The Koran (Al-Qur'an)

Many Muslims recite this chapter daily as part of their prayers, highlighting its central role in worship. It begins with the invocation “In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy” (1:1), which introduces God’s qualities of compassion and majesty. Worshipers praise God as the “Lord of the Worlds” (1:2), recognizing His sovereignty over all human, angelic, and natural realms across this life and the Hereafter.

God’s role as the “Master of the Day of Judgement” (1:4) indicates His supreme authority over human accountability at the Islamic Day of Judgment. Worshipers then affirm their exclusive devotion to God and ask Him for guidance and support. They plead for direction along the “straight path” of righteousness, distinguishing it from the ways of those who have angered God or strayed.

As the longest chapter in the Qur’an, “The Cow” provides foundational guidance for spiritual, ethical, and legal matters. It begins by categorizing humanity into three groups: believers (those who follow God’s guidance), disbelievers (those who reject it), and hypocrites (those who pretend to believe). God calls everyone to worship only Him and recounts the blessings and failures of the Children of Israel—a term for the descendants of Jacob, who are considered ancestors of the Jewish people—while inviting them to accept the Qur’an as a continuation of earlier scriptures.

Believers receive instructions on central Islamic practices: daily prayers (salah), fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca. Legal principles address marriage, divorce, inheritance, ethical commerce, and self-defense when facing persecution. The chapter condemns usury (lending money at excessive interest) and promotes charity to help society’s vulnerable.

One of the chapter’s most notable passages, the Throne Verse, describes God’s eternal authority and knowledge. Lines like “there is no compulsion in religion” (2:256) affirm free will in choosing faith. The chapter concludes by reminding believers of God’s mercy and promising that no soul will face a burden greater than it can bear.

This chapter underscores God’s unity and authority, focusing on the family of ‘Imran—the grandfather of Jesus and father of Mary. Mary, revered as the most virtuous woman, dedicates herself to God’s service under the care of Zachariah, a prophet. God answers Zachariah’s prayer by granting him a son, John (Yahya), a prophet known for his righteousness and purity.

The chapter recounts the miraculous birth of Jesus (Isa), whom God created without a father, much like Adam. With God’s permission, Jesus performs miracles—healing the sick, raising the dead, and shaping birds from clay. His disciples pledge to follow him and God’s cause, but the Qur’an refutes claims of Jesus’s divinity, aligning with Abraham’s monotheism (belief in one God).

The chapter describes the battles of Badr and Uhud, which provide lessons in obedience and reliance on God. Muslims achieved victory at Badr through unity and faith, but disobedience during the battle of Uhud led to a temporary setback. God calls believers to perseverance, charity, and humility. He promises Paradise to the righteous and eternal loss for those who reject His truth.

This chapter promotes justice for women, orphans, and vulnerable groups, providing laws on inheritance, marriage, and ethical conduct. It begins by protecting orphans’ rights and ensuring fair distribution of property. Men may marry up to four wives only if they can treat all equally; otherwise, they must marry just one. Women receive protection against exploitation, and dowries (gifts from the groom to the bride) must be honored.

God forbids marrying close relatives and outlines steps for resolving marital conflicts. Those who cannot afford to marry free women may marry believing slaves, provided the relationship is lawful and ethical. These guidelines are meant to ensure dignity and fairness within marriage.

The chapter addresses hypocrites (those who pretend to believe) and conflicts with factions in Medina, including the People of the Book—Jews and Christians—who received earlier scriptures. God commands believers to defend the oppressed while adhering to ethical limits in battle. He warns against greed, dishonesty, and murder while urging repentance and promising forgiveness to the sincere.

God instructs believers to fulfill obligations and introduces dietary laws that prohibit consuming carrion (dead animals), blood, and offerings dedicated to idols. These rules ensure that meat is ethically sourced, ritually slaughtered, and prepared as per Islamic principles, known as halal dietary laws. For meat to be considered halal, the animal must be slaughtered while invoking the name of God, and it must be healthy at the time of slaughter. The prohibition against carrion applies to animals that die of natural causes or are killed without proper slaughter; avoiding blood ensures the meat is clean. Offerings dedicated to idols are forbidden as part of the Qur’an’s broader rejection of idolatry and emphasis on worshiping God alone. Rules for hunting during pilgrimage highlight the sacredness of Hajj rites.

The chapter says that believers must uphold justice even when dealing with adversaries, as righteousness strengthens God-consciousness. It critiques Jews and Christians for breaking their covenants with God and altering their scriptures. God contrasts their failures with the clarity of the Qur’an.

God rejects the deification of Jesus, affirming him as a prophet who performed miracles by divine permission. The story of Adam’s sons emphasizes the sanctity of life, warning against murder and corruption. The chapter ends with a reminder of the Day of Judgment, when everyone will answer for their actions before God.

God declares His role as the Creator of the heavens, earth, and all life. Many disbelievers reject the truth, mocking Prophet Muhammad and demanding miracles. God warns that earlier communities perished for rejecting divine warnings.

The chapter criticizes polytheists (those who worship multiple gods) for dedicating livestock and crops to idols, labeling these acts as falsehoods. Some people even practiced child sacrifice, which the Qur’an considers to be a misguided belief rooted in superstition. God condemns such practices and emphasizes His mercy and justice.

Prophet Abraham serves as a model of pure monotheism. By reflecting on the sun, moon, and stars, he recognizes God as the sole Creator and rejects idolatry. God names a lineage of prophets, highlighting the continuity of His message. The chapter concludes with a call to worship God alone, reflect on creation’s signs, and prepare for personal accountability on the Day of Judgment.

The “heights” form a barrier between Paradise and Hell, where those awaiting judgment recognize the blessed and the damned. God reassures Prophet Muhammad about his mission, instructing him to convey divine revelations faithfully. The chapter recounts the destruction of past communities that rejected their prophets, including Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot, Shu’ayb, and Moses. These stories serve as both encouragement for the Prophet and warnings for those who reject faith.

Satan’s enmity toward humanity begins when he refuses to bow to Adam and vows to mislead humankind. God emphasizes human responsibility and the consequences of following or rejecting divine guidance. Believers must worship God alone, avoid arrogance and extravagance, and reflect on creation as evidence of God’s power.

The Battle of Badr, the first major conflict between the Muslims and the Quraysh of Mecca (a powerful and influential tribe in seventh-century Arabia based in Mecca), highlights divine support for the believers. Although outnumbered, the Muslims achieved victory through God’s intervention, which included the reinforcement of angels. God commands the fair distribution of war gains, reserving one-fifth for Himself, the Prophet, and those in need.

The chapter criticizes hypocrites and those who break treaties, calling believers to maintain unity, trust God, and remain steadfast in battle. Success depends on loyalty to God, discipline, and perseverance. Believers must act with justice, avoid arrogance, and remember that ultimate victory comes only through God’s will.

God orders the termination of treaties with idolaters who violated their agreements, granting them a four-month grace period to repent or face retribution. The chapter recounts preparations for the Tabuk expedition. (The Tabuk expedition was a campaign led by Prophet Muhammad in response to a rumored Byzantine threat. Although no battle occurred, it demonstrated the growing strength and unity of the Muslim community. Despite harsh conditions, the campaign solidified Islam’s influence in the region, with several tribes pledging allegiance to Muhammad.) Hypocrites offered excuses to avoid participating, while those who repented received God’s forgiveness.

The surah (or chapter) condemns hoarding wealth, exploitation, and betrayal while urging believers to demonstrate loyalty and repentance. God warns of severe consequences for those who persist in disobedience but balances this with reminders of His mercy. Notably, this chapter omits the invocation “In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy” (1: 1), reflecting its stern tone.

God asserts His power and the Qur’an’s authenticity while reminding humanity of the inevitability of judgment. The story of Prophet Jonah contrasts the fate of those who reject divine guidance with the salvation of those who repent.

Signs of God’s existence and authority appear in creation, including the heavens, earth, and natural cycles, yet disbelievers mock the idea of resurrection and refuse to change. God reassures Prophet Muhammad of his role as a warner and calls on humanity to reflect and repent. Those who believe and trust in God find salvation, while arrogance and disbelief lead to destruction.

God recounts the struggles of prophets like Noah, Hud, Salih, Abraham, Lot, and Shu’ayb, whose communities faced destruction for rejecting divine guidance. These stories highlight God’s justice and mercy, showing how He saves the faithful while punishing disbelievers.

Prophet Muhammad receives encouragement to persevere in his mission, despite opposition. God reminds humanity that worldly success is temporary and true triumph belongs to those who follow divine guidance. Believers are reassured of God’s mercy, while those who reject the truth are warned of the consequences awaiting them.

Joseph shares his dream of stars, the sun, and the moon bowing to him, which foretells his rise to prominence. Out of jealousy, his brothers throw him into a well and lie to their father, Jacob (Yaqub), claiming a wolf devoured him. A passing caravan rescues Joseph and sells him in Egypt, where a high-ranking official purchases him.

Joseph matures into a wise and righteous man, but the official’s wife attempts to seduce him. When he resists, she falsely accuses him, and he is imprisoned. Joseph interprets dreams for two inmates in prison, showcasing his God-given wisdom. Years later, Joseph interprets the king’s dream of a famine and earns a position managing Egypt’s resources.

When his brothers come to Egypt seeking food, Joseph tests their sincerity before revealing his identity. The family reunites, fulfilling Joseph’s prophetic dream and demonstrating God’s wisdom and mercy.

God reveals His supreme power through creation, describing the heavens, earth, rivers, mountains, and natural cycles as signs of His authority. Even thunder praises Him in awe, reflecting His control over all existence.

Disbelievers mock the resurrection, questioning how God can recreate humans from dust. God affirms that His knowledge encompasses everything, both visible and hidden.

God calls on humanity to strive for self-improvement, as He will not change people’s circumstances unless they take initiative. The surah (or chapter) concludes with a reminder of God’s control over life, death, and final judgment.

Prophet Abraham prays for the safety and guidance of his descendants in Mecca, asking God to protect them from idolatry. God presents the Qur’an as a light that guides humanity from darkness to truth.

The chapter recounts the stories of Moses and other prophets, showing how past nations faced destruction for rejecting divine guidance. God contrasts the punishment of the ungrateful with the rewards for those who remain faithful and thankful.

Abraham’s prayer highlights reliance on God’s blessings and trust in His plan. The chapter concludes with a depiction of the Day of Judgment, when the guilty will face humiliation while the righteous enter Paradise, fulfilling God’s promises.

God warns disbelievers of the consequences of rejecting His messengers and encourages Prophet Muhammad to persevere. He affirms that the Qur’an originates from Him and promises to protect it from corruption.

The surah (or chapter) recounts the creation of humans from clay and jinn, which are beings created from fire. When God commands the angels to bow to Adam, Iblis (Satan) refuses out of arrogance and vows to mislead humanity, except for God’s faithful servants.

God destroyed past nations like the Thamud and Lot’s community for rejecting their prophets. He points to nature’s beauty as evidence of His power and wisdom. God commands Prophet Muhammad to worship Him, trust His wisdom, and remain steadfast.

God highlights His blessings by describing the many provisions He created for humanity, including livestock, crops, rivers, and mountains. He inspires the bee to produce honey, a substance with healing properties, as a testament to His wisdom and power.

God rebukes those who attribute His blessings to false deities and warns of the futility of idol worship. He reminds humanity that He alone controls life, death, and the universe’s natural order. The example of Abraham showcases unwavering faith and devotion, as he rejected idolatry and submitted fully to God.

The chapter urges believers to act with justice, fulfill promises, and remain patient during hardship. God promises eternal rewards for those who trust in Him and live righteously, reminding people that the fleeting comforts of this world cannot compare to the afterlife.

Prophet Muhammad embarks on a “night journey,” a miraculous event in which he travels from Mecca to Jerusalem on the supernatural winged creature known as the Buraq. He then ascends through the seven heavens, meeting earlier prophets and receiving the command for five daily prayers, reaffirming his role as God’s chosen messenger.

The surah (or chapter) outlines moral and ethical commands, including worshiping only God, honoring parents, respecting life, avoiding adultery, and fulfilling promises. Satan’s vow to mislead humanity resurfaces, but God assures His protection over the faithful who sincerely follow His guidance.

Disbelievers demand miracles and dismiss the Qur’an, but God describes it as a source of healing, mercy, and clear guidance. The chapter concludes by urging believers to trust divine wisdom, remain steadfast, and worship God sincerely in preparation for the inevitable Day of Judgment.

A group of faithful youths flee persecution and take refuge in a cave, where they sleep for centuries. Their miraculous awakening demonstrates God’s control over life and time, offering a sign of His power.

The chapter recounts Moses’s journey to gain knowledge from a wise man who performs puzzling acts—damaging a boat, killing a boy, and repairing a wall. Each act later reveals divine wisdom, showing that human understanding is limited.

The story of Dhu al-Qarnayn, a righteous ruler, follows. He travels to the ends of the earth and constructs a barrier to contain the destructive tribes of Gog and Magog, protecting the people from their harm. A parable of two men with gardens warns against arrogance and ingratitude, emphasizing the impermanence of worldly success. God calls believers to focus on His authority, trust His plan, and prepare for the afterlife.

Mary receives news of her miraculous conception through an angel and withdraws from her community to give birth to Jesus (Isa). Baby Jesus speaks from the cradle when her people confront her, affirming his role as a prophet devoted to God. This event highlights God’s limitless ability to create, as He needs only to say, “Be,” and it exists.

The chapter recounts the steadfastness of earlier prophets, including Zachariah and his son John (Yahya), Abraham, Moses, Ishmael, and Idris, all of whom remained faithful despite challenges. Abraham’s plea to his father to abandon idolatry exemplifies his devotion to God. The surah (or chapter) emphasizes God’s unique power, justice, and compassion.

God introduces the Qur’an as a guide for humanity, not a burden. The story of Moses begins with his encounter at the burning bush, where God appoints him as a prophet and commands him to confront Pharaoh. Moses performs miracles to prove God’s power, such as turning his staff into a snake. Despite Pharaoh’s resistance, his sorcerers recognize the truth and repent.

The chapter recounts Moses leading the Children of Israel to safety and Pharaoh’s destruction in the sea. However, the Israelites briefly return to idolatry by worshiping a golden calf. God forgives those who repent but warns of the dangers of succumbing to temptation.

The surah (or chapter) retells the creation of Adam and narrates Satan’s (Iblis’s) rebellion, emphasizing humanity’s vulnerability to pride and sin. God calls believers to worship Him, remain patient, and trust in His justice and mercy, promising eternal success to those who follow His guidance.

God asserts His oneness and reminds humanity of the inevitability of the Day of Judgment. Stories of various prophets—Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Job, Jonah, and Zachariah—demonstrate their struggles, faith, and perseverance. These examples encourage believers to remain steadfast and warn disbelievers of the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.

The chapter highlights Abraham’s defiance of idol worship when he destroys the idols of his people, proving their powerlessness. God saves Abraham from fire, underscoring His protection of the righteous. God reassures Muhammad of his role as a messenger, emphasizing divine justice, mercy, and control over all creation.

God describes the Last Day as a time of chaos when people will witness ultimate judgment. He urges humanity to reflect on His power to create life and resurrect the dead, offering signs in nature as proof of His authority.

The chapter highlights the sacred pilgrimage (Hajj) established by Abraham as an act of devotion. Believers receive detailed instructions for pilgrimage rituals, including sacrifices and prayers. God permits fighting in self-defense to protect places of worship from destruction, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding faith.

God identifies the qualities of true believers, including humility in prayer, charity, chastity, and trustworthiness. He describes the stages of human development—from a drop of fluid to a fully formed being—as evidence of His creative power and a reminder of resurrection.

The chapter recounts the stories of prophets like Noah and Moses, who faced rejection from their communities. God destroyed the disbelievers and saved the faithful, illustrating His justice and mercy. God criticizes those who arrogantly reject His guidance, warning of their accountability on the Day of Judgment.

God establishes moral and social guidelines for the Muslim community, focusing on modesty, chastity, and respect for privacy. Adultery carries a strict punishment to safeguard societal morality, and accusations of adultery require four witnesses to prevent slander. The story of Aisha, falsely accused of adultery, highlights the seriousness of spreading false rumors.

God instructs men and women to lower their gaze and dress modestly, emphasizing the importance of personal boundaries. Rules for entering homes reflect the need for privacy and respect within society.

The Verse of Light in this chapter compares God’s guidance to a radiant light that leads believers out of darkness, symbolizing divine wisdom and clarity.