History and Importance of the Qur’an

History and Importance of the Qur’an – IGCSE Islamiyat 0493

The History and Importance of the Qur’an is a major section of the IGCSE Islamiyat 0493 syllabus. In this topic, students study how the Qur’an was revealed, recorded, compiled, and preserved, and why it is central to Muslim belief and practice.

To score well in this section, students must understand:

How the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
How it was written and memorised during his lifetime
How it was compiled after his death
Why it is important in the lives of Muslims today

This section of our guide is structured exactly according to the syllabus and exam requirements.

What You Will Learn in This Section

In this topic, you will study:

Revelation of the Qur’an
Recording of the Qur’an during the Prophet’s lifetime
Compilation under Caliph Abu Bakr (ra)
Standardisation under Caliph ‘Uthman (ra)
Importance of the Qur’an in Muslim life

Each of these topics is explained in detail in its own dedicated lesson page.

1. Revelation of the Qur’an

This topic covers:

The first revelation in Cave Hira
The role of Angel Jibril
The gradual nature of revelation
Different occasions of revelation

2. Recording of the Qur’an During the Prophet’s Lifetime

This topic covers:

Role of scribes
Materials used for writing
Memorisation by companions
Verification by the Prophet (pbuh)

3. Compilation of the Qur’an under Abu Bakr (ra)

This topic covers:

Battle of Yamama
Fear of loss of Qur’an
Role of Zayd ibn Thabit
Collection into one manuscript

4. Standardisation of the Qur’an under ‘Uthman (ra)

This topic covers:

Dialect differences
Creation of standard mushaf
Distribution to provinces
Burning of other copies

5. Importance of the Qur’an in Muslim Life

This topic covers:

Qur’an as guidance
Source of law
Daily recitation
Moral and spiritual impact

How This Section is Tested in the Exam

In Paper 1, questions on the Qur’an may ask you to:

Describe how the Qur’an was revealed
Explain how it was recorded or compiled
Describe the role of the Companions
Explain why the Qur’an is important for Muslims today

These are usually 10-mark or 15-mark questions, and they require:

Clear structure
Accurate detail
Relevance to the question

How to Study This Section Properly

To do well in this topic:

Learn the chronology (order of events)
Understand the roles of key individuals
Memorise key terms (e.g. mushaf, wahy, hafiz)
Practise full exam answers
Use the A* model answers as guidance

Do not mix up events. Examiners penalise confusion.

Start Your Preparation

Use the links above to study each part of the history of the Qur’an in detail. Each lesson includes:

Full explanation
Exam guidance
Common mistakes
Last Tested information
A* model answers

Work through them in order for complete understanding.