The Holy Quran

The Holy Quran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of Allah as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. It is considered the final and complete revelation of God's word and guidance for all of humanity.

The Quran consists of 114 chapters, or surahs, which are arranged by length, not chronology. Each surah is composed of verses, or ayat, which vary in length, but typically consist of short phrases or sentences. The Quran presents a code of conduct for Muslims, emphasizing the worship of one God, morality, and social justice.

The text of the Quran is written in Arabic script, with each letter having its own distinct shape. As such, learning to read and recite the Quran is an important part of Islamic education. Many Muslims memorize the entire Quran, a feat known as hifz.

Commentary on the Quran, known as tafsir, has been an important part of Islamic scholarship since its inception. Scholars analyze and interpret the verses in light of historical context, language, and theological principles.

The reverence and importance given to the Quran is reflected in Islamic culture and daily practices. Muslims recite verses from the Quran during prayer, use it as a source for naming children, and often display calligraphic representations of verses in their homes or places of worship.