INTRODUCTION
TO
QURANIC STUDIES
Ms Shumaila Farman
Lecturer
Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS)
21st April2021
Lecture No. 2
[email protected]
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Learning Objectives…
Basic concepts of the Quran
Introduction to Quran
The Eminence of Holy Quran
History of the Quran
Uloom-Ul-Quran 2
Basic Concept of Quran
When the moral deterioration of mankind assumed serious
proportions and the people started killing one another
everywhere, Allah (S.W.T) revealed the Holy book for the
welfare of mankind, called "The Quran". It contains solutions
to all kind of human problems.
Allah, The Almighty, says in Surah Younus / 57 :
O mankind! there has come to you a direction from your
Lord and healing for the (diseases) in your hearts, and for
those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy. (10:57)
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Allah stated in Surah Al Ibrahim verse # 1
Alif-Lam-Ra; it is a Book which We have sent down upon you
(O dear Prophet Muhammad – peace and blessings be upon
him) so that you may bring forth people from the realms of
darkness into light – by the command of their Lord, towards
the path of the Most Honorable, the Most Praiseworthy.
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This is the purpose for which the Prophet (peace be upon
him) had been sent. He was entrusted with the mission that
he should bring mankind back from the ways of darkness and
ways of wickedness into the way of God by the help of the
light of the Quran.
For everyone who is not on the way of God is, in fact,
wandering about in the ways of the darkness and ignorance,
even though he might consider himself to be very enlightened
and full of knowledge. On the other hand, the one who finds
the Way of Allah, comes into the light of knowledge, even
though he might be an illiterate person.
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The Holy Quran was revealed to a pious man, named
Hazrat Muhammed (SAW) who was held in high
esteem because of his unquestionable truthfulness
and integrity.
Allah (S.W.T) says about him in Surah Al-Qalam / 4 :
۴﴿ ﴾ َواِن ّ ََكل ََعلٰى ُخل ٍُق َع ِظي ٍۡم
And lo! thou art of a tremendous nature.
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We have, without any doubt, sent down
the "Dhikr;" and We will assuredly guard
it (from corruption)." (Surah Al Hijr, 15:9)
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Introduction of Quran
The Quran القرآن al-Quran, literally meaning "the recitation"
The central religious text of Islam.
which Muslims believe to be a revelation from God (Allah).
Subject of Holy Quran is Man.
It is widely regarded as the finest work in classical Arabic literature.
The Quran is divided into chapters (surah in Arabic), which are then
divided into verses (ayah).
Muslims believe that the Quran was verbally revealed by God to
Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) through the angel Gabriel (Jibrail).
The Quran as the most important miracle of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), a
proof of his prophet hood.
The culmination of a series of divine messages that started with the
messages revealed to Adam and ended with Muhammad (SAW). 8
The word "Quran" occurs some 70 times in the text of the
Quran,
although different names and words are also said to be
references to the Quran like Al-Furqan, Al-Kitaab, Al-
Zikar, Al- Noor, Al-Huda.
Last Holy Book revealed by Allah descended on the Last
Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (SAW).
Allah states in Surah Al-Baqra, “This is the Book; in it is
the guidance sure without doubt to those who fear Allah.
Allah has sent for the Guidance of humanity a complete
code of life this code of life is called the Holy Quran.
This (Quran) is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is
guidance for the righteous. (Al-Baqra:2) 9
The Theme oft he
Quran
The theme of the Quran consists broadly of these
fundamental points. They are:
1.Tawhid – Oneness of Allah
2.Risalat - Angels of Allah, Books of Allah and
Messengers of Allah.
3.Akhirat - Life after Death and the Day of Judgment.
4.Commands, Instructions, matters, advices and
admonish for human being.
5.Predestination.
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The Eminence of Holy Quran
To be well Protected
About his divine protection Allah reveals in Holy Quran,
We have, without any doubt, sent down the "Dhikr;" and We will
assuredly guard it (from corruption)." (Surah Al Hijr, 15:9)
Allah has resumed the responsibility to protect Holy Quran in the
form and the language(Arabic) in which it was revealed.
Universal book
The earlier Holy Books were meant exclusively for particular
nation, whereas The Holy Quran is meant for all the nation for all
times. Its message is Universal. Its teachings are applicable to
every nation and people of all periods of time. 11
Collective and Comprehensive Book
The Holy Quran deals with all the sectors of life and contains
admonitions and instructions and provides guidance to the people
belonging to all walk of life.
Book of Wisdom
The Holy Quran covers civilized and cultured aspects and
commands. Its believers to respect all the earlier prophets and to
believe that they were the messengers of Allah.
The challenge of Quran
The Quran was revealed it gave a challenge to the people that
if they doubted in its being the word of Allah then let them
compile a stanza (Surat) or even a Verse like the Surat or Verse
of Quran.
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History of the Quran
The Holy Quran the first revealed on the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(SAW) at the age of 40 in the cave of Hira (Mecca). Cave Hera is in Jabl-
e-Noor (Noor Mountain) on the road to Mina about 3 miles to the East
of Holy Macca.
The first five Verses of Surat-ul-Alaq. Which was read by Angel Jibrail.
Knowledge of the Quran was initiated with the Prophet himself.
Holy Prophet (SAW) received revelations over a period of 23 years.
The final verse of the Qur'an was revealed on the 18th of the Islamic
month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the year 10 A.H. The last verse was revealed
shortly before the Prophets (pbuh) death. It is the third verse of Surah
Al Maidah.
This book authenticated the earlier three revealed books viz Taurat,
Zaboor, Injeel and repealed their Injunctions.
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The first five Verses of Surat-ul-Alaq
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Cave of Hira, location of Muhammad's (SAW)
first revelation.
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The Companions would question the prophet
(PBUH)\ regarding concepts they did not
understand in the Quran.
Allah states, “Those who believe and do not mix
belief with injustice, only they will have security,
and they are the guided.” (6:82)
Basic Information about Holy Quran
Surah Al-Baqrah is the longest Surah.
Surah Al- Kausar is the shortest Surah.
Surah Al-Nass is the last surah.
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Surah Al-Tauba does not start with Bismillah.
Surah Al-Namal contains two Bismillahs.
Surah Yaseen is known as Heart of Quran.
Suran Rehman is known as beauty of Quran.
25 prophets mentioned in holy Quran
The Qur’an commands the Muslims to offer Salat (Namaz) 700 times.
Holy Quran consist 105684 words and 3236700 letters.
The longest Verse of Holy Quran is the 282 th Verse of Surat Al-Baqarah.
The Holy Quran comprise, of 114 Surats in which 86 have been revealed in
Mecca and 28 in Madina.
The number of verses (Ayat) are 6666.
Ruku 558.
Paras 30.
Stages (Manzilain) 7.
Bows (sajday) 14.
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Makki Surats and Madni Surats
The surats revealed on the Prophet (SAW) before Hijrat are
called Makki Surats and their period is thirteen years.
Makki Surats mostly related to Tauhid (the oneness of Allah)
and Risalat (Prophet hood ).
Surah Fatiha revealed twice-in Makkah and Madina.
The Surats which were revealed after Hijrat are known as
Madni Surats. Its period is more or less ten years.
Madni Surats mainly deal with rules and regulation of Islam.
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Revelation
In Islamic and Quranic contexts means the act of God addressing
an individual, conveying a message for a greater number of
recipients. The process by which the divine message comes to
the heart of a messenger of God is tanzil (to send down)
or nuzūl (to come down).
As the Quran says, “With the truth we (God) have sent it down
and with the truth it has come down.”
Muslims consider the Quran to be a guide, a sign of the prophet
hood of Muhammad (SAW) and the truth of the religion.
The gap between first and Second Wahi was six months.
Hazrat Jibrail came 24,000 times into the court of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH).
The major part of Quran is revealed at night time. 19
The types of revelation
The Commandments which the Almighty Allah had revealed for the
guidance of mankind has been divided by exegesis in two categories as
below:
1.Wahee-a-Matlu
It means the revelation which God has transmitted in His own words
and speech, for example the Quran. It is essential that such revealed
words should be recited in the same accent, diction and pronunciation
as they were revealed. Thus even after 1400 years Quran has
remained unchanged.
2.Wahee –e-Ghair Matlu
The revelation which God through his messenger Angel Jabrail
projected into the heart of the Holy Prophet. Holy The Prophet (SAW)
transmitted these revealed edicts, to the people in his own words.
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Sahih al-Bukhari narrates Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) describing the
revelations as, "Sometimes it is (revealed) like the ringing of a
bell" and Hazrat Aisha reported, "I saw the Prophet being inspired
Divinely on a very cold day and noticed the sweat dropping from
his forehead (as the Inspiration was over).“
The Quran describes Muhammad as "ummi", which is traditionally
interpreted as "illiterate," but the meaning is rather more
complex. Medieval commentators such as Al-Tabari maintained
that the term induced two meanings: first, the inability to read or
write in general; second, the inexperience or ignorance of the
previous books or scriptures (but they gave priority to the first
meaning). Muhammad's (SAW) illiteracy was taken as a sign of the
genuineness of his prophet hood.
In Ayahs 157 and 158 of Surah Al A’araaf Allah (SWT) has referred
to as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as Ummee. 21
What is the pure heart of my beloved Prophet (PBUH)
whom Allah has chosen for the revelation of the Qur'an
If this is the case with a mountain which is hard and huge, that if it was made able
to comprehend and understand this Qur'an, will feel humble and crumble from fear
of Allah the Exalted, then what about you – O mankind? Why do your hearts not feel
softness and humbleness from the fear of Allah, even though you understand Allah's
command and comprehend His Book? 22
The Holy Prophet (SAW) helped the Holy Companions (RA)
to memorize the words of Holy Quran and taught them their
meanings and explanation.
There is agreement among scholars that Muhammad (SAW)
himself did not write down the revelation.
According to the traditional narrative, several companions
of Muhammad (SAW) served as scribes and were responsible
for writing down the revelations.
At that time paper was not readily available therefore
verses of Quran were written on the Camel bones, Slates of
stones, Leather and Branches of palm tress and pieces of
bamboos.
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Quranic verse calligraphy, inscribed on the
shoulder blade of a camel with inks
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Compilation of Quran
Shortly after Hazrat Muhammad's (SAW) death, the Quran
was compiled by his companions who wrote down and
memorized parts of it.
After the demise of Muhammad (SAW) a number of his
companions who knew the Quran by heart were killed in
a battle by Musaylimah (Jang e Yamama).
The first caliph Abu Bakar Siddique (RA) decided to collect
the book in one volume so that it could be preserved.
Zayed bin sabitt (RA) was the person to collect the Quran.
These codices had differences that motivated the Caliph
Usman Ghani (RA) to establish a standard version now
known as Usman's codex, which is generally considered
the archetype of the Quran known today. 25
Hazrat Usman (RA) borrowed the Holy Qur’an
transcripts from Hazrat Hafsah (RA) which was
compiled during the reign of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA).
He then formed a group of four companions,
Hadrat Zaid Bin Sabitt (RA), Hazrat Abdullah Bin
Zubair (RA), Hazrat Saeed Bin Al Aas (RA), and
Hazrat Abdur Rahman Bin Harith (RA) to make
transcripts of the original copy. They also arranged
the Surahs in sequence. Hazrat Zaid, having been
responsible for the first compilation, was
appointed leader of the group. Other companions
also lent them a helping hand later.
Hazrat
Zaid Bin Sabitt was Ansari and other three
companions were Quraishi. 26
Hazrat Usman (RA) said to the three Quraishi companionios,
"In case you disagree with Zaid bin Sabitt (RA) on any point
in the Quran, then write it in the language of Quraish, the
Quran was revealed in their tongue." They did so, and when
they had written many copies, then ‘Hazrat Usman (RA)
returned the original manuscripts to Hazrat Hafsa (RA).
Thepresent form of the Quran text is accepted by Muslim
scholars to be the original version compiled by Hazrat Abu
Bakr. Siddique (RA)
Hazrat
Ayesha (RA) the first person who counted the
Aayaath (Verses) of the Quran.
Abdul Malik Marwan applied the dots in the Holy Quran.
Hazrat Khalid Bin Saeed, the first writer of Wahi.
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Holy Companions (Katbeen- e -Wahee)
• Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddique (RA)
• Hazrat Umer e Farooq (RA)
• Hazrat Usman Ghani (RA)
• Hazrat Ali (RA)
• Hazrat Zaid bin Sabitt (RA)
• Hazrat Khalid bin Alaas (RA)
• Hazrat Hanzala ibn ul Rabi (RA)
• Hazrat Amir bin Faheera (RA)
• Hazrat Ameer Muawia (RA)
• Hazrat Sabit bin Qais bin Shamas (RA)
• Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (RA)
• Hazrat Abi Kaa’b (RA)
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Uloom-Ul-Quran
The knowledge of Uloom ul Quran, or the Sciences
of the Quran, deals with the knowledge of those
sciences that have a direct bearing on the
Interpretation, recitation, history, understanding
and implementation of the Qur’an.
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Interpretation
It has been said that the knowledge of Uloom Al-Quran is
in reality the knowledge that one is required to know in
order to properly interpret the Quran. Therefore, to call
this branch of Islamic knowledge 'The Procedure and
Methodology of Interpretation.
The knowledge of its interpretation (tafseer), the
grammatical analysis of the Quran (iraab al-Quran).
Abdullah Ibn Abbas, the first commentator of the Quran
and also known as interpreter of the Quran.
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Recitation
Uloom Al-Quran deals with the science of pronunciation (tajweed),
the different methodologies of reciting the Quran (the qira'aat), the
blessings of reciting the Quran, and the etiquette of its recitation.
Quranic verse (ayah) is sometimes recited with a special kind
of elocution reserved for this purpose, called tajwid. This deals with
the science of pronunciation (tajweed).
10 virtues are blessed for recitation of one word of Quran.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims typically complete the
recitation of the whole Quran during tarawih prayers.
Its recitation an honor to converse with Allah.
Someone who has memorized the entire Quran is called a hafiz.
The listeners of Holy Quran have also been blessed with the bounties
Allah. 31
History
Withregards to the history of the Quran, ’Uloom
Al-Quran deals with the stages of revelation of
the Quran, the compilation of the Quran, the art
and history of writing the Quranic script , and
the preservation of the Quran.
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Benefits of Understanding and Implementation
Withregards to its understanding and implementation,
’Uloom Al- Quran covers the causes of revelation (asbaab
an-nuzool), the knowledge of makee and madanee
revelations.
TheImportance of having knowledge of the Quran this is
needed in order to properly interpret the Qur’an.
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Enables the student to better understand the
Qur’an. He will be familiar with its history,
revelation, and collection.
It increases a persons belief.
He will realize the beauty of the Quran and the
great blessings that he has been given through its
revelation.
The source of guidance for the people of every
sect and creed in every age.
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References
1.Islamiat (Compulsory) by Alhajj Mozzam Ali
2. Sirat-e-Mustaqim (Compulsory) by Prof.Abdul
Qayyum Natiq
3. Islamiat (Compulsory) by Prof.Mufti Munib-ur-
Rehman
4. Islamiat (Compulsory) by Dr.Nasiruddin
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