What is the Quran?

Published: 18 March 2026

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah) revealed to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him over 23 years beginning in 610 CE.

Revelation and Structure

Revealed through the angel Gabriel in Mecca and Medina, it consists of 114 chapters (surahs) and over 6,000 verses (ayahs), arranged from longest to shortest rather than chronologically.​

Written in classical Arabic, its rhythmic style aids memorization, a practice called Hifz.​

Core Themes

It emphasizes monotheism (Tawhid), guidance for moral living, stories of prophets like Abraham and Moses, laws on inheritance and worship, and promises of Paradise.

Muslims view it as the final, unaltered revelation completing earlier scriptures like the Torah and Gospel.

Significance in Islam

Recited in prayers (Salah), studied via Tajweed for proper pronunciation, and considered the "Well-Preserved Tablet" from heaven.​

It shapes daily life, ethics, and Sharia law for 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide.