Al-Mu’minūn 23:14

The issue

Allah is described in two locations as “the best of creators” (Q 23.14 and Q 37.125). The meaning of this description of Allah has become a source of contention among Islamic scholars, leading some to say that this description means “the best maker.”

Others state that since Jesus created as well, the verse implies that Allah creates better than Jesus’s creations. This explanation by Muslim exegetes then affirms the divinity of Jesus and contradicts Islamic thought. While accusing Christians of being idolaters, Muslim exegetes apparently do not find any awkwardness in making Jesus a partner with Allah in creation, an act that is clearly divine.

(See the discussion of Jesus’s divinity in the Qur’ān in the critical analysis of Q 3.46, 49).

A historical note

Islamic resources present narrations stating that the phrase tabarak Allahu Ahsanu 'l-khalikeen ("so supremely blessed be Allah, the Fairest of creators.") was added to Al-Mu'minun ("The Believers") sura #23. When Muhammad heard it said by one of the Muslims, he declared it as a part of the divine revelation. However, there is a disagreement around the sayer of "the fairest of creators"

Whether the sayer was Ibn Abi 'l-Sarh, 'Umar Ibn 'l-Khattab, or others, what is at stake here is if that alteration indeed happened. Did the Qur'anic text undergo an alteration or these were just unfounded allegations?

These Islamic resources list specific alteration examples. They even went further to admit that the companions of Muhammad were the initiators of these types of additions. The following table lists some of these alterations:

Companions' Additions to the Qur'an

The sayer

Original saying

Qur'anic Text

Reference

Umar Ibn 'l-Khattab

Lau Watakhzna min maqaam Ibrahim Musllah ("and if we take to ourselves Ibrahim's station for a place of prayer.")

Watakhizu min maqaam Ibrahim Musllah ("and take to yourselves Ibrahim's station for a place of prayer.") (2.125)

Al-Suyuti. Al-Itqan, 229

Umar Ibn 'l-Khattab

Lau Watakhzta ala nisa'eka hijaban ("If you take cover for your wives.")

Wa Etha Sa'altumuhun Matta'an faSa'aluhuna min wara' Hijabin ("And when ye ask of them (the wives of the Prophet) anything, ask it of them from behind a curtain.") (33.53)

Al-Suyuti. Al-Itqan, 229

'Umar Ibn 'l-Khattab

It may happen that his Lord, if he divorce you, will give him in your stead wives better than you,

(66.5)

Al-Suyuti. Al-Itqan, 229

Umar Ibn 'l-Khattab

Man kana Aduwan lilahi wa mala'katihi wa rusulihi Allaha wa Jibreel wa Mikaala fa'inna Allaha Adouun lil-kafreen ("Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His Angels and His Messengers, and Jibril and Mikal, (Angle Gabriel and Michael, respectively) then surely Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.")

Man kana Aduwan lilahi wa mala'katihi wa rusulihi Allaha wa Jibreel wa Mikaala fa'inna Allaha Adouun lil-kafreen ("Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His Angels and His Messengers, and Jibril and Mikal, (Angle Gabriel and Michael, respectively) then surely Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.") (2.98)

Al-Suyuti. Al-Itqan, 230

Abdalla Ibn Abi Sarh

Fatbarak Allah Ahsana 'l-khalikeen ("So Supremely Blessed be Allah, The Fairest of creators.")

Fatbarak Allah Ahsana 'l-khalikeen ("So Supremely Blessed be Allah, The Fairest of creators.") (23.14)

Ar-Razi 23:78; and see Al-Zamakhshari 4:222, and Al-Qurtubi 15:20

Sa'ad Ibn Mu'az

Subhanak hatha buhtanon Athimoun ("All Extolment be to You! This is a tremendous calumny")

Subhanak hatha buhtanon Athimoun ("All Extolment be to You! This is a tremendous calumny") (24:16)

Al-Suyuti. Al-Itqan, 229

A companion woman

Yattakhitha Allahu min 'ebadhi 'l-shuhada' ("God may take martyr-witnesses from his slaves")

Wa-yattakhitha min-kum Shuhada'a ("and take to Him martyr-witnesses from among you")(3.140)

Al-Suyuti. Al-Itqan, 232

Mus'ab Ibn 'Umare

Wama Muhmmadun Illa rasulun qad khalat min qablihi 'l-rusulu Afa-in mata 'au qutila inqalabtum 'ala a'qabakum ("And in no way is Muhammad (anything) except a Messenger; the Messengers have already passed away before him. Then, will it be that, in case he dies or is killed, will you turn (Literally: turn (s) over on) on your heels?")

Wama Muhmmadun Illa rasulun qad khalat min qablihi 'l-rusulu Afa-in mata 'au qutila inqalabtum 'ala a'qabakum ("And in no way is Muhammad (anything) except a Messenger; the Messengers have already passed away before him. Then, will it be that, in case he dies or is killed, will you turn (Literally: turn (s) over on) on your heels?") (3.144)

Al-Suyuti. Al-Itqan, 232