Al-Quran
Revelation: Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel (Jibril) starting in the year 610 CE when Muhammad was 40 years old. These revelations continued until the year 632 CE, the year of the Prophet's death. The Quran's revelations occurred in various settings, including Mecca and Medina.
Contents: The Quran consists of 114 chapters (surahs) of varying lengths, containing over 6,000 verses (ayahs). Each surah addresses specific theological, moral, or legal issues. The Quran covers a wide range of topics, including theology (belief in one God), morality (guidance for ethical conduct), guidance for personal conduct, laws (including dietary and family laws), stories of previous prophets, and eschatology (the study of the end times).
Language: The Quran is written in classical Arabic and is considered a linguistic masterpiece. Its style, rhetoric, and language are highly revered for their eloquence and precision. The Quranic Arabic is unique, and it is often regarded as a divine miracle in its own right.
Structure: The Quran is not organized chronologically but rather thematically. The chapters are arranged from the longest to the shortest, with the exception of the opening chapter, Al-Fatiha, which is considered the most important and is recited in daily prayers. Each surah begins with the phrase "Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).
Authority: The Quran is regarded as the ultimate source of religious authority in Islam. It is considered infallible and unchanged since its revelation. Muslims believe that the Quran is the unaltered and preserved word of God, and they hold it in the highest esteem.
Recitation: The Quran is not only a written text but also an oral tradition. Muslims are encouraged to recite it, memorize it, and recite it melodiously, particularly during the five daily prayers. Those who have memorized the entire Quran are given the honorary title of "Hafiz" (male) or "Hafiza" (female).
Guidance and Law: The Quran serves as a comprehensive guide for all aspects of life, providing moral, ethical, and legal principles for Muslims to follow. It forms the basis for Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and is the primary source for deriving legal rulings.
Spiritual Significance: The Quran is not just a legal or theological text; it also has profound spiritual significance. It offers spiritual guidance, encourages reflection, and invites individuals to deepen their relationship with God.