The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page 423
The Holy Qur'ān 423 possess all those qualities that are possessed by the rose. . If it is asked why is it believed that human power is not able to create its match and why is it not possible that man should be able to produce in an artificial flower all the qualities, external and internal, that are found in the rose, the answer is that this has been proved in practice, and that no philosopher or physician has been able to compound any medicines, or to devise a recipe, that would produce a flower possessing the appearance and qualities of the rose. . Qualities of Surah Fātiḥah compared with the Rose. It should now be understood that these elements of matchlessness are to be found in the Surah Fātiḥah, and indeed in the briefest portions of the Holy Qur'an. First observe its external form and appreciate its colourful diction and beautiful exposition and sequence and other qualities which are essential for a good composition and which manifest themselves throughout the Surah Fātiḥah, a manifestation that cannot be exceeded and which is free from every type of coarseness and wildness of idiom. . Every phrase is most eloquent, every form of expression has its proper place, and every type of quality which enhances the beauty of its composition is found in it. The highest grade of eloquence that can be imagined is found in it in perfection and all that is needed to make its meaning clear is present. With all these good qualities, it is filled with the fragrance of truth and there is no exaggeration in it, which might have the slightest trace of falsehood. Its colourfulness is not like that of the poets which smacks of falsehood and is full of idle boasts. As the compositions of poets smell of falsehood and vain verbiage, this composition is full of the delicate fragrance