Meaning:
Numerical inimitability: using the proportionality of word, letter, and verse counts in the Quran as evidence of its miraculous nature.
Accepted examples (cited by Ibn al-Qayyim and others):
- "Al-Dunya" (this world) and "Al-Akhirah" (hereafter) each occur 115 times.
- "Al-Malaika" (angels) appears 88 times — "Al-Shayatin" (devils) 88 times.
- "Al-Iman" (faith) and "Al-Kufr" (disbelief) are closely matched in count.
Scholarly criteria for acceptable numerical inimitability:
- Must not be based on a disputed reading or counting method.
- Must not claim the Prophet or Companions intended these numbers — an unsubstantiated claim.
- Must not be used to derive new legal rulings — categorically prohibited.
- Must not be exaggerated to claim every letter has a special numerical significance.
Warning: Much of what circulates online in this field is weak or fabricated. The standard is acceptance by recognized scholars of Islamic sciences, not viral spread.
Question: What are the four criteria for accepting numerical inimitability according to scholars?
Answer: Not based on disputed counting — not attributed intentionally to the Prophet or Companions — not used to derive rulings — not exaggerated to cover every letter.