The Qur'an

The Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him) and exists only in the language in which it was revealed — Arabic. However, the translation of the meaning of the Qur'an is available in many languages.

The Qur'an was not sent down as a complete book in one revelation; rather, the revelation spanned over a period of 23 years. For this reason, it is essential to know in what circumstances the verses were revealed, in order to have a proper understanding of the Qur'an; otherwise, its teachings could be misunderstood.

The Qur'an is the only religious sacred text that has been in circulation for a lengthy period, and yet remains as pure as the day it was revealed. Nothing has been added, removed or modified from it, since its revelation over 1400 years ago.

“We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will certainly guard it (from corruption).”

Qur'an 15:9

Not only has the Qur'an been preserved in written form, but also in the hearts of men, children and women. Today, millions of people have memorised the Qur'an from cover to cover.

The Qur'an does not contradict established science but rather supports it. One of the most remarkable aspects about the Qur'an is that it contains many verses which accurately describe natural phenomena in fields such as embryology, meteorology, astronomy, geology and oceanography. Scientists have found its descriptions incredibly accurate for a book dating back to the 7th century.

“We shall show them Our Signs in the Universe and within their own selves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth.”

Qur'an 41:53

• The Qur'an gives a detailed description of the development of the human embryo — details unknown to the scientific community until recent times.
• The Qur'an states that the astronomical objects (stars, planets, moons and so on) were all formed from clouds of dust — now an accepted principle of modern cosmology.
• Modern science has discovered the existence of barriers that allow two seas to meet yet maintain their own temperature, density and salinity.

Ever since its revelation, no person has been able to produce a single chapter like that of the Qur'an in its beauty, eloquence, splendour, wisdom, prophecies, and other perfect attributes.

“And if you are in doubt as to that which We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it and call on your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful.”

Qur'an 2:23

The people that rejected Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) failed this challenge, even though they were extremely eloquent in the language of the Qur'an. This challenge remains unanswered to this very day.

When people write, they are bound to make mistakes such as spelling and grammar, contradictory statements, incorrect facts, omission of information, and other various errors.

“Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found in it (the Qur'an) many contradictions.”

Qur'an 4:82

The Qur'an has no contradictions whatsoever — be it in its explanations of the water cycle, embryology, geology and cosmology; historical facts and events; or prophecies.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known in history to be unlettered; he could not read nor write. He was not educated in any field that could account for the scientific and historical accuracy, nor the literary beauty of this magnificent Book. The precision of historical accounts of previous peoples and civilisations mentioned in the Qur'an is also too great to be authored by any man.

“And this Qur'an is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah.”

Qur'an 10:37

The most important topic mentioned throughout the Qur'an is belief in the One, True God. God informs us that He has no partner, no son, no equal, and that none has the right to be worshipped except Him alone. Nothing is comparable to God and none of His creation resembles Him.

“And your god is One God. There is no god but He, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”

Qur'an 2:163

Since Allah alone is the only One worthy of worship, false deities and false gods must be rejected: "And worship Allah and associate none with Him." (Qur'an 4:36)

The Qur'an also narrates the true stories of previous Prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Moses — "Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding." (Qur'an 12:111) — and reminds us that everyone will taste death and be held accountable: "We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least…" (Qur'an 21:47)

The Qur'an teaches that the purpose of life is to worship God alone, and to live one's life according to the way prescribed by Him. In Islam, worship is a comprehensive term that includes all actions and sayings — private or public — that Allah loves and is pleased with. Examples from the Qur'an include:

• To pray: "O you who believe! Bow down and prostrate yourselves and worship your Lord, that you may succeed." (Qur'an 22:77)
• To give charity: "…And spend, it is better for your souls; and whoever is saved from the greediness of his soul, these it is that are the successful." (Qur'an 64:16)
• To be honest: "Cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when you know (what it is)." (Qur'an 2:42)
• To be modest: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty […] And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty." (Qur'an 24:30-31)
• To be thankful: "And Allah has brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers — you did not know anything — and He gave you hearing and sight and hearts that you may give thanks." (Qur'an 16:78)
• To be just: "O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin…" (Qur'an 4:135)
• To be patient: "And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good." (Qur'an 11:115)
• To do good: "Allah has promised to those who believe and do good deeds (that) they shall have forgiveness and a mighty reward." (Qur'an 5:9)

In summary, the Qur'an teaches mankind how to worship the One True God, hence fulfilling their true purpose in life, and attaining success in both this world and the next.

“Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his own self; and whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his own loss.”

Qur'an 39:41

Don't you owe it to yourself to at least read this Noble Book?