Download the entire Book in PDF format:

Encyclopedic Facts about The Holy Quran

Seven wonders of the Quran.

  1. There is no doubt that over one thousand four hundred years is indeed a very long time. In this period, how many regimes and leaders have come and gone. How many dynasties have appeared and died and were never to rise again. Numerous thoughts, ideas and philosophies also appeared and died. And like a mirage one sees on the desert, it has disappeared into thin air never to be seen again.

 

Yet, in spite of all of this, the Quran has continued to exist. Even though Muslims have gone through different phases in their history, yet, the message of the Quran has remained unchanged.

 

The message of the Quran is still on earth and the light of Quran is still seen in every part of the globe. At the same time, the miracle of the Quran is such that even though Muslims have suffered in certain periods from untold oppression, yet the Holy Book of the Muslims has still remained unchanged.

 

  1. Over the years, the Quran has also been able to display the right path from the misled path and this has not changed. Many man made ideas and thoughts have appeared which suffered from both extremes yet, the Quran is the same set of rules which has continued over all of this period. One of the set of extreme beliefs is where a person completely severs himself from all wordily activities and goes into the wild and this has become synonymous with the state of Monks. This is also a path which very few people can actually travel on. Even if there are certain people who walk this path, they do not stay very long on this path.

 

As for those who feel that they cannot walk on this path, they adopt the other extreme. In other words, they immerse themselves so deeply into wordily activities and pastimes, that they begin to disbelieve in the existence of a Divine Creator. In history, we will find many people of this nature. They are worshippers of anything material, they worship their carnal desires and they worship their world leaders.

 

  1. The Quran is a Book which completely negates the worship of material objects. When a person begins to worship these things, then besides the acquisition of wealth, power and property, he has no other objective in his life. In other words, a person is not prepared to sacrifice his comfort for the comfort of another human being. His mission is to make sure that he is comfortable first and he does not care about the comfort or discomfort of another human being.

 

However, when one starts to read the Quran from the very first verses which appear, a person realizes that he cannot be someone who worships material things. The first lesson he is given is how to worship the Almighty who is the Lord of the universes. When he looks at the Divine Grace and Kindness which is mentioned in these verses, he begins to learn that he should certainly seek the Divine Help of the Almighty in his actions and deeds. The Quran teaches him to realise that the Almighty is certainly the Master of the day of Judgement and that he should continue to look at what results his actions in this world would achieve on the day of Judgement.

 

A person is taught to make dua that he remains on the right path and protect himself from the misled path. The Quran opens the door of guidance to those people who are not worshippers of material objects but to those who sincerely believe in the knowledge of the unseen. It then teaches the person about ibaadah and the evil of nifaaq. Both of these things eliminate within a person love for all material things.

 

  1. The Quran also teaches us how to use material things for the benefit of Islam and how to keep material things under control so that it does not destroy a person. It teaches a person how to use these material objects while at the same time, how to increase the ibaadah of the Almighty.

 

This is the sensitive position that a human should bear in mind when it comes to him realizing his position on this earth. He should know how to use this world and everything in this world in a proper manner and at the same time, be able to give thanks to the Almighty so that he can remain within the boundaries of an obedient slave. It is based on these principles, that the Quran has reached us through the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him. When a person sees what is happening in the world today, certainly, if he is honest, he will genuinely conclude that the only path to salvation in both worlds is through the Divine Words of the Quran.

 

  1. The Quran is not merely a book of philosophy or a book of classical Arabic. It is book which gives practical lessons and solutions. And the head of this is the blessed personality of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him.

 

The Quran is a not a set a rules based on mere ideas and thoughts with the hope of creating an Utopia but it is a book whose objective is to create an ideal human being. It also wishes to prove to the world that this same human can be someone who can safeguard creation and make this world a better place.

 

The perfect example given to man to follow is the blessed example of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him. Muslims have been made to follow him because in the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him mankind has the best of examples to follow. At the same time, by creating a perfect society in his era, the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him showed mankind the manner of recreating a society of pious humans in their respective generations.

 

All the rules and laws which is displayed in the Quran was exemplified by the example of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him and those who were in his blessed generation. Hence, the greatest evidence and testimony of the truth of the Quran is the example of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him and the example of those who lived with him in his era. Those who have moved away from this perfect of examples have also moved away from perfect guidance and have also moved away from method of creating an ideal society.

 

  1. The Quran also advises the Muslims that when they make dua, they should not only ask for good in this world, but also for good in the hereafter. And this has been the key to the success of Islam and Muslims over many generations. As for those who have asked for only the good in this world, they will achieve nothing in the hereafter. In this manner also, the Quran is creating an individual who understands that whatever he does in this world, he will have to answer for his actions in the hereafter. There is no better method of creating a conscious person than the manner in which the Quran has created an individual.

 

  1. At the same time, side by side with religious laws, the Quran also teaches a Muslim how to be a good boss and how to be a good worker. Unlike other laws which has taught man how to hoard and be miserly in his worldly activities, the Quran has taught man that if he does transact in his business world in the proper manner, his business would also become an ibaadah. When he lives like a proper Muslim businessman, he would understand the rights of his workers, the rights of those whom he does business with, the rights of those whom he sells to, the rights of what he sells etc. In this manner, the person becomes a consciousness Muslim and understands that he has to answer to the Almighty for all of his actions.

 

In like manner, when he lives his life as husband or she lives her life as a wife, they have to understand their roles and responsibilities. In other words, when a person wishes to beauty his or her life in this world, they should learn and understand the manner in which Islam has taught them to do so. In this manner, they would not be robbing others of their rights as well. In like manner, when a person wishes to defend himself, this method has also be taught to him.

 

Islam have never condoned the act of murder, it has never allowed mass murder. It has never sanctioned the wanton killing of innocent people as the latter day kaafirs in the guise of suicide bombers are doing all around the world. From the beginning when Muslims were not allowed to even burn or destroy objects such as trees and crops, how can it ever allow the murder of innocent people?

 

Hadith 39.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him has stated that, “A person who recites ten verses of the Quran in any night, on that night he would not be included among those who oblivious (of the truth).” (Imam Hakim).

 

When a person merely recites ten verses and is rewarded in such an immense manner, imagine the Divine Grace of the Almighty on His creation.

 

The Quran is the eternal Word of Allah.

Bear in mind that all other revealed books were just that. In other words, they were books while the Quran are the Divine Words of the Almighty and the Divine Book of the Almighty. Hence, falsehood and truth cannot be joined in one book. There can be no change in the Quran. Therefore, if one considers these Words as creation, it would mean that changes are possible in this Book which is totally against the teachings of Islam. Therefore, a person is not allowed to call or consider the Quran as a creation. It does not fall under the category of creation which will one day cease to exist. It is to be considered as the greatest of Tabarruk and while all other Tabarruk are creation of the Almighty, the Quran is something which comes directly from Him.

 

However, unlike other relics which had a beginning, the Quran is something which did have this because it is the Divine Words of the Almighty. If one admits that the Quran is something which did not exist from the beginning, then he would have to admit that the Quran is creation and that is Haraam. Bear in mind that when we speak of words we refer to it as something which emanates from someone and not something which is created by someone.

 

Hadith 40.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him has stated that, “A person who is regular in the five salah, he is not recorded among the neglectful. A person who recites a hundred verses in any night, on that night he is recorded among the Qaaniteen.” (Ibn Khuzaymah, Imam Hakim).

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri May Allah have mercy upon him has stated that, “A person who recites a hundred verses of the Quran at night, he will safeguard himself from those who are called to account by the Quran. And he who recites two hundred verses, he will be recorded among those who spent the entire night in ibaadah. And he who recites five hundred or a thousand verses (in one night) for him there is one Qintaar. When the blessed companions asked what Qintaar was, he replied, “It is equal to twelve thousand (dirhams or dinaars).” In other words, it is like a person who has spent so much in charity or so much in the path of Allah.

 

Piety and the Quran.

  1. One of the greatest causes for destabilising a nation and a community is the consumption of alcohol. However, many so called experts in the West at the beginning were saying that one of the greatest methods of eliminating weakness and assisting digestion was through the intake of a little alcohol. However, this was soon forgotten by the West even though immense intake of alcohol was the norm of the day. This proves that alcohol is the root of all evil and this has been clearly mentioned in the Quran.

 

  1. Later on, many medical experts proved beyond a shadow of doubt that it seriously damages the internal organs of the body and creates immense weakness.

 

  1. In fact, merely to make sure that soldiers do not suffer from physical and internal weakness, from as early as the first world war, people were requested not to consume alcohol. This was first declared by king George and Russia also followed suit. This was also banned in the US during the probation. Numerous experts have proven that it destroys the behaviour of someone and is also one of the greatest reasons for poverty and destitution. Even legal experts have admitted that one of the greatest reasons for murder, adultery, robbery etc. is that most of these crimes are committed by someone who is drunk. In fact, even some Hindus and Chinese place alcohol in front of the idols as an offering!

 

The Quran is that Divine Guidance which has referred to alcohol as the ‘work of the devil and the mother of all evils.’ This again proves that one of the greatest means of achieving social harmony and stability is through following the Quran. One of the ways in which the Quran has stopped adultery is by merely stating that one should not approach adultery. If you do not approach, you do not commit.

It also advises a person that when you walk on the path of adultery to the house of another, it means that there are also others who can walk towards your house on this path which you have created. It is a great tragedy that even the people in the US or UK do not commit such excesses on new years eve as Muslims commit when they arrive in the West and they feel that they are now free to do what they want. Thousands of Muslim parents have certainly regretted going to the West and many of them continue to regret but sadly, the hunger for wealth and property still keeps them in these countries.

 

Hadith 41.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that Jibraeel Ameen informed the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him that much fitnah would appear and when the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him inquired as to how this could be eliminated or curtailed, he replied that it was through the Quran.” (Ar Rahman Al Muhtadah).

 

From this, we come to realise that one of the greatest methods of protecting oneself from evil deeds is through practising on the Quran and through the barakah of reciting the Quran. We have already mentioned in the previous pages that in that house in which the Quran is recited, in that house “sakeenah” and Divine Grace also descends.

 

The satan also runs away from that house. Among the fitnah which is indicated to in this hadith shareef is the appearance of the Dajjal and various other forces which appeared to destroy the message of Islam. Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali May Allah have mercy upon him also narrates that once Nabi Yahya peace be upon him also commanded his people to the continue reciting the Divine Book of the Almighty because whoever does this, it is like he has entered the protective confines of a fort.

 

And at the same time, if there were enemies who wanted to attack them, they would be protected by the blessing of the Divine Book of Allah. There is no doubt that the Quran is a book of truth and truth is something which creates salvation and lies creates destruction. Therefore, a person who holds firm to the Quran is someone who is always protected and saved from any harm.

 

The Quran and truth.

 

The various definitions and meanings of what is truth.

  1. The practise and knowledge of a person should be the same.
  2. The heart and tongue should be one.
  3. The inner and outer action of a person should be one.
  4. When a person refrains from the path of destruction, this is also classified as truth.
  5. It is to refrain from committing an action in which there is a slight doubt in its truthfulness.

 

Truth is also one of the Divine Attributes of the Almighty. In Surah Ale Imran, the Quran declares that the Almighty has indeed spoken the truth. This is also one of the attributes which have been related to the Almighty and His beloved Prophet peace and salutations be upon him.

 

In Surah Al Ahzab, the Quran declares that, ‘the Almighty and His Prophet has spoken the truth.’ The same word has been used to describe the behaviour of Sayyidah Maryam May Allah have mercy upon her when she saw the Divine Signs of Allah. The Quran describes her words which were, “She thought of the Divine Words of the Almighty as the truth”.

 

Another important facet of truth which has been described by the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him and which is narrated by Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud May Allah have mercy upon him is as follows. This has been recorded in the Bukhari, the Muslim and the Mu’atta.

 

The Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him has stated that, “The truth reveals the path of piety and piety reveals the path to Jannah. A person continues to speak the truth and makes it a habit (of speaking the truth) until in the Divine Court of the Almighty, he is recorded as being among the truthful. Lies is something which reveals the path to sin and sin is something which reveals the path to the fire of hell. A person continues to speak lies and also makes it a habit of speaking lies until in the Divine Court of the Almighty, his (name) is recorded as being among the liars.”

 

In the Sunan Nisaa’i shareef it is recorded that once Abul Hourah once asked Imam Hasan May Allah have mercy upon him about what he was taught by the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him and he replied that it was (about the importance of) truth.

 

The Quran also advises the Muslims that they should be with those who are truthful. According to Arabic grammar, the subjective sense of the word “Sidq” appears in different ways and it also indicates to the different stages in its implication. It is said to be “Saadiq, Suduq and Siddiq”. The last stage which is that of a Siddiq has been mentioned a few times in the Quran.  This has also being referred to as being a quality of a Prophet and other special servants of Allah. Nabi Ebrahim peace be upon him and been also given this title in the Quran. The same with Nabi Yusuf peace be upon him. The blessed mother of Nabi Esa peace be upon has also been described as a Siddiqah.

 

In Surah Hadeed, the eminent Muslims among the Muslim ummah have also been referred as the Siddiqeen.

 

There is no doubt that the amount of non Muslims who have praised the Quran and the message of the Quran is too numerous to present. However, we wish to ask the Muslim ummah the following questions:

 

Is the Quran recited regularly in your house?

How many adults or people who have reached maturity in your house recite the Quran daily?

How many children in your house read the Quran?

Do you make the effort to explain to your children the different stories and lesson which appear in the Quran?

Are the various laws which are presented in the Quran, are these things explained and discussed in your house?

How much of the Quran have the people in your house memorized?

Is there someone in your house who can explain and translate various verses from the Quran?

Are there certain books in your house which can aid in understanding the Quran? These would be books of Tafseer, Ahadith etc.

Are these books merely placed on your book shelf as a decoration or are they actually studied and discussed.?

Are there males and females in your house who attend classes which explain the Quran.

These are indeed questions that the Muslim ummah should be asking regularly. If most of these questions have been answered negatively, then indeed, we should blame no one else for our problems and troubles.

 

The opinion of the eminent in regard to the Quran.

*Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali May Allah have mercy upon him has mentioned that, “If I so wish, I can fill seventy camels with (the load) of the tafseer of Surah Fatiha”. (Al Atqaan).

 

*Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas May Allah have mercy upon him states, “Everything is to be found in the Quran. If anything is lost through the Quran, it will never ever be found.” He has also mentioned, “If the string of my camel is lost, I will find it through the Quran.” (Tafseer Saawi).

 

*Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud May Allah have mercy upon him states, “That person who intends to achieve knowledge, should study the Quran. In it, the news of the past and present is to be found.” (Al Atqaan).

 

*Imam Khazin May Allah have mercy upon him has stated that, “There is no doubt that the Quran contains and encompasses every condition and state.” (Tafseer Khazin).

 

*Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Jalaaludeen Suyutwi May Allah have mercy upon him explains that, “The Quran contains seventy thousand four hundred fifty branches of knowledge. This is known by multiplying the letters of the Quran by four. The reason is that for every branch of knowledge, there are four parameters. An inner meaning, an outer meaning, a term (or definition) and a sense of perception or understanding that branch of knowledge. (Al Atqaan).

 

*Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdul Wahab She’rani May Allah have mercy upon him has stated that, “If the lock is removed from your hearts (by the Divine Grace of the Almighty), then you will become aware of all the knowledge which is in the Quran. In this manner, you will leave everything else. The Quran contains all those things which are defined in it and the Almighty has also mentioned that “nothing has been left out in the Quran”. (Tabqaat Kubra).

 

*Hadrat Imam Sulayman Jamal May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that, “The Almighty has revealed all the past and present knowledge in the Quran. By the Lawh Mahfuz is meant the Quran. Is this in its common sense? Some of the Aimmah have mentioned that yes and that every aspect of knowledge is found in the Quran whether this is sometimes open and clear and sometimes a mere indication is made. Another group of Ulama have mentioned that everything is found within the Quran which is required by those who follow and abide by it.” (Futuhaat Ilaahiyah).

 

As for those who turn away from this and decide to run after the wealth of the world, then this is a great shame on these people.

 

How the Quran is safeguarded according to certain Western scholars.

As the Almighty is unique in His Divine Being, in like manner, the Quran is a book which is unique and is completely free of any defect or mistakes. This is unlike other revealed books. Like the Zabur is contains Divine Praises, like the Injeel, it is full of examples and like the Taurah a key to shariah. In fact, like the book which came to Daaniyal, it contains the news of everything. The Quran is certainly a miracle of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him which silenced those who questioned it in every aspect of knowledge.

 

In fact, it is a complete set of rules and regulations for every aspect of ones life. This greatness is certainly not found in any other book. Various others books of the past could not stand the test of time and because of the people to whom it came, major alterations and changes took place.

 

In fact, the majority of non Muslim scholars have had no other option but to accept the truth of the Quran. We will present a few examples of the statements which they made in this regard.

 

  1. Its protection is in its memorization.

The Quran has taught about cleanliness, about purity and how to live a clean life. If this is followed, all filth and germs would disappear.” A German scholar named Aikem Bulf.

 

  1. A clear and open truth.

It is my opinion that the Quran contains a message of humility and every aspect of truth and this is an open and transparent fact and if there is anything good which can be created by this, then it can only be created (by the Quran). (Carl Lyle).

 

  1. A book which refutes all evils of materialism.

The Quran certainly eliminates all forms of idol worship. It destroys materialism and shirk. It establishes worship for the Almighty. It opposes infanticide and bans the mother of all evil, namely alcohol. It places such severe punishment on crimes like stealing, gambling, adultery and murder that a person would think twice before committing such crimes or he may not even have the courage to perform such crimes. (Reverent Edwill).

 

  1. It is free of all defects.

The immense status and greatness which is spoken about the Quran is plain for everyone to see. One of its greatest traits is that it does not destroy the rights of a human being. At the same time it is free from all defects, evil thoughts and useless examples. This is very common in the Jewish books. There is no doubt that the Quran is free of all of these things. Not even the slightest accusation can be made against the Quran even if one reads it from the beginning to the end.

 

  1. It is treasure.

We will have to admit that the lessons given in the Quran about the Divine Oneness of the Almighty, His Divine Power, Divine Truth about the existence of paradise and various aspects of the universe, is something which can never be over praised. It is filled with lessons on how to lead a noble life and when we look at the various points and advises which are found in the Quran, certainly a very powerful and strong kingdom can be set up. (The Quran. page 115).

 

  1. A system second to none.

It is my opinion that if I am able to gather all the intelligent people and all those who have common sense and couple them with the teaching of the Quran, I will be able to establish a system second to none. There is no doubt that this is the only teaching which can achieve happiness for mankind and be able to guide and enlighten him. (Napoleon).

 

  1. A power which can conquer and subdue.

There is no doubt that the Quran which is based on the oldest form of Arabic is one of the most beautiful books in the world and it is a combination of some of the most noble of thoughts and ideas. Its style is very comprehensive and enjoyable. Some of its smallest verses are words which completely make the greatest poet speechless and takes him into a state of shock. It is certainly a book which can overpower and subdue. Such is its power and control. To translate this into another language is certainly a very difficult task.”

 

  1. A most widely read book.

There is no book in the world which is so widely read as the Quran. Yes, the Bible maybe at times be the most widely sold book, yet, it certainly cannot match the Quran in readership. The Muslims read the Quran five times a day. Unlike the Bible which is read by the majority of Christians only on Sunday. Another important fact is that it is read by Muslims all over the world. Wherever Muslims are found, prayers are performed by them, hence, the Quran is recited.

  1. A book greater than other revealed books.

There is no doubt that this book is far greater in status than the other revealed books. We can say that the book which was prepared for the guidance of man from the very beginning is indeed the Quran. Its message of guidance and salvation is unmatched and certainly superior to any Greek material. Every word and letter is immersed in Divine Praise. For the Ulama, it is a treasure in linguistics, for the poet a pinnacle of presentation and for those in control of government, a treasure trove of knowledge. (A French scholar).

 

  1. A guide in both worlds.

When the Muslims study the Quran and Hadith carefully, they will find a solution for all of their wordily and religious needs. (Akhbaarul Waten – Egypt.  A Christian columnist).

 

  1. A book to revive the world.

The Quran is filled with words of guidance and intelligence. It also revitalised mankind and that person who has studied this book carefully understands that this is a complete set of laws. There is no department in life in which a person cannot be guided by the Quran. It is my opinion that if one practises upon its teachings, there is no reason to think that one cannot be guided in all his worldly and spiritual needs. (A non Muslim lecturer on Islam).

 

  1. A miracle without an answer.

The Quran is revealed in the most eloquent and exquisite language possible. This book also testifies to the fact that no human can bring something like this. This is a miracle which has no end and can even bring a dead person to life. (Doctor Seal).

 

  1. A complete spiritual guide.

The Quran is such a complete and spiritual message that no book from the Hindu or Christian religion can compete with it. (A Hindu scholar).

 

  1. A book which teaches immense morality

It is book which teaches immense and the highest of morality. It also teaches man the principles of existence. (Stanley Lane).

 

  1. A complete guide to social problems.

The Quran is not only a guide to religious matters but a guide to social and moral issues which can prove extremely beneficial to mankind.

 

  1. A guide to democracy.

The Quran is a combination of social guidance, good manners and therefore a complete set of laws. This can be placed as a foundation for any great democracy. It is a book which presents guidelines on education, justice, matters of defence, financial guidelines etc.

 

  1. A book of power.

The points of guidance in this book is such that through this book,  a powerful community and a victorious government can be based. In its guidelines, those principles are found which is the foundation of power and influence.

 

  1. A spiritual salvation and book of human rights.

It is a book which explains the running of an empire and how to interact with various subjects. It shows us spiritual salvation, human rights, guidelines to good and bad behaviour etc.

 

  1. A book which is in accordance to human nature.

I have studied the teachings of the Quran and I have no doubt that the Quran is indeed a book which has been Divinely revealed. One of the greatest qualities of this book is that it appeals to human nature and make up. (Gandhi).

 

  1. A book of truth.

That time is not far when the Quran through its truth and spiritual power will be able to attract the entire world to its message. That time is also not far when the Quran will also overcome the Hindu religion and very soon, it will be this single religion which will be the guide to the masses in the Indian sub continent.

 

  1. A Book of immense effect.

When the enemies of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him used to listen to the Quran, they used to fall down in prostration and immediately accept the religion of Islam. (A German philosopher).

 

  1. A Book which calls towards Tauheed.

This is a book which breaks the shackles of idol worship through its amazing message and turn people towards the worship of One Creator.

 

  1. A book which creates universal peace.

If the message of the Quran disappears from the world, then peace and stability would not be found on earth at the same time, peace and stability would cease to exist on earth.

 

  1. The most powerful religion

Everything is to be found in the Quran which is to be naturally found in a major religion. (Stanley Lane).

 

  1. A book which teaches brotherhood.

The Quran has fastened people with the spirit of brotherhood and this is not reliant on tribe or language.

 

  1. A message of peace.

The religion of Islam is based on peace and safety for all.

 

  1. A miracle forever.

It was the claim of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him that this Quran is a miracle and I am also of the opinion that this is indeed a living miracle.

 

  1. A friend of the poor.

The Quran is a friend and supporter of the poor. And it is also a warning to those who are rich and oppressive.

 

  1. The best teacher.

It has the best of education and is something which is imprinted in the minds of people.

 

  1. Something which appeals to intellect and wisdom.

The laws and guidance of the Quran is so in keeping with ones intellect and wisdom that if a person looks at it fairly, then indeed he would be able to live a very clean and healthy life. Islamic Shariah is a combination of the best of laws. It is my opinion that every message of the Quran is based on truth and this is certainly the first and the last book of beautiful guidance. In fact, every type of amazing quality is only found in this book. (Carlyle).

 

  1. A book for the future of mankind.

The Quran teaches the non Muslim manners and guidance. And it is through this that the world can be a better place and certainly Islam is a religion of the future.

 

  1. A Book which contains an amazing message.

There is no doubt that the Holy Prophet of Islam May Allah have mercy upon him was someone who was not able to read and write and the various faculties of knowledge which people speak about, in that regard also, he is not considered a great scholar. In fact people have continued to speak about him as an Ummi. However, his followers continue to believe that this miracle of the Quran is a living miracle and will continue to remain a miracle. It is through this also that one has to accept his claim of Prophet hood and his message through Prophet hood because there is no doubt that this book is indeed an amazing miracle

 

  1. A book which gave birth to true wisdom.

Through the knowledge of the Quran, true philosophy and wisdom came into being. It also created certainty in the knowledge of Tauheed, the institution of Prophet hood and belief in the existence of the Almighty and the hereafter. Both of these are the very foundations of Islamic belief.

 

  1. A summery of Divine Revelation.

The Quran is a book which guides people in their manners, their livelihood and their daily living. This is the reason that it is far superior to the Christian religion because the laws in Islam are certainly not separate from its actual teachings.

 

  1. A book of amazing subjects.

The words of the Quran are exquisite, eloquent and clear and the various subjects are indeed clear and transparent. It looks like someone in Great Power is giving advice.

 

  1. A book which boosts the intellect.

The Quran is a book which re-livens the intellect and also revitalises knowledge.

 

  1. A destroyer of evil.

The Quran condemns oppression, back biting, greed, wasteful expenditure (in all forms), haraam earning, deceit and thinking evil and this is one of its greatest quality.

 

  1. It is a book which is beyond doubt.

The Quran is able to re-liven the heart and create such immense belief that after this, there is no place for doubt.

 

  1. Its message is simple to understand.

The objective of the Quran is so suitable to its time and so simple in its message that the world can easily understand its message.

 

  1. A blessed language.

Through the Quran, the Arabic language became the most blessed language in the Muslim world. In fact, it became greater and more eminent than some of the Western powers.

 

  1. It creates universal brotherhood.

Unlike the Hindu religion, the message of the Quran does not appeal to only one part of the community and it does not allow only one family or tribe to gain eminence over others.

 

  1. It revitalized human behaviour.

The Quran was able to create a powerful system based on good manners and decorum.

 

  1. Its amazing style.

The manner in which the Quran is presented and recorded is quiet amazing. It is brief and yet comprehensive and the Zikr of the Almighty is presented in a very beautiful manner.

 

  1. Beautiful and amazing.

If we refute the greatness, the excellence and eminence of the Quran then it is like we have refuted intelligence and intellect.

 

  1. It is also a light for the West.

It is the right of the Quran that it should be read and propagated in every part of the West.

 

  1. A guide in war.

The Quran has also taught Muslims about war (Jihad), at the same time, it has also taught man how to be kind, how to be charitable and about brotherhood.

 

  1. A book which tore down slavery.

There is indeed a great need that the danger of Hindu sectarianism should be eliminated through the Quran.

 

  1. A book which explains Tauheed par excellence.

The Quran is the greatest testimony to the Oneness of the Almighty. If there is a philosopher who is able to accept religion, that religion would have to be Islam. There is no similarity in the world with Islam.

 

  1. Greater than the Bible.

There is no doubt that the laws of the Quran are greater and more eminent than anything in the Bible.

 

  1. An inspired book.

There is no doubt in the fact that the Quran is certainly a Divinely Inspired book.

 

  1. A unique book among the revealed books.

In the matter of protecting (its contents), there is no doubt that it is far superior to other revealed books.

 

  1. A book of living laws.

Over thirteen hundred years have passed, and yet, such is the amazing lesson found in the Quran that until the present day an ordinary person who accepts Islam is equal in status to the most powerful or rich Muslim of that period.

 

  1. A book of light.

The Quran is a book of (spiritual) light and full of wisdom. There is no doubt that it was revealed on a person who was a true Prophet who was sent by the Almighty.

 

  1. A powerful and influential book.

Those people who call Islam a terrorist religion have certainly not read the words of the Quran and have not understood it as well. After all,this is the (same book) which completely transformed the Arabs (for the better and destroyed all internal strife within them).

 

  1. A summary of guidance.

We have studied the Taurah, the Bible, the Zabur and we have also studied the Vedas. However, the only book which can guide mankind, is the Quran.

  1. A social and spiritual guide.

I indeed love the religion of Islam and consider the Prophet of Islam as the greatest guide. I also praise the Quran as a guide to social problems and various other spiritual ailments which is besetting the world. I consider the influence of Islam as the greatest of influence and this was also seen during the era of Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar May Allah have mercy upon him.

 

Note. One of the greatest tragedies was that the majority of these people who echoed so glowing words for the Quran never accepted Islam. In other words, they became speechless when they read the Quran, but that was the only lesson they achieved. Even in the present age, we find that people who are not Muslims continue to praise the Quran but never accept Islam. Two realities are being revealed in this context, the first is that the Quran is so amazing that these people have no other choice but to praise the Quran and secondly, the satan has such a great hold on them, that he never allows them to take the final step into accepting Islam.

 

Therefore Muslims should not be deceived into thinking that these people in the West are great sympathisers of Islam because some of their leaders speak glowingly about Islam. Even the satan has no choice but to admit the greatness of the Quran. Such is the Greatness of the Divine Words of the Almighty; yet, the satan still remains the satan. We should always bear in mind that true respect belongs to Allah, His Prophet and the believers and no one else.

 

An informative chart of the Quran.

The Quran contains thirty paras or sections.

 

Information about each Surah.

 

Section Times of Revelation Name Surah Verses Ruku Place of revelation
1 5 Fatiha 7 1 Mecca
2 87 Baqarah 288 40 Madina
3 89 Ale Imran 200 20 Madina
4 92 Nisa 176 24 Madina
5 112 Ma’idah 120 16 Madina
6 55 Al An’am 166 20 Mecca
7 39 Al A’raf 206 24 Mecca
8 88 Anfal 75 10 Madina
9 113 Taubah 129 16 Madina
10 51 Yunus 109 11 Mecca
11 52 Hud 123 10 Mecca
12 53 Yusuf 111 12 Mecca
13 96 Ra’ad 43 6 Madina
14 72 Ebrahim 52 7 Mecca
15 54 Al Hajr 99 6 Mecca
16 70 An Nahl 128 16 Mecca
17 50 Bani Israel 111 12 Mecca
18 89 Kahaf 110 12 Mecca
19 44 Maryam 98 6 Mecca
20 45 Ta Ha 135 8 Mecca
21 73 Al Ambiya 112 7 Mecca
22 103 Al Hajj 78 10 Madina
23 74 Mo’minun 118 6 Mecca
24 102 Nur 64 9 Madina
25 42 Al Furqan 77 6 Mecca
26 47 Shu’rah 227 11 Mecca
27 48 Naml 93 7 Mecca
28 49 Al Qasas 88 9 Mecca
29 85 Ankabut 69 7 Mecca
30 84 Rum 60 6 Mecca
31 57 Luqman 37 4 Mecca
32 75 Sajdah 30 3 Mecca
33 90 Al Ahzab 73 9 Madina
34 58 Saba 54 9 Mecca
35 43 Fatir 45 5 Mecca
36 41 Yaseen 83 5 Mecca
37 56 As Saffaat 182 5 Mecca
38 38 Saad 88 5 Mecca
39 56 Zumar 75 8 Mecca
40 60 Mo’min 85 9 Mecca
41 61 Haa Meem Sajdah 54 6 Mecca
42 62 Shura 53 5 Mecca
43 63 Zukhruf 89 7 Mecca
44 64 Dukhaan 59 3 Mecca
45 65 Jaathiyah 37 4 Mecca
46 66 Ahqaf 35 4 Mecca
47 95 Mohammed 38 4 Madina
48 111 Fat’h 29 4 Madina
49 106 Hujraat 18 2 Madina
50 34 Qaf 45 3 Mecca
51 67 Zaariyat 60 3 Mecca
52 76 Tur 49 2 Mecca
53 23 Najam 62 3 Mecca
54 37 Qamar 55 3 Mecca
55 97 Rahman 78 3 Madina
56 46 Waaqi’ah 96 3 Mecca
57 94 Hadeed 29 4 Madina
58 105 Mujaadilah 22 3 Madina
59 101 Hashar 24 3 Madina
60 91 Mumtahinah 13 2 Madina
61 109 Saff 14 2 Madina
62 110 Jumu’ah 11 2 Madina
63 104 Munafiqun 11 2 Madina
64 108 Taghaabun 18 2 Madina
65 99 Talaq 12 2 Madina
66 107 Tahreem 12 2 Madina
67 77 Mulk 30 2 Mecca
68 2 Qalam 52 2 Mecca
69 87 Haaqqah 52 2 Mecca
70 79 Ma’aarij 44 2 Mecca
71 71 Nuh 28 2 Mecca
72 40 Jinn 28 2 Mecca
73 3 Muzzammil 20 2 Mecca
74 4 Muddatthir 56 2 Mecca
75 31 Qiyamah 40 2 Mecca
76 98 Dahr 31 2 Mecca
77 33 Mursilat 50 2 Mecca
78 80 Naba 40 2 Mecca
79 81 Zaari’at 46 2 Mecca
80 24 Abasa 42 1 Mecca
81 7 Takweer 29 1 Mecca
82 82 Infitaar 19 1 Mecca
83 86 Mutaffafeen 36 1 Mecca
84 83 Inshiqaaq 25 1 Mecca
85 27 Buruj 22 1 Mecca
86 36 Taariq 17 1 Mecca
87 8 Al ‘Ala 19 1 Mecca
88 68 Ghaashiyah 26 1 Mecca
89 10 Fajr 30 1 Mecca
90 35 Balad 20 1 Mecca
91 26 Shams 15 1 Mecca
92 9 Layl 21 1 Mecca
93 11 Duha 11 1 Mecca
94 12 Inshirah 8 1 Mecca
95 28 At Teen 8 1 Mecca
96 1 ‘Alaq 19 1 Mecca
97 25 Al Qadr 5 1 Mecca
98 100 Bayyinah 8 1 Madina
99 93 Zilzaal 8 1 Madina
100 14 ‘Aadiyaat 11 1 Mecca
101 30 Qaariyah 11 1 Mecca
102 16 Takaasur 8 1 Mecca
103 13 Al ‘Asar 3 1 Mecca
104 32 Humazah 9 1 Mecca
105 19 Al Feel 5 1 Mecca
106 29 Al Quraish 4 1 Mecca
107 17 Al Ma’un 7 1 Mecca
108 15 Al Kauther 3 1 Mecca
109 18 Kafirun 6 1 Mecca
110 114 Nasr 3 1 Madina
111 6 Lahab 5 1 Mecca
112 22 Ikhlas 4 1 Mecca
113 20 Falaq 5 1 Mecca
114 21 Naas 6 1 Mecca

 

The amount of surahs which are unanimously agreed to have been revealed in Mecca is sixty-five. The amount of Surahs revealed in Madina shareef are said to be eighteen. The number of surahs in which there is a difference of opinion on whether it was revealed in Mecca shareef or Madina shareef is said to be thirty-one. The total number of Surahs in the Quran is 114.

 

The total number of Ruku.

The total number of Ruku which is found in the Quran is said to be five hundred thirty-seven.

 

The number of Sajdah in the Quran.

These are places where one is supposed to make Sajdah when one reads this verses. They are fourteen in number. They appear in the following places.

  1. Surah Al Araf verse 206.
  2. Surah Ar Ra’ad verse 15.
  3. Surah An Nahl verse 50.
  4. Surah Bani Israel verse 109.
  5. Surah Maryam, verse 58
  6. Surah Al Haj, verse 18.
  7. Surah Al Furqan, verse 60.
  8. Surah Naml. verse 26.
  9. Surah Sajdah, verse 15.
  10. Surah Saad, verse 24.
  11. Surah Haa Meem Sajdah, verse 38.
  12. Surah Najm, verse 62.
  13. Surah Inshiqaaq, verse 21.
  14. Surah Alaq, verse 19.

 

It must also be borne in mind that according to Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Shafi May Allah have mercy upon him, the 77th verse of Surah Al Haj, is also a verse which demands that a person makes a Sajdah. In other words, according to the Shafi mazhab, one has to also make sajdah at this verse.

 

Places to remain silent.

According to the Qirah of Imam Hafs, there are four places in the Quran in which it is Waajib to remain silent after reading these verses and then continue.

 

They are:

  1. Surah Kahaf, verse 1.
  2. Surah Yaseen, verse 52.
  3. Surah Qiyamah, verse 27.
  4. Surah Mutaffafeen, verse 14.

 

The different Manzils of the Quran.

There are seven Manzils in the Quran.

  1. From Surah Fatiha to Surah Nisaa.
  2. Surah Ma’idah to Surah Taubah.
  3. Surah Yunus to Surah Nahl.
  4. Surah Bani Israel to Surah Furqan.
  5. Surah Shu’rah to Surah Yaseen.
  6. Surah Saffaat to Surah Hujraat.
  7. Surah Qaf to Surah Naas.

 

Number of Words in Quran:

  1. There are 86 430 words in the Quran.
  2. According to Humain A’raj, there are 76 430 words.
  3. According to Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, there 70 439 words in the Quran.

 

The number of times, each letter has been used in the Quran.

  1. Alif. 48 472 times.
  2. Ba 11 428 times.
  3. Ta. 101 99 times. 4. Tha. 1276 times.             5. Ja. 3273 times.
  4. Haa. 3973 times. 7. Khaa. 2416 times.           8. Dal. 5642 times.
  5. Zal. 4697 times. 10. Raa. 11 793 times.          11. Zaa. 1590 times.
  6. Saa. 5891 times. 13. Shaa. 2253 times.           14. Thaa. 2013 times.

15.Dhaa.1207 times.           16. Thaa.1277.                     17. Zhaa. 842.

  1. Ain. 9220. 19. Ghain. 2208                  20. Faa. 8499.
  2. Qaaf. 6813 22. Kaaf. 9520.                   23. Lam. 33432.
  3. Meem. 26535. 25. Nun. 26560.                 26. Waa. 25536.
  4. Haa. 19072. 28. Lam Alif. 4720.            29. Hamza. 4115.
  5. Yaa. 25919.

 

Hence the total number of usages of each letter is 387 079.

 

The number of letters which appear are:

  1. According to the report of Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas May Allah have mercy upon him the total number of letters are 323 671.
  2. According to Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud May Allah have mercy upon him there are 322 670 letters.
  3. According to Hadrat Imam Mujaahid May Allah have mercy upon him the number stands at 321 121.

 

There reason for this difference of opinion is very simple.

 

There are certain scholars who consider the letter with Mushad -dad as being two letters while other consider it as one letter. Some consider a single word as being two separate words and some consider the same word to be one single word. It must therefore be remembered that this difference of opinion is not because there is something less or extra in the Quran but the difference of opinion is the manner in which certain words, letters etc have been looked at. Hence, this difference of opinion is based on the actual manner in which it was looked upon and then counted.

 

The number of times each harakaat was used in the Quran.

 

  1. Fatah. Used 53 223 times.
  2. Kasra. Used 39 582 times.
  3. Zammah. Used 8804 times.
  4. Maddaat. Used 1771 times.
  5. Shad daat. Used 1274 times.
  6. Nuqaat or dots. Used 105 684 times. (Siyaarah Digest. Quran number.)

 

The various Muqatta’aat in the Quran.

  1. Saad. 2. Qaaf. 3. Nun.           4. Ta Haa.
  2. Yaseen. 6. Taa seen. 7. Haa meem. 8. Alif Laam Meem.
  3. Alif Laam Raa 10. Taa Seen Meem. 11. Ain Seen Qaf.
  4. Alif Laam Meem Saad. 13. Alif Laam Meem Raa.
  5. Kaaf Haa Yaa Ain Saad.

 

The types of verses in the Quran.

There are three types of verses in the Quran.

They are: 1. Muh kamaat. 2. Muqatti’aat. 3. Muta shaa bihaat.

 

  1. Muh kamaat.

They are those verses of the Quran whose meaning, message, intent etc is very clear and apparent. These would be such verses as found in Surah Fatiha etc.

 

  1. Muqatti’aat.

At the beginning of certain surahs, there have appeared a few words which is a combination of certain letters. These would be like Alif Laam Meem etc. These are known as Huruf Muqatti’aat. It is actually made of fourteen letters. In other words, only fourteen letters of the Arabic language has been used in this regard. They are Alif, Haa, Raa, Saad, Thaa, Ain, Qaaf, Kaaf, Lam, Meem, Nun, Haa and Yaa.

 

Among the Mufassireen who have tried to explain these letters have included such luminaries as Qadi Thana’ullah Pani Pati, Qadi Abdullah bin Amar Baydawi, Allama Syed Mahmud Alusi Al Baghdadi, Allama Ismail Haqqi, Allamah Mullah Jewan etc May Allah have mercy upon them. Some have mentioned that since this is part of the Muqatti’aat, they have not tried to explain these letters. The Awliyah have also mentioned that the Huruf Muqatti’aat is a secret between the Creator and His beloved Prophet peace and salutations be upon him.

 

  1. Muta shaa bihaat.

These are those verses or words whose meaning we are aware of but the exact reality and essence in meaning is unknown to us. These would include those verses of the Quran wherein it is mentioned that the Almighty is “established” on the Divine Throne or the “Hand of Allah”.

 

We understand the outer meaning of hand when we look at our hands, or we understand when someone informs us that a person is sitting on a chair etc. But what is the actual meaning of this when it is related to the Almighty is something which is only known to Him. This is beyond the comprehension of a human being. Some Ulama have made it clear that we should not endeavour to translate this and leave it in its original meaning. (Tafseer Naeemi etc).

 

Certain signs which appear in the Quran.

  1. A sign like a zero. This is known as Waqf Taam. One should stop at this place.
  2. Meem. This is known as Waqaf Laazim. One should definitely stop at this spot otherwise there would be a doubt created in the meaning of what you are reading.
  3. Taa. This is known as Waqf Mutlaq. One is recommended to stop but it also indicates that the subject under discussion still continues and that a certain meaning has not yet been completed.
  4. Jeem. A sign which indicates voluntary stop. It is better to stop at this place and also permitted to continue without stopping.
  5. Zaa. One is not recommended to stop at this place.
  6. Qaf. One is not recommended to stop here.
  7. Saad. At this spot, one should continue by joining the next verse. However, if the person stops at this spot, then there is permission.
  8. A word which appears as a “Saad Lam Yaa”. This also indicates that one should join the sentence or verse with the next verse.
  9. Waqaf- This indicates a full stop. This also appears at a spot where a person would generally continue reading without stopping, hence this appears to warn a person to stop.
  10. Seen. This indicates a slight moment of silence without the breath of a person stopping.
  11. Haa. When this appears above any verse, then it is better to stop at this spot.

 

Further knowledge of the Quran.

  1. The first revelation. The first revelation of the Quran is considered to be surah Alaq from verse 1 to 5.

 

  1. The last revelation. These are considered to be two verses. They are verse 281 of Surah Baqarah or the 3rd verse of Surah Al Ma’idah.

 

  1. The people who recorded the Quran.

The number of blessed companions who performed this task is said to be forty.

 

  1. The period of revelation.

It is reported that the Quran was revealed in twenty two years, five months and fourteen days.

 

  1. The various subjects in the Quran.

There are nearly a thousand verses in the Quran which deals with issues such as Aqaa’id, shariah laws, stories of previous nations, mention of the days of Allah, mention of death and what will happen after death. For each of these subjects, there are a thousand verses each in the Quran.

 

The word Quran in the Quran.

The word Al Quran with the Alif Lam before it has appeared fifty eight times in the Quran and the word Quran without the Alif Lam has appeared ten times in the Quran. (Al Fawaa’id Al Hasan).

 

The number of times Jibraeel Ameen appeared.

In some books, it is mentioned that Jibraeel Ameen appeared twenty six thousand times to the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him. This never happened with any previous Prophet.

 

If we divide this according to the period it took for the Quran to be revealed, it appears that Jibraeel Ameen appeared on average three times a days in the blessed court of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him.

 

The exact half of the Quran.

This is until Surah Hadeed and from Surah Al Mujaadilah, the next half starts.

 

The three parts of the Quran.

  1. Until the 100th verse of Surah Taubah.
  2. Until the 101st verse of Surah Shu’arah.
  3. From this until the end of the Quran.

 

The word “month”.

The word month has appeared twelve times in the Quran and this is one complete month.

 

The word “Yaum” or day.

This word has also appeared three hundred sixty five days in the Quran and this makes up one year.

 

The word “salah”

This word has appeared on numerous occasion in the Quran thereby emphasising the importance of this action.

 

The word “dua”.

This word has appeared more than seventy times in the Quran.

 

The word “sadqah” and charity.

This word has appeared nearly a hundred and fifty times in the Quran.

 

The longest verse.

This is the 282nd verse of Surah Baqarah. There is said to be 544 letters in this verse and if we had to add the letters with Tashdeed again, it would make it 558th letters.

 

The largest Surah in the Quran is obviously Surah Baqarah and the shortetst Surah is Surah Kauther.

 

Who is referred to as “Zun Nun” in the Quran?

This refers to Nabi Yunus peace be upon him.

 

There is only kingdom mentioned in the Quran and it refers to the kingdom of Egypt. It appears in Surah Yunus, verse 87, 21 and 99 and in Surah Zukhruf verse 61.

 

The different Qirah in different countries.

 

In the West in places like Mauritania, Tunis etc, people mostly recite the Qirah of Imam Naaf’e May Allah have mercy upon him. In Sudan mostly the Qirah of Abi Amar. In other parts of the East, people mostly recite the Qirah of Imam Asim May Allah have mercy upon him. From various historical material, it was seen that from the time Egypt came under Muslim control until the 5th century, people used to recite in the Qirah of Imam Warash May Allah have mercy upon him. After that they began to read in the Qirah of Imam Abi Amar Basri May Allah have mercy upon him. However, from the middle of the 12th century onwards they began to read in the Qirah of Imam Asim May Allah have mercy upon him. (Al Fawaa’id Al Hasan).

 

The Quran in the Indian sub continent.

It is said that through the influence of Yemen, the Quran reached the Indian sub continent in the very first century of Islam. It arrived in the province of Sindh.

 

The first Persian translation.

The first translation of the Quran in the Persian language was completed by Shaikh Saadi Shirazi May Allah have mercy upon him in 691 ah.

 

The name of the Sahabi in the Quran.

Only one name of a blessed companion appears in the Quran and that is Hadrat Sayyiduna Zaid bin Haaritha May Allah have mercy upon him who was referred to as the “adopted” son of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him.

 

The word Bismillah.

This appears at the beginning of every Surah and there should be therefore be one hundred fourteen. However, since it does not appear at the beginning of Surah Taubah, this number has been completed by the Bismillah appearing in Surah Naml.

 

Seven continuous verses with the Divine Attribute mentioned.

In Surah Hajj, from the 59th verse until the 65th verse, there are seven verses in which with the Divine Name of the Allah, two of His Divine Attributes have also been mentioned.

 

Nearly a half para in which the Name of “Allah” does not appear.

In surah Qamar, Surah Rahman and Surah Waaqi’ah, which is nearly half a para, the Divine Name “Allah” does not appear. This is unlike Surah Mujaadilah in which the Divine Name “Allah” appears in every verse.

 

Various types of Surahs.

 

  1. Sab’a Tawaal. This is considered as the seven lengthy surahs. In entails Surah Baqarah until Surah Anfal and also Surah Taubah whose verses are more than two hundred or much more than a hundred.
  2. Me’een. These are those surahs whose verses are close to a hundred and would include surah Yunus until surah Qasas. All of these surahs have at least a hundred verses or close to a hundred verses.
  3. Mathaani- This is from surah Ankabut until surah Fat’a. Another reason is that the incidents in these surahs are also repeated. Most of these surahs have less than a hundred verses.
  4. Mufassal or Muhkam. These are considered the smallest surah in the Quran and would include surahs from surah Hujraat until Surah Naas. The reason that these surahs are also referred to as Muhkam is because none of these surahs have been abrogated.

 

The three types of Mufassal.

From Surah Hujraat until surah Inshiqaaq is referred to as the lengthy Mufassal or “Tawaal Mufassal”. From surah Buruj until surah Qadri is referred to as the medium Mufassal or “Awsat Mufassal. From surah Bayyinah until surah Naas is referred to as the small Mufassal or “Qisaar Mufassal”.

 

The term یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوا  “O you who believe….”

This title appears 116 times in Surah Ma’idah.

 

The word Jannah and hell.

There is one surah which is more than a hundred verses in length but the words Jannah or Hell does not appear in all of these 111 verses and it is Surah Yusuf.

 

A brief history of the various surahs.

There is no doubt that the copies of the Quran which were prepared and sent to different countries, in these copies, it is unanimously agreed that the surahs in these copies numbered one hundred fourteen. However, according to the report of Ata from Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas May Allah have mercy upon him, the number of surahs equalled one hundred thirteen. The only reason for this is because, he considered Surah Anfal and Surah Taubah to be one surah.

 

We are talking about those recording and copies which were kept in the possession of certain eminent Ashaab. As for the copy in the possession of Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud May Allah have mercy upon him, the Quls were not recorded, hence it appeared as one hundred twelve surah. Or perhaps the two Quls and Surah Fatiha were not recorded, hence this made it appear as one hundred eleven surahs. Another explanation for this is that perchance, he saw the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him make Taweez or make Damm with the last two Quls and other companions as well. Later, other Muslims also continued this practise.

 

Hence, he did not record it in his copy because he was certain that these surahs would not disappear or get lost. Obviously, one of the reasons for recording anything is because one has the fear that these writings would be lost and since, these two surahs were so famous, there was no danger of this happening. The same thing happened with surah Fatiha. He did not feel the need to record this because there was no fear of it been lost because since every Muslim had to recite this in salah, it was a surah which was well known.

 

However, when the copies of the Quran were prepared under the supervision of Hadrat Sayyiduna Uthman Ghani May Allah have mercy upon him, he made certain these surahs be included in the recording of the Quran. As for the report that there were two other surahs in the recording of the Hadrat Sayyiduna Ubay bin Ka’ab May Allah have mercy upon him, there has already been Ijmah established that these were not surahs of the Quran.

 

It must be also remembered that these words were not actually surahs but words of dua which they recorded on specific occasions.

 

Verses in which the entire twenty-nine letters appear.

There are two verses in the Quran in which the entire twenty nine letters of the Arabic language appear. The first is the 154th verse of Surah Ale Imran:

ثُمَّ اَنۡزَلَ عَلَیۡکُمۡ مِّنۡۢ بَعْدِ الْغَمِّ اَمَنَۃً نُّعَاسًا یَّغْشٰی طَآئِفَۃً مِّنۡکُمْۙ وَطَآئِفَۃٌ قَدْ اَہَمَّتْہُمْ اَنۡفُسُہُمْ یَظُنُّوۡنَ بِاللہِ غَیۡرَ الْحَقِّ ظَنَّ الْجٰہِلِیَّۃِؕ یَقُوۡلُوۡنَ ہَلۡ لَّنَا مِنَ الۡاَمْرِ مِنۡ شَیۡءٍؕ قُلْ اِنَّ الۡاَمْرَ کُلَّہٗ لِلہِؕ یُخْفُوۡنَ فِیۡۤ اَنۡفُسِہِمۡ مَّا لَا یُبْدُوۡنَ لَکَؕ یَقُوۡلُوۡنَ لَوْکَانَ لَنَا مِنَ الۡاَمْرِ شَیۡءٌ مَّا قُتِلْنَا ہٰہُنَاؕ قُلۡ لَّوْ کُنۡتُمْ فِیۡ بُیُوۡتِکُمْ لَبَرَزَ الَّذِیۡنَ کُتِبَ عَلَیۡہِمُ الْقَتْلُ اِلٰی مَضَاجِعِہِمْۚ وَلِیَبْتَلِیَ اللہُ مَا فِیۡ صُدُوۡرِکُمْ وَلِیُمَحِّصَ مَا فِیۡ قُلُوۡبِکُمْؕ وَاللہُ عَلِیۡمٌۢ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُوۡرِ﴿۱۵۴﴾

Then after sorrow, He sent down to you slumber that had surrounded a party of you, and another party was anxious about themselves, suspected of Allah unjustly; like the suspicion of Ignorance. They say, ‘Have we any power in this affair’? Say you, ‘Entire authority is of Allah, They conceal in their hearts that they reveal not unto you; they say, ‘if we had any power, then we would not have been killed here.” Say you, ‘If you had been in your houses, even then those for whom killing was already written would have gone forth to the place of their slaughter; and in order that Allah might test the feelings of your breasts, and whatever is in your hearts might purge it. Allah knows the thoughts of your hearts.

 

And the second is the 29th verse of Surah Fat’h:

مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُوۡلُ اللہِ ؕ وَ الَّذِیۡنَ مَعَہٗۤ اَشِدَّآءُ عَلَی الْکُفَّارِ رُحَمَآءُ بَیۡنَہُمْ تَرٰىہُمْ رُکَّعًا سُجَّدًا یَّبْتَغُوۡنَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللہِ وَ رِضْوٰنًا ۫ سِیۡمَاہُمْ فِیۡ وُجُوۡہِہِمْ مِّنْ اَثَرِ السُّجُوۡدِؕ ذٰلِکَ مَثَلُہُمْ فِی التَّوْرٰىۃِ ۚۖۛ وَ مَثَلُہُمْ فِی الْاِنۡجِیۡلِ ۚ۟ۛ کَزَرْعٍ اَخْرَجَ شَطْاَہٗ فَاٰزَرَہٗ فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوٰی عَلٰی سُوۡقِہٖ یُعْجِبُ الزُّرَّاعَ لِیَغِیۡظَ بِہِمُ الْکُفَّارَؕ وَعَدَ اللہُ الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا وَ عَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ مِنْہُمۡ مَّغْفِرَۃً وَّ اَجْرًا عَظِیۡمًا ﴿۲۹﴾٪

Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah and those with him are hard against the infidels and tender among themselves you will see them bowing and prostrating themselves in prayer seeking grace of Allah and His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the traces of prostrations. This description of their is in Taurah and their description is in Enjeel. As a cultivated field which puts forth its sprout, then strengthened it, then it became thick, then stood straight upon its stem, it looks pleasant to the cultivators that through them the hearts of the infidels may burn. Allah has promised unto those of them who are believers and do good, forgiveness and a great reward.

 

Wonders of the Quran.

There is only two places in the Quran where the letter Haa has been followed by another letter Haa. This is in Surah Baqarah verse 235 and Surah Kahaf, verse 60.

 

Only one Zer.

In the entire Quran, there is only one surah of the Quran in which the harakat “zer” appears only once. It is in Surah Ikhlaas.

 

Amazing recordings of the Quran.

There have also been amazing recordings of the Quran which has been completed by people who have presented their true love for the Quran. We will present a few of them.

 

  1. Qari Karaamat Ali Jonpuri is said to have recorded the whole of Surah Ikhlaas on one seed of rice.

 

  1. There are also many copies of the Quran in which every page began with a round letter or that page ended with a round letter. In other words, the letter “Waa”.

 

There is also a Quran in Lahore which has been prepared using threads of gold. This is also preserved in one of the museums in Lahore.

 

Small and large letters.

It is said that the Quran is recorded in the Lawh Mahfuz in large letters. In some reports it is mentioned that each letter is as large as the cave of Qaaf. At the same time, the meaning below each letter is so wide and expansive that no one can encompass the meaning of this except the Almighty. This has also been mentioned by Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ghazzali May Allah have mercy upon him that each letter is a veil for the inner meaning of that letter. In the hadith shareef, it is also mentioned that this is also recorded on the forehead of Israfeel in small letters. In other words, if we record it either in small or large letters, we would still be correct but obviously the intention is to make sure that the letters are legible and readable.

 

One person reported that he had seen a copy of a Quran in a certain country which is housed in the Jamia Masjid. The pages of the Quran are so long and wide that the complete recording reaches the roof. The other fifteen paras are kept on another table.

 

A Quran of only thirty pages.

Hafiz Mohammed Lahore was someone who had recorded the entire Quran in only thirty pages. Another amazing thing is that except for the first page, all pages began with the letter Alif. He had also recorded another copy of the Quran in thirty pages in which except for the first page, all other pages began with the letter “Waa”. Mohammed Tahir Abdul Qadir Kurdi in the book “Taarikh Al Khat Al Arabi wa Adaa bihi” mentions that nearly fifty to seventy years ago, this copy of the Quran was also placed in the Roza shareef as one of the Islamic relics. Sadly, since most of the Holy relics in Madina shareef has been destroyed by the disciples of the US and the UK, namely the Saudi Ale Najd, we are sure that this must have also disappeared as well.

The importance of Tajweed and proper Qirah.

There are obviously amazing capacity in various creation of the Almighty such as the stars in the heavens, the brightness of the moon and sun etc. All of these creation are a testimony to the Divine Greatness of the Allah. At the same time, we also have come to realise that the Quran is certainly His Divine Words. When we look at the words of someone, the greatness of those words or statements are determined by the person uttering the words. It is for this reason that the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him has stated that as the Almighty is the Greatest, in like manner, His Words are also the Greatest of Words and Speech.

 

In fact, such is the Greatness of the Quran, that in Surah Hashr, verse 21, the Almighty declares:

لَوْ اَنۡزَلْنَا ہٰذَا الْقُرْاٰنَ عَلٰی جَبَلٍ لَّرَاَیۡتَہٗ خٰشِعًا مُّتَصَدِّعًا مِّنْ خَشْیَۃِ اللہِ ؕ وَ تِلْکَ الْاَمْثٰلُ نَضْرِبُہَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّہُمْ یَتَفَکَّرُوۡنَ ﴿۲۱﴾

 

Had We sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have then surely seen it bowed down, blown to bits by the fear of Allah; and We illustrate such examples for people, for them to ponder.

 

This is the reason that when man listens to the words of the Quran, his heart becomes highly influenced and it creates an immense impact on his heart. This is also one of the reasons that when the greatest reciter of the Quran, namely the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him recited the Quran, all creation around him had no other choice but to bow down their heads in complete submission. Even the Angels and Jinn stood still and listened to the words of the Quran. In fact, it said that when a person recites the Quran as it should be recited, the Almighty also listens carefully to the person.

 

In the Sahih Bukhari and Muslim shareef, the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him is reported to have stated that, “the Almighty has given command and has given command to His Prophet to recite the Quran in a good voice and to recite it aloud.” It is mentioned that even when the greatest enemies of Islam approached the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him while he was reciting the Quran, they had no option but to obey what they were listening to. Such was the magnetism of the Quran, that most people could not move away. Even enemies like Abu Jahl, Utbah, Shaybah etc when they heard the Quran, all they could say was that they had no idea what magic had gotten hold of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him.

 

In spite of their animosity towards Islam, they had no answer to the words of the Quran. What was the style in which the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him recited the Quran? It is reported that the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him used to recite the Quran in such a manner that people could hear each word and each letter. This is the foundation of Tajweed. Some people call this Qirah. In Surah Muzzammil, verse 4, the Quran declares:

اَوْزِدْ عَلَیۡہِ وَ رَتِّلِ الْقُرْاٰنَ تَرْتِیۡلًا ؕ﴿۴﴾

Or increase a little upon it, and recite the Qur’an slowly in stages.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali May Allah have mercy upon him has explained that, “Tarteel signifies the proper pronunciation of the Quran and knowing where to stop or pause.” Tajweed is also explained as the art of pronouncing each letter from its correct place of pronouncement. All of the laws of where each letter should be pronounced and mentioned has already been outlined by the various expert scholars of Tajweed. This science is called the faculty of Tajweed. There is no doubt that it is extremely important and vital that the non Arabs study this faculty.

 

The reason is obvious, unlike the Arabs, the non Arabs are not aware of how each letter should be pronounced. Another important point to bear in mind is that the Arabic language is so delicate that if a single letter is mispronounced, the entire meaning of the word will also change. We can look at an example like the word Dhalal which means misguidance and which begins with the letter “Dha” and if we pronounce it with “tha” it would mean something with a shadow. Another example is the word “Dharaba” which begins with “Dha” again.

 

If we use the letter “Za”, it would mean something which is speedy. In like manner, we look at a word, “wa thaqa” with a “tha”, if we had to pronounce it with a “sa”, it would signify the name of a certain measurement. In this manner, there are thousands of words which if pronounced incorrectly, would dramatically change the meaning of that word. In the same manner, the harakaat also changes the meaning of a word. Look at the word, “Malik” which means king or ruler.

 

If we pronounce it as “Mulk” it would signify a kingdom. If we look at the word, “An’amta”. This means he blessed us and if we change it to “An’amtu”, it would mean that we have blessed another person. Merely the zabbar and and pesh at the end of the letter changes the meaning. In like manner, if we say, “An’amti” it would mean “I have blessed” but in a female subjective sense. This is why the Ulama have said that if this word is mispronounced in the surah Fatiha, it would make a person guilty of kufr without him knowing. In summery, from this we come to realize how important the faculty of Tajweed is for a Muslim.

 

This enables a person to recite the Quran in a proper manner and one is also able to protect himself from any kufr or misguidance. This is one of the reasons that Imam Mohammed Al Jazari in the foreword of the Al Jazari mentions that, “There is no doubt that it is vitally important and necessary to learn Tajweed. That person who does not read the Quran with Tajweed, he will become a sinner. This Divine Book was revealed with Tajweed and this is how it reached us.”

 

Why is this knowledge necessary?

We notice that when anyone misreads the poem of any eminent poet such as Allamah Iqbal etc, the people in the audience would normally become extremely upset. Imagine if the actual composer of the poem is also sitting in audience, how upset would he become? If this is case with an ordinary poem, imagine the Divine Wrath of the Almighty when we recite the Quran in an incorrect manner. This is the reason that there is a report in the Ibn Maja of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him in which he has stated that one should read the Quran in the manner of the Arabs. These people understand the delicate manner of how to pronounce each letter and we should follow this example.

 

Obviously, this can only be possible when we are well versed with rules of Qirah. At the same time, we should mention the immense reward which awaits such a person. In the Bukhari and Muslim shareef, it is mentioned that, “The expert in the Quran (in its recital and knowledge) will be in the company of the Angels and Prophets”.

 

Allamah Mullah Ali Qari May Allah have mercy upon him explains, “In this report, by the word “expert” is meant the recital of the Quran with Tajweed.” (Mirqat).

 

He then explains the meaning of Tajweed by stating, “It is meant the pronouncing of the words of the Quran in a beautiful manner bearing in mind the Makhaa rij or where the letters should actually be pronounced from.” (Minhat Al Fakhriyah).

 

Mullah Ali Qari May Allah have mercy upon him also considers that the faculty of Qirah as being Waajib and Fard. He states, “There is no doubt in the fact and it is unanimous that it is Fard-e-Kifaayah to acquire the knowledge of Qirah. To also recite the Quran in this manner is also a Fard.” (Sharah Muqaddimah Jazariyah).

 

Allamah Mohammed Nasr Makki states, “From the time of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him until the present time, the Ummah is unanimous in the fact that Tajweed is something which is Waajib. There is no difference of opinion in this regard. By there being no difference in opinion is the greatest testimony of it being Fard”.

 

The importance of Tajweed among the jurists.

The Islamic jurists have also placed great emphasis on the proper manner of reciting the Quran. They also opine that a person who recites the Quran incorrectly is a sinner because the meaning of the Quran changes and by the meaning of the Quran changing, the salah is also nullified.

 

Therefore, a person like this should not be given the position of being an Imam. Many statements of this nature have been mentioned by past and present Ulama.

 

From this, we also come to know that the faculty of Tajweed has been something which has been taught and emphasised from the very beginning of Islam. The authenticity of this has also been mentioned by Ibn Khaldun and in his “Muqaddimah”, he has also allocated a special chapter to this faculty entitled, “Baab Al Qirah”. He mentions that those who consider Qirah as unimportant are certainly incorrect. He also mentions that like the Quran is authentic, the subject of Qirah is also authentic. This has continued until our time.

 

Another statement of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him is that the Quran has been revealed according to the seven Qirah. He has also stated that one should further beautify the Quran with ones voice. In another statement he has mentioned that he who does not (endeavour) to recite the Quran in a proper and beautiful manner, he is not from among the Muslims.

 

The commentators of the Quran explain that by “beautifying” ones voice does not mean singing but to read the Quran in a proper manner according to the rules and laws of Tajweed and Qirah. He has mentioned that the Almighty is pleased with the recital of the Quran in the manner in which it was revealed.

 

The Ulama have mentioned that the word “Tarteel” in the Quran signifies Tajweed. This is the reason that Imam Jazari May Allah have mercy upon him has mentioned that, “The faculty of Qirah was revealed with the Quran by the Almighty.” He further states, “Since the Quran was revealed with Tajweed, hence it is extremely important and necessary that prior to reading the Quran, we understand the laws of Qirah.”

 

The laws of Tajweed is not based on Qiyas.

The most famous book in the world pertaining to Qirah is the “Shaatibi”. Glowing words were also paid to it by Ibn Khaldun. In it, it is clearly mentioned that, “there is no place for Qiyas in the faculty of Qirah, whatever (laws) are present, are (laws) which have been passed on.” We find this fact mentioned in the blessed words of Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar, Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali and Hadrat Sayyiduna Zaid bin Thabit May Allah have mercy upon them who have mentioned that, “Recite the Quran as you have been taught.” This is that knowledge which you have been commanded about because a day will come when it will be told to the reader of the Quran to read the Quran as much as he recites, so much so his status in the hereafter will be elevated. (Abu Daud shareef).

 

When the blessed Ashaab obeyed the commands of the Almighty and recited the Quran as it should be recited, there came a time when the Angels also appeared from the heavens to listen to them read. Many blessed Ashaab saw a white cloud appear in front of them and the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him explained that these were large groups of Angels who had come to listen to the Quran.

 

To another blessed companion, namely Hadrat Sayyidina Abu Moosa May Allah have mercy upon him, he mentioned that this blessed companion had been blessed with the voice of Nabi Daud peace be upon him and that through this, he had made the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him remember Nabi Daud peace be upon. (What about those who say that he did not know the knowledge of the Unseen. How come he knew what the voice of Nabi Daud peace be upon him sounded like?).

 

The Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him has also stated that, “The Almighty has commanded me to teach you the Quran.” When they had completed this education, he mentioned to them, “Among you, the best Qari is Ubay bin Ka’ab”.

 

From all of these reports, we are again reminded about the importance and necessity of Qirah.

 

We end this part of the discussion with another important statement of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him in which he has stated that, “There are many people who read the Quran but the Quran curses them.” The Ulama have explained this in this manner that; it could signify a person who does not practise on the Quran and also the person who recites the Quran incorrectly. We make dua that the Almighty protects us from both of these sins. Ameen.

 

The reason why the laws of Imam Hafs May Allah have mercy upon him has been so widely accepted.

 

The seven Qirah of the Quran is based on authentic reports. Hence, permission has been given that the Quran can be recorded according to one of these, however, we find that in the world today, the most widely accepted Qirah is the Qirah of Imam Asim Kufi May Allah have mercy upon him which is reported through Imam Hafs May Allah have mercy upon him. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is that when the dots and the haraqat started to be recorded in the Quran, the report of Imam Hafs May Allah have mercy upon him was placed in front.

 

Hence, this became instantly famous around the world. The rest of the Qirah and the manner of recording them merely remained in books and this is only known to those who are well learned in the faculty of Qirah and Tajweed. This also proves that perhaps it was Imam ibn Sereen May Allah have mercy upon him who had placed the haraqat and the dots on the Quran because Imam Hajz May Allah have mercy upon him lived in that period and not in the period of Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali May Allah have mercy upon him. (Tabayyinul Quran).

 

The excellence of various Surahs as outlined in the Ahadith.

Hadith 42.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdul Malik bin Umair May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him has stated that, “In the surah Fatiha, there is a cure for all illness.” (Daarimi and Imam Baheqi in the Shuhubul Imaan).

 

There are many reports in regard to Surah Fatiha.

Among the excellences of Surah Fatiha is the following report which is mentioned when one of the blessed companions was once called by the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him while he was in salah. He did not answer the call of the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him and on being questioned, he mentioned that he was in salah. The Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him then asked him whether he had heard the verse of the Quran where the Quran clearly commands that, “O those who believe! when the Almighty and His Prophet calls, then you should answer their call”.

 

Thereafter, the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him mentioned that he would reveal to this blessed companion the most excellent surah in the Quran and that it was Surah Fatihah and that it was also the Sab’a Mathaani or the surah with seven verses. Some Awliyah have mentioned that whatever was in the previously revealed books, all of it has been found in surah Fatihah and whatever is in Surah Fatihah, has been found in the Bismillah and whatever is in the Bismillah, all of it has been found in the Ba of the Bismillah. The commentators mention that the letter “Ba” signifies meeting something and in this context it would mean that a slave is meeting His Creator. It could also signify that a person is been connected with His Creator. Some Awliyah have mentioned that whatever is in the letter “Ba” is actually found in the dot which appears below the letter “Ba”. In other words, this signifies the Divine Unity of the Almighty and it is something which cannot be further divided.

 

Some commentators explain that in the verse, “Iyya ka na’budu” all the aims and objectives of life in both worlds are summarized. In another report, the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him has also stated that, “I swear by that Divine Being in Whose Power is my life, such a Surah has never been revealed before, neither in the Taurah, the Injeel, the Zabur or in any other part of the Quran.” The Mashaa’ikh have also mentioned that if Surah Faatiha is recited with the true Imaan and certainty, it would become a cure for all types of illness whether it be religious, wordily, apparent or hidden.

 

Whether one writes this surah or writes it and drinks the water, in all cases it would prove extremely beneficial. In the various books of Ahadith, it is mentioned that the blessed companions used to read this surah and make damm for those who had suffered from snake bite, scorpion sting, epilepsy, insanity etc. The Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him also did not object to this. In one report it is mentioned that once the Holy Prophet peace and salutations be upon him recited this Surah and then placed his blessed saliva on the area which was affected.

 

This was performed for Hadrat Sayyiduna Saa’ib bin Yazeed May Allah have mercy upon him. In one report, it is mentioned that whoever intends to sleep and reads Surah Fatihah and Surah Ikhlas and makes damm over himself, he will be protected from all trial except death. In one report it is mentioned that the reward for reading surah Fatihah is equal to two thirds of the Quran.

Advertisement