The Qur’an is the holy scripture of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It narrates the stories of the prophets and teaches how we should live with kindness and dignity, care for orphans, the poor, and the less fortunate, understand what is forbidden and what is permitted, how men and women are equal in the eyes of God, and most importantly, God’s love, mercy, and what await us after death.
In the Qur’an, God promised that it will remain unchanged and unaltered by mankind until the end of time, with its preservation ensured through the careful memorization and transmission by countless individuals throughout history. Today, over 10 million Muslims have memorized the entire Qur’an in its original Arabic, word for word (all 77,000 words), earning the title of “hafiz.” Furthermore, nearly 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide have committed at least a portion of the Qur’an to memory, using it in their five daily prayers.
It is said that if all physical copies of the Qur’an were destroyed today, it would be restored in its entirety, exactly as it was revealed over 1,400 years ago.
The Qur’an was revealed over a period of 23 years:
The Quran was revealed over 23 years to allow its message to be gradually understood and implemented in the lives of the early Muslims, adapting to changing circumstances and challenges. This gradual revelation allowed for deeper reflection, a more profound impact on people’s hearts, and practical guidance in stages, addressing specific situations as they arose. It also gave time for the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to teach, clarify, and embody the Quranic teachings in his life, making its message more accessible and impactful for the community.
How to approach the Qur’an for the first time?
The Qur’an is not a linear narrative, but rather a book of guidance designed to teach humanity about God, His expectations, the path to Inner Peace (the source of all peace), how to navigate life in this world, and what awaits in the afterlife.
Studying the Qur’an is not easy for several reasons, one of the most significant being the depth and richness of its Arabic language.
The Arabs of the 6th and 7th centuries were masters of eloquence and rhetoric, and they were profoundly moved when they first encountered the Qur’an. This highlights that the Qur’an is inherently tied to its original Arabic form, and no translation can truly capture its full depth or convey its exact meaning. For this reason, many believe the Qur’an is, in essence, untranslatable.
Seemi Ghazi, at University of B.C. instructor in Islamic literature and arts recommends for the first time reader not to start from the front cover but to rather go to some sections that are more accessible than others, such as passages like Sura 1, titled “Fatiha;” Sura 12, titled “Joseph,” or by going to the end of the Qur’an for the smallest Sura.”
Read the Qu’ran:
In my opinion, the best English translation can be found in the version by Wahiduddin Khan, edited by Farida Khanam. You can read and download it by clicking here.