❖ Question:
Respected Shaykh, in the Noble Qur’an, “الم” is considered a verse, but why is “المر” not regarded as one? Kindly provide clarification.
❖ Answer by:
Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullah
The Noble Qur’an that we possess today — its arrangement, diacritical markings, script, and all matters related to its recitation — are tawqīfī in nature. This means all such elements are divinely appointed by Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ.
Wherever a verse has been designated as such, it exists as a verse. And wherever no such designation has been made, it is not considered a verse.
Hence, “الم” is a verse because it has been formally designated as one, whereas “المر” has not been appointed as a verse. This is the appropriate and correct answer.
