How much do you know about the Quran?

You may already be aware that it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, the last messenger of Allah, and that it reflects Allah’s final words to mankind. You probably also know this text is the cornerstone of Islam. The Quran has important points on how Muslims should live, embrace their beliefs and deepen their faith.

Read on for some interesting facts about the Quran that you may not have heard.

1. The Quran and the Bible Have Some Parallels

In the Christian Bible, the angel Gabriel appears several times, most notably to tell the virgin Mary that she is going to become pregnant with Jesus. According to Islamic tradition, Gabriel (or Jibril) brought the Quran to Muhammad, who then gathered it and shared it with the rest of the world.

2. The Quran Has Other Names

Quran means “that which is being read.” In addition to Quran, this holy book goes by other names, including:

3. The Quran Was Revealed Over More Than Two Decades

The Prophet Muhammad was 40 years old when Jibril revealed the first verse of the Quran to him during the holy month of Ramadan. The revelation wasn’t instantaneous, though — it occurred over 23 years, verse by verse.

4. You Must Follow Certain Guidelines to Handle the Quran Properly  

Certain procedures must be followed before even touching the Quran. You must be in a state of wudu beforehand, which means following ritual purification that includes ceremonially washing your body and avoiding certain unclean acts (such as using the restroom) that could make you unclean. If you are not in wudu, you cannot touch or even carry the Quran in a separate container.

5. The Quran Was Made to Be Memorized

Millions of Muslims not only read the Quran word for word but memorize it as well. In fact, it was designed to be memorized and passed down to Muslims generation after generation. By reading the Quran in its entirety, or by memorizing it, Muslims learn the stories of creation and can attain a deeper understanding of the Islamic laws that they are to follow.

6. It Supports What We Know About Science Today  

One of the amazing facts about the Quran is that it describes the world in ways that were not scientifically confirmed at the time — and wouldn’t be for centuries. For example, the Quran includes a reference to the expansion of the universe, which wouldn’t be proven until the 20th century. The Quran also recognizes that living things are comprised primarily of water and that the Earth is protected by the atmosphere.

7. Pronunciation Is Important to the Quran

Because the Quran was meant to be recited, many Muslims also study Tajweed to facilitate their pronunciation of this holy book. Tajweed means “to make better” and refers to pronouncing Arabic terms and timing syllables correctly. Studying Tajweed helps ensure that the Quran is recited properly, without changing the meaning of any of its passages.

8. The Quran Has Been Translated Into More Than 100 Languages

The Quran has been translated into 130 languages; it’s estimated that 800 million copies have been printed. (Before the printing press was invented, every copy was written out by hand.)

9. The Quran Makes Recommendations for Muslims

There are many historical facts in the Quran, but it also includes recommendations about everyday life. For example, it describes milk as the best drink and honey as the best food to eat. It says the best month is Ramadan, the holy month when the Quran was revealed to Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours.

10. You Should Never Appear to Finish the Quran

When a reader finishes the Quran, he or she must begin it anew so that it does not resemble something that has been, or will be, abandoned. Readers may not use saliva to moisten their fingertips in order to turn the pages of the Quran, nor may they use the Quran as a pillow.

Embrace Your Faith With Classes at IQRA  

Do you want to deepen your understanding of Islam and the Quran? IQRA provides the opportunity to learn more Arabic and more about the Quran and Islam itself.

Our interactive video sessions include immediate feedback from a tutor, who will help motivate and support you. Our teaching materials were created by Quran scholars and expert Arabic speakers, and our sessions are available 24/7. To learn more about IQRA classes or to sign up, schedule your free evaluation here.