Essence of the Holy Qur’an — Page 27
Y u nus 27 distinct and separate theme, yet its subject-matter is closely connected with that of the first group. In the first group the truth of Islam is established by reference to the Holy Prophet and his work, and an appeal is made for the acceptance of Islam in view of the superiority of its principles, the excellence of its teachings, the vastness of the spiritual knowledge which it holds out to seekers after truth, the wisdom underlying its teachings and its extraordinary influence. In the second group, comprising Chapters 10-18, emphasis is laid on the need of Prophethood, the importance of religion and on the object of the Holy Prophet’s advent, by referring particularly to the criteria and characteristics of Prophethood, the claims and history of previous Prophets and to the arguments based on, and supported by, human reason and common sense. Thus the subject-matter of the two groups is very closely linked and related to each other, the only difference being that whereas in the first group reference is made to the prophecies which were made at the advent of the Holy Prophet or which had been made by previous Prophets and were fulfilled in due time, thus bearing witness to the truth of the Holy Prophet; in the second group the truth of Islam has been explained on its own merits and on the basis of the canons of Prophethood.