How Do You Know the Qur’an Really Comes from God and Not Muhammad Himself?
The Qur’an is the heart of Islam — believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 1,400 years ago. Yet, one of the most common questions asked by seekers is:
“How do you know the Qur’an really comes from God and not Muhammad himself?”
This is a fair and important question. If the Qur’an were merely the work of one man, it would be just another human book, not divine revelation. But Muslims, scholars, and even many critics acknowledge that the Qur’an stands apart from any human creation.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why the Qur’an could not have been authored by Muhammad — or by any human being — and why it remains the strongest evidence for God’s existence and guidance.
Muhammad’s Background: An Unlikely Author
An Unlettered Prophet
The Prophet Muhammad grew up in 7th-century Arabia, in a society without universities, libraries, or advanced scholarship. Historical sources, even from his opponents, confirm that he was unlettered — he did not read or write.
Yet the Qur’an is a book of unparalleled depth:
- It contains detailed laws, ethics, and governance.
- It includes stories of past nations with historical detail.
- It conveys unmatched eloquence that reshaped Arabic literature.
For someone without access to education, how could Muhammad produce such a masterpiece?
Not a Poet, Not a Philosopher
Pre-Islamic Arabia was rich in poetry. The best poets were celebrated like celebrities. But the Qur’an’s style was unlike poetry or prose. It was completely unique. The Arabs — masters of language — admitted that Muhammad could not have authored it, despite opposing him fiercely.
The Qur’an’s Own Challenge
One of the Qur’an’s boldest features is that it challenges humanity to imitate it:
“If you are in doubt about what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it.” (Quran 2:23)
This is not just about rhyme or beauty. It is about depth, structure, meaning, and spiritual power. For 14 centuries, countless scholars, poets, and critics have tried — but no one has produced anything that matches the Qur’an.
The inability to meet this challenge is itself powerful evidence of its divine origin.
Consistency Over 23 Years
A Gradual Revelation
The Qur’an was revealed over 23 years, addressing different events, challenges, and questions. Despite this, it remains consistent in message and style.
If a human authored it across two decades, contradictions would be expected. Yet the Qur’an remains remarkably cohesive, even as it addresses law, spirituality, history, and future events.
Correcting the Prophet
Interestingly, the Qur’an sometimes corrected Muhammad himself. For example, in Chapter 80 (“He frowned”), Muhammad is rebuked for turning away from a blind man in favor of speaking to wealthy leaders.
If Muhammad were the author, why would he include criticism of himself? This honesty points to divine authorship.
Knowledge Beyond Muhammad’s Time
Scientific Hints
The Qur’an mentions aspects of nature unknown in the 7th century, such as:
- Embryology: stages of human development (Quran 23:12–14).
- Cosmology: the expanding universe (Quran 51:47).
- Geology: mountains stabilizing the earth’s crust (Quran 78:6–7).
While the Qur’an is not a science book, these insights align with discoveries made centuries later — suggesting knowledge beyond Muhammad’s reach.
Historical Accuracy
The Qur’an also recounts historical events with accuracy, sometimes correcting earlier sources. For example, it details the story of Pharaoh’s body being preserved (Quran 10:92) — something only discovered in modern times when mummified remains were examined.
Fulfilled Prophecies
The Qur’an contains predictions that came true, including:
- The Roman defeat and comeback victory over the Persians (Quran 30:2–4). At the time, this prediction seemed impossible, but it was fulfilled within the time frame given.
- The preservation of the Qur’an itself (Quran 15:9). Unlike other scriptures that changed over time, the Qur’an has remained unchanged, memorized and transmitted with precision.
Prophecies coming true reinforce its divine source.
The Qur’an’s Preservation
One of the Qur’an’s miracles is its preservation. From the very beginning, it was memorized by companions and written down. Today, millions have memorized it word-for-word, ensuring it is passed exactly as revealed.
Early manuscripts from the first century of Islam match the Qur’an we have today. This fulfills God’s promise:
“Indeed, We have sent down the Qur’an, and surely We will guard it.” (Quran 15:9)
No other scripture in history enjoys this level of preservation.
Transformation of Society
The Qur’an did not just inspire poetry or philosophy, it transformed a society.
7th-century Arabia was plagued by tribal feuds, idol worship, and injustice. Within a generation of the Qur’an’s revelation, that society became one of justice, learning, and spiritual devotion.
A single man’s words cannot create such a profound and lasting transformation across civilizations.
Addressing Misconceptions
“Muhammad copied from the Bible or other sources.”
There were no Arabic translations of the Bible in Muhammad’s time, and he had no access to scholarly libraries. Moreover, the Qur’an often differs from Biblical accounts, sometimes correcting them.
“The Qur’an is just beautiful poetry.”
Even Arab poets, hostile to Islam, admitted it was unlike poetry. Its content includes laws, prophecy, and theology — far beyond the scope of poetry.
Learning More About the Qur’an
For those genuinely interested, the best step is to engage directly with the Qur’an itself. Organizations like American Islamic Outreach provide free Quran and pamphlets, helping people explore Islam authentically and without distortion.
Conclusion: Divine Revelation, Not Human Authorship
The Qur’an’s:
- unmatched literary style,
- historical and scientific insights,
- fulfilled prophecies,
- flawless preservation,
- and Muhammad’s own life —
all demonstrate it cannot be his creation. For Muslims, it is not simply a book; it is a living miracle, a direct link to God’s words.
The real question is no longer “Did Muhammad write it?” but “Am I ready to engage with what it says?”
FAQs
- Couldn’t Muhammad have invented the Qur’an?
No. He was unlettered, had no access to scriptures, and lived in a tribal society. The Qur’an’s depth and style are beyond human ability.
- Why didn’t Muhammad take credit for writing the Qur’an?
Because it wasn’t his. He consistently insisted it was revelation from God, even when it brought him persecution and hardship.
- Has the Qur’an changed over time?
No. It has been preserved exactly as revealed, memorized by millions, and confirmed by early manuscripts.
- Is the Qur’an just copied stories from the Bible?
No. The Qur’an differs significantly, often correcting Biblical narratives, and provides details unknown in Arabia at the time.
- How can I read the Qur’an for myself?
You can request a free copy through organizations like American Islamic Outreach, which provide Quran and pamphlets to help seekers learn directly.