What Is the Quran?

The Quran, also spelled Koran, is the holy book of Islam. It is a sacred, divine scripture that Muslims believe to be the exact word of Allah, revealed to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over 23 years. The Quran is the foundational text of Islam and a source of guidance for Muslims on how to live their lives according to the teachings of Allah. 

The Quran is in Arabic, the language of Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and is considered to be a masterpiece of Arabic literature. The Quran contains a wealth of ethical, spiritual, and legal teachings, as well as stories and parables from the lives of prophets and other figures in Islamic history.

Islam teaches that reading and reciting the Quran is an act of worship and a means of gaining blessings and reward from Allah. The Quran is recited in daily prayers, and Muslims are encouraged to memorize and understand its teachings. Reading the entire Quran during Ramadan, the month of fasting, and having a daily Wird (portion of Qur'an recited with consistency) are also highly recommended by Islam.

The Quran addresses a wide range of topics, including belief in Allah, the prophets, and the Day of Judgment; morality and ethics; social and political issues; and family and personal affairs. It emphasizes justice, compassion, and solidarity, and it encourages Muslims to be kind and fair to their fellow human beings.

One of the unique hallmarks of the Quran lies in it being protected by Allah Himself from distortion and alteration. Unlike other holy books, the Quran has been passed down to us unchanged and in its original form. The Quran began to be written down shortly after Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) began his prophetic mission. Its content is divinely preserved and remains immutable forever. Today, Muslims all over the world learn and recite the Quran in the same way that it was recited by Prophet Muhammad and his Companions more than 1,400 years ago.

In conclusion, the Quran is a fundamental and essential part of Islam. It is a divine revelation that serves as a guide for Muslims in their daily lives and provides a framework for understanding the world around them. The Quran is not just a book but a way of life for Muslims, and studying and understanding its teachings is an essential aspect of Islamic faith and practice.