Why Is the Qur’an Called the Greatest Miracle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?

ONE of the important questions often discussed in Islamic studies is: why is the Qur’an regarded as the greatest miracle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ? This question becomes even more interesting when we remember that many prophets before him were also granted extraordinary miracles.

For instance, Prophet Musa (Moses) was given the miracle of splitting the sea and a staff that turned into a serpent. Prophet Isa (Jesus) was granted the ability to heal the sick and even raise the dead by the permission of God.

However, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was given a different kind of miracle. His miracle was not a physical phenomenon witnessed only by people who lived during his time. Instead, his miracle came in the form of a divine scripture that continues to be read, studied, and reflected upon by billions of people until today. That scripture is the Qur’an.

This raises an important question: why is the Qur’an considered the greatest miracle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?

The Miracles of Earlier Prophets and Their Historical Context

In the history of prophethood, every prophet was granted miracles that corresponded to the conditions and intellectual climate of the society in which they lived.

Prophet Musa lived among a society that greatly admired magic and sorcery. Therefore, Allah granted him miracles that surpassed the abilities of magicians, such as the transformation of his staff into a serpent and the parting of the sea.

Similarly, Prophet Isa lived during a period when medical knowledge was highly valued. Consequently, he was granted miracles related to healing illnesses that could not be cured by human knowledge at the time.

However, there was a common characteristic shared by these miracles. They were temporary in nature, meaning they could only be witnessed directly by the people who lived during the lifetime of those prophets. After their time had passed, these miracles remained known only through historical narratives.

In contrast, the miracle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ continues to exist and can still be experienced today. Anyone who reads and reflects upon the Qur’an can encounter this miracle.

The Qur’an as an Eternal Miracle

The Qur’an is not merely a sacred scripture; it is also a miracle explicitly affirmed within its own revelation.

Allah states in the Qur’an:

“And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our servant, then produce a surah like it.”
(Qur’an 2:23)

This verse presents an open challenge to humanity to produce even a single chapter comparable to the Qur’an in terms of linguistic beauty, depth of meaning, and literary structure.

However, since the Qur’an was revealed more than fourteen centuries ago, no one has been able to replicate its uniqueness or match its eloquence. This serves as compelling evidence that the Qur’an is not a human creation, but rather a revelation from Allah سبحانه وتعالى.

The Linguistic Miracle of the Qur’an

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Qur’an lies in the extraordinary beauty and power of its language.

During the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Arab society was renowned for its mastery of poetry and eloquence. Poets held an honored position in society, and literary excellence was highly celebrated.

When the Qur’an was revealed, many prominent Arab poets and literary experts were astonished. They recognized that the linguistic style of the Qur’an possessed a level of eloquence and rhetorical power that could not be imitated by human beings.

This recognition illustrates that the Qur’an represents an extraordinary linguistic miracle, surpassing the literary achievements of human civilization.

Knowledge and Reflection in the Qur’an

Beyond its linguistic excellence, the Qur’an also contains profound insights that invite reflection on the natural world and human existence.

Within its verses, the Qur’an discusses various phenomena, including:

• the creation of human beings,
• the structure and order of the universe,
• the alternation of day and night,
• and many other natural phenomena.

As scientific knowledge continues to develop, many Qur’anic verses are increasingly understood in deeper ways. This demonstrates that the Qur’an is not only a book of worship, but also a source of intellectual reflection on life and the universe.

The Spiritual Impact of the Qur’an

The miracle of the Qur’an is not limited to its language or intellectual depth. It also lies in its profound spiritual influence on the human heart.

Many people experience a sense of peace and tranquility when they read or listen to the recitation of the Qur’an. Throughout history, there have been numerous individuals who embraced Islam after hearing its verses.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find tranquility.”
(Qur’an 13:28)

This verse highlights the spiritual power of the Qur’an in bringing calmness and inner peace to the human soul.

The Preservation of the Qur’an

Another remarkable aspect of the Qur’an is its preservation throughout history.

Allah declares in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
(Qur’an 15:9)

Since the time of its revelation until today, the text of the Qur’an has remained unchanged. There have been no additions, no omissions, and no alterations.

This preservation makes the Qur’an the only sacred scripture that has remained authentically preserved throughout centuries of human history.

The Wisdom Behind the Qur’an as a Miracle

Why did Allah make the Qur’an the miracle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?

The answer is closely related to the status of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final prophet in the chain of prophethood.

Since there will be no prophet after him, the miracle granted to him must be a miracle that remains relevant and accessible for all generations.

The Qur’an fulfills this role perfectly. It is a miracle that can be:

• read by every generation,
• understood across cultures and civilizations,
• and used as a guide for humanity until the Day of Judgment.

Conclusion

The Qur’an is not merely a book to be read by Muslims. It is a living miracle that continues to guide humanity toward truth.

It strengthens the faith of believers, offers guidance in life, and inspires spiritual and intellectual reflection across generations.

May we be among those who not only read the Qur’an but also understand its message and apply its teachings in our daily lives.***