Qur'an, the last of the four Divine Scriptures, has never been accepted by the non believers, even by the followers of the earlier three scriptures. There have been efforts even during the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to make "some" changes in the Divine revelations that could also accommodate the viewpoint of the non believers. In this context, one may read Sürah 109. Al Kafirun (The Unbelievers / Those Who Deny the Truth), in which the mention of a debate is made wherein the disbelievers of Makkah wanted to persuade Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to make changes in Qur'an - but the revered Prophet Muhammad ﷺ strictly refused at the end of the end of the debate saying:
لَـكُمۡ دِيۡنُكُمۡ وَلِىَ دِيۡنِ
To you is your religion, and to me, my religion.
Even today, the efforts of non Muslims continue to make changes in the Qur'an. Though many may succeed in altering the translation, they will never be able to alter the Arabic text which is Divinely constructed that it is not possible to change even a word for this will never be able to support the balance created in the Qur'an by Allah.
In the same context, today we share the 27th verse of Surah Al-Kahf, in which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has been cautioned to succumbing to the pressure and ulterior motives of the disbelievers of Makkah to making changes in Qur'an. Here it needs to be clarified that though the verse is directed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, it also addresses anyone who attempts to make changes in order to change the word of Allah and thus misleading, even including Muslims:
وَاتۡلُ مَاۤ اُوۡحِىَ اِلَيۡكَ مِنۡ كِتَابِ رَبِّكَ ؕ لَا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمٰتِهٖ ۚ وَلَنۡ تَجِدَ مِنۡ دُوۡنِهٖ مُلۡتَحَدًا
Translation:
(O Prophet) recite to them from the Book of your Lord what has been revealed to you for none may change His words; (and were you to make any change in His words) you will find no refuge from Him.
Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World, explains this verse:
This does not mean at all that, God forbid, the Prophet ﷺ was inclined to make any changes in the Quran to please the disbelievers of Makkah and was thinking of some formula of compromise with the chiefs of the Quraish which necessitated a warning that he was not authorized to do so. As a matter of tact, though this was apparently addressed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), it was really meant for the disbelievers that they should not entertain any hope whatsoever for anything like this, as if to say: You must understand it once and for all that Our Messenger is not authorized to make any changes in Our revelation, for he has to precisely convey it just as it is sent down to him. If you want to accept it, you will have to accept it in its entirety as it is being sent by the Lord of the Universe. And if you want to reject it, you may do so but you must understand it well that no modification, even in the least, will be made in it to please you. This was the answer to the repeated demand of the disbelievers: If you do insist, O Muhammad (peace be upon him), that we should accept your message in its entirety, then make certain modifications in it to accommodate some creeds and customs of our forefathers, and we will accept your message. This is our offer for a compromise and this will save our people from division. This demand of the disbelievers has been cited in the Quran at several places and the same answer has been given, e.g. When Our clear revelations are recited to them, those who do not expect to meet Us, say: Bring another Quran in its stead or make some amendments in it. (Surah Younus, Ayat 15).
Let us go into a detailed Analysis:
- Context and Background: Surah Al-Kahf is the 18th chapter of the Quran. It addresses themes of faith, trials, and the power of Allah. Verse 27 is a directive to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and by extension to all believers about the importance of adhering to the Quran.
- Key Elements of the Verse:
- Recitation of the Revelation: The command to "recite what has been revealed" emphasizes the importance of reading, understanding, and conveying the Quranic message. It highlights the duty of Muslims to stay connected to the Quran through regular recitation and reflection.
- Book of Your Lord: The term "Book of your Lord" signifies the divine origin of the Qur'an. It is not just a book but a direct revelation from Allah, making it supreme and authoritative.
- Unchangeable Words: "There is no changer of His words" underscores the immutability and perfection of the Quran. Unlike other texts, the Quran remains unchanged and preserved, free from any human alteration. This phrase also reassures believers about the authenticity and reliability of the Quranic message.
- No Refuge Besides Him: The verse concludes with a reminder that there is no refuge or source of guidance other than Allah. It calls believers to seek solace, guidance, and protection solely from Allah.
- Theological Significance:
- Authority of the Quran: This verse reinforces the Quran's status as the ultimate source of guidance. It is a reminder that the Quran, being the word of Allah, is perfect and complete.
- Immutability: The declaration that no one can change Allah's words underscores the Quran's divine protection. It assures believers that the Quran they recite today is the same as that revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- Reliance on Allah: Emphasizing that there is no refuge besides Allah, the verse calls on believers to place their trust and reliance solely on Him. It encourages seeking protection and guidance only from Allah.
- Practical Implications:
- Regular Recitation: Believers are encouraged to recite the Quran regularly, reflecting on its meanings and applying its teachings in their lives.
- Trust in the Quran: Muslims should have unwavering trust in the Quran's guidance, acknowledging its authority and immutability.
- Exclusive Dependence on Allah: This verse serves as a reminder to seek help, protection, and guidance exclusively from Allah, avoiding reliance on any other sources.
In the same context, let us share some Related Quranic Verses:
"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian." Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)
"And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing." Surah Al-An’am (6:115)
"Say, 'I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.'" Surah Al-Kahf (18:110)
In view of the above explanation and analysis, let us say that Surah Al-Kahf, verse 27, encapsulates key aspects of the Islamic faith: the importance of the Quran, its divine protection, and the necessity of relying solely on Allah. It calls believers to engage deeply with the Quran, trust in its unaltered guidance, and seek refuge and direction exclusively from Allah. This verse, like many others in the Quran, provides a comprehensive reminder of the core principles that guide a Muslim's life.
In addition, for more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
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