The Quran, often spelled as Qur’an or Koran, is the central religious text of Islam. Here are some key points about the Quran:

1. Revelation: Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of approximately 23 years through the Angel Gabriel. The revelation began in 610 CE and continued until 632 CE.

2. Structure: The Quran is divided into chapters called “Surahs,” and these Surahs are further divided into verses known as “Ayahs.” There are 114 Surahs of varying lengths, and the total number of verses in the Quran is over 6,000.

3. Language: The Quran is written in classical Arabic. It’s considered a masterpiece of Arabic literature and is highly regarded for its linguistic and literary qualities.

4. Guidance: The Quran provides guidance on various aspects of life, including ethics, morality, law, theology, and spirituality. It addresses themes like monotheism, the afterlife, the role of prophets, and social justice.

5. Recitation: The Quran is often recited and memorized by Muslims around the world. Those who have memorized the entire Quran are given the honorary title of “Hafiz” or “Hafiza.”

6. Authority: The Quran is the ultimate source of authority in Islam and serves as the foundation for Islamic beliefs and practices. It is supplemented by the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) to provide further guidance.

7. Preservation: Muslims believe that the Quran has been perfectly preserved since its revelation, with every word and letter remaining unchanged.

8. Translations: While the original Quran is in Arabic, it has been translated into numerous languages to make it accessible to non-Arabic speakers. However, translations are considered interpretations, and the Arabic text is considered the true Quran.

9. Respect: Muslims treat the Quran with great reverence and handle it with utmost care. It is common to see copies of the Quran placed in a high, clean spot in homes and mosques.

10. Recitation Styles: There are various styles of Quranic recitation, and proficient reciters are often admired for their mastery of these styles. Tajweed is the set of rules governing the proper pronunciation and recitation of the Quran.

The Quran is a central and foundational text in Islam, shaping the beliefs, practices, and lives of Muslims worldwide. It is considered a source of spiritual guidance and a source of inspiration for Muslims in their daily lives.