A striking report cited by Imām al-Shawkānī illustrating the inimitability of the Qurʾān, even in the eyes of leading philosophers. It highlights the unmatched structure, precision, and divine eloquence of Sūrat al-Māʾidah.
Imām Muḥammad ibn ʿAlī al-Shawkānī (1173–1250 AH / 1760–1834 CE) stated:
Al-Naqqāsh mentioned that the companions of the philosopher al-Kindī said to him: ‘O wise one, produce for us something similar to the Qurʾān.’ He replied: ‘Very well, I shall attempt to produce something similar to a part of it.’
He then secluded himself for many days. When he emerged, he said: ‘By Allah, I am unable to do so, and no one is able to do so. I opened the muṣḥaf at Sūrat al-Māʾidah and read it. I found that it commands the fulfilment of covenants and prohibits their violation. It then makes a general declaration of lawfulness, followed by an exception, then an exception to that exception. Thereafter, it mentions Allah’s vast power and wisdom in two lines. No one is capable of producing anything like this.’
This report is cited by Imām al-Shawkānī as an illustration of the Qurʾān’s rhetorical precision, structural coherence, and inimitable eloquence, even when examined by those renowned for philosophical and intellectual ability.
Reference
Muḥammad ibn ʿAlī al-Shawkānī (1250 AH / 1834 CE), Fatḥ al-Qadīr al-Jāmiʿ bayna Fannay al-Riwāyah wa al-Dirāyah min ʿIlm al-Tafsīr, Dār al-Wafāʾ, Cairo, n.d., vol. 2, pp. 6–7.
February 8, 2017
5 mins read
