It occurs in the Qur’an...

It occurs in the Qur’an: “When the angels said: O Mariam surely Allah gives you good news with a word from him (of one) whose name is the Messiah Isa son of Mariam, worthy of regard in this world and the hereafter and of those who are made near (to Allah).” (5) In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the embodiment and incarnation of the “Word of God” (Kalimat Allah).

His embodiment and anthropomorphisation are similar to what is meant by the revelation and descent and consequently written form of the Qur’an. This matter is discussed in the history of Ilm al-Kalam in the same way and sense. (6) The Qur’an described itself as having the attributes according to which it is indicated that the existence of the Qur’an precedes its revelation in historical time to the Prophet (PBUHH).

For instance: “Most surely it is an honoured Quran, in a book that is protected.” (7) “Most of it is a glorious Quran, in a guarded tablet.” ( 8) “And surely it is in the original of the Book with us, truly elevated, full of wisdom.” (9) A number of verses in the Qur’an throw light on this issue, that is, the Qur’an has been revealed (in time), and despite this, its existence precedes its revelation. 7) Accordingly “The Preserved Tablet” is considered contingent and created.

The problem of revelation and the written form of the Qur’an, that is, the issue of the relationship of the revealed word to the Mother Book (Umm al-Kitab), does not give rise to any philosophical difficulty. The philosophical difficulty arises when in the light of some Quranic verses. The Qur’an is referred to as existing in the realm of Divine Knowledge.

“And if you follow their low desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you shall not have against Allah any guardian or a protector.” (10) “And if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you shall have no guardian from Allah, nor any helper.” (11) These verses led some theologians to confuse the Quran with the Divine Attributes of Knowledge, and they were compelled to believe that the Quran as created in time, revealed and written, is an accident of the Attribute of Eternal Divine Knowledge that preceded the written revelation.

This confusion is like the problem that arose in Christianity, particularly regarding the embodiment and incarnation of Christ.