Proof of the Divine Origin of the Quran: How Do We Know the Quran Is from God?

No One Can Bring a Chapter Like the Quran

In response to the question, "How can an ordinary person in modern times be convinced that the Quran is divine?" scholars say:

The divine origin of the Quranic verses revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) is established through their miraculous nature. A miracle is an extraordinary act by someone claiming prophethood, which others are unable to replicate, despite being challenged to do so. (Ayatollah Subhani, Al-Ilahiyat Ala Huda Al-Kitab wa Al-Sunnah wa Al-Aql, Vol. 3, p. 69)

The Quran explicitly sets the conditions of this challenge (referred to as "tahaddi") within its verses. The Prophet (PBUH) used the Quran as proof of his prophethood and invited opponents to produce even a single chapter like it. Moreover, he allowed them to seek help from anyone worldwide for this task. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:23)

Focusing on the Quran's miraculous aspects allows anyone to realize its authenticity. The key elements of its miraculous nature include:

Contentual Miracles

One unique feature of the Quran is its freedom from flaws, contradictions, or inconsistencies. In contrast, human works typically exhibit defects, errors, and contradictions.

Human beings evolve throughout life and are influenced by various conditions. Every stage of development requires revisions and transformations. Therefore, writers, poets, and artists constantly review, critique, and refine their work to improve its quality.

For instance, Anatole France, a renowned French author, reportedly revised a single sentence up to seven times. Similarly, Tolstoy, the Russian author, rewrote his book War and Peace over twenty times. (Erfan, Hassan, Miracles in the Quran, 1979, p. 113)

Yet the Quran, revealed over 23 years, remained free of discrepancies despite the vastly different circumstances during its revelation. These ranged from weakness to strength, peace to war, and the Prophet’s roles as a minority in Mecca to a leader in Medina. The Quran’s style and language consistently remained harmonious and free from conflict.

As the Quran itself states:

“Do they not ponder the Quran? If it had been from other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:82)

This verse invites reflection and thought. Apparent inconsistencies resolve upon deeper understanding, and the Quran emphasizes its divine origin by highlighting the absence of contradictions—something human works cannot achieve.

Linguistic Miracles

The Quran's language is unique and distinct from anything else humanity has ever heard or produced. No form of speech matches its eloquence and literary excellence.

Linguists define two key features of eloquent speech as:

Fasaha (Eloquence): Clarity of words, fluency of expression, and melodic harmony.

Balagha (Rhetoric): Precision in conveying meaning effectively.

One of the greatest literary figures of pre-Islamic Arabia, Walid ibn Mughira, remarked about the Quran:

“What Muhammad says neither resembles human speech nor that of the jinn. His words have a unique sweetness and charm.”

However, to counteract the Quran’s influence, he suggested saying:

“Call him a magician.”

(Tabarsi, Majma' al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran, Vol. 11, p. 583)

Prophecies in the Quran

One of the most remarkable features of the Quran is the presence of prophecies that came true, confirming its divine origin. These prophecies encompass a variety of events, ranging from the fate of nations to the rise of specific leaders. Some examples include:

1. The Victory of the Romans
   In Surah Ar-Rum (30:2–4), the Quran foretells the defeat and subsequent victory of the Romans over the Persians. This was a remarkable prophecy given the context of the time, when the Romans were on the brink of defeat.

2. The Preservation of Pharaoh’s Body
   The Quran mentions the preservation of Pharaoh’s body as a sign for later generations in Surah Yunus (10:92). Archaeological discoveries of mummies in Egypt centuries later corroborated this prophecy.

These and many other prophecies add weight to the belief that the Quran is indeed a divine revelation, as such knowledge would be impossible for a human being to predict.

Scientific Insights in the Quran

The Quran contains verses that allude to scientific facts that were unknown at the time of its revelation but were later confirmed by modern science. These insights have been interpreted as further proof of the Quran’s miraculous nature. Some key examples include:

1. The Development of the Human Embryo
   In Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:13–14), the Quran describes the development of the human embryo in stages. These stages match the process described by modern embryology, including the formation of the "clinging clot" (which refers to the fertilized egg) and the development of bones and flesh.

2. The Expanding Universe
   In Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:47), the Quran mentions the expanding universe. This aligns with the modern scientific understanding of the universe’s continuous expansion, a discovery made in the 20th century by astronomers such as Edwin Hubble.

These insights demonstrate how the Quran contains knowledge that was beyond the understanding of people in the 7th century, further validating its divine origin.

The Quran’s Literary Excellence

The Quran’s unmatched eloquence is not only a product of its style and language but also its ability to convey profound meanings with brevity and simplicity. The Quran’s verses are layered with deep meanings that can be understood at multiple levels. The structure and rhyme of the Quran also play an important role in its unique appeal, creating a sense of rhythm that enhances its memorability and recitability.

Additionally, the Quran’s use of metaphors, similes, and parables brings the text to life, making it accessible to people from all walks of life, regardless of their educational background.

The Quran’s Impact on Human History

The Quran’s influence on human history has been profound, shaping civilizations, cultures, and societies. Its teachings have led to the establishment of Islamic civilization, which has contributed significantly to science, art, philosophy, and social justice. The Quran has inspired generations of thinkers, scientists, artists, and leaders to work toward justice, knowledge, and the betterment of humanity.

Moreover, the Quran’s message of unity, compassion, and moral integrity has resonated with people from diverse backgrounds, leading to the conversion of millions across the world and fostering a sense of community among its followers.

The Quran's divine origin is evident in its miraculous features, including its linguistic excellence, prophecies, scientific insights, and historical impact. It remains the ultimate proof of God’s existence and guidance for humanity, offering wisdom and knowledge that continue to resonate through the ages.

The Quran challenges humankind to reflect upon its verses, ponder its meanings, and embrace its teachings. Through these reflections, one can recognize that the Quran is not merely a book of spiritual guidance, but a divine gift that serves as a light for all of humanity.