The Quran and Hadith are foundational texts in Islam. The Quran, believed to be God's direct words, is divided into 114 chapters called surahs. Muslims recite it in Arabic during prayers and many memorize portions or all of it.

Hadith are collected sayings and actions of Muhammad, providing guidance on various topics. The Sunnah, derived from Hadith, refers to Muhammad's way of life and serves as a model for Muslims to follow in their daily lives.

Quran Structure

Organization and Components

• The Quran is the central religious text of Islam believed to be a revelation from God (Allah) to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years
• Consists of 114 chapters known as surahs which vary in length from a few verses to hundreds of verses
• Each surah is divided into individual verses called ayahs (also spelled ayats) with a total of 6,236 verses in the Quran
• Surahs are arranged roughly in order of decreasing length (with some exceptions) rather than chronologically or thematically

Significance and Recitation

• Muslims believe the Quran to be the literal word of God and the culmination of God's revelation to humanity, making it the foundation of Islamic faith and practice
• Reciting the Quran in Arabic is an essential part of Islamic worship, particularly during the five daily prayers (salah)
• Many Muslims memorize all or portions of the Quran in Arabic, even if they are not native Arabic speakers, to recite during prayers and gain spiritual rewards
• The Quran's language and style are considered unparalleled in beauty and power, contributing to its status as a miracle and proof of Muhammad's prophethood

Hadith and Sunnah

Hadith: Sayings and Actions of Muhammad

• Hadith refers to the collected sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, which were transmitted orally by his companions and later compiled into written collections
• Hadiths provide guidance on a wide range of topics, including religious practices, moral principles, and legal matters, complementing the teachings of the Quran
• The authenticity and reliability of hadiths are determined by the science of hadith criticism, which examines the chain of narrators (isnad) and the content (matn) of each hadith
• Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are considered the most authentic hadith collections by Sunni Muslims

Sunnah: The Prophet's Example

• Sunnah refers to the Prophet Muhammad's way of life, including his words, actions, habits, and silent approvals, which serve as a model for Muslims to follow
• Following the Sunnah is considered essential for Muslims as it demonstrates obedience to God and helps them lead a righteous life in accordance with Islamic principles
• The Sunnah is derived from the hadiths and is used as a secondary source of Islamic law (Sharia) after the Quran
• The Sunnah covers various aspects of life, such as prayer, fasting, charity, social interactions, and personal hygiene (examples: how to perform ablution before prayer or the importance of treating neighbors kindly)

Quranic Interpretation

Tafsir: Quranic Exegesis

• Tafsir is the Arabic term for Quranic exegesis or interpretation, which aims to explain the meaning, context, and implications of the Quranic verses
• Muslim scholars have developed various approaches to tafsir, including linguistic analysis, historical context, and the use of hadiths and the Sunnah to understand the Quran's message
• Famous works of tafsir include Tafsir al-Tabari by Ibn Jarir al-Tabari and Tafsir Ibn Kathir by Ibn Kathir, which are widely studied and referenced in the Islamic world
• Tafsir helps Muslims apply the Quran's teachings to their daily lives and understand its relevance in changing times and contexts

Revelation and Compilation

• Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years, beginning with the first revelation in the Cave of Hira and ending shortly before his death
• The revelations were received in different settings and circumstances, sometimes in response to specific events or questions posed by the early Muslim community
• During Muhammad's lifetime, the Quranic verses were primarily preserved through memorization and oral transmission by his companions
• After Muhammad's death, the Quran was compiled into a single written text during the reign of the first caliph, Abu Bakr, and later standardized during the reign of the third caliph, Uthman, to ensure its preservation and prevent variations in recitation