Islam_in_Focus_text

ture. They were moved by its touching tone and attracted to
its extraordinary beauty. They found in it the greatest satis-
faction and the deepest joy, and they embarked on a course
of recitation and memorization of the Book. It was, and still
is admired, quoted and cherished by all Muslims and many
non-Muslims.
3. It is incumbent upon every Muslim, man and woman,
f
to recite a portion of the Qur an every day in Prayer and diir-
ing the night vigilance. Recitation of the Qur'an is to Mus-
lims a high form of worship and a daily practice.
4. The Arabs were generally illiterate people and had to
rely completely on their memories to preserve the poems
and passages they liked most. They were distinguished for
their sharp memories in which they stored their literary lega-
cy. The Qur'an was acknowledged by all people of literary
taste to be inimitable. So they hastened to commit it to their
memories but only in the most remarkable and respectful
manner.
5. During the lifetime of Muhammad, there were expert
scribes and appointed recorders of the Revelations. Whenev-
er he received a verse or a passage, he immediately instruct-
ed his scribes to record it under his supervision. Whatever
they recorded was checked and authenticated by the Prophet
himself. Every word was reviewed and every passage was
put in its right order.