Challenge to produce the like of the Quran was directed at the Arabs

26-4-2015 | IslamWeb

Question:

As-salaamu 3laikum, Does the fact that nobody could produce a verse like the Qur'an also mean that nobody could work out what the original words of the Qur'an are by looking at a translation of them (if they did not already know that part of the Qur'an)? Jazaakum Allahu khairan

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

These verses, which you asked about, were revealed in the context of the challenge from Allaah, Exalted and Glorified is He, for the people in whose language the Quran was revealed, namely the Arabs, to bring about the like of it in its arrangement, quality and the articulation of its meanings, as Tafseer scholars have stated. Al-Aloosi said: “It means (to bring about) a Soorah similar to that of the Quran in eloquence and miraculous style.” [End of quote]

As regards the meaning that you referred to in the question, this is not a correct meaning because Arabs know the meaning of the words, and they use them in their poetry and prose, but they are unable to come up with one single verse like the Quran in eloquence and style.

Finally, we appreciate your asking the question and your desire to learn, but it is more appropriate for you to ask about matters that entail action, as this is more beneficial for you.

Allaah Knows best.