corresponds to repeated periods of time. This was because they said, ‘If you would like us to follow your religion for a year, then follow our religion for a year.’ So this surah was revealed.”

I say: The repetition of wording that he mentioned is indeed found in the speech of Arabs and non-Arabs alike, for all nations emphasize requests or statements by repeating their words. An example is the report that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“By Allah, I will certainly campaign against Quraysh! Again, by Allah, I will certainly campaign against Quraysh! Again, by Allah, I will certainly campaign against Quraysh!”

He then said, “If Allah wills,” but he did not campaign against them.

It is also reported that, during the expedition to Tabūk, Hudhayfah was leading his mount while ‘Ammār was driving it from behind. A group of over ten men set out and ascended the mountain pass on their mounts, their faces veiled. They had intended to assassinate the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. He said to Hudhayfah, “Lead on! Lead on!” and to ‘Ammār, “Drive on! Drive on!”

There are many more examples of this, but nothing of this kind occurs in the Quran. The Quran has a unique character: no human speech resembles it, whether that of a prophet or anyone else, even though it was revealed in the Arabic language. No created being can produce a surah, or even part of a surah, like it. Thus, nowhere in the Quran is the very same wording repeated immediately after its first occurrence. Rather, in