What is the Quran?

It is the speech of The Creator (Allah), revealed to the prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the angel Gabriel, over 1400 years ago. 

The prophet Muhammad ﷺ  conveyed this revelation to his followers just as it was revealed without any altering.

The companions of the prophet ﷺ memorized the revealed verses of Quran and wrote them down as well.

The verses were then compiled into a book, that today is known as the Quran,

it is the very same Quran that you and I can read today,

a book that is spread all over the world.

The Quran consists of 114 chapters, beginning with the chapter al-Fatiha (the Opening) and ending with an-Nas (Mankind).

The very first verses were revealed to the prophet in the cave of Hira. These verses were the first five verses from al-Alaq (The Clot).

The Quran was then subsequently revealed over the course of 23 years in two cities, Mecca and Medina.

At that time, the Arabs used to worship others alongside the Creator (Allah).

The Quran refuted the worshipping of others beside the Creator, instead calling mankind to only worship the Creator (Allah) alone.

This monotheism in Arabic is called Tawheed. It is the doctrine that no one has the right to be worshipped except the Creator (Allah) alone. 

The revelation of the Quran was not the first time that this monotheistic message had been revealed. It was revealed in the Torah to the prophet Moses.

And it was revealed to Jesus as he received the Gospel.

And it was finally revealed to the prophet Muhammad ﷺ as he received the Quran.

which is preserved in its original state to this day.

In addition to reading the Quran, one should also comply with its message and implement it in everyday life. 

The Quran calls us to: 
Take good care of our parents. 

To be kind and generous to the poor and needy,

and to not distinguish between people because of their skin color or appearance.

Anyone who follows the message in the Quran will be grateful in good times,

and patient in difficult times.

and it encourages us to do many other good deeds and to have the best of characteristics.

In addition to reading and implementing its message, one should also reflect and ponder upon the message in the Quran.

Like the sun and the moon and how each is floating in its orbit.

Reflect on the gift of your eyesight and your eyes which you are currently using to read this text.

Reflect on how you came to life when you previously did not exist and how you will inevitably die and leave this life.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it."

So, what is the Quran?

It is a compass that guides you to the truth.

It is a light for you in the darkness.

And It is the ultimate source of true happiness.