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Q: Is an accurate translation of the Qur’an possible? Translation is the rendering of the exact words of an original text into another language. For a translation to be accurate it should be in keeping with the original language, expressing all the subtleties of the words, meanings, i

Oaths are sworn upon different things in the Qur’an. What is the divine wisdom of such oaths? There are a number of things that are sworn on in the Qur’an. Such oaths may have been taken on something due either to the virtue of that thing, due to its usefulness, or because it is a glo

Q: What is the divine wisdom behind the frequent repetitions in the Qur’an? Human beings dislike repetition, no matter what is being repeated, whether it is the reiteration of words or having the same kind of food every day, even if it is something that they are very fond of. Likewise

Q: What are the stylistic characteristics of the Qur’an? In each and every verse of the Qur’an there is an inimitable and eloquent style; this is apparent in the reminders, admonitions, narratives of bygone nations and in the more prosaic presentation of the truth. This eloquence is a

Q: How and when were the diacritical marks and vowel symbols introduced in the Qur’an? According to Islamic sources, there were not many literate persons in Mecca during the time of the Prophet, and the Arabic of the period did not use vowel symbols or diacritics to distinguish betwee

Q: How was the compilation of the Qur’an realized during the time of Caliph Abu Bakr? Following the death of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, it was realized that many of those who had died in military campaigns had been memorizers of the Qur’an, with around 70 dying

Why is there no basmala at the beginning of Sura Tawba while there is one at the beginning of every other chapter? This is the only sura in the Qur’an that does not begin with the basmala, the usual opening formula of Bismi’llahir-Rahmani’r-Rahim. Among the numerous reasons that have

Certain chapters and verses are said to be more virtuous than others. What does this mean, as all are divine words? We firstly have to be aware that the degree of perfection for every creature has been determined by God’s will and we do not have even the smallest role or share in this

Why is the story of Prophet Joseph in Sura Yusuf, which is named after him, called “the best of stories”? Unlike the accounts of other Prophets, different elements and aspects of which are related in different suras, the astonishing story of Prophet Joseph begins and ends in the very

The present names of the Qur’anic chapters were conveyed by Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, under God’s direction. Accordingly, neither the Companions nor the following generations were authorized to change or replace them.   Akgul, Muhittin (2009). The Quran i