Qur'an

Qur'an. The central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the verbatim word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. It is organized into 114 chapters, known as surahs, which are further divided into verses, or āyāt. The text serves as the primary source of Islamic theology, law, and ethical guidance for over a billion adherents worldwide, forming the foundation of Islamic faith and practice.

Etymology and terminology

The word derives from the Arabic root *q-r-ʾ*, meaning "to recite" or "to read aloud," reflecting its primary oral nature. Within the text itself, it is frequently referred to by other names such as *Al-Furqan* ("The Criterion") and *Al-Kitab* ("The Book"). The term *Mushaf* denotes a physical copy of the compiled text. These terminological variations emphasize different aspects of its role as a recited revelation, a written scripture, and a moral benchmark for the Muslim community.

Structure and content

It is divided into 114 surahs of varying length, which are traditionally classified as either Meccan or Medinan based on the period of revelation during Muhammad's time in Mecca or after the migration to Medina. The surahs are not arranged chronologically but generally in descending order of length, beginning with *Al-Fatiha* and ending with *An-Nas*. Major themes include the absolute oneness of God, the stories of earlier prophets like Adam, Moses, and Jesus, eschatology, legal prescriptions, and descriptions of Paradise and Hell.

History and compilation

According to Islamic tradition, the revelations began in 610 CE during the Night of Power in the Cave of Hira near Mecca and continued until Muhammad's death in 632 CE. The verses were memorized by companions like Zayd ibn Thabit and recorded on materials such as palm stalks and parchment. The first complete compilation into a single codex was ordered by the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, due to the deaths of many memorizers at the Battle of Yamama. A standardized version was later promulgated by the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, and distributed to major centers like Damascus, Kufa, and Fustat.

Significance in Islam

It is considered the ultimate and final revelation, confirming yet superseding previous scriptures such as the Torah and the Gospel. Its recitation is a fundamental act of worship, central to the five daily prayers. The text is the primary source for Islamic law, with its rulings elaborated by the Hadith and scholarly consensus. Belief in its divine and unaltered nature is a core tenet of Islamic creed, and its teachings underpin all major Islamic schools and branches, including Sunni Islam and Shia Islam.

Interpretation and exegesis

The science of interpretation, known as *Tafsir*, has produced extensive scholarly works over centuries. Classical exegetes like Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari, and Al-Zamakhshari wrote comprehensive commentaries analyzing linguistic, legal, and theological dimensions. Different methodologies include interpretation by transmitted tradition (*Tafsir bi'l-ma'thur*) and by reasoned opinion (*Tafsir bi'l-ra'y*). Specialized disciplines such as *Asbab al-nuzul* (occasions of revelation) and *Ilm al-tajwid* (rules of recitation) developed to understand its context and preserve its proper oral delivery.

In Islamic culture and art

Its influence permeates Islamic culture, inspiring masterpieces of Islamic calligraphy, such as scripts like Kufic and Naskh, which adorn mosques from the Dome of the Rock to the Masjid al-Haram. Its recitation is a revered art form, with celebrated reciters, or *qurra'*, performing in international competitions. Verses are incorporated into Islamic architecture, manuscript illumination, and everyday objects. The text also holds a central place in Islamic education, with children beginning their studies at a madrasa or Kuttab, and its memorization is a highly honored achievement.