Isharat al-I'jaz | Verse 2: In Praise of the Qur'an | 45
(42-47)

Consider this: the reason the phrases "Alif. Lâm. Mîm. * That is the Book ... concerning which is no doubt... guidance sure for those who fear Allâh" are not linked by conjunctions is their intense union and mutual embrace; each seizes the hand of the one preceding it and the coat tails of the one following it. For in one way each is proof of all of them and in another it is their result.

[The Qur'an's] miraculousness is inscribed on this verse [as though it were] an embroidery woven of twelve intricately interwoven lines of relations. If you would like to see it in detail, [firstly] study "Alif. Lâm. Mim," for they imply this meaning: "These [letters] are issuing a challenge; is there anyone to answer it?" Then consider "That is the Book " for it states clearly that it surpasses all its fellows and has superseded them, thus inferring that it is exceptional and without peer. Then ponder over "concerning which is no doubt," for it states explicitly that there is no room for doubt, thus proclaiming that [the Qur'an] is illumined with the light of certainty. Then consider "guidance sure for those who fear Allâh'" for it is informing you that it points out the straight path and is an embodied light of guidance. Thus, in respect of the first meaning each phrase is a proof of its fellows, and in regard to the second meaning all are the result of each of them.

Now, by way of example, we shall mention three of the twelve relations, and you can make analogies with them for the rest.

"Alif. Lâm. Mîm.:" that is, this book challenges all who oppose it; it must therefore be the best of books; it therefore expresses certainty; for the best book is one that is certain; so it must be embodied guidance for mankind.

Then "That is the Book:" that is, this book is superior to anything resembling it so it must be miraculous. Or, it is exceptional and distinguished; for there is no doubt concerning it; because it points out the level path to those who fear Allâh.

Then, "Guidance sure for those who fear Allâh :" that is, it guides to the straight path; so it must be certain; so it is exceptional; so it is miraculous.

You can now deduce the rest for yourself.

"Guidance sure for those who fear Allâh (hudan li'l-muttaqîn)"

You should be aware that the beauty of this phrase wells up from four points:

The First: The omission of the subject, which indicates that the subject and predicate have united and that the statement [expressed] is accepted. As though in essence the subject is within the predicate, and they are not differentiated between in the mind even.

No Voice