I'jaz

I'jaz (إعجاز) is the Arabic term for the act of rendering incapable or powerless.^[1] In Islamic context, it is how Muslims describe the character of the Qur'an in both form and content.

The I'jaz al-Qur'an (in context, inimitability of the Qur'an) refers to the belief that the Qur'an is of such high quality in content and form that one is unable to imitate it.

Al mu'jizah

The term al mu'jizah (المعجزة), meaning a miracle, is derived from I'jaz. Al mu'jizah is frequently used in the context of prophets and other holy personages through whom divine agency operates.^[2] Some Islamic commentators have observed that "the Qur'an is a mu'jizah by the Almighty."^[3]

Other uses

Ijaz can also be a surname.

External links

• What Is The Challenge Of The Qur'an With Respect To Arabic Prose & Poetry?, search for "I'jaz al-Qur'an"

References

1. ^ Mohamed Taher, Encyclopaedic survey of Islamic culture, Volume 10, Anmol Publications Pvt. Ltd., 1997, ISBN 9788174884879, http://books.google.com/books?id=kxe5u5LUR38C, "... what the word i'jaz means. Literally it means incapacitating or rendering powerless. From this is derived the word al-mu'jizah, which is a technical term of Kalam for a miracle performed by a prophet ..." 
2. ^ Shabbir Akhtar, The Quran and the secular mind: a philosophy of Islam, Taylor & Francis, 2008, ISBN 9780415437820, http://books.google.com/books?id=vWU9Pqz-cfMC, "... Arabic active participle 'mu'jizah'whichmeans'frustrater'. The Muslim scripture is called, in the sciences of the Quran, though not in the Quran, the frustrater ... A mu'jizah, by contrast, requires not divine permission but rather divine agency: it is a special marvel that only God could exhibit ..." 
3. ^ Islamic review, Volumes 55-56, The Shah Jehan Mosque, 1967, http://books.google.com/books?id=qkUkAQAAIAAJ, "... In his view the Qur'an is a mu'jizah by the Almighty because it was brought forth by a Prophet who was illiterate, and because it contained information about the unknown, and also because human beings of all capacities were unable to ..."