The Qur’an: a Revelation

A Literal Text, Not A Poem

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Explained in Detail

Abstract

The Qur’an is a revelation, a literal text, which needs to be read as is. It is not poetry, and the Qur’an itself refutes any such assumption about it.      

Full Text

Surah At-Taariq
13 Lo! this (Qur'an) is a conclusive word,
14 It is no pleasantry.

The Qur’an repeatedly draws attention to the signs all around and within us, urging us to pay heed to them. In Q51:4, it states:

Surah Adh-Dhaariyat

23 And by the Lord of the heavens and the earth, it is the truth, even as (it is true) that ye speak.

Unfortunately, many people assume that the Qur’an is difficult to understand. They claim that it is a poem, full of symbolism and analogies, and thus needs to be interpreted. The Qur’an itself refutes all such claims:

Surah Al-Anbiya

5 Nay, say they, (these are but) muddled dreams; nay, he hath but invented it; nay, he is but a poet. Let him bring us a portent even as those of old (who were Allah's messengers) were sent (with portents).

6 Not a township believed of those which We destroyed before them (though We sent them portents): would they then believe?      

7 And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men, whom We inspired. Ask the followers of the Reminder if ye know not?

Surah Ash-Shu’arah

2 These are revelations of the Scripture that maketh plain
…

224 As for poets, the erring follow them.

225 Hast thou not seen how they stray in every valley,

226 And how they say that which they do not?

227 Save those who believe and do good works, and remember Allah much, and vindicate themselves after they have been wronged. Those who do wrong will come to know by what a (great) reverse they will be overturned!

Surah Ya-sin

69 And We have not taught him (Muhammad) poetry, nor is it meet for him. This is naught else than a Reminder and a Lecture making plain,           

70 To warn whosoever liveth, and that the word may be fulfilled against the disbelievers.

Surah As-Saaffaat

35 For when it was said unto them, There is no Allah save Allah, they were scornful

36 And said: Shall we forsake our gods for a mad poet?

37 Nay, but he brought the Truth, and he confirmed those sent (before him).

Surah At-Tur

29 Therefor warn (men, O Muhammad). By the grace of Allah thou art neither soothsayer nor madman.

30 Or say they: (he is) a poet, (one) for whom we may expect the accident of time?

31 Say (unto them): Except (your fill)! Lo! I am with you among the expectant.

32 Do their minds command them to do this, or are they an outrageous folk?           

33 Or say they: He hath invented it? Nay, but they will not believe!     

34 Then let them produce speech the like thereof, if they are truthful.

Surah Al-Haaqqa

40 That it is indeed the speech of an illustrious messenger.      

41 It is not poet's speech - little is it that ye believe!       

42 Nor diviner's speech - little is it that ye remember!   

43 It is a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds.

44 And if he had invented false sayings concerning Us, 

45 We assuredly had taken him by the right hand         

46 And then severed his life-artery,          

47 And not one of you could have held Us off from him.

As clearly stated in the above quotes, the Qur’an is a revelation, a literal text, which needs to be read as is. It is not poetry!

[translations: Pickthal]