creation can produce discourse equal to the Quran in wording and meaning. The Arabs describe a solid building and a binding covenant that cannot be undone as muhkam. This is what is meant by describing the whole Quran as perfected.

As for what indicates that its parts all resemble one another, Allah Most High says:

‘A Book whose parts resemble one another, oft-repeated.’ [al-Zumar 23]

This means that its parts resemble one another in beauty and eloquence, and confirm one another. This is indicated by His saying:

‘Had it been from anyone other than Allah, they would have found much inconsistency in it.’ (82) [al-Nisā’ 82]

That is, some parts would have contradicted others, and its composition would have varied in forcefulness and eloquence.

As for what indicates that some of it is clear and some ambiguous, Allah Most High says:

‘It is He who has sent down to you the Book. In it are clear verses, which are the foundation of the Book, and others that are ambiguous.’ [Āl ‘Imrān 7]”