Introduction
The Quran (القرآن — Al-Qur'an, meaning "the recitation") is the final word of ALLAH revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) over approximately 23 years, from 610 CE to 632 CE.
It is not the work of Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him). He was unlettered — he could neither read nor write. The Quran is the literal speech of ALLAH, preserved intact and unchanged since the moment of its revelation.
ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of ALLAH.”
Key Facts
- 114 Surahs (chapters) — ranging from a few verses to 286 verses
- 6,236 verses (ayat) — approximately
- Revealed in Arabic — the language of the Quran is part of its miracle
- Memorized in its entirety by millions of Muslims worldwide (called huffaz)
- One universal text — every Quran in the world, in every country, contains identical text
How Was It Preserved?
Two Channels of Preservation
Oral transmission (memorization): From the very first revelation, the Companions memorized the Quran completely. The Prophet ﷺ himself reviewed it with Jibreel every year and twice in his final year. Dedicated memorizers (huffaz) transmitted it to the next generation without break.
Written compilation: During the Prophet's ﷺ lifetime, appointed scribes wrote down every revelation. After his death, Caliph Abu Bakr compiled the first written copy. Caliph Uthman standardized copies and sent them to major cities — these are the basis of every Quran in print today.
ALLAH Himself guaranteed its preservation:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
Remarkable Historical Fact
The Quran's text has remained identical for over 1,400 years — compiled within 20 years of the Prophet's death and verified through continuous oral transmission by tens of thousands of memorizers alongside written manuscripts. No verse has been added or removed since the time of the Companions.
The Miracle of the Quran
The Quran issued a challenge to the Arab world — masters of poetry and language — to produce even a single chapter comparable to it. They could not. This challenge stands to this day:
وَإِن كُنتُمْ فِى رَيْبٍ مِّمَّا نَزَّلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا فَأْتُوا۟ بِسُورَةٍ مِّن مِّثْلِهِۦ
“And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our servant, then produce a surah the like thereof.”
Why Was It Revealed Gradually?
The Quran was not revealed all at once — it came over 23 years, addressing real situations as they arose. This was a mercy: each revelation guided the early Muslims through their specific circumstances while allowing for gradual transformation of character.
وَقُرْءَانًا فَرَقْنَٰهُ لِتَقْرَأَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ عَلَىٰ مُكْثٍ وَنَزَّلْنَٰهُ تَنزِيلًا
“And it is a Quran which We have separated by intervals that you might recite it to the people over a prolonged period. And We have sent it down progressively.”
How Do Muslims Relate to the Quran?
For Muslims, the Quran is not a historical text to be studied from a distance — it is a living guide:
- Recited daily in prayer, starting with Al-Fatihah in every unit of every prayer
- Memorized — millions worldwide memorize the entire 600-page text, many beginning in childhood
- Studied — for understanding (tafsir), not just recitation
- Applied — its guidance shapes personal ethics, family life, and community
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him) said: "The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it."
Where to Begin
Starting Your Relationship with the Quran
- Al-Fatihah — the opening chapter, seven verses, recited in every prayer. Begin here.
- Translation — read a good English translation: Saheeh International, The Clear Quran (Dr. Mustafa Khattab), or The Study Quran (Nasr et al.)
- Listen — the Quran's beauty is experienced through audio. Reciters like Sheikh Mishary Al-Afasy are beloved worldwide
- Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) — four short verses that capture the essence of Tawheed
- Ayatul Kursi (2:255) — the greatest verse, describing ALLAH's nature
References
Quran
- Quran 2:2 — "This is the Book about which there is no doubt"
- Quran 15:9 — ALLAH's guarantee of the Quran's preservation
- Quran 2:23 — The challenge to produce a surah like the Quran
- Quran 17:106 — The Quran revealed in stages
Hadith
- Sahih al-Bukhari, narrated by Uthman ibn Affan (رضي الله عنه) — "The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it" (citation number to be verified before publication)