What is Quran? Allah describes the Quran in the Quran



The best answer to the question “What is Quran” is provided by Allah – the Lord and Rabb of everything that is ever created and exists. The following are some of the descriptions about Quran within the Quran asserting its authority as a divine book revealed for the entire humanity at large.

Quran is undoubtedly the word of Allah (God)

Quran is a book that is the word of Allah (God) and there is no doubt about its divinity. The claim is made by no one but Allah Himself.

This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon (the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)).
Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 2)
Allah makes it clear in the Quran that it could not have been revealed by anyone other than Him. He says:

And this Qur’an is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah (Lord of the heavens and the earth), but it is a confirmation of (the revelation) which was before it [i.e. the Taurat (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel)], and a full explanation of the book (i.e. laws, decreed for mankind) – wherein there is no doubt – from the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).
Quran (Surah2 Younus, Verse 37)

Quran is the book of Truth

Since time immemorial people have been arguing about “truth” and the criteria to determine the “truth”. Allah makes it clear in the Quran about “ultimate truth.” No book on entity has made such a universal claim with such an authority. The Quran is the Book of Allah with a message of truth for all of mankind:

“Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad (S)) the Book (this Quran) for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his own self, and whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his (own) loss. And you (O Muhammad (S)) are not a Wakeel (trustee or disposer of affairs, or keeper) over them.”
Quran (Surah Al-Zumar, Verse 411)
Allah also says:

These are the Verses of the Book (the Quran), and that which has been revealed unto you (Muhammad (S)) from your Lord is the truth, but most men believe not.
Quran (Surah Ar-Raad, Verse 1)

Quran is a book that discusses mankind (and their guidance)

Allah tells us that He revealed a book that includes teachings and guidance related to mankind, so we should follow it. He says:

Indeed, We have sent down for you (O mankind) a book (the Quran) in which there is Dhikrukum,(your Reminder or an honor for you i.e. honor for the one who follows the teaching of the Quran and acts on its teachings). Will you not then understand?
Quran (Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 10)





Allah also says:

And indeed We have fully explained to mankind, in this Quran, every kind of similitude, but most mankind refuse (the truth and accept nothing) but disbelief.
[Surah Al-Isra, 17:89]

Quran brings ones life out of darkness into light




“It is He Who sends down manifest Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to His slave (Muhammad) that He may bring you out from darkness into light
Quran (Surah al-Hadeed, Verse 9)



Belief in the Quran is part of being righteous and pious

Allah tells us in the Quran the various criteria of being righteous and pious, one of which is the faith in this book (Quran).

It is no virtue that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but virtue is that one should sincerely believe in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Prophets and, out of His love, spend of one’s choice wealth for relatives and orphans, for the needy and the wayfarer, for beggars and for the ransom of slaves, and establish the Salat and pay the Zakat. And the virtuous are those who keep their pledges when they make them and show fortitude in hardships and adversity and in the struggle between the Truth and falsehood; such are the truthful people and such are the pious.
Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 177)

Quran was revealed to be recited for its followers

As the Quranic verse below indicates, Allah has asked Quran’s followers to give it’s right of recitation (to be followed). He says in the Quran:

Those (who embraced Islam from Bani Israel) to whom We gave the book [the Taurat (Torah)] [or those (Muhammad’s companions) to whom We have given the book (the Quran)] recite it (i.e. obey its orders and follow its teachings) as it should be recited (i.e. followed), they are the ones who believe therein. And whoso disbelieve in it (the Quran), those are they who are the losers. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi). 
Quran (Surah A-Baqarah, Verse 121)

Quran is Allah’s words that was brought by Angel Jibraeel to Prophet Muhammad (s)

Allah provides the answer about how Quran was brought to the prophet (s).

“And verily, you (O Muhammad (S)) are receiving the Quran from the One, All-Wise, All-Knowing”
Qraun (Surah An-Naml, Verse 6)

Quran is Allah’s word that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in stages

When Quran was being revealed to the prophet (s), the disbelievers of his time asked as to why the entire book was not revealed all at once. To this Allah responded in the Quran:

“And those who disbelieve say: Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once? Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages”
Quran (Surah Al-Furqan Verse 32)

Nothing like Quran can be written or produced

In the Quran, Allah has challenged mankind and the jinn to produce something like it, even one surah or one aayah (verse), but they could not do that and will never be able to do that, as Allah says:

Say: “If the mankind and the jinns were together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.”
Quran (Surah Al-Isra, Verse 88)
Allah also says in the Quran:

“And if you (Arab Pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that, which We have sent down (i.e. the Quran) to Our slave (Muhammad (S)), then produce a Surah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allah, if you are truthful.”
Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 23)

Quran is a divine revelation that should be treated as such

Allah emphasizes the greatness of the Quran by providing an example in the following verse:

“Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables, which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect.”

[Surah Al-Hashr, 58:21]1

Quran is Allah’s (God’s) final revelation to mankind that has remain unchanged since its revelation

Quran is not only Allah’s final word but Allah Himself has taken the pledge to safeguard it from any corruption. As a result, we see that Quran today is in the same form as it was revealed by Allah on Prophet Muhammad (S). All other revealed books except the Quran have been changed and distorted over time. The Quran is and will remain, intact in its original form till the Day of Judgment. Allah has sent down Quran to mankind and has guaranteed to preserve it, taking upon Himself the responsibility of preserving it till the last day. Allah says:

“It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).”
Quran (Surah Al-Hijr, Verse 9)

Quran provides a complete code of living life and guidance for preparing for the hereafter

Quran is a blessing for mankind to be able to live peaceful lives on this earth and has guidance to help mankind prepare for the hereafter as well. Allah says:

“… And We have sent down to you the Book (the Quran), as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims).”
Quran (Surah An-Nahl, Verse 89)

Quran is a book of healing

Quran is a means of both physical and spiritual healing. Allah says in the Quran:

“O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Quran, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers.”
Quran (Surah Younus, 57)
Allah also says:

And We sent down in the Quran such things that have healing and mercy for the believers
Quran (Surah Al-Isra, Verse 82)

Quran’s message has no crookedness or contradictions

Allah says in the Quran:

Do they not then consider the Qur’an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many a contradiction.
Quran (Surah An-Nisa, Verse 82)
He also says:

“All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has sent down to His slave (Muhammad SAW) the Book (the Quran), and has not placed therein any crookedness.”






Quran (Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 1)
Here is a summary of the above facts:
  • Quran is undoubtedly the word of Allah (God)
  • Quran is the book of Truth
  • Quran is a book that discusses human beings (and their guidance)
  • Quran brings ones life out of darkness into light
  • Belief in the Quran is part of being righteous and pious
  • Quran was revealed to be recited / followed
  • Quran is Allah’s words that was brought by Angel Jibraeel to Prophet Muhammad (s)
  • Quran is Allah’s word that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in stages
  • Quran is Allah’s word that has remained unchanged since its revelation
  • Nothing like Quran can be written or produced
  • Quran is a divine revelation that should be treated as such
  • Quran is Allah’s (God’s) final revelation to mankind
  • Quran provides a complete code of living life and guidance for preparing for the hereafter
  • Quran is a book of healing
  • Quran’s message has no crookedness or contradictions





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The importance of Friday Prayer is well known to the Muslim ummah. There are explicit verses in the Qur’an and Sunah that highlight this and also gives us guidelines on how to make the best out of this Salaah. In my humble attempt, I have tried to list out the benefits of the Jumu’ah Salaah and the ways we could resort to in order to reap them, in shaa’ Allah and in the process beautify your Jum’ah salaah. 
Friday is called Al-Jumu`ah because it is derived from Al-Jam`, literally meaning “gathering”. 1
The Prophet SAWSsaid: “Friday is the master of days, and the greatest of them before Allah. It is greater before Allah than the day of al-Adha and the day of al-Fitr. It has five characteristics: on this day Allah created Adam, on it He sent Adam down to the earth, on it Allah caused Adam to die, on it there is a time when a person does not ask Allah for anything but He gives it to him, so long as he does not ask for anything haraam, and on it the Hour will begin. There is no angel who is close to Allah, no heaven, no earth, no wind, no mountain and no sea that does not fear Friday.” 2
Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimullah) said: 


“Jumu‘ah prayer is singled out from among all the other obligatory prayers for having particular characteristics that are not found in other prayers including the fact that it is offered in congregation, has a minimum number of worshipers required in order for it to be valid, the iqaamah is a condition of it being valid, one must not be traveling in order for it to be obligatory, and the recitation is done out loud.” [3.  Zaad al-Ma‘aad, 1/384-385]


VIRTUES OF THE FRIDAY PRAYER
  1. Abu Hurayrah RAu narrated that the Messenger of Allah SAWS said: “The five daily prayers, and from one Jumu’ah to the next are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin.” 3
  2. It was narrated by Al-Ja’d ad-Damri RAu that the Prophet SAWS said, “He who leaves the Friday prayer (continuously) for three Friday on account of slackness, Allah will print a stamp on his heart.” 4
  3. It was narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As RAu that the Prophet SAWSsaid, “Three types of people attend Friday prayer; One is present in a frivolous way and that is all he gets from it; another comes with a supplication, Allah may grant or refuse his request as He wishes; another is present silently and quietly with-out stepping over a Muslim or annoying anyone, and that is an atonement for his sins till the next Friday and three days more, the reason being that Allah, the Exalted, says: “He who does a good deed will have ten times as much.” 5
SUNNAH OF FRIDAY PRAYER
Before the Friday prayer:
  1. Close your business before Salaah:
“[Are] men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of zakah. …That Allah may reward them [according to] the best of what they did and increase them from His bounty. ….” (Surah An-Nur, 24:37-38)
Allah SWT praises those individuals who close their business fearing Allah SWT and rush towards Salaah. They seek and hope for His bounties and fear His punishment!
  1. Performing Ghusl:
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah RAu that the ProphetSAWS said, “Whoever does ghusl then comes to Jumu’ah, and prays as much as Allah decrees for him, then listens attentively until the khutbah is over, then prays with him (the imam), will be forgiven for (his sins) between that and the next Jumu’ah and three more days.” 6
Al-Nawawi said: “The scholars said that what is meant by his being forgiven between the two Jumu’ahs and three more days is that a good deed is worth ten like it, so he will be rewarded with ten hasanahs for each of the good deeds that he did on Friday.” 7
  1. Reaching Early for Jum’ah Prayer:  
The Messenger of AllahSAWSsaid, “Whoever does ghusl on Friday like ghusl for janaabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e., early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.” 8
  1. Walking to Jumu’ah Prayer:
The Messenger of Allah SAWSsaid, “Whoever does ghusl on Friday ….., and sets out early, ….for every step he takes, he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.” 9
  1. Wearing fresh/new clothes for Jumu’ah:
It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Salam RAu that he heard the Messenger of Allah SAWSsaying on the pulpit one Friday, “There is nothing wrong with anyone of you buying two garments for Friday (prayer), other than his daily work clothes.” 10
Friday is the Eid day for Muslims. Therefore, they should dress themselves with the finest clothes when going for the Friday Prayer.
6.  Applying hair oil and Perfume and the use of Siwaak:
The Messenger of AllahSAWSstressed on the application of hair oil, use of siwaak 11 and perfume (for men only) on Friday. The main idea behind this recommendation is that the person feels fresh and others can also benefit from the good smell.
It was narrated by Salman-Al-Farsi RAu that the ProphetSAWSsaid, “Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumua prayer) …… his sins in between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.” 12
Whilst Attending The Prayer:
  1. Splitting 2 people sitting together:
It was narrated by Salman-Al-Farsi RAu that the Prophet SAWSsaid, “……. then proceeds (for the Jumua prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque) …… his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.” 13
  1. Making place for others:
Jabir RAu reported Allah’s Apostle SAWSas saying, “None amongst you should make his brother stand on Friday (during the congregational prayer) and then occupy his-place. but he should only say to him (Accommodate me).” 14
  1. Stepping over others Shoulder:
It was narrated from Abu Az-Zahiriyah about ‘Abdullah bin Busr, he said: “I was sitting beside him on Friday and he said: ‘A man came, stepping over people’s necks, and the Messenger of Allah  said: ‘Sit down, you are disturbing people.” 15
  1. Speaking during the Khutbah:
It was narrated from Abu HurairahRAuthat the Messenger of AllahSAWSsaid: “If you say to your companion: ‘Be quiet and listen’ when the imam is delivering the Khutbah, you have engaged in idle speech.” 16
  1. Sitting close to the Imaam:
It was narrated by Samurah ibn Jundub RAu that the ProphetSAWSsaid, “Attend the sermon (on Friday) and sit near the imam, for a man keeps himself away until he will be left behind at the time of entering Paradise though he enters it.” 17
  1. Ihtiba’:
Mu’adh bin Anas Al-Juhani RAusaid that, “The Prophet  forbade (us) from sitting with our legs drawn up to our belly (Ihtiba’) during the Friday Khutbah (religious talk before the prayer).” 18
The original Arabic word is hubtaah or ihtibaa. The ProphetSAWShas prohibited sitting in this manner since a man may easily become drowsy and his ablution may also break in this position. There are various opinions regarding this issue. 19
  1. Feeling drowsy during the Khutbah:
Ibn UmarRAunarrated that the ProphetSAWSsaid, “When one of you becomes sleepy during the Friday prayer, then let him move from where he is sitting.” 20
After the Friday prayer:
  1. Praying 4 Rak’ah Sunnah:
Abu HurairahRAureported that the Messenger of AllahSAWSsaid, “If anyone of you performs the Friday prayer, he should perform four Rak’ah (Sunnah) after it.” 21]
  1. Changing Place after Jumu’ah Prayers:
Al- Sa’ib informed ‘Umar bin Ata about what he had seen in the prayer of Mu’awiya that, “Yes, I observed the Jumu’a prayer along with him in Maqsura and when the Imam pronounced salutation, I stood up at my place and observed (Sunan rak’ahs). As he entered (the apartment), he sent for me and said: Do not repeat what you have done. Whenever you have observed the Jumu’a prayer, do not observe (Sunan prayer) till you have talked or got out, for the Messenger of Allah had ordered us to do this and not to combine two (types of) prayers without talking or going out.” 22
3. Buying and Selling After The Friday Prayer:
“And when the Prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah. And remember Allah much that you may prosper or be successful.” (Surah Al-Jumu’ah, 62:10)  
Jumu’ah is a gift from Allah SWT to us just like the 2 Eids. AllahSWThas given us the opportunity every week to bask under the shade of His blessings. We would truly succeed in this if we follow it with pure and sincere intentions. The punishment for skipping prayers is severe as AllahSWTdescribes in the verse:
 ‘But there came after them successors who neglected prayer and pursued desires; so they are going to meet Destruction and Hell..” (Surah Maryam, 19: 59)
May Allah SWT protect us from falling into this category and guide us onto the straight path!
Surah al Kahf is the 18th Surah of Qur’an and it tells the story of the believers in ancient time who when received the message of Truth accepted it. However, they were to face retaliation from the society they lived in and hence the flee from the city and found protection in a cave where Allah Almighty gave them sleep that lasted for centuries and till then their whole city had converted into believers. This Surah gives the message that those who believe in Allah and ask for protection from Him, He gives them the best protection the likes of which the world has never seen.



The Virtues Of Reciting Surah Kahf On Jumu’ah in the Light of Hadith



The Surah also comes with a variety of virtues as described in the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“Whoever reads Surah al Kahf on the day of Jummah will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next.” (al-Jaami)
 “One who memorized the first ten verses of Surah al Kahf will be secure against the Dajjal (Anti-Christ).” (Muslim) 
‘Whoever reads Soorat al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), a light will shine for him from beneath his feet to the clouds of the sky, which will shine for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will be forgiven (his sins) between the two Fridays.’” [Al-Mundhiri رحمة اللہ علیه said, this was narrated by Abu Bakr ibn Mardawayh رحمة اللہ علیه in his Tafseer, with an isnaad with which there was nothing wrong]
Al-Mannaawi also said: “It is recommended to read it during the day or night of Jumu’ah, as al-Shaafa’i (rahmatullahi alaih) stated.” (Fayd al-Qadeer, 6/198)



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