Introduction to the Qur’an in the Language of the Qur’an: Its Nature and Characteristics

What is the Noble Qur’an—this question is clearly answered by the Qur’an itself through various verses. To truly understand the Qur’an, it is essential to know its nature, source, purpose, and function based on its own statements. Through this, a person can derive true benefit from this divine book.

The Qur’an introduces itself as a book in which there is no doubt and which serves as guidance for the God-conscious. Allah says: “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the righteous.” Surah Al-Baqarah — 2:2

This statement clarifies the fundamental identity of the Qur’an—it is not merely a religious text, but a reliable guide for the proper direction of human life.

Regarding its source, the Qur’an declares that it is not authored by any human; rather, it is the word of Allah. It was preserved in a protected record and revealed from the Lord of the worlds. Allah says: “Indeed, it is a noble Qur’an, in a well-protected Book... a revelation from the Lord of the worlds.” Surah Al-Waqi‘ah — 56:77–80

Furthermore, the Qur’an is described as being preserved in the “Lawh al-Mahfuz” (the Preserved Tablet), emphasizing its authenticity and purity: “Rather, it is a glorious Qur’an, in a Preserved Tablet.” Surah Al-Buruj — 85:21–22

The Qur’an also clearly states that it is not the speech of a poet or a soothsayer, but a true revelation from Allah. Allah says: “Indeed, it is the word of a noble Messenger; and it is not the word of a poet—little do you believe; nor the word of a soothsayer—little do you remember. It is a revelation from the Lord of the worlds.” Surah Al-Haqqah — 69:40–43

Regarding its purpose and function, the Qur’an explains that it is guidance for all humanity and contains clear proofs that distinguish between truth and falsehood: “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion.” Surah Al-Baqarah — 2:185

Additionally, the Qur’an serves as a light and a source of guidance for those who seek the pleasure of Allah. Through it, people are brought out from darkness into light and guided to the straight path. Allah says: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book. Through it Allah guides those who seek His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darkness into light and guides them to a straight path.” Surah Al-Ma’idah — 5:15–16

The Qur’an is described as “light” (nur), which removes the darkness of the heart and shows the right path. It is also regarded as a “healing” (shifa), through which spiritual diseases and inner confusion are cured.

Moreover, the Qur’an refers to itself as a “wise” (hakim) book, meaning it is full of wisdom, structured guidance, and profound knowledge. Allah says: “Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the verses of the wise Book.” Surah Yunus — 10:1

It is also stated: “Ya-Sin. By the wise Qur’an.” Surah Ya-Sin — 36:1–2

Another important aspect mentioned in the Qur’an is that revelation to humanity is not something new; Allah had sent revelation to previous prophets as well. Allah says: “Indeed, We have revealed to you as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him.” Surah An-Nisa — 4:163

This indicates that the Qur’an is part of a continuous chain of divine revelation sent for the guidance of humanity.

Finally, the Qur’an presents itself as a truth sent for the benefit of mankind, and believing in it is for one’s own good. Allah says: “O mankind, there has come to you the truth from your Lord, so whoever is guided is only guided for himself.” Surah An-Nisa — 4:170

Thus, from the Qur’an’s own description, it becomes clear that it is not an ordinary book; rather, it is a perfect and illuminating revelation from Allah that awakens the human heart, guides to the right path, and calls towards success in both this world and the Hereafter.