The Koran (Al-Qur'an)

The Qur’an unequivocally asserts itself as the literal word of God—a revelation delivered to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. This claim serves not only as a theological declaration but also as a central element of the Qur’an’s rhetorical structure and authority. Verses such as “This is the Scripture in which there is no doubt, containing guidance for those who are mindful of God” (2:2) and “It is He who has sent this scripture down to you, [Prophet], with the truth” (3:7) emphasize its divine origin. Believers regard these verses as evidence that the Qur’an is fundamentally different from human speech or composition. The Qur’an consistently refutes accusations that it is poetry or fabrication, asserting instead that its unmatched eloquence and depth serve as signs of its divine nature. This is seen through challenges like “Then produce a sura like it, and call on anyone you can beside God if you are telling the truth” (10:38).

This claim of divine authorship positions the Qur’an as a miraculous text that embodies both spiritual guidance and proof of God’s existence. Its stylistic features—rhythmic structure, rhetorical devices, and interwoven themes—seek to appeal to both intellect and emotion while emphasizing its inimitable nature. The text frequently describes itself as a “clear message” or a “light,” underscoring its self-perception as an enduring testament to divine will.

In asserting its divine origin, the Qur’an establishes its authority as a guide for believers and as the ultimate source of law, morality, and truth. This foundation seeks to ensure its relevance across time, framing its guidance as universal and eternal, transcending the historical context of its revelation.

The Qur’an’s claim of divine authorship aligns it with the foundational texts of other Abrahamic religions, such as the Torah and the Bible, which are similarly presented as divine revelations transmitted through prophets. Like the Qur’an, these scriptures emphasize their roles as direct communications from God, offering guidance, law, and theological truths. The Torah, for instance, is described as being given to Moses at Mount Sinai, and the Bible portrays divine inspiration through various prophets and apostles. In all cases, the assertion of divine authorship functions as the basis for authority, compelling adherence to their teachings as absolute and immutable.

The Qur’an’s challenge to disbelievers to produce a text of comparable depth and eloquence echoes the reverence for scripture seen in Jewish and Christian traditions, where the perceived uniqueness of their sacred texts also affirms their divine origin. However, the Qur’an often critiques what it perceives as distortions or misapplications of earlier revelations, situating itself as both a continuation and a corrective of the Abrahamic tradition. It asserts its preservation and direct transmission through the Prophet Muhammad as evidence of its purity and superiority—a claim that differentiates it within the Abrahamic framework.

The Qur’an’s assertion of divine authorship reinforces a shared Abrahamic belief in God’s direct involvement in guiding humanity, while its emphasis on the finality and inimitability of its message positions it as the culmination of divine revelation. This claim underscores both its theological continuity with and distinction from earlier scriptures, highlighting the interplay of shared roots and unique identity within the broader Abrahamic tradition.