Selected quotations from the Holy Qur'an
Muslims understand the Qur'an as revelation from God communicated to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. The text was first preserved through recitation and writing and was later gathered into a single book.
The Arabic name is commonly rendered in English as Qur'an. English translations differ in wording, tone and verse numbering, so readers should consult the translation and edition being used when studying a passage closely.
This page presents selected passages associated with themes of respect, compassion, moral responsibility and relationships with earlier prophetic traditions. The summaries below are paraphrases rather than a substitute for a published translation.
Reading note
Translations reflect choices made by individual translators. A short passage should be read alongside its surrounding verses, the wider chapter and explanations from qualified Islamic scholars.
Passages frequently discussed in this context
Human dignity and knowing one another
The Qur'an describes humanity as created from male and female and formed into peoples and tribes so that people may know one another. Moral standing is connected with righteousness rather than ancestry or social rank.
Kindness and equitable conduct
A passage permits kindness and fair treatment toward people who have not fought against a community or expelled its members from their homes, presenting equitable conduct as pleasing to God.
Jesus and earlier revelation
The Qur'an presents Jesus, son of Mary, as confirming earlier law and receiving the Gospel as guidance and light. This passage is part of the Qur'an's wider account of prophetic revelation.
Responsibility for good and harmful causes
The text teaches that a person who supports a good cause shares in its benefit, while assistance given to a harmful cause carries a corresponding burden.
Responding to hostility with what is better
One passage encourages meeting wrongdoing with a better response, while also linking this difficult practice with patience and self-restraint.
Forgiveness, generosity and restraint
The Qur'an associates righteousness with generosity in hardship and ease, controlling anger and forgiving others.
Righteous action and faith
A passage states that people who act righteously and have faith—women and men alike—will receive a good life and a reward corresponding to their actions.
Compassion for those in need
The difficult path is illustrated through acts such as freeing people from bondage, feeding those facing hunger, caring for orphans and encouraging patience, kindness and compassion.
Light as a spiritual image
The Qur'an uses the image of light to speak about God and guidance, describing a lamp and radiance through an extended metaphor.
Creation and praise
A passage portrays beings in the heavens and on earth, including birds, as praising God in ways appropriate to them.
Love and mercy in relationships
The Qur'an identifies affection and mercy between partners as signs for reflection and consideration.
Forgiveness and justice
A concise instruction combines forgiveness, advocacy of what is right and avoidance of ignorant provocation.
Continuity of revelation
The Qur'an describes belief in God and in revelations given to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the tribes, Moses, Jesus and other prophets, without rejecting one prophet in favor of another.
Mary and the birth of Jesus
A longer narrative recounts Mary's withdrawal, the announcement of a holy son and her question about how this could occur. The passage presents the event as a divine sign.
Kindness toward parents
The Qur'an links worship of God with good treatment of parents, especially when they reach old age, and asks for gracious rather than dismissive speech.
About the references
References use chapter and verse numbers. Numbering and translation details can vary slightly between editions. For serious study, consult a complete translation and an appropriate commentary.