The introduction to any book provides insight into the psychology of the author and nature of the book. The introduction section in most books almost always begin with some kind of acknowledgment of those who helped and an apology for errors, even if it is the 19th edition of the book! The Qurʾān however begins in a completely different way. The second chapter of the Qurʾān opens with a powerful declaration Alif, Lam, Meem. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah (Q. 2:1-2).

I recall a story of someone who converted to Islam simply after reading this moving introduction. He explained that this introduction was so confident that he just knew that it was from God. Non-Muslims who claim the Qurʾān was fabricated by the Prophet peace be upon him are ignorant of the psychology of fabrication and lying because liars are not confident. The Qurʾān on the other hand is not only confident and powerful in its being a message from God, but also challenges all of humanity to come together to produce a book even remotely like it!