The Qur'an is the last scripture that has been revealed to mankind by the Lord Creator and Protector. It was through the last messenger, Muhammad (pbuh), that the world first heard of it. It certainly the Divine scripture that is to be accepted by all, up to the very last man. The term 'Qur'an' has the meanings of 'the recitation', or 'that which is to be recited' and of 'that which is recited.' It is highly probable that the Qur'an has been named as the last scripture because each one of its words is to be repeatedly read by thousands upon thousands of its believers and is to be so etched into their hearts as to mould their very lives according to its guidelines. As for the actual reason, it is the Lord Who sent it Who knows the answer thereof.
As far as its believers are concerned, the Qur'an is but the criterion to distinguish truth from falsehood. They understand that all that has been commanded therein constitute the good and all that has been prohibited therein constitute evil. In fact, the Qur'an introduces itself as Furqaan (2:53, 2:185, 3:4, 25:1) which means 'the criterion to distinguish between truth and falsehood.'
The theme of the Qur'an is the salvation of man. As the only creation capable of independent action, man is to follow certain laws for his very survival and progress. All things in the universe follow the Divine laws of their own accord. Indeed, they do not possess the option of straying from this set course. In fact, the systemic functioning of the human body itself compulsorily follows the Divine laws. However, man has been granted freedom of action in certain limited domains. Even in these spheres he can attain salvation if, and only if, he obeys the Divine commandments.
It is to mankind that the Qur'an speaks. It is to his salvation that the Qur'an beckons. It convinces him of the existence of the Lord Creator by turning his attention to the varied and incredible phenomena of nature. It speaks to him of the impermanence of the life of this world and of the utter meaninglessness of wasting an entire lifetime in pursuit of the comforts herein. It makes clear to him the path which must be followed in order that he be of that blessed group which becomes worthy of the entry into Paradise as of the safety from the confines of Hell.
It is to mankind that the Qur'an speaks. It is to his salvation that the Qur'an beckons. It convinces him of the existence of the Lord Creator by turning his attention to the varied and incredible phenomena of nature. It speaks to him of the impermanence of the life of this world and of the utter meaninglessness of wasting an entire lifetime in pursuit of the comforts herein. It makes clear to him the path which must be followed in order that he be of that blessed group which becomes worthy of the entry into Paradise as of the safety from the confines of Hell.
It invites his attention to the history of those who purchased the punishment of Hell in exchange for the comforts of this world. It tells him of those who were granted the entry into Paradise for having led a life of purity.
Briefly put, the Qur'an prepares man for attaining salvation both in this world and the next through obedience to the Divine commandments.
The Qur'an contains within itself the words of the Lord Creator. Mankind is the subject of its exhortation and address.
The Qur'an teaches man the path of salvation. To that end, it does employ the lessons of science and history. Glad tidings as well as stern warnings - both find their way in between its other verses. It convinces one of the reward which is to be had in following the true path and of the dire consequences that ensue from going against it. It calls for man's recognition of the truth of its message by way of his casting his eyes over his surroundings and of employing the faculties of his intelligence and reasoning. It is in an entirely mixed form that all of these injunctions have come together. It is in the interest of those who are addressed that the Lord Himself has adopted this style. Indeed, this style has proved effective in making its appeal felt within the human society which consists of both the intellectuals as well as the ordinary people.
The Qur'an teaches man the path of salvation. To that end, it does employ the lessons of science and history. Glad tidings as well as stern warnings - both find their way in between its other verses. It convinces one of the reward which is to be had in following the true path and of the dire consequences that ensue from going against it. It calls for man's recognition of the truth of its message by way of his casting his eyes over his surroundings and of employing the faculties of his intelligence and reasoning. It is in an entirely mixed form that all of these injunctions have come together. It is in the interest of those who are addressed that the Lord Himself has adopted this style. Indeed, this style has proved effective in making its appeal felt within the human society which consists of both the intellectuals as well as the ordinary people.
Divinity
Given below is a list of some of the evidences in support of the Divine nature of the Qur'an:
1. It , itself, declares that it is a Divine Scripture
2. It remains unchanged up to the Last Day.
3. The path of right conduct that it prescribes is faultless.
4. It is practicable.
5. The history that it teaches is unadulterated and honest.
6. Its literature is incomparable.
7. The prophecies made in it can be seen to have come true.
8. The references in it to the varied phenomena of nature, as representing the signs of God, are free of controversies.
9. There is no reference, whatsoever, of an unscientific nature in it.
10. It is free of all contradictions.
11. None has been able to face the challenge it poses when it calls forth all, and any, to produce an equivalent of at least one of its chapters.
12. The person who was appointed with it in the world was himself of a truthful and selfless nature.
