It is all the word of Allah, said to the angel Gabriel then to the Prophet Muhammad. The message was given to him in pieces over a period of 23 years.
It was originally written is Arabic, and although it is translated into over 40 languages, Muslims believe that it can never be translated exactly, as it loses all beauty and is not Allah's original words. Muslims are still taught to learn arabic, to be able to read the Qur'an. It is 114 Surahs (chapters) and at least 78,000 words, which have never been changed from when it was revealed to Muhammad fourteen centures ago.
It is treated with enormous respect because, of course, it is the word of God. When reading the Qur'an, Muslims shouldn't eat, drink or make any distracting noises, so all there attention is on what they are reading.
Rami Tawfig, a young Muslim that was interviewed on the BBC Bitesize Revision video says:.
"The Qur'an is the word of God. It is the most important book for me and all Muslims, as it should be. It isn't written by any author, it is written by your creator.".
Rami explains that it wouldn't be as important if it was just written by a normal author, it is the fact that it is the word of God, exactly how it was revealed to Muhammad. .
"Oh you who believe, believe in Allah and his messenger. This book is not to be doubted. It is a guide for those of you who believe in the unseen. To trust what has been revealed to you, and firmly believe in the life to come. They are all the guidance from his lord and will prosper.".
Quoting from the Qur'an, Surah 2, verses 2-5.
Firstly, a very straightforward, short sentence, "This book is not to be doubted." This clearly shows that the book is not a fake, and not to query it. Secondly, Muslims are told to "trust what has been revealed to you." Allah is asking Muslims to put their trust in him.
Muslims regard the Qur'an as a guide for living. It can be used on a daily basis for guidance. It is sometimes opened on a random page to see if there is any advice in it.
