Book From The Very First Revelation

Though the Qur’an was revealed in parts, why does it refer to itself
as the Book from the very first revelation, from a time before it was
bound between covers?

The term al-Kitab, or the Book, is used when we speak of the Qur’an. The word al-Kitab is derived from the Arabic root word kitab, the infinitive of the verb Ka-Ta-Ba which means to write, to judge, prescribe, ordain or decree in writing. The equivalent to the word al-Kitab refers to a document that not only is written down or recorded, but also one that has been judged, established and determined. In this sense, the Qur’an speaks of itself as al-Kitab (the Book), being God’s most comprehensive judgment. The phrase a l-Kitab is used when referring to the recording and compilation of the Qur’anic text as a book, much as the word al-Qur’an is used when referring to its reading or recitation by heart. Only the Qur’an is referred to with the expression al-Kitab. Thus, the traditions of the Prophet, in this regard, are called as Sunna, not al-Kitab. So, al-Kitab, or The Book, refers not only to the whole, but any part of the eloquent, inimitable Word of God which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him,
and compiled as a single volume between covers to be soundly transmitted to the following generations.

 

Akgul, Muhittin (2009). The Quran in 99 Questions (Abdullah Erdemli Trans.). New Jersey: Tughra Books. (Originally published in Turkish as Kur’an İklimine Seyahat)