Chapter 2
The History and Importance of the Holy Quran
Detailed Study Notes
1. The Holy Quran — Overview
The Holy Quran is the word of Allah and the final and universal revelation of Almighty Allah, revealed
upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺfor the guidance of all humanity. It is also called the 'Last Testament of
Allah' to humanity.
Key Facts at a Glance:
• The Quran is a Book of guidance from Allah for all humanity.
• Revelation was received by Prophet Muhammad ﷺfrom Allah over a period of approximately 23
years (610 A.D. – 633 A.D.).
• Allah says in the Quran: "(This is) The exalted Book (the Qur'an), in which there is no place for
doubt; a guidance for the pious." (2:2)
• The Holy Quran is a collection of messages (of guidance).
• It has different divine names, e.g. Al-Furqan, Al-Dhikr, etc.
Topics Covered in the Quran:
• God and His attributes
• Man's position in the universe and aim in life
• The life hereafter and how to attain success in it
• Man's relationship with God and fellow human beings
• Details of what one should believe and how to put it into practice
• Histories of previous nations and their Prophets
• Many events from the life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ
• Arguments to disprove false beliefs of all kinds
• Guidance, laws and regulations on everyday subjects: family life, business dealings, war and
peace, women's rights, hygiene, government and democracy
The Holy Quran also gives reasons, arguments and evidence to support its teachings. It challenges
those who disagree with it to produce proof of their views.
Structure of the Quran:
• The Quran is divided into Surahs (chapters), and each Surah contains Ayah (verses).
• The Holy Prophet ﷺdetermined the order of the Surahs and the Ayah within each Surah both
himself, under divine guidance.
• These divisions and their order are termed Tawfiqi (divinely inspired).
, 2. The Divine Names of the Holy Quran
The word 'Quran' is derived from the root 'qara' meaning to call, to proclaim, to recite. The Arabic word
'Quran' means 'that which is to be read aloud'.
The revelation from Allah to the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺis referred to in the Quran itself by not less
than 55 names. Some names other than Al-Quran are:
Name Meaning Reference
Al-Furqan The criterion by which right and wrong can Quran 25:1
be judged
Al-Dhikr Reminder Quran 15:9
Al-Tanzil Revelation Quran 26:192
Al-Majeed Glorious Quran 50:1
Al-Kareem Honoured Quran 80:13
Al-Hakeem Full of Wisdom Quran 31:2
Al-Kitab The Book, Scripture Quran 2:2, 21:10
Al-Kitab Mubeen Clear (Perspicuous) Book Quran 5:15
Al-Kitab A Book full of blessings Quran 6:155
Mubaraka
Al-Qaul Faisal That which distinguishes good from evil Quran 86:13
Note: Except for Al-Quran, all other names are attributes (qualities) of the Holy Quran reflecting one
of its various aspects. These are common to the Book of Allah revealed to His Prophets from time
to time. At not less than 140 places, the attributes of the Holy Quran are mentioned.
3. The Makkan (Makki) and Madinite (Madani) Revelations
Key Definitions:
• Makkan Surahs: Those which were revealed before the Prophet's migration to Madinah,
whether in Makkah or elsewhere.
• Madinite Surahs: Those which were revealed after the Prophet's migration to Madinah.
Timeline:
The History and Importance of the Holy Quran
Detailed Study Notes
1. The Holy Quran — Overview
The Holy Quran is the word of Allah and the final and universal revelation of Almighty Allah, revealed
upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺfor the guidance of all humanity. It is also called the 'Last Testament of
Allah' to humanity.
Key Facts at a Glance:
• The Quran is a Book of guidance from Allah for all humanity.
• Revelation was received by Prophet Muhammad ﷺfrom Allah over a period of approximately 23
years (610 A.D. – 633 A.D.).
• Allah says in the Quran: "(This is) The exalted Book (the Qur'an), in which there is no place for
doubt; a guidance for the pious." (2:2)
• The Holy Quran is a collection of messages (of guidance).
• It has different divine names, e.g. Al-Furqan, Al-Dhikr, etc.
Topics Covered in the Quran:
• God and His attributes
• Man's position in the universe and aim in life
• The life hereafter and how to attain success in it
• Man's relationship with God and fellow human beings
• Details of what one should believe and how to put it into practice
• Histories of previous nations and their Prophets
• Many events from the life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ
• Arguments to disprove false beliefs of all kinds
• Guidance, laws and regulations on everyday subjects: family life, business dealings, war and
peace, women's rights, hygiene, government and democracy
The Holy Quran also gives reasons, arguments and evidence to support its teachings. It challenges
those who disagree with it to produce proof of their views.
Structure of the Quran:
• The Quran is divided into Surahs (chapters), and each Surah contains Ayah (verses).
• The Holy Prophet ﷺdetermined the order of the Surahs and the Ayah within each Surah both
himself, under divine guidance.
• These divisions and their order are termed Tawfiqi (divinely inspired).
, 2. The Divine Names of the Holy Quran
The word 'Quran' is derived from the root 'qara' meaning to call, to proclaim, to recite. The Arabic word
'Quran' means 'that which is to be read aloud'.
The revelation from Allah to the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺis referred to in the Quran itself by not less
than 55 names. Some names other than Al-Quran are:
Name Meaning Reference
Al-Furqan The criterion by which right and wrong can Quran 25:1
be judged
Al-Dhikr Reminder Quran 15:9
Al-Tanzil Revelation Quran 26:192
Al-Majeed Glorious Quran 50:1
Al-Kareem Honoured Quran 80:13
Al-Hakeem Full of Wisdom Quran 31:2
Al-Kitab The Book, Scripture Quran 2:2, 21:10
Al-Kitab Mubeen Clear (Perspicuous) Book Quran 5:15
Al-Kitab A Book full of blessings Quran 6:155
Mubaraka
Al-Qaul Faisal That which distinguishes good from evil Quran 86:13
Note: Except for Al-Quran, all other names are attributes (qualities) of the Holy Quran reflecting one
of its various aspects. These are common to the Book of Allah revealed to His Prophets from time
to time. At not less than 140 places, the attributes of the Holy Quran are mentioned.
3. The Makkan (Makki) and Madinite (Madani) Revelations
Key Definitions:
• Makkan Surahs: Those which were revealed before the Prophet's migration to Madinah,
whether in Makkah or elsewhere.
• Madinite Surahs: Those which were revealed after the Prophet's migration to Madinah.
Timeline:
