Questions and Answers about the Holy Quran
Why is the Quran called the Quran?
The term “Quran” is derived from its nature of gathering the chapters and verses, as the word itself signifies collection. As noted by Al-Zabidi in “Taj al-Arus,” “Qara’a” means to gather and include, indicating that “I have recited something as a Quran” means that I have compiled it and brought parts together.
Why didn’t Allah -The Almighty- dedicate a single chapter for each story of the prophets, like in Surah Yusuf?
The Holy Quran is not merely a collection of narratives about the prophets, but rather a book of guidance and legislation. Each story mentioned in the Quran serves a specific purpose and wisdom. Some tales offer solace to the Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him-, while others provide lessons to be learned from the experiences of past nations, as stated in the Quran: {Indeed, in their stories, there is a lesson for those of understanding}.
How many prostrations are there in the Quran?
The Quran contains fifteen prostrations, found in Surah Al-A’raf, Ar-Ra’d, An-Nahl, Al-Isra, Maryam, Al-Furqan, An-Naml, As-Sajda, Sad, Fussilat, An-Najm, Al-Inshiqaq, Al-Alaq, and there are two in Surah Al-Hajj.
What is the definition of the Holy Quran?
The Holy Quran is the speech of Allah -The Almighty- revealed to His Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him-. It is miraculous in both its wording and meaning, and is recited as an act of worship. It is found in the manuscripts, beginning with Surah Al-Fatiha and concluding with Surah An-Nas.
What is meant by Makki and Madani Quran?
The Makki Quran refers to the verses and chapters revealed to the Prophet -peace be upon him- before the Hijrah, even if they were revealed outside of Mecca. Conversely, the Madani Quran consists of the chapters and verses revealed after the Hijrah, regardless of whether they were revealed in Mecca.
What are the significant books that focus on Quranic terminologies?
There are several important texts dedicated to the sciences of the Quran, including:
- “Al-Itqan fi Ulum al-Quran” by Imam Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti.
- “Al-Burhan fi Ulum al-Quran” by Imam Badr ad-Din al-Zarkashi.
- “Manahil al-Irfan fi Ulum al-Quran” by Sheikh Muhammad az-Zurqani.
- “Mabahith fi Ulum al-Quran” by Manah al-Qattan.
What are the stages of the Quran’s revelation?
The revelation of the Quran can be divided into three main stages:
- Its descent to the Preserved Tablet.
- Its descent to Bayt al-Izzah in the heavens of this world.
- Its revelation to the Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- piecemeal according to events.
What was the duration of the Quran’s revelation to Prophet Muhammad?
The duration of the divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- is estimated to have lasted twenty-three years, spanning from the time of his prophethood until his passing.
Which Surah mentions Bismillah twice?
The Surah that mentions Bismillah twice is Surah An-Naml, as it appears both at its beginning and in the middle, in the verse: {Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it is ‘In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful’}.
What evidence is there that the Quran intercedes for its reciter?
The evidence that the Quran intercedes for its reciter is found in Sahih Muslim, where the Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “Recite the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions.”
What methodologies do scholars use to identify Makki and Madani verses?
Scholars have adopted two primary methodologies to determine Makki and Madani verses in the Holy Quran:
- The auditory and narrational approach.
- The analytical and inferential approach.
How many chapters and verses are there in the Holy Quran?
The Holy Quran consists of 114 chapters, and the total number of its verses is 6,236.