The History And Compilation Of The Holy Quran

Introduction

The Holy Qurán is the most widely read book in the history of mankind, a source of immense inspiration, guidance and wisdom for millions of Muslims all over the world. It is the pivotal point of imaan, faith, and integral to the foundations of an Islamic society being the basis of its shariah, Islamic legal injunctions and law. As such one of the aims of Minhaj-ul-Qurán is to ensure a continuous link remains between the body of the Islamic community, the ummah and its heart, the Holy Qurán. It is a book not just to be read, but to be studied, understood and ultimately revered. This paper is an attempt to provide an introduction to the Holy Qurán so that Muslims and non-Muslims alike can have an insight into its complexity but also understand its necessity to the Islamic faith and its importance to the Holy Prophet’s (saw) status. The research regarding this paper is based entirely on the books, lectures and notes of Shaykh-ul-Islam so all credit is due to him for his unending efforts. However since I have had the honor to compile this paper I take the ultimate responsibility of any mistakes that may occur in this compilation, I thus seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah for any errors that may occur.

Meaning of the Word Qurán

The Holy Qur’an is the literal word of Allah (swt), divinely revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) through the Angel Gibraeel (as). Before any attempt is made to describe the meanings of the word “Qur’an” the etymological base of the Arabic language needs a brief explanation first. The Arabic language is one of the richest languages in the world word containing many meanings and hidden depths, which have no comparison in the English language. In order to appreciate the true meaning and understanding of a particular word a threefold inquiry has to take place, looking into the:

1. etymological base of each word
2. its grammatical category
3. its contextual location

Etymological Aspect of Each Word

Most Arabic words have a root word consisting of 3 or 4 letters. These root words form the foundation of many nouns, verbs and adjectives. One root word can be responsible for a whole host of words. Any Arabic word that consists of the same 3 letters will have the same root word as its origins. In Arabic a root word is called “Mada” meaning subject matter. Every root word has its own individual meaning and the basic meanings travel into every noun or verb that is created. Once vowel sounds of the Arabic language are inserted into the root word they give a more precise and specific meaning.

Grammatical Category

Secondly every noun, verb or adjective also belongs to a specific grammatical or composite category, which have its own particular properties and meanings. These words carry on those characteristics and meanings in addition to the root word itself. Once the original meaning of the root word is combined with the prevailing grammatical and composite characteristics of that word this is then studied in light of the context of the original matter in discussion.

Contextual Location

Once the above two stages take place then the word in question is studied in light of the context, usage, contents and subject matter of its placement. This will finally lead to the exact and precise meaning of the word and give a true picture of what the writer is trying to convey. One has to remember that in the context of the Holy Qur’an, this is a divinely revealed book of God. As such every word can be taken to have been specially chosen for man to read and then understand as the Arabic language has an enormous breadth of vocabulary. Thus a detailed knowledge of Arabic grammar and linguistics as well as the language itself needs to be understood before any attempt can be made to provide a comprehensive “tafseer” or explanation of the Qur’anic verses.

Root Words of the Qur’an

The word Qur’an can be derived from four root words, each with their own individual meanings. The first root word is “qara’a” whose literal meaning is to collect or to compile. In this respect the Qur’an is a book which was collected and codified under the divine protection of Allah (swt). When Angel Gibraeel (a.s) used to bring the divine revelation of Allah (swt) to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) he had already been instructed by God to reveal the exact placement of each ayah (in the relevant Surah) as well as the arrangement of the Surah’s and their names. Since this was the case it was impossible for others to interfere in the Qur’an in any manner or form. It will remain in its actual and original state until the Day of Judgement the Qur’an itself testifies to its divine protection:

“It is for us to collect and recite it” (75:17)

In the context of the Qur’an, the word qara’a is also taken as being the book which contains all knowledge of the universe. Every as aspect of life as we know has been codified and collected within it[1]. An answer to any question man wishes to have answered can be found in the verses of the Holy Qur’an:

“And we have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things, a guide, a mercy and glad tidings to Muslims”. (16:89)

“A detailed exposition of every thing”. (12:11)

“We have omitted nothing from the book”. (6: )

The second root word is “qar’ana” meaning a union or conjunction. The root word does not specify what the union consists of, merely that a process of combination is indicated. In reference to the Qur’an this refers to the literal physical existence of the Qur’an and its properties. Imaam Fakr-al-Deen Razi quotes Imaam Sufyan Sorri as stating that the Holy Qur’an was given its own special name because letters are joined to make words, words are joined to make ayahs, ayahs are joined to make surahs and surahs are joined to make the Qur’an. This beautiful combination of literature has produced the most magnificent book in the world.

Another academic implication of the word “qar’ana” is that the Qur’an is combined with guidance, the two being inseparable. The Holy Qur’an refers to this combination:

“This is the book: it is guidance sure, without doubt”. (2:2)