The Quran: Islam’s Holy Book and Divine Revelation
The Quran (also spelled Qur’an or Koran) is the central sacred scripture of Islam. Muslims believe it is the literal word of God (Allah), revealed in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad. It serves as the primary source of Islamic faith, practice, law, and spiritual guidance for more than a billion Muslims worldwide.
Meaning and Origin
The word Quran comes from the Arabic root, meaning “to read” or “to recite.” Because the text was first transmitted orally, it is often described as “the Recitation.” The revelations began in 610 AD near Mecca and continued until the death of Muhammad in 632 AD.
Muslims regard the Quran as the final and complete revelation from God, confirming earlier scriptures such as the Torah and the Gospel while correcting what they believe were human distortions of those texts.
Structure and Language
The Quran contains 114 chapters containing more than 6,000 verses.
The text is preserved in classical Arabic, which Muslims consider the language of revelation and the standard for prayer, memorization, and interpretation. Translations are viewed as aids to understanding, but the Arabic original alone is treated as the authoritative word of God.
Authority and Practice
For Muslims, the Quran is the supreme authority in matters of belief, worship, ethics, and community life. Its teachings shape the five daily prayers (salah), fasting during Ramadan, dietary rules, family law, and moral conduct.
Millions of Muslims memorize the entire text, and scholars produce extensive commentary to explain its meaning. The Quran forms the foundation of Islamic law (Sharia).
Reflection and Application
- Recognize the Quran as the foundation of Muslim identity, devotion, and daily life.
- Approach interfaith conversations with respect for the Quran’s sacred status in Islam.
- Identify beliefs within Islam, such as monotheism, and care for the poor, as bridges for dialogue.