Why do Muslims believe the Qur'an is the word of God?

In a Nutshell: the belief that the Qur'an is the literal word of God is rooted in Islamic doctrine, supported by scholarly analyses of its linguistic and literary excellence, historical accounts, and its transformative impact on individuals and societies. Classical and contemporary scholars have provided comprehensive defenses of this belief, citing the Qur'an's inimitability, its fulfillment of prophecies, and its profound spiritual guidance as evidence of its divine origin. Introduction The belief that the Qur'an is the literal word of God (Allah) is a fundamental tenet of Islamic faith, and this conviction has been extensively discussed and defended by classical and contemporary Islamic scholars. To address the question "Why do Muslims believe the Qur'an is the word of God?" comprehensively, we can explore the following perspectives: Doctrine of Divine Revelation (Wahy) One of the primary reasons Muslims believe the Qur'an is the word of God is based on the Islamic doctrine of divine revelation (Wahy). According to Islamic teachings, the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years, in a process that is described as a direct transmission from Allah. The Qur'an itself testifies to its divine origin, stating: "This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah" (2:2) Scholars like Imam al-Ghazali (1058-1111 CE) and Ibn Kathir (1301-1373 CE) have affirmed the Qur'an's divine origin based on the testimony of the Prophet (saw) whose truthfulness and moral integrity are considered beyond reproach. Linguistic and Literary Inimitability (I'jaz al-Qur'an) Another compelling argument for the Qur'an's divine authorship is its linguistic and literary inimitability (I'jaz al-Qur'an). Islamic scholars have long marveled at the Qur'an's unique literary style, its eloquence, and its profound linguistic excellence, which they consider unparalleled and beyond human capacity. Scholars like al-Baqillani (950-1013 CE) and al-Rummani (d. 994 CE) have analyzed the Qur'an's linguistic and rhetorical features, concluding that its inimitable nature is a clear sign of its divine origin. The Qur'an itself challenges disbelievers to produce a book like it, stating: "And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful" (2:23). Prophetic Miracles and Historical Accounts The belief in the Qur'an's divine authorship is further reinforced by the miracles associated with the Prophet Muhammad and the historical accounts of the Qur'an's revelation and preservation. Islamic scholars like Ibn Hisham (d. 833 CE) and al-Waqidi (748-822 CE) have documented the circumstances surrounding the revelation of the Qur'an, including the Prophet's illiteracy and the remarkable preservation of the Qur'anic text through oral and written transmission. The Qur'an's fulfillment of prophecies, its scientific and historical accuracy, and its profound impact on human societies are seen as further proofs of its divine origin. Spiritual and Transformative Impact Many Muslims believe in the Qur'an's divine authorship due to its profound spiritual and transformative impact on individuals and societies throughout history. Scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim (1292-1350 CE) and al-Ghazali have highlighted the Qur'an's ability to guide individuals towards spiritual enlightenment, moral reformation, and societal progress. The Qur'an's timeless relevance, its universal message, and its ability to resonate with the human soul are seen as evidence of its divine wisdom and guidance. Classical Scholarly Opinions Classical Islamic scholars have dedicated extensive works to defending the Qur'an's divine authorship and addressing skeptics' arguments. Here are a few notable scholarly opinions: Imam al-Baqillani, in his work "I'jaz al-Qur'an" (The Inimitability of the Qur'an), systematically refuted claims of human authorship and provided a detailed analysis of the Qur'an's linguistic and literary miracles. Al-Razi, in his Tafsir (exegesis) "Mafatih al-Ghayb," extensively discussed the Qur'an's divine origin, its miraculous nature, and its impact on human societies. Ibn Hazm (994-1064 CE), in his work "Al-Fasl fi al-Milal wa al-Ahwa' wa al-Nihal," defended the Qur'an's divine authorship and addressed arguments raised by skeptics and critics. Conclusion The belief that the Qur'an is the literal word of God is rooted in Islamic doctrine, supported by scholarly analyses of its linguistic and literary excellence, historical accounts, and its transformative impact on individuals and societies. Classical and contemporary scholars have provided comprehensive defenses of this belief, citing the Qur'an's inimitability, its fulfillment of prophecies, and its profound spiritual guidance as evidence of its divine origin.