Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time—A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 122)
The Absence of Contradiction Despite the Gradual Revelation of the Qur’an
One of the most remarkable and astonishing characteristics of the Noble Qur’an is its complete harmony and total absence of contradiction, despite the fact that this divine Book was revealed over a long period of time and under diverse—sometimes completely different—social, political, and cultural circumstances. Unlike many human writings, which are composed at a specific time and under relatively stable conditions, the Qur’an was revealed gradually over more than twenty years throughout the major transformations of the Muslim community.
Despite this prolonged and gradual process of revelation, not even the slightest contradiction, inconsistency, or disharmony can be found within the Qur’an in terms of its content, objectives, or structure.
From the perspective of Muslim scholars, this characteristic is not only one of the manifestations of the Qur’an’s miraculous nature but also a rational proof of its divine origin. The Qur’an itself points to this reality and calls people to reflect deeply upon it. Allah the Almighty says: «أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلقُرءَانَ وَلَو كَانَ مِن عِندِ غَيرِ ٱللَّهِ لَوَجَدُواْ فِيهِ ٱختِلَٰفا كَثِيرا» Translation: “Do they not then reflect upon the Qur’an? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found within it much contradiction.” [1]
According to this verse, the absence of contradiction and inconsistency in the Qur’an is a clear sign of its divine origin. Had this book been produced by anyone other than Allah, numerous contradictions would undoubtedly have appeared in it. Therefore, the issue of the Qur’an’s internal consistency is regarded as one of the most important subjects in Qur’anic studies and Islamic theology.
The Gradual Revelation of the Qur’an and the Possibility of Contradictions
An important point in understanding this characteristic of the Qur’an is recognizing the manner of its revelation. The Qur’an was revealed gradually over a period of twenty-three years. This gradual revelation was directly connected to the various events in the lives of Muslims and the different stages of the Islamic mission.
Sometimes verses were revealed in response to people’s questions; at other times they addressed social and legal issues within the community; and sometimes they were connected to significant events such as battles, treaties, or political developments.
During this long period, the Muslim community progressed from a weak and vulnerable minority in Mecca to an organized society and state in Medina. In Mecca, Muslims were oppressed, humiliated, and persecuted, whereas in Medina they gained political and social authority and became responsible for governing society.
Under such changing circumstances, if a text had been authored by a human being throughout those years, the likelihood of inconsistencies appearing within it would have been extremely high. Changes in social conditions, shifts in viewpoints, emotional influences, and external pressures are all factors that usually cause contradictions and alterations in human writings. Even many great thinkers and authors have changed their opinions or contradicted themselves throughout different stages of their lives.
Yet the Qur’an, despite being revealed in such fluctuating conditions, maintained perfect coherence and profound harmony in meaning, purpose, and message from beginning to end. This characteristic has led many Qur’anic researchers to regard it as one of the greatest manifestations of the Qur’an’s miraculous nature.
The Expression “Much Contradiction” in the Verse
In the verse mentioned above, Allah the Almighty uses the expression: “much contradiction” (ikhtilāfan kathīrā).
This wording indicates that if the Qur’an had been the product of the human mind, not only minor inconsistencies but also numerous contradictions and conflicts would have appeared within it.
The term “contradiction” here does not merely refer to verbal differences or variations in style; rather, it includes every kind of inconsistency in meaning, content, and direction.
Such contradictions could have appeared in many areas. For example:
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contradictions in doctrinal matters such as monotheism, prophethood, or the Hereafter;
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inconsistencies in laws and social rulings;
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or conflicting positions in social and political matters that would alter the Qur’an’s overall message.
In human writings, such inconsistencies are common and obvious. A writer who holds a certain opinion in youth may adopt a completely different perspective later in life. Political and social circumstances also influence authors’ intellectual positions.
However, in the Qur’an, despite the long intervals between revelations and the major transformations within society, no such contradictions can be found.
Unity of Theme and Purpose Throughout the Qur’an
Another manifestation of the Qur’an’s harmony is its thematic unity and purposeful message. Although the Qur’an addresses numerous subjects—from doctrine and morality to social laws, history, and education—all of these themes ultimately return to one central objective: guiding humanity toward monotheism, justice, and spiritual perfection.
The Makkan verses revealed during the early stages of the Islamic mission focused mainly on subjects such as:
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belief in Allah,
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the Hereafter,
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human responsibility,
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and moral reform.
These verses were revealed at a time when Arabian society was immersed in polytheism, injustice, and moral corruption and therefore needed deep spiritual and intellectual transformation.
Later, during the Madinan period, when the Muslim community had been established and social and political regulations became necessary, the Qur’an presented rulings related to:
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worship,
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transactions,
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family law,
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social justice,
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jihad,
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social struggle,
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and international relations.
Despite this diversity of subjects, the Qur’an’s essential message never changed. It consistently remained centered upon monotheism, justice, and the purification of the human soul.
In other words, the variety of themes in the Qur’an is not a sign of disorder or fragmentation; rather, it reflects the comprehensiveness and harmony of the divine system of guidance. All of these teachings exist within a coherent intellectual framework and move toward a single unified goal.
To be continued…
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References:
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An-Nisāʾ: 82.
