The Koran

The word Koran in the Arabic language signifies "the reading."

That Mohammed is the real author of the Koran, there is no doubt; but the Mohammedans steadfastly deny it to be the work of their prophet, the orthodox among them believing it to be of divine origin. Mohammed left his "revelations" written upon palm-leaves and skins, which were thrown promiscuously into a chest, bearing no dates, but merely the places of revelation; some marked Mecca, and some Medina.

Three years after the death of the prophet, in 635, Abu-Bekr collected and published these articles in the form of what is now called the Koran. It is as highly esteemed among the Mohammedans as the Bible is among Christians: and among that people of theocratic views, it still serves, both for "law and gospel."