Qurʾān (قرآن)
Definition and Overview
The Qurʾān (قرآن) is the holy scripture of Islam, revered by Muslims as the verbatim word of God (Allah), revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Muḥammad) over approximately 23 years, beginning in 610 CE. It is composed in classical Arabic and is divided into 114 chapters known as Sūrahs, varying in length.
Etymology
The term “Qurʾān” is derived from the Arabic root “qaraʾa” (قرأ), meaning “to read” or “to recite.” The Hebrew cognate, “קָרָא” (kārā), shares a similar meaning, as used in the Old Testament. In Islamic tradition, the Qurʾān is also referred to by several honorific titles such as “al-Qurʾān al-Majīd” (القرآن المجيد, “The Glorious Qurʾān”), “al-Qurʾān ash-Sharīf” (القرآن الشريف, “The Noble Qurʾān”), and “al-Furqān” (الفرقان, “The Distinguisher”).
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: قرآن
- Turkish: Kur’an
Titles and Attributes
Islamic tradition, as recorded by the scholar Jalāl ad-Dīn as-Suyūtī in his work “Itqān,” identifies fifty-five special titles for the Qurʾān within its text, including “al-Kitāb” (the Book), “an-Nūr” (the Light), “al-Hudā” (the Guidance), “ar-Raḥmah” (the Mercy), and many others, each reflecting a unique aspect or function of the scripture.
Structure and Divisions
The Qurʾān is organized in a specific manner:
- Sūras: The Quranic chapters, each identified by a specific name or theme.
- Āyāt: Verses within each Sūrah.
- Rukūʿ: Subsections marked for recitation, denoted by “ʿain” (ع) in margins.
- Juzʾ or Sipārah: Thirty equal sections to facilitate recitation over the month of Ramadan.
- Manzil: Seven divisions to facilitate recitation over a week.
Revelation of the Qurʾān
The revelation (Waḥy) of the Qurʾān commenced with the first five verses of Sūrat al-ʿAlaq (Sūrah 96), which command “Read” (Iqraʾ). Traditions detail how Muhammad initially received revelations through dreams, angelic apparitions, the sound of bells, and direct inspiration by Gabriel (Jibrīl).
Transmission and Collection
After Muhammad’s death, the Qurʾān existed in oral and fragmentary written forms. The first collection was commissioned by the first Caliph Abū Bakr. The third Caliph, ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān, standardized the text, resolved dialectal variations, and ordered the preparation of a definitive text copied and distributed across the Islamic empire.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Cambridge Companion to the Qur’an” edited by Jane Dammen McAuliffe
- “An Introduction to the Qur’an” by Abdullah Saeed
- “Qur’an and Its Interpretation” by Mahmoud Ayoub
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Qurʾān is central to Islamic faith and practice, viewed as the final and most complete revelation from God, guiding all aspects of a Muslim’s life. Its preservation, memorization, and recitation are acts of devotion carried out with deep reverence. Understanding the history, compilation, and structure of the Qurʾān offers essential insights into Islamic theology and culture.
The Qurʾān remains open to interpretation, scholarly debate, and has profound relevance in contemporary issues within the Muslim world and beyond. The enduring reverence and unaltered text across centuries underscore its pivotal role in Islam.
