Author: Quran Talk Blog

The following excerpts of interest from the book "Hadith Literature, Its Origin, Development & Special Features" by Muhammad Zubayr Siddiqi. Companions Weary of HAdith "Abu Bakr, when Caliph, was concerned to learn hadiths, but was careful not to accept the words of those who reported them without an independent witness. He also asked Muslims not … Continue reading Excerpts & Thoughts from Hadith Literature by Muhammad Zubayr Siddiqi

A common understanding among Muslims is that the prophet taught the Quran in seven ahruf (sing, harf ( حَرْف ), pl. ahruf ( أَحْرُف )). This is based on a number of Hadith, like the one below. Narrated Ibn `Abbas: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Gabriel read the Qur'an to me in one harf and I … Continue reading Ahruf & Quran

​Appendix 1 of the Authorized English Translation of the Quran, translated by Dr. Rashad Khalifa, states that the number of words between the Bismillah at the opening of the Sura to the Bismillah in verse 30 is 342 words = 19 x 18. Some claim the total number of words is 349 rather than 342. … Continue reading Sura 27 Word Count

The Quran is the most widely transmitted book in the history of the world. No other book has been written and memorized by more people, in part or in full, than this scripture from God. In addition, we have manuscripts dating back to its inception. Below is a list of some of the oldest and … Continue reading Oldest Quran Manuscripts

If we consider the Hadith as an essential component of being a faithful adherent of Islam, it is indeed perplexing that we do not encounter extensive records of written Hadith circulating in the immediate generations following the Prophet's passing. Given the vast quantity of Hadith within the corpus, some estimates even suggest the presence of … Continue reading Oldest Hadith Manuscripts

The Qur’an uses the name "the Most Gracious" ( ar-Rahman / ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ) for God fifty-seven times in addition to the Bismillahs. This includes twice by Abraham, once by Aaron, and twice by Mary. [19:44] [Abraham said] "O my father, do not worship the devil. The devil has rebelled against the Most Gracious.[19:45] "O my father, I … Continue reading What is the Most Gracious?

The opening statement of the Quran that also occurs at the start of 113 of the 114 suras of the Quran is: [1:1] In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. (١) بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 1bis'miبِسْمِIn (the) name2l-lahiٱللَّهِ(of) God,3l-raḥmāniٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِMost Gracious,4l-raḥīmiٱلرَّحِيمِMost Merciful. This powerful statement predates the Quran, and is confirmed by the Quran. In Sura … Continue reading History of Basmalah

Pharaoh stands as one of the most infamous tyrants in human history. The Quran highlights a critical facet of his reprehensible ascendancy: his utilization of one of the most atrocious modes of punishment to guard his authority. [7:141] Recall that we delivered you from Pharaoh's people, who inflicted the worst persecution upon you, killing your sons … Continue reading Gender & Society

In the following verse we are commanded to refrain from three things in order to be considered submitters (Muslims). [3:64] Say, "O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except GOD; that we never associate anything with Him, nor take others as lords … Continue reading Three Forms of Idol Worship

The fundamental reason for our existence is to worship God alone. Yet, what exactly does it entail to worship God? God willing, in this article, we will attempt to better understand how we may achieve this by reflecting upon the verses regarding this topic in the Quran. [51:56] I did not create the jinns and the … Continue reading Traits of True Worshipers of God Alone