The Source of the Qur’an

Another example of people’s use of this weak stance can be found in the Makkans’ explanation of the source of Muhammad’s message. They used to say, “The devils bring Muhammad that Qur’an!” But just as with every suggestion made, the Qur’an gives the answer. One verse (Surah Al-Qalam 68: 51-52) in particular states:

“And they say, ‘Surely he is possessed [by jinn],’ but it [i.e., the Qur’an] is not except a reminder to the worlds.”

Thus it gives an argument in reply to such a theory. In fact, there are many arguments in the Qur’an in reply to the suggestion that devils brought Muhammad (Peace be upon him) his message. For example, in the 26th chapter Allah (Greater and exalted be He) clearly affirms:

“No evil ones have brought it [i.e., this revelation] down. It would neither be fitting for them, nor would they be able. Indeed they have been removed far from hearing.” (Surah ash-Shu’ara 26:210-212)

And in another place (Surah an-Nahl 16:98) in the Qur’an, Allah (Greater and Exalted be He) instructs us:

“So when you recite the Qur’an seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan, the rejected.”

Now is this how Satan writes a book? He tells one, “Before you read my book, ask God to save you from me?” This is very, very tricky. Indeed, a man could write something like this, but would Satan do this? Many people clearly illustrate that they cannot come to one conclusion on this subject. On one hand, they claim that Satan would not do such a thing and that even if he could, God would not allow him to; yet, on the other hand, they also believe that Satan is only that much less than God. In essence they allege that the Devil can probably do whatever God can do. And as a result, when they look at the Qur’an, even as surprised as they are as to how amazing it is, they still insist, “The Devil did this!”

Praise be to Allah (Greater and Exalted be He), Muslims do not have that attitude. Although Satan may have some abilities, they are a long way separated from the abilities of Allah. And no Muslim is a Muslim unless he believes that. It is common knowledge even among non-Muslims that the Devil can easily make mistakes, and it would be expected that he would contradict himself if and when he wrote a book. For indeed, the Qur’an states (Surah an-Nisa 4:82):

“Do they not consider the Qur’an? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.”