The Origins of the Qur'an
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The word Qur'an meaning "recitation"; suggesting the way in which it is best communicated (being recited), and is what is considered to be the sacred text of the Islamic religion, Islam. The Qu'ran contains the origins of the sacred writings in the sermons of Muhammad, and is believed to be of divine origin. Being God's word, it was revealed to Muhammad during the twenty years from his first revelation in 610 CE until the end of his life. Prior to his death, disciples memorized and wrote down the words of Muhammad's revelations, and after people became concerned that variations would arise and spread; it was thought necessary to establish a single authorized version. This work was begun by Abu Bakr (Muhammad's First "Caliph"/Successor), and the work was finished in the caliphate of Uthman, which ended in 656 CE. Although more recently, Scholars now question this tradition, and the emergence of the authorized edition is now seen as more complicated that it was originally thought. The authorized edition that was released became the basis for all later copies. In addition, the Qu'ran has been translated into many languages, but only the Arabic version is considered to be fully authoritative.
Molloy, Michael (2013). Experiencing World Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change. 6th Edition..
Molloy, Michael (2013). Experiencing World Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change. 6th Edition..
The Writings and Methods of the Qur'an
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Within the Qu'ran, there is a repetitive quality due to the fact that the Qu'ran is not a carefully constructed argument divided into segments, nor is it a series of stories. It is seen as a body of sermons and utterances that repeats images and themes in a natural way. The Qu'ran covers a vast variety of topics and discusses figures that are also present in the Bible of the monotheistic religions of Christianity and Judaism. Some of these figures include; Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, Mary, and others as well. These sacred texts also give practical advice about everyday life- property rights, inheritance, money, marriage, and divorce. It also refers to the events in the life of Muhammad, specifically religious beliefs, and regulations (angels, divine judgement, fasting, and the pilgrimage).
The Qur'an contains 114 chapters "suras", with each sura having a traditional name derived from an image or topic mentioned in it. Some of these names include; "The Elephant", "Light", "Dawn", "Thunder", "The Cave", "The Moon", "The High One". The order of the suras does not reflect the exact order in which they are revealed. With the exception of the first, sutras are arranged by length (longest to shortest). The last chapters contain the shortest and easiest for beginners. Overall, the placement of the suras are in reverse chronological order, with some intermixture in certain parts. The shorter sutras consist of the earliest teachings of Muhammad, while the longer ones are of his later and final years (where the details of Islamic life were being revealed to him. The suras are often times compared to leaves that have fallen from a tree: the first-fallen leaves being at the bottom.
The repetition of phrases and images from the Qur"an is comforting to Muslims, who have heard them recited in daily prayers and in sermons since childhood. Passaged are recited on the radio, particularly during the holiday of Ramadan, and income countries also broadcast on television. With it being present everywhere, every day, such phrases have a hypnotic resonance. Due to the Qur'an being primarily in Araic, the chanting of it is considered an art form, and some chanters have become famous for the beauty of their voices and their interpretation of the material.
Molloy, Michael (2013). Experiencing World Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change. 6th Edition..
The Qur'an contains 114 chapters "suras", with each sura having a traditional name derived from an image or topic mentioned in it. Some of these names include; "The Elephant", "Light", "Dawn", "Thunder", "The Cave", "The Moon", "The High One". The order of the suras does not reflect the exact order in which they are revealed. With the exception of the first, sutras are arranged by length (longest to shortest). The last chapters contain the shortest and easiest for beginners. Overall, the placement of the suras are in reverse chronological order, with some intermixture in certain parts. The shorter sutras consist of the earliest teachings of Muhammad, while the longer ones are of his later and final years (where the details of Islamic life were being revealed to him. The suras are often times compared to leaves that have fallen from a tree: the first-fallen leaves being at the bottom.
The repetition of phrases and images from the Qur"an is comforting to Muslims, who have heard them recited in daily prayers and in sermons since childhood. Passaged are recited on the radio, particularly during the holiday of Ramadan, and income countries also broadcast on television. With it being present everywhere, every day, such phrases have a hypnotic resonance. Due to the Qur'an being primarily in Araic, the chanting of it is considered an art form, and some chanters have become famous for the beauty of their voices and their interpretation of the material.
Molloy, Michael (2013). Experiencing World Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change. 6th Edition..