18:109
Say: “If the ocean were ink (wherewith to write out) the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be exhausted than would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid.”
Qurʾān 18:109 emphasizes the inexhaustible nature of God’s words and knowledge. Muhammad Asad translates the verse as: “Say: If all the sea were ink for my Sustainer’s words, the sea would indeed be exhausted before my Sustainer’s words are exhausted, even if We were to add sea upon sea to it” (Qurʾān 18:109, as translated by Asad, 1980, p. 582). In his commentary, Asad explains that the Arabic term al-baḥr (“the sea”) is used in a generic sense to refer collectively to all seas. Thus, the expression “the like of it” suggests the addition of more seas, which he renders as “sea upon sea,” highlighting the boundless nature of divine revelation and knowledge (Asad, 1980).
Similarly, Allamah Noorudin interprets the Qurʾānic description of cosmic glorification in verse 17:44 as evidence of the limitless scope of God’s words. The verse states that the seven heavens, the earth, and all beings within them glorify God, and that every created thing praises Him, even though human beings may not perceive this glorification. Noorudin explains that this universal praise emerges from the infinite “sea” of God’s words. According to this interpretation, all elements of the universe—including inanimate objects—communicate and participate in a form of cosmic expression, sharing the secrets of existence through forms of expression that possess their own “letters” and “sounds,” though these remain beyond human perception and comprehension (Noorudin, n.d., pp. 107–109).
References:
Asad, Muhammad (1980). (pg. 582). The Message of the Quran.
NOORUDDÎN ,ALLÂMAH. (2015). Exegesis of The Holy Qur’ân Commentary and Reflections. (p. 107-109).