What Is The Quran? An Introductory Guide To Islam’s Holy Book
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is a beacon of divine Revelation and spiritual guidance for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Revered as the literal word of Allah (God) and revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), this sacred scripture provides timeless guidance, wisdom, and ethical principles for those who seek to follow the path of their Creator.
This blog will delve deeper into the glorious Quran’s profound influence on individuals and societies throughout history, attesting to its enduring significance as a source of divine guidance.
In this Guide to the Quran, we’ll explore:
- The divine origin and Revelation Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- The Quran’s role as the primary source of Islamic teachings
- The meaning of the Quran and its linguistic significance
- The perfect preservation of the Quran over 1,400 years
- Unique features distinguishing the Quran from other religious texts
- The Quran’s comprehensive guidance for all aspects of life
- The compilation of the Quran
- The structure of the Quran
- Linguistic and scientific miracles within the Quran
- The Quran’s impact on humanity and its transformative power
- Monotheism, ethics, social justice, and spirituality in the Quran
- The Quran’s emphasis on peace, compassion, and social responsibility
- The concept of ‘no compulsion in religion’ as taught by the Quran
- The importance of the Arabic Quran and the role of translations
- The Quran’s view on previous scriptures and addressing misconceptions
- Frequently asked questions about the Quran
Join me on this enlightening journey to understand what the Quran is—as Allah’s (God’s) final Revelation to humanity—to you! Discover how this divine scripture guides over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide and continues to shape individuals and societies with its timeless wisdom.
God Has Sent a Divine Book to Every Nation
Allah (God) has revealed His guidance, wisdom, laws, and instructions through various Holy Books throughout history. The Quran tells us that a divine book was revealed in every age. God has sent thousands of messengers and prophets to humanity to convey His message and communicate to humanity as guidance to their people.
These messengers and prophets of God all conveyed the same fundamental message: only one true deity worthy of worship. He is the One and Only God, with no partner, son, daughter, or equal. Their mission was to guide people away from worshipping false, created gods and toward believing in and following the one true God of the Heavens and Earth, the Creator of all—Allah, the Arabic name for God.
Islam draws its teachings and practices from two primary sources:
- The Quran: the verbatim word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- Hadith and Sunnah: the authentic recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that help explain and sometimes expand upon the concepts presented in the Quran.
The Quran is the Primary Source of Islam
The Quran is the primary source of Islamic teachings for all Muslims and is considered the sacred text of Islam.
The Linguistic Meaning of “Quran”
The term “Quran” itself means “recitation,” reflecting its oral transmission from God to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Angel Gabriel. The prophet then conveyed these divine words to his followers, establishing a tradition of oral preservation.
God’s Divine Books Would Get Distorted by Human Hands
Whenever God sent messengers with Revelation, they would distort and change God’s revelations after they passed. What was pure Revelation from God would be polluted with myths, words of men, superstitions, irrational philosophical ideologies, and idol worship.
Because of God’s mercy and love, God sends another messenger and divine book to restore His Divine Message whenever God’s words become distorted.
Past Revelations Were Meant for Past Nations
The past revealed books of God were only intended for specific groups of people and limited periods and were not meant to guide us. All the past scriptures of God were either modified by human hands or lost over time.
The Quran is our Guide Until the End of time
Unlike the previous Books of Allah, the glorious Quran is universal, meant as a guide for all humanity—for all generations to come, until the end of time.
The Quran: God’s Preserved Word
Since the Quran is meant till the end of time and there will be no other divine books after it, the prophet who brought the Revelation of God, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is God’s last and final prophet.
God has taken it upon Himself to guarantee that His final book will not be distorted by human modifications—shielded from any changes, subtractions, or additions. Today, the noble Quran stands as the only book of God that has not changed since its Revelation 1,400+ years ago—letter to letter.
Comparison with Other Scriptures
The Quran has been preserved and protected from any alteration in its words and meaning—in a language that still exists today. This remarkable preservation sets it apart from texts like the Bible, which has undergone numerous modifications and revisions over the centuries and was revealed in a language not commonly spoken today.
The Quran’s Stance on Previous Scriptures
The holy Quran confirms the existence of the scriptures that were sent before it:
- Torah (Tawrat), revealed to Prophet Moses (Musa PBUH)
- Psalms (Zabur) revealed to Prophet David (Dawud PBUH)
- Gospel (Injil) revealed to Prophet Jesus (Isa PBUH)
- Scrolls (Suhuf): believed to be revealed to Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim PBUH) and Prophet Moses (Musa PBUH)
Today’s Torah and Bible are not the scriptures revealed from God to these prophets. They were the Words of God, whereas the so-called gospels we have today are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and not the words of God nor the words of Prophet Jesus (PBUH).
Today, these gospels are written by unanimous authors who lived after Jesus Christ and never met him, nor even acknowledged by biblical scholars.
The Holy Quran abrogates and supersedes all previous scriptures, establishing itself as the final and definitive divine Revelation, the ultimate criterion, distinguishing truth from falsehood, and providing comprehensive guidance for humanity. Unlike earlier scriptures intended for specific nations or periods, the Quran’s message is universal and timeless.
The key differences between the Quran and other scriptures:
- Authorship: the Quran is God’s direct word, while unknown human authors wrote the Bible.
- Preservation: the Quran remains in its original form, while the Bible has undergone multiple additions, subtractions, and revisions.
- The Gospel was revealed and meant for the children of Israel, the nation that lived before us, as stated even in the Bible, whereas the Quran is the Holy Divine Book revealed for humanity until the end of time.
- Versions: there is only one version of the Quran, whereas multiple versions of the Bible exist.
The Quran Warns about those Who Write and Attribute it to God
The Holy Quran itself warns about the alteration of divine scriptures:
Christians Differ on the Number of Canonical Books
Christian denominations vary in the number of books recognized as canonical, reflecting differences in what they consider to be “inspired” by God:
- Protestant churches recognize 66 books in their version of the Bible.
- The Roman Catholic Church recognizes 73 books in its Bible.
- The Eastern Orthodox Church recognizes between 76 and 79 books, depending upon the specific church.
- The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church recognizes 81 books.
The Quran: A Comprehensive Guide for Life
As we continue exploring the question, “What is the Quran?” it is essential to understand its practical significance in Muslims’ lives. The Quran provides clear guidance on living, outlining what is permissible and should be avoided. Anything deemed impermissible is considered harmful in this life and the hereafter.
An Instructional Manual for Life
The Quran was revealed to guide you through every aspect of your life, serving as a comprehensive instructional manual on how to live. It is a personal guide that helps you navigate your daily struggles, much like an instructional manual with a computer or electronic device.
Just as these manuals provide detailed instructions on operating a device, the noble Quran offers clear and practical guidance on how to lead a life that aligns with the Creator’s will and live the best way possible. It guides you on what is beneficial for you and what is harmful for you that you should avoid.
By reading and adhering to the teachings of the Quran, you can understand your role and purpose in existence. This divine guidance helps you make sense of life’s challenges and provides a pathway to a fulfilling life. Following the Quran’s guidelines promises rewards in this world and the hereafter. However, disobedience to God’s commands can lead to consequences, affecting your life both in this world and in the life to come.
Understanding Your Life’s Purpose
How would you know your role and purpose without clear and practical instructions from the one who created you? The Quran fulfills this crucial need by providing divine guidance on what God expects from you. It answers fundamental questions such as:
- How did you get here?
- Why are you here?
- What is the purpose of your existence?
- How should you live your life?
- Where are you headed after death?
Rewards and Consequences
The Quran outlines a system of divine justice that extends beyond this world:
- If you follow the Quranic guidelines carefully, you are promised a better life in this world and the hereafter.
- Conversely, disobeying God’s commands, as the Quran outlines, can lead to consequences in this life and the next.
By viewing the Quran as a comprehensive life manual for guidance, you will find direction in all aspects of your existence. Whether dealing with your relationships, financial matters, or spiritual growth, the Quran offers guidance that you can consider essential for navigating the complexities of life.
When was the Quran Written, and Who Wrote it?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the Quran through the Angel Gabriel (Jibril) in a cave known as Cave Hira (غار حراء), located on Jabal al-Nour (the Mountain of Light) near Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The initial Revelation was during the month of Ramadan in the year 610 CE, while the Prophet (PBUH) was pondering and reflecting in Cave Hira, deeply contemplating his existence and societal concerns. This is known as the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr).
The revelations continued over the next twenty-three years, concluding shortly before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) died in 632 CE.
Who wrote the Quran for Muhammad (PBUH)?
Many of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) companions dedicated themselves to memorizing the Quran’s verses verbatim, creating a living repository of the divine revelations, and recording them on available materials. The Prophet (PBUH) instructed his scribes to write down the verses as he recited them, using materials such as leather, stones, and bark. This combined approach of precise memorization and written documentation ensured the Quran’s accurate preservation, even before it was compiled into a book.
How was the Quran compiled?
One of the Quran’s most remarkable aspects is its preservation throughout history. This preservation is considered a fulfillment of Allah’s promise and a testament to the Quran’s divine nature. The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad PBUH over twenty-three years, often in response to specific events rather than all at once or in a set order. Angel Gabriel (Jibril) guided Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in placing verses and chapters.
After Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) death, Zaid bin Thabit (R.A) compiled the Quran into a book within two years. This initiative was crucial after many Quranic memorizers were killed in a battle. Zaid (R.A), a Quran memorizer himself, ensured the authenticity of each verse by cross-verifying with written records and memorization from two witnesses.
Standardizing the Quran
This meticulous process guaranteed that no words were added or omitted. The Quran was later compiled into a standardized written text during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (R.A) between 644 and 656 CE. Many companions memorized the Quran during the prophet’s lifetime, aware of the loss of past scriptures like the Torah and Gospel. This oral tradition safeguarded the Quran from alteration.
The manifestation of the Quran’s Preservation Worldwide
The Quran’s consistency worldwide is a testament to its divine preservation. Whether a Muslim in Asia or Africa recites any verse from the Quran, the words recited would always remain the same, with no variations. As stated earlier, God has promised to protect the Quran from any human-made modifications, distortions, or tampering. The Holy Koran states:
Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will be its Guardian. (Quran 15:9)
The Quran is unique among religious texts for being widely memorized—a remarkable testament to its impact. It is the only book that millions of people across various ages, languages, and backgrounds have memorized word for word. From children to adults in Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond, countless individuals have memorized its over 600 pages word-for-word in the Arabic language despite not knowing the Arabic language.
The Quran has been the most frequently read book for millennia. Almost every Muslim has memorized at least a portion of the Holy Quran for daily prayers. This widespread memorization is facilitated by the Quran’s rhythmic beauty and the divine promise of its ease of remembrance:
And We have indeed made the Quran easy to understand and
remember: then is there any that will receive admonition? (Quran 54:17)
- A Muslim in Asia and another in Africa will recite the exact words—letter by letter.
- No differences exist between Quran reciters across the globe
- This uniformity is maintained across all copies of the Quran worldwide
- There was never a different version of the Quran in the past
The Holy Koran: Guidance for All Mankind
The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was entrusted with conveying the Quran’s message to humanity. This task carried immense weight, as the Quran provides all believers guidance, clarification, and mercy.
The Quran in Arabic vs. Translations: Understanding the Difference
Any translation of the Quran is considered an interpretation of its meanings, designed to help non-Arabic speakers understand its message. However, translations are different from the blessed Words revealed in Arabic. It’s crucial to distinguish between the noble Quran and its translations, as translations are not the exact blessed, verbatim Words of God that Muslims recite daily. Translations are simply explanations of the original masterwork authored by God.
While some translations may excel in linguistic style or accuracy more than others, they are still human-made and inherently imperfect, potentially containing errors. Therefore, they are not the actual Words of God. Only the original Arabic text is regarded as God’s blessed, verbatim word.
- There is only one Quran, there are no different versions of the Quran, and there were never different versions in the past.
- The original Arabic text is viewed as the only blessed verbatim words of the Islamic holy book.
- The Quran cannot be fully translated into any other language—any translations would lose some meaning.
- Any translation is considered only an interpretation of the Quran’s meanings and not the exact blessed words of God.
The Quran: Comprehensive Guidance for Every Aspect of Life
The Quran addresses every subject relevant to human beings, individually and collectively. It covers doctrine, wisdom, worship, law, human interactions, fair economic systems, ritual worship, ethics, moral behavior, business, governance, and more. The Quran emphasizes the relationship between God and His creation, guiding humanity to live harmoniously with divine principles.
What does the Quran contain?
The Quran contains signs of God’s greatness, including miracles, parables, and profound teachings and lessons through stories and other means. It elaborates on God, His Names, and His Attributes, guiding what is permissible and forbidden.
The Quran teaches the basics of good manners and morals, offering detailed rulings and guidelines on worshiping God and living a righteous life. Additionally, the Quran contains vivid descriptions of Paradise and Hell, aiming to inspire you to follow the path of righteousness while warning of hellfire as a deterrent.
The Quran recounts the stories of past prophets and nations, highlighting their mistakes to offer valuable lessons. These narratives are designed to educate and guide, providing exemplary role models and cautionary tales. Their ultimate purpose is to encourage learning from the past and to uphold high moral and ethical standards.
What the Quran Teaches:
The Quran calls you to believe in the six pillars of faith:
- Belief in the One True God
- Belief in His angels
- Belief in His books
- Belief in all His messengers
- Belief in the Last Day
- Belief in Allah’s divine decree
Additionally, the Quran commands you to practice the five pillars of Islam:
- Testifying that Allah is the only one worthy of worship and that Muhammad (PBUH) is His last and final prophet
- Performing your five daily prayers
- Giving alms to those in need
- Fasting during Ramadan
- Performing hajj if you are able
The Quran’s Wide-Ranging Content
The Quran contains guidance on a vast array of subjects that concern human beings:
- Faith and theology
- Ethics and morality
- Worship and spirituality
- Social and family relations
- Governance and economics
- Knowledge and natural phenomena
- Afterlife and Judgement Day
- And much more!
The Quran’s Transformative Power and Moral Teachings
The Quran stands apart from other books due to its profound ability to inspire intellectual growth and spiritual elevation. It serves as a source of wisdom that cleanses the heart and guides individuals toward a life of righteousness.
The Quran: A Source of Love, Compassion, and Peace
The Quran emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, charity, kindness, and avoiding lies and deceit. It encourages giving charity to people experiencing poverty and stresses being kind and respectful to one’s parents, neighbors, family, and friends. The Quran advocates for a harmonious and caring society by promoting these values.
The Quran Does Not Advocate Hate or Violence
Contrary to misconceptions, the Quran does not advocate hate, violence, or killing. Instead, the Quran is a book of love, compassion, faith, and goodwill. It calls for:
“…the ways of peace” (Quran 5:16)
The Quran explicitly states God abhors any disturbance of peace or the spread of mischief in the land:
The Quran contains countless examples of God’s love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and justice for His creation, which are evident throughout the Koran. 113 of the 114 chapters of the Koran begin with the phrase, “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”
The Quran’s Emphasis on Positive Speech
Speak kindly (Quran 2:83)
Speak politely (Quran 17:53)
Speak justice (Quran 6:152)
Speak the truth (Quran 3:17)
Speak no lie (Quran 22:30)
Speak not in vain (Quran 22:30)
Speak graciously (Quran 17:23)
Speak fairly (Quran 17:28)
The Quran is also a book of hope, encouraging Muslims not to despair. It assures that no matter what sins you may have committed, if you turn to Allah with sincere repentance and seek forgiveness, you will be forgiven, and your salvation is assured.
The Structure of the Quran and its Verses
The Quran is meant to be recited aloud in a melodious tone. It comprises 114 chapters, known as Suwar (the plural form of Surah). Each sentence or phrase within the Quran is called an Ayah, which translates to “sign,” “proof,” or “miracle.” Each verse of the Quran serves as a sign, proof, or miracle that points to the presence, power, and wisdom of the reality of God, Allah.
Unlike other religious texts, the Quran does not present a chronological narrative, such as the Book of Genesis, but offers guidance, wisdom, and signs through its verses.
The Quran: A Living Miracle and Proof of Divine Origin
As we delve deeper into understanding the Quran, we must explore its miraculous nature and the evidence of its divine origin.
Who Wrote the Quran? Did Muhammad (PBUH) Write the Quran?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not author the Quran; God revealed it to him. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was unlettered—he could not read, write, or perform calculations and had no formal education. Moreover, the Quran’s content far exceeds what could be expected from a 7th-century individual or even a group of people. These characteristics prove that the Quran is not of human origin but is indeed the word of God.
The Quran: One of the Greatest Miracles of Islam from God
The Quran is regarded as one of Islam’s greatest miracles, if not the greatest, serving as enduring proof of the truthfulness of the Islamic faith. It is an eternal wonder, containing numerous miracles that attest to its divine origin. These miracles, spanning various aspects, demonstrate the profound power of divine Revelation. The Quran is a testament to the truth of Islam. Anyone who examines it sincerely will conclude that no human, including Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or a group of people, could have authored this book. Its unmatched literary excellence and profound content confirm that it could only come from God.
The Quran proves the truthfulness of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) prophethood. While past prophets performed miracles that ended with their lifetimes, the Quran is a miracle meant to endure. Since Muhammad (PBUH) is the last prophet, his miracle must last until the end so future generations can witness it and believe in his prophethood.
The Quran contains countless miracles and signs that affirm its divine origin. Claiming to be the Word of God is a profound statement; any contradictions or errors would disprove such a claim. The Quran, however, contains no contradictions and no verified inaccuracies. Among its many miracles are:
- Linguistic miracles: The unparalleled eloquence, literary style, and rhythmic beauty of the Quranic Arabic.
- Scientific miracles: Alignment with modern scientific discoveries and accurate descriptions of natural phenomena centuries ahead of its time.
- Transformative power: The Quran’s profound impact and positive change on individuals and societies.
- Prophecies and predictions: Fulfilled prophecies and accurate descriptions of future events.
- Historical accuracy: Precise accounts of past events and civilizations unknown at the time of Revelation.
- Mathematical miracles: Numerical patterns, symmetry, and complex mathematical structures within the text, even though it was revealed in parts orally within twenty-three years.
- Preservation miracle: Unchanged text for over 1400 years, maintaining consistency across all copies worldwide.
- Spiritual and psychological impact: The Quran’s ability to guide, console, bring peace, and inspire moral and spiritual transformation in individuals and societies across different eras and cultures.
- Internal consistency: The absence of contradictions despite being revealed over a twenty-three-year period and covering diverse complex topics.
- Ease of memorization: The Quran’s unique structure and rhythmic patterns make its verses easy to memorize, as God stated in His Book. This is evidenced by the millions worldwide who have committed this 600+ page book to memory, even if they do not speak Arabic.
Linguistic Miracle of the Quran
The Quran is recognized as a living miracle of the Arabic language. Its unparalleled linguistic qualities continue to amaze scholars and readers. Its unique style, structure, and profound spiritual impact make it inimitable.
One of the Quran’s most miraculous aspects is its linguistic perfection in Arabic. It uses simple language and vivid imagery to communicate complex concepts like legal matters like inheritance. Its distinct rhythm, rhyme, and literary style set it apart from any other text.
Furthermore, the Quran’s use of advanced terminology and concepts, which were far beyond the understanding of a 7th-century society, underscores its divine origin and miraculous nature.
- Unique style and form: the Quran’s literary style, known as “Quranic Arabic, is distinct from all other Arabic literature. Its melodious rhythm and rhyme enhance recitation and memorization.
- Linguistic perfection: the Quran reaches the highest level of eloquence, free from grammatical errors, and uses rhetorical devices like metaphors and analogies for effective communication.
- Conciseness and clarity: the Quran conveys profound meanings in concise phrases, allowing for multiple interpretations that add depth.
- Vivid imagery and parables: It uses powerful imagery and parables to make abstract concepts accessible.
- Impact on literature and culture: the Quran has profoundly influenced Arabic literature, poetry, and cultural expression.
Scientific Miracles in the Quran
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Quran is its relation to science. Although the Quran is a book of guidance and not a book of science, it contains numerous scientific facts that were confirmed centuries after its Revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the 7th century—a time without advanced technology—the Quran mentions scientific phenomena that align with modern discoveries despite being revealed in an era of limited scientific knowledge.
The Quran’s Impact
The Quran’s profound spiritual and psychological effects often tear readers, regardless of their understanding of Arabic. The Holy Quran wields a powerful influence, transforming millions of lives daily and inspiring individuals to become better. Its incredible impact has significantly shaped human history.
The Quran’s Challenge to Doubters
The Quran challenges anyone who doubts its divine origins to produce a text of equal merit. Any document that claims to contain the word of God carries a heavy responsibility. If there were any contradictions or falsehoods within the Quran, it would invalidate its claim as the true Word of God. However, the Quran is free of contradictions and contains no information that has been proven false.
The Quran presents a unique challenge to those who doubt its divine origins:
This challenge remains unmet, further supporting the Quran’s divine nature.
Faith by Choice, not by Force: No Compulsion in Religion
Contrary to popular belief, the Quran forces no one to turn to Islam against their will. It compels no one to live by Islamic morals. A Muslim is one who “voluntarily submits to Allah.” That’s something that cannot be forced. The Quran strongly emphasizes that faith should never be forced upon anyone:
There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion.
The right course has become clear from the wrong. (Quran 2:256)
The Quran’s Call to Muslims for Social Responsibility
While conveying the message of Allah to others is a duty of Muslims known as Dawah, they are told to convey the Message of God to people with kindness and love and never force them to do anything.
Conclusion
As we conclude this article on What is the Quran: I’d like to remind you Islam’s holy Book is a timeless guide for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Its divine origin, perfect preservation, and comprehensive teachings and guidance uniquely shape lives and societies.
More than just a religious text, the Quran is a complete guide to life. Its messages of unity, accountability, and spiritual growth resonate globally, impacting millions.
As the verbatim word of your Creator, the Quran invites you to reflect on its verses, which it calls “signs.” They offer profound knowledge, insights, guidance about your life’s purpose, answers to life’s most important questions, and spiritual fulfillment.
Read the words of your Creator and contemplate them before your life’s test concludes, and you stand before your Creator on the Day of Judgment.
