The Qur’an

The word means ‘recitation’ and Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the direct word of Allah revealed to by the Angel Jibril. Due to this, it is completely different to any other book.

Image caption,
A copy of the Qur'an sits on a stand in a mosque

Muhammad was called to be a prophet in 610-11. This event is known as Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Power) which many Muslims now celebrate on night 27 of .

The Prophet Muhammad became the messenger of and continued to have Allah’s word revealed to him for the next 23 years. The revealed teachings were written down by the Prophet Muhammad's close friends and followers.

The popular view amongst Muslims is that the final words of Allah to Muhammad were:

This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.
Qur’an 5:4

After this revelation, Muhammad began to preach to the people, passing on the word of Allah. Due to this, he faced much opposition and eventually had to leave .