A Critique of Ahmad al-Qabbanji’s Rhetorical Objections to the Noble Qur’an

Document Type : Research Article

Author

University of Karbala, College of Islamic Sciences

10.22034/dqm.2025.21322.1182

Abstract

It is evident that the aspect of rhetorical inimitability (iʿjāz balāghī) is among the most important aspects cited by Muslim scholars in their reasoning for the Qur’an’s miraculous nature. Accordingly, any defect in the Qur’an’s rhetoric would strike at the very root of the idea of inimitability, thereby undermining the proof of prophethood and the claims of sacredness, infallibility, and the Qur’an’s absolute authority. In this research, we aim to discuss the claim raised by some contemporary researchers regarding the existence of problems related to the Qur’an’s rhetorical aspect, in order to identify the source of such alleged defects and the way to answer them, thus dispelling the confusion that might arise in the minds of some upon hearing such allegations. This critic, in his objection to the theory of revelation and the divine origin of the Qur’an, has identified several cases which he believes compromise its rhetoric, arguing that this shows the absence of inimitability and, therefore, the Qur’an’s non-divine origin. Using a methodology based on transmission, comparison, and analysis, we examined these cases in detail and found his claims to be invalid. Rhetoric does not necessarily entail brevity; it may, in some contexts, require elaboration and extension when the idea cannot be adequately conveyed concisely. Moreover, rhetoric may call for the deliberate omission of rhetorical ornaments (bayānī or badīʿī) — as in the context of legal rulings — where such embellishments would hinder the delivery of the intended meaning. In addition, many of the objections raised stem from a lack of reflection or failure to consult commentaries that have already provided convincing answers.

Keywords

References

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Electronic Sources

  1. Al-Ḥiwār al-Mutamaddin website, Ahmad al-Qabbanji: https://www.ahewar.org/m.asp?i=5933
  2. Al-Wijdān website: http://www.alwjdan.org/index.php?option=com_c...88:scienc&Itemid=462
  3. Wikipedia: https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki
  4. YouTube:

https://youtube/KNEG-vfbb4k

https://youtu.be/0BT2x4bgNCQ?si=DdPpY7apk1Jc7qRc

Contemporary Quranic Studies
Volume 4, Issue 12
September 2025
Pages 185-210

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