the verses are sometimes equal in merit and at other times differ in merit. Moreover, the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran are all Allah’s speech, yet Muslims know that the Quran is the best of the three books.

Allah Most High says:

“And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and as a guardian over it.”

He also says:

“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will preserve it.”

And He says:

“Say: If mankind and jinn gathered together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce its like, even if they supported one another.”

And He says:

“Allah has sent down the finest discourse—a Book consistent in its parts and oft-repeated—at which the skins of those who fear their Lord shiver; then their skins and hearts soften at the remembrance of Allah.”

He thus declares it to be the finest discourse, indicating that it is better than all other discourse, whether revealed by Allah or not.

Allah Most High also says:

“And We have certainly given you the seven oft-repeated verses and the magnificent Quran.”

Whether this refers to al-Fātihah or to the Quran in its entirety, it indicates that the magnificent Quran is distinguished by this description above what does not share it. Allah has also described the entire Quran as glorious, noble, and mighty.

He has challenged creation to produce its like, or the like of ten of its surahs, or the like of a single surah of it. He says:

“Then let them produce a discourse like it, if they are truthful.”

And He says:

“Then produce ten fabricated surahs like it.”

And He says:

“Then produce a surah like it.”

He has further distinguished it in that nothing but it is to be recited in prayer. No one may recite anything else, whether alongside it or without it, nor may one pray without reciting the Quran. Thus, nothing else can take