Final answer:
The Qur'an is the sacred text of Islam, consisting of divine revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, organized into 114 chapters. It was originally conveyed orally and transcribed after Muhammad's death, with manuscripts later standardized under Caliph Uthman. The Qur'an's recitation remains a central component of Islamic practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Qur'an is the sacred text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the verbatim word of God, or Allah, as recited by the Prophet Muhammad. The text consists of 114 suras, or chapters, and is the most important and primary text for Muslims, serving as a guide for faith and practice. It was initially conveyed orally and later transcribed into manuscript form, a process that began during Muhammad's life and was completed after his death.
Aside from being the divine revelation to Muhammad, the Qur'an is also considered a literary masterpiece in the Arabic language. It was written in a script that was designed to preserve the accuracy of its words, as Arabic is read from right to left and some consonants share similar formations. The organization of the Qur'an, from longest to shortest sura, reflects a method of compiling that occurred posthumously
It is worth noting that while the Qur'an is of paramount importance, oral tradition remained primary for some time, exemplified by the practice of memorization and recitation that is still prevalent in Islamic education today. The manuscript approval and distribution under Caliph Uthman is acknowledged as a significant moment in the history of the Qur'an.