Three Questions by a Christian and their Answers — Page 25
25 Yet another point, which will make things even clearer to discerning people, is that the verse: 27 bears an affirmation, rather than a negation, of miracles. The point relates to the definite article ' Al', which, according to the rules of Arabic grammar, bears either an all-inclusive connotation or a particular connotation. If the former conno- tation is adopted, the verse would mean, 'Nothing could hinder Us from sending all the signs, except that they have been rejected by earlier peoples. ' And if we were to adopt the 'particular' connotation, the verse would mean, 'Nothing could hinder Us from showing the particular signs (which are being demanded by the unbelievers), except that they have been rejected by earlier people. ' In either case, the verse affirms the showing of miracles. To say that all signs cannot be shown because they have been rejected by earlier people, proves that some signs will be shown. For instance, when somebody says that he has not given Zaid everything he possesses, it clearly means that he has given Zaid at least a portion of his possessions. Conversely, if the verse means that God did not send some particular signs, it also proves that some other signs were sent. For instance, when someone says that he has not given Zaid some particular things, it means that he has given Zaid something else. One should first examine the verses adjacent to the one in 27 Ban i Isr a ’ i l, 17:60[Publishers]