Why is the Qur’an important?

The Qur’an is the holy scripture in Islam, revealed directly from God. It is considered the speech of God, and it holds guidance for all of mankind within it. The Qur’an describes itself in its longest chapter: “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah” (chapter 2, verse 2). What is written in the Qur’an is true, establishing many articles of faith for a Muslim, including the oneness of God, belief in accountability and afterlife, belief in Prophets, angels, and much more.

Why is the Qur’an in Arabic?

The Qur’an is in Arabic, as that is the language it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him, pbuh) over 1400 years ago. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was an Arabic speaking man from Makkah. Thus, the Qur’an was revealed in the language known to its original recipients. In addition, Arabic is a beautiful, deep, and very poetic language.

Why is the Qur’an “sung?”

The Qur’an is recited, rather than sung. It is not comprised of lyrics, but ayat, or verses, revealed by God. There is an entire science dedicated to the recitation of the Qur’an and the way in which certain sounds and letters are elongated and pronounced. Hearing a beautiful Qur’anic recitation in Arabic is quite humbling and has a direct effect on the heart. In fact, one of the original Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) named Umar had a change of heart regarding the entire religion of Islam upon hearing the scripture recited.

What does the word Qur’an mean?

The word Qur’an is derived from an Arabic root that means to recite. Linguistically, the word Qur’an means “the most recited.” This in itself is a miracle of the Qur’an because when it was revealed, the early Muslims did not know this would become the most often recited (and memorized!) book. There are many other names for the Qur’an as well, such as, Al-Kitaab (The Book), Al-Furqan (The Criterion), and Lawh Mahfuz (Preserved Tablet).

Is the Qur’an a Bible?

Muslims believe that both the Bible (in its original form) and the Qur’an are revelations from God. Within the texts, there are many similarities one finds, including the concept of monotheism, stories of Prophets, and moral values and actions. Just like the Bible is a religious scripture for Christians, the Qur’an is a religious scripture for Muslims. The Qur’an is not the Bible; rather, it is the final revelation from God, believed by Muslims to rectify any deviances that appeared over time in the previous scriptures due to man’s interference.

Is the Qur’an read from right to left?

Yes, the Qur’an is read from right to left because it is in the Arabic language, which is also read in that fashion.

Is the Qur’an God’s word?

Yes, the Qur’an is the word of God. It is the final scripture God revealed to mankind to correct any previous misunderstandings and deviances with a promise to remain preserved as is for eternity. God states in the Qur’an, “Verily We have revealed the Qur’an, and We will guard it” (chapter 15, verse 9).

How does the Qur’an start?

The Qur’an begins with Surah Al-Fatiha, or The Opening chapter. These few verses are very powerful, and recited multiple times a day by Muslims all around the world. Muslims recite this chapter of the Qur’an in every cycle of their prayer. Completing the absolute minimum requirement of the five daily prayers results in Surah Al-Fatiha’s recitation seventeen times. The verses talk about praising God and asking Him to provide guidance to the straight path. The translation is below:

“In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. It is You we worship and You we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favour, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray” (chapter 1, verses 1-7).

How does the Qur’an describe Jesus?

Muslims believe Jesus to be one of the very beloved prophets of God. His story is mentioned a few times in the Qur’an, in which he is referred to as Isa ibn Maryam, or Jesus son of Mary. The Qur’an mentions his miraculous birth as well as his ability to speak as a newborn. Soon after the verses describing how he defends his mother’s chastity, the chapter named Maryam (Mary) in the Qur’an continues:

“That is Jesus, the son of Mary—the word of truth about which they are in dispute. It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is. [Jesus said], ‘And indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path’” (chapter 19, verses 34-36).