It is believed that Prophet Muhammad had received revelations from
Allah for 23 years. At first, the prophet preached these revelations
verbally. Later Muhammad's teachings were set down in a book called the
Quran (Koran). After Muhammad's death all the teachings of Muhammad were
compiled under the direction of the first Sunni Caliph Abu Bakr. The
work was completed about 1,400 years ago. Composed in 114 verses or
surah(s) of varying lengths, the Quran covers a wide range of subjects.
Quran has been revealed for the guidance of mankind and invites the
people of wisdom to read into its pages to enhance human knowledge about
the universe and Creator, and to create environments where man could
live in peace and harmony with the fellow human beings and with the
Nature. It puts a special emphasis on the concept of oneness of god and
his concern about the spiritual and worldly welfare of man. The Holy
Scripture also enlightens on the creation of the world, specially, of
man; of good and evil spirits; man's responsibility for his actions; the
Day of Judgement; the final account; and rewards and punishments.
The book also contains rules and regulations regarding worship and the
life of the community, the laws of the family: like marriage, divorce
and inheritance. Since the Quran is said to be the very word of god, it
is untranslatable. Nevertheless, for those who don't understand Arabic,
the Quran has been explained and translated into almost all world
languages. Still, every Muslim is expected to learn the Arabic script to
be able to read the original text, even if he does not understand its
meaning in Arabic. Quran is a part of the Knowledge - which is
limitless, and therefore it deals with the stages of human development.
It also contains the solutions of issues and problems which mankind
faces and specifies a complete Islamic system i.e. the system which
facilitates living in peace - where there is no oppression, insecurity,
fear and inequality.
