I have a few questions on this topic.
first one being: where do we get the criteria from?
(i just wanna clear some stuff up)
What i mean is that the quran only says to bring something ''like'' it, so that could mean anything or what?
As'salamu Alaikum dear brother,
Please visit:
http://www.answering-christianity.com/surah_like_it.htm. I've written an article about this. Basically akhi, the Glorious Quran is Miraculous in three:
1- Text
2- Spirtuality
3- Miracles.
The text of the Glorious Quran is Miraculous. The eloquence of the Holy Book's Text is a Miracle. This is why Islam was able to spread rapidly among the Arabs. The Text was something they've never read nor heard before.
The Spirit of the Holy Quran lives in the Holy Book. This is what draws the people to Islam. This is what deep inside calls upon the reader to embrace Islam, if he/she isn't a Muslim. Paston Joe of TBN once warned his Arabic audience to not read the Holy Quran because
"it has a special spirit in it that draws you to it." I heard it from him loud and clear.
The Miracles of the Holy Quran are Overwhelming. Please visit:
http://www.answering-christianity.com/ac20.htm#links. In this link, you'll see the many Great Miracles that deal with:
1- Embryology.
2- Biology.
3- Astronomy.
4- Geology.
5- Mathematics
6- Archeology.
7- Prophecies.
A mere man-made book is empty. It feels empty and it is worthless. This is why Allah Almighty Challenged the people, especially the Arabs, to produce anything like the Glorious Quran.
The Arabs were great poets. Writing great text was their specialty. Yet, their writings were nothing when they were put against the Holy Quran. This is why they embraced Islam swiftly and by the wholesale.
Now as to us today, I personally focus on the
Glorious Quran's Overwhelming Scientific Miracles. This is where you can prove that Islam is indeed Divine for them, insha'Allah (if Allah Almighty is Willing).
I hope this helps, insha'Allah.
Take care,
Osama Abdallah