Introduction to the Holy Quran

• Introduction to the Holy Quran

Definitions of Quran

• "Qara'a" means to read
• Quran means reading or recitation
• Quran is the word of Allah sent to Muhammad through Angel Gabriel
• The Quran contains precise meaning and wording transmitted verbally and in writing
• The Quran is inimitable, unique, and protected from corruption

Revelation of Quran

• The Quran was revealed in sections to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years
• Sections were revealed to address Muslim community problems in Makkah and Madina
• Arabic word "Wahy" (وحي) translated to wahi means revelation
• Revelations are believed to be Allah's words delivered to messengers or prophets
• The Quran is considered a revelation provided to the Islamic prophet Muhammad

Types of Revelation

• There are 3 described methods in which God’s revelation can reach individuals like prophets
• An idea can enter the individual's heart during consciousness or a dream
• A word or message sent from behind a veil
• Revelation is sent from God through angels like Gabriel and is delivered to the prophets
• Allah directly inspired the Prophet without needing an angel
• The inspiration connected directly to the Prophet's heart without voice or senses
• The Prophet was fully aware the idea was from Allah during full consciousness or sleep
• Allah conveyed the message directly to the Prophet, without needing an angel, and with a voice different than human beings
• Allah can convey the message through an angel, who could be unseen with only their voice heard, or seen in human form

Makki Surahs

• Makki Surahs are verses and chapters brought by Jibreel before the Hijrah
• It includes verses revealed in Taa'if or outside of Makka.
• Verses revealed in Arfat, Minah, on the way to Madina, or during Mi'raj are Makki
• These Surahs represent the first stage of the Islamic movement where its foundations were established

Features of Makki Surahs

• During initial presentation to the people of Makkah, they worshiped idols with Allah
• Early revelations taught Allah's unity (Tawheed) and power over all things
• Allah doesn't have parents, offspring, or partners and idols can't bring good or stop evil
• Early verses had the Prophet and followers make Salaah regularly
• The verses clarified the misconception that kuffars of Makkah had where they believed the home-made gods would carry their prayers to Allaah
• Salaah should only be made for and to Allah
• Early verses taught the unseen world and its wonders, mysteries, and horrors
• The verses described Paradise and its pleasures to encourage believers to continue to do good and assure a reward
• The verses described Hell-fire and its torments to encourage believers to avoid evil deeds
• It reassured the believers that those who will do wrong will not escape Allah's punishment
• Early verses presented logical arguments to prove Allah's existence by referencing common creatures from nature
• Historical examples of earlier civilizations like `Aad and the Thamood are often mentioned to warn those who rejected Islam
• Mentioned Allah’s blessings bestowed in the Makki verses, and how people disobeyed
• Described Allah’s punishment for people who denied Him
• Makki verses concentrated on the principles that would build the Emaan of the early Muslims
• The verses spoke of the importance of fearing Allah and being aware of His presence and knowledge of all things
• The verses were filled with advice about being patient, truthful and trustworthy, in order to build the moral spiritual character of the early Muslims
• Makkai Surahs usually had short verses, and a very strong rhythm to catch the attention of listeners who were opposed to Islam

Madani Surahs

• Verses revealed after the Hijrah, outside Medinah, and in Makkah at the time of victory are called Madani Surahs

Features of Madani Revelation

• Madinah became the center of the Islamic movement and the Islamic state formed
• Prophet became the ruler over Muslims of Madinah, as well as Jews and Arab idol-worshipers
• A constitution was created and a system of justice was established
• Verses had social, economical and spiritual laws for the organization and development of the Islamic state
• Zakaah, Fast(Sawm), and Hajj were revealed during this period
• Drinking alcohol, eating swine, and gambling were forbidden
• Madinah had Muslims contact with the Jews for the first time
• The Jews asked the Prophet questions about Allah, earlier Prophets, and the unseen to shake the beliefs of Muslims
• The Jews inquired questions about the origin of the soul
• A few answers to these questions are represented in the Madani verses
• Christian misconceptions about Prophet `Eesa (Jesus) and Allah were clarified in Madani verses
• `Eesa's birth wasn't greater than that of Aadam who had neither father nor mother
• The Madina stage warned Muslims of the dangers Munafiq (hypocrites) and gave advice on how to deal with them
• The right to fight against the enemy was given for the first time in al-Madina
• The right to fight against the enemy was given for the first time in al-Madina
• Muslims were forbidden to fight back during the Makkah period since they were the minority
• A series of battles were fought against disbelief during the Madani stage until Makkah was conquered
• Madani verses taught Islamic principles of war, like how to deal with prisoners and forbade retreat during an attack unless as a trick
• Encouraged Muslims to prepare themselves with the best weapons and battle gear
• Madani verses were usually longer than Makki
• Due to Islam becoming strong, the need to catch the attention of unwilling listeners was no longer there
• The audience was willing to listen to longer verses teaching the vital laws

Difference Between Makki and Madani Surahs

• Surah in which the word كلا (never) appears is Makki
• Every Surah with stories of Adam and Iblis, excluding Surah al-Baqarah is Makki
• The address used in Makki Surahs is yaa ayyuhan naas يا أيها الناس (O people), and in Madani Surahs it is yaa ayuhallaziina aamanuu يا أيها الذين آمنوا (O believers)
• Makki are typically short and brief whereas, Madani are typically long and detailed
• In Makki Surahs, confrontation is mainly against idolaters
• In Madani Surahs, confrontation is mainly against the people of the Book and hypocrites

Transmission of the Quran

• From Allah to Gabriel to Muhammad to the Companions, verbally and written
• Abu Bakr and Uthman were scribes and recorded
• There is an Istanbul copy and a Tashkent copy

Stages of Compilation of Holy Quran

• Compilation during the Prophet's lifetime involved memorization and preservation of each revelation
• Companions were responsible for memorizing and reciting The Quran
• The Prophet instructed his companions to write down the revelations on materials like palm leaves, bones, and parchment
• Writings were collected and kept during the prophet's time
• After his death, the companions came together to compile these writings

The first written compilation

• The first written compilation took place under Abu Bakr to preserve Quranic verses
• Many companions who memorized The Quran died in battles
• The biggest challenge was that The Quran was written on various materials, and the different dialects/recitations
• Abu Bakr appointed Zaid bin Thabit to collect and verify all verses of The Quran
• After two years the committee produced a standardized version name "Mushaf" and it became the official copy

Reason for Compilation of the Quran

• In battle of Yamama 1700 Muslim died approximately 700 huffaz died.
• Hazrat Umar suggested to Hazrat Abu Bakar for all Muslims to collect The Quran

Four methods of the compilation

• He tested its reliability against his own memory
• No written verses was accepted until such time that two trustworthily witnesses testified that the particular verses was written in presence of Prophet
• When someone came with some verses Sayyidna Zaid and Sayyidna Umar used to receive it jointly
• After that these verses in writing were collected with collection that different companions had prepaid for themselves