What is the Qur'an?

What is the Qur'an?
The Qur'an is the Arabic Speech of Allah, which He revealed to His last Prophet, Muhammad (s.a.w) in words and in meaning. The Qur'an is preserved in the mushaf and it reached us by mutawatir transmissions. The Qur'an is a challenge for humankind to produce something like it.

The Qur'an is derived from three sets of root letters:
(a) qa ra a - means to read or recite, aloud, repeatedly
(b) qa ra na - means to join or associate, or that which is joined together. The Qur'an is a combination of verse and chapters, themes and lessons.
(c) qa ra in - means to resemble or to be similar. The verses of the Qur'an aid one another in meaning. Every part of Qur'an compliments its other parts. If joined, it explains the meanings and enhances its value. The message of the Qur'an is similar to the previous scriptures (the Qur'an summarizes and confirms the truth which remains in the previous scriptures)


Topics discussed in the Qur'an:
(a) Commands -the principal of life, the righteous acts of worship, the rules of engagement and good conduct is outlined in the Qur'an for the guidance of humanity
(b) dialogue with non-Muslims -Various factions and denominations of religions are discussed and an overwhelming amount of evidence and arguments is presented to guide people to Islam (submission to the will of the One True Creator of this Universe). Doubts are cleared, misconceptions are answered. Wisdom behind Islamic beliefs and practices is explicated.
(c)Reminders of Allah's favours and blessings - Through which we can realize Allah's Greatness and Generosity. He created the universe, sent down rain, caused water to flow from springs and meadows, originated a variety of fruits and flowers, buried treasures and resources under the earth. Gave life to our family and friends. Bequeathed us with health and intellect. Blessed us with Prophets and Divine Revelation. Realization of Allah's favours upon us should redefine our thoughts, humble us and make us grateful, silent (prevent us from speaking in vain), serious (make us reflective and observant), kind (to Allah's creation) and caution (from sinning).
(d) History of the Day of Allah - Periods in time pertaining to the punishment of past nations, i.e. the great flood of Nuh (a.s), the great storm of Lut (a.s), the drownign of Pharaoh etc. These are warnings for us to heed. When we see that the past civilizations were wiped out from the face of the earth, despite their success and prosperity, we should fix our attitude and correct our belief regarding Allah. A person can be at the pinnacle fo his youth or career but if he/she disobeys Allah and causes aggression upon the earth, Allah has the power to remove him and replace him with a humble and peaceful human being. This history encourages us to leave sin, repent and redeem ourselves.
(e) Proclamation  of death and events after death - the condition of death, helplessness, the last breath, the falling unconscious, going numb and taking out of the soul, description of Hellfire and Heaven, encouraging angels of punishment and mercy - are vividly described in the Qur'an in  extensive detail. This gives readers understanding of the purpose of life and visualize the Day of Judgment (final destination) before actually seeing and experiencing it.

Thomas Carlyle lived in 1975. He studied law, literature, history and many languages. About the Qur'an he said, "As you read the Qur'an, you will realize it is not an ordinary store of literature. The Qur'an is a work of art that springs from teh heart. All other works of art are dull when compared to this Qur'an, this tremendous masterpiece. The most striking character of the Qur'an is that it is a truthful and excellent guide, to me, this is the greatest merit and it begets other merits."