Now compare the others with this and see how each in its particular way assists the main aim. Make analogies with this verse for its brothers. Especially, “Alif Lām. Mīm. ∗ This is the Book concerning which is no doubt, guidance sure for those who fear Allah” – for its purpose is to praise the Qur’an and prove its perfections. The parts of the verse all point harmoniously to this aim: in one respect, the oath [expressed by] “Alif. Lām. Mīm.;” and “this (dhālika)” [^4] being a demonstrative pronoun and denoting tangible things and distance; the definite article ‘al’ in “the Book (al-kitāb);” and the proof [indicated by] “in which there is no doubt (lā rayba fīh).” Each of these phrases assists the main aim, adding its own share, revealing from beneath it the evidences that rest upon it, even if they are slight.

[^4]:The demonstrative pronoun dhālika is usually translated “that.”

If you wish, consider “Alif. Lām. Mīm.:” in so far as it is an oath, it is both corroborative, and it imparts the idea of [the Qur’an’s] greatness. So too, as proof of what it is alluding to, it draws attention to the subtleties underlying [the letters], mentioned in the four Topics above.

Now consider the demonstrative pronoun “this (dhālika):” It is used to refer to the essence and attributes [of tangible things], and so both denotes [the Qur’an’s] greatness – because it indicates either what “Alif. Lām. Mīm.” are alluding to, or what is foretold in the Torah and Gospels – and it points to the evidences underlying it. So how great, how perfect is the thing sworn by [that is, the Qur’an], that is foretold in the Torah and Gospels!

Next scrutinize carefully this demonstrative pronoun, which although properly used for tangible things, here alludes to something mental (al-amr al-ma‘qūl), and you will see that just as it infers greatness and importance, so it indicates that the Qur’an attracts minds like a magnet, drawing everyone’s gaze upon itself and preoccupying their imaginations. [The ‘mental’ Qur’an] is therefore shown to be at such a level that if one consults one’s imagination even it will appear behind it. Thus, by its very nature [this demonstrative pronoun] infers that [the Qur’an] is veracious and trustworthy and free of weakness and trickery, since these should be concealed.

Then ponder over the distance suggested by the ‘lika’ of “dhālika – this:” It indicates both the Qur’an’s elevated rank, which points to its perfection, and that it is far above any attempts to imitate it. For it is either inferior to all of these [attempts], and this is impossible as is unanimously agreed, or it is superior to all.

Next study the definite article “al” of “the Book (al-kitāb):” Since it expresses restriction, it indicates the Qur’an’s sublimity and opens the door