Names of the Glorious Qur’aan

 

By: Shahid Bin Waheed شاهد بن وحيد

 

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الحمدلله رب العالمين والصلوة والسلام على اشرف الانبياء وسيدالمرسلين نبينا محمد صل ا لله عليه وعلى آله واصحابه وازواجه اجمعين - امابعد

All the praises and thanks be to Allaah, Sustainer of the Universe, and blessing and salutation to be the most distinguish of the Messengers and foremost among the Prophets, our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allaah be on him and on his wives, children and Companions.

 

بَلْ هُوَ قُرْآنٌ مَجِيدٌ

Nay! This is a Glorious Qur'ân, (Glorious Qur’aan 85:21)

 

Etymologically the word Qur’aan or Qur’ân is derived from the verb “Qara قرا” which is translated as ‘he read’, he conveyed or delivered a message’ and ‘he gathered or collected together the things’. The name Qur’aan thus refers to all the three roots meanings:

 

·       A Book, which is meant to be read.

·       A Book, which is meant to be conveyed to the mankind.

·       A Book, which comprehends all the truths and in which are gathered   together the Divine Message of all other Books.

 

In the very early revelations (2:2) the Holy Writ is called “Al-Kitab الكتاب”. The word “Kitab كتاب” is derived from the root word “Kataba (كَتَبَ) [كَ،تَ،بَ]” which means {he wrote}, {he brought together} and ‘{which is complete in itself}’. The application to this word to the Holy Writ in the very early revelations and the use of the name shows clearly that the Qur’aan was, from the first, meant to be a complete Book, and one that existed not only in the memory of people but also in visible characters on writing material.

 

The Glorious Qur’aan is also called “Al-Dhikr الذكر” (15:9) the Book which makes provisions for eminence, fame, renown, honor, and reminding, and Al-Furqan الفرقان (25:1)- the Book which distinguishes between right and wrong and which is divided and revealed in portions, as the root word “Fiqrah فقره” also means portions.

 

There are other names by which the Glorious Qur’aan is designated in the Revelation itself. It is called Al-Hikmah الحكمه (17:39)- the Wisdom; Al-Huda الهدا (72:13)- that which guides and makes one attain the goal; Mubarak مبارك (6:92)-Blessed; Al-Mukarramah المكرمه (80:13)- the Honored; Musaddiq مصدق (6:92)-confirming (the truth of previous Scriptures); Al-Mauizah المعيزه (10:57)- the Admonition; Al-Aziz العزيز (41:41)- the Mighty; Al-Hukm الحكم (13:37)- the Judgment; Al-Shifa الشفا (10:57)- that which heals; Al-Tanzil التنزيل (26:192)- the Revelation; Al-Rahmah الرحمه (2:105)- the Mercy; Al-Ruh الروح (42:52)- that which gives life and is living; Al-Khair الخير (3:103)- the Goodness; Al-Bayan البيان (3:137)- that which explains all things; Al-Ni’mat النعمت (93:11)- the Favor; Al-Burhan البرهان (4:175)- the clear Argument; Al-Qayyim القائم (18:2)- the Maintainer; Al-Muhaimin الْمُهَيْمِن (5:48)- the Guardian; Al-Nur النور (7:157) the Light; Al-Haq الحق (17:81)- the Truth; Hablallah حبل الله (3:103)- the Covenant of God; Al-Mubin المبين (12:1)- that which explains;  Al-Karim الكريم (56:77)- the Most Generous; Al-Majid المجيد (الماجد) (50:1)- the Glorious; Al-Hakim الحاكم (36:2)- the one full of Wisdom; Al-Marfu’ah المرفوعه (80:14)- the Exalted; Al-Mutahharah المطاهره (80:14) the Purified; Al-Ajab العجب (72:1)- the Wonderful.

 

All these names are attributes and characteristics of the Glorious Qur’aan.

 

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

 

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