The Final Divine Scriptures
The Holy Quran is the last of the divine scriptures, serving as the concluding text that is comprehensive and authoritative over the scriptures that preceded it. This sacred book has been preserved from alteration, modification, or any additions or omissions by divine decree.
It is a miraculous text, eloquent in phrase and profound in meaning, encompassing narratives of those before and after us. Previous scriptures foretold its coming, and the Quran, being extensive, contains further divine legislation and moral teachings that were present in earlier scriptures. It offers a universal message intended for both jinn and humankind, distinguishing it from previous books, which were limited to specific peoples and times.
Distinctive Features of the Quran Compared to Other Scriptures
Belief in all the scriptures revealed by God is a fundamental aspect of faith. The Quran stands out among these texts as it abrogates and governs them. It was revealed to the Messenger, peace be upon him, for all of mankind and jinn. The discussion of the Quran’s characteristics can be categorized into two sections as follows.
Characteristics that Distinguish the Quran from Prior Scriptures
The Quran possesses unique characteristics that set it apart from other divine texts, and these should be accepted in belief and practice. Some of these characteristics include:
The Universality of the Quran’s Message
The teachings of the Quran encompass both mankind and jinn, necessitating that they believe in it and worship God according to its doctrines. This is evident in the verse: (Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His Servant, that he may be a warner to the worlds). Additionally, the statement made by the jinn: (Say, “It has been revealed to me that a group of jinn listened and said, ‘Indeed, we have heard an amazing Quran. It guides to righteousness, and we have believed in it, and we will never associate with our Lord anyone.'”) confirms this.
Ease and Flexibility
The Islamic law brought forth by the Quran is characterized by its lack of burdens and strictures imposed on previous communities, as illustrated by the verse: (And He will remove from them their burden and the shackles which were upon them).
God’s Assurance to Preserve the Quran
The Quran is uniquely distinguished by God’s promise to preserve it from any form of distortion, whether in language or meaning. This is highlighted in the verse: (Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will preserve it).
Moreover, God has provided guidance on its explanation and the intended legal rulings through inspiration given to the Prophet (peace be upon him) concerning its meanings and intended laws. This is elaborated by Ibn Kathir in the verse: (Indeed, upon Us is its collection and its recitation. So when We have recited it, then follow its recitation. Then indeed, upon Us is its explanation).
Since the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) until today, God has prepared capable scholars to preserve it, who have memorized it, understood it, acted upon it, and authored works in various fields serving the Quran, including interpretation, recitations, topics related to Meccan and Medinan verses, definitive and ambiguous verses, abrogations and their abrogations, reasons for revelation, parables, grammar, miraculous aspects, linguistic anomalies, and deriving rulings. These efforts exemplify God’s preservation of His book as it was revealed to His Messenger.
The Quran’s Unique Miraculousness
While the Quran shares some aspects of miraculousness with previous scriptures, it is uniquely the greatest, eternal, and persistent miracle that God has supported His beloved Prophet and followers with until the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: (There is no Prophet except that he was given the miracle that was appropriate for his time; and what I have been given is revelation which Allah has revealed to me. Hence, I hope to have the most followers on the Day of Resurrection).
One of the significant aspects of the Quran’s miraculousness is its linguistic excellence, marked by eloquence, clarity, and cohesive structure, which challenged both jinn and humans to produce a text akin to it, a challenge they have failed to meet. This challenge has manifested in three stages:
- The challenge to produce a text comparable to the entire Quran, as seen in the verse: (Then let them produce a statement like it, if they are among the truthful).
- The challenge to produce ten chapters like it, stated in: (Or do they say, ‘He invented it’? Say, ‘Then bring forth ten chapters like it, and call upon whomever you can besides Allah, if you should be among the truthful’).
- The challenge to produce a single chapter that resembles it, as expressed in the verse: (Or do they say, ‘He invented it’? Say, ‘Then bring forth a chapter like it).
The Clarity of Expression in the Quran
The Quran addresses all aspects necessary for human life, both in this world and the hereafter, as stated: (And We have not neglected in the Book anything).
Ease of Memorization
God has made the Quran easy for recitation, reading, contemplation, and reflection, making it accessible for guidance. This is affirmed by scholars of exegesis, including Al-Tabari, based on verses that discuss the ease of remembrance: (And We have certainly made the Quran easy to remember. So is there anyone who will remember?) Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, stated: Had it not been for this ease, no one could utter the words of Allah.
Inclusion of Tales and Accounts of Past Prophets and Nations
The Quran narrates these tales and accounts in a previously unmatched detail compared to prior scriptures, as stated: (And We relate to you, from the news of the messengers, that We may make firm your heart).
Testimony to Previous Scriptures
The Quran serves as the final revelation, confirming the previous scriptures, as noted in the verse: (It is He who has sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming what was before it, and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel before).
Inclusion of the Essence of the Teachings of Previous Prophets
The Quran encapsulates the fundamental principles of the messages of earlier prophets, as stated: (And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming what was before it and ensuring it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their desires away from what has come to you of the truth. For each of you, We have appointed a law and a method). The Quran corroborates all that is truth in these books, such as the oneness of Allah, His exclusive worship, belief in His prophets, faith in the Day of Judgment, and the need for righteous conduct. The aforementioned verse illustrates that the Quran both supervises these books and affirms the truth conveyed in them.
The Abrogation of All Previous Scriptures
It is essential for all people to worship Allah according to what is found in the Quran, permitting only what it permits and prohibiting what it prohibits, as stated: (And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him).
General Characteristics of the Quran
Various criteria categorize the characteristics of the Quran based on its honor, eloquence, and uniqueness, as follows:
Characteristics of the Quran Regarding Its Status and Eminence
The Quran is distinguished by numerous features that highlight its significance and honor, including:
- Many verses and noble hadiths emphasize the prestigious status of the Quran.
- It is the Word of God Almighty, the true path, and the means of salvation.
- It represents the eternal miracle of the Messenger, an undeniable proof of his prophethood, and a pathway to happiness in this life and the hereafter.
- It is the book of legislation, the foundation of monotheism, and the illuminating guidance for the nation.
Intercession of the Quran for Its Followers
The Quran will advocate for its adherents on the Day of Judgment, as evidenced by the narration of Abu Umamah Al-Bahili, who reported: (Recite the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions).
The Healing Nature of the Quran
In numerous verses, Allah describes the Quran as a source of healing, emphasizing the efficacy of healing through the great Quran. The term “healing” is used rather than “medicine,” as the latter may sometimes have detrimental effects while the former guarantees benefits, as stated: (And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers). The Prophet (peace be upon him) recited the Quran as a remedy during his illness, and his companions sought healing through it, notably in the incident of the sting that afflicted a man from among the Arabs, where they recited Surah Al-Fatiha for healing. Hospitals that incorporate the Quran in treatment approach must recognize that true healing comes from Allah alone.
Reward for the Recitation of the Quran
Those who recite and listen to the Quran will receive immense rewards and blessings from Allah.
Diverse Names and Attributes of the Quran
The Quran is known by various names and descriptions, distinguished from other scriptures by being revealed progressively over time.
Characteristics of the Quran Pertaining to Style and Language
Furthermore, it also includes:
- Facilitated understanding for both the layman and the specialist.
This feature is one that eloquent speakers often find challenging to achieve in their own speech, as they address each individual according to their understanding. However, the Quran speaks to men and women, young and old, scholars and the general public, and dignitaries alike with the same verses unaltered. Nevertheless, each group finds its needs met, achieving its objectives. The layperson understands and appreciates its sweetness, often shedding tears, while scholars recognize its eloquence and revealing insights into its knowledge and narratives, thus submitting to their Lord and embracing His commandments.
- Vivid Imagery of Concepts
The Quran excels in presenting meanings in a tangible, almost material form. The renowned commentator Sayyid Qutb exemplified this interpretive approach, as highlighted in the description of the Day as if it has weight and density in the verse: (And they leave behind them a heavy Day). The Quran utilizes numerous literary devices that distinguish it through summarizing and clarifying, precise language capturing complete meaning, skillful narrative structuring, and unique rhythm and cadence.
Additional Characteristics of the Quran
Numerous other notable features exist within the Quran, including:
- The memorization of the Quran among the community: Allah has assigned the community the responsibility of safeguarding His book, ensuring a vast number of individuals memorize it to maintain its transmission, thus absolving any failing to uphold that duty.
Unlike other texts such as the Bible and the Torah, for which purity was not a precondition, they have been subjected to distortion and alteration. In contrast, the Quran was preserved through numerous methods which the Messenger (peace be upon him) taught his companions, and this practice continued in the preservation of it through memorization. This is reflected in the numerous Quran memorization centers spread throughout the Arab world.
- Uninterrupted Chain of Transmission
Allah has honored this Nation with an unbroken chain of transmission that leads back to the Messenger (peace be upon him), where most of its memorizers learn it through listening and receiving teachings from their instructors, who, in turn, learned from their scholars, continuing all the way back to the companions and then to the Prophet (peace be upon him).
- Requirement for Purity to Touch the Quran
Allah revealed the Quran through the finest of angels to the best of Prophets for the noblest of nations, thus necessitating specific types of purity to touch it, which were not mandated for other books. This includes purity of the heart from polytheism, showing off, reputation, and hypocrisy, as well as physical cleanliness from major ritual impurities.
Scholars have unanimously agreed that purity from major impurities is obligatory when touching the Quran, while some also argue that minor impurity requires ablution before handling a copy of the text. Furthermore, keeping one’s clothing and mouth clean, along with proper oral hygiene, is encouraged following the practices of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his noble companions.
Faith in Divine Scriptures
Belief in the earlier scriptures is a fundamental component of the six pillars of faith. It is necessary to believe in these texts in broad strokes, affirming their existence with both heart and tongue, recognizing that some have been lost to time while others have been altered or changed. All these past scriptures have been abrogated by the Quran, and the Muslim’s responsibilities towards them are twofold:
- Belief in the names of previous scriptures mentioned in the Quran, along with the names of the prophets to whom they were sent, such as the Scrolls of Ibrahim (Abraham), the Psalms revealed to Dawud (David), the Gospel sent down to Isa (Jesus), and the Torah given to Musa (Moses).
- Belief that there are divine scriptures revealed by Allah to His prophets, known only to Him, as stated: (Mankind was one community, then Allah sent prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners, and sent down with them the Scripture in truth, to judge between people concerning that in which they differed, and none differed over it except those who were given it, after the clear proofs had come to them, out of envy among themselves).
Evidence of Faith in Divine Scriptures
A multitude of Quranic verses and prophetic traditions emphasize the obligation to believe in earlier divine scriptures, including the following:
- As stated in the verse: (And whoever disbelieves in Allah and His angels and His Books and His messengers and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray), which indicates the necessity of believing in all of Allah’s Books, validating everything revealed within them as truth.
- In another verse: (The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His Books and His messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers’).
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) responded to Jibreel (Gabriel’s) question about the essence of faith: (To believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree, both good and evil).