Introduction to the Qur'an

The Qur'an (literally "the recitation"; also sometimes transliterated as Koran) is the central religious text of Islam. It is the book of divine guidance and direction for mankind, and the original Arabic text is the final revelation of God.

The Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad [s] by the angel Jibril (Gabriel) over a period of 23 years. It is the culmination of a series of divine messages that started with those revealed to Adam [a], the first prophet, and continued with the Scrolls of Abraham [a], the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospel.

The aforementioned books are mentioned and recognized as God's revelation in the Qur'an. There is also reference to many events from Jewish and Christian scriptures, some of which are retold in comparatively distinctive ways from the Bible and the Torah

The Qur'an was written down by Muhammad's [s] companions whilst it was being revealed, although the prime method of transmission was oral. The Qur'an exists today as it was at the time of Prophet Muhammad [s] - there is only one Arabic version, and a large number of different translations available.