Title: The Use of "Kalimaat" in Surah Al-Kahf Question/Comments: Please comment on the meaning of "Words" in the following verse: And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the Book of thy Lord: none can change His Words, and none wilt thou find as a refuge other than Him. ( Surah Al-Kahf , 18:27). If "Kalimaat" , which has been employed in this verse, does not imply the revelations and scriptures of God, as you have argued in " Do Errors in the Bible Prove That The Qur'an is Not From God? ", why in the foregoing verse does "Kalimaat" seem to refer immediately to the preceding "Book of thy Lord?" Is not the latter a reference to the Qur'an itself? Please alter translation, if necessary, and clarify this issue. Omar Sarwar Singapore Answer: To fully understand what the word 'Kalimaat' is referring to in the referred verse, it is important to understand the topical sequence of the preceding verses. I am sure that with this clarification, the question would itself find an answer. The topical sequence of the preceding verses is briefly explained below: Verse 1 - 8 : This is the opening of the Surah , which also serves as a preamble for the contents of the Surah . In this opening, the addressees are reminded of God's great favor in revealing a clear book to His Prophet (pbuh), whereby He is giving glad tidings to the pious and a warning to the rejecters (verse 1 - 5). The Prophet (pbuh) is told not to fret over those who refuse to accept the Truth. It is also mentioned that the reason for their rejection is their passion for riches and wealth in this temporary life. (6 - 8) Verse 9 - 26 : As a parenthetical clause, making a brief deviation from the topic, one of the questions - relating to the people of the cave - put forward by the rejecters with the intention of testing the Prophet (pbuh) is brought under consideration and a detailed answer to this question is given. At almost the end of this answer (23 - 24), the Prophet (pbuh) is once again reminded of the fact that his responsibility is not to answer each one of the rejecters' questions. On the contrary, only those questions shall be answered, which deserve an answer in the eyes of God. (9 - 26). Verse 27 - 29 : At the end of the parenthetical clause, the same topic, which was under consideration at the beginning, is continued. The Prophet (pbuh) is reminded to call the people to the guidance revealed by God and not to fret for their continued rejection. In this connection, the Prophet (pbuh) is reminded of God's Law relating to man's guidance: Only those, who deserve to be guided, according to the Divine Law, shall be blessed with it. There shall never be any change in this Decree of God. Therefore, the Prophet (pbuh) should be satisfied with teaching those who have believed in his call and not to ignore them for the leaders and the wealthy, whose wealth has hardened their hearts towards the Truth. The Prophet (pbuh), rather than fretting over the rejection of the arrogant, is told to declare to them that believing in or turning away from his call is completely for their own benefit or doom. The Prophet (pbuh) is not affected in the least for their belief and/or disbelief. As should be clear from the explanation given above, the word 'Kalimaat' in the referred verse is used for the unalterable Law of God relating to the guidance of man [1] . I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad February 9, 2003 [1] For details about this law, please refer to the article titled: " Do Errors in the Bible Prove That The Qur'an is Not From God? ".