بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الرَّحْمَـٰنِ
الرَّحِيمِ
الْمَلِكِ
الْقُدُّوسِ
السَّلَامِ
1446 - شَوَّال الْمُكَرَّم
الْمُؤْمِنِ
الْمُهَيْمِنِ
الْعَزِيزِ
الْجَبَّارُ
الْمُتَكَبِّرُ
L
O
A
D
I
N
G
Dhuhr
02:00 PM
Asr
06:15 PM
Maghrib
07:46 PM
Isha
09:45 PM
Jumu'ah
02:00 PM
Kitab
كتاب
Text Size:
Kitab is the Arabic word for "Book." In the Islamic context, it most often refers to the Holy Quran, which is called "Al-Kitab" (The Book). The term is also used to describe other divinely revealed scriptures, such as the Tawrat (Torah), Zabur (Psalms), and Injil (Gospel). Muslims are described as "Ahl al-Kitab" (People of the Book) alongside Jews and Christians, highlighting a shared prophetic heritage. The concept of the Kitab emphasizes the importance of literacy, preservation of knowledge, and the reliance on written revelation as a source of law, ethics, and spiritual guidance for humanity. The Quran refers to itself as Kitab in numerous verses: "This is the Book (Al-Kitab) about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the God-conscious" (2:2). This indicates that the Quran is not just oral recitation but a preserved, written text. The name Kitab also connects the Quran to previous scriptures, affirming the continuity of divine revelation. Allah sent down books to earlier prophets: the Torah to Musa, the Psalms to Dawud, the Gospel to Isa. The Quran is the final and complete Book, confirming what came before and correcting what was altered. The term Ahl al-Kitab reflects the Islamic view that Jews and Christians received divine scriptures and are therefore deserving of respect and protection under Islamic law (dhimma). The concept of Kitab also emphasizes the importance of written knowledge. The first word revealed in the Quran was "Iqra" (Read!), highlighting the significance of literacy and learning. Throughout Islamic history, books (kutub) have been treasured as vessels of divine revelation, prophetic tradition, and scholarly inquiry. Great libraries flourished in Baghdad, Cordoba, Cairo, and elsewhere, housing hundreds of thousands of volumes and attracting scholars from across the world. For believers, Al-Kitab is the ultimate source of guidance. It contains laws for personal conduct, family relations, business, and society. It provides stories of previous nations for lessons, describes Paradise and Hell to motivate, and offers comfort and hope in times of difficulty. The believer recites it, studies it, and implements it, knowing that it is the Book of Allah, the final revelation, the preserved guide for all times.
Viewed 145 times
Browse Dictionary
Join Our Mission to Preserve Islamic Knowledge
"The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it."
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Missing Terms
Is there an Islamic term you'd like to see explained? Share it with us and help others learn.
Report Issues
If you notice any inaccuracies or areas for improvement, please let us know so we can correct them.
Source References
Have authentic references or additional information for existing terms? We welcome contributions.
Arabic Corrections
Help us ensure Arabic spellings and diacritical marks are accurate.
Together, we can build the most comprehensive and accurate Islamic dictionary online.
Submit Your Feedback
Donate Now !
Registered Charity
