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The Quran is the literal word of ALLAH, revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) over approximately 23 years. It is the central revelation of Islam and the highest source of guidance.
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of ALLAH.”
Quran 2:2
The Quran (القرآن — Al-Qur'an, meaning “the recitation”) is the literal word of ALLAH, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) over a period of approximately 23 years — from 610 CE until the Prophet's death in 632 CE.
It is not the personal composition of Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him), who was himself unlettered — he could neither read nor write. The Quran is divine speech, preserved with perfect fidelity since the moment of its revelation.
Quran 2:2
Revelation began in the Cave of Hira (غار حراء), near Mecca, when the Prophet ﷺ was 40 years old. The Angel Jibreel appeared and commanded: “Read!”
Quran 96:1
The Quran was not revealed all at once — it came in stages over 23 years, addressing real situations, guiding the early community, and allowing for gradual transformation.
Quran 17:106
Two Intertwined Channels of Preservation
1. Oral Memorization
From the first revelation, the Prophet ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) taught the Quran to his Companions, who memorized it completely. Dedicated memorizers (huffaz) transmitted it generation to generation without break. The Prophet ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) himself reviewed the entire Quran with Jibreel every year, and twice in his final year.
2. Written Compilation
During the Prophet's ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) lifetime, appointed scribes wrote down every verse on available materials. After the Prophet's death, Caliph Abu Bakr ordered the first compiled written copy. Caliph Uthman standardized copies and sent them to major Muslim cities — these are the basis of every Quran in print today.
ALLAH Himself guaranteed the Quran's preservation — a unique divine guarantee found nowhere else:
Quran 15:9
Unique Among World Scriptures
The Quran is the only religious text in the world memorized in its entirety by millions of people across every culture and language. Even if every printed copy were destroyed, it could be perfectly reconstructed from memory. No other scripture has this characteristic.
The Quran challenged the Arabs — the greatest poets and rhetoricians in the world — to produce even a single chapter comparable to it. They could not. This challenge remains open:
Quran 2:23
The Quran does not follow a chronological narrative. It is thematic — addressing matters of faith, stories of previous prophets, guidance on personal conduct, family law, community affairs, and reflections on the natural world.
For Muslims, the Quran is not a historical document to study from a distance — it is a living guide:
Recited daily in prayer — every Muslim recites Al-Fatihah at minimum 17 times a day
Memorized — millions learn the entire 600-page text, many starting in childhood
Studied (tafsir) — for deep understanding beyond surface recitation
Applied — its guidance shapes personal ethics, family life, and community decisions
Hadith — Sahih al-Bukhari
“The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.”
Narrated by Uthman ibn Affan ✦ Sahih al-Bukhari (citation number to be verified)
A Practical Starting Point
Al-Fatihah (Surah 1)
7 verses; the opening chapter; recited in every prayer
Surah Al-Ikhlas (Surah 112)
4 verses; the essence of Tawheed; equivalent to a third of the Quran in reward
Ayatul Kursi (2:255)
the greatest single verse; describes ALLAH's nature and power
A good translation
Saheeh International, The Clear Quran (Dr. Mustafa Khattab), or The Study Quran (Nasr et al.)
Listen to recitation
Reciters like Sheikh Mishary Al-Afasy or Sheikh Abdul Basit bring the Quran's beauty to life
Next Lesson
Now that you know what the Quran is, explore how it was revealed — the process of revelation, the role of the Angel Jibreel, and why it came gradually over 23 years.
Quran
Hadith
Review Status — Editorial Use Only
Content Status
Needs scholar review
Needs Islamic Review
Yes
Do not publish as final until: