What follows are a number of topics closely related to the purpose of this work, which shed some light on several of its aspects. I start with these because they will serve as an introduction to the exegesis of the Quran. They include academic topics related to the greatness and miraculous nature of the Quran; its immunity from alterations and freedom from contradictions; the principle of abrogation in its laws; and other such academic questions that need to be clarified as an introduction to understanding the Quran and exegeting it on a sound intellectual basis.
To God I tum humbly in supplication that He may grant me success and look upon my work with approval. Indeed, He is Praiseworthy, Glorious.

The Excellence of the Quran

SYNOPSIS The inability of human beings to describe the Quran; those among human‌ kind who are the persons best informed about its status; the Prophets discourse on the excellence of the Quran; the Quran is divinely protected from alteration; it guards the community against dispute; it is eternal and comprehensive; merits of reciting the Quran; topical traditions regarding its recitation; reflections on the meanings of the Quran; knowledge of its exegesis; encouragement, from the Quran, the prophetic tradition (sunna), and the mind to reflect [on the meaning of] the Quran.

It is better for a human being to refrain from delving into this topic and to humble himself in front of the Qurans greatness. Indeed, an admission of inadequacy is better than proceeding with this discussion. What can a person say in describing the emi‌ nence of the Quran and its glory? What can he say to explain its excellence and sublimity? How can a contingent being perceive the greatness of the speech of the Absolute Being? What can an author write about this subject and what can a speaker say? Can a limited being describe anything that is unlimited?
It is sufficient greatness for the Quran, and sufficient eminence and glory, that it is the speech of the Almighty God, and the miracle of His noble Prophet, and that its verses are the guarantee for the guidance of human beings in all their concerns and circumstances and at all times. This is their guarantee to reach the final goal and the great happiness now and later on:

Lo! this Quran guides to that which is most upright (Q. ١٧:٩). This is the Book which We have revealed to you [٠ Muhammad], that thereby you may bring forth human‌ kind from darkness into light, by the permission of their Lord, to the path of the Mighty and Owner of Praise (Q. ١٤:١ ). This is a declaration for humankind, a guidance and an admonition to those who ward off [evil] (Q. ٣:١٣٨).

It is related in a tradition that the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: "The superiority of the Speech of God over other speeches is like the superior‌ ity of God over His creatures.٣
Indeed, it is better for a human being to stop short at this topic and hand over the elucidation of the excellence of the Quran to those comparable to the Quran. They are the persons most knowledgeable about its status, and the best able to point out its lofty prestige, and they are its peers in excellence and its associates in guidance. As