The nature of the Quran & why the Quran has supreme authority for Muslims
Muslims believe the Quran is the direct word of Allah.
It is divine, heavenly, and authentic & considered to be miracle.
The first surahto be revealed was surah ‘alaq. This happened in the cave of hira on the night of power (laylatul qadr) through the angel jibrail (a.s).
The entire quran was revealed over a period of 23 years.
The prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) would dictate the verses to his scribes & tell them where to write each verse & where to place them.
Many of the companions also memorised the quran.
The quran is split into 114 surahs (chapters), 30 ajza (parts). Each surah has ayat (verses).
All chapters begin with bismillah except surah taubah.
It was compiled into book form during the time of abu bakr (r.a) after a number of huffaz were martyred. This responsibility was given to zaid ibn thabit (r.a).
The copy was kept with hafsa (r.a), the daughter of umar (r.a).
During the time of uthman (r.a), differences arose in its recitation. He asked for 7 copies to be made in the dialect of the quraish from the original that was kept with hafsa (r.a), & had them distributed in different regions. All other copies were to be disregarded.
The quran has supreme authority for the Muslims because:
They believe it contains the exact words of Allah.
It was brought to people through the final prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) as a message to all of mankind.
It was recited exactly by the prophet & recorded immediately & accurately by his companions.
It has never been changed, so they are sure their knowledge is correct.
It’s a miracle from Allah because Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) didn’t know how to read & write.
It shows them how to follow the straight path.
It inspires them to struggle in the cause of Allah.
It makes clear to them their obligations & duties towards Allah.
It enables them to practice their religion properly & to be guided.
It encourages them through the examples of faithful believers.
It develops love for Allah.
Respect for the quran
Muslims show respect for the quran by performing wudhu before touching it.
Keeping it on a high place.
Trying to follow & practice upon what it says.
Reading it every day.
Avoid eating & drinking whilst reading.
Handle it with respect.
Importance of revelation of holy quran to Prophet Muhammad
Revealed on the night of power in the cave of hira on the mountain of light jabal an-nur.
It was the time when the first words of the quran were revealed.
He became the final chosen messenger because he received this message from Allah.
It proves that the quran is the word of Allah.
It was the beginning of many such revelations which continued for a period of 23 years.
Quran is regarded as a great miracle.
It restored the original message sent to previous prophets & clarified the errors of previous nations.