The holy Koran, the sacred book of Muslims, the true constitution of Islam, is the words of Almighty Allah in its entirety, in the form of a book revealed to the beloved Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) through the archangel Gabriel (Hazrat Jibreel a.s).
It was revealed in such a way that it was spread out over a period of 23 years, upon the holy Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) and by fragments, i.e. verse, group of verses, whole sourah or even several sourahs at the same time.
Last message revealed by Allah to mankind, it is the mother of all books, i.e. it cancels and replaces all the old writings such as Zabour (Psalms) revealed to Hazrat Daawood (a.s) prophet David, the Tawrah (the Torah) revealed to Hazrat Moosaa (a.s) prophet Moses, Swaheef (holy sheets) revealed to Hazrat Ibraheem (a.s) prophet Abraham and Injeel (the Gospel) revealed to Hazrat Isaa (a.s) prophet Jesus.
The word Quraan in Arabic means "reading" (lecture). Which means something which is read or which must be read. It is pointed out that the first word of the first revealed verse is the word "Iqra" which which means "Read!". This book of law, this book of prayer is made to be read. This last message of Allah, revealed in clear Arabic language, is and will remain authentic (swaheeh) until the end of time.
It is the most sacred thing to the Muslims and the most valuable thing they have in their houses and mosques, because it consist only of words of Almighty Allah. It must be handled and carried with Respect. It should not be touched by people in state of impurity, that is one must be obligatorily necessary to be clean and pure (check this subject, our article on the Ghusal and the Wazu). This rule also applies for very other document which contains even only one verse of the holy Kuran, whether it is in Arabic or translated in any other language. It must be kept in clean places and must not be put in places whose level is below our private parts (when we stand). It should not be read in dirty or any unsuitable places (for example toilets, bathroom, under bridges and in the markets…).
Its reading (tilaawat) must be respected, i.e. it must be listened attentively when it is read with loud voice. And wherever it is read, it is recommended that the place is perfumed (see our article on agarbatthi/incense).
It is also a book of prayer, one find its tilaawat (reading) in almost all the ibaadats (prayers and acts of worship).
May Almighty Allah gives all of us the privilege to have a life according to the Quraan shareef !