Scholar and professor of Imam Sadiq Institute (peace be upon her).
Abstract
Based on the common viewpoint of theologians, a miracle is demonstrative in nature, but to reach the level of evidence, it depends on "challenge" (tahaddi). Some have raised a doubt by referring to the term "likeness" in the essence of the challenge, arguing that the "request to bring forth something like" is a request for an impossible task, as producing something truly identical is impossible. The response to this doubt is that what is meant by "likeness" in the process of the challenge is "maximal similarity," and presenting such a likeness is indeed possible .The second doubt is that, due to the absence of temporal and spatial limitations in the challenge process, the inability of the audience in a specific place and time does not necessarily indicate that others, in different times or places, would be incapable of presenting a "likeness." The response to the second doubt is that believers, by observing the inability of all to present a "likeness" within a reasonable time frame, refer to divine wisdom to affirm the prophethood of the miracle performer. For disbelievers, this context also provides an opportunity for reflection on the very existence of God, leading them through reason and innate disposition to the wise Creator. Thus, the evidentiary completeness of the miracle in proving prophethood is established for them as well.