The Quran contains 114 suras, of which 29 are prefixed with initials. In eight of the occurrences of these initials, it follows with some variation of the statement “ til’ka āyātu l-kitāb” ( تِلْكَ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱلْكِتَـٰب) which translates to “this is proofs of the book.” Some misunderstand this verse and think that “ayat” means verses, which is the word’s common use today, but Quranically, the word ayat almost always refers to a sign or miracle rather than verses.
10:1 A. L. R. These (letters) are the proofs of this book of wisdom.
(١) الٓر تِلْكَ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ ٱلْحَكِيمِ
12:1 A. L. R. These (letters) are proofs of this profound scripture.
(١) الٓر تِلْكَ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ ٱلْمُبِينِ
13:1 A. L. M. R. These (letters) are proofs of this scripture. What is revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, but most people do not believe.
Three times in the Quran, it provides the following challenge:
2:23 If you have any doubt regarding what we revealed to our servant, then produce one sura like these, and call upon your own witnesses against GOD, if you are truthful.
11:13 If they say, “He fabricated (the Quran),” tell them, “ Then produce ten suras like these, fabricated, and invite whomever you can, other than GOD, if you are truthful.”
In 1974, exactly 1406 lunar years after the revelation of the Quran, it was discovered that these initials occur in their respective suras in multiples of 19. Sometimes independently and sometimes in collective sets, creating an interlocking mechanism between the initials and their suras. Below is a summary of the 29 initialed suras and the frequency of occurrences.
For a visual presentation of the miracle, please check out the following page.