2.23 – If you are in doubt about what We have sent down to Our servant, then bring a sūra like it

The Quran claims that the recitations of the messenger are “sent down,” but the audience seldom accepts this. The Quran’s challenge to the audience is to compose a speech or text like the recitation. Similar challenges appear at 10.38; 11.13; 17.88; 28.49; and 52.34. In Muslim tradition these verses became known as the “challenge” (taḥaddī) verses. See analysis of these verses at 52.34.