Definition
The Qurʾān is the holy scripture of Islam, considered by Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel. This text is divided into chapters, known as Sūrahs, which are further divided into verses, or Āyahs.
Etymology
The word Qurʾān (قرآن) is derived from the Arabic root q-r-ʾ, which means “to read” or “to recite.” The term signifies the recited or read text revealed from God to Muhammad over approximately 23 years, beginning in 610 CE.
Background
The arrangement of the Qurʾān is unique among religious scriptures. While it is organized largely by the length of the chapters rather than chronologically, this design is believed to reflect divine wisdom. According to tradition, the current sequence of Sūrahs was established by Zaid ibn S̤ābit under the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan. The haphazard order represents a complex interplay of various themes, forms of guidance, historical recollections, and theological declarations.
Chronological vs. Revealed
- Chronological Order: The chronological order of the Sūrahs focuses on the context in which each revelation occurred, providing insight into the development of the early Muslim community and the life of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Revealed Order: The revealed order documents how the chapters were compiled post-revelation. Sūrah Al-Fātiḥah (1) serves as an introduction, while subsequent chapters are organized mainly by length, with longer Meccan revelations followed by shorter ones.
Example
In Sūrah Al-ʿAlaq (96), the earliest revelation, the first five verses were delivered early in Muhammad’s prophecy, whereas other parts of the chapter come from different phases of his life. This non-linear chronology might perplex readers but holds profound spiritual and philosophical coherence for Muslims.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
The Qurʾān’s method of compilation contrasts with other scriptures, such as the Bible. While the Qurʾān is primarily preserved in its original Arabic, providing a uniform text for global Muslims, the Bible is divided into several books written by different authors over centuries, subject to varying translations.
Similarities:
- Both texts provide moral and spiritual guidance.
- They offer a historical narrative infused with divine instruction.
Differences:
- The Qurʾān has remained nearly unchanged and unified in its Arabic form.
- Biblical texts have undergone numerous translations, resulting in slight variances.
Synonyms
- Scripture: Sacred writings of a religion.
- Revelation: Divine or supernatural disclosure.
Antonyms
- Secular: Non-religious.
- Heresy: Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Hadith: Recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Sunnah: The practices and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Tafsir: Exegesis or commentary on the Qurʾān.
- Ijazah: Certification of authority to teach Islamic jurisprudence and theology.
Exciting Facts
- Single Author: Despite being compiled over 23 years, Muslims believe the Qurʾān’s sole author is God.
- Memorization: Known as Hafiz, millions of Muslims have memorized the entire Qurʾān.
- Language: Despite having over a billion followers, the Qurʾān is recited and memorized in classical Arabic worldwide.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“This book, without a doubt, carries the weight of divine wisdom, unaltered in form and unprecedented in spirit—a beacon of guidance.” – Ibn Kathir
Suggested Literature for Further Studies
- “The Study of the Qurʾān” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “The Qurʾān: An Introduction” by Abdullah Saeed
- “Approaching the Qurʾān: The Early Revelations” by Michael Sells
References
- Muhammad Ali, “The Holy Qurʾān.”
- Tafsir of Ibn Kathir.
- M.A.S. Abdel Haleem, “The Qurʾān.”
Quizzes
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell: “Embark on the journey of illuminating the mind with the divine guidance of the Qurʾān, and find wisdom in its pages that transcends time and space.” – Amina Al-Fahad, October 2023.
