The Difference between the Qurʾan and Scholarly Writings in Expounding Knowledge

The Qur'an, through its distinct approach, disseminates divine knowledge for humanity's benefit, setting itself apart from academic and scholarly texts. This difference in method between the Qur'an and scholarly writings in expounding knowledge is noteworthy:

God, the Exalted, outlines the mission of the Divine Messenger (s.a.w.) in various ways, including reciting verses to people, imparting knowledge of the Book and wisdom, and purifying souls:

It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom... (62:2)

The Qur'an serves as the primary instrument for the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.) in accomplishing these missions, providing a means for teaching and purifying humanity:

So admonish by the Qurʾan him who fears My threat. (50:45)

And thus We have revealed to you an Arabic Qurʾan that you may warn the Mother of Towns... (42:7)

And thus have We revealed to you the Spirit of Our dispensation. You did not know what the Book is, nor what is faith; but We made it a light that We may guide by its means whomever We wish of Our servants. And indeed you guide to a straight path. (42:52)

Given its divine origin and purpose, the Qur'an transcends the limitations typically associated with human-authored texts, such as scientific manuals, ethical treatises, or legal and jurisprudential documents. These categories of works are often confined to specific fields of knowledge or modes of instruction. In contrast, the Qur'an integrates a holistic approach to knowledge dissemination, blending various methods to achieve the multifaceted goals aligned with the mission of the universal Prophet, Muhammad (s.a.w.).

Among the specialized methods it employs are:

Extensive Use of Metaphor: The Qur'an frequently utilizes metaphors to demystify complex and abstract realities, making them accessible and relatable to the human intellect and experience. This technique simplifies profound truths, allowing readers to grasp higher realities through familiar concepts.

Employing Best Methods of Argumentation: The Qur'an engages its audience, including skeptics and opponents, with compelling arguments based on premises they accept. This approach is particularly evident in discussions with those resistant to religious concepts or specifically critical of the Qur'an. By starting from common ground, the Qur'an facilitates a more profound engagement with its divine message.

Blending Knowledge with Admonition and Ethics: Unlike texts confined to singular domains, the Qur'an interweaves legal rulings, moral guidance, and spiritual wisdom, fostering a comprehensive development of the individual. It connects theoretical knowledge with practical application and executive directives with the means of their realization. For instance, the Qur'an links the commandment of fasting to its spiritual objective—attaining righteousness:

O you who have believed, prescribed for you is fasting as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous. (2:183)

Similarly, it discusses the creation of clothing not only as a means to cover nudity but also as an admonition towards righteousness:

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness—that is best... (7:26)

Additionally, in the context of Hajj and ʿUmra, the Qur'an frames these rituals within the broader spiritual journey towards God, emphasizing piety as the ultimate provision:

And complete the Hajj and ʿUmra for God... The Hajj is [during] well-known months... And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Godwariness. (2:196–197)

Alongside elucidating the rulings of fasting, the Qur'an integrates admonitions to adhere to the prescribed limits and cultivate piety:

These are the limits [set by] God, so do not approach them. Thus does God make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous. (2:187)

Furthermore, in conjunction with the commandment to take Zakāt, it discusses the purification and sanctification of the soul:

Take, from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase... (9:103)

The Qur'an also addresses social interactions with simplicity yet profound spiritual implications, such as the etiquette for an uninvited guest, emphasizing soul purification:

...And if it is said to you, "Go back," then go back; it is purer for you (24:28)

Decisive judgements about the statements and opinions it reports from others: The Qur'an distinguishes itself from ordinary texts that compile various opinions without making definitive judgements among them. When it presents opinions or statements, accompanying judgements are made. If the Qur'an narrates a perspective without refuting it, this indicates its affirmation.

For example, it recounts the words of the righteous son of Adam (a.s.), underscoring that God accepts deeds based on piety:

He said, "Indeed, God only accepts from the Godwary" (5:27),

without signaling any rejection of these words. Hence, in some traditions, this statement is acknowledged as divine speech, and it's similarly cited in jurisprudential texts. This feature of the Qur'an, providing clear and decisive statements, affirms its status as the decisive word:

Indeed, it is a decisive statement, and it is not amusement. (86:13-14) (2)

In instances where the Qur'an quotes the words of the hypocrites, it follows with refutation to underscore their fallacy. An example is their claim of superiority and the anticipated expulsion of believers:

They say, "When we return to the city, the mighty will surely expel the abased from it." Yet all might belongs to Allah and His Messenger, and the faithful, but the hypocrites do not know. (63:8)

This verse highlights the hypocrites' erroneous belief in their might and the believers' abasement, which God directly counters by asserting true power lies with Himself, His Messenger, and the faithful, a reality the hypocrites fail to grasp.

Similarly, the Qur'an addresses and refutes the hypocrites' strategy to economically isolate Muslims and deter financial support to the Prophet's (s.a.w.) companions:

They are the ones who say, ‘Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they scatter off.' Yet to Allah belong the treasuries of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand. (63:7)

This passage critiques the hypocrites' attempts to weaken the Muslim community through financial embargoes, highlighting their lack of understanding of divine provision.

The Qur'an's immunity to falsehood is proclaimed, affirming its divine origin and integrity:

And it is an exalted book. Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it; [it is] a revelation from One who is Wise, Praiseworthy. (41:41-42)

This assertion establishes the Qur'an as a scripture impervious to corruption, embodying truth from a source of ultimate wisdom and praise.

It's noteworthy that the Qur'an's admonitions and warnings, paired with its rulings and knowledge, can precede or follow the legal instructions. An example where moral guidance precedes legal rulings is:

And do not wish for that by which God has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned... (4:32) (3)

Linking cosmological issues with theological ones: A distinctive feature of the Qur'an, setting it apart from scientific texts, is its exploration of both the horizontal progression of natural phenomena and their vertical integration with theological principles. While scientific works focus on explaining the physical changes and developments of the world's objects and phenomena over time, the Qur'an addresses these from a perspective that connects them to their divine origin and ultimate purpose.

For example, a geologist might detail the evolutionary process of minerals within the earth or mountains over millions of years, focusing purely on the physical aspects. In contrast, the Qur'an highlights the vertical dimension of worldly phenomena, linking them to God as the efficient cause and to the Hereafter as their ultimate cause. Verses like:

Do you not see that God sends down rain from the sky and we produce therewith fruits of varying colors? And in the mountains are tracts white and red, of varying shades and [some] pitch black (35:27),

And it is He who produces gardens trellised and untrellised, and date palms, and crops of different shape and taste (its fruits and its seeds) and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar... (6:141),

and Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe? (21:30)

discuss the divine origins of rain, the variation in fruits and landscapes, and the creation of life from water. These verses emphasize the role of God as the initiator and sustainer of all existence, attributing both the beauty and diversity of the natural world and its very existence to divine will and purpose.

This approach contrasts with the predominantly horizontal perspective of scientific inquiry, which, though comprehensive in its temporal scope, often lacks consideration of the ontological origins and purposes behind the phenomena it studies. The Qur'an, therefore, in its discussions of natural objects and cosmological phenomena, adds a vertical dimension, positing questions of origin and ultimate purpose that transcend mere physical explanations. It invites reflection on who initiated these marvels of creation and for what ultimate end, integrating scientific observation with spiritual and theological insights. (4)

The selection of instructive historical accounts in explaining stories: The Qur'an selectively recounts historical events, focusing not on providing a comprehensive chronological record but on parts that serve its guiding purpose, illustrating divine tradition and the philosophy of history. This approach is evident in the extensive yet focused narration of stories like that of Prophet Moses (a.s.), mentioned over a hundred times across twenty-eight chapters. The Qur'an eschews the minutiae of pure historical account, such as birth and death dates, in favor of highlighting instructive moments that carry significant spiritual and moral lessons.

For instance, the Qur'an omits details like the exact date of Moses's birth and the duration of his infancy but emphasizes the profound incident where divine revelation is sent to Moses's mother, instructing her to cast her child into the river. This narrative focuses on providing solace to his mother's heart with the promise of his safe return and his eventual rise to prophethood. Similarly, while the dates of Moses's migration from Egypt to Midian and his return are not specified, the Qur'an details Moses's act of kindness in helping Prophet Jethro's daughters, illustrating his integrity and the importance of trustworthiness and competence in work. The story of Moses encountering the Burning Bush is also recounted, not for its historical setting but for the moment of divine communication it represents, emphasizing the monotheistic message conveyed to Moses.

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Through such selective recounting, the Qur'an aims to impart lessons of faith, morality, and divine guidance, highlighting moments of historical significance that reflect broader spiritual truths. By focusing on the essence and instructive points of stories rather than their historical specifics, the Qur'an transcends the role of a mere historical text, offering a timeless source of guidance that draws from the past to enlighten the present and future.

Teaching beyond human reach: A fundamental distinction between the Qur'an and human-authored scholarly works lies in the nature of knowledge each seeks to impart. Scholarly books typically focus on knowledge that is within the realm of human acquisition through study and rational thought. In contrast, the Qur'an centers on imparting knowledge that remains inaccessible to humans without divine revelation. This emphasis is articulated in verses such as:

Just as We have sent among you a messenger from yourselves reciting to you Our verses and purifying you and teaching you the Book and wisdom and teaching you that which you did not know (2:151)

and So remember God as He has taught you that which you did not previously know. (2:239)

While divine messengers have indeed contributed to the development of human potential in sciences and rational inquiry, revealing the hidden capabilities of the intellect, the Qur'an's teaching transcends this by unveiling the unseen and introducing scientific and knowledge innovations previously beyond human comprehension. The phrase "that which you did not know" signifies not merely the unknown that could be discovered through human means, but that which is fundamentally beyond ordinary human reach. As conveyed in the verse:

And God has sent down to you the Book and wisdom and taught you that which you did not know, and great is the grace of God upon you (4:113),

the knowledge imparted by God to the Prophet (s.a.w.) and, by extension, to humanity, transcends what could be achieved through conventional learning.

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This miraculous aspect of the Qur'an does not pertain solely to an era of scientific naivety; it remains perpetually a source of divine wisdom, teaching humanity sciences and truths previously unattainable. The Qur'an's role as a teacher of such knowledge underscores its uniqueness as a revelation that continuously offers insights into realms beyond the limits of human discovery, reinforcing its position as a timeless guide and educator in matters both seen and unseen.

In specific instances, the Qur'an underscores the revelation's unique ability to unveil the hidden and concealed secrets of the world, which remain inaccessible through human faculties alone. This is highlighted in verses that challenge human perceptions and preferences, such as:

Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But God knows, and you know not. (2:216)

This verse reflects the divine wisdom in commanding what may initially seem undesirable to humans, pointing towards the deeper understanding that divine revelation brings to the complexities of life's choices and moral dilemmas.

Exposition of specific instances and avoidance of generalizations: In typical scholarly texts, it's uncommon to use specific examples when elucidating abstract concepts; for instance, discussions on the nature of goodness seldom pinpoint examples of virtuous individuals. Contrarily, the Qur'an employs a markedly different approach in its verses. A prime illustration of this is seen in its explication of righteousness:

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in God, the Last Day, and... (2:177)

This method of defining through exemplification, rather than abstract theorization, underscores the Qur'an's unique pedagogical style.

Some exegetes, attempting to reconcile the Qur'anic exposition with the norms of academic discourse, might search for omissions or construct justifications to align its distinctive style with more conventional scholarly methodologies. This overlooks the essence of the Qur'an as a divine text that transcends the boundaries of mere academic inquiry, adopting a mode of expression that prioritizes the conveyance of spiritual and moral truths through vivid illustration over abstract definit

Note

Thus, the Qur'an often opts to showcase the embodiment of concepts rather than merely describe them, a technique that not only clarifies its teachings but also deeply engages the reader's contemplation and understanding. This method stands as a testament to the Qur'an's profound approach to imparting wisdom, highlighting its distinction from traditional scholarly works.

Another insightful example is found in the verses:

On the Day when neither wealth nor sons will avail, except him who comes to God with a pure heart. (26:88-89)

Interestingly, instead of abstractly highlighting "the purity of the heart" as the criterion for salvation, the Qur'an emphasizes the individual who embodies this virtue. This approach aligns with the Qur'an's method of encouraging the transformation of the individual and society towards embodying righteousness and purity of heart, rather than merely delineating these qualities as concepts.

Furthermore, the Qur'an often presents the elucidation of specific instances across different verses, enriching the understanding through a tapestry of revelations. For instance, the verse:

...so give good tidings to My servants who listen to speech and follow the best of it (39:17–18)

praises those who discern and follow the best speech. The practical embodiment of "the best speech" is further clarified in another verse:

And who is better in speech than one who invites to God and does righteousness and says, "Indeed, I am of the Muslims" (41:33),

illustrating the ideal application of this principle. Similarly, while Sūrah al-Fātiḥa refers to "the path of those whom You have blessed" in general terms, Sūrah al-Nisāʾ explicitly identifies these blessed individuals as the prophets, steadfast affirmers of truth, martyrs, and the righteous, offering a concrete example of the companions to aspire to:

...with those whom God has favoured of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions. (4:69)

Note

Through this interconnected and nuanced method of revelation, the Qur'an guides its readers towards both understanding and embodying the divine qualities it extols, bridging the gap between knowledge and action, and illuminating the path to salvation with examples that inspire transformation and dedication.

Repetition of content: The Qur'an frequently repeats certain teachings, reflecting its purpose as a source of light and guidance. This repetition is strategic, meant to reinforce moral lessons across various contexts and forms, thereby addressing the continuous challenges posed by misguidance from external forces like Satan and the internal struggle with the low self (al-nafs al-ammāra).

Unlike in scholarly works, where repetition might be seen as redundant, in the Qur'an, it serves the essential function of strengthening the spiritual resolve of the believers, countering the persistent influences that lead humans astray. The repetitive nature of divine guidance underscores the ongoing battle for moral and spiri`tual integrity, making it a vital component of the Qur'an's method of instruction.

Literary and artistic subtleties in Qur'anic expression: The Qur'an's unique literary style includes sudden shifts in context (siyāq), which serve to engage the reader's attention and provoke reflection. An instance of this is found in the verse:

But those deeply rooted in knowledge among them and those who believe, believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you, and the establishers of prayer, and those who give zakah, and those who believe in God and the Last Day—those We will give a great reward. (4:162)

Here, amidst attributes presented in the nominative case, the action of establishing prayer is notably introduced in the accusative case. This deliberate grammatical shift emphasizes the paramount importance of prayer as the religion's pillar, akin to the use of a different color in signage to capture the viewer's attention. Such stylistic choices in the Qur'an not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also deepen the reader's engagement with its teachings, highlighting key concepts and practices essential for spiritual growth and devotion.