The Koran (Al-Qur'an)

The origin of the Qur’an is inseparable from the life of Prophet Muhammad and the sociohistorical conditions of seventh-century Arabia. Muhammad’s role as both a spiritual leader and a political reformer shaped the emergence of the Qur’an as a text with religious, social, and political implications. The Qur’an was revealed to him over 23 years, during periods of intense spiritual contemplation and significant societal challenges. Its emphasis on monotheism and moral accountability transformed the spiritual landscape of Arabia, while its teachings on social justice and community cohesion laid the foundation for a unified Muslim polity.

Pre-Islamic Arabia, often referred to in Islamic tradition as the period of Jahiliyyah (ignorance), was characterized by fragmented tribal societies, a polytheistic religious framework, and a strong oral tradition. Tribes were the primary unit of identity and loyalty, often leading to inter-tribal conflicts over resources, honor, and power. The Kaaba, a sacred structure located in Mecca, served as a religious and commercial hub, attracting various tribes but also reinforcing tribal divisions. Social inequalities were stark, with marginalized groups such as women, slaves, and the poor enduring severe hardships, including practices like burying infant girls alive (wa’d al-banat), a custom Islam vehemently condemned and sought to abolish, declaring the sanctity of all human life.