The Qur'an (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))

Qur'an: Revelation

The Revelation of the Qur’an

• Muhammad (pbuh) spent a lot of his time in prayer and meditation. On one of these occasions, he received the first revelation of the Qur’an from Allah

• Muslims know this as the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr)

• Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the word of God, which was revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) via the angel Jibril

• The angel commanded him to recite the words before him.

• Muhammad (pbuh) had never been taught to read or write but he was able to recite the words.

• In this way, Allah’s message continued to be revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) over the next 23 years

• The name Qur’an means ‘the Recital’, as Muhammad (pbuh) recited by heart each revelation that he received, and passed it on to his followers

• Muhammad (pbuh) then recited the message to his people

• His followers memorised them and scribes wrote them down

• Apart from the ninth surah, each chapter begins with the words ‘In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful ’.

• Abu Bakar the successor to Muhammad (pbuh) was commissioned to make an official copy

• The Qur’an is a mixture of historical accounts and how to follow Allah

  • There are 114 surahs (chapters)

  • Each is made up of ayahs (verses)

  • The surahs are in order of length with the longest first and shortest last

• Muslim Children are encouraged to learn Arabic so they can read the Qur’an in its original language

• Qur’anic recitation is highly valued as Muslims believe that it brings blessings

  • Those who are able to recite the whole Qur’an from memory are given the title ‘hafiz’

• The Qur’an is read during public and private prayers

Qur'an: Authority

The Authority of the Qur’an

• Similar to the Christian Bible, the Qur’an contains a mixture of historical accounts and advice on how to follow God

• It is believed to be an infallible source of authority for all matters of doctrine, practice and law

• The first four books were given to the Jews and the Christians, which is why the followers of these faiths are also known as ‘people of the book’ (Ahl al-Kitab)

• The Torah, Psalms and Gospel are also holy books, which are mentioned in the Qur’an but they are believed to contain some errors

• The Qur’an, on the other hand, is considered to be an exact record of kalam, which is for all people, not just one group as previously

‘We sent to you the scripture with the truth, confirming the scriptures that came before it and with final authority over them’ (Qur’an 5: 48)

• The Qur’an allows Muslims to know Allah

• Muslims need holy books to guide them through their lives:

  • They help to explain the power and beneficence of God

  • The Qur’an is seen as proof of Muhammad’s (pbuh) prophethood

  • They help Muslims to understand the history of God’s followers

• Sunni Muslims believe the word of God (which is written in the holy books) is eternal (has always existed) whereas Shi’a Muslims believe that it came into existence when God created the world

• The Qur’an contains the foundation of every believer’s faith and is the most sacred text of Islam and is therefore treated with the utmost respect:

  • The Qur’an is often decorated ornately inside and out

  • It is often wrapped up to keep it clean

  • It is usually placed on a higher shelf than other books

  • Muslims will wash their hands before handling it

  • It is placed on a special stand before being read