quran

The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, regarded by Muslims as the word of God (Allah) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over approximately 23 years, beginning in 610 CE and concluding in 632 CE.

It consists of 114 chapters (surahs) of varying length, divided into verses (ayahs). The original text is in classical Arabic. Some Surahs are Meccan (revealed before migration to Medina) and Medinan (after).

After Muhammad's death, his companions and later caliphs compiled and standardized the text. The canonical codex attributed to Uthman is widely used; variations exist in early manuscripts and in translations.

The Quran is recited in daily prayers by Muslims, with rules of tajweed (proper pronunciation); memorization is highly valued, with many people completing hafiz.

The Quran addresses monotheism, moral guidance, social justice, law, ritual practice, and guidance for personal conduct; it includes narratives of prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad as the final prophet; it emphasizes submission to God's will.

The Quran has had a profound influence on Islamic theology, law (fiqh), philosophy, art, and literature; translations exist but are considered interpretations; Muslims are urged to consult the Arabic text.