The Quran holds immense importance in the Islamic faith as a book of guidance and wisdom. It is the religious book used by Muslims worldwide to seek direction in their lives. Just like other religions have their own sacred texts, Muslims have the Quran as their primary source of reference. The Quran is believed to be the last book revealed by Allah, making it a fundamental aspect of the Islamic faith.
The word “Quran” is derived from an Arabic root, which means “to read or to recite.” Thus, the Quran is not only a text to be read but also one that is continuously recited by Muslims. This recitation holds great significance in Islamic religious practices.
The Quran is often referred to as a book of guidance, wisdom, and glory. It serves as a source of divine speech from Allah, revealed to the last Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Jibril. Muslims firmly believe that the Quran remains unaltered since its revelation, ensuring its authenticity and purity.
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Apart from its primary name, the Quran is also known by various other names. These names reflect different aspects of the revealed words of Allah. Some of the names mentioned in the Quran itself include Furqaan (criterion), Nadhir (warner), Rahma (mercy), Tanzil (revelation), Dhikr (reminder), Kitab (the book), and Hudan (guidance). Each name highlights a unique quality or purpose of the Quran.
Furthermore, the Quran is not only a religious text but also a subject of scientific study known as Ulumul Quran. Ulumul Quran encompasses a variety of fields related to the Quran, such as its revelation, collection and compilation, order and arrangement of suras, translation (tafsir), reasons for the translation of suras (Asbaabu Nnuzul), characteristics of language, style of writing and theme, and recitation (Tajweed). This scientific study allows for a deeper understanding of the Quran and its multifaceted nature.
IRE-FORM-1-NOTES.pdfThe revelation of the Quran occurred during a period known as Jahiliya, characterized by ignorance and social vices. It was revealed as a corrective measure, as the earlier scriptures had been tampered with and lost their authenticity. Unlike previous books that were sent to specific generations, the Quran was given to Prophet Muhammad with a universal message for all of humankind.
The Quran serves multiple purposes, including fulfilling Allah’s promises and prophecies mentioned in earlier scriptures, narrating and summarizing stories and events of previous generations to offer teachings and guidance, and emphasizing the belief in the One True God. It rejects the notion of associating partners with Allah and attributes human qualities to Him.
In conclusion, the Quran holds a central position in the lives of Muslims as a source of guidance and wisdom. Its various names reflect different aspects of its significance, and Ulumul Quran provides a scientific approach to studying its diverse fields. The Quran’s revelation came at a crucial time to correct the distortions in earlier scriptures and to guide humanity toward the path of righteousness. Understanding the Quran is essential for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations and seek spiritual enlightenment.