The Authority of the Qur’an in Islam: A Deep Dive with Classical Scholarship

Introduction: Understanding the Qur’an’s Authority in Islam

The Qur’an is the cornerstone of Islamic faith, revered by Muslims worldwide as the literal, unaltered, and final word of God (Allah). For over 1,400 years, the Qur’an has been the ultimate source of guidance for millions, providing a divine framework for beliefs, practices, morality, law, and spirituality. But what exactly makes the Qur’an authoritative in Islam? How does it describe itself, and what do the classical Islamic scholars say about its divine nature, clarity, completeness, and preservation?

This comprehensive post explores the Qur’an’s authority through its own declarations and the interpretations of the most respected classical scholars in Islamic history.

1. What Makes the Qur’an Authoritative in Islam?

In Islam, the Qur’an is not merely a sacred text but is considered the direct, unaltered word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over a period of 23 years through the angel Gabriel (Jibril). It is regarded as the final and most authoritative source of divine guidance, superseding all previous scriptures.

A. The Qur’an as the Word of God

Muslims believe that the Qur’an is not the speech of Muhammad or any human being but the direct word of Allah, revealed in the Arabic language.
Qur’an 53:3-4:

"Nor does he speak from his own desire. It is only a revelation revealed."
Qur’an 26:192-195:

"And indeed, it is a revelation of the Lord of the worlds. The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], that you may be of the warners, in a clear Arabic language."

B. Direct Revelation through Gabriel

The Qur’an asserts that it was delivered to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel, making it a direct form of divine communication.

C. Unique Position Among Scriptures

Unlike other scriptures (e.g., the Torah, the Gospel), which are believed to have been altered or corrupted, the Qur’an claims to be fully preserved and protected by divine promise.
Qur’an 15:9:

"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will be its guardian."

2. Claims of the Qur’an About Its Own Authority

The Qur’an makes several bold claims regarding its divine nature, clarity, completeness, and inimitability:

A. Divine Origin and Protection

The Qur’an is declared to be directly from Allah and is protected by Him from any corruption or loss.
Qur’an 4:82:

"Do they not then ponder on the Qur’an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction."
Qur’an 85:21-22:

"But this is an honored Qur’an, in a preserved tablet."

B. Clarity (Mubeen) and Completeness

The Qur’an describes itself as a clear and complete guide for humanity, addressing all aspects of human life.
Qur’an 12:1-2:

"Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the verses of the clear Book. We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an so that you may understand."
Qur’an 16:89:

"And We have sent down to you the Book as a clarification of all things, and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims."
Qur’an 6:38:

"We have not neglected anything in the Book."

C. Inimitability (I'jaz al-Qur’an)

The Qur’an presents a challenge to humanity to produce a chapter like it, claiming that no one can replicate its unique linguistic and spiritual qualities.
Qur’an 2:23-24:

"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. But if you do not — and you will never be able to — then fear the Fire whose fuel is people and stones, prepared for the disbelievers."

3. Classical Scholarly Views on the Qur’an’s Authority

The Qur’an’s authority has been extensively discussed by classical Islamic scholars, who have provided detailed interpretations (tafsir) to explain and defend these claims.

A. Tafsir al-Tabari (d. 923 CE) – Jami' al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an

On Divine Protection (Qur’an 15:9):

"Allah has promised to protect His book from any falsehood, any addition, any removal, and any corruption."
On Completeness (Qur’an 6:38):

"The Qur’an is not deficient in anything that is required for guidance; it explains clearly all that is necessary for human success."
On Inimitability (Qur’an 2:23-24):

"If the Qur’an were the speech of a human being, then the Arabs — who were masters of the Arabic language — would have been able to produce something like it."

B. Tafsir Ibn Kathir (d. 1373 CE) – Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Azim

On Divine Protection:

"This verse is a declaration of Allah’s protection of His book, preserving it from any change, addition, or subtraction."
On Clarity (Qur’an 12:1-2):

"The Qur’an is a clear and illuminating book that explains all matters of faith, law, and ethics."
On Inimitability:

"The challenge of the Qur’an is eternal, and despite the passage of centuries, no one has ever been able to produce even a single chapter like it."

C. Tafsir al-Qurtubi (d. 1273 CE) – Al-Jami' li Ahkam al-Qur'an

On Divine Protection:

"Allah’s promise of preservation is for the Qur’an in its entirety — its text, its teachings, and its meanings."
On Completeness (Qur’an 6:38):

"Nothing has been left out in the Qur’an. Even if an issue is not mentioned explicitly, its principles are clearly laid down."
On Inimitability:

"The inability of the Arabs, despite their mastery of language, to produce anything like the Qur’an is a clear sign of its divine origin."

D. Tafsir al-Razi (d. 1209 CE) – Mafatih al-Ghayb

On Divine Origin (Qur’an 26:192-195):

"This is not the speech of Muhammad, but a revelation directly from the Lord of the Worlds."
On Preservation (Qur’an 85:21-22):

"The Qur’an is preserved in the Divine Tablet, which is beyond the reach of any human or jinn."
On Clarity:

"The Qur’an is an ocean of wisdom, and its guidance extends to every aspect of human existence."

E. Tafsir Jalalayn (15th century CE) – Tafsir al-Jalalayn

On Divine Origin (Qur’an 53:3-4):

"This is a direct revelation from Allah, not the words of any human."
On Completeness:

"The Qur’an is made clear and accessible to all who seek guidance."
On Inimitability:

"The inability of the Arabs to produce anything like the Qur’an is a clear sign of its divine origin."

Conclusion: The Unquestioned Authority of the Qur’an in Islam

The Qur’an’s authority in Islam is founded on its claim to be the direct and unaltered word of Allah, preserved by divine protection, clear in its guidance, complete in its teachings, and unmatched in its linguistic and spiritual excellence. Classical scholars like al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, al-Qurtubi, and others have elaborated on these aspects, defending the Qur’an’s divine status for centuries.

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Monday, May 19, 2025