Brief Overview of the Qur'an Gina Belmonte

The Qur'an: Revealed Only “Holy Book” or “Scriptures” of Islam –Qur'an= “recitation” Muslims believe it to be revelations of Allah/God –through angel Gabriel –to prophet Muhammad First revelation during Ramadan 610 CE –Surah 96: Lailat al-Qadr “night of power” Revelations continued 23 years –Until Muhammad's death, 632 CE

The Qur'an: Written Muhammad memorized individual revelations –He "recited" them to his followers. –They wrote them down, during his lifetime Qur'an not compiled until 640s CE –Under third Caliph, Uthman ibn Arran –All other versions destroyed

Content Qur'an contains: –Moral guidelines –Laws of God –Rules of Islamic Faith In form of: –moral directives –legal prescriptions –exhortations –admonitions –condemnations –warnings –good tidings –words of consolation

Language & Genre Written in Arabic –Any translations are considered "interpretations" Only one genre: Prophecy –Speaker is God, through angel Gabriel

Contents & Arrangement 114 Surahs –With Ayas each Arranged by length –Decreasing length –Except Intro Surah 1 Same heading: –"In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful" –All except Surah 9 Divided into 30 Juz (blocks) –Muslims read whole Qur'an during Ramadan

Themes in the Qur'an Earlier Surahs (1, 6-7, 10-21, 23, 25-32, 34-46, 50-56, ) –Makkan period Social justice, conversion, final judgment, monotheism Later Surahs (2-5, 8-9, 22, 24, 33, 47-49, , 98, 110, [55, 76, 99?]) –Madinan Period Relationships within Muslim Community Relationships with Jews and Christians

“People of the Book” Ref. to members of monotheistic faiths: –Jew & Christians Qur'an mentions many HB characters Inter-faith marriage: –Marrying Jews or Xns allowed for Muslim men only, not women Muslims respect these faiths, but Qur'an is thought most accurate

Other Foundational Literature Hadiths –Sayings & actions of Muhammad –Sunna ("custom") become guidelines for Muslim life after death of Muhammad –Compiled 9 th cent. CE Biographies of Muhammad –Various editions

Summary Islamic Scripture: Qur'an Believed to be revelations of God, through Gabriel, to Muhammad Respect for other monotheistic faiths, but Qur'an is most accurate revelation 114 Surahs, longer to shorter (except 1) Divided into Ayahs Originally in Arabic; Prophetic Genre Makkah Surahs: establish Islam Madinah Surahs: build community Other core writings: Hadiths, Sira