What is the Holy Qur’an? How and why, it was revealed?

The Holy Qur’an, the Book of Allah (SWT) that was revealed upon the last and final Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), emerged as a divine revelation spanning twenty-three years of his prophetic journey. The Angel Jibreel delivered distinct Surahs and verses at various intervals, unveiling the entirety of the Qur’an gradually. This sacred scripture serves as a comprehensive source of guidance and blessings for all of humanity, offering counsel, admonitions, and glad tidings. Within its pages lie profound truths and principles of justice, free from any doubts, contradictions, or indecencies. It stands as the noble Qur’an, a pristine and sanctified Book, divinely revealed with unwavering truth.

Allah (SWT), Himself is introducing His Book – the Holy Qur’an in the following verses:

ذٰلِكَ الْكِتٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ فِيْهِ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِيْنَ…. ۝

“That is the Book having no doubt in it – a guide for those who fear Allah.” (2:2)

كِتٰبٌ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ اِلَيْكَ مُبٰرَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوْۤا اٰيٰتِه وَلِيْتَذَكَّرَ اُوْلُوْا الْاَلْبَابِ ۝

“(This is) a blessed Book We have sent down to you (O Prophet), so that they might reflect upon its Ayat (verses), and that people of understanding may receive admonition.” (38:29)

وَ اِنَّكَ لَتُلَقَّی الْقُرْاٰنَ مِنْ لَّدُنْ حَكِیْمٍ عَلِیْمٍ۝

“As to you, the Qur’an is bestowed upon you from the presence of one Who is Wise and All-knowing.” (27:6)

هٰذَا بَصَآئِرُ لِلنَّاسِ وَهُدًى وَّرَحْمَةٌ لِّقَوْمٍ يُّوْقِنُوْنَ ۝

“…….This (Qur’an) is (a Book of) enlightenment (with clear insight) to people and a Guidance and Mercy to people with firm conviction.” (45:20)

وَاِنَّه لَهُدًى وَّرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ ۝

“And certainly it (Qur’an) is a Guide and a Mercy to those who believe.” (27:77)

تَنْزِيْلُ الْكِتٰبِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيْهِ مِنْ رَّبِّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ ۝

“There is no doubt (in the) Revelation of this Book – from the Lord of the Worlds.” (32:2)

تَنْزِيْلُ الْكِتٰبِ مِنَ اللَّهِ الْعَزِيْزِ الْحَكِيْمِ ۝إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ فَاعْبُدِ اللَّهَ مُخْلِصًا لَّهُ الدِّينَ ۝

“The Revelation of this Book is from Allah, the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom. Verily it is We Who have revealed the Book to thee in Truth, so serve Allah, offering Him sincere devotion.” (39:1–2)

وَاِنَّه لَتَنْزِيْلُ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ ۝ نَزَلَ بِهِ الرُّوْحُ الْاَمِيْنُ ۝ عَلٰى قَلْبِكَ لِتَكُوْنَ مِنَ الْمُنْذِرِيْنَ ۝ بِلِسَانٍ عَرَبِىٍّ مُّبِيْنٍ ۝

“Certainly it (Qur’an) is a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds; The trustworthy Angel (Jibreel ) descended with it and put it in your heart, that you may admonish (people), in the lucid Arabic tongue.” (26:192 – 195)

وَبِالْحَقِّ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ وَبِالْحَقِّ نَزَلَ…. ۝

“And with Truth, We sent it (Qur’an) down, and in Truth, it was sent down…” (17:105)

تِلْكَ آيَاتُ الْكِتَابِ وَقُرْآنٍ مُّبِينٍ۝

“…… These are the Ayats of Revelation, – of a Qur’an that makes things clear.” (15:1)

تَنْزِيْلٌ مِّنَ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ ۝ كِتٰبٌ فُصِّلَتْ اٰيٰتُه قُرْاٰنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّقَوْمٍ يَّعْلَمُوْنَ ۝ بَشِيْرًا وَّنَذِيْرًا فَاَعْرَضَ اَكْثَرُهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُوْنَ ۝

“(It is a Book of) Revelations from ((Allah)), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail; the Qur’an (revealed) in Arabic, for people who comprehend; Giving good news and admonition: yet most of them turn away, and so they do not listen.” (41:2 – 4)

وَالْكِتٰبِ الْمُبِيْنِ ۝ اِنَّا جَعَلْنٰهُ قُرْءٰنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُوْنَ ۝ وَاِنَّه فِىْۤ اُمِّ الْكِتٰبِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِىٌّ حَكِيْمٌ۝

“And by the Book that makes things clear; We have certainly made it a Qur’an in Arabic, that you may be able to understand (and learn wisdom). And surely, it is preserved in the ‘Mother of the Book’, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom.” (43:2 – 4)

بَلْ هُوَ قُرْاٰنٌ مَّجِيْدٌ ۝ فِىْ لَوْحٍ مَّحْفُوْظٍ ۝

“Indeed, it is a Glorious Qur’an, Inscribed in ‘Lawhe Mahfouz’ (a Preserved Tablet).” (85:21 – 22)

كِتٰبٌ اُحْكِمَتْ اٰیٰتُہٗ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِنْ لَّدُنْ حَكِیْمٍ خَبِیْرٍ۝

“(This is) a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning), further explained in detail, – from One Who is Wise and Well-acquainted (with all things).” (11:1)

اِنَّه لَقُرْاٰنٌ كَرِيْمٌ ۝ فِى كِتٰبٍ مَّكْنُوْنٍ ۝ لَّا يَمَسُّه اِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُوْنَ ۝ تَنْزِيْلٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ ۝

“It is indeed a Most Honorable Qur’an, preserved in the Book well-guarded that none shall touch but those who are pure and clean; A Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds.” (56:77 – 80)

هٰذَا بَيَانٌ لِّلنَّاسِ وَهُدًى وَّمَوْعِظَةٌ لِّلْمُتَّقِيْنَ۝

“This (Qur’an) is a plain statement to men, a guidance and admonition to those who fear Allah.” (3:138)

وَالَّذِىۤ اَوْحَيْنَآ اِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتٰبِ هُوَ الْحَقُّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ

“That which We have revealed to you of the Book is the Truth, – confirming what was (revealed) before it……” (35:31)

وَاَنْزَلْنَآ اِلَيْكَ الْكِتٰبَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الكِتٰبِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ۝

“And We sent down the Book in truth (the Qur’an) to you (O Prophet ﷺ) to confirm the Books (revealed) before it, and as a witness over them ….” (5:48)

كِتٰبٌ اُنْزِلَ اِلَيْكَ فَلَا يَكُنْ فِىْ صَدْرِكَ حَرَجٌ مِّنْهُ لِتُنذِرَ بِه وَذِكْرٰى لِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ ۝

“(This is) a Book revealed unto you, – So let your heart not be burdened on that account, – that with it you might warn (the erring people), and it (Qur’an) is a reminder to the Believers.” (7:2)

وَیَرَی الَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوا الْعِلْمَ الَّذِیْۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَیْكَ مِنْ رَّبِّكَ هُوَ الْحَقَّ ۙ وَیَہْدِیْۤ اِلٰی صِرَاطِ الْعَزِیْزِ الْحَمِیْدِ ۝

“And those to whom knowledge has come to see that the (Revelation) sent down to you from you Lord – that is the Truth, and that it guides to the Path of the Exalted (in might), Worthy of all praise.” (34:6)

وَهٰذَاكِتٰبٌ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوْهُ وَاتَّقُوْا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُوْنَ۝

“And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing – so follow it and be righteous, that you may receive mercy.” (6:155)

هٰذَا بَلٰغٌ لِّلنَّاسِ وَلِيُنْذَرُوْا بِه وَلِيَعْلَمُوْٓا اَنَّمَا هُوَ اِلٰهٌ وَّاحِدٌ وَّلِيَذَّكَّرَ اُوْلُوا الْاَلْبَابِ۝

“This is a Message for mankind and let them take warning therefrom, and let them know that He is (no other than) One Allah and let men of understanding take heed.” (14:52)

تَبَارَكَ الَّذِىْ نَزَّلَ الْفُرْقَانَ عَلٰى عَبْدِه لِيَكُوْنَ لِلْعٰلَمِيْنَ نَذِيْرًا۝

“Blessed is He Who sent down the Criterion (Qur’an – the Book to judge Truth and Falsehood) to His servant (Muhammad ﷺ), so that he may be a warner the universe.” (25:1)

Situation Prevailing before Revelation of the Qur’an

The City of Makkah, where the last Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born, was established by his ancestor Prophet Ibrahim () and his son Ismail (). Following the command of Allah, Prophet Ibrahim () constructed the ‘Ka’ba,’ the sacred House of Allah, dedicated to the worship of the one true God. However, as time passed, their misguided descendants deviated from the path and began worshiping multiple deities instead of the Almighty Allah. They placed 360 idols within the Ka’ba, believing that these idols would mediate with Allah for their salvation. This practice stood in stark contrast to the faith of Ibrahim (), who preached ‘Deen-e-Haneef,’ emphasizing the belief in pure monotheism.

Prior to the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the world was in shambles, with Makkah being the worst of many places.  Falsehood, superstitions, immorality, injustice, and oppression cast a pall over societies, empires, and entire human civilizations. The two main communities of ‘Ahlul Kitab’ (People of the Book) of that time – the Jews and Christians – deviated from the right path of Allah, became confused and lost their spirituality. They forgot the learning of ‘Tourat’ and ‘Injeel’ and became blasphemous.

Amongst the religious communities, the Arab infidel tribes were the most misguided ones. They had no regard for religious values, morality, justice or humanity. Their conceited egoism, combined with their tribal superiority resulted in bitter and protracted conflicts among themselves. The principle of “Might is Right” was the rule law. Although they had virtues like indomitable courage and resilience, their evil desires and irreligious practices made them arrogant. This era was known as ‘Ayame-Jahiliya’ (Age of Darkness) all over Arabia. The prominent migrant Muslim to Abyssinia, Jafar ibn Abi Taleb’s () statement before the King Negus of that country, depicts the true picture of that time: “O king, we were a people in a state of ignorance, barbarism, and immorality, worshipping self-carved idols of stones, and eating Haram (illegal) food like the flesh of dead animals, committing all sorts of abominations and shameful deeds like adultery, plundering, breaking the ties of kinship, treating guests and neighbors badly, and exploiting the weak people by the strong among us.”

Such was the eventuality that necessitated a renewed sense of Devine Guidance. The Holy Qur’an, Allah’s (SWT) final Divine Book, was revealed upon Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to provide clear guidance to all of mankind. According to the commitment of Allah (SWT) the Holy Qur’an will go on showing the needed guidance to humanity till the Day of Qiyamah.

About the purpose of revelation of Holy Qur’an Allah (SWT) says:

تَنْزِيْلَ الْعَزِيْزِ الرَّحِيْمِ ۝ لِتُنْذِرَ قَوْمًا مَّآ اُنْذِرَ اٰبَآؤُهُمْ فَهُمْ غٰفِلُوْنَ ۝

“It is a Revelation sent down by (Him), the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful, so that you may admonish a people, whose forefathers had received no admonition, and who therefore remain heedless (of the Signs of Allah).” (36:5 – 6)

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْاٰنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌ وَّرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَۙ  وَلَا يَزِيْدُ الظّٰلِمِيْنَ اِلَّا خَسَارًا ۝

“We send down in the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe; to the unjust (unbelievers) it causes nothing but overwhelming loss.” (17:82)

یٰۤاَهْلَ الْكِتٰبِ قَدْ جَآءَکُمْ رَسُوْلُنَا یُبَیِّنُ لَکُمْ كَثِیْرًا مِّمَّا کُنْتُمْ تُخْفُوْنَ مِنَ الْكِتٰبِ وَیَعْفُوْا عَنْ كَثِیْرٍ ۬ؕ قَدْ جَآءَکُمْ مِّنَ اللّٰهِ نُوْرٌ وَكِتٰبٌ مُّبِیْنٌ ۝ یَّہْدِیْ بِهِ اللّٰهُ مَنِ اتَّبَعَ رِضْوَانَہٗ سُبُلَ السَّلٰمِ وَیُخْرِجُهُمْ مِّنَ الظُّلُمٰتِ اِلَی النُّوْرِ بِاِذْنِہٖ وَیَہْدِیْهِمْ اِلٰی صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِیْمٍ۝

“O People of the Book! There has come to you our Messenger, revealing to you much that you used to hide in the Book, and exempting much. There has come to you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book, wherewith Allah guides all who seek His good pleasure to path of peace and safety, and brings them out from a multitude of darkness into the light, by His will, and guides them to a path that is straight.” (5:15 – 16)

اَلَّذِيْنَ اٰتَيْنٰهُمُ الْكِتٰبَ يَعْرِفُوْنَه كَمَا يَعْرِفُوْنَ اَبْنَآءَهُمْ وَاِنَّ فَرِيْقًا مِّنْهُمْ لَيَكْتُمُوْنَ الْحَقَّ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُوْنَ۝ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُوْنَنَّ مِنَ الْمُمْتَرِيْنَ۝

“Those to whom We have given the Book recognize it as they recognize their own children. But some of them conceal the truth while they know. The truth is from your Lord, so do not be a skeptic.” (2:146 – 147)

Earlier Divine Books prior to the Holy Qur’an

“…. Each period (of time) had a Book (revealed).” (13:38)

Throughout history, Allah (SWT) bestowed Divine Books upon all people, sending guidance for every era. The Prophets and Messengers of Allah (SWT) fulfilled their roles by leading their respective nations in accordance with the instructions revealed to them through these Books. While the core principles of faith remained consistent across all the Prophets and Messengers, the specific laws and regulations (Shariah) varied due to the unique circumstances and needs of their communities. Over time, deviations and distortions crept into these Divine Books, causing their Shariah to stray from the right path. To ensure true guidance, Allah (SWT) replaced these corrupted scriptures with newly revealed ones. In some cases, earlier Books remained relevant for the Ummah (community) of subsequent Prophets, either in their original form or with certain modifications and additions. However, the Qur’an, the final and ultimate Book from Allah (SWT), encompasses all aspects, confirming the truths of the previous Books and serving as their ultimate replacement.

Though Allah (SWT) revealed His Scriptures for every nation in every age, the names of only four Books are found in the Qur’an. These are: ‘Tourat’ (Torah) – revealed upon Prophet Musa (), ‘Zaboor’ (Psalms to Prophet Dawood (), ‘Injeel’ (Gospel to Prophet Isa (), and finally, the ‘Qur’an’ on Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Also, a number of ‘Suhuf’ (Booklets) were revealed to other Prophets and Messengers including Prophet Ibrahim (). The verses relating to the Books of Allah (SWT) are quoted below:

كَانَ النَّاسُ اُمَّۃً وَّاحِدَۃً  فَبَعَثَ اللّٰهُ النَّبِیّٖنَ مُبَشِّرِیْنَ وَمُنْذِرِیْنَ  وَاَنْزَلَ مَعَهُمُ الْكِتٰبَ بِالْحَقِّ لِیَحْکُمَ بَیْنَ النَّاسِ فِیْمَا اخْتَلَفُوْا فِیْهِ ؕ    وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ فِیْهِ اِلَّا الَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوْهُ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَتْهُمُ الْبَیِّنٰتُ بَغْیًۢا بَیْنَهُمْ ۚ فَهَدَی اللّٰهُ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لِمَا اخْتَلَفُوْا فِیْهِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ بِاِذْنِہٖ ؕ    وَاللّٰهُ یَہْدِیْ مَنْ یَّشَآءُ اِلٰی صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِیْمٍ ۝

“Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. So, Allah by His Grace guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guides whom He wills to a path that is straight.” (2:213)

… لِكُلِّ اَجَلٍ كِتَابٌ۝ يَمْحُوْا اللهُ مَا يَشَآءُ وَيُثْبِتُ وَعِنْدَه اُمُّ الْكِتٰبِ۝

“….. For each period was a Book (revealed). Allah erases what He pleases and confirms what He pleases: and with Him is the ‘Mother of the Book’.” (13:38 – 39)

اَلَّذِيْنَ اٰتَيْنٰهُمُ الْكِتٰبَ يَتْلُوْنَه حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِه اُوْلٰٓئِكَ يُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِه ^ق وَمَنْ يَكْفُرْ بِه فَاُوْلٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْخٰسِرُوْنَ

“Those to whom We have given the Book to recite it as it should be recited: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein, the loss is their own.” (2:121)

وَاِذَا قِیْلَ لَهُمْ اٰمِنُوْا بِمَاۤ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ قَالُوْا نُؤْمِنُ بِمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ عَلَیْنَا وَیَکْفُرُوْنَ بِمَا وَرَآءَہٗ ^ق وَهُوَ الْحَقُّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا مَعَهُمْ ^ط قُلْ فَلِمَ تَقْتُلُوْنَ اَنْۢبِیَآءَ اللّٰهِ مِنْ قَبْلُ اِنْ کُنْتُمْ مُّؤْمِنِیْنَ۝

“When it is said to them, ‘Believe in what Allah Has sent down,’ they say, ‘We believe in what was sent down upon us’: while they reject everything else, even though it is the Truth (Qur’an) that confirms what is with them. Say: ‘Why then you had slain the prophets of Allah before, if you were indeed believers?” (2:91)

نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتٰبَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَاَنزَلَ التَّوْرٰىةَ وَالْاِنجِيْلَ۝ مِنْ قَبْلُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَاَنزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ ۗ اِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا بِـَٔايٰتِ اللهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيْدٌ ۗ  وَاللهُ عَزِيْزٌ ذُوْانتِقَامٍ۝

“It is He Who sent down upon you (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Musa) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the Qur’an (as criterion of Judgement between right and wrong). Certainly, those who reject the Signs of Allah will suffer a severe penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution.” (3:3 – 4)

ذٰلِكَ بِاَنَّ اللهَ نَزَّلَ الْكِتٰبَ بِالْحَقِّ ۗ  وَاِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ اخْتَلَفُوْا فِى الْكِتٰبِ لَفِىْ شِقَاقٍۭ بَعِيْدٍ۝

“(Their doom is) because Allah certainly sent down the Book in truth; and certainly, those who differ in dispute with the Book are stubbornly in a schism far (from the purpose).” (2:176)

لٰكِنِ الرّٰسِخُوْنَ فِی الْعِلْمِ مِنْهُمْ وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ یُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَیْكَ وَمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ وَالْمُقِیْمِیْنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَالْمُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ سَنُؤْتِیْهِمْ اَجْرًا عَظِیْمًا ۝ اِنَّاۤ اَوْحَیْنَاۤ اِلَیْكَ كَمَاۤ اَوْحَیْنَاۤ اِلٰی نُوْحٍ وَالنَّبِیّٖنَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِہٖ ۚ وَاَوْحَیْنَاۤ اِلٰۤی اِبْرٰهِیْمَ وَاِسْمٰعِیْلَ وَاِسْحٰقَ وَیَعْقُوْبَ وَالْاَسْبَاطِ وَعِیْسٰی وَاَیُّوْبَ وَیُوْنُسَ وَهٰرُوْنَ وَسُلَیْمٰنَ ۚ وَاٰتَیْنَا دَاوٗدَ زَبُوْرًا ۝

“But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you: And (especially) those who establish regular prayer and practice regular charity and believe in Allah and in the Last Day: To them shall We soon give a great reward. We have sent you ‘Wahi’ (inspiration), as We sent it to Nooh (Noah) and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il, Ishaq (Isaac), Yaqoob (Jacob) and the Tribes, to Isa (Jesus), Ayyub (Job), Yunus (Jonah), Haroon (Aaron), and SulaImaan (Solomon), and to Dawood (David) We gave the ‘Zaboor’ (Psalms).” (4:162 – 163)

كَمَاۤ اَرْسَلْنَا فِیْکُمْ رَسُوْلًا مِّنْکُمْ یَتْلُوْا عَلَیْکُمْ اٰیٰتِنَا وَیُزَكِیْکُمْ وَیُعَلِّمُکُمُ الْكِتٰبَ وَالْحِکْمَۃَ وَیُعَلِّمُکُمْ مَّا لَمْ تَکُوْنُوْا تَعْلَمُوْنَ ۝

“A similar (favor have you already received) in that We have sent amongst you a Messenger of your own, reciting to you Our Signs, and sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scripture (Qur’an) and Wisdom, and teaching you what you knew not.” (2:151)

مَثَلُ الَّذِيْنَ حُمِّلُوْا التَّوْرٰىةَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَحْمِلُوْهَا كَمَثَلِ الْحِمَارِ يَحْمِلُ اَسْفَارً ۢ ا بِئْسَ مَثَلُ الْقَوْمِ الَّذِيْنَ كَذَّبُوْا بِـَٔايٰتِ اللهِ ^ۚ وَاللهُ لَا يَهْدِى الْقَوْمَ الظّٰلِمِيْنَ۝

“The similarity of those (Jews) who were charged with the (obligations of bearing) Torah, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey which carries huge tomes (but understands them not). Evil is the example of people who falsify the Signs of Allah. And Allah guides not people who do wrong.” (62:5)

قُوْلُوْۤا اٰمَنَّا بِاللّٰهِ وَمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَیْنَا وَمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلٰۤی  اِبْرٰہٖمَ  وَ اِسْمٰعِیْلَ وَ اِسْحٰقَ وَیَعْقُوْبَ وَالْاَسْبَاطِ وَمَاۤ اُوْتِیَ مُوْسٰی وَعِیْسٰی وَمَاۤ اُوْتِیَ النَّبِیُّوْنَ مِنْ رَّبِّهِمْ ۚ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَیْنَ اَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ ۫ۖ  وَنَحْنُ لَہٗ مُسْلِمُوْنَ۝

“Say, ‘We believe in Allah; and in what was revealed to us; and in what was revealed to Ibrahim, and Isma’il, and Ishaq, and Yaqoob, and the tribes; and in what was given to Musa and Isa; and in what was given to other prophets—from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we surrender.” (2:136)

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ یَکْتُمُوْنَ مَاۤ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ مِنَ الْكِتٰبِ وَیَشْتَرُوْنَ بِہٖ ثَمَنًا قَلِیْلًا ^لا اُولٰٓئِكَ مَا یَاْکُلُوْنَ فِیْ بُطُوْنِهِمْ اِلَّا النَّارَ وَلَا یُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللّٰهُ یَوْمَ الْقِیٰمَۃِ وَلَا یُزَكِیْهِمْ ^ج وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ اَلِیْمٌ۝

“Verily those who conceal part of Allah’s revelations in the Book, and sell for a negligible price therewith, those are who eat into their stomachs nothing but fire; and Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection. Nor purify them: Grievous will be their penalty.” (2:174)

بَلْ تُؤْثِرُوْنَ الْحَیٰوۃَ الدُّنْیَا ۝ وَالْاٰخِرَۃُ خَیْرٌ وَاَبْقٰی ۝ اِنَّ هٰذَا لَفِی الصُّحُفِ الْاُوْلٰی ۝ صُحُفِ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ وَمُوْسٰی۝

“Behold, you prefer the worldly life, but the Hereafter is better and more enduring. And indeed, this is in the earlier Suhuf (Revelations) – The Suhuf (Revelations) of Ibrahim and Musa.” (87:16 – 19)

اَلَمْ تَرَ اِلَی الَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوْا نَصِیْبًا مِّنَ الْكِتٰبِ یُدْعَوْنَ اِلٰی كِتٰبِ اللّٰهِ لِیَحْکُمَ بَیْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ یَتَوَلّٰی فَرِیْقٌ مِّنْهُمْ وَهُمْ مُّعْرِضُوْنَ۝

“Have you not seen those who have been given a portion of the Book? They were invited to the Book of Allah, to settle their dispute, but a party of them turned back and declined (the arbitration).” (3:23)

وَ اِنَّ مِنْهُمْ لَفَرِیْقًا یَّلْوٗنَ اَلْسِنَتَهُمْ بِالْكِتٰبِ لِتَحْسَبُوْهُ مِنَ الْكِتٰبِ وَمَا هُوَ مِنَ الْكِتٰبِ ۚ وَیَقُوْلُوْنَ هُوَ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللّٰهِ وَمَا هُوَ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللّٰهِ ۚ  وَیَقُوْلُوْنَ عَلَی اللّٰهِ الْكَذِبَ وَهُمْ یَعْلَمُوْنَ۝

“There is a section among them who distort the Book with their tongues: (As they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, ‘That is from Allah’, but it is not from Allah. And they knowingly tell a lie against Allah.” (3:78)

فَاِنْ كَذَّبُوْكَ فَقَدْ کُذِّبَ رُسُلٌ مِّنْ قَبْلِكَ جَآءُوْ بِالْبَیِّنٰتِ وَالزُّبُرِ وَالْكِتٰبِ الْمُنِیْرِ ۝

“So, if they (Ahlul Kitab) reject you, then many of the apostles were also rejected before you, who came with Clear Signs, Scriptures, and the Book of Enlightenment.” (3:184)

وَ مِنْ قَبْلِہٖ كِتٰبُ مُوْسٰۤی اِمَامًا وَّرَحْمَۃً ؕ وَهٰذَا كِتٰبٌ مُّصَدِّقٌ لِّسَانًا عَرَبِیًّا لِّیُنْذِرَ الَّذِیْنَ ظَلَمُوْا وَبُشْرٰی لِلْمُحْسِنِیْنَ ۝

“And before this (Qur’an), was the Book of Musa (Torah) as a guide and a mercy: And this Book (Qur’an) confirms (it) in the Arabic tongue; to admonish the unjust, and as Glad Tidings to those who do right.” (46:12)

وَ اِنَّ مِنْ اَهْلِ الْكِتٰبِ لَمَنْ یُّؤْمِنُ بِاللّٰهِ وَمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَیْکُمْ وَمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَیْهِمْ خٰشِعِیْنَ لِلّٰهِ ۙ لَا یَشْتَرُوْنَ بِاٰیٰتِ اللّٰهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِیْلًا ؕ  اُولٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ اَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ سَرِیْعُ الْحِسَابِ۝

“And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in Allah, and in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in humility to Allah. They will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and verily Allah is swift in settling the accounts.” (3:199)

يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اُوْتُوْا الْكِتٰبَ اٰمِنُوْا بِمَا نَزَّلْنَا مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا مَعَكُمْ مِّنْ قَبْلِ

“O you People of the Book, believe in what We have (now) revealed, confirming what was (already) with you before ….” (4:47)

یَسْـَٔلُكَ اَهْلُ الْكِتٰبِ اَنْ تُنَزِّلَ عَلَیْهِمْ كِتٰبًا مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ فَقَدْ سَاَلُوْا مُوْسٰۤی اَکْبَرَ مِنْ ذٰلِكَ فَقَالُوْۤا اَرِنَا اللّٰهَ جَہْرَۃً فَاَخَذَتْهُمُ الصّٰعِقَۃُ بِظُلْمِهِمْ ۚ ثُمَّ اتَّخَذُوا الْعِجْلَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَتْهُمُ الْبَیِّنٰتُ فَعَفَوْنَا عَنْ ذٰلِكَ ۚ وَاٰتَیْنَا مُوْسٰی سُلْطٰنًا مُّبِیْنًا ۝

“The people of the Book ask you to bring a book to them descending from the heaven: Indeed, they asked Musa (Musa) for an even greater (miracle), for they said: ‘Show us Allah in public’, but they were seized with thunder and lightning for their presumption. Yet they worshipped the calf even after clear signs had come to them; even so we forgave them; and gave Musa manifest proofs of authority.” (4:153)

اِنَّاۤ اَنْزَلْنَا التَّوْرٰىۃَ فِیْهَا هُدًی وَّنُوْرٌ ۚ  یَّحْکُمُ بِهَا النَّبِیُّوْنَ الَّذِیْنَ اَسْلَمُوْا لِلَّذِیْنَ هَادُوْا وَالرَّبّٰنِیُّوْنَ وَالْاَحْبَارُ بِمَا اسْتُحْفِظُوْا مِنْ كِتٰبِ اللّٰهِ وَكَانُوْا عَلَیْهِ شُهَدَآءَ ۚ فَلَا تَخْشَوُا النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ وَلَا تَشْتَرُوْا بِاٰیٰتِیْ ثَمَنًا قَلِیْلًا ؕ وَمَنْ لَّمْ یَحْکُمْ بِمَاۤ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْکٰفِرُوْنَ

“Surely, We revealed the Torah: therein was guidance and light. The Prophets who were obedient to Allah, judged the Jews with it so also (judged) the rabbis and the priests: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah’s Book…….” (5:44)

وَ قَفَّیْنَا عَلٰۤی اٰثَارِهِمْ بِعِیْسَی ابْنِ مَرْیَمَ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَیْنَ یَدَیْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرٰىۃِ ۪  وَاٰتَیْنٰهُ الْاِنْجِیْلَ فِیْهِ هُدًی وَّنُوْرٌ ۙ وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَیْنَ یَدَیْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرٰىۃِ وَهُدًی وَمَوْعِظَۃً لِّلْمُتَّقِیْنَ۝

“And in their (previous prophets’) footsteps We sent Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam, confirming the Tourat (Torah) that had come before him: We sent him the Injeel (Gospel): therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Torah that had come before him: It was guidance and advice to those who fear Allah.” (5:46)

Subject-matters of the Holy Qur’an

The Qur’an assigns utmost importance to two fundamental aspects: ‘Haqqullah’ (Rights of Allah) and ‘Haqqul Ibad’ (Rights of His Creatures). Addressing these crucial matters is essential for establishing the sovereignty of Allah (SWT) through His Khilafat on Earth. Therefore, Islam has been chosen as the divine faith to guide humanity. At the core of the Qur’an lies the central theme of ‘Tawheed,’ emphasizing the Oneness of Allah (SWT) and His supreme authority over all creation. Building upon this fundamental concept, the Qur’an provides explicit guidance for humanity to attain success in both the worldly life and the hereafter. To accomplish this, the Holy Qur’an encompasses various significant topics, including:

كِتٰبٌ اُحْكِمَتْ اٰیٰتُہٗ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتْ مِنْ لَّدُنْ حَكِیْمٍ خَبِیْرٍ ۙ۝ اَلَّا تَعْبُدُوْۤا اِلَّا اللّٰهَ ؕ اِنَّنِیْ لَکُمْ مِّنْهُ نَذِیْرٌ وَّبَشِیْرٌ ۙ۝ وَاَنِ اسْتَغْفِرُوْا رَبَّکُمْ ثُمَّ تُوْبُوْۤا اِلَیْهِ یُمَتِّعْکُمْ مَّتَاعًا حَسَنًا اِلٰۤی اَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّی وَیُؤْتِ کُلَّ ذِیْ فَضْلٍ فَضْلَہٗ ؕ وَاِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَاِنِّیْۤ  اَخَافُ عَلَیْکُمْ عَذَابَ یَوْمٍ كَبِیْرٍ ۝ اِلَی اللّٰهِ مَرْجِعُکُمْ ۚ وَهُوَ عَلٰی کُلِّ شَیْءٍ قَدِیْرٌ۝

“…… (This is) a Book, with basic verses perfected and expounded in detail, – from One Who is Wise and Well-acquainted (with all things); (It teaches) that you should worship none but Allah. (Say): ‘Verily I am (sent) unto you from Him to warn (from hell fire for committing sins) and to bring glad tidings (for doing good deeds); (And tell them), ‘Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and then turn to Him (in repentance), He may grant you enjoyment for an appointed hour, and bestow His boundless grace on all who are gracious! But if you turn away, then I truly fear for you the penalty of a great day: To Allah is your return, and He has power over all things’.” (11:1 – 4)

قُلْ تَعَالَوْا اَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّکُمْ عَلَیْکُمْ اَلَّا تُشْرِکُوْا بِہٖ شَیْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَیْنِ اِحْسَانًا ۚ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوْۤا اَوْلَادَکُمْ مِّنْ اِمْلَاقٍ ؕ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُکُمْ وَاِیَّاهُمْ ۚ  وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ ۚ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِیْ حَرَّمَ اللّٰهُ اِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ ؕ ذٰلِکُمْ وَصّٰکُمْ بِہٖ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَعْقِلُوْنَ۝ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوْا مَالَ الْیَتِیْمِ اِلَّا بِالَّتِیْ هِیَ اَحْسَنُ حَتّٰی یَبْلُغَ اَشُدَّہٗ ۚ وَاَوْفُوا الْكَیْلَ وَالْمِیْزَانَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۚ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ وَاِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَاعْدِلُوْا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبٰی ۚ وَبِعَہْدِ اللّٰهِ اَوْفُوْا ؕ ذٰلِکُمْ وَصّٰکُمْ بِہٖ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَذَكَرُوْنَ ۝ وَاَنَّ هٰذَا صِرَاطِیْ مُسْتَقِیْمًا فَاتَّبِعُوْهُ ۚ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِکُمْ عَنْ سَبِیْلِہٖ ؕ ذٰلِکُمْ وَصّٰکُمْ بِہٖ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ۝

“Say (O Prophet): ‘Come to me, I will recite to inform you – what Allah has (really) forbidden for you – Don’t attribute anything as equal (partner) with Him; be good to your parents; don’t kill your children because of poverty; We provide sustenance for you and for them; don’t be closer to shameful (immoral) deeds, whether open or secret; don’t take a life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law – thus He commands you, so that you may realize. And don’t come near to the orphan’s property, except to increase it, until he attains the age of maturity; give measure and weight with (full) justice; We place no burden upon any soul beyond its capability; whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned; and fulfill the covenant of Allah. Thus, He commands you, so that you may heed. Certainly, this is My way, leading straight – follow it and follow not (other) paths – they will deviate you from His (great) path: thus, He commands you. so that you may be righteous. (6:151 – 153)

اَلَّذِیْنَ یَتَّبِعُوْنَ الرَّسُوْلَ النَّبِیَّ الْاُمِّیَّ الَّذِیْ یَجِدُوْنَہٗ مَکْتُوْبًا عِنْدَهُمْ فِی التَّوْرٰىۃِ وَالْاِنْجِیْلِ ۫ یَاْمُرُهُمْ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَیَنْهٰهُمْ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَیُحِلُّ لَهُمُ الطَّیِّبٰتِ وَیُحَرِّمُ عَلَیْهِمُ الْخَبٰٓئِثَ وَیَضَعُ عَنْهُمْ اِصْرَهُمْ وَالْاَغْلٰلَ الَّتِیْ كَانَتْ عَلَیْهِمْ ؕ فَالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا بِہٖ وَعَزَّرُوْهُ وَنَصَرُوْهُ وَاتَّبَعُوا النُّوْرَ الَّذِیْۤ اُنْزِلَ مَعَہٗۤ ۙ اُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ ۝

“Those who follow the Apostle, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures), – in the law and the Gospel; commanding them (to do) what is just and forbids them (not to do) what is evil; he allows for them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So, it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light, which is sent down with him, – it is they who will succeed.” (7:157)

الَّذِیْنَ یَصُدُّوْنَ عَنْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ وَیَبْغُوْنَهَا عِوَجًا ؕ وَهُمْ بِالْاٰخِرَۃِ هُمْ کٰفِرُوْنَ ۝ اُولٰٓئِكَ لَمْ یَکُوْنُوْا مُعْجِزِیْنَ فِی الْاَرْضِ وَمَا كَانَ لَهُمْ مِّنْ دُوْنِ اللّٰهِ مِنْ اَوْلِیَآءَ ۘ یُضٰعَفُ لَهُمُ الْعَذَابُ ؕ  مَا كَانُوْا یَسْتَطِیْعُوْنَ السَّمْعَ وَمَا كَانُوْا یُبْصِرُوْنَ ۝ اُولٰٓئِكَ الَّذِیْنَ خَسِرُوْۤا اَنْفُسَهُمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُمْ مَّا كَانُوْا یَفْتَرُوْنَ ۝ لَا جَرَمَ اَنَّهُمْ فِی الْاٰخِرَۃِ هُمُ الْاَخْسَرُوْنَ ۝ اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ وَاَخْبَتُوْۤا اِلٰی رَبِّهِمْ ۙ اُولٰٓئِكَ اَصْحٰبُ الْجَنَّۃِ ۚ هُمْ فِیْهَا خٰلِدُوْنَ ۝ مَثَلُ الْفَرِیْقَیْنِ كَالْاَعْمٰی وَالْاَصَمِّ وَالْبَصِیْرِ وَالسَّمِیْعِ ؕ هَلْ یَسْتَوِیٰنِ مَثَلًا ؕ اَفَلَا تَذَكَرُوْنَ ۝

“Those who would obstruct (people) from the path of Allah and would seek in it something crooked, and they are indeed themselves the deniers of the Hereafter! They will in no way frustrate (His design) on earth, nor have they protectors besides Allah. Their penalty will be multiplied! They lost the power to listen, and they did not see! They are the ones who have lost their own souls: and whatever (notions) they invented have failed them! Without a doubt, these are the very ones who will lose most in the Hereafter! But those who believe and work righteousness, and humble themselves before their Lord, they will be companions of the gardens, to dwell therein forever! These two kinds (of people) may be compared between one who is blind and deaf and one who can see and hear well. Are these equal in comparison? Will you not then take heed?” (11:19 – 24)

شَهِدَ اللهُ انَّه لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَ وَالْمَلٰٓئِكَةُ وَاُوْلُوْا الْعِلْمِ قَاۤئِمًۢا بِالْقِسْطِ لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيْزُ الْحَكِيْمُ۝

“Allah witnesses that there is none worthy of worship but He; (Also do witness are) His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm in justice. There is none to be worshipped but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.” (3:18)

Five topics of the Qur’an have been mentioned in the Hadith of the Prophet (ﷺ) in Meshkat Shareef. These are:

• Halal (legitimate) issues are to comply with utmost sincerity.

• Haram (prohibited) items must be discarded totally.

• Muhkamat (clearly defined basic principles), i.e., to follow Shariah rules related to Imaan and Aqeedah (Belief and conviction); to perform Ibadah (worship of Allah).

• Akhlaqiat (morality-related verses), i.e., to maintain Akhlaq (moral conduct and good manners).

• Mutashabihat (Allegorical verse), i.e., to have belief in Unseen subjects like Jannah (heavens), Jahannam (hells), Arsh (Throne of Allah SWT), Angels, and on Parables put as examples of the consequences of arrogant and strayed nations of the past for learning.

Verses (Ayat) of Muhkamat are clear, evident, and mandatory while the verses of Mutashabihat are allegorical and the meaning of these Ayat are only known to Allah Himself. He has prohibited any fabrication or dispute on these Ayat of the Qur’an. Regarding these Ayat, Allah (SWT) says:

هُوَ الَّذِیْۤ اَنْزَلَ عَلَیْكَ الْكِتٰبَ مِنْهُ اٰیٰتٌ مُّحْكَمٰتٌ هُنَّ اُمُّ الْكِتٰبِ وَاُخَرُ مُتَشٰبِهٰتٌ ؕ فَاَمَّا الَّذِیْنَ فِیْ قُلُوْبِهِمْ زَیْغٌ فَیَتَّبِعُوْنَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَآءَ الْفِتْنَۃِ وَابْتِغَآءَ تَاْوِیْلِہٖ ۚ وَمَا یَعْلَمُ تَاْوِیْلَہٗۤ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَالرّٰسِخُوْنَ فِی الْعِلْمِ یَقُوْلُوْنَ اٰمَنَّا بِہٖ ۙ کُلٌّ مِّنْ عِنْدِ رَبِّنَا ۚ  وَمَا یَذَّكَرُ اِلَّاۤ اُولُوا الْاَلْبَابِ ۝ رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوْبَنَا بَعْدَ اِذْ هَدَیْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ رَحْمَۃً ۚ  اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ الْوَهَابُ۝

“It is He (Allah) Who has sent down upon you the Book; In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the mother of the Book – others are allegorical. But those whose hearts are filled with perversity, they follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: ‘We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord,’ and none will grasp the Message except people of understanding. (They say) ‘Our Lord!’, ‘Let not our hearts deviate now after You have guided us but grant us mercy from Your own Treasure; for You are the Grantor of bounties without measure.” (3:7 – 8)

In the Holy Qur’an Allah (SWT) cited many parables to distinguish between truth and falsehood, pure and impure, good and evil, and so on.

اَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَسَالَتْ اَوْدِیَۃٌ ۢ بِقَدَرِهَا فَاحْتَمَلَ السَّیْلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِیًا ؕ وَمِمَّا یُوْقِدُوْنَ عَلَیْهِ فِی النَّارِ ابْتِغَآءَ حِلْیَۃٍ اَوْ مَتَاعٍ زَبَدٌ مِّثْلُہٗ ؕ  كَذٰلِكَ یَضْرِبُ اللّٰهُ الْحَقَّ وَالْبَاطِلَ ۬ؕ  فَاَمَّا الزَّبَدُ فَیَذْهَبُ جُفَآءً ۚ  وَاَمَّا مَا یَنْفَعُ النَّاسَ فَیَمْکُثُ فِی الْاَرْضِ ؕ   كَذٰلِكَ یَضْرِبُ اللّٰهُ  الْاَمْثَالَ ۝

“He sends down water from the sky and the valleys flow according to their (respective) capacity. Then the floodwater carries the scum raised to the surface. And (similarly) the items that are heated in the fire for making ornaments or other articles also have foam that comes up the same way. Thus, Allah illustrates examples of the substantial reality (truth) and the futile vanity (falsehood). So, (whether produced by water or by fire) the foam or scum passes away useless but that which is of benefit to humankind endures on earth. Thus, Allah sets forth the parables”. (13:17)

The Qur’anic Shariah contains major topics like:

• Imaan-Aqaeedah and Worship (Faith, Prayer, Fasting, Zakat, Hajj, etc.).

• Mu’amalat (transaction and dealings, borrowing and lending, trading and business, jobs and occupations, contracts and agreements, inheritance and wasiyat, etc.).

• Mu’asharat (mutual rights, charity and donations, manners and conducts, courtesy and etiquette, familial and social rules, etc.).

• Siasat (state principles, law and justice, safety of life, property and honor, war and treaty, etc.).

• Iktisat (economic principle, earnings, and expenditures, usury and business, distribution of wealth, etc.).

• Deene Da’wat (call towards the Islamic faith, striving in the path of Allah).

• Akhlaqiat (spiritual and moral purity, piousness, remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Qur’an, supplication to Allah, and Darood wa Salam).

Surahs of the Holy Qur’an: Brief Facts

Allah (SWT) revealed the Qur’an to His Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) through His Messenger Angel Jibreel (). The revelation of the whole Qur’an was completed in twenty-three years during his prophetic life. Some facts about the Holy Qur’an are mentioned below:

• The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for the first time during the month of Ramadan on Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Power).

• The Messenger Angel Jibreel () came with first five Ayat of ‘Surah Iqra’ to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for the first time while he was in meditation in the cave of Mount Heera in Makkah.

• According to the authentic Traditions the first revealed complete Surah was ‘Surah Fatiha’. Prior to it, a few verses of Surahs like ‘Alaq, Muzzammil, and Muddaththir were revealed.

• The last revealed complete surah was ‘Surah-an-Nasr’. This Surah foreshadowed Islam’s victory, the completion of Muhammad’s (ﷺ) prophetic mission, and the end of his worldly life.

• The Book of Holy Qur’an contains 114 nos. of Surahs.

• Serially, ‘Surah Fatiha’ is in the first of the Qur’an, while ‘Surah Naas’ is in the last.

• The biggest Surah is “Baqarah”, having 286 Ayat (verses), while Surah “Kawthar” is the shortest one, with only 3 Ayat.

• The whole Qur’an is divided into 30 chapters (Juz) almost equal in size. These divisions of the Qur’an were done to make it easier for Muslims to complete its recitation in a month, particularly during the Arabic month of Ramadan.

• The Qur’an contains more than six thousand Ayat (verses).

• In one opinion, the number of Ayat having Sajdah-e-Tilawat (Verses of Prostration) in the Qur’an is 14, but in another opinion, it is 15.

• 86 Surahs were revealed during Muhammad’s (ﷺ)13-year of prophetic life in Makkah and the rest 28 Surahs were revealed in Madinah after Hijrat (migration).

• The Surahs revealed in Makkah are known as ‘Makki Surahs’ while those revealed in Madinah are called ‘Madani Surahs’.

• The Madani Surahs are bigger in size, while the Makki Surahs are medium and shorter.

• The Makki Surahs describe ‘Tawheed’ (Oneness of Allah), Futility of idol worship, Life of hereafter, Qiyamah, Day of Judgement, Resurrection, Heavens and Hells, Worship of Allah (SWT), Risalat (missions of Prophets and Messengers), Good deeds and Manners, etc.

• The Madani Surahs describe Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Prophetic Mission, Acknowledging Islam as a complete code of life, Shariah laws and regulations, familial, societal and state affairs, Hijrat and Jihad in the path of Allah (SWT), Instructions of Hajj and Zakat, and other topics.

• The Verses of Surahs of the Qur’an were revealed in different times and different occasions. While compiling the Surahs, the arrangement of their serial did not correspond to the chronological order in which they were revealed (i.e., the order in which the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) received the revelations). The serial order of Surahs as found in the Qur’an was arranged by him in accordance with the inspirations received from Allah (SWT).

• During the month of Ramadan Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite the entire Qur’an in presence of Jibreel () for verifying its correctness. In the last year of his life, he recited the whole Qur’an twice in front of Jibreel () for final confirmation. For validation, he recited the whole Qur’an before his companions who memorized all the verses. Prophet (ﷺ) once told his companions after he had received a certain revelation that Jibreel () had specified for him the particular order of verses (Ahmad).

• Except for ‘Surah Tawbah’, each Surah of the Qur’an began with the Tasmiyah (بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰـنِ الرَّحِيْمِ – In the name of Allah, the most Merciful and Beneficent). It is recited before beginning any task or action to invoke the blessings and protection of Allah, the most merciful and the most compassionate. It is a reminder to begin tasks with the name of Allah and seek His guidance and blessings in everything they do. In ‘Surah Al-Namal’, it is mentioned twice – one at the beginning and the other one at Ayah No. 30. Thus, in the Qur’an the total number of Tasmiyah stands at 114.

• The Holy Qur’an was first compiled as a Suhuf (Book) during the Khilafat (Caliphate) of Abu Bakr (). The present form of the Qur’an was spread throughout the Muslim world during the time of Uthman (), the third Khalifa.

• At the time of the revelation of the Qur’an, its verses were carved on stones and rocks, written on barks and leaves of palm trees, on clothes, bones and leathers of animals, etc. It was a common practice of Muslims of that time to memorize the verses by heart. Even now, the same practice exists in the Muslim community everywhere. Presently, there are hundreds of thousands of Muslims all over the world are memorizing the whole of the Qur’an as an ongoing practice of preserving its all verses by heart.

Different Names of the Holy Qur’an

Kitab – The Scripture (43:2/44:2)	Qur’an – Recitation (56:77)	Kalam – Word (9:6)
Nur – Light (4:174)	Hooda – Guidance (10:57 & 31:32)	Rahma – Mercy (10:57 & 10:58)
Furqan – The Criterion (25:1)	Shifa’- Healing (17:82)	Maw‘iza – Exhortation (10:57)
Dhikr- Reminder (21:50)	Karim -Noble (56:77)	‘Ali – Sublime (43:41)
Hikma – Wisdom (54:5)	Hakim – Wise (10:2)	Muhaimin – Witness over previous Scriptures (5:48)
Mubarak – Blessed (38:30)	Hablillah – Allah’s Cable (3:103)	As-Sirat al-Mustaqim – Straight Path (6:153)
Al-Qiyyam – Straight (18:2)	Fasl -Conclusive (86:13)	Naba’ Azim – The Awful Tidings (78:2)
Ahsan al-Hadith – The Finest of words (39:23)	Tanzil – Revelation (26:192)	Ruh – Spirit (42:52)
Wahy – Inspiration (21:45)	Al-Mathani – The Oft-Repeated verses (15:87)	‘Arabi – Arabic (39:28)
Qawl – Word (28:51)	Basa’ir – Clear Indications (45:20)	Bayan – Declaration (3:138)
‘Ilm – Knowledge (13:37)	Haqq – True (3:62)	Al-Hadi – Guide (17:9)
‘Ajab Marvelous (72:1)	Tadhkira – Admonishment (74:54)	‘Urwatil-Wuthqa – The Firm Hand-Hold (31:22)
Mutashabih – Consistent (39:23)	Sidq – The Truth (39:33)	‘Adl – Justice (6:115)
Imaan – Faith (3:192)	Amr – Command (65:5)	Bushra – Good Tidings (27:2)
Majid – Glorious (85:21)	Zaboor – Scripture (21:105)	Mubin – That which makes plain (12:1)
Bashir – Good Tidings (41:4)	Nadhir –Warning (41:4)	‘Aziz – Unassailable (41:41)
Balagh – Clear Message (14:52)	Qassas –Narratives (12:3)	Suhuf – Leaves (80:13)
Mukarrama – Honored (80:13)	Marfu‘a – Exalted (80:14)	Mutahhara –Purified (80:14)

Ref.: Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.

List of Surah of the Holy Qur’an:

1. Fatihah	2. Baqarah	3. Aal-Imran	4. An-Nisaa	5. Maidah
6. An’am	7. Al-A’raf	8. Al-Anfal	9. Tawba	10. Yunus
11. Hood	12. Yusuf	13. Ar-Ra’d	14. Ibrahim	15. Al-Hijr
16. An-Nahl	17. Al-Isra/ Bani Israeel	18. Al-Kahf	19. Maryam	20. Ta-ha
21. Al-Anbiyaa	22. Al-Hajj	23. Al-Moo’minun	24. An-Nur	25. Al-Furqan
26. Ash-Shu’araa	27. An-Naml	28. Al-Qasas	29. Al-Ankaboot	30. Ar-Rome
31. Luqman	32. Sajdah	33. Ahzab	34. Saba	35. Fatir
36. Ya-Sin	37. As-Saffat	38. Sad	39. Az-Zumar	40. Ghafir/ Moo’min
41. Fussilat /Haa-Meem Sajadah	42. Ash-Shura	43. Az-Zukhruf	44. Ad-Dukhan	45. Al-Jathiya
46. Al-Ahqaf	47. Muhammad	48. Al-Fat-h	49. Al-Hujurat	50. Qaf
51. Zariyat	52. At-Tur	53. An-Najm	54. Al-Qamar	55. AR-Rahman
56. Al-Waqi’a	57. Al-Hadid	58. Al-Mujadila	59. Al-Hashr	60. Al-Mumtahana
61. As-Saff	62. Al-Jumu’a	63. Al-Munafiqun	64. At-Taghabun	65. At-Talaq
66. At-Tahrim	67. Al-Mulk	68. Al-Qalam	69. Al-Haqqah	70. Al-Ma’arij
71. Nuh	72. Al-Jinn	73. Al- Muzzammil	74. Al-Muddaththir	75. Al-Qiyamah
76. Insan/ Ad-Dahr	77. Al-Mursalat	78. An-Nabaa	79. An-Nazi’at	80. Abasa
81. At-Takwir	82. Al-Infitar	83. Al-Mutaffifeen	84. Al-Inshiqaq	85. Al-Buruj
86. Tariq	87. Al-A’la	88. Gashiya	89. Al-Fajr	90. Balad
91. Ash-Shams	92. Al-Lail	93. Adh-Dhuha	94. Al-Sharh	95. At-Tin
96. Al-Alaq	97. Al-Qadr	98. Baiyina	99. Zalzalah	100. Adiyat
101. Al-Qari’a	102. At-Takathur	103. Al-Asr	104. Humaza	105. Al-Fil
106. Quraish	107. Al-Ma’un	108. Al-Kawthar	109. Al-Kafiroon	110. An-Nasr
111. Al-Masad/ Lahab	112. Al-Ikhlas	113. Al-Falaq	114. An-Nas

Verses of Sajdah-e-Tilawat (Verses of Prostration)

There are 14 Ayat of Sajdah-e-Tilawat  in the Qur’an, but in another opinion, it is 15. One Sajdah (prostration) becomes Wajib (obligatory) for the Believers while reciting or hearing the verse of Sajdah-e-Tilawat. These verses of Sajdah-e-Tilawat are given below:

اِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُوْنَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِه وَيُسَبِّحُوْنَه وَلَه يَسْجُدُوْنَ ۩_۝

“Those (Angels) who are near to your Lord, disdain not to do Him worship: They celebrate His praises and bow down before Him.” (7:206)

وَلِلّٰهِ يَسْجُدُ مَنْ فِى السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَّكَرْهًا وَّظِلٰلُهُمْ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْاٰصَالِ ۩_۝

“Whatever beings there are in the heavens and the earth do prostrate themselves to Allah (Acknowledging subjection), – with good will or in spite of themselves: so, do their shadows in the morning and evenings.” (13:15)

وَلِلّٰهِ يَسْجُدُ مَا فِى السَّمٰوٰتِ وَمَا فِى الْاَرْضِ مِنْ دَآبَّةٍ وَالْمَلٰٓئِكَةُ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُوْنَ ۝ يَخَافُوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ مِّنْ فَوْقِهِمْ وَيَفْعَلُوْنَ مَا يُؤْمَرُوْنَ ۩_۝

“And to Allah do obeisance all that is in the heavens and on earth, whether moving (living) creatures or the angels: for none are arrogant (before their Lord). They all revere their Lord, high above them, and they do all that they are commanded.” (16:49 – 50)

۩وَيَخِرُّوْنَ لِلْاَذْقَانِ يَبْكُوْنَ وَيَزِيْدُهُمْ خُشُوْعًا

“They fall down on their faces in tears, and it increases their (earnest) humility.” (17:109)

اُوْلٰٓئِكَ الَّذِيْنَ اَنْعَمَ اللهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِّنَ النَّبِيِّنَ مِنْ ذُرِّيْةِ اٰدَمَ وَمِمَّنْ حَمَلْنَا مَعَ نُوْحٍ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّةِ اِبْرٰهِيْمَ وَاِسْرٰٓءِيْلَ وَمِمَّنْ هَدَيْنَا وَاجْتَبَيْنَآ _ج اِذَا تُتْلٰى عَلَيْهِمْ اٰيٰتُ الرَّحْمٰنِ خَرُّوْا سُجَّدًا وَبُكِيًا ۩۝

“Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace, – of the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Ibrahim and Israel of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of ((Allah)) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.” (19:58)

اَلَمْ تَرَ اَنَّ اللهَ يَسْجُدُ لَه مَنْ فِى السَّمٰوٰتِ وَمَنْ فِى الْاَرْضِ وَالشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ وَالنُّجُوْمُ وَالْجِبَالُ وَالشَّجَرُ وَالدَّوَآبُّ وَكَثِيْرٌ مِّنَ النَّاسِ وَكَثِيْرٌ حَقَّ عَلَيْهِ الْعَذَابُ ۗ  وَمَنْ يُّهِنِ اللهُ فَمَا لَه مِنْ مُّكْرِمٍ ۚ  اِنَّ اللهَ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَآءُ ۩۝

“Do you not see that to Allah bow down in worship all things that are in the heavens and on earth, – the sun, the moon, the stars; the mountains, the trees, the animals; and a great number among mankind? But a great number are (also) such as are fit for Punishment: and such as Allah shall disgrace, – None can rise to honor: for Allah carries out all that He wills.” (22:18)

يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا ارْكَعُوْا وَاسْجُدُوْا وَاعْبُدُوْا رَبَّكُمْ وَافْعَلُوْا الْخَيْرَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُوْنَ ۩۝

“O Believers!  Bow down, prostrate yourselves, and adore your Lord; and do good; that you may prosper.” (22:77) [As per opinion of Imam Shafeyee R]

وَاِذَا قِيْلَ لَهُمُ اسْجُدُوْا لِلرَّحْمٰنِ قَالُوْا وَمَا الرَّحْمٰنُ اَنَسْجُدُ لِمَا تَاْمُرُنَا وَزَادَهُمْ نُفُوْرًا ۩۝

“When it is said to them (disbelievers), ‘Prostrate to ((Allah)) the Most Gracious!’ they say, ‘and what is ((Allah)) Most Gracious? Shall we adore that which you command us?’ And it increases their escape (from the Truth).” (25:60)

اَلَّا يَسْجُدُوْا لِلّٰهِ الَّذِىْ يُخْرِجُ الْخَبْءَ فِى السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تُخْفُوْنَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُوْنَ ۝ اللهُ لَا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيْمِ ۩۝

“They do not prostrate Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you hide and what you disclose. Allah – there is no deity but He – the Lord of the ‘Arsh’ (Supreme Throne)!” (27:25 – 6)

اِنَّمَا يُؤْمِنْ بِـَٔايٰتِنَا الَّذِيْنَ اِذَا ذُكِّرُوْا بِهَا خَرُّوْا سُجَّدًا وَسَبَّحُوْا بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُوْنَ ۩۝

“Only those believe in Our Signs, who, when they are reminded of them, fall down in prostration, and celebrate the praises of their Lord, nor are they (ever) distended with pride.” (32:15)

قَالَ لَقَدْ ظَلَمَكَ بِسُؤَالِ نَعْجَتِكَ اِلٰى نِعَاجِه وَاِنَّ كَثِيْرًا مِّنَ الخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبْغِىْ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلٰى بَعْضٍ اِلَّا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوْا الصّٰلِحٰتِ وَقَلِيْلٌ مَّا هُمْ ۗ  وَظَنَّ دَاودُاَنَّمَا فَتَنّٰهُ فَاسْتَغْفَرَ رَبَّه وَخَرَّ رَاكِعًا وَّاَنَابَ ۩۝

“(Dawood AS) said: ‘He has undoubtedly wronged you in demanding yours (only) ewe to be added to his (flock of) ewes: truly many are the partners (in business) who wrong each other: Except those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few are they?’ – and Dawood inferred that We had tried him: he asked forgiveness of his Lord, fell down, bowing (in prostration), and turned (to Allah in repentance).” (38:24)

وَمِنْ اٰيٰتِهِ الَّيْلُ وَالنَّهَارُ وَالشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ ؕ  لَا تَسْجُدُوْا لِلشَّمْسِ وَلَا لِلْقَمَرِ وَاسْجُدُوْا لِلّٰهِ الَّذِىْ خَلَقَهُنَّ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ اِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُوْنَ ۝ فَاِنِ اسْتَكْبَرُوْا فَالَّذِيْنَ عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ يُسَبِّحُوْنَ لَه بِالَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْـَٔمُوْنَ ۩۝

“Among His Signs are the Night and the Day, and the Sun and the Moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostrate to Allah, Who created them, if it is Him you wish to worship. But if they (unbelievers) are arrogant, (no matter): for those who are close to your Lord celebrate His praises by night and by day. And they never feel tired.” (41:37 – 38)

فَاسْجُدُوا لِلّٰهِ وَاعْبُدُوْا ۩۝

“So, fall you down in prostration to Allah, and adore (Him)!” (53:62)

وَاِذَا قُرِئَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقُرْاٰنُ لَا يَسْجُدُوْنَ۝

“And when the Qur’an is read to them, why do they not fall to prostrate?” (84:21)

كَلَّا لَا تُطِعْهُ وَاسْجُدْ وَاقْتَرِبْ۝

“Not ever, never heed him: But bow down (to Allah) in adoration, and draw yourself closer (to Allah).” (96:19)