THE QURAN.
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“Kalám Ulláh," or the "Word of God," and "Al kitáb," or "the Book."[1]
Muhammadans believe the Qurán to be the inspired Word of God sent down to the lowest heaven complete,[2] and then revealed from time to time to the Prophet by the Angel Gabriel.
There is, however, only one[3] distinct assertion in the Qurán of Gabriel having been the medium of inspiration, namely, Súra-i-Baqr (ii.), 91; and this occurs in a Medina Súra, revealed about seven years after the Prophet's rule had been established. In the Súra-i-Shura (xxvi.), 192, the Qurán is said to have been given by the "Ráh ul A′mín," or Faithful Spirit; and in the Súra-i-Najm (liii.), 5, Muhammad claims to have been taught by the "Shadíd-ul-Quá,"
- ↑ According to Jalál-ud-dín Syuty there are fifty-five titles of the Qurán. (See the Itqán, p. 117.)
- ↑ See Jalál-ud-dín's Itqán, p. 91. The "Recording Angels" mentioned in the Súra-i-Abas (lxxx.), 15, are said to have written the Qurán before it was sent down from heaven.
- ↑ Gabriel (Jibráíl) is only mentioned twice by name in the Qurán: once in the verse noted above, and again in the Súra-i-Tahrím (lxvi.), 4. He is supposed to be alluded to under the title of Rúh-ul-Qudus, or the Holy Spirit, in Súras Baqr (ii.), 82, 254; Máida (v.), 109; Nahl (xvi.), 104.
