THE QURĀN IN ISLĀM
INTRODUCTION
THE foundation of Islām is the Qurān. Muhammadans treat this book with the most profound respect, and give it many high titles. Chief amongst these may be mentioned the names "Furqān," the Distinguisher; "Qurān Majīd," the Glorious Qurān; "Qurān Sharīf," the Noble Quran; and "Al Kitāb," the Book. It is the universal belief of Muslims that the Qurān is the uncreated word of God, which He sent down to His servant Muhammad through the medium of the angel Gabriel. Many hold the language of the Arabic Qurān to be unequalled anywhere in literature, and Muhammad himself challenged the unbelievers to produce another like it in these words:—
"If ye be in doubt concerning that revelation which we have sent down unto our servant, produce a chapter like unto it, and call upon your witnesses besides God, if ye say truth." (Sūra Bakr, verse 23.)
There can be no doubt that the language of the Qurān is in places exceedingly beautiful, and Muslims the world over love to recite it in a low monotonous chant. The feat of memorizing the whole is still regarded as both praiseworthy and meritorious.
The contents of the Qurān are exceedingly varied; but it may be on that the Jewish and Christian religions occupy
