The Quran is the holy book of Islam, revered by Muslims worldwide as the literal word of Allah (God), revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It serves as a guiding light for faith, spirituality and daily life.
But what makes the Quran so important? What is its history and why do Muslims hold it in such high regard? Let’s explore these questions in a way that both Muslims and non-Muslims can understand.
What is the Quran?
The Quran is derived from the Arabic word “Qara’a,” which means “to read” or “to recite.” It is considered the final revelation from Allah to humanity, containing guidance on faith, morality, law and personal conduct. Unlike other religious texts, the Quran is believed to be the unaltered word of God, preserved in its original Arabic form since it was first revealed.
“Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder and indeed, We will preserve it.”
— (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:9)
The Quran is divided into 114 chapters (Surahs) and contains over 6,000 verses (Ayahs). Each chapter varies in length, with Surah Al-Fatihah (The Opening) being the shortest and Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) being the longest.
The History of the Quran
The revelations of the Quran were not revealed all at once but rather over 23 years, gradually delivered to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in small portions. Each revelation was immediately memorized and recorded upon its arrival, ensuring no single word was lost.
Prophet Muhammad personally instructed four principal teachers in the memorization of the revelations. These teachers, in turn, taught others, creating a strong oral tradition that preserved the Quran down to the finest pronunciation.
The memorization of the Quran became an integral part of the Muslim community’s practice. The Prophet’s companions recited the verses in their daily prayers, ensuring constant reinforcement.
This oral transmission remains one of the most unique features of the Quran’s preservation. Even today, millions of Muslims, known as Hafiz, have memorized the Quran in its entirety, a practice unparalleled in any other religious tradition.
At the same time, the Quran was systematically written down under the Prophet’s supervision. Islamic records mention 15 scribes who were employed to write the revelations on materials such as parchment, palm leaves and bones.
Unlike ancient texts that require scholarly interpretation to uncover their original meaning, the Quran remains clear and accessible to anyone who reads it. Muslims believe this is due to Allah’s wisdom, which ensures that His message remains universal for all people at all times.
For over 1,400 years, no one has been able to match the eloquence, depth and divine wisdom of the Quran. This fact alone continues to captivate scholars, linguists and spiritual seekers across the world.
How Was the Quran Preserved?
- Oral Transmission – Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions memorized the verses as they were revealed.
- Written Records – Scribes wrote the revelations on parchment, bones and palm leaves.
- Compilation under Caliph Abu Bakr – After the Battle of Yamama, many memorized reciters were martyred, prompting the first written compilation of the Quran.
- Standardization under Caliph Uthman – To prevent variations in recitation, Caliph Uthman ibn Affan compiled the official version, which is still used today.
The Importance of the Quran
- A Guide to Life’s Purpose
The Quran explains that life is not random but a test of faith and character. It teaches that true success comes from worship, remembrance and obedience to Allah, leading to paradise for the righteous and warning against the consequences of disbelief.
- The Message of Oneness
Central to the Quran is Tawheed, the belief in one God. It reminds humanity of life after death and the importance of following divine guidance. Stories of past prophets, from Adam to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), serve as lessons on faith and perseverance.
- Moral and Social Values
The Quran promotes justice, kindness, humility and generosity while warning against greed, dishonesty and oppression. It teaches that change is always possible, empowering individuals to lead better lives through faith and self-improvement.
- The Prophet as a Role Model
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is portrayed as the perfect example of compassion, wisdom and leadership. His life provides practical lessons on patience, forgiveness and devotion to Allah.
- Quranic Prophecies
The Quran foretold historical events such as the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of Gog and Magog and even scientific discoveries centuries before they were confirmed. Most importantly, it promised its own preservation, a claim proven by its unchanged text for over 1,400 years.
- A Practical Guide for Daily Life
The Quran discourages harmful behaviors like alcohol, drugs, gambling and dishonesty while promoting moderation, self-control and fairness. It provides a blueprint for inner peace and personal growth.
- A Book Rooted in Reason
The Quran encourages critical thinking and knowledge-seeking. Its descriptions of natural phenomena, from embryology to the expanding universe, align with modern science, reinforcing its divine origin.
Frequently Asked Question
- How is the Quran different from other religious books?
Unlike other scriptures, the Quran is believed to be the unchanged word of God, preserved exactly as it was revealed over 1,400 years ago. It has never been altered, translated or rewritten like the Bible or Torah, Muslims read it in its original Arabic form.
- Who wrote the Quran?
Muslims believe that the Quran was not written by humans. It was revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who then recited it to his followers. It was later written down by scribes under his supervision and has remained unchanged ever since.
- Why is the Quran in Arabic?
The Quran was revealed in Arabic, which was the language of Prophet Muhammad and his people. Arabic is known for its rich linguistic structure, allowing the meaning to be preserved perfectly. However, translations exist for people who do not speak Arabic.
- Does the Quran promote violence?
This is a common misconception. The Quran forbids oppression, injustice and killing of innocent people. Verses about war are related to self-defense in historical contexts and should not be taken out of context. The Quran promotes peace, mercy and justice for all.
“Whoever kills a person unjustly… it is as though he has killed all of humanity.”(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:32)
- Does the Quran predict scientific discoveries?
While the Quran is not a science book, it contains many verses describing natural phenomena, such as the expansion of the universe, embryology and oceanic barriers—many of which were discovered centuries later by scientists.
“And the heaven We constructed with strength and indeed, We are [its] expander.” — (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:47)
- Why do Muslims memorize the entire Quran?
Millions of Muslims worldwide memorize the entire Quran word for word, a practice called Hifz. This tradition ensures its preservation and serves as a form of spiritual devotion. Even if every printed copy of the Quran disappeared today, it could be rewritten entirely from memory.
- Can non-Muslims read the Quran?
Absolutely! Non-Muslims are welcome to read translations of the Quran to understand Islam better. However, Muslims believe the Quran’s full meaning is best understood in its original Arabic. If you’re curious, reading a trusted translation is a great way to explore its message.
🌙 May its wisdom bring peace and understanding to all who seek it.
