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▪ What is the Quran?
Allah has sent for the guidance of humanity a complete code of life, exhaustive comprehensive
which was sent down by Him in the heart of his Messenger. This code of life is called the Holy
Quran.
Allah has said in Surah Al Hashar (193,194):
“(O Mohammad) (SAW) this (book) has been sent down on your heart so that you
may be one of the warners.”
• Names of Quran:
The Quran has several names or titles, some of which are:
I. Al-Quran: This is the most common name of the Quran, and it means "the recitation" or
"the reading."
II. Al-Kitab: This means "the book," and it is often used to refer to the Quran as a complete
work.
III. Al-Furqan: This means "the criterion" or "the standard," and it refers to the Quran's role
in distinguishing truth from falsehood.
IV. Al-Huda: This means "the guidance," and it refers to the Quran's role in guiding believers
to the right path.
V. Al-Dhikr: This means "the remembrance," and it refers to the Quran as a source of
remembrance of God and His teachings.
VI. Al-Tanzil: This means "the revelation," and it refers to the Quran as the divine revelation
that was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
VII. Al-Noor: This means "the light," and it refers to the Quran's role in illuminating the
hearts and minds of believers.
VIII. Al-Shifa: This means "the healing," and it refers to the Quran's ability to heal spiritual
and physical ailments.
IX. Al-Rahmah: This means "the mercy," and it refers to the Quran as a source of God's
mercy and compassion towards His creation.
X. Al-Kalam: This means "the word," and it refers to the Quran as the word of God,
revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• Quran’s Revelation:
The revelation of the Quran is a momentous event in Islamic history. The Quran was revealed to
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel).
The revelation began in the year 610 A.D. and continued for a period of 23 years. The revelation
of the Quran is divided into 114 chapters, known as surahs, which contain 6,236 verses and
approximately 77,000 words.
The Quran is considered to be the literal word of God, as revealed to Prophet Muhammad
through Angel Jibril. It is believed to be the last of all divine revelations and is the only source of
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Islamic law and guidance. The Quran is the central religious text of Islam and is the primary
source of guidance for Muslims. It contains the teachings, principles, and laws of Islam, and is
the basis for understanding the faith and its practices. The Quran is often described as a book of
guidance and is used to provide direction and understanding for matters related to faith,
morality, and everyday life.
• Collection of Quran:
The collection of the Qur'an began during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him). During this time, the Prophet and his companions would memorize the verses that
were revealed to him and write them down on separate pieces of paper.
I. The arrangement of the Qur'an into its current form began after the death of the
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
II. Caliph Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was the first to order the collection of
the Qur’anic verses.
III. He commissioned Zayd ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) to collect all the
verses of the Qur'an and arrange them into a single book. Zayd and his team gathered
the verses from the written sheets, as well as from the memories of those who had
memorized them. Once the verses had been collected and arranged, they were
compiled into one single book, and copies of the book were then sent to all the major
cities of the Muslim world. This was the final form of the Qur'an that we have today.
• Its Order and Arrangement:
I. The Quran is divided into 114 chapters (surahs) and further divided into verses (ayah).
II. These 114 chapters are not arranged in the order of revelation. The order in which the
chapters are arranged is known as the 'Uthmani' order, named after the third caliph,
Uthman ibn Affan, who is said to have commissioned the collection and standardization
of the Quran.
III. The order follows a thematic pattern, with similar topics grouped together, making it
easier for the reader to navigate through the Quran. The chapters are arranged in order
of decreasing size, with the longest chapter (Al-Baqarah, the Cow) coming first and the
shortest chapter (An-Nas, Mankind) coming last.
IV. In general, the earlier chapters are focused on the fundamental aspects of faith, while
the later chapters tend to be more concerned with practical matters. The Quran also
includes a few interspersed stories which serve to illustrate moral and spiritual truths.
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• Its Writing down:
The writing of the Quran is a remarkable feat in human history. Muslims believe that the
Quran is the word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel over a
period of 23 years. The Prophet memorized the revelations and recited them to his
companions, who also memorized and transcribed them.
The earliest manuscripts of the Quran were written on animal skins, bones, and palm
leaves. The writing was done with a reed pen and ink made from soot and water. The Quran
was compiled into a book during the reign of the third caliph, Uthman, who standardized
the text and ordered multiple copies to be made and distributed throughout the Muslim
world. The writing of the Quran is considered a miraculous achievement, not only for its
spiritual significance but also for its literary excellence and linguistic beauty. The Quran has
been preserved in its original form for over 14 centuries and continues to inspire millions of
Muslims around the world.
• Reasons of revelation of the Quran:
I. Firstly, it was sent as a guidance for humanity, providing a clear path to follow and
avoid immoral behavior.
II. Secondly, it was revealed to correct the misconceptions and false beliefs prevalent
in Arabia at the time, such as idol worship, superstitions, and mistreatment of
women and slaves.
III. Thirdly, the Quran was revealed as a mercy and a reminder to all people, warning
them of the consequences of their actions and encouraging them to do good deeds.
IV. Additionally, the Quran was revealed to provide comfort and support to Prophet
Muhammad during difficult times, such as the loss of his beloved wife and uncle,
and the persecution he faced from his enemies. Ultimately, Muslims believe that the
Quran is a divine revelation, meant to guide humanity towards a fulfilling and
righteous life, and to prepare them for the Hereafter.
• Information about the reasons and occasions of revelation:
The reasons and occasions of revelation refer to the circumstances and events that led to the
revelation of specific verses or chapters in the Quran. These revelations are believed by
Muslims to be the direct words of Allah (God) revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the
Angel Gabriel.
Muslim scholars have studied and collected information about the reasons and occasions of
revelation, known as Asbab al-nuzul, in order to understand the context and significance of the
verses and chapters in the Quran.
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Here are some examples:
I. Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening): It is believed to have been revealed to Prophet
Muhammad during his early days in Makkah when he was facing persecution from the
non-believers. This chapter serves as a prayer seeking guidance and protection from
Allah.
II. Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave): It is believed to have been revealed in response to questions
from the Jewish scholars about the story of the seven sleepers mentioned in the
chapter. The chapter also highlights the importance of faith and patience in times of
adversity.
III. Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow): It is believed to have been revealed in Madinah in
response to questions from the Jewish community about Islamic laws and regulations.
The chapter covers a wide range of topics including faith, prayer, fasting, charity,
marriage, and justice.
IV. Surah Al-Ma'idah (The Table Spread): It is believed to have been revealed in Madinah
during the final years of Prophet Muhammad's life. The chapter includes guidance on
various aspects of daily life such as food, drink, and commerce, as well as the
importance of justice and forgiveness.
Understanding the reasons and occasions of revelation can provide deeper insights into the
Quranic text and help Muslims apply its teachings in their daily lives.
• What was revealed in Makkah and what is Madinah?
The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, and it is believed by Muslims to be the verbatim
word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Quranic
revelations were divided into two main periods, which correspond to the Prophet Muhammad's
time in Makkah and Madinah.
The revelations that came to Prophet Muhammad during his time in Makkah are known as the
Makki Surahs, while the revelations that came to him during his time in Madinah are known as
the Madani Surahs.
I. The Makki Surahs were revealed during the first 13 years of the Prophet's mission in
Makkah. They focus on fundamental beliefs of Islam, such as the oneness of God, the
afterlife, and the moral and ethical principles of the religion. The Makki Surahs also
address the challenges and hardships faced by the early Muslim community in Makkah,
including persecution, rejection, and ridicule.
II. The Madani Surahs were revealed during the last 10 years of the Prophet's mission,
after he migrated from Makkah to Madinah. They deal with issues of governance, social
justice, and practical aspects of Islamic law. The Madani Surahs also address the
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challenges faced by the Muslim community in Madinah, including warfare, diplomacy,
and relations with other communities.
In summary, the Makki Surahs focus on basic Islamic beliefs and ethical principles, while the
Madani Surahs deal with the practical aspects of Islamic law and governance. Understanding
the historical context and the themes of the Makki and Madani Surahs is important for
understanding the development of Islamic thought and practice.
• The abrogating and abrogated verses of Quran:
In Islamic theology, abrogation refers to the cancellation or superseding of one verse or ruling
in the Quran by another. The concept of abrogation is based on the principle that the Quranic
revelations were given to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in stages, and that
some verses were revealed to address specific circumstances and needs of the early Muslim
community, while others were revealed to replace or modify earlier rulings.
The abrogating verse is the one that cancels or supersedes a previous ruling or verse, while the
abrogated verse is the one that has been canceled or replaced by the new ruling or verse.
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There is some debate among Islamic scholars about which verses of the Quran are abrogating
and which are abrogated. However, some of the most commonly cited examples of abrogating
and abrogated verses are:
I. The verse on fasting during the month of Ramadan (2:185) abrogated earlier
rulings on fasting.
II. The verse on the prohibition of alcohol (5:90) abrogated earlier rulings that
allowed for its consumption in moderation.
III. The verse on inheritance (4:11-12) abrogated earlier rulings on inheritance that
favored male heirs over female heirs.
IV. The verse on the punishment for theft (5:38) abrogated an earlier ruling that
prescribed amputation of both hands for theft.
It's important to note that the concept of abrogation is not universally accepted among Islamic
scholars, and there are different interpretations of which verses are abrogated and which are
not. Additionally, the concept of abrogation is not used to justify the exclusion or dismissal of
any verses from the Quran, but rather to understand the context and evolution of Islamic
jurisprudence over time.
• The ’clear’ and ‘unclear’ verses of the Quran:
In the Islamic faith, the Qur'an is considered the holy book and is believed to be the word of
God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Within the Qur'an, there are verses that are
considered clear and easily understood, as well as verses that are considered unclear or
ambiguous.
The clear verses of the Qur'an are those that are unambiguous and straightforward in their
meaning, requiring little interpretation. These verses provide guidance and direction for
Muslims and are the foundation upon which Islamic beliefs and practices are based. Examples
of clear verses include those that outline the core beliefs of Islam, such as the Oneness of God
and the importance of prayer, charity, and fasting.
On the other hand, the unclear or ambiguous verses of the Qur'an are those that require more
interpretation and context to fully understand their meaning. These verses may be open to
multiple interpretations and can be challenging to fully comprehend. Scholars and experts in
Islamic studies have dedicated themselves to understanding these unclear verses through
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historical and linguistic analysis, as well as through a deep understanding of Islamic teachings
and traditions.
➢ Examples of clear verses of the Quran include:
I. "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger." (Quran 3:144)
II. "Establish prayer, give zakat (charity), and bow down with those who bow down."
(Quran 2:43)
III. "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before
you, so that you may become righteous." (Quran 2:183)
These verses are considered clear because their meaning is straightforward and unambiguous.
They provide direct guidance to Muslims on what actions they should take to practice their
faith.
➢ Examples of unclear or ambiguous verses of the Quran include:
I. "And fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah
does not like transgressors." (Quran 2:190)
II. "And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his punishment is Hell; he shall abide in it,
and Allah will send His wrath on him and curse him and prepare for him a painful
chastisement." (Quran 4:93)
III. "This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of
Allah." (Quran 2:2)
These verses are considered unclear because their meaning can be open to interpretation and
may require deeper analysis to fully understand their context and intended message. For
example, the verses about fighting in the cause of Allah have been subject to interpretation and
debate, with some scholars arguing that the context of the verse was specific to a particular
time and place in history. The verse about killing a believer intentionally has also been
interpreted differently by scholars, with some arguing that it refers only to those who commit
murder without justification, while others believe it applies to any intentional killing of a
Muslim.
It is important to note that the interpretation of unclear verses is not solely left to individual
Muslims, but rather is guided by the teachings and traditions of Islamic scholarship. The process
of interpreting unclear verses is ongoing and subject to ongoing discussion and debate among
scholars and experts.
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Overall, the distinction between clear and unclear verses of the Qur'an is important in
understanding the complexity of Islamic teachings and the role of interpretation in the Islamic
faith.
• List of some Surahs of the Quran among with their main message:
Here is a list of some of the surahs of the Quran with their main message:
o Surah Al-Fatiha: The Opening - This surah is the opening chapter of the Quran and is
considered to be the most important. Its main message is to praise Allah and seek
guidance and mercy from Him.
o Surah Al-Baqarah: The Cow - This surah is the longest chapter of the Quran and covers a
wide range of topics including faith, guidance, morality, social justice, and warfare.
o Surah Al-Imran: The Family of Imran - This surah is named after the family of Prophet
Imran, which includes Maryam (Mary) the mother of Jesus. Its main message is to
remind believers of the unity of God and to encourage them to follow His guidance.
o Surah An-Nisa: The Women - This surah focuses on the rights and responsibilities of
women in society, as well as the importance of justice, kindness, and compassion.
o Surah Al-Maidah: The Table Spread - This surah deals with a wide range of topics,
including the prohibition of certain foods, the importance of following God's guidance,
and the necessity of treating others with justice and kindness.
o Surah Al-An'am: The Cattle - This surah emphasizes the importance of monotheism and
the unity of God, as well as the need to follow His guidance and live a moral and
righteous life.
o Surah Al-A'raf: The Heights - This surah deals with the stories of various prophets and
their struggles to spread the message of God, as well as the importance of seeking
forgiveness and turning to God in times of difficulty.
o Surah Al-Anfal: The Spoils of War - This surah deals with the topic of warfare and the
rules of engagement in battles, as well as the importance of seeking God's guidance and
support in times of conflict.
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o Surah At-Tawbah: The Repentance - This surah emphasizes the importance of
repentance and seeking forgiveness, as well as the need to fight against injustice and
oppression.
o Surah Yunus: Jonah - This surah focuses on the story of the prophet Jonah and his
struggles to spread the message of God, as well as the importance of faith and patience
in times of difficulty.
o Surah Hud: Hud - This surah focuses on the story of the prophet Hud and his struggles to
spread the message of God to his people, as well as the importance of faith and
righteousness.
o Surah Yusuf: Joseph - This surah deals with the story of the prophet Joseph and his
struggles to overcome adversity and remain faithful to God, as well as the importance of
forgiveness and kindness.
o Surah Ar-Ra'd: The Thunder - This surah emphasizes the importance of monotheism and
the unity of God, as well as the need to follow His guidance and live a righteous life.
o Surah Ibrahim: Abraham - This surah focuses on the story of the prophet Abraham and
his struggles to spread the message of God, as well as the importance of faith and trust
in God.
o Surah Al-Hijr: The Rocky Tract - This surah emphasizes the importance of monotheism
and the unity of God, as well as the need to seek His guidance and follow His
commandments.
o Surah An-Nahl: The Bees - This surah focuses on the power and majesty of God's
creation, as well as the importance of gratitude and obedience to Him.
o Surah Al-Isra: The Night Journey - This surah focuses on the story of the Prophet
Muhammad's miraculous journey to Jerusalem and his encounter with various.
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