Watch: What the Quran is and why Muslims treasure it

The Holy Quran - The Word of Allah

What is the Quran?

The Quran (also spelled Qur'an) is the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of Allah (God) as revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over a period of 23 years (610-632 CE).

Key Facts About the Quran

• Original Language: Arabic - and it has been preserved in Arabic exactly as it was revealed
• Structure: 114 chapters called "Surahs" containing over 6,000 verses called "Ayat"
• Revelation: Through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
• Memorization: Millions of Muslims have memorized the entire Quran, called "Hafiz"

An opened copy of the Holy Quran

Why is the Quran Special?

1. Preserved Word-for-Word

Unlike other religious texts, the Quran has been preserved letter-by-letter since its revelation. Not a single word has changed in over 1,400 years. This is a historical fact acknowledged even by non-Muslim scholars.

2. The Linguistic Miracle

The Quran's Arabic is so eloquent and unique that it challenged the most skilled poets of Arabia - and still does. No one has been able to produce anything like it, despite the Quran's open challenge to do so.

3. A Book of Guidance

The Quran is not just a historical document. It's a living guide that addresses:

• Faith and belief
• Personal character
• Family relationships
• Social justice
• Economic principles
• Legal matters

4. For All of Humanity

While revealed in Arabic to an Arab Prophet, the Quran declares itself to be guidance for all of humanity, across all times and places.

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ ﴿١﴾ خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ﴿٢﴾ اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ

Read! In the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous.

How to Approach the Quran as a New Muslim

1. Start with translations - Read the meaning in your language first
2. Learn Al-Fatiha - The opening chapter, recited in every prayer
3. Memorize short surahs - Begin with the last chapters (Juz Amma)
4. Listen to recitations - Beautiful recitation helps connect with the text
5. Study with context - Learn when and why verses were revealed

The First Revelation

The first words revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the cave of Hira were:

"Read! In the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who taught by the pen. Taught man that which he knew not." — Quran 96:1-5

These powerful verses emphasize knowledge, reading, and learning - setting the tone for a faith that values education and understanding.