It is very difficult to try to describe the style of the Qur’an which defies imitation.

It is perhaps sufficient to say that it combines every good quality in literary style, even though such qualities may move in opposite directions.

This needs a full explanation, which is easily felt but more difficult to express. We will, however, try to give a partial explanation as best we can. But before we do that, we will outline some aspects of human speech which are easily understood by everyone who attempts literary expression.

This will enable us to contrast the shortcomings of human style with the perfection of the Qur’an.