Introduction to the Quran for Beginners

Muslims believe it is the final and complete revelation from God to humanity, confirming and superseding previous scriptures like the Torah and Gospel. It is unique in its preservation, remaining unchanged since its revelation.

"And indeed, it is the revelation of the Lord of the worlds. The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down. Upon your heart, [O Muhammad] - that you may be of the warners." (Quran 26:192-194)

The Quran provides moral, ethical, legal, and spiritual guidance. It contains stories of past prophets and nations, laws, admonitions, glad tidings, and warnings, all designed to illuminate the path to Allah.

"Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward." (Quran 17:9)

Millions of Muslims worldwide memorize the entire Quran. Its text has remained unchanged, word for word, for over 1400 years, fulfilling Allah's promise to protect it.

"Indeed, We have sent down the Message, and indeed, We will be its guardian." (Quran 15:9)

Each Surah has a unique name, often related to a key theme or a significant word mentioned within it. They are not arranged chronologically by revelation but by divine instruction.

There are over 6,000 Ayat in the Quran. Each Ayah is a distinct statement or phrase, conveying a divine message or instruction.

This division allows for the completion of the entire Quran recitation in 30 days, especially during the month of Ramadan.

**Makki Surahs:** Revealed in Makkah (before Hijra). Tend to focus on monotheism (Tawhid), the Oneness of Allah, the Hereafter, stories of past prophets, and moral virtues. They are generally shorter.

**Madani Surahs:** Revealed in Medina (after Hijra). Tend to focus on Islamic law (Sharia), social legislation, community building, and rules of engagement. They are generally longer.

It contains the essence of the Quran: praise of Allah, seeking His guidance, and a plea to be guided to the straight path, the path of those upon whom Allah has bestowed favor.

"All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds - The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. It is You we worship and You we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path - The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] wrath or of those who are astray." (Quran 1:1-7)

It describes Allah's absolute power, knowledge, and dominion over the entire universe. Reciting it is highly recommended for protection and blessings.

"Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is there that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi (Throne) extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great." (Quran 2:255)

It declares Allah's absolute uniqueness, that He is self-sufficient, has no offspring, and has no equivalent. Reciting it is considered equivalent to one-third of the Quran in reward.

"Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" (Quran 112:1-4)

**Al-Falaq:** Seeks refuge in Allah from all evils of creation, including darkness, envy, and magic.

**An-Nas:** Seeks refuge in Allah from the evil whispers of Satan (Shaytan) that afflict the hearts of humans.

Reciting these two Surahs is highly recommended for seeking protection from various harms.

**Al-Falaq:** "Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of Daybreak from the evil of what He has created; And from the evil of darkness when it settles; And from the evil of the blowers in knots; And from the evil of an envier when he envies.'" (Quran 113:1-5)

**An-Nas:** "Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, The Sovereign of mankind, The God of mankind, From the evil of the retreating whisperer - Who whispers into the breasts of mankind - From among the jinn and mankind.'" (Quran 114:1-6)

It covers laws, stories of prophets (especially Musa AS), lessons from the Children of Israel, and guidance on faith, rituals, and social dealings. Reciting it regularly is said to bring blessings and ward off evil.

(Too long to quote fully, but its themes are vast and foundational.)