The Holy Quran

At a glance

The Holy Quran is the eternal, uncreated speech of Allah, revealed gradually to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It stands unique among all divine revelations because its miraculous nature is inherent within its own text, challenging all of humanity across every era to match even its briefest chapter.

Unlike earlier scriptures whose preservation was entrusted to religious scholars, Allah personally guaranteed the perpetual preservation of the Quran. Revealed over twenty-three years to an oral society, it was memorized by masses across generations, transmitted through unbroken chains of certainty, and established as an inescapable proof for anyone whom its recitation reaches.

Ultimately, the Quran is an all-encompassing guide for living. Its verses touch the deepest recesses of the human soul: softening hard hearts, causing tears to flow from sincere eyes, and directing individuals and societies toward the most upright paths of justice, morality, and true peace.

Key verses

1. Al-Isra 17:106-109: These verses highlight that the Quran was revealed gradually so people could comprehend it deeply, and describe how people of true knowledge weep and fall in prostration upon hearing it recited.
2. Al-Ma'idah 5:82-83: These verses depict sincere seekers of truth among Christian monks and scholars whose eyes overflow with tears upon recognizing the divine truth found within the Quran.
3. Az-Zumar 39:23: This verse describes the Quran as the best of speech whose consistent, repeating reminders first cause the skins of the reverent to shiver from awe, then soften their bodies and hearts toward the remembrance of Allah.

Words to know

القرأن الكريم al-Qur'an al-Karim

The ancient, uncreated speech of Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, inimitable in its expression, worshipful in its recitation, and transmitted through unbroken mass transmission.

Appears 88 times in the Quran.

Most common forms: قُرْءان (70), قَرَأَ (16), قُرُوء (1), نُقْرِئُ (1)

Root: ق ر ا

الكِتَاب al-Kitab

An established ruling or divine proof from Allah, used in scripture to refer to previous scriptures like the Torah, the Preserved Tablet, and the Quran itself.

Root: ك ت ب

القُرْآن al-Qur'an

Linguistically meaning to collect and join together, it refers specifically to the timeless divine miracle revealed to Muhammad that unites surahs and verses.

الكَلَام al-Kalam

A generic term for outward expression of what is internal, which when applied to Allah is an eternal divine attribute wholly unlike created human speech.

Root: ك ل م

الذِّكْر al-Dhikr

Linguistically a reminder or awakening, technically referring to any worshipful expression ordained by the Lawgiver to glorify and praise the Divine.

Root: ذ ك ر

The Holy Quran as a sign and guidance

From the paper: «القرآن الكريم آية وهداية»

Past prophets received temporary sensory miracles tailored to what their people excelled in, such as Moses facing sorcery or Jesus facing medicine. Because the Prophet Muhammad was sent as the seal of prophets Al-Ahzab 33:40 to all humanity Al-A'raf 7:158, his primary miracle had to be an intellectual, everlasting sign: the Quran itself. The paper notes a cited hadith where the Prophet expressed hope of having the greatest following on the Day of Resurrection because his miracle was revelation. The Quran is entirely self-sufficient in proving its divine origin, challenging humanity progressively to produce its like At-Tur 52:34, ten invented surahs Hud 11:13, or just one surah Yunus 10:38, Al-Baqarah 2:23.

Alongside being a sign, the Quran is universal guidance. Guidance (al-huda) primarily means clarifying the straight path, regardless of whether a person responds Fussilat 41:17. Scholars delineate four ascending levels: innate reason given to all accountable beings, outward guidance through revealed scriptures and prophets, divine facilitation (tawfiq) granted to believers, and ultimate guidance into Paradise. The Quran guides to what is most upright Al-Isra 17:9-10, covering comprehensive facets of worldly life from honoring parents Al-Isra 17:23-24, family responsibilities Al-Isra 17:31-32, and financial balance Al-Isra 17:26-29, to public justice Al-Isra 17:33-35 and spiritual focus Al-Isra 17:39.

Allah's preservation of the Quran

From the paper: «حفظ الله للقرآن»

A critical distinction between the Quran and earlier revelations lies in who was tasked with their preservation. The Quran explicitly notes that earlier communities were entrusted with protecting their scriptures: the rabbis and scholars were appointed guardians Al-Ma'idah 5:44. However, human fallibility, fear of people, and worldly greed led to distortion, as some sold divine verses for petty gain Al-Ma'idah 5:13.

Several factors facilitated corruption in earlier books. They were revealed all at once in written form to literate prophets Al-A'raf 7:145, Al-Furqan 25:32, leaving the manuscripts confined to a scholarly elite who monopolized them. Consequently, alterations crept in through four manifestations: hiding parts of the scripture while displaying others Al-An'am 6:91, Al-Baqarah 2:79, writing human additions and attributing them falsely to Allah Al-Baqarah 2:79, distorting correct meanings through false interpretations Al-Baqarah 2:78, and conspiring secretly to conceal prophetic descriptions Al-Baqarah 2:76-77.

In contrast, the Quran was revealed gradually over twenty-three years to an unlettered community that relied primarily on memorization Al-Isra 17:106. This made the scripture widespread among ordinary people rather than the exclusive possession of a priestly caste. Allah assumed personal guardianship over the Quran Al-Hijr 15:9, declaring that falsehood cannot approach it Fussilat 41:41-42. Transmitted by masses across diverse lands and backgrounds, it is historically impossible for generations to have colluded in altering its text.

The Quran as Allah's proof against humanity

From the paper: «القرآن حجة الله على الناس»

Because the miraculous power of the Quran resides permanently within its text, it serves as Allah's definitive proof against all accountable beings across space and time. Whoever the Quran reaches stands in the same position as one who saw and heard the Prophet Muhammad himself, as established in the verse declaring that the Quran was revealed to warn its immediate listeners and whoever it reaches Al-An'am 6:19. Early commentators noted that wherever the Quran arrives, it stands as an active caller and warner.

Mere exposure to the recitation of the Quran is sufficient to establish divine proof and remove all excuses. Even hostile idolaters seeking asylum were granted protection specifically so they could hear the speech of Allah directly before returning to safety At-Tawbah 9:6. Hearing the Quran with understanding exposes its undeniable literary elegance, wisdom, and miraculous structure, making its truth unmistakable to any sound mind.

This immediate spiritual impact is vivid in sincere souls. Christian scholars and monks are described in the Quran as bursting into spontaneous tears upon hearing the revelation because they recognize the truth Al-Ma'idah 5:82-83. Similarly, when scriptures are recited to knowledgeable believers, they fall down on their faces in prostration and weeping Al-Isra 17:106-109. The scripture is the finest of discourse: its harmonious reminders first cause reverent skins to shudder, then bring calm and softening to both skin and heart Az-Zumar 39:23.

The Quran's account of people's attitudes toward it

From the paper: «حديث القرآن عن مواقف الناس منه»

People divide into two starkly different camps regarding the Quran. The responders are those blessed with sound knowledge and sincere hearts. Upon hearing the revelation, their eyes fill with tears and they fall prostrate in humble recognition of divine fulfillment Al-Isra 17:106-109, Al-Ma'idah 5:82-83. This praise extends to sincere people of the book who accepted the message Al-Qasas 28:52-55, Al-Baqarah 2:121, Ali 'Imran 3:199, rejoicing in what was revealed Ar-Ra'd 13:36. They recognize that the Quran represents unequivocal truth that leads straight to the noble path of Allah Saba 34:6.

Conversely, those who turn away adopt intense denial. The polytheists claimed that their hearts were sealed in coverings, their ears struck with deafness, and an impenetrable veil hung between them and the Prophet Fussilat 41:1-5. Knowing deep down the compelling power of the Quranic message, their leaders actively ordered followers not to listen and urged them to make noise and chatter during recitations to overcome its influence Fussilat 41:26.

Through their persistent arrogance, their exaggerated claims turned into a tragic spiritual reality: Allah placed real veils over their hearts and heaviness in their ears Al-An'am 6:25, Al-Isra 17:45-46. For such obstinate souls, the Quran becomes an added blindness rather than healing Fussilat 41:44, leaving them agitated, doubtful Al-Hajj 22:55, and boiling with anger to the point of nearly assaulting those who recite Allah's verses to them Al-Hajj 22:72.

Etiquette with the Quran

From the paper: «الأدب مع القرآن»

The Quran demands profound reverence across physical handling, auditory attention, and internal contemplation. Physically, the Quran is associated with honorable, purified celestial scrolls Abasa 80:11-16, touched only by the purified Al-Waqi'ah 56:75-80. While scholars interpret the purified as angels handling the heavenly tablet, the majority of jurists deduce that ritual purity is required to touch the physical copy (mushaf), treating ritual cleanliness as an essential outward courtesy mirroring heavenly veneration.

When the Quran is recited, listeners are instructed to listen attentively and remain silent so that they may receive mercy Al-A'raf 7:204. Inward attentiveness (al-istima) requires opening the heart and reflecting, while outward silence (al-insat) demands refraining from distracting speech or activities. Though jurists debate whether this applies universally or within congregational prayers, quiet attentiveness remains a noble virtue whenever the Word of Allah is read.

Regarding its meanings, true servants of the Most Merciful are characterized as those who, when reminded of their Lord's signs, do not fall upon them deaf and blind Al-Furqan 25:73. Instead, they receive the verses with alert minds, engaging in deep contemplation (tadabbur). Failing to ponder, understand, and apply the Quran constitutes a tragic abandonment of scripture, mirroring the sorrowful grievance of the Prophet that his people took the Quran as something abandoned Al-Furqan 25:30.

Impact of the Quran on moral agents and inanimate objects

From the paper: «أثر القرآن على المكلفين والجمادات»

The intrinsic power of the Quran is immense: if any speech could ever cause mountains to move, split the earth asunder, or speak to the dead, it would be this Quran Ar-Ra'd 13:31. In a vivid parable illustrating its majesty, Allah declares that had He revealed this Quran upon a massive, solid mountain, it would have been seen humbling itself and splitting apart from the fear of Allah Al-Hashr 59:21. This poignant imagery rebukes the callousness of human hearts that remain unmoved despite having intellect and understanding.

For sincere believers, the Quran creates a profound dual transformation. First, its sobering warnings and reminders inspire awe and reverence, causing their skin to shiver Az-Zumar 39:23. Then, as verses of mercy and promise follow, a soothing expansion settles over their chests Az-Zumar 39:22-23, bringing serene softening to their skin and tranquil reassurance to their hearts Ar-Ra'd 13:28. This unique spiritual repose (itminan) is exclusive to the remembrance of Allah.

In stark contrast, hard hearts experience no softening or humility. They turn away from divine admonition, locked in utter spiritual darkness. The contrast between an expanded chest glowing with divine light and a rigid heart highlights that true engagement with the Quran leaves physical, emotional, and spiritual traces on those who truly believe.

Takeaways

1. Cultivate reflective listening

   When hearing the Quran, cease talking and clear your mind of distractions, allowing its divine warnings and glad tidings to penetrate your heart.

2. Avoid spiritual abandonment

   Engage the Quran actively by reading with comprehension and implementing its moral standards, rather than treating recitation as a thoughtless habit.

3. Approach the text with outward and inward purity

   Handle the physical mushaf in a state of ritual cleanliness to reflect the dignity of celestial revelation, while purifying your inner intentions from arrogance.

4. Examine the softening of your heart

   Use your emotional and physical response to the Quran as a spiritual barometer, noticing whether its reminders inspire reverent awe and comforting tranquility.

Reflect

• When was the last time a verse of the Quran caused you to pause, shed a tear, or feel a genuine shiver of awe?
• In what ways might you be unintentionally neglecting the Quran, whether in reflection, recitation, or practical daily obedience?
• How can you make your home or daily routine a space of true silence and contemplation when the Word of Allah is recited?

Go deeper

Linguistic meaning

Linguistically derived from collecting and joining things together (al-jam' wa al-damm), as well as marking appointed times or recurring states.

Technical meaning

The ancient, uncreated speech of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad via Gabriel, inimitable in its expression, worshipful in its recitation, transmitted through unbroken mass transmission, written in the mushaf, beginning with Surah al-Fatihah and ending with Surah al-Nas.

How it differs from related terms

الكتاب The Book

Al-Kitab is a broader term encompassing any established divine decree, previous scriptures such as the Torah, or the Preserved Tablet, whereas al-Qur'an specifically designates the inimitable, eternal miracle revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

القرآن The Quran

The Quran is the specific divine text revealed to Muhammad that combines surahs and verses, remaining the singular, perpetual miracle, whereas general terms like Book can refer to other written revelations.

الكلام Speech

Kalam conventionally refers to outward expression of internal meaning and includes all types of human speech, which are created; in contrast, the Quran is the uncreated speech of Allah, an intrinsic attribute of His Divine Essence that demands reflection and worship.

الذكر The Reminder

Al-Dhikr is wider than the Quran in that it includes all prescribed remembrances, praises of Allah, and authentic texts of the Sunnah, but the Quran is more specific and distinct in its unique linguistic inimitability (i'jaz).

Every verse in the paper

All 118 verses the research paper discusses, grouped under its own headings.

The Holy Quran in Quranic usage «القرآن الكريم في الاستعمال القرآني»

2:185

The Holy Quran as a sign and guidance «القرآن الكريم آية وهداية»

The Quran as a sign testifying to prophethood «أولًا: القرآن الآية الشاهدة بالنبوة»

33:40, 7:158, 29:50-51, 52:34, 11:13, 2:23, 10:38, 2:24, 17:88

Guidance of the Holy Quran «أولًا: هدايات القرآن الكريم»

41:17, 17:9-10, 17:2, 17:36-37, 17:23-24, 17:28, 17:34, 17:35, 17:38, 17:26, 17:27, 17:29, 17:31, 17:32, 17:33, 17:39, 17:107-109, 17:4, 17:15, 17:16, 17:17

Allah's preservation of the Quran «حفظ الله للقرآن»

Nature of preservation of previous scriptures «أولًا: صفة حفظ الكتب السابقة»

5:44, 12:82, 5:13

Reasons for corruption in previous scriptures «ثانيًا: أسباب التحريف في الكتب السابقة»

7:145, 25:32, 5:44, 6:91, 2:79, 2:78, 2:76-77

Reasons for the preservation of the Holy Quran «ثالثًا: أسباب حفظ القرآن الكريم»

17:106, 72:8-10, 26:192-194, 81:19-21, 69:44-47, 75:16-19, 15:9, 41:41-42, 18:27

The Quran as Allah's proof against humanity «القرآن حجة الله على الناس»

The Quran as a warning to whoever it reaches «أولًا: القرآن منذر لمن بلغه»

6:19

Hearing the Quran and establishing proof «ثانيًا: سماع القرًان وأثره في قيام الحجة»

9:6, 5:82-83, 17:106-109, 39:23

The Quran's account of people's attitudes toward it «حديث القرآن عن مواقف الناس منه»

Those who respond to it «أولًا: المستجيبون له»

17:106-109, 5:82-83, 28:52-55, 2:121, 3:199, 13:36, 34:6

Those who turn away from it «ثانيًا: الصَّادُّونَ عنه»

41:1-5, 41:26, 21:36, 6:25, 17:45-46, 25:44, 41:44, 18:57, 22:55, 22:72

Etiquette with the Quran «الأدب مع القرآن»

Etiquette with its physical pages «أولًا: أدبهم مع صحفه»

80:11-16, 56:75-80

Etiquette when listening to it «ثانيًا: أدبهم عند سماعه»

7:204

Etiquette with its meanings and implications «ثالثًا: أدبهم مع دلالاته ومعانيه»

25:63, 25:73, 25:30

Impact of the Quran on moral agents and inanimate objects «أثر القرآن على المكلفين والجمادات»

13:31, 59:21, 39:22-23, 6:122, 13:28

About this source

Volume

14

Research paper

«القرأن الكريم» (The Holy Quran)

Read the full paper (Arabic)

Encyclopedia of Thematic Tafsir of the Noble Quran, published by the Tafsir Center for Quranic Studies.

This study guide summarizes the Arabic research paper. For full scholarly detail, refer to the original. This preview has not been reviewed yet.

Related topics

• The Gospel الإنجيل
• The Torah التوراة
• Revealed Scriptures الكتب المنزلة
• Prophet Muhammad محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم