MIRACLES/SIGNS OF PROPHETHOOD
They are [two types]: perceived and sensed. From the perceived signs/miracles is the revelation of the Great Qur’an. And this is the greatest of miracles and the most dazzling of signs and the most clear of arguments due to the miraculous composition with which He challenged mankind and Jinn to bring something similar to it, but they could not do so despite the many reasons of his enemies to oppose him and their eloquence. Thereafter He challenged them to bring 10 Surahs similar to it and they were incapable [of doing so]. Then He compromised with a single Surah similar to it, yet they were incapable of doing so. And thus, they knew their incapability and their failure in that respect, and there will never be a way for anyone to do so.
In a Makkan verse, Allah says: “Say: “If the mankind and the Jinns were together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.” [Surah al-Isra’: 88]
And He says in another Makkan verse, in Surah at-Toor: “Or do they say: “He (Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)) has forged it (this Qur’an)?” Nay! They believe not! Let them then produce a recital like unto it (the Qur’an) if they are truthful. [Surah at-Toor: 33-34] i.e. if you are truthful [in believing] that he conveyed the Qur’an from himself, then he is a man like you, so bring that which is similar to it because you are men like him.
Allah the Most High said in Surah al-Baqarah which is Madani [revealed in Madinah] repeating the challenge:
“And if you (Arab pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i.e. the Qur’an) to Our slave (Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)), then produce a Surah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allah, if you are truthful. But if you do it not, and you can never do it, then fear the Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.” [Surah al- Baqarah: 23, 24]
Allah the Most High says:
“Or they say, “He (Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)) forged it (the Qur’an).” Say: “Bring you then ten forged Surah (chapters) like unto it, and call whomsoever you can, other than Allah (to your help), if you speak the truth!”If then they answer you not, know then that the Revelation (this Qur’an) is sent down with the Knowledge of Allah and that La ilaha illa Huwa: (none has the right to be worshipped but He)! Will you then be Muslims (those who submit to Islam)?” [Surah al- Hood: 13, 14]
Allah the Most High says,
“And this Qur’ân is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah (Lord of the heavens and the earth), but it is a confirmation of (the revelation) which was before it [i.e. the Tawrah (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.], and a full explanation of the Book (i.e. laws and orders, etc, decreed for mankind) – wherein there is no doubt from the Lord of the ‘Alameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists). Or do they say: “He (Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)) has forged it?” Say: “Bring then a Surah (chapter) like unto it, and call upon whomsoever you can, besides Allah, if you are truthful!”Nay, they deny that; the knowledge whereof they could not compass and whereof the interpretation has not yet come unto them. Thus those before them did deny. Then see what was the end of the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.)![ Surah Yunus: 37-39]
So He, the Most High, clarified that the creation is unable to produce this Qur’an – even 10 Surahs similar to it and even one Surah like it. Moreover, they shall never be able to do that just as Allah mentioned: “But if you do it not, and you can never do it.” [Surah al-Baqarah: 24] i.e. if you did not do so in the past, then you shall never be able to do so in the future. This is a second challenge that it is not possible for them to contest it whether in the present or the future. Challenges such as this only come from one who has certainty in the [fact] that it is not possible for mankind to contest or to bring similar to what he has come with.
If it had come from someone who had invented it by himself, then he would have feared that he would be contested against, lest he should be humiliated and that it backfires against his intention in the people following him. Yet it is known to everyone who possesses a brain that Muhammad is from the most intelligent of Allah’s creation, rather the most intelligent of them and the most perfect of them in totality at the same time. He did not embark on this affair except that he knew that it was not possible to contest and this is what has occurred.
From the time of the Messenger of Allah (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) till our time, nobody has been able to come with something similar to it or even a Surah similar to it. This shall never be possible for this is the speech of the Lord of the mankind and Jinn, whom nobody resembles from creation, not in His essence, nor His attributes and nor His actions. So how is it possible for the speech of the created resemble the speech of the Creator? the statement of the Quraish which the Most High narrated from them in His statement:
“And when Our Verses (of the Qur’an) are recited to them, they say: “We have heard this (the Qur’an); if we wish we can say the like of this. This is nothing but the tales of the ancients.” [Soorah al-Anfal: 31]
This is a lie from them and a false claim without proof or evidence or an argument. If they were truthful, then they would have come with that which contests it. However, they knew that they were lying just as they knew that they were lying in His statement, the Most High: “Tales of the ancients, which he has written down, and they are dictated to him morning and afternoon.” [Soorah al-Furqan: 5]
Allah the Most High [then] says:
“Say: It (this Qur’an) has been sent down by Him (Allah) (the Real Lord of the heavens and earth) Who knows the secret of the heavens and the earth. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”[Soorah al- Furqan: 6]
That is, the One Who knows the hidden revealed it, the Lord of the earth and the Heavens, the One Who knows that which was and what shall be, and how that which has not existed would be. Verily He, The Most High, inspired to his Slave and Messenger, the Illiterate Prophet, the one who did not know how to write well and did not know how to read at all. And he did not know anything from the knowledge of the prior generations and the stories of those in ancient times.
Thereafter, Allah informed him about that which had passed and the present in its true form and in doing so, He differentiated between truth and falsehood that most of the previous books had differed in narrating just as Allah the Most High said: “This is of the news of the unseen which We reveal unto you (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)), neither you nor your people knew them before this. So be patient. Surely, the (good) end is for the Muttaqoon [God fearing]” [Soorah Hood: 49].
He said the Most High,
“Thus We relate to you (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)) some information of what happened before. And indeed We have given you from Us a Reminder (this Qur’an). Whoever turns away from it (this Qur’an i.e. does not believe in it, nor acts on its orders), verily, they
will bear a heavy burden (of sins) on the Day of Resurrection, They will abide in that (state in the Fire of Hell), and evil indeed will it be that load for them on the Day of Resurrection” [Soorah Ta Ha: 99-101].
He (SWT) says:
“And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)) the Book
(this Qur’an) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohaimin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures).” [Soorah al-Ma’idah: 48]
He (SWT) says,
“Neither did you (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)) read any book before it (this Qur’an), nor did you write any book (whatsoever) with your right hand. In that case, indeed, the followers of falsehood might have doubted. Nay, but they, the clear Ayat [i.e. the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) written like verses in the Tawrah (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge (from the people of the Scriptures). And none but the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.) deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). And they say: “Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord? Say: “The signs are only with Allah, and I am only a plain warner.”Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe. Say (to them O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)): “Sufficient is Allah for a witness between me and you. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth.” And those who believe in Batil (all false deities other than Allah), and disbelieve in Allah and (in His Oneness), it is they who are the losers.” [Soorah al-Ankaboot: 48-52]
So Allah clarified that the revelation of this book containing knowledge of what happened [in the past], that which will happen and the ruling upon that which exists between mankind upon this illiterate Prophet is in itself sufficient proof of his truthfulness.
He (SWT) says:
“And when Our Clear Verses are recited unto them, those who hope not for their meeting with Us, say:
Bring us a Qur’an other than this, or change it.”Say (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)): “It is not for me to change it on my own accord; I only follow that which is revealed unto me.
Verily, I fear if I were to disobey my Lord, the torment of the Great Day (i.e. the Day of
Resurrection).”Say (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)): “If Allah had so willed,
I should not have recited it to you nor would He have made it known to you. Verily, I have stayed amongst you a life time before this. Have you then no sense?” So who does more wrong than he who forges a lie
against Allah or denies His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)? Surely, the Mujrimoon (criminals, sinners, disbelievers and polytheists) will never be successful! [Soorah Yoonus: 15-17]
He says to them, “I cannot alter this from my desires. It is only Allah the Great and the Almighty, Who is able to erase that which He wills and establishes. I am a conveyer from Him and you know my truthfulness in what I brought to you because I grew up among you. And you know my lineage, my truthfulness, my faithfulness, and [the fact that] I never lied to anyone of you even once in my life. So how is it possible for me to lie against Allah the Great and the Almighty, the Possessor of harm and benefit, the One Who is able to do all things and is knowledgeable of all affairs? And which sin is graver than lying upon Allah and attributing to Him that which is not from him?”
Just as Allah (SWT) says:
“And if he (Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)) had forged a false saying concerning Us (Allah), We surely should have seized him by his right hand (or with power and might), And then certainly should have cut off his life artery (Aorta), And none of you could withhold Us from
(punishing) him.” [Soorah al-Haqqah: 44-47]
That is: If he was to lie upon Us, we would have certainly taken most severe revenge/exacted a severe punishment and none from the dwellers of the earth could hinder or prevent us from [punishing] him.
He (SWT) says:
“And who can be more unjust than he who invents a lie against Allah, or says: “I have received inspiration,” whereas he is not inspired in anything; and who says, “I will reveal the like of what Allah
has revealed.” And if you could but see when the Zalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.) are in the
agonies of death, while the angels are stretching forth their hands (saying): “Deliver your souls! This day you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used to utter against Allah other than the truth. And you used to reject His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) with disrespect!” [Soorah al-An‘am: 93]
He (SWT) says:
“Say (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)): “What thing is the most great in witness?” Say: “Allah (the Most Great!) is Witness between me and you; this Qur’an has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach.” [Soorah al-An‘am: 19]
And in these words is proof that Allah is a witness over everything and that He, the Most High, is the greatest of witnesses and is well aware of me and you in regards to that which I brought to you. The strength of the words entails an oath that He sent me to the creation in order to warn them and whoever it reaches, then it is a warning for them, just as Allah says:
“ But those of the sects (Jews, Christians and all the other non-Muslim nations) that reject it (the
Qur’an), the Fire will be their promised meeting-place. So be not in doubt about it (i.e. those who denied
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) and also denied all that which he brought from Allah, surely, they will enter Hell). Verily, it is the truth from your Lord, but most of the mankind believe not. [Soorah Hood:17]
Thus, in this Qur’an there is true information about Allah, His Throne, His upper and lower beings like the heavens and the earths – that which is between them and therein, great matters proved with clear evidences, guidance from the point of view of sound intellect, just as Allah the Most High says:
“And indeed We have fully explained to mankind, in this Qur’an, every kind of similitude, but most mankind refuse (the truth and accept nothing) but disbelief.” [Soorah al-Isra’: 89]
He (SWT) says:
“And these similitudes We put forward for mankind, but none will understand them except those who have knowledge (of Allah and His Signs, etc.). [Soorah al-Ankaboot: 43]
He says, the Most High:
“And indeed We have put forth for men, in this Qur’an every kind of similitude in order that they may remember. An Arabic Qur’an, without any crookedness (therein) in order that they may avoid all evil
which Allah has ordered them to avoid, fear Him and keep their duty to Him.” [Soorah az-Zumar: 27, 28]
The Noble Qur’an relates true stories about the events that have happened before and the evidence for this lies in the books of the People of the Book. These books give testimony to the revelation upon an unlettered man who did not know how to write, and he had not studied for even a [single] day anything from the sciences of the previous generations or the stories of the ancients. Thus, the people were not amazed except by the inspiration to him about the beneficial stories which are worthy of being remembered and contemplated over, from the stories of the nations with their Prophets and their affairs with them [Prophets] – how Allah saved the Believers and destroyed the Kuffar with a single statement which mankind could never ever reproduce till the end of time.
So in one place a story is mentioned briefly with the epitome of clarity and eloquence, and other times it is mentioned fully and there is nothing more radiant, clear or loftier than that context, to the extent that the reciter or the listener [would feel as if he was] witnessing what was being presented, seeing the story by himself. This is just as Allah (SWT) says:
“And you (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)) were not at the side of the Toor
Mount) when We did call, [it is said that Allah called the followers of Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him), and they answered His Call, or that Allah called Moosa (Moses)]. But (you are
sent) as a mercy from your Lord, to give warning to a people to whom no warner had come before you, in
order that they may remember or receive admonition. [Tafseer At-Tabari, Vol. 20, Page 81]. [Soorah al- Qasas: 46]
He says, The Most High:
“This is a part of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past nations of which you have no knowledge) which We inspire you with (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)). You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed.” [Soorah Al Imran: 44]
He says, the Most High:
“This is of the news of the Ghaib (unseen) which We reveal by Inspiration to you (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) ). You were not (present) with them when they arranged their plan together, and (also, while) they were plotting. And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly. And no reward you (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)) ask of them (those who deny your Prophethood) for it, it(the Qur’an) is no less than a Reminder and an advice unto the ‘Alameen (men and jinns). [Soorah Yoosuf: 102-104]
Till He says at the end of it [the Soorah]:
“Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Qur’an) is not a forged statement but a confirmation of the Allah’s existing Books [the Tawrah (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel) and other Scriptures of Allah] and a detailed explanation of everything and a guide and a Mercy for the people who believe. [Soorah Yoosuf: 111]
He says, the Most High:
“They say: “Why does he not bring us a sign (proof) from his Lord?” Has there not come to them the proof of that which is (written) in the former papers [Scriptures, i.e. the Tawrah (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel), etc. about the coming of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) ].” [Soorah Ta Ha: 133]
He says, the Most High:
“Say: “Tell me, if it (the Qur’an) is from Allah, and you disbelieve in it, who is more astray than one who is in opposition far away (from Allah’s Right Path and His obedience). We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their ownselves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur’an) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?” [Soorah Fussilat: 52,53]
He has promised, the Most High, that He shall make the verses of the Qur’an apparent and its truthfulness and the truthfulness of the one who came with it, with signs proving the truthfulness of this book. And also in the souls of those who deny it, which will be an evidence against them and an evidence that cuts their doubts, until they have certainty that it was revealed by Allah upon the tongue of the truthful [Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)].
Then He guided towards a separate evidence with His statement: Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things? That is, knowing that Allah is aware of this matter is enough [to illustrate] the truthfulness of this informer, because if he was a liar he would have brought a severe punishment swiftly upon him.
In the Qur’an is news about what shall occur in the future [after the revelation] matching what happened, word for word. And similarly in the hadeeths according to what we established in our book Tafseer and also what we shall mention from features and trials, such as His statement the Most High:
“He knows that there will be some among you sick, others travelling through the land, seeking of Allah’s Bounty; yet others fighting in Allah’s Cause.” [Soorah al-Muzzammil: 20]
This Soorah is from the first of the Soorahs that were revealed in Makkah. And similarly, His statement in Soorah Iqtarabat [Soorah al-Qamar] which is Makkan without any difference [of opinion]: Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs. Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter. The confirmation of this occurred in the Battle of Badr after that. Other examples such as this are from the clear evidences, and a section shall come later about matters which the Messenger of Allah said shall occur after him – may peace be upon him – in accordance to what he mentioned.
In the Qur’an are just rules – commands and prohibitions – entailing great wisdom, If a person of understanding and sound intellect contemplates over them, he would have certainty that these rules only came from the One who knows the Unseen, the Merciful to His slaves who deals with them with His care and mercy and goodness.
Allah the Most High says:
“And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice.” [Soorah al-An‘am: 115]
That is, [the Qur’an] is truthful in its stories and fair in its commands and prohibitions.
He says, the Most High:
“Alif-Lam-Ra. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. (This is) a Book, the Verses whereof are perfected (in every sphere of knowledge, etc.),
and then explained in detail from One (Allah), Who is All-Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things)” [Soorah Hood: 1]
That is, the words have been perfected and the meanings have been clarified.
He says, the Most High:
“It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam) [Soorah at-Tawbah: 33]
That is, beneficial knowledge and righteous action, and thus it has been narrated from Ali bin Abu Talib(May Allah be pleased with him)that he said to Kumail bin Ziyad, “It is the book of Allah, therein is the news of what was before you, and the ruling between you and the news of what is after you.” We have mentioned all of this in detail in our book Tafseer which is sufficient, and for Allah is all praise and grace.
Thus, the Great Qur’an is a miracle from many angles – from [the point of view of] its eloquence, composition, synthesis, phrasing, and what it contains from news of the Unseen, both past and future, and what it contains from clear perfect rulings. The challenge with [regard to] the eloquence of its words is specific for the eloquent Arabs, and the challenge of the true and perfect meanings contained in it – and this is the greatest challenge according to many scholars – is general to the dwellers of the earth from the two faiths, the people of the two books [Jews and Christians] and other than them from the intellectuals of the Greeks, Indians, Persians, Qibt and other than them from the groups of the children of Adam all over the world.
Whoever claims from the philosophers [people of innovation] that its miracle is in discouraging the disbelievers in challenging it whilst denying it, or removing the ability from them to do so, then this is a false claim. And it is derived from their [Islamic philosophers] belief that the Qur’an was created, Allah created it in some bodies. There is no differentiation according to them between one creation and another. This statement of theirs is disbelief and falsehood and is not in accordance with reality. Rather the Qur’an is the speech of Allah, not created – He spoke it as He wished, far removed is He, The Most High and Sacred from what they say.
In reality, all of the creation are incapable of bringing something similar to it, even if they were to help and assist one another upon this. Even the Messengers who are the most eloquent of the creation, the most knowledgeable of creation and the most perfect of them could not speak with words similar to the speech of Allah. This Qur’an, that the Messenger (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) conveyed from Allah, has speech and wordings that do not resemble the style of the Messenger of Allah (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him).
The style of his speech – may peace be upon him – preserved from him by authentic chains of narration, [is such that] none from the Companions nor those after them could speak with his expressions and eloquence or with the meanings contained in his noble words.
Rather, the speech of the Companions has a style more lofty than the style of the speech of the Tabi‘oon and so on, and so forth till our time. The scholars of the Salaf were more eloquent, knowledgeable and exaggerated less in conveying the meanings they intended with their expressions than the scholars of the Khalaf [those after the Salaf]. This is witnessed by the one who has the knack of [distinguishing] people’s speech, just as he perceives the difference between the poetry of the Arabs in the pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance and the poetry of those born after them.
By Ibn Katheer
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