The Quran says:

“Say, If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this
Qur'an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other
assistants." [Qur'an: 17:88]

Because of this verse, Muslims believe that if anyone tries to produce
something like the Qur’an they will never be able to do so. Muslims are
mesmerised by the Qur’an and believe the Qur’an is full of beauty, perfection
and eloquence.

A non Muslim suggests that people get mesmerised by the words of playwrights
and authors all the time and no work can be recreated exactly. Thus this non
Muslim further advocates that inimitability is not exclusive to the Qur’an. The
non Muslim says that if a challenge was given to create a full play exactly how
Shakespeare would have written a play, this would not be possible for anyone
else to do. The non Muslim's point therefore is inimitability of a work does
not prove that it is Divine.

What is the response of the Ulema?

Answer: 

There are certainly grave differences between the Quraan Sharif and the works of Shakespeare, hence there can never a comparison between the two. After studying just a few of these differences which we have listed below one will certainly realize that the Quraan Sharif is certainly a Divine Scripture which has come from Allah alone.

It is possible that none was able to create a play exactly as Shakespeare but there must have been works and plays of other artists that have even surpassed that of Shakespeare. Perhaps many have even given preference to other artists over Shakespeare.

Secondly, the English used in Shakespeare is Victorian English which is considered as orthodox and not used in this day and age.

If we are to assume for argument’s sake that the works of Shakespeare are still considered the best, then too the Quraan remain unmatchable as no person has ever been able to memorize the works of Shakespeare whilst millions have memorized the Quraan.

Similarly, the works of Shakespeare has never been the means of people changing their faith and religion whilst thousands and perhaps millions in the world have accepted Islam through the beauty of the Noble Quraan.

Furthermore, the words, beauty and eloquence of the Quraan Sharif remain unsurpassed and unchallenged to the extent that no person up to this day has been able to present a single verse equal to that of the Quraan Sharif in spite of their many attempts to do so. The very Quraan that was recited over 1400 years ago remains with us today, and is perhaps recited to a greater degree than ever before due to the increase of individuals in the Muslim Ummah, and the reciter attains the same enjoyment that has always been enjoyed throughout the centuries. No aspect of the Quraan has ever been outdated and will never be outdated.

No true Muslim in the history of Islam has ever given preference to any novel or writings of some author over the Quraan Sharif, in fact every person has such love for the Quraan Sharif that he desires to memorize the Quraan himself, and if this is not possible for some reason then he will ensure that some dear family member of his memorizes the Quraan Sharif.

This brings us to the conclusion that Quraan Sharif remains unmatched in every way whereas the works of Shakespeare have become history and in fact considered outdated. Therefore, mankind’s inability to produce another scripture like the Quraan is most definitely an indication that this is the work of the Supreme Being Allah Ta'aala, whilst the work of a human (who himself is full of imperfection and blemish) is also imperfect and full of blemish.

And Allah Ta'aala knows best!

ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B 

Date: 02 Jumadal Ula 1440  English Date: 09 January 2019