1. The Qur’an or Koran

2. Key words
Respect – to treat something or someone with the best of manners.
Qur’an – literally means ‘recitation’. It is the Holy book for Muslims.
The
Qu’ran
Haafiz – Someone who has learnt all the Quran off by heart.
Wudu - a special way of washing. which involves washing hands, faces, arms and feet.

3. Basic important facts about the Qur’an.
The Qur'an is the holy book for Muslims just like the Bible is for Christians.
It is written in Arabic – because Islam started in the country of Saudi Arabia.
Muslims believe that no part of the Qur'an can be changed or re-written because it is the word of God and so it is perfect.

4. Where did the Quran come from?
Over a period of 23 years God (Allah in Arabic) revealed his message through the archangel Gabriel to Muhammad. 

5. What is written in the Koran?
Rules
Laws
5 Pillars
Food
Marriage
Divorce
Punishments
Rules for buying and selling
Prayer
Fasting

6. Some of the laws in the Quran are:
Worship God and obey and be kind to your parents.
Do not kill those who have not harmed you.
Do not eat pork (as it is a filthy animal)
Do not drink Alcohol or use any drugs, as these harm the body.
Show forgiveness and be forgiving.
Don’t be evil to the person who has been evil to you – be patient and forgiving.

7. How do Muslims show respect to the Quran?
Because Muslims believe the Quran IS the word of God they do the following to show their love and respect for it:
Wudu
Cloth
Stand

8. Listen to the following recitation of the Quran
Many Muslims around the world learn the whole Quran off by heart. A Person who does this is called a Haafiz/Hafiz. Muslims believe that whoever is able to this is very clever and can teach others how to read the Quran.
Have you ever learnt anything off by heart??
The picture above shows some Turkish children reciting the Quran.
The picture on the right shows Chinese Muslims reciting the Quran.

9. Why do you think the Quran has to be recited in Arabic?
Muslims believe:
Was recited in Arabic.
Not one word has changed since 1400 years.
Translation changes meanings.
Arabic is a beautiful language.