There are seven Manaazil in the Holy Quran – can you please explain what are they meant for and what their importance is?
Answer
Manazil are not a part of the original presentation of the Quran. Like Paras, they were added later. But it seems that Manazil were added earlier than Paras. In both cases, the idea is to enable a regular reader of the Quran to have clear targets to achieve each day. While in the earlier days, many pious believers used to complete recitation of the entire Quran in one week, the later people set forth for themselves the target of one month for completing the task. Manazil help in completing the first target and Paras help in achieving the second. In neither case there is any indication from the prophet, alaihissalaam, that such divisions should be introduced in the Quran.
The only units given by the prophet are ayaat and surahs. Also, the existing sequence is the same as given to us by the prophet.