IRE5/1: THE NATURE AND MEANING OF THE HOLY QUR’AN

Definition of the Quran: The Qur’an is defined as a Book of God which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through angel Jibril for the guidance of mankind. This definition is supported by chapter 2:2 of the Quran, which says: ‘This is the Book whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who fear.

• Literally, the word Qur’an is derived from the Arabic word, Qara-a, which means to read. This implies that the holy Qur’an is a book that should be.
• Technically, the holy Qur’an is defined as the speech of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad PBUH through Angel Jibril for the guidance of mankind.
• The message in the holy Qur’an was revealed in its precise meaning and wording. That is, it is simple and direct to the point. It is only expounded by Prophet Muhammad.
• The holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad PBUH in 610 AD when he was meditating in the cave of Hira at age of
• The holy Qur’an is the original source of Islamic law and the real foundation on which the super structure of Islam is.

THE NAMES/ATTRIBUTES OF THE HOLY QUR’AN

1. In various verses, the holy Qur’an calls itself different names which illustrate its importance, nature and
2. In Q (2:2), it calls itself al-Kitaab (the book) because it is a written book and complete in itself. The above verse says; “This is the Book; in it there is no doubt, a guide to those who fear Allah”
3. It calls itself al-Furukaan (the criterion); because it is a yardstick between what is right and what is wrong.

Allah says in Q (25:1)       “Blessed is He who sent down the criterion to His servant, that it may be a warning to all creatures”

4. Q (15:9) refers to it as al-Dhikir (the reminder); since it reminds mankind the purpose of his creation on

Allah says in Q (51:56); “I did not create Jinn and man except to worship me”

5. In Q (26:192), it is referred to as a-Ta’aziir (the revelation); because it was revealed by Allah, the Most
6. Mother of the book (Ummul Kitaab): This implies that the holy Qur’an is a source of Allah’s commandments and a guardian over the previous.
7. It is called al-Hakiim (the judge) in Q (13:37); because it judges to what is most
8. In Q (17:9), it is referred to as al-Hikima (the wisdom); because it was revealed by Allah, the most Wise.

THE NEED FOR THE REVELATION OF THE HOLY QUR’AN

Before the revelation of the holy Qur’an, the world was in total darkness divided by the existing religious groups such as Christianity, Hanafism, Buddhism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism and others.

Unfortunately, the earlier revealed books had been corrupted and despite their present teachings, the world needed yet another book, a need which was fulfilled by the holy Qur’an.

Watch the video below about the meaning of Holy Qur’an