Section: A precise inquiry into the terms miracle (muʿjiza), sign (āya), karāma, and how they are used

The signs and proofs attesting to the prophethood of Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—are many and varied; they are more numerous and more momentous than the signs granted to any other prophet. Some scholars refer to them as “muʿjizāt” (miracles); they are also called “dalāʾil al-nubuwwa” (proofs of prophethood) and “aʿlām al-nubuwwa” (tokens of prophethood).

When the signs of the prophets are described with these latter terms, they convey the intended meaning more aptly than the word “muʿjizāt.” For that reason the term “muʿjizāt” itself is absent from the Quran and Sunnah; instead, the revealed texts employ the words “āya” (sign), “bayyina” (clear proof), and “burhān” (conclusive evidence).

Thus the Exalted said in the account of Moses: “Then these two are two proofs from your Lord” (28:32), referring to the staff and the hand. And He, exalted is He, said concerning Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “O people, a proof has come to you from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a manifest light” (4:174).