What is the Quran?

The Quran (القرآن) is the holy book of Islam—the literal word of Allah (God) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 23 years, beginning in 610 CE. For over 1.4 billion Muslims, it is the primary source of faith, guidance, and law.

The Word "Quran" The name comes from the Arabic root qara'a (قرأ), meaning "to read" or "to recite." The Quran is meant to be recited aloud—its rhythm, rhyme, and eloquence are part of its miraculous nature. Muslims recite it in prayer, study it for guidance, and memorize it as an act of devotion.

Revelation The Quran was revealed through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Arabic language. Revelation began in the Cave of Hira near Mecca during the month of Ramadan and continued until shortly before the Prophet's passing in 632 CE. The verses were memorized by the Companions and written down during the Prophet's lifetime.

Structure - 114 surahs (chapters) — from the shortest (Al-Kawthar, 3 verses) to the longest (Al-Baqarah, 286 verses) - 6,236 ayahs (verses) — in the most common counting - 30 juz (parts) — for daily reading, especially during Ramadan - Meccan and Medinan — surahs revealed before the Hijrah (migration to Medina) and after

The surahs are not arranged chronologically but in an order believed to have been set by the Prophet under divine guidance.

Key Themes The Quran covers belief (Tawheed—oneness of Allah), worship, morality, law, stories of past prophets, and the afterlife. It calls people to worship Allah alone, do good, and prepare for the Day of Judgment. It addresses the heart and the mind—offering both spiritual comfort and intellectual challenge.

Preservation Muslims believe the Quran has been preserved exactly as revealed—without addition, deletion, or alteration. Millions have memorized it entirely (hafiz). The oral and written transmission have remained consistent across the Muslim world for over fourteen centuries.

A Book for All The Quran describes itself as "a guidance for mankind" (2:185) and "a healing for what is in the breasts" (10:57). It is for every person, in every age—a timeless guide to a righteous life.