Code 19: Quran's Preservation Mechanism

Sura 74 of the Quran is titled Al-Muddaththir (المدثر), meaning The Hidden Secret. In this sura, the Quran addresses those who, after examining it, dismiss it as nothing more than “clever magic” or a “human invention.” In response, the Quran points to the number 19, presenting it as a divine marker. It then outlines five reasons for this number’s significance, before declaring it one of the great miracles and a universal warning to humankind.

[74:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [74:1] O you hidden secret. [74:2] Come out and warn.

[74:11] Let Me deal with one I created as an individual. [74:12] I provided him with lots of money. [74:13] And children to behold. [74:14] I made everything easy for him. [74:15] Yet, he is greedy for more. [74:16] He stubbornly refused to accept these proofs. [74:17] I will increasingly punish him.

[74:18] For he reflected, then decided. [74:19] Miserable is what he decided. [74:20] Miserable indeed is what he decided.

[74:21] He looked. [74:22] He frowned and whined. [74:23] Then he turned away arrogantly. [74:24] He said, "This is but clever magic! [74:25] "This is human made."

[74:30] Over it is nineteen.

[74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people.

[74:32] Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. [74:33] And the night as it passes. [74:34] And the morning as it shines. [74:35] This is one of the great miracles. [74:36] A warning to the human race.