The Qur'an in daily life

Throughout the history of Islam, the Qur’an has always been much more than a legal or religious text used mainly by scholars and preachers. From its revelation in the seventh century CE, the Qur’an has been memorised, recited and to a lesser extent copied by people at all levels of society, from scholars to young children. Recitation of the Qur’an has always been a central part of Muslim religious practice. Muslims usually learn how to memorise and recite parts of the Qur’an from a young age. A select few reach the level of international competitions, where the beauty of their Qur’anic recitation is put on show, although this is a relatively recent development. Whether in daily prayer, or when opening formal meetings or informal social gatherings, parts of the Qur’an are recited daily by Muslims throughout the world.