His speech (the Quran) is superior to all other speech.”^[1]

The difference between the Quran and other books

A non-Muslim named Naḍr b. Ḥārith once lived in Mecca. He travelled to al-Shām (the Levant) and other places on a business trip, buying story books whilst there. He brought these books back and began reading them to the people of Mecca.

This cursed individual used to say, “Muhammad tells you stories of ꜤĀd and Thamūd, and I tell you tales of Rustam and Isfindiyār.”

In other words, this wretched man tried to compare his false and fabricated tales with the Quran. As a result, verses from Surah Luqmān, were revealed condemning him.

Look around today! Many eagerly read fictional stories. In the opening verses of Surah Luqmān, Allah clearly highlights the difference between such fabricated stories and the Quran, by condemning Naḍr b. Ḥārith in these words:

ومِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ یَّشْتَرِیْ لَہْوَ الْحَدِیْثِ لِیُضِلَّ عَنْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰہِ بِغَیْرِ عِلْمٍ ٭ۖ وَّ یَتَّخِذَھَا ھُزُوًا ؕ

And among people there are those who purchase words of amusement ˹so˺ that they may divert from the way of Allah without knowledge; and take it in mockery.^[2]

This verse highlights that Naḍr b. Ḥārith, who roamed around carrying books of stories, was spreading material that contained many faults:

1.    The first flaw – These were false tales, pointless stories, and meaningless entertainment.

2.    The second flaw – Those who read or listen to them become