Quran’s Role

QURAN’S ROLE T he Quran was revealed during the first half of the 7th century CE. The world of that time was vastly different from the world we live in today. A reflection on the difference between the two linguistic eras reveals that this transformation is largely linked to the intellectual revolution brought about in human history by the Quran and the movement it inspired. At that time, various political, social, and economic issues plagued Arabia. But the first command given in the Quran was neither political nor economic. It was simply: “Read.” This meant that the Quran explained that the true beginning of any reform work is knowledge. The building of knowledge and awareness is the foundation upon which all reform must be built. This is the only truly effective method. If one begins from anywhere else, the results will never be deep or lasting. The history after the Quran confirms that this was indeed the correct starting point. A complete revolution took place in the Arab world as a result, and its effects