What is the Qur’ān
What is the Qur’ān?
The Qur’ān is the holy book for Muslims similar to the Torah for Jews and the Bible for Christians. However, unlike previous scriptures, the Quran remains preserved in its original form in the language of revelation, namely Arabic. Another unique difference is that the Quran from the beginning has been memorized. Even today, millions of people from across the Muslim world memorize the Quran in its entirety, over 6,500 verses. The Qur’ān is not the words of the Prophet Muhammad inspired by God. Rather, it is the direct words of God.
What does the word “Qur’ān” mean?
The word refers to the holy scripture of Islam. However, linguistically it means “the most recited” and “the most read.” There is no book in the world that is recited more often then the Qur’ān. Hundreds of millions of Muslims recite the Qur’ān daily and it is also recited during the five daily prayers.
When was the Qur’ān revealed?
The Qur’ān was revealed to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him beginning in 610 CE. He continued to receive revelation over a period of 23 years up until his passing.
How is the Qur’ān preserved?
The early Muslims preserved the Qur’ān on scrolls, but they also preserved it to memory. Again, hundreds of millions of Muslims throughout the world have at least portions of the Quran memorized. Since prayer has to be performed by reciting the Quran in its original form, it is incumbant that some portions have to be memorized. Children begin to memorize the Quran at a very early age and many parents encourage their children to memorize in full.
What are the main teachings of the Qur’ān?
It is difficult to encompass all that which the Quran contains. But a central theme that resonates throughout the Quran is the worship of One God who sent prophets and messengers to humanity to guide them. This is why many messengers of God are mentioned repeatedly in the Quran including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Soloman, Jesus Christ, and of course Prophet Muhammad who is considered to be the final messenger. Other significant themes include prayer, charity, compassion and mercy, patience and gratitude, the pursuit of knowledge, doing good to God’s creation, social justice, and belief in the Day of Judgment in the presence of God.
How many chapters are in the Qur’ān?
The Qur’ān contains 114 chapters referred to as Surahs. Some chapters are long and have approximately 300 verses while others are as short as 3 verses.
What is the best translation of the Qur’ān?
No translation is perfect. Each translation will have some shortcomings when trying to convey the original meaning of the text. Nevertheless, the general message of the verses can be found in most of the popular translations. A translation of the Quran can be provided upon request at the Mosque.
How should non-Muslims treat the Qur’ān?
The Qur’ān is the holy book of over 1.5 billion people. Muslims consider it to be the direct words of God in Arabic. Therefore, anyone who has a copy of the Qur’ān is requested to treat this Divine Scripture with respect. This includes not placing it on the floor or in dirty places, taking it into the restroom, or defaming it in any way. You will find that Muslims too extend the utmost reverence and respect to other holy books like the Torah and the Bible.
How is the Qur’ān different than the Bible?
The Qur’ān has many similarities with the Old and New Testaments, but it also differs in some respects. Muslims are required to believe in the original Torah revealed to Moses and the Bible revealed to Jesus Christ. However, Muslims believe that these original books were lost and what remains of them today have been altered, and some original meanings have been lost. For instance, Muslims reject the triune conceptualization of God and the divinity of Jesus since Muslims believe that Jesus never taught that others should worship him. Instead, he taught the worship of God or our figurative Father in heaven. As such, the Qur’ān is the final testament that came to correct any inaccuracies found in these scriptures and to affirm what is true in them.
Does the Qur’ān tell Muslims to kill non-Muslims?
Nowhere in the Qur’ān does it instruct Muslims to kill anyone based on their faith. The Qur’ān does allow for self-defense and contains limits and instructions on the use of force. In fact, the Quran explicitly declares that anyone who kills one innocent person, it is as if he killed all of humanity. Moreover, the Quran continues, that if anyone saves one life, it is as if he saved the lives of all of humanity. Indeed, the Qur’ān commands Muslims to uphold justice, treat others with kindness and compassion, exhibit mercy to all created beings, and maintain ties of humanity across faiths.