Mankind and Jinns are challenged to Produce Something that is Comparable to the Noble Quran

So as the emphasize the true magnificence of the Noble Quran, Allah challenged all human beings and Jinns to produce something that is comparable to it; or at least to produce ten chapters that are similar to ten of its chapters; or even still to produce something that is comparable to only one of its chapters. To be sure, mankind and Jinns failed to meet that challenge.

Allah said:

“Say: if the mankind and the Jinns were together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.” (Quran 17:88)

In this verse, Allah gave the command, “ Say”, as if to make it clear to Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) that it was not a private challenge, but instead one that the Prophet(pbuh) was to proclaim before all people; the challenge, therefore, was not for a specific tribe or group of people, but for all of mankind.

In chapter Hud, Allah said:

“Or they say, ‘ He(Prophet Muhammad) forged it (the Quran),’ Say: ‘ Bring you then ten forged Surahs (Chapters) like unto it, and call whomsoever you can, other than Allah (to your help), if you speak the truth!’ If then they answer you not , know then that the revelation (this Quran) is send down with the knowledge of Allah and that La ilaha illa Huwa: (none has the right to be worshipped but He)! Will you then be Muslims (those who submit to Islam)? (Quran 11:13,14)

Even though the polytheists knew that they could not answer the challenge, and even though they were fully aware of the greatness and magnificence of the Quran, they still did not return to their senses. Allah then gave them a final challenge: That they should produce something that could be deemed comparable to even a single Chapter of the Quran.

Allah said:

“Or do they say: ‘He (Muhammad) has forged it? “ Say: bring then a surah (chapter) like unto it, and call upon whomsoever you can, besides Allah, if you are truthful!” (Quran 10:38)

Not being able to meet even this challenge, the polytheists fell into a state of confusion and disarray; and yet they still refused to submit to the truth. At times, like deranged people, they said mockingly:

“If we which we can say the like of this, this is nothing but the tales of ancient.” (Quran 8:31)
Not to make an exact comparison – since to Allah belongs the highest example – but what they said is akin to a person of average intelligence saying, “If I wanted to, I could have matched Einstein’s achievements in science!” And at other times, they most miserably did.

Allah said:

“Say, “If the mankind and the Jinns were together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.” (Quran 17:88)