Islam: Origins and Their Impact on the Community » The Qur'an: The Revealed Word of Allah

The Qur'an as the revealed word of Allah

Remember from the lessons on Muhammad (peace be upon him) that the first revelation came in the cave of Hira, brought by the angel Jibril. The revelations carried on for about 23 years. Muslims believe the Qur'an is not the Prophet's own writing. They believe it is the actual word of Allah, given to him in Arabic. That is why Arabic matters so much in Islam.

Key terms:

• Surah: a chapter of the Qur'an. There are 114 surahs, of different lengths.
• Tafsir: scholarly commentary that explains the meaning of the Qur'an.
• Shari'ah (recap from Muslim Attitudes to Punishment and Its Aims): Islamic law, the path Muslims follow, which comes first from the Qur'an.
• Salah: the five daily prayers.
• Jum'a: the Friday midday prayer, said together at the mosque.

The Qur'an was memorised by the Prophet and many of his companions, and parts were written down as they were revealed. Muslims believe the revelation was gathered into one book soon after the Prophet's death. Sunni Muslims usually say the first written collection was made under Abu Bakr, and that copies of one standard text were later sent out under Uthman. Shi'a Muslims also use this same Qur'an. Most Muslims believe it has not changed since it was revealed. They point to Qur'an 15:9, where Allah says he will guard the message.

Why the Qur'an has authority

Different attitudes to interpretation

All Muslims accept the Qur'an. They differ in how to understand it.

• Literal and contextual readings. A literal reading takes the words in their plain meaning. A contextual reading asks when and why a verse was revealed and who it was first for. Qur'an 3:7 speaks of some verses being clear and others having deeper meanings. Many Muslims therefore say a verse sometimes needs more than its plain words.
• Tafsir. Most Muslims do not just read a verse and decide alone. They use tafsir from respected scholars. Sunni Muslims draw on the Prophet's words, his companions and Sunni scholars. Shi'a Muslims also look to the teachings of the ahl al-bayt, the Prophet's family, and their Imams (leaders Shi'a Muslims believe were chosen from the Prophet's family).
• Traditional and modernist views. Traditional Muslims hold to the understanding of earlier scholars. Modernist Muslims say each age should think again about how the Qur'an applies to new questions, such as new technology or the roles of women.

The Qur'an in daily life

Prayer and worship have their own lessons, so here is a short list.

• Formal worship. The Qur'an is recited in every Salah and at Jum'a. The opening surah, al-Fatihah, is said in every rak'ah (set of movements) of prayer.
• Informal worship. Many Muslims read or listen to it at other times, to feel close to Allah.
• In the home. Families read and learn it, and some learn all of it by heart. It is kept in a clean, high place, often wrapped, and many Muslims wash before touching the Arabic text.
• In the mosque. Children study it in the madrasah, a school where they learn the Qur'an. In Ramadan the Qur'an is recited, often a part each night, so that it is completed in the month.
• Decisions, teaching, comfort. Muslims look to it when making ethical choices, such as being honest. Parents and teachers use it to teach right from wrong. In grief or worry, many turn to it for comfort.

Exam-style question

Paper 2, (a) Outline two ways in which the Qur'an is used in the home. [4 marks, AO1]

Paper 2, (b) Explain why the Qur'an is important for Muslims. [6 marks, AO1 and AO2]

Paper 2, (c) "The Qur'an should always be read literally." Discuss this statement, considering the arguments for and against. In your answer you should include reference to teachings, other points of view, and your own opinion with reasons. [10 marks, AO1 and AO2]