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Word Count Miracles in the Qur'an: Difference between revisions
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In an attempt to prove the divine origins of [[Islam]], there are many Islamic websites promoting "word count miracles" in the Qur'an. The basic claim here is that certain words in the Qur'an are repeated a specific number of times, and for some reasons, that number is meaningful or rather miraculous. Hence Muslim apologists assert that the Qur'an is the word of God. | In an attempt to prove the divine origins of [[Islam]], there are many Islamic websites promoting "word count miracles" in the Qur'an. The basic claim here is that certain words in the Qur'an are repeated a specific number of times, and for some reasons, that number is meaningful or rather miraculous. Hence Muslim apologists assert that the Qur'an is the word of God. | ||
Some apologist websites, when listing the numerical miracles, also show this verse <ref>http://www.harunyahya.com/en/Miracles-of-the-Quran/27625/word-repetitions-in-the-quran</ref> | Some apologist websites, when listing the numerical miracles, also show this verse:<ref>http://www.harunyahya.com/en/Miracles-of-the-Quran/27625/word-repetitions-in-the-quran</ref> | ||
* 4:82 "''Will they not ponder the Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would have found many inconsistencies in it.''" | * 4:82 "''Will they not ponder the Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would have found many inconsistencies in it.''" | ||
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===Ignoring the Meanings of some Arabic Words=== | ===Ignoring the Meanings of some Arabic Words=== | ||
====Including words with other meanings==== | ====Including words with other meanings==== | ||
Some Arabic words have more than one meaning. For example the word الجنة means "paradise", but it can also mean "jinn" (like in the last verse of the Qur'an <ref>Quran 114:6 | Some Arabic words have more than one meaning. For example the word الجنة means "paradise", but it can also mean "jinn" (like in the last verse of the Qur'an.<ref>Quran 114:6 | ||
* "From among the jinn and the men." | * "From among the jinn and the men." | ||
* من -الجنة- والناسِ </ref>) | * من -الجنة- والناسِ </ref>) However, apologists just search for the word الجنة and they don't worry at all that this word has other meanings as well. | ||
Or in other cases, when the word count is not interesting, they start excluding the words with other meanings to get a more interesting number. | Or in other cases, when the word count is not interesting, they start excluding the words with other meanings to get a more interesting number. | ||
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* 8) Verse 71:15 "''Do you not see how Allah has created the '''seven heavens''' (سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَٰتٍ), one above another,''" | * 8) Verse 71:15 "''Do you not see how Allah has created the '''seven heavens''' (سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَٰتٍ), one above another,''" | ||
* 9) Verse 78:12 "''And We made above you '''seven strong ones''' (سَبْعًا شِدَادًا),''" | * 9) Verse 78:12 "''And We made above you '''seven strong ones''' (سَبْعًا شِدَادًا),''" | ||
** "Seven strong-ones" (sabAAan shidadan, سَبْعًا شِدَادًا) refers to the seven heavens. <ref>Al-Jalalayn's interpretation: "and built above you seven mighty ones? seven heavens shidād is the plural of shadīda that is to say strong and sturdy unaffected by the passage of time"</ref> | ** "Seven strong-ones" (sabAAan shidadan, سَبْعًا شِدَادًا) refers to the seven heavens.<ref>Al-Jalalayn's interpretation: "and built above you seven mighty ones? seven heavens shidād is the plural of shadīda that is to say strong and sturdy unaffected by the passage of time"</ref> | ||
Notice that in the verses 17:44 and 23:86 the order of the Arabic words is different. They literally say "heavens seven". | Notice that in the verses 17:44 and 23:86 the order of the Arabic words is different. They literally say "heavens seven". | ||
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We can get 7 occurrences of the phrase "seven heavens" if we count only the occurrences where the seven heavens are explicitly called seven "heavens" (samawat, سَمَٰوَٰتٍ) and not "paths" or "strong ones". Also we have to include 2 cases, where the phrase is in backwards order, literally "heavens seven". | We can get 7 occurrences of the phrase "seven heavens" if we count only the occurrences where the seven heavens are explicitly called seven "heavens" (samawat, سَمَٰوَٰتٍ) and not "paths" or "strong ones". Also we have to include 2 cases, where the phrase is in backwards order, literally "heavens seven". | ||
But probably a more important question than " | But probably a more important question than "What is the word count?" is "Are there 7 heavens in reality?". And also we should wonder if the meanings of the verses together make sense: When we consider that the heavens are one above the other (verse 67:3) and stars are in the lowest heaven (41:12), that means our universe (in which are stars) would be the lowest heaven. We can see only this universe (= the lowest heaven), so do we really see all the 7 heavens as the verse 71:15 claims we should? | ||
Let's see what other miracles with the number 7 the Qur'an offers, so that we can be sure that the one with "seven heavens" mentioned 7 times wasn't just a coincidence: | Let's see what other miracles with the number 7 the Qur'an offers, so that we can be sure that the one with "seven heavens" mentioned 7 times wasn't just a coincidence: | ||
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** The Qur'an says in 7:179 that disbelievers are ''like'' cattle, yet the Qur'an talks a lot more about disbelievers than cattle. Shouldn't they have an equal word count? | ** The Qur'an says in 7:179 that disbelievers are ''like'' cattle, yet the Qur'an talks a lot more about disbelievers than cattle. Shouldn't they have an equal word count? | ||
** We could find dozens of things that are said to be similar in the Qur'an. The vast majority of them wouldn't have an equal word count. Taking one of those similar words, which coincidentally have an equal word count, is not a miracle, but a cherry-picking fallacy. | ** We could find dozens of things that are said to be similar in the Qur'an. The vast majority of them wouldn't have an equal word count. Taking one of those similar words, which coincidentally have an equal word count, is not a miracle, but a cherry-picking fallacy. | ||
** Forms of the word "burn" (صلي) also appear 25 times <ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Sly</ref> | ** Forms of the word "burn" (صلي) also appear 25 times.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Sly</ref> Does it mean Adam and Jesus are burning in hell? | ||
* When seeing the lists of occurrences for the words "Adam" and "Jesus", the verse 3:59 (which says they are similar by being created from dust) is the 7th occurrence. | * When seeing the lists of occurrences for the words "Adam" and "Jesus", the verse 3:59 (which says they are similar by being created from dust) is the 7th occurrence. | ||
** The order of the suras is man-made. If we used the original (Allah's) revelation order, the verses from the 3rd sura would have a higher number than 7, because it is a Medinan sura. Also they probably wouldn't be equal, because the historical revelation order and the order used today are totally different. | ** The order of the suras is man-made. If we used the original (Allah's) revelation order, the verses from the 3rd sura would have a higher number than 7, because it is a Medinan sura. Also they probably wouldn't be equal, because the historical revelation order and the order used today are totally different. | ||
* The words "tree" (شجرة, ''shajarah'') and "plant" (نبات, ''nabat'') both occur 26 times. | * The words "tree" (شجرة, ''shajarah'') and "plant" (نبات, ''nabat'') both occur 26 times. | ||
**What is this supposed to mean? That tree and plant are the same thing? The truth is that all plants are not trees. | |||
** When we search for all occurrences of words derived from the root شجر (sh-j-r), we find 27 occurrences.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=%24jr</ref> When we exclude the words "arises", "vegetation" and "plant", we get '''24 occurrences'''. | ** When we search for all occurrences of words derived from the root شجر (sh-j-r), we find 27 occurrences.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=%24jr</ref> When we exclude the words "arises", "vegetation" and "plant", we get '''24 occurrences'''. | ||
** When we search for the root نبت (''n-b-t''), we get 26 occurrences.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=nbt</ref> Most of them are verbs and the rest of the words are questionable whether to count them or not. If we count only the singular word "plant" then we get '''0 occurences'''. | ** When we search for the root نبت (''n-b-t''), we get 26 occurrences.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=nbt</ref> Most of them are verbs and the rest of the words are questionable whether to count them or not. If we count only the singular word "plant" then we get '''0 occurences'''. | ||
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** The word ''sabran'' is derived from the root صبر (s-b-r). There are only 103 words derived from this root in the Qur'an,<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Sbr</ref> most of them being verbs. ''al-'usri'' is derived from the root عسر. There are only 12 occurrences of words derived from this root in the Qur'an.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Esr</ref> Apologists probably meant the word "severe" (شَدِيدٌ, ''shadidun''), but there are only 102 words derived from its root (شدد) in the Qur'an.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=%24dd</ref> | ** The word ''sabran'' is derived from the root صبر (s-b-r). There are only 103 words derived from this root in the Qur'an,<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Sbr</ref> most of them being verbs. ''al-'usri'' is derived from the root عسر. There are only 12 occurrences of words derived from this root in the Qur'an.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Esr</ref> Apologists probably meant the word "severe" (شَدِيدٌ, ''shadidun''), but there are only 102 words derived from its root (شدد) in the Qur'an.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=%24dd</ref> | ||
* The words "benefit" (نفع, ''nafa'a'') and "corrupt" (فسد, ''fasad'') both appear 50 times. | * The words "benefit" (نفع, ''nafa'a'') and "corrupt" (فسد, ''fasad'') both appear 50 times. | ||
** If we count nouns and verbs together and count all words derived from the roots of these words, we get 50 occurrences for both <ref> | ** If we count nouns and verbs together and count all words derived from the roots of these words, we get 50 occurrences for both.<ref> | ||
* http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=nfE | * http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=nfE | ||
* http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=fsd</ref> | * http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=fsd</ref> But these words are not clear antonyms. The word "benefit" is used in the sense of "something benefits someone" and the word "corrupt" is used in the sense of "someone spreads mischief in the land". | ||
* The words "people" (الناس, ''an-nas'') and "messengers" (الأنبياء, ''al-anbiya'') are both mentioned 50 times. | * The words "people" (الناس, ''an-nas'') and "messengers" (الأنبياء, ''al-anbiya'') are both mentioned 50 times. | ||
** What this supposed to mean? That Allah's messengers are people? That they are not aliens or animals? | ** What this supposed to mean? That Allah's messengers are people? That they are not aliens or animals? | ||
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* The word Moon (قمر, ''al-qamr'') occurs 27 times scientific miracle. | * The word Moon (قمر, ''al-qamr'') occurs 27 times scientific miracle. | ||
** There are many things that could be measured about the Moon, so if the word count hits one of those things, it is not very amazing and it is actually very probable. | ** There are many things that could be measured about the Moon, so if the word count hits one of those things, it is not very amazing and it is actually very probable. | ||
** The Moon's orbit around the Earth takes 29.5 days (synodic period) with respect to the Earth and 27.3 days with respect to the stars (sidereal period) <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_period</ref> | ** The Moon's orbit around the Earth takes 29.5 days (synodic period) with respect to the Earth and 27.3 days with respect to the stars (sidereal period).<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_period</ref> So even when it comes to the orbit period, the Qur'an had already two chances (or 3, when we include 29 and 30). | ||
*** 27.3 is not 27. Why Allah didn't choose some whole number, like mentioning the word only once, since the Moon is the Earths only natural satellite? He could also mention other planets and their satellites. Why Allah doesn't speak about other planets? And if he cares especially about our planet, then why he didn't mention the 29 days orbit period with respect to the Earth? | *** 27.3 is not 27. Why Allah didn't choose some whole number, like mentioning the word only once, since the Moon is the Earths only natural satellite? He could also mention other planets and their satellites. Why Allah doesn't speak about other planets? And if he cares especially about our planet, then why he didn't mention the 29 days orbit period with respect to the Earth? | ||
*** The length of the Moon's orbit changes over millions of years, as does the length of the Earth's day (in a greater proportion, such that it would become tidally locked with the moon if this continued forever). Why didn't Allah make the moon orbit in exactly 27 days at this stage of human history if he planned a word count miracle in the Qur'an? | *** The length of the Moon's orbit changes over millions of years, as does the length of the Earth's day (in a greater proportion, such that it would become tidally locked with the moon if this continued forever). Why didn't Allah make the moon orbit in exactly 27 days at this stage of human history if he planned a word count miracle in the Qur'an? | ||
*** If we count the word "earth" (الْأَرْضَ, ''al-ard''), do we get 365 occurrences as the Earth orbits 365 days around the Sun? | *** If we count the word "earth" (الْأَرْضَ, ''al-ard''), do we get 365 occurrences as the Earth orbits 365 days around the Sun? | ||
**** We don't.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=ArD</ref> | **** We don't.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=ArD</ref> | ||
* "Muslimeen" (مسلمين) and "jihad" (جهاد) both mentioned 41 times. | * "Muslimeen" (مسلمين) and "jihad" (جهاد) both are mentioned 41 times. | ||
** Jihad is derived from the root جهد. There are 41 words derived from this root in the Qur'an. Some of them are verbs, some of them are nouns like "strong", or "mujahideen".<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=jhd</ref> So it is not very logical to count them together. And claiming that the actual word "jihad" appears 41 times is a lie. | ** Jihad is derived from the root جهد. There are 41 words derived from this root in the Qur'an. Some of them are verbs, some of them are nouns like "strong", or "mujahideen".<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=jhd</ref> So it is not very logical to count them together. And claiming that the actual word "jihad" appears 41 times is a lie. | ||
** Muslim apologists must think twice about the ramifications of claiming a miracle like this one. Every time the Qur'an and Muhammad talk about jihad, it is in the context of a war against non-Muslims to establish the rule of Islam. Instead of refuting the doctrine of jihad, are the apologists endorsing it as a duty for Muslims via this miracle? | ** Muslim apologists must think twice about the ramifications of claiming a miracle like this one. Every time the Qur'an and Muhammad talk about jihad, it is in the context of a war against non-Muslims to establish the rule of Islam. Instead of refuting the doctrine of jihad, are the apologists endorsing it as a duty for Muslims via this miracle? | ||
** La'an (لعن) meaning "cursed" is also mentioned 41 times <ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=lEn</ref> | ** La'an (لعن) meaning "cursed" is also mentioned 41 times,<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=lEn</ref> just like the word "Muslims". | ||
** Karaha (كره) meaning "hate" or "compulsion" is also mentioned 41 times. <ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=krh</ref> | ** Karaha (كره) meaning "hate" or "compulsion" is also mentioned 41 times.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=krh</ref> | ||
* The words "Iblees" (إبليس) and the phrase "seek refuge from Iblees" (الاستعاذة بالله) both occur 11 times. | * The words "Iblees" (إبليس) and the phrase "seek refuge from Iblees" (الاستعاذة بالله) both occur 11 times. | ||
** If this was true, than every verse mentioning Iblees would have talk about seeking refuge from him. But for example, the verse 2:34 mentions Iblees and doesn't talk about seeking refuge from him. | ** If this was true, than every verse mentioning Iblees would have talk about seeking refuge from him. But for example, the verse 2:34 mentions Iblees and doesn't talk about seeking refuge from him. | ||
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** Human species evolved through evolution, not by the stages described in the Qur'an.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution</ref> | ** Human species evolved through evolution, not by the stages described in the Qur'an.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution</ref> | ||
* The word "say" (قل, ''qul'') and "they said" (قالوا) both occur 332 times. | * The word "say" (قل, ''qul'') and "they said" (قالوا) both occur 332 times. | ||
** A meaningless connection. What is the interpretation of this "miracle"? Also the words are counted with various prefixes, that were not counted in other word counts <ref> | ** A meaningless connection. What is the interpretation of this "miracle"? Also the words are counted with various prefixes, that were not counted in other word counts.<ref> | ||
Use your browser search tool for قُلْ (''qul''). | Use your browser search tool for قُلْ (''qul''). | ||
http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=qwl</ref> | http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=qwl</ref> | ||
* The words "good deeds" (الصالحات, ''as-salihat'') and "bad deeds" (السيئات) both occur 167 times. | * The words "good deeds" (الصالحات, ''as-salihat'') and "bad deeds" (السيئات) both occur 167 times. | ||
** The word ṣāliḥāt occurs only 62 times.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=SlH</ref> | ** The word ṣāliḥāt occurs only 62 times.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=SlH</ref> | ||
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** The word count for "reward" includes words (including verbs) with a different meanings like "serve", "hire", "bridal due" and "payment".<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Ajr</ref> | ** The word count for "reward" includes words (including verbs) with a different meanings like "serve", "hire", "bridal due" and "payment".<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Ajr</ref> | ||
* The word "hour" (الساعة) appears 24 times. | * The word "hour" (الساعة) appears 24 times. | ||
** It actually appears many more times.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=swE</ref> So this miracle claim is solely based on ignorance. Ironically the word "ignorance" (جهل) appears 24 times <ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=jhl</ref> | ** It actually appears many more times.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=swE</ref> So this miracle claim is solely based on ignorance. Ironically the word "ignorance" (جهل) appears 24 times.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=jhl</ref> | ||
* "Speaking publicly" (الجهر) and "publicizing" (العلانيه) both mentioned 18 times. | * "Speaking publicly" (الجهر) and "publicizing" (العلانيه) both mentioned 18 times. | ||
** There are only 16 words derived from the root جهر in the Qur'an.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=jhr</ref> | ** There are only 16 words derived from the root جهر in the Qur'an.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=jhr</ref> | ||
* The words "love" (المحبة, ''al-mahabbah'') and "obedience" (الطاعة, ''al-ta'ah'') both occur 83 times. | * The words "love" (المحبة, ''al-mahabbah'') and "obedience" (الطاعة, ''al-ta'ah'') both occur 83 times. | ||
** "Love" is derived form the root h-b-b. There are 95 words derived from this root in the Qur'an. 68 of them are verbs.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Hbb</ref> So this word count mixes verbs and nouns together. | ** "Love" is derived form the root h-b-b. There are 95 words derived from this root in the Qur'an. 68 of them are verbs.<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Hbb</ref> So this word count mixes verbs and nouns together. | ||
** ''Haram'' (حرم) also occurs 83 times <ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Hrm</ref> so it seems that love is haram (forbidden). | ** ''Haram'' (حرم) also occurs 83 times,<ref>http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Hrm</ref> so it seems that love is haram (forbidden). | ||
* The words "spending" (صدق, ''sadaqa''. ِِِِِِAcually الْإِنْفَاقِ, ''al-infaq'') and "satisfaction" (رضو) both occur 73 times. | * The words "spending" (صدق, ''sadaqa''. ِِِِِِAcually الْإِنْفَاقِ, ''al-infaq'') and "satisfaction" (رضو) both occur 73 times. | ||
** Meaningless connection. | ** Meaningless connection. | ||