About the Book:
The Qur’an is the religious text of Islam described within as a book of guidance for mankind. Muslims view it as the culmination of divine messages and the liteal word of God (Allah) as orally revealed to the prophet Mohammad through the angel Gabriel.
Islamic tradition says the first revelation happened in 609 CE in the Cave or Hira during one of Muhammad’s isolated retreats to the mountains. He continued to receive revelations until his death in 632 CE. The Qur’an is considered of proof of Muhammad’s prophethood and his most important miracle.
Muhammad himself didn’t know how to write, but his companions served as scribes and memorized large chunks of Muhammad’s revelations. After his death, his companions compiled it and a standard version was established by Uthman. It assumes some familiarity with events already recounted in other scriptures, such as the Bible, and presents some alternative accounts and interpretations of some events.
During prayer, the Qur’an is recited only in Arabic and in the month of Ramadan, Muslims typically recite the Qur’an in its entirety. It has been a tradition that children memorize the more than 6200 verses. Those who succeed are given the title of Hafiz.
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