The Reputed Excellence of the Qurʾān and Its Miraculous Character
Introduction
Copies of the Qurʾān hold immense reverence among Muslims (مُسلمون, Müslümanlar). They ensure that they are in a state of ritual purity (طهارة, temizlik) before handling it and maintain the utmost respect while reading it.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: القرآن (Al-Qurʾān)
- Turkish: Kur’an
Ritualistic Conduct Around the Qurʾān
Muslims engage with the Qurʾān in a manner that underscores its sanctity:
- It is never held below the waist.
- It serves as an item for swearing oaths and for guidance in personal matters.
- Soldiers carry it for protection, inscribing its verses on banners, and can wear it as an amulet.
- It is placed on a high shelf in households as a mark of honor.
Historical Debates on the Qurʾān’s Nature
Created vs. Uncreated
Islamic scholars have debated the essence of the Qurʾān:
- Uncreated and Eternal: Many believe the Qurʾān exists in the essence of God (الله, Allah).
- Created: The Abbasid Caliphs Al-Maʾmūn, al-Muʿtaṣim, and al-Wās̤iq enforced the notion that the Qurʾān is a creation, leading to persecutions.
- Resolution: Al-Mutawakkil later revoked these edicts, advocating theological freedom.
Miraculous Nature and Linguistic Inimitability
The Qur’ān is often considered the standing miracle of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم, Hz. Muhammed):
- Challenges in the Qurʾān: Prophet Muhammad challenges skeptics to produce even a single chapter (سورة, sure) like it (Sūrah x. 39, xi. 16, lii. 34).
- Muʿtazilites’ View: They argue the Qurʾān’s style and composition are not inherently miraculous.
Traditions and Hadiths on the Qurʾān’s Excellence
Several hadiths elucidate its importance:
- Teaching and Learning: “The best among you is he who learns the Qurʾān and teaches it.”
- The Heart of the Qurʾān: “Everything has a heart, and the heart of the Qurʾān is the chapter Yā-Sīn (يس).”
- Special Verses: Specific chapters and verses provide unique benefits, like protection from ad-Dajjāl or Satan.
Notable Verses and Scholarly Praise
Selected Verses of Excellence:
- Qurʾān’s Inimitability: Sūrah xlvi. 7: “Will they say, ‘He hath devised it’? Say, If I have devised it, then not one single thing can ye ever obtain for me from God.”
- Divine Revelation: Sūrah liii. 4: “Verily the Qurʾān is none other than a revelation. One terrible in power taught it him.”
Scholarly Praise:
- Suffering and Redemption: Sūrah xi. 44-46 recounting Noah’s flood demonstrates the Qurʾān’s sublime narrative style.
Further Reading
For those interested in deepening their understanding, the following books are recommended:
- “An Introduction to the Qur’an” by Abdullah Saeed
- “The Qurʾān and its Biblical Subtext” by Gabriel Said Reynolds
- “The History of the Qurʾānic Text” by Muhammad Mustafa Al-Azami
Takeaways
- The Qurʾān is deeply revered in Islamic culture and is associated with numerous traditions emphasizing its holiness.
- Theological debates reflect the dynamic historical context of Islamic scholarship.
- The Qurʾān remains a central miracle affirming the prophecy of Muhammad.
Conclusion
The Qurʾān’s miraculous nature and revered status underscore its pivotal role in Islamic faith, tradition, and daily practices of Muslims. From theological debates about its creation to its unparalleled literary form, the Qurʾān remains the cornerstone of Islamic life and spirituality.
