Orthodox Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the word of God, his final revelation to humanity, dictated to the Prophet Muhammed nearly 1,500 years ago and written down some 20 years after his death.
The Qur’an provides Muslims with religious, political and ethical guidelines.
As well as mentioning many of the prophets of the Old Testament, a whole chapter is named after Mary, and Jesus is mentioned by name more times in the Qur'an than Muhammed himself.
Many Muslims describe the text in intimate terms, saying that they feel as if God is talking to them, personally.
Part of the Qur’an’s attraction is based on its message which gives dignity to the poorest and most oppressed people, who feel they have direct access to God.
