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The Quran is the holy book that Muslims follow.
It is seen as the direct word of God, revealed through the Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years
The word ‘Quran’ literally means to read. Muslims use it as guidance on everything from social justice and ethics, to humanity and the creation of the universe.
It is written in classical Arabic, and is used as a source of guidance and as the final divine revelation which confirms and renews previous revelations that were brought to humanity throughout time.
The Quran speaks of earlier scriptures which conveyed the same message of the Oneness of God – namely the Torah as given to Moses, the Psalms as given to David, and the Gospel as given to Jesus. While other sacred texts have been altered over time, the Quran has retained its original form.
As it was revealed by the Angel Gabriel, the Quran was written down during Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime by his companions, on palm leaves, stone and parchment.
In the two years following the Prophet’s death, the Quran was compiled and eventually made into the book form that we have today.
A significant portion of the Quran calls for societal and spiritual renewal, and places great emphasis on social justice. There is a focus on the duty towards the weak and vulnerable, just economic structures, and on ethical principles to govern all aspects of life at an individual and communal level. It describes itself as: “A book We have sent down to you so that you may bring forth mankind from the darkness into the light…(14:1)”
The Quran has been translated into all major languages of the world, from Russian to Chinese, and Swahili to Swedish. Muslims across the globe know the opening chapter of the Quran in its original Arabic by heart, and recite it in their daily prayers. To this day, millions memorise the whole Quran out of love for the sacred word recorded over fourteen centuries ago.
