The Quran is considered the most sacred text in Islam. It is believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The word “Quran” has a simple yet profound meaning in Arabic.
The Etymology of the Word Quran
The word “Quran” is derived from the Arabic root word “qara’a” which means “to read or recite”. When translated literally, Quran means “the recitation”. This is a very fitting name as the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad verbally through the angel Jibril (Gabriel) and was meant to be recited aloud. The verbal revelations would be memorized and recited back to the Prophet Muhammad by his companions.
After the Prophet’s death, the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, had the verses of the Quran compiled into one book. This was done as a means of preserving the revelations and passing them down to future generations. So the very name “Quran” indicates its essential nature as a text meant to be read, recited and listened to.
Why is it Called the Quran?
When the verses were being revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the early 7th century, they were referred to in several ways. Some of the names include:
- Al-Quran – The Recitation
- Al-Furqan – The Criterion between right and wrong
- Al-Tanzil – The Revelation
- Al-Dhikr – The Reminder
- Al-Kitab – The Book
However, the most commonly used name was Al-Quran, meaning The Recitation. This emphasizes the fact that the revelation was meant to be recited out loud in prayer and serves as a reminder of its purpose.
Significance of Oral Recitation in Islam
Recitation of the Quran holds great importance in Islamic tradition. Here are some reasons why:
- Muslims believe reciting the Quran affirms their faith and brings them closer to God.
- It is encouraged to recite the Quran out loud in prayer, especially during salah (ritual prayer).
- Reciting the Quran out loud facilitates memorization and oral preservation.
- The lyrical nature of the Arabic Quran evokes strong emotions during recitation.
- Muslims recite the Quran during important events like births, marriages and at the time of death.
So the oral recitation of the Quran has been a core part of Islamic culture since the time of Prophet Muhammad himself. The name of the sacred text reflects how it is meant to be recited musically out loud as an act of worship.
How the Quran was Revealed
According to Islamic belief, the Quran was revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad between 610 CE and 632 CE. The revelations occurred in the following manner:
- The angel Jibril (Gabriel) would communicate the verses to Muhammad through verbal recitation.
- Muhammad would then repeat the verses aloud after the angel.
- His companions would memorize and write down the verses.
- The verses were collected into surahs (chapters), which make up the Quran.
- Initially, longer surahs were revealed, followed by shorter ones.
- The ordering of the surahs is not based on when they were revealed.
Through this process, over a period of 23 years, the Quran was completed. The name The Recitation or The Reading is apt because Angel Gabriel would recite it to Muhammad, who would then recite it aloud to others.
The Quran as Spoken Word
An interesting aspect about the Quran is that it is meant to be recited out loud. Muslims are encouraged to recite the Quran with rhythm and melody (tajweed) to evoke deep emotions. Its rhyming prose and lyrical nature lend itself very well to vocal recitation. Recitation of the Quran is also a skill mastered by expert reciters known as qurra’.
In fact, the power of the spoken Quran is considered so great, that it has been called The Standing Miracle. The idea is that even after 1400 years, the beauty of reciting or listening to the Quran has not diminished.
How Reciting the Quran Connects Muslims
Recitation of the Quran creates a sense of community among Muslims worldwide. Here are some ways in which it connects Muslims:
- Muslims can identify other Muslims reciting the Quran in public.
- Memorizing the Quran is highly encouraged, and this shared skill connects Muslims.
- Muslims gather in mosques to offer salah and recite the Quran out loud together.
- Quran recitations are commonly played in public places in Muslim countries.
- Global Quran competitions where reciters showcase their skills are popular in the Muslim world.
So Muslims from vastly different parts of the world can connect through their shared reverence of the Quran and their efforts in perfecting its recitation.
Modern Technology and the Quran
While originally revealed in an oral tradition, the Quran has been transformed by modern technology. Some examples are:
- The Quran has been translated into over 100 languages using print and online media.
- There are digital versions of the Quran and online apps to help with memorization and recitation.
- Smartphone apps allow users to stream recitations by master reciters from across the Islamic world.
- CDs and DVDs of Quran recitations are hugely popular especially during Ramadan.
- The internet has also facilitated access to the Quran globally.
So while much has changed through history, Muslims still go back to the oral tradition of reciting the Quran just as it was done originally 1400 years ago.
Reciting the Quran in Prayer and Rituals
Reciting the Quran out loud is an integral part of Muslim prayer (salah) and rituals. Some examples include:
- In each unit of Salah, parts of the Quran are recited out loud after Surah Al-Fatihah.
- Longer portions of the Quran are recited during voluntary night prayers called Tahajjud.
- It is commendable to recite the entire Quran in the month of Ramadan.
- Reciting the Quran is also prescribed on special occasions like at weddings and during funerals.
- Passages and verses are recited as dua (supplication) to God during difficult times.
So the recitation of the Quran forms the backbone of Islamic rituals and worship. Muslims strive to memorize and understand the Quran, while reciting it with dedication and emotion.
Conclusion
In summary, the word Quran literally translates to “The Recitation” in Arabic. This name truly captures the essence of Islam’s sacred scripture which was revealed orally to Prophet Muhammad. Recitation of the Quran has remained central in Islam because of its melodious sound, lyrical nature and ability to create spiritual experience. Muslims recite the Quran collectively in formal prayers and individually in their daily lives. The shared reverence for the spoken Quran continues to create a sense of unity among Muslims all over the world.