“Say, ‘If the whole ocean were ink for writing the words of my Lord, it would run dry before those words were exhausted’—even if We were to add another ocean to it.” (Quran, 18:109)
“If all the trees on earth were pens and all the seas, with seven more besides, were ink, still God’s words would not run out. God is almighty and all wise.” (Quran, 31:27)
The Quran leans heavily into the idea that God continues to speak to us. These beautiful passages offer a poetic image of how much He has to say. They echo the New Testament words of John, who writes, “If they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25).
While admitting my strong Latter-day Saint bias, I’d just like to suggest that God is not restricted to the words of a single ancient book. He can talk to us through personal prayer, through our thoughts and feelings, and even through other prophets and inspired figures throughout time and throughout the world.
Yes, it’s important to vet those who claim to speak for God. There are plenty who would manipulate us in the name of religion to accomplish some kind of personal agenda. However, that doesn’t mean we should close our ears to new information completely. Nor does any one religion or belief system have a monopoly over either truth or God’s word.
True followers of the Quran understand this. They recognize inspiration and light not just in their prophet, Muhammad, but in other religions as well. So next time you encounter someone who believes differently from you, listen—really listen, with an open mind—to what they have to say. You might just learn something new God has to teach you.
See also:
“As for those who ignore God and His messengers and want to make a distinction between them, saying, ‘We believe in some but not in others,’ seeking a middle way, they are really disbelievers.” (Quran, 4:150–51)
The Commonplace Notebook 