The Quran, sometimes called the Holy Quran or the Noble Quran is the divine scripture or sacred text of the religion of Islam. Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of God. It was revealed to God’s final messenger Muhammad, to bring humankind out of the darkness of polytheism and ignorance and into the light of Islam. Quran confirms the books that were sent before it, including the Jewish Torah and the Gospels of Jesus. It became the book of guidance for all humankind. Quran abrogates all scriptures before it. It contains signs of God’s greatness, miracles, parables, and lessons. The Quran explains the names and attributes of God and His creation. It calls us to believe in God, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and in in fate or the divine decree.

“And We have sent down to you the Book (the Quran) as an exposition of everything, guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves.” (Quran 16:89)

“The Messenger (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in God, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say) ‘We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers’ — and they say, ‘We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all)’”. (Quran 2:285)

“And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Quran) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and trustworthy in highness and a witness over it (old Scriptures).” (Quran 5:48)

The Quran is the greatest of all scriptures. Through it, God speaks to humankind. He shows us His mercy, His love, His justice, and His wisdom. It is guidance, and a comfort to the heart. It is a most important book indeed. How then can we be sure that God’s words have not be changed or lost? How can we be sure that the Quran we hold in our hands today is authentic?

Muslims have no doubt that Quran is exactly the same today as it was more than 1400 years ago when it was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. The authenticity of Quran is established in several ways. The most important way we can be sure that the Quran is authentic is the fact that when God revealed the Quran, He promised to preserve it.

“It is We Who have sent down the remembrance (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it from corruption.” (Quran 15:9)