The Qur’an
If you are here to learn about the Qur’an, you are exploring the heart of Islam. The Qur’an is the holy book of Muslims, believed to be the literal word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ more than 1,400 years ago. Its name means “recitation” in Arabic, and Muslims recite it every day in their prayers. The Qur’an introduces itself with these words: “This is the Book! There is no doubt about it, a guide for those mindful of Allah” (Qur’an 2:2).
It was revealed in Arabic so that its message could be understood directly: “Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an so that you may understand” (Qur’an 12:2). For Muslims, it is guidance, light, healing, and mercy. Allah describes it: “O humanity! Indeed, there has come to you a warning from your Lord, a cure for what is in the hearts, a guide, and a mercy for the believers” (Qur’an 10:57).
What Is the Qur’an?
The Qur’an is the central scripture of Islam. It is written in Arabic and organized into 114 chapters (called surahs) and over 6,000 verses (ayahs). Muslims believe every word is directly from Allah, preserved exactly as it was revealed.
Its teachings cover every aspect of life, faith, worship, morality, family, and society. But its message always returns to one central truth: Allah is One. “Your God is only One God. There is no god worthy of worship except Him, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful” (Qur’an 2:163).
How Was It Revealed?
The Qur’an was revealed gradually over twenty-three years (610–632 CE). The Angel Gabriel brought the words to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who recited them to his companions. Some memorized them immediately, while others wrote them down.
Allah describes this process: “Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Whoever is an enemy of Gabriel should know that he revealed this ˹Quran˺ to your heart by Allah’s Will, confirming what came before it, a guide and good news for the believers.” (Qur’an 2:97). Another verse says: “This is certainly a revelation from the Lord of all worlds, which the trustworthy spirit ˹Gabriel˺ brought down, into your heart ˹O Prophet˺, so that you may be one of the warners, in a clear Arabic tongue.” (Qur’an 26:192–195).
Main Themes of the Qur’an
The Qur’an speaks about many things, but here are some of its most important themes:
- Oneness of God (Tawhid): The Qur’an calls people to worship Allah alone. “And your God is one God, there is no deity except Him” (Qur’an 2:163).
- Guidance and worship: It teaches prayer, charity, fasting, and living with sincerity. “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah” (Qur’an 2:2).
- Morality and justice: It encourages honesty, kindness, and fairness. “Indeed, Allah enjoins justice and good conduct and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression” (Qur’an 16:90).
- The Afterlife: It reminds us that this life is temporary. “Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your full reward on the Day of Resurrection” (Qur’an 3:185).
- Stories of the Prophets: From Adam to Moses, Jesus, and many others, their stories are lessons in patience and faith. “There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding” (Qur’an 12:111).
How Was It Preserved?
From the very beginning, the Qur’an was preserved with extraordinary care. The companions of the Prophet memorized it word for word and wrote it on parchment, bones, and leaves. After the Prophet’s passing, the Caliphs gathered all the verses into one complete book. Later, during the time of Caliph ʿUthman, the Qur’an was standardized so that Muslims everywhere recited it the same way.
Beyond this effort, Muslims believe Allah Himself promised to protect it: “It is certainly We Who have revealed the Reminder, and it is certainly We Who will preserve it” (Qur’an 15:9). This is why every Qur’an in the world today is identical in wording to what was revealed over 1,400 years ago.
Why Is It Unique?
The Qur’an is unmatched in style, meaning, and preservation. Its Arabic is considered so eloquent and powerful that Allah challenged people: “And if you are in doubt about what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it” (Qur’an 2:23). No one has succeeded.
It is also unique because Prophet Muhammad ﷺ could not read or write, yet he conveyed this Book of immense depth and knowledge. As the Qur’an says: “Never was the Qur’an a narration invented” (Qur’an 12:111). Its guidance has transformed individuals and entire societies for over fourteen centuries.
How to Read the Qur’an
The Qur’an is not just meant to be read, it is meant to be lived. Here are a few ways people approach it:
- Respect: Muslims often perform ablution before handling the Qur’an, keep it in a clean place, and begin with “Bismillah” (“In the name of Allah”).
- Translation and commentary: If you don’t know Arabic, read a reliable translation. Commentaries (tafsir) help explain context and meaning.
- Reflection: “This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, so that they may reflect upon its verses” (Qur’an 38:29). Take time to think about what each verse means for your life.
Even reading a few verses with reflection can bring peace and clarity.
The Qur’an is more than a book, is Allah’s direct words, preserved for all time. It is guidance, mercy, and light for anyone who seeks the truth. Millions of people find comfort and direction in its verses every day.
We invite you to open the Qur’an with an open heart. Whether you read one page or one verse, you will find wisdom, hope, and a reminder of your purpose in life.
Keep exploring! The Qur’an is a lifelong study. For further reading, consider topics like:
- Understanding the Qur’an
- How to Read the Qur’an
- Tafsir and Interpretation
- Themes in the Qur’an
- The Life of Prophet Muhammad
Each of these can help you go deeper in your journey with the Qur’an. May your reading be enlightening and uplifting!