What is the Quran about?

Was it written by Mohammed (Peace be upon him)? #

No, it was not written by Mohammed (Peace be upon him). It was revealed to him by God through the angel Gabriel. Mohammed was illiterate and could not read or write. He recited its verses to his followers, who then wrote them down. It is considered to be the literal word of God and is written in Arabic.

Read in the name of your Lord who created - Qur’an 96:1

During the time of the prophet, and today, millions of Muslims have memorized the entire book. It is considered to be the final revelation from God and is the central religious text of Islam, covering a wide range of topics.

It is important to realize that the verses were not revealed in one go but were revealed as and when the need arose. The Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years. It is divided into 114 chapters, called surahs, which vary in length. The longest surah is Al-Baqarah, with 286 verses, and the shortest is Al-Kawthar, which has only three.

What is it about? #

It covers a wide range of topics, including theology, morality, ethics, law, and guidance for personal conduct. It also contains stories of the prophets and their communities, along with descriptions of the Day of Judgment and the afterlife. It is a comprehensive guide for Muslims, providing them with guidance on how to live life according to the will of God.

How do we know it is the word of God? #

It contains many scientific facts that were undiscovered at the time of its revelation such as the human embryo’s development including stages of conception, development, and birth.

The Quran also contains prophecies that have held true, as well as enduring moral and ethical teachings. It’s considered a linguistic miracle as it’s written in a unique style of Arabic that hasn’t been replicated, with a distinctive rhythm and unmatched cadence.

23:12 And We created man from an extract of clay.

23:13 Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging.

23:14 Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made the lump bones, and We clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.

How do we know it was not changed? #

It has been preserved in its original form since the time of its revelation. Memorized by the prophet’s companions and later written down by scribes, it has been transmitted orally and in writing from generation to generation, and there is a rigorous system of checks and balances to ensure its accuracy.

This is a unique feature of the Qur’an - it has been preserved in its original language and form, unlike other religious texts that have been translated and re-translated over time.

See the Birmingham manuscript as an example of the Quran’s preservation. It was carbon-dated to the time of the prophet and found to be identical to the Quran we have today.

Is it similar to the Bible? #

Muslims believe tha the Christian Bible today is not the original text sent to Jesus (Peace be upon him) but has been altered over time. The Quran, on the other hand, is considered to be the literal word of God and has been preserved in its original form since the time of its revelation. However, all muslims believe that the original Bible was also a revelation from God.

5:16 And [beware] the Day when Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary, did you say to the people, ‘Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah?’” He will say, “Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, You are the Knower of the unseen.”

The Quran does contain stories of the prophets and their communities, similar to the Bible, but it also contains unique teachings and guidance that are specific to Islam. It is considered to be the final revelation from God and supersedes all previous scriptures.