A Critical Review of Orientalists’ Critiques on the Coherence of Qurʾānic Sūrahs

مستشرقین کا سورتوں کے نظم پر تنقیدات جائزہ

Abstract

This study critically examines the Orientalist critiques regarding the structural arrangement of the Qur’an’s surahs, focusing on four key objections: (1) the discrepancy between the chronological order of revelation (tarteeb nuzuli) and the canonical arrangement (tarteeb tawqifi), (2) variations in surah length and literary style, (3) perceived lack of thematic unity, and (4) absence of historical chronology. Orientalist scholars such as Nöldeke, Montgomery Watt, and Richard Bell argue that these factors disrupt the Qur’an’s coherence and hinder its comprehensibility.

In response, the analysis underscores the divine wisdom (hikmah) behind the Qur’an’s canonical arrangement, emphasizing its pedagogical, theological, and ethical objectives. It highlights that the Qur’an’s structure is not arbitrary but rooted in divine guidance, as evidenced by the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) direct oversight and the consensus of the Companions during its compilation. The study refutes Orientalist claims by demonstrating how the Qur’an’s arrangement prioritizes spiritual guidance over historical or thematic linearity, caters to diverse audiences through its rhetorical styles, and integrates legal, moral, and theological teachings cohesively.

Scholars like Muhammad Abduh, Fazlur Rahman, and classical exegetes such as Al-Suyuti and Al-Razi are cited to affirm the Qur’an’s structural integrity as a manifestation of its miraculous nature (i‘jaz). The conclusion asserts that the Qur’an’s unique organization aligns with its universal message, ensuring relevance across time and context while preserving its transformative impact.