Juz 21: Al-ʿAnkabūt 46 to Al-Aḥzāb 30
Section 5 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
5. The Quran as a Continuing Miracle
In Surah Al-'Ankabut, Allah presents powerful arguments regarding the miraculous nature of the Quranic revelation. This theme begins with Allah addressing those who demand further signs beyond the Quran itself:
وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ آيَاتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِ قُلْ إِنَّمَا الْآيَاتُ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَإِنَّمَا أَنَا نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ
“They say, 'Why is it that no signs (miracles) have been sent down to him from his Lord?' Say, 'Signs are only with Allah, and I am only a plain warner.'" (29:50)”
Allah responds to these demands by highlighting that the Quran itself is the greatest miracle, sufficient as a proof for those who contemplate it sincerely:
أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
“Is it not sufficient for them that We have revealed to you the Book that is recited to them? Surely in this there is mercy and advice for a people who believe." (29:51)”
The unique quality of the Quranic revelation is that it resides not merely on parchment but in the hearts and minds of believers. Allah emphasizes this spiritual dimension when He states:
بَلْ هُوَ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ فِي صُدُورِ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ وَمَا يَجْحَدُ بِآيَاتِنَا إِلَّا الظَّالِمُونَ
“Rather, it (the Qur'ān) is clear signs in the hearts of those who are given knowledge. And none denies our signs except the unjust." (29:49)”
This verse establishes a profound truth – that the most authentic preservation of the Quran occurs within the hearts of knowledgeable believers. The Quran is not merely an external text but an internal reality that transforms those who engage with it sincerely.
When the disbelievers persist in their rejection, they often resort to demanding immediate punishment, showing their arrogance and lack of understanding of divine wisdom:
وَيَسْتَعْجِلُونَكَ بِالْعَذَابِ وَلَوْلَا أَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى لَّجَاءَهُمُ الْعَذَابُ وَلَيَأْتِيَنَّهُم بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
“They ask you to bring the punishment quickly. Had there not been an appointed time, the punishment would have come to them. And it will certainly come to them suddenly while they will not be aware." (29:53)”
Allah reveals that His mercy in delaying punishment is not a sign of weakness but is governed by divine wisdom and predetermined timing. When punishment does arrive, it will come suddenly to those who are heedless.
The ultimate punishment awaits in the Hereafter, where the consequences of disbelief will be fully realized:
يَوْمَ يَغْشَاهُمُ الْعَذَابُ مِن فَوْقِهِمْ وَمِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِهِمْ وَيَقُولُ ذُوقُوا مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
“On the Day when the punishment will envelop them from above them and from under their feet and He will say, 'Taste what you used to do.'" (29:55)”
The graphic description of punishment encompassing the disbelievers "from above them and from under their feet" portrays the all-encompassing nature of divine justice, which will leave no escape for those who rejected the truth.
The miracle of the Quran continues to manifest throughout time in various ways – through its linguistic perfection, its preservation, its scientific indications, and its psychological impact on individuals. Unlike physical miracles witnessed by limited audiences in specific time periods, the Quran remains an intellectual and spiritual miracle accessible to all people in all times, inviting humanity to reflect upon its divine origin and timeless wisdom.