Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part IV — Page 180
BarĀhĪn-e-a H madiyya — Part Four 180 or imagined, and that such an awe-striking phenomenon is not at all found in the case of the rose. For, the Holy Quran has the added char- acteristic that the above qualities that are the basis of its uniqueness are patently self-evident. That is why, when critics find that it does not have a single letter deviating from wisdom and appropriateness, and there is not a single sentence that does not meet an urgent need for the reformation of the time, and, in addition, it is so perfect in eloquence that it admits not of the replacement of a single line with a differently worded one, the hearts of critics are struck with magnificent awe at the contemplation of these astounding excellences. Of course, an ignorant person who has never considered these mat- ters may, out of his ignorance, ask: ‘What is the proof that all these excellences are proven and established in S u rah al-F a ti h ah and the entire Holy Quran?’ So, let it be clear that the proof is that those who pondered over the unparalleled excellences of the Holy Quran, found its text possessing such a high degree of fluency and eloquence that they failed to produce its like, and found its fine points and verities to be so sublime that they could not find their match in the whole world. Moreover, they witnessed its wondrous effects, which can never be found in human words. They also observed another holy attribute: it was not revealed uselessly or frivolously; rather, it was revealed exactly at the time of true need. Upon witnessing all of these perfections, they acknowledged its incomparable magnificence without any hesitation. As for those among them who remained bereft of the gift of faith because of their eternal misfortune, their hearts were so confounded by the awe and majesty of this matchless Word that—being dumbstruck and disconcerted—all they could utter was, ‘This is manifest sorcery. ’ Moreover, a just person finds strong evidence and brilliant proof for the uniqueness and matchlessness of the Holy Quran in that, despite the challenge of the Holy Quran extending over 1,300 years—strongly rousing the sense of honour of its adversaries, and addressing those who persist in opposition and denial, in spite of their failure to respond, as wicked, foul, cursed, and hell-bound—and yet its adversaries have