The Holy Book of Islam

Al-Qur’an

The Holy Book of Islam

The Qur’an (also transliterated as Quran, Koran, or Al-Quran) is the central religious text of Islam. It is universally regarded by Muslims as the final revelation from God, offering divine guidance and direction for humanity. The Qur’an is not merely a religious scripture but a comprehensive manual for life—a timeless guide for those who seek meaning, purpose, and excellence.

“This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than God; but it is a confirmation of what was before it and a fuller explanation of the Book—wherein there is no doubt—from the Lord of the Worlds.”
(Qur’an 10:37)

“God has sent down the most beautiful message—a Book consistent with itself, repeating its teachings in various ways. The skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the remembrance of God. That is the guidance of God.”
(Qur’an 39:23)

The Revelation

The Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over a period of 23 years (610 CE – 633 CE), and it is considered the literal Word of God (Allah), revealed in the Arabic language. The Qur’an confirms earlier scriptures including the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel, while serving as the final and most complete guidance.

“It is He Who has sent down the Book to you with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel as guidance to mankind, and the Criterion (to distinguish right from wrong).”
(Qur’an 3:3)

Structure of the Qur’an

  • 114 chapters (Surahs) of varying lengths.

  • The longest Surah: Al-Baqarah (286 verses); the shortest: Al-Kawthar (3 verses).

  • 6,236 verses, composed of 77,439 words and over 330,000 letters.

  • Divided into 30 parts (Juz’), each further divided into:

    • 2 Hizb per Juz’

    • 4 Rub‘ (quarters) per Hizb

  • Additionally divided into 7 Manzils (sections for weekly recitation).

Preservation of the Qur’an

The Qur’an was initially memorized by the Prophet and his companions. Some verses were recorded on various materials such as stones, bark, and parchment. After the Prophet’s passing:

  • Caliph Abu Bakr initiated the collection of the Qur’an, led by Zayd ibn Thabit.

  • Caliph Uthman standardized the written text and distributed official copies across Muslim territories.

  • The Qur’an has remained unchanged since its compilation and is protected by divine promise:

“Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder, and surely We will guard it.”
(Qur’an 15:9)

Today, over 10 million Muslims (Hafiz) have memorized the entire Qur’an.

Names and Titles of the Qur’an

Name Reference Meaning
Al-Kitab (2:2) The Book
Al-Furqan (25:1) The Criterion (between right and wrong)
Adh-Dhikr (21:50) The Reminder
At-Tanzil (26:192) The Revelation
Kalam Allah (9:6) The Word of God

Attributes of the Qur’an:

  • Al-Qur’an Al-Hakeem – The Wise Qur’an (36:2)

  • Al-Qur’an Al-Kareem – The Noble Qur’an (56:77)

  • Al-Qur’an Al-Majeed – The Glorious Qur’an (50:2)

  • Al-Qur’an Al-Mubeen – The Clear Qur’an (15:1)

  • Al-Qur’an Al-Azeem – The Magnificent Qur’an (15:78)

The Qur’an and Previous Scriptures

Muslims believe that the Qur’an confirms and builds upon previous revelations given to:

  • Adam – Suhuf-i-Ibrahim (Scrolls)

  • Moses – Tawrah (Torah)

  • David – Zabur (Psalms)

  • Jesus – Injil (Gospel)

While acknowledging these scriptures, the Qur’an emphasizes moral guidance over historical narrative, often offering brief but deeply reflective insights into past events.

Impact and Global Reach

  • Over 6 billion printed copies have been distributed worldwide.

  • The Qur’an has been translated into hundreds of languages, though the Arabic original is regarded as the only authentic text.

  • Its literary style, linguistic beauty, and moral depth continue to move people of all backgrounds.

What Scholars Say About the Qur’an

“However often we turn to it, at first disgusting us each time afresh, it soon attracts, astounds, and in the end enforces our reverence… This book will go on exercising through all ages a most potent influence.”
— Goethe

“The Qur’an has created a new phase of human thought… It transformed desert tribes into a nation of heroes, forming vast politico-religious civilizations.”
— G. Margoliouth

“A work which changes initial aversion into admiration must be a remarkable product of the human mind, indeed a problem of the highest interest.”
— Dr. Steingass

“It is unthinkable for an illiterate man to produce truths of a scientific nature that no human could have developed at the time.”
— Maurice Bucaille

“That inimitable symphony—the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy—makes it one of the greatest literary masterpieces of mankind.”
— Arthur J. Arberry

In conclusion, the Qur’an stands as a unique and transformative scripture, not only in the religious sphere but in the annals of literary, cultural, and philosophical history. It continues to guide, inspire, and move millions worldwide, reinforcing its claim as a timeless divine message.