Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

Sometimes the commentators try to impose limitations from context of the verse or from commentaries by the traditional commentators, who have been honored with certain repute among the Muslims, this I find as an insult to God’s omniscience.

Understanding the Qur’an necessitates acknowledging the infinite and all-encompassing knowledge of God. This perspective is particularly emphasized in verses 31:27 and 18:109, which illustrate the boundless nature of divine wisdom.​

Verse 31:27 states:

“And if all the trees on earth were pens, and the sea, with seven more seas added to it, were ink, the words (kalimāt) of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”​

This verse employs a vivid metaphor to convey that even if all earthly resources were utilized to transcribe God’s words, they would still be insufficient. Classical Islamic scholars interpret “the words of Allah” to encompass His commands, knowledge, and creative acts, highlighting the inexhaustible depth of divine wisdom. ​

Both verses use the metaphor of ink and oceans to describe God’s “words” (kalimāt). From a limited human view, “words” might be reduced to scriptural text. However, through an infinite lens:

• The “words” encompass physical laws (e.g., gravity, DNA), moral principles, and metaphysical truths—all manifestations of divine command (kun, “Be!”).
• Just as the sea’s depths remain unexplored, the Quran’s layers of meaning unfold across generations. For example, verses on embryology (23:12-14) were once read metaphorically but now align with scientific observations—a process reflecting divine omniscience “guiding” human discovery.

Verse 18:109 echoes this sentiment:

“Say, ‘If the sea were ink for [writing] the words (kalimāt) of my Lord, the sea would be exhausted before the words of my Lord were exhausted, even if We brought the like of it as a supplement.’”​

This passage reinforces the concept that God’s knowledge and attributes are limitless, surpassing human comprehension.​

Recognizing the infinite knowledge of God is crucial when engaging with the Qur’an because:​

1. Acknowledgment of Human Limitations: Understanding that God’s wisdom is boundless fosters humility, reminding us of the finite nature of human understanding. This humility is essential for sincere learning and reflection.​
2. Depth of Interpretation: The Qur’an contains layers of meaning that may not be immediately apparent. Accepting the limitless knowledge of God encourages readers to delve deeper into the text, seeking insights that go beyond superficial interpretations.​
3. Openness to Continuous Learning: The inexhaustible nature of divine wisdom implies that studying the Qur’an is an ongoing journey. Each reading can reveal new understandings, reflecting the dynamic relationship between the believer and the sacred text.​

In essence, approaching the Qur’an with an awareness of God’s infinite knowledge enriches the reading experience, allowing for a more profound and evolving comprehension of its teachings.

A finite, human-like god would render the Quran’s claims about creation, judgment, and mercy contingent on limited power or knowledge. The infinite perspective safeguards against anthropocentric distortions of divine attributes.

Modern scientific discoveries (e.g., the universe’s expansion, quantum indeterminacy) often evoke wonder at the “unknowable.” The Quran’s insistence on divine infinity resonates with this humility, allowing scientific inquiry and spiritual reflection to coexist.

If God’s knowledge encompasses all time and space (past, present, future), Quranic injunctions about justice, environmental care, and human dignity carry eternal weight. This perspective compels believers to act as stewards of a creation far grander than their momentary understanding.

One should read the Divine message with a perspective that God is Omniscient and He knows every scientific, philosophical, historical or mathematical reality and that infinite knowledge may be directly or indirectly reflected in each and every verse of the Glorious Quran. I find that the two verses quoted above vindicate this perspective.

The infinite and all-knowing perspective of God is not merely a theological abstraction but a hermeneutic necessity. It ensures that Quranic exegesis:

1. Transcends Temporal Limitations: Embracing timeless truths while engaging contemporary challenges (e.g., AI ethics, climate change).
2. Resists Dogmatism: Encouraging intellectual humility and pluralism in interpretation.
3. Sustains Awe: Fostering worship through contemplation of the unknowable, as reflected in the Quran’s own challenge: “Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?” (47:24).

In essence, these verses remind us that the Quran is not a static text but a living dialogue between the finite reader and the Infinite Author—a dialogue that demands both reverence and reason.