six hundred years between them.
Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah, and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the disbelievers[55].
The Almighty did not undertake to preserve the previous books as he did to preserve the Qur'an. God knew that the believers of these books would not maintain them. For example - God has the ideal- the father may know the nature of his two sons, for whom he had bought the same set of stories. He knew that the first child would neglect to preserve them and would not read them, while the second child would read and learn, so the father helped him by providing a home library to keep them and a small office he used to read those stories.
Do you covet [the hope, O believers], that they would believe for you while a party of them used to hear the words of Allah and then distort the Torah after they had understood it while they were knowing[56]?
They distort words from their [proper] usages and have forgotten a portion of that of which they were reminded. And you will still observe deceit among them, except a few of them[57].
And indeed, there is among them a party who alter the Scripture with their tongues so you may think it is from the Scripture, but it is not from the Scripture. And they say, "This is from Allah," but it is not from Allah. And they speak untruth about Allah while they know[58].
So woe to those who write the "scripture" with their own hands, then say, "This is from Allah," in order to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn[59].
● Assigning the task of preserving the Torah and the Bible was a test for the owners of these books. (Do they play their role in preserving the Book? Do they believe in what it says? Do they follow the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their Books, or do they insist on stubbornness, so they distort and conceal?).
● The Messenger of God, Muhammad, is the Seal of the Messengers. God has sent the Seal of Books with him to be the immortal speaker until the Day of Judgment. It was from God's kindness to preserve the last version and the remaining Sharia (legislation) until the Day of Resurrection, so there was no need to maintain the previous books. In all cases, if their owners preserved them, it would have been better for them. On the other hand, the people of the Qur'an excelled in safeguarding and protecting their Book. Non-Muslims have testified to that.
John Davenport says[60]:
"The Qur'an is so far from every deficiency that it does not need the slightest correction or correction, and a person may read it from beginning to end without feeling any boredom".
Agreeing to deny the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad
Pagans and atheists decided to reject the prophethood of Muhammad, including the followers of Christ and the followers of Moses; peace be upon them. The summary of what they said was that God did not reveal anything to him.
And they did not appraise Allah with true appraisal when they said, "Allah did not reveal to a human being anything." Say, "Who revealed the Scripture that Moses brought as light and guidance to the people? You [Jews] make it into pages, disclosing [some of] it and concealing much. And you were taught that which you knew not - neither you nor your fathers." Say, "Allah [revealed it]." Then leave them in their [empty] discourse, amusing themselves. (91) And this is a Book which We have sent down, blessed and confirming what was before it, that you may warn the Mother of Cities and those around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it, and they are maintaining their prayers. (92) And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, "It has been inspired to me," while nothing has been inspired to him, and one who says, "I will reveal [something] like what Allah revealed." And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, [saying], "Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation for what you used to say against Allah other than the truth and [that] you were, toward His verses, being arrogant.[61]"
The people of Prophet Moses and the people of Prophet Jesus all believed that God sent down the commandments to Moses, but some of them denied the revelation.
The Qur'an indicated that they concealed some of what is found in their books from the people, so God rebuked them and told them that this is what Muhammad brought, confirming what they have and what they hid from the people.
Atheists, of course, do not need the support of those who deny the prophethood of Muhammad from the followers of the prophets, Moses and Jesus, because they deny the original revelation represented in the Torah and the Gospel.
But when the truth came to them from Us, they said, "Why was he not given like that which was given to Moses?" Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Moses before? They said, "[They are but] two works of magic supporting each other, and indeed we are, in both, disbelievers.[62]"
God made it clear that this Qur'an is not in the power of humans to invent it.
Where God Almighty said:
Say, "If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants." (88) And We have certainly diversified for the people in this Qur'an from every [kind] of example, but most of the people refused [anything] except disbelief. well]. And sufficient is Allah as Witness[63].
This testimony confirms that producing a book like the Qur'an or a single chapter is impossible whether people are scattered or combined. Whether by their ability or with the help of alleged gods or jinn and humans.
God said:
Or do they say, "He has invented it?" Say, "If I have invented it, you will not possess for me [the power of protection] from Allah at all. He is most knowing of that in which you are involved. Sufficient is He as Witness between me and you, and He is the Forgiving the Merciful." (8) Say, "I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner." (9) Say, "Have you considered: if the Qur'an was from Allah, and you disbelieved in it while a witness from the Children of Israel has testified to something similar and believed while you were arrogant...?" Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people[64].
It is the style of the Qur'an to put people on the truth and remind them of it.
"He has invented it?"
The answer comes to them.
Or do they say, "He invented it"? Rather, it is the truth from your Lord, [O Muhammad], that you may warn a people to whom no warner has come before you [so] perhaps they will be guided[65].
This method is a statement of the truth that everyone should accept because their inability to come up with the like of it put them before two options:
The first: is the belief in it.
The second: is the disbelief in it.
God said:
And of them are those who believe in it, and of them are those who do not believe in it. And your Lord is most knowing of the corrupters[66].
And He said:
Has there not reached you the news of those before you - the people of Noah and 'Aad and Thamud and those after them? No one knows them but Allah. Their messengers brought them clear proofs, but they returned their hands to their mouths and said, "Indeed, we disbelieve in that with which you have been sent, and indeed we are, about that to which you invite us, in disquieting doubt.[67]"
Whoever believes his reward is with God, and whoever disbelieves in him is required to explain the reason for his disbelief.
We must understand here that:
● Among the Muslims are the followers of the prophets, Moses and Christ, who believed in Muhammad, his message, and followed him.
● Many followers of Christ have the correct religion to this day; they believed in the Creator of the universe and worshiped Him without a mediator by rejecting the concept of the Trinity. They believed in Christ as a human apostle, in addition to their belief in the Last Day, but when they hear about the advent of Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets, they must believe in him directly and follow his Law.
● Whoever hears about the coming of the Seal of the Messengers, Muhammad, peace be upon him, while does not believe in him and does not follow his Law, he will not be saved on the Day of Resurrection even if he is monotheistic. The matter is for God in all cases.
● There is no valid term called "heavenly religions." Religion is one, which is to believe in the Creator of the universe and worship Him directly; the religion of all the prophets that God sent to all nations.
● All nations differ in their laws according to the needs of human beings at all times so that we may refer to divine laws in plural forms (legislations).
I won Muhammad and did not lose Jesus Christ
"I won Muhammad and did not lose the Christ" is one of the repeated phrases that Christians who converted to Islam say when their families, friends, etc., ask them about the reason for their conviction in the religion of Islam.
Among the misconceptions that non-Muslims promote is that the Qur'an glorifies Christ to urge the glorification of Muhammad by worshiping him instead of God.
God Almighty says:
And when the son of Mary was presented as an example, immediately your people laughed aloud. (57) And they said, "Are your gods better, or is he?" They did not present the comparison except for [mere] argument. But, [in fact], they are a people prone to dispute. (58) Jesus was not but a servant upon whom We bestowed favor, and We made him an example for the Children of Israel. (59) And if We willed, We could have made [instead] of you angels succeeding [one another] on the earth. (60) And indeed, Jesus will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path. (61) And never let Satan avert you. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy. (62) And when Jesus brought clear proofs, he said, "I have come to you with wisdom and to make clear to you some of that over which you differ, so fear Allah and obey me. (63) Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path." (64) But the denominations from among them differed [and separated], so woe to those who have wronged from the punishment of a painful Day.[68]
Whoever reads the Qur'an knows how the Qur'an gives people, including the prophets, their actual value, and status, and does not exaggerate their reverence to the point of equating them with the Creator. The Qur'an calls them to worship the Creator alone as these prophets worshiped the Creator, not to worship the Prophet himself or anyone or anything else.
God said:
There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Qur'an a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe[69].
Since Man appeared on earth -since Adam's era- God (Allah), the Lord of the universe, sent messengers. He chose the most pious and devoted man in his people to be a Prophet and judge between them, to remind them with sincere servitude to the one and only God. Whenever people twist the message of previous messengers, deviate from the right path, and worship others, Allah would send a new messenger to lead people and bring them back to the right way. These messengers would direct them again to worship God alone and provide satisfactory answers to the existential questions that revolve in their minds (the source of their existence, the purpose of their existence, and their fate after death). The seal of these messages was represented in the Qur'an that Muhammad, may God grant him peace, brought.
God said:
And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship Allah and avoid Taghut." And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers[70].
The Qur'an came with the noblest message in existence, which is the message of all the prophets of God before Prophet Muhammad from the time of Adam.
It is:
● The oneness: Believing that there is no god but Allah, without any partners and He has no son, He is the Creator, the provider to the whole universe.
● Servitude: This means to worship God alone, and never associate anyone or anything with Him.
● Believing in messengers: Following messengers and believing in what they brought (in that era). (The messengers prophesied the last Prophet- Muhammad's coming, and urged their followers to believe in him and follow him if they reach his time).
● Ethics: Doing good deeds and avoiding evil deeds.
God mentioned by name in the Qur'an many of His prophets and messengers whom He sent to different nations (such as Jesus, Moses, Abraham, Noah, David. Solomon, Ishmael, Isaac, Joseph, etc.). Yet, He did not mention all of them. Therefore, man can not outrightly negate the possibility that some religious figures in Hinduism and Buddhism, and many others were prophets of God. Still, these people used these figures as objects of worship, as did the people of the Prophet Noah when they sanctified and worshiped the righteous among them.
God said:
And [We sent] messengers about whom We have related [their stories] to you before and messengers about whom We have not related to you. And Allah spoke to Moses with [direct] speech[71].
The uniqueness of the Qur'anic style in responding to Atheists
Some people think that Muslims cannot share Quranic arguments with whoever does not believe in the Qur'an. While in fact, the Qur'an tells stories, strikes proverbs and lessons, and proves its sincerity in a fantastic way characterized by the following:
Ease and clarity
A person does not need a university degree, not even elementary education, to comprehend what God wanted to draw his attention to in terms of evidence for him to understand, and he does not need someone to solve its riddles for him.
God says:
And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember[72]?
And He says:
And We have certainly sent down to you distinct verses and examples from those who passed on before you and an admonition for those who fear Allah[73].
And He says:
It is He who sends down upon His Servant [Muhammad] verses of clear evidence that He may bring you out from darknesses into the light. And indeed, Allah is to you Kind and Merciful[74].
Eloquence
God says:
The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down (193) Upon your heart, [O Muhammad] - that you may be of the warners - (194) In a clear Arabic language[75].
God says:
But this is an honored Qur'an[76].
Qur'an includes:
Perfect laws that regulate the relationship of man with his Creator and those around him.
● Man's relationship with his Creator. (Beliefs and rituals).
God said:
Say, "I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.[77]"
● A person's relationship with himself. (Food, clothing, and morals).
● Man's relationship with others. (Contracts and dealings).
When God said:
Establish prayer[78].
He also said:
Fulfill your obligations[79].
When God said:
Give Alms[80].
He also said:
Fulfill your obligations to them during the term of the treaty[81]. (foreign policy).
The best stories
We relate to you, [O Muhammad], the best of stories in what We have revealed to you of this Qur'an although you were, before it, among the unaware[82].
Best manners
O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded (27) And if you do not find anyone therein, do not enter them until permission has been given you. And if it is said to you, "Go back," then go back; it is purer for you. And Allah is Knowing of what you do[83].
Perfect advice
O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful. (12) O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted[84].
Best wisdom
One of the women said, "O my father, hire him. Indeed, the best one you can hire is the strong and the trustworthy .[85]“
Have you not considered how Allah presents an example, [making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky? (24) It produces its fruit all the time, by permission of its Lord. And Allah presents examples for the people that perhaps they will be reminded[86].
Using the method of the Qur’an, in which God intended to correct misconceptions and judge people in what they differ in, is the best way to address non-Muslims.
On the other hand, humans use different terms and mentalities, which leads to losing the correct concepts about the universe, its Creator, and His true religion between these terms and concepts.
We have to know that:
● One of the amazing facts is that the non-Arabic speakers of Muslims read the Qur'an in Arabic beautifully.
● The human taste, by its pure nature, enjoys the Qur'an, as we see this situation when many non-Muslims happily and willingly listen to the Qur'an.
● Many people who demand the application of high ideals in their knowledge and work have developed ethical and scientific theories, some of which are valid and others are not. They are constantly confused by their human work. They praise it and mention it as the latest wave of modern science, surprising that the Qur'an mentioned it many centuries ago. Therefore, modern science is getting closer and closer with time to the fixed and unchanging Qur'an.
● When non-Muslims see the brilliant verses of God in the miraculous Qur'an, they get divided into two groups: one group believes in God, Lord of the worlds, and another recognizes God's grace and then denies it.
● The eloquence of the Qur'anic style is to adhere to brevity as far as the beauty of the language expands. A word that is read on two or more sides has an acceptable meaning for each reading that increases and enriches the meaning, making it take the place of multiple verses. The Qur'an moves smoothly from description of events to storytelling and from there to legislation.
● Despite the existence of many verses and chapters in the Qur'an, it is free of difference and imbalance.
Challenge and miracle
Among the claims of atheists was the denial of the revelation represented in the Holy Qur'an, so the Creator, Glory be to Him, challenged them to come up with something similar to it.
God said:
Or do they say, "He invented it"? Say, "Then bring ten Surahs like it that have been invented and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allah, if you should be truthful.[87]"
Or do they say, "He has made it up"? Rather, they do not believe. (33) Then let them produce a statement like it if they should be truthful[88].
When they were unable to produce ten chapters, God challenged them to create only one chapter.
Or do they say [about the Prophet], "He invented it?" Say, "Then bring forth a surah like it and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allah, if you should be truthful.[89]"
When they were unable to do all of that, the Qur'an declared this inability and proved the challenge.
Say, "If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants.[90]"
Pictorial descriptive method
The Qur'anic style in narrating the stories makes the listener seem to live the story in its details:
God said:
That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal, [O Muhammad], to you. And you were not with them when they put together their plan while they conspired[91].
God said:
And you, [O Muhammad], were not on the western side [of the mount] when We revealed to Moses the command, and you were not among the witnesses [to that]. (44) But We produced [many] generations [after Moses], and prolonged was their duration. And you were not a resident among the people of Madyan, reciting to them Our verses, but We were senders [of this message][92].
The Holy Qur'an uses the descriptive and pictorial method to bring the meaning closer to the mind. Sometimes it uses the technique of encouragement and intimidation in the style of severity or softness in the discourse. Again, it mentions the resurrection and the reckoning. Other times it gives examples to clarify the purpose and presents the alleged arguments that deny the existence of God and invalidate them with convincing evidence.
This style is what distinguishes the Qur'an, for it draws in the mind of the listener images that he knows and is sure of. By which he becomes acquainted with what he does not know, so he finds himself inside the event, convinced of the truthfulness of the Creator, the Mighty and Sublime, in what he has told.
God says:
And of His signs is that you see the earth stilled, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and grows. Indeed, He who has given it life is the Giver of Life to the dead. Indeed, He is over all things competent[93].
God says:
And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy until, when they have carried heavy rainclouds, We drive them to a dead land and We send down rain therein and bring forth thereby [some] of all the fruits. Thus, will We bring forth the dead; perhaps you may be reminded[94].
He says as well:
It is Allah who sends the winds, and they stir the clouds and spread them in the sky however He wills, and He makes them fragments so you see the rain emerge from within them. And when He causes it to fall upon whom He wills of His servants, immediately they rejoice (48) Although they were, before it was sent down upon them - before that, in despair. (49) So, observe the effects of the mercy of Allah - how He gives life to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed, that [same one] will give life to the dead, and He is over all things competent[95].
Addressing instinct
The Qur'an started in its response to atheists by affirming a basic fact that the human soul is innate in knowing its Creator by the rational nature, which is the acknowledgment of its Creator and the longing for having direct communication with Him. This instinct is eternal and does not change.
Every child is born in his true nature, which is being a worshiper of God alone; without the intervention of parents, schools, or any religious party, he will worship God directly until adulthood. During his adulthood, he will become entrusted and accountable for his actions. After that, he begins to choose whether to take Jesus as a mediator between him and God by resorting to him in adversity, which would make him become a Christian, or take Buddha as a mediator to become a Buddhist. Other options surrounding him would be taking Krishna, for example, to become a Hindu or taking Muhammad as a mediator to deviate from Islam completely. Apart from all these options, he still can remain in his nature as a worshiper of God alone.
God says:
And so, set thy face steadfastly towards the [one ever-true] faith, turning away from all that is false, in accordance with the natural disposition which God has instilled into man: [for,] not to allow any change to corrupt what God has thus created this is the [purpose of the one] ever-true faith; but most people know it not[96].
Prophet Muhammad said:
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "No child is born but that he is upon natural instinct. His parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian[97].
It is enough to say between the crowds: The Creator is One. They would then reply in harmony, yes, the Creator is One, which they find in their books.
But they disagree, fight, and even slaughter each other over one point: The form and shape that God comes through to earth. For instance, the Christian says: God is one, but He becomes incarnate in the Trinity (the father, the son, and the holy spirit), the Hindu says: God comes in the form of an animal or a human or an idol. The Hindus believe as well in the Trinity of Hindu gods: "Brahma," a creator, "Vishnu," a preserver, and "Shiva," a destroyer.
Even atheists would unintentionally pray to the power in the heavens whenever they encounter a difficult situation.
For instance, Catholic and Protestant sects, Hindu sects, etc., all disagree about how to communicate with the Lord, not on the concept that the Lord (the Creator) Himself exists.
The differences between religions are represented in the means used to communicate with the Creator, directly or through the taking of mediators (saints, priests, idols, or prophets).
If all religions left calling to mediators and went directly to the Creator, humanity would be united and their hearts upright and be guided to the truth just as everyone agrees in praying towards the Creator without a partner or mediator when calamities or adversities occur. Hence, it was necessary to invite everyone to worship the Lord of the Worlds in good and bad times.
God said:
Say (O Muhammad): O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but God, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides God. Then, if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are Muslims[98].
Whenever we sin, we repent to Him directly. When we have a problem, we ask Him to solve the problem directly. When we feel blessed, we have to thank Him directly because the faith in One God already exists in all religions.
Even the disbelievers of Quraysh believed in One God because when they were asked about worshiping the idols, they said they worship idols to make them closer to Allah. So, their problem was not to believe in One God. Their issue was to have a direct connection with the Creator.
God said:
… And yet, they who take for their protectors aught beside Him [are wont to say], "We worship them for no other reason than that they bring us nearer to God… [99]
Worshipping others besides the Creator is due to ignorance of the genuine concept of the Creator. This led to confusion of minds; thus, people resorted to atheism and questioned the reasons for the existence of the Creator and other questions doubt existence.
The Creator created the Law of causation, so He is not subjected to it, meaning that He is before everything and after everything and that none of His creatures fully comprehends Him. Causation is a law for us who live in space and time. God, who created space and time, is necessarily transcendent concerning both, and it is an error on our part to think that God is bound by either. God created the Law of causation, and we cannot consider Him as a subject to the Law He created; therefore, God does not change. He created time, so He does not subject to time. He does not go through the same stages of time that we go through, does not get tired, and does not need to put Himself in a physical form or descend to earth. Therefore, we cannot see Him in this life because we are trapped in time and space while He transcends both. For example, a person sitting in a windowless room can only see the room's interior. To see outside, he must leave the room; that is to say, he must overcome the room as a hindrance to seeing the outside.
Although the Creator is effective in what He wants and has omnipotence, we must also accept that He does not do what is not worthy of His Majesty, exalted be He above that with great exaltation.
God has the ideal: even though a high-ranking cleric can go out in public with a naked body, he does not do so because this behavior is not befitting his religious position.
Addressing the mind
The Holy Qur'an proceeded to prove the existence of the Creator of the universe and to clarify and consolidate the belief in the souls, a mental path that is consistent and in harmony with and complementary to the innate discourse.
The Qur'an responds to those who deny the existence of their Creator:
Or were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]? (35) Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Rather, they are not certain. (36) Or have they the depositories [containing the provision] of your Lord? Or are they the controllers [of them][100]?
A call to reflection
We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness[101]?
Self-reflection
And in yourselves. Then will you not see[102]?
Contemplation of the universe:
Do they not look into the realm of the heavens and the earth and everything that Allah has created and [think] that perhaps their appointed time has come near? So in what statement hereafter will they believe[103]?
And He said:
Have they not considered what things Allah has created? Their shadows incline to the right and to the left, prostrating to Allah, while they are humble [104].
Contemplation of the creatures of the universe:
Then do they not look at the camels - how they are created? (17) And at the sky - how it is raised? (18) And at the mountains - how they are erected? (19) And at the earth - how it is spread out? (20) So, remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder[105].
Error challenge
Dr. Gary Miller (Abdulahad Omar), a mathematician, Christian theologian, and former missionary, says in his book "The Amazing Qur'an":
"Every author begins his book by apologizing for the mistakes that occurred in his book, and there is no author in the world who dares to write a book and then say: This book is free of errors, but the Qur'an, on the contrary, begins in chapter Al-Baqarah with the challenge of being free of errors".
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah[106].
The case of authorship applies to all holy books of people of other faiths, except for the Qur'an, for example:
Many writers continued writing the Old Testament. The last was the writer of the Second Maccabees Conclusion [15/39-40], the last Book of the Catholic Old Testament.
He said:
"Which if I have done well, and as it becometh the history, it is what I desired: but if not so perfectly, you must pardon me. It is always harmful to drink wine, or always water, but pleasant to use sometimes the one, and sometimes the other: so, if the speech is always nicely framed, it will not be grateful to the readers. But here it shall be ended".
In an interpretation of the book "Songs of Songs," we read in its introduction:
"Who composed it and when? Why was it collected? If it is true that its presence in the Bible law was only a coincidence, how did it gain its place? It even found its role in the Jewish Passover rank at a later time! It's difficult to determine the page order of the Book with repeated verses, topics, pictures, and situations... "
As for the New Testament:
It is just written stories. Luke says in the introduction to his Gospel (1/1-4):
"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught".
This text states:
● Luke reminds people to "compose" stories about (biography) of Jesus, and their point of view.
● Luke's goal was to write a letter to his friend "Theophilus," to know the certainty of the words.
● Luke declares that he did not see Christ, as he is only the reporter.
God said:
Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction[107].
Gary Miller says after reading this verse from chapter An-Nisa:
"One of the well-known scientific principles at present is the principle of finding errors or investigating errors in theories until they are proven correct. The amazing thing is that the Qur'an has been calling Muslims and non-Muslims to find errors in it 14 centuries ago".
Revealing the secrets
Researcher Miller says in his book "The Amazing Qur'an" that he had expected to find an ancient book written 14 centuries ago about the desert, but he discovered that this Book contains things that are not found in any other book in this world.
One of the stories that fascinated Dr. Miller and considered miracles is the story of the Prophet, with his uncle" Abu Lahab".
Miller says:
"This man, Abu Lahab, hated Islam very much. Ten years before the death of Abu Lahab, God revealed a chapter called Al-Masad, which states that Abu Lahab will go to Hell; in other words, Abu Lahab will not enter Islam. Within ten years, all that Abu Lahab had to do to eliminate the call of Muhammad was to come in front of the people and say:
"Muhammad says that I will not become Muslim and will enter Hell, but now I declare that I want to convert to Islam and become a Muslim. But Abu Lahab did not do that and did not become Muslim. He did not even pretend to do so, while he had the opportunity to destroy Islam in one minute; this is a piece of evidence that the Qur'an is not the words of Muhammad. Still, it is a revelation from the one who knows the unseen and knows that Abu Lahab will not surrender himself to God. Otherwise, how could Muhammad know that, and for someone to put up this dangerous challenge, this has only one meaning, which is that the Qur'an is a revelation from God".
Future Predicting
God says:
The Byzantines have been defeated (2) In the nearest land. But they, after their defeat, will overcome. (3) Within three to nine years. To Allah belongs the command before and after. And that day the believers will rejoice (4) In the victory of Allah. He gives victory to whom He wills, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful[108].
This promise was fulfilled with the triumph of the Romans, precisely as it came in verse.
Miller says:
"Without any doubt, there is a unique and amazing orientation in the Qur'an that is not found anywhere else because the Qur'an gives you certain information and says to you: You did not know it before".
That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muhammad]. And you were not with them when they cast their pens as to which of them should be responsible for Mary. Nor were you with them when they disputed[109].
That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muhammad]. You knew it not, neither you nor your people, before this. So be patient; indeed, the [best] outcome is for the righteous[110] .
Miller says:
"There is no book in the so-called religious scriptures that speaks in this way. All the other books are a collection of information, and they always tell you if you want more information, you can read Book X or Book Y because this information came from it. Unlike the Qur'an, which supplies the reader with knowledge, then he tells you this is new information and even asks you to verify it if you are hesitant about the authenticity of the Qur'an in a way that cannot be from a human mind. The astonishing thing about the matter is the people of Mecca at that time. Time after time, they used to hear it and hear the challenge that this is new information that was not Muhammad, and his people know it, despite that they did not say this is not new, rather we know it. They never said: We know from where Muhammad came with this information".
Compatibility of the Qur'an with modern science
The Big Bang
In his research on the Qur'an, Miller stops at this verse:
Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe[111]?
Miller says:
“This verse is exactly the subject of the scientific research that won the Nobel Prize in 1973 AD. It was about the Big Bang theory, which states that the existing universe results from a huge explosion from which the universe occurred, including the heavens and planets. The patch is the coherent thing in the While the hernia is the thing that disintegrates; it is inconceivable that Muhammad in the desert reached this scientific fact 14 centuries ago if God had not told him that”.
Water is the main component of a cell
In the last part of the same verse, which talks about water as a source of life, Dr. Gary Miller says:
"This is a matter of wonders, as modern science has recently proven that the cell is made up of cytoplasm, which represents 80% of it, and the cytoplasm is mainly composed of water ".
We conclude with the testimony of the German orientalist "Dr. chimps,". He said[112]:
"...and you may be surprised by the confession of a European man like me in this way.
I studied the Qur'an and found in it those lofty meanings, precise systems, and wonderful eloquence, the like of which I have never found in my life. One sentence of it sings about books; this is undoubtedly the greatest miracle that has come to Muhammad on the authority of his Lord".
Conclusion
I had once listened to a summary that refutes the misconception promoted by non-Muslims that Muhammad is the author of the Qur'an, which says[113]:
The Qur'an is a book of over 600 pages. It covers a wide range of topics. It was revealed gradually over 23 years. So, if a man had written the Qur'an, we would already have had several problems. If you are going to write a book like the Qur'an, and claim that it is from God, you shouldn't make any mistakes. The Book should not contradict itself, and you should keep its message consistent gradually over 23 years. The grammar must be the same, and the style must remain the same. If the Qur'an is not from God, he should write it himself.
This means that in the middle of the Arabian desert, without books and being illiterate himself.
He should know:
The Law. Civil rights. Criminal rights. Family rights. Labor rights. Military rights. Personal injury rights. Real Estate law. Finance law.
He should know the stories without books and with little Christians' presence in Mecca.
He should know:
● The histories and events of the previous prophets' lives.
● The history of nations' past.
● Religious practices of other religions.
He would have to know them well enough to offer additional information and details not found in these books.
He should know:
How to develop a nation or a government. How to perform the worship and the purification.
Invent dietary laws.
He should know:
Psychology. Education of the children. Arbitration Wealth. Finance and business.
Science. Embryology. Oceanography. Plate Tectonics. Cloud Formation. Uv Rays. Plants. Mountains. The bees. The human brain. The big bang. The expansion of the universe.
And for the Book to be complete.
It should have:
The knowledge of the future, so that he can write the things that will happen in the coming years. He would make sure that he could travel in time to insert his name in the Bible.
If he claims that what he wrote is from God, there must not be a single contradiction, nor a solution that does not work. He must also keep his emotions and his personal life outside of the Book. The Book should not reflect the happy or sad times in his life.
The text should not become optimistic nor pessimistic as if a human had written it.
But if you read the whole Qur'an, you do not feel his emotions:
● When his wife is dead.
● When his daughters are married.
● When his grandchildren are born.
● When he was victorious and when he was defeated.
For anyone who examines the Qur'an, it becomes clear that a man in the desert 1400 years ago cannot write such a book.
Would it be if it was a committee of brilliant thinkers, a secret society tasked with correcting and updating, and rewriting the Qur'an over the years? Their job would be to make sure that the Book seems accurate and contains no errors or contradictions.
And it is constantly updated to be following science and the evolving world.
If this were the case, there would be other versions of the Qur'an due to changes and improvements. We would have newly edited versions and old versions with errors.
You would be able to detect the different styles of writing and the influences of other authors. So, a man didn't write it, and a committee didn't edit it, so where did it come from?
What about the possibility of intelligent devils dictating and influencing a man to write the Qur'an? What kind of devil calls for good behavior, worship God, honoring Jesus and his mother, donating to the Poor, and warning people about the devil?
No matter how you analyze the Qur'an, you will come to a clear conclusion; it could not have been written by a committee, a devil, or the Prophet Muhammed.
Since Muhammed couldn’t have written it, it means that he was telling the truth that the Qur'an is from God. If it is from God, it means that he was a true prophet, and his message must be listened to and respected, and its complete acceptance of the doctrine, laws, and provisions.
● The True Message of Jesus Christ, in the Qur'an and the Bible. 2017, Published in English and translated into 15 languages.
● The Original Concept of God. 2018, published in English and translated into seven languages.
● Why Islam? 2019, published in English and translated into 13 languages.
● Eye on the truth. 2020, published in English and translated into four languages.
● Why Religion? A Journey from the Memory. 2021, published in Arabic and translated into English.
● Atheism - Proclaiming Success or Failure? 2021, published in Arabic and translated into the English Language.
● Why Religion? published in German and translated into the Spanish language.
● Questions and Answers about Islam. 2021, published in Arabic and translated into the English Language.
● A Global Religion. 2022, published in Arabic and translated into the English Language.
I bear witness that there is no god is worthy of worship but the Creator alone, without a partner or son.
I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger
I bear witness that the Messengers of God are true.
I bear witness that Heaven is true and Hell is true.
[1] (Sura 23 Al Mu’mimun:14).
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10085/
[3] (Sura 2 Al Baqara:258).
[4]Christians, Jews, and Muslims in the Middle East use the word “Allah” to refer to God. The word “Allah” means “the only true deity worthy to be worshipped”. The word “Allah” was mentioned in the earlier version of the Old Testament 89 times. (Refer to Genesis 2:4, Book of Daniel 6:20 Hebrew and Arabic Bible). The word 'Allah' appears in the original Sanskrit text. (Reg Veda - Book 2 hymn 1, Verse 11).
[5] (Sura 2 Al -Baqara:85).
[6] The reference of God to Himself as WE or US in many verses of the Qur’an denotes Grandeur and Power in Arabic. In the English language this is known as the royal WE, where a plural pronoun is used to refer to a single person holding a high office, such as a monarch. For the avoidance of doubt, the Qur’an has consistently reminded us of the SINGULAR pronoun in reference to God, when called upon by His servants.
[7] (Sura 75 Al- Qiyama:17).
[8] (Sura 15 Al - Hijir:9).
[9] Collection of the Noble Qur'an and orientalist appeal - Volume 1 - Page 10 - The Collector of Islamic.
[10] (Sura 29 Al- Ankabut:48).
[11] (Sura 42 Al-Shura: 52:53).
[12] (Sura 11 Hud:49).
[13] (Sura 83 Al- mutaffin:13).
[14] (Sura 2 Al- Baqara: 176).
[15] (Sura 6 Al -An'am:25).
[16] (Sura 8 Al- Anfal:31).
[17] (Sura 25 Al -Furqan:5).
[18] (Sura 25 Al - Furqan:6).
[19] (Sura 25 Al - Furqan:4).
[20] (Sura 25 Al - Furqan:4).
[21] (Sura 16 Al Nahl:103).
[22] (Sura 29 Al - Ankabut:48-49).
[23] (Sura 20 Ta-ha:133).
[24] (Sura 27 An-Naml:76).
[25] (Sura 5 Al- Ma'ida:75).
[26] (Sura 3 Al- Imran:93).
[27] (Sura 62 Al- Jum'a:2).
[28] (Sura 29 Al-Ankabut:38).
[29] (Sura 37 As-Safat:132-137).
[30] (Sura 37 As-Safat:36-37).
[31] (Sura 69 Al- Haqqa:40-52).
[32] (Sura 36 Yaseen:69).
[33] (Sura 26 Shu'ara:224-227).
[34] (Sura 32 Al-Sajdah:17).
[35] (Sura 14 Ibrahim:16).
[36] (Sura 74 Al-Muddathir:18-25).
[37] (Sura 26 al-Shu'ara :210-212).
[38] (Sura 16 An- Nahl:98).
[39] (Sura 17 Al - Isra:88).
[40] (Sura 26 Al – Shu'raa:212).
[41] (Sura 26 Al – Shu'raa:221-223).
[42] (Sura 52 Al-Tur:29-30).
[43] (Sura 18 Al- Kahf:23-24).
[44] (Narrated by al-Bukhari).
[45] (Sura 13 Al - Ra’d:14).
[46] (Sura 7 Al-A'raf:188).
[47] (Sura 21 Al-Anbia'a:50).
[48] (Sura 50 Adh-Dhariyat:52-53).
[49] (Sura 10 Yunis:75-82).
[50] (Sura 20 Taha:65-70).
[51] (Sura 41 Fussilat: 3:4).
[52](Ibn Hisham, vol. I, pp. 313-314).
[53] (Sura 21 Al-Anbia'a:107).
[54] (Sura 5 Al-Ma'ida:48).
[55] (Sura 5 Al-Ma'ida:44).
[56] (Sura 2 Al-Baqara:75).
[57] (Sura 5 Al-Ma'ida:13).
[58] (Sura 3 Al-Imran:78).
[59] (Sura 2 Al-Baqara:79).
[60] John Davenport, author of the Book: "Apology to Muhammad and the Qur'an" - The Civilization Organizations in the Islamic Empire, p. 111.
[61] (Sura 6 Al-An'am:91-92).
[62] (Sura 28 Al- Qasas:48).
[63] (Sura 17 Al-Isra:88-89).
[64] (Sura 46 Al-Ahqaf:8-10).
[65] (Sura 32 Al-Sajdah:3).
[66] (Sura 10 Yunus:40).
[67] (Sura 14 Ibrahim:9).
[68] (Sura 43 Al- Zukhruf:57-65).
[69] (Sura 12 Yusuf:111).
[70] (Sura 16 Al-Nahl:36).
[71] (Sura 4 An-Nisa:164).
[72] (Sura 54 Al-Qamar:22).
[73] (Sura 24 An-Nur:34).
[74] (Sura 57 Al-Hadid:9).
[75] (Sura 26 Ash-Shu'ara:193-195).
[76] (Sura 85 Al-Buruj:21).
[77] (Sura 18 Kahf:110).
[78] (Sura 2 Al- Baqara:43).
[79] (Sura 5 Al-Ma’ida:1).
[80] (Sura 2 Al- Baqara:43).
[81] (Sura 9 Tawba:4).
[82] (Sura 12 Yusuf:3).
[83] (Sura 24 An-Nur:27-28).
[84] (Sura 49 Al-Hujurat:12-13).
[85] (Sura 28 Al-Qasas:26).
[86] (Sura 14 Ibrahim:25).
[87] (Sura 11 Hud:13).
[88] (Sura 52 At-Tur:33-34).
[89] (Sura 10 Yunus:38).
[90] (Sura 17 Al-Isra:88).
[91] (Sura 12 Yusuf:102).
[92] (Sura 28 Al-Qasas:44-45).
[93] (Sura 41 Fussilat:39).
[94] (Sura 7 Al- A'raf:57).
[95] (Sura 30 Ar-Rum:48-50).
[96] (Sura 30 Ar-Rum:30).
[97] (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).
[98] (Sura 3 Al-Imran:64).
[99] (Sura 39 Az-Zumar:3).
[100] (Sura 52 Al-Tur:35-27).
[101] (Sura 41 Fussilat:53).
[102] (Sura 51 Adh-Dhariyat:21).
[103] (Sura 7 Al-A'raf:185).
[104] (Sura 16 An-Nahl:48).
[105] (Sura 88 Al-Ghashiya:17-21).
[106] (Sura 2 Al-Baqara:2).
[107] (Sura 4 An-Nisa:82).
[108] (Sura 30 Ar-Rum:2-5).
[109] (Sura 3 Al-Imran:44).
[110] (Sura 11 Hud:49).
[111] (Sura 21 Al-Anbiya:30).
[112] "By the Qur'an, those embraced Islam" (pg. 49), which acknowledges the divinity of the Qur'anic source and the validity of the prophecy of Muhammad.
[113] Islam chat. YouTube.