The Quran is the last in a series of Divinely revealed books (others include the Torah and the Gospel) revealed by God to mankind through the prophets. Revealed to Prophet Muhammad over a period of twenty-three years and consisting of 114 chapters, the length of the Quran is comparable to that of the New Testament.
The revelations were written by a group of people appointed by the Prophet; and Imam Ali first compiled the Quran into a book form after the Prophet’s death.
The Quran sheds light on many different aspects of life – legal, moral, social, political, economic, philosophical, mystical, and scientific, in addition to stories of previous prophets. God says,
“We have sent down to you the Book as an exposition of everything – a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves to Allah as Muslims.” (16:89)
Less rigid than prose, but more beautiful than poetry, its peculiar melody transcends all other forms of linguistic sounds and writings.
The Quran speaks only the truth, and its directives are universal for all places, situations, and times. It is the completion of the earlier revelations, and it is the only Divine revelation that exists in its original unchanged form. God says,
“Verily, it is We who have sent down the Quran, and surely We will guard it from corruption.” (15:9)
From the time of the Prophet until today, not one phrase of the Quran has been edited, altered, added, omitted, lost, distorted, or otherwise changed.
The Quran plays an important role in Muslim life. It constantly reminds Muslims of their duties, rights, obligations, and ultimate destiny. Muslims are invited to study, memorize, ponder, and reflect on the Quran, and then to implement its teachings into their everyday lives. The chapters of the Quran contain the supreme divine wisdom that is meant for all seekers of truth – ordinary people, scholars, specialists, old, young, Muslims, and
non-Muslims alike. It addresses all of mankind. Verses in the Quran attest to this fact by beginning with the words, “O mankind!” The Quran satisfies people with its symphony of words, science, narrations and intellectual discourse, and fascinates the reader with its vast richness and depth.