What is the Koran?

What is the Koran? The holy book of the Islam, considered by Muslims to be the final and literal word of God,  was revealed to prophet Mohammed over about 23 years and is widely accepted by Muslims as the last divine revelationcomplementing the previous revelations found in the Torah, in the Psalms and the Gospel.

O Qur'an plays a central role in faith and is considered the main source of spiritual guidance, moral and law for Muslims. It is a work that inspires and shapes the lives of its followers, offering guidelines for their beliefs, practices and values.

Structure of the Koran

O Qur'an, the holy book of islamis made up of an organized structure that includes suras, ayahs, juz', hizb, rub 'al-hizb e ajza'. Understanding this structure is fundamental to understanding the organization and division of the sacred text.

The suras and ayahs

O Qur'an is divided into 114 surasThese are chapters that vary in length and content. Each sura is made up of verses called ayahswhich bring divine revelations and teachings. These suras are organized in descending order of size, except for the first sura called Al-Fatiha, which is a short invocation known as "The Opening".

The division into juz', hizb, rub 'al-hizb and ajza'

To facilitate recitation and memorization of the Qur'an, it is divided into 30 parts called juz', which allow the reading of the complete Qur'an in a period of 30 days during the month of the Ramadan. Each juz' is divided into two smaller sections called hizb, and each hizb is divided into four parts called rub 'al-hizb. In all, the Koran is divided into 60 parts called ajza'Each one is approximately one-thirtieth of the text of the Koran.

This organized structure of the Koran allows Muslims to read and study the holy book systematically, reciting it in smaller parts and making it easier to memorize the text over time.

Understanding structure of the Koran helps to appreciate the organization of holy book and the importance of each part within the larger context of the work.

Meaning of the word Qur'an

The word Qur'an has its roots in Arabic language and means "recitation" or "reading". It derives from the Arabic word Al-Qur'an, which also refers to recitation of the divine words. Therefore, the Qur'an is called that because it is seen as a work intended to be recited or read aloud.

Since its inception, the Koran has played a fundamental role in the Islamic faith and in the lives of Muslims. The recitation and reading of the Qur'an are considered important spiritual practices, allowing the faithful establish an intimate connection with God. The Qur'an is studied, memorized and recited all over the world by devout Muslims as a way of seeking divine guidance and strengthening their faith.

Its nature as a work recited in Arabic also highlights the importance of Arabic language in the Islamic tradition. Many Muslims seek to learn Arabic in order to understand the Qur'an in its original form, believing that this increases the depth and spiritual connection with the sacred text.

What are the principles of the Koran?

The Qur'an is based on various principles that guide Muslims in their faith and daily practice. These principles reflect the teachings of the religion They are essential for understanding and living the Qur'an.

Monotheism

The principle of monotheism is fundamental in the Koran. It emphasizes the belief in one God, called Allah in Arabic. Muslims believe that Allah is the only supreme being and that there is no other God besides him.

Justice

A justice is another central principle in the Qur'an. Muslims are instructed to act with fairness and uprightness in all spheres of life, treating others with impartiality and respect.

Mercy

A mercy is a principle that encourages Muslims to show compassion towards others. They are encouraged to practice kindness and to help those in need by showing a generous and compassionate heart.

Humility

A humility is an important value in the Qur'an. Muslims are taught to recognize their dependence on God and to maintain a humble heart in the face of his greatness. A humility is seen as an essential virtue for a relationship with God and for interacting with others.

Individual responsibility

The Koran emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility. Muslims understand that they are responsible for their actions and must be accountable to God. They are encouraged to act righteously and to fulfill their religious and social duties.

Equality

A equality is a central principle in the Qur'an. It preaches the fair and equal treatment of all human beings, regardless of their race, gender, ethnic origin or social status. Muslims are encouraged to cultivate equality in their interactions with others and to fight against discrimination and injustice.

In the Qur'an, these principles are intrinsically linked to the lives of Muslims, providing guidance on how to live a pious and morally correct life. They serve as a spiritual guide and moralIt also encourages Muslims to strive for closeness to God and to contribute to a just and compassionate society.

What is the importance of the Koran?

The Qur'an plays a central role in Islam and is considered one of the books most important in history. He serves as a spiritual guide, moralThe Qur'an is a legal and cultural guide for Muslims, offering guidance in all aspects of life. In addition, the Qur'an is a source of inspiration and spiritual comfort for Muslims, directly influencing their beliefs, practices and values.

How holy bookThe Qur'an is revered and considered a guide to life daily life, providing clear instructions on how to behave and interact with others. It contains important teachings on individual responsibility, humility, equality e justice. Muslims see the Koran as a divine gift, a compendium of wisdom and guidance that helps them face life's challenges and dilemmas.

In addition, the Qur'an is fundamental to the foundation of Islamic law, known as Sharia, in many Muslim-majority countries. Many laws and legal practices are based on the principles and teachings of the Qur'an, which shows the central importance of this holy book to the social and legal organization of these societies.

In short, the Qur'an plays an essential role in the lives of Muslims, providing spiritual guidancemoral and legal. He is a guide to life It is a source of inspiration and a basis for the formation of laws and social practices. Its importance transcends religious and cultural boundaries, influencing millions of people around the world, promoting peace, understanding and a spiritual connection with the divine.

What is the history of the Koran?

A history of the Koran is directly linked to the life and mission of Prophet Mohammed. The revelations began in 610 AD, when Muhammad was around 40 years old, and continued until his death in 632 AD. During this period, the words of the Koran were gradually transmitted to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel in the form of recitations in classical Arabic.

These recitations were memorized and recited by Muhammad's followers, as well as being recorded in different materials. After Muhammad's death, his followers gathered the records and compiled what we know today as the Qur'an.

Oral transmission methods

Oral transmission played a fundamental role in the preservation and dissemination of the Koran. During the revelation periodThe followers of Muhammad memorized the recitations, ensuring that the sacred words were passed down from generation to generation.

This tradition of memorization and oral transmission continues to this day, with many students of the Qur'an learning to recite and memorize the holy book in its entirety.

Written compilation of the Koran

A written compilation of the Qur'an was a process that took place after Muhammad's death. During the caliphate of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, a commission was formed to gather the written records and establish a standard version of the Qur'an.

This standardized version of the Qur'an was widely accepted and distributed throughout the Islamic empire, guaranteeing the preservation and authenticity of the sacred text. Since then, the Qur'an has been transmitted in its written form, maintaining its importance and influence in the Muslim community.

Translations of the Koran

The Qur'an is a holy book that has been translated into several languages over the centuries, allowing people from different cultures and languages to have access to its teachings. However, it is important to note that many Muslims believe that the version in Arabic language is the most authoritative and they prefer to recite and read the Koran in that language, even if they don't fully understand its meaning.

Recitation in Arabic is considered a form of spiritual connection with God and a way of maintaining the purity of the original text. This is because the Qur'an was originally revealed in classical Arabic and Muslims value the preservation of this sacred language.

Importance of translations

The translations of the Koran play a significant role in enabling people around the world to access the teachings of the holy book. They provide the opportunity to understand the principles and messages contained in the Qur'an, regardless of the native language.

However, it's important to note that not all translations are the same. Due to the complexity and nuances of the Arabic language, some nuances may be lost or not fully conveyed in the translated versions. This is why many Muslim scholars and religious leaders emphasize the importance of consulting the translations together with the original Arabic text.

The translations of the Koran play a vital role in disseminating knowledge about Islam and promoting intercultural and interfaith dialog. They enable people from different backgrounds to explore the wisdom contained in the Qur'an and further understand the rich Islamic tradition.

An example of translation

"Say: 'O People of the Book! Come to a common word between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, that we ascribe no partners to Him, and that we do not take one another but as Lords. If then they turn away [from your exhortation], say to them, 'Be witnesses that we are the submissive ones. (Qur'an 3:64)

In this verse, we can observe a translation of the Qur'an, in which the call is for the people of the Book (referring to Jews and Christians) to come to a common word, which would be belief in one God and the rejection of worshipping others besides Him.

The translations of the Koran are a valuable tool for promoting knowledge, understanding and peaceful coexistence between people from different cultures and religious traditions.

Curiosities about the Koran

There are some

curiosities

related to the Koran that are worth knowing. One of them is the

food bans

present in the Islamic religion. According to the Koran, Muslims are instructed to avoid eating pork and birds of prey, among other foods considered impure. These restrictions are part of the dietary practices that promote spiritual purity.

Another curiosity is related to the holy month of Ramadan. During this period, Muslims practice

fasting

from sunrise to sunset as a form of religious devotion. In addition, Ramadan is marked by the performance of acts and the intensification of studies and

reading

of the Koran, seeking a greater connection with the divine word.

An interesting comparison is the dispute between the Koran and the Bible for the title of most printed and read books in the world. Both have millions of copies distributed globally and are considered sacred texts that guide the spiritual lives of many people. However, despite sharing similarities in their authorship, structure and translation, the Qur'an and the Bible also have their own differences.

differences

that make each one unique in its message and context.

The image below illustrates the cultural and spiritual diversity represented by the Koran and the Bible:

Conclusion

The Koran is the holy book of Islam, considered by Muslims to be the final and literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over the course of about 23 years. It guides Muslims in their beliefs, practices and values, serving as a spiritual guideIt is a moral, legal and cultural aspect of their lives.

The Qur'an has an organizational structure and is made up of principles such as monotheism, justice, mercyhumility, individual responsibility and equality. These principles are fundamental to Muslims, who apply them in their daily lives in order to live a life in accordance with God's will.

A history of the Koran is closely linked to the life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad, from his first revelation to his written compilation. Through oral transmission and subsequent writing, the Qur'an has come down to us, maintaining its purity and authenticity over the centuries.

The Qur'an plays a central role in the Islamic religion and exerts a significant influence on the lives of millions of people around the world. It strengthens the faith of Muslims, provides moral and spiritual guidance, and forms the basis of laws and social values in Islamic societies.

Source links

• https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcorão
• https://www.historiadomundo.com.br/arabe/alcorao.htm
• https://mundoeducacao.uol.com.br/sociologia/alcorao.htm