The Inimitability in Imam Al-Qushairy’s Subtle Signs

Abstract

This paper elaborates on a Quran-related interpretation, that is how signs were considered in Muslim theology and Quranology. To this end, a work by Imam Al-Qushairy, entitled the Subtle Signs, is set to manifest this issue. Al-Qushairy attempted to interpret the Quranic verses known as inimitable verses. Inimitability is concerned with the verses which focus on how humans, animals, and other creatures were created. Al-Qushairy sought to prove that Quran is not only scripture of religious or holy verses, but is also evidence of inimitability. The paper introduces inimitability as a centuries-old issue that has long been questioned, challenged, and debated by theologians, jurisprudents, and scripture interpreters. Then, the paper draws on Al-Qushairy’s views with regard to problematic issues in the Holy Quran