The VOICE

The Word Qur'an

The Arabic word Qur'an is derived from the verb qara'a, which has various meanings such as read or recite. Qur'an is a verbal noun and hence means the "reading" or "recitation". As used in the Qur'an itself, the word refers to the revelation from Allah in the broad sense and is not always restricted to the written form in the shape of a book, as we have it before us today.

However, it means revelation to Muhammad only, while revelation to other prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all) has been referred to by different names like: Tawrat, Injil, Kitab, etc.

Other Names of the Qur'an

The revelation from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is referred to, in the Qur'an itself, by the name "Qur'an" (recitation) as well as many other names, such as the following:

1. Furqan (criterion), Almighty Allah says,

(Blessed is He Who sent down the Furqan upon His servant that he may be a warner to the nations.) (Al-Furqan 25:1)

2. Tanzil (scripture sent down), Almighty Allah says,

(And most surely this is a revelation [Tanzil] from the Lord of the worlds.)(Ash-Shu`araa' 26:192)

3. Dhikr (reminder), Almighty Allah says,

(Surely We have revealed the Reminder (Dhikr) and We will most surely be its guardian.) (Al-Hijr 15:9)

4. Kitab (scripture), Almighty Allah says,

(Certainly We have revealed to you a Book (Kitab) in which is your good remembrance.) (Al-Anbiyaa' 21:10)

It is also referred to by other names such as An-Nur (the light), Al-Huda (the guidance), Ar-Rahmah (mercy), Al-Majeed (the glorious), Mubarak (blessed), Bashir (announcer), Nadhir (warner), and so forth.