© 2005 Preliminary Course: Islam. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial class room use only.

The Qur'an (Koran)

As the word of God the Qur'an embodies the same authority for every Muslim, whether Sunni or Shi'a

and makes Islam 'the religion of the book'Sacred Writings of World Religions, page 115

The Qur'an is the written record of the revelation of Allah through the angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime - he received these divine revelations over a period of twenty-three years.

© 2005 Preliminary Course: Islam. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial class room use only.

The Qur'an:

is revered by Muslims

is considered to be written without error

cannot be questioned

The principle affirmation of the Qur'an, which underlies all of the suras (chapters), is:

Allah is one

only Allah is to be worshipped

Allah is:

the God of judgement

trustworthy and forgiving

Compassionate

merciful

© 2005 Preliminary Course: Islam. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial class room use only.

© 2005 Preliminary Course: Islam. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial class room use only.

The Qur'an consists of 114 suras (chapters)

Suras vary considerably in the length of verses.

e.g.the longest sura is Al-Baquarah consisting of 286 versesthe shortest is Alkawthar consisting of 3 verses.

In total the Qur'an has 6,666 verses.

© 2005 Preliminary Course: Islam. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial class room use only.

the reality and attributes of God

the spiritual world

God's purpose for mankind

man's relationship and responsibility to Allah

the coming of the Day of Judgement

life hereafter

The Qur'an speaks in a powerful, moving language about:

© 2005 Preliminary Course: Islam. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial class room use only.

rules for living

stories of earlier prophets and their communities

vital insights and understandings concerning the meaning of existence and human life

of the ritualistic aspects of Islam e.g. Zakah, fasting and the Hajj

of the moral and ethical codes

of criminal laws

of social, economic and state policies

The Qur'an contains:

The Qur'an gives an outline:

© 2005 Preliminary Course: Islam. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial class room use only.

From the Qur'an, Muslims derive the inspiration and impetus for their daily

lives.

For example:

passages of the Qur'an are recited during each of the five daily prayers

it is regarded as a book of guidance for daily living