The Qur'an is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over a span of 23 years. Regarded as the final revelation in a series of divine messages, the Qur'an serves as the foundation of Islamic belief, law, and guidance. This page explores its structure, revelation, and importance in the life of every Muslim.
The Qur'an consists of 114 chapters, known as Surahs, and over 6,000 verses, called Ayahs. The exact count of ayahs can vary slightly based on methods of counting pauses and recitations, but the standard number recognized by most scholars is 6,236.
The Qur'an is written in Classical Arabic and divided into 30 equal parts known as Juz', to facilitate recitation and memorization. It is further segmented into seven divisions called Manzils for weekly reading.
The Qur'an was revealed over a period of approximately 23 years, beginning in 610 CE when the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation in the Cave of Hira near Mecca. The final verse was revealed in 632 CE shortly before his death.
Revelations occurred in two major locations, each influencing the themes of the surahs:
The Qur'an addresses every aspect of human life — spiritual, moral, legal, social, and personal. Its recurring themes include:
Muslims regard the Qur'an as timeless, relevant in all circumstances, and essential for righteous living. It is memorized by millions, recited daily in prayers, and studied deeply in both religious and academic settings.
The Qur'an has been preserved in its original form since the time of the Prophet. During his lifetime, many companions memorized it, while others wrote it down on parchment, leather, bones, and leaves. After his death, it was compiled into a single book during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr (RA) and later standardized by Caliph Uthman (RA).
Today, the Qur'an is identical in every region of the world, preserved through oral memorization (Hifz) and written manuscripts. The miracle of its preservation without alteration over 14 centuries is seen as a sign of its divine origin:
"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian." 15:9
Muslims are encouraged to read, understand, and implement the teachings of the Qur'an in their daily lives. It is recited during the five daily prayers and serves as the ultimate reference for Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, and guidance.
Whether through recitation, reflection, or implementation, the Qur'an remains the heart of a Muslim's faith and way of life.