The Qur’an. What can I say about it? Some, would say it’s the biblical equivalent for the muslims. In some respect, perhaps it is, in the sense that it’s the holy book of guidance for the muslims as the bible is for the Christians. However, the bible and Qur’an are very different, in numerous ways.

The Quran is the word of the Almighty God, in its original form as He spoke it. The words have not been changed, and are exactly the same. The Qur’an is not the creation of Allah, rather it is His speech. Allah spoke the words to the noble arch angel, Gabriel, who then conveyed the words, as they were to Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him). Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not the author of the Qur’an, for he was an illiterate man, unable to read or write, uneducated in matters of religion or scriptures. Therefore he was unable to copy the scriptures available, or even conjure up such a movement. In addition, he was widely known as trustworthy, honest and truthful, before the advent of his prophet hood, so it was impossible for him to forge a lie against God.  Rather, Allah is the One who spoke the words of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is not written by human beings, but by the Divine Being that is God.  He, Himself vowed to preserve these words,

“Indeed it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:09)

The Qur’an has remained in its original unaltered form since its revelation approximately 1400 years ago. It has been preserved in writings, and in the memory and hearts of many muslims. Millions of muslims, young and old alike have memorised it, from all corners of the globe. Its study has become a science, and not only is its verses preserved, but the reasons behind the revelation of each and the location of revelation are maintained too.

The Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) over a period of 23 years. Yet, despite this long period of revelation, it contains no contradictions. It is in its pristine condition, without doubt or uncertainty,

“Then, do they not reflect upon the Qur’an? If it had been from (any) other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” (Surah An-Nisa 04:82)

The long-period of revelation for the Qur’an illustrates its authenticity. It presents a challenge, as its style does not slack, its information does not whither and its principles do not waiver. It remains true to its purpose throughout. Had a person written it over 23 years, surely evidence of their fallibility would have surfaced!

“This is a Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah,”

Allah revealed the Qur’an as a guidance for mankind, a type of manual or handbook from The Creator.

“This [Qur’an] is a clear statement to all the people, and guidance and instruction, for those conscious of God,” (Surah Aal-Imran, 03:138)

The Qur’an informs us of guidelines by which to live, the best course of direction and the keys to success. It also warns us of the consequences of failing to live by these instructions. It distinguishes truth from falsehood, and right from wrong.

The content of the Qur’an is unique. It confirms the scriptures before it, relates incidents of the past as lessons for us, prophesises future events to prepare us and deals with the present. Its subject is us ‘humans.’ It relates to us the Laws of God, evidence of His existence, and reality of the Day of Judgement. The Qur’an relates to us the story of Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, Pharaoh, The People of Aad and Thamud, so that we may learn from their mistakes, and take heed. The Qur’an informs us of facts as microscopic as the embryo and its development, and those of a greater magnitude such as the heavens held up above us. Now, I ask you, how did a man who was illiterate, living in a barbaric civilisation in the midst of the desert, one thousand four hundred years ago know these facts, which have only recently been ‘discovered’ by scientists of our age? It can only be with the help of God above!

The language and style of the Qur’an are inimitable. Whilst the translations fall short in conveying its true, complete meanings; the original Arabic of the Qur’an, is of the highest standards. It contains no mistake in this regard, which only serves to prove it is from a higher being, devoid of mistakes and imperfection.  It possesses a rhythmic grace, though it is not poetry, all the while conveying its profound message directly, without faltering in its communication. The Qur’an presented a challenged to the Arabs at the time of its revelation, and for those who deny it today,

“Or they say he (Muhammad) invented it? Say, ‘Then bring ten surahs like it that have been invented, and call upon (for assistance) whomever you can besides Allah, if you should be truthful,” (Hud 11:13)

“Let them then produce a recital like unto it (the Qur’an) if they are truthful.” (At-Tur 52:34)

But the truth of the matter is,

“If mankind and jinn gathered together in order to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants.” (Al-Isra 17:88)

The Qur’an is a divine book, from Allah the Almighty. It is His words, which are proof of His existence and perfection. He is Our Creator, who has revealed this guidance for us to abide by. The Qur’an is no less than a miracle; it is accurate in information, precise in grammar, articulate in its conveyance. It is a message for those of understanding.

Bibi Zainab Dowlut