ABOUT QUR'AN

Quran, is the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is written in classical Arabic and is considered the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language. The Quran is divided into 114 chapters called surahs, which vary in length and cover various aspects of life, law, morality, and spirituality.

Key Points about the Quran:

1. Revelation: The Quran was revealed to Muhammad over a period of approximately 23 years, beginning in 610 CE, when he was 40, and concluding in 632 CE, the year of his death. These revelations were received through the Angel Gabriel (Jibril).

2. Structure: The Quran is organized into 114 surahs, which are further divided into verses (ayahs). The surahs are not arranged in the order of revelation but roughly by length, with the longer surahs at the beginning and shorter ones towards the end.

3. Language: The Quran is written in Arabic and is often memorized and recited in its original language. Translations are available in many languages, but these are considered interpretations of the meanings of the Quran, rather than the Quran itself.

4. Themes: The Quran addresses various themes, including theology, law, guidance for personal conduct, social justice, and narratives of previous prophets and communities. It emphasizes the oneness of God, the importance of following God's guidance, and the consequences of one's actions in the afterlife.

5. Recitation: The recitation of the Quran is a significant aspect of Muslim worship. Muslims are encouraged to recite the Quran regularly, and special emphasis is placed on its recitation during the month of Ramadan. The practice of memorizing the entire Quran, known as becoming a Hafiz, is highly respected.

6. Interpretation: Tafsir is the Arabic term for exegesis or commentary on the Quran. Scholars have produced extensive works of tafsir to explain the meanings, context, and implications of the Quranic verses.

7. Preservation: Muslims believe that the Quran has been perfectly preserved since its revelation. The text was compiled into a single book form shortly after the death of Muhammad, under the guidance of the Caliph Uthman ibn Affan.

8. Role in Islam: The Quran is the primary source of Islamic theology and law. Along with the Hadith, which are collections of sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, it forms the basis for the Sharia, or Islamic law.

The Quran holds a central place in the lives of Muslims, guiding their faith, practice, and daily actions.