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Religious Literature Section ---- > Koran
Summary of the Koran: Selected Suras (from the Dover - Thrift - Edition)
Introduction, the Opener Sura, and the following Suras: Sura 87 (pg. 41); Sura 75 (pg. 62); Sura 16 (pp. 126-138 all of it); Sura 2 (pp. 175-190); Sura 4 (pp. 193-200)
Summary of the Koran:
In Arabic the word “qur’an” (Koran) means recitation. Muhammad considered it to be the only miracle God worked through him. As such Muslims read the Koran literally considering it as important as a Christian would consider Jesus to be the human incarnation of God. The words that made up the Koran came to Muhammad over 23 years. It was the words that Muhammad would say loudly while in his trance like state of meditation that was written down by his followers. According to Muslims the Koran is a continuing revelation of God and presents itself as the crowning touch to Jewish and Christian writings. It however evaluates Old and New Testaments as having defects and claims that they only have portions of the truth and had been corrupted in their recording which explains what they feel are discrepancies between their accounts and the Koran’s version. The Koran’s main goal is to proclaim the unity, omnipotence, omniscience and mercy of God, along with the relationship of follower and leader. In the Koran God is portrayed as speaking in the first person in which he describes himself and makes his laws known. The Koran is extremely important for the Islamic life as it serves as guide for making decision and interpreting events in ones life. The words written are often meditated on in private for greater understanding.
The Introduction:
The introduction section provides us with more detail on the life of Muhammad. Smith’s version in his text (Major World Religions) seems to only position Muhammad in a very positive light. Arthur Jeffrey’s writings in the Dover Thrift Addition of the Koran’s introduction provide details that perhaps devout Muslims would not want to admit. On page 10 and 11, there is the first mention of what appears to be the tension between his movement and that of the religions of Judaism and Christianity. As Jeffrey writes “Mohammed seems to have had great hopes that the Jews and Christians would recognize him and accept him, and was bitterly disappointed at their persistent rejection of his claim to be in the prophetic succession.” Later on page 12 Jeffrey writes about Muhammad’s growing concern about maintaining his claims against those who rejected his claim. There is also mention of him organizing raids on caravans to provide for his people and weaken his enemies. Later on page 13 there is mention of his crushing and expelling the Jews. This does not appear to be the peaceful message, response to war and unity in racial relationships that Smith writes about. Also Jeffrey writes of Muhammad’s limited knowledge of what was actually written in the scripture of the Jews and Christians.
The Opener:
This Sura is not in the first person Allah speaking to man. Instead it is man speaking to Allah first by praising him and listing his qualities. It then turns toward adoration for and where one would turn toward for help. Finishing with a request to be lead in the right path.
Sura 87 (Page 41):
This Sura starts with Allah asking for glory because he creates and controls all. Muhammad is encouraged that Allah will aid him in his mission. Those who accept this message will prosper, those who don’t will end up in Hell. Included is references to Abraham and Moses who believed the same thing.
Sura 75 (Page 62-63):
In this Sura, Allah is speaking about the Day of Judgment. When the day comes there will be no place to hide or to take refuge. Each persons life will bring judgment against themselves seeing what he has and has not done. The way he lived his life will testify for or against him. Some will be happy, looking forward to this time, some will be surprised and regret that they did not take action sooner to change its course.
Sura 16 (Page 126-138):
This Sura starts with Allah recommending that he be exalted, since there is none but him. He created all. He placed animals to serve us. Provides us with the elements of the earths resources to sustain us. He provides numerous blessing, he is forgiving and compassionate. He knows what is in man’s heart. Those who don’t believe are arrogant. It then moves on to things that will come to those who believe and follow. Muhammad is a messenger of this truth. You are to follow only one God, Allah. Another mention of how Allah has created all, some he has bless more than others. Allah enjoys equality among his people. On the Day, each will be paid according to his contribution.
Sura 2 (Page 175-189):
This Sura reveals more about existing tension between Judaism/Christianity and Islamic beliefs to the point in which this Sura suggests that Judaism/Christianity are wrong and Allah will curse them. Be careful to only do what is lawful and not follow in the footsteps of Satan. It goes on to describe fasting, sacrificial gifts, doing ones duty in society, giving of wealth, and rules/benefits for each of them. The Sura also offers different examples of worship, however what is important is to do so with a pure heart.
Sura 4 (page 193-199)
This Sura explains the laws that help to provide women equal status. First in showing reverence and being equitable in all dealings. This Sutra explains laws regarding dowries that are to be provided to women in marriage. And further, in inheritances, a girl is to be given the same amount as the boy. Also revealed are rules regarding marriage itself. This Sura concludes by showing the odds at which Muhammad felt with Jews and Christians. It also criticizes and warns Christians against their unbelief.