In the Quran, when a subject is introduced without explicit elaboration, it can be attributed to one of three underlying reasons:
Insignificant: The missing details may not hold significant importance within the context.
Requires Exploring: It may necessitate deeper exploration and contemplation to unveil its full meaning.
Expected Prior Knowledge: The Quran may assume that the audience possesses prior knowledge on the subject, making detailed exposition unnecessary.
#1 Insignificant
A common critique of the Quran pertains to its selective inclusion of details in the narratives concerning various events, individuals, and concepts. This selectiveness can be attributed to the Quran’s deliberate focus on elements of the story that are directly relevant to the lessons it aims to impart. In contrast, human storytelling often tends to embellish narratives with extraneous details that do not contribute to the central moral or message being conveyed.
An example of this can be observed in the history of the sleepers of the cave from Sura 18: The Cave (Al-Kahf / الكهف) and exactly how many of them there were.
An example to illustrate this phenomenon can be witnessed in the following verse from the history of the sleepers of the cave in Sura 18: The Cave (Al-Kahf / الكهف).
18:22 Some would say, “They were three; their dog being the fourth,” while others would say, “Five; the sixth being their dog,” as they guessed. Others said, “Seven,” and the eighth was their dog. Say, “My Lord is the best knower of their number.” Only a few knew the correct number. Therefore, do not argue with them; just go along with them. You need not consult anyone about this.
Notice that the Quran does not explicitly mention the exact number of individuals involved in this narrative. Moreover, it advises readers not to seek external guidance or information on this matter. This deliberate omission underscores the Quran’s emphasis on the central message it aims to convey, indicating that the precise number of individuals in the story is irrelevant to the lesson it intends to impart.
#2 Requires Exploring
The second reason for the absence of specific details in the Quran revolves around the idea that the information is indeed present within the Quran, but it demands the reader’s deeper engagement and contemplation with the text. It necessitates the reader to analyze and grapple with the verses to unearth the answer they were seeking. This concept is related in the following verse.
5:101 O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if revealed to you prematurely, would hurt you. If you ask about them in light of the Quran, they will become obvious to you. GOD has deliberately overlooked them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement.
Regarding such matters, the Quran recommends the following action.
20:114 Most Exalted is GOD, the only true King. Do not rush into uttering the Quran before it is revealed to you, and say, “My Lord, increase my knowledge.”
When one delves into any text, there’s an implicit assumption of prior knowledge from the reader. For instance, as you’re reading this article, I’m operating under the presumption that you possess a basic understanding of the terms I’m using. I don’t find it necessary to define concepts like the Quran, God, insignificance, exploration, or knowledge. I expect you, the reader, to either have this information already or to readily access it if needed.
The Quran operates in the same manner. The Quran is not meant to be a dictionary. It does not need to define every term and word. Like any other text, it expects that the concepts it discusses will be understood by its intended audience. This applies to the vast majority of the Quranic text and is considered the foundation of the Quran.
On the other hand, if the knowledge is necessary and it is not expected that the reader will be able to extract this knowledge elsewhere or from within the Quran, then the Quran will provide the definition accordingly. The Quran provides many examples of this like in the following verses:
86:2 Do you know what Al-Taareq is?
86:3 The bright star.
(٢) وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا ٱلطَّارِقُ
(٣) ٱلنَّجْمُ ٱلثَّاقِبُ
104:5 Do you know what the Devastator is?
104:6 GOD’s blazing Hellfire.
90:12 Which one is the difficult path?
90:13 The freeing of slaves.
90:14 Feeding, during the time of hardship.
90:15 Orphans who are related.
90:16 Or the poor who is in need.
The Quran discusses the concepts of Salat, Zakat, Hajj, and Ramadan in a manner that clearly expects the audience to be familiar with them. This means that the reader should know exactly what these things are or be able to easily look them up if they need clarification.
Given the assumed prior knowledge, the Quran deals with the components of these practices that have either been disputed or modified.
16:64 We have revealed this scripture to you, to point out for them what they dispute, and to provide guidance and mercy for people who believe.
For example, the Quran informs us that the Salat should be said in a moderate tone and that sexual intercourse with spouses is permitted during the nights of Ramadan.
17:110 Say, “Call Him GOD, or call Him Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names.” You shall not utter your Contact Prayers (Salat) too loudly, nor secretly; use a moderate tone.
2:187 Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are GOD’s laws; you shall not transgress them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation.
Since God is All-Knowing and knows the past and the future, it would be clarified in the Quran if more information was needed to fulfill these practices since the Quran is complete, fully detailed, and contains explanations for everything we need for our salvation.
6:114 Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed? Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt.
16:89 The day will come when we will raise from every community a witness from among them, and bring you as the witness of these people. We have revealed to you this book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the submitters.