2.3.2 The Qur'an

Only the Qur'an is seen as the one true word of Allah.

Structure: The Qur'an is composed of 114 chapters, known as Surahs, which vary in length. Each Surah is made up of verses called Ayahs.

Gradual Revelation: The Qur'an was revealed gradually, addressing the needs and circumstances of the early Muslim community. This gradual process helped the followers of Islam understand and implement the teachings in their daily lives.

Final Revelation: The Qur'an is considered the final and complete revelation from Allah, following previous scriptures like the Torah and the Bible. It is believed to confirm and perfect these earlier texts.

Authority of the Qur'an

Word of Allah:

Muslims believe that the Qur'an is the direct and unaltered word of Allah, making it the ultimate source of authority in Islam. It is considered infallible and timeless, providing guidance for all aspects of life.

Primary Source of Islamic Law (Sharia):

The Qur'an serves as the primary source for Sharia law, which governs the moral, social, and legal aspects of a Muslim's life. It provides the foundation for understanding right and wrong, guiding personal conduct and legal rulings.

Interpretation (Tafsir):

Scholars interpret the Qur'an through Tafsir, a process that explains the meanings of verses and how they apply to various situations. While the Qur'an's text remains unchanged, Tafsir helps adapt its teachings to contemporary issues.

The Role of the Qur'an in Muslim Life

Daily Recitation and Prayer:

Muslims recite verses from the Qur'an in their daily prayers (Salah). Many also strive to memorize the entire Qur'an, a practice known as becoming a Hafiz, which is highly respected in the Muslim community.

Moral and Ethical Guidance:

The Qur'an provides moral and ethical guidance, covering topics such as justice, compassion, honesty, and respect for others. Muslims turn to the Qur'an for answers to moral dilemmas and guidance on how to live a righteous life.

Educational Importance:

The study of the Qur'an is central to Islamic education. Learning to read and understand the Qur'an in its original Arabic is considered essential for deepening one's faith and connection to Allah.

Preservation and Integrity of the Qur'an

Oral Tradition: Initially, the Qur'an was preserved through oral tradition, with Muhammad's companions memorizing and reciting it. This helped ensure its accuracy and consistency before it was compiled in written form.

Compilation: The Qur'an was compiled into a single written text shortly after Muhammad's death under the leadership of the first caliph, Abu Bakr. The third caliph, Uthman, standardized the text, and this version is the one used by Muslims worldwide today.

Unchanged Text: Muslims believe that the Qur'an has remained unchanged since its revelation. Its preservation is seen as a divine promise, ensuring that it continues to guide humanity without alteration or corruption.

The Qur'an and Other Scriptures

• Confirmation of Previous Revelations: The Qur'an acknowledges the existence of earlier scriptures, such as the Torah and the Bible, and considers them part of Allah's message. However, it also asserts that the Qur'an is the final and complete guidance, correcting any distortions that may have occurred in earlier texts.
• Universal Message: The Qur'an's message is intended for all of humanity, not just a specific group or nation. It calls for submission to Allah, the practice of righteousness, and the pursuit of justice.