By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

IV. The Qur’ân: Consistent and Free from Any Form of Human Manipulation

When you read the Qur’ân, you will not find any discrepancy or crookedness in it. Many centuries have passed from the time Allâh revealed the Qur’ân for our divine guidance and until now there exists no revision of the Book. No one has ever dared to attempt revising it. No one, even in today’s modern or scientific era, has seen the need for its revision. The reason lies on man’s limited knowledge. He cannot find any error in the Word of Allâh. It needs no single correction, as it is perfect in every letter because it is the Divine Word of Allâh, the All-Embracing, the All Knowing (2:115). He is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom, Wise. Allâh says:

 “…But the word of Allâh is exalted to the heights, for Allâh is Exalted in Might, Wise.” (9:40)

 “And if all the trees on earth were pens and the Ocean (were ink), with seven Oceans behind it to add to its (supply), yet would not the words of Allâh be exhausted (in the writing), for Allâh is exalted in power, full of Wisdom.” (31:27)

Allâh further guides all mankind to be rational enough to believe in the Qur’ân as His Book. He points out that the Qur’ân bears no discrepancy and no crookedness therein. In other words, it is consistent with itself. This is what Allâh emphasizes in the following verses:

 “Do they not ponder on the Qur’ân? Had it been from other than Allâh, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.” (4: 82)

“Praise be to Allâh, Who has sent to His Servant the Book, and has allowed therein no Crookedness.” (18:1)

“Allâh has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects). The skins of those who fear their Rabb tremble thereat. Then their skins and their hearts do soften to the remembrance of Allâh. Such is the guidance of Allâh. He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as Allâh leaves to stray, can have none to guide.” (39:23)

Nowhere could you find any inconsistency in the Qur’ân for verily, it is the Truth from the Rabb of the Worlds (32:3). It is the only Book that has been preserved. Allâh affirms that it has been preserved in a Tablet or in a Book well guarded. He says:

 “Nay, this is a Glorious Qur’ân inscribed in a Tablet Preserved!” (85:21-22)

“That this is indeed a Qur’ân most honorable, in a Book well guarded, which none shall touch but those who are clean: a Revelation from the Rabb of the Worlds.” (56:77-80)

Verily, the Qur’ân is the pure Word of Allâh, never been changed by anyone, not even Allâh’s Messengerr. Allâh makes this very clear:

 “But when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed unto them those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us say: ‘Bring us a Reading other than this or change this (Qur’ân).’ Say: ‘It is not for me of my own accord to change it.  I follow naught but what is revealed unto me: if I were to disobey my Rabb I should myself fear the Penalty of a Great Day (to come).’"  (10:15)

The Qur’ân will forever remain as the pure and undistorted Book of Allâh to all mankind. No one can ever change it. Allâh promises to protect it from any form of human manipulation. He assures us:

“The Word of the Rabb does find its fulfillment in truth and in justice. None can change His Words: for He is the One Who hears and knows all.”  (6:115)

“Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil, for them, are Glad Tidings in the life of the Present and in the Hereafter. No change can there be in the Words of Allah.  This is indeed the supreme Felicity.”  (10:63-64)

 “We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).”  (15:9)

In line with this divine assurance, Allâh entrusted the protection of the Qur’ân to the learned men. History tells us that from the time it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad r many learned men and companions of the Prophet r memorized the Qur’ân. Today, thousands of Muslims, young and old (including non-Arabic speaking Muslims from different countries) have memorized it. In addition, millions of copies of the Divine Message have been produced and distributed worldwide for private and public reading and guidance. Many years after its revelation have passed; until now, no scholar has found the need to revise it. Neither has there been a controversy among Muslim scholars questioning its authenticity.

The Qur’ân exists today just as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad r more than fourteen centuries ago. No one has added nor substituted any verse or any single letter to it. Its authenticity will forever benefit humanity. As Allâh says, He will assuredly protect it (15:9). This we should believe, because His Word is the Truth (6:73) and He fulfills His promise (4:122).  Believe, therefore, in the Qur’ân as the Divine Message from the Only Creator of all mankind.