What is the Quran?

The Word of God
The Quran is the literal word of God, The Almighty (Allah in Arabic), revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Angel Gabriel.
“The revelation of The Book is from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise.” [Quran 39:1]

Guidance for Mankind
The Quran is “a guidance for mankind… and the distinction (between right and wrong).” [Quran 2:185] It provides direction to help mankind judge between right and wrong, without which, man would surely be in loss.

The Final Revelation
The Quran is the last scripture revealed by Almighty Allah (God), confirming what little truth remains in parts of previous scriptures and refuting and correcting fabrications and additions which have crept into current day versions of such scriptures.
“O you who have been given the Scripture! Believe in what We have revealed confirming what is (already) with you… ” [Quran 4:47]

How was the Quran Revealed?

The Quran was revealed to Muhammad (PBUH) and exists only in the language in which it was revealed – Arabic. However, the translation of the meaning of the Quran is available in many languages. The Quran was not sent down as a complete book in one revelation; rather, the revelation spanned over a period of 23 years. For this reason, it is essential to know in what circumstances the verses were revealed, in order to have a proper understanding of the Quran; otherwise, its teachings could be misunderstood.

How do I know that it is from God?

Preservation
The Quran is the only religious sacred text that has been in circulation for a lengthy period, and yet remains as pure as the day it was revealed. Nothing has been added, removed or modified from it, since its revelation over 1,400 years ago.
“We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will certainly guard it (from corruption).” [Quran 15:09]

Not only has the Quran been preserved in written form, but also in the hearts of men, children and women. Today, millions of people have memorized the Quran from cover to cover.

Scientific Miracles
The Quran does not contradict modern science but rather, supports it. One of the most remarkable aspects about the Quran is that it contains many verses which accurately describe natural phenomenon in various fields such as embryology, meteorology, astronomy, geology and oceanography. Scientists have found its descriptions incredibly accurate for a book dating back to the 7th century.
“We shall show them Our Signs in the Universe and within their own selves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth.” [Quran 41:53]

In fact, many of the scientific miracles mentioned in the Quran have been discovered only recently, through the modern advancement of technological equipment. Consider the following:

• The Quran gives a detailed description of the development of the human embryo. These details were unknown to the scientific community until recent times.
• The Quran states that the astronomical objects (stars, planets, moons etc…) were all formed from clouds of dust. Previously unknown, this fact has now become an undisputed principle of modern cosmology.
• Modern science has discovered the existence of barriers that allow two seas to meet yet maintain their own temperature, density and salinity.

These signs of God were clearly stated in the Quran more than 1400 years ago.

Uniqueness
Ever since its revelation, no person has been able to produce a single chapter like that of the Quran in its beauty, eloquence, splendor, wisdom, prophecies, and other perfect attributes.
“And if you are in doubt as to that which We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it and call on your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful.” [Quran 2:23]

The people that rejected Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) failed this challenge, even though they were extremely eloquent in the language of the Quran. This challenge remains unanswered to this very day.

No Contradictions
When people write, they are bound to make mistakes such as spelling and grammar, contradictory statements, incorrect facts, omission of information, and other various errors.
“Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely, have found in it (the Quran) many contradictions.” [Quran 4:82]

The Quran has no contradictions whatsoever – be it in scientific explanations of the water cycle, embryology, geology and cosmology; historical facts and events; or prophecies.

Couldn’t Muhammad have authored it?
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known in history to be illiterate; he could not read nor write. He was not educated in any field that could account for neither the scientific and historical accuracy, nor the literary beauty of this magnificent Book. The precision of historical recounts of previous peoples and civilizations mentioned in the Quran is also too great to be authored by any man.

“And this Quran is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah.” [Quran 10:37]

Purpose of Revelation

To Believe in One True God

“And your god is One God. There is no god but He, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” [Quran 2:163]

The most important topic mentioned throughout the Quran is the belief in the One, True God. God informs us that He has no partner, no son, no equal, and that none has the right to be worshipped except Him alone. Nothing is comparable to God and none of His creation resembles Him. The Quran also rejects the notion of attributing human qualities and limitations to God.

To Reject All False Gods

“And worship Allah and associate none with Him.” [Quran 4:36]

Since Allah alone is the only One worthy of worship, false deities and false gods must be rejected. The Quran also rejects the notion of attributing divine qualities to anyone or anything other than Allah.

To Narrate the Stories from the Past

The Quran contains many narratives with beneficial lessons, including the true stories of previous Prophets such as, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Moses. Of these stories, Allah says,
“Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding.” [Quran 12:111]

To Remind us of the Day of Judgement

This Noble Book reminds us that everyone will taste death and will be held accountable for all their actions and sayings:
“We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least…” [Quran 21:47]

To Fulfill the Intended Way of Life

Importantly, the Quran teaches that the purpose of life is to worship God alone, and live one’s life according to the way of life prescribed by Him. In Islam, worship is a comprehensive term that includes all actions and sayings (whether private or public) that Allah loves and is pleased with. Therefore, by doing what Allah commands, a Muslim is worshiping God and fulfilling his purpose in life. The following are examples of worship from the Quran:

To pray:
“O you who believe! Bow down and prostrate yourselves and worship your Lord, that you may succeed.” [Quran 22:77]

To give charity:
“…And spend, it is better for your souls; and whoever is saved from the greediness of his soul, these it is that are the successful.” [Quran 64:16]

To be honest:
“Cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when you know (what it is).” [Quran 2:42]

To be modest:
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty.” [Quran 24:30-31]

To be thankful:
“And Allah has brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers– you did not know anything– and He gave you hearing and sight and hearts that you may give thanks.” [Quran 16:78]

To be just:
“O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor…” [Quran 4:135]

To be patient:
“And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.” [Quran 11:115]

To do good:
“Allah has promised to those who believe and do good deeds (that) they shall have forgiveness and a mighty reward.” [Quran 5:9]

Conclusion

In summary, the Quran teaches mankind how to worship the One True God, hence fulfilling their true purpose in life, and attaining success in both this world and the next.
“Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his own self; and whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his own loss.” Quran 39:41

Don’t you owe it to yourself to at least read this Noble Book?