What scripture do Muslims consider the words of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad?

The sacred text that Muslims consider to be the direct words of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad is known as the Quran. Muslims believe the Quran was orally revealed by God to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over approximately 23 years, beginning around 610 CE when Muhammad was 40 years old, and concluding in 632 CE, the year of his death. This revelation took place incrementally, often in response to specific events or questions faced by the nascent Muslim community.

The Quran is not merely a book, but is revered as the verbatim word of God (Allah in Arabic), serving as the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims in all aspects of life, including faith, ethics, and daily living. Its eloquence and depth are considered a linguistic miracle, and it is widely regarded as the finest work in Arabic literature, significantly influencing the Arabic language itself. The initial revelation began in the Cave of Hira near Mecca, where the angel Gabriel commanded Muhammad to "Read!"

During the Prophet's lifetime, the revelations were memorized by many companions and also recorded by scribes on various materials such as palm leaves, animal bones, and leather scraps. Shortly after Muhammad's death, due to the loss of many memorizers in battle, the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, ordered the compilation of these scattered writings into a single volume. Later, the third Caliph, Uthman, established a standardized version, which became the authoritative text known as the Uthmanic codex. This meticulous process of memorization and written compilation has ensured that the Quran has remained preserved and unaltered for over 1,400 years.

The Quran consists of 114 chapters, known as Surahs, which are further divided into individual verses, or Ayahs. These chapters are not arranged in chronological order of revelation but are organized by length, with the longest chapters generally appearing earlier in the book. Millions of Muslims worldwide memorize the entire Quran, and every letter recited is believed to bring rewards. It is a timeless guide that addresses theology, ethics, law, and personal conduct, offering comfort, purpose, and direction for believers.