Belief in God's revealed books is one of the six articles of faith, and Muslims regard the Qur'an as the last of these books. It was revealed to Muhammad ﷺ, the last of the prophets in Islam, and passages from it are recited in every daily prayer, one of the five pillars of Islam. This guide explains what the word Qur'an means, how the book is organised, how it was revealed, its main themes, and how to start reading it.
What Does the Word Qur'an Mean?
The word Qur'an comes from an Arabic root meaning to read or to recite, so it is usually translated as “the recitation”. The name reflects how Muslims use the book: it is read aloud, recited in prayer and memorised, as well as studied for its meaning.
Structure of the Qur'an
The Qur'an is not arranged like a conventional book that tells one story from start to finish. Knowing its structure makes it easier to find your way around.
| Part | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chapters (surahs) | 114 surahs, arranged roughly from longest to shortest rather than in the order they were revealed. |
| Verses (ayat) | Over 6,200 verses, covering belief, worship, law, stories, ethics and spirituality. |
| Parts (juz') | 30 parts of roughly equal length, which helps many Muslims read the whole Qur'an over a month. |
| Revelation period | About 23 years: around 13 in Makkah, where many passages focus on faith, and around 10 in Madinah, where more passages deal with law and community life. |
How the Qur'an Was Revealed
Muslims believe the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) over about 23 years.
- First revelationThe first passage revealed was the opening of Surah Al-Alaq (Qur'an 96:1-5), which begins with the word iqra, meaning “read” or “recite”. It came to the Prophet ﷺ in the Cave of Hira.
- Gradual revelationVerses were revealed over time, often in response to events and questions in the early Muslim community.
- PreservationThe Prophet's companions memorised the verses and wrote them down. Muslims regard the Qur'an as passed down by large numbers of people in every generation, both by memory and in writing, a form of transmission called tawatur, and believe its text has been preserved unchanged.
Major Themes of the Qur'an
The Qur'an covers many topics, and its themes keep returning to its central message of tawhid, the oneness of God.
- Tawhid: The oneness of God, the central message of the Qur'an
- Prophethood: Accounts of earlier prophets, told as lessons and warnings
- The afterlife: The Day of Judgement, Paradise and Hell
- Justice and ethics: Fairness, charity, honesty and protecting the vulnerable
- Creation and signs: Invitations to reflect on the natural world as signs of God
- Law: Guidance on family life, money, food and society
Many of the 99 names of Allah, such as Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful), appear in the Qur'an.
Tafsir: Understanding the Qur'an
Tafsir means explaining the Qur'an. Scholars who write tafsir draw on the Arabic language, other verses, hadith (reports of what the Prophet ﷺ said and did) and history. These are some well-known works:
| Scholar | Approach | About the work |
|---|---|---|
| Ibn Kathir | Explanation through transmitted reports (tafsir bil-ma'thur) | Explains verses using other verses, hadith and reports from the companions. One of the most widely read classical tafsirs. |
| Al-Qurtubi | Focus on law | Draws out legal points from the verses. Widely used by students of Islamic law. |
| Al-Tabari | Comprehensive | A very large early work that records many opinions from the first generations of scholars. |
| Ibn Ashur | Language and context | A 20th-century tafsir that combines classical Arabic analysis with attention to modern context. |
How to Start Reading the Qur'an
Whether you are Muslim or simply curious, these steps can help you start.
- Start with a translation: Use a widely used English translation, such as those by Abdel Haleem or Sahih International
- Read a tafsir alongside: Background and context help you understand what you read
- Begin with shorter surahs: Surahs such as Al-Fatihah, Ar-Rahman and Al-Mulk are common starting points
- Set a daily portion: Even one page a day builds a steady habit
- Listen to recitation: The Qur'an is recited aloud, and listening to a reciter such as Mishary Alafasy can help
Qur'an FAQ
What is the Qur'an?
The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam. Muslims believe it is the word of Allah, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the angel Jibreel over about 23 years. It is written in Arabic, recited in every daily prayer and read for guidance on belief, worship and daily life. Translations help readers understand its meaning.
What does the word Qur'an mean?
Qur'an is an Arabic word usually translated as “the recitation”. It comes from a root meaning to read or to recite. The name fits the way Muslims use the book: it is recited aloud in prayer, memorised by many Muslims, and read regularly at home and in the mosque.
How many surahs and verses are in the Qur'an?
The Qur'an has 114 surahs (chapters) and over 6,200 verses (ayat). The surahs are arranged roughly from longest to shortest, not in the order they were revealed. The Qur'an is also divided into 30 parts of roughly equal length, called juz', which helps many Muslims read the whole book over a month.
How was the Qur'an revealed?
Muslims believe the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the angel Jibreel over about 23 years, around 13 in Makkah and 10 in Madinah. The first verses revealed were the opening of Surah Al-Alaq (Qur'an 96:1-5). Verses came gradually, often in response to events, and the companions memorised and wrote them down.
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This page is a general guide. For your own situation, please consult a qualified scholar.
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