2. The Three Distinguishing Characteristics of the Qur’an

Our study of the Qur’an acquaints us with three distinguishing characteristics of this holy book. The first distinguishing characteristic is the absolute authenticity of its source. That is, without the slightest need of any comparison between the oldest manuscripts, it is evident that what we recite as the verses of the Holy Qur’an, are exactly the same words presented before the world by Muhammad ibn ‘Abd-Allah (S). The second characteristic feature of the Qur’an is the quality of its contents: its teachings are genuinely original and have not been adopted or plagiarized. It is the duty of an analytical study to prove this fact. The third characteristic of the Qur’an is its Divine identity: its teachings have been delivered to the Prophet from a world that transcends his thought and mind. The Prophet (S) was only a recipient of this revelation and message. This is the result that we obtain from the study of the sources and roots of the Qur’an.

But the study of the sources of the Qur’an, and confirmation of its originality, depend upon the analytical study. So I resolve to open this discussion with the analytical study of the Qur’an. We shall first see what is the subject matter of the Qur’an, what kind of problems are discussed in it, what type of problems have been given priority, and in what manner those subjects are presented in it. If we are successful in our critical analysis, and acquire a sufficient understanding of the Qur’anic teachings, it will bring us to an acknowledgment of its principal aspect, which is the Divine aspect of the Qur’an, the quality of its being a Divine miracle.