Al-Isra: (88) Say, "If mankind and jinn were to gather...

Issues in the Verse:

We have previously discussed extensively in Surah Al-Baqarah, concerning the verse: {And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down to Our Servant, then produce a Surah thereof} (Al-Baqarah: 23), the miraculous nature of the Quran.

There are two main views regarding this:

1. Some say the Quran is inherently miraculous in itself.
2. Others say it is not inherently miraculous, but rather, since God diverted their inclination to challenge it, despite the strong incentives they had to do so, this diversion itself constitutes the miracle.

Our preferred position in this matter is to state that the Quran is either inherently miraculous or it is not.

• If it is inherently miraculous, the objective is achieved.
• If it is not inherently miraculous, and they were capable of producing a counter-example, and the incentives for producing this counter-example were abundant with no deterrent, then failing to produce it, given these conditions, would be a violation of custom, thus making it miraculous. This is the path we choose in this domain.

Someone might argue: Even if the inability of humans to match it is clear, how do you know the Jinn are incapable? Furthermore, why couldn't it be argued that this speech was composed by the Jinn and presented to Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a means to mislead creation? In this case, one would only know the truthfulness of Muhammad (PBUH) if they knew that he was truthful in claiming it was not from the Jinn but from God. This leads to circular reasoning.

No one should object by asking how it is conceivable that this could be the speech of the Jinn, because we say this verse indicates that the challenge was indeed extended to the Jinn. This challenge would only be appropriate if they were eloquent and masters of rhetoric, and if that were the case, the possibility mentioned above would remain valid.

The scholars answered the first point by saying that the inability of humans to match it is sufficient proof of its miraculous nature. As for the second point, they replied that if the Jinn had done this, the wisdom of God would have required Him to reveal this deception. Since this has not been revealed, it indicates its absence. Moreover, God has already answered this question with sufficient and comprehensive replies at the end of Surah Ash-Shu'ara in His saying: {Shall I inform you upon whom the devils descend? They descend upon every persistent liar} (Ash-Shu'ara: 221-222). We have explained these answers there, so there is no benefit in repeating them.

The Mu'tazila argued that this verse proves the Quran is created because the challenge was issued regarding something eternal (the speech of God). We have also covered this issue exhaustively in Surah Al-Baqarah, so there is no need for repetition.