Pronunciation: [ˈɪkɹə] (IPA) 
The Arabic word "iqra" is often transliterated as "iqraa" or "iqrah," but the correct spelling is actually "iqra." The word means "read" and is famously the first word revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the Quran. In IPA phonetic transcription, "iqra" would be written as /iqrʔa/. The /q/ sound is a unique sound found in Arabic and is made by pressing the back of the tongue against the soft palate.
Iqra is an Arabic word that holds significant meaning in the Islamic faith. Derived from the root word "qara'a," which means "to read" or "to recite," Iqra is often translated as "read," "recite," or "proclaim." Furthermore, Iqra is the imperative form of this verb, calling upon individuals to engage in the act of reading or recitation.
In the context of Islam, Iqra is a fundamental commandment found in the Quran, the holy scripture of Muslims. It is the first word that the angel Gabriel spoke to the Prophet Muhammad, signaling the beginning of the revelation of the Quran. This event is known as the first revelation and occurred in the Cave of Hira.
The word Iqra carries deep connotations related to knowledge, learning, and the pursuit of wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of education, literacy, and seeking knowledge as an essential aspect of faith and personal growth. It encompasses not only the act of reading, but also the reflective and thoughtful engagement with words and ideas.
Outside the religious context, Iqra can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the value of acquiring knowledge and expanding one's intellectual horizons. It serves as a motivational call to explore, understand, and learn from various sources, be it books, experiences, or interactions with others.
Overall, Iqra acts as a profound reminder to individuals to embrace the power of reading, recitation, and knowledge as a means of personal, spiritual, and intellectual enrichment.
The word "iqra" is of Arabic origin and has its roots in the Quran, which is the central religious text of Islam. It is derived from the Arabic verb "قرأ" (qara'a), which means "to read" or "to recite". "Iqra" is the imperative form of this verb and is used as a command to "read" or "recite", specifically referring to the beginning of the first revelation received by Prophet Muhammad from the Archangel Gabriel. The word "iqra" is often associated with the importance of seeking knowledge, education, and the pursuit of wisdom within Islamic teachings.
