Is the numerical miracle of the Quran correct? For example, some people say that the number of verses containing the word “Imam” or “Imams” is twelve, and this is evidence that the Imams after the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family, are twelve. Is this reasoning correct?
There is nothing in the Book of Allah unless it has wisdom, and the number of words is not an exception to this rule. However, it is not considered evidence for proving a belief or deed; because it is not explicit and even not clear in that regard. For this reason, no one from the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family, or from his companions used it as evidence to prove a belief or deed. Believers must follow their example and seek evidence for their beliefs and deeds in something clearer than that, which is the explicit text or the apparent meaning of the Quran, or what has been established from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family, through widely transmitted narrations. There is nothing wrong with citing the numerical miracle of the Quran after that for affirmation and strengthening, as there are many attestations more influential than the evidence!