(September 10, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Glorious Qur’an is the revelation of Allah granted to Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him). It is the original and the main Source of reference for every principle and ordinance of’ Islam. It is the Sacred Book of Muslims, and our supreme and final authority on all matters.
This Book was first revealed by Almighty Allah to Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) through the agency of the angel Jibril (Gabriel) in the Night of Power (Lailatul Qodr). This first revelation was granted to the Prophet when he was 40 years old in the cave of Hira where it was his practice to spend his time in prayer and meditation.
The word ‘Qur’an’ is derived from the root ‘Qur’an’ which signifies ‘collecting together’ and also, ‘reading.’ This Sacred Book is ‘Kitab Allah’ (the Book of is ‘Kitab Allah’ (the Book of Allah) and ‘Kalam Allah’ (the Word of Allah). It is ‘Al-Furqan’ that which distinguishes between right and wrong and between truth and falsehood. It is Ummi Al Kitab, the Mother of all books.
The ‘Qur’an is the fountain which constantly refreshes the spiritual vision of a Muslim. This Book has laid down rules for the fundamental institutions of society, such as marriage, family life, inheritance and social, political and economic activities. It is the basis of the constitution of the Muslim community.
The Qur’an was not revealed in its entirety on one occasion, but piecemeal over a period of 23 years as circumstances demanded. This manner of revealing the Qur’an in parts was in accordance with the plan of Al-mighty Allah who states, "those who reject Faith say; why is not the Qur’an revealed to him all at once?’ Thus (is it revealed), that we may strengthen your heart thereby, and we have rehearsed it to you in slow, well-arranged stages’ gradually." (Qur’an. 25:32)
The verses and the chapters were arranged under the Personal direction of the Prophet himself. He used to personally direct his writers to insert the revealed verses in their specified places. The chapters were not arranged chronologically not because of oversight, but because of the command of the Prophet. Whenever a verse was revealed, the Prophet, under the Divine guidance, specified the place where the revealed verse was to be inserted. Thus the verses in each chapter were arranged according to the interaction of the Prophet, who was acting under the guidance of Al-mighty Allah.
Othman, the third caliph, who was closely associated with the Prophet from almost the commencement of the revelation and who was also closely linked with the collection of the Qur’an, said: ‘Every portion of the Holy Book was written and given its specified place at the command of the Prophet." He also said, "It was customary with the Messenger of Allah that when portions of different chapters were revealed to him and when any verse was revealed, he called one of those persons who used to write the Qur’an and said to him: Write this verse in the chapter where such and such verses exist."
The Prophet himself arranged not only the verses but also the order of the chapters or Surahs of the Qur’an, the number of chapters or (Surahs) being 114. This is the same order which is still found in any copy of the Qur’an. It is in the same order whereby the Prophet and his companions recited the different chapters of the Book in their daily Salah (prayers). It was in the same order that the entire Qur’an was preserved in the memory of the Hafiz in the very lifetime of the Prophet. The Surahs are of varying length: the largest of them comprises one-twelfth .of the whole Book, and the smallest one consists of only three verses.
The large Surahs are divided into sections or paragraphs called Ruku (pl: Ruku). These sections (ruku’at) are further Subdivided into a number of verses called ‘Ayats.’
In Another way the Qur’an is divided into 30 equal parts (Aj-zaa), each part being called a ‘Juz’. This division enables a Muslim to recite the Qur’an in one month, as is done, for example. in the month of Ramadhan.
The Qur’an is also divided into seven Manazil or potions, enabling a Muslim to recite the entire Book in one week, reading one Manazil) serve a practical purpose. They facilitate the recitation of this Book on solemn ritual occasions and Islamic events. These divisions do not affect the subject matter of the Book.
All the Surahs of the Qur’an groups can be divided into two groups viz. (1) the Makkan Surahs revealed while the Prophet was at Makkah and (2) the Madinite Surahs revealed after the Hijrah and while the Prophet was in Madinah. In the actual arrangement of the Book the Makkah revelation is intermixed with the Medinite revelation. For example, the Qur’an opens with a Makkan revelation. Al-Fatihah, and this is then followed by four chapters revealed at Madinah and which take up over one-fifth of the whole Book. Then follow alternately Makkah and Madinite revelations; thus a catalogue of the first 10 Surahs is as follows:
1- Al-Fatihah - Makkan
2- Al-Baqarah – Madinite
3- Al-Imran – Madinite
4- An Nisa – Madinite
5- Al-Maidah – Madinite
6- Al-An’am – Makkan
7-.Al-A’raf– Makkan
8- Al-Anfat Madinite
9- Al-Bara’ah - Medinite
10- Yunus - Makkan
As a guide it can be said that the Makkan Surahs are generally short, (however, some are long e.g. chapter (6) and deal with the Oneness of God, His Attributes, the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be on Him) and the divine nature of the Qur’an. They also deal with the ethical duties of man, the basic articles of such as belief in life after death. Resurrection, the Day of Heaven and Hell.
These Makkan revelations, therefore, lay the foundation of a Muslim’s faith. They condemn idolatry, glorify God and demonstrate His work and power in nature and history. Some of these verses are also of a prophetic nature. These Surahs also describe the phenomena of nature and make numerous references to the lives of the earlier prophets. They remind us that the life of this world is but play and amusements whereas the life hereafter is the best for those who are righteous. To Allah is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth. These verses further point out that by spiritual development in the path of God, an individual can find true peace and happiness.
The Madinite Surahs are longer than the Makkan Surahs. For example, the Madinite Srah, Al-Baqarah, is the longest Surah of the Qur’an, containing 285 verses. In this Su-rah is also to be found the longest verse (verse 282) of the Qur’an. While the verses of Makkah are of a prophetical nature, those of Madinah show the fulfilment of’ the prophecy. Furthermore. while (the Makkan Surahs show how true happiness of mind can he attained by communion with God. the Madinah Surahs follow on by showing that peace and happiness must also he obtained by establishing a good relationship with one’s fellow being.
The Madinah Surahs are rich in social, political, economic and legal materials. Religious ordinances. Such as Salah (prayer). Zakah fasting and pilgrimage, are promulgated and the laws of marriage and inheritance are expounded. They prescribe good and just treatment for orphans and woman; such Mothers must give suck to their young one and a father must provide the food and clothing for the family.
Strict regulations are stipulated so as to act as a Check to divorce. The Iddat (waiting Period) of widowhood is stated as four months and 10 days and is longer than the Iddat of divorce (three monthly courses). These Madinite verses Call Muslims to Jihad i.e. to fight in the cause of Allah. They deal with the various battles in which the Prophet was forced to fight and also with his noble treaties. In these verses the Ka’ bah was made the new Qiblah, or the new direction to which Muslims turn during their prayer and was established as the centre of universal worship and the symbol of Islamic unity.
The Revealed Book
The Qur’an says: "The month Ramadhan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance to mankind and also clear (signs) for guidance and Criterion (between right and wrong)." (2:185).
The first revelation was granted to the Prophet on Lailat-ul-Qadr, (the Night of Power) which is one of the odd nights among the last 10 nights of Ramadhan. Of this night’s revelation. Allah says, "We have indeed revealed this (Message) Night of, Power. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. There in come dawn the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission - for every affair. Peace! It is until the appearance of dawn." In (Qur’an. 97:1-5.)
In this night, the Prophet was in the cave of Hira (on Jabal Al-Nur - the Mountain of Light) situated three miles to the northeast of Makkah. Angel Jibril came to the Prophet and commanded him to (read) "Iqra" Three times, this command was the given and each time the Prophet replied that he could not read. Then the first revelation granted to the Prophet.
"Read in the name of your Lord and Cherisher, who created man out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood Read and your Lord is most bountiful; He taught man by the pen. He taught him what he knew not."Such was the dynamism of the revelation that the body of the Prophet vibrated with its transmission. The energy from this transmission caused his body to Shiver and produce beads of perspiration. Allah himself says of’ the power of’ this book. "Had we set this Qur’an upon a mountain, verily you would have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah." (Qur’an, 59:21)
It was no wonder that the Prophet was so overcome by this first and powerful transmission. He ran to his wife Khadeejah and said, "Wrap me up, wrap me up." She wrapped him up until his fear was over. He then related the episode to Khadeejah who comforted him and immediately believed in his call to prophethood. She, afterwards, took him to her cousin, Waraqah Ibn Naufal, who was well-acquainted with the Jewish and Christian scriptures, and immediately recognised him as the Prophet whom the world was expecting.
Significance of the Qur’an
The Qur’an is the book of which Allah says, "We have revealed to you this Book that you may bring forward men by their Lord’s permission, from darkness into light, to the way of the Mighty, the Praised One." (Qur’an, 14:1)
It is this book that revolutionised the thoughts and activities of the early Muslims and guided them on the path of unparalleled success. It is this message that provided the pillars on which modern intellectualism rests. In the very first revelation, the Prophet was commanded to read in the name of the Lord, the Cherisher and the most bountiful who taught man the use of the pen and gave him the knowledge of things. It is this book that advised Muhammad (peace be on him) all Muslims to pray, "O my Lord, increase me in knowledge (Rabbi Zidnil Ilma)."
It is this book that says that those who have no knowledge are not on the same plane as those who have knowledge. That those who don’t utilise their faculties of reason and perception, and who do not exercise their powers of observation and understanding are worse than cattle; that the signs of God are given to those people who have knowledge; that it is by virtue of knowledge that man is the vicegerent of Allah on earth. It directs man to reflect on the various aspects of nature, the creation of the heavens and earth. The alternation of night and day, the season, the sea, the atmosphere, the sun and the moon, the vast expanse of space, the stars and the innumerable laws of nature.
It draws man’s attention to the mysteries of birth and death, growth and decay of people and communities; it considers the beauties of the soul to be greater than those of the physical body. It says that in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for men of understanding; that the men of understanding are those who celebrate the praises of God, standing, sitting, and lying on their sides and who in addition, contemplate on the wonders of creation in the heavens and the earth. It provided Muslims with a new ethics, a new philosophy, and a new approach to life. It channelled the thoughts of Muslims, but never chained or fettered the human intellect.
The Qur’an raised the social position of women and gave them not only a new status in life, but also the dignity of being able to enter Paradise. "Enter Paradise, you and your wives." (Qur’an, 43:70) "Whoever has done the things that are right _ whether male or female – shall enter Paradise." (Qur’an, 4:123)
It eliminated the barrier of race, class and complexion and placed mankind on the common platform of love, peace, toleration and human brotherhood. "Mankind is a single nation" (Qur’an, 2:123) is it’s teaching. It crushed the forces of disunity and disorder. It unified Muslims into a single body and warned the mischief-makers, who opposed or discouraged this unity, of the great calamity to befall them. It encourages Muslims to remember not only themselves but also their fellow-beings. It reminds us of the Oneness of our Creator; at all times Allah is our light. "Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as if there were a niche and within it a lamp enclosed in glass. The glass as it were a brilliant star – lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil is well-nigh luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light." (Qur’an, 23:35)
The Qur’an and Fasting
The Qur’an encourages Muslims to develop self-discipline through such basic principles as fasting. Allah has established a meaningful relationship between fasting in Ramadhan, piety and the guidance he has given through the Qur’an. He says:
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may guard against evil." (Qur’an, 2:183) "the month of Ramadhan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (if right and wrong)… Allah (wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him for having guided…" (Qur’an, 2:185)
Through fasting a Muslim learns to control himself; he develops himself, physically and spiritually, thereby bringing himself to a state of nearness to God. He overcomes his pride, anger and hatred. The physical and spiritual conquest of the self is promoted and harmoniously achieved. Through fasting we regulate or moderate our emotional desires and domesticate them so that they can serve the ends of human life.
Failure to discipline or control man’s animal appetites leads to disorder in the life of the individual as well as of society. Fasting helps us to restrain our desires so that we do not allow ourselves to be over-powered by the emotion of the senses or the appetites. Man’s impotence to control his passions places him in bondage, for a man who is ruled by his passions or is under the control of his passions is not his own master. Uncontrolled passions are the natural enemies of faith, goodness, duty, law and authority.
Through fasting an individual attains spiritual liberation, and overcomes the limitation of matter. He is able to establish an ethical and spiritual relationship with his fellow beings. The moral fibre of himself and of his community is strengthened and dependence upon the Creator is acknowledged. A Muslim cannot find greater fulfilment than when he succeeds in submitting himself to Allah, obeying the commands which his Creator has enjoined upon him, and guiding himself by the message of the Qur’an, Allah’s gift to mankind, first presented in the holy month of Ramadhan. "God has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful message in the form of a Book consistent with itself." (Qur’an, 39:23)
Statistics about the Qur’an
Islamic scholars throughout the ages have carried out researches in all aspects of Allah’s last book of guidance the Qur’an. Right from ascertaining the period and circumstances of revelation of each and every verse of the Book, these seekers of truth have gone to the minutes details and counted even the number of different letters appearing in this unique book – nay the vowel points and dots too. According to their calculations, the Qur’an is composed of a total number of:
321,265 letters
104,652 vowel points and
105,684 dots, making in all
86,430 words (Kalimat)
6,236 verses (Ayat)
558 Sections (Ruku)
114 Chapters (Surahs)
30 Ajzaa and
7 Manazil (stages) to facilitate its recita tion in seven days.
There are 14 Ayatus Sajdah in the Qur’an, including one about which there is a difference of opinion. As soon as one recites these Ayat or one who listens to them, it is incumbent on him to prostrate in praise of Allah.
There are 14 Horouf-Muqatta at (letters of Arabic alphabet like Alif, Lam, Mim), which are prefixed to 29 Surahs of the Qur’an.
Al-Baqarah is the biggest Surah of the Qur’an containing 40 sections and 286 verses.
The smallest Surahs are Al-Asr, Al-Kauthar and An-Nasr, each containing three verses.
According to authentic traditions, the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq were the first verses, and surah Al-Fatihah was the first complete Surah which were revealed to the Prophet (peace be on him). The last complete Surah to be revealed was An-Nasr.
The whole Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) in about 23 years. it was recorded by 40 companions of the Prophet, who are called Kuttah Al-Wahi. The most prominent among them were Abu Bakr Siddiq, Othman Ghani, Ali, Zaid Ibn Thabit and Abdullah Ibn Masood (May Allah be pleased with all of them).
Seven of the male companions of the Prophet are accepted to have memorised the whole of Qur’an. They were Othman, Ali, Obei Ibn Ka’b, Zaid Ibn Thabit, Abdullah Ibn Masood, Abu Darda and abu Musa Al-Ash’ari.
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