Statistical Miracle in Quran

by Dr. Tariq Al-Suwaidan

A Well known scholar from the Islamic Gateway www.ummah.net brings you a glimpse of this
study.

Dr.Tarig Al Swaidan discovered some verses in the Holy Qur'an that mention one thing is equal
to another, i.e. men are equal to women.

Although this makes sense grammatically, the astonishing fact is that the number of times the
word man appears in the Qur'an is 24 and number of times the word woman appears is also 24,
therefore not only is this phrase correct in the grammatical sense but also true mathematically,
i.e. 24 = 24.

Upon further analysis of various verses, he discovered that this is consistent throughout the
whole Qur'an, where it says one thing is like another. See below for astonishing result of the
words mentioned number of times in Arabic Qur'an: Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran

Al-Dunya (This world) 115

Al-Akhira (The hereafter) 115

Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran

Al-Mala'ikah (Angles) 88
Al-Shayateen (Satan) 88

Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran

Al-Hayat (Life) 145
Al-Maout (Death) 145

Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran

Al-Rajul (Man) 24
Al-Mar'ha (Women) 24

Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran

Benefi't 50 . Corrupt 50
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
People 50 .. Messengers 50
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Eblees (king of devils) 11 . Seek refuge from Eblees 11
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Museebah (calamity) 75 . Thanks 75
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Spending (Sadaqah) 73 . Satisfaction 73
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
People who are mislead 17 . Dead people 17
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Muslimeen 41 . Jihad 41
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Magic 60 . Fitnah (dissuasion, misleading) 60
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Zakat (Taxes Muslims pay to the poor) 32 . Barakah (Increasing or blessings of wealth) 32
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Mind 49 . Noor 49
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Tongue 25 . Sermon 25
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Speaking publicly 18 . Publicising 18
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Hardship 114 .... Patience 114
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Muhammed 4 . Sharee'ah (Muhammed's teachings) 4
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Al-Shahr Month 12

Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran

Al-Yahom Day 365

Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran

Al-bahar Sea 32
Al-bar Land 13

If we add up the total words of both "sea" and "land" we get 45. Now if we do a simple
calculation:
32/45 X 100% = 71.11111111%
13/45 X 100% = 28.88888888%

Above is what we know today, the percentages of Water (Sea) and Land in the world. Yet another
miracle in the Quran.

The Miracles of the Quran will never end. There will never be a time where mankind can fully
take in the knowledge that is in this holy book. It is a miracle to all mankind, the word of God.
There is no value that one can set to the words of the Creator. It is a treasure of which guides
those that want to succeed in this life and the hereafter.

Statistics of Al Quran
Quran has 114 Chapters / Suras.

Quran has 6236 verses / ayats.

Quran has 338,606 letters (huruf); 86,430 words (repeated & non repeated kalemat), but in
actual words are around 2000.

Quran has 86 Makkan Chapters and 28 Medinan Chapters.

Quran has total 4613 Makkan verses and 1623 Medinan Verses.

Longest chapter of Quran is Chapter 2 - Al Baqarah.

Shortest chaper of Quran is Chapter 110 - Al-Kauthar.

Seven Chapters of Quran is named after Prophets.

Name of 28 Prophets have been mentioned in Quran.

Sura Anam (the Cattle), is the sixth Chapter of the Quran. It has the names of 18 Prophets in
four consecutive verses.

ALLAH(SWT) used his Name, Allah, in the Quran 2698 times, Rahman 57 times, Rahim 114
times and Ism 19 times. These numbers are other than Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

Sura Mujadilah is the only Sura of the Quran, where in each verse (Ayat), the name of Allah has
been mentioned.

Longest verse (Ayat) of Quran is Verse 282 of Sura Al-Baqr, the shortest verse is Verse 21 of
Sura Mudathir.

Sura Naml (the Ants), the 27th Chapter of the Quran, has two Bismillahs, one at the beginning,
and one in Verse 30.

Ramadan (the 9th month of the Islamic calendar) is the only month mentioned in the Quran.
The name occurs in Verse 85 of Sura Baqr.

Friday is the only day mentioned in the Quran. Sura 62 has been titled Jumaa (Friday)

Name of 16 places, cities or countries mentioned in Quran

Name of 15 eatables or drinks are mentioned in Quran

Name of 7 colors mentioned in Quran

The most recited prayer in the world is Surah Al Fatiha. Recited atleast seventeen times a day
by billion of Muslims around Globe.

The Quran was completed in 23 years- from 610 AD to 632 AD.

Mary or Maryam is the only women named in Quran

Hazrat Zaid bin Harisa is the only companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) named in Quran

After the revelation of this Verse, the Prophet of Islam, lived another 80 days in the world. No
other revelation came to him during those eighty days. The Message was complete; "the religion
had been perfected". The Revelation had thus ended forever.

What is Quran

The Qur'an comprehends the complete code for the Muslims to live a good, chaste, abundant and
rewarding life in obedience to the commandments of Allah, in this life and to gain salvation in
the next. It is the "chart of life" for every Muslim, and it is the "constitution" of the Kingdom of
Heaven on Earth.

The Quran (English pronunciation: /krn/ kor-AHN; Arabic: al-qurn, literally

meaning "a recitation"), also transliterated Qur'an, Koran, Qurn, Coran, Kuran, and al-Qurn,
is the central religious text of Islam, which is the verbatim word of God (Arabic: , Allah) and
the Final Testament, following the Old and New Testaments. It is regarded widely as the finest
piece of literature in the Arabic language. The Quran is divided into 114 Surahs or Chapters of
unequal length which are classified either as Makkan or Medinan depending upon their place and
time of revelation.

Quran is verbally revealed through angel Jibril (Gabriel) from God to Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) gradually over a period of approximately twenty-three years beginning in 610 CE, when
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was forty, and concluding in 632 CE, the year of his death.
Shortly after Prophet Muhammad's death the Quran was compiled into a single book by order of
the first Caliph Abu Bakr (R.A) and at the suggestion of his future successor 2nd caliph Hazrat
Umar (R.A). When the third Caliph Hazrat Usman (R.A) began noticing slight differences in
Arabic dialect he made several thousand copies of Quran, to standardize the text. This process of
formalization is known as the "Uthmanic recension".

The Qur'an is the eternal contemporary of the Muslims. Each generation of Muslims has found
new sources of strength, courage and inspiration in it. It is also, for them, a "compass" in the
turbulent voyage of life, as it has explained itself in the following verses:
. . . Indeed, there has come to you light and a clear book from Allah; With it Allah guides him
who fill follow His pleasure into the ways of safety and brings them out of utter darkness into
light by his will and guides them to the right path. (V: 15-16)

It has created an all but new phase of human thought and a fresh type of character. It deserves the
highest praise for its conceptions of Divine nature in reference to the attributes of Power,
Knowledge, and Universal Providence and Unity--that its belief and trust is one God, creator of
Heaven and Earth is deep and fervent, and that it embodies much of a noble and moral
earnestness. It is Qur'an which transformed the simple shepherds and wandering Bedouins of
Arabia into the founders of empires, the builders of cities, the collectors of libraries. If a system
of religious teachings is evaluated by the changes which it introduces into the way of life, the
customs and beliefs of its follower, then Qur'an as a code of life is second to none. It is not
strange then, that more translations and more commentaries of the Holy Qur'an have been
published than that of any other book claimed to be the Divine Revelation.

Uniqueness
Quran is different from all other books ever existed in ways that are impossible for any other
book to be, such that similar texts cannot be written by humans. The Quran itself challenges any
who disagree with its divine origin to produce a text of a miraculous nature. Till the Day of
Judgment no one can change even a single dot in Quranic text, thats why all the Quranic copies
around the globe contains the same original text and is unchanged for the last 1400 years.
Qurans poetic form is unique and of a fashion that cannot be written by humans. It also contains
accurate prophecy and that no other book does.

Quran Organization / Structure

Location of revelation and contents

Qur'an is organized with respect to the location of revelation of verses, whether in Makkah or
Madinah. The part of the Qur'an that was revealed in Makkah, almost two-third, carries the title,
"Makki" and remainder carries the title "Madani". Makki part emphasizes belief of Tawheed
(Islamic monotheism), Risalah (guidance of mankind through Allah's selected prophets and
messengers) and Aakhira (destruction of this world and the life hereafter that includes physical
and spiritual resurrection of humankind, the day of judgment and the life of paradise or hell)
whereas the Madani part emphasizes 'Ibadat (servitude to Allah) and Mu'amilat (all aspects of
relationship with other beings). Many scholars look at the content of verses and can speculate
whether it was revealed in Makkah or Madinah. For example, qital (one aspect of jihad) was
ordained in Madinah whereas in the Makki period emphasis was on keeping the hands tied in
face of adversity and persecution. Similarly, orders of Zakat (wealth cleansing tax), Hudood
(legally defined crimes and their punishment) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) were revealed in
Madinah.

Structure of the Qur'an

Qur'an has words, ayahs (verses) and Surahs (chapters). Scholars have taken the time to count
the number of letters and words but it is not relevant to our study. Those who are interested can
find information about letters and words in the books about the Qur'an.
Aayat (verses)
The Qur'an is divided into Ayahs or signs, commonly translated as verses. An ayah may consist
of a full sentence more than one sentence or part of a sentence. What makes an ayah is revealed
knowledge not a decision of the Prophet Muhammad or any scholar. The sequence of appearance
of ayat is also revealed knowledge. Ayahs may be Makki or Madani but in the opinion of some
scholars, some ayah may consist of a part Madani and another part Makki; an example is the last
verse of Surah Muzammil. The Qur'an has approximately 6,300 ayat. Due to various conventions
used there is a slight discrepancy in counting the total number of ayat. For example, according to
one convention Surah Al-Fatiha has seven ayahs that includes Bismillah and another convention
the seven ayat excludes Bismillah. One convention includes 113 Bismillah as part of chapters
and the other convention excludes it.

Surahs (chapters)
A group of ayat has been declared to make up a Surah. Surahs vary in length, shortest ones have
only three ayahs and the longest one has 286. There are 114 Surahs in the Qur'an numbered from
1 to 114. Surah means something divided or walled from both sides. All Surahs begin with
Bismillah except Surah No. 9 called At-Taubah or the Repentance. All Surahs have been divided
into Makki and Madani but a Makki Surah may contain a few verses revealed in Madinah and
vice versa. There are some differences of opinion among the scholars of the Qur'an regarding the
place of revelation of a few verses and their inclusion into a given Surah. All Surahs have been
given names but not titles. A title is a brief, one word or two words description of the contents
but name is not a description. For example, the name John or Yahya does not describe anything
about this person but Dr. Yahya has a title Doctor describing his education. Similarly, names of
Surahs like Al-Baqarah (the Cow) or Al-Ankaboot (the Spider) are not titles of those Surahs but
only names. If they were titles, the Surah would be about the cow and spider, respectively.
However, in some rare cases a name of a Surah may also be its title, such as Surah Yusuf.

Referring to the Qur'anic words and ayat

The most scientific method is the one given to us by the Prophet Muhammad, that is Surah and
verse. Since all Surahs and ayat within them are numbered, the most scientific method is to
provide the Surah and ayah number. For example Ayat al-Kursi is 2:255, that is Surah 2 (Al-
Baqarah) and ayah 255. Some scholars prefer the reference "Al-Baqarah 255" or Al-Baqarah (2):
255. The organization of ayat and Surah and their order is revealed by Allah to His Prophet.
Scholars after the Prophet have done additional division of the Qur'an for the convenience of
recitation of the whole Qur'an in a set period like one week, one month or two months and so on.

Manazil (stations)
The Qur'an is divided into seven approximately equal parts for the convenience of reciting the
whole Qur'an in one week. Each of the seven parts is called "Manzil" or station or the plural is
Manazil or stations. There is some indication that Prophet Muhammad may have suggested such
a division but there is no definite proof of it. A Manzil (singular of Manazil) consists of a number
of whole Surahs as given below. If we take Surah 1 as preface of the Qur'an and exclude it from
the seven Manazil, the division of Manazil follows:
Manzil No. 1. Surahs 2, 3 and 4.
Manzil No. 2. Surahs 5 to 9.
Manzil No. 3. Surahs 10 to 16.
Manzil No. 4. Surahs 17 to 25.
Manzil No. 5. Surahs 26 to 36.
Manzil No. 6. Surahs 37 to 49.
Manzil No. 7. Surahs 50 to 114.

Juz / Para (Part)

In South Asia, Juz is also called "Para". The Qur'an was equally divided into thirty parts, perhaps
based on the number of pages disregarding content or Surah. This was done for the convenience
of reciting the whole Qur'an in thirty days or one month. Each Juz is also divided into four
quarters or four "ruba". The Qur'an copies printed anywhere in the world have Juz and quarter
markings as ruba' (first quarter), nusf (one-half) and al-thulatha (three-quarter). This gives 120
quarter-parts of the Qur'an giving the flexibility of reciting the whole Qur'an in equal parts in 30,
60 or 120 days. This type of partitioning of the Qur'an is used very much in South Asia whereas
the Arab world does not make much use of it. Even referring to Qur'anic verses South Asians
would talk in terms of "Para" number as they carry numbers from 1 to 30 for each Juz. This kind
of referring to the Qur'an verses is very unscientific because it does not provide precise location
of the verse. If someone says that a verse is in 15th Para, it is not precise enough to find it easily.

Hizb (group)
According to this system each Juz is further divided into two Hizbs and each Hizb is further
divided into four quarters. It means that a Juz has two Hizbs and eight Hizb-quarters or each Juz-
quarter has two Hizb-quarters. The whole Qur'an is divided into 240 Hizb-quarters. This allows a
person to recite the Qur'an in small groups of verses and complete the recitation in one-month to
eight-month period. In addition, Hizb partitioning of the Qur'an allows a Muqri (Qur'an reciter)
to recite one Hizb in each Raka'ah of Salat at-Traweeh and finish one Juz every night in eight
Raka'hs thereby completing the whole Qur'an in 30 nights of Ramadan. Partitioning of the
Qur'an in Hizb is not found in the copies printed in South Asia.

Ruku' (bowing or section)

Some Muslims prefer to do 20 raka'ah every night for Salat At-Taraweeh during the month of
Ramadan, that is, recite a section and go to ruku' (bowing). They had to find markers to recite a
portion of the Qur'an in each Raka'ah while completing a topic. In South Asia the tradition is to
complete recitation of the whole Qur'an in 27 nights. This required partitioning of the Qur'an in
27 x 20 = 540 sections excepting the Surah al-Fatiha. When such partitioning was done they
ended up with 556 (+1 for Surat al-Fatiha) sections. Evidently, they did not go back to redo the
partitioning to come with 540 sections. The Qur'an copies printed in South Asia have Ruku' or
Section markings showing number of the ruku' within the Surah, within the Juz and ayah number
within the ruku'. Traditionally, South Asian Muslims may give reference of a ayahs from the
Qur'an by referring to the ruku' number and Juz number but such system is unscientific and it is
 not universally acceptable. Qur'an copies printed in the Arab world do not include ruku'
markings.

Groups of Surahs
Some Qur'an scholars talk in terms of groups of Surah or complementary couples of Surahs.
These complementary groups or couples are based on the themes and like contents. For example,
there is a group of Musabbihat, five Surahs that begin with glorification of Allah (Sabbah lillahi
or Yusabbihu lillahi). There are many other groups of Surahs that have been suggested. Also,
there are twins or complementary couples, such as Surahs 2 and 3 make a couple, Surahs 91 and
92 is another couple. According to such scholars most of the Qur'an consists of complementary
couples.

Research by Muhammad Amir Ali

All Words in Combined

Number of Words without repeation is 14'870
Number of Words in the entire Quran is 77'797
Average Word Length from 330'709 divided 77'797 is 4.25
Statistical Miracle in Quran by Dr. Tariq Al-SuwaidanA Well known scholar from the Islamic
Gateway www.ummah.net brings you a glimpse of this study.
Dr.Tarig Al Swaidan discovered some verses in the Holy Qur'an that mention one thing is equal
to another, i.e. men are equal to women.
Although this makes sense grammatically, the astonishing fact is that the number of times the
word man appears in the Qur'an is 24 and number of times the word woman appears is also 24,
therefore not only is this phrase correct in the grammatical sense but also true mathematically,
i.e. 24 = 24.
Upon further analysis of various verses, he discovered that this is consistent throughout the
whole Qur'an, where it says one thing is like another. See below for astonishing result of the
words mentioned number of times in Arabic Qur'an: Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
86,430 words (repeated & non repeated kalemat), but in actual words are around 2000
The three most common words in the quran are min/men (from/who), Allah (God) and
inna (is, if, ...etc) ( , , ) and they occur 2763, 2153 and 1604 times respectively.

The number of words in the quran is 77430, and

the number of unique words in the quran is 14716, and
the average length of those unique words is 5.30 letters.
It shows a table with the number of words in each surah, and

Word with Each Other

Al-Dunya (This world) 115
Al-Akhira (The hereafter) 115
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Al-Mala'ikah (Angles) 88
Al-Shayateen (Satan) 88
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Al-Hayat (Life) 145
Al-Maout (Death) 145
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Al-Rajul (Man) 24
Al-Mar'ha (Women) 24
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Benefi't 50 . Corrupt 50
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
People 50 .. Messengers 50
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Eblees (king of devils) 11 . Seek refuge from Eblees 11
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Museebah (calamity) 75 . Thanks 75
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Spending (Sadaqah) 73 . Satisfaction 73
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
People who are mislead 17 . Dead people 17
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Muslimeen 41 . Jihad 41
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Magic 60 . Fitnah (dissuasion, misleading) 60
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Zakat (Taxes Muslims pay to the poor) 32 . Barakah (Increasing or blessings of wealth) 32
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Mind 49 . Noor 49
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Tongue 25 . Sermon 25
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Speaking publicly 18 . Publicising 18
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Hardship 114 .... Patience 114
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Muhammed 4 . Sharee'ah (Muhammed's teachings) 4
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Al-Shahr Month 12
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Al-Yahom Day 365
Word/ Meaning Mentioned in the Quran
Al-bahar Sea 32
Al-bar Land 13

mention one thing is equal to another, i.e. men are equal to women. Although this makes sense
grammatically, the astonishing fact is
that the number of times the word man appears in the Holy Qur'an is 24 and number of times
the word woman appears is also 24, therefore not only is this phrase correct in the grammatical
 sense but also true mathematically, i.e. 24 = 24. Upon further analysis of various verses, he
discovered that this is consistent throughout the whole Holy Qur'an where it says one thing is
like another. See below for astonishing result of the words
mentioned number of times in Arabic Holy Qur'an

Positions of Words
Invitation of Namaz is 700 times in Quran,
4 Names of masjids r mentioned in Quran-e-Pak
1)Masjid-ul-Haram
2)Masjid-ul-Ziraar
3)Masjid-ul-Nabawi
4)Masjid-ul-Aqsa

Word Repetition by Subject

Friday is the only day mentioned in the Quran. Sura 62 has been titled Jumaa (Friday)
Name of 16 places, cities or countries mentioned in Quran
Name of 15 eatables or drinks are mentioned in Quran
Name of 7 colors mentioned in Quran
Mary or Maryam is the only women named in Quran
Hazrat Zaid bin Harisa is the only companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) named in Quran
Ramadan (the 9th month of the Islamic calendar) is the only month mentioned in the Quran.
The name occurs in Verse 85 of Sura Baqr.

Repeation of words
Man: 226

The man: 167

Men: 498

The Men:451

Woman: 29

The woman: 22

Women: 91

The women: 84

Month: 7
 Months: 14

Records about Words

The longest word as far as writing and pronunciation are concerned is " ". It
consists of 11 letters, and it is verse No. 22 of chapter Al-Hijr [15].
The number of pause signs in the Quran is six. They are .. ..)) The
Name "Allaah" is mentioned in the Quran 980 times with a Raf` (a diacritical mark which
signifies the nominative case), 592 times with a Fath (a diacritical mark which signifies the
accusative case) and 1125 times with a Kasr (a diacritical mark which signifies the genitive
case). In addition, it was mentioned in the Basmalah (the opening verse of every single chapter
except chapter 9) 113 times.

God Names
ALLAH(SWT) used his Name, Allah, in the Quran 2698 times, Rahman 57 times, Rahim 114
times and Ism 19 times. These numbers are other than Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.
Al-Quran literally means The Readable Text despite being encrypted at multiple layers
(1 Chapter, 1 Chapter, 10 Chapters, Book, Initial Letters) and finally wrapped within THE
GREAT NAME OF GOD that consists of 73 syllables..

Names of Prophets
25 Prophets and Messengers were mentioned in the Quran. They are Aadam (Adam), Idrees,
Nooh (Noah), Hood (Hud), Saalih, Ibraaheem (Abraham), Luot, Shu`ayb, Ismaa'eel (Ishmael),
Is-Haaq (Isaac), Ya'qoob (Jacob), Yoosuf (Joseph), Ayyoob (Job), Al-Yasa' (Elisha), Thul-Kifl,
Elyaas (Elias), Yoonus (Jonah), Moosaa (Moses), Haaroon (Aaron), Daawood (David),
Sulaymaan (Solomon), Zakariyyaa (Zechariah), Yahyaa (John), 'Eesaa (Jesus) and
Mohammad, may Allaah exalt their mention.
There are 6 chapters that have the names of Prophets. They are Yoonus (Jonah), Hood (Hud),
Yoosuf (Joseph), Ibraaheem (Abraham), Muhammad, and Nooh (Noah).
Name of 28 Prophets have been mentioned in Quran.

The Quran is the word of Allaah, the Almighty, a miracle which was sent

down to the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, through the

Angel of Revelation, Jibreel (Gabriel). The Quran was revealed in clear

Arabic language to bring mankind out of the darkness of disbelief and

polytheism, into the light of belief in the Oneness of Allaah and Islamic

Monotheism. It guides people to the Straight Path. It is the Great Book

through which Muslims worship Allaah by reciting it during prayers.

Allaah Says (which means): {And truly, this (the Quran) is a revelation

from the Lord of the 'Aalamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists), Which

the trustworthy Ruh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] has brought down; Upon your heart

(O Muhammad) that you may be (one) of the warners.}[Quran 26: 192-

194].

The Quran is an eternal miracle and Allaah challenged all the Arabs

to compose a book like it, or ten chapters or even one chapter, but

they have failed to do so in spite of their rhetoric and eloquence. The

challenge still exists not only for the Arabs, but for all mankind and

Jinn until the end of time.

The Revelation of the Quran

The revelation of the Quran began on 17th Ramadhaan, 13 years before the

migration of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, to Madeenah. The

Quran was not sent down to the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, all

at one time. It was revealed to him over a period of 23 years until he died

in 11 A.H. The period of revelation in Makkah was 13 years in which two

thirds of the Quran were revealed, and the last third was revealed in

Madeenah over a period of 10 years.

The first verses revealed to the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam,

when he was worshipping Allaah in the Cave of Hiraa, were the following:

Allaah Says (what means): {Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has

created (all that exists), Has created man from a clot (a piece of thick

coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has

taught (the writing) by the pen, Has taught man that which he knew not.}

[Quran 96: 1-5].

Makkan and Madinian Quran

The Makkan Quran are the parts of the Quran revealed to the Prophet,

sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, before his migration from Makkah to

Madeenah. There are 86 Makkan chapters.

The Madinian Quran are the parts of the Quran revealed to the Prophet,

sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, after his migration to Madeenah. There are 28

Madinian chapters.

The Order of the Quranic Verses and Chapters

This order was taken from the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, who,

in turn, took it from Allaah through the Angel of Revelation, Jibreel

(Gabriel). The first chapter in the Quran is Al-Faatihah which is chapter

number 1 while the last chapter is An-Naas which is number 114. Thus, the

total number of chapters in the Quran, is 114.

The Categories of the Chapters of the Quran

The chapters of the Quran are divided into four categories:

Long Chapters : they are the seven longest chapters in the Quran : Al-

Baqarah, Aal `Imraan, An-Nisaa', Al-Maa'idah, Al-An`aam, Al-A`raaf, and

Al-Anfaal and At-Tawbah together.

The hundreds : they are the chapters whose verses exceed one hundred or
so.

Al-Mathaani : they follow the hundreds as far as the number of verses are
concerned.

The separated chapters : They start from chapter Qaaf up to the end of the

Quran. They were called the "separated chapters" because of the frequent

separation between them using the Basmalah (saying: Bismillaah "In the

Name of Allaah").

The Early Muslims and the Quran

The first person who heard the Quran from the Prophet, sallallaahu
alayhi wa sallam, was his wife, Khadeejah,

may Allaah be pleased with her.

The first person to order the Muslims to compile the Quran into one
book was the rightly-guided caliph, Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq, may Allaah
be pleased with him,
after consultation with `Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allaah be
pleased with him.

The first Muslim to compile the chapters of the Quran into one
book was the revered companion, Zayd Ibn Thaabit,may Allaah be

pleased with him, who was also one of the scribes of revelation.

Once he finished this task, he delivered the Quran to Abu Bakr As-

Siddeeq, may Allaah be pleased with him. After the death of Abu

Bakr, the leader of the Believers `Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allaah

be pleased with him, took it, and after `Umar's death, the Mother of

the Believers, Hafsah, may Allaah be pleased with her, kept it.

The first one to make several copies of the Quran and send them to
different Islamic regions was the rightly-guided
caliph `Uthmaan Ibn `Affaan, may Allaah be pleased with him.

He copied them from the master copy that had been kept with the Mother

of the Believers, Hafsah, may Allaah be pleased with her.

The first Muslim to recite the Quran in public after the Prophet,

sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, in Makkah was the revered companion

`Abdullaah Ibn Mas'ood, may Allaah be pleased with him.

The first one to place the dots on the letters of the Quran, was Abu Al-

Aswad Ad-Dua'li, may Allaah be pleased with him. He made the Fathah sign

(short vowel a) a dot above the letter, the Kasrah (short vowel ) a dot

below, and the Dhammah (short vowel u) a dot between the parts of the

letter.

The first one to replace the dots with diacritical marks was Al-Khaleel Ibn

Ahmad Al-Faraahidi, may Allaah have mercy on him.

The first people to dot the letters of the Quran (such as )were

Nasr Ibn `Aasim, Yahya Ibn Ya`mur and `Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Hurmuz.

This made it easy for the Arabs as well as the non-Arabs to recite the

Quran.

The Quran in Numbers

The number of chapters that start with Basmalah, is 113. Only one

chapter does not start with Basmalah and that is chapter At-Tawbah [9].
 There are 30 parts (juz') in the Quran. A part is two sections (Hizb).

There are 60 sections in the Quran. A section is divided into 4 quarters.

There are 240 quarters in the Quran.

There are 6,236 verses, 77,934 words, 323,670 letters, and

approximately 1,015,030 dots in the Quran.

There are many other statistics for the total number of verses, words,

and letters in the Quran. The reason for the various statistics is the

controversy between scholars is due to the difference in their definition of

a word, a letter, or the beginning of verses. Some scholars took the

Basmalah into consideration when they counted the letters and words,

while others did not.

The longest chapter in the Quran is chapter Al-Baqarah (the Cow) which

is the second in the order of the Book. It contains 286 verses.

The shortest chapter in the Quran is chapter Al-Kawthar which is number

108 in the order of the Book. It contains 3 verses.

The longest verse in the Quran is the verse on debt, which is verse No.

282 in chapter Al-Baqarah. It contains 128 words and 540 letters.

 The shortest verse in the Quran is "". It is located at the beginning of

chapters Ghaafir, Fussilat, Ash-Shooraa, Az-Zukhruf, Ad-Dukhaan, Al-

Jaathiyah and Al-Ahqaaf. It is also said that the shortest verse in the

Quran is " "which is located at the beginning of chapter Yaa Seen [36].

Some others hold the opinion that it is "", located at the beginning of

chapter Taa Haa [20].

The longest word as far as writing and pronunciation are concerned is "

" . It consists of 11 letters, and it is verse No. 22 of chapter Al-

Hijr [15].

The best verse of the Quran is the "Kursi" verse, which is No. 255 in

chapter Al-Baqarah [2].

There are 15 locations in the Quran at which we prostrate during

recitation.

There are two verses in the Quran each of which contains all the letters

of the alphabet. They are verse No. 29 of chapter Al-Fath [48] and verse

No. 154 of chapter Aal 'Imraan [3].

The number of pause signs in the Quran is six. They are

.. . .))

The Name "Allaah" is mentioned in the Quran 980 times with a Raf` (a

diacritical mark which signifies the nominative case), 592 times with a
Fath (a diacritical mark which signifies the accusative case) and 1125

times with a Kasr (a diacritical mark which signifies the genitive case). In

addition, it was mentioned in the Basmalah (the opening verse of every

single chapter except chapter 9) 113 times.

25 Prophets and Messengers were mentioned in the Quran. They are

Aadam (Adam), Idrees, Nooh (Noah), Hood (Hud), Saalih, Ibraaheem

(Abraham), Luot, Shu`ayb, Ismaa'eel (Ishmael), Is-Haaq (Isaac), Ya'qoob

(Jacob), Yoosuf (Joseph), Ayyoob (Job), Al-Yasa' (Elisha), Thul-Kifl, Elyaas

(Elias), Yoonus (Jonah), Moosaa (Moses), Haaroon (Aaron), Daawood

(David), Sulaymaan (Solomon), Zakariyyaa (Zechariah), Yahyaa (John),

'Eesaa (Jesus) and Mohammad, may Allaah exalt their mention.

There are 6 chapters that have the names of Prophets. They are Yoonus

(Jonah), Hood (Hud), Yoosuf (Joseph), Ibraaheem (Abraham),

Muhammad, and Nooh (Noah).

There are 29 chapters starting with letters such as ( -).

The miraculous nature of the Quran

The Quran is the eternal miracle of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi

wa sallam. It is the Word of Allaah which no human anywhere will

 ever be able to compose something like it at all times and

everywhere. Allaah challenged the Arabs, who were very eloquent

and rhetorically skillful people, to compose something like it, ten

chapters or even one chapter. Allaah, the Almighty, says (what

means):

Say: "If the mankind and the Jinn were together to produce the like

of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they

helped one another. [Quran 17:88]

Allaah also says (what means):

Or they say: `He (Prophet Muhammad) forged it (the Quran).` Say:

`Bring you then ten forged chapters like unto it, and call

whomsoever you can, other than Allaah (to your help), if you speak

the truth!` [Quran 11:13]

In another verse, He says (what means):

Or do they say: `He (Muhammad) has forged it? ` Say: `Bring then

a chapter like unto it, and call upon whomsoever you can, besides

Allaah, if you are truthful!" [Quran 10:38]

It was normally expected that such challenge would urge some

eloquent Arabs to try to mimic the Quran. Yet, they failed to do so

although they were challenged to do a thing that they skillfully

 mastered. They avoided such challenge by turning round the bushes

by accusing the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, with

madness, magic and falsifying the Quran.

Al-Waleed Ibn Al-Mugheerah testifies to the miraculous

nature of the Quran:

The non-believers of Makkah admitted, in their private talks about

the Holy Quran, that it is miraculous and that it is not forged by a

human being. Even though, they did not announce such opinion. It is

reported that Al-Waleed Ibn Al-Mugheerah, one of the most

unmitigated enemies of Islam, listened to the Prophet, sallallaahu

`alayhi wa sallam, reciting the following verses from chapter Ghaafir

(which means):

"Ha-Meem. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and

none but Allaah (Alone) knows their meanings]. The revelation of the

Book (this Quran) is from Allaah the All-Mighty, the All-Knower. The

Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance, the Severe in

punishment, the Bestower (of favors), La ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has

the right to be worshipped but He), to Him is the final return."

[Quran 40:1-3]
After that, Al-Waleed said: "I swear by Allaah, I listened to a speech

never forged by a human being or Jinn. It is very sweet and heart-

touching. It exalts (other speeches) and is never excelled (by them).

It could never be forged by a human being."

The miraculous nature of the Quran is attributed to several points.

Its words are eloquent and its style is rhetorically elevated. It is

easy to recite and it has a touching effect on listener. It takes the

heart by thrilling storm. It foretells about future events. It preaches

utopian high morals, and it contains scientific facts and all-

comprehensive legal rulings that are just and valid for any time and

everywhere. Besides, the Quran is free from any contradictions or

disagreements, as Allaah says (what means):

"Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from

other than Allaah, they would surely have found therein much

contradictions." [Quran 4:82]

The Quran has such characteristics although it has been revealed to

an illiterate man who could neither read nor write. Besides, the

Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was brought up in a

polytheist environment and he never received education at the

hands of a teacher, and he never wrote a single letter with his hand.
 Hard breath

Modern science and specialized scientific researches proved the

authenticity of the Quran which has been revealed fourteen

centuries ago to the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam. Allaah,

the Almighty, says (what means):

"And whomsoever Allaah wills to guide, He opens his breast to

Islam, and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast

closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. Thus Allaah

puts the wrath on those who believe not."

[Quran 6:125]

This holy verse contains many scientific facts that modern science

proved. The study of the atmosphere, its layers and effect on the

human body showed that it is divided into several zones. The first

zone starts at sea level up to 10.000 feet. In this zone, man could

lead a natural life because oxygen is enough to support man's life.

The next zone starts from a height of 10.000 up to 50.000 feet. In

this zone, scientists noticed the decrease in the amount of oxygen

and atmospheric pressure. This results in obviously detrimental

effects on the human body. Above this zone starts another one at a
height of 50.000 up to 633.000 feet. Man could not live in this zone,

and if he ever went there, he must put on an astronaut's uniform

which is provided with oxygen in order to cope with the decrease in

the atmospheric pressure and oxygen in this high area.

When man reaches these heights, oxygen dramatically decreases to

a level that endangers man's life and has harmful effects on his

different body organs.

Thus, scientists figured out a clear explanation that accounts for

man's suppressed breathing when he reaches these heights. This

conforms with what the holy verse purports that man feels chest

constriction when he climbs up to the sky; i.e. to the upper

atmosphere layers. The holy verse states that chest constriction

occurs when man climbs up to the sky and it increases as he goes

higher. In their researches, scientists confirmed that in these high

zones, man experiences overexertion, headache, drowsiness,

breathing difficulties, and suppressed breathing. All this conforms

with what the holy verse states.

The scientific facts in this holy verse have not been confirmed by

physicians except after long research for tens of years.

 Number 7 in the universe

The scholars, may Allaah have mercy on them, are of the view that

number 7 has many secrets and that it has significance, in the

universe, in the Quran, and in the Prophetic narrations. Indeed this

number has been mentioned in the Quran with a concise order.

When we realize that the order of the universe is based on number

7, and discover that this number is frequently repeated in a Book

which was revealed more than fourteen centuries ago, then this

similarity indicates that the Creator of the universe is the One Who

revealed the Quran. When Allaah created the universe, He had

chosen number 7 to be the number of the heavens and earths. Allaah

says (which means):

"It is Allaah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the

like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them

(heavens and earth), that you may know that Allaah has power over

all things, and that Allaah surrounds (comprehends) all things in

(His) Knowledge." [Quran 65:12]

Even the atom, which is the basic unit of structure in the universe,

consists of seven electronic layers. They cannot be more than that.

The week has seven days and the number of colors in the visible

spectrum is also seven.

Number 7 in the Prophetic narrations:

Number 7 is also very frequent in the Prophetic narrations. Take for

example the narration in which the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa

sallam, defined the number of major sins to be seven.

The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: "Avoid the seven

great destructive sins." (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

When the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, mentioned the

persons whom Allaah would give protection under His Shade on the

Day of Judgment, He stated that they are seven categories of people.

The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:

"Seven are (the types of people) whom Allaah would give protection

with His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but that of

Him (i. e. on the Day of Judgment "(Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

When the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, talked about

oppression and anger, he mentioned this number in the following

narration: "He who usurps even a hand span of land would be made

to wear around his neck seven earths."

(Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Also when talking about the Quran, the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi

wa sallam, mentioned this number. He said: "This Quran has been

revealed to be recited in seven different ways (i.e. of recitation)."

(Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

When talking about the legal means for treatment from an illness,

the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, enjoined the Muslim to

put his hand where he feels pain and say seven times: "I seek refuge

with Allaah and with His Power from the evil that I find and that I

fear." (Muslim)

Talking about food, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also

mentioned number seven. He said: "If somebody takes seven dates

in the morning, neither magic nor poison will harm him that day."

(Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Number seven is also mentioned in the obligatory Hajj, as a believer

circumambulates the Ka`abah seven rounds during the performance

of this great act of worship.

Also a believer walks seven rounds between As-Safaa and Al-

Marwah, and throws seven pebbles in the Jamaraat.

Number seven in the Quran :

Number seven has been mentioned in the stories which were stated

in the Quran. In the story of Prophet Nooh (Noah), may Allaah exalt

his mention, he asked his people to contemplate on the Creator of

the seven heavens. Allaah says (what means):

"See you not how Allaah has created the seven heavens one above

another." [Quran 71:15]

In the story of Prophet Yoosuf (Joseph), may Allaah exalt his

mention, he interpreted the king's dream which mentioned this

number. Allaah says (what means):

"And the king (of Egypt) said: "Verily, I saw (in a dream) seven fat

cows, whom seven lean ones were devouring - and of seven green

ears of corn, and (seven) others dry. O notables! Explain to me my

dream, if it be that you can interpret dreams." [Quran 12:43]

This number has been frequently mentioned in the stories in the

Quran such as the punishment inflicted on the people of Prophet

Houd, may Allaah exalt his mention.

In the story of Prophet Moosa (Moses), may Allaah exalt him

mention, number seventy which is the multiplication of 7, has been

also mentioned. The same number has also been mentioned in the

story of the People of the Cave.

Mentioning number seven is not only restricted to when mentioning

the worldly affairs, but it also covered the Hereafter. The word

"Resurrection" is mentioned in the Quran seventy times; again a

number multiplying seven. The word "Hell" is also mentioned

seventy seven times.

When mentioning torture in the Hell-fire, Allaah says (what means):

"(It will be said): "Seize him and fetter him. Then throw him in the

blazing Fire. Then fasten him with a chain whereof the length is

seventy cubits!"

[Quran 69:30-32]

When talking about the reward of those who spend their money in

the way of Allaah, Allaah says (what means):

"The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allaah,

is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each

ear has a hundred grains. Allaah gives manifold increase to whom

He pleases. And Allaah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-

Knower."

[Quran 2:261]

There are seven chapters in the Quran that start with the

glorification of Allaah. They are chapters Al-Israa`, Al-Hadeed, Al-

Hashr, As-Saff, Al-Jumu`ah, At-Taghaabun and Al-A`laa.

The Excellence of Learning the Quran

The Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, received the

revelation of the Quran from Jibreel (Gabriel), may Allaah exalt his

mention, and conveyed it to people as it was revealed to him from His

Lord. He urged his companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, to learn

and memorize it. A number of companions competed in memorizing and

learning it, such as Ubayy Ibn K`ab, `Abdullaah Ibn Mas`ood, Zayd Ibn

Thaabit and Mu'aath Ibn Jabal, may Allaah be pleased with them. The

Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, was proud of them and said:

"Learn the recitation of Qur'an from four: `Abdullaah Ibn Mas`ood, Saalim,

the freed slave of

Abu Huthayfah, Mu`aath Ibn Jabal and Ubayy Ibn Ka`b.

[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, had so admired `Abdullaah Ibn

Mas`ood's recitation that he said: "Whoever likes to recite the Quran as

pleasant as it was revealed should follow the recitation of Ibn Umm `Abd."
[Ibn Majaah]

'Abdullaah Ibn Mas`ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated:

"Allaah's Messenger said to me, "Recite (the Quran) to me," I said: "How

shall I recite it to you while it was revealed to you?" He said, "I like to hear

it from others." So I recited chapter four till I reached (what means):

{How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We

bring you (O Muhammad, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, as a witness

against these people?} [Quran 4:41]

So the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, cried until his tears flowed

down his cheeks.

As the companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, learnt the Quran

from the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, they also taught it to

others. For example, the revered companion Ubayy Ibn Ka'b, may Allaah be

pleased with him, taught a large number of companions such as Abu

Hurayrah, Ibn `Abbass and `Abdullaah Ibn As-Saa'ib, may Allaah be

pleased with them. He also taught some from the second generation such

as `Abdullaah Ibn `Ayyaash and Abu Al-`Aaliyah Ar-Riyaahi, may Allaah

have mercy on him. People continued to learn the Quran one generation

after another up to the present time. The Muslims are still learning the

Quran at the hands of Shaykhs and reciters.

Urging the Muslims to Learn the Quran:

The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, urged his companions, may

Allaah be pleased with them, to learn, recite and memorize the Quran. The

Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, used to prefer the memorizers of the

Quran over those who had not memorized it. The Prophet, sallallaahu

alayhi wa sallam, said: "When there are three persons, one of them should

lead them in prayer. The one most worthy to lead is the one who is best

versed in the Quran." [Muslim]

There are many authentic narrations that urge a Muslim to learn the

Quran.The Prophet,

sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "The best of you is he who learns the
Quran and teaches it to others." [AlBukhaari]
The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, also said: "Recite the Quran,

because on the Day of Resurrection, it will come as an intercessor for those

who recite it." [Muslim]

the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said:

"One who is proficient in the Quran is associated with the noble,

upright, recording angels, so beautify the Quran with your voices."
[Al-Bukhaari]

The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, also said: "The one who recites

a letter from Allaahs Book will be credited with a good deed and a good

deed is multiplied ten fold. I do not say that Alif, Laam, Meem is one letter,

but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter, and Meem is a letter. [At-Tirmithi]

How to Recite the Quran

A Muslim should recite the Quran just like the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi

wa sallam, used to do. He used to pause at the end of every verse. For

example, he would recite (what means): "All the praises and thanks be to

Allaah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)" [Quran 1:1]

and pause for a while and then recite (what means): "The Most Beneficent,

the Most Merciful."[Quran 1:2] and so on. He used to recite verse by verse.
A Muslim should perfect his recitation of the Quran and properly pronounce

each letter as the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, used to do.

Recitation of the Quran

The best way to recite the Quran is to do it in the same way as the

renowned reciters, such as Mahmood Khalil Al-Husari, Mahmood Siddeeq

Al-Minshawi and Mustafa Isma`eel, may Allaah have mercy on them. These

reciters are well-known for the quality of their recitation which depends on

reciting verses slowly, without rushing, and at the same time following the

rules of recitation and posing at the end of each verse. Allaah commanded

His Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, to recite the Quran as Allaah

Says (what means): {And recite the Qur'an (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant

tone and) style.} [Quran 73:4]

A reciter of the Quran should do his best to beautify his voice, adhere to

the rules of recitation, never raise his voice very loud during recitation,

and pause at the end of every verse because it is recommended to abide by

these rules.

Etiquettes of Recitation

The reciter of the Quran should adhere to the following etiquettes befitting

the Word of Allaah, the Almighty:

- A reciter should be entirely pure as far as his/her body, clothes, and

location are concerned.

In addition to ritual purity, he should use a Siwak (tooth stick) so that his

mouth smells nice because the angels (who usually attend whenever the

Quran is being recited) are harmed by bad odors when they listen to the

Quran.

- The etiquettes of recitation include seeking refuge with Allaah from

the cursed Satan before one starts reciting, i.e. to say "A'oodh

Billaahi Minash-Shaytaani Ar-rajeem". Then to say Al-Basmalah, i.e.

"Bismillaahi Ar-rahmaani Ar-raheem", at the beginning of the

chapter or where one starts.

- One should stop recitation when yawning, because a reciter is addressing

his Lord and yawning is from Satan.

- One should not interrupt his recitation in order to talk to people except in

cases of dire need.

Etiquette of Listening to the Quran

There are some etiquettes pertaining to listening to the Quran as

there are etiquettes for reciting it. A person who listens to the

recitation is, in fact, listening to the Word of Allaah, The Almighty,

just like the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, listened to it from

Jibree (Gabriel), may Allaah exalt his mention. A Muslim should

listen attentively to the Quran, with humbleness, and ponder upon

the meanings as Allaah Say (what means):

{So, when the Quran is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may

receive mercy. [i.e. during the compulsory congregational prayers when

the Imaam (of a mosque) is leading the prayer (except Surat Al-Fatiha),

and also when he is delivering the Friday speech (Khutbah)].} [Quran 7:204].

Allaah further Says (what means): {(This is) a Book (the Quran) which We

have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its

Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.} [Quran 38:29]

The miraculous nature of the Quran close window

The Quran is the eternal miracle of the Prophet, sallallaahu

`alayhi wa sallam. It is the Word of Allaah which no human

anywhere will ever be able to compose something like it at all times

and everywhere. Allaah challenged the Arabs, who were very

eloquent and rhetorically skillful people, to compose something like

it, ten chapters or even one chapter. Allaah, the Almighty, says

(what means):

Say: "If the mankind and the Jinn were together to produce the like

of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they

helped one another. [Quran 17:88]

 Allaah also says (what means):

Or they say: `He (Prophet Muhammad) forged it (the Quran).` Say:

`Bring you then ten forged chapters like unto it, and call

whomsoever you can, other than Allaah (to your help), if you speak

the truth!` [Quran 11:13]

In another verse, He says (what means):

Or do they say: `He (Muhammad) has forged it? ` Say: `Bring then

a chapter like unto it, and call upon whomsoever you can, besides

Allaah, if you are truthful!" [Quran 10:38]

It was normally expected that such challenge would urge some

eloquent Arabs to try to mimic the Quran. Yet, they failed to do so

although they were challenged to do a thing that they skillfully

mastered. They avoided such challenge by turning round the bushes

by accusing the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, with

madness, magic and falsifying the Quran.

Al-Waleed Ibn Al-Mugheerah testifies to the miraculous

nature of the Quran:

The non-believers of Makkah admitted, in their private talks about

the Holy Quran, that it is miraculous and that it is not forged by a

human being. Even though, they did not announce such opinion. It is
reported that Al-Waleed Ibn Al-Mugheerah, one of the most

unmitigated enemies of Islam, listened to the Prophet, sallallaahu

`alayhi wa sallam, reciting the following verses from chapter Ghaafir

(which means):

"Ha-Meem. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and

none but Allaah (Alone) knows their meanings]. The revelation of the

Book (this Quran) is from Allaah the All-Mighty, the All-Knower. The

Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance, the Severe in

punishment, the Bestower (of favors), La ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has

the right to be worshipped but He), to Him is the final return."

[Quran 40:1-3]

After that, Al-Waleed said: "I swear by Allaah, I listened to a speech

never forged by a human being or Jinn. It is very sweet and heart-

touching. It exalts (other speeches) and is never excelled (by them).

It could never be forged by a human being."

The miraculous nature of the Quran is attributed to several points.

Its words are eloquent and its style is rhetorically elevated. It is

easy to recite and it has a touching effect on listener. It takes the

heart by thrilling storm. It foretells about future events. It preaches

utopian high morals, and it contains scientific facts and all-

comprehensive legal rulings that are just and valid for any time and
 everywhere. Besides, the Quran is free from any contradictions or

disagreements, as Allaah says (what means):

"Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from

other than Allaah, they would surely have found therein much

contradictions." [Quran 4:82]

The Quran has such characteristics although it has been revealed to

an illiterate man who could neither read nor write. Besides, the

Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was brought up in a

polytheist environment and he never received education at the

hands of a teacher, and he never wrote a single letter with his hand.

Hard breath

Modern science and specialized scientific researches proved the

authenticity of the Quran which has been revealed fourteen

centuries ago to the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam. Allaah,

the Almighty, says (what means):

"And whomsoever Allaah wills to guide, He opens his breast to

Islam, and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast

closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. Thus Allaah

puts the wrath on those who believe not."

[Quran 6:125]

This holy verse contains many scientific facts that modern science

proved. The study of the atmosphere, its layers and effect on the

human body showed that it is divided into several zones. The first

zone starts at sea level up to 10.000 feet. In this zone, man could

lead a natural life because oxygen is enough to support man's life.

The next zone starts from a height of 10.000 up to 50.000 feet. In

this zone, scientists noticed the decrease in the amount of oxygen

and atmospheric pressure. This results in obviously detrimental

effects on the human body. Above this zone starts another one at a

height of 50.000 up to 633.000 feet. Man could not live in this zone,

and if he ever went there, he must put on an astronaut's uniform

which is provided with oxygen in order to cope with the decrease in

the atmospheric pressure and oxygen in this high area.

When man reaches these heights, oxygen dramatically decreases to

a level that endangers man's life and has harmful effects on his

different body organs.

Thus, scientists figured out a clear explanation that accounts for

man's suppressed breathing when he reaches these heights. This

conforms with what the holy verse purports that man feels chest
 constriction when he climbs up to the sky; i.e. to the upper

atmosphere layers. The holy verse states that chest constriction

occurs when man climbs up to the sky and it increases as he goes

higher. In their researches, scientists confirmed that in these high

zones, man experiences overexertion, headache, drowsiness,

breathing difficulties, and suppressed breathing. All this conforms

with what the holy verse states.

The scientific facts in this holy verse have not been confirmed by

physicians except after long research for tens of years.

Number 7 in the universe

The scholars, may Allaah have mercy on them, are of the view that

number 7 has many secrets and that it has significance, in the

universe, in the Quran, and in the Prophetic narrations. Indeed this

number has been mentioned in the Quran with a concise order.

When we realize that the order of the universe is based on number

7, and discover that this number is frequently repeated in a Book

which was revealed more than fourteen centuries ago, then this

similarity indicates that the Creator of the universe is the One Who

revealed the Quran. When Allaah created the universe, He had

 chosen number 7 to be the number of the heavens and earths. Allaah

says (which means):

"It is Allaah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the

like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them

(heavens and earth), that you may know that Allaah has power over

all things, and that Allaah surrounds (comprehends) all things in

(His) Knowledge." [Quran 65:12]

Even the atom, which is the basic unit of structure in the universe,

consists of seven electronic layers. They cannot be more than that.

The week has seven days and the number of colors in the visible

spectrum is also seven.

Number 7 in the Prophetic narrations:

Number 7 is also very frequent in the Prophetic narrations. Take for

example the narration in which the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa

sallam, defined the number of major sins to be seven.

The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: "Avoid the seven

great destructive sins." (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

 When the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, mentioned the

persons whom Allaah would give protection under His Shade on the

Day of Judgment, He stated that they are seven categories of

people. The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:

"Seven are (the types of people) whom Allaah would give protection

with His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but that

of Him (i. e. on the Day of Judgment "(Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

When the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, talked about

oppression and anger, he mentioned this number in the following

narration: "He who usurps even a hand span of land would be made

to wear around his neck seven earths."

(Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Also when talking about the Quran, the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi

wa sallam, mentioned this number. He said: "This Quran has been

revealed to be recited in seven different ways (i.e. of recitation)."

(Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

When talking about the legal means for treatment from an illness,

the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, enjoined the Muslim to

put his hand where he feels pain and say seven times: "I seek refuge
 with Allaah and with His Power from the evil that I find and that I

fear." (Muslim)

Talking about food, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also

mentioned number seven. He said: "If somebody takes seven dates

in the morning, neither magic nor poison will harm him that day."

(Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Number seven is also mentioned in the obligatory Hajj, as a believer

circumambulates the Ka`abah seven rounds during the performance

of this great act of worship.

Also a believer walks seven rounds between As-Safaa and Al-

Marwah, and throws seven pebbles in the Jamaraat.

Number seven in the Quran :

Number seven has been mentioned in the stories which were stated

in the Quran. In the story of Prophet Nooh (Noah), may Allaah exalt

his mention, he asked his people to contemplate on the Creator of

the seven heavens. Allaah says (what means):

"See you not how Allaah has created the seven heavens one above

another." [Quran 71:15]

In the story of Prophet Yoosuf (Joseph), may Allaah exalt his

mention, he interpreted the king's dream which mentioned this

number. Allaah says (what means):

"And the king (of Egypt) said: "Verily, I saw (in a dream) seven fat

cows, whom seven lean ones were devouring - and of seven green

ears of corn, and (seven) others dry. O notables! Explain to me my

dream, if it be that you can interpret dreams." [Quran 12:43]

This number has been frequently mentioned in the stories in the

Quran such as the punishment inflicted on the people of Prophet

Houd, may Allaah exalt his mention.

In the story of Prophet Moosa (Moses), may Allaah exalt him

mention, number seventy which is the multiplication of 7, has been

also mentioned. The same number has also been mentioned in the

story of the People of the Cave.

Mentioning number seven is not only restricted to when mentioning

the worldly affairs, but it also covered the Hereafter. The word

"Resurrection" is mentioned in the Quran seventy times; again a

number multiplying seven. The word "Hell" is also mentioned

seventy seven times.

When mentioning torture in the Hell-fire, Allaah says (what means):

"(It will be said): "Seize him and fetter him. Then throw him in the

blazing Fire. Then fasten him with a chain whereof the length is

seventy cubits!"

[Quran 69:30-32]

When talking about the reward of those who spend their money in

the way of Allaah, Allaah says (what means):

"The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allaah,

is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each

ear has a hundred grains. Allaah gives manifold increase to whom

He pleases. And Allaah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-

Knower."

[Quran 2:261]

There are seven chapters in the Quran that start with the

glorification of Allaah. They are chapters Al-Israa`, Al-Hadeed, Al-

Hashr, As-Saff, Al-Jumu`ah, At-Taghaabun and Al-A`laa.