The Qur’an: The Only Essential Book for All Humanity

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)