The meaning of Quran is linked to reading or recitation: the word comes from the Arabic “Qaraa,” meaning to read. In Islamic usage, the Quran is the word of Allah revealed to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), guiding people from darkness into light.
What does the word Quran mean linguistically?
The linguistic meaning concerns the word's Arabic origin. “Qaraa” means to read or recite; another scholarly explanation connects Quran with collecting, because it brings together stories, commands, prohibitions and surahs.
These explanations concern the name itself. The technical definition describes the revealed book to which that name refers:
| Meaning | What it explains |
|---|---|
| Linguistic | The connection with reading or recitation, or with collecting |
| Technical | The word of Allah revealed to His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) |
The Quran is in Arabic:
“بِلِسَانٍ عَرَبِيٍّ مُّبِينٍ”
For more context on the language, read our guide to Arabic in Islam.
What is the technical meaning of Quran?
The Quran is the word of Allah, revealed in Arabic to His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Its purpose is to guide people from darkness into light.
The following verse describes the guidance brought by revelation:
“It is He Who sends down manifest Ayaat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to His slave (Muhammad) that He may bring you out from darkness into light”[Al-Hadeed 57:9 – interpretation of the meaning]
For a broader introduction, see the book of the Quran in Islam.
What does the Quran teach?
The Quran teaches belief in Allah, worship, good manners and dealings with others. It also recounts the lives of the Prophets and describes the Day of Judgment and life after death.
Belief and creation
The Quran describes Allah's names and attributes and the creation of the heavens and the earth. It calls people to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers and the Last Day.
Worship, conduct and stories
Its teachings address what is lawful and unlawful, the rulings of worship, and how people deal with one another. Accounts of earlier and later generations, the Prophets and the righteous appear alongside guidance on good manners and morals.
Accountability and the Hereafter
The Quran describes resurrection, the gathering, judgment and being brought to account. It also describes reward and punishment, Paradise for the believers and Hell for the disbelievers.
How can you begin studying the Quran?
You can continue with our guide to how to read the Noble Quran. For taught study, explore Qaida classes for beginners for reading or the Standard Arabic course for language learning.
Murouj Academy offers one-to-one lessons. You can meet the teachers and choose whom to study with.
Reference: IslamQA
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Quran addressed to?
The Quran is addressed to all of mankind, as this verse explains:
“Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Quran) for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his own self; and whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his (own) loss. And you (O Muhammad) are not a Wakeel (trustee or disposer of affairs, or guardian) over them”[al-Zumar 39:41 – interpretation of the meaning]
Does the Quran only contain rules of worship?
No. It also includes guidance on belief, good manners and dealings with others, accounts of the Prophets, and descriptions of life after death.
What does the Quran encourage readers to reflect on?
It calls readers to examine and ponder the signs of Allah in the universe and the verses of the Quran.
