The Holy Qur’an (also spelled Quran, Koran) is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over a period of approximately 23 years, beginning in 610 CE.
Basic Information:
- Language: Classical Arabic
- Chapters: 114 Surahs
- Verses: Over 6,000 Ayahs
- Revealed to: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ via the Angel Jibril (Gabriel)
- Themes: Monotheism, guidance for life, laws, morality, worship, stories of previous prophets
Key Characteristics:
- Inimitability (I’jaz al-Qur’an): Muslims believe the Qur’an’s language, structure, and message are miraculous and cannot be replicated.
- Preservation: The Qur’an has remained unchanged since its revelation. It is memorized by millions worldwide, known as Huffaz.
- Recitation: It is recited with specific rules (Tajweed) and is central to Muslim worship, especially in prayers (Salah).
Major Themes in the Qur’an:
- Tawheed (Oneness of God)
- Prophethood – Stories of prophets like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all)
- Afterlife – Heaven (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam)
- Justice and Mercy of God
- Guidance for Personal and Social Conduct
Examples of Famous Verses:
“Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153)
“We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?”
— Surah Al-Qamar (54:17)
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2)