Patheos Watermark   Religion Library: Islam  Sacred Texts
Written by: Beth Davies-Stofka  First surah of Quran. Source:
Public DomainThe word "Quran" means "recitation," because the
Quran was first heard in sermons and public readings. Muslims
believe it is still best communicated by being recited. The
Quran has been translated into many languages, but only the
Arabic version is considered authoritative. The sounds of the
Quran recited aloud in Arabic are considered part of its nature,
inseparable from its meaning. It is also believed to be divine,
the eternal and literal word of God. It is filled with God's
direct speech, revealed through the use of the first person
plural ("we"). The original, divine version of the earthly book
is considered coeternal with God, either in heaven or in the
mind of God. Translations into other languages, removed from
sacred Arabic words and sounds, are not the literal word of God,
and are classified as interpretations.  Quran. Source:
Mmechtley@FlickrThe Quran is available in