By: Muhammad Tanzil al-Siddiqi al-Husayni
❀ An Ocean of Literature—But Why the Qur’an?
The world’s literary landscape is rich with books from various civilizations, cultures, and religions. Despite this abundance, one critical question remains:
Why is the Qur’an the only book that every human being must read, understand, and follow?
❖ The Innate Human Connection to Religion
Every person, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof, clings to some form of belief—even atheism is a belief system in its own right.
This reveals a natural human inclination toward metaphysical truth, highlighting the universal need for divine guidance.
❖ Comparative Overview of Religious Scriptures
Every religious tradition claims its scripture to be sacred and divine:
- Christianity: The Bible (Old & New Testaments)
- Hinduism: Vedas and Bhagavad Gita
- Judaism: Torah and Psalms
- Zoroastrianism: Avesta
- Buddhism: Tripitaka
- Taoism: Tao Te Ching
So, why should everyone turn to the Qur’an?
❖ Criteria for Authentic Revelation
A truly divine book must fulfill certain natural and rational conditions:
① Its original language and text must be preserved.
② The language must remain alive and comprehensible, along with its grammar and style.
③ The life of the one upon whom it was revealed must be fully documented and historically credible.
❖ Review of Major Religious Texts
🔹 The New Testament
- Not preserved in its original Hebrew/Aramaic.
- Gospels are secondary sources, and Jesus’ early life is undocumented.
🔹 The Vedas
- Original Sanskrit texts are lost.
- Sanskrit itself has lost its literary vitality.
- No clear timeline or personality associated with the texts.
🔹 Bhagavad Gita
- Written in Sanskrit, not preserved in its original form or interpretation.
- It is philosophical, not a legal or complete code of life.
🔹 The Old Testament (Torah, Psalms, etc.)
- Exists in multiple versions with contradictions.
- Lacks full historical clarity on Moses’ life and social context.
🔹 Avesta (Zoroastrian)
- Fragmented with an unclear textual origin.
- Zoroaster’s life is shrouded in historical uncertainty.
🔹 Tripitaka (Buddhist)
- Compiled after Buddha’s death by disciples.
- Contains mostly moral teachings, not a comprehensive divine code.
🔹 Tao Te Ching
- A short Chinese text, limited in global relevance.
- Laozi’s life is poorly documented.
❖ The Qur’an: A Unique Case
✅ Original Arabic preserved for 1400+ years.
✅ Arabic language is alive and globally recognized.
✅ The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s life is the most documented biography in human history.
✅ The Qur’an was implemented during his lifetime, unlike any other scripture.
❖ The Qur’an’s Bold Claim
The Qur’an proclaims:
- It is the final revelation.
- Its messenger is the last prophet.
- Its guidance is universal, timeless, and for all regions and peoples.
❖ Conclusion: The Qur’an is Humanity’s Sole Essential Book
The Qur’an stands alone in fulfilling every rational condition of a true divine scripture. It is:
✔ Relevant to every human being
✔ Perfectly preserved by divine promise
✔ Memorized by millions
✔ In a living, eloquent language
✔ Delivered through the most luminous and documented life in history
و الله أعلم
(And Allah knows best)
