How do we know that the Qur'an has never been changed?

Sources

• ✓ 10:37 · Yunus

  10:37 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall

  وَمَا كَانَ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانُ أَن يُفْتَرَىٰ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَٰكِن تَصْدِيقَ ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْصِيلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ مِن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

  And this Qur'an is not such as could ever be invented in despite of Allah; but it is a confirmation of that which was before it and an exposition of that which is decreed for mankind - Therein is no doubt - from the Lord of the Worlds.

• ✓ 8:53 · Al-Anfaal

  8:53 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall

  ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمْ يَكُ مُغَيِّرًۭا نِّعْمَةً أَنْعَمَهَا عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا۟ مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ ۙ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌۭ

  That is because Allah never changeth the grace He hath bestowed on any people until they first change that which is in their hearts, and (that is) because Allah is Hearer, Knower.

• ✓ Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 10:37

  Sunni

  Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 10:37

  This verse serves as a clear demonstration of the Qur'an's inimitability; human beings cannot produce anything like it—not even ten chapters, nor a single chapter resembling it. This is due to its eloquence, clarity, precise language, sweetness, and its encompassing of profound and beneficial meanings for this life and the Hereafter. Such qualities can only originate from Allah, who is unique in His essence, attributes, actions, and speech. The speech of the Qur'an is unlike that of any created being. Hence, Allah says, "And this Qur'an is not fabricated apart from Allah"—meaning that such a book cannot come from anyone but Allah, and it cannot resemble human speech. Then He adds, "but it is a confirmation of what is before it," indicating that the Qur'an confirms previous revealed scriptures, supervises over them, and clarifies errors, distortions, and alterations that occurred therein. Furthermore, the phrase "and an explanation of the Book, about which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the Worlds" signifies that the Qur'an clearly and sufficiently explains rulings—the lawful and unlawful—and does so in a comprehensive, convincing manner without any doubt, as Allah, the Lord of all worlds, promises. This was referenced earlier in the narration related to al-Harith al-A'war, quoting Ali ibn Abi Talib who said: "In it is news of those before you, and a report of those after you, and a decisive judgment between you." This means the Qur'an conveys information about past peoples and forthcoming ones, and provides rulings on matters among people through the divine law that Allah loves and accepts. Regarding the challenge, "Or do they say, 'He fabricated it'? Say, 'Then bring ten chapters like it, and call upon whomever you can besides Allah, if you should be truthful.'" Ibn Kathir explains this as a response to those who claim the Qur'an was invented by Prophet Muhammad, whom they consider a man like themselves. They are thus challenged to produce a single chapter comparable to the Qur'an in quality, style, and content, enlisting any help from humans or jinn they can, if their claim is sincere. This forms the third stage of the divine challenge. Allah calls them and declares that, even if all humans and jinn united to produce something like the Qur'an, they would never be able to match it—although some among them might support each other. This is affirmed by the verse from Surah Al-Isra (17:88). Then, Allah reduces the challenge to producing ten chapters in Surah Hud (11:13), and eventually to a single chapter here, in addition to the challenge in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:23). Allah makes clear they have no ability to meet this challenge, warning them, "So if you do not—and you will never be able to—then fear the Fire." This challenge is not without consideration of their strongest faculties. Their eloquence, poetry, and famous pre-Islamic hanging odes were the highest of human speech. However, Allah brought them something beyond anyone's reach. Thus, those who recognized the articulate, sweet, rich, and effective speech of the Qur'an believed in it, as did those knowledgeable of eloquence. They were the most aware, understanding, and committed followers. Similarly, the magicians who witnessed Moses' miracles knew these acts could only come from a divinely supported messenger. Likewise, Jesus came at a time when medicine and healing were well-developed. His cures and revivals were clearly granted by Allah's permission. There is no role for mere medical treatment in such miracles. Those who understood this recognized Jesus as the servant and messenger of Allah. Supporting this, the Prophet Muhammad said: "No prophet was sent without signs that convinced humanity. What was given to me was revelation, revealed to me by Allah, and I hope to be his most faithful follower." The verse also mentions, "But they denied what they did not encompass in knowledge, nor did the interpretation come to them," meaning these people rejected the Qur'an without understanding or recognising its guidance until the true interpretation was revealed. Such denial and ignorance were common among previous peoples, who denied their prophets unjustly. Allah commands to observe their fate—how they were destroyed due to their unjust, arrogant, disbelieving, stubborn, and ignorant rejection—serving as a warning to those who deny now. Finally, "And among them are those who believe in it, and among them are those who do not believe in it, and your Lord is most knowing of the corrupters" refers to the varying responses among those to whom Prophet Muhammad was sent. Some believed and followed the guidance, benefiting from the revealed message. Others did not believe and will face punishment for their rejection. Allah alone knows who truly causes corruption, who deserves guidance and who is destined for misguidance. He is just, giving everyone their due, exalted and pure—there is no deity but Him.