For the past fourteen centuries, Muslims from all over the world have written Qur'anic verses in various beautiful calligraphic forms, which were mainly produced and perfected by the Ottoman Turks. In fact, it was in Istanbul that the finest calligraphic scripts were produced. A famous saying, therefore, goes: "The Qur'an was revealed in Mecca, recited in Egypt, and written in Istanbul."
In addition to its beauty, the Qur'an contains many verses which accurately describe natural phenomenon in various fields such as astronomy, geology, and embryology. Scientists have found its descriptions to be inexplicably valid for a book dating from the 7th century.
Naturally, the conflict which emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages between faith and reason or religion and science did not arise in Islam. The Qur'an in many of its verses repeatedly encourages people to reflect and use their intelligence. Even though it is not a science textbook, its verses direct humans to reflect on the glory of Allah while highlighting the wonders of nature or lessons from history.
The Qur'an's main message is to call people to turn to the Source of all being and the Giver of life, and to serve Him with a pure heart, free of idolatry or superstition. It rejects the concept of salvation or special privilege based on ethnicity, race, or color. Spiritual salvation is to be achieved by an attempt to make amends for one's sins and a sincere intention not to repeat one's mistakes in the future. There is no official priesthood in Islam, and the "imam" is simply a knowledgeable prayer leader; in Islam one's sins are only and directly confessed to and forgiven by the Creator.
The Qur'an presents itself as guidance for the whole of mankind. It is not for any particular race, person or period of time. It relates its arguments to basic values of faith and ethics while assessing certain experiences of nations throughout history. It does not require people to believe blindly, as it is addressed to "those who are conscious of God, and those who use their reason." (Rum, 30/24).
It asks humans to think about themselves and the existence; of the earth and mountains; clouds and sky; the sun, moon, and planets in their orbits; and the alternations of night and day. It asks us to reflect upon our own life. It asks us to contemplate on the seeds we sow, the water we drink, the food we eat, and all other innumerable signs of creation. Throughout the Qur'an, there is great emphasis on knowledge and reason as the valid way to faith and God-consciousness. It states: "Only those of the servants of God who possess knowledge are the ones who truly stand in awe of Him." (Fatir, 35/28)
Overall, the Qur'an enjoins good deeds and prohibits evil ones by introducing humans to a straight way of life. It also provides answers to basic existential questions such as the afterlife and the meaning of life on earth. It offers humans a framework for their existence, environment, society, and the whole creation
