The Koran (Al-Qur'an)

The Qur’an is the foundational religious text of Islam and belongs to the genre of sacred scripture. Muslims believe it is the word of God and that it was divinely revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, in Arabic, over a period of approximately 23 years (610-632 CE). The Qur’an addresses themes of monotheism, divine guidance, justice, mercy, and human accountability.

This guide refers to the Oxford World’s Classics edition, translated by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem, who is a scholar of Islamic studies and a professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. He brings his linguistic expertise and cultural understanding to this translation, which offers a contemporary English rendering, with contextual notes to aid modern readers.

Summary

The Qur’an is structured into 114 chapters, or surahs, and it encompasses a variety of themes, including guidance for personal conduct, laws for societal governance, theological principles, narratives of earlier prophets, and descriptions of the afterlife. The text does not follow a chronological or narrative order typical of Western literature; instead, it employs a poetic and rhetorical style, weaving themes throughout its chapters. This style of composition includes recurring motifs and symbolic language, emphasizing monotheism, the oneness of God (tawhid), and the moral and spiritual accountability of humanity.

The Qur’an begins with Al-Fatiha (“The Opening”), a concise prayer praising God and seeking guidance about how to stay on the straight path (lead a righteous life). Subsequent chapters vary significantly in length and subject matter, ranging from lengthy legal injunctions and narratives about the lives of prophets to brief, evocative verses on God’s majesty and the Day of Judgment. The text consistently emphasizes the central tenets of Islam: belief in one God, the role of Muhammad as the final prophet, the reality of resurrection and judgment, and the importance of faith and good deeds. The Qur’an not only provides specific guidance on personal, social, and legal matters but also aims to inspire a life of devotion, righteousness, and awareness of God’s presence.

The Qur’an addresses a wide range of interconnected themes. Central to the text is the affirmation of monotheism, highlighting the unity, mercy, and omnipotence of God. It provides spiritual and moral guidance, emphasizing personal responsibility, social justice, and the ethical treatment of others. The text outlines principles for governance and community, including laws related to family, commerce, and conflict resolution, aimed at fostering harmony and fairness within society. The Qur’an also situates itself within the broader Abrahamic religious traditions, including Judaism and Christianity, recounting stories of earlier prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, affirming their roles as bearers of divine guidance. These narratives serve as moral and spiritual lessons, illustrating the consequences of faith and disobedience. Eschatological themes feature prominently, with depictions of the Day of Judgment, the afterlife, and the ultimate accountability of all individuals for their actions. Additionally, the text emphasizes the signs of God in the natural world, encouraging reflection and gratitude.

The text emphasizes God’s oneness, mercy, omniscience, and omnipotence. People are reminded of their moral and spiritual responsibilities, with the promise of reward for the righteous and consequences for the wicked. The Qur’an affirms earlier prophets and scriptures while asserting its role as the final revelation in the Abrahamic tradition. It advocates for fairness, compassion, and the protection of vulnerable groups, laying a foundation for ethical governance and interpersonal relationships. Descriptions of the afterlife, resurrection, and Day of Judgment underscore the transience of worldly life and the eternal significance of a person’s deeds.

The Qur’an, as presented in Abdel Haleem’s translation, is a text of spiritual, ethical, and literary significance. Its poetic and rhetorical style offers guidance for personal growth and societal harmony. This edition’s annotations and modern approach make it an accessible resource for understanding the Qur’an’s influence and messages.