Quran
abrahamicarabic~610-632 CE
Translation: Saheeh International (via Tanzil.net) (cc-by-3.0)
Overview
The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over approximately 23 years. Composed in classical Arabic, it consists of 114 chapters (surahs) containing 6,236 verses (ayat) that address theology, law, ethics, history, and eschatology. It stands as one of the most widely read books in human history, memorized in its entirety by millions, and serves as the foundation of Islamic civilization, jurisprudence, and daily worship.
Bible connections
- Genesis 1-3 (creation and fall, cf. Surah 2:30-39)
- Genesis 6-9 (flood narrative, cf. Surah 11:25-49)
- Genesis 37-50 (Joseph story, cf. Surah 12)
- Exodus 1-15 (Moses and Exodus, cf. Surah 28)
- Luke 1-2 (birth of Jesus, cf. Surah 19:1-34)
- Deuteronomy 6:4 (Shema/monotheism, cf. Surah 112)
- Psalm 121 (God neither slumbers nor sleeps, cf. Surah 2:255)
Key terms
tawhid– the absolute oneness of God, Islam's foundational doctrine
surah– a chapter of the Quran (114 total)
ayah– a verse of the Quran; literally 'sign' or 'miracle'
taqwa– God-consciousness, piety, mindful reverence
Ahl al-Kitab– People of the Book, referring to Jews and Christians
tahrif– corruption or distortion, applied to earlier scriptures
Did you know?
The Quran names Mary (Maryam) more times than the New Testament does, and Surah 19 is the only chapter in the Quran named after a woman.