A Study of the Notion of Sarfa (Inimitability) in the Works of the Two Branches of Faith

The Qur'anic researchers have always debated and discussed the miraculous nature of the Quran from different aspects. They are all agreeable as to the contents of the Quran being miraculous. However, there are some Quran researchers especially those who lived in the early Islamic centuries who maintained that the miraculous quality of the Quran is rooted in an external quality (i.e. preventing people from imitating and challenging the Qur'an). They believe that this is a much stronger possibility than any other reasons attributed to the Quran. The present study seeks to identify some of the most important proponents of this view known as the 'notion of sarfa'. Efforts have been made to mention any proofs or evidence that the advocates of this theory have put forth. As well, the history of the development of this theory will be given, and it will be concluded that those who subscribe to the notion of sarfa have overlooked the profound content of the Quran and focused their attention on the form and words of the Quran. Thus, it seems that this theory reflects none of the aspects concerning the miraculous quality of the Quran in the area of Quranic studies.