The Quran (Arabic: القرآن, al-Qurʼān, meaning “the recitation”) is the central sacred text of Islam, regarded by Muslims as the word of Allah (God). It is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel (Jibril). The Quran is the fundamental source of Islamic faith, practice, and law. More than just a book, it is seen as divine guidance for all of humanity, offering answers to profound existential questions and principles for a just and balanced life.
Nature and Revelation of the Quran
Muslims view the Quran as the uncreated and eternal word of Allah. Its revelation spanned approximately 23 years, beginning in 610 CE when the Prophet Muhammad was meditating in the Cave of Hira near Mecca. The verses (ayahs) were revealed gradually, addressing the needs and circumstances of the early Muslim community. These revelations were memorized by the Prophet’s companions and written down on various materials (parchments, bones, palm leaves) before being compiled into a single book during the caliphate of ‘Uthman, the third caliph of Islam, around 650 CE. This compilation, known as the Mushaf ‘Uthmani, serves as the standard reference for all Qurans worldwide. [1, 5]
The Quran has been transmitted through two main means: memorization (hifz) and written transmission. Oral tradition, considered essential, helped preserve the correct recitation and pronunciation of the text, ensuring its authenticity and continuity through the centuries. The practice of tajwid (proper recitation) was developed to ensure the Quran is read with precise articulation and rhythm, reflecting the Prophet Muhammad’s recitation.
Structure of the Quran
The Quran is composed of 114 chapters, called suras (Arabic: سورة, sūrah), of varying lengths—from just a few verses to several hundred. They are generally arranged in descending order of length, with some exceptions. [1] Each sura bears a title, often inspired by the main topic or a key word within it. The first chapter, Al-Fatiha (“The Opening”), is an invocation of Allah and a declaration of faith, frequently recited in daily prayers.
The Quran contains approximately 6,236 verses (ayahs), which are meant to be read, studied, and reflected upon. [2] These verses are divided into 30 parts, called juz’, to facilitate reading and recitation during the month of Ramadan. Each juz’ is further divided into ahzab (plural of hizb) to help organize the reading. Each part often contains one or several themes, although topics may be interwoven throughout the Quran. To better understand its structure, one is encouraged to read the Quran.
Classification of Suras
Traditionally, suras are divided into two main categories:
- Meccan Suras: Revealed in Mecca before the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah) to Medina. These chapters are generally shorter and focus on the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), faith, the afterlife, stories of past prophets, and moral teachings.
- Medinan Suras: Revealed in Medina after the Hijrah. These are generally longer and address laws, Islamic legislation, social relations, economic matters, and the governance of the Muslim community.
Main Themes of the Quran
The Quran addresses a vast range of topics, with several recurring central themes:
- The Oneness of Allah (Tawhid): The Quran strongly affirms the oneness of Allah, the only deity worthy of worship. It rejects all forms of polytheism (shirk) and calls people to submit to His will. Tawhid is the cornerstone of Islamic faith, highlighting Allah’s attributes as Creator, Sustainer, and Ultimate Judge.
- Prophethood: The Quran acknowledges the prophets sent by Allah throughout history (Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus…) and regards Muhammad as the final prophet—the Seal of the Prophets. It emphasizes the universal message of all prophets: worship of Allah alone and adherence to moral conduct.
- Life After Death: The Quran provides vivid descriptions of the Day of Judgment, Paradise (Jannah), and Hell (Jahannam), emphasizing personal responsibility and the importance of good deeds. Belief in the afterlife is a key tenet of the Islamic faith and influences how Muslims lead their lives.
- Laws and Ethical Principles: The Quran lays out a moral and ethical code covering every aspect of life: prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, justice, honesty, respect for parents, and compassion for the poor and needy. [7] These guidelines aim to foster a just and harmonious society.
- Narratives and Parables: The Quran includes numerous stories of prophets, ancient peoples, and signs of creation, intended to teach moral lessons. These narratives are more than stories—they serve as spiritual and ethical guidance in line with the Quran’s teachings.
The Quran in a Muslim’s Life
The Quran is more than a text—it is a complete way of life for Muslims. It is recited in daily prayers (salat), reflected upon, studied, and applied in daily living. Muslims place great importance on the recitation (tilawa) of the Quran, believing that every letter recited earns a divine reward. [7] Reciting the Quran with a melodious voice (tartil) is highly valued.
Memorizing the Quran (hifz) is a common practice among Muslims, serving both to preserve the divine word and to draw closer to Allah. Understanding the meaning of the Quran is strongly encouraged, as it allows deeper insight and application of its teachings. The science of tafsir (Quranic exegesis) seeks to explain the meanings of the verses using historical context, Arabic linguistics, and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
The Quran: A Universal Message
Though revealed in Arabic, the Quran is meant for all humanity. It has been translated into many languages, making its teachings accessible to non-Arabic speakers. It is important to note, however, that translations are considered interpretations—not the sacred text itself. Muslims often refer to the original Arabic version for deeper understanding. [6] Translators strive to convey the Quran’s meanings, though the richness and depth of the Arabic language are difficult to fully capture.
The Quran and Science
Many Muslims believe the Quran contains verses that allude to scientific concepts later confirmed by modern science. This idea is often referred to as the “scientific miracles of the Quran,” with references to embryology, astronomy, geology, and more. This subject remains a point of discussion and interpretation among scholars and scientists alike.
Conclusion
The Quran is a treasure of wisdom and guidance for Muslims and for all of humanity. It calls for piety, justice, compassion, and the pursuit of truth. It serves as a source of inspiration, comfort, and inner peace for those seeking meaning in life and closeness to Allah. Studying and reflecting upon the Quran is essential for Muslims, who find in it a reliable guide on the path of faith and righteousness.
References :
[1] https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coran
[2] https://www.mon-coran.com/combien-de-pages-dans-le-coran/
[3] https://fr.vikidia.org/wiki/Coran
[4] https://www.le-coran.com/coran-francais-sourate-2-0.html
[5] https://www.larousse.fr/encyclopedie/oeuvre/Coran/114624
[6] https://www.le-coran.com/arabe/
[7] https://www.centreislamique.be/coran-definition.htm